New Series: Fortune Cookie Wisdom

Several years ago I decided to start a new series, but am just now bringing it to life.  The series will be quotes I've gotten in fortune cookies over the years, all framed by a Chinese lattice inspired "blackwork" design.   To liven the frames up, there may be French knots, beads or other embellishments.   Some of the quotes will be fun, and some may be more serious.

Today we start with Fortune Cookie Wisdom #1: Good Virtue

This particular design uses French knots.  If you're not a fan of French knots, you can always use seed beads instead.

Because I don't want to take away from the blackwork style designs with a hand-dyed fabric, I'm using plain white aida.

If you're interested in this design, you can purchase it at any of these places.

Stay tuned for more designs in this series.  I already have the 2nd one stitched, finished and ready to go, so I'll release it in the next few weeks.

Until the next time...Happy Stitching!

MetalFoot's Missives Subversive Style Cross Stitch Patterns

For several years my son Zach, aka "MetalFoot"(a nickname given to him by his Army Sgt. after an injury that resulted in metal holding his foot together), has asked me to create subversive and gamer inspired cross stitch pieces.  And for years I've told him no, because I need to enjoy what I'm stitching to do it.  Well, I've finally relented and am working with him to create a series of subversive style quotes that we're naming "MetalFoot's Missives".

As I most likely won't be stitching any of these pieces myself, I'm designing them so they are quick, easy pieces and I know they should stitch up just fine without me creating a model.  I'll be using the computer rendered photos only.

So to kick it off, here's Zach's first quote...

All of these pieces will be available as instant downloads and through printed hard copies. 

This pattern along with future pieces in the series (which can be found here) is now available for purchase at your local needlework shop or various online retailers.  If you don't want to do a Google search, just click here for a current list of those places.  If you have the opportunity, please support your local needlework shops, as they're a dying breed and we need to keep them around!

If you're a retailer and would like to stock this design, or any of my others, you can purchase them here.  

Until the next time...Happy Stitching!

Downton Abbey Quotes Cross Stitch Pattern Collection

Our beloved Downton Abbey television series may be coming to an end, but that doesn't mean our love for it has to stop!  :)

Several years ago I was commissioned by a gallery to do a series of Downton Abbey quotes.  At the time I was asked by several people for the charts to be released, but was unable to do so due to my agreement with the gallery.  Now that time has passed, I can finally release them.  Yay!

I've put 7 of the Dowager Countess's (Dame Maggie Smith) most famous zingers into easy to ready charts, all combined into one package.  This chart packaged will be available on a limited run and only through my blog here.  Once I've reached the number I have set for myself, this post will be removed and the designs will no longer be available.

Here's pictures of the 7 quotes you'll receive:

So, if you're in love with any or all of these quotes and feel the need to stitch them, here's what you need to do:

• Send an email to stitchnmomma [at] hotmail [dot] com with DOWNTON ABBEY QUOTES in the subject line
• Specify if you want to receive them as one PDF file (a $10.00 charge) or have them shipped to you in a printed format (a $17.50 charge) -- I ship within the U.S. only
• If you want a printed format, please be sure to include your full name and shipping address in the email

I will then send you a PayPal invoice for the cost of your package.  Please allow up to 24 hours to receive the invoice, as I do work a full-time job outside my Stitchnmomma business.  Once your payment is received, your charts will be sent to you within 24 hours for PDF files and 48 hours for printed copies.

And since this will be a limited run, don't wait on getting yours...or sharing the news with your other Downton Abbey loving stitching friends .

Until the next time...Happy Stitching!

Looking For Rainbows Cross Stitch Pattern

It's been way too long since I've had a new quote pattern for you.  In fact, more than a year!  This time around I decided to take one of my favorite Charlie Chaplin quotes and give it a pop of color that it deserves.

The quote itself is stitched in full stitches using 2 threads.  Whereas the chevron rainbow is stitched in half stitches using one thread.  I wanted a subtle look for the rainbow, just like a real one, and I think I achieved it using that technique.  As always, the gorgeous finishing was done by SnowBerry NeedleArts.

If you're interested in this design, or any of my other designs created from quotes, you can find a retailer here.