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Lesley Teare Designs Cross stitch designs
All the latest news about Lesley Teare Designs, as published in Creative Poppy's newsletter.
>> see all patterns by Lesley Teare Designs
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)
Winter visitor
In England and most of Europe, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without spotting a red robin, their bright orange chest catching our eye in the barren gardens as they get closer to our homes looking for food. Here is a wonderful round shaped design, where designer Lesley Teare blends two counted needlework techniques, cross stitch and blackwork, as well as seed beads, in a work of outstanding beauty.
>> see more Christmas patterns by Lesley Teare Designs
Spotted in Lesley Teare's Needlework Garden
Here are three designs featuring - by popular demand - some North American birds, a cardinal, a blue Jay and a Chickadee. They are 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
Toile de Jouy - in Scarlet and Pink
After the blue version, and by popular request - here is the red version of Lesley Teare's exceptional cross stitch pattern. The remarkably detailed pattern recreates in cross stitch and backstitch the effects of late 18th century fabrics famous for their bucolic landscapes.
>> see the blue version
18th century England
Here's another cross stitch pattern dedicated to "classic" country homes and Georgian architecture. Wonderful little miniatures brought to you by Lesley Teare Designs.
>> see all patterns with Houses (all designers)
Mix and Match Needlework techniques
Brought to you by Lesley Teare, not only is this design gorgeous, it's quite a thrill to stitch. You'll be working intricate blackwork motifs of many a kind when stitching the petals of flowers with the black outlines, then switching to regular Cross stitch with Backstitch and French knot highlights, then finally, it's fastforward for the borders and leaf motifs in just plain cross stitch. The stitched piece is just stunning.
>> see more Blackwork patterns by Lesley Teare Designs
Cross stitch and Blackwork
Colors sparkle in this stunning summer chart designed by Lesley Teare. Like the other models in the collection it blends two counted stitch techniques, cross-stitch is used for color, and Blackwork for filling flowers with a lace-like effects.
>> see more Blackwork patterns by Lesley Teare Designs
More Birds by Lesley Teare
In the same Cross stitch and Blackwork series:
>> see all cross stitch patterns with Birds by Lesley Teare Designs
Creative Gardening projects by Lesley Teare
No need to grab your gloves and tools to start gardening. Keep your hands clean and stick to your stitching with these two lovely projects by Lesley Teare.
The seed packets open amazing creative possibilities such as greeting cards with packs filled with actual grains, as a gift for a gardener friend - or a decorative box frame with the packs displayed side by side - or a gardening apron with 3 pockets. The possibilities are endless.
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Seed Packets | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Lesley Teare Designs |
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Mad as a March hare
Did you know the origin of this expression? Designer Lesley Teare delights us once more with her stunning portraits of animals.
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Hares boxing | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Lesley Teare Designs |
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>> see all patterns with hares and rabbits (all designers)
Blackwork Easter mini motifs
Would you like to have a go at Blackwork? Here are some great project ideas that are quick to stitch and can make cute little greeting cards, just in time for Easter.
>> see more Blackwork patterns by Lesley Teare Designs
Cross stitching for little ones
Just to looking at these baby animals charts and their beautiful range of soft colors, makes you want to stitch for a little one. These patterns stem from a creative idea by Lesley Teare to reproduce in cross stitch the effects of patchwork, with "printed fabric" silhouettes applied "appliqué style" on the background fabric.
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Floral Cuties | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Lesley Teare Designs |
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>> see all Child and Baby patterns by Lesley Teare
Fairy Greetings
Celebrate friend and family Birthdays in stitches - all year round. Here is the first set in a series of Birthday cards by Lesley Teare, to stitch for every month of the year.
>> see all Greeting and Birthday card patterns (all designers)
Spring Flowers and outstanding Anemones
There could be no further contrast between the spring flowers in the background - sweet daffoldills, primroses and pansies, worked in cross stitch in warm yellows, and these striking purple anemones. Lesley Teare's signature Blackwork style is full of inventive little motifs that add texture and impact to her designs.
>> see more Blackwork patterns by Lesley Teare Designs
>> see more Bird patterns by Lesley Teare Designs
Lovebirds
She all shy and pensive, he looking distracted and pretending he doesn't notice. This design speaks for itself doesn't it? A cheerful and decorative design by Lesley Teare
 | | Birdie Duo | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Lesley Teare Designs |
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Winter Flowers
Add some color into your house with a pretty little cross stitch wreath and a surprise visitor. By Lesley Teare.
White, with a tiny touch of red
An elegant Christmas cross stitch design by Lesley Teare, in a beautiful harmony of natural colors - white on linen, with just that tiny touch of red. Can you spot it?
