• Customer projects completed

    Dapple Dachshund on 28-Count Linen

    Dapple Dachshund on 28 count Lien

    This cute project – a multi-coloured dapple dachshund on 28-count linen – was very difficult. Not because of the pattern or the number of needle changes needed but because of the stitch size. Usually on a 28-count linen you would work as you would for a 14-count aida. So, I began this piece as a 14-count project.

    However, as I began to stitch down the first leg, I realised the little chap would be too big for the material size – what a mistake to make! I managed to get my head around the fact that the stitches I needed to do were absolutely minute – 14 stitches to an inch is fine but 28 stitches to an inch well that is a whole different ball game. But any stitching errors were tricky to rectify so I needed maximum concentration levels. We all know that is never easy when you are working full time and running a busy teenage-filled house.

    You can view other customer projects by clicking here ☺️

    Completing the Dachshund on 28 count Linen

    front right leg

    With the error addressed, I started completing the miniature dachshund’s front right leg. Thousands of miniscule stitched which took hours and hours and hours and hours! One A4 page of pattern down – another three to go.

    Using unspecified threads supplied with the kit, they tanged easily and often needed untwisting or unknotting which is not something that usually occurs with DMC or Anchor threads.

    What to do next? The first part of the head or the other bottom part? Choosing to go up rather than across I started to get a feel for the animal’s character.

    dapple dachshund on 28-count linen

    The dapple dachshund (on 28-count linen) was coming to life. Constantly checking my rows and stitches, I was cross stitching in a way I never had before. Sectioning off the stitching chart and making sure I didn’t go beyond each section ensured I focused on one area at a time. This in turn, meant I could easily check that everything lined up and was in its exact location. Less mistakes equals less time unpicking!

    3 pages of A4 down and one to go.

    Eh voila! Complete.

  • Customer projects completed

    Cat Stack Cross Stitch kit.

    Cat Stack cross stitch kit by Bothy Threads.

    For Cat Lovers Everywhere: Cat Stack cross stitch kit from Bothy Threads.

    Where to buy Cat Stack cross stitch kit by Bothy Threads.

    Kit contents:

    • 14 count white Zweigart Aida
    •  pre-sorted stranded cotton
    •  ‘Lana’ (a woolly thread)
    • a needle
    •  stitching diagrams
    • completion instructions.
    • Finished size 18 by 34cm. This kit uses full cross stitches, backstitch and a few French knots.
    Also available, Dog Stack Cross stitch kit.

    Cat Stack’s one of a series of cross stitch kits developed from original artwork by Kate Mawdsley Kate Mawdsley.com

    The kits fairly straight forward in terms of the cross stitching and backstitch and would be ideal for beginners. All the crosses are full stitches. The backstitch can be completed in long runs, as it is a modern pattern. This makes this the backstitch quicker to complete than some other backstitching designs.

    French knots.

    The only advance stitch you may need is a French knot to complete the cat’s eyes. Once the French knot is mastered, depending on your skill level, the overall effect is wonderful. It really gives each cat (and the birds) different personalities.

    However, When positioning the French knots, be careful not to position them incorrectly. Doing so just makes the cat’s look ‘odd’. With that said, don’t be afraid to undo it and have another go. Try offsetting them from the holes if necessary to achieve the look you require. For a quick tutorial on ‘How to tie French Knots’ See HERE!

    Lana thread used in Cat Stack cross stitch kit

    How to fluff up Lana thread when Cross stitching. Kit example is Cat Stack cross stitch kit by Bothy Threads
    Fluffing up Lana threads for Cat Stack cross stitch kit.
    Image showing fluffed up Lana thread.

    This kit contained a first for me – Lana thread. I have never worked with Lana threads before which made it interesting to use. Also, I found them to be thicker than stranded cotton that’s normally used in most cross stitch kits and has the appearance of pure wool. On completion of the stripy grey cat, the Lana thread’s ‘fluffed up’. To achieve this rub a piece of velcro across it carefully. So as not to damage the yarn but to give it a fluffy appearance. You do need to be cautious about not catching the stranded cotton face and paws with the velcro. I would recommend practising fluffing up the Lana on a spare piece of cloth or Aida as shown in the image.

    Cat Stack cross stitch kit Pattern and Instructions.

    The stitching instructions are very clear and set out the order in which things should be done, both for stitching the design. They also explain how Bothy Threads stitched the design along with some useful top tips.

