What's New at ZIVA !

Jan 26, free cellphone holder or glasses case design

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 10:43:38 -0500

ART DECO adapted free design, based on the period’s iconic style…

Aug 29, free ancient chinese designs for cushions

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 12:08:20 -0400

Ziva adapted chinese design elements to create two free chinese cushion designs

Jan 31, A FREE CUFF BRACELET DESIGN

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 10:57:17 -0500

A FREE CUFF BRACELET DESIGN BASED ON THE COLOURS FROM THE ART NOUVEAU PERIOD

Jan 17, TWO NEW PERSIAN DESIGNS FOR CUSHIONS

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 13:00:00 -0500

Two new ancient Persian designs adapted from tile decorations in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Nov 6, FOUR MORE STAINED GLASS DESIGNS FOR CUSHIONS

Sun, 6 Nov 2022 11:00:00 -0500

New FOUR stained-glass patterns adapted from Gaudi's magnificient Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona!

Aug 12, A FREE ROSE COLLAR NECKLACE DESIGN

Fri, 12 Aug 2022 06:18:35 -0400

A FREE ROSE COLLAR NECKLACE DESIGN BASED ON A MACKINTOSH’S HANDKERCHIEF DESIGN!

Feb 25, A FREE BAUHAUS DESIGN BASED ON THE 1920'S ART MOVEMENT

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 07:47:32 -0500

Bauhaus design called ‘Bauhaus Two Centres’ … was designed exclusively for our THIRTIETH FREE VIVA ZIVA ! Newsletter

Feb 4, TWO MORE STAINED GLASS DESIGNS FOR CUSHIONS

Fri, 4 Feb 2022 12:00:00 -0500

We are introducing two more stained glass patterns for cushions inspired by the iconic architect and designer from the early 20th century…. Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Nov 9, ANOTHER JAPANESE CUSHION DESIGN

Tue, 9 Nov 2021 12:00:00 -0500

We adapted one of the original Japanese panels from the 18th century to create an asymmetrical delicate design called ‘BLUE IRISES’ cushion

Sep 22, A NEEDLEPOINT PINCUSHION COMBINING CELTIC AND CONTEMPORARY DESIGN

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 11:09:26 -0400

Our Celtic pincushion called ‘CELTIC TRI-COULEUR’ … was designed exclusively for our TWENTY-NINTH FREE VIVA ZIVA ! Newsletter #2129.

Apr 15, Blocking Tip for a Large Canvas

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 10:28:28 -0400

Blocking the William Morris Acanthus tapestry (6'2 x 3'). I’m such a newbie to all of this and have little experience. I’d never even heard of stretching

Mar 19, an important tool

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 12:01:44 -0400

I use a frame to keep even tension and to keep the piece clean. I use stretcher bars of several kinds and scroll frames.

Feb 5, PICASSO 1962 PORTRAIT INSPIRED OUR GLASSES CASE DESIGN

Fri, 5 Feb 2021 09:57:42 -0500

A Picasso 1962 painting of a woman inspired this GLASSES CASE design. It was created exclusively for our TWENTY-EIGHTH VIVA ZIVA ! Newsletter #2128.

Oct 16, MY FRENCH COUNTRY GARDEN SERIES SEAT COVERS

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 18:00:00 -0400

You loved ‘My French Country' Orchard Series….. Now we are adding the similar ‘floating’ designs to ‘My French Country’ Garden Series SEAT COVERS!

These ‘floating’ Garden designs are also available as CUSHIONS!

Jul 20, Does anyone have any tips for finishing round and square needlepoint hinged boxes

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 09:07:14 -0400

I’m wondering if you use 1/4 inch foam board for square boxes and what to use for round boxes. Thank you!

Jul 4, Blocking Board

Sat, 4 Jul 2020 11:33:10 -0400

Instead of plywood, nails and a hammer, use extra thick foam blocking mats. The individual “tiles” measure 12.5” square and 3/4 “ thick, and fit together

May 11, JAPANESE CUSHION DESIGNS

Mon, 11 May 2020 17:00:00 -0400

We adapted four minimalist Japanese cushion designs from rare colour Japanese woodblock images from the 1920’s.

