I like working on 28 or 32 ct Jobelan over 2 threads as it is easier to do the half and quarter size stitches. On the Scarlet Tanager - pictured below - the butterfly is stitched over one thread. As my eyes get older, I find I need to use a magnifying glass to work on this size fabric. Jobelan is an evenweave fabric made of a mixture of cotton and Modal and woven in single threads rather than blocks. Aida is a cotton fabric is woven in blocks, giving obvious holes for the needle to enter, so it is ideal for the beginner. Both fabrics come in many colors. All of the pictures shown below were stitched on Jobelan or Lugana.
My newest favorite fabric to stitch on is 28 ct Monaco. I usually select white or antique white and stitch over two. This comes out the same size as stitching on 14 ct over one but somehow it looks more elegant.
I do my own stretching of the finished picture and framing. Unfortunately, these photos do not do the individual pieces justice. All of the projects pictured below, hang in our home.
The Crossed Wing Collection specializes in realistic and finely-detailed cross stitch patterns of birds. Visit their website to find out more about Paula and Dan Minkebige and the Crossed Wing Collection.
Eva Rosenstand has traditional Danish high-quality counted cross-stitch design for all occasions. The beautiful cross-stitch designs are all available as kits. The kits contain even weave fabric, DMC mouliné yarn, needle, graph and instructions.
Jean McIntosh Needlework offers over 170 counted needlework desgins for Petit Point, Needlepoint or Cross Stitch. Her designs are available as charts only or kits.
