Add a Little Mystery to Your Life!

In the latest issue of Needlepoint Now(Sept/Oct), there's the start of a three-part project of mine called "Triptych Mystery". Here's what the whole design looks like (since they've revealed the whole design in the magazine, I'll also share it with you here):

Each month a different square will be shown and stitchers can do the whole design, or just one block at a time, as they prefer. I've chosen favorite stitch patterns that are fun and interesting to stitch. And the 4" blocks do work up rather fast... and can make great abstract ornaments as well. (I can see them turned on point with a tassel added for a hanging ornament...or all three worked as a small banner - apprx 4" x 12".) Here's what the first installment looks like up close:

If these abstract squares intrigue you, check out the latest Needlepoint Now magazine and get started stitching!

But also please take note: the Watercolours thread used for the whole piece should be Watercolours 231 - Ethiopia (not 257 as written in the instructions). When proofing the pages I totally overlooked the thread number and the wrong one slipped by me! Rats... Sorry for the mistake, stitchers... but once you see the gorgeous purples, golds and browns of 231 Ethiopia you'll love working with it as much as I did!

Whoops!

Just a little correction to make to my new LAHAINA BREEZES pattern: I listed the main Watercolours "Caribbean" as number 008 -- it should be 089. (Oh drat.... those numbers will trip me up every time!)

Sorry about that, Stitchers.
And Thank You, Sue from Kelsey's Needle Krafts for telling me about the error...

Aloha, Stitchers!

Direct from my Hawaiian-print pants to you: it's LAHAINA BREEZES!

Boy, was this a fun one to stitch up! It's a 10" x 10" design that I worked up on the bright aquamarine 18 ct. canvas for a little bit of island flavor. And the patterns I chose worked up so fast and easy it was an unexpected surprise to have it all stitched up in 7 days.

Here's a close-up of some of the fun patterns:

And see at the bottom of the photo, I even snuck in a wavy row of jazzy bugle beads, for a totally different texture... plus there are some crystal beads sprinkled around the piece as well.

And here's a side shot so you can see some of the shiny Ribbon Floss stitching in the plumeria flower section, that adds an extra dimension of color and light movement to the piece:

If you're interested in sampling these LAHAINA BREEZES yourself, please visit my website for all the pattern particulars.... ALOHA AND HAPPY LABOR DAY WEEKEND, STITCHERS!!