Wednesday 30 November 2016

Sprouts! Just say no! Christmas cross stitch design for sprout haters!

Sprouts! Just say no! Christmas cross stitch design for sprout haters!




Colour Anchor Thread numbers
Green 245
Dark Green 269
Red 334
Grey 234

Hello everyone,

Today I have a cross stitch design for the ever growing numbers of Brussel Sprout haters who somehow have to deal with the little green menace every Christmas! I am told by an American friend that they can sometimes be found at Thanksgiving too, I feel sorry for American sprout haters who have to avoid them at two holidays every year!

This design was requested by my friend who wants to add a little anti sprout messaging to her Christmas decorating. However her sister loves sprouts and wants a design to express a love for sprouts to make into a cushion. I think perhaps these two sisters may be aggressively cross stitching sprout slagans at each other all Christmas!

Please feel free to pop back for the sprout love cross stitch design, I'll post it up here as soon as I have finished drawing it. :)

For more Christmas designs here are some links:
Christmas stocking maze
Christmas bauble collection
Gingerbread people
Colourful Christmas Crackers
Christmas bauble maze
Cute advent calendar motifs
Not a creature was stirring not even a mouse - card and bookmark design.
Pengiun in a Christmas hat
Making friends - Santas Elf making a snowman
Fur topped stocking Christmas card design.

For the Buzy Bobbins Index page Click here

Friday 25 November 2016

Baby shoes in blue, pink and yellow cross stitch design for Baby samplers

Baby shoes in blue, pink and yellow cross stitch design for Baby samplers




Each design is 130 stitches high and 57 stitches wide
On 14 count aida the stitched area will be 9 1/4 inches high and 4 1/8 inches wide. Don't forget to add extra around each edge for a border and finishing.


Colour Anchor Thread numbers
Dark blue 410
Mid blue 140
Lightest blue 160
White 2
Grey 234


Colour Anchor Thread numbers
Dark Pink 41
Mid Pink 26
Lightest Pink 50
White 2
Grey 234


Colour Anchor Thread numbers
Dark yellow 298
Mid yellow 289
Lightest yellow 301
White 2
Grey 234

Hello everyone,

Today I decided to draw a lovely design for a baby sampler. I just couldn't decide what colour to draw it in so just had to do the three classic colours for baby samplers pink, blue and yellow but to be honest it can look good in any colour if you'd like to substitute your threads.

I have had a few requests for things which are pink for girls and blue for boys but I think I'll see if I can do a few more designs which can be done in any colour, like yellow, green and purple since these are also wonderful colours for baby samplers but not so often used as the pastel blues and pinks. After a few of my friends had babies I started to long for a sampler with a different colour scheme. :)

If you'd like an alphabet to add a babies name why not try my fancy Alphabet with whole stitches only - heres a link:

A reference image for this design was found in the public domain at the following link:

For more child friendly cross stitch designs here are some links:

Pink and purple baby girl birth sampler design
Little Rainbow over the Hills Cross stitch design
Small pink and purple princess castle
Simple baby feet birth sampler design
Mummy's princess - heart with a crown
Cute bear in a hot air balloon
A Princess sleeps here, Pink text with cute pink flowers
I love you to the moon and stars and back again - small symbol

For the Buzy Bobbins Index page Click here

Monday 21 November 2016

Our cross stitch surprise box by Jenjen's cross stitch goodies and craft goodies

Hello everyone,

For a long while I had been wondering if there was such a thing as a surprise box for cross stitch fans. I see my friends at work getting their lootcrates and other boxes and wondered if I could order a cross stitch surprise for myself.

It just so happened that la few months ago I stumbled upon the Facebook group Jenjen's cross stitch goodies and craft goodies

Heres a link to the group: Link

This is a wonderful idea and just what I was looking for. All you need to do is join the Facebook group and keep an eye out for the announcements of this months theme. Every month has a different theme so there is something for everyone. Don't worry about missing the announcement it will be posted with a big pretty picture so it will stand out on your Facebook feed. Then, if you are interested in the theme you can buy this months subscription box (more about ordering later) and wait for your gift box to arrive at the end of the month.
One feature I really love is that this is not a subscription box. You only buy the themes you are interested in. So you only get items you'll love and can skip months where you perhaps already have a few items in your stash on this theme.

