Patterns: Cross stitcher

Untitled by All The Live Long Day

Awww I love it when I see Cross Stitcher patterns in the Embroidery pool! These are so cute and definitely have to go on my to stitch list! Great use of different coloured fabrics to stitch on to by All The Live Long Day.

Patterns: Corgis and Keys

Hi guys - popping in for Jo today to share 2 free patterns!

When the Cross Stitcher emailed me about their free Corgi cross stitch patterns, I had to let out an involuntary "eep!" They are pretty incredibly adorable. You can pick up a free download over at The Making Spot, which includes 4 adorable Corgi variations, festooned with Union Jack bandanas or sporting a simple collar.

They've made their Corgis into fridge magnets, but I thought they'd look just as adorable in a hoop, so I set to work immediately on my own corgi. I plan to give him a little friend on the left and give the hoop to someone who really loves Corgis. :)



Get the Free Pattern


Another freebie this week comes from Ewenique, who was inspired by the three gorgeous keys by What Delilah Did that she recently stitched. After finishing the three, she wanted another key and took to MatLab to create one:


She's sharing the free pattern on her blog: Get the Free Pattern

What do you do when you're upset?

Stitched by Pam

Pam stitches. And I think you and me do the same thing, too. Just a little Christmas stitching to remind you that the things you make, even in the toughest times for you, can inspire other people with a little holiday cheer. So stop worrying about who you have and haven't shopped for, and maybe just take a moment to stitch something. I think you'll feel better. :)

p.s. - The cross stitch pattern Pam used comes from CrossStitcher magazine, issue 245.

If you can't find a copy where you are, it looks like digital issues are available for purchase on Zinio.

Patterns: Whistle While You Work

WIP stitched by Pooka Loves Tomatoes

This week's pattern is from the September 2011 issue of the CrossStitcher magazine. The CrossStitcher magazine is one of my favourite crafty magazines and I'd love to have the time to stitch up all their amazing designs. Pooka writes that this work-in-progress (which is for her Nana for Christmas - lucky Nana!) has taken more than 40 hours, wow!

You can find the CrossStitcher in newsagents in the UK or in online magazine places like Zinio, the latter being a great place for finding back issues or if you live outside the UK.

Patterns: Breast Cancer Charity Patterns

Pink ribbon - pattern by Emily Peacock for Breast Cancer Care and Cross Stitcher (stitched by me)

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and I've found two great Breast Cancer awareness patterns where the proceeds go straight to charity. The first is a pink ribbon cross stitch pattern designed by Emily Peacock for Cross Stitcher magazine. You can download the pattern for a donation here. All proceeds go to the charity Breast Cancer Care.

Breast Cancer Fundraiser Embroidery Pattern by Happy Sew Lucky, stitched by Krista Hennebury

All proceeds from this pattern by Berene from Happy Sew Lucky, go to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. You can read about the story behind the pattern here on Happy Sew Lucky's blog, definitely worth a read for some moving art work from Berene's mum, Rosemary Sellars.

Royal Wedding, anyone?

Guess what I got in the mail? Well, if you don't feel like guessing, you're looking at it! The nice peeps at CrossStitcher were kind enough to mail their latest issue and I decided to keep it all to my stingy, non-stitching self. What? Of course not, guys - is there anything I don't give away? You probably think I'd give my own mom away if I could. (There is absolutely no proof of that. Yet.)

Anyway! This wonderful, commemorative copy of the CrossStitcher could be yours. I decided to keep this giveaway US-only because I want to make sure you get your copy in time for the wedding AND it'll be a nice treat for us non-UK-ers.

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post, and I thought, in honor of the wedding, I'd have the comments be extra goofy. If you could marry a prince (or princess) and choose exactly who he (or she) might be - actor, person in history, past or present, etc - who would it be? Choose your prince! (Or princess) :) And although I cannot mail you that person, I can send one lucky person a very nice magazine instead.

And, because I gotta be first up - here's mine:

Mark Ronson.... because he's cute... and talented. Ok, so I know nothing of his character, but he can make a mean record, and he's one snappy dresser. And he's a Brit (yours doesn't have to be). Comments will stay open until Saturday morning, when I'll close the comments, choose a random winner, and pop this magazine in the mail. So, bring it on, folks - it's prince time!

Edit: 4/23/11 - here's our winner!


Happy zombie has a magazine coming in the mail!

The New CrossStitcher: preview + free patterns!

So, I bet some of you are looking for quick, easy, last-minute gifts and ornaments for your trees this season? Well, recently I received an awesome sneak peek of the new look over at CrossStitcher, which I thought I'd share with all of you peeps:
http://gb.zinio.com/reader.jsp?issue=416141017&o=ext

Inside that preview you'll find a cute, free pattern for cross-stitch gingham hearts that look really sweet and easy to make. Also included, (toward the back) are free patterns for a Christmas tree, dove, reindeer, and bird!

Now, the sad part for all of us US peeps is that CrossStitcher is a UK publication (I know - sad - tears!) but at least we can all enjoy this free little preview from our friends across the pond. (Yes, I've been waiting my whole life to use that cliche, I really hope you enjoyed it.) :) But for you UK readers, be sure to snap up an issue - I couldn't believe the number of patterns included in just one issue, and I was impressed by their clear, helpful directions and gorgeous photographs.

Thanks, CrossStitcher, for sharing a preview with us! :)

Edit, 12/16/2010: Thank you so much to everyone who chimed in with places you can find CrossStitcher in the US! :)