Charts, patterns and everything needlepoint
This time of year I really need color, especially as the holiday decorations start getting put away and we’re left with a landscape of brown.
So I find myself wanting to craft with more color in the winter, and this jeweled elephant cross stitch pattern from Kreinik might be just the thing.
Designed by Lula Chang, it uses jewel-toned thread in six colors for extra sparkle. I know the photo is tiny but it’s a really lovely project!
[Photo: Kreinik.]
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]