Love Is a Journey

Hearts of gold adorn this fresh take on a timeless theme. As a pillow or in a frame, this sentiment reminds us that valentines aren’t just for one day out of the year.

Skill Level: Confident Beginner Materials

• 12" x 12" piece 28- count white even

weave from M.C.G. Textiles* • One skein each DMC® or Sullivans®

USA six-strand embroidery floss* • One skein DMC® Light Effects

Metallic Floss* • Size 24 tapestry needle Instructions: Cross stitch over two threads using two strands of floss. Backstitch over four threads using E3852.

Finishing Materials & Instructions

• 1/2 yard coordinating fabric • 1/2 yard lightweight batting • Coordinating trim • Pillow form Press stitched piece from reverse side, straightening as much as possible. Trim stitched piece to 6" from stitching on all sides.

Measure and cut two 3"-wide border strips equal to length of right and left sides of stitched piece; place strips right sides together with stitched piece on sides and stitch using 1/2" seam allowance. Open out side border strips and press seam allowances flat.

Measure and cut two 3"-wide strips equal to width of top and bottom edges of bordered stitched piece; place strips right sides together with bordered stitched piece and stitch using 1/2" seam allowance. Open out top and bottom border strips and press seam allowances flat.

Measure bordered stitched piece to cut a square of batting the same size and then baste it to wrong side of bordered stitched piece. Use the same measurements to cut a square of coordinating fabric the same size as the front; place right sides together and stitch 1/2" seam allowance on three sides, leaving the bottom side open. Clip corners and turn right side out.

Sew trim to border close to stitched piece all around.

Insert pillow form; turn in and press seam allowance on open side and, using a hand-sewing needle and coordinating thread, blind-stitch open side closed.