Baby’s Balloons

Commemorate the arrival of a new baby with this quartet of hot-air balloons.

Skill Level: Intermediate Stitch Count: 89H x 118W Design Size: 63/8" x 81/2"

Materials

• 13" x 15" piece 28- count white Cashel

linen from Zweigart®

• One skein each DMC® or Sullivans®

USA six-strand embroidery floss

• Size 24 tapestry needle

Instructions

Cross stitch over two threads using two strands of floss. Where small symbols appear, work partial cross stitches using two strands of floss.

Backstitch over two threads using one strand of floss.

Work French knot using one strand of floss and wrapping around needle twice.

Use provided alphabet to personalize.

Finishing Materials & Instructions

• 8" x 10" piece lightweight fusible

interfacing

• Coordinating pillow

• 4 coordinating buttons

• 1/2"-wide fusible interfacing tape • Transparent tape or seam tape

(optional)

Press stitched piece from reverse side, straightening as much as possible. Measure 1" from edge of stitching on all sides and remove one linen thread on each side; press.

Following manufacturer’s instructions, center and fuse interfacing on reverse side of stitched piece. Trim 1" outside pulled threads on all sides. Fold seam allowances to back of stitched piece along pulled thread; press. Following manufacturer’s instructions, fuse seam allowances in place using fusible interfacing tape.

Center stitched piece on pillow, using a small piece of transparent tape or seam tape to temporarily hold it in place, if desired. Referring to photo, position buttons in corners of stitched piece and attach using coordinating sewing thread to sew through stitched piece and catch pillow covering. Remove tape.

Charts continued on page 62.