Byrd's Nest

Unfolding Leaves

2013-04-09T16:36:00.000-07:00

I've been quite taken with leaves as of late. Here is a motif that is a ton of fun to stitch! Unfolding Leaves makes a pretty pattern for a greeting card, border or maybe even a bookmark. I've included some variations you might want to try.

Unfolding Leaves is fun and easy to stitch.

Click here for the pattern.

Imaginesque

2013-04-06T13:41:00.000-07:00

I took to surfing the internet not long ago and came across a most amazing blog: Imaginesque. Jack London once said, "You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club." And C.J., the mysterious author of this amazing blog does just that.

Using simple motifs as building blocks, C.J. shows us step-by-step ways we can create our own blackwork and embroidery masterpieces. Biscornus, fill patterns, and border patterns have opened my mind to a new world of possibilities.

More than 280 posts fascinate and inspire. One of my favorites is "Blackwork Floral Biscornu Pincushion Pattern Variation" (May 20, 2012):

I love the shape of the leaves in this floral motif.

C.J. also offers friendship bracelet patterns and there's a nifty little blog on bookbinding.

Oh yeah! And all the patterns are free!

So go take a look, get inspired, and start stitching at Imaginesque

Spring Bloom

2013-03-13T16:52:00.000-07:00

It's really happening. Spring is on the way! To celebrate, I give you Spring Bloom:

I stitched this one with two threads, the design inside the petals is stitched with a single thread. French knots in the corners add a bit of whimsy. Click here for the pattern.

For Peace, For Hope, For You - Revisited

2013-01-26T16:51:00.002-08:00

Stitcher, Irene McIntosh took my recent pattern and made it into something truly amazing.

Thank you, Irene. Your work is inspiring.

In case you missed it, here's the open domain pattern again:

Motif Fun

2013-01-19T12:32:00.000-08:00

I love stitching well into the night. I turn on Netflix, find a show, and stitch the night away to the flickering light of the television. My newest Netflix guilty pleasure is the television show, "Merlin." It's a horrible departure from the Camelot legends, but it's fun, the people are pretty, and I get to see some nice settings. I particularly enjoy the castle windows, which are lovely leaded glass with a quatrefoil (four petal flower) motif. Those windows became the ideal inspiration for a nice exercise in blackwork fill.

The large pattern on the left is the actual pattern of the windows shown in "Merlin." The upper right portion is that pattern expanded to create a fill. I think the diagonal quatrefoil motif would look lovely in green or red, giving the effect of a vine on a trellis.

I got looking at the quatrefoil motif and started thinking about how it would look arranged differently. The bottom two are the result.

For these patterns, plus two bonus patterns, click here.

Snowflake Fill

2013-01-01T15:24:00.001-08:00

Snowflakes are a great motif for repeating patterns. This snowflake is a nice size for ornaments or borders. Click here for pattern

Happy Stitching!

And Happy New Year!

For Peace, For Hope, For You

2012-12-18T13:52:00.003-08:00

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

2012-10-21T09:40:00.001-07:00

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.

More Cross Stitch Apps for iPad!

2012-08-26T15:16:00.000-07:00

They're at it again! iPad cross stitch apps are getting better and better! Here are two new favorites!

Stitch Sketch for Cross Stitch is created by KG Stitch of Japan. This sweet little app is lightning-fast and pretty darned easy. Lots of fun for free-hand doodling.

The Stitch Sketch screen. Chart size can expand to 250 x 250 stitches

A recent update gives you DMC color chart

Super simple to create a PDF document, too. I especially like how you can adjust the size of the chart on the PDF.

Adjust the size of your chart for PDF export.

Open your PDF in any PDF app, or send to your PC or Mac.

You can add text, create specialty lines, and, with the newest version, upload your charts to Dropbox. You can even find user's manuals, tutorials, and tips at the KG Soft website.

I'm still waiting for a blackwork/back stitch feature, but with the continuous updates that make the app better and better, I have a feeling I'll be seeing lines here soon.

*Nice feature: you can create your charts using color, shapes, and even bead layouts. Very versatile! The app costs $4.99.

