Latest News: needlework patterns
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All the news, as published in Creative Poppy's newsletter
Cross stitch, with a cheerful contemporary touch
You'll enjoy stitching these fun motifs in bright and cheerful colors, easy and quick to complete. Given their small size (3" square), they lend themselves to a variety of decorative uses to cheer up a friend or add a touch of gaiety to your home. Brought to you by Tapestry Barn.
More patterns with a Folk-Art touch
Lazy daisy stitches
Are you familiar with the lazy daisy stitch? It's a quick and easy stitch, ideal for flowers, petals and leaves. It's also very pretty!
 | How about giving it a try? You can practice first on a piece of Aida or needlework fabric. Point A is the center of the flower and point B the tip of the petal. 1. Bring the needle and thread up through the fabric at the center of the flower (A), push needle back down through the same hole (A) and up at the tip of the petal (B), placing under the tip of the needle so it forms a loop . Gently pull the thread through without flatening the loop, so the petal is nice and round. 2. Make a small stitch across the thread at the top of the petal to secure (C) very close to (B). |
Now let's try stitching a couple of daisies
Here is a charming alphabet by Tapestry Barn combining blue cross stitch letters and daisy flowers worked in lazy daisy stitch. The alphabet is very decorative and can be stitched as a whole. Alternatively you can use the letters to form initials, names and words of your choice. Projects ideas include a "Welcome" sign, to greet visitors into your home, or a set of personalized bathroom towels for the family.
>> see all patterns with Alphabets, Letters and Monograms (all designers)
Cherry Blossoms
Spring is here, so why not celebrate with this remarkable needlework cushion, brought to you by Faby Reilly. Notice the delicacy of the flower petals and pistils embellished with golden seed beads.
More blossoming trees
Click on any pattern to view to full design.
>> see all cross stitch patterns with tree blossoms
Joys of Spring
Cheerful, uplifting spring cross stitch patterns to bring us a bit of joy, even in troubled times. Designs by Tiny Modernist.
More Easter bunnies
>> see all Easter patterns
>> see all the news for Easter
Blackwork takes on spring colors
Who said that Blackwork had to be stitched in black? Designer Lesley Teare brilliantly demonstrates how the technique can be used with sunny and cheerful colors. Furthermore, each of these patterns combines two slightly different hues of floss to further lighten up to the stitched piece.
>> see all patterns for Spring (all designers)
Upcycling, cross stitch style
Find a new creative use for your little tin boxes.
Kyoko Maruoka, GERA!s designers suggests mounting pretty cross stitch pieces onto the covers, hiding sides with decorative trimming. These little boxes will look very cute on a shelf, or you can give them away as gifts, with a little surprise inside.
More Box cover ideas to cross stitch
>> see all patterns for decorating box covers
A ray of moonlight
Here's a beautiful cross stitch pattern by Gracewood Stitches: starting from a former color design, she decided to recreate it as if the garden's colors had faded into the dark and the flowers were only lit by a ray of moonlight.
This piece is worked in Assisi stitch - a cross stitch technique which consists in filling the background only , letting the patterns appear in negative on the fabric. We love the way the design exudes calm and softness all the while being very decorative.
>> see more patterns by Gracewood Stitches
Spring Showers
It's fun walking in the rain with Samantha Purdy. A good occasion to sport a cheerful yellow-stripe umbrella, waiting for the sun to come back.
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Il pleut | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Samantha Purdy Needlecraft |
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 | Related pattern
Spring Rain
| | Counted cross stitch pattern by Samantha Purdy Needlecraft |
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Wicker Baskets
One for the flowers, one for the eggs, one for the knitting (and the cat), one for the market, and one to put on the windowsill with daffodils ready to bloom. More of life's simple joys as shown by Samantha Purdy Needlecrafts.
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Spring Baskets | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Samantha Purdy Needlecraft |
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>> see all patterns by Samantha Purdy Needlecraft
More Baskets
Lesley Teare 2020 SAL
A sneak preview of the April chart
Part Four comes in the top row, in the fourth position from the left. It features a little bird with green wings, holding a spring blossom in its beak. it is perched on flowers worked in a variety of Blackwork motifs. The dominant colors are orange, tangerine and tender green.
Part four will be available as of April 1st 2020 to all subscribers of the Lesley Teare 2020 SAL.
