• cross stitch folk embroidery table runner with stars, flowers, and cypress tree on white linen
  • cross stitch folk embroidery table runner with stars, flowers, and cypress tree on white linen
  • cross stitch folk embroidery table runner with stars, flowers, and cypress tree on white linen
  • cross stitch folk embroidery table runner with stars, flowers, and cypress tree on white linen
  • cross stitch folk embroidery table runner with stars, flowers, and cypress tree on white linen
  • cross stitch folk embroidery table runner with stars, flowers, and cypress tree on white linen
  • cross stitch folk embroidery table runner with stars, flowers, and cypress tree on white linen
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Celestial Grove cross stitch folk embroidery kit

Celestial Grove cross stitch folk embroidery kit

$92.00 USD
$92.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

The Celestial Grove cross stitch folk embroidery kit is one of my most significant designs. Inspired by historic textiles from the Epirus region of Greece, it features repeated "tiles" of eight-pointed stars set off with a grand cypress tree. Two of the most universal symbols in the history of decorative art that symbolize the heavenly and the afterworld, they appear throughout art history from Persia to the Middle East to the Mediterranean and even as north as the Baltic regions. While these motifs are frequently seen in folk embroidery, I was surprised to find three very similar versions with this unique and striking use of negative space in museum collections, which is an indication of how prized this style of design was historically. This was one of my all-time favorite designs to stitch--the tiled motif was easy to memorize but the final table runner is truly breath-taking. 

The kit is an investment, but very worthy of your stitching time and excellent for prika and heirloom collections.

What you'll make: An 18 x 29" table runner

What's in your kit:

  • One 20 x 31" piece of 30ct European linen in Porcelain
  • DMC 6-strand embroidery floss
  • John James size 24 cross stitch needle
  • Full color chart and instructions

Stitches used: Cross stitch, backstitch Skill level: Confident Beginner to Intermediate Stitch count: 26,692 cross stitches, 1,126 backstitches (249 x 405 stitch area)

Please note: the drawn thread hem finishing shown in the photos has to be done after the design is stitched; the fabric in your kit will come with the raw edges serged so they don't unravel while you are stitching.

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Historically-inspired, modern-made!

Avlea Folk Embroidery brings ancient beauty to the modern world with beautiful folk embroidery kits of the finest quality. I design and make each kit by hand in my Central Oregon studio, to give you a wonderful stitching experience no matter your skill level.

Why is folk fabric so special?

Folk fabrics have been used for hundreds of years to make folk costumes and household embroideries. When you work a cross stitch design on them, they give your stitching a beautiful texture and are a delight to stitch on, plus they're made to stand up to daily use. I source mine from a 3rd-generation family mill in Athens, Greece so you can have an authentic stitching experience.

What if I'm new to cross stitch?

One of the wonderful things about cross stitch folk embroidery is that you can learn how to do it in a couple of hours and enjoy it for a lifetime! If you're new, watch my How To Cross Stitch video to get started on your folk embroidery journey.

How to videos

So, you've been stitching a while now?

I can't wait to share traditional folk embroidery with you! The intricate designs, the unique color palettes, the wonderful texture of folk fabrics will provide you with stitching joy. I suggest browsing my Runners & Squares sections as they have the most intricate designs to appeal to an experienced stitcher and every design is available as a kit or a PDF pattern.

Cross stitch runners & squares