Platte Sentry was judged "Best of Show" at a cross stitch competition in France, and spent two weeks on display.
Has there ever been something you felt compelled to do? If so, you know how I feel about designing cross stitch artwork and patterns. I see something, and I just HAVE to make it into a design. My designs are very detailed and require very close shading. I've been told they look like oil paintings. Great! That's what I'm attempting to do. Sometimes a portion of the prototype design will be ripped out and redone several times before I get exactly the color shading I want. I design with the aid of software from I.L.Soft in England.
Framed Art: If you're not into cross stitch but fall in love with one of my designs, I'll stitch one for you. Pictures are matted and custom framed with old barn wood by Antique Nebraska Barn Siding Frames of Republican City, Nebraska. Mel Keller is as particular with his frames as I am with my designs, picking the color of the old siding that enhances the picture's colors. Because the stitching and framing take many, many hours, I request a 50% deposit with each order and delivery dates of 45 days to several months. I know it's a long wait, but I like to think the finished product is something you'll be proud to display.
Kits: If you, like me, want to create something people touch to see if it's a painting, then you will want one of the pattern kits. Patterns are printed black and white on 11"x17" paper. The charted symbols are printed as large as possible to fit on several sheets. Symbols are shaded, to help you keep track of where you are in the pattern. Anchor embroidery floss color numbers and names are on a separate sheet of instructions, which includes a color photograph, how to make your own stretcher frame, and how to work with and remove waste canvas--many of my designs can be stitched on jackets, shirts and sweaters by using waste canvas. Kits include pre-cut Anchor embroidery floss sorted on color cards according to each symbol, a needle and Aida cloth. The Platte Sentry kit also includes 14-count waste canvas. Shipping charges are $3.20 USPS Priority Mail per kit. Note: Shipping will be higher for International orders.
Pattern Only & Floss Sorter: It is possible to order just the pattern and/or a floss sorter. The keyed floss sorter for each pattern is $6.00. Patterns only still include the detailed instructions, special hints and a colored photograph. Shipping charges are $3.95 USPS Priority Mail.
Custom Patterns: For $35.00 + $3.95 for shipping, I will scan your photograph and create a special graphed pattern just for you. Pattern will be printed black/white on heavy 11x17 paper. Included will be the approximate floss in both Anchor and DMC needed to complete the picture in any fabric count of your choice. Note, however, that Anchor has more flesh tones than DMC, and will produce closer shading.
To Order Artwork or Kits, or to Receive a Free Catalog: e-mail: gjensen@megavision.com or snail mail to: GiGi's of Alma, P.O. Box 943, Alma, NE 68920. Phone: 308/928-2733. If you are a retailer or gallery, wholesale requests are welcomed.
So I guess that's it for now. I hope you enjoyed your visit, saw something you're compelled to have, and check back soon. I have two new designs that are about finished, and more ideas than I'll ever be able to complete.
