One Stitch Ahead
Happy New Year, friends! I hope that 2019 was a good year for you and that 2020 has great things in store!
As we kick off the new year, we are excited to share two new and exciting stitching series with you. First, we have a fun quilt-block–style mystery sampler stitchalong from our friends at Sullivans and designer Julia Lucas! Each issue, two new blocks from the Butterflies & Bees Stitch Sampler will be revealed, showing specialty stitches for you to practice and perfect. Part 1 includes four-sided stitches and long-arm cross stitches. In the December issue, we will reveal the last two blocks to complete the design and give you time to finish your sampler by year's end.
Next up is the beautiful Flowers of the Month series from Pam Lewis and Susan Rohm of Praiseworthy Stitches. These talented ladies have created a dozen dainty floral designs—one for each month of the year. There will be two months' worth of flowers given in each issue this year. Featuring easel-style finishing, you can stitch them as individual designs or combine them into one large sampler. Trust me—this is one spectacular bouquet of stitched flowers you don't want to miss!
The February issue also celebrates the winter season and upcoming Valentine's Day holiday! Choose from one of the eye-catching wintry designs to help you stitch away winter chills, or select a piece from the collection of hearts and roses projects to create a hand-stitched Valentine's Day gift.
The Sampler Sleuth is also back to share insight on samplers from the 19th century and look at how they were instrumental in the education of young women, particularly looking at the milieu of the young lady, Mary Tapper, who is the source for our featured sampler reproduction. The article is an informative read partnered with an equally engaging project for you to stitch.
As always, we love to hear from our readers, so please drop us a line at Editor@ Just-CrossStitch.com or share a post on our Facebook page to let us know what you're working on. We'd love to see photos of your WIPs and to hear suggestions for what you'd like to see in upcoming issues.
Until next issue, friends,
PS. Did you know that you can now follow Just CrossStitch on Instagram? Find us at www.instagram.com/ justcrossstitch [C]asting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7