You could win.....

Click on You could win...., to be directed to all the
competitions at Cross-Stitching.com.

It's quite a long list with some generous prizes. There
should be something there to entice everyon's tastes in designs.

Section 24 of "Kodi" is finished.

Section 24 of "Kodi" is finished
June 13, 2009
This is my current WIP (work in progress), "Kodi".
Kodi is stitched on 22ct. hardanger fabric. To date 27,950 stitches have been worked.
The next section, 25,will be of the tongue and I'm anxious to get started on it.
Below is a scan of the pattern section for page 25. It involves stitching 1839 cross-stitches and will use about 38 floss colours.
Some colours which have not been used yet.
I hope you will continue to watch for the progress on "Kodi".

See what Yvonne made!

These wonderful photo to cross stitch projects were made by Yvonne Gracie. Yvonne is a member of the Facebook group, Strictly Come Stitching and that is where I spotted pictures of her fabulous work. Really inspires you to create some of your own lasting treasures doesn't it.

What's New

Don't miss the

Latest posts on the

Layden With Stitches Blog

(Click on "What's New" title for a direct link to the blog)

this is what you'll see

Blocking and Finishing Projects


"Finishing" can be a dilema for some stitchers. They have spent many hours stitching their precious project and want to display it but are uncertain of the best way to block and frame their work.

Here are a few links that I hope will help.
http://gra.midco.net/jane.skretvedt/Jane/framing.html
http://www.classicstitches.com/main/knowHow.aspx?htID=194
http://www.exploringwomanhood.com/homelife/hobbies/xstitchframe.htm
http://www.mnhs.org/preserve/conservation/reports/textilemounting.pdf



If you enjoy stitching quick simple projects and are always on the look-out for more designs, try searching for Filet Crochet patterns. Designs for filet crochet can be elaborate or quite plain. Repetitive motifs can be used as borders or fillers. The opportunity to design a very personal project with all the right touches are limitless.

What is Filet Crochet?
Filet Crochet is created by making an openwork mesh of chains and fill in spaces with doubles to make a solid block. The designing of patterns is much like designing cross-stitch designs using graph paper and filling in individual blocks. It's an easy and old style of crochet so there are thousands of patterns available.
Here are a couple of links to get you started on your search.
http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory/filet_crochet.php
http://crochet.about.com/od/filetcrochetcharts/ss/leaves011203_3.htm
Beagle Filet Crochet designed by Kathy Wilson and available at http://www.allfreecrafts.com/crochet/beagle-filet.shtml


Monika Lewis mentioned she designed that wonderful Star Trek project with inspiration from Jo Verso's World of Cross Stitch book

This is a terrific way to start creating your own designs. Jo Verso uses sharp, simple clean lines and her books encourage picking and chosing motifs that are right for you. Her designs are so adaptable, you'll find you can make modifications easily.
A good online source for purchasing her books is here at Arts and Designs
http://www.artsanddesigns.com/cgi-bin/makeGallery.pl?st=any&searchphrase=jo%20verso&category=book.stitchcraft
Ebay is another good source.
If you don't have a handy stack of graph paper (you will need it for this style of designing)
here is a link to a free downloadable program
http://download.cnet.com/Graph-Paper-Printer/3000-2064_4-10037453.html
Happy Designing & Stitching



Monika Lewis has posted her Star Trek design at the following link

http://sites.google.com/site/monikalewis/star-trek
You can see more of her work on the flickr photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/monikalel42/2701429569/
Monika has created some wonderful projects.

Hope this has helped inspire your creativity.

There is some amazing talent out there.

I am always so excited to show off the astounding creativity and talent of cross-stitchers. Here are three more wonderful examples of photo to cross-stitching and links to view more of their work.

