Stick to the Pattern or Ring the Changes?

This sunny, cheerful pincushion was stitched by Jennifer Costa and it was her first canvas work project. She started with the Leafy Green canvas work pattern. Then she exercised her imagination and changed the colours that the pattern suggested, using the threads she had to hand. Jennifer also adapted the pattern by making her version of the pincushion smaller and leaving off the outer border.  

Leafy Green Pincushion Pattern as adapted by Jennifer Costa 

It's rewarding when someone takes an embroidery pattern and changes it to match up to their vision of what it could be, or the materials they have in their stash. It's satisfying to both the embroiderer, who uses their creative talents and sees the concrete result of their efforts and ideas, and it's also gratifying to the designer to learn that the pattern has brought inspiration, enjoyment and success to the stitcher.

The Leafy Green pattern for the pincushion was originally designed by my friend Beryl Saunders in muted greens and blues. But, there is no reason why you have to stick to the suggested palette. Choose colours to suit yourself, colours that you already have, or colours to match your sewing accessories or your decor. Best of all simply stitch with your favourite colours and enjoy them as you work. 

The colours can be bright and cheerful, cool and calming, fashionable or even seasonal. The leaves in the centre of Beryl's design resemble prickly holly leaves, so try Christmassy greens and reds and it could become an ornament for the Christmas tree. 

The pattern is available as a digital download in my Etsy shop.  Click on the blue button below to visit the shop.

The only question now is, Will you stick to the pattern or ring the changes? Whatever you decide, 'till next time, happy stitching!