One Stitch Ahead

I’ve always been a country girl at heart. Countless hours of my childhood were spent climbing in haymows, riding horses, playing with kittens and baby chicks, splashing in creeks and, of course, getting into a little mischief with my siblings and cousins. As I think back, it sounds like an ideal childhood, and it truly was.

As we selected the projects for this issue, I was taken back to those happy, carefree days and I couldn’t help but smile. Happy Homestead, the Summer on the Farm trio and the sweet At the Farm pair are a few of my favorite designs that portray life in the country. Guest designers, Wendy and Gwendolyn Sheppard, have created two sweet quilt-style pieces to help round out our country themed chapter. These charming designs and more will not only be fun to stitch, they will add a touch of cozy farmhouse style to your home.

With Mother’s Day and Father’s Day fast approaching, we have also included a few projects to pay tribute to our moms and dads. Choose from the Another Word for Love designs to express your admiration for your parents, or stitch the fun Eat, Stitch, Sleep Needlebook or the Star Bowler piece as a more personal token. These hand-stitched gifts are sure to be treasured.

Our series projects continue with the Butterflies & Bees Stitch Sampler:

Part 3 by Julia Lucas, and the Flowers of the Month: May & June designs from Praiseworthy Stitches. If you’re stitching along with the Christmas Shadowbox series from Nancy Wahler, be sure to check out the Facebook group where you can chat with other readers, ask questions and share your progress. Search for “Christmas Shadowbox Mystery SAL” and join in on the fun today!

As always, we love hearing from our readers, and we invite you to drop us a line at Editor@JustCrossStitch.com or tag us in a post on Facebook or Instagram. We can’t wait to see photos of your works in progress!

Until next issue, friends,

The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever. Isaiah 40:8