For Peace, For Hope, For You

I thought about writing an essay about the tragedies that have recently captured the news, about the hardships so many face, but I can't. I just don't have the energy. So rather than blather on, I give you this free pattern. Enjoy it, send pics, and find peace, hope, and solace in the thread. Be blessed, dear readers.

There is no copyright on this design. It is open domain.

Faces

Not much time lately for designing, stitching or blogging, though I will admit that I've been quite taken with the iPod Touch I won at a recent company gathering. Much like the iPad, but, of course, smaller and easier to carry around. And yes, I do have access to some of my patterns through Dropbox.

However, this post is not about iPods or Dropbox. It's about my new pattern to you: Faces.

Still small, still symmetrical, but a little different from my more 'architectural' designs. My friend, Maria, stitched it a few times, each time using different colors and thicknesses. The effects were quite interesting:

Stitched with two threads

Single thread

Colors

My version on evenweave

I know this isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I have discovered a new perspective and I am eager to see where it takes me. Click here for the free pattern. 

I know I put them here someplace...

So we all know that the reason I hardly ever blog anymore is because I'm working again. And yes, it's true that I rarely get an opportunity to stitch, what with work and classes and such. But losing my 2012 patterns and ideas? How could that happen?

That's right, I can't find the patterns I designed for this year. I have searched my computer somewhat frantically, to no avail. The patterns just aren't there. I guess they felt neglected and chose to run away from home. Or something. 

The good news: there were only a couple of patterns anyway (most of which I've already shared with you), and the one that I've been working on was saved as a PDF and placed in my Dropbox app. I can always draw it again.

Note to self: Back up your patterns more often.

Instead of stitching, let me send you on a journey. The Washington Post recently held a photography contest: travel photos. They're awesome, so click here and be swept away.

All you need is love. And a rainbow.

Busy, busy, busy! The job has me on my toes and I'm just starting to get the hang of things. But I have not forgotten you. I do, on occasion, get a chance to play with another new iPad app: StitchSketch by KG-Chart. It's a nifty little app for small charts (less than 64 stitches). Great for cross stitch and bead charting, but no back stitch or outline capabilities. Super easy to use and exports PDF patterns.

I came up with a cross stitch chart I would like to share with you: click here.

Rainbow

Enjoy!

She's Back!

Eglantine Stitchery is back! My dear blogging buddy, Aurelia Eglantine, is back on the blog circuit after a long illness. Welcome Back, Aurelia! We've missed you. If you haven't been to Eglantine Stitchery, quit reading this blog and go visit her.  http://eglantinestitchery.blogspot.com/ 

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

No. Seriously, go see Aurelia and check out her resources page. You'll be fascinated, I guarantee.

The best quote about blackwork EVER!

Just have fun and make beautiful things, and don't worry about any "rules" you hear about it - it doesn't have to be reversible, it doesn't have to be counted, it doesn't even have to be BLACK, unless that's the way you plan it to be.  

                                             -Tracy Rutherford Bynum Thallas

                                              Facebook Blackwork Lovers Page

Hello again!

Life is what happens when you're busy making plans. Once again, my role in life has changed. As much as I have loved being a homemaker, I am excited to return to the work world as a freelance virtual assistant. I love doing the work; it's the best of both worlds.

While I've been busy setting up a new office, I still find time in the evening to enjoy stitching. I just came up with a new free pattern I think you might like: Summer Breeze.

Summer Breeze

Happy stitching!