Designer Insights with...me!

A little while ago I was asked to answer a few questions about my design process. I chose some craft/embroidery favourites as well. If you are interested you can read more below or here. :)

For some reasons I couldn't find links in the article for my 'Top Choices'. So from one to five (although I didn't put them in a particular order):
1. Satsuma Street Patterns. This one is called Pretty Little San Francisco and just this week Pretty Little Hong Kong came out.
2. Sophie Simpons' new book Secret Garden Embroidery (which I will be reviewing next week!)
3. Heather Ross' new fabric line Tiger Lily 
4. Needlepoint kit Kumo by POMPOM Design. I interviewed POMPOM Design founder Helena on the &Stitches blog last week.
5. Lovely The beaks, the birch and the bees design by Hanna Mason found on Spoonflower (via Pinterest)

Courtesy of: Terrys Fabrics

Favourites: 5 Modern Cross Stitch Designers

If you have been following my blog for a bit you know that I love to do some cross stitching every now and then and I thought I'd share some of my favourite contemporary Cross Stitch Designers with you. I have mentioned quite a few of these designers on this blog in the past but it's nice to see them all together in one post! In no particular order:

1. Emily Peacock designs beautiful needlepoint patterns and kits and  I love the vintage/retro feel of her work! The Meeting Place is a cross stitch design, worked with crewel wool and is one of her easier designs. It's available as a kit. 

2. What Delilah Did. Stylish, dreamy patterns and fabulous kits like the Wise Owl kit pictured above which is a pattern from Sophie's enchanting book Storyland Cross stitch (read my review) Patterns and kits range from easy to stuff for the more determined. ;) 

3. Frosted Pumpkin Stitcheries A bunch of cute and Kawaii-style patterns. The Sampler pattern Subscriptions like this Fairy Tale themed one are especially irresistible, even though I can never keep up with them!

4. Satsuma Street It's no wonder that Jody's fun patterns have gained a lot of popularity in a relatively short time. I for one am a huge fan of her colourful, fresh retro designs. Currently I'm stitching the Pretty Little London pattern. It's not a difficult pattern but it does take a while to finish so I guess a determined beginner could work these patterns too. :) 

5. Wee Little Stitches, home of the Original Pixel People. Many of Jacqueline and Christopher's patterns are inspired by popular culture and if you grew up (or were a slightly geeky teen) in the 80's (I was!) you'll love the Labyrinth and Pretty in Pink Patterns. Generally the patterns are easy to stitch, so perfect for cross stitch novices. I interviewed Jacqueline in Fall 2012 about Wee Little Stitches.

If you would love to try one (are more likely all) of these designs but have never done any cross stitching then don't worry: it's very easy to learn. Sophie has some great information on her website to get you started.

Happy (cross) stitching everyone!