C is for Chateau, D is for Dodo

Alphabet blocks return!

I’m so happy to create the two new blocks in my alphabet blocks series. I just loved my A & B blocks done a few years ago and always intended to do the entire alphabet. But with so many things on my plate, they kept getting pushed aside. But no longer! In fact, I’m committed to doing the whole series by the end of 2026.

These are such a fun stitch – and an excuse for me to design some favourite motifs. The “C” block features a camel with lovely knobbly knees, a chateau under the stars, crowns (a common feature of antique samplers), chamomile and calendula. And the “D” block has a dodo (I’ve wanted to stitch a dodo for so long!), doves and tiny dogs, delphinium and dragonflies, a drum and demisemisquavers!

They’re also a chance to focus on one of my favourite Cottage Garden Threads colours at a time, complimented with a DMC colour. This release features two colours from my “Bookshelf” Edit: JK09 Candlestick and JK20 Scandalous. As always, a full DMC conversion is included, but the CGT give such lovely movement and texture to these simple designs. Of course, you could always adjust the colour scheme to your own decor or preferences.

There are lots of ways to customise these designs as well. If you didn’t want to finish them as blocks, you could stitch two of the sides next to each other as a little pincushion, or all six sides 2 x3 and frame them (give me some free time and I’ll stitch this myself!).

And the finishing is much easier than it looks. I’ve created a fully illustrated tutorial HERE, and when I have the equipment, I’ll film myself doing one. The structure was inspired by my love of origami as a child – I remember making lots of blocks and boxes this way… The technique is very similar to finishing a biscornu – stitching two sides together through the stitching, not the fabric. I promise – you can do it!

This chart is released initially through your local needlework store or online needlework store – please request a copy at your favourite. It’ll be available in hard-copy and PDF in my Etsy store in a couple of months.

I’m busy designing the rest in the series, and I’d love your help… What alphabetical motifs would you love to stitch? Let me know!