It all started with some graph paper and a box of colored pencils. I wanted something "Saluki" to wear, and the only way I knew to get that was to design some cross-stitch patterns and make them myself. I made two major patterns that way, the one I call "Tapestry" and the other called "Hunt" that I stitched on sweatshirts. Around the same time, I made some smaller silhouettes of running Salukis that I stitched around the hem of a T-shirt dress for the 1996 National specialty. I completed the "Tapestry" sweatshirt on my first trip to California, stitching on the way out and back on the plane as well as in the motel room I shared with my friend, Laurie. Later, when I got a computer, Laurie (an avid stitcher herself!) sent me a software program for designing patterns on the computer. Wow! What a tool! I had no idea something that like even existed, and it opened up a whole new way of planning and creating. By then I recognized that the time involved in designing and executing each piece was worthy of something more durable than a sweatshirt. A jeans jacket struck me as the most versatile and lasting item that could be worn repeatedly, more often than a shirt. The first two jeans jackets of my own design were offered through an on-line auction to benefit Saluki Health Research. After that, I went crazy coming up with ideas for new designs. Creating the patterns and seeing them "come to life" was addictive. Of course, a person can only wear so many jeans jackets, so I made a few of my creations (under the tag "Saluki Blues") available at the National specialty in June 2001. They were very much appreciated, but June in Kentucky isn't exactly jacket weather… so I took the couple I had left, along with a couple additional pieces, up to the Eastern Regional weekend in Stormville, NY that September. In the interim, I had several special requests to stitch for people who wanted a particular design on a different size jacket than I had originally put it on. I've completed between 15-20 jackets total, in addition to the couple sweatshirts I've made for myself and a few other sweatshirts for friends during the graph paper years. I spend anywhere from 10 to 15 hours with each major piece, from conception through completion, so by the time they leave me I like to have a picture to remember them by. I'm pleased to be able to share them with you now. And I wish to thank Laurie again for her generous contribution to my endeavors.

Click on the images to enlarge.

Butterflies

This lighthearted design makes its home in Florida. The fade of this jacket lent itself beautifully to the black outlining.

Camel with Palms

Of all my creations, my very first camel has wandered the farthest from home.. now in England, having first passed through California by way of the lovely lady who inspired me to come up with the pattern.

Desert Dream

One of my first, after the Saluki Health Research pieces, to leave home... for California. The open and fanciful spirit of this design, along with its bold color scheme, made it a perfect match for its owner, in my opinion.

Aspen

This was by special request, a pair of running Salukis in shaeds of emerald and lapis... some of my most favorite colors, so I was only too glad to oblige.

Lotus

Stitched from the first pattern created using Laurie's gift of cross-stitch software, this particular jacket is close to home and close to my heart... worn by my friend Carmen, housemate of Ch. Aijalon Judah Ben Kamar, LCM3.

Nile Nights

In compelling shades of coral, from palest peach to almost red, this one is still looking for the perfect hiome. I've been tempted more than once to make it mine... but I do have one already and would prefer for each of my creations to have their very own person.

Midnight Oasis

While each piece is special in its own way, this one had the unique honor of opening the way for an otherwise unlikely pen-pal relationship. Unlikely, because I wouldn't have made the acquaintance of someone living in Indiana who grew up with Salukis and now lives with other breeds... but with whom I share so much in other areas... had her mother (still an avid Saluki enthusiast) not planned to present this for her for Christmas 2001.

Moonlight

First thing that comes to mind to say about this piece is that the minute I had completed it, I was so very sorry I had started with a jacket that wasn't my size <grin>. Through the ASA silent auction at Lompoc 2001, it became a permanent resident of California.

Shadow in Blue

This was the second of my two Saluki Health Research offerings. When the bidding was over, I was commissioned by the winner to alter it just a bit. Several parti patches were added before sending it off to sunny Florida.

Tapestry on Black

The same pattern as the sweatshirt I stitched on the plan to San Francisco (before the arrival of the cross-stitch software), only with a black background. This was my first Saluki Health Research offering. It also went to Florida, where it will undoubtedly last its owner a lifetime as I understand it doesn't get cool enough down there to get a lot of wear.

Desert Sunset

This design launched a whole new direction for me, the idea of a scene within a silhouette. Midnight Oasis (pictured above) is also one of these, but Desert Sunset came first. I'm glad to know it is being well cared for and enjoyed by a lovely lady in New Jersey. I got to see it again in Virginia Beach this year!

Pyramids & Palms

This was the second of this pattern to be stitched... but the first and only thus far to be done on something other than one of my jeans jacket purchases. A friend of mine had a jacket she loved and wanted "Salukified". She also had a Saluki item I had coveted and a trade seemed the only proper thing to do... so we did. I don't have a picture of the first Pyramids & Palms piece since I think I must have lost the roll of film it was on upon returning home from the Eastern Regional in September 2001. It was done primarily in shades of turquoise and violet on denim, and when I receive a picture from its owner in NJ, I'll add it for everyone to see.

Camel Oasis

Designed first, but stitched after Camel with Palms, this one had settled in the with same Californian who was instrumental in seeing its predecessor was a well placed in England. Its name was inspired by its rich color.

Rainbow

Tons of fun to plan and complete, with its bold color and free flowing design. I might see it again some June in Lexington... or if I ever make my way to Colorado.

Double Rainbow

I had such fun with Rainbow, I decided two would be twice the fun. It was worked in a slightly different pallette... softer in tone, but just as colorful. This one wasn't even finished when it was chosen by a Saluki lover in New Jersey to make its home with her as soon as it was ready to leave.

Stardust

My latest creation, in soft shades of gold, moss and aqua... I could happily have kept this one for myself... but the perfect match for it was made in Virginia Beach and I had to let it go. I know it will be worn very well.

SCOA Trophies

These two pieces were stitched on denim tote bags and donated as trophies for SCOAs Diamond Jubilee National Specialty. On top is Coursing Bitch, and below is Bred by Exhibitor Dog.

Sapphire Sky

Last (for now) but not least, is the piece I designed and stitched for myself. I had to have blues, and I had to have the silhouette that started this most enjoyable venture... the one I used years ago when I made my first graph paper pattern, inspired by a beautiful bitch in a TSQ ad whose name I haven't requested permission to print... so I'll just keep everyone guessing.