Italian Cross Stitch

This creates a cross stitch on the front and the back, but also a box around the cross stitch. This does make the front and the back match and would be a nice stitch if you were working on a reversible ornament.

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Written by: Ryan

Hi! I am Mila Ollenburg. I too, am an avid cross stitcher. Over the last 2 years I have completed nearly 15 projects, all different sizes and counts. About 7 years ago, I started working on a male and female cardinal. It was in the fall of 2005. My husband says, “You finish both of those by Christmas and I will have a surprise for you.” He wouldn’t tell me what! I finished both in 2 months. Attached is the photo of my Christmas gift. It is the most treasured piece in my home. Many have asked to buy it, with the work I did, and many ask if he will make them one.

It is 3 feet 10 inches wide by 2 feet 1 1/2 inches tall. The shelf is not included in that measurement. He special ordered the mirror and even bought me Ceramic Cardinals from Home interiors to place on the shelf. Since then, the birds have broken. This is a custom piece by far and probably will never be duplicated.

My husband has made furniture over the years. He is very particular and a perfectionist and very picky over the wood he uses.

Mila Ollenburg, Grand Marsh, Wisconsin

Written by: Ryan

	Peppar Kakar 1 cup shortening 1 and one-half cup sugar 1 egg 3 T molasses 1 and one-half tsp. water, sour milk or cream 3 and one-fourth cup flour, or more 1 and one-half tsp. cinnamon 1 and one-half tsp. ginger 1 tsp ground cloves Cream shortening and sugar and add the egg, molasses and water. Beat well. Sift together all the dry ingredients and blend into the creamed mixture. Chill 2 hours or overnight. Roll out thinly on lightly floured surface and cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters or divide dough into two long rolls, chill, and then slice with knife. Sprinkle with plain or colored sugar. Bake on greased cookie sheet at 350° for 10-12 minutes.

Written by: Ryan

	Oatmeal Lace Cookies 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 1 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 eggs 2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract 6 Tablespoon all-purpose, unbleached flour 1 teaspoon sea salt 2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cream butter and sugar until light yellow and fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla and cream until well combined. Add flour, salt, and oatmeal and mix well. Spray parchment paper with oil spray. Drop by teaspoon onto parchment lined cookie sheets. These cookies should be very flat and delicate so do not spoon more than a teaspoon of dough on your cookie sheet. Leave at least 3 inches between the cookies because they will spread out. Bake 9-11 minutes until edges are golden brown, but not too dark. Let cool completely until edges are completely set. Using a thin spatula, lift off cookies off the sheets. Store in an airtight containers or freeze, if you have any left!

Written by: Ryan

Lisa works in retail store, assisting customers and filling orders.

• How long have you been with Nordic Needle?

  I have been here a year in March.

• Favorite needlework technique?

  Hardanger is my favorite needlework technique. My grandmother taught me over 30 years ago. I didn’t do much then but I am getting back into it now that I am working here.

• Favorite tool, gadget, thread, or other Nordic Needle item?

  My Ott lights are my favorite tool – I have 3 of them! The best light and one of mine has a magnifier on it so that’s the one I use the most. I couldn’t stitch without it.

Written by: Ryan

This week’s Stitcher’s Showcase features a piece from Trish Heath, of St. Joseph, Missouri. Trish says, “Hi Roz, here is my most prized piece, a Lavender and Lace design. I bought a late 1800′s frame and had it placed in it just before this last Christmas, it was the show piece of all my pieces but loved the old frame touch, thanks for letting us share.

Written by: Ryan