tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23094492772134246622024-03-12T20:11:25.380-07:00Beneath the Hawthorn Tree: A Stitcher's BlogWelcome to my blog! My name is Karen and I am the owner and designer at The Hawthorn Tree. You can find my patterns on Etsy and Payhip and here on my blog you'll get a look behind the scenes with inspirations and tutorials. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09331085028157379648noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309449277213424662.post-90544061284236234362017-10-04T06:45:00.000-07:002017-10-04T06:45:20.921-07:00Using Variegated Thread<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Have you ever used variegated thread in your projects? A little while ago I did an experiment where I looked at three different ways of using variegated thread for cross stitch. It's my popular post so here's the link for anyone who missed it first time round.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><a href="http://hawthorntreedesigns.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/an-experiment-with-variegated-thread.html">An Experiment with Variegated Thread</a></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09331085028157379648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309449277213424662.post-73741540872361353312017-06-30T03:39:00.001-07:002017-06-30T03:39:25.106-07:00New-look Website<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Have you had a look at my website yet? You can explore my collection of patterns, including some freebies, as well as learning more about me and getting in touch. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><a href="http://hawthorntreedesigns.com/" target="_blank">Take a look</a></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">See you again soon, happy stitching!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Karen.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09331085028157379648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309449277213424662.post-33626244738603716682016-04-19T09:06:00.001-07:002017-10-02T07:40:36.857-07:00Primrose Day<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Did you know that in the UK, this date, 19th April, is known as Primrose Day? My Grandma told me about it when I was a little girl because this date was also her birthday. The day was instigated by Queen Victoria to commemorate the death of former Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli. Grandma would have been 100 today. I always think of her when the primroses come out in the spring; they're such a beautiful flower.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Grandma knew how much I liked embroidery and she always used to remark on how neat my stitching was. I felt I had to make something special to commemorate this day so I have stitched a primrose that fits perfectly into a 5.5cm mini hoop by Dandelyne. I have decided to share this chart as a free pattern.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">I spent many happy days with Grandma and I think about her every day. She and my Grandad were married in 1948. Pictured below is his diary from 1947 and as you can see, he has marked the day with 4 crosses, lest he forget!</span></div>
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<a href="https://payhip.com/b/5L4P">Get the pattern.</a></div>
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I would love to see a picture of your creations. You can share your photos with me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/hawthorntreeneedlecraft" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/hawthorntree_xs" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://instagram.com/hawthorntree_xs" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <span id="goog_714128501"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/">Pinterest<span id="goog_714128502"></span></a>. Happy stitching!</div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">More info on <a href="http://www.dandelyne.com/">Dandelyne hoops</a>.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09331085028157379648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309449277213424662.post-62740369271267876872016-02-29T08:48:00.000-08:002017-10-02T05:32:16.722-07:00Three New Birds and Cross Stitch Crazy Feature<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In my first post of the year, mentioned that something exciting was going to happen in February. It has been a goal of mine to have some kind of feature in a major cross stitching magazine and very soon after the new year, I was given the chance to be part of the Best For Modern Cross Stitch feature in <i>Cross Stitch Crazy</i>. I feel honoured to appear alongside so many talented and creative cross stitch creators.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Look for the issue with a beautiful carousel horse on the front. You may have noticed that I love Celtic art and so the Celtic alphabet designed by Lucie Heaton is right up my street!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Why do I suddenly have the urge to make a whole set of egg cosies?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">And don't get me started on the cuteness and practicality of this awesome freebie!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cQZLnPFSHeY/VtRzovvTm-I/AAAAAAAAAk8/w7g8v-zPGtg/s1600/DSCN2235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cQZLnPFSHeY/VtRzovvTm-I/AAAAAAAAAk8/w7g8v-zPGtg/s320/DSCN2235.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="319" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">I haven't even mentioned that Lauren Bacall is this month's Celeb Stitch. I actually went on ebay and bought a back issue featuring Humphrey Bogart so that I can (eventually!) display this iconic Hollywood couple together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">I bought the back issue from <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CROSS-STITCH-CRAZY-magazine-choice-of-issues-issues-42-209-/262308578785?var=&hash=item3d12cf45e1:m:mwpasmepce99yuDc7J6VW3A" target="_blank">this seller</a> who is raising money for Midlands Air Ambulance. There is a stash of <i>Cross Stitch Crazy </i>magazines available so it's worth taking a look if you want to add to your collection.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">If you get your hands on the latest issue - 214 - look out for the Best For Modern Cross Stitch feature on page 55 as several of the businesses featured are offering discounts for readers. If you find the code on my section, you can get 10% off all patterns in both my online shops until 31st March. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><b>Don't forget, if you live in the UK, you can avoid a 20% EU VAT charge by buying my patterns from <a href="http://www.payhip.com/thehawthorntree">my Payhip shop</a>.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">I have just added three more birds to my collection and I'm currently working on a Celtic-themed WIP. You can see progress shots by following me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Happy stitching!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09331085028157379648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309449277213424662.post-74837721416449237312016-02-16T07:13:00.000-08:002017-10-02T05:28:34.307-07:00Hearts Entwined<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We're halfway through February which means St Valentine's Day (or as I like to call it, the day after my birthday) has come and gone. Of course, you don't really need a specific day to express your love for someone special. When hearts are entwined, they're entwined forever.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Inspiration for my latest design came from what you may consider to be a surprising source - a Celtic animal design in the Book of Kells. I could see straight away how the knotwork could be made into hearts that would be perfect for a wedding sampler.