Craft Gossip

Independent craft blog since 2007

Book Review And Giveaway : Embroidery Companion

by

Embroidery Companion: Classic Designs for Modern Living

Embroidery Companion
Classic Designs for Modern Living

// Written by Alicia Paulson
On Sale: August 2010
Price: $22.99
ISBN: 978-0-307-46235-0

Alicia  from the popular blog Posie gets cozy is sharing 30 of her most loved designs/projects.  Whilst convalescing from a serious accident Alicia stitched her way to recovery. 12 years later she is putting all her new found talent into a beautiful book that will be released August 10th.

We are giving 1 lucky CraftGossip reader the chance to win our review copy simply by leaving a comment on this post. For your chance to win tell us what craft helps you to relax, unwind or heal.

Competition Open : Worldwide

Competition Closes : August 15th

Competition is randomly drawn

Comments

  3. Although I like it, I’m a newbie to embroidery, so it not relaxing yet! I unwind with crochet – easy and fast, it’s very satisfying.

  5. Sewing and embroidering help me relax a lot. I also love knitting, especially in winter.
    Thank you for the chance to win.
    ap_lemos at yahoo dot com

  7. embroidery, sewing, painting, just creating in general really helps relieve my anxiety. this book looks amazing!! thank you so much for this giveaway!

  9. My mother & grandmother taught me to embroider when I was 5. They sat every evening – never without something in their hoops, stitching away. Things have finally come full circle as I find myself doing the same. Stitching away to unwind from a day at work.

  10. I have enjoyed Alicia’s other books. So I am sure this one is just as enjoyable. Thank you for the chance to win one.

  12. Oooooh, I’d love to have this book! Alicia is such an inspiration and she just fills me with envy (the good kind) every time I visit her blog. Thanks for the chance to to win!

  15. Sewing helps me unwind. After I put my daughters to bed at night, I pour a glass of wine and sit down to my machine. I have just started making my own patterns and it is so rewarding when it actually fits the next day. I try to sew a little every night.

    Looks like a really great giveaway.

  16. lately, i find that i am doodling in my visual journal or crocheting when i need to relax. want to get back into embroidery, but need some inspiration. would love to win this book. thank you for the chance.

  17. Sewing does it for me! I’m starting to explore embroidery and other needlework as well. Looks like a lovely book!

  18. Ahh. the love of embroider, and all crafts, relaxing and fun!! Thank you for doing this giveaway, It’s so wonderful to find new things and new places.

  20. This looks like a great book especially since it contains patterns for a variety of needlework types.

  22. coincidentaly, i just got an emroidery machine as a grad present, however its not helping me relax at the moment b/c i’m still trying to figure out how to use it. But i’m sure once i get the nooks and crannies out the way it’ll turn into a healing art 🙂

  23. The reason I craft is to relax, unwind, and heal! The most forgiving, relaxing and fulfilling would have to be hand embroidery.

  24. I’ve just recently gotten back into embroidery. It’s so relaxing and you can get some instant gratification on bits of a project.

  25. Feel very relaxed when and after I embrioder, cross stitch or knit.

    Thank you for the giveaway.

    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

  26. embroidery and card making are my “must do” crafts! Get stressed if I don’t do one or the other for a while.

  28. Knitting, crocheting, x-stitch, embroidery, quilting…it all helps me unwind. It’s why I do it. Thank you for doing this give-away!

  31. Embroidery or crocheting helps me get back in the right frame of mind. I’m calm and have something to show for it!

  32. I am new to embroidery and find it very relaxing. I am making a crazy quilt my first. I also crochet and do other needle crafts. I check in with many of the Crazy quilt and embroidery blogs almost daily.

  33. I do all kinds of crafts to unwind. I love sewing/embroidery, quilting, knitting, and scrapbooking.

  35. I’ve embroidered for years, but lately have lost some of my mojo – maybe this would help me get it back! In the meantime, I quilt and needlepoint and look for that perfect floss project.

