I know I’ve been a bad blogger, but I hope that with my boys in school I’ll be able to spend some of my free time crafting. Let’s just not look at that pile of laundry on the floor of the bathroom, OK? Thanks.

Moving along…

The lovely Danielle of Kitschy Digitals asked if I would be interested in stitching up some samples of the beautiful patterns available on the site. She specifically wanted me to try out some of the cross-stitch patterns from Wee Little Stitches. Of course I said yes! I mean, cross-stitched superheroes are absolutely too cute to pass up. Plus, I have two boys that kinda love when I make toys (tootin’ my own horn).

I got the Batman and Robin from the AMAZING Superhero Alphabet Cross-Stitch Pattern. We wanted them to be big enough to be squishable dolls, so I knew I’d have to enlarge the pattern. Instead of searching the ‘net for a tutorial, I perused one of my many vintage needlework books. There were two methods that stuck out–using a smaller count fabric or re-charting the pattern by making each 1×1 square a 2×2.

That latter was really intriguing and it was pretty simple to adjust the pattern, but I soon learned it would take FOUR times as long to stitch up. I persisted and ended up with a cute-as-a-button Superman. As much as I loved it, I knew I wanted to make more than one and not spend my entire day cross-stitching. I decided to go with a smaller count fabric.

I used a 40% off coupon (keeping it real) and picked up some Monk’s Cloth at Hobby Lobby. It was my first time using Monk’s cloth…my first time using any evenweave! It was a new skill to learn–not hard, just different than stitching on Aida. I couldn’t find any Aida larger (smaller?) than 11 count, though! The Monk’s Cloth is 7 count and working on it resulted in dolls that are 8-10″ tall. I used my scrap yarn and these babies worked up so fast!

I also made an Iron Man and Incredible Hulk (in the same pattern!):

Their backs are home-decor weight fabric I had hanging about. I used my machine to sew along the edges, leaving the bottoms open for stuffing. I stuffed as firmly as I could and then hand-stitched it closed.

I think I’m gonna have to stitch a Nintendo controller next…for my husband! Or maybe a gorgeous sleepy owl for myself? Thank goodness the boys go to bed at 7. Mama’s got some stitching to do!