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">To add even more romance, I worked the hearts in colours reminiscent of an English rose garden, with vintage pinks and greens.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">I also added a few beads to give an extra-special finishing touch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">You can use the alphabet included in the chart to personalise your sampler to celebrate a wedding, civil partnership or anniversary.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Find this pattern and many more at <a href="http://hawthorntreedesigns.com/">hawthorntreedesigns.com</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'm still working on other designs that will be available later this year and I'm also planning a few tutorials which I think you'll find to be lots of fun. After all, crafting should be about having fun just as much as creating something beautiful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">There's plenty of work for my fingers to be getting on with,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Happy Stitching!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09331085028157379648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309449277213424662.post-34873864779508939792016-01-14T06:30:00.000-08:002016-01-14T06:30:39.031-08:00New Beginnings<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Is it me or did Christmas just fly by? It felt that one moment we were settling down to watch <em>A Christmas Carol </em>on Christmas Eve, the next we were opening presents and before long we were welcoming in 2016.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h6DajU-H3K4/VpevmFko0EI/AAAAAAAAAj8/YKwMJaNl3zU/s1600/untitled%2B%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h6DajU-H3K4/VpevmFko0EI/AAAAAAAAAj8/YKwMJaNl3zU/s320/untitled%2B%25282%2529.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">January usually gives me a dose of the post-Christmas blues but this year is probably the first time I haven't felt it. I was actually really excited to open my online shops again and get started on new projects. I'm using this pretty notebook to jot down or sketch all my new ideas.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">One plan for this year is to add more patterns inspired by nature. I was so pleased to see how popular my little bird patterns became last year, especially with my personal favourite the Bullfinch Pair becoming my best-seller. I have three more birds coming to the shop very soon, one of the needs a little bit of tweaking first.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zHo4J-Fgjm8/VpevFapuOQI/AAAAAAAAAjw/Txd_ce6J5zM/s1600/Bullfinches%2Bleaves.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zHo4J-Fgjm8/VpevFapuOQI/AAAAAAAAAjw/Txd_ce6J5zM/s320/Bullfinches%2Bleaves.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I'm also working on a new Celtic pattern designed to be a wedding sampler.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqJZmpQvm5g/VpevmBX6DaI/AAAAAAAAAj4/6K6vX7RrTwE/s1600/untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqJZmpQvm5g/VpevmBX6DaI/AAAAAAAAAj4/6K6vX7RrTwE/s320/untitled.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Something rather exciting is happening next month which I'll tell you more about at the time but it got 2016 off to a great start.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Here's to being happy in January!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09331085028157379648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309449277213424662.post-52198982011418928952015-11-27T07:39:00.000-08:002017-10-02T05:00:47.771-07:00Atta boy, Clarence!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YZGUVSO6FaQ/Vlh3gvIo6II/AAAAAAAAAjc/lxOnybVC-_0/s1600/Atta%2BBoy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YZGUVSO6FaQ/Vlh3gvIo6II/AAAAAAAAAjc/lxOnybVC-_0/s320/Atta%2BBoy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Well, how did this happen? We're just four weeks away from Christmas Day! It'll soon be time to break out the festive movies (if you haven't done already!) I'm already itching to get the decorations out and I thought you'd like an early gift. You can download this pattern <span style="color: blue;">FREE </span><span style="color: black;">from <a href="https://payhip.com/b/Vmjv" target="_blank">my Payhip shop</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">This sampler is a bit of a clue to my favourite Christmas film - <em>It's A Wonderful Life</em>. If anything's going to give you that warm and fuzzy festive feeling then it's the scene where George Bailey is reunited with his family and friends and is made to realise how loved he is by them all. Just then, the little bells on the tree start to jingle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">"Look, Daddy! Teacher says 'Every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings.'"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Clarence has finally earned his wings after saving George. Hurrah!</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kktcC8TAQkY/WdInK9boiVI/AAAAAAAAA94/6psTTN6OWfUvobLAgtZaU96Y7JVW8NQ1wCLcBGAs/s1600/Clarence%2BPinterest.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kktcC8TAQkY/WdInK9boiVI/AAAAAAAAA94/6psTTN6OWfUvobLAgtZaU96Y7JVW8NQ1wCLcBGAs/s320/Clarence%2BPinterest.png" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">If you've seen this movie in colour, you'll know that the bells on the Bailey family tree are gold but I stitched this before I'd seen the colour version. Please feel free to stitch them in gold instead of silver if you wish. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">The bells motif is also perfect for greeting cards and other smaller projects.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">I feel I've really made progress this year in many ways so I though this would be a nice way of saying thank you for all the support I've had.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Have a good weekend and happy stitching!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><em>You can find more Christmas designs and free patterns on my website:</em> <a href="http://hawthorntreedesigns.com/">hawthorntreedesigns.com</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09331085028157379648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309449277213424662.post-32822681385584758442015-11-10T07:43:00.000-08:002015-11-10T07:43:50.222-08:00Mini Hoop Robin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rUGtlB18AFc/VkIMqN5U3NI/AAAAAAAAAi4/T3dBIl8Wdg8/s1600/DSCN2058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rUGtlB18AFc/VkIMqN5U3NI/AAAAAAAAAi4/T3dBIl8Wdg8/s320/DSCN2058.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A little</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">while ago I was asked to make a special present for my neighbour Becki. Becki had seen my collection of bird designs and told me she wanted a version of the robin for her grandma.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BpcG8-guJGo/VkIFgcdbAyI/AAAAAAAAAio/j9RH3t6C2Vo/s1600/DSCN2031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BpcG8-guJGo/VkIFgcdbAyI/AAAAAAAAAio/j9RH3t6C2Vo/s320/DSCN2031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MNtNCrTa1iY/VkIFfS71xiI/AAAAAAAAAig/Tas2i21UlyY/s1600/DSCN1992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MNtNCrTa1iY/VkIFfS71xiI/AAAAAAAAAig/Tas2i21UlyY/s320/DSCN1992.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I suggested a mini version that could be framed in one of the perfectly made tiny hoops from Dandelyne. These hoops are all hand-finished by Sonia Lyne at her home in Melbourne, Australia. Although this is on the other side of the world to me, it's well worth ordering these beautiful accessories and playing with ideas for them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I'm challenging myself to do more freehand embroidery and this was the perfect opportunity to do something outside of my comfort zone. After all, this is the only way you can grow, isn't it? </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N9f-hKNF6hw/VkIOcSyySqI/AAAAAAAAAjI/z9om4JQ-YvE/s1600/mini%2Brobin%2Btagged%2B1000%2Bpix.