Very cross, cross stitch,

 

Apologies for the lack of posting this week.  The last few days have been a bit of a mixed bag.  Work wise I'm working on a really interesting freelance project involving cross stitch.  The flip side is that the word 'cross' has been very prevalent.  Don't wish to go into too much detail but Lucy was attacked in the playground at school on Monday by another pupil.  Hopefully the rest of the week will be a little calmer!

Making stuff...

When I left my design job last year, it was something I had thought about doing for a while, in the end, the decision was finalised due to the fact that we, as a family, relocated from the North West to the East Midlands. The plan was always to go freelance when our youngest started his five sessions at nursery, which isn't until september next year, but, as happens often, fate stepped in!. My husband spotted an advert earlier this year, which he forwarded on to me, I quickly got some stuff together and sent it off. The next day, a reply came, saying yes!.

So, here is the result, you may or may not have noticed the book link in my sidebar to,'Making Stuff for Kids'. I have done two projects that feature in this book, firstly a how to stitch counted cross stitch section, and secondly, a pattern and instructions for this rag doll.

I am really pleased with how it all looks in the book and also proud to see I'm in the company of some very illustrious other bloggers in there, Soozs, Heidi Kenny from My Paper Crane, and also Cupcakes for Clara to name but a few.

So, why not have a go and make your own doll, you too could make a little girl smile like this...

In the begining... and starting a fresh...

After 11 years as a designer, and latterly design manager for a leading UK based needlecraft kit manufacturer, Coats Craft UK, I now work freelance.

Under the Anchor brand name, I produced needlecraft kits covering a wide variety of techniques including, cross stitch, embroidery, applique, tapestry, and many three dimensional crafts. I also had the opportunity to create many items for editorial features with a variety of magazines including The World of Cross Stitching, 'Stitch' with the Embroiderers Guild, and Classic Stitches. Whilst in the role of Design Manager, I worked on a selection of external projects with The Embroiderers Guild, putting together 3 kits for them as a special project; Ehrman Tapestry, I co-ordinated the manufacturing process from initial design through to the completed kit; and Marks and Spencer, I designed a tapestry cushion to match a range of stationary which was made into a kit.

As LucyKate Crafts, I am continuing to add to my portfolio with some book work, and branching out into other techniques including feltmaking, papercrafts, more stumpwork and doll making.

Whilst with Coats, the majority of time was spent designing counted cross stitch kits using a wide variety of imagery such as animals, birds, countryside scenes and also some licensed products including brands such as Humphrey's Corner, Forever Friends and Newton's Law. Here are some of my favourites and most successfull.

Owl and Woodland Wildlife, in response to the use of sepia toned work in illustration, greetings cards and books at the time, I decided to see if this could be translated into cross stitch. This design was extreamly successful as a kit, became one of the first designs to be launched in the Anchor Premier Range, and still features in the current catalogue today.

Border Collie Sampler, also using sepia tonal work.

Countryside, you will be able to see clearer on this image how the sketchlike effect has been achieved using backstitch.

Some quirky bathroom mini kits on green aida.

One of a set of figures coupled with intricate borders and backgrounds.

Two examples of licensed products, here is Newton from Newton's Law, a range of greetings cards and gifts.

Something for the less experienced stitcher!.

Cross stitch used for more crafty items, a range of needlecases, pin cushions, scissor keeps and bookmarks.

CROSS STITCH MAGAZINE EDITORIALS

CROSS STITCH GOLD issue 30

CROSS STITCH COLLECTION issue 119

CROSS STITCH COLLECTION issue 127