Hi Friends!
I’m back today with another card! I know! It’s crazy that I’m getting some time to craft, right? My husband is cleaning the garage so I’m getting some time to organize, clean and finish up some projects. <WARNING: I’m going to talk a lot about stitching on cards before I share my card>
I don’t know if you’ve noticed but stitching on cards is all the rage right now. For a long time, I was resistant to it because I know how much time is involved. I spent countless hours/months making our family Christmas stockings and it’s a lot of work! I finally got a stitch die and decided this was a good weekend to use it. I was supposed to be traveling this weekend and had packed it away for the plane ride but ended up not going because my husband had to work.
I have the Altenew Pegboard Die and wanted to create a pattern before stitching (because I couldn’t commit to doing a simple background…lol). So I downloaded the MFT template for their Cross-Stitch Rectangle Die – I know they’re not the same, but I thought it would at least be helpful. What are the differences, you ask? Well…I counted the holes. MFT is 25×35 and Altenew is 31×41. So the stitches will be smaller on the Altenew panel because there are more holes. Personal preference there on which one you’d prefer to get. To credit MFT – they have amazing resources and patterns. Check out their awesome resource page to see if you want to use their free patterns HERE.
Regarding embroidery thread, I know that Pearl Cotton size 5 embroidery thread is very popular, but it can get expensive if you want a variety of colors. I do not own any. I had purchased a variety of embroidery floss (6 stranded thread) that is used in traditional cross-stitching from a garage sale many years ago and used what I had for this project. Stephanie Klauck (who works for MFT), recommends size 18 tapestry needles. I used what I had on hand from my previous cross-stitch projects so I don’t know what size they are exactly (sorry!), but I hope this information is at least helpful to you.
I knew if I didn’t use it, I would probably stall and wouldn’t touch it for a while. So while we watched a movie last night, I stitched this rose. Before I share my pattern and card, I want to disclose that I created this pattern myself using the MFT template. I found a photo of a rose I liked, and digitized the pattern. If you use it, please credit me – I would love to see your project and get respect for my time. For personal reasons, I’ve put my watermark over the image. I hope it’s not too distracting for some of you.
I wish it could be more detailed, but there wasn’t much I could do about it since I can’t alter the number cross-stitch holes available.
I selected 3 shades of pinks/reds and 2 shades of green for this card, but obviously – you can make this rose any color you’d like :). I used all 6 strands of embroidery thread and didn’t separate them at all. It took me about 4 hours to cross stitch this rose. I think it was worth it because I was still able to spend time with my family while doing it. I decided to add a single stitched frame and put a light blue cardstock behind it to give it some additional color. The “hi” die is another simple element I added to give it a sentiment without taking too much away from the stitching.
I really hope you enjoyed today’s card and that you’re having a good weekend.
XOXO,
SUPPLIES:
*NOTE: To view where these items can be purchased, click on the linked abbreviations below (SSS for Simon Says Stamp, EH for Ellen Hutson, AMZN for Amazon, LF for Lawn Fawn, MFT for My Favorite Things, LID for Lil’ Inker Designs, HMSB for HallmarkScrapbook, etc.). Affiliate links may be used (at no additional cost to you) – thank you for your support!
 ALT Pegboard Canvas Cover Die EH | SSS | ALT |
 MFT Hello There HMSB | EH | SSS | MFT |
 MFT Cross-Stitch Rectangle HMSB | EH | SSS | MFT |
 MFT Single Stitch Line Rectangle Frames HMSB | EH | SSS | MFT |
 Pool Party Cardstock |
 Neenah Solar White 80 lb HMSB | EH | SSS |
 Recollections 110 lb |
 ATG Gun EH | SSS | AMZN |
 Mini Multi Medium Matte Glue HMSB | EH | SSS |
 Glossy Accents HMSB | EH | SSS | AMZN |
Caly Person 
Impressive Caly! This is lovely and I admire your family Christmas stockings you made for your family…they are amazing!
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Thanks, Michelle!!!
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Oh, Caly, this is GORGEOUS! I used to do a lot of cross-stitch, and my mother was a master. I have a number of her beautiful works that she also framed so exquisitely (she always spent a lot on the frames/mats because of the time she invested in each project). Obviously, I cherish her pieces now that she is gone. But this is beautifully done and so impressive. I am impressed at how you created this pattern, and I will have to consider doing this myself. I have a lot of DMC 6-strand embroidery thread that is going to waste. Who knows, right? Thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts about stitching. And it is something that can be done easily with the family around. Hugs, sweet friend! xoxo
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You should definitely try it, Cheryl! ❤️❤️❤️
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Wow Caly, this card is lovely
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I absolutely LOVE this card. I’m an “oldie” when it comes to cross stitch so I’m thrilled that it has come to card making! Please share more of your patterns if will….I’m certain others would appreciate it, too. Again, thank you so much for sharing your talents with us.
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This is just gorgeous!!! I have a question about digitizing a photo for the pattern? Do you have an app or program that you use? I would love to try that!!!
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I used Procreate on my iPad Pro
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This is so pretty. Thanks so much for sharing the design. I have the same die 🙂
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Oh wow–I LOVE your framed rose! I bought the MFT stitching tag, but don’t have any of the larger dies for stitching. So far, I’ve only gotten as far as die cutting the tag, but you’ve really made me want to get out my floss & see if I still remember how to cross-stitch! I’m so impressed you made your own pattern–I wouldn’t even know where to begin!
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I know your hesitation! I still have several cut out and don’t want to invest the time! You will love it though once you start!
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Hi Caly – my MFT cross-stitch die finally arrived (long route to Canada!) and I’m excited to give it a go, using your lovely rose as inspiration. It’s gorgeous – and how sweet are YOU to share the pattern with us. I’m *secretly* hoping you’ll create something for Halloween…perhaps a little ghost or a cute jack o’lantern. As you can see; should you design more patterns, rest assured, I’ll be giving them a whirl!
Quick question: did you use all 6 strands with your DMC or…? Typically, on Aida, I use 2 or 3 strands; not sure what to do with cardstock, though. Your recommendation greatly appreciated!
~carol
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I’m so glad you are excited about this pattern! I haven’t stitched anything in a while so I can’t say that I’ll make anymore templates at this time. I used all 6 strands on this. I’ll update so it’s more clear. Thank you!
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WOW! Thank you for your quick response! I have plenty of thread…just need to get a bigger needle. We have a cross-stitching store in our town (Cochrane Alberta), so supplies are easy to find! Yayyyy! Just need to be patient until Wednesday, when it opens…
I’m a ‘quiet’ follower on your blog and IG, but want you to know: I think your creativity is ultra-sensational! Smiling allllll over my face in seeing your showcases from the various companies you represent; you’re an excellent ambassador and marvelous inspiration!
~c
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So kind of you! Your encouragement means the world to me. Thanks for taking the time to leave me these supportive comments! *hug!*
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Thank you for the pattern! I have just been learning to cross stitch on cardstock so I am try to find patterns to fit since I have’t learned how to adapt patterns.
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