Spaceball by Oni-Chinaleft's sister. You can view more of Chinaleft's work from this link
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chinaleft/3282689250/

This is Chi and the worderful stitchery was done by the cramped hand. More of the cramped hand's work can be seen here

http://www.flickr.com/photos/31272335@N08/3092913360/

Cumin Cat stitched this fantastic portrait of Whoopy. It is stitched on black Aida 18, appx. 13,5x20,5 cm. You can see more of her work at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22932785@N03/3337226633/

You are all encouraged to send in images of inspiring cross-stitch work to service@laydenwithstitches.4t.com

label your message "Sharing Cross-Stitch Masterpieces"

What to Design?

We love to cross-stitch but designing and stitching takes alot time. It's a labour of love but alot of work. What design is worth it? A favorite character from a book or movie? Your favorite singer? A family member, friend, pet or a lovely landscape?

Please leave a comment and tell us what you would make time to stitch.

Original work by Joyce.

This is a wonderful example of Photo-to-Cross-Stitching created by True_Colours / Joyce .
You can view her embroidery work on Flickr at this link.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/true_colours/sets/72157594490415076/
Thank-you Joyce for sharing your incredible work.

Cross-Stitch videos

YouTube has a collection of how-to videos for cross-stitching.
Click on the title above to link to one showing you one of the simplest ways to design your own cross-stitch.

Get Creative With Designs

LovetoKnow Crafts has some great suggestions for simplifiying your stitching work load.

They suggest only stitching a portion of a design if it is too daunting.

I've done the same because, let's face it, photo-to-cross-stitch designs can be as big as a house.

In my Cat Eye Glasses Case design I had originally planned to stitch the cat's face. I got bored and ended up just stitching the section with the eyes. Then tried to think what would I do with it? Viola, the eye glasses case was born.

Check out their ideas here.

http://crafts.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Get_Creative_With_Cross-Stitch_Patterns

Searching for Cross-Stitch Blogs

Searching for stitching blogs is a true labour of love because there seems to be millions.
Everyone of them have the same thing in common - a passion for cross-stitching.

I've added the link of my Google Search and you can view the links to pages and pages if you click on the Title of this post.

You can also add your favorite cross-stitching blog by entering in the comment area below.
C'mon, share with us.

Create a Cross-Stitch

St. Patrick's Day is fast approaching (March 17). Provided is this picture of a Little Leprechaun.

How about creating a cross-stitch of the little guy or one of your own and sharing it with all the stitchers around the world. (Click on the title of this post to link to page at Layden With Stitches where you can download him. It's okay-it's all free.)

If you need help or the tools to create a design stop by Layden With Stitches, the free tutorial site for needlecraft enthusiasts that wish to learn to convert their photos or images to cross-stitch.

You can send your designs, questions, inquiries to service@laydenwithstitches.4t.com

Layden With Stitches

http://www.laydenwithstitches.com/

JournalSpace is Gone

It is with great disappointment that I tell you that Journalspace where the progressive work of "Kodi" was logged after each section was completed is gone. The remaining work of Kodi will be added here on the Stitcher's Blog.

Section 23 is now complete.

Kodi is a progressive project created from the photo in the lower right hand side of the image above. The finished project will be a circular shaped 10"x10" rendition of a beloved pet and treasured work by Kodi's owners when finished. The design uses 100 DMC floss colours and there are over 30 sections to the design.

1-23 sections are now complete and 26,204 stitches have been worked.

The next section, 24, is underway and there are 1,764 full cross-stitches to be hand sewn.

Please return often to the Stitcher's Gallery to see Kodi's progress.

Do you use computer software to design your patterns?

I've been visiting a wonderful site from a British designer and instructor named Carol.

Her site, Needlwork Tips & Techniques, is one of the most informative sites you can visit to gain a professional perspective on this hobby of stitching that we love so much.

To see how Carol designs her projects, link to

http://www.needlework-tips-and-techniques.com/cross-stitch-software.html

I highly recommend your check out all the areas of her site. There are wonderful bits such as finishing ideas, her newsletter and so much more. You'll need to "Bookmark" the site and revisit it often. I do.