    The pattern chart is clearly printed on two lots of two A3 sheets of paper.  With one set of two for the cross stitching chart, and the second set for the backstitching and the placement of the French knots. Charts can be marked off as you stitch although I found it unnecessary as the design is in blocks of colour requiring only a few needle changes. Overall Cat Stack was a joy to stitch with different techniques, the use of Lana, French knots and delightful colours.

    Unfortunately, this particular project required the purchasing of more of the stranded cotton owing to the need to unpick my client’s work as sadly it had been started in the wrong place. Also, it was a little tangled so the threads were unsalvageable. This meant that, even though excess threads had been given in the original kit, there was not enough extra of one of the colours.

    Image Showing incomplete stitching. Where to get a Cat Stack cross stitch kit.

    The brown striped cat  (cat 1) with some stitching unfinished while I waited for the cotton to arrive.

    The Threads used in this kit are Mouliné Madeira threads.

  • Customer projects completed

    Bluebell wood by Maria Diaz

    Blue Bell Wood cross stitch project.Bluebell Wood.

    Having had to take time out to focus on my teaching here is my most recent cross stitch project. Its title is Bluebell Wood from the Cross Stitch Collection magazine dated March 2009 issue No: 168.

    The pattern is a design by Maria Diaz. Maria has designed many cross stitch patterns most of which can found in books and cross stitch publications by Maria Diaz.

    Blue Bells cross stitch project.
    Bluebell wood by Maria Diaz, as sent by the client.

    The project arrived partially complete, as shown in the image shown to the right, (as sent by the client). A few small areas in the trees needed to be finished but mostly the bottom 3rd was missing and required completion.

    The project was fairly easy to complete but it required many needle changes. The pattern contains a  plethora of beautiful colours, which in my case came from DMC. There is, however, a detailed colour chart and codes giving the option to use other threads by either Anchor or Madeira.  The Aida is 14HPI with double-stranded stitching. Due to the amount of detail in the design I had to keep an eye on the pattern so concentration levels need to be high. All tree trunks are subtlety picked out using a single-stranded dark brown backstitch.

    Sourcing a pattern for Bluebell wood.

    Cross Stitch Collection Magazine 2009, issue 168
    Cross Stitch Collection Magazine 2009, issue 168

    I have done a quick online search for the pattern but I am almost certain it is no longer available. You could, however, try to find a copy of the magazine yourself.

    You may also be able to contact Maria directly at https://www.mariadiazdesigns.com. However, I am sure she is very busy and the pattern is over 10yrs old.

    In conclusion.

    Bluebell Wood cross-stitch project back view.

    This is the first time I have completed a cross stitch design by Maria Diaz.

    All in all, I really enjoyed finishing this project. However, I did find that I had to keep taking breaks as the concentration level was very high.

    However, with that said the pattern was easy to follow.  I did really have to focus on each symbol in the key as the colour blends were very close in some areas.

    Cross Stitch Collection magazine pattern example.
    Magazine shot showing key and pattern.

    The choice of palette, of 35 colours fully complements the overall look and feel of the picture with all colours blending seamlessly into each other. A cleverly executed overall design and composition invite your eye to journey through the wood to view what awaits around the corner. The carefully thought out limited use of backstitching provides just enough to outline the trees and create the desired effect.

    Bluebell Wood. A crossstitch design by Mria Diaz.With a finished size of 25x20cm Bluebell Wood is a lovely piece and would look beautiful framed and hung on any wall.

  • Customer projects completed

    Thistle Bees by Lanarte. PN-0021870

    Thistle Bees.

    Lanarte.

    Thistle bees by Marjolein Bastin.

    Lanarte is the latest commission I have received. Lanarte produces beautiful Cross stitch kits, which you can see or purchase by clicking on the link in this paragraph. This was my latest commissions using my favourite DMC threads.

    Thistle BeesIt’s from the animal’s collection on 14ct white Aida fabric with dimensions 23 cm x 32 cm. You can purchase this kit by clicking on the image below.


    The kit is also available to purchase as an Evenweave kit below.

    This kit came with the largest stitch pattern I have ever seen – almost double the size of the actual project! The pattern was, therefore, easy to read but was tricky to physically handle due to its size.

    In addition to this, there are no half stitches or French knots needed in this picture. The back stitch is minimal, thankfully, and worked in long stitch which seems to be how all the modern patterns create their finishing touches. In light of this, it was quick and easy to finish off – normally a task I dread!

