As a cross stitch designer I have the opportunity to work with some wonderful companies that provide me with materials and supplies that I use to create and embellish my needlework. I have listed those companies below that I use most often. With that said, you are welcome to substitute anything to suit your own taste and decor. The end results may not be the same but we are all individuals and art is in the eye of the beholder!

Threads:

I use threads from DMC Corporation quite often, either singly or in combination for a unique effect.  I am now working with Sullivans Floss, as well.  It comes in colors that match with DMC and it features 100% Egyptian cotton, and a unique “Relax Twist” manufacturing process resulting in a tangle free, knot free stitching experience.

Overdyed cotton threads are also a staple in many of my designs. They have subtle variations that a single hued thread does not and can add another dimension to a stitched piece. My favorites to use are threads from The Gentle Art, Weeks Dye Works, and Classic Colorworks.

The Gentle Art also has a line of threads called Simply Wool, made of wool fibers as the name implies. I have not done so yet, but plan to incorporate them into designs in the future.

I have used silk threads from Needlepoint Inc., Classic Colorworks, Kreinik, and Gloriana. They are all beautiful, and many of them are overdyed.

Fabrics:

Linen is my fabric of choice as I originally started my designing career with samplers. Samplers were mostly stitched on linen, or similar fabrics. I still use it and rarely if ever will try anything else, though my designs will look very good on some of the more “modern day” fabrics if that is your preference.

Many of my pieces are worked on linen from Lakeside Linens. They have a line of overdyed fabric that comes in solids or vintage. The vintage is subtly aged and has an antique effect. I also use linen from Picture This Plus, another beautiful line that has much more distinct shading. In the past I have used fabric from R&R Reproductions. They have a wide variety of colors available. Wichelt Imports provides me with some lovely linen, and of course I use Zweigart linen which also happens to be the base fabric for many of the overdyed linens available.

Frames:

East Side Mouldings has many beautiful frames available for you to choose from. My pieces “The Sidewheeler,” “Not Without Books,” and “1840 Inn” are framed in them.

My choice for custom framing lately has been A.C. Moore Arts and Crafts.  They have a very nice selection of frames and the prices are quite reasonable.  I have also purchased standard sized frames that work perfectly with some designs.  Total Framing located in the Washington D.C. area has custom framed several of my pieces as well and do a wonderful job. 

Whatever you choose to complete your needlework, I wish you Happy Stitching!!!