D E S I G N February

What is  D E S I G N ?

This new way of sharing information about our stitching passion is run by NCCIH and this is their explanation:

DESIGN is a somewhat recursive acronym and stands forDesigner Everybody Should Instantly Get to Notice. How clever of me, right? Right? Okay, moving on. It's also a monthly blog challenge for cross stitchers (or possibly other crafters as well). Each month you get to present a designer of your choice, be it your favourite or someone you just discovered, you only need to have an ongoing WIP by them - and answer a few questions about them. Easy as that.

I had every intention of taking part in January but somehow that month came and went while I was still thinking about which of the many many designers I love I should write about.    So here is my February entry.  Who knows I may go back and add another one for January......

What do I have to do for each month's post?

First, you need a WIP by the designer you want to talk about. Doesn't matter if you only started working on it or just put the last few stitches in - you only need to have worked on it at some point during the year. Then write your post, including picture of your current work and the following questions, interview style:

What project are you talking about this month? - Please include the full name of the design, designer and artist (if applicable), and a link to what the design will look like when finished, if possible from the designer's own homepage.

Have you stitched a project by this designer before?

Would you buy/stitch a design by this designer again? Why/Why not?

What made you choose this particular design/designer?

Did you notice anything that distinguished this designer from others? - For example specialty stitches, fractionals, much/little 'confetti', beads, special fibers...

Feel free to add any other information you want to share in your post.

The designer I have chosen to write about this month is one I met in person at a Stitching Show last year.  She had a small stand but I fell in love with every one of her designs and best of all her kits came with the option of linen/evenweave as well as aida.

Her name is Gill and her company is called Itching to Stitch (great name)

The WiP I want to show you is a lavender sachet stitched on white Cashel linen using DMC and variegated threads.  It uses a mix of cross stitch and specialty stitches 

This is what it will look like when finished 

Included in the kit is a lovely backing fabric although there is enough linen to use for the back as well.   And the kit also came with lavender for the inside.   Why isn't it finished?  A good question.  I originally intended it to be a present for a dear friend until I remembered that she is allergic to many scents so I din't want to risk it.   It WILL be finished soon though.

It's not the first project I've stitched.  This coaster design is taken from a needlecase kit 

This is the needlecase kit and at some point I know I will love stitching the whole thing.  As you can see it comes in lots of different colours - one of the hardest things was choosing just one.

Would I stitch more projects by this designer - definitely yes.

Here are just 3 of the ones I would put at the top of my to stitch list although i don't think there is anything Gill has designer which I don't like.

What most attracted me to Gill's designs?

I have a passion for stitching words, I love the way she personalises designs, the little extras in the kits such as the lavender are a lovely touch and as I've already mentioned she designs for linen/evenweave using variegated threads.

Starting a new business is tough and I do hope that Gill does well so if you like the look of any of her designs I have featured please do check out her website. She offers chart only options as well as kits and will personalise charts for you at no extra cost so if you ordered the True Love wedding design you can ask for the appropriate names to be charted for you.