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Snow Deer | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Lesley Teare |
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>> see all Christmas patterns by Lesley Teare
18th century motifs
Two remarkable motifs: A Toile de Jouy pattern, among the most popular French textiles of the time, and a still life with a shoe typical of those worn at the 18th century court. Both beautifully charted into cross stitch by Lesley Teare.
Exquisitely Designed Angel
Here are some photos of an exceptional piece by Lesley Teare. Check out the wonderful detail of the angel's face, the luminous golden wings or the fine detail of the dress and laced boots. Each tiny section of the work will bring hours of pleasure.
Nature's Christmas
More delightful Lesley Teare patterns have been added lately to our website, including these 3 works inspired by Mother Nature.
New photos of the Holly Girl
We've received some new photos of the Lesley Teare's Holly Girl stitched on natural raw linen over two (instead of white fabric). She was stitched by Marie-Claude who decided to add little snow flakes in the background. Well, well done Marie-Claude and thank you for sending your picture!
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Holly Girl | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Lesley Teare Designs |
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>> see all Christmas patterns by Lesley Teare
Cosy cottage
Snug and cosy, here's a little cottage that's housed in a teapot. It's filled with pretty detail and will welcome visitors into your home on a cheerful note. A design by Lesley Teare.
Back from the Vegetable market
A is for zucchini, B is for Broccoli, C is for cauliflower... by the time you get to Zucchini, not doubt you will have had your recommended five veggies a day!
Stitch as a sampler or make pretty gifts for friends combining letters such as customized aprons, pot holders and hand towels.
Once upon a time... there were two mermaids
Two portraits by Lesley Teare and two very different mermaids.
The first mermaid is a mesmerizing beauty, no doubt capable of bewitching any sailor bold enough to attempt to navigate the mysterious waters that surround her.
The other little mermaid, straight out of Hans Christian Andersen's well-known fairy tale, is deep in her underwater palace and dreaming of meeting Prince Charming.
>> see all patterns with mermaids (all designers)
Bizarre Beauty
There are sometime bizarre phenomenons in nature. The seashorse for instance is actually a fish, looking like a seashell and with a horse's head, which is why its also called the hippocampus. It's strange body is depicted here in amazing detail, with bold colors that enhance its singular form.
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Seahorse | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Lesley Teare Designs |
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>> see more patterns by Lesley Teare Designs
>> see all the latest news for Lesley Teare Designs
Taking a little Break
There's always a little story behind Lesley Teare's portraits. Where has this young lady come from, smartly dressed and taking off her shoes at the far end of the garden, among the hollyhocks... We'll leave it to your imagination while you cross stitch this pretty portrait.
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Summer Breeze | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Lesley Teare Designs |
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>> see more portrait patterns by Lesley Teare Designs
>> see all the latest news for Lesley Teare Designs
By the ramparts of Seville
A dazzling Carmen, in a cross stitch portrait enhanced with beads. The black lace effect, framing the embroidery, is a clever combination of cross stitch and backstitch. But the highlight of the embroidery is no doubt the black fan with gold threads motifs, and the exquisite face of the dancer.
This is an exceptional piece of needlework, brought to you by Lesley Teare.
>> see all figure and portrait designs by Lesley Teare
Lady in Black
An elegant black sheath dress, a delicate profile, garlands of flowers and butterflies, all of this is achieved through the technique of Blackwork. The basis of the Blackwork is backstitch, thanks to which designs of remarkable precision, including delicate lines, can be created.
The great advantage of Blackwork, compared to traditional embroidery, is that it is a counted technique. As with cross stitch, the needle is guided with absolute precision by the warp and weft threads of the fabric, ensuring a perfectly identical reproduction of the initial design.
Mini motifs
To get started, what better than a chart chockfull of mini patterns, including a couple of tiny ones, perfect for scissor fobs, to some large enough to decorate a greeting card or a pincushion. Lesley Teare likes to combine Blackwork and Color. These cheerful motifs are full of birds, butterflies and flowers.
Design - inspired by nature
Nature has always been, and will probably remain, the main inspiration for embroidery. So when a skilled needlework designer such Lesley Teare, a keen observer of birds, lets herself be carried away by her inspiration, great things happen. A great tit appears in cross stitch, a clematis flower blooms in Blackwork, colors blend seamlessly, the background fills with butterflies and life. A small masterpiece is born.
More nature inspired blends of Blackwork & Cross stitch
Here the focus is on the colorful kingfisher. Blackwork flowers spout from all around, mimicking nature's lush pondside plant life. Once again, cross stitch and Blackwork blend seamlessly, through the clever use of color.