Last month the theme was Halloween (naturally since its the hot topic of October) so I ordered one surprise box for me and one for my lovely niece Chloe since childrens boxes were also on offer that month. I'm going to say now that I did receive my parcel a few weeks ago but since the page also posts to cross stitch fans in the US I left posting this review until they would have received their parcels so I didn't accidentally spoil the surprise for them, because hey, who likes spoilers?

So without further ado lets take a peek at what came in the package

The adult package


This is all of the items which arrived in the grown up parcel. The wooden keychain did not come pre-embroidered by the way. Chloe and I got so excited that we started sewing on them before I had taken pictures!
I got a lovely cross stitch design called Worried pumpkin by Cariad Cross Stitch designs. The design itself was very clear black and white symbols with a clear grid and a nicely marked center point. (which is vital for those of us who like to start in the middle of a design)

Another highlight of the pack was the hand died piece of Aida, since it was Halloween themed this dye gave the impression of smoke from a witches cauldron or a dark and murky night where monsters play. Since each piece of Aida is unique in its colouring I'm going to save it for a special spooky project.
I'm thinking of using my Haunted House design here Halloween Haunted house silhouette cross stitch design 

I also got a few cross stitch essentials such as bobbins for your thread, a super cute needle minder in the shape of a pumpkin, a spare needle, spare threads (because who has enough of those) a pen for marking designs and some double sided tape.
If that wasn't enough there are also some super cute charms (shown in the right of the picture) and a raffle ticket. For the raffle ticket just keep an eye out for which number is picked on the Facebook page and one lucky winner gets an extra surprise!

The Children's Package


For this pack I'll leave it up to My lovely Niece Chloe to explain whats inside, please bear in mind again that the wooden shape for cross stitching did not come pre-stitched, we just stitched it before remembering to take a photo.

Chloes corner

Hello everyone,
It was a really nice treat when I got my surprise cross stitch parcel from Jenjen's cross stitch goodies and craft goodies. My favourite thing is the wooden shape which has holes in for people to cross stitch. I sewed a little white bone on it since it was Halloween and I thought it would look good with my Halloween outfit.

I also got a piece of dyed aida, its the same colour as Gemmas package but in a bigger size (11 count) so its easier for me to sew. I have already started to sew the Pumpkin cross stitch design on it. I love the pumpkin cross stitch design, its a little spooky but not too scary so I won't frighten my Mum with it. :)

Finally I got some cool things to help me build up my collection.
The Hoop will be very useful, and the threads with some bobbins to store them on. The pink Pumpkin in the picture is a needle minder. I had not used one before, It has a magnet to hold your needle if you need to stop stitching and do chores which happens very often for me! There are also some Halloween charms which are awesome, I put the keyring on my bag and my friends are a little jealous.

Bye bye for now
Chloe

Ordering

Ordering was really easy, from the Facebook group just send Jenna message to let her know which one you would like.
Jenna then sends you a Paypal invoice to your email to pay for your package. Don't worry if you have never use a Paypal invoice before they are very easy. Just open up the email, check the details are correct and follow the instructions, the Paypal website walks you through the entire process. Though I must admit it is even easier if you already have a Paypal account set up already.
Then you wait for the advertised posting date and as soon as the postman can get it to you you will have a lovely cross stitching gift to yourself.

Jenna is also super helpful if you have any questions about the items in your box. In the adults box I was actually unsure what the tape was having never used it despite how many cards I make (I won't blame you if you'd like to take away my cross stitching credentials now) However I sent a quick message to Jenna and she saved the day by explaining what it was and what its used for!
I think I'll be giving it a try when I need to finish my next Christmas cards.

Ordering the kids box

I'd like to make a special note about ordering the kids box. Jenna asked for Chloes age and I gave a brief overview of her sewing skill at the moment. Jenna was so lovely by giving me a little preview of the cross stitch design for Chloe's package so I could check that it wouldn't be too difficult for her to sew. That is just such a nice thing so I was sure that she wouldn't be given something beyond her skill at the moment and when I saw it I just knew she would love it. I was so right she has been sewing it for an hour this evening, she sticks her tongue out as she stitches its adorable. :)

The Facebook group itself is a lovely group to be a part of. There are regular updates with beautiful needle minders, cross stitch chart offers and much more just in case you feel like treating yourself.
So if you'd like to join in and see what the next surprise box may be follow this link to Jenjen's cross stitch goodies and craft goodies

I hope you all enjoyed my little overview of the surprise package I received. Its just the thing for stitchers who want a nice treat in their mail box.

