So, you all know the pros and cons of Pinterest when it comes to cross stitch patterns. Without going into all of that, I’m sharing my most recent frustration.

If I find a pattern I like on Pinterest, I ALWAYS do an exhaustive search looking for the original pattern designer and purchase it through them or a reputable dealer. However, this time I’ve been stymied at every turn!

I’ve uploaded the photo I saw on Pinterest (which leads nowhere, of course). I have spent no less than SIX hours going down internet rabbit holes (I have ADHD and hyper focus is real) to find where it came from. Here’s what I DO know:

1. The pattern designer was Danish cross stitch artist Gerda Bengtsson.

2. The individual motifs seem to be pulled from two books: ‘Fruits & Berries’ and ‘Gerda Bengtsson Classic 1.’

3. Neither of these books has been in print in decades and neither is available for purchase from used booksellers on the internet.

4. Both books, with patterns, are available in PDF format on a Russian website devoted to vintage cross stitch (as far as I can tell - maybe it’s a spy ring trying to infiltrate the US via crafters?) ????????‍♀️

What would you do in this situation? Is it okay to use a bootleg pattern from a sketchy Russian website when it’s not available in any other way?

And then there’s figuring out if the color numbers correspond with DMC or something else and if they include discontinued colors since the patterns are so old (we’re talking 1970’s).

Why am I doing this to myself? ????