>> see all bird patterns by Lesley Teare Designs
Blackwork & Color
More patterns in the same Blackwork & Color series.
Blackwork & Butterfly card - revisited
It is always fascinating to see how a design can "live" as it is recreated by each stitcher. Sometimes the pattern is worked exactly as stated in the design, and sometimes the stitcher will make her own interpretation. Here is an example of how Lesley Teare's original design - stitched on white in the top left corner - was interpreted by Marie-Christiane.
As you will see, there are a number of variations that the stitcher applied to the design. A different color background, replacing some stitches with beads, etc. "Lesley's patterns are a treat to stitch." says Marie Christiane. We find her stitched piece exquisite, don't you?
Marie Christiane is a very talented and skilful stitcher. She has a Flickr account Marie-Christiane @ GATACA1952 showing all her needlework projects. We highly recommend you pay it a visit.
More Blackwork patterns by Lesley Teare
>> see all Blackwork patterns by Lesley Teare
A Rose in an English Garden
If you like roses, you'll love these patterns. Lesley Teare depicts her beloved flower in cross stitch, in wonderful detail and soft tones. Both designs are square, making them ideal for cushion covers. See our recommendation for sizes in the description of each pattern.
>> see more Flower patterns by Lesley Teare Designs
>> see all patterns with Roses (all designers)
A Day to Remember
How better to preserve lasting memories than to keep them in stitches. Here are two beautiful designs by Lesley Teare that capture the spirit of the moment.
Full of tenderness and sophistication, this superb wedding angel is an exceptional piece of needlework, worthy of being exhibited at the wedding party, for all to see. It will be treasured for years to come.
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Wedding Angel | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Lesley Teare Designs |
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For a nature-loving couple, looking for authenticity and simplicity, here's a charming wildflower wreath, in the shape of a heart, with the initials of the couple stitched in a pretty backstitch font in large letters.
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Wedding Heart | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Lesley Teare Designs |
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His & Hers - Initials & Monograms
Here are some more great gift ideas for a couple. Using this precious alphabet designed by Lesley Teare, how about stitching initials on some bath towels, bed linen or table linen. Handy ready-to-stitch towels are available for bathroom items. You can also use waste canvas or soluble canvas to stitch on pillows, bed sheets, napkins and handkerchiefs.
>> see more Alphabet & Monogram patterns
Wedding mini motifs
Quick to stitch, mini motifs are ideal for making little gifts, maybe a little frame as a thank you for an invitation to a wedding for instance, but also for marking a wedding anniversary. This cross stitch chart designed by Lesley Teare includes a lovely alphabet.
Building a nest
Beautiful soft pastel hues, a quick and easy stitch that will look pretty and homely in a corner of your house.
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Nesting time | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Lesley Teare designs |
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>> see more Bird patterns by Lesley Teare designs
Cross stitch library
Be prepared! As any dedicated stitcher will tell you, it's worth having a couple of versatile mini motifs on hand, should an occasion come up to quickly stitch up a little gift or card for a loved one. This chart is chock-full of exquisite mini motifs in sunny colors.
>> see more flower patterns by Lesley Teare designs
Blackwork wonders by Lesley Teare
Expertly designed and stunning projects for the stitcher looking for a little challenge.
Lesley Teare's signature style approach to Blackwork, achieving contrast and dimension through a variety of tiny blackwork motifs.
>> see more Blackwork patterns by Lesley Teare Designs
Christmas Gifts - Customized
Imagine receiving a personalized gift with this little polar bear and your own initial! These little bears by Lesley Teare are so cheerful and cuddly, they are a delight to stitch and will be cherished by the gift's recipient for their own sake.
Of course you could also stitch the whole alphabet as a banner too. Click on images to see the full alphabet.
>> see all Christmas mini-motifs (all designers)
Deep in the woodlands
You might have spotted her, deep in the forest, walking lightfooted among the trees. Now you can stitch her lovely portrait, exquisitely designed by Lesley Teare.
>> see more figures and portraits designed by Lesley Teare
Mini motifs for Little Ones
From new born baby to preschooler, these charts will let you record in stitches all the events in the life of a young child. Baby birth announcement, first steps, first birthday, first trip to the seaside. These well thought-out mini motif charts by Lesley Teare, with plenty of extra alphabets and numbers, will let you create personalised stitched works for your loved ones with maximum creativity.
>> see all children's patterns by Lesley Teare Designs
Winter visitors
Thre's a delicate Christmassy feel to this wreath pattern, embellished with red berries, ivy, holly and Christmas roses. Five little winter birds have come to visit, expertly rendered in cross stitch by Lesley Teare.
