A New Year and New Direction

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. ~ Albert Einstein

It's a new year and I think time to take Stitchnmomma in a new direction.  You may have already noticed the change in description in my blog header as well as on my Facebook page. 

Here's a brief look at some of the changes you can expect to see this year:

• Hand-dyed fabrics will be discontinued.  Once I use all my supplies I currently have on hand I won't be dyeing any more.  If you've been purchasing on the Customer Loyalty Program, don't worry, I'm not about to leave you hanging.  Once all my fabrics have been sold, each customer will be contacted individually regarding their status and how the program will be handled.

• There will be new sections in my Etsy shop, to make for an easier shopping experience when trying to find items, with more hand stitched items available that will be perfect for gift giving.  And yes, it's perfectly OK to buy "gifts" for yourself.  :)

• Look for more new patterns this year, some of which will be released prior to me stitching the model.  Popular opinion is most stitchers don't seem to care if the pattern has been stitched prior to the sale, so on some of the "easier" patterns like silhouettes, I'll be releasing them prior to having all the models done.  As for the more detailed patterns, some of those will be released once I've reached a point in the model stitching that I know there should be no problems with the design. Patterns will still be available in my Etsy shop, but for those of you that want to download your PDF patterns immediately with no wait for me to email them, you can purchase through my Craftsy shop.  And yes, you will notice a price difference. That is due to the fees that Etsy charges vs. Craftsy.  Please note that Craftsy patterns don't qualify towards the Customer Loyalty Program.

I'm feeling really inspired so look for great things this year!  And as always, if there is something specific you're looking for, please don't ever hesitate to contact me. ♥

A Snowy Haiku From Me To You

Dear Snow, I hate you

You are so not welcome here

Go away for good

It's only December 30th and I'm already cursing living in N.E. Ohio for yet another cold & snowy winter, as if you couldn't tell.  I think I kept repeating this yesterday as I was outside shoveling out the sidewalk and drive way...once again.

Pattern of the Week - December 29, 2012

It's not quite New Year's Eve yet, but why not break out the champagne early?  I *love* this pattern by AAN that is available through 123stitch.com.  Just click the photo for more info and/or to purchase it.  :)

Wordless Wednesday - December 26, 2012

Photo courtesy of Il Piccolo Istrione

Pattern of the Week - December 22, 2012

I've been feeling under the weather this week and have still been trying to keep up with the massive work hours, the upcoming holidays and all my Stitchnmomma stuff, which has left me feeling rather brain-dead.  Unfortunately that means I'm not always feeling inspired to make decisions.  That's where my son's girlfriend came in this week.  I had her give me themes and I searched out patterns from there.  Here first theme was apples.  I found this cute pattern at 123stitch.com that has a rather nostalgic feel to it.  If you're interested in the pattern, just click the photo to go to the listing where it can be purchased.

Freebie Friday - December 21, 2012

If you're a Mirabilia fan, be sure to get this Freebie while it's still around!  Just click the photo to go to the page where you can download it.  :)

Wordless Wednesday - December 19, 2012

Photo courtesy of Achille Lombardi

Put Some Sparkle in Your Stitching

I know many stitchers say they don't like working with metallics.  Me?  Well I absolutely love them!!  I've worked with several brands over the years and have decided Kreinik Metallics are my absolute favorite!  They may be a little more expensive than some of the others, but I think they're well worth the price.

While I was a recently checking out a LNS that was new to me, I picked up a couple of spools of Kreinik #12 Tapestry Braid in a beautiful color of Aquamarine (color #684). When I brought it home and showed it to my son along with the bright green fabric I wanted to stitch something on, he wrinkled up his nose and told me he didn't like it together.  He proceeded to explain to me that he thought I should use black fabric with the metallic braid (this coming from a 20-year-old that doesn't stitch).  Well, I hate to say it, but he was right.

I ended up going with the black fabric, and even decided to use it on a completely different project.  This is a picture of the model I'm currently working on for my latest silhouette pattern...a cat.

