Put a modern twist on this Eastern design with this willow pattern classic...
This willow pattern design is based on one of the many blue and white china pieces I have collected over the years. The pattern is simplified which helps define the shades of blue from the palest to the darkest making it both striking and simple to stitch. This iconic design is a favourite with many, as this distinctive and elaborate pattern has been popular since the 18 century.
Two of my latest designs can be found in issue 234 of Cross Stitch Collection; one a beautiful oriental floral arrangement of peonies and a small bird. It is a Japanese inspired cross stitch design that uses fresh colours and the gorgeous Kreinik gold braid which gives an extra special sparkle to the finished design.
I love working on any oriental based designs. This bird with peonies and plum blossom is no exception and was a joy to design and convert into...
Celebrate the start of spring with these ornate cards. There are 6 designs in all to choose from in the latest March / April edition of CARD magazine.
These butterfly designs are a perfect reminder that sunshine is just around the corner. I have chosen very simple shapes with beautiful bright colours. If cards aren't required why not stitch three of them - without the sentiments and pop then into a triptych frame... simple.
These simple blackwork - designs are just right for stitching for Easter, as they should only take 4 - 5 hours to complete. Find them in the latest edition of Cross stitch Crazy, issue 188.
I think these designs will be suitable for many occasions, especially if you remove the outer oval pattern. One a night for a week... and you could have a supply of cards at the ready!
I know many of you have already started stitching the purple rhododendrons in this new flower series that started in last month’s GOLD, issue 108
But here, with the second instalment in this series, in issue 109, are a bright and colourful display of red, pink and orange hollyhocks. The hollyhock is a classic cottage garden flower, and there are quite a few that stand tall in the herbaceous borders of my garden. This design is brought to life simply with whole cross stitches, no fractionals or backstitches,...
I hope that this magnificent peacock design will be a sheer joy to stitch with its palette of brightly coloured stranded cottons and metallic threads.
This glorious bird is to be found in the latest edition of GOLD magazine, issue 109
As you probably know by now, I find it a delight to create detailed designs and this peacock with its vibrant colours is just one those special ones. These beautiful creatures are one of my favourite subjects to work on, and, in this...
I am inviting you into Spring with this bright and beautiful posy. After the winter months, especially with such bad weather many of us have had to cope with, this is a picture that captures the excitement we feel when spring has sprung!!
This design is in the latest edition of Cross Stitch Collection, issue 233. With such a choice of beautiful flowers at this time of the year, it is always difficult to decide which blooms to choose; in the end...
I just mentioned that it was the Chinese New Year on the 31st January - the year of the horse - so here is a quick, FREE chart.
This has been taken from my book 101 Weekend Cross Stitch Gifts where you can find the full chart for all the Chinese animals so if you need more details for a palette then look at page 73. I think though you will be able to choose the colours you would like here and if it...
This example of a bell pull can be found on page 84 of my Oriental Cross Stitch book.
This lovely design is sure to draw admiring glances. Linen bands have attractive edges, which can be scalloped or coloured and are ideal for this sort of project.
If you like this then below is another FREE design based on the one in my book that you might like to try. If you don't wish to make a bell pull then each of the motifs...
Heart shapes are always on trend – not just for Valentine's day! These simple shapes make a wonderful colourful wall art display. You can find these hearts in the February edition of Cross Stitcher. Here each heart has been stitched onto white perforated paper and mounted into a box frame using 3D foam tape. Equally the shapes can be stitched directly onto a square of white 14 count Aida or 28 count white linen if preferred.
After last year's bird series, I thought long and hard about a new bird design for Cross Stitch Collection as the designs were all very popular, but I wanted to design something a bit different for you this time. In this cross stitch the flowers make a greater splash of colour to go with my choice of bird. I have also gone with a more uncommon species, with a pair of redstarts resting amongst beautiful magnolia flowers. The redstarts visit Britain between...
Start to look forward to Spring... it may be cold, wet and miserable today, even if it is Christmas Eve, but this picture of herbs may be one to start stitching in the New Year. This picture is in the latest World of Cross Stitching, issue 212, and it will bring the earthy goodness of herbs to life with this charming design. I love cooking... and eating, so herbs play an essential part of my time at the stove. So...
Many apologies but due to family circumstances, I am not able to complete any orders for a couple of weeks. I will update the website when I am able to start taking orders again. Thank you, Lesley
