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Cross stitch & needlework patterns (continued)
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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.
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And yet another butterfly...
This time our dreaming girl is in Asia, her motionless figure contrasting with her vivid dream.
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>> see all Dreaming Girl patterns by Barbara Ana Designs
More patterns with Butterflies
 Blackwork Butterflies Lesley Teare Designs |  Butterfly motifs (on Bath Towel) Marie-Anne Rethoret-Melin |  Butterfly Alphabet Maria Diaz Designs |  Butterfly Biscornu Tiny Modernist |
>> 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.
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>> see all Reproduction Samplers by Couleur Tourterelle
More patterns with Donkeys
 Sepia Baby Animal alphabet Marie Diaz Designs |  Toile de Jouy Lesley Teare Designs |  Baby Lou Perrette Samouiloff |  Bremen Town Musicians GERA! Kyoko Maruoka |
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.
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>> 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."
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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!
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.
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More vintage Postcards and Greeting cards by Monique Bonnin
 Holly Greeting card |  Incoming Storm Postcard |  Best Wishes |  Gathered for you |
>> 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.
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Under the Sea by Barbara Ana
 Over the Seas |  Flowers from the Sea |  Over the Seas |  A Pearl from the Sea |
More patterns with Mermaids
 Fantasy Mermaid Lesley Teare Designs |  The Little Mermaid GERA! Kyoko Maruoka |  Seafarer's Globe Maria Diaz Designs |  Ahoy! Riverdrift House |
>> 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.
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More Reproduction Samplers by Couleur Tourterelle
 Hortense de Frocourt1887 |  Gilberte Maleinge 1924 |  Mme Tougas 1904 |  Manoela Estadella |
>> 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.
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Fashion through the ages with Perrette Samouiloff
 Life at the court I - 17th century |  Life at the court II - 18th | (detail) | (detail) |
>> 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.
 Happy Childhood, Seaside |  Gone fishing |  Seaside motif sampler |  Seaside Wreath |
>> 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.
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More patterns with Dragonflies
 Dragonfly pillow Tiny Modernist |  Flower & Dragonfly Blackwork Lesley Teare Designs |  Waterlily & Dragonfly Lesley Teare Designs |  Beetles, Bugs and Butterflies Tapestry Barn |
>> 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.
 Butterflies design for Hand towel Marie-Anne Réthoret-Mélin |  Wandering Ducks Design for Hand towel designer |  High Seas band Faby Reilly Designs |  The parakeets design for Bathroom towel Perrette Samouiloff |
>> 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.
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A couple of stitches from from Faby Reilly's Masterclasses
 Kloster blocks |  Rhode's Butterfly |  Woven Picot stitch |  Spiderweb stitch |
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.
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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.
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>> 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.
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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.
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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:
 Cueillies pour vous |  Bonne Fête |  Bonne Fête |  Bonne Fête/Bonne fête Maman |  Bonne Fête |
>> 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:
 Father's Day Teddy card 1 |  Father's Day Teddy card 2 |  Father's Day Teddy card 3 |  Father's Day Teddy card 4 |
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.
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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.
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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.
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>> see all Barbara Ana Dreaming Girl portraits
More Dreaming Girls by Barbara Ana
 Dreaming Frida |  Dreaming of Klimt |  Garden of Dreams |  Dreaming Girl |
>> 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.
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More patterns related to music by Perrette Samouiloff
 The Little Orchestra (large) |  The little orchestra (Small) |  The Carol Singers |  Carnival |
More patterns related to music (all designers)
 Birds & Words - Music Riverdrift house |  Bremen Town Musicians GERA! Kyoko Maruoka |  Funny Music Alessandra Adelaide Needleworks - AAN |  Winnie's music Tam's Creations |
>> 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.
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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.
 Zélie Lecoeuvre 1873 |  B. Marsallat 1905 |  Motifs picked in two different issues of Sajou catalogues |
>> 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.
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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.
 Rhodes Butterfly |  Long & Short Stitch |  Woven picot Stitch |  Whipped backstitch |
>> 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.
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>> 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.
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