There are several new colors of Lugana cross stitch fabric coming into stock. Lugana is an evenweave fabric and very versatile to use. It is a hardy fabric, yet soft and easy to use. It is generally stitched over 2 like a Linen.
Lugana - 32ct - Charcoal Gray - 52% Cotton 48% Rayon
Lugana e- 32ct - Dark Cobbleston - 52% Cotton 48% Rayon
Lugana - 32ct - Lemon Whip - 52% Cotton 48% Rayon
Lugana is also a heavy fabric that is very versatile and similar to a Jobelan. Lugana comes in many colors and it is a blend of 52% cotton and 48% Viscose. Did you know that Lugana used to be called Brittney fabric? Lugana is an soft, heavy, even weave fabric that is easy to count and great for cross stitch. It comes in many colors and a few different counts like 25, 28 and 32 counts with the most color choices in 25 count. Lugana is an elegant fabric for table linens, samplers, pillows, and other decorative accessories. It is made of 52% cotton/48% rayon blend.
I have some beautiful new colors of Belfast Linen coming in.
Linen - Belfast - 32ct - Alluring Blue
Linen - Belfast - 32ct - Deep Magenta
Linen - Belfast - 32ct - Lime Green
Linens have the appearance of a basket weave. Linen offers a more “old fashioned” look to a piece. The fabric has a very “crisp” feel. They are more difficult to use then Aidas because it requires more skill to control the tension of the floss for even stitches. Linens are great for detailed designs and experienced stitchers. Linens are generally stitched over two. They come in several different counts with 32 and 28 counts being the most prevalent. When stitched over two, 32 count becomes a 16 count, and 28 count becomes a 14 count. Linen and Linen Blends come in many, many different colors. There are several types of linen to choose from like Belfast, Cashel, Betsy Ross, Chester, Cork, Country French, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Graziano, Hand Dyed, Hardanger, Pearl, Rosenstand, Silk, and Weaver. Betsy Ross Linen comes in 10 count and it is made of 100% linen woven in an unique fashion ( Similar to Aida weave) to give it the old rustic look. Ideal for the ”tired eye” projects as well as any designs of your choice.
Heaven and Earth Designs was created by Michele Sayetta and her husband Bob. They previously owned a hand dyed fabric shop, but decided to switch to cross stitch patterns. They chart the artwork of many talented designers into counted cross stitch designs. Their designs are not computer generated. They graph each image using engineering software Their designs are very intricate. They suggest you stitch them on 25 count Lugana or Dublin over one to preserve the detail. Their designs have a “fantasy” feel to them. Some of my favorite designs by Heaven and Earth are “Queen of Hearts” , “Spirit of Winter” , and “Cinderella’s Ball”.
There are two great new patterns out by Heritage Stitchcraft. If you are a fan of Dancing with the Stars like I am you will love these patterns. They are called:
HC948-Argentine Tango by John Clayton - Dancers
HC950-Paso Doble by John Clayton - Dancers
Both are popular dances performed as part of the competition every season on Dancing with the Stars.
NC134-Bluebell-Spring Garden - Pixie Couture Collection
NC134E-Embellishments for Bluebell Spring Garden
NC133-Magnolia-Spring Garden
NC133E- Embellishments Magnolia Spring Garden
The new keepsake 2010 Betterhomes and Garden Cross Stitch and Needlework Calendar is out. It looks beautiful. Order yours today.
Elena knife edge dressmaker’s shears; reminiscent of classic impressionist paintings; comes in a collectible tin.**Limited Edition Available Sept. 2009 Size: 8″
GDS14-Scissors 4″ Elena-embroidery
Elena-embroidery scissors; reminiscent of classic impressionist paintings; comes in a collectible tin.**Limited Edition Available Sept. 2009 Size: 4″
GDS15L-Scissors Left hand/8 inch
Elena Left Handed knife edge dressmaker’s shears; reminiscent of classic impressionist paintings; comes in a collectible tin.**Limited Edition Available Sept. 2009. Size: 8″
There are three new counted cross stitch patterns in the Letters from Nora line by Nora Corbett. Letter P, Letter Q and Letter R.
Mirabilia patterns are designed by an artist named Nora Corbett in Ohio. She creates original water color paintings and turns them into cross stitch patterns. Her subjects are generally angels, mermaids, queens, fairies, mothers and lovers along with timeless women. Mirabilia is one of my favorite line of patterns. They are generally quality pattern that often use beading and metallic threads to highlight the design. I carry all of the Mirabilia patterns that are available at Julie’s X Stitch.
If you are into collecting, Mirabilia makes a line of “Holiday Fairie” kits that include fabric and all the supplies you will need to complete the project including quality linen fabric. She also has a line of “Christmas Trees” every year for Christmas that include all the beads and treasures you will need to complete the piece.
I finished “Love Laundry” several weeks ago. It is framed and hanging in the bathroom. It turned out great! I am really happy with it.
I am 3/4th’s of the way done with “Circle of Friend’s” by Mirabilia designed by Nora Corbette. I decided to do it on the suggested fabric color in a 28 count Coffee Bean Linen. It’s a gorgeous, warm, dark brown color that brings out the colors in the three dresses really well. When I finish it, I will have my husband frame it and hang it in my new office or my bedroom. I haven’t decided yet.
I am already planning my next project. I think I will do “Spring Beauty Princess” by Passione Ricamo next. I bought a opalescent hand dyed fabric from Picture this Plus called Cabernet in a 28 count Cashel Linen. It is just GORGEOUS! I love the color.
This will be my first pattern from Passione Ricamo. I am partial to Mirabilia patterns. My next favorite is Lavender and Lace and Passione Ricamo comes in third with me. They are all very similar designers.
I am also considering doing Mirabilia’s new mermaid called “Mediteranian Mermaid”. It’s a great one. I will also do it on a hand dyed opalescent fabric.
September 2009 Cross Stitch and Needlework Magazine
There is a great new magazine out for Fall by Cross Stitch and Needlework Magazine. There is a great pattern in this issue designed by Nora Corbette of Mirabilia called Sunflower Fairy! This magazine will go fast. Purchase yours today.
EXPLORE THE NEW CROSS-STITCH & NEEDLEWORK MAGAZINE! From traditional designs to the newest in needlework, there’s something for every stitcher. Discover large full-color charts, great finishing ideas and complete instructions for cross-stitch, needlepoint, embroidery, Hardanger, and more. Learn from world-renowned teachers such as Jane Greenoff and be inspired by the designer profile in each issue. Happy Stitching!