Inspiration

Hi Friends!

Sorry I've been MIA for awhile. I'm an advocate on an anti-homelessness task force. Our mission is to promote the humane treatment of homeless individuals through community outreach, networking, free meal programs, emergency shelter, housing, mental health referrals, resume writing tools and supportive services. I'm grateful for my interaction with the poor and the marginalized. They teach me many important things. In the face of insurmountable odds, their resiliency is inspirational. If you live on the North Shore of Boston and you're in need of food then please click on the link: Saint John's Church. 

Thank you for all the lovely photos of your finished cross stitch patterns. You're so creative in the way you make some of the patterns into pincushions and pretty boxes. I love how you put your own spin on my patterns. Thank you for taking the time to send me emails with kind comments too. I am very happy you find peace and joy in my cross stitch patterns. You're an inspiration!

For those who missed it, the French Rose Bouquet pattern is for sale now in my shop: French Rose Bouquet

For those interested in the French monogram pattern, I still haven't heard back from the French company about whether they will wholesale just the pattern. I don't think they're too keen on just selling the pattern. At present, the French monogram is sold only as a kit. If you're interested in the monogram kit, it can be found on their website: French Monogram

I'm always on the hunt for vintage needlework. There are two more pieces coming my way this week. I hope to share them with you soon. I love needlework because it's textural and three dimensional. The walls of my tiny home are filled with my own finished pieces, hoop art and vintage needlework treasures.

I recently purchased a freestyle floral hoop-art piece stitched by the talented Tessa Perlow. She updates her shop on a regular basis.You can view more of her work here: Tessa Perlow

Finally, I'm stitching a small pattern with blooms and a bunny, As usual, I'm stitching this design with silk thread. I hope to offer this petite pattern in my shop soon.  

That's all for now....until next time..happy summer stitching! xx ~ J

French Monogram

Hello Friends!

Many of you have written to me about this French Monogram. Thank you for your interest. I stitched the design about ten years ago. The monogram remains one of my favorite pieces. I had such a relaxing time working on this pattern. Cross stitching allows us to slow down and make something with our own hands. With each stitch, the stress of the day fades away.

It's also amazing to me how a simple piece of handmade textile art can turn up the charm in a room. Everyday, I admire the gentle scrolls, flourishes and quiet elegance of this French monogram. Fresh roses in mint julep cups and pearly-shells are part of the decor here too. I was schooled in the simple elegance of flowers in julep cups by a high-end florist I worked for in Philadelphia. Julep cups make garden roses and even supermarket flowers into something elegant and special. Effortless flower arranging at its best.

Anyway...back to the monogram. I cannot recall the exact color of the linen I used to stitch this monogram. I think it was 32-count Confederate Grey Belfast Linen made by the Zweigart Company. The color is a very light blue-grey. I usually stitch all my pieces with 32-count linen made by Zweigart. They have a nice range of colors. I used French white silk thread to stitch this piece. The French silk thread is available in my Shop.

I've contacted the French company that makes this monogram. If I can offer the monogram in my shop, I will. I'm waiting to hear back from them about whether I can sell this pattern by itself. The chart is clear. There's an alphabet of letters for personalizing the design. At present, the company only sells the pattern as a kit with natural linen. If you're interested in their kit, it's available at Rouge du Rhin. Click here to go to their website. 

Happy Stitching!
xx ~ Jilly 

Natural Linen Monogram

This simple French monogram is from a booklet called ABC aux Ancolies.  The booklet is made up of clear patterns/charts that are easy to stitch. It's from a French company called Rouge du Rhin. Click here to go to their website and purchase it. They ship to the USA. There are many wonderful cross stitch charts and kits created by this company. 

Shabby-Chic-Esque

I recently lost my case management job due to lack of funding.  I was sad for a while, laying around in my PJ's, feeling scared and sorry for myself.  After the initial shock wore off, I decided to get dressed and get on with things.  

Roses & Tutus

Garland of Roses Pillow

Beautiful French Aubusson Rug

Have you seen the  paintings of Laurence Amelie? They're impressionistic and imaginative. Rachel Ashwell (my muse) is fond of them too. They blend effortlessly with Shabby Chic and French decor. I adore them. I had to share them with you!

Images found on Pinterest. Please visit my boards for more French inspiration.



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