Latest News: needlework patterns
| Sign up for our newsletter ! |
All the news, as published in Creative Poppy's newsletter
It's still time to join Barbara Ana's SAL
Join the fun with Barbara Ana's new "Bonkers" stitch-along!
As for all mystery charts, we cannot reveal many clues at this stage except that the pattern bears a certain relation to a girl named Alice.
The mystery chart is available in two parts. The second part will be released as of Oct 1st.
Vintage greeting cards
Two retro style greeting cards by Monique Bonnin a cross stitch designer who loves to "recreate" postcards and greeting cards with a vintage feel. Inventive and full of fun detail, you'll enjoy completing every stitch of these precious images. Collect them all!
More vintage Greeting Cards by Monique Bonnin
>> see all Vintage Postcards and Greeting cards by Monique Bonnin
Christmas in the Woods with Kateryna
Winter Woodlands is a sampler packed with wonderful detail to stitch for Christmas. Our favorite is the white bear hibernating under a mantle of snow. A cross stitch pattern designed by Kateryna - Stitchy Princess
Christmas Fairy tales
>> see all Christmas patterns by Kateryna - Stitchy Princess
Lights in the night
Whimsical, vintage Barbara Ana.
Lights shine in the night. Come close and discover the most extraordinary creature, a stylish deer, clad in a 1970's vintage jacket, face white in the moonlight and wearing a head dress, with luminous lanterns and silver droplets hanging from her antlers in a halo of light.
 | 
Deer Dreams | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Barbara Ana Designs |
|  |
More patterns with Christmas Lanterns and Lights
>> see all patterns with Christmas Lights (all designers)
Christmas timekeeper
This pattern by Perrette Samouiloff, with a cuckoo clock keeping track of the hours, reminds us that Christmas time is fast approaching and it's time for us stitchers to start working on our projects.
We love the dainty angels, the mischievous boys swinging on the clock's weights and the carol singing children accompanied by a flute and violins. But above all, we love the tiny cuckoo bursting the door open above the clock to strike the hours. Rejoice! the countdown to Christmas has started.
More patterns with Clocks
More Christmas Music
>> see all patterns related to Music
The largest gift
This little boy is overjoyed. Guess whom the largest beribboned gift box was for?
>> see all Christmas patterns by Perrette Samouiloff
More Christmas Gifts
Mitten Ornaments in scandinavian blue
Fun little woolly mittens to hang on the tree. So cute!
The cross stitch chart by Tapestry Barn comes with full instructions for finishing each piece. You can even add some sweets inside.
More Christmas patterns by Tapestry Barn
>> see all Christmas patterns by Tapestry Barn
Woodland Animals in Winter
An important gathering in the Forest
All these young ladies are wearing their very best gowns and seem headed for an major event, maybe the Forest Christmas Ball? These romantic designs can be stitched as a series to be displayed in your home during the whole holiday season.
>> see all Winter patterns by Kateryna - Stitchy Princess
New Greeting Cards by Lesley Teare
The wreaths will fit nicely within a 3 inch hoop. Teddy however is so busy discovering the presents under the Christmas tree that he bursts out of his frame.
>> see all Greeting card and mini motif patterns (all designers)
The Twelve Days of Christmas in cross stitch
Nativity in cross stitch
From Greeting cards to large nativity samplers, the choice is yours. Discover three new nativity designs by Lesley Teare.
More Nativity patterns
>> see all Christmas Nativity patterns (all designers)
Stained Glass windows
These cards have been designed on the manner of stained glass church windows where colored glass panes are assembled with lead, letting through the light from outside.
Similarly the cross stitch version is fully filled with various areas of solid colors and black backstitch lines
>> see all Christmas 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.