>> see all bird patterns by Lesley Teare Designs
>> see all Christmas patterns by Lesley Teare Designs
Stitchers' essentials
Indispensable in any stitcher's chart library: a chart full of joyful mini Christmas motifs, always handy whenever there is a personalized gift to make - or just for the fun of stitching cheerful and quick pieces, one for every day leading up to Christmas!
A British Christmas
Traditional designs with a special touch - we love Christmas as seen through the twinkling eyes of British designer Lesley Teare.
>> see all Christmas patterns by Lesley Teare
Floral impressions
A playful design in fun, trendy colors and that does not take itself too seriously. Sure to inspire many creative cross stitch projects such as little note books, boxes with cross stitch lids, greeting cards and more. Send us your photos!
Beyond Cross stitch
In this intriguing design, designer Lesley Teare pushes the boundaries of cross stitch, further exploring ways of mixing stitches. The result is a very interesting mix of counted stitching ranging from plain solid cross stitch to the most delicate blackwork motifs, gently blended into a soft hued design.
Elegance contest
This is embellished cross stitch at its very best with the elegant portrait of a lady all set for some elegant event of her time. Maybe the Ascot races? Or a garden party at a country estate?
There is amazing detail in this design by Lesley Teare. Check out the fine lace mittens with beaded hem, or the delicate curve of her eyelashes with tiny dots of white adding a sparkle of life to her eyes.
Awesome stitches
In Lesley Teare's signature Blackwork style, here are 3 awesome pieces that have been stitched using a mix of Cross stitch and Backstitch. Look close and notice how each area of the design is filled with a different motif, each of different levels of density resulting in distinctive shades. Brilliant!
>> see more Blackwork patterns (all designers)
Crazy Quilting
Crazy quilts became hugely popular in Victorian times and if you're lucky you might come across one at a flea market. They combine pieces of irregular shapes into a patchwork, each piece assembled to the next using a variety of embroidery stitches such a feather stitch.
This cross stitch pattern designed by Lesley Teare is inspired by those late 19th century designs. It incorporates different "printed fabric" motifs as well as many different scraps of "lace".
A collection of Bugs & Butterflies
No need to be cruel and pin them, stitch them!
Delicately blending Blackwork and color
Here are 6 Blackwork studies by Lesley Teare, each combining densely filled Blackwork flower motifs with colorful areas filled with cross stitch. There is a little bit of challenge in stitching the Blackwork motifs, but the stitched piece is so decorative, it's well worth it's while.
More Bird designs by Lesley Teare
Just released! Fun mini motifs, ideal for cards, and a sweet rose garden scene with bird cage.
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Vintage Charm | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Lesley Teare Designs |
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>> see all Bird patterns by Lesley Teare Designs
You've got to be kitten me
Cat lovers, check out this little black and white cat with a red collar and bell, out in the garden chasing butterflies and bumble bees. These 4 easy mini motifs by Lesley Teare are great fun to stitch.
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Cute cats | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Lesley Teare Designs |
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Love is in the air
Valentine girl is the last design in this beautiful series of cross stitch patterns designed by Lesley Teare, a tender portrait of a young girl lost in her thoughts.
Check out the complete series below. Stitch them all so you can hang them in your home and alternate them with the seasons.
Winter Feathers
Winter is possibly the best season for observing birds. Coming after Spring, Summer and Fall, here is Winter Birds, the final design in this beautiful series by Lesley Teare. Lesley Teare is a keen bird watcher and an expert cross stitch designer. You'll recognize the particular characteristics of each and every bird she depicts, such as the visiting redwings right in the center of this cross stitch piece.
Bird watchers' heaven
Here are some more details of birds featured in Lesley Teare's exquisite patterns. So see the full pattern, click on the image, otherwise to view all , follow the link below:
>> see all bird patterns by Lesley Teare Designs
Autumn Birds by Lesley Teare
Bird lovers rejoice: here is the third in the series of plate-shaped motifs showing birds in the wild, one for every season. The Winter motif will follow in a couple of weeks so you can stitch the whole series.
>> see all bird patterns by Lesley Teare
Wildflowers, each paired with a tiny fairy
Each of these tiny fairies is paired with her favourite flower. These cross stitch designs by Lesley Teare are perfect for stitching cards, bookmarks or simply bringing some cheer into your home.