Happy Stitching,

Elaine Layden

Variegated Threads

Have you tried stitching with variegated threads? These are multi-colour skeins of embroidery floss that change the look of your design without changing the thread. They are fun and often produce an exceptional textured look that's unexpected and pleasing. Above is a sample of the use of variegated thread. This Easter motif for a greeting card insert was stitched in a multi-pink coloured variegated thread to clearly define and enhance the mood of the motif.

Recommended Viewing

CrossStitching.com has a video that helps demonstrate the use and types of variegated threads.

There is also a short demonstration on dying your own thread.

http://www.cross-stitching.com/videos.asp

Layden With Stitches also has a list of sites and a free downloadable pattern devoted to the use of variegated threads on the Easy Project page

http://laydenwithstitches.4t.com/photo6.html

Hope this helps generate hours of designing and stitching fun.

Cross-Stitch Video Games Characters

Are you looking for a quick and easy project?

Do you have a favorite video game character you'd like to stitch?

Here's a tutorial blog that shows you how.

http://www.spritestitch.com/?p=391

This will be fun.

Keep It Simple

Stencil it.


Stencils provide a simple way to make quick and attractive cross-stitch designs.
With the popularity of scrapbooking there is a huge selection of inexpensive stencils available.

Stencil your design right on to your evenweave fabric and start stitching.

When you've completed the stitching, you could frame it or finish it as a bookmark, greeting card
You may like to create projects that are meaningful to you and allows you to share your beliefs.

This trivet/hot plate projects a vivid message about Global Warming.
Have you got something you want to say? Say it in cross-stitch.

Mounting and Framing Cross-Stitch Projects

Rachel Paxton offers budget wise tips for mounting and framing your projects on the Crafter's Community.
Since framing can be very expensive and crafters are always looking for cost effective alternatives, you may find some very helpful tips in this article. Click on the title of this post to read Rachel Paxton's tips.

Taking photos of your stitching

Suite 101.com has posted an article about photographing your cross-stitch projects and has some godd tips. Whether you wish to keep a pictorial journal of your projects, show your project progress or print traditional photos of your work, this article is sure to have some tips for you.
http://sewingneedlework.suite101.com/article.cfm/photographing_cross_stitch_tips

Needle Know-how

Cross-stitches slip between the threads of even-weave fabrics, not through them so the correct needle is important. The wrong size needle can distort the holes in the fabric.

If you are using 11 ct. aida you would use 3 strands of floss and size 24 needle.

14 ct. aida 2 strands size 24 or 26 needle

18 ct. aida 1 or 2 strands size 24 or 26 needle

Hardanger 22 ct. to 25 ct. 1 count size 24 or 26 needle

pictured 14 count (stitches per inch) aida cloth
Aida is an even weave, interlocking cotton cloth. It's available in many colours and comes primarily in 11, 14, 16, 18 count. 14 count is the most often used aida for cross-stitchers.

(pictured) Linen even weave

Linen is a single thread fabric with the completed cross stitch usually covering two threads. On 28 ct. linen, the cross-stitch over 2 holes is approximately the same size as 1-14 ct. aida cross-stitch.

Hardanger looks like linen but is an overlock fabric like aida. it's usually available in 22 ct. and 25 ct. Because the count is so high, the stitches are smaller. They are half the size of a 14 ct. stitch on aida cloth, so are very popular for stitching greeting cards, christmas ornaments and landscape designs.

Creating cross-stitches

Here's another good reference for Needle Know-how

Eight Steps for Choosing the Right Needle!A Guide for Needle Artists by Catherine Bracken

http://www.discountneedlework.com/articles/Needles.htm

Needleroll Tutorial

Have you ever wanted to learn more about needlerolls? Are you interested in showing others what a needleroll is? Do you belong to a Needleroll Stitch-Along (SAL)?
From CameoRoze comes this pictorial tutorial.