Feb 16, FREE TABRIZ COASTER AND TRIVET TABLEWARE DESIGNS

Sun, 16 Feb 2020 13:00:00 -0500

A Persian carpet called ‘TABRIZ’ has been our inspiration to create designs for piano benches, seat benches and cushions!

For those who love timeless classic designs, we’ve adapted the Tabriz pattern again for free elegant coasters and trivet designs called inspired by Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s stylized flowers….. designed exclusively for our TWENTY- FIFTH FREE VIVA ZIVA ! Newsletter #2519.

Mar 21, MODERNIST CUSHION DESIGN WITH CONTRASTING STYLES!

Thu, 21 Mar 2019 12:00:00 -0400

Our ‘Tulips in a Spring Storm’ cushion design shows two distinctive Modernist styles….. flat graphic shapes contrasting with a textured abstract background.

A perfect combination for a textile masterpiece!

Mar 11, DAZZLING ART DECO EVENING BAGS DESIGNS

Mon, 11 Mar 2019 07:51:12 -0400
Two Art Deco evening bags designs, were created exclusively for our TWENTY-FOURTH VIVA ZIVA ! Newsletter #2419.

Sep 12, BABY’S FIRST CHRISTMAS STOCKING!

Wed, 12 Sep 2018 10:50:34 -0400
Decorations for a baby’s first Christmas stocking, featuring how to use the Penelope canvas and other techniques, were created and stitched exclusively for our TWENTY-THIRD VIVA ZIVA! Newsletter #2318.

Jul 17, MORE ART NOUVEAU AREA RUGS TO TEMPT YOU!

Tue, 17 Jul 2018 09:31:28 -0400

Our ZIVA collection of Art Nouveau area rugs just got bigger!

We’ve selected 3 classic Art Nouveau motifs from this very prolific period. Hope you like them!

Jul 12, MORE STAINED GLASS CUSHION PATTERNS!

Thu, 12 Jul 2018 10:17:15 -0400

We just added 3 more exciting stained glass cushion designs to our popular collection.......

One Art Nouveau motif and two inspired by Henri Matisse!

Dec 16, RECENT PAINTINGS OF ‘STAINED GLASS’ CUSHION DESIGNS

Sat, 16 Dec 2017 11:09:11 -0500

Dec 15, A SLEEP MASK INSPIRED BY PICASSO’S WOMEN!

Fri, 15 Dec 2017 10:27:43 -0500
This ‘Picasso-inspired’ sleep mask design, featuring the upright cross stitch, was created and stitched exclusively for our TWENTY-SECOND VIVA ZIVA ! Newsletter #2217.

Oct 11, PUTTING THE FINISHING TOUCHES ON ‘KNOX’S KNOTS’ AREA RUG DESIGN!

Wed, 11 Oct 2017 04:00:00 -0400

This striking needlepoint area rug design was inspired by British designer, Archibald Knox.

Because of his Celtic roots, Knox’s designs were suffused with Celtic ornament… interwoven knots, intricate interlacing, and stylized foliate motifs.

Our client opted not to have the background painted in order to reduce the costs. This is always an option with ZIVA !

Apr 26, FREE ‘STAINED GLASS’ MOTIF FOR A COIN PURSE OR CARD HOLDER

Wed, 26 Apr 2017 00:00:00 -0400

We adapted an original Art Nouveau stained glass panel to create ‘Spring Bling’………a dynamic motif of spring buds emerging through the ground in a blaze of dazzling colours….. reaching for the warm spring sun!

Subscribe to the VIVA ZIVA! Newsletter which will be released in May/June 2017 and create this free stained glass motif for a coin purse or card holder case

Mar 24, STAINED GLASS PATTERNS FOR CUSHIONS

Fri, 24 Mar 2017 10:58:00 -0400

We have just created an exquisite new collection of five cushion patterns all adapted from early 20th century stained glass motifs.....

and still work well in our 21st century interiors!

Mar 6, A STUNNING PROJECT IN PROGRESS!

Mon, 6 Mar 2017 00:00:00 -0500

Find out more about this striking 'stained glass' tapestry from ZIVA!

Oct 13, FREE MODULAR DESIGN FOR LOTS OF MAKING UP IDEAS!

