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Are you a Quilter Who likes to Stitch? . . .
or a Stitcher who likes to Quilt?
Stitchery Crossover is . . .
Combining Stitchery and Quilting in a new, unique way. A Stitchery Crossover quilt block starts with a stitchery center WITH at least one quilt fabric AND stitched border.
If you are a quilter like me, perhaps you are always looking for new twists and techniques to add to your quilter's repertoire.
As a stitcher, you may have lots of stitched pieces that are framed and hanging on your walls or unframed, tucked in a drawer waiting to get the framing done. The framed pieces are lovely, but do you really need more stitchery behind glass?
I'm defining 'stitchery' as 'counted' or 'charted' embroidery - like cross stitch or black work - done on aida cloth, evenweave cloth (like jobelan or lugana), or linen. I am excluding redwork or other free-form surface embroidery done on wool, muslin, or quilting cotton. Surface embroidery is beautiful, but the even weave/counted stitchery requires a different twist or two to be quilt-ready. Also excluded is stitching on canvas or needlepoint.
My Stitchy Story
Years ago, I did my fair share of Cross Stitch. Many of the pieces I made are still sitting on a shelf waiting to 'become' something. For years, I didn't have the budget for framing. Plus, back in the day, apartment life (and reclaiming security deposits) didn't lend itself to pounding nails in walls every couple of years.
About 15 years ago, I took up quilting, and became a student, then a teacher of traditional quilting technique, and wrote the ScrapTherapy book and pattern series.
Cross Stitch and Quilting - Could the two be combined?
It's not a new concept. Add quilt fabric borders to a Cross Stitched piece and you've got a quilt block. The Abbey (on the right) is a perfect example. Stitch the center, slap on borders and ta-done!
What about adding stitched borders
*between* quilt fabric borders? That *is* a new idea.
What's the big deal, you might say. . . 
. . . Just take a stitched center, attached quilt fabric borders, then attach stitch fabric borders, and then add one more round of quilt fabric borders, like the quilt block on the right. Then stitch in the stitchy border space. No biggie!
Only problem is . . . the seams!
Look closely at the close up of our block sample on the left.
Those stitchy fabric borders sewn traditionally to the block center create bulk at the seam intersection. Carrying a cross stitch border pattern over the seam would be challenging, regardless of whether seams are pressed open or to one side.
From Me to You . . . . A New Technique
Over several months, I experimented. I stitched, sewed, washed, dried, stitched again, quilted. The result is a process that works to make stitchy/quilty blocks with charted stitching in between quilted borders.
No seams!
Now, I'm excited to share the fabulous NEW technique with you through a series of online courses.
I named the technique Stitchery Crossover - stitchery that crosses over to quilting.
The Introductory Course, Mia Rosa
The first online course in the Stitchery Crossover is Mia Rosa, a small one-block project that walks you through the entire process from start to finish.
This prerequisite course includes a complete kit (valued at $120) with all the materials needed to make your first Stitchery Crossover block. Only a few of the supplies in the kit are used up for the Mia Rosa project. The rest can be used again and again for future Stitchery Crossover projects.
The online course breaks into 22 detailed lessons with lots and lots of close-up photos and thorough text. Short supplemental videos will be added to the course material as well.
Learn and stitch at your own pace.
Mia Rosa is a prerequisite for any future Stitchery Crossover courses.
What's included in the Mia Rosa Course?
- The Mia Rosa Stitch chart designed exclusively for this course by Clare Ardali of Peppermint Purple. Our chart includes a cross-stitched center motif and blackwork border. You can't get the chart anywhere else!
- 22 lessons, each with an average of 1-3 topic details
- Instructions to finish your Mia Rosa block into a quilted wall-hanging or throw pillow
- A complete kit that includes:
- Stitchery and Quilt Fabric
- Three different kinds of Needles
- Two different kinds of Thread
- Stitchery Floss
- Your Nest® Thread Nest Floss Bobbins - NEW! From the Hummingbird Highway
- 9" Morgan Hoop
- Karen Kay Buckley Perfect Scissors
- Thread Snips
- Applique Pins
- Highligher Marker
- Project Pouch to keep everything handy and portable
About the Mia Rosa Course Fees . . .
When you click over to sign up, you'll notice that the course fee ($49.95) and the one-time kit fee ($99.80) are all rolled up into one fee for the course (only $149.75).
The course and kit fees are bundled and cannot be purchased separately.
If you purchased all the items in the kit one-by-one, they would add up to least $120, probably more. I've taken all the legwork out of your search, and I've identified the perfect tools that are exactly right for your Stitchery Crossover success!
