Best word to describe this site is cute. The designs are simple easy to do pictures that you might like as add ons to a larger design, or for use on bookmarks and to liven borders. There is a message forum, that's slightly active (people post but I don't see replies) and a newsletter to make you aware of new patterns. I do have a major quarrel with the site and that's the kits and patterns section which I find silly. All it does, is link to a Joann's page where you can order the kit in question. What's the point in that I can do it myself. There are no comments about the readability of the graphs, or if it was pleasant to work. I think this section is pointless. Overall the site is worth a visit only if you need a quick motif to add into a design.
The site lives up to it's name. These are beautiful samplers based on scripture. They use lovely materials, Needle Necessities overdyed threads, Mill Hill beads and the like. All have a peaceful look as befits the theme. They do not sell retail but there is a list of shops that carry them and some have an internet presence if you are not near them, or even better, have your LNS contact them. Better for them and better for you. Always support your local shop.
I'd not seen a 4 My Boys designs till I came to this site. I tell you now, that first chance I get I am going to find a way to get one of them because I have fallen in love. Simple, easy to do designs, with real heart. I have found a perfect gift for my husband, and I've been looking for something new to make him for a while. They do not sell retail, but they deal with Hoffman Distributing so many if not most local shops should be able to get these wonderful sweet designs. There is also a state, by state list of shops that have the designs. Check out 4 My Boys you will not be sorry.
An excellent resource for cross stitchers. Lots of free charts and a Stitcher's tools area that has or gives access to numerical lists of each and every type of DMC thread and some others as well. VERY useful. The free charts are quite nice, I particualarly liked the panda. These would do well in lots of places, small pictures, as motifs, in decorative bands. The site also has a somewhat active message board. A feature I am jealous of. The layout is neat, easy to navigate and pleasent to look at. Very much worth your time
Makers of beautiful specialty flosses. Metallics, hand painteds, and some interesting fuzzy floss called Estaz. I first discovered Glissen Gloss when I won a plastic canvas jewelry leaflet in an eBay auction, and found that the designs called for it. The company does happen to publish some plastic canvas leaflets, so if you want something different try them, they're fun.
Homespun Samplar has a wonderful look and feel. Even the background, which has the look of linen, has the feel of an old sampler fabric. The layout of this site is exceptional. New products for the month are layed out for you on the home page with picture name and price. You are also given specials, reviews, a list of their best sellers, a search box, and two different ways to browse the stock. I've rarely seen a site so easy to navigate. The stock for sale is as nice as the site itself. An unbelievable number of designers, a small but well chosen selection of thread, and I really liked the accessories. Of interest to historical sampler makers is the "tea" dye that can be used to safely age your pieces to whatever shade you like. Homespun Samplar is well worth your time.
The folks who make those wonderful silk and metallic threads. This is a great website. Bright design easy to navigate. They occasionally run sales, always have lots of freebies and will send a variety of newsletters on request. They even have info for Scrapbooking and papercrafts
Beautiful and truly striking hand painted canvaswork designs. You can also get custom work from them. I didn't see anything about ordering on the site, or anything about prices but they had contact information by mail and email. Worth going to the trouble for I'd say.
Margaret and Margaret has some of the nicest samplers I've seen. Authentic details, beautiful traditional colors. I especially liked the Shaker inspired designs. The site is well laid out, and very easy to navigate with a menu that breaks the stock into categories. Anyone with an interest in samplers would find much to enjoy here.