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N9f-hKNF6hw/VkIOcSyySqI/AAAAAAAAAjI/z9om4JQ-YvE/s320/mini%2Brobin%2Btagged%2B1000%2Bpix.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I'm happy with how this one turned out but I need to keep to practising the technique until I'm more confident with it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">One of my plans for next year is to create more mini hoop pieces of various kinds so I'll be working on design ideas over winter. Some of them will be inspired by ancient Celtic art and others by nature. I'm really excited about this new endeavour and about being part of the awesome mini hoop community.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">My bird designs are all available on Etsy and in <a href="http://www.payhip.com/thehawthorntree" target="_blank">my Payhip shop</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Click here to find out more about <a href="http://www.dandelyne.com/" target="_blank">Dandelyne</a>.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09331085028157379648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309449277213424662.post-90438944323639541452015-10-15T03:37:00.000-07:002017-10-02T05:25:25.436-07:00Etsy Shop's First Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IY3J_hmjTSc/VVtFa2aQgzI/AAAAAAAAAWg/xcCrEMiDgLI/s1600/DSCN1642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IY3J_hmjTSc/VVtFa2aQgzI/AAAAAAAAAWg/xcCrEMiDgLI/s320/DSCN1642.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A whole year has gone by since I opened my Etsy shop. I had been on Folksy for some months before then but things didn't really take off. I still have my Folksy shop as an option for the future but I don't believe it's the right place for digital patterns and so I moved this part of my business to Etsy.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XnTcN3OeQI8/U6QVlJoHpeI/AAAAAAAAACc/4XwXUM_Lyjg/s1600/Celtic%2BKnotwork%2BBellpull%2Bclose%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XnTcN3OeQI8/U6QVlJoHpeI/AAAAAAAAACc/4XwXUM_Lyjg/s320/Celtic%2BKnotwork%2BBellpull%2Bclose%2B3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">I am truly grateful to everyone who has bought patterns, favourite listings and followed me on social media. Self confidence has always been a major problem for me so it really means a lot to know you appreciate my work. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GwWkr31nbbk/VZU5Q9PQo_I/AAAAAAAAAbU/itH-Odtym3U/s1600/DSCN1758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GwWkr31nbbk/VZU5Q9PQo_I/AAAAAAAAAbU/itH-Odtym3U/s320/DSCN1758.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">I've learned so much in the last 12 months and I'm getting better at everything all the time. I'm already making plans for the designs I want to release next year and I'm coming up with ideas for new products.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qHL4hHbhvZI/Ve7stkWOS4I/AAAAAAAAAgA/OHtsGUB5btk/s1600/DSCN1994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qHL4hHbhvZI/Ve7stkWOS4I/AAAAAAAAAgA/OHtsGUB5btk/s320/DSCN1994.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Running your own business can be very stressful and frustrating at times but it's also hugely rewarding and liberating. To celebrate this anniversary and to say thank you to everyone who has supported me, I am offering 15% off all patterns in my Etsy shop until midnight 18th October (Sunday).</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9JdukaF_jc/VR6BNRscQSI/AAAAAAAAASc/fVPUm-ihCrI/s1600/DSCN1505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9JdukaF_jc/VR6BNRscQSI/AAAAAAAAASc/fVPUm-ihCrI/s320/DSCN1505.JPG" width="318" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">You can visit the shop either by clicking on the listings at the top of this page or by following the link from my website <a href="http://hawthorntreedesigns.com/">hawthorntreedesigns.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Thank you and happy stitching!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09331085028157379648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309449277213424662.post-74077039601517531252015-10-07T07:11:00.001-07:002017-10-02T05:24:22.015-07:00New Pattern: Kells Corners<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's now October and this year seems to be flying by! I've been working on ways to use up my ridiculously large stack of craft papers and various bits and bobs. I've already come up with some hand-stitched Christmas card ideas but that's for another time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">I've also added a new Celtic pattern to my shop. This one has a very different look to the others. It is based on a little geometric motif at the corners of a portrait of St Matthew in the Book of Kells. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l1ru_dQK4lM/VhUkDf-lkjI/AAAAAAAAAiM/C8yt8o15gF4/s1600/DSCN2080%2B-%2B1000%2Bx%2B1000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l1ru_dQK4lM/VhUkDf-lkjI/AAAAAAAAAiM/C8yt8o15gF4/s320/DSCN2080%2B-%2B1000%2Bx%2B1000.JPG" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">It fits perfectly into a 7-inch hoop but would also make a great cushion cover or a design for a tote bag.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">You can of course stitch it in any colours you like, and that little space in the centre is the perfect place for a button.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rh-xuVRov88/VhUj9fIGyFI/AAAAAAAAAiE/xYIi6E3Iug8/s1600/DSCN2082%2B-%2B1000%2Bx%2B1000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rh-xuVRov88/VhUj9fIGyFI/AAAAAAAAAiE/xYIi6E3Iug8/s320/DSCN2082%2B-%2B1000%2Bx%2B1000.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">When you've stitched it, you can either frame it as pictured at the top or turn it around and frame it so that it looks more like the bottom picture.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">You can buy the pattern on Etsy and Payhip (remember, if you live in the UK you won't have to pay EU VAT if you buy through Payhip).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><a href="http://www.hawthorntreedesigns.com/">www.hawthorntreedesigns.com</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09331085028157379648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309449277213424662.post-77693719143798484262015-09-30T10:03:00.000-07:002015-09-30T10:03:09.141-07:00An October Wedding<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Do you remember when I said I was working on a wedding sampler but I wasn't able to say too much? Well, even though the wedding isn't until Monday, the bride-to-be has already opened her presents so I can now show you what I made...</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CeNW7Ty7RXs/VgwLWk2rgTI/AAAAAAAAAhI/T6BYaI5ZXMk/s1600/DSCN2004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CeNW7Ty7RXs/VgwLWk2rgTI/AAAAAAAAAhI/T6BYaI5ZXMk/s320/DSCN2004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I went for a relatively simple design overall but with Celtic knot detail at each corner. This is the first time I've worked white thread onto white fabric. It was certainly a challenge and I'm glad I decided to do just the corners but I'm very happy with the result.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PVS1N6bxw9U/VgwTE-60s9I/AAAAAAAAAhk/2S5ce08TU_Q/s1600/DSCN2001%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PVS1N6bxw9U/VgwTE-60s9I/AAAAAAAAAhk/2S5ce08TU_Q/s320/DSCN2001%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The central motif is a Claddagh - an Irish symbol made from three components: a heart for love, hands for friendship and a crown for loyalty. