A Good Omen
Do you believe in superstitions? In the days when water was drawn from a well and carried back to the house in buckets on shoulder poles, there was a superstition about it in Belarus. If one came across a girl … Continued
Simon the Musician
Simon the Musician is one of the first designs I created when I moved to Canada. I wanted to create a Belarusan archetypal image. Simon the Musician is a popular character from the poem of the same name written by … Continued
The Castle Nursery
This piece was a happy combination of the theme for this issue and an art project our youngest did while in University! Katie created this large castle wall full of windows, and when you opened each window, you could see … Continued
The Mir Castle
A little history… The Mir Castle. In medieval times, Belarus (the former Grand Principality of Litva) was considered a ‘country of palaces and castles’. Unfortunately, there are very few ‘old’ things left after the numerous wars and 200 years under … Continued
Mom Certificate
One day, when having a conversation with a mom who had recently had an exasperating chat with one of her children, I said, “You know, there should be a certification for moms – a “B. Mom,” or something – so … Continued
Flamingo Greeting Cards
In this feature, I also provide several tips for those who have never worked on perforated paper before, and even those who have may discover something useful. By the way, if the stitching on one of the cards looks slightly … Continued
Ember Anne 2020 Sampler
This design was inspired both by the celebration of our newest family member, Ember Anne, and from cross stitch samplers common to my province in the mid 1800s. Ember’s birth provided the perfect opportunity to pull motifs from antique samplers … Continued
Market Treasures
This design owes its inspiration to Carla, the publisher of A Needle Pulling Thread! She took this won- derful photograph of some flowers she had purchased at the Farmers Market, and asked me if I would use my talent to … Continued
Canadian Santa, International Santa Series
You will have noticed that the last two International Santas have contained a good injection of humour, and this Canadian Santa continues the trend. During their design process I was going through some major personal challenges. Thankfully, designing cross stitch … Continued
Gros Morne Dory
I was lucky enough to live in Woody Point, Bonne Bay in the middle of Gros Morne National Park for six years as a child. My love for the area has never declined. This design is from a vivid memory … Continued