Iris' Paintbox Cross Stitch Kit by Avlea Folk Embroidery.
The Iris Paintbox cross stitch folk embroidery kit has a wonderful origin story: a friend purchased an embroidered table scarf from a needleworker in the Agrinio area of mainland Greece in the 1970s, itself inspired by a folk costume, and when I first saw it, I was completely captivated--it was so historical yet so modern. As soon as I started stitching it, I could barely believe these simple little color boxes created this amazing geometric effect when set within a framework of traditional terra cotta and black. Several years later, I was delighted to travel to the Arachova region of Greece and see the regional folk costume from which this type of embroidery originated firsthand.
This is the folk embroidery I think of as my signature. The palette is truly unique, and the way those small geometric elements build into something truly magnificent is one of the great pleasures of folk embroidery.
What you'll make: A 17 x 28" table runner
What's in your kit:
- One 19 x 30" piece of 26ct 100% cotton Traditional Groundcloth in natural
- DMC 6-strand embroidery floss
- John James size 24 cross stitch needle
- Full colour chart and instructions
Stitches used: Cross stitch, backstitch
Skill level: Confident Beginner to Intermediate (if you're a beginner and would like to try this design in a smaller format, it is also available as BitKit Iris Paintbox)
Stitch count: 18,831 cross stitches, 20,886 backstitches (190 x 341 stitch area)
Please note: the drawn thread hem finishing shown in the photos has to be done after the design is stitched; the fabric in your kit will come with the raw edges serged so they don't unravel while you are stitching.