I'm stitching using what is referred to as "tent stitching" or the "half stitch technique" in cross stitch.  Or for others, you may want to just refer to it as needlepoint, because it's basically the same as the "continental stitch" that is used in the form of needlework.  You can read more about those stitch descriptions in a previous Tips & Techniques post here.  

This piece has been a relatively quick stitch.  Unfortunately the 2 spools I bought won't be enough, so I'll have to find time in the next day or two to get back out to that LNS and pick up some more metallics so I can finish it off.

How do you feel about metallics?  Do you like stitching with them?  Have you ever used them for an entire piece, or just the blending filaments to compliment the other flosses?  I'd love to hear how you've used metallics in the past!  :)

Pattern of the Week - December 15, 2012

If you've been a follower of me for any length of time on my blog or Facebook page, you probably know that my dream is to live in a small village in Italy.  I've recently come across this pattern and though it was a perfect one to share with you.  :)

Click the photo if you're interested in purchasing the pattern.

Freebie Friday - December 14, 2012

I went to share the Freebie Friday post this morning on my Facebook page, and realized I never set one up to publish.  Oops!  So that meant as soon as I was home from an appointment I went in search of what I could share with you today.

One of my stitching friends recently became a new "Dog Mom" to a cute beagle puppy.  As soon as I saw this pattern I knew I just had to share it with everyone.  I'm sure she'll be downloading it to stitch later.

Just click the photo and you'll go to where you can download it.  Enjoy and happy stitching!  :)

Wordless Wednesday - December 12, 2012

Photo Courtesy of Lo Charme è un nodo da stringere con

Money Monday - December 10, 2012

For all you embroidery lovers out there...

I hope this sale is still going on.  Jen posted it yesterday, but it doesn't say how long it's going on.  She has wonderful patterns and who can beat 50% off?!?!

If you want to see what beauties she has, just click the photo.  :)

Pattern of the Week - December 8, 2012

Today I'll be putting up the Christmas tree and it has me thinking about 2012 coming to an end and 2013 being a positive year for me.  A New Year is always wonderful for fresh starts...not only with life in general, but new cross stitch starts.  I thought this cute, little "Happy New Year" piece by Lizzie Kate would be a great (and easy to stitch) pattern just for the occasion.  

Click the photo if you're interested in purchasing the pattern.  :)

Freebie Friday - December 7, 2012

I think most of you know I'm a VERY PROUD military mom.  That also means as soon as I started planning today's post I realized it is Pearl Harbor Day.  

In honor of the great country we live in, and all the brave men and women that defend us day & night, I found a patriotic pattern to share with you.  

The pattern is brought to you by the fine folks at Military XStitch.com

If you're looking for a military insignia, then they are the shop for you!  They have patterns available for all 5 branches (yes 5...the U.S. Coast Guard is technically a branch of the military) as well as the Military and Naval Academies.

If you want the pattern, just click the flag and you'll be taken to it on their fantastic site! 

Wordless Wednesday - December 5, 2012

Photo courtesy of One Big Photo

Money Monday - December 3, 2012

IT'S TIME FOR A GIVEAWAY!!!

Ok, so I have an ulterior motive, but it will be a win/win for all of us!!  :)

OK peeps, here's the GIVEAWAY DETAILS....

* Go to my Facebook page and share THE PHOTO BELOW and help me get to MORE THAN 400 likes BEFORE December 15th.

* Once I get over the 400 mark, I'll have a giveaway from the names of everyone that SHARES THIS PHOTO

* One name will be randomly drawn to win any 3 PDF Cross Stitch Patterns of their choice from my shop ( www.stitchnmomma.etsy.com ) That's a $15+ value!! :)

Thanks for your help!!  I really want to make it over the 400 mark so I can offer everyone a fantastic deal!!  :)

Is "Stitch" M.I.A.????

Yes, unfortunately "Stitch" (as many of my Etsy friends refer to me) has been Missing In Action.  It's been over a week since I've done a blog post.  :(

Sadly my 70 hour work weeks have started interfering with Stitchnmomma.  Not only have I not been blogging, but I haven't even had the time or energy to stitch.  I've had to make the choice that sleep is slightly more important right now.

