Name of Company and Designer:
Lori Fellows chose to name her company "Cross Stitch Pro" upon the suggestion of her son. She was looking for a name that didn't sound too "cute."
Lori Explains How She Got Started Designing:
"I've always been interested in crafts of all kinds. About 18 years ago I tried cross stitch and was immediately addicted! After stitching several patterns, I decided to design some of my own. Again, I was immediately addicted. I find great satisfaction in expressing my thoughts and feelings through cross stitch."
Dominant Themes in Designs:
"My original designs are of the abundant wildlife, lakes, mountains, and other nature around my home in Maine. I find myself designing while my husband and I are kayaking, hiking, and gardening."
Her Thoughts About Computer Generated Charts:
"For years I balked at 'computer generated' cross stitch designs, looking on them as somehow inferior to 'real' designs that were hand drawn. One day I decided to try a computer generated design to prove to myself that I wouldn't like it. To my surprise, I really enjoyed it! Now I'm hooked. I find it fun, relaxing, and rewarding. My computer generated designs from fine art or photos are easy to read and use 'open' symbols that don't require heavy use of printer ink."
How to Find Lori's Designs:
Patterns are available for immediate download after purchase on the Cross Stitch Pro site. In addition, a free monthly newsletter/website update is offered. Each newsletter includes a free "pattern of the month".
Designs are Often Standard Sizes:
Lori tries to make the designs fit standard size picture frames, providing stitchers less expensive framing options. Many of her designs are sized to lovely eyeglass cases, checkbook covers, and pillows. Free directions for making up these items are available on her website.
Stitching Level Required:
Patterns are intended for beginners and intermediate levels. Some patterns are larger in size, but if beginning stitchers take their time, they will still be able to complete them.
Features of the Cross Stitch Pro Website:
From the home page at www.crossstitchpro.com, browse through the patterns, access featured free patterns, sign up for a free monthly newsletter, and immediately download purchased patterns.
A Word on Patterns:
Many of Lori's designs are quite large. She asks, "Please don't be intimidated by the size or number of colors used in my
computer generated cross stitch patterns. Start with one of our smaller
sized patterns, visit the markings page on the website for an easy method on how to read and stitch the patterns."