Not to mention, the kit also includes the newest, coolest thread bobbin designed and created right here on the Hummingbird Highway!
Keep in mind, the Mia Rosa prerequisite course is the only time a full kit will be required for a Stitchery Crossover course. That's because 90% of the supplies in your Mia Rosa kit will last through many Crossover projects.
"Received my crossover kit yesterday and was totally blown away with the quality and number of supplies. It has definitely got me in the mood for stitching, Even went through a couple of the classes online. Thank you Joan for such a great idea and starting project!"
Jaci Critchfield
Stanwood, MI
Note that the kit does not include finishing items such as
pillow forms, batting, or backing materials.
The kit is required for the Mia Rosa course;
you don't have to worry about hunting for specific tools and supplies.
Future Stitchery Crossover courses will NOT require a complete kit.
- Access to additional online resources including a private facebook group and periodic live check-in sessons (via zoom)
- Mia Rosa prepares you for future Stitchery Crossover projects
What are members saying about the Mia Rosa Kit . . .?
I just got my amazing kit for Mia Rosa and I am blown away. It's perfect! You've picked out everything I need so I can get started right away. And I love that the project fits in the supply pouch, giving it a home. This is my 'escape bag.' I open the bag and escape into this project. I love it!
Joan Hawley, Westerville, OH
I received my Stitchery kit and I was overwhelmed by the quantity and quality of the supplies, I hadn't anticipated such a vast array of really cool tools. It's going to be a fun winter, learning a new skill despite the fact that I have been a quilter and needlepointer for decades. I'm looking forward to this class, and I admire how clever you are to combine two crafts that I didn't think would go together. Thanks for bringing a smile to my face and a spring to my step.
Karolyn Blume, Allentown, PA
Can I say OMG!?! This kit for Mia Rosa is over-the-top amazing!
I've been in the quilting industry for 20-odd years. And frankly, I'm not easily impressed. But this kit? Wow!
I do a lot of embroidery, but not much counted work, so some of the bits and pieces are new to me. I love the fact that this has everything I need for Mia Rosa (and more). But I REALLY love that I don't have to raid any of my studio supplies to stitch on this project. (Let's just say that I'm paranoid about losing my favorite scissors!)
You really have thought of everything -- right down to the bag that keeps everything in one place. Thanks for making it super easy for me to start a new stitchy adventure!
Shelly Stokes, Chapala, Mexico
My kit arrived today! So many great supplies and a fun bag to keep it all safe. I can't wait to get started. Late nite tv and stitchin' here I come!
Margaret Beard
Sarasota, FL
What to expect from the Mia Rosa Course
The course is hosted at the Hummingbird Highway website. Once you purchase the course, you need to log in to access the course content, wait for your kit to arrive, then start stitching!
Complete the Mia Rosa Course and the project at your own pace. No deadlines, stress, or pressure.
Lots of close-up photographs and detailed written instructions are found within the 22-lesson online course.
Video tutorials excerpted from interactive video meetings (via Zoom) to come. Optional participation in a private Stitchery Crossover facebook group.
But, but, but . . .
I don't have time. This looks difficult. It's expensive. I don't know how to stitch.
Yep! All could be true statements.
Time
The blocks are 100% made with hand stitching, then assembled into a final project by hand or machine. This takes time.
By definition, a Stitchery Crossover project isn't a fast-finish endeavor. However, hand stitching and hand sewing are extremely relaxing and rewarding. There is no sewing machine buzz and everything is portable.
Difficult
No doubt about it, any Stitchery Crossover project, including Mia Rosa, involves detail. But it's also a process with predictable and reliable steps. The course walks you through each step - 22 lessons and several topics within each lesson - with detailed photos and thorough instructions.
Expensive
Or a good value? A few weeks ago, I purchased a stitchery kit for just over the price of the Mia Rosa course AND kit. The kit I purchased included the pattern, threads and floss, and some beads, but no online instructions and no fabric. I had to do extra shopping on top of the kit purchase. Everything you need to make the Mia Rosa block is in the kit, with plenty of leftover tools for future Stitchery Crossover blocks.
Stitchy How-to:
The Mia Rosa stitch chart includes detailed stitching instructions from Clare (our fabulous chart designer) and the course includes detailed photos and instructions for Cross Stitch and Blackwork.
Bottom line, the Stitchery Crossover course isn't for everyone. Is it for you? Only you can decide! And I'll be right there for you if you need help.
Start your Stitchery Crossover journey with the Mia Rosa course. Click on the big blue button below to get started.
Additional Stitchery Crossover online courses are coming!
Joan Ford
Stitchy-Quilty Guide
