Vivacious Violets

This project is called "Vivacious Violets" and was designed by Virginia Douglas. It was published in the August 1997 issue of Cross-Stitch & Needlework magazine.

It was stitched on 14 count Natural Aida and is roughly 6 x 5. The stich count is 95 x 75. There are no fractional stitches, just full cross and back stitches. The design called for Kreinik blending filaments and #8 braid, but not having any on hand, I used just the DMC cotton floss.

This design was quick, easy, and fun to stitch!!

Little Collage

I had this 4 opening mat and frame and needed something to put into it. I searched a very long time to find four motifs small enought to fit each of the openings in the mat. I have a lot of Celtic motifs and I finally! found three that would work. I used my initial to fill the fourth space. It's framed in an antiqued gold frame. These motifs used DMC cotton floss, Mill Hill seed beads and Kreinik blending filament. Each motif measures 1.5" X 2.5". Framed, it measures 13" X 5".

My Newest Christmas Design

This is called "Irish Christmas Visitor". It's 8 X 10 and has lots of beads (of course) and Kreinik metallics. I am of Irish descent so I try to find and stitch as many Irish/Celtic designs as I can. I even used the small Celtic crosses in the corners in greeting cards. This was stitched on aida but someday I hope to re-work it on 28 ct. Irish linen. The curtains at the window were done in a technique I had never done before. It was similar to "tweeding". The bottom part of the stitch was dark blue. The top part of the stitch was white. I really enjoyed stitching this one! From the designer: While the Irish don't have a tradition of a gift-giver or a Santa Claus, they have a number of customs related to the Christmas season. On Christmas Eve, a lighted candle is placed in the window, a loaf of bread with raisins and caraway seeds (soda bread) and a pitcher of milk are left on the kitchen table, and the door remains unlatched to extend hospitality to the Holy Family or to any traveler who might be on the road. Immigrants from the south of Ireland brought the idea of holly wreaths with them to the United States; therefore, holly appears on the border of this design. Also, what tribute to the Irish would be complete without shamrocks, celtic crosses, and an Irish harp? This Santa also carries a golden cage with a wren inside because on Dec. 26, young boys go from house to house carrying an artificial wren, singing a simple verse, and expecting a gift of pennies for "Feeding the Wren," a custom similar to our "Trick or Treat" on Halloween.

Celtic Christmas

This design is by Marilyn Leavitt-Imblum. It's called "Celtic Christmas". It's on 28ct evenweave. There is also lots and lots of Kreinik metallics and Mill Hill Beads. I haven't gotten it framed...yet. I love all the designs from this designer.