Celtic B - Mike Vickery

Now that this is safely installed in it's new home, I'm free to share some pictures!

Design: B - from the book Celtic Cross Stitch

Designer: Mike Vickery

Fabric: 25 count linen, antique white

Threads: DMC - three strands for cross stitch, one for back stitch

This was finished last month and given to my dad as a birthday present. I made it into a pillow as he likes his comfort :o) The pillow was a pre-made one, and I appliqued the design onto the front after turning a small hem. I used threads drawn from the excess fabric so the stitching couldn't be seen.




The design is one I started years ago and left unfinished at this point:




As you can see, there wasn't actually all that much to do, but I think I'd got fed up of the half stitches and the back stitching! I completed this mainly on my commute - the journey is short enough so that I didn't get bored, but the twice a day stint meant that the stitching grew quite quickly.

I love how the colours interact, but I'm not sure I would stitch something like this again.

Dad loved it, and it made a change for him from his usual "bloke gifts"!

Can I just say "thank you" to everyone who comments, and I see there are some newcomers and/or delurkers - it is much appreciated and I'm reading most of your blogs when I can - I'm sorry I'm not returning the compliment at the moment.

Hazel - in answer to your question, I'm not far away - I live on the southern edge of Sheffield and I work in Chesterfield. I was in the Peak when we went out with my dad for his birthday :o)

Celtic Stones - Textile Heritage

This looks really nice as a card, so I don't think I'm going to frame this either! I think I will save it for my dad for his birthday next year!

Celtic Stones - Textile Heritage

I didn't realise the kit was so small when I bought it from eBay, because a quick glance made it seem quite detailed - and it is pretty effective in real life. I was uncertain about using the gold on the stones, as it seemed very bright in the border, but next to the greys, it became much more muted.

It was a very quick stitch! The directions called for stitching it with two strands, but I find that looks very chunky on 18 count aida, so I went for one.

The kit came with a nice red card to mount the stitching on - I will do that, then mount the whole lot onto a bigger cream card and frame it.

Design Details

Fabric: 18 count aida, cream.
Threads: unknown stranded cottons.
Designer: Lesley Clarke.
Kit Details: Celtic Stones - Textile Heritage Collection
Stitch Count: 27H x 27V
Stitches Used: Cross Stitch, Back Stitch.
Threads Used: Unknown stranded cotton in 7 colours. One strand used throughout.
Embellishments: None.
Modifications Made: Stitched in one strand throughout (directions called for two)