Old Book Spines Cross-Stitch

One day, about a year and and a half ago, as I contemplated the cover of my journal, which featured a picture of old books, I came up with the idea to make a cross-stitch of old book spines. Soon after I designed this pattern. I set the pattern aside for awhile as I focused on stitching and releasing other patterns.

The journal that was my inspiration.

A couple of months ago, I revived this pattern. After choosing the exact colors I wanted to use, I started stitching on 14-count antique white aida cloth. I originally had the brown book first in line, but wanting to start with something easier, I began stitching the green book. Then I worked my way through the blue and brown books.

As I worked on this project, I struggled with the DMC metallic thread. After posting about my struggles on social media, Sirithre suggested I try Kreinik metallic thread. I ordered some and tried it out on the bookmark versions I made of the green and blue book spines (stitched on 18-count fiddler's light aida). I used #4 very fine braid for the cross-stitching and blending filament for the backstitching. I really like the Kreinik thread. In general, it is much softer than the DMC metallic thread and easier to work with. I like the softer feel for bookmarks.

My husband pointed out they match these books.

In doing some research on metallic thread, I also learned about Thread Heaven. I bought some and tried it out. It definitely helps with the metallic thread. It even makes the Kreinik thread easier to stitch with; however, since the Kreinik thread stitches so well, I'll probably only use it on my DMC metallic thread.

With this project, I not only used Kreinik and Thread Heaven for the first time, but I also, for the first time, had a piece professionally framed. I went to a framing store in the next town over first. I enjoyed the experience, but the price was far beyond what I could consider paying. A few days later, I went to a Michael's store an hour away. The price they gave me would be a stretch, but it was a manageable price. So, I did it. I am very happy with how it turned out.

Today I am releasing this cross-stitch pattern on Etsy. I hope you enjoy this pattern!

Choose Your Own Colors Heart Bookmark Free Cross-stitch Pattern

What do you do with leftover pieces of Aida cloth? I try to find a way to use them. Recently, I had a piece of leftover antique white Aida cloth. I pulled out my scrap threads and started stitching, making the pattern up as I went. 

Since Valentine's Day is just around the corner, I stitched ten hearts, five facing each way, using different scrap colors. Stitching with scrap thread is always an adventure. At first I planned to stitch all the hearts facing one direction. But on the first heart I started to stitch, I misjudged how much floss I would need and ran out of the color, leaving me with a triangle. So, I modified my idea. Also, I ended up stitching one heart using two similar but different colors. I didn't even realize it until after I had photographed my progress. I guess that's what I get for working on it right before bed. 

As I stitched, I found I really liked how the design turned out. Rather than using scrap threads for the entire piece, I chose some colors to finish it up with. I decided to make a pattern from what I had stitched and offer it as a free download. I don't know what colors I used for the triangles, hearts, and red stitches on the border, so you get to pick what colors you want to use. In the pattern, I list the colors I used for the background and the rest of the border, so you can use those if you want. Or you can pick your own colors for those as well. 

I hope you enjoy this free chart, and I would love to see your finished results!

Download the pattern here: https://kebstudiocreations.gumroad.com/l/gaTZC