Monique Bonnin - Vintage Greeting cards
Barbara Ana Designs - Thanksgiving Biscornu
As featured in The World of Cross stitching magazine issue 325 on sale Oct / Nov 2022
>> see all patterns featured in cross stitch and needlework magazines
The Dreaming Girl grows Wings
Initially introduced in steps as an SAL, this design is now available as a whole pattern. Part of the amazing Dreaming girl series, she has grown colorful wings and turned into a butterfly. In between her delicate antenna is a tiny hat carrying her sunshades.
And yet another butterfly...
This time our dreaming girl is in Asia, her motionless figure contrasting with her vivid dream.
>> see all Dreaming Girl patterns by Barbara Ana Designs
More patterns with Butterflies
>> see all patterns with Butterflies
Travels with a donkey
This turn of the century French sampler, part of Meriem Chauvet's private collection, features a very attractive alphabet with ornate letters and a donkey motif, actually from an existing Sajou chart published decades earlier. Of particular interest is the use of double running stitch outlining some motifs in a contrasting color, in order to provide extra emphasis. A cross stitch reproduction sampler from Couleur Tourterelle.
>> see all Reproduction Samplers by Couleur Tourterelle
More patterns with Donkeys
Fiery Night
An amazing tribute by Barbara Ana to impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh and his world-known Starry night. The designer manages to recreate in cross stitch the movement, colors and vision of the tormented artist, blending in her own images, brightly lit homes and a dreaming girl with hair raising like flames.
>> see all Dreaming Girl patterns by Barbara Ana Designs
Dreaming of Klimt - revisited as the Queen of Sheba
We love it when a stitcher is inspired by a pattern, and turns it into a unique work. Here is a wonderful idea shared by Nona J. who was inspired by one of Barbara Ana's designs:
"I tried a couple of variations with Klimt. I stitched on a 7 ct. aida so she would look kind of like a tapestry. As I worked, I wanted to give her an identity, so she became the queen of Sheba. It is very imperfect and looks coarse from the 7 ct., but I like the way it reflects Klimpt's own contrasting quirks....using precious, fine gold, yet painting in unpredictable blocks of color. I also used a shiny rayon thread for jewel tones and after watching a documentary on Klimt, painting over gold leaf, I infused quite a bit of metallic gold thread. Just thought you'd enjoy a glimpse. It's not perfect, but I love her. Happy creating, Nona J."
 | Nona's work (left and below) Original design (right)
Dreaming of Klimt | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Barbara Ana Designs |
|  |
| 
| 
|
We find that the Queen of Sheba theme fits perfectly with Barbara Ana's work and tribute to Klimt.
Thank you so much Nona for sharing such a wonderful idea!
New Tales of Baba Yaga - by Kateryna, Stitchy princess
Present throughout East European folklore, and particularly in her native Ukraine, Baba Yaga is one of Kateryna's favorite characters, depicted in numerous designs. An elderly witch, ugly and bony legged, enigmatic and unpredictable, alternatively really evil, or maternal, kind and helpful to the trouble hero.
As you enter the magical forest, trees comes alive moving their arms, animals behave strangely. Notice in the distance a wood cabin perched on chicken legs, occasionally turning round? It's the home of
Baba Yaga.Baba Yaga is never spotted without her cat. Even in the dark you'll always spot its yellow eyes.
Oh, she is a busy lady. Here she is preparing collecting mushroom to prepare her mysterious broth. Or serving tea from her Samovar.
But what she likes best is to unwind and relax in a bathroom fit for a ... witch! Even witches deserve a rest, don't they?
>> see all patterns featuring Baba Yaga
Woodlands, riverside and seashore
A keen observer of wildlife, Lesley Teare brings to us four delightful samplers depicting different natural settings. You will appreciate cross stitching all the fun detail, as well as the beautiful warm tones set against the natural background.
Fall Splendor
We love this Quilt style sampler celebrating each new season, another creative idea by Lesley Teare. This is the third in the series and features lovely warm autumn colors, mature fruit, honey bees and little squirrels harvesting acorns. The Winter pattern will follow shortly so you can complete the whole series.
