So many people have stitched and enjoyed “In the library” – it’s been such a joy to connect with other readers all over the world. I always intended to create another piece, and this one celebrates gardeners and plant lovers. I’m particularly thinking of my mother, who makes things bloom, and my sister, who makes everything thrive.
In contrast, I missed out on the green thumb and can barely keep anything alive, so this represents my ambition, more than my reality! In fact, next to my library in my dream house, is a greenhouse or conservatory, full of happy, green, growing things, among which I can sit, stitch, pat a cat, and read…
So stitching this was a joy – while thinking of such a happy place. I hope stitching it brings you the happiness of growing things, flitting wings and blooms in the sun.
My model was stitched using the “Bookshelf” Edit Cottage Garden Threads (my collaboration with them), on 37-count “Wild Honey” by Legacy Linen. I stitched it on this fabric to fit into a standard frame, although it is a different fabric than I used for “In the library” (it’s very slightly smaller). You can, of course, stitch yours on the same fabric that you used for “In the library” if you’d like to make a pair – they have the same stitch count.
The pattern includes a full DMC conversion and some tips for stitching with the CGT to get specific effects in some of the motifs (i.e. I stitched the hat in circles to make the variegation create a sun-dappled look). The pattern is available in your favourite store now, and will be in my Etsy store in hard-copy and PDF soon. I also have some CGT threadpacks in store now, if you wanted to get stitching straightaway!
Stitching tips
If you’re using the beautiful Cottage Garden Threads for this design, you might like to have a play with them to achieve some of the effects in my model. Most notably, in the little straw hat. For this, I used JK08 Gilt and stitched it in a circular pattern around the brim and the top of the hat – this allowed the variegation to move and create the look of sunshine on the woven straw.
Also, in the watering-can, I used JK27 Nib to stitch the body of the can in diagonal lines, creating a spot of shine. Of course, you can play around with your own preferred stitch paths, or use the solid DMC colours to stitch the motifs. I just love the movement that you get with Cottage Garden Threads, and the way that I can create these little touches of interest in my stitching.
Mojo Stitches 