Long, Long Winter

Teresa Murgida

It won’t take a long time to stitch this primitive-style decorative pillow commemorating a long, long winter. Stitching this little design would be a nice interlude while you take a break from a larger work in progress.

Skill Level:

Easy

Materials

• 9" x 12" piece 32- count Belfast linen

from Zweigart®* • One skein each DMC® or Sullivans®

USA six-strand embroidery floss* • Size 26 tapestry needle *See Where to Find It on page 60.

DMC® Sullivans®

a blanc 45001 white

7 3790 45396 beige gray, ul. dk.

8 839 45237 beige brown, dk.

8 3051 45331 green gray, dk.

Backstitch

839 45237 beige brown, dk.

Stitch Count:

47H x 83W

Design Size:

3" x 51/4"

Instructions:

Cross stitch over two threads using two strands of floss. Backstitch using one strand of floss.

Finishing Materials & Instructions

• 28" length twisted cording made from 3790/45396*

• 3/8 yard coordinating fabric

• 5" x 7" piece lightweight fusible interfacing

• Polyester fiberfill

• Coordinating sewing thread

• Sewing machine (optional) *Twisted- Cording Instructions appear on page 60.

Press stitched piece from reverse side, straightening as much as possible. Trim stitched piece to 1" from stitching on all sides.

Trim interfacing to same size. Following manufacturer’s instructions, fuse interfacing to reverse side of stitched piece to make pillow top.

Cut coordinating fabric to same size as pillow top for backing. Pin stitched piece to backing fabric, right sides together. Sew together using a 1/2" seam allowance and leaving a 5" opening for turning. Clip corners to reduce bulk.

Turn pillow right side out; press seams. Stuff pillow with fiberfill. Using a hand-sewing needle and coordinating thread, blind-stitch opening closed. Attach twisted-cording trim to edges over seams.