Considered a favorite flower by many, roses have long enchanted people. Roses are available in a multitude of colors, shapes, and sizes. They provide drama and beauty to any garden. If you're looking for a wonderful heirloom-quality project, you can't really go wrong with a cross stitch rose pattern.
One reason so many people are fascinated by roses is how they symbolize life's struggles and achievements. If you survive the thorns of life, you're rewarded with loveliness and contentment.
You'll find no shortage of possibilities if you are looking for a cross stitch rose pattern. You can stitch an arrangement of realistic roses or, if you like, a modern rendition by artists such as Rennie Mackintosh. The design you decide to stitch should suit the tastes of the recipient. But as you're considering your choices, don't forget the symbolic meaning of roses.
Historically, the Greek goddesses of love, Aphrodite and Venus were identified by roses, and in Italy, a wild rose would be placed on the door of a room where confidential matters were being discussed. Thus, the term 'sub rosa', meaning literally 'under the rose' means 'keeping a secret'.
Many centuries ago, Christians considered the five petals of the rose to symbolise the five wounds of Christ, and the red rose was used to symbolise the blood of Christian martyrs.
Many cultures feel the rose is symbolic. For both England and the United States, the rose is the national flower. For many people, social democracy and socialism are symbolized by red roses. Roses can be found on many coats of arm. Moreover, the English War of the Roses was fought by two groups, the House of Lancaster and the House of York, that were represented by roses. The House of Lancaster was represented by a red rose while the House of York was represented by a white rose.
According to the language of flowers, the color and shape of roses have great symbolic importance. These can communicate a message to the recipient of the rose.
* Red roses are thought to symbolize love. If the red rose is a rosebud, it symbolizes both beauty and purity. Also, if a red rose has no thorns, it's believed to reflect love at first sight.
* Yellow roses are for friendship, new starts, and platonic love. If the tips of the yellow rose's petals are red, then the flower symbolizes falling in love. If you're in Germany or any other country that speaks predominately German, avoid yellow roses. They're thought to symbolize the green-eyed monster, jealousy, and infidelity.
* Pink roses are suitable when you appreciate the actions of another. If the pink is dark, then the rose symbolizes being grateful to another person. At the other end of the spectrum, light or pale pink roses convey being sympathetic toward the other person.
* Peach or orange roses symbolize fascination with another and feelings of desire and passion.
* White roses are always popular, especially with brides. They depict innocence and purity. White rosebuds are always in demand because they symbolize starting a new life. Some people feel white roses also stand for humility and reverence.
Finding the perfect cross stitch rose pattern sometimes is a little difficult. You may find a design you like, but the color of the roses may be all wrong. The solution to this dilemma is easy. Simply change the color of the roses.
Before you start, keep these hints in mind:
* If you find you need to use threads of a different color, buy the same brand as the other threads. Threads from different cross stitch companies can vary in appearance, so always utilize the same thread brand.
* Remember that you will not be just choosing one color, because the design will probably not contain a solid block of color. You may need to buy several different colored threads. For example, a red rose may contain about four different types of red thread. This makes the rose appear more three dimensional.
* Craft shops can be a huge help when you're deciding what threads you'll need. You'll be able to test the threads by putting them next to each other. This way, you can guarantee that the finished flowers will look great. As you decide which colors to use, don't forget about the other colors in your cross stitch rose pattern. You'll want to consider the material and any other stitching that will appear in the pattern.
Keep these tips in mind, and you're certain to create a great rose pattern that will delight a friend or family member.
Get your free quality-report from Patterns Patch cross stitch community. There are more than 150 cross stitch charts available for John Wigham's club members with some featuring a cross stitch rose pattern.
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