June | 2010 | Joan Elliott

Heavenly Christmas © Joan A. Elliott photo courtesy of The Cross Stitcher (US)

I am so excited to bring you my 8th annual Christmas Stocking from The Cross Stitcher (US). I loved working on this piece and tried to capture the heavenly feeling of the Christmas Spirit. Lots of the shimmering beads and metallics you’ve come to expect and she is stitched on a lovely hand dyed 28 count Jobelan from Polstitches called “blue moon”. You’ll find easy instructions for finishing and a full alphabet for personalization in the magazine too.

Summer Geisha

Summer geisha © Joan A. Elliott

Just in time for Summer, this pretty Geisha strolls elegantly beneath a clematis bower, the delicate petals showering her like a gentle summer rain. You’ll find her in the upcoming issue of Cross Stitch Collection #186, due to hit the stands in the UK on July 2nd. She is stitched on beautiful 28 count ‘English Rose” Jobelan from Polstitches and has lots of Mill Hill beads and Kreinik metallics too. A full supply list is on my floss and embelishment page at right.

June Notes

As we look forward to the warmer weather our thoughts turn to the pleasant times we can now spend outside. What a delight it would be to stroll down a quiet country lane with some friends. Now out in the latest issue of the World of Cross Stitching (#166), my country girl and her gaggle of geese seem just right to lead the way.

Girl with Geese copyright Joan A. Elliott

Also with this issue you will receive a booklet containing a selection of 35 designs gathered from all of my books. They come to you with compliments of David and Charles, The World of Cross Stitching, and myself!

©Photo courtesy of Origin Publishing, Ltd.

In Cross Stitch Gold issue 76 you will see my Tree of Life. As many of you know, I love nature, watching birds, and seeing deer, fox, and raccoons (not to mention a bear feasting on a fallen limb of ripening apples and a moose eating my azaleas!) when we spend time in Vermont. The tree of life encompasses all those experiences and more. These days, I think it’s especially important to recognize the dignity of all living creatures and celebrate their existence.

Tree of Life © Joan A. Elliott

Cross Stitch Collection issue #185 has my Swirling Peacock design. Inspired by the beautiful movement of the designs from the Art Nouveau era, this jeweled creature takes us on a delightful flight of fancy.

Swirling Peacock © Joan A. Elliott

Coming next week…

I will be releasing the chartpack of the Unicorn & Maiden towards the end of next week. Shipping will start on June 26th.

I love this time of year when I scramble to find time to putter in the garden. All the veggies are finally planted and foxglove, poppies, and iris are in bloom. What a delight to see the world burst into the lavish colors of early summer!

Here’s a pick from last week’s visit to Vermont. I am convinced there must be fairies in there somewhere. Perhaps hiding in all the weeds!

To all of my friends ‘downunder’ and elsewhere in the Southern Hemisphere that are now in the winter season, I send you warm thoughts and hope all this talk of gardening will ward off some of the winter chill.