Please stay with me through the holidays.  My work schedule will slow down after that and I should be able to resume my routine on, hopefully, a normal basis.  Until then, I will blog as much as I can, and with any luck even be able to get some stitching in there too.

A New Opportunity

Recently I was asked to join Stitching the Night Away as a monthly contributor.  I'm beyond thrilled at the opportunity, as I think Loretta's site is amazing and it's a new audience I can talk to about stitching.  

Yesterday was my very first post and I thought I'd share it with you.  It's just the beginning of what I hope will be a great series.  Please take a moment to stop by and read it, and of course feel free to join in with the discussion via comments.

Hope everyone's had a fantastic Thanksgiving weekend (if you're in the U.S.) and was able to get lots of stitching done.  :)

It's Here!!!!!

You're probably wondering what's here.  Well if you haven't figured it out by the great big picture, it's SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY!  The one day a year we all come together to support the small businesses...mom & pop shops, independent artists, etc.

Today only in my Etsy shop, if you use coupon code SMALLBIZSAT you will receive 20% off your order.  It even includes items already marked down in the Clearance Section.  Sorry, but the discount doesn't apply to shipping charges.

And in case I haven't told you enough throughout the year, THANK YOU for your continued support.  If it weren't for great fans & customers like YOU, I wouldn't be here.  :)

The Biggest Shopping Weekend of the Year....

Thank you!!!

I wanted to take a moment today today to say THANK YOU!  

All of you are the reason I'm here.  :)

Wordless Wednesday - November 20, 2012

Photo courtesy of Clark Little Photography

Portrait Embroidery

I think by now everyone knows I like to browse the web and find different little bits of art I find amazing to share with you.  Recently I came across a portrait artist by the name of Cayce Zavaglia.  A lot of people make portraits, you may be thinking, so what makes her so special?

Well, take a look at this photo and I think you'll see.  All of her portraits are embroidered!  

I must say, watching the video (click the picture to see it), I'm a little bit jealous (ok, maybe a LOT jealous) of her talent.  I mean she doesn't even use a pattern and the detail is absolutely phenomenal!!!

I don't even know what else to say besides I'm in awe and I really, really think you should take the 4 minutes to watch the video and see how she creates them.  :)

 

Pattern of the Week - November 17, 2012

Whew! Saturday is almost over and I'm just getting around to my weekly post.  So sorry about that, hope I didn't keep you waiting.  :)

So this week it's not cross stitch, and it's not a pattern, but it's still needlework and beautiful!

One of the many designers I follow on Facebook is Emily Peacock.  She shared a photo this morning of this gorgeous peacock one of her customers finished into a pillow.  I decided instantly I needed to track it down and make it the pattern of the week.

The design is called "MidCentury Peacock" and is available as a needlepoint kit through her Etsy shop.  If you're interested in learning more about it, just click the picture and you'll be taken straight to the listing.   

 

Wordless Wednesday - November 14, 2012

Photo courtesy of Michelle Roberts Photography

Tips & Techniques - Facebook Biz Page "Schedule" Feature

I thought I'd do something a little different today and branch outside of the needlework realm. 

I know so many people online that have Facebook business/fan pages and don't know about one of my favorite tools.  It's the "schedule" feature.  Sorry peeps, it's not available for personal pages.

It's super simple.  You just add your photo, status update, whatever.  Then before you click the "post" button, you click on the little clock icon in the lower left corner (see photo below).  That will then bring up different links for scheduling your post (year, month, day, hour, minute).  Once you select all the criteria you want your "post" button will now become a "schedule" button.

If you're like me, and work multiple jobs with long hours outside your business, or even if you're really busy with your business and/or family and just can't spend a lot of time on the computer, it's a great tool to use.  I typically schedule 1-3 posts that will then share at different times throughout the day while I'm at work, have a busy day running errands etc.  It's great to be able to connect with my fans & customers that are spread out over various time zones throughout the world, as well as not bombarding them with a bunch of stuff at one time while I'm able to be on the computer.

