One Stitch Ahead

Feeling good is what this issue is all about. Who doesn't feel good in May and June when birds are flitting around the garden, and flowers are spreading their petals to the warm sunshine?

People are planting gardens, brides are planning June weddings, and cross stitchers are planning projects with pretty flosses, fabrics and beads. This issue covers all of the above and more.

Needle Bling's Double-Sided Fun series includes a large block with the word “Spring” on one side and “Summer” on the other. Top it with a small block with a birdhouse on one side and a bumblebee on the other, and you have a bright piece of home decor.

Change out your winter handbag with a sunny tote and toss away that cuddly scarf to show off two cross-stitch pendant necklaces.

And if you want to stretch your body and calm your mind, create a yoga-inspired piece of Assisi embroidery (using half cross stitches only) and stitch a meditation mantra: “When it's time to shine, be the brightest.”

One of the brightest cross-stitch entrepreneurs around is Judy Whitman, the subject of the Designer Q&A. She discusses how she began her business and offers tips to readers who want to sell their own designs.

This issue is bursting with beautiful projects, including floral patterns, a dancing mermaid shimmering with beads, and the final installment of the Susanna Rambo 1836 Sampler series.

Add a 3-D Pansy Ball, a wedding sampler, a fingertip towel and more, and you will have more than enough projects to keep your needle happy on lazy spring and summer days.

Stay in stitches!

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28