Recent(ish) Portrait - The Barberousses' Stitch People Piece

(Initial note: Oh my, I have fallen so very far behind with these finished-piece wrap-up posts! I'm promising myself to do better at writing for my website for 2023. I guess it could be considered a new years resolution..! Anyway, onto the beautiful piece!)

A giveaway winner portrait

Earlier this year, I hit a few follower-count milestones (when my reels -and reels in general- were popping off). When I reached 4,000 followers, I decided to do a giveaway for a 4-character stitch people portrait. I've done this in the past and really enjoyed it as I make it clear that I have creative freedom to try different things, while still providing a finished piece that they will love.

During the stitching phase of this piece, I was wanting to have a "play" with some florals but didn't have an opportunity with other works I had going on at the same time. Then time passed and my giveaway winner was being super patient, so I decided to throw in the florals for free for being incredibly kind and patient!

A cross-stitch and hand embroidered stitch people family of a man, woman, daughter and dog.
The beautiful little family.

Let's see some details

If you asked me what my favourite part of this piece was, I honestly wouldn't be able to tell you. It's such a hard choice between the woman's dress, all of their hair, the gradient in the dogs fur and -of course- the florals.

It often amazes me what we, as needlepoint artists, can do with something so intricate and tiny as a strand of floss. The smallest details can enhance a whole section so much, it truly feels like magic.

A close-up photograph focusing on a large banner of floral hand embroidery work. There are 4 pale-blue flowers and three pastel-pink flowers. Surrounding them is branches of leaves and sweet yellow dots.
These florals. I just freaking adore them. The simplicity combined with the different stitches..! 😘👌
Learn more about my portraits
A close-up photograph of a cross-stitch & hand embroidered woman wearing a pale pink, floral dress. She has brown hair and is next to a (hinted) stitched dog and man.
Look at this dress. I am just amazed at what we can do with just a few strands of thread and some patience..!
A cross-stitch and hand embroidery depiction of a little, blonde girl. She is wearing a blue and black dress, teensy little grey shoes and a yellow bow in her hair.
An adorable little girl
A photograph of a woman and man done in cross-stitch and hand embroidery. The woman is wearing a floral dress done in satin stitch and the man is wearing a black suit with a purple shirt. Above them is a hint of floral hand embroidery work.
Mom and dad all dressed up looking fancy
A cross-stitched, black and grey dog with a blue and white bandana around its neck.
A doggo with a spiffy bandana!

Final Thoughts

I truly love making stitch people portraits and it's results like this that show me physical proof that my love for it, translates to something so special and beautiful.

I have a number of portraits that I've stitched since this piece was shipped off to the winner of the giveaway and I am looking forward to sharing details of those pieces with you, too. I honestly amaze myself with pretty much every portrait I make with how it looks once it's finished.

But for now, let me know in the comments below what your favourite part of this piece is. I truly would love to know!

Nancy Free
'Nancy' - Cross-Stitch Font
Download your copy

Lettering on this piece is my free font; 'Nancy' - get it for yourself today!

Earlier this year, I hit a few follower-count milestones. When I reached 4,000 followers, I decided to do a giveaway for a 4-character stitch people portrait.