Lesley Teare is an expert at flower designing. >> see more floral patterns by Lesley Teare
Irresistibly cute greeting cards to cross stitch
You won't even necessarily need a special occasion to start stitching these greeting cards, except to bring a smile to a loved one. Brought to you by talented British designer Lesley Teare, you'll enjoy every stitch you make in these bright and cheerful colors.
Four more patterns released by Lesley Teare
Experienced stitchers will recognize the expert skills of Lesley Teare for tackling virtually any subjects that suits her fancy. Here she depicts the glorious peacock in two very different interpretations. Further down, see how a humble teapot is turned into a potting shed or how her beloved cats make their way into ... her designs!
The Age of Aquarius
What is your zodiac sign? And that of your loved ones?
No need to believe in astrology to cross stitch these very pretty zodiac signs. They fall into four elements: Water: Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces, Fire: Aries, Leo and Sagittarius, Earth: Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn, Air: Gemini, Libra and Aquarius. These 12 charts by Lesley Teare are perfect for personalizing stitched objects within a family.
A ride in the countryside
Hop on your bike for a pleasant ride! We have just received some delightful new pictures of Lesley Teare's Vintage bike, a lovely design featuring a bike with a wicker basket full of delicate wildflowers.
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Vintage Bike | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Lesley Teare Designs |
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Vintage charm
Schoolgirls used to exchange similar images as a token of friendship. Why not start sharing with friends again. These compact floral motifs are quick to stitch and ideal for make little sachets to give away as gifts. Don't forget to add a matching ribbon!
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Floral Hearts | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Lesley Teare Designs |
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>> see more flower patterns by Lesley Teare Designs
Welcoming designer Lesley Teare
We are delighted to announce we will now be publishing cross stitch patterns designed by Lesley Teare.
Lesley Teare is a very experienced designer, having created cross stitch patterns for many years for UK magazines as well as publishing her own books. She is also an expert in Blackwork.
The designer has a keen sense of colour, with very rich and joyful palettes. She also has a sharp eye for detail, especially when charting essential areas of faces and of flowers. Check out these splendid designs!
Gardens of Eden
Birds sing and butterflies flutter in Lesley Teare's magical gardens.
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Floral Tree | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Lesley Teare |
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Blackwork Masterpiece
This is blackwork like you've never experienced before!
This elegant angel is a real journey into discovering how exciting blackwork can be to stitch. Designer Lesley Teare skilfully combines tiny motifs of cross stitch and backstitch to create a patchwork of stunning lace and brocade effects. For experienced stitchers. Will you take the challenge?
Romantic journey
A special time, a special place, a favorite object... happiness in cross stitches.
Countrystyle flowerpots
Perfectly matched flowerpots for each of these delicate bouquets.
Frame your work contemporary style and hang it proudly in your home.
>> see more flower patterns by Lesley Teare
Night and Day
Two remarkable works of Lesley Teare, these dawn and dusk fairies are exquistely designed, with sumptuous dress and intricate detail. Expert level.
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Dawn fairy | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Lesley Teare |
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Dusk fairy | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Lesley Teare |
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Birdwatchers' favorite
No doubt this pattern is already proving hugely popular among bird lovers. It comes in an original circular format. More seasons will follow soon. Start stitching now so you're ready for next!
Cosmic energy
Don't fear this fierce looking beast. In China, dragons wield huge cosmic energy. This particular one is full of force and life. You'll have befriended him by the time you finish this piece!
Warm desert colors
Gold bracelets and pretty African prints, there's so much to enjoy stitching in this portrait of this pensive young lady. She'll look stunning once completed.
Learn the ropes
While many of Lesley Teare's patterns are basic cross stitch pieces, some designs incorporate a few fractional cross stitches. A typical combination would be a three-quarter cross-stitch combined with a quarter cross stitch in another color. These stitches are necessary when very fine definition is needed such as for delimitating a face and hair.
If you've never tried factional stitches before, or you are a little puzzled on how to proceed, Lesley's here to help!
Check out Lesley Teare's extensive cross stitch guide that comes with every pattern. It includes step by step tutorials for each and every fractional stitch and well as other helpful tips.
No surprises:
All pattern descriptions include detailed information about number of colors, size and materials used. To help you select the pattern that's right for you, we have specified for each design which stitches are used in the chart.
More patterns designed by Lesley Teare
Well known as a designer publishing in cross stitch magazines, Lesley Teare's work is now available as instant downloadable patterns, on Creative Poppy's website.
All Lesley Teare Designs designs published by Creative Poppy come with easy-to-read Color charts.
There are more works on Creative Poppy's website, and many more to be added soon.
>> see all cross stitch patterns designed by Lesley Teare
>> Back to Latest pattern news (all designers)
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Tempting Tangles Designs
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