The Power of Backstitches

I don't always have a chance to demonstrate just how powerful backstitching can be. For one, I often backstitch as I finish an area, so getting a picture with just the cross stitching done is almost impossible. Secondly, I work on a lot of smaller projects. But sometimes, I really love to see how the design blooms.

In this first picture, I have all my cross stitches done. It really doesn't look like much other than blobs of color. You can barely tell what this is going to be ("You are the Sweetest Heart" - Gloria & Pat, PMR3). This panel will be going for a charity quilt, being presented to a special young lady.

No backstitches yet

And here we are, with all the backstitches done. This chart isn't really that huge - 40 stitches wide by 89 high. The cross stitches took me about 20 working hours, and backstitching another 8.

Amazing, isn't it?

You can get this lovely design from Patterns Online or you can get the whole booklet with 25 other sweet designs from Gloria & Pat's website as a digital download. The booklet itself is out of print, so you may well pay a bit more than the $12.50 cover price.

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I've taken a few days away from working on items for the shop to do a couple of panels for a quilt. I do have some more message magnets to go into both shops. My 10% off sale is over, but I will do another one very soon. In addition to starting on Christmas ornaments (yeah, I know.. it's only the beginning of May!), I should have some small gifts like mug mats and bread cloths ready well in time for the holiday season. Don't forget to drop by Facebook and LIKE the page. It's a great way to stay in touch of sales and product additions. 

Thanks for stopping by!!

Outstanding Service!

If you follow this blog, you know that I have been having a hard time finding certain items. I am so used to the complete needlework shops that have all the necessary items, plus spoiled by stores like Michael's and Hobby Lobby where you can find everything you need for embellishments. Here in Finland, we do have a small chain called Timari. We even have one in our small town. I can get basics like jump rings and eye pins but it is a VERY limited selection and well, expensive. For example the magnets I use for my witty little message magnets. I found 6 of them for 2 euros, or about 60 cents EACH. I used to get my magnets at Wat-Mart for about 8 cents each. I am still looking for sources on this before I resort to mail order. As I told my husband, at least I know where to get them.

But, I needed some other items to complete my tiny stitching. There is this place near Tampere (the next large town to our east) that has a lovely website. So, I decided to try them. I put an order in on Saturday the 23rd for findings and beads. We got the payment request on Monday and sent it back. My package arrived today, complete!! I didn't request any special handling or pay for rush postage. From the time we sent the payment information in to the package arriving was less than 48 hours!!! GREAT selection, outstanding service too. I will definitely be back to shop there and will make a road trip soon too.

They do ship international, folks...

Visit HelmiQ soon!!