Another Pattern Finish!

Hi Friends!

I finally finished this large rose stitched on white linen! This pattern was meditative to stitch. The colors always brighten my mood. Done entirely in pink and green, this impressionistic pattern celebrates my favorite flower. Stitch the rose in luminous silk thread or your favorite floss and colors. I hope this pattern inspires you to create something fresh, beautiful and handmade. Pop on over to my online shop to learn more. xx~ Jilli  

Rose Silhouettes

Rose Silhouettes 

This vintage-modern design is available in my shop now! The pattern celebrates my favorite flower. Stitch one rose or all of them. Select your favorite colors and have a relaxing time stitching some impressionistic roses.

Pop on over to my online shop to learn more: Sew French Online Shop

     

 Happy Summer Stitching! xx ~ Jilly 

New Rose Silhouettes Pattern

Hi Everyone! How have you been? It's been a minute since I posted a new pattern. These past two winters, I've been involved with doing a lot of homeless outreach here on Boston's North Shore. The winters are long and cold. The shelters fill up fast. People are outside in freezing cold weather. That means passing out hot coffee, lots of blankets, arctic sleeping bag, popup tents and bagged lunches to folks shivering in the streets. It means making referrals to emergency psychiatric services and meal programs. Now that winter is over, I'm burnt-toast. I need a break. One thing that I've struggled with throughout the years of working for social justice is finding balance for prayer, church-going and selfcare. The important things that matter most. They help me from feeling lost and overwhelmed. Everything is better when I integrate all these things into my life. When I place God, prayer and church first then I'm on the right track. But I'm a flawed person. When I feel passionate about social justice, I can often neglect the gentle activities that bring stillness and peace to my life. I guess that's why I'm drawn to cross stitch. Cross stitch is slow-going, but that's why I like it. Stitching allows me to rest and be still. A hoop in my hand focuses my attention inward. I find serenity in the rhythm of a needle passing through linen. I love the way silk thread looks against linen. I'm very happy for a return to a slower pace. Isn't that what summer is about? Slowing down. Resting. Recreating. That might be why I experience  an increase in sales just before summer starts. Thank you to all my sweet customers who find joy in stitching my patterns. That makes my heart happy. I imagine my customers stitching my designs in their air conditioned condos or on their porches with a glass of iced tea or lemonade nearby. Taking care of ourselves by cooking healthy dinners, going for long walks and making something pretty are balms for the soul. Selfcare also means hugging and petting my rescued beagle much more, staying present in the moment and watching her have running-paw-dreams. Standing still feels right. It feels good. To be with my silks and linens is my re-creation. 

This new rose pattern is the first in a series. I hope to stitch and frame each piece and hang them on a gallery wall. My plan is to frame all the new rose patterns in simple gold frames. Roses will always be my muse. These new patterns are all about roses. A celebration of my favorite flower. I designed the silhouette roses in an impressionistic style. The pattern feels fresh, free, modern and vintage at the same time. 

The rose silhouettes can be stitched in all one color or your favorite pinks and greens. There are so many options for stitching the roses on colored linen too. Stitch one rose or all of them. The pattern is meant to inspire you to create something beautiful and handmade. Stitching my simple patterns are a stress-reducing, mindful experience. Simple is always beautiful. I don't go for a lot of changing threads. For me, lots of thread changes makes cross stitching less enjoyable and less meditative. 

This rose pattern is perfect for summer-stitching because you can take it on vacation with you. Stitch on your porch, on your couch watching Netflix or in your rose garden. Once you've completed a single rose, you can frame it or continue stitching all of the roses.  The pattern is very flexible. The detailed pattern will be for on Friday in my shop. Please feel free to send me an email with your questions or comment below. I'd love to hear from you!  

Happy Summer Stitching!

xx ~ Jilly!    