    Beware:

    BEWARE of the border. The threads come on a numbered card which corresponds to a given symbol on the stitching chart, as usual. However, when it comes to the border the symbols are numbers which I assumed was the given colour number, but I was WRONG! It was only when I finished and looked at the completed project I thought “something doesn’t look right!” So, I checked the picture that came with the kit and to my horror found I’d used the wrong colours. The numbers around the border represented completely different colours to those on the thread card and should have been a single thread not a double. It did clearly state this on the pattern but I had just assumed and not checked. Oops! Time to unpick and restitch.

  • Customer projects completed

    Love Blossoms by Bothy Threads

    Love Blossoms by Bothy Threads.

    Love Blossoms by Bothy Threads is the second cross stitch kit I’ve had to complete, by them. They have a large selection of other beautiful cross stitch kits that can be seen or purchased here.

    Love Blossoms by Bothy threads 14ct cross stitch kit complete with yarns, instructions and all embellishments.

    Click on the image to Purchase it here.

    The design is on a 14ct Aida and comes with all threads and embellishments as shown in the picture.

    You need to be a fairly competent stitcher to complete Love Blossoms. It comes, complete, with metallic silver and gold yarns that from previous experience I know are difficult to work with. They kept snagging, separating and tangling as I pulled them through the Aida but found using them in shorter lengths meant I wasted less.  I would not, therefore, recommend the kit to a beginner. Of course, you could swap the silver thread for a light grey and the gold for a beige brown but I think it’s worth sticking with the metallic threads because the overall effect is beautiful.
    Securing the threads is difficult because of the spacing between the separate sections. You must not be able to see them from the front. However, with careful planning, it is possible but it will increase the amount of time it takes to complete each section.

    Back Stitch.

    The backstitch, although time-consuming, is what makes this project come together. Each separate flower, leaf and butterfly suddenly become transformed into this extraordinary piece of artwork. This together with the backstitching of the word LOVE at carefully positioned points in the tree canopy make this, I think, the most detailed and gorgeous project I have worked on.

    Embellishments.

    You add the embellishments (lace flowers, plastic flowers and gold beads) when you’ve completed everything else. Surprisingly they were a lot easier to apply than I first thought they would be. Keeping them in place requires one or two simple stitches, explained in the stitching pattern. Love Blossoms comes with an assortment of embellishments which means you will have spares if you follow the pattern.  However, you can add more to create a more personalised finish to the project if you so desire!
    Love Blossoms by Bothy Threads is hard to complete. However, I am extremely pleased with the finished result. You will need patience and you will have to follow the pattern accurately. For tips on how to do this see my cross stitch tutorial. I would not recommend this kit to a beginner however an advanced intermediate should have no problem completing the cross stitch kit.

    2 years later…..

    The cumstomer contacted me again to add in the names and date to finish this project off. The colour theme for the wedding was gold and forest green. They sent me the coloured yarns to co-ordinate with this but couldn’t decide which colour to complete the writing in. I stitched one name in gold and the other in forest green. You can buy DMC threads at AMAZON UK or AMAZON USA . Of course, I sent photos to the client who made the decision to have the backstitch for both names and the date in forest green because it stood out more against the white aida. The heart, in between the names, I cross stitched in gold and outlined in forest green whilst the hearts between the date were completed in red. Unfortunately, due to privacy reasons, I am unable to add a photo of the completed project.

  • Cross stitch tutorials

    Successfully Complete a Cross Stitch Project.

    Learning how to successfully complete a cross stitch project isn’t really that hard. Having done cross stitch for many years, I have, over time, learned many things which have helped me time and time again.

    Whether it is a cross stitch kit or a custom project that you have made using one of the many ‘photo to cross stitch’ programs available online, successfully starting and completing a cross stitch project or cross stitch kit has pretty much the same guidelines.

    1: Finding the cross stitch project for you.

    The first thing you need to do to successfully complete a cross stitch project is to decide your skill level.

    Never choose anything too detailed or elaborate. One of the biggest mistakes people make when deciding to take up cross stitch is choosing a project, or cross stitch kit that is above their skill level. Cross stitch is an intricate process that requires a steady hand, keen eyesight and a lot of time and patience. These are things you will need to persevere with if you are to successfully complete a cross stitch project. So bear in mind the following points:
    1. Keep it simple.
    2. Keep it small in size, NOT Aida count (the higher the Aida number the smaller the stitches)
    3. Keep the number of threads/colours in the kit to a minimum.
    4. There’s no point setting yourself up to fail before you even start.
    5. We all have to start at the bottom.