Hope this has helps people out there organize their time a little better.  We all know time is something we can always use more of.

Pattern of the Week - November 10, 2012

I was rather undecided this week (and a little rushed) on what I was going to select as the pattern of the week.  Based upon the fact that Bromley Mountain in Vermont started making snow this week, I decided my theme would be "winter sports".

I quickly did a Google search to see what was out there, and wouldn't you know, my favorite online shop (well, besides my own, lol!) had a selection that was first on the list, so that's what I went with.  

Aren't these snowmen just the cutest things???  And the pattern for all 6 of them is only $5.39 + shipping.  Talk about a bargain! If you're interested in getting the pattern, just click the photo and you'll go straight through to 123stitch.com

And as a side note that's unrelated to stitching, I personally DON'T ski. In fact I'm not keen on snow at all.  I'd say in this case, hate isn't too strong of a word to use.  If I never had to leave my house when the white stuff is outside I'd be the happiest woman on earth.  

So you may ask, why do I know what's going on at Bromley Mountain?  Well, have you ever taken a ride in an alpine slide?  If you haven't then you have no idea what you're missing!  Did this the first time many, many years ago when I was a kid on Bromley Mountain.  And sorry, that's not me in the photo.  I got this from Bromley's website.  :)

Freebie Friday - November 9, 2012

This week I was asked to find a small butterfly pattern.  Well, I found lots of them. There were so many I like I figured instead of sharing just one I'd share all of them.  Just click the picture and you'll be taken to the page where you can download any of them for free.

Happy Stitching!  :)

P.S.  There are even more butterflies than what are shown below!

Icing Artwork

I recently came across this artist on the web and was amazed by the artwork she creates from cake icing!  The mural on this wall is "painted" completely using the same icing you would use to decorate a cake with.

I spent quite a bit of time scrolling through all the pictures on her site and was amazed by them and the stories that go with all the different pieces of art she creates.   She also has a series of sand sculptures featured that were created years ago.  I'd definitely check those out also.

And just about 6 weeks ago she participated in an event in Toronto, ON with this awesome display.  Tons of pics to look at here.  Wish I could have been there to see it in person.  I'm sure I would have enjoyed not only seeing her wall, but all the others that were part of the event.

Now if you'll excuse me, all this talk of cake icing is making me hungry.  Think it's time for some breakfast.  :)

Wordless Wednesday - November 7, 2012

Photo Courtesy of Thru Her Eyes Photography

Have You Been Heard?

I'm not big on all the crap we've been inundated with during election season (especially for those of us that live in Ohio or any of the other "battleground states") this year in the U.S.  What I will say is what I was told by my parents growing up....

Today is election day.  If your state is one that participates in early voting and you haven't done so yet, I strongly encourage you to do so TODAY.  Get out there to the polls and make your voice heard...regardless of what your opinion is or what party/candidate you support.  And don't just vote for the Presidential election, pay attention to what is going on in your own community.  It's amazing what the power of the people can do.

I'm Stitchnmomma and I approve this message.  LOL!

Money Monday - November 5, 2012

Guess where I'll be shopping this weekend?????

If you guessed JoAnn Fabric and Craft Stores then you are correct!!

I've scanned a portion of my recent mailer I received.  Look at that...DMC floss at $.33/skein AND a 60% off one item coupon.  Now I just need to decide what that one item is that I want to get a really good price on.

If you're in the U.S. and you're NOT receiving their flyers, I strongly suggest the next time you're in the store you sign up to receive it.  The coupons alone are worth it.

Happy shopping!

What a Mess!!

I've been so busy lately between work and jumping from project to project trying to get things made as quickly as possible for my Etsy shop, to be shipped to The Good Goat Gallery, for various charity projects I've volunteered for, gifts to be made and custom orders to be finished that I haven't taken any time in between projects to clean up & reorganize my stitching supplies.  (nice run on sentence, huh?  LOL!)  This is what my current stitching area looks like...