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Emma, the bride-to-be was so happy with it she cried! She sent Mum a message saying how she loved the personal nature of the gift. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I'm sure there have many more brides who have received beautiful handmade gifts this year from relatives and friends who have taken the time to create something special. Those of us who love embroidery are always happy to have an excuse to use our skills for such projects. My hands have been busy with a couple more smaller projects but I can't show you them just yet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I'll reveal all in my next post.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09331085028157379648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309449277213424662.post-81682028964777533472015-09-14T08:26:00.000-07:002017-10-02T05:10:32.617-07:00New Blackwork Pattern - Durrow Celtic Knots<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'm very excited about my latest blackwork pattern. It is another version of my Durrow Celtic Knots design. I stitched the blackwork version of it a couple of years ago and I've been wanting to share the pattern with you for a really long time but I had some technical problems to overcome. I won't bore you with the details but after a bit of tweaking, I have now been able to put the pattern in the shop.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tkCujnhp6q0/VfbYLII4kNI/AAAAAAAAAgU/Rd8fI5biTdc/s1600/660px%2Bhor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tkCujnhp6q0/VfbYLII4kNI/AAAAAAAAAgU/Rd8fI5biTdc/s320/660px%2Bhor.JPG" width="243" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The pattern has the same layout as the cross stitch version but is worked entirely in back stitch (or Holbein stitch if your prefer.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">At each corner is an area of beautiful and intricate blackwork. These sections can be used for smaller projects like greeting cards or coasters.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rJAQDm5_ZVI/VfbZA41Qe9I/AAAAAAAAAgc/29V2uG5VmZA/s1600/DSCN2010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rJAQDm5_ZVI/VfbZA41Qe9I/AAAAAAAAAgc/29V2uG5VmZA/s320/DSCN2010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">This is certainly not a pattern for the less patient stitcher but if you love blackwork and are looking for a challenge, then this is the perfect place to find it! Whenever I work large patterns, they remind me that not everything in life can be achieved instantly. It is no bad thing to have to wait a long time to finish something and in the case of this embroidery, it will certainly be worth the wait.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_WLoWpXDNbA/VfbZCJk_8VI/AAAAAAAAAgk/_F_CxoFz1Bo/s1600/DSCN2008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_WLoWpXDNbA/VfbZCJk_8VI/AAAAAAAAAgk/_F_CxoFz1Bo/s320/DSCN2008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">I have worked this pattern in traditional black but you should feel free to use whatever colours you like.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">It is one of my plans to have more blackwork patterns on sale as it is a form of embroidery I really do love. Keep checking back as I have several more in the planning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">You can also find two cross stitch patterns based on this design from the Book of Durrow. You can find them all at <a href="http://hawthorntreedesigns.com/">hawthorntreedesigns.com</a></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09331085028157379648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309449277213424662.post-57921022684000924802015-09-08T07:27:00.000-07:002017-10-02T05:07:20.581-07:00Robins are for lfe, not just for Christmas!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Here we are in September again. It's almost a whole year since I rescued that poorly hedgehog* (wonder what it's up to now?) </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Q_P7NVc-6c/VCKQXVnRx8I/AAAAAAAAAHY/QiPtXjfuZ8Q/s1600/10015054_10154543658765034_4914598640253664784_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Q_P7NVc-6c/VCKQXVnRx8I/AAAAAAAAAHY/QiPtXjfuZ8Q/s320/10015054_10154543658765034_4914598640253664784_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've been very busy for the last couple of weeks re-formatting all of my patterns and updating my shops with new versions. I've also built a brand new website. You can find links to both my shops and this blog as well as the two free patterns in my Payhip shop.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><a href="http://hawthorntreedesigns.com/">hawthorntreedesigns.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">So, you're wondering what this all has to do with robins? Well, I've just added a brand new pattern to my collection...</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jnxtebCIipY/Ve7suJIwT5I/AAAAAAAAAgE/Q0N_lgpgfqU/s1600/DSCN1992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jnxtebCIipY/Ve7suJIwT5I/AAAAAAAAAgE/Q0N_lgpgfqU/s320/DSCN1992.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This sweet little robin redbreast compliments my bullfinches. I have several more which will be available in the near future and others in the planning. (Did I mention I love birds?)These bird designs are really easy to stitch and I would have finished the robin in one afternoon had I not decided to change the shade of orange I was using. I was also distracted by Frodo and Sam making their way through the Dead Marshes in <em>The Two Towers </em>so you may well finish it sooner than I did!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qHL4hHbhvZI/Ve7stkWOS4I/AAAAAAAAAgA/OHtsGUB5btk/s1600/DSCN1994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qHL4hHbhvZI/Ve7stkWOS4I/AAAAAAAAAgA/OHtsGUB5btk/s320/DSCN1994.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Like the bullfinches, this robin has been designed to fit into a 4-inch hoop but he also makes a great motif for Christmas cards, should you want to get a head-start on making some of your own before things start to get really busy.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UGDevJ4t2vM/Ve7sd27bgnI/AAAAAAAAAf0/SycDFUWnX68/s1600/DSCN1985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UGDevJ4t2vM/Ve7sd27bgnI/AAAAAAAAAf0/SycDFUWnX68/s320/DSCN1985.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">However, as the title of this post implies, robins can be seen all year round so he is definitely not just for Christmas! To stitch him for yourself click <a href="http://hawthorntreedesigns.com/" target="_blank">here.</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><em>*To read about my hedgehog rescue, click <a href="http://hawthorntreedesigns.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/">here</a>.</em></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09331085028157379648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309449277213424662.post-24051226750088136232015-08-18T07:44:00.000-07:002015-08-18T07:44:45.457-07:00New Pattern - Festive Bauble<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tHUzo2aXio8/VdNCVNSyGAI/AAAAAAAAAeg/iUowc9XFU8M/s1600/DSCN1888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tHUzo2aXio8/VdNCVNSyGAI/AAAAAAAAAeg/iUowc9XFU8M/s320/DSCN1888.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I mentioned in an earlier post that I was giving my Festive Bauble design a makeover. I released the original last autumn, along with two other Christmas designs. While I'm happy with the Noel Sampler and I Will Honour Christmas, I felt there was some room for improvement with the Festive Bauble.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-27Fr1Tfopx8/VdNAz7c7EEI/AAAAAAAAAeA/ZnKijKY2fQw/s1600/DSCN1351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-27Fr1Tfopx8/VdNAz7c7EEI/AAAAAAAAAeA/ZnKijKY2fQw/s320/DSCN1351.