OhSewCrafty Blog

• Pattern: by Glendon Place
• Materials: 28 count “Haven” Cashel linen by PTP, Kreinik & MH beads as charted (mostly)
• Size: 20″ x 8″
• Time to stitch: 28 days since June 2019

Presenting my first, but certainly not last, Glendon Place finish, also for Christmas in July!  

The pattern is fine, easy to read, with tons of details and elements.  The backstitching is entensive, but it’s also straightforward.  The chart is rather expensive to kit up with 11 different color of beads, and one of the colors, you need 2 packs, plus 8 different colors of Kreinik, one color that calls for 3 spools (I only used 2).  The pattern is spread over 4 pages, black and white.  I really enjoyed the modular nature of it, each element was like a mini finish.  Most of it is full cross stitch, though the donut holes use some quarter stitches.  

As for the materials, the chart calls for Picture this Plus Haven cashel, and that’s what I used, because Haven is my favorite sky blue. Though I prefer Belfast, I opted for Cashel, given the extensive beading.  Even so, I had difficulty fitting some of the beads.  Actually I feel like some of the beading is pretty messy, but it looks okay at normal viewing distance.  The metallics are extensively used, especially the ecru (Oyster) Kreinik.  I had a hard time sourching some of Kreinik colors, even before the pandemic.  It’s worth nothing that Glendon Place sells material packs, including Kreinik, on their web site.  

In the end, I was able to find all the Kreinik except for “Confetti Fuchsia”, which may be discontinued.  It looked purple in the photo so I found another purple Kreink in my stash.  It’s only used in the 2 lollipops at the front center.  Some of the Kreinik was more difficult to work with, especially the 215C “Antique Copper Cord”, used for the pretzels.  Fantastic visual effect though.  As for the beading, it took a few days to sew on about 1400 beads, and they are defintely the crowning touch.

My favorite parts of this design are numerous…. the reindeer are cute.  The candy roof on the big house is perfect.  The gumdrop trail up to the big house has a nice sense of depth.   The gingerbread couple is darling, love how they are holding hands and the girl has ice cream.  

The gold and silver foil wrapped kisses are lovely.  The gold stars atop each tree practically glow.  And donut holes are a great addition, who doesn’t love donuts?  It’s interesting how most cultures have some culinary tradition of fried dough treats.  Overall, I’m completely chuffed with Gingerbread Grove and I look forward to stitching more Glendon Place charts, though I might sub petite beads, especially if I use 32 count fabric.