Year-Round Blackwork
With the Autumn Blackwork design, Lesley Teare's seasonal Blackwork series is now complete. This cute patterns can be rotated on display in your home, to mark every season.
>> see all Blackwork patterns by Lesley Teare
>> see all Year round and Seasonal patterns (all designers)
Introducing New Designer
Kateryna, for Stitchy Princess
We are both proud and moved to be presenting the work of Ukrainian designer Kateryna, designing under the Stitchy Princess brand.
Kateryna, lives in Ukraine, and contacted us at the beginning of the war, when her country had just been invaded. She was on the front line and we were more than happy to help. In spite of erratic internet connections, we worked hard together to get her designs up and going on our website, and here we are! We just pray that Kateryna and her loved ones stay safe. We find her incredibly brave to keep designing and working in the terrible circumstances she is going through.
We are however also very proud to be presenting Kateryna's work for its own sake, as we are with all other designers Creative Poppy publishes. Indeed, on top of her fertile imagination and creativity, we find Katheryna has achieved what every true designer aims for, developping a cross stitch style of her own.
Now it's for you stitchers to judge for yourselves.
>> see all patterns by Kateryna, Stitchy Princess
>> see all the news for Kateryna, Stitchy Princess
SITUATION IN UKRAINE: Due to the war, and in particular the situation in designer's home town, we are providing as much support as possible, and will be donating an extra $1 for each pattern sold through Creative Poppy's website. You can help too by spreading the word about Kateryna's designs. Thank you! |
In the manner of a vintage postcard
As if it were an antique black and white photograph, this pattern shows the arrival in Chamonix of the first tourists, who came to admire the French Alps and Mont Blanc and discover its awesome glacier. The Gentlemen and Ladies' clothes were not really adapted - women in heels and long dresses - but the local mountaineers equipped them with ropes and guided them on the glacier.
The cross stitch pattern depicts the mountain landscape and the group with clearly distinguishable silhouettes. A cross stitch chart designed by Monique Bonnin.
More vintage Postcards and Greeting cards by Monique Bonnin
>> see more vintage postcard patterns by Monique Bonnin
A mirror between two worlds
The world is upside down in this very creative and colorful cross stitch design by Barbara Ana. The Little Mermaid languishes in her underwater kingdom, fish swimming in the waters above her head. The other world that attracts the little mermaid so much is pictured through a magnificent solar motif, which appears sealed and inaccessible to her.
Under the Sea by Barbara Ana
More patterns with Mermaids
>> see all patterns with Mermaids (all designers)
Two new reproduction Samplers
Over 150 years ago, two young girls, one living in rural France, the other in Flanders, complete their sampler.
Marie Joséphine, no doubt the youngest of the two, carefully reproduces the letters her elders have taught her. By contrast, Catherine Elisabeth is already 16 years old. The central motif of her work is the biblical scene of Adam & Eve. Most interesting however is the bird cage on the right, a symbol of marriage (see detail on pattern page). Other motifs include a cradle and more domestic items. No doubt the young stitcher already had marriage in mind.
Both patterns are from Meriem Chauvet's private collection of antique samplers and the Couleur Tourterelle reproduction charts are exact replicas of the originals.
More Reproduction Samplers by Couleur Tourterelle
>> see all Reproduction Samplers by Couleur Tourterelle
Girl's Beach Fashion, then and now
Perrette Samouiloff pictures little girls of yore (top part in navy), all pretty and dressed up for a trip to the seaside, striding along the beach with spade and bucket, holding on to their straw hats in the wind. Nowadays too (lower part in lighter blue) little girls still enjoy dressing up for the beach, still holding on to their hats in the wind.
 |
Sailor Blue | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Perrette Samouiloff |
|  |
Fashion through the ages with Perrette Samouiloff
>> see all Fashion and Period costumes by Perrette Samouiloff
More Seaside patterns by Perrette Samouiloff
Perrette Samouiloff excels at depicting seaside scenes, you can see she really enjoys observing seal ife and people having fun near the sea.