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I decided to change the colour scheme to give it a different look to the other Christmas patterns. It now has a modern silver, purple and turquoise palette and a touch of silver metallic thread to add some sparkle. I have also resized it so that it fits neatly into a 7-inch hoop.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zaJTJtgnYjU/VdNCjRtQv6I/AAAAAAAAAeo/Ag6VnSimo9Q/s1600/DSCN1890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zaJTJtgnYjU/VdNCjRtQv6I/AAAAAAAAAeo/Ag6VnSimo9Q/s320/DSCN1890.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Everyone has their own preferences for Christmas colours and you may have your own ideas on how you'd like this bauble to look. You can make it look as modern or as traditional as you like. Match it to your own festive décor or make it look completely different.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z1IeZqCS7bQ/VdNCS9K38eI/AAAAAAAAAeY/SyRh011HbY8/s1600/DSCN1885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z1IeZqCS7bQ/VdNCS9K38eI/AAAAAAAAAeY/SyRh011HbY8/s320/DSCN1885.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">If you're not a fan of metallic threads, you can always use stranded cotton or attach some beads instead. A length of narrow ribbon would also work well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">You can buy this pattern either by clicking on the listing at the top of the page or click here to go to <a href="http://www.payhip.com/thehawthorntree">my Payhip shop</a>.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09331085028157379648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309449277213424662.post-5407901030515945422015-07-29T06:36:00.001-07:002015-07-29T06:39:09.984-07:00New Pattern: Ahenny Celtic Cross<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I've just added a new pattern to both my Etsy and Payhip shops.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SNMFdZeaogQ/VbjUwaQ3AgI/AAAAAAAAAds/u3yfXExlcuk/s1600/DSCN1810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SNMFdZeaogQ/VbjUwaQ3AgI/AAAAAAAAAds/u3yfXExlcuk/s320/DSCN1810.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Ahenny Celtic Cross is already one of my favourites and was a joy to work on. It is inspired by knotwork carved onto the North Cross, one of the two high crosses at Kilclispeen Cemetery, Ahenny, County Tipperary, Ireland.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The two stone crosses are all that remains of a monastery that was on the site and are believed to date from the eighth or ninth century. They are amongst the earliest examples of ringed crosses.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLHFePPnG8g/VbjUmv2hEKI/AAAAAAAAAdk/xfuNqkabnK8/s1600/DSCN1812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLHFePPnG8g/VbjUmv2hEKI/AAAAAAAAAdk/xfuNqkabnK8/s320/DSCN1812.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">This pattern is perfect for those of you who love Celtic art or who want to stitch something connected to ancient Ireland.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">This will be the last Celtic design I release for a while as there are other design projects I'll be concentrating on for the next few months. My main priorities are forthcoming bird collection to compliment my popular bullfinches design and the Leopold alphabet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Unfortunately, the Pentrich revolution embroidery project has been cancelled due to lack of support. This is very disappointing for me and the organisers of the project but they still have plenty of other things planned. I may still be able to donate a contribution to the art exhibition if I can find the time to make something.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mMoZ6V6sMoM/VbjUJ8nk3eI/AAAAAAAAAdc/VvhdeHQ1hQQ/s1600/shop%2Bavatar%2Bgreen.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mMoZ6V6sMoM/VbjUJ8nk3eI/AAAAAAAAAdc/VvhdeHQ1hQQ/s320/shop%2Bavatar%2Bgreen.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I have also updated my logo and Etsy shop banner to freshen things up a little. I'll be updating all of my pattern cover pages with this new look too.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fb_g_7um3pg/VbjUI0hrgMI/AAAAAAAAAdU/BWkGaqvGSkg/s1600/new%2Bshop%2Bbanner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="42" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fb_g_7um3pg/VbjUI0hrgMI/AAAAAAAAAdU/BWkGaqvGSkg/s320/new%2Bshop%2Bbanner.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">To buy the pattern, you can either click on the Etsy listing at the top of the page or click below to go to my Payhip shop.</span></div>
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<a href="https://payhip.com/b/nciR"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">https://payhip.com/b/nciR</span></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09331085028157379648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309449277213424662.post-68536839373950711592015-07-27T03:18:00.001-07:002015-07-27T03:18:42.006-07:00Etsy prices - EU VAT update<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I wrote in an earlier post how EU VAT is affecting sellers of digital products, no matter how small the business is. To recap, any business, regardless of its size, is now obliged to charge EU VAT to customers that live within the European Union.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">In January, Etsy announced they would put systems in place to deal with this tax. Last week the system was introduced and so if you live in an EU country, you will see that my prices have increased. The price that you see will have increased by the EU VAT rate in your country. For the UK, this is 20%.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The price is calculated and added automatically and Etsy will take care of the tax. Unfortunately, because I'm not selling directly to customers in the UK, the tax still applies to sales to UK customers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">This is completely beyond my control and Etsy are only doing what the law requires them to do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you buy from my Payhip shop, EU VAT is added at the checkout.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">There is a strong campaign to get the EU to introduce a reasonable threshold that will mean small businesses no longer have to charge this tax. If you would like to know more about how EU VAT will affect you as a business owner or customer click the link below.</span></div>
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<a href="http://euvataction.org/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">http://euvataction.org/</span></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09331085028157379648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309449277213424662.post-12798085750040646712015-07-23T03:27:00.000-07:002015-07-27T03:01:09.477-07:00Making Plans<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bq_vKgXOoCA/VbC9jCR66nI/AAAAAAAAAb4/PFG9Rwkjxk0/s1600/CKb9eqEWoAQZtAo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bq_vKgXOoCA/VbC9jCR66nI/AAAAAAAAAb4/PFG9Rwkjxk0/s320/CKb9eqEWoAQZtAo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My floss box</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It's that time of year - the Summer Slump, but that doesn't mean I'm not capable of creating heaps of work for myself. I've been really busy making plans for what I want to do over the coming months.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">You may have seen my Leopold B design. Since I first stitched it, I've been planning to create a whole alphabet but until now I haven't got around to it. I've decided to shrink the letters so they each fit into a 6-inch hoop. It's going to take a while before they're ready to go on sale but I'm very excited about how they're going to look.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nQ2fHgefUk8/VbC9RoP6ImI/AAAAAAAAAbo/dI_w8wjldvo/s1600/Leopold%2BB%2Bclose%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nQ2fHgefUk8/VbC9RoP6ImI/AAAAAAAAAbo/dI_w8wjldvo/s320/Leopold%2BB%2Bclose%2B2.