For more spotlights of artists and products I love here are some links

A preview of Simbrix - Interconnecting bricks for creative sculptures
Fun things to make with Simbrix
Unboxing and review of Cutiepies' Hair bows 
Artist Spotlight: Maz's Boutique
Artist Spotlight: Pins and Needles
Artist spotlight: Geeky Clean - Power-up your bath time with geeky themed soaps 
Artist Spotlight: Twinkle Kitty Boutique
Zukiestyle - Beautifully bespoke fashion and pet accessories

If you are still in the Halloween mood here are some links to some Halloween themed cross stitch

Halloween

Simple sweet themed Trick or Treat Bag
I Love my Mummy simple Halloween motif
Pumpkin Alphabet
Jack O' Lantern Coaster designs for Halloween
Cute ghost coming out of a pumpkin
Cute cat in a pumpkin 
Cute ghost giving a gift
Happy Ghost at a gravestone
Halloween Haunted house silhouette cross stitch design 
Pentagram for Altar cloth
Butterfly inspired sugar skull cross stitch design
Witches bookshelf - small bookmark cross stitch design
Sad ghost at a gravestone

For the Buzy Bobbins Index page Click here


Sunday 13 November 2016

Simple cross stitched Christmas gift tag designs

Simple cross stitched Christmas gift tag designs



Hello everyone,

Today is a nice collection of easy cross stitched gift tags to make a start on Christmas preparations. These could also make cute centrepieces for Christmas cards if you have some sweet embellishments to add to them on the card.

No thread numbers today because the colours here are just suggestions, these designs are small enough that you could use some left over thread to sew them or whatever threads you happen to have on hand.

I think I'll sew a few of these to use up a few left over pieces of aida I have around the house. :) I always love thinking of ways to use up small scraps like this. Or maybe I just love another excuse to cross stitch, how about all of you?

I've got a few more Christmas designs coming up to get us all into the festive spirit so come back soon to see some more fun and free cross stitch designs.

For a few more Christmas themed cross stitch designs here are some links:

Christmas designs
Christmas stocking maze
Christmas bauble collection
Gingerbread people
Colourful Christmas Crackers
Christmas bauble maze
Cute advent calendar motifs
Not a creature was stirring not even a mouse - card and bookmark design.
Pengiun in a Christmas hat
Making friends - Santas Elf making a snowman
Fur topped stocking Christmas card design.
Sprouts! Just say no! Christmas cross stitch design for sprout haters!
Wavy Christmas tree - Simple Christmas card cross stitch design

For the Buzy Bobbins Index page Click here

Wednesday 9 November 2016

Cute red Mini Cooper - cushion sized cross stitch design

Cute red Mini Cooper - cushion sized cross stitch design



Above is a preview of what the finished design will look like when it is all sewn :D





Colour
Anchor Thread numbers
DMC Thread numbers
Black
403
310
Red
335
606
Light red
1022
760
Yellow
386
3823
Orange
291
444
Dark grey
235
414
Light Grey
847
3072
White
2
White

Hello everyone,

Today I'd like to share with you all a cross stitch design of one of my favourite cars the Mini Cooper. It is so small and cute I really want one but for now I'll have to make do with the little toy car my nephew for me for my birthday last year. That was super thoughtful of him even if I'd really like the full sized version.

This cross stitch design is made to be in whole stitches without half stitches or French knots and only a small bit of backstitch on the headlights so hopefully its easy enough for even beginners to pick up and have a go.
Changing up the main colour of the car is really simple since I have only used two colours for it. When changing out the colours take the brighter colour and sew that in place of the red on my original design.

