Little House Needleworks had a cute series released in 2018 -
Farmhouse Christmas. There were 9 designs each with a Christmas theme. If you want to learn how to finish them as individual ornaments, visit
Vonna Pfeiffer's Twisted Stitcher blog and
FlossTube channel to get the step by step instructions. She mentions using a white quilting cotton and we sell
Southern Belle white cotton, which many embroidery people use to back their projects.
This
series uses 30 count Northern Cross Linen in Natural. We have a new
source for this linen as the importer closed in 2017. The new name is
Studio Linen and the color is Portobello. It is the same popular linen
only with a new name.
Each design is 63x63 (4x4 on 30
count, 3.5x3.5 on 35 count). A Stitcher's
Half (36x27) will give you enough to stitch
them individually as ornaments (you can get
12 - 9x9 pieces out of a SH, for 30
count ornaments). A SQ (18x27) will give
you 12 - 6x6.75 pieces (for 35
count).
If you wish to stitch the series on one
piece of fabric Diane has suggested that stitch them 3 across
and 3 down. The stitch
count is 195x195 (with 3 stitches between
the sections). If you stitcher her option border, it adds 14 stitches to the overall design.
- 30 count without the border, this works out to
be 13x13. With the border it's 14x14. If you don't mind a 2" margin
you can work this on a SQ (18x27).
- 35
count this works out to be 11.25x11.25 without the border and 12x12 with the border. So a SQ
gives you a 3" margin.
You'll find the Studio Line/Northern Cross linens in the online catalog here.
Aida
While
Diane designed the series for linen it can be stitched on Aida. As the
linen is a natural/undyed linen we found several options that might work
for Aida.
Rustico is a flecked fabric with a very country look, however it is much lighter than Natural linen.
Zweigart does make
LinenAida in 14 & 20 count from linen. It is the closest match to the Northern Cross Natural. Other options included
14 count Natural Brown from Wichelt and
Dirty in 14, 16 or 18 count.
- 14
count without the border is 14x14 or 15x15 with the border. You will
need either a Stitcher's Quarter (18x21 - 2" margin) or a Stitcher's
Half (36x21 - 3" margin)
- 16 count without the border is 13x13 or 14x14 with the border. You will need a Stitcher's Quarter (18x21 - 2.5" margin)
- 18 count without the border is 11x11 or 12x12 with the border. You will need a Stitcher's Quarter (18x21 - 3" margin)
- 20 count with the border is 9.75x9.75 or 10.5x10.5 with the border. You will need a Stitcher's Quarter (18x21 - 3" margin)
To
do the 9 designs as individual ornaments we would suggest a Stitcher's
Half of any of the Aida counts so that you have enough. If you click on
the names above you'll be taken to them in the online catalog.
Jobelan & Lugana
There
really aren't any great color matches to the linen in Jobelan or
Lugana. But here are our selections. Light Taupe has a bit more of a
red/brown cast to it. Lambswool is lighter is is bit more on the tan
side of things.
Lugana 28 count Light Taupe or
Jobelan 28 or 32 count Lambswool.
- 28 count without the border is 14x14 or 15x15 with the border. You will
need either a Stitcher's Quarter (18x27 - 2" margin) or a Stitcher's
Half (36x27 - 3" margin)
- 32 count without the border is 13x13 or 14x14 with the border. You will need a Stitcher's Quarter (18x27 - 2.5" margin)
Threads
The series uses
Classes Colorworks & DMC Floss in Bamboo (6), Blackbird (2), Cherry Cobbler (2), Pebble Beach (2), Roasted Chestnut (2), Weeping Willow (2), 435, and 754.
You can order any you require by clicking
on the color name. If you are concerned about having them all out of one
dyelot, be sure to check that box on the thread order page.
Because we like
fluffy sheep we are also suggesting that
you consider stitching the sheep in Wisper.
Color 88 is white or W89 ecru. Either of them would make fine
little fluffy sheep and they are listed below.
