Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Northern Nights - My First Design


I've just completed stitching my first cross stitch design!

Using Needleprint Infinity Chart software I've had great fun being able
to finally bring some of my cross stitch design ideas into reality. http://needleprintinfinity.blogspot.com/

I love band samplers and found that the selection in charts is somewhat small and began searching for some software to try with my limited computer skills. Needleprint's Infinity was perfect for me, especially with Jacqueline Holdsworth's patient and kind responses to my many requests for assistance while learning how to use the software. Thank you, Jacqueline!

Northern Nights was inspired by my love for cold winter nights here on our little place we named Gracewood in the northern Rocky Mountains. I wanted to capture the feeling of those frosty nights with shades of cold blues, with the warmth of hearth & candlelight through windows in shades of gold.

The howling dogs represent our two Anatolian shepherds, Zach & Jubal, who love to do just what you see on a snowy night. (Sadly, Zach died just before the piece was finished, making this an even more personally memorable design for my husband, Terry and I).

I used Victoria Clayton's wonderful silk floss http://hand-dyedfibers.com/oscnuked/index.php on an 18 count ivory Aida. The chart count is 131 x 305 and the finished piece measures 7 3/4" x 18 1/8"

The frame has been ordered, but I couldn't wait to post a picture of it so here it is unframed. Wish my photo skills were better!









18 comments:

  1. Congratulations on such a fine first design - and what a fitting way to commemorate such an exceptional dog as Zach. I love the snow and outdoor motifs juxtaposed with the domestic details we love so much too - I'm looking forward to seeing more from your gifted mind and needles :)

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  2. That is a great design - nicely done!!

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  3. Thanks for the kind encouragements :)

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  4. It's beautiful! I'm looking forward to seeing it in person this summer.

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  5. Congrats on the design~~ I just love it~~~

    I have become a follower and cannot wait to see more of your work..... Again, way to go~

    Merry Christmas, Faye

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  6. Thank you, I just love this sampler, a beautiful design that really invokes winter. I look forward to more of your work.

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  7. Very nice, I feel what you wanted to show with this sampler. I like it very much.
    Liebe Grüße aus Deutschland von Anja

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  8. Kathy, I very love this pattern! Very beautiful work, thank you very much. Wolves, north, snowflakes - this is super!)))

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  9. Thanks for the pattern I really love it

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  10. Great design and as a new follower I will look forward to seeing more of your work. Thank you for sharing your talents with us.

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  11. Very nice design. Any chance of getting the color key? Thank you

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  12. I love your band sampler! I have a rough collie who howls like a wolf whenever he hears sirens! I became a follower and look forward to seeing many more designs! Could you tell us what Vicky Clayton silk colors you used? I love her silks!

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  13. What a beautiful sampler! Great beginning of your journey as a designer. I am looking forward to more of your designs and I commend you for using high quality silks!!!

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  14. You did a wonderful job so happy my freind with frostydesignstitchers@yahoogroups.com recommended we view your site. I would love to stitch it. May I add it to my 2011 SAL site list.

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  15. what a fantastic first piece! I hope to be fortunate enough to buy it soon.

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  16. Mary, thanks for your offer to add my blog to your list, feel free.

    Sherrym, you don't have to buy it, just click under the photo and send me a request and I'll happily send you the charts in pdf you can then download and print from - for free :)

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  17. Love the sampler. Looking forward to seeing more of your work. I have become a follower on your blog.

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  18. Kathy i was wondering if i had your permission to post your site to my group on Facebook. I am slowly working on Northern Nights. I have been ill, I have had many losses of friends, my SIL died this month, and I have my first craft show August 6th. But I so love everything you do.

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