Two New Cross Stitch Sites to Visit
Hello stitchers,
We’ve just recently introduced 2 new websites that you will want to visit and bookmark for future reference. The first is www.belfastlinen.com which is an information site about Belfast linen. Included are color swatches, DMC references, and some detailed information about Belfast linen. Also available, are all standard colors (non hand dyed) for purchase at very competitive prices. The other site is www.cashellinen.net, and you guessed it… is all about Cashel Linen. You can visit the sites by either the clickable links above or by clicking the images below.
Belfast Linen
Belfast Linen is the favorite linen of many stitchers. We’ll cover some basic information about Belfast Linen in this article, including some questions that we are frequently asked about.
Belfast Linen is manufactured by Zweigart and is available most anywhere in the world through a variety of distributors, although some colors are available primarily in the United States. These colors can be ordered online, however, and shipped anywhere in the world. Currently, there are around 50 colors.
Free Pattern – Baby design – One week only
This sweet baby boy loves his blankee. 
It reminds me of my oldest son (now 18) when he was a toddler. He loved his “blankee”! His was yellow and he carried it around until it was literally falling apart! That’s where this design got it’s name – Blankee Baby Matthew. This pattern is free from today (July 10) through next Thursday (July 16). So hurry and download it now while it’s free. You can click the image to be taken to XStitchPatterns.com. You will need to log into your account (or make on if you haven’t already) to download it. You can also wait and download at a convenient time. Just log back into your account when you are ready to print it. ENJOY!
Silkweaver Showcase Talk
We’ve had so many amazing entries once again this year. I can sit and browse the entries and totally lose track of time. LOL The judges are in for a tough job!
If you have visited this year’s Showcase, you can go there here —->2009 Silkweaver Showcase
There are total of over 450 entries, which are divided into 3 categories, which is based on the stitch count of the design. Browsing these designs will certainly inspire you to want to start at least a dozen more stitching projects!
Here’s a tip that is often overlooked:
New Bonus for Silkweaver’s Fabric of the Month Members
If you have been thinking about joining our FOTM, and just haven’t decided, now there’s even more fun to your membership! We’ve added a new bonus!
How much fabric do I need?
A common problem that many stitchers have when starting a new project is trying to figure out how much fabric they will need for their project. If you know the stitch count of your design, it’s not too difficult, but it can be very frustrating for some. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Fabric size calculations:
What is the stitch count of my pattern:
*A*_________x *B*__________
What count is my fabric? If using aida cloth, or stitching “over one”, enter the amount in blank *C*. If using linen or evenweave and stitching “over two”, divide that number by 2. (Example: For 28 count fabric, divide by 2, and enter ‘14’ in blank *C*)
*C*___________
Read the rest of this entry »
Amazing Aida, part III
For the final part of our Aida article, we’ll talk about when aida is a good fabric choice.
The number ONE reason for using Aida cloth is personal preference! If you like it, use it. Stitching should be enjoyable! Stitchers have a variety of reasons for preferring aida cloth, including that it’s easier to see, it’s not as confusing, or that they like the sturdy feel.
Amazing Aida, part II
In part I of this article, we talked about the different manufacturers, colors and counts of Aida cloth. There are so many different types available, some solid, some heathered, some soft, some not!
Typical aida that most stitchers think of when they talk about “aida cloth” is available in a wide variety of counts/colors/sizes and isn’t hard to find for purchase. This “regular” aida, we’ll call it, is typically 100% cotton and usually has more of a stiff feel to it. Most of the time, as it’s being stitched on, it does loosen up some and become softer. This stiffer texture does make stitching small projects without a hoop much easier for some, but that is mostly personal preference.
Frequent question – Solos
I thought I would start a new category of posts about some of the most frequent questions that stitchers email about. Some you may have wondered about before, and some you may never have given a thought to.
One to the most frequent questions I see:
Question: I saw a solo that I really wanted, but it had sold out before I got to it. Can you make me another?
Silkweaver Sale! Coming Soon!
Coming this weekend! Get ready!
Wow – it’s hard to believe, but yes, it’s been 10 years that Silkweaver has been bringing you cross stitch fabrics – both hand dyed and standard, along with a few other items here and there. We really wouldn’t still here if it weren’t for our fabulous customers! So, get ready……
We’ll be having a huge sale June 6-9. I’ll leave the specifics for later in the week, but you won’t want to miss this! Join us….. Silkweaver Fabrics website.