    Cross stitch kits come in many different designs and Aida counts – the most common being 12, 14, 16, 18. The Aida count means how many stitches there are to the inch. The higher the count affects the size of the stitches per square. A 12 count Counted Cross Stitch kit means that each 1″ x  1″ square will be 12 crosses x 12 crosses. It will have larger stitches and should be easier to sew than an 18 count kit which will be 18 x 18 stitches to the inch.

    Kits.

    There are plenty of beginners cross stitch kits available both online and at many local Craft and Toy stores.
    Most cross stitch kits should include:
    1. A piece of Aida.
    2. A stitching chart.
    3. Full instructions.
    4. All the yarns needed to complete the project.
    5. A needle suitable for the sized holes in the Aida.
    If you’re a beginner or medium skill level, I strongly advise at this point you avoid cotton or linen fabrics. You also need to look at the number of yarns required because, normally, the higher the number the greater the detail.

    2: Practise your stitching.

    Practise before you start your project.

    How to Successfully Complete a Cross Stitch ProjectSuccessfully Complete a Cross Stitch Project

    Once you have chosen your project I advise that you read the enclosed instructions very carefully. Before starting your project, if you haven’t cross stitched before, choose a small area to the side of your Aida.  Practice a few simple stitches which, if the instructions are well written, you will be shown how to do, step by step, on the instruction leaflet.

    3: Setting up your fabric.

    Once you are happy with your practise stitches you can start! Some kit instructions will advise you to start from the centre of the project (or near centre).
    To find the centre of the Aida fold it in half from top to bottom and then side to side. This should leave a clear centre mark which you will need to loosely mark with a small thread of yarn as shown in the picture, above.

    4: Starting your cross stitch.

    I always make a scanned copy of my pattern before I start – this means I can mark my progress off and not damage the original copy.  In the event that I make a mistake, I can then reference the original stitching chart to find out where I went wrong. It is all too easy to lose concentration, mark off stitches that you have not completed or end up a stitch or two out on a run, so counting and checking each row is essential.
    Once you are confident that you are ready to start stitching you can either put your cross stitch into a cross stitch frame or hoop (recommended) or just work on the loose Aida which requires a lot of handling and will cause the unnecessary transfer of dirt and oils from your skin onto the fabric, causing discolouration.
    Before threading your needle with your first colour check to see how many strands you require by checking either on the pattern or in the instructions. Usually, you will require two strands but always check.
    I tend to try and start in the top left-hand corner as I am right handed and work my way down and across the pattern. This way I have minimal contact with the fabric and the stitching already completed.

    Once you have decided where you are going to start, push the threaded needle through the first hole, from the back of the fabric to the front. Leave a tail of thread at the back of the Aida approximately 4cm long. As you begin to stitch you will need to make sure that you stitch over the tail by placing it along the run of stitches, effectively anchoring it to the Aida.
    Another method is to leave a tail and then, when you have reached the end of your run and tied it off as shown in 7, go back to where you started (the tail), slide your needle under the first few stitches (the same as you would for tying off) re-thread the tail through the needle using a needle threader and then carefully pull the tail back under the stitches.

    5: Common mistake.

    One of the most common mistakes I see, when I am sent a cross stitch project to complete, is when the customer has chosen to do all the big areas of one colour first. I can understand why they choose to do this as it appears to be quicker and also gives them a sense of satisfaction to see that they are making progress. However, for me, this is a major error. This is when you start to go wrong. It is so easy to end up a stitch or two out. The thread is then also jumped across the back of the Aida, from one area to another using the same strands of a thread. This leaves the back of the project messy, with long unanchored pieces of thread. In the long run, this creates major problems when it comes to tying off the stitch runs. It also causes snagging and tangling of the threads when stitching. A tidy version of this can be successful if you use the method called “cross country” but I would not recommend it to a beginner.

    This block colour method leaves patches of different colours, depending on the intricacy of the design, to fill in. This can be a long and tedious task – normally there will be more than one needle change required per section. This is time-consuming and is normally when you start to lose interest in the project. If you do find you are a stitch out somewhere it is virtually impossible to correct. The whole design will be a stitch out and your stitch work will not correlate with the pattern. The only solution then is to locate where you first went wrong and unpick the whole project. This is both time-consuming and runs the risk of damaging the Aida. All this can be totally demoralising and of course, an expensive option because you will need to replace all the yarns with new ones and possibly the Aida.

    6: Start in one place and follow the pattern.

