Don't Blink bookmark pattern
I've decided to put up the pattern for my Don't Blink bookmark here on LJ. I don't really want to charge people money for this pattern, since the text "Don't Blink" is a significant part of the bookmark and I didn't design that font. The weeping angels and the way the bookmark is arranged are my work, but the font came from here and I don't intend to make money selling someone else's pattern. But I know some people would like this pattern, so here it is for free.
You're welcome to share this pattern with others, although I'd appreciate it if you link back here and/or to my store. Please do not sell either the pattern or the finished bookmark. You are, however, free to donate the finished bookmark to a charitable cause, and I'd love to hear about it if you do.
The pattern (click on the image for the larger version):
And the finished bookmark:
Colours:
310 for the text (cross stitch)
415 for the angels (cross stitch and three-quarter stitch)
317 for the ouline of the angels (backstitch)
I recommend 2 strands for the cross stitch and 1 strand for backstitch. You can use different shades of grey, but I suggest testing them before jumping into the project. It can be hard to tell which shades work well together just by comparing the two colours. The outline colour needs to be dark enough to show up well against the lighter grey.
I used 18-count white aida cloth, and the finished bookmark measures about 15cm x 4cm (5 ¾” x 1 ½”). You can use a different count or a different cloth, but that will change the size of the bookmark. I suggest cutting your cloth at least 5-10 squares wider than the pattern on each side. I've used dark grey felt for the back.
The pattern includes an angel with no outline, to make it easier to see the details. This blank angel isn't a part of the bookmark itself.
The rectangular outline around the pattern (which you can also see in the finished photo) is meant to be sewn AFTER the rest of the bookmark , to secure the edges and keep them from fraying. If you want to finish your bookmark differently than I did, you can ignore it, or you can sew it anyway to create a border.
Finishing instructions:
1. Fold the edges behind your finished design, 4 squares away from the edges of the design (1 square past the rectangle marked on the pattern).
2. Use a backstitch or running stitch around the edges, following the rectangle on the pattern, to secure the folds behind your bookmark. Use 317 floss, or a colour that matches the felt you're using for the back.
3. Cut a piece of felt slightly larger than your bookmark.
4. Centre the felt behind the bookmark, right sides out, and pin the fabric and felt together.
5. Sew the felt to your bookmark, following the lines you used to secure the folds.
6. Trim the extra felt from around the edges of the bookmark.
7. Put the bookmark beneath a dish cloth or towel and iron it to remove any wrinkles and creases.
And that's it! I hope the wording is clear and detailed enough. Let me know if there's anything I should add or clarify. Enjoy!