Illustrator Tutorial for Drawing Quilt Block

My first online publication! This tutorial resulted from a banner and avatar I created for Etsy. More to come!

Topiary Needlework Design

Two color design on 28 count linen
Finished size: 5" x 7"

Needlework Cat Buttons

Cross stitch button designs on 1-7/8" buttons

Materials:
28 count bay leaf Jobelan from Wichelt Imports, Inc.
DMC floss
Mill Hill beads


Original pattern, Just-Cross Stitch magazine


Chart for flower design, drawn using Adobe Illustrator

Please email me if you are interested in the complete pattern including sewing instructions for the pillow and/or the button forms.

Afghan Completed!

The completed afghan. Not like my grandmother made 'em. It turned out to be a little larger than expected, 67" x 84", and fits nicely on a king sized bed. I ended up switching to a yarn that was a little thicker. I used Caron's One Pound acrylic yarn (color Off White), and while I like that acrylic yarns typically wear well and retain their shape, I am looking into some other options like washable wool or maybe a wool blend.

The stitches are simple, and the pattern is challenging. I could work one row every 20 minutes, and it has 152 rows. I admit that I did numerous rows twice, cause I didn't take my own advice and check my work frequently with the pattern. It weighs just over 7 pounds. It kept my hands busy during Law and Order marathons and extended phone conversations with my favorite people.

I will put an improved photo of the afghan when I get the right set up for photographing it properly. It was so big I had to get on a ladder and could barely get the whole thing.