Raspberry & Teal

Hi Everyone! How have you been? I've been working on a few more patterns. I finally finished the monogram. "R" is for roses. I stitched the monogram on azalea-pink French linen with white silk. Monograms are heirloom pieces that never go out of style. I'll frame this one and add it to my gallery wall. I'm planning on creating a gallery wall with a mix of my own hand stitched pieces, vintage embroidery and Asian embroidery. I love gallery walls but they need to be done right. There are tips and tricks to make them cohesive. Maybe when my gallery wall is finished, I'll be able to snap some decent photos and post them to my Instagram . Yes, I'm back on Instagram. I'm still on the fence about it. If you don't pay for Instagram promotions then no one ever sees your posts. Such is life on social media. I try to update my Instagram on the regular though, whether people see my posts or not. It's fun.

I hoped to add a few more things to the shop last month but life got in the way. You know how that goes. I spend time helping homeless people. I'm trying to devote time to meditative prayer and spiritual reading because it's essential to my life.

Anyway, I'm currently stitching a large pattern now. There's always something in my hoop. This new pattern is a blooming garden rose stitched with raspberry silk on white linen. I love the way raspberry-pink contrasts with the teal in the teacup saucer too (see images above). The color-pop of pink and teal is pretty. Darker colors always ground pink and make it sophisticated. Pink and black will always be a classic too. Coco Chanel knew that.

I'm going to get back to stitching now. I have a large mug of  French-press coffee on my table. Stitching and sipping coffee is a thing on Instagram. Photos of hoops with embroidery and hands holding a coffee mug pop up in my feed very often. I never tire of looking at the coffee and stitching photos. Coffee and stitching is definitely a thing and they do go quite well together.

I'm always happy when a piece of embroidery is framed and ready to hang on the wall. Hand-stitched items really do make a home more soulful, personal and charming. I can't wait to frame my second rose heart pattern. In case you missed it, this rose heart pattern is stitched with raspberry silk on white linen. You can stitch it in your favorite colors. I hope you'll discover the joy of cross stitching. I have fun freebies in my shop with links to teach you how to cross stitch, so please visit and browse for a while. I'd like to thank you all for your support.

Happy Stitching!
xx ~ Jilly 

New Pattern Peek

For Christmas this year, my husband gave me new cross stitch software. I spent the next several days designing a garden rose pattern and eating slices of gateau basque. The local bakery sells the incredibly delicious French tart that combines flaky crust with pastry cream and cherries. The tart is one of life's sweet pleasures.

The photo above is a computer generated image of my rose pattern. The pattern is inspired by the old fashioned roses that grow in the dreamy coastal town of Rockport, MA. There, seaside cottages are surrounded by pink roses and white picket fences. Winter is long in New England. Thankfully, roses can always flow from my needle.  I'm so excited to begin stitching this design! I'm still not sure if I want to add some golden yellow thread to the center of the rose.

Stay Tuned and Happy Stitching!

xx ~ Jilly

Paris Pink Heart Pattern

Hi Friends! How was your Thanksgiving? I hope everyone had a peaceful holiday. As usual, my husband, Ellie-beagle and I relaxed and enjoyed good food.

I stitched this Paris Pink Heart Pattern in luminous silk thread on white linen, but you can stitch it in your favorite colors. White embroidery floss on colored linen is nice too. In case you were thinking of a Christmas present for your favorite cross stitcher, the mail order pattern comes prettily packaged with a complimentary needle threader. To learn more about this pattern, visit my shop by clicking here .

I hope you have a peaceful and blessed Christmas! Happy Stitching! 

xx ~ Jilly 

Azalea-Pink French Linen Monogram

Hello Friends! Just a quick note to thank you for your continued support in purchasing my cross stitch patterns and embroidery supplies. My heart is happy when you stitch my patterns. I love receiving emails from you too. I spend a good amount of time doing homeless outreach. Designing and stitching cross stitch patterns is my stress-relief and my joy. Sew French cross stitch shop is my side-hustle. To open my sewing box and see linens and luminous silk thread soothes my soul.

It's snowing here in New England. The ocean breeze is brisk. A perfect day to get my hygge-on and bake this Tahini Banana Bread. I added dark chocolate chips to the recipe. I can't resist putting chocolate in everything. Sesame and banana are a winning combination.

