Shakespeare has been in the news a lot recently. The 400th anniversary of his death in 1616 was commemorated on April 23. I was thinking about doing a roundup of spring patterns this week, but then I thought it would be more fun to find cross-stitch patterns inspired by Shakespeare instead.

I have some ideas for my own Shakespearean cross-stitch patterns, but there are some good ones already available. Here are just a few:

In the image above:

• Left: “Shakespeare” by Bothy Threads
• Top Right: “William Shakespeare Mini Cushion” by Sheena Rogers Designs

• Top Image: “Shakespeare’s Fairies” by Mirabilia
• Bottom Left: “Good in Everything” by Rosewood Manor
• Bottom Right: “I Like This Place” by Barbara Ana Designs

Finally, I also have to mention “Shakespearean Fantasy” by James Christensen for Heaven and Earth Designs–an astounding work of art, and the tiny photo on the website does not do it justice.

I love the variety in these patterns. They are each so different from each other yet they are inspired by the same writer. Did I miss any other favorite Shakespearean cross-stitch patterns?