  36. Definitely embroidery – I love to work with my hands so for me it’s pretty much a no-brainer. Crazy quilting is the best of ALL worlds as far as I’m concerned because I’ve found I can adapt most types of crafts for use in a CQ piece. Thanks for a chance to win what looks to be a great book!

  37. Thanks for the chance to win!

    I relax, unwind and heal with either small hand embroidery projects or by stitching up yo-yos.

  39. I like to crochet to unwind. It’s nice because I can do it with the little one still running around (usually when I need to unwind the most).

  40. Quilting helps me relax like none other! It’s just the pattern of cutting and stitching that is so methodical you just have to give yourself over to it.

  43. Patchwork and quilting are my sanity savers! I love Cosy with Posy blog and I bet the book is wonderful. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

  45. All of my crafts relax me! I get into them and tune the whole world out! Especially crocheting! 🙂
    jenn14_85 at yahoo dot com

  48. My mother taught me to embroider. Now I’m teaching my daughter!I love embroidery because it can be portable, so I can take it when I know I may have a wait at the doctors. So glad to hear Alicia has a book coming out .

  49. I need alot of unwinding.(lol) Anything involving a needle and thread or needles and yarn are VERY relaxing to me. You get a sort of rhythum going and you can zone out. It’s helped me through many a tight spot in my life

  50. my mom could crochet, and knit like a fiend, but my passion is for embroidery, thanks for the chsnce to win this book. it would be a nice addition to my library

  51. Sewing the binding on to a quilt I’ve made is the most relaxing part of crafting for me. I love it.

  52. I love to do embroidery; it’s so relaxing! For those of us who are needleworkers, this is an awesome giveaway, since we get tired of doing the same old designs. Something with contemporary appeal will be great!

  53. I love all crafts, but when I really want to just destress, it is hand embroidery all the way. The repetitive motion and concentration help drown out all other thoughts swishing through my brain.
    This book looks wonderful!

  54. Hmm… I love crafting so just going in my craft room helps me relax…. but really making an art doll is what I love to work on the most right now.

    Thanks.

  55. how fun this would be! I love to add stitches to everyday items and especially to handbags! Yum!

  57. Cross stitch is my way of unwinding, especially since my 86yr old mum has come to live with me I find that when doing my sewing I can have me time while doing omething productive. Great site.

  60. Any type of hand sewing will quickly take me to another space mentally and allow me a chance to renew my spirit and energy. Just put a needle and thread in my hand and a piece of fabric to embellish. Great book giveaway and one I would love to win.

  61. To unwind, I love to take my dog to the dog park. Its great to spend time outside, and I love seeing my best puppy friend so happily playing with the other dogs.

  62. Of all the things I like to do (craftwise), I’d say the ones that help me unwind the most are embroidery, knit, and crochet. Some, like sewing, I enjoy but I get too frustrated sometimes to consider it relaxing. Obv. I should get some practice in on that when I’m NOT stressing 😀

  63. I grew up cross-stitching and am now an avid beader, but would love to learn embroidery. Those dainty stitches have always awed and intrigued me.
    thanks for the chance!

  64. Though I’m still a beginner, I love embroidery! It’s so calming, and helps me unwind after a stressful day.

  67. Being bedridden, this fun-looking book will help me spiff up my wardrobe considerably. Best of luck with it.

  69. I love Alicia Paulson, she does such amazing work, and embroidery is something I’ve been wanting to take up…this would be perfect!

  72. Knitting! But I’m sure if I felt more confident in my embroidery skills it would too! =0)

  74. I have taken embroidery up in the past year and would love this book. I have made a few items out of Alicia’s last book, bought some of her patterns and follow her blog.

  76. Honestly, when I am tired and cant bring myself to actually craft, I love to read about crafting. I keep all my magazines/books in a cabinet close by. A glass of wine in hand, I head to the craft book cabinet to find some good (re)reading material and relax in heavenly crafting bliss.