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I'm also creating a series of bird designs to go with the bullfinches which are already on sale. Here's a sneak-peek at some of them. There's also a robin which will be ready later this year.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NYhgAwy3clA/VbC9isTTLUI/AAAAAAAAAb0/-HCoA4Xyu-8/s1600/CKRdR2RWcAACmhk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NYhgAwy3clA/VbC9isTTLUI/AAAAAAAAAb0/-HCoA4Xyu-8/s320/CKRdR2RWcAACmhk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I'm also giving my Festive Bauble design a makeover: I'm changing the colours and resizing it as I wasn't completely happy with the original. That will also be available later this year.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c6eG4xS4FLA/VbC-bafcCuI/AAAAAAAAAcE/mRioFJqSTSM/s1600/DSCN1343%2B%2528642x640%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c6eG4xS4FLA/VbC-bafcCuI/AAAAAAAAAcE/mRioFJqSTSM/s320/DSCN1343%2B%2528642x640%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I've been commissioned to make a wedding sampler which I have to keep secret for now but I'll show you how it turns out once it's been delivered to the happy couple. The wedding is in October so you'll have to wait a bit longer to see it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I also have plans to give my online shops a new look. It all needs freshening up a little bit so this is another ongoing project for the next few weeks. I can't wait to put all the pieces together and when it's ready I'll tell you all about it here on Beneath the Hawthorn Tree.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">As far as the blog itself is concerned, I want to add more tutorials and hints and tips etc so I'll be making a list of ideas for that. I'm also planning on launching a new personal blog for nature notes and musings as I want this blog to be focused on embroidery and crafts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">This is only part of my to-do list so as you can see I have plenty to keep myself occupied! I'll keep you posted on everything. In the meantime, you can follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook as well as popping into my Etsy and Payhip shops.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Make the most of the long days while they last!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Happy crafting!</span> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09331085028157379648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309449277213424662.post-40314167358670951892015-07-02T07:16:00.000-07:002015-07-02T07:16:32.391-07:00New Pattern: Gallia, Goddess of Gaul<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We've been enjoying beautiful weather here in the Amber Valley for the last few days so I've been working with the window open. As I write there are swifts, swallows and house martins flying over and the roses are in full bloom.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It's that time of year when we can enjoy crafting outside for a change. I have just added my latest pattern to my Etsy and Payhip stores: meet Gallia, Goddess of Gaul.</span></div>
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This design is based on an image found on a Roman coin dating from the middle of the first century. The region that the Romans called Gaul covered much of central Europe from France to Switzerland and parts of Italy, Germany and the Netherlands. You may also have heard of it as the home of Asterix and his friends!</div>
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There are a number of variations on this image on different coins. Some are described as being a captive Gaulish woman but others are said to show the land of Gaul represented as a goddess. There is a reference to Gallia in an inscription on the remains of a Roman garrison near Hadrian's Wall called Vindolanda but very little is known about her. It may be that she was more of a symbol, like Britannia or Marianne.</div>
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Whatever she may have meant to the people of Gaul, she is a strong image of ancient womanhood. Rather than being made to look pretty, she has dishevelled hair and a defiant gaze which speaks to women in the 21st century.</div>
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You can buy the pattern by clicking on the Etsy listing at the top of the page or by clicking here to go to <a href="https://payhip.com/b/bGyW">my Payhip shop</a>.</div>
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(c) Karen Eley/The Hawthorn Tree</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09331085028157379648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309449277213424662.post-39093363540554322112015-06-20T07:22:00.000-07:002017-10-02T04:51:13.077-07:00An experiment with variegated thread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0B28y5BROdQ/VYVrqiyyYbI/AAAAAAAAAa0/KhptO1d1IwA/s1600/DSCN1672%2B-%2BTagged.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0B28y5BROdQ/VYVrqiyyYbI/AAAAAAAAAa0/KhptO1d1IwA/s320/DSCN1672%2B-%2BTagged.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I posted the above picture on Instagram. It's my Summer Solstice pattern with a skein of DMC stranded cotton, shade 90. As you can see, it perfectly matches the shades I have chosen for the pattern and I think it will make a great alternative if you want to give your version a completely different look.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">I received a comment from Elizabeth Braun of the Sew In Love blog who correctly pointed out that variegated threads can give "a random, unpredictable" result and may not always work out the way you want. This is a very good point and I thought I'd better do some experimenting to see what happens.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Here is a length of the thread. Usually when I work with stranded cotton, I use a length that reaches from my finger tips to about an inch below my elbow but with variegated threads, I like to use a length that has all of the different tones in it. This is because you always lose a little of it when you cast off and snip the thread. This means the tones may not change as smoothly as you want them to.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wkUcf_MBhBI/VYVoEJBFO2I/AAAAAAAAAaM/_Iu9fSZjGBc/s1600/DSCN1690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wkUcf_MBhBI/VYVoEJBFO2I/AAAAAAAAAaM/_Iu9fSZjGBc/s320/DSCN1690.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The tones in this thread change from a deep, golden yellow to almost white.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Next, you have to think about how you're going to work your stitches. I usually work in rows making the first diagonal in one direction and then coming back making the second diagonal. You may prefer to complete each cross as you go. I wanted to see what difference each of these techniques would make to the appearance of the variegated thread.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">I began with my usual method.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rTTFJ_4sUVc/VYVnqRCiCUI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/OIa3GPUm6HI/s1600/DSCN1693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rTTFJ_4sUVc/VYVnqRCiCUI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/OIa3GPUm6HI/s320/DSCN1693.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My first length got me this far...</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w3n2WO2xEiQ/VYVoDNzW0hI/AAAAAAAAAaE/XXl1sTLe82o/s1600/DSCN1695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w3n2WO2xEiQ/VYVoDNzW0hI/AAAAAAAAAaE/XXl1sTLe82o/s320/DSCN1695.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When I threaded my second length, I threaded the opposite way to the first so I could carry on with the tone I had finished the first length with. Here is the finished circle...