Thu, 13 Oct 2016 10:00:00 -0400

With this one modular pattern, our free needlepoint design, called ‘Liquorice Allsorts’, can ‘grow’----- from earrings, to hair barrettes, or hair bands, or a bracelet or choker necklace! Your choice!
Subscribe to the VIVA ZIVA! Newsletter which will be released in November 2016 and create this free funky design.

Aug 14, THREE STAINED GLASS PATTERNS FOR NEEDLEPOINT TOTE BAGS OR HANDBAGS

Sun, 14 Aug 2016 13:00:00 -0400

We are introducing three stained glass patterns for tote bags or handbags inspired by renowned architects, designers and artists from the early 20th century…. Frank Lloyd Wright, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Henri Matisse.

Jun 18, THREE STAINED GLASS PATTERNS FOR NEEDLEPOINT ART

Sat, 18 Jun 2016 14:00:00 -0400

We are introducing three stained glass patterns for wall art inspired by two iconic architects and designers from the early 20th century…. Frank Lloyd Wright and Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

May 20, DIY extremely sturdy blocking board.

Fri, 20 May 2016 13:14:14 -0400
I have blocked this way for twenty plus years, Actually my materials have lasted this long, just needed new tape job once. I purchased a number of acoustic

Apr 14, THE COUCHING STITCH CREATES AN EXQUISITE PRAIRIE STYLE MOTIF !

Thu, 14 Apr 2016 10:58:58 -0400
This Prairie Style glasses/cell phone case design, featuring the couching stitch, was created and stitched exclusively for our NINETEENTH FREE VIVA ZIVA ! Newsletter #1916.

Oct 11, CARRIAGE CLOCK DESIGN INSPIRED BY PERSIAN RUGS

Sun, 11 Oct 2015 06:29:31 -0400
This classic carriage clock design with a Persian motif was created and stitched exclusively for my EIGHTEENTH FREE VIVA ZIVA ! Newsletter #1815.

Aug 26, TWO CLUTCH BAG DESIGNS INSPIRED BY GUSTAV KLIMT!

Wed, 26 Aug 2015 00:00:00 -0400

We’ve created two eye-catching clutch bag designs…. thanks to the genius of Klimt!

These ‘envelope-style’ clutch bag designs inspired by Klimt’s textiles create an abstract layered textural effect as seen so extensively in his paintings.

Aug 26, TWO MODERNIST CUSHION DESIGNS INSPIRED BY MATISSE!

Wed, 26 Aug 2015 00:00:00 -0400

“LES SILHOUETTES”

Have a look at these Modernist cushion designs with their sinuous silhouettes of warm grey leaves with strong fuchsia, blue and cool green accents…. reminiscent of Matisse’s renowned cut-outs!

Mar 23, FREE SMALL MAKEUP CASE DESIGN INSPIRED BY PAINTER GUSTAV KLIMT!

Mon, 23 Mar 2015 07:12:41 -0400

Inspired by Gustav Klimt’s Symbolist paintings, we created this stunning small makeup case ‘Klimt’s Chains’ as our next free design for our newsletter. You can make it in 2 different sizes… your choice!

The Chain Stitch lends itself perfectly to all the twists and swirls that Klimt’s spirals demand!

The next VIVA ZIVA! Newsletter will be released in early May 2015… SUBSCRIBE NOW !

Feb 12, NEW ABSTRACT CUSHION DESIGN TO ADD TO ZIVA’S MACKINTOSH COLLECTION!

Thu, 12 Feb 2015 00:00:00 -0500

Introducing Mackintosh Spirals cushion design!

We’ve adapted one of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s textile sketches to create a bold dynamic cushion design.

His abstract shapes of spirals in vivid colours with consistent use of black produces a dramatic contrast, characteristic of much of the design of the Jazz Age.

Jan 28, Blocking

Wed, 28 Jan 2015 12:17:11 -0500
From Thistle Needleworks, USA I have been told by a professional finisher that she uses watered-down wallpaper paste. The results are quite good from

Jan 28, NEW ART NOUVEAU CUSHION DESIGNS!

Wed, 28 Jan 2015 00:00:00 -0500

A CELEBRATION OF SPRING!