  79. i love her blog, her book is a sure succes.me and embroidery are struggling, we’ll see how it goes…but i’m trying and it is so cool when you see the result.and the feeling after you i have managed to make something!!;)

  81. knitting is what I use to relax, but I love handsewing, embroidery and needlepoint as well.

  85. I can unwind after a full day with 3 little ones by sewing and then a glass of wine. No wonder my seams are so wonky.

  88. I would love this. I learned basic embroidery as a little girl and just started sewing. I would love this so I can learn more. Hand sewing, quilting is very relaxing to me.

  90. There are six crafty females in my house and I am always on the lookout for new projects. We would love this.

  91. Crochet is my salvation!!! But I have always wanted to do some embroidering. I love pouring through old embroidery pattern books.

  92. I love embroidery not only because it’s so creative but because of it’s tradition. While stitching I think of my great grandmothers hands as she taught me how. I think of my grandmother sitting in her chair in the wee hours of the morning working on a cross stitched Santa Claus for her Christmas quilt. I think of my niece & nephews excitement at learning how to make something beautiful. It’s a way to connect to those no longer with us and those far away.

  93. Tha craft that makes me relax is certainly doing embroidery, whether it’s ribbon, beads, cabochon or thread embroidery.
    They’re just can take off my mind from any problems I had 🙂

  94. Hand work while watching TV or resting helps me relax – whether sewing, embroidery, or quilting. It calms and relaxes me.

Have you read?

12 Christmas Cross Stitch Patterns for Cat Lovers

A Christmas tree covered in dangling decorations must look like a very generous present to a cat. Shiny things to tap, branches to investigate, a cosy hiding spot underneath—and then the humans have the cheek to say it’s only for looking at.

That little combination of festive sweetness and inevitable mischief makes Christmas cat cross stitch patterns such fun to stitch. Some capture the moment before a bauble hits the floor. Others feature sleepy cats, Santa hats and little faces that would look lovely on a handmade card.

I’ve gathered twelve patterns and pattern sets, including free downloads, smaller gift projects and larger Christmas scenes. There are choices for beginners who prefer whole cross stitches, as well as designs with backstitch, metallic threads or enough detail to keep you happily occupied over several evenings.

If you’re making a gift, start with the cat rather than the Christmas colours. A ginger tabby, a black-and-white kitten or a rather unimpressed grey cat can make a stitched present feel wonderfully personal.

Christmas Cat by Satsuma Street

This is the one I’d choose for someone who loves colourful Christmas decorations with a slightly retro feeling. Satsuma Street’s Christmas Cat Cross Stitch Pattern features a Siamese cat in a Santa hat beside a mid-century-style tree, with presents gathered underneath. The model’s bright red background gives the design real presence, although the listing also shows alternative fabric ideas. With twenty-six shades, including metallic threads, I’d treat this as a project to enjoy gradually rather than a last-minute gift.

Pattern details: Designer Satsuma Street; paid PDF; 111 stitches wide × 141 high; approximately 7.93 × 10.07 inches on 14-count Aida, or 28-count linen worked over two threads. Uses twenty-six DMC shades, including two metallic threads; a complete stitch-type breakdown is not stated on the listing.

Cat and Christmas Tree by Lola Crow

There’s a very familiar look of concentration in this little orange cat’s interest in the Christmas baubles. Lola Crow’s Cat and Christmas Tree Cross Stitch Pattern captures that moment beautifully in a compact square design. The designer describes it as suitable for beginners, making it an appealing choice for someone comfortable following a counted chart. I particularly like the simple framed finish, which lets the cat’s outstretched paw tell the whole story.

Pattern details: Designer Lola Crow Cross Stitch; paid PDF; 54 × 53 stitches; approximately 3.9 × 3.8 inches on 14-count Aida; seventeen DMC colours. Additional stitch types are not specified on the product page.

Free Christmas Calico Cat

A limited thread palette is always welcome when the Christmas craft budget already has several demands on it. Ruth Cartwright’s Christmas Calico Cat Cross Stitch Pattern uses four colours and whole cross stitches, with no backstitch required. The sitting cat and Santa hat make a cheerful little framed decoration, especially for someone with a calico cat of their own. This is a good starting point for beginners who would prefer to concentrate on counting and keeping their crosses consistent.