>> download here (sign-in required)
The March part in full detail
Part Three comes in the top row, in the third position from the left. It features a little bird with purple wings and a group of three flowers worked in a variety of Blackwork motifs. The dominant colors are periwinkle and lavender, citrus yellow, lime and light orange.
Creative Poppy Designers in the news
Searching for a cross stitch pattern you've seen featured in a needlework magazine?
Click on the picture to access to the corresponding design.
Barbara Ana Designs - Frida
As featured in Cross stitch Crazy magazine issue 267 on sale March/April 2020
 | | Frida | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Barbara Ana Designs |
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>> see all the patterns featured in cross stitch and needlework magazines
Lace-like stitching
A bit of a challenge: this Lesley Teare Blackwork design will require patience, even for the most experienced stitchers. But what a miracle of refinement and precision. The Blackwork chart combines cross stitch and backstitch playing with different thicknesses of thread to create dimensional effects.
>> see more portrait patterns by Lesley Teare Designs
Creative Poppy Designers in the news
Searching for a cross stitch pattern you've seen featured in a needlework magazine?
Click on the picture to access to the corresponding design.
Tempting Tangles - Welcome to my Garden
As featured in Cross stitch Crazy magazine issue 266 on sale February/March 2020
Tapestry Barn - Easter Eggs (Scandi style)
As featured in Cross stitch Crazy magazine issue 266 on sale February/March 2020
>> see all the patterns featured in cross stitch and needlework magazines
Lesley Teare 2020 SAL
A sneak preview of the March chart
Part Three comes in the top row, in the third position from the left. It features a little bird with purple wings and a group of three flowers worked in a variety of Blackwork motifs. The dominant colors are periwinkle and lavender, citrus yellow, lime and light orange.
Part three will be available as of March 1st 2020 to all subscribers of the Lesley Teare 2020 SAL.
>> buy now
>> download here (subscribers only - sign-in required)
The February part in full detail
Part Two of Lesley Teare's 2020 SAL is now available. It comes second from the right in the top row and features a hummingbird and a flower with large open petals worked in Blackwork motifs and color. Petals fold forward creating an interesting dimensional effect. The dominant colors are bright yellow and light orange.
Thankful stitches
Say Thank you in a way friends will remember with this pretty Quaker-style heart-shaped ornament. It is cross stitched on fine 40ct linen fabric than has been hand-dyed in coffee to give it a vintage feel. The shaded thread adds to the antique look.
>> see more Quaker style patterns by Barbara Ana Designs
More red monochrome patterns
>> see all red monochrome patterns
Its busy in the Kitchen
Here are some wonderful creative cross stitch ideas for decorating a kitchen: In addition to main chart is "Chef's Kitchen", the chart set actually contains an alphabet, 7 adorable cook motifs and plenty of alternative ideas for personalized cookbook covers, aprons and more. Send us photos of your finished projects!
Designed by Perrette Samouiloff
More cooks
>> see all patterns related to Cooking and Baking
>> see all patterns for decorating a Kitchen
Nature in Winter
Perrette Samouiloff captures the soft tones of dormant nature, with tall dry grasses covered with hoar frost, and the single green touch of ivy leaves. A gentle, "soft-spoken" design that is full of poetic allure.
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Snow Ball | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Perrette Samouiloff |
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>> see all Winter patterns (all designers)
Snug in Bed with a Book
Designer Samantha Purdy lives in Canada. it's no surprise that she would treat us with a number of designs showing us how to enjoy those long winter nights. The latest release features a bed covered with a cute hand-made quilt. This person looks happy, doesn't she?
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Winter Quilt | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Samantha Purdy Needlecrafts |
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More Cocooning with Samantha Purdy
>> see all patterns by Samantha Purdy Needlecrafts
Welcome Home
Greet family and friends with a warm-hearted Welcome!
This sampler offers a mix of tradition - in the ways mini motifs are crossed stitched side by side - and modernity - see the clever way Amanda Stevenson, Riverdrift House's designer, symbolically represents a house, blending in elements of windows and door with the other cross stitch motifs.
>> see more Sampler patterns by Riverdrift House
>> see all the latest news for Riverdrift House
More Welcome patterns
>> see all patterns with a Welcoming message (all designers)
Cross stitch fun
Young, colorful and fun cross stitch ideas for cheering up a friend, sending a Valentine or congratulating a grandson. These are ideal for cards but make great fridge magnets too! Designed by Tapestry Barn.