Blogging

Here's another great blog by Angela Moore. She's just started up her blog but it has some great information and it's a delight to read.
http://acraftlife.com/

Blogging has been around awhile and now more than ever, there are some fantastic blogs about cross-stitching out there.
Here's the one I visited this morning

http://www.squidoo.com/free-cross-stitch-patterns

By Loretta(some of you may recognize her from a number of stitching boards as terrapin. She has such sites as Stitching the Night Away).
On this link from Squidoo, you'll find "Lenses". If you haven't already created a cross-stitch blog, you might want to try a Squidoo Lense.
I've previously featured "Blogs" before, but thought you might like to comment on your favorite blog(s) or add an address to one you think stitchers will enjoy.
Please leave your link to a blog(s) we'll all enjoy.

Stitching on Dark Fabrics

Stitching on dark fabrics can be frustrating and a real challenge, but the final effect can be very dramatic. It's worth the effort.
Above are some photos of how I stitch on dark fabrics.
"Necessity is the mother of invention".
At a thrift store, I found a small, free-standing, wrought-iron bookcase and a portable florescent light.Look around the house. You may already have items that will work for you. You could undoubtedly find these in a hardware store.
The light behind the project allows me to see the holes in the evenweave. The light in front allows me to see my stitching. This makes stitching on dark fabric much easier.
Fellow Stitcher Meari has posted a similar solution on her Blog.
http://meari.blogspot.com/

Happy Valentine's Day

Hot Plate/Trivet Challenge

Layden With Stitches is hosting a new challenge.
Design a hot/plate/trivet. Make it a quick and easy project or an eleborate one. Your choice.

Your feedback on the challenge would be much appreciated. How long should the challenge run? Should there be prizes? Should images of entries been visable to everyone? These are just a few example questions? Please comment and help make the challenge successful.

Reference for Needlepoint stitches

Here's a great site to "Bookmark" for handy reference.

StitchopediaAn Encyclopedia of Stitches...
http://www.stitchopedia.com/

Stitchopedia is an informational site,

dedicated to the art of needlepoint.

Our goal is to teach everyone - from

the beginner to the old pro.

Stitcher's Gallery

Dying Your Fabric with Rit Dye

There are so many great blogs and sites out there to help stitchers expand and master techniques. Here's a great free tutorial for dying your own fabric from "I'll Cross That Stitch When I Come to It".
http://www.coramico.com/2007/08/22/dying-fabric-with-rit-dye/#comments

Tutorials, Blogs and Amazing Information

There are some amazing sites out there for cross-stitch information, but it can be a difficult journey to find them.
Here's one from Australia by Anne S. that is simply outstanding. It's called Feather Stitching.

http://shakatak66.blogspot.com/2006/12/sbq-finishing-links.html

Please leave a comment and share your treasured links.

Send in your Masterpiece

Creating and stitching a photo-to-cross-stitch design is one of the most rewarding gifts you can make for family,friends or yourself. If you've completed a photo-to-cross-stitch piece, please send in a photo of your work. Stitcher's love to see the work of others. Help inspire stitcher's from around the world.
Here's the email address to send a photo of your project.
service@laydenwithstitches.4t.com

Making Memories

Making Memories
This is the completed photo-to-cross-stitch from Canada of Dale Nowe's Granddaughter.
This is just the kind of project to get you started at creating an heirloom memory.
Well done Dale.

DMC Floss List

Here's a handy free printout from DMC-USA that makes shopping for floss so much simpler. Print out several so you have a few on-hand.

Free chart generator from Pic2Point

I've tried a new chart generator and want to share it with you. It's from Pic2Point.


Pic2Point.com lets you turn your very own photos into high-quality needlepoint patterns. All you need to do is upload your photo. Customize the size and thread count of your pattern depending on your craft, whether it be needlepoint, plastic canvas, or latchhook.

