The one thing I always notice about cross stitch fabric is that it is usually dull, dull, dull. It often seems that everything about this craft is stuck in the nineties. At least that's how it appears in the U.S. I've been to needlepoint exhibitions in France, and there, many young people are getting into cross stitch. Patterns and fabrics there aren't dull or drab: they're classic, tasteful and very appealing. The French certainly have an eye for beauty. I've seen lovely work done be French ladies, often deep red stitches on forty (very fine) count natural linen. Their taste is just so sharp and classy.
That's not to say that here in the states or in other parts of the world cross stitch is lagging too far behind; I would venture to say that a genuine American theme that acts as a common thread (no pun intended!) these days is the primitive American style. We're in a time of recession, and I feel that people naturally turn to crafting, to pastimes and hobbies that people have done for generations. We tend to look back in time for inspiration.
Enough rambling! I suppose that my inspiration for this fabric was purely American, and I hope it adds a little spice to the cross-stitch world. I would love to stitch motifs of old Americana in deep red on this fabric and think the finished product would look just in place in a beautiful primitive-style home. It's a navy background with mustard-colored stars. I finished it off with a sparkle effect that really makes it shimmer.
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