I have just finished a square for Natalie’s quilt. (notice the predominate colour . . . please note that the above predominate colour, although I seem to always stitch it for Love Quilts, is not the colour I dream of stitching! )

As I’ve said before, “Only for Love Quilts

The chart originated from two of Steve’s photographs. It was quite an experience! Cropping and arranging the flowers and butterfly to selecting colours from the full DMC range reminded me how much I hate making decisions . . . after all, how do I know if the colour I’m choosing is really the perfect shade . . . the next one just might be better!

I must learn how to get the realism I love without all the fractional stitches and backstitching that leads to you questioning your sanity. What I did learn (again!) was not to watch good movies while stitching. I know, I’ve learned that many, many times before, but I thought Harry Potter movies would be safe . . . there are no space battles in them . . .

Holiday Cherub 2000
©2000 Nora Corbett Mirabilia Designs

This angel was a joy to stitch. Measured by the hum scale I give it a powerful 9. I couldn’t give it the pedestal 10 only because of my doubt. (Sorry, Ms. Corbett) I stressed about the black back ground; I worried it would be too harsh against the white Aida required for a Love Quilt square. I persevered, trusting a designer who produces such incredible figures knew what was best. The colours blended beautifully and the #4 Kreinik braid substituted for the beads lent sparkle bringing the design to life.

The family requested a healing verse on Brianna’s square. I chose, “Let the weak say I am strong ~ Joel 3:10. So often we need the strength to believe, the strength to carry on, the strength to know you aren’t alone.

Each time I stitch a new design I am intrigued; the strands of floss almost seem to change hue depending on the neighbouring colours. The brilliance of the pink used on the mouth takes on a browner hue next to the black and brown surrounding it. Yet pink beside pink pops out, causing me to wonder why I’m stitching pinks yet again . . . only for Love Quilts, only for the kids!

So far this year I’ve finished 3 squares for Love Quilts. When I throw in the current Round Robin with the Stitching Diva’s, I think I’ll cease to wonder why I’m making such slow progress on my Kustom Krafts SAL project. (or why I’m dreaming of crossing tiny x’s in the trees, across the sky, on the side of houses, on wolves’ backs . . . )

“To Those Who Believe . . .” This was stitched for Lynzee C.

by Linda Gillum Donna Kooler’s Cross Stitch Inspirations, page 21 © 2003 Kooler Design Studio

“Butterfly Kisses” stitched for Amanda P.

This is adapted by LBBDesigns from an old copy from a magazine (stored some where in TDBR**). I was planning on stitching the boy fairy for my boy’s room . . . suffice to say it was ages ago!

“Purple Finch” for Alexis A.

©1985 Country Cross-Stitch: Book 33 Carolyn Shores Wright

I so loved stitching this little bird. The colours blended so beautifully. I love how the white back-stitching set off the little one’s eye. This is one designer I will be on the look out for; her work is wonderfully realistic, yet simple to stitch.

“Michealmas Daisies & Garden Critters” for Hannah G.

©2000 Ellen Maurer Storh compliments Wichelt Imports & adapted by LBBDesigns.

I have included this 2006 finish here; my photo album is experiencing technical difficulties that so far have eluded correction.

You can see all the beautiful squares at the new Love Quilts Photo Gallery with Fokti

(**The Dreaded Box Room)