Cross Stitch Maker by Megafauna Software is intended to be a virtual greeting card app, but it's ideal for small projects! You start out with a blank canvas of virtual aida cloth. Then you choose your stitch and colors, or choose from a nice variety of motifs.

Easy to use buttons along the side and top make this app foolproof.

A nice selection of motifs make designing easy peasy.

Cross Stitch Maker integrates the iPad keyboard!
Just choose your font and type.
When you're done, you can place it anywhere!

Still want to draw your own? No problem. With finger or stylus, it's responsive and quick.

Email or upload your card to Facebook or Twitter, or send it to Zazzle to make t-shirts, mugs, and more. At $1.99, this is great app to own even if you don't stitch!

So get to the app store at iTunes and see for yourself these and other great new apps.

And happy stitching!

I know I put them here someplace...

2012-08-25T09:47:00.000-07:00

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.

2012-07-18T16:04:00.002-07:00

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!

2012-06-24T10:20:00.000-07:00

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!

2012-06-10T09:41:00.004-07:00

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!

2012-06-09T12:56:00.000-07:00

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!

Beyond Angry Birds: iPad apps for cross stitch

2012-05-03T11:25:00.000-07:00

I spent the first three months with my iPad playing endless games of “Angry Birds.” Once I got over smashing pigs and marmosets, I really started to explore. It soon became obvious to me that the iPad is the ideal venue for cross stitch design and patterns. Apparently others think so, too, because new cross stitch apps are popping up almost every month. I thought I’d take this opportunity to rate a few of them:

Cross Stitch HD

The first cross stitch app I found is titled simply Cross Stitch HD. Designed by John Bley, this app is as basic as they get. Pre-loaded clip art provided courtesy of the Open Clip Art Project www.openclipart.org provides a selection of clip art motifs. They cannot be adjusted or changed. You can load a saved photo. The zoom feature inherent in most iPad apps is nice, as is the highlight tool for specific colors. Unfortunately, there is little care in correcting colors so one ends up with some rather questionable combinations and placement. There has been no update to the app since May 2011; almost as if the developer forgot all about it.

Free clip art doesn't always translate well
to the cross stitch canvas

Conclusion: Don’t waste your time or your money. There are better options.

Point de Croix by Anuman

Anuman http://www.anuman-interactive.com/ offers several pattern apps with Point de Croix etc. Fairy tales, florals, cats, dogs, and more are offered in several themed apps for just 99 cents each. Lots of nice motifs and samplers and an easy-to-use magnifying window make it simple to keep track of what you’re doing. You cannot alter any of the patterns. A nice feature of the Anuman apps is the instructions. They’re well-written and thorough; ideal for the beginning stitcher, and a nice reminder of stuff more experienced stitchers probably forgot along the way.

Each app offers a variety of charming motifs and samplers.

Choose the module you want. The red box in the upper
left corner shows where you are in relation to the pattern.

Conclusion: If you like collecting motifs, these affordable apps are a great choice.

No Boring Publishing

Lush and elegant illustrations can be yours with the beautiful apps offered by No Boring Publishing. www.noboringpublishing.com/nopu/HOME.html. Vintage samplers and border patterns are presented in five themed apps. “Russia,” “St. Patrick,” “Brodure,” and “Christmas” are 99 cents each. Their newest addition, “Monograms” is $3.99, but it offers 650 possible monogram letter combinations that will add a touch of class to everything you stitch. The stitch calculator is a bit awkward, and stitching instructions are scant, but they look cool and add to the overall appearance. It’s a little like visiting a needlework museum.

Go back to a simpler time with the beautiful vintage
apps by No Boring Publishing

Lush illustration tempts you...

...and with a touch the chart appears.

Conclusion: Even if you never use the patterns, these apps are so pretty; they’re worth the price of admission.

