Happy Valentine’s Day! What better way to celebrate today than with a beautiful red heart needlepoint design.  Hearts are the “universal” symbol for Valentine’s Day, so we decided to have a little fun with the design, creating this beautiful, bold textured stitch sample to celebrate the occasion.

While the design may be different from your usual Valentine’s Day Heart, we decided to stick with the traditional colour of RED! If you look closely though, there are different shades of red that peek through. In some areas of this design, you can even see shades of pink and fuschia!

How We Stitched This Red Heart Needlepoint Design

Our heart is a variety of stitches using Colour #187 in a size 5 Perle cotton. 

Stitches include bargello, star stitch and lozenge stitch.  We’ve added a wee bit of red metallic and a dark solid red (DMC Colour #814).  The sample measures approximately 3 x 3 ½ inches on 18 count mono canvas.

This is another great project to use up any leftover bits of red threads.  Or, perhaps you would like to enlarge the pattern for one of the Hearts of Hospice Hearts.  

What a fun and lovely way to celebrate this day. If you’re crafty and want to take a shot at stitching this design, it’d be the perfect gift for a friend or special someone.

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I have two Diamond Dreams to share today.

Diamond Dreams is a pattern designed by Carolyn Mitchell. 

Both samples measure 2 ½ inches stitched on 18 count canvas.

Here are two examples of using elements of a larger design.  Remember, elements can be used to stitch smaller samples OR they can be re-arranged to create a “new” pattern.  They are very versatile designs!

Anyway the sample above uses the following colours

• Colour 120 – corner Rhodes hearts
• #65
• Colour #30

The small bargello pattern below is stitched with 3 strands of floss in colours

• #65
• #18
• #64

I think repeating several of these diamonds would look wonderful in a slightly larger design.  Perhaps stacked one on another OR side by side. 

Both samples will become card inserts for our local guild.  

Thank you D.

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Here it is, Iris #4.

This is the fourth and final sample of Iris.

If you have been following Iris, you will remember that I chose this design to demonstrate how using ONE design can appear different and/or similar depending on the placement of colours.

Iris is a small design measuring 3 inches on 18 count mono canvas.  It is designed by Diane Grant and available in Needlepoint Now.

Iris #4 is slightly different than the previous three samples I have shown.  This sample includes colours #64, #65, #120 – three of my summer colours and Kreinik Braid #1. 

Dominique started to run out of thread samples I had provided for this one so she has added another two colours from my collection – colours #54 and 55.  I think they work really well.

This completes the four samples so I thought you might like to see them all together.

If you wish to stitch ALL four samples, one skein of size 5 perle cotton will be sufficient in Colours 63, 64, 65 and 120.  Both Kreinik Braid Colour #6 or Colour #1 would work well with the palette. 

I have not provided a kit but if you wish to stitch ALL four samples, one skein of size 5 perle cotton should be sufficient in colours

• 63, 64, 65, 120
• Kreinik Braid Colour #1 and/or #6
• 54, 55 – these are optional and you may substitute threads/colours of your choice

Fun to see all four together wouldn’t you agree!?

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Welcome Theros in my What A Hoot series.

What a Hoot is my new series, a collection of SIX owls!  Each owl will be introduced in my newsletter sent out early in the month through September.

Some of you may be wondering where the name Theros came from.  Well, Kam thought of this.  It means summer in Greek.  We both felt that this particular palette of colours screamed summer!

Once again, the colours are BOLD.  The focus colour in this palette is Colour #3 which is a blend of green, coral/orange and pink. Here is a photo of the kit threads

The kit contents include the pattern (PDF), eyes, beak and all custom dyed threads to complete Theros.  AND whatever threads are remaining once you complete her could be used on the backside creating a double-sided owl (hint – mobile ready)!  Each owl measures about 4 inches square – they are small! 

Please note that there will not be enough threads provided in the kit to finish the entire backside, but certainly a good portion of it.  You can always substitute existing threads or buy additional colours through my shop to complete the backside to your liking. 

Each kit contains an additional skein of thread to create the braid that outlines Theros for finishing purposes.

If you recall, Kam has designed the series to become slightly more challenging with each owl.  This provides a good progression.  There are a variety of stitches in each design.   

