A couple of weeks ago Faby Reilly released a free pattern for Valentine’s Day, a very cute little heart. I love Faby’s cross-stitch designs, having stitched quite a few now. I nearly didn’t stitch it, thinking I’ve done a few Valentine ones this year… then I started to see it stitched on facebook..!
It is a very quick design to stitch as it’s just back-stitch, lazy-daisy, french knots and spider web stitch. I started it whilst cooking tea at about 6pm one evening, after tea I carried on stitching, I had about a half hour break when my son came round and it was finished by 9pm! So probably less than two hours actual stitching time!
I think it took longer to finish it! I found some fabric in my stash which matched it beautifully colourwise, both with the straw background and the different shades of red. I’m still not sure if it isn’t too busy though. It needed a bit of a border round as it is pretty small, more scissor fob size. I fancied putting some ricrac round it but I didn’t have the right shade so I made some cord using two of the DMC threads and then couched it round with a cross-stitch every five stitches, I added a bead at the same time which just adds a bit of sparkle and co-ordinates it with the heart. I made enough to go round the edge too but I decided it was enough. I’ve added it to my February smalls, just in time for Valentines Day.
I’ve also been stitching my mandala, this is definitely slow, relaxing stitching. I’ve finished the second ring and I’m now working my way round the outer circle with little buttonhole circles and spider-web stitches. I love the way it’s turning out. I’ve run out of a couple of colours but I know it’s due to my stitching, not the amount the company have provided. I find it easier to do a neat stem stitch like a back-stitch, so I come out ahead and then go back under, tucking in under the previous stitch. I find it easier but it does use at least twice as much thread as you can see from the photo of the back. (I’m feeling very brave here, I don’t think I’ve ever shown the back of my work before!!)
Hopefully I’ll manage to get some more pink thread at the weekend and be able to crack on and finish this one, then I just need to decide what to do with it. I’ll try to get some daylight photos for the happy dance post too!
thecraftycreek 
Beautiful stitching!
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The new small is so sweet. I am always amazed that you have fabric to match just about any project you tackle. Love the mandalas too.
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Beautiful stitching! I especially love the sweet heart project!
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That valentine pattern is so sweet, and your mandala is really looking great, may have frame that one for your sewing room!
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Lovely!
❤️❤️ Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️❤️
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Loving the heart!
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What a lovely little heart! Another beautiful addition o your collection.
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well done on the little Valentine finish and your Mandala is looking truly magnificent – colour combination is very restful
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Such a sweet valentine!
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Wow, your mandala is beautiful. I love that little heart and I think the fabric is perfect for it.
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You have finished off your new project so beautifully, and I’m really impressed that you made your own cord to suit. You can guess that I’ve got no idea how you did this. Your selection of smalls is so pretty.
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Thanks Jenny, I have actually got a cordmaker now, but until recently I made cord by twisting a double length of floss until it twists on itself and then fold it in half so it twists on itself, cord made! I’m sure if you google it there will be something on youtube.
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the mandala is lovely.
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