Friday, 1 May 2009

May 2009 Newsletter




Summer's Coming!








We've had a taste of Spring this month, haven't we?
Lovely weather is great for getting outside, so I often
take my stitching into the garden.


Let's hope this year we actually have a summer, and
no wash out! If you're just starting to see the flowers
appearing in the garden, why don't you try stitching a
few? Our range of contemporary single flowers on black
aida are proving increasingly popular, as is our field
of poppies design. I stitched a number of them last year
and they're great fun to stitch!


I've got 2 newly finished designs to show you, which
I'm very proud of. I finished my Union Jack Jaguar and
the second of our PETZ hamster designs - this one has
just missed the London Marathon, he certainly looks well
prepared for it!

 







Jaguar E-Type Union Jack Cross Stitch Kit
 


My Union Jack Jaguar design - I haven't had chance to
iron him yet!








Hamster Wheel Caricature Cross Stitch Kit


The 2 fitness fanatic hamsters together.



Hamster Weights Caricature Cross Stitch Kit


May Product
Spotlight








Our most recent addition to the range is this
beautiful old Fiat Bailil, one of a number of early
motor cars that we have in stock. Well, when I say in
stock, I do  mean the cross stitch versions!


This design looks fantastically detailed, yet only
uses 9 colours and no backstitch! I'm often told by
newcomers to stitching that they're scared to try a big
design simply because of the size. I always tell them
that our big designs are just like little designs, they
just take a bit longer!


The counting bit of cross stitch also scares some
people. I tell them that the key is to mark off the
parts that they have stitched regularly, perhaps even
every few stitches. I also let them know that if they go
wrong, it isn't the end of the world! I little bit of
unpicking (or reverse stitching, as those of us in the
know call it!) can go a long way. Don't ever be tempted
to fudge it and try to get back on track without
unpicking, you're sure to suffer for it later. Anyway,
our charts are so clear you won't ever go wrong!

 






Fiat 1932 BAILIL Cross Stitch Kit
 

1932 Fiat Bailil, as you've never seen it before!  

Guide to framing Cross
Stitch








Over the last few issues of the newsletter, we've
discussed what to do with your stitching if you don't
want to frame it. Here at Stitchtastic, we sell a number
of accessories to show off your stitching, such as
coasters, clocks, key rings, fridge magnets and the like.


But still, there's nothing quite like a beautiful
piece of cross stitch art on the wall, nicely framed for
everyone to see.


When choosing a frame for your work, it is a good
idea to try to match the frame to the cross stitch, that
is, if you have stitched a traditional pattern it would
not particularly suit a very modern frame, likewise,
cross stitching a really up to date pattern and framing
it in an antique looking frame would not be very
suitable either. Another idea is to take a good look at
your pattern and if there is a colour in the piece which
really stands out it may be possible to obtain a frame
in a matching colour or possibly a lighter shade. The
room in which the completed cross stitch picture will be
hung should also be taken into consideration. The frame
adds the finishing touch to any picture so if you are
buying a frame, or having one made by a professional
frame maker, do remember to take the piece of cross
stitching with you when you are choosing your frame.


Once you have chosen the frame, you also need to
decide how to mount the work before it is framed. Do you
need a border around the edge of the piece? The choice
is entirely yours but a guide to this is that the
finished cross stitch will stand out more when framed if
it has a border around the edge of the material rather
than the edges of the finished work going straight into
a frame.


For more information on how to frame, and about
choosing the correct frame, please click here.

 






Chihuahua Dog Caricature Cross Stitch Kit
 




Chihuahua Dog Caricature Cross Stitch Kit
 



To frame or not to frame?




Volkswagen Camper Van Bay Window (detailed) Cross Stitch Kit
 




Volkswagen Camper Van Bay Window (detailed) Cross Stitch Kit
 




Next Month








In June's newsletter (June already? Where is 2009
going?!) I'd like to share with you some of our
customers' stories and pictures.


If you'd like to be featured in our newsletter,
please e-mail me at sarah@stitchtastic.com, preferably
with a picture of your stitching!

 






Suzuki GSX 1400 Motorcycle Cross Stitch Kit
 


Questions or comments? E-mail me at sarah@stitchtastic.com or
call +44 (0) 114 2353958



Until next time

Sarah

Designer



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