| About Susan Saltzgiver Designs |
Susan Saltzgiver Designs is a counted cross stitch chart designer of
unique, eclectic designs and creator of corresponding charts.
One stop shopping from a vast selection of quality, salable designs reduces
shipping and postage costs. Chart packs from this web site will ONLY be
available to the trade (shops - physical or online) - identification required.
(Click "Ordering" button for more complete information.) Orders are mailed
promptly after Paypal payment is received.
Purchasing shops will be listed, for free, on the “Links” page, and links will be
provided if available. Reciprocal listing of this web site is appreciated.
Some designs are available from Hoffman Distributing. www.hoffmandis.com
unique, eclectic designs and creator of corresponding charts.
One stop shopping from a vast selection of quality, salable designs reduces
shipping and postage costs. Chart packs from this web site will ONLY be
available to the trade (shops - physical or online) - identification required.
(Click "Ordering" button for more complete information.) Orders are mailed
promptly after Paypal payment is received.
Purchasing shops will be listed, for free, on the “Links” page, and links will be
provided if available. Reciprocal listing of this web site is appreciated.
Some designs are available from Hoffman Distributing. www.hoffmandis.com
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| When we stitch we are like mushrooms and moles - Our best work is done while we are "hidden away". |
HISTORY:
After seeing someone cross stitching and being fascinated by the picture forming on a blank piece of fabric, I
began cross-stitching in 1984, I found I was frequently altering the designs - colors, additions, design changes.
My husband wanted a mermaid, and since I could not find a pattern that suited me, I created my first design,
"Fisherman's Dream".
I thank the Good Lord for having given me enough ability and creativity to progress forward and make a counted
cross stitch pattern.
The mermaid 'picture' was large (203 stitches by 274 stitches) and contained many small designs to go with the
mermaid. It was designed by hand using pen and ink on 16 sheets of paper graphs (not counting the many sheets used
when changes were made). I worked at designing and stitching and changing it for 5 years until it was completed. I
used blends for some of the colors, partial stitches, and blending filament. A 'split quadruple' stitch was created,
and the rainbow was layered with the sky and water. With that accomplished, I figured I could do almost anything.
(I have yet to put that design into chart form.)
In 1994, I got my first design program for the computer, and I have been creating my own designs ever since.
However, there is a big difference between designing a 'picture' and making a quality, salable chart. Connie Berens
of Cross Stitchery Shop taught this barely computer literate person to make a chart from the design and stitched
model. Many alterations of those charts over the years have been made to create the charts that I create today.
When we would go to the ocean, I would be inside stitching all day and no one would know I was around. My husband
often said I was like a mushroom or mole, hidden away doing my 'thing'. Thus the saying above, "When we stitch we
are like mushrooms and moles - Our best work is done while we are 'hidden away'!"
After seeing someone cross stitching and being fascinated by the picture forming on a blank piece of fabric, I
began cross-stitching in 1984, I found I was frequently altering the designs - colors, additions, design changes.
My husband wanted a mermaid, and since I could not find a pattern that suited me, I created my first design,
"Fisherman's Dream".
I thank the Good Lord for having given me enough ability and creativity to progress forward and make a counted
cross stitch pattern.
The mermaid 'picture' was large (203 stitches by 274 stitches) and contained many small designs to go with the
mermaid. It was designed by hand using pen and ink on 16 sheets of paper graphs (not counting the many sheets used
when changes were made). I worked at designing and stitching and changing it for 5 years until it was completed. I
used blends for some of the colors, partial stitches, and blending filament. A 'split quadruple' stitch was created,
and the rainbow was layered with the sky and water. With that accomplished, I figured I could do almost anything.
(I have yet to put that design into chart form.)
In 1994, I got my first design program for the computer, and I have been creating my own designs ever since.
However, there is a big difference between designing a 'picture' and making a quality, salable chart. Connie Berens
of Cross Stitchery Shop taught this barely computer literate person to make a chart from the design and stitched
model. Many alterations of those charts over the years have been made to create the charts that I create today.
When we would go to the ocean, I would be inside stitching all day and no one would know I was around. My husband
often said I was like a mushroom or mole, hidden away doing my 'thing'. Thus the saying above, "When we stitch we
are like mushrooms and moles - Our best work is done while we are 'hidden away'!"
HUMAN INTEREST:
My designs range from whimsical to religious to a vast assortment. I often say my designs are 'eclectic'.
Colors and the shading needed to make things look 'right' have always been important to me, I have used many
different items to accomplish the finished results and embellishment that each design 'needs' - hand dyed flosses,
silk, rayon, metallics, cotton floss, beads, glass treasures and the like.
Stitching may be done on aidas, evenweaves, linen, hand dyed fabrics, hand painted fabrics, and patterned (afghan)
fabric.
Inspiration has come from family and their interests and activities, photographs, religion, special occasions, colors,
surroundings, or even things I read on the internet.
My designs range from whimsical to religious to a vast assortment. I often say my designs are 'eclectic'.
Colors and the shading needed to make things look 'right' have always been important to me, I have used many
different items to accomplish the finished results and embellishment that each design 'needs' - hand dyed flosses,
silk, rayon, metallics, cotton floss, beads, glass treasures and the like.
Stitching may be done on aidas, evenweaves, linen, hand dyed fabrics, hand painted fabrics, and patterned (afghan)
fabric.
Inspiration has come from family and their interests and activities, photographs, religion, special occasions, colors,
surroundings, or even things I read on the internet.
PERSONAL FAVORITES:
Probably my favorite designs are "Memories of Parenthood", "Precious Baby", and "Asleep in a Manger".