>> see all Seaside patterns by Perrette Samouiloff
Graceful Dragonflies
This cross stitch alphabet by Lesley Teare comes in wonderful aqua green and blue colors, not only of the dragonflies themselves, but also echoed in the changing colors of each letter.
More patterns with Dragonflies
>> see all patterns with Bugs and Butterflies (all designers)
More designs for Bathroom towels
The dragonfly alphabet is perfect for stitching sets of customized bathroom towels, each person with their own initials. These projects make perfect gifts too.
Many other patterns can be stitched on "Ready-to-stitch" terry towels that come with a specially woven Aida band where you can cross stitch initials and/or motifs of your choice. Here is a selection of patterns especially designed for bathroom towels.
>> see all cross stitch patterns for Bathroom towels
>> see our tips and size-guide for Ready-to-stitch Bathroom towels
Give hardanger a try?
Warning: this stitch can quickly become addictive!
Part of Faby Reilly's Masterclass series; the designer takes you by the hand, starting on familiar ground with a cross stitch and backstitch background, blending in a cute Hardanger heart. Along the way, guided by excellent tutorials, you will learn how to master kloster blocks, cutwork and woven bars.
What we love about Faby Reilly's patterns and guides is that, in addition to excellent close-up step-by-step photos, they are full of excellent tips and dos and don'ts so you cannot go wrong.
A couple of stitches from from Faby Reilly's Masterclasses
Other stitches include Whipped backstitch, Colonial knots, Stumpwork and more.
>> see all Specialty Stitch Masterclasses by Faby Reilly Designs
Interstellar trip
Embark on a voyage with Barbara Ana and explore the confines of the universe, traveling through stardust, gaseous clouds and swirling planets, into the mysterious world of meditation and dream. A small cross stitch pattern yet an amazing design.
Crowned as a Queen
Designed by Barbara Ana and initially available as an SAL*, the Floral Dreams pattern is now revealed and available as a regular pattern.
*Existing SAL subscribers can still access their download page but we will not be taking new SAL subscriptions.
This is the portrait of a beautiful Mesoamerican deep in her dreams, head bedecked with flowers reminiscent of the wonderful feather headgear of her precolumbian ancestors, and neck and body covered with gold jewelry.
>> see all Dreaming Girl patterns by Barbara Ana Designs
Monique Bonnin's vintage cross stitch postcards
We are delighted to be adding 5 new patterns to Monique Bonnin's wonderful collection of old-style greeting cards. Each one comes with quite a unique theme and layout, inspired by old postcards found at the flee market. They are filled with retro fonts, romantic frames and so glamourous with their metallic highlights and beadwork. Perfect to cross stitch for Birthdays and Special events.
Date of dispatch
Don't forget to postmark your card!
As a fun final touch, all postcards with "post stamps" can be personalized with a full date. So you can customize with the date of the Birthday or special event the card is used for and it will remain a family heirloom.
Stitch the French version
All these vintage postcard patterns were originally designed in French, and the stamps are all genuine copies of old French stamps with several generations of the lady "Marianne" stamp represented. If you'd like to stitch the original French version, simply drop us a note when you have placed your order and we'll be happy to send you the files. View French versions below:
>> see all vintage postcard patterns by Monique Bonnin
New patterns for Father's Day
Father's day is just round the corner (June 19th in many countries). In Lesley Teare's iconic series of Teddy cards, here come four lovely cross stitch patterns each featuring Dad and Child and a special message for Father's Day:
So many reasons to celebrate!
30th, 40th, 50th Birthday? Retirement? Father's Day? Moving House? This joyous "Bird day" card by Lesley Teare is so versatile, you can use it for virtually any occasion. The cross stitch chart includes letters in lower and upper case and there are two sizes of numbers so you can put extra emphasis on the Birthday for instance.
