• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Peanut Blossom
  • Start Here
  • Family Recipes
  • Book Club
  • My Cookbooks
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Start Here
  • Family Recipes
  • Book Club
  • My Cookbooks
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Blog » Crafting

    Easy Cross Stitch Patterns for Travel Lovers

    Published: Aug 19, 2015 · Modified: Apr 6, 2021 by Tiffany Dahle · This post may contain affiliate links.

    • Share
    • Email Friend!

    These adorable travel-themed cross stitch patterns are perfect for mixing into a vacation photo wall gallery.

    It's been a rough couple of weeks over here. We've had some family things to deal with behind the scenes and now I'm facing sending off Little Pea to Kindergarden in just a few days. Big changes and life challenges are leaving me feeling a bit out of sorts.

    When life gets a little too crazy, I tend to retreat into creative projects as a coping mechanism. I have learned in the last couple years how I am completely addicted and drawn to colorful objects. I think some of my favorite hobbies started because of an initial attraction to color and pattern. I love to quilt and sew simple things and I've done countless cross stitching projects over the years. But since our crazy move a few years ago, both of those loves have been set aside.

    The other day I fell down a creative wormhole. My stress levels were at a peak and I wanted a happy distraction. This is how my own personal "If you give a mouse a cookie" moment went:

    I got an email newsletter from the Fat Quarter Shop (if you are even remotely interested in sewing, I highly recommend a peek) that mentioned the new fabric line by Bonnie & Camille was now available. It made me realize it had been months and months since I had seen an update from Camille on her blog Simplify. I have been a longtime fan of everything she designs and shares, her entire blog is pure eye candy to me.

    Camille doesn't blog much anymore but she is active on Instagram. I realized I wasn't following her over there so I took a peek at what she has been sharing recently. Which is how I finally discovered Satsuma Street by Jody Rice over on Etsy.

    Camille showed off her finished Pretty Little London project and it immediately jumped out at me as I scrolled through her pictures.

    • Colorful? Check!
    • Whimsical? Check!
    • Travel Themed? Check!

    Seriously, how adorable are these city scape pieces?? I spotted London, Paris, Italy, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Sydney, Tokyo, San Francisco, New York, Chicago all in her drool worthy shop:

    Getting started with cross stitching

    But you know how I was finally sold??

    Check out that colorful castle in the bottom right photo above. Does that remind you of anything?

    I immediately gasped upon seeing it and thought: "She's designed It's a Small World!"

    It's a Small World | Disneyland

    Sure enough, Jody's Etsy listing for the pattern says she is highly inspired by Mary Blair, the designer for the Small World attraction at Disney:

    "I'm a huge fan of the artist Mary Blair, who was a designer in the 50's and 60's. This design is my little tribute to her, inspired by her concepts for It's A Small World. A little happy city just waiting to be stitched by you! A finished piece from this pattern would make an amazing gift for any vintage Disney fan."

    I immediately purchased London & Paris as a set because I was drawn into the little double decker buses in London and the Eiffel Tower in Paris. But I have my eyes on Italy and the Small World-inspired castle next.

    Getting started with cross stitching

    The basic supplies you need to get started cross stitching:

    If you're just getting started with cross stitching, all you really need are a few simple tools.

    1. A frame to hold your fabric. Skip the traditional round hoops (they're TERRIBLE) and grab this 8-inch Q-snap frame. It is easier on your fabric, the perfect size to hold, and easy to adjust.
    2. A set of stitching needles, I prefer this size.
    3. A small, sharp scissors. How cute is this peacock one??
    4. Fabric: many beginners use Aida cloth where the holes are obvious and clear. But, if you want a tiny extra challenge and a much more professional looking project at the end, I HIGHLY recommend attempting to sew on linen. I selected this natural colored linen which is a large enough piece to trim down and get at least 4 of the patterns from Jody to fit. In person it is a slightly lighter color than burlap and has a nice rustic feel to it.
    5. Thread: You can buy sets online, but for specific projects you're better off heading to a local craft store to get what you need. All the colors have a number & a name to reference and thread is the cheapest part of this endeavor.
    6. Optional extra: I love having my threads neatly organized in this plastic container. It keeps things from being tangled and I can find exactly what I need with a glance.

    More Crafting

    • Awesome Art Books for Kids
    • How to Make a Tutu: No sewing required!
    • Where Should I Print My Photos? Shutterfly vs. Mpix.com?
    • DIY Christmas Quotes Sign

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jenn

      May 18, 2020 at 9:06 am

      I loved doing this when I was on school I think I still have one in my sewing kit ,I should get it out and finish it.. I would love to see on Pinterest an adult party (bday) theme ...mine is coming up on in July and I would love to see some of your ideas and themes would be great . I love country- or themes!!!❤️?

      Reply

    Trackbacks

    1. FREE crochet pouch pattern any beginner can make in time for Christmas says:
      December 12, 2019 at 2:58 pm

      […] Sweet and whimsical travel themed patterns for getting started with cross stitch […]

      Reply
    2. Pattern Blog says:
      July 31, 2016 at 3:42 am

      This Pattern Is A Whimsical

      [...] fit. In person it is a slightly lighter color than burlap and has a nice rustic [...]

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Tiffany!
    I believe a great family recipe is one that makes everyone at the table happy, not just the kids. I'm the author of two bestselling cookbooks for kids that are chock full of recipes everyone in your family will love. I'm also the hostess of the best online book club for moms.

    More about me →

    What's Trending Now

    • The Best Easy Apple Recipes
    • The Best Salted Caramel Recipes
    • Roasted Sausages and Potatoes with Apples
    • Authentic Snicker Salad

    Popular

    • Freezer Friendly Apple Crisp
    • Best Book Club Picks for 2021
    • 10-minute Trader Joe's Meals
    • 30 School Lunch Ideas for Kids
    • 30 Quick Dinners for Busy Nights
    • Classic Beef Bolognese Sauce
    • 30 Clever Meal Train Ideas with Recipes
    • 21 Harry Potter Snacks for Movie Night

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer

    Favorites

    • Bread Recipes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Quick Dinner Recipes
    • Harry Potter Fan Club
    • Reading with Kids

    Holidays

    • Easter Recipes
    • 4th of July Recipes
    • Catholic Celebrations
    • Thanksgiving Recipes
    • Christmas Recipes & Ideas

    Copyright © 2022