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 Russian occupation. Still, Mir Castle is undoubtedly known to everyone who has heard about Belarus […]
Category Archives: Cross Stitch
05
Jun
Jun
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 that at a time like this she can point to a plaque on the wall […]
04
Jun
Jun
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 different from the others, that’s because I changed one of the pink colours to provide […]
03
Jun
Jun
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 to create something entirely new. Antique samplers were often stitched by very young girls and […]
17
Apr
Apr
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 convert the picture into a design for the magazine. I accepted the challenge – and […]
16
Apr
Apr
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 patterns is a good form of therapy for me. Humour lightens my heart and I […]
27
Dec
Dec
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 from my childhood: a dory with the evergreen mountains in the background accentuated by the […]
26
Dec
Dec
It’s more common than we think that people will enjoy their home during their time off. Instead of travel, revel in the comforts of home. Jo has created this cross stitched piece in ode to the best place on earth – home. Read more in our Issue 51. Download the PDF pattern now. Designed by […]
16
Aug
Aug
Small flower bouquets called a ‘posy’ have existed since medieval times. This particular pattern is inspired by that history as well as the time-honored art of lace making. The piece utilizes freshwater pearls from a never used bracelet, a scrap piece of 28 count white Monaco, DMC floss and a $2.99 thrifted pedestal glass candy […]
15
Aug
Aug
Not long before ANPTmag suggested recycling as the theme for this issue, designer Jo Gatenby had been browsing the internet, collecting pictures and ideas for a guild project – including making jewelry from recycled items. Great minds think alike! Jo says, “I immediately pulled out my folder and began figuring out what I would do […]