Leni Bernardo

Many of the cross-stitch designs you find in the craft stores or online have either a National or "cutesy" theme.  Heartland House challenge the stereotype by creating contemporary designs based upon art, architecture, and things you would find in nature.  When finished the designs are elegant and useful in a contemporary home.

Who are the Designers?

Heartland House Designs (http://www.heartlandhouse.com) has been around for over 25 years, owned and run by Pat and John Henek.  They create a variety of unique designs with Pat developing the designs and stitching the prototype.  She also is the one who works with the customer service.  John handles the business aspect of the design company, managing the marketing element.

What Designs Do They Carry?

Heartland House is cross-stitch for the artsy set.  They sell designs based on museum collections.  They also have botanical prints, tudor plants, and architecturally based designs.  If you are looking for national symbols, tropical fish, buildings, or endangered animal designs, they are all here.  Also found on their site are zodiac symbols and World War I planes. 

However, one of the highlights of Heartland House Designs is the multitude of Frank Lloyd Wright patterns.  There is a whole collection of patterns and kits of the unpublished "Liberty Magazine" covers that Frank Lloyd Wright created from 1927 to 1928 along with some characteristic design elements used in his buildings.  Also, there is a devotion to Chicago designs, because… well… it is their hometown.  However, there are also designs that are fitting for people from around the world.  Plus, there are some patterns of their favorite university buildings from schools like the Universities of Illinois and Iowa.

What Else Do They Market?

Heartland House sells both patterns and kits for many of their projects.  For those that do not like to do the shopping and want to make things easy, the kits include evenweave fabric, DMC floss, graph, needle, instructions, and a photograph.

If you are looking for needlepoint canvases, Heartland House Designs carries those, too.  They have a variety of handpainted needlepoint canvases with themes like the aforementioned Frank Lloyd Wright, botanicals, butterflies, zodiac signs, and more.  You will need to download the collections to view each selection.  They can ship directly to you or even to a specialty store. 

If you want to get something special for your favorite cross-stitcher, Heartland House Designs sells gift certificates.  This way you don't have to worry about choosing a design her or she will like, but instead the recipient can choose a special design to create.  They also have a print catalog available for those who do not have access to the internet.

Pricing

Heartland House Designs pricing is very reasonable.  Most of their cross-stitch patterns cost $7.00 each.  Kits range from $16 to $40 depending on the complexity of the design.  Needlepoint canvases are a little more pricey, averaging $42 each.

Open Minded

Besides having a variety of designs that you just cannot find anywhere else, Pat and John are open to feedback from their customers.  They have a section where you can offer them feedback and suggestions for new projects.  They also have a mailing list where you can keep up with new happenings at Heartland House Designs.

Heartland House Designs takes an age old craft like cross-stitch and allows avid stitchers to create more than just country samplers.  For those who love contemporary and simple design elements, these patterns are a perfect solution.  They are great designs to give as gifts and are easy enough for most beginners to try.