Leisure Arts

The free Leisure Arts www.leisurearts.com/ app is a dynamite catalog for all kinds of crafts. Crochet, cross stitch, sewing – you’ll find lots of great ideas here. There are several free pattern downloads and you can preview many of the books before you buy. Purchases are downloaded and viewed through the Leisure Arts app, uploaded to another reader like iBooks or Dropbox, or you can print using air printer software. Don’t have an air printer? No problem. Just open in iBooks, then email the pattern to your PC or laptop. You’ll get a nice PDF document ideal for printing.

Leisure Arts is more than just cross stitch

Quality free and paid patterns will keep you busy for years!

Conclusion: This one is a “must have” for all your craft cravings.

Speaking of Dropbox…

There are lots of online methods for saving PDF and photo files. My favorite is Dropbox www.dropbox.com. I can add files from the iPad or drag and drop them into the Dropbox software on my laptop. Always in sync, always ready, I have lots of PDF and jPEG patterns saved to this app.

Keep all your PDF and photo patterns in Dropbox
and you'll have them everywhere you go.

Conclusion: It’s free. It’s flexible. And it’s much more than just cross stitch. It may just become your favorite app for all your important documents.

Stitching The Night Away X-Stitch Calculator

One of my favorite websites http://www.stitchingthenightaway.com/ offers a free stitch calculator. Type in your pattern’s stitch count, thread count and border, and instantly know how much fabric you’ll need for your project. Calculations are rounded up to the nearest full inch; it’s not precise but it’s more than enough to help you determine your stitching needs.

Takes the guesswork out of
fabric calculations!

Conclusion: Sweet! Simple, handy, and free! What more do you need?

Coffee Shop Works XStitcher

Many of my stitching sisters and brothers love collecting floss as much as they love stitching with it. If you like to keep an organized inventory of floss, this app is the one for you.

Coffee Shop Works XStitcher http://coffeeshopworks.blogspot.com/ catalogs both Anchor and DMC flosses giving you a great way to maintain inventory for your projects. There’s even a shopping list builder. If you’ve got a project in the works, this inventory control app is a life-saver. It’s simple, easy to use, and it’s a good buy at $1.99. I keep a small stash and thought it was more than I needed, but I’m glad I bought it. I never would have guessed that I had five skeins of Dark Mahogany…

DMC threads are easy to find with the
well-organized index.

Keep track of your stash and add
to your shopping list with ease.

You can even keep track of your projects!

Conclusion: Large stash or small, this inventory app is an essential part of the tablet cross stitch experience.

And the winner is…

Cross Stitch 2 Go by Ursa Software http://ursasoftware.com/ is hands-down my favorite cross stitch app. Still in its development, XS2Go is constantly improving. This is a full-on design program, so let your imagination make it happen. Full, half, and backstitch modes give you options galore. DMC color palate is complete and you can choose your colors with ease. There’s even a markup mode so you can keep track of your stitching progress. This app eliminates the need for printing paper copies, but if you want to, you can download the free PDF utility and convert patterns to PDF, or simply email them to yourself or friends. You can even share your designs with other app owners by adding your charts to the free online chart gallery. XS2Go is the companion app to MacStitch and WinStitch 2012 cross stitch design software, so you can work on your PC or Mac and interchange the patterns from computer to tablet and visa versa.

Full functionality is what sets this app apart from the rest.
View stitches, or...

...worksheet mode.
You can markup the pattern in this mode as well.

It’s still got a few bugs yet, but the app master at Ursa Software is responsive to feedback and works diligently to improve both the iPad app and the computer design software.

Saving and reloading is simple.
I like the preview window, too.

This fully functional app is $8.99 and I think it’s well worth it. MacStitch and WinStitch 2012 are sold separately, start at $40 for the basic program, and are offered in the form of download, CD, or USB stick. Right now I’m playing with the demo version of WinStitch 2012, and look forward to purchasing the premium version ($65 download) soon.

Share your talent and your patterns in the
free online chart library.

Conclusion: Like I said, this is my favorite app, despite the glitches. It does what I want it to do, and shows a great deal of promise as the iPad cross stitch community grows.

There are several other cross stitch apps available, as well as apps for your favorite cross stitch magazines, and the field is growing by leaps and bounds. If you’ve ever needed an excuse to get an iPad, this is it. So go ahead, make the investment. You’ll be glad you did.