All of my floss has been piling up, I have a box of metallic threads that hasn't been put away and the pile is photocopies of patterns, books and various magazines I've been stitching patterns from.  And of course you can see the current project I was working on last night/this morning sitting on the arm of my recliner.  If you're wondering what the plaid thing is on the floor, that's one of Max's dog beds.  He has to be within 1 or 2 feet of me at all times, so I slide it right up against the loveseat and he's a happy camper.  :)

I work the closing/night shift tonight, so one of my priorities for the day (in addition to dishes & laundry) will be cleaning up this mess!  This is a picture of where it all SHOULD be...

This is the hutch of Zach's old desk, which is currently used as my sewing table since it won't fit in his bedroom (or go up the stairway in this old house).  Along the top I keep my binders with all my Stitchbows in them (LOVE them!! and yes, they are labeled with the numbers in each binder), my boxes that still have floss bobbins in them (working on using all of those up) along with spools of metallics, etc., and files I've made (all in various categories that are alphabetical) of misc. loose copies of patterns and then all of my projects that are on large scrolls, 17x17 Q-snaps, etc. that won't fit into the drawers of my craft bins.  In the cubby holes I keep my stitching magazines, calendars with patterns and anything else like that.  I have a couple of small built-in bookshelves on the other side of the living room where my hardbound books are stored.  (I didn't take a picture of those).

So now you know that even someone like me that tries to be organized can be a messy pig also.  I guess that means I should get off the computer and get busy cleaning!

Happy Stitching!  :)

Pattern of the Week - November 3, 2012

Originally for this week's featured pattern I wanted to share something Scandinavian inspired.  It's one of the hottest trends right now and after browsing through a separate insert in issue #257 of CrossStitcher Magazine I decided I wanted to see more of what's out there.  I did a Google search and one of the top returns was Nordic Needle.  I've been to that site many, many times so I knew there would be great selections.  

Unfortunately I never made it to the beautiful red and white Scandinavian patterns I was expecting to browse.  Instead this beauty was one of the first things I saw.  I was instantly enthralled!  

It's called "Celtic Flower" and is available at $8.99 for the pattern.  I'm still torn on whether I'm going to order a copy for myself.  The only thing that is holding me back is the fractional stitches.  I loathe fractionals!!  Somehow I don't think I'm alone in that feeling.  Either way it's still a gorgeous pattern full of the vibrant colors I love.  If you're interested in the pattern, just click the photo and you'll be taken straight to it where you can read more about it or purchase it.

Happy stitching!  :)

Freebie Friday - November 2, 2012

I know I have a lot of horse fans out there, so today I thought I'd try to find a nice horse pattern for you.  And since it's also autumn here in the U.S., this one fits in nicely.  It is called "A Quiet Ride" and it's free from the cross stitchers club.  You will need to register for the site, but again, it's FREE and only takes a moment to register.

Just click the photo and you'll be taken to the site where you can get it.  Happy Stitching!  :)

Wordless Wednesday - October 31, 2012

Photo Courtesy of Digital-Photography-School.com

Thoughts on Hurricane Sandy

This week much of the U.S. has been hit by a weather system referred to as Hurricane Sandy.  It's been, as many have called it, the storm of the century.  A storm out of the southern tropics that has come north to mix with a Noreaster along with high tides from a full moon.  It brought devastating flooding, and several deaths, to much of the East Coast and many adjoining inland states.  It's also the first time in record keeping history we can say that a blizzard has been caused by a hurricane, where parts of West Virginia and Virginia are being covered in up to 2-3 feet of snow.

I personally want to say a huge thank you to all the first responders (police, firefighters, medical personnel, utility workers, etc.) & military personnel that have been working so hard to make sure people are safe during this terrible time.  It's a truly selfless act to put others before yourself during times like this.

And for those of you that ignored evacuation orders because you thought you'd be OK and then had to be rescued...considering most communities won't bill you for the cost of those first responders, I hope you feel like an ass and realize you've jeopardized other people's lives.  People that thought about YOU before they thought about themselves.  Do something to make up for it.  Help clean up your neighborhood.  Yes, your neighborhood, not just your own house.  Sign up to volunteer with the Red Cross, Salvation Army, etc.  Do SOMETHING to make amends and pay it forward. 