    As I explained in section 4 above, it is always best to start in one place and follow the pattern. Work at a steady rate changing thread colours as required and carefully build up your picture. Never be tempted to do a small patch away from the area you are working on just because you have that colour threaded on your needle. From my experience, you could be setting yourself up for failure before you even get started.
    To successfully complete a cross stitch project you will need to work accurately and methodically paying particular attention to the coding on the pattern. Each letter, number or symbol represents a different coloured thread. These will be clearly shown in the thread chart as each colour has its own unique identifying number that can be clearly seen on the small band around the skein or threaded card – if the skeins have been pre-sorted.

    7: Concentrate on the cross stitch pattern.

    Pay particular attention to the stitches as you may come across half stitches. These are most common around the edges of curved shapes and objects. The symbol for a half stitch usually looks something like the one shown in the example below. The half stitch in the example is represented by an oval symbol, a dividing line and then a solid black square representing each code for the coloured threads required. The direction of the divide dictates the direction of the half stitch.

    8: Finishing off each run of stitches.

    Once you have finished a run of stitches or if you are running out of the thread you will need to neatly tie off the thread. Always do this on the back of your piece. Carefully insert your needle under a run of stitches in order to anchor it in place. Always make sure you leave enough thread to enable you to line the needle up and pull it through the back of the other stitches as shown in the picture.

    When pulling the thread through the back of your stitches try not to pull the needle too hard. This will tighten up the last stitch and cause tension on the Aida. If you do this you will open the holes up making them more visible from the front. Should this happen you can carefully ease the thread off and relax the corresponding stitch on the front of your project using another blunt needle which will help close the hole.
    Once you are happy that your thread is pulled through correctly carefully snip off any excess thread with a sharp pair of Sewing scissors.
    Continue to follow the pattern until you have fully completed all of the stitchwork.

    9: Finishing off with the backstitch.

    Once you have fully completed your picture you may need to add some back stitch to outline any details.
    When doing backstitch always start at an obvious point and try to work your way around the picture. If a run of backstitch ends, finish the thread behind the Aida as explained above, then begin the new run. First threading your needle under the nearest run of stitches using the same method as you would when finishing off. Never be tempted to jump across the back of your work when doing the backstitch. This looks untidy and can result in the back stitch loosening off over time.

    In Conclusion.

    Using this basic guide and following the advice above should give you a better chance to successfully complete a project. All the methods above have been tried and tested by myself over the years. It’s ironic really that as a cross stitch finishing service I would be giving free advice on how to do it yourself. However, I know the great sense of satisfaction and achievement you get when you sew that last stitch. Then after it has been washed and ironed you can gaze upon a cross stitch masterpiece that you’ve created yourself. You can then frame it and give it pride of place in your home. So I wish you luck and every success in your project. But if you are struggling to complete it please don’t hesitate to contact me.
    Good luck and thank you for reading this.
  • Customer projects completed

    Cross Stitch Pako Dolls House.

    Cross stitch Pako dolls house.

    This cross stitch Pako dolls house is my most challenging project to date.

    cross stitch Pako dolls house

    Pako Dolls House cross stitch kit
       Purchase the original kit here.

    This was, by far, my most intricate project to date (excluding Tinkerbell which was my own personal gift to my daughter and can be seen here as an earlier project).

    This cross stitch Pako dolls house came as a homemade kit. It contained a photocopied set of patterns and DMC yarns. All colour codes had been customised to suit the threads available with some needing improvisation to complement the design. This required me having to purchase a few extra coloured skeins at cost.
    The photocopied patterns were of a poor quality and appeared to have been stored for quite some time. Therefore before starting a lot of research was required to ensure that everything was correctly placed and all the correct colours and back stitching were in the right places.
    Some of the cross stitches had been started using a single thread of yarn which I have shown below.

    The first thing I needed to do was to check the cross stitch for alignment with the pattern. Once I was sure that everything was correctly placed I could start the dolls house. Firstly completing the outline of the building and creating each separate room within the design. I started with the top left attic room and then carefully worked my way across and down the building, first doing all the cross stitch and then the back stitch so as to make sure each room was complete before I moved onto the next to ensure minimal contact with the stitching already completed. You can see my progress in the images below.

    Dolls house the second floor.

    With the top floor attic rooms now completed I moved on to the second-floor nursery and bedroom. With the staircase being already started it just left the dark brown cross stitch and back stitch details to add.