We don’t think you will get bored!  I could envision all six as a mobile for an owl-themed nursery!

Kam and I hope you like Theros!

AND, remember next month I will be introducing a NEW owl!

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I would like to introduce Iris!  But, let me tell you a bit first.

Each year when I introduce my new collections, I generally like to stitch a larger project.  This year I decided to change this a bit and instead of featuring one larger project, opting for a small project.  It is always fabulous to see what Needlepoint Now patterns for counted canvas are featured in each issue.  There is usually at least one and fortunately the January/February 2020 issue provided what I was looking for.

Iris is a designed by Diane Grant.  I chose Iris because it is small measuring about 3 inches square on 18 count canvas.

Over the coming weeks I will be sharing four samples, the same design but stitched with different combinations of colours from my summer collection.  My goal is to demonstrate how using ONE design can appear quite different and/or similar depending on the placement of the colours.  Not all four colours will be featured in each sample but most contain at least three. 

Let’s start with the first version of Iris today.

The above sample features size 5 perle cotton in Colours 63, 64, 120 and Kreinik Braid #6. 

So, what do you think?  Do you like it?

If you wish to stitch all four samples, one skein of size 5 perle cotton will be sufficient in Colours 63, 64, 65 and 120. 

Remember, the pattern is available in the January/February 2020 issue of Needlepoint Now on page 25. 

Stay tuned another Iris next week!

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It’s a new heart today – a bargello heart. 

If you are new to my Hearts for Hospice series you can find all my posts in the right side bar under categories – needlepoint – hearts for hospice.  Hopefully these designs will give you inspiration and ideas to stitch a heart yourself.  Remember, all of these hearts can be stitched with left over threads so they make great stash buster projects!

Today’s heart is stitched on 18 count canvas.  Dominique used a bargello pattern called “Hearts with Bargello Pattern” offered in Needlepointers, the July/August/September 2019 issue.  It is designed by Melita Glavin and found on page 30 of the issue.

Dominique used some of my threads in the pattern but many from her own stash.  All were very small volumes, less than 2 meters.  I love how she created dark in the top half and light in the lower half with her colour choices.  The addition of a very fine metallic adds just a bit of bling – I like bling!

The Hearts for Hospice project was initiated in 2015 by the Greater Kansas City Needlepoint Guild to fulfill a need at a local hospice center.  Since then it has grown significantly.  I am starting to see lots of hearts in my Facebook groups – so much inspiration!

So, how about attempting a bargello heart.

Get stitching ladies!

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Introducing my What a Hoot Series.

Meet Fleur – my first owl!

If you recall, I mentioned in my last post that all the owls in my What A Hoot series have names.  After Kam and I decided on owls, she said, “Lorraine, they all need names”!  Well, I hadn’t considered this at all.  AND, I’ve always been terrible at naming my quilts etc.  So, dilemma.

Then, it came to me one day – brilliant – or at least I thought so at the time!  Well, as it turned out I ran the risk of copyright infringement SO my original idea was nixed!  Plan B?

When I started selecting colour schemes for my owls I decided to select colours celebrating the seasons – spring, summer, fall etc.  So, I named my first owl “Fleur”.  Fleur means flower in French and I thought it worked well considering the chosen spring palette. You can see the colours below

Now let’s get to Fleur?

What is in the kit

• eyes and beak
• all custom dyed threads
• PDF pattern (emailed once payment is processed)

You will need to purchase 18 count mono canvas.

AND whatever threads are remaining once you complete her could be used on the backside creating a double-sided owl (hint – mobile ready)!  Each owl measures about 4 inches square – they are small! 

Please note that there will not be enough threads provided in the kit to finish the entire backside, but certainly a good portion of it.  You can always substitute existing threads or buy additional colours through my shop to complete the backside to your liking. 

Each kit contains an additional skein of thread to create the braid that outlines Fleur for finishing purposes.

As the series moves along, each owl will become a little more challenging.  This will provide a good progression.  There are a variety of stitches in each design.  We don’t think you will get bored! 

I could envision all six as a mobile for an owl-themed nursery!

Please note that the pattern is not sold separately.

Kam and I hope you like Fleur!