February is a good month to get cozy and stitch something soulful with your hands. Right now, a monogram is in my hoop. The monogram is stitched on Azalea-pink Sajou French linen. The linen is currently sold out in my shop. I hope to get more linen very soon. The bright pink color is cheerful and beautiful. As always, my favorite French embroidery hoops and other cross stitch supplies are available in my shop too.

In support of other creatives, here's a link to my coworker's Etsy shop. Stephanie is a kind counselor who works with me in the crisis unit at the hospital. Pop on over to her shop to see what she's crafting. Also, The Thread Gatherer  sells luminous hand-dyed silk embroidery thread for those of you like me who love to stitch with silk thread. For all you knitters out there, Ginny Sheller sells beautiful hand-dyed yarn in her Etsy shop that she makes with natural botanicals. My cross stitching buddy, Jacob, from across the pond has a fun three dimensional stitching tutorial on his website too.

As I finish typing, the snow is still falling. I'm on my second cup of coffee. It's one of those beautifully ordinary days. The best kind of days. 

Happy Cozy Crafting! 

xx ~ Jilly     

Paris Pink Heart Pattern

Hi Friends! How are you? Fall is my favorite time of year in New England. As the weather is turning colder, I've been busy stitching and designing new patterns for you. My Paris Pink Heart is a sweet pattern to stitch with silk on white linen. The pink silk floss is made by the Needlepoint Inc Company. The floss I chose for this project is bright pink and just gorgeous. The low light of the winter-sun doesn't quite capture the beauty of this bright pink floss in some of the photos. The photo (directly below with the teacup) shows a more accurate color of the pink floss. But as you can see, the pattern looks pretty with light or bright pink floss.  

  

Wintertime means lots of cozy stitching under comfy quilts. Cross stitching calms my soul. A lazy weekend morning with French-press coffee is even better when I know there's something special in my hoop. Silk is my favorite floss to stitch with because it's elegant and beautiful.

I often stitch while watching movies. Have you seen The Beguiled (2017) directed by Sofia Coppola and starring Nicole Kidman and Kirsten Dunst? Onmigosh, it's like viewing a painting. The costumes and set design are full of French-style-southern-gorgeousness. I've watched it many times while stitching up this heart. The movie provided me with endless inspiration for a few more designs too. I plan to offer an alphabet for monogramming soon. Once this heart is back from the frame shop, I'll show it to you. If you've stitched my French Rose Heart, this pattern is a nice complimentary piece. I hope you enjoy this pattern! Happy Stitching! xx ~ Jilly 

Pattern Description:

This pretty heart is inspired by vintage French linens. The pattern is stitched with pink silk floss (or DMC Embroidery Floss) on white linen. You may wish to stitch this heart in your favorite colors. White floss on colored linen is also a nice choice.

The finished size of the heart is approximately 7.5 x 6.5 inches 

Please note: This pattern is available as a instant downloadable PDF and mail order. To learn more about my Paris Pink Heart Pattern please click here or visit my shop. 

Pattern Progress

Since I've been busy with homeless outreach and hospital work, I haven't had much time for stitching. It's always nice to return to my linens and threads. On this rainy day in New England, a hoop in my hands is a cozy comfort. 

Right now, I'm working on another French rose heart pattern. This time, I've chosen crisp white linen and Paris-pink silk thread. Roses remain my muse.  

In other news, I'm honored to be included among the Top 100 French Blogs on the Internet. My favorite bloggers, Chocolate and Zucchini and French Country Cottage, are also on the list. If you're looking for more French-inspired blogs, click on the link on the right side bar to see the full list. 

Oh..don't forget to check out the new embroidery supplies in my shop. I'll soon be offering French embroidery linens too. I'm excited about the French linens! Until next time...xx ~ Jilly   

Sajou Embroidery Hoops

Just a quick note to let you know I've added Sajou French Embroidery Hoops to the shop.

