It might sound a bit early, however proper now’s the time to begin planning handmade commencement presents. And I’ve a brand new e-book that can assist you with that! Cross Sew Celebrations: Commencement is my newest e-book and it is prepared that can assist you create enjoyable and particular presents for the grad in your life.

Although I’ve talked about this e-book on social media and in my e-newsletter, that is its first time displaying up right here on my weblog. How did I handle to attend so lengthy? I do not know the reply, however I do know that I am very excited and so pleased with how every little thing turned out. The precise launch date continues to be a few month away, and extra enjoyable will come to the weblog then, however I wished to share a bit about what’s inside and a few of the thought that went into making it.

A couple of yr in the past was when this new title and all of the concepts for the patterns began taking form. The thought behind the Cross Sew Celebrations collection (which began with Bundle of Pleasure) is that you would be able to cross sew all types of issues to have fun life’s milestones. Commencement is unquestionably a type of, however whereas it is within the title, commencement isn’t the one occasion celebrated with the greater than 35 designs on this e-book. That is as a result of I wished to additionally make it attainable to sew issues for plenty of issues associated to schooling, whether or not that be kindergarten, highschool, college, and even particular certifications.

As a result of the who, what, the place, and when of something commencement associated has so many variables, the cross sew charts are designed to come back collectively in several methods, with completely different parts.

There are some motifs like graduates in several poses, a conventional hat and diploma, and several other which have areas particularly prepared so as to add further mini designs. So in fact, there are a bunch of mini patterns to make use of for this (or on their very own!). I designed celebration borders and borders which have academic motifs. There are additionally a number of alphabets and units of numbers that you should use for honoring the category of…properly…any yr you need!

And since many people who’re getting began in cross sew are extra hesitant to make adjustments to patterns, I’ve suggestions alongside the best way about how one can mix or edit the charts. Issues like making the graduates appear like who you are stitching for or including in customized textual content and colours. My purpose was to make this as enjoyable and approachable as attainable!

Together with the charts for the separate parts, there are a number of initiatives with step-by-step instuctions and much more concepts past these.

One in every of my favourite initiatives is that this commencement hat. After I graduated, individuals did not enhance the tops of their hats like they do now, however I’d have LOVED to have made one in all these again then. However even when it isn’t worn for the large day, I believe this can be a candy technique to keep in mind a commencement. It is also an instance of how the borders might be modified.

Commencement caps are sq., however the borders are all sized to suit inside an 8×10 inch body. Nonetheless…most of the borders have repeats that make it simple so as to add to or take away a bit. Which is what I did for the hat!

That is the complete Celebration Streamers border. Can you see what’s lacking on the hat above?

I additionally love how completely different the design appears on the white and black aida material. Now think about altering the colour of the streamers and all the opposite parts!

Clearly, this is only one small glimpse into this undertaking. For extra behind the scenes, you’ll want to watch my Instagram feed, and I am going to share extra right here quickly.

The method of designing, stitching, photographing, and writing a e-book like that is…properly…a course of. After I completed it, I felt a bit like I used to be graduating myself. However actually, it is extra like while you flip in that final project. You realize that commencement is coming, however you are not actually completed. However now, with Cross Sew Celebrations: Commencement releasing on March 14, that is my commencement date. That is when the celebration occurs.

For now, you are formally invited!