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The counted cross-stitch image shown above is called Aunt Lucy's Place. It reminds my husband of an old homestead where he spent many happy hours as a child. Designed by Linda Meyers and originally called Autumn at Sinking Creek, it now hangs in our dining room. View a larger image of Aunt Lucy's Place.
Counted
cross-stitch is one of the oldest of embroidery stitches. I started with it
in 1982 when I made a cross stitch Christmas stocking for a new granddaughter from
a kit - pictured on the left. I had done crewel embroidery years before but this
was different - I was hooked. I introduced my Mom to the art form and we were in
heaven. My Christmas tree is totally decorated with ornaments made by the two of
us. I prefer not using kits now-a-days. I choose my fabric and cut it four inches
larger on all sides to allow plenty of room for stretching and framing. For the
most part, I use DMC floss and have all 300 plus colors. I have used specialty floss
on only two occasions - the
Owl and
Woodland Life picture where I used Anchor/Bates floss and one of the Eva Rosenstand
pillows where I used her floss.
One of the most common forms of cross stitch is the sampler. The word is derived from the Old French world 'essamplaire' meaning a pattern which could be copied. I have worked many samplers over the years both for our home and as gifts.
Threads of History by Jo Verso gives some more info on the history of counted cross stitch.
The Crossed Wing Collection specializes in realistic and finely-detailed cross stitch patterns of birds and is another of my favorites. Paula and Dan Minkebige have some of the most beautiful designs I have ever stitched. Jean McIntosh Designs has a magnificent Blue Jay and Cardinal that I stitched as companion pieces.
Cross Stitch Samplers are one of my favorite pieces to work on. They make wonderful gifts for weddings and births. The Samplers page shows just a few of the many I have done as gifts or that hang on the walls of our home. The pictures in no way do justice to the finished pieces.
I like working on large detailed projects. I normally use only DMC floss and if the project calls for lots of 1/4 or 1/2 stitches, I use a 28 or 32 ct fabric over 2 threads. My miscellaneous projects include Christmas stockings for my grandchildren, Owl & Woodland Wildlife from Anchor Premier Collection, and many others.
Fulmer Crafts, National Park Collection has some beautiful very detailed patterns. Most of these are not for the beginning stitcher. The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is truly beautiful.