The reference image for this cross stitch design can be found here:
https://pixabay.com/en/banner-red-bright-watercolor-mini-1353848/


Here I'd normally give links to related patterns but I looked through my list and found I actually don't have a vehicles category. Well I must fix that starting with this pattern. I'll make sure to design a few more vehicles for people to sew but for now have a random selection of links :)

Geometric black and purple cross stitch design
Rainbow coloured Geometric pattern
Pretty circle of Butterflies and Flowers
Wishing well card sized cross stitch design
Primrose Fairy
Question Mark Maze
China blue flower motif
Girl blowing a Dandelion
Cute bird sitting in some bushes
Make a Wish - Dandelion seeds turning into Butterflies
Blue and green sewn bird
Bright orange and yellow summer sun motif
Bunch of colourful balloons
Two hearts become one
Small backstitch flower motif

For the Buzy Bobbins Index page Click here

Friday 4 November 2016

Fur topped stocking Christmas card cross stitch design

Fur topped stocking Christmas card cross stitch design



Hello everyone,
Its that time of year again where we all start stocking up on our Christmas cards. There are just so many to send that I tend to make a few at a time all throughout the year. This was an idea I had for a quick motif to sew so I can get a one or two done in a nice evening of sewing.

For those of you wondering, the robin is from World of Cross stitching Magazine and the bauble at the bottom is just a circle filled in with verigated thread to create the colour pattern inside.

Stocking design to add a fur top

On this design I have left off the regular furry top of the stocking so that a regular piece of craft fur can be added instead. To do this simply cut a small rectangle of craft fur and sew it on after sewing the design on aida. Don't forget to use thread which matches the colour of the fur to ensure it looks neat when finished.

After the fur us sewn on the piece can be mounted to a card in your preferred fashion for cross stitch. In these pictures I have used apature cards but this can go on the front of s flat card if needed.

Theres no thread numbers for this one since this design will work with almost any colour so pick one you like or have a little bit spare from other projects.



Fully Cross stitched stocking design

If you would prefer your card to be fully cross stitched here's a version of the pattern with the top in cross stitch


This is a design I've certainly had fun sewing and I hope you do too, :)

Much love and happy stitching
Gemma xx

For more Christmas themed cross stitch designs here are some links:

Christmas designs

Christmas stocking maze
Christmas bauble collection
Gingerbread people
Colourful Christmas Crackers
Christmas bauble maze
Cute advent calendar motifs
Not a creature was stirring not even a mouse - card and bookmark design. 
Pengiun in a Christmas hat

 For the Buzy Bobbins Index page Click here.

Wednesday 2 November 2016

Zodiac Cross stitch design Sagittarius - November 22 - December 21

Zodiac Cross stitch design Sagittarius - November 22 - December 21



Colour DMC Number Anchor Number
Black 310 403
Red 666 46
Orange 714 314
Yellow 973 297

Hello everyone, This is the very last design in my current Zodiac card pattern series posted in time to sew for the late November birthdays all the way to the birthdays near the end of December where the cycle starts again.
So I hope you have all enjoyed this collection of fun little zodiac designs. I have a few themes in mind for other series to be posted one per month for next year but lets see if I get some time over Christmas to actually make a start on the series. Christmas being a particularly buzy time of year for everyone but crafters in particular with cards and presents to make.
Anyway if you'd like to see another series and have an idea for it feel free to let me know in the comments

Sagittarius is a fire sign, so to represent this I made the background look like a collection of small flames all smoldering behind the sign. The Colours used are also all bright and firey this helps to represent the Fire signs tendency to be Enthusiastic to the point where they could burn out of control. So keep an eye on those fire signs! However all that passion can sometimes be channeled into creative pursuits, with the fire signs tendency to be lively and spontaneous it seems like there will never be a dull moment with them around.


For more Zodiac themed cross stitch designs here are some links:

Zodiac cross stitch design Aquarius January 20 - February 18
Zodiac cross stitch designs - Capricorn December 22 - January 19
Zodiac cross stitch -  Pisces February 19 - March 20
Zodiac cross stitch design Aries - March 21 - April 19
Zodiac cross stitch design - Taurus April 20 - May 20
Zodiac cross stitch design Gemini - May 21 - June 20
Zodiac Cancer June 21 - July 22 cross stitch design
Zodiac cross stitch design - Virgo August 23 - September 22
Zodiac cross stitch design Libra - September 23 - October 22
Zodiac Scorpio October 23 - November 21 cross stitch design

 For the Buzy Bobbins Index page Click here.