Avlea Folk Embroidery

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Avlea Folk Embroidery Cross stitch and embroidery kits inspired by the rich and beautiful

textile traditions of the Mediterranean. Folk embroidery is my joy!

I'm the designer and owner of Avlea Folk Embroidery and I create cross stitch and embroidery kits inspired by traditional Mediterranean folk embroidery

Illyrian Scroll and Leaves began with a tiny snippet of a chart in a vintage needlework booklet of Balkan embroidery. I ...
10/17/2026

Illyrian Scroll and Leaves began with a tiny snippet of a chart in a vintage needlework booklet of Balkan embroidery. I fell for those scrolls right away, then spent a long time carefully designing them into something new: a wall hanging stitched in a gorgeous terra cotta monochrome. "Illyrian" is the ancient name for that corner of Europe, and it felt right for a design with this much flourish. This design was too special not to be shared with a new generation of stitchers.

One of my favorite tasks each week is writing my weekly email. It’s where I share new releases, chat about what’s going ...
10/16/2026

One of my favorite tasks each week is writing my weekly email. It’s where I share new releases, chat about what’s going on in the workshop, and show lots of folk embroidery photos. It only comes once a week, and it's where I write a little longer about the traditions behind each design. If you'd like to join me there, the sign-up link is in my bio.

10/15/2026

Corinthian Floral, inspired by Greek folk costume. I love creating a cozy vibe with embroidered cushions.

Because I learned to cross stitch in Greece, I hadn't seen many American patterns. Friends of mine recently introduced m...
10/13/2026

Because I learned to cross stitch in Greece, I hadn't seen many American patterns. Friends of mine recently introduced me to "shaded overlap" charts and I am SMITTEN! I had no idea my Winstitch charting software could do this, but as soon as I figured it out, boy howdy, I got to work. I've now updated the charts on almost all of my PDF patterns and kits so you can have an easier and more pleasant stitching experience. If you've bought one of these patterns, I'm emailing you the new copy as each one is finished.

I’ve always loved clove pinks. In my latest design, Clove and Arbor, a row of stylized trees runs down the center with c...
10/10/2026

I’ve always loved clove pinks. In my latest design, Clove and Arbor, a row of stylized trees runs down the center with carnations (known as clove pinks) blooming on either side, adapted from several 18th century Greek embroideries. I kept the traditional deep green and terra cotta, then added alizarin and gold for a little extra color and glow. It finishes as a generous table runner, and it's now available at the website as a kit or PDF pattern (link in bio).

On Sunday, stitchers filled the Hanai Center for my first-ever Courtyard Retreat, and I still feel like I’m floating on ...
10/09/2026

On Sunday, stitchers filled the Hanai Center for my first-ever Courtyard Retreat, and I still feel like I’m floating on a cloud from all of the amazing community, stitching, and sharing our experiences with how handcraft has helped us flourish. It was everything I hoped a day of making together could be. Thank you to everyone who came and brought their projects and their good company!

10/08/2026

A lot of visual punch from a little bit of embroidery! Mitered cushion technique from my book Everyday Folk showing the Naxos Stars design.

One of my favorite everyday textiles is the humble cloth over the bread basket. It keeps the bread warm, dresses up the ...
10/06/2026

One of my favorite everyday textiles is the humble cloth over the bread basket. It keeps the bread warm, dresses up the simplest meal, and tells a guest they're welcome before anyone says a word. Because basket cloths are used and washed so often, they've always been small, sturdy, and quick to stitch, which is exactly why I love designing them. Demetra is my newest, with Cretan diamonds and stars on a square of evenweave and an easy fringe finish.

Some designs ask for a lot of color, and some are beautiful in monochrome. Illyrian Scroll and Leaves is stitched entire...
10/03/2026

Some designs ask for a lot of color, and some are beautiful in monochrome. Illyrian Scroll and Leaves is stitched entirely in warm terra cotta on vanilla linen, and I love how the single color lets every curling scroll and leaf show. A hexagonal medallion sits in the center, framed by a delicate floral border. I finished mine as a lined wall hanging on one of my beechwood tapestry rods, but it's just as lovely as a table runner or bolster cushion.

It's one of my larger designs, the kind that gives you many good evenings of stitching this fall🍂 Kit, paper pattern, or PDF pattern at the website (link in bio).

Two days until The Courtyard stitching retreat, and I'm reviewing my notes today. After months of reading the research, ...
10/02/2026

Two days until The Courtyard stitching retreat, and I'm reviewing my notes today. After months of reading the research, what strikes me most is how much of it describes what stitchers already feel as soon as they sit down to stitch: the slower breathing, the quiet mind, the pleasure of watching a pattern grow. I can't wait to share it with a room full of makers on Sunday🙂

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P O Box 226
Sisters, OR

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