>> see all Greeting Card patterns (all designers)
Tutti Fruity Love
Express your love in cross stitch with these colorful and fruity quotes by Tapestry Barn.
>> see all patterns expressing Love in Quotes (all designers)
Valentine's Day: say Love in cross stitches
Forget chocolates. There are thousand better ways of expressing your love. How about saying it in cross stitch?
Here are some delightful projects for the one you love.
>> see all patterns for Valentine's Day
New for 2020 - Lesley Teare Stitch-Along
Lesley Teare's exciting new SAL is released monthly in 12 parts throughout 2020. Featured below right is part of the January Bird and Blackwork Flower motif.
>> see all Blackwork patterns by Lesley Teare Designs
Lesley Teare 2020 SAL
The January part in full detail
Part One comes in the top left of the design. Make sure you have downloaded the frame chart so you start stitching in the right position.
The pattern comes in bright colorful floss colors that contrast with the black outlines. Some parts such as the bird and butterfly are simply cross stitched, with some backstitch detail. Other parts of the design are worked in delicate lace-like Blackwork motifs, such as the petals of the large flower. This creates a delicate balance and adds a lot of interest to the stitching.
Notice how the black outlines vary in thickness. Some parts of the design, such as some outlines as well as the chain-like frame are indeed worked in thicker lines with 2 strands of embroidery floss. Depending on your personal preference, the designer suggests using Pearl cotton 8 instead which comes in a single thread.
Lesley Teare 2020 SAL
A sneak preview of the February chart
Part Two comes immediately to the right. It features a hummingbird and a flower with large open petals worked in a variety of Blackwork motifs, some including color. Petals fold forward creating an interesting dimensional effect. The dominant colors are bright yellow and light orange.
Part two will be available as of Feb 1st 2020 to all subscribers of the Lesley Teare 2020 SAL.
>> download here (sign in required)
Lesley Teare 2020 SAL
A question from a stitcher
We just received this question from Susanna:
"Hi. I downloaded the Lesley Teare Birds and Blackwork Flowers. I can’t wait to start. But the first color listed as dmc 12 has me stumped. Is that no. correct? I don’t see it listed in my DMC Color Card. Is this a new color? Thank you."
Most of us use our treasured DMC colorcard as a bible, so how come there could be a number below 48?
But well yes, DMC did introduce some new embroidery floss colors about two years ago. One of them is DMC 12 described as "Tender green" and indeed is evocative of tender buds and young shoots. It's a gorgeous color that plays an important role in Lesley Teare's 2020 SAL. Enjoy stitching with this cheerful and springlike color.
Photo credit: Stitched Modern
Here's a blog post from Stitched Modern about the 35 additional DMC Embroidery floss colors:
https://stitchedmodern.com/blogs/news/35-new-embroidery-floss-colors-from-dmc#
Blackwork revisited
As you can see in the close-up image of this brand new Hibiscus and Hummingbird design, Blackwork expert Lesley Teare takes a brand new approach to the technique. Lace-like mini motifs fill areas with "textures" of various density creating dimensional effects. Black gives way to color, in fine touches in the Blackwork areas, and whole-heartedly in other parts of the design. The result is Lesley Teare's signature style of Needlework designs, a unique approach to embroidery.
>> see all Blackwork patterns by Lesley Teare designs
Simple and Pretty - Cross stitch projects for Mother's Day
Fridge magnets or Greeting cards, here are two sweet motifs that are quick to stitch and will go right to her heart. Also ideal for beginner cross stitchers.
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 | related pattern Crazy Quilting | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Lesley Teare Designs |
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>> see all Flower patterns by Lesley Teare Designs
>> see all Greeting card patterns (all designers)
Alphabet samplers
These classic italic script letters are embellished with leaves and arabesques, in the manner of antique white embroidery monograms. The pattern is so elegant, you can stitch it for its own sake - as well as reuse the chart for customizing any project with initials. The numbers, rarely found on an alphabet sampler, are an extra bonus (weddings and anniversaries).
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 | related pattern Alphabet - Roses | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Lesley Teare Designs |
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>> see all Alphabet and Monogram patterns
17th century Blues
Did you know that Delft tiles where originally inspired by the blue and white porcelain imported from China through Dutch ports in 17th century Holland? This explains the oriental feel of the floral motifs. Landscapes however were decidedly Dutch, depicting the mix of land and water of the Netherlands. Check out these designs close and you'll be amazed at Lesley Teare needlework expertise, replicating the tiny brush strokes in such amazing detail that you can recognize tiny drawbridges in the distance of the chimney of a potter's workshop.
