Susan Bates - Designing the “Spread your Wings” Patterns for StitchableCards
Posted on April 15 2023,
My inspiration
For my latest set cross stitch patterns for ‘Stitchables’ I wanted to create some designs that were light and airy. I enjoy creating floral designs, but I like to mix things up a bit, so this time I’ve focused on birds and butterflies as my main subjects.
The color palette I’ve chosen to work with is light and Spring-like. I’ve used soft pinks and peachy colors, with contrasting subtle blue shades – and a bit of lime green to liven things up a bit!
The designs
My favourite design in this set is the bird –which is a Swallow, swooping though the air. Birds are often thought to symbolise freedom and I also found out that the Swallow represents everlasting love. This is because, according to my research, the Swallow chooses a partner for life. They are a traditional motif in the world of tattoos, because of this link to love and loyalty.
The butterfly is another image laden with symbolism. In many cultures it represents change and metamorphosis – and also hope and joy.
Butterflies can be seen in a vast array of beautiful colours. Mine are not based on specific types – but are formed from my imagination.
The larger butterfly in the rectangular shaped ‘Stitchables’ template is the central focus here. As mentioned above, the colours are fanciful, in shades of pink, peach and blue. And of course, because I love flowers, I’ve place my butterfly on a background of symmetrical trailing flowers.
Continuing with the butterfly theme, my design for the heart shaped ‘Stitchables’ template shows a pretty butterfly alighting on a small flower. This one’s wings are also decorated with subtle, delicate patterns. Small flowers break up the pale turquoise background and surround this little insect to create a pleasing image.
The fourth and final design in this set is a departure from the birds and butterflies theme. It features simple floral imagery; a variety of shapes and colors of flowers fill the circular template to create a light and airy feel.
These designs were lovely to work on and I hope you enjoy them too!
