Monica Knits

Flower SprayI was introduced to cross stitching at age 26 by the plant nurse at the foundry where we both worked. I was the only female in manufacturing, so it was nice to spend my lunch hour with another female professional. In addition to projects for her home and family, she cross stitched small designs that could be sold at a church bazaar to raise funds for charity, like Christmas ornaments, and inspirational or entertaining wall hangings and desk ornaments. Read about other cross stitch inspirations...

Before I started painting, I purchased a watercolor mallard and a leaflet containing these cross stitch mallards. This Dale Burdett cross stitch pattern from Burdett Publications, "Hopscotch to the Country," leaflet DB 19, was worked on 14 count Hopscotch fabric with 2 strands of DMC floss. Now that I paint, I take photos of birds for inspiration and paint them in watercolor.

Dale provides instructions for cross stitch pillows and created a striking presentation by using the hopscotch fabric as the mat. I wanted a smaller final product so I used a green mat to frame the birds.    Read more .....