We are introducing two new art nouveau cushion designs with spring flower motifs to help us forget all about winter!
Although different patterns, they complement each other beautifully in style and colour.

Nov 28, My blocking tip

Fri, 28 Nov 2014 05:01:43 -0500
Measure the outside dimensions of the canvas design before you start sewing. This is the ultimate size and shape you want your work to be when blocking

Nov 15, COLOUR CHARTS NOW AVAILABLE!

Sat, 15 Nov 2014 00:00:00 -0500

Easy-to-read colour needlepoint charts with full instructions are now available for all our …
CUFF BRACELETS (below), NECKLACES, CELLPHONE CASES AND SMALL PURSES!

Sep 29, FREE SCENTED SACHET DESIGN

Mon, 29 Sep 2014 00:00:00 -0400

Stitch this free traditional Art Nouveau French design, ‘Poppies and Lavender’ , to create a scented sachet to be filled with dried lavender flowers.

We’re introducing a technique of leaving some of the natural-canvas exposed as part of the motif and colour scheme, giving the stitching a ‘bas-relief’ effect.

This technique allows more scent from the lavender to perfume your linen or clothing drawers and wardrobes.

The next VIVA ZIVA! Newsletter will be released in October 2014… SUBSCRIBE NOW !

Jul 16, CUSHION DESIGN WITH 1930’s PARISIAN CHIC!

Wed, 16 Jul 2014 00:00:00 -0400

Our cushion, ‘Parisian Colour Blocks’ is a classic example of geometric shapes created by artist and textile designer extraordinaire Sonia Delaunay in Paris in the 1930’s.

To complement the minimalist architectural shapes of this sofa, the ‘Parisian Colour Blocks’ cushion has been made up here as a crisp square-cornered box pillow.

A perfect accent for today’s contemporary interiors.

Jul 16, TWO NEW MODERNIST CUSHION DESIGNS WITH PAINTERLY STYLE!

Wed, 16 Jul 2014 00:00:00 -0400

This rhythmic delicate design from the early 20th century called 'Cascading Fuchsias' (below left) is full of flowing floral textures… ideal inspiration for the inherent tactile nature of needlepoint!

’Pines and Needles’ (above right) with its asymmetrical composition, created in a painterly style, displays a vibrant palette of flat colour blocks of golds, rusts, fresh greens and mustards.

Jun 28, A NEW CUSHION DESIGN TO CELEBRATE MATISSE’S CUT-OUTS!

Sat, 28 Jun 2014 16:00:00 -0400

Have a look at our new colourful abstract cushion design adapted from Matisse’s cut-outs called 'Matisse’s Snail'! (below left)

It’s a perfect complement to our ‘Modernism and Matisse’ cushion design.(below right)

They make a stunning and vibrant pair for your contemporary home!

Mar 28, MORE DINING CHAIR SEAT COVERS INSPIRED BY MY FRENCH COUNTRY "VIE EN ROSE"!

Fri, 28 Mar 2014 11:42:57 -0400

More French Country seat cover designs…. this time for the garden!

We’ve added 3 more designs of the typical flowers you will find in a French country garden.

To give you a taste of these designs, the delicate ‘Wisteria in Spring’ Pattern is shown below.

Mar 20, FREE STITCH SAMPLER DESIGN FOR A MODERN SERVING TRAY

Thu, 20 Mar 2014 12:19:05 -0400

A stitch sampler like no other!

It’s bold, colourful and MODERN!

We’ve selected a variety of TEN stitches including TWO new ones for a cutting edge free design for a contemporary BLACK LACQUER TRAY.

Big Thanks to Mondrian and his abstract paintings!

Subscribe to the VIVA ZIVA! Newsletter which will be released in April 2014 and create this stunning stitch sampler design for a contemporary serving tray.

Mar 10, Au Courant Collar Necklaces Add a Stylish Touch!

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 11:28:26 -0400

These voguish collar necklaces’ designs will add a striking touch to whatever you’re wearing!

Whether you wear them with your Little Black Dress or something more casual chic and colourful, they will give an exclusive look!

NEW!
These elegant designs have been designed for 18 gauge canvas and will be available ONLY in chart form!