I love counted cross stitch and have spent my earlier years buying every magazine that had the newest designs. However, I wanted a design that fitted my life.... and I started designing cross stitch. At that time, late 80's, we did not own a computer, so every thing I designed was hand drawn on graph paper and stitched. I then had so many design ideas, that I started submitting them to magazines and companies. The first sampler I ever designed, "A Precious Baby Sampler" was bought by a company. I was so excited! However, one condition was that they buy the rights to my design and also keep my stitched piece. For the small price of $200 , I signed over my work. I never ever saw the piece printed.( I need to stitch up the sampler now for myself) With the top magazines, I got so many compliments along with rejection letters. I also did not want to sell my rights to something I designed. So I basically quit sending my work out for approval and for a small wage, and started designing and selling privately. A few years later, we acquired a computer, and Sweetie bought me PC stitch. It is great and I love it. However, I still keep my graph paper, and colored pencils on hand. For me, there is nothing better than to sit in my favorite spot, drawing up my designs.It's the same with reading. I would much rather curl up somewhere with a good book, than to sit and read it online. {: Sometimes, I will take what I have drawn and change it over to PC stitch, but usually, I stitch straight from my hand drawn work.
This is a sampler I made of our home life in the 90's. 
Don't you love the hearts coming out of the chimney? {: Now that we have moved to the country and live in our beautiful country home, I have drawn up the picture, but have not yet stitched the sampler. I am not sure if I want to cross stitch it or elaborately embroider it. Of course there will have to be chickens and ducks on this sampler.LOL. I have been working on a cross stitch rooster for the longest time. He is from a kit I purchased and is only half done. I will post him at a later date. Besides samplers, I love cross stitched hand towels and baby designs. But I have to say, my passion is hand embroidery. Do any of you cross stitch? What are your favorite kinds of designs? 
11 comments:
That is just simply beautiful.. and I love the hearts coming out of the chimney, too.
Rats... now I want to learn how to cross stitch...
Kathleen you're killing me! Let me learn one thing at a time, PLEASE! LOL
I've done a lot of counted cross stitching..my favorite thing I made was a picture for my little niece of teddy bears, it turned out really sweet...I'd like to do a nice sampler too one day...just getting back into it after leaving it for a few years.
Hi Kathleen,
I just found you through Judy's Postcard Plus. I work with a lot of hand embroidered items and am always amazed at the talent, love and patience it takes. I can't even imagine the time it must take you to make these wonderful pieces of art. Beautiful blog!
Patricia :o)
I love seeing your work...it is just beautiful.
I am just beginning to do cross stitch again. I used to do it (it was my passion) in the '80's and through the early 90's; then when my girls were in high school, I started college, and put my hoops and needles away. The first piece I've done since then was started in January and just completed a couple of weeks ago. The stitching is terrible, but the whole process was a joy. I hope to be doing a lot more cross stitching from now on.
Hope you have a beautiful Thursday!
Pam
Hi Kathleen, I love to cross stitch and I love your piece...especially the hearts coming out of the chimney.
I adore samplers and right now I'm stitching a Home Sweet Home piece. Have a wonderful day...hugs, Linda
Oh how I use to love to cross-stitch but it has been years. Your embrodiered goodies are wonderful especially the apron. Must list you as a favorite. Hugs, RoseMarie
Hello Kathleen! What a darling purse you made!!! You are so funny about your "maybe someday Etsy store"!!!!!!! I will wait patiently for that wonderful day and when that day does come, I will be your first customer! Happy Mother's Day to you dear friend! Hugs, Maryjane
Cross stitching is my first love in handwork! Paula Vaughn is my favorite designer and I've done many of her paintings in cross stitch. Maybe I'll post photos of them sometime next week.
I always enjoy your work and so my mom & I are trying to learn embroidery now as well. We found a wonderful on line video demo and are learning new stitches. I can hardly wait to complete my first piece!
Smiles,
Lea
Gal, you are making me more and more envious of your handi work and your drive. I too crossed stitched in my "good eye" days, and used the books to do anything. I was terrible slow, and wonder if any of what I made to give away is still around! Ah Well, I ejoyed seeing the finished work. I love the hearts coming from the chimney and have one question. Will you be able to sell any of your work once you open your shop? You have so many hours of labor and love in each piece.
Happy Mother's Day. And how is your daughter?
Hi everyone, thank you always for your sweet comments. I just love hearing from each one of you. blessings, Kathleen
Hi Kathleen, I love your sampler that you designed and stitched. I love to do cross stitch in fact I owned a cross stitch shop before moving to WV. It was so much fun and I really missed it after I sold it and moved. I still cross stitch alot but not on the fine linens anymore. I do alot of the kits from The Silver Needle, Secret Needle night. They are all done on large count fabrics and done with specilty threads and buttons. I also buy antiques samplers on ebay and estate sales. I've lined my two walls ceiling to floor going up my staircase with them. Thank you for showing your sampler!
Blessings,
Shirl
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