Whoop! I’m celebrating 1000 patterns sold! My first pattern sale was in December 2011, and it was this fun Rock and Roll pattern and the kick-butt gothic alphabet to customize the name.
Last month I celebrated 100,000 skeins of thread sold, and in that post I remarked how getting to that number was unimaginable when I started selling floss. Well, the same is true of getting to 1000 patterns, except it took me even longer!
My original idea for Ancora Crafts was to sell only patterns and kits. I had been creating my own patterns since I was a kid, and I decided to take the chance to see if they would sell. And yes indeed, they have sold! When I started, I knew that cross stitch and needlework were very popular crafts, however, I’m not sure if I realized the sheer volume of patterns available from creative folks all over the world. With all that competition, I take it as a high honor whenever someone purchases one of my patterns!
In order of when I designed the patterns, here are some of the best sellers:
From the movie Blazing Saddles, this pattern is a list that Harvey Korman dictates; a list of the worst scum and scoundrels he wants Slim Pickens to round up to attack the town of Rock Ridge. This is one of my personal favorites as well, given as a gift to my dad who very wisely introduced me to the movie at a young age. The framers told me they would notice the little things over time as they worked on it; the mane and tail on “horse,” the way the dash in “shit-kickers” was a pile of poop with flies over it, the steam coming out of “train,” how the “s” in “vipers” looked like a snake… all the little nuances I always hope that people will pick up over time. [Read more about this pattern]
Also from Blazing Saddles, this pattern is how Lili Von Shtűpp answers a knock at the door. This one hangs proudly in our guest bedroom/thread warehouse. [Read more about this pattern]
The quote for this project comes from Monty Python’s classic sketch. Michael Palin’s Cardinal Ximénez is flanked by Cardinal Biggles (Terry Jones) and Cardinal Fang (Terry Gilliam) as they stumble through their badly rehearsed ferocity and terror. [Read more about this pattern]
This Camino de Santiago project is a perfect way to commemorate a journey along the Way of St. James. The scallop shell has long been the symbol of the Camino, and pilgrims follow these signs posted along all the routes to Santaigo de Compostela. [Read more about this pattern, also available as a kit]
The inspiration for this pattern comes from a classic episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000 that featured the movie Santa Claus Conquers the Martians. If you’re unfamiliar with “MST3K”, read more about this pattern and its lyrical inspiration from the movie Road House. With it’s references to barstools, action sequences, and Santa drafting his will, it’s a modern holiday tradition!
This Suffragist motto is in the purple, white, and green colors of the British suffrage movement. The three colors symbolized loyalty, purity, and hope. Women worked so hard for the right to vote, something no woman can take for granted, especially in this political climate. [Read more about this pattern]
This project is inspired by the series of “30 Helens agree” sketches from the first season of The Kids in the Hall. These are real women, ostensibly all named Helen, standing in a field. The Helens would agree on a statement such as “love hurts”, “honesty is the best policy”, “you can’t pay too much for a good pair of shoes”, and “coleslaw deserves another chance”. The segments are funnier than hell and the Helens are adorable. [Read more about the pattern]
Some, but not all, of my personal favorites are larger projects that I originally stitched in needlepoint. Many cross stitch patterns can also be done as needlepoint and visa-versa. But with needlepoint, one has to fill in all (or most) of the blank background, which makes patterns like the 30 Helens or the Camino more attractive as a cross stitch project. Regardless, here are some of my personal faves:
Ancora Imparo is a quote attributed to Michelangelo, the Italian architect, painter, poet, and sculptor. Roughly translated, it means “I am still learning,” which, in my opinion, is a darn good philosophy. [Read more about the pattern]
This compass rose pattern is based on tile pieces on the patio of the charming Cuq-en-Terrasses hotel in France. This was stitched as a needlepoint in 18 count canvas. [Read more about the pattern]
This quote from the movie Airplane was a blast to design and to cross stitch. I was pleased with my faithful recreation of the TransAmerican airplane (at a reasonable size). If you count carefully, there are a few more windows than the original, but the pattern of dark vs. light windows is pretty darn accurate. [Read more about the pattern]
This modern tumbling blocks project is a copy of its older sibling, my English Paper Pieced (EPP) wall quilt. It draws some inspiration from the graphic artist Matt W. Moore. This example was needlepointed in 14 count canvas, although it would cross stitch beautifully. [Read more about this pattern]
This pattern is a quote is from Dr. Carl Sagan and is cross stitched in glow-in-the-dark thread. My first foray into what cross stitchers call “confetti,” the background is this starry spiral galaxy based on a Hubble photograph of galaxy NGC1300. Think about the character of Dr. Ellie Arroway in the movie “Contact” – this would be perfect for her as a young girl.
Now I’m celebrating 1000 patterns sold. However, I have ideas for a few hundred more patterns in mind, so stay tuned!