Indulge your dreams of summer by stitching one of the fetching summer fairies in this week's free cross stitch project. Pictured here is a drawstring bag featuring a water nymph riding a fish friend under the sea, and a finger towel with a cross stitch band depicting a winged nymph in a sea shell. There are other motifs included in the charts, from dragonflies to seahorses to water liies.
Directions are provided for the towel band, a gift tag, the large drawstring bag in the photo, and a small drawstring bag. But, really--with these designs and your imagination in play, what couldn't you come up with?
If you'd like to see books with more beautiful designs like this, go to the MyCraftivity shop.
Follow your own path to serenity and wisdom as you stitch this lovely pattern featuring a Chinese temple, bordered by the proverb, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." The design is 3-1/4" x 3-1/4" square (97 cm x 97 cm) stitched on white 18-count Aida. The project provides instructons for covering a small photo album with Ultrasuede and attaching this cross stitch gem. However, it would also make a wonderful cover for a journal, an insert for a inspirational card, or an icon for a shrine. (Stitched on larger count fabric, this design could also be framed as a beautiful and unique sampler; overall stitch count is 69 x 69.)
This sweet design can be used to make a "sweet bag"--a great thank you for a bride to give to her bridesmaid, perhaps with some candy or a small gift tucked inside. It could also be used to hold a gift card for the bride or even cash, providing a unique handmade memento of the happy day.
The design measures 4-1/2 x 4-1/4 inches (10.5 x 10.7 cm); stitch count is 58H x 59W (in case you want to work it on larger or smaller count fabric; the pattern calls for 14-count Aida). Pattern guidelines include instructions for sewing the bag itself and a list of all materials needed. As a bonus, there's a chart for a wedding card insert: hearts and flowers and the word "LOVE."
If you're interested in books with more great projects like this, go to the MyCraftivity shop.
If you're a cat-lover (or know someone who is), you'll love this week's free cross stitch project. This cool kitty measures 4-1/2" x 4-1/2" (11.8 cm x 11.8 cm) when stitched on 14 count Aida (although you can substitute any fabric you wish; stitch count is 65h x 65w). The design as presented in the project is perfect for a jewelry box lid or as a greeting card insert.
As a bonus, the PDF includes a chart for a cat-napping cap snuggled on a blanket. It would make an adorable door plate or doorknob hanger, or omit the lettering and use it as a small framed picture, lid top, card insert--whatever your imagination suggests.
If you'd like to see books with more needlecraft projects like this, check out our online bookstore.
This week's free cross stitch project features two adorable designs for baby items. The designs are appropriate for either a boy or a girl--simply change the backgroundand trim colors to suit. Although directions are given for a card (the duck design) and a keepsake album (the bear design), the directions can be adapted to switch the designs according to your preferences. With your own creativity, you can use these designs for additional projects: mini-samplers, gift bags, cross stitched bibs, and more.
The duck design in the photo is stitched on 14-count Aida; it measures 3.5 x 3 inches (9 x 7.5 cm), with a stitch count of 49h x 42w.
The bear design is stitched on 14-count Aida; it measures 4 x 3.75 inches (10.2 x 8.2 cm), with a stitch count of 56h x 45w. Both charts use DMC floss.
Make these darling projects for some deserving soon-to-be mother; or make several ahead of time to keep on hand for baby shower gifts or new arrival cards.
If you'd like to see books with more needlecraft projects like this, check out our online bookstore.