Happy Stitching! xx ~ Jilly 

Granny-Chic

Vintage needlepoint, thrifted crystal vases, limoges plates, antique gold tables with pretty-patinas and classic paintings of sewing inspire me. My decorating style marches to a vintage-vibe.

I can't wait to show you the Ballard Designs Claire chandelier I finally ordered. It wasn't the exact color I expected so I lightly painted it with some Renaissance-gold to give it an antique-gold appearance.

A new cross stitch pattern is on the horizon too. I've designed another simple heart. I'm stitching it with Paris-pink silk on crisp white linen. Stay tuned!  xx ~ Jilly
         

Free Bunny Bloom Cross Stitch Pattern

Hello Friends!

This sweet cross stitch pattern is inspired by vintage embroidery. The design is worked in silk thread or DMC cotton floss. The flowers are stitched in vintage-y colors. Creamy yellow, pistachio green, bunny brown and hot pink show up here. But you can stitch it in your favorite colors or all one color too.

I imagine you might stitch this pattern on the porch with a cold glass of lemonade or on a vacation by the sea. Maybe you'll stitch it on a rainy afternoon, Maybe you're a midnight stitcher who likes to cross stitch while binging Netflix. I hope you enjoy my Bunny Bloom cross stitch pattern!  

Bunny Bloom Instructions:

The pattern is stitched with two strands of silk floss on white linen. Follow my suggestions or stitch it in your favorite colors. It can be stitched in all one color too. I tried to make the resolution as clear as possible for the computer screen.

 Finished Size of The Design Area Is Approximately:  4 x4 inches

If you are new to cross stitching, please see my basic tutorial here.

For This Project You Will Need:

·  Needlepoint Inc Hot-Pink Silk Floss Color in 682 and 683, Glacier Blue Color 615, Creamy Yellow Color 134, Pistachio Green Color 354, Bunny Brown Color 186. You can also DMC Embroidery Floss colors provided in the color key.   

·  32-Count White Linen made by the Zweigart Company. The linen should measure at least three inches larger than the size of the pattern. The extra linen will ensure you can properly frame your finished piece.   

·     Size 26 or 24 tapestry needle

·     Embroidery scissors

·     Embroidery hoop

·   Optional materials: needle threader, Ott Lite and magnifier, pinking shears

Fabric Prep: I like to prepare the fabric by trimming the edges with pinking shears. Use an embroidery hoop to keep the fabric stretched tight. Always remove the hoop when you’re done stitching.   

  

Color Key: The design is stitched with luminous, Chinese Silk Floss made by the Needlepoint Inc Company. You can also stitch it with your favorite colors of DMC cotton floss or your favorite brand of silk floss. DMC floss is found in most craft stores. Have fun and stitch it in colors that make you happy!   

Needlepoint Inc Silk Color Pistachio Green 354  or DMC Color 580

Needlepoint Inc Silk Color Hot Pink 683 or DMC Color 3805. This is a darker pink color.

 

Needlepoint Inc Silk Color Hot Pink 682 or DMC Color 604 This is a lighter pink color. 

 

Needlepoint Inc Color Creamy Yellow 134 or DMC Color 3820

 

Needlepoint Inc Color Glacier 615 or DMC Color 312

 Needlepoint Inc Color Bunny Brown 186 or DMC color 839

The Design Chart: The squares on the design chart correspond to the squares on the fabric. Every square with a symbol requires a cross stitch.

    

Let’s Start Stitching:

Fold the fabric in half horizontally and vertically and pinch the corners. Where the two creases meet is the center. Start stitching there.  Match the center of the fabric with the center of the design. You can find the center of the design by following the side arrows on the chart.  Thread your needle with two strands of floss. Place your first few stitches on the fabric, leaving about an inch of thread in the back of the fabric (the tail).  Hold the tail against the fabric in the direction you plan to stitch and work the first few stitches over it to secure it. To end a thread, run your thread through the stitches on the back of the fabric then clip off the end.

Please visit My Shop for more freebies and patterns!

Happy Stitching! 

xx~ Jilly

                     Bunny Bloom © 2016 

sewfrenchcrossstitch.com