</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QMPH8KuO1NA/VYVoYM8Pc-I/AAAAAAAAAaU/Gowx71v6gdw/s1600/DSCN1697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QMPH8KuO1NA/VYVoYM8Pc-I/AAAAAAAAAaU/Gowx71v6gdw/s320/DSCN1697.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It looks better in 'real life' but you can see it gives a very pleasing result.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">The second circle (on the right) has been worked one cross at a time. There isn't a huge amount of difference in how the individual tones look but this technique uses more thread and so there is a bit more variation in the overall result.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cyMYDMCIiUw/VYVoikwz9GI/AAAAAAAAAak/E-U-ztXVz4I/s1600/DSCN1698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cyMYDMCIiUw/VYVoikwz9GI/AAAAAAAAAak/E-U-ztXVz4I/s320/DSCN1698.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I also stitched a circle working one cross at a time in a clockwise spiral, starting at the bottom.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AZ3inysiMSI/VYVob2Y-gcI/AAAAAAAAAac/SzFfcMNRz-o/s1600/DSCN1705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AZ3inysiMSI/VYVob2Y-gcI/AAAAAAAAAac/SzFfcMNRz-o/s320/DSCN1705.JPG" width="318" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I think they have all given interesting results but I prefer the first one because I like the subtle blending of the different shades. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The circles I used for practising are smaller than those in my design and so you may get different results when working on a bigger scale. However, I definitely think it's worth thinking about and having a play with. As with most of my patterns, Summer Solstice (and it's sister pattern Winter Solstice) has the potential to be adapted to different colours and there's no 'wrong' way of stitching it.</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AHYxdWUgnjA/WdIngnbVyAI/AAAAAAAAA98/ZOY7b7P-bzEkkRWpnqrccUzCXLohx_UQQCLcBGAs/s1600/Pinterest%2Bimage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AHYxdWUgnjA/WdIngnbVyAI/AAAAAAAAA98/ZOY7b7P-bzEkkRWpnqrccUzCXLohx_UQQCLcBGAs/s320/Pinterest%2Bimage.png" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Have you ever used variegated threads? What projects have you used them for? What did you think of the results? Let me know in the comments below or by getting in touch on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">To buy the Summer Solstice pattern and browse my other designs see my website <a href="http://hawthorntreedesigns.com/">hawthorntreedesigns.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">You can read Elizabeth's blog Sew In Love by clicking <a href="http://sew-in-love.blogspot.co.uk/">here</a>.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09331085028157379648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309449277213424662.post-767815531395147002015-06-17T02:58:00.000-07:002015-06-17T02:58:26.590-07:00Wise Little Owl - A Free Pattern<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I have just reached a little milestone on Instagram by gaining my 100th follower. I am very grateful to everyone who has supported me and my work so far and I now have a little treat for you all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Last year, I bought some cute little owl buttons from Pocket and Pin, an online haberdashery full of exciting things. As soon as saw the little owls I knew I wanted to use them - but how?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Looking through a magazine, I found an article on antique samplers and one of them, made by Sarah Doggett in 1815, featured many motifs of plants and birds. One of them was of a bird perched in the branches of a tree. I knew then how to use the owl buttons!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5iOJRb6iWpw/VYFER_FRkaI/AAAAAAAAAZU/wMYGHaP0lI8/s1600/DSCN1682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5iOJRb6iWpw/VYFER_FRkaI/AAAAAAAAAZU/wMYGHaP0lI8/s320/DSCN1682.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I have adapted the motif so that it fits neatly into a 4-inch (10cm) hoop and there is a little space for the owl to perch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">As a thank you for all the support I've had so far, you can download this pattern for free from <a href="https://payhip.com/b/kPEb">my Payhip Shop</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">If you'd like to follow me on Instagram, you can find me as @HawthornTree_xs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Thank you and happy stitching!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09331085028157379648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309449277213424662.post-28894618086521252722015-06-03T08:10:00.003-07:002015-06-03T08:12:41.537-07:00Something Old, Something New<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you've already had a look of the patterns I have available, then you'll know I have one based on a carpet page from the Book of Durrow. This is an ancient manuscript dating form the 7th century and is believed to be the oldest of its kind. It is currently housed in the library of Trinity College, Dublin.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">A carpet page is a page that is covered in artwork rather than script. You cannot help but think of the monks who meticulously marked out the design before carefully drawing it and adding the right colours. The palette for such designs was fairly limited at the time as the colours were all derived from natural materials, and some of them were very expensive.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The modern stitcher has no such problem, we can choose from hundreds of colours and several different threads. I have stitched both of my Durrow-inspired designs in modern shades.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It occurred to me that not everyone is as obsessed with Celtic design as I am and not everyone would want to take on a project that is as large as my original pattern. So, I have adapted it to fit into a 7-inch hoop and I've stitched it in a fresh set of colours to give it a different look to the original. Of course, if you would like to choose your own choice of colours then please feel free to do so. Simply use my pattern as a guide. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">You can find the pattern in my Etsy shop by clicking on the listing at the top of the page or you can click here to go to <a href="http://www.payhip.com/thehawthorntree">my Payhip shop</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I'm currently working on a fun little pattern that I'll be releasing as a freebie very soon. If you'd like to keep in touch you can find me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Photos (c) Karen Eley 2015</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09331085028157379648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309449277213424662.post-57743418411906294692015-06-01T05:35:00.000-07:002015-06-01T09:00:59.831-07:00Children of the Revolution<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am very happy and excited to announce that I have been asked to be part of a very special local project. The Pentrich and South Wingfield Revolution Group are planning a series of commemorative events to mark the bicentenary of the Pentrich Revoution in 2017.