After all, you can’t play Angry Birds from a book.

Happy Stitching!

2012-04-28T13:56:00.001-07:00

My mother died last week. It was not unexpected nor was it unwelcome. Just weeks shy of 89 years, my mother's body and mind were both worn out. I had the profound honor of holding her hand as she passed, and I rejoice in knowing that she is in the hands of the Light.

My Mother

Today, to honor her memory, I give you, "Peavine"

Peavine

It's a simple chain design with lots of potential. In a single line, it's a delicate accent. Stitched in rows, side-by-side, it becomes positively lush. The possibilities are almost endless!

Enjoy. When you stitch it, I hope you think of your own mother and your unique and special relationship with her. And smile.

Be blessed~

Jeanne

2012-03-31T14:50:00.000-07:00

I am gobsmacked! Twizzlefixed! Over the moon! Rose at Christmas City Stitcher has presented me with the Liebster Blog award!

The word, "Liebster" is German for "Favorite" and I'm thrilled to know that my blog has become a favorite place for other bloggers to come to be motivated and inspired. Thank you, Rose. I am truly honored.

To accept the award, the blogger must:
1. Link back to the person who gave it to you and thank them.
2. Post the award to your blog.
3. Give the award to 5 bloggers with less than 200 followers that you appreciate and value.
4. Leave a comment on the 5 blogs to let them know they have been offered this award.
5. Share 5 random facts about yourself that people don't know about you.

So it is with great pleasure that I present to you my five favorite small blogs~

The World According to Agi With charming free patterns and innovative finishing techniques, Agi gets my creative juices going! She now offers paid patterns, too. A visit to Agi's world is a true adventure.

Feeling a little blue? Visit Flossy Bobbin and that blue will become a veritable rainbow of color and light. Flossy Bobbin is funny, irreverent, and very creative. She's got a sunny attitude and can't help but make you feel the same.

Aurelia at Eglantine Stitchery has been an inspiration to me for quite some time now. Her fun ideas, her careful and meticulous stitchery are a joy. Her cross stitch resource page is one of the best on the net! She hasn't posted since the holidays. Hopefully, she'll return soon with lots of new ideas.

Ant-Stitch is a new blog on the scene that focuses on the great new patterns featured at Ant of Sweden. There are contests and freebies, so be sure to bookmark this one and visit often.

A Bit of This and That is like sitting down with a friend over a hot cup of coffee. Beautiful stitchery and fun finishing techniques make Shannon's blog a great place to visit.

Be sure to stop by and say hi to all these talented and creative people.

Now for those five random facts...

I love games. Card games, word games, board games; I love 'em all. I'm horrible at chess and bridge, but can hold my own in dominoes and canasta.
When I travel, I end up taking lots of pictures of architecture and scenery, none of the people I am traveling with.
I'll admit it; I'm a Facebook addict. Pintrest is starting to grow on me, too.
Parties scare me, but I love speaking in front of a group.
I know how to fly an airplane.

Thanks again, Rose, for your support and encouragement.

Happy Stitching to you all!
Jeanne

Framing made easy

2012-03-11T16:30:00.000-07:00

Well, now that I have learned how to frame, I'm finding it a lot less intimidating. One of the best methods I've found is at Carol Leather's Needlework Tips & Techniques. This easy-to-understand tutorial uses foam core board and straight pins to secure the fabric. A couple of stitches at the back corners, and it's ready to display in the frame. The nice thing about this method is that the picture can be removed from the board and washed if necessary.

I used Carol's framing method for my most recent pattern, Fleur de lis:

It really was simple and stress-free, after I figured out how to handle the glass without getting smudges on it. My secret weapon? Vinyl gloves, of course!

And yes, this pattern will be available soon at Ant of Sweden.

Hatching something fun

2012-03-02T15:46:00.000-08:00

Looking for a little Easter fun? You'll find it with Easter Chicks. Simple blackwork arches pay a whimsical salute to the awakening of spring.

Bright yellow beaks are just cross stitches with a long vertical
stitch down the center.
French knots or seed beads for the eyes.