>> see all patterns related to Europe and the Netherlands
Sweet Tooth
Here's a cheerful pair of yummy cupcakes. The scrumptious designs are full of sunny colors and easy to stitch (only full cross stitch).
>> see all patterns with cakes and sweets
Cute little Sunbonnet Sue: now in Blackwork and color
She's cheered generations and no doubt many to come. Lesley Teare features Sunbonnet Sue in Blackwork and in color! Square patterns make it easy to incorporate into quilt projects. Alternatively you can stitch the four together to frame or turn into a cushion cover.
More Lesley Teare news
Have you missed any of Lesley Teare's recent patterns? Catch up on all the designer's news in this dedicated section.
>> all the news for Lesley Teare Designs
>> see all patterns by Lesley Teare Designs
Creative Poppy Designers in the news
Searching for a cross stitch pattern you've seen featured in a needlework magazine?
Click on the picture to access to the corresponding design.
Perrette Samouiloff - Walk in the Park - 1900s' Fashion
As featured in The World of Cross stitch magazine issue 290 on sale January 2020
>> see all the patterns featured in cross stitch and needlework magazines
New Christmas and Seasonal patterns
We have just recently updated our Christmas sections with a wonderful series of new patterns by Tapestry Barn, Lili Violette, Barbara Ana, Riverdrift House, Shannon Christine, Lesley Teare, Tiny Modernist, Perrette Samouiloff and more. Don't miss the latest updates, check out our Christmas news section!
>> see all the recent news for Christmas
>> see all Christmas cross stitch patterns
Cocooning
Quick to stitch and easy to make, a hottie cover, the perfect gift for a loved one to warm up on a chilly winter night. A fun and creative idea brought to you by Tapestry Barn.
>> see more Christmas patterns by Tapestry Barn
Keeping warm on chilly days
More designs and more reasons to enjoy the chill of winter (all the while keeping toasty warm and stitching snuggly seated in a comfortable armchair).
>> see all Winter patterns
Two brown mice
Notice the colors in these two small cross stitch designs, and especially how the toned-down browns of autumn are highlighted by touches of aqua blue and orange. Designs by Barbara Ana.
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Witch Ride? | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Barbara Ana Designs |
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>> see more Autumn patterns by Barbara Ana Designs
Nature at its most beautiful
Worked in wonderful hues of autumn foliage colors, this little biscornu features a fox running around among the changing leaves and berries. The biscornu shape, with its round curves is ideal for appreciating the needlework design from different angles. It's also a lot of fun to make when the two flat squares suddenly turn into this pretty little cushion.
>> see all Biscornu patterns by Faby Reilly Designs
More Foxes
>> see all patterns with Woodland animals
Spotted in Lesley Teare's Needlework Garden
A cardinal, cross stitched against a background featuring a double wreath, one with berries and green leaves, the other featuring a medley of lace-like blackwork motifs interspaced with bees and butterflies. Beautiful harmonies brought to you by Lesley Teare.
>> see more Blackwork patterns by Lesley Teare Designs
Period Fashion: La Belle Epoque
Here is a lively scene taking place during an afternoon stroll, with a playful young lady with a diabolo and a gentleman caught by surprise, while the musicians play and sing. The 1900's outfits are beautifully detailed, with subtle detail for the various characters. A cross stitch design by Perrette Samouiloff.
Fashion trough the ages with Perrette Samouiloff
>> More period fashion by Perrette Samouiloff
Cross stitch story telling by Kyoko Maruoka
GERA! designer Kyoko Maruoka turns well beloved folktales into beautiful little needlework gems. Her work is full of poetry, nature always making its way into her work. Check out the fun row of flowers alternating with turnips or the blissfully unaware partridges about to be trampled upon by the cat in extravagant boots.
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Puss in Boots | | Counted cross stitch pattern by GERA! by Kyoko Maruoka |
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More Children's stories by GERA!
>> see all patterns for Children by GERA! by Kyoko Maruoka
>> see all Stories and nursery Rhymes for Children (all designers)
Creative Poppy Designers in the news
Searching for a cross stitch pattern you've seen featured in a needlework magazine?