Pattern details: Designer Ruth Cartwright, Craft with Cartwright; free PDF; 51 stitches wide × 64 high; approximately 3.64 × 4.57 inches on 14-count Aida, calculated from the chart dimensions; four DMC colours; whole cross stitches only.

Christmas Cat Cards by Lucie Heaton

Handmade cards are a lovely way to give someone a small piece of stitching without needing to find room for another framed picture. Lucie Heaton’s Christmas Cat Cards Cross Stitch Patterns includes four festive black-and-white cats. Whole cross stitches and backstitch give these little characters their detail, so I’d recommend them to stitchers happy to spend time on the finishing touches. The included aperture-card tutorial is particularly useful if mounting the stitching is the part you’re less confident about.

Pattern details: Designer Lucie Heaton; paid PDF set; each design approximately 60 × 60 stitches, or 4.3 × 4.3 inches on 14-count fabric. The listing specifies sixteen colours, whole cross stitch and backstitch.

Christmas Cats Decorating Together

Apparently, putting six cats in charge of the Christmas decorations produces a rather entertaining result. Climbing Goat Designs’ Christmas Cats Cross Stitch Pattern brings together festive cats around a “Have a Purrfect Christmas” greeting. The designer rates it suitable for beginners, with only a tiny amount of backstitch for the whiskers, although the overall size makes this a longer commitment. I’d choose it for someone who enjoys stitching a larger design in manageable sections.

Pattern details: Designer Climbing Goat Designs; paid PDF; 140 × 140 stitches within the intended hoop area, approximately 10 × 10 inches on 14-count Aida. The optional stitched outer circle increases the chart to 142 × 142 stitches; twenty-four DMC colours; full cross stitches and a small amount of backstitch.

Small Christmas Kitties

If you prefer choosing from several little characters, FloReenStudio’s Small Christmas Cats Cross Stitch Patterns offers a collection of festive kitty designs. Their smaller format makes them appealing for individual gifts or a coordinated display. I’d suggest them for stitchers comfortable changing colours, since a small chart can still contain plenty of detail. Check the dimensions of your chosen cat before buying a frame, as the listing gives approximate measurements for the collection.

Pattern details: Designer FloReenStudio; paid PDF; approximately 40 stitches wide × 50 high per cat. Those dimensions work out to about 2.86 × 3.57 inches on 14-count Aida, although individual designs vary; eighteen DMC colours listed for the collection. Additional stitch types are not specified.

A Cat Dressed as the Christmas Tree

This grey cat has the expression of someone who did not approve the decorating plan. AuthorEmbroideDesign’s Funny Christmas Cat Cross Stitch Pattern features a cat covered in lights and ornaments, with a star on top. The seller describes it as suitable for beginners, and the nine-colour palette keeps the supplies fairly manageable. It would make a funny gift for the cat owner who insists their pet has a very strong opinion about everything.

Pattern details: Designer AuthorEmbroideDesign; paid PDF; 59 × 61 stitches; approximately 4.21 × 4.36 inches on 14-count white Aida; nine DMC colours. The files include chart views with and without the backstitch layer; the listing does not provide a complete inventory of other stitch types.

Upside-Down Christmas Cat

Some Christmas cat patterns are sweet. This one is the moment just before somebody shouts from the other room. Stitch Jam Studio’s Upside-Down Christmas Cat Cross Stitch Pattern features a white cat hanging from a branch and clutching a red bauble, using only three colours and full crosses. It’s approachable in technique, but the chart is considerably larger than an ornament, so allow enough time for those filled areas.

Pattern details: Designer Stitch Jam Studio; paid PDF; 90 × 121 stitches; approximately 6.43 × 8.64 inches on 14-count Aida; three DMC colours. Full cross stitches only, with no backstitch, fractional stitches or French knots.