New Summer patterns by Lesley Teare
All patterns are part of a series with one for each season which you can display in your home and rotate throughout the year. Here are Lesley Teare's most recent releases for Summer.
Summer now almost here!
Apologies to our friends in the Southern hemisphere if we get a little excited. In our part of the world it's now only a couple of weeks till its officially and finally Summer!
>> see all the latest cross stitch news for Summer (all designers)
>> see all Summer patterns (all designers)
A new Dreaming Girl for summer
For Barbara Ana's Dreaming Girl fans, here's some wonderful news: we have a brand new Dreaming Girl for Summer. We love the creative layout with the sea raising from her mind in a swirl, as if everything was upside down.
>> see all Barbara Ana Dreaming Girl portraits
More Dreaming Girls by Barbara Ana
>> see all patterns in the Dreaming Girls series designed by Barbara Ana
Hear the Jazz music in full swing
Jazz comes alives in cross stitch thanks to this amazing design by Perrette Samouiloff featuring five musicians and their instruments, in exquisite detail. We love the way the musicians' postures have been captured, as well as the vintage 1920's feel.
 |
Jazz Band | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Perrette Samouiloff |
|  |
More patterns related to music by Perrette Samouiloff
More patterns related to music (all designers)
>> see all the News related to Music and cross stitch
>> see all patterns related to Music (all designers)
Two new reproduction samplers by Couleur Tourterelle
From Meriem Chauvet's private collection here are two antique works reproduced in perfectly identical cross stitch charts. The antique samplers are still in their original frame. The first one stitched in woollen threads - bright wool colors having just been introduced thanks to innovations in dyes, and both are stitched on canvas, also an innovation of the time making it easier to stitch than linen, an ancestor of sorts of Aida fabric.
Tracing back the origins of the motifs
What makes both these designs particularly interesting is that Meriem Chauvet has been able to trace back the origins of some of the motifs used by the stitchers.
In the case of Zélie, the stitcher picked four of her motifs from the 1852 issue of a women's fashion magazine of the time, "Le magasin des familles". The magazine was in black and white but included some extra sheets, one of them a color cross stitch chart, quite innovative too for the times. No doubt each issue of the magazine was preciously preserved in each household as this sampler was only stitched 20 years later.
In the case of B. Marsallat, two of the motifs, the running dog and the beehive were picked in separate Sajou catalogues. Those charts were monochrome.
>> see all Reproduction Samplers by Couleur Tourterelle
A beautiful perspective effect
This stunning perspective effect with a garland of shamrock disappearing into the distance is achieved by a clever combination of cross stitch and Stumpwork. Indeed designer Faby Reilly only works the closer leaves in cross stitch, working the further ones in Stumpwork, combining satin stitch and felt for a padded effect. The chart includes an excellent tutorial. An expert level design suitable for an experienced cross stitcher looking for a bit of challenge.
More Specialty stitch tutorials by Faby Reilly
Each of these designs focuses on a particular specialty stitch. Learn the tricks with Faby Reilly's excellent step by step guides. Once you have mastered these stitches, you will be able to add your own effects and enhance your stitching in many other projects.
>> see all patterns mixing cross stitch and other specialty stitches (all designers)
Architecture and Styles
Designed by Lesley Teare, here are two new samplers paying tribute to different architectural styles.
The first one to late 18th century England when Georgian architectural changed the face of town and country. Four stately homes are pictured in the all-season sampler.
The second sampler is a tribute to the Shaker style of living and features the characteristic dwellings of Shaker communities established in North America.
>> see more patterns by Lesley Teare Designs
>> see all patterns featuring Houses and Gardens (all designers)
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...
>> more Creative Poppy News (continued...)
>> back to most recent news
Creative Poppy Newsletter
| Sign up for our newsletter ! |
Samantha Purdy Textile
.jpg)
