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.]
Mango Charm Studio doesn’t have a huge collection of cross stitch patterns in their Etsy shop, but at the risk of repeating their own descriptor, the designs they do have are charming, pretty and cute.
This shop has cross stitch patterns and bookmark designs, as well as a few laser designs you can use to cut your own signs. But that’s a different craft, so let’s focus on the cross stitch.
The bookmarks are the only section that is separated out, but there aren’t a lot of patterns to scroll through in their general cross stitch art category. You’ll find a lot of flowers, from marigold to lily of the valley, gladiolus to carnation.
It turns out these are all birth flowers, and there’s also a set of all 12 designs if you want to buy the bundle and stitch them up for everyone’s birthday.
When it comes to bundles, though, I can’t resist sharing the mini coastal cross stitch pattern bundle, both because this shop is based in Maine and that feels appropriate, and because there’s a big place in my heart for New England costal icons.
This set of nine designs includes a sand castle under an umbrella, a shell, sailboat, lobster, lighthouse, beach house, whale tail, blueberry plant and anchor.
The pieces range in size from 10 by 34 to 35 by 34 stitches, and in all only seven colors are used. These would all fit in 3 or 4 inch hoops if you want to make the whole set in little frames like they are shown.
In addition to flowers and coastal designs, you’ll also find Halloween cross stitch patterns (including a full set of ghosts and their hobbies, and a vintage fortune teller design), Mediterranean tile designs, little houses, fruits and black cats.
The bookmark section includes seasonal book stacks, flowers, a couple of geese and a best dad ever with mountain design.
It’s a small but sweet selection that you should check out at Mango Charm Studio on Etsy.
[Photo: Mango Charm Studio]