Cozy Christmas Cat for Book Lovers

A cat, a book, a blanket and a hot drink sounds like a fairly sensible way to spend a December evening. Stitch Jam Studio’s Cozy Christmas Cat Cross Stitch Pattern turns that combination into a colourful festive scene. The pattern uses full crosses without backstitch, but every square is stitched, which makes it a more substantial project than its size might suggest. I’d choose it for a patient beginner or an experienced stitcher making a gift for a book-loving friend.

Pattern details: Designer Stitch Jam Studio; paid PDF; 91 × 91 stitches; approximately 6.5 × 6.5 inches on 14-count Aida; eleven DMC colours. Full coverage with 8,281 full cross stitches; no backstitch or fractional stitches.

Christmas with Cats

For a larger decorative project, Infinity Bear Designs’ Christmas with Cats Cross Stitch Pattern celebrates the combination of cats and Christmas-tree activity. Its square format would suit a framed picture or a carefully planned cushion finish. The download includes several chart styles, which is helpful if you have a strong preference for colour symbols or a simpler black-and-white layout. I’d approach this as a leisurely seasonal make, with the fabric and finishing chosen before the stitching begins.

Pattern details: Designer Infinity Bear Designs; paid PDF; 100 × 100 stitches; approximately 7.1 × 7.1 inches on 14-count Aida; thirteen DMC colours. The public listing does not specify additional stitch types.

Free Cat with Christmas Baubles

DMC’s Cat with Christmas Baubles Cross Stitch Pattern is another lovely choice for anyone whose cat finds dangling ornaments irresistible. The free design is labelled easy, and DMC suggests using Light Effects thread to give the baubles some sparkle. I’d choose this for a stitcher interested in trying a festive thread effect, checking the downloadable chart before deciding on the fabric and finish. Keep your finishing plans flexible until you’ve confirmed the design dimensions.

Pattern details: Designer/publisher DMC; free pattern, reference PAT2156. Stitch count, finished size, colour total and a complete stitch-type list are not displayed in the accessible product description; consult the download before cutting fabric.

A Tiny Free Christmas Cat for Cards

When you want a genuinely small stitching area, Rhona Norrie’s Christmas Cat Cross Stitch Pattern is a useful little find. Originally published in The World of Cross Stitching, this festive kitten measures just twenty-two stitches square. It includes backstitch and French knots, so it would suit someone who already knows the basics or wants to practise those details on a small project. I’d mount it on a card with a scrap of Christmas paper, leaving plenty of space around the kitten.

Pattern details: Designer Rhona Norrie; free PDF; 22 × 22 stitches; approximately 1.57 × 1.57 inches on 14-count Aida, or 28-count evenweave worked over two threads. Nine thread colours; cross stitch, backstitch and French knots.

Which Christmas Cat Pattern Should You Start With?

For a project with a short supply list, the free calico cat uses four colours and avoids backstitch. The upside-down cat also has a limited palette, but its larger filled areas mean it needs more stitching time.

If you’re making cards, compare the design dimensions with the actual opening in your card blank. Lucie Heaton’s cats are substantially larger than Rhona Norrie’s tiny kitten, so they need quite different mounts.

The Satsuma Street scene and Climbing Goat collection are lovely choices when you want something to bring out every Christmas. Give yourself time to enjoy them instead of turning the whole thing into a December deadline.

For more small feline projects throughout the year, our Mini Cat Cross Stitch Patterns feature is worth keeping handy.

Make Your Stitched Gift Feel Personal

A frame that suits the recipient’s home, backing fabric in their favourite colour or a handwritten note can make a stitched gift feel particularly thoughtful. You don’t need elaborate packaging when you’ve already put time into making something by hand.

If you want to adjust a cat’s colouring to resemble someone’s pet, plan the changes before starting. Keep enough contrast between neighbouring shades for the face, paws and markings to remain clear.

And leave the final mounting until you’ve checked for stray pet hair. Christmas cross stitch for cat lovers has a funny way of collecting a little contribution from the real thing.