Click on the picture to access to the corresponding design.
Barbara Ana Designs - Christmas Biscornu
As featured in Cross Stitch Crazy magazine issue 262 on sale November 2019
Faby Reilly Designs - Christmas Rose Humbug
As featured in Cross Stitch Crazy magazine issue 262 on sale November 2019
>> see all the patterns featured in cross stitch and needlework magazines
Halloween Party: Dare you enter?
A floor squeaking, a sudden draft, eyes glittering in the dark, a candle flickering ... will you overcome your fear and dare push the door?
More Haunted Houses
>> see all Halloween Houses
A new tribute to Frida Kahlo
An extraordinary cross stitch pattern inspired by Frida Kahlo's painting entitled "The Wounded Deer" and by a phrase from a poem by Emily Dickinson "A Wounded Deer - Leaps Highest". This tribute to Frida Kahlo, by Barbara Ana is a powerful expression of how the wounded artist mustered strength in the face of life and love's adversities.
Frida Kahlo has inspired Barbara Ana two other works, which together form a lovely triptych. They are stitched in similar colors. One features the artist and Diego Rivera, as a couple, the other is a portrait, in the manner of the artist's own auto-portraits .
Creative Poppy Designers in the news
Searching for a cross stitch pattern you've seen featured in a needlework magazine?
Click on the picture to access to the corresponding design.
Lesley teare Designs - 25 Christmas Tag motifs
As featured in Cross stitch Crazy magazine - Christmas issue 261 on sale September-October 2019
Faby Reilly designs - Petite Faby Christmas cards
As featured in Cross stitch Crazy magazine - Christmas issue 261 on sale September-October 2019
>> see all the patterns featured in cross stitch and needlework magazines
Simple pleasures of life
Stopping by a coffee cart, complimenting the lady on the potted plants. Small talk and exchanging smiles with strangers, simple joys of life, captured in cross stitch by Samantha Purdy Needlecraft.
More cups of coffee by Samantha Purdy
>> see all cross stitch patterns related to Coffee (all designers)
A visitor
A most extraordinary character, head crowned with a beautiful array of leaves, branches and fruit. Miss Mandrake is joining the party.
>> see more Halloween patterns by Barbara Ana Designs
More expressive Eyes by Barbara Ana
It is a truth universally acknowledged...
Two Riverdrift House samplers devoted to Jane Austen: now available:
The first features the famous opening lines of Pride and Prejudice, in the style of the samplers of the time.
The second is a small miniature version of Riverdrift House's Jane Austen Sampler.
>> see all the latest news for Riverdrift House
Rising from the sea in the mist...
Here comes a mermaid, perched on a pink flamingo ... The big stylized flowers, wallpaper-like background and vintage colors, bring a touch of the 70s. Barbara Ana's signature style blending unbridled fantasy and carefully thought out layout and colors.
Under the Sea by Barbara Ana
>> see all patterns with Mermaids (all designers)
Flamingos in cross stitch
>> see all Tropical Bird patterns
In Lesley Teare's Neeedlework Garden
Here are two designs featuring - by popular demand - some North American birds, a blue Jay and a Chickadee. They are both part of a beautiful series by Lesley Teare where the designer mixes needlework techniques, some parts delicate lace-like Blackwork, some parts cross stitch to create very unique designs.
>> see all Blackwork patterns by Lesley Teare Designs
More Tits by Lesley Teare
>> see all Bird patterns by Lesley Teare
Did you know Creative Poppy also offers chart packs?
Creative Poppy patterns are available as downloadable pattern files. However, if you would like to receive professionally printed charts, we can also deliver your charts directly to your mail box.
This is ideal if you don't want to bother with downloading and printing your files, or if you can't obtain best quality print-outs at home. Also it's nice to have a beautiful chart you can archive.
What you get:
- Professionally printed color charts on beautiful extra smooth paper. Each chart is packaged individually in a sleeve.
- Chart packs are shipped in a strong flat box so they reach you in perfect state.
>> find out about our Shipping by Mail service
By the way, you still get your downloadable chart. So you can source your supplies while you wait for the postman, you can print out working copies that can be used for highlighting while stitching.
That's not all! More news continued on next page...
>> see all the recent news on Creative Poppy's website (continued)
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Samantha Purdy Textile
Tempting Tangles Designs
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