    Following on from the nursery and bedroom I then did the first-floor master bedroom, landing and bathroom.

    Dolls house first floor.

    Dolls house ground floor.

    My next task was to tackle the ground floor study/parlour room, kitchen and front door.
    I first tackled the stonework detailing and handrails followed by the kitchen, front doors, study/parlour and then the steps. Lastly, I added the garden details.

    Due to the intricate nature of the cross stitch pako dolls house project and because I had to cross reference the pattern I had with the information I’d found on the internet, I made sure I completed every detail in each room before I moved on to the next section. This included all cross stitching, half stitching and back stitch.
    I would not recommend this kit for beginners due to the size of the item. With a good quality pattern to follow each room is fairly simple but the eye for detail and level of concentration required is not for the faint-hearted. If you would like to try the kit yourself you may be able to purchase it by clicking on the image below.

  • Customer projects completed

    Letters by Hobbycraft. Cross stitch letter kits.

    A simple little project of Letters by Hobbycraft.

    Letters by Hobbycraft

    I am currently working on a large project at the moment but every now and then I like to take a break and do something different to keep things interesting. So when I was asked if I could fit these 4 Letters by Hobbycraft into my schedule I was more than willing to help. Other lettering kits can be purchased here.
    As you can see in the picture they are all individual kits. Each contained a pattern, Aida a needle and plenty of thread. Although both the Aida and Thread were, in my opinion, of poor quality.
    They a pretty simple to do but you need to concentrate and also pay attention to the pattern.  I found the T had a stitch missing off the pattern that was clearly shown in the picture. The thread had a tendency to knot up, so be careful when pulling it through the Aida.
    Below you can see the finished letters that are now back with the customer.

    If you look closely at the T you can see there is a stitch missing on the top right-hand side. This, I stitched according to the pattern. However, on the front picture of the kit packet, the letter T had an extra stitch on the top right-hand side. In the image below it has been added, as per the customer’s wishes.

    Please view my other customer projects here ☺️

  • Customer projects completed

    DMC Irises Kit CK4151

    DMC Irises Kit  CK4151

    DMC Irises Kit number CK4151 kit that arrived partially done as shown below.

    DMC Irises Kit number CK4151

    This DMC Iris’s Kit number CK4151 is was very similar to kits that I have done before. The approximate size is 25.5 x 30.5 cm and it is on 14 count Aida fabric. It comes complete with pattern Aida and DMC yarns.
    This is a fairly easy kit to complete. However the hardest part, I found, was finishing off the leaves – all of which interweave with each other. Adding the flowers in their bright vibrant colours and the intricate detailing on the bowl meant the overall result, with time and patience, was beautiful.

    DMC Iris's Kit number CK4151 cross stitch kit.

    Buy DMC Floral cross stitch kits.

    View my other customer projects here

  • Customer projects completed

    Lowry Street Scene.

    Here’s my latest completed cross stitch project – it is a kit from the Lowry Street Scene collection by Bothy Threads (kit number XLC9). To see more of the available kits click on the image below.

     

    Lowry street scene cross stitch kits

     
    Purchase the 14ct cross stitch kit.

    Lowry street scene 14ct cross stitch kit by Bothy threadsWhat is in the  Lowry Street Scene Kit?

    The kit contains:
    14 count parchment Aida fabric
    Pre-sorted Stranded Cotton
    Size: 21 x 28cm (8.5 x 11″)

    This Lowry street scene kit was quite easy because there are large blocks of the same colour throughout. However, I still had to keep an eye on things because when you work with large blocks of colour, it’s so easy to get carried away and forget to allow for details such as the windows and doors. So you will need to keep a close eye on the pattern at all times. All the threads in the kit were as always of a good quality and easy to work with. The colour chart and stitch pattern was easy to follow. There’s also a lot of backstitching but as long as you follow the pattern closely it’s quite simple.
     
    I received the kit partially done on the left-hand side as shown below and discovered that the stitch count was slightly out so I notified the client about it. They requested that I leave what she had done already and adjust the pattern accordingly to match the two sides and centre.

    Close-ups showing street scene details.

    Purchase the 12ct tapestry kit.

    It is also available as a 12ct Tapestry kit which is done on fabric.
    Kit Contains:

    Colour printed 12 count interlock canvas.
    Appleton crewel wools.
    A Stitch diagram, instructions.
    A needle.

    It’s dimensions are 38 x 28cm (15 x 11″)
    The tapestry is adapted from the original 1935 painting by L.S. Lowry