OhSewCrafty Blog

• Pattern by Nora Corbett, available in pdf from Herrschnerr’s
• Materials: 32 count opalescent belfast “Midas Touch” by vintage Silkweaver, DMC, Kreinik, Mill Hill
• Size: 8″ x 12″
• Time to stitch: 9 days since September 2017

Just in time for Halloween, presenting the Trick or Treat Fairy!

I had this pattern stashed for years, in a vintage Cross Stitch and Needlework magazine (September 2008).  I think the amount of bling was a little intimidating at first.  She calls for 5 colors of Kreinik #4 braid, as well as several Mill Hill beads of various types and sizes.  Sometimes I think the smaller Nora Corbett designs are more expensive to kit up than the larger ones, compared to size.  Once I started, the pattern wasn’t difficult.  The color pallette is limited and she doesn’t take long to stitch.  All the details really jazz her up.  The owl came out super cute.

I chose to stitch her on a rather wild opal belfast from my stash.  Normally I prefer more subtle fabrics, but I thought this one was perfect for the chart.  The opalescence made it a bit difficult to count at times, when the sparkle obscurred the threads.  Adding all the Kreinik was really fun.  The Trick or Treat text is in Garnet, while the dress details are in Ruby.  The pumpkin stems and vines are done in a dark Emerald.

The spiderwebs and astral trail in the sky are sparkly cerulean.  The moon and the fairy’s headdress are done in a pale icy blue.  

She is extensively beaded and fitting some of the beads was a challenge since the fabric is a bit smaller than 32 count, shrunk in the hand dyeing process. Nevertheless, beading was a lot of fun.  She has seed beads in red, orange, purple, and dark blue, as well as larger beads in pale blue and black.  I adore how the sprays of beads extend from her gloves, like she’s creating them by magic.  

I’m quite chuffed with the finish… it’s lovely to have another Halloween piece and she could be a good size if I add mats.