AND, remember next month I will be introducing my second owl!

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My What a Hoot series began as an idea last year. 

For years I’ve admired painted canvas designs, particularly the series or clubs I see advertised by designers through needlework shops.  BUT, I have rarely seen similar series in charted canvas designs.  Yes, some but not a lot! 

Late last year one of my customers, Kam Wenzloff had her Rainbow Ribbons design published in Needlepoint Now.  Although Kam and I had corresponded a wee bit prior to publication, I really had no idea of her background until I read the article.  Kam has worked in the needlework industry for over 45 years.  She owned and managed a retail shop, taught classes, designs both painted and charted designs and created an embellishment business selling her designs. These days she mostly designs for herself while enjoying being a grandma!

Once I completed reading the article, I sent Kam an email asking if she may be interested in creating a series of charted canvas designs for Colour Complements.  Lucky for me she liked the idea!  From there we started corresponding and chatting on the phone, discussing various ideas, options etc.  Over the course of several weeks we came up with What A Hoot.   

I know you are asking, what the heck is WHAT A HOOT?

What a hoot is a series of six owls.  Why owls – I’ve always been quite fascinated with owls.  In fact, my desktop screensaver is an owl!  Totally a coincidence that I really didn’t think much about until I came up with the owl idea. 

• Each owl is a different design celebrating bold and vibrant colours
• Each measures about 4 to 4 1/2 inches size finished – tiny beauties!
• All six are charted designs
• Exclusive to Colour Complements

I will be introducing one each month from April through September.  Each owl kit includes the PDF pattern, threads, eyes and beak.  

How does it work?

Each owl will be announced in my newsletter at the beginning of the month.  Kits will be available for purchase and a link will be provided.  Remember, each owl is a different design and they are sold as a kit. 

The patterns will not be sold separately at this time. 

All you grandma’s – I think all six would make a great mobile for a nursery!

Kam has done an incredible job designing these beauties.  Far better than I ever anticipated!  I am so excited, I can hardly wait to introduce you to “Fleur”!

Did I mention, YES, they each have names! 

Well, that’s a story for another post!

What A Hoot is coming Friday so stay tuned….

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Yes, it is ALL ABOUT COLOUR today!  Bold beautiful colour. 

I love purple – do you?  Purple is often associated with royalty, luxury and power.  Here it is combined with Colour #30 which is a bold blend of yellow, orange and pink.  I think it POPS! What do you think?

Dominique has stitched this sample on 18 count canvas which is a pale orange shade. This was a leftover bit of canvas from another project. What colours of threads did she use?

• Size 5 perle cotton #183
• Cotton Floss #30 – yellow, orange and pink

Instead of using a pattern, she simply made it up with the following stitches

• Rhodes
• Jessica
• Sprat’s Head
• Rice
• Scotch
• Long Arm

I have taken an additional close-up for clarity just in case you want to stitch this up yourself. Just love how these colours appear when placed next to one another.

Remember, you will find diagrams online for all of these stitches and it is worth checking out the American Needlepoint Guild website.  They offer a stitch of the month which I find tremendously helpful.

You may also like to check out Mary Corbet’s Needle N Thread website. Lots of wonderful videos there as well.

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Yes, it’s all about black today. 

Have you stitched on a black background?

Earlier last year I supplied my stitch group with a selection of colours celebrating spring and summer so they have been quite busy coming up with various colour combinations.  I always look forward to seeing how they choose to combine colours.

Just a Wee Project is designed by Freda Murfin. 

It is available at Freda’s Fancy Stitching. 

The sample measures 4 inches square and is stitched on black 18 count mono canvas.  This is the first time any of the group have used a black background so we were all curious to see how this sample turned out.  I love it and feel it showcases the colours well.  I think it would look fantastic with the addition of either a metallic thread or beads for some “bling”.

Susan has used the following colours of size 5 perle cotton for this sample

• Colour Complements Colour #138
• Colour Complements Colour #41
• Colour Complements Colour #184
• DMC Colour 3689

Thank you Susan.  Love the black!

In the coming months I will be sharing more stitch samples. Hopefully these will inspire you to stitch with COLOUR!

Remember, you can always play with lots of different colour combinations.

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