So I finally had a few moments between the baby and unpacking moving boxes to peruse the latest Nordic Needle catalog that came last week. I have to admit, it's actually been a few years since I've been inspired by any new patterns but I think the cold spell is over! First thing to catch my eye was the Miniature Autumn Sampler on page 22. I should have known--it's by Teresa Wentzler, my favorite! I'm not quite sure how long this pattern has actually been out since I obviously haven't been paying close enough attention to my preferred designers lately. For awhile, she wasn't creating anything that really tripped my trigger like her earlier stuff. Next on the list are the baby hooded towels and bibs on page 42, reminding that I still haven't decided on a birth sampler and she's already 7 months old. On page S5 is a "Magic Needlework Cleaner". I believe it's sort of a dry cleaning material in a cloth cushion. Has anyone used this on their needlework? Color me curious. On to page 63. The "handcrafted" glass laying tool looks exquisite! But for a penny short of $100, it's definitely not going to find it's way into my house any time soon. Page 87 features Genny Morrow's "Nova". I saw this partially completed at a CATS/HOCS/SOXS show a long time ago, and although the finished piece isn't really my style, I was completely fascinated by the individual stitches themselves. I'm always looking for a good challenge. Page 90 has some nice patterns from the Victoria Sampler I'm drawn to, especially the Jingle Bells XMas Tree Farm. Kinda cute and wintery. I haven't done a lot of holiday/seasonal influenced stitching before. This might still be baby nesting mode kicking in. The fractals on page 98 have that "wow" factor. I'd really like to see these as stitched samples. Also not my style, but might be fun to stitch as something new and very different. The Miniature Winter Sampler on page 102 also jumped off the page at me right away. Again, another TW I didn't know she'd come out with! Does anyone know--has she also done a Spring and Summer Sampler yet? I guess I could check that out on her website myself, really. And last but certainly not least, "Moonlight Garden" from the Drawn Thread on the back cover.
It's good to be inspired again, Jinx