I haven't created a new cross stitch design for a long while, or even stitched one for that matter! However, last week I was inspired to sit down with needle, thread and linen in hand to stitch something for a mug mat I wanted to make for my bunny girlfriend, Shell May.Shell loves Valdani 3-strand cottons, and after using them, I now know what all the fuss is about. Valdani threads are fabulous! They have a wonderful hand (the way they feel and ease of stitching), and the color variety is extensive.
So, look closely and you'll be able to see the little, sitting bunnies that I designed into a border. (See their floppy ears and big rabbit feet?) You can stitch them singly, in pairs, or any combination. (I can just see Shell stitching away to make Reflected Rabbit borders on her pillowcases.)
This is the finished mat. She's already received it, but I promised to share the chart for my design. If you need to get a ball of Valdani, hop over to Shell's site. She sells them. (hmmm. "Shell sells floss thread by the seashore." Well, she doesn't live near the ocean, but there's a honking pond/lake in her neighborhood. Does that count?}You can go to my Free Patterns/Tutorials link at the top of my blog to download the pattern with a photo. (Here's a link to the page. Just look at the Box.net widget - Below the acorn, located right under "Free Brynwood Pattern Downloads" title - and select the "Reflected Rabbits" folder. Once you click on that folder you'll be asked if you want to download the two pages. If you do, then go ahead and click "yes". Easy Peasy!)
Thanks, Shell for being my muse. I know this has me motivated to do more stitching, and perhaps a few new designs. I didn't realize how much I was missing it.
If you're inspired to stitch this design, I'd love to see what you do with it! It would even make a perfect, little bookmark for yourself or as a gift for a bunny-loving friend like mine!
Happy Stitching!