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The Pentrich Revolution was the last armed uprising to occur in England and it happened right here in the area where I was born and raised. In the early nineteenth century, the main industries in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire were lacemaking, coal mining and stocking knitting. Industry had boomed during the Napoleonic Wars but when they came to and end, the economy fell into recession and unemployment soared. To compound matters, natural disaster brought further hardship. Just months before the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, Mount Tambora in Indonesia erupted. It was one of the most powerful eruptions ever recorded and in the months that followed, clouds of volcanic ash drifted across the Northern Hemisphere. Asia, Europe and North America endured long spells of cold, wet weather. Crops failed, animals died and famine ensued. Prices rose sharply and people who were already struggling began to fear for their very survival.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It was at this time the song <em>Hard Times of Old England</em> was written. It perfectly describes the plight of the working poor during this period. One such person was Jeremiah Brandreth, an unemployed stocking knitter from Sutton-in-Ashfield. Unemployed, disenfranchised and facing destitution, he joined with other men in the same predicament and they marched through the district calling in at various public houses, hoping to raise an army big enough to overthrow the government.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The men were arrested by a band of Hussars from Nottingham. Some were imprisoned, some were transported to Australia and the three leaders - Jeremiah Brandreth, Isaac Ludlam and William Turner were hanged and beheaded after being found guilty of treason. There was a certain amount of sympathy towards the men, as shown in historical accounts. People recognised that not only had the men acted out of desperation but they had been set up by a government agent provocateur known as Oliver the Spy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">This story is an important part of my local area's history, and indeed national history, so I was very pleased when I heard that a group were organising commemorations. I was even more pleased when I was asked to help design a large embroidery piece that will tell the story of the revolt. I will be working from pictures painted by local artists to produce mini scenes for local WI members to embroider.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">This is the biggest project I have ever worked on and I am really relishing the chance to be part of these exciting endeavours. If you would like to find out more about the group, their plans and the wonderful artwork, you can <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pentrichrevolution">find them on Facebook</a> or <a href="http://www.twitter.com/pentrichrevolt">follow them on Twitter</a>. There is also <a href="http://www.spanglefish.com/pentrichrevolution/index.asp">this excellent website</a> put together by Sylvia Mason, featuring family trees and other information about those involved in the revolt.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Here is Steeleye Span's version of <em>Hard Times of Old England</em>.</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/6QynGUt-J8c/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6QynGUt-J8c?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><em>Images (c) Karen Eley, taken from Bulmer's Directory of Derbyshire, 1895.</em></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09331085028157379648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309449277213424662.post-45669227053774209202015-05-19T07:33:00.000-07:002015-05-19T07:33:34.332-07:00New pattern - White Rabbit<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You may already know that this year marks the 150th anniversary of the publication of <em>Alice's Adventures in Wonderland </em>by Lewis Carroll. This has inspired many maker-designers to create new products with an Alice theme.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The white rabbit is the character that Alice follows into the magical world of Wonderland. My rabbit has a background of a Bargello-stlye pattern worked in bright, contrasting colours.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Bargello needlework looks like something that originated from the counter-culture of the 1960s but in fact it is centuries old. In its traditional form it is a form of canvas work but I have translated the technique into cross stitch. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Bargello patterns are made by repeating zigzags of stitches to create various shapes. They can be narrow and spiky or wide and curved. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It makes a striking background for the clean, white shape in the centre. White Rabbit is the latest of my designs where I've experimented with open spaces being as important to the design as the stitching, similar to Assisi work. You can also see this in my Summer Solstice and Winter Solstice designs and I have others in the planning.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">You can find the pattern in my Etsy shop by clicking the listing at the top of this page or you can head over to <a href="http://www.payhip.com/thehawthorntree">my Payhip shop</a>.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09331085028157379648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309449277213424662.post-50387469571843095122015-05-14T03:18:00.000-07:002015-05-14T03:18:31.782-07:00And after April when May follows...<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I returned from a lovely holiday in Mallorca a couple of days ago and so my Etsy shop has reopened. It was really hot and sunny all week, just like the height of summer back home (well, in theory!). It was quite surreal to see fields full of bales and dried grass when at home spring has only just blossomed. Here are a couple of photos. I did take quite a few but the sun was too bright to see the screen properly and so some of them didn't come out very well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">If you look closely at this first one, taken in the Albufera nature reserve, you can see a marsh harrier in the background.</span></div>
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This second one shows a field full of bales at the foot of Puig St. Marti, a small mountain overlooking Alcudia.<br />
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It's amazing how lush and green England looks from a plane window at this time of year and I feel very proud to call it my home. As much as I like to travel, I'm always glad to be home again, back to my little part of England's green and pleasant land.</div>
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09331085028157379648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309449277213424662.post-22165113261567235092015-05-01T04:00:00.000-07:002015-05-01T04:00:18.520-07:00Etsy May Day Bank Holiday Weekend Sale<div align="center">
<em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">"Arise, arise, you pretty fair maid</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">And bring your May bush in..."</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Today is May Day, another of the year's markers. The hawthorn, or May, blossom is not yet out in my part of Derbyshire but it should only be a couple more weeks. Here in the UK we're about to celebrate the May Day Bank Holiday and so to celebrate, I am having a sale in my Etsy shop.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">To get 20% off all patterns, simply enter the code MERRYMAY20 at the checkout. You can visit my Etsy shop by either clicking on the Etsy Mini listings at the top of this page or by clicking <a href="http://hawthorntreedesigns.etsy.com/">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The code will be valid until midnight EST on 4th May. If you live in the UK the deadline is 5.00am on the 5th May (due to the different time zones).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">After that, I'll be on holiday for a few days and so my Etsy shop will be in vacation mode until 13th May. In the meantime, enjoy the May Day weekend and happy stitching!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09331085028157379648noreply@blogger.com0