Model Stitching

Model stitchers are very important to needlework designers. Model stitchers need to be excellent needleworkers who are adept at using all kinds of fibres on many types of fabric, because they are bringing a design to life. It is up to the model stitcher to stitch as perfect a model as possible from the chart, to find any errors, and to communicate with the designer regarding mistakes and/or suggestions. Model stitchers may also be stitching multiple models of one design, perhaps if there are two colourways, or if there are multiple fiber options, for instance DMC floss or silk.

I'm not currently able to pay model stitchers, but I can offer the following:

• More than enough fabric and fibres to be able to complete the project and still have enough left over for your own personal use.

• I will list your name on my website to give you the recognition you deserve.

• If the stitched model goes to a show or a shop, I'll list your name on the work.

• If you stitch a model that appears on one of my chartpacks, I'll list your name on the chartpack.

• I'll be happy to provide a reference at your request to verify that you have stitched for me.

If you would like to be considered as a model stitcher, please send a sample of your work, with a minimum size of two inches square. It must:

• Be stitched on linen or evenweave, on any colour of your choice.
• Include cross-stitches using DMC floss with at least four colour changes.
• Include several cross-stitches in silk or rayon floss; silk is preferred.
• Include stitches using either Kreinik's #4 Very Fine Braid or blending filament.
• Include at least three types of specialty stitches: French knots, eyelets of any type, and one other stitch of your choice.

If you enjoy beading, feel free to show a sample of that as well.

I'll need to see both the front and the back of your work. Please list the various types of fibres (and brand names: DMC, Kreinik, etc.) and stitches that you used in your sample. If you would like your sample returned, please include return postage as well. Once I've had the chance to examine your sample, I'll contact you within two weeks.

Because I am highly sensitive to cigarette smoke, and because smoke can damage needlework, I do request that prospective model stitchers come from non-smoking environments only, please. Thank you for understanding.

Please include your complete name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address (if possible) with your sample. Some indication of your background in needlework, level of experience, and references from other designers (if you have any) would also be good to include. (If you've never model stitched but would love to give it a go, please, feel free to send me a sample! I won't bite, really. ::smile::)

Also, please indicate your stitching preferences: Are you comfortable working on linens and evenweaves? Are you comfortable working with overdyed fibres and silks, as well as other specialty fibres? Are you comfortable with specialty stitches? Are you comfortable in stitching "over one"? Are you experienced in beading, blackwork, or hardanger? An estimate of how quickly you stitch will also help me in deciding which projects to send to you when.

Send your sample and your information to:

Moonshadow Stitchery
P.O. Box 20584
Billings, MT  59104

Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions: kristin@moonshadowstitchery.com. Thanks very much for your interest and I hope to hear from you soon!

My thanks to Too Sisters Designs, who kindly allowed me to adapt this page from their own model stitching information.