Click here for the pattern

MJ did it with DMC variegated thread:

So bright and cheerful!

Love Letter

2012-02-15T14:34:00.000-08:00

For you, dear readers, I present, Love Letter. I fell in love with this pattern as I worked it, changing colors, changing moods, until finally it felt right. This is a special "Thank You" to you all for your support and patronage. I don't know which pleases me more, creating and stitching the designs, or sharing them. At any rate, this is my belated Valentine's Day gift to you.

Visit the Cross Stitch Smalls page for your free pattern

New Tutorial! Pinhead stitch variation

2012-01-24T13:43:00.000-08:00

Securing blackwork thread is much like cross stitch. You can use a waste knot or simply weave the tail between the threads.

Another great way to secure thread is the Pinhead Stitch. You'll find a great tutorial at Beth Katz's Needlework.

I have come up with my own variation for blackwork that you might find helpful: the Pinhead stitch variation for blackwork.

Click here for the tutorial

A cook's new best friend

2012-01-15T12:18:00.000-08:00

Love to cook? I do, and I spend a lot of time surfing the net for great new recipes. Of course, that means I've got recipes scattered all over my computer. From bookmarks to Word documents, I've had a devil of a time organizing it all.

Enter Pepperplate.com. This amazing website puts it all together in one place. Import your favorite recipes from your favorite sites, including Allrecipes.com, Epicurious, and Food Network. Add your own recipes manually, and categorize them all according to the way you like them. It's flexible and easy to customize.

A meal calendar and the menu section make for easy planning, and the shopping list is the best I've ever seen. With free apps for both iPad and Android, you can access your shopping list on your device even when you're off line.

Finally, a Pepperplate bookmarklet allows you to import recipes straight from the site you're visiting.

All in all, this is the best cooking resource I have ever found.

Don't wait. Visit Pepperplate.com today and find out how easy it is to keep your cooking world organized.

Bon Appetit!

New Year, New Patterns

2012-01-12T13:59:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I hope you're finding joy in every aspect of your life.

I'm celebrating with a new page on my blog: Cross Stitch Smalls. There you will find my newest cross stitch: Pepper Pot.

I love the bright colors. They remind me of the beautiful peppercorns I use in my pepper mill. I used four threads for the red, three threads for the black and two threads for the gold. This gave it a nice texture and really made the red pop! What colors do you envision? Stitch it up in your own fashion and send a photo to me. I'll post it for all to see.

Here's to a great 2012!

Happy Stitching!

New Patterns at Ant of Sweden

2011-12-28T09:57:00.000-08:00

Now available exclusively at Ant of Sweden: Gift Pack 2.

I've packaged 4 of my most popular patterns in one PDF ebook. These are some of my favorites, and I'm thrilled to bring them to you.

Deco, Ilsa, Hannah, and Erin

Visit Ant of Sweden today and see all the great new cross stitch and blackwork designs. From samplers to seat covers, Ant of Sweden offers something for everyone. Check it out; I think you'll be inspired!

Smudges

2011-12-20T10:55:00.000-08:00

Reminder to Self: When pressing the colored blackwork ornaments, do NOT use the steam setting.

That's right. I inadvertently used the steam setting on a colored ornament, and the color ran. I ended up with smudges of red and blue all over it.

There are a couple of solutions; number one being "don't use the steam setting." However, the instant solution is not always the best solution; this does nothing for the possibility of your work getting wet in the future.

The other solution, the one I chose, was to give the design a quick spritz of hair spray. No need to shellac with a heavy coat, just a couple of light sweeps does what you need it to do, and keeps the fabric pliable.

Maria suggested I paint a coat of white glue over the fabric. I've used this method for patches and for framing pieces in a hoop, and yes, it's waterproof. It does, however, stiffen the fabric. I mix water into to the glue (I use Alene's Ok-to-wash-it fabric glue), creating a wash that I can then daub or paint onto the finished work. Here's a link to my tutorial. It's certainly worth a try, depending on the way you plan to finish your piece.

Hope this helps. Stitch happy!