Our patterns are provided in PDF format, which can be viewed and printed from most computers.
I was quite pleased with the results. From one of my own photos I was able to create this pattern at Pic2Point

Here's the link
http://pic2point.com/

Bulgarian Lady (WIP)

This beautiful lady is a work in progress (WIP) by Tsvetanka G. Kostova of Bulgaria.
Designed with PCStitch 7, using 63 colours on 20 count fabric. This wonderful project is her first try at designing her own photo-to-cross-stitching design.

Labour of Love - Stitch for Charity

Recently while reading Issue 165 of New Stitches, I came across this article by Mary Hickmott.

Return to Port.

It's a suggestion to stitch up the design and use it for a charity raffle or contest.

I think this is a fabulous idea.

The possibilities for charity opportunities are unlimited. What cause would you cross-stitch for?

If you'd like to read more about this go to Mary Hickmott's New Stitches magazine

http://www.newstitches.com/index.html

Check out the back issues section.

Have you stitched for charity already? Show us what you've done.

E-mail

service@laydenwithstitches.4t.com

and forward a .jpg image of your work.

Lynn's Photo to Cross-Stitch work

Here is a site that will show you what can be accomplished with photo-to cross-stitching. this is really inspirering. Click on the title.

What have you stitched?

We would love to see your photo to cross-stitching projects. Viewers from around the globe would love to see too. Share and inspire. E-mail
service@laydenwithstitches.4t.com
with a .jpg of your photo to cross-stitch work and have it shown here on the "Stitcher's Gallery".

fan of

fan of
Originally uploaded by laydenwithstitches.

Fan of Elvis

section 16 complete

section 16 complete
Originally uploaded by laydenwithstitches.

Kodi
Section 16 is now complete. 15,946 stitches to date.

image cross-stitched from photo

stitched photo
Originally uploaded by laydenwithstitches.

Learn to cross-stitch your favorite photos for free at Layden With Stitches
http://laydenwithstitches.4t.com

time capsules

time capsules
Originally uploaded by laydenwithstitches.

If you love to create home-made Christmas Ornaments why hot make it timeless. By attaching a Listerine Pocket Pak to the back of your ornament you can tuck in a note that states all the highlights of the past year. In years to come, while decorating your Christmas tree you'll be delighted with the memories.

Photo to Cross Stitch Christmas Ornaments

Photo to Cross Stitch Christmas Ornaments
Originally uploaded by laydenwithstitches.

Amaze your family and friends for Christmas this year. Design an original ornament for your tree or as a gift..

Cat Eyes Free Pattern

Cat Eyes

Since first seen on the Stitcher's Gallery, Cat Eyes has received alot of admiration.

This revised design is now available for downloading in .pdf format at Layden With Stitches as of 9/11/06.

We would love to see your stitched Cat Eyes. Send your image to

service@laydenwithstitches.4t.com

The Red Rose Footstool Cover has been moved to the Archives. If you are interested in downloading the design just e-mail the address above.

Red Rose Footstool Cover

The Red Rose Footstool Cover is the latest free pattern for download at Layden With Stitches.
It can easily be adapted to needlepoint or rug-hooking. Stitched with only 10 thread colours.

Stitcher's Gallery: New Forum

Stitcher's Gallery: New Forum

Stitcher's Gallery

Stitcher's Gallery

Lisa's Grandparents

Lisa Marchand
East Texas
http://ca.f511.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=lisaandjames629@sbcglobal.net


I had this picture of my grandparents wedding and saw an ad in Mary Maxim catalog about sending away a picture to get a pattern in cross stitch so I thought I'd try it. It was about 14 years ago. I wanted to have it done in time for their anniversary but it took me a lot longer than I thought....about 4 months. When she got it she was speechless. It hung in a prominent place in her home until both she and my grandfather were gone, when she made sure it came back to me. It is true treasure to me because I knew how much she loved it. It turned out to be about 12" X 11"

Photo to Cross Stitch by Photostitcher in London

My name is Claire Heron, I am 25 years old and I stitched bth of these pictures.The top picture is of my niece and nephew.The bottom picture is of my daughter and my stepson.