Heartfelt Designs

Cecilia Turner strives to create joyful stitching projects for needleworkers around the world. Here's the story of Heart in Hand Needleart in Cecilia's words.

Beginnings

"My grandmother taught me to cross stitch when I was in elementary school. It wasn't until my early adult years that I really dove into needlework on a regular basis. Something about the methodical process of needle and thread turning x after x into a piece of needleart was soothing to me.

When my husband and I lost our firstborn son at birth, needlework was a tool in my healing process. I stitched late into the evenings, working to process my grief. The more I stitched, the more I yearned to create my own designs. I experimented with drawing patterns, and choosing fabric and fibers to complete the pieces. I was hooked.

My contacts in the industry who were supportive of my work encouraged me to publish my designs, and sell the leaflets in needlework shops. So, in 1994, my first patterns were published under the name Heart in Hand Needleart."

Inspiration

"My work is inspired by nature - the colors, patterns and textures. The changing of the seasons influences my palette and my designs.

I am moved by the connections made with other stitchers who have also found solace in their stitching when they are going through a difficult situation. Stitchers write to say that one of my designs helped them through a trying time. Others tell me they created a treasured gift for a family member with one of my patterns. Friendships are formed through our mutual love of stitching.

Needlework is the touchstone that connects us."

Publications

Cecilia's designs have been featured in

Better Homes & Gardens Cross Stitch and Needle Work Magazine

Punch Needle & Primitive Stitcher

Just Crossstitch

CrossStitcher

and Cross-Stitch Christmas books
by Craftways.