The Greek goddess, Athena, was considered the protector of weaving and handcraft, so it is no wonder that there has been a lively interchange of motifs and designs between weaving and embroidery through the centuries. This allover design, inspired by an 18th century Greek textile, features a shuttle motif arranged into octagons which evokes a basket of shuttles waiting for the loom. Shown finished as a cushion cover in a traditional color palette of terra cotta, warm blue, black, gold, and fresh green.
 
Finished size (exclusive of finishing): 11.5 x 11.5 inches
Stitch count: 179 x 179sts/12697 total sts
 
My high quality kits come with everything you need to make the embroidery in the photos--30ct 100% cotton Mikini in ivory, DMC floss, full color SOC (symbol-on-chart) pattern with both a close up and a full size schematic so you know how many repeats to work, along with a John James size 24 tapestry needle. The raw edges of the fabric are serged for your convenience, so you can start stitching as soon as you open the kit!
 
Also available as a pattern download here
 
I recommend the Essex "Linen" cushion backing kit if you'd like to finish your embroidery like the cushion cover shown in the photos. You can find it on the Fabrics and Notions page.
 
Sample stitched by Krista West