Country Garden Stitchery

I have a little hand embroidery pattern in the new issue of Create and Decorate April 2011. It is called "Blue Cottage Banner". Embroidery pattern and finishing instructions are included. To celebrate I am giving away two new copies of the magazine to two lucky winners. Just leave a comment below and I will contact the two winners via email to get mailing information. I will pick the names next Friday 02/18/11. This is a fun issue with lots of different spring theme projects!

The new issue of Create and Decorate is out and it is full of pumpkins, one of my very favorite things. Very cute designs of many varieties. I have a little pumpkin cross stitch pattern in here using Gentle Art Sampler wool threads that were really fun to work with. It was the first time I'd used their wool. I hope you like the issue. Some of my autumn designs with pumpkins and purple shades. I don't design too many samplers, there are so many lovely sampler designs out there already to choose from, but I have a couple I've done. This is one of a set called "Jewels" with a seasonal theme and this is "Autumn Jewels". This pattern uses all DMC floss on linen fabric. I may have featured this one before, but it is one of my favorites so I wanted to include it again. It uses Gentle Art Sampler flosses also and some sparkly orange Kreinik blending filament this is really fun to use. Some autumn stitching inspiration for you!

I'm just barely in time for Easter with my fancy eggs and blossoms embroidery. I loved the Gentle Art Sampler Flosses I used, their colors are so soft and blend very well with some of the quilting fabrics I like to use. I haven't decided if I want to make a pillow or wall hanging. Probably a pillow, I have an abundance of wall hangings now and need some color elsewhere. I'm very excited to be spreading the word of Create and Decorate Magazine's new blog. I love their magazine and still have their first issue. Full of fun things to do.