Memories of Parenthood won the People’s Choice Award at the 3-day Creative Arts and Textiles Show in
Lancaster, PA, in 2001, after being voted on by all show attendees. It is a working clock that uses designs instead
of numbers to show the repeating stages children of each generation go through as they grow up. My own children
are grown and my grandchildren span many years, but they all fit into the stages shown. Like a clock going from one
number position represented by the image of a stage of growing up to another, so do they pass through one stage
after another. The original clock hangs in my living room where I am constantly reminded of each stage each of
them has reached. See the design by clicking the "Family" button above.
Precious Baby has a total of 7 baby images that can be used interchangeably for the desired appearance. Many
years ago (while in high school) I worked as a nurse's aide in a newborn nursery, and I remembered how different
babies really did look. I wanted to share some of those images so that more stitchers could stitch a baby like their
own.
Asleep in a Manger is dedicated in memory of my brother-in-law, the Rev. John P. McDowell, who passed on May 7,
2008. It is unique in the use of numerous types of threads and methods of stitchery with them. Gentle Arts
Simply Wool hand dyed threads, DMC linen floss, DMC cotton embroidery floss, DMC Light Effects Metallic floss,
directional stitching, and blends are used together to get just the desired effect. Metallic enhanced fabric gives
the finishing touch as it simulates the glow of the halo and of the Holy Child.
Probably my favorite designs are "Memories of Parenthood", "Precious Baby", and "Asleep in a Manger".
Memories of Parenthood won the People’s Choice Award at the 3-day Creative Arts and Textiles Show in
Lancaster, PA, in 2001, after being voted on by all show attendees. It is a working clock that uses designs instead
of numbers to show the repeating stages children of each generation go through as they grow up. My own children
are grown and my grandchildren span many years, but they all fit into the stages shown. Like a clock going from one
number position represented by the image of a stage of growing up to another, so do they pass through one stage
after another. The original clock hangs in my living room where I am constantly reminded of each stage each of
them has reached. See the design by clicking the "Family" button above.
Precious Baby has a total of 7 baby images that can be used interchangeably for the desired appearance. Many
years ago (while in high school) I worked as a nurse's aide in a newborn nursery, and I remembered how different
babies really did look. I wanted to share some of those images so that more stitchers could stitch a baby like their
own.
Asleep in a Manger is dedicated in memory of my brother-in-law, the Rev. John P. McDowell, who passed on May 7,
2008. It is unique in the use of numerous types of threads and methods of stitchery with them. Gentle Arts
Simply Wool hand dyed threads, DMC linen floss, DMC cotton embroidery floss, DMC Light Effects Metallic floss,
directional stitching, and blends are used together to get just the desired effect. Metallic enhanced fabric gives
the finishing touch as it simulates the glow of the halo and of the Holy Child.
FUTURE:
My recent series of small designs that can be applied to anything stitchable with waste canvas, will hopefully
expand cross stitch to many of the next generation. Whether these images are applied by themselves or received
as gifts, the possibilities of making something personalized and uniquely their own with appropriate designs that
can be appealing to them, can be an enthusiastic revelation.
While I can no longer walk independently due to a rare neurologic condition, and have become very slow, I'm still
able, by the grace of God, to use my computer and to cross stitch - even though it is with a lot more effort. This
allows me to share my love of counted cross stitch with others.
My recent series of small designs that can be applied to anything stitchable with waste canvas, will hopefully
expand cross stitch to many of the next generation. Whether these images are applied by themselves or received
as gifts, the possibilities of making something personalized and uniquely their own with appropriate designs that
can be appealing to them, can be an enthusiastic revelation.
While I can no longer walk independently due to a rare neurologic condition, and have become very slow, I'm still
able, by the grace of God, to use my computer and to cross stitch - even though it is with a lot more effort. This
allows me to share my love of counted cross stitch with others.
MISSION:
Designs are created for all levels, but most of them are intermediate or beginner. I have
always tried to appeal to a wide range of interests and abilities and have designed
accordingly. I also like to push the envelope and design things that are not usually seen or
are done differently than usual. My samplers are created so that even a novice can have
the satisfaction of stitching a beautiful, perennial favorite (specialty stitches are not
used). Simple but accurate designs allow the new stitcher to be successful and satisfied.
I like sharing the possibilities of cross stitch with new stitchers as well as with more
experienced stitchers.
Designs are created for all levels, but most of them are intermediate or beginner. I have
always tried to appeal to a wide range of interests and abilities and have designed
accordingly. I also like to push the envelope and design things that are not usually seen or
are done differently than usual. My samplers are created so that even a novice can have
the satisfaction of stitching a beautiful, perennial favorite (specialty stitches are not
used). Simple but accurate designs allow the new stitcher to be successful and satisfied.
I like sharing the possibilities of cross stitch with new stitchers as well as with more
experienced stitchers.
CHART DESCRIPTION:
Chart pack graphs are large, clear, and easy to read. The cover is printed on card stock
with a large picture of the stitched piece. Thorough instructions are provided as needed.
All the items needed to complete the design as shown are listed on the back page, facing
out, so they are easy to access.
Chart pack graphs are large, clear, and easy to read. The cover is printed on card stock
with a large picture of the stitched piece. Thorough instructions are provided as needed.
All the items needed to complete the design as shown are listed on the back page, facing
out, so they are easy to access.
| Copyright 2007 / 2008 Susan Saltzgiver Designs Copyrighted material (images, text) may not be reproduced by any means. They are protected by copyright laws and to do so is prosecutable by law. Last updated 11/15/08 |
