Designer Spotlight: Works by ABC

Works by ABC sells both PDFs and paper patterns of many of its designs, which include temperature projects, intricate designs that look like lace, floral designs and more.

The patterns are only organized by PDF or paper, so you’ll just have to scroll through to see all the options.

There are fractal designs, holiday projects (including Hanukkah), mandalas, snowflakes, seasonal patterns, biscornu and more. (Learn more about biscornu here.)

The lace inspired designs are the ones that really caught my eye, so let’s take a closer look at one of those. This one is just called exquisite lace, and that’s a totally valid name because that is what it is.

This single color design is all full cross stitches, but because of the size and level of detail I’d still say it is best for intermediate to advanced cross stitchers. The design is 205 by 331 stitches and it is shown worked on 36 count linen stitched over two threads. The 36 count is equivalent to 18 count Aida, so that makes the finished project 11.4 by 18.4 inches, or 28.9 by 46.7 cm.

It’s really pretty on the gray fabric shown but would be great with any dark color like blue, green or black as well.

There are actually four more listings in the paper pattern section than there are in the PDF section, but I assume for the most part any pattern that you can get in one format you can get in the other. Patterns that are printed appear to be $2 more expensive (based on the few that I checked) and there is a charge for shipping but it’s nice to have the option if you like a printed pattern and don’t have an easy way to print at home.

Check out all the available patterns in print and digital form at Works by ABC. And be sure to let me know if you know of a designer who should be in the spotlight!

[Photo: Works by ABC]

If you like your fall decor on the punny side, this collection of funny gourd cross stitch patterns was picked just for you!

If you have a tuxedo cat, which I do, you’ll love this Hello Gourdgeous design form Witch Garden Crafts. It’s no surprise the cat has picked a favorite pumpkin to sit on! This design is 60 by 65 stitches, which comes out to 5.1 by 5.5 inches, or about 13 by 14 cm, on 14 count fabric. That means it will fit in a 6 inch hoop if you want to display it that way. It uses 9 colors.

Another great cat and gourd design (I wonder why cats are so popular in these fall cross stitch patterns?) is this Gourd Vibes Only design with a very fat cat from Happy Sloth Patterns. At 82 by 68 stitches, this design comes to 5.9 by 4.9 inches, or 14.9 by 12.3 cm, if stitched on 14 count fabric. That will fit in an 8 inch hoop. It uses 10 colors.

Keep it simple with My Darling Plum‘s Oh My Gourd pattern, featuring a gourd instead of the word. This mini uses 6 colors and comes out to just 1.79 by 2.58 inches, or 4.5 by 6.5 cm, when worked on 14 count fabric.

Or you can spell it out and stitch a few different gourds with this pattern from Needle Muse Creations. Use the muted palette of 5 colors shown, or use richer colors for a more traditional look. Either way, the pattern is 170 by 78 stitches. On 14 count fabric that comes to 12.1 by 5.5 inches, or 30.7 by 14 cm.

The original “decorative gourd season” expression includes a swear, but this one from Samwise Simple Stitch uses a cleaner version and has a fun patterned pumpkin reminiscent of Fair Isle knitting designs. The pattern calls for 6 colors and measures 200 by 154 stitches. On 14 count fabric that comes out to 14.3 by 11 inches, or 36.3 by 28 cm, though other counts are given in the pattern listing if you want to change the size. (And if you want the not-clean version, check out this one from Wicked Stitch Co and don’t say I didn’t warn you.)

Give your pun a primitive look with the Gourdness Gracious pattern from Needle Case Goodies2. Designed by Brenda Gervais, this one is a printed pattern you can use to make a funny set of gourds and a witch who looks a little surprised at what’s happening in her container. The pattern is 148 by 75 stitches, or a little more than 8 by 4 inches, or 20.3 by 10 cm when stitched on 36 count linen as shown. It uses 14 colors.

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