Something New to Share

I've been quiet lately. The beginning of February I started back to work at my day job and I have been overwhelmingly tired at the end of each day. Even so, I've been spending some time designing new pillow cover cross stitch patterns and want to share the latest -- a series of damask patterns in some of the newer colors forecasted to be hot for this coming year. Each is currently available at my eCrater shop. I'll be uploading them to Etsy soon but there seems to be some problems this morning and it's time to climb into the shower to get ready for my work day.

 

Baby Pink on Gray and Mocha Damask Pillow Cover Pattern 

 
 

Hot Pink on Black Damask Pillow Cover Pattern 

  

Turquoise on Teal Damask Pillow Cover Pattern 

 

Lavender on Purple Damask Pillow Cover Pattern

Have a wonderful week. Remember, I can create a custom pattern for you usually at no extra charge than my ready made ones. 

Twisted Thoughts -- A New Series of Cross-Stitch Patterns in Chinese Symbol/Kanji

I am working a new series of Chinese Symbol/Kanji cross-stitch patterns and will begin uploading some to my Etsy shop within the next few days as they are ready.

These are all "mature" content. Each contains the beautiful, elegant symbols that my original patterns do but each also has a twist in meaning. What do you think this symbol means? Check my shop on Saturday and you will find out ...

The idea sprung from a conversation I had with a potential Alchemy client who was looking for something to cheer her up after a bad break-up, a rough week with mom, and upcoming college finals. We wrote back and forth -- as we did, the idea for this new series formed and I hope you will enjoy it in the spirit in which it is offered.

I will share more about our conversation when I announce the introduction of this series on Saturday morning.

Until then, have a great end of the week. I'm back to my office today after attending training in another location. It is a day of catching up and meetings, though I work with such a great group of people that I probably won't have much catch up to do. Yes!! I am blessed!

It's Not Your MaMa's Cross-Stitch ...

I was browsing for some cross-stitch books with a different and newer view and found three absolute gems for those who would like to learn cross-stitch or start a new project yet are looking for a subject that is fun or irreverent or more up to date than most patterns available.

Subversive Cross Stitch is a collection of patterns from Julie Jackson. I just love her shop, subversivejewels, on Etsy! There she offers jewelry and accessories made from her designs, as well as other items. Then there is her website where you can purchase kits or patterns.

Stitch Graffiti ... from Heather Holland-Daly is another book full of new and different cross-stitch ideas. Lots of ideas for getting started, the supplies one needs and updated, different themes on more traditional ideas.

Not Your Mama's Stitching: The Cool and Creative Way to Stitch It To 'Em from Kate Shoup Welsh not only covers cross-stitch but also new ideas for embroidery, needle punch, crewel and needlepoint. With chapter titles like, "Back Stitch to the Future," "Wear Me Out: Stitching You Can Wear," and "Present Tents: Nifty Needlecraft Gifts", how can this read not be absolutely a joy as well as informative?

Soooo, if you're ready for something new to inspire you to put needle and thread to your canvas of choice, one of these great reads and reference books might just be the thing to rev your create juices!

Then there are my Chinese Symbol/Kanji cross-stitch designs available in my Etsy shop which are new, unique, very reasonably priced and can be sent to you free of shipping charges by email. If you don't find exactly what you're looking for in my inventory, I can custom create a symbol or two or three, etc., based on your favorite word(s)! Convo me and let's talk.

DPeaGreenDesigns -- My Cross-Stitch Patterns

The majority of patterns in my Etsy Shop are cross-stitch designs of Chinese symbols/Kanji words with and without borders like these pictured here:

These Chinese symbols are the basis for many of modern-day Japanese Kanji. We see them as tattoos, used in sumi and watercolor paintings, and more and more are being used in various medium as modern day art.

As simple as the designs of each, there does seem to be a mystery about each that is exciting to explore. What drew me to these to use in cross-stitch is just that -- the simplicity and the mystery.

Very popular as body art for those who are younger than me, the boomer, I was thinking how so many of our creative arts are being adopted by the younger, up and coming generation. Some were taught like I was -- at my grandmother's and mother's knees from about age 5 (to keep me distracted and out of their hair!) -- but so many young women and men (remember Rosey Grier and his needlepoint? Google him, if not...) have developed an interest in crafting and want to teach themselves.

Since I share an interest in these wonderful symbols and their meanings, as well as have cross-stitched for years, I thought what a wonderful way to bring something elegant but easy for a beginner and yet interesting enough for the experienced cross-stitch aficionado to market. It took me awhile to develop a quality pattern and include "how to" instructions that will help any beginner, yet also be a refresher for a stitcher coming back to the art after a hiatus. I believe I've accomplished this with the added benefit of being able to instantly deliver a pattern by email in "pdf" format small enough be received without fuss.