can i interest you in a...

free embroidery pattern? Please help yourself to 4 Seasons Freestyle. A free embroidery pattern featuring some simple little designs for each season. I put this together to use for one of my calendar panel examples originally but it can be used for anything. I like the idea of framing them up in 4 inch and 3.5 x 5 inch hoops as well.

The 'freestyle' part comes from the fact that I began with the outlines in a neutral color but left the filling up in the air - making it up as I went along. The idea was to be able to 'play' as I stitched - like coloring in a coloring book. I wanted to use a lot of different stitches and try some new things. Because the designs are relativity small, it lends itself to stitch sampling - there aren't huge spaces to commit to if you just want to try a filling technique.

The assortment of stitches I used include satin stitch, herringbone stitch, rows of chain stitches. My variegated flosses that had been waiting patiently in the flossbox to be used finally had their chance to shine. I love them but always have a hard time finding just the right application. This seemed like a really good fit.

Calendar panels make their way onto the scene next so watch for those in the coming days.