What’s the difference between modern and traditional cross stitch portraits?
At Athens Stitchery there are a few key differences between modern and traditional portraits. Modern portraits use realistic hair techniques on the people and straight/satin/french knots stitches on the pets in the portraits. Where best suited, mixed stitches will be used for clothing and the eyes are a filled in square instead of the typical “x” found in traditional cross stitch. Also in traditional cross stitched portraits, the hair is made of x patterns and most clothing will have an x stitch base. Beginning in 2025, portraits will be stitched in the modern style unless the customer specifically asks for a traditional stitched portrait.
How to Order
Because of that, the only way to currently order is by being on the wait list or by snagging a monthly spot in the shop. You can contact me here or email me at athensstitchery@gmail.com if you are interested in being added to the list. PLEASE NOTE, I AM NOT CURRENTLY SHIPPING OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES.
Waiting List Information
Every time someone asks to be added to the waiting list, I add their name to the bottom of the list. The next time I open up orders, I contact the first few people on the list if they are ready to place their order. Turn around time is approx. 4 to 6 weeks.
Once you are contacted letting you know that your spot on the wait list is up and I receive confirmation that you are ready to place your order, I will set up a reserved listing for you in the shop. You will then purchase the listing and I will send you the form to fill out with the specifics of your portrait. The wait list does not bind you to placing an order, but you are required to purchase your reserved listing before I will begin your project.
Click HERE and you can see...
where you are on the list
if you want to be added to the list
MONTHLY SPOTS - There will be monthly spots listed in the Athens Stitchery Shop. These will be announced on Instagram (@athensstitchery.dollhouse and @angiependley) prior to listing.
Christmas Ornaments
Christmas Ornaments will only be sold by listings in the Athens Stitchery Shop. There is not a wait list for ornaments. Selling dates will be announced on Instagram {@athensstitchery.dollhouse and @angiependley}.
What to expect when you place your order…
When your order is placed, I will email a google form to you with this list of questions/directions... PLEASE SUBMIT RESPONSES AND PICTURES WITHIN 72 HOURS.
1. How many people/pets would you like included in your portrait?
2. Are any of the people an infant in arms or a baby on the hip (for children bigger than swaddling age, but not quite big enough to stand on their own)?
3. Would you like them wearing regular clothes or something special (a certain style, fan clothes, etc)?
4. Do you have any color preferences or are there particular things that they would/would not wear?
5. Please email pictures to me! It is ok if it is not a picture of all the people together (although it is nice to see height differences) I do not typically stitch an exact copy of clothing from a photograph, but use it for hairstyle and color, clothing styles and color choices. I work hard to stitch pets to their likeness, but if I cannot see particular markings or tail in the picture provided, I make decisions based on what is typical of the breed.
6. I typically use this text below the portrait " THE {insert family last name} FAMILY 2025" . The family last name is stitched in my own cursive style handwriting, while THE and FAMILY and 2025 are in a smaller block stitch. If you would like something different, please let me know at the time of ordering.
