I try not to buy too many cross stitching magazines, but I saw the May issue of Cross-stitch & Needlework and just had to have it! It’s loaded with 15 floral designs. I really love the quartet of tulips on the cover. There’s a sweet Noah’s Garden by Gail Bussi that looks like a quick stitch. I found the posy plate liners different and unusual. I’d just hope no one would soil them with food. Of course you have to use clear plates to see the pretty posies. Jane Greenoff did a salute to Claude Monet, so you know that’s lovely.

I like Fran Ortmeyer’s story on the last page. She says, ‘Handmade gifts are not just thread and material, but pieces of the person who made them.’ It that not true? She goes on about what to do with her stash when she passes-good question! And also how calming stitching is to her, like pulling the needle away from you releases negative tension. I think she’s right. Good read.

Get the magazine!

I also bought the Cross stitch and beading magazine (that’s it for the magazines for a while!) for the cute monkey designs. They are all balancing in different ways on buttons. : ) I thought they’d make sweet gifts.