I have a cross stitch finish today…well, I’m calling it a finish.
Here it is…
The chart is from Brenda Gervais of With Thy Needle and Thread. I loved it immediately and am so glad I stitched this one up quickly so I could still enjoy it this fall. The pattern is called “Be Ye Thankful”. It came out in August of 2022 I believe.
She has since released a Winter version that I am excited to have purchased and will be stitching in November so I can enjoy that one for the Winter season.
Being there were two similar charts, I was hoping I might be able to use the same box or frame to display both of the pieces and simply change them out seasonally but I was having trouble coming up with how I was going to do that.
Some time ago I purchased this box. I got it at Goodwill for $2. It looks like an old book but really opens and is a box. I loved the idea of using it as the charts for the non-current seasons could be stored in the box and I could swap the current season’s chart out easily.
I just loved the rich design on the box…but how to do all of this became a challenge. Many people use washers and magnets if they want to change things out but that wasn’t working as the washers and magnets were so thick that they lifted the stitched piece about 1/4″ away from the box. That didn’t look good.
I explained all of this in my latest FlossTube video. You can watch the video HERE.
I tried velcro. I tried command strips. I tried putting a trim on the underside of the laced chart to hide the magnets and anything I did, lost the richness of the box. So, what’s a gal to do?
Finally, after having this all out on my kitchen island for a week, I decided I needed to do something because it all just sitting out made me nervous that something was going to get spilled on it. This is what I did…
I used this ribbon and put a piece across the top of the box.
Using a hot glue gun, I glued the first edge down. I cut the ribbon longer than I needed. I glued the free end down at the junction of the first glue I put down. Then I folded the ribbon over itself and put a pin in place. I did this to hide the glue spots and the glue leaks through the ribbon and makes a discoloration.
I bought these rusty safety pins from Amazon to keep with an antique look.
You can find them HERE.
Being magnets with washer, velcro, and command strips all let me down, I just put doubled-over strong packaging tape down the center so the tape will land on the ribbon.
And there it was. I finally had the look I was going for. I loved it.
I’m not someone who liked a lot of frills. The simpler the better and this was simple. I shock the pieces and wiggled it. The tape kept it in place. It was good enough for me.
When I change it out for the season, it won’t be as fast as one of the other methods for securing it but it won’t be hard to double over a new set of strong packaging tape either.
I am very pleased with how it looks. I like that it can sit flat or it can stand up.
If a better idea comes along to temporarily attach this to the box to make it changable, I am open to trying something different but for now, I’m not fretting about it anymore as this is working.
The called-for colors look so good with the gold in the box. It was a good $2 finishing box.
I stitched this on the called-for 40-count Vintage Country Mocha with the called-for flosses. It was fun to stitch and I’m excited to stitch the Winter version. Dare I hope that there be a Spring and Summer version as well??
For now, I’m going to enjoy this one. I’m so pleased to have it finished!!
UPDATE:
I ended up ordering super strong magnets from Amazon. You can find them HERE.
I hot glued one to the back of the piece and the other is in the inside lid. They worked PERFECTLY and are easily strong enough to hold even through the lid of the box.
Much better!!
You are such a genius! It looks great. I always like your cross stitch finishes. I hope you don’t mind if we copy your ideas!
Copy away. That’s why I share!!
Beautiful finish Jo! But I am not understanding the bit with the magnets. Did you try to put a magnet on the back of the stitched piece? Maybe I will understand once I watch the video.
Back to this morning’s post-what about doing one of Jeannette Douglas’ designs? She has Vintage Flowers l & ll, Vintage Animals and Vintage Acorns. Or the freebie she is running for this year, but everyone would need to download all 12 bouquets before the end of the year unless she offers it all as one pattern. I have not checked.
I am heading north next week. I am going to try and make it Osage!
I wish I could still see well enough to cross stitch! Love all your pieces but especially this last one with the beautiful box and “were there’s a will there’s a way” completion!! I enjoy thinking outside the box too. That’s why my hand towel holder in my bathroom is really a 3 pronged candle holder with the old wax still there!
The book box came out really nice and the touch of ribbon gives it a more country look. Great finish for sure. Thanks for the link to some great magnets.
I love all things you accomplish I am doing a christmas design on a dinner napkins for two. It is mostly in satin stitch doing by hand is something else, but I enjoy , embroidering it be pretty. I am giving it as a gift as a surprise the lady claims she is not crafty but she likes what I have been doing.
Love it on the book/box! Could you weave the ribbon through the lacing on the back of the cross stitched piece and tie it on the underside of the lid? The tie would be hidden inside the box. Each of your season pieces could have their own ribbon, because I don’t think you would want to risk loosening the lacing by manipulating it too often. I don’t like to do handwork, but I certainly appreciate the beauty you create with your needle and thread!
I love the box, it looks so awesome with the piece!! Beautiful!!
Totally love the box and your wonderful finish! They are perfect together!
Beautiful finish—that box is just perfect!
Just wondering if you would consider reselling some of the fabulous cross stitch patterns you have finished as a way to raise funds for your postage account. Have you set a date for another auction?
What a great finish! And…I’ve been meaning to say…you find such GREAT things at your thrift stores. Ours are literally junk, so I rarely go there, except to donate things. (And not junk, either! Haha!) Actually, last summer, I took about 2 or 3 of these types of book boxes there since I wasn’t using them anymore. Dang!
This looks good and perfect with the cross stitch piece. You are so clever.
Could a piece of wide elastic sewn to each end of the ribbon to make a sort of headband and slip it onto the lid? Then on the front attach a piece of velcro to the ribbon and the back of your cross stitch and change out for each season?
Great idea Cheryle. I’ll try that next time!!
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Wow! I love this piece. And your finish w the box is so spot on. It looks fabulous and all fits together like it was meant to be. Thank you for always sharing your ideas w us!
This project is so beautiful!! I will have to stitch this one for sure! Thank you for the inspiration!