Sorry, I digressed.  Getting down off my soap box and moving on.

Here in N.E. Ohio we were lucky with just some localized flooding and power outages brought on by heavy rains and strong winds, which we're still experiencing.  I watched on the live news last night as people were driving to the shores of Lake Erie to see in person the waves caused by Sandy. I wanted to share a picture with you of the waves crashing onto I-90 (along with several other pics), but it appears Blogger is having issues this morning.  



I personally spent yesterday hunkered down at my house keeping dry & warm.  I cross stitched another ornament for my shop made a new chicken recipe, called Chicken in Beer, from Lidia's Italy.  The house smelled wonderful while it was cooking and the chicken was so juicy & yummy!  Max survived several trips outside in the wind & rain.  As the winds were getting stronger throughout the night it made him nervous to the point he was continually pacing the house (something Lobo used to do).  Thankfully he finally settled down about 1:00am and went to sleep.  I worry about him constantly the older he gets (he's now around 15) and do everything I can to comfort and protect him.




I'm thankful all my friends and family appear to be safe and hope there are not any more deaths related to the hurricane.  We're a strong nation and it's times like this people pull together to rebuild.  I know it's the election season, and this has been a brutal mud-slinging one, but please put politics aside and think of the victims not as republicans or democrats, but as human beings that are in need of assistance.  It's amazing what helping others can do for the soul. 
 
~K.

Pattern of the Week - October 27, 2012

Every day I think about my dream of living in a rural Italian village, living off the land, walking to the markets to get my daily needs and designing and stitching for my full-time income.  Unfortunately I know it's most likely just a dream and will never be a reality, but I'm not giving up on it.  The more I think about it the more I want to be there.  With that I figured I'd share a beautiful pattern from Mystic Stitch today, called "Tuscan Beauty", that depicts a couple of gorgeous stone houses that look like these smaller villages.  Just click the picture and you can get it on sale at 123stitch.com

Freebie Friday - October 26, 2012

I like to try to find different places that have free patterns available so you always have a good selection of choices.  Today's free pattern comes from the DMC website.  I've chosen one from their list of Christmas patterns.  This one is called "Winter Landscape".  You do have to register for the site, but it is FREE and only takes a quick moment to sign up.  

Just click the picture and you'll be taken to the link.  :)

Wordless Wednesday - October 24, 2012

Photo courtesy of One Big Photo

Tips & Techniques - Magnifiers

It's something that many of us have to deal with, and don't always like to admit...needing to use some sort of magnifier to be able to stitch our projects.

I grew up wearing glasses from the age of 6, just to be able to see/read ANYTHING, let alone doing my needlework.  There were times I needed a magnifier and many, many years ago there weren't a lot of options on what you could use and still hold your needlework.  I ended up going with the hands-free over your head magnifier like this:

I never personally cared for it.  I thought it was uncomfortable to wear and the stitches were soooo huge it was harder to stitch with it than without it, so I stopped using it (but still have it just in case I need it in the future).

You can also get the type of magnifiers that clip onto your project.  They come in different sizes and magnifier strengths.  Again, I personally don't care for these as I don't use a frame stand and hold my project in my hand, so I think it is difficult to handle as it adds some extra weight to the hoop/qsnap frame.

Well 9 years ago I was lucky enough to have Lasik surgery on my eyes.  I went from being nearsighted with a -7.75 prescription to being able to see 20/15 (yes, they corrected my eyes better than normal 20/20 vision!!).  As time is creeping up on me and I'm now in my fabulous 40's, my vision has started to slip a little on some of the fine details (as expected, but not enough to need a "touch up" on my surgery).  I have found the perfect magnifier for me is simple reading glasses or "cheaters" as a lot of people like to call them.

I've found a local discount store where I can get them for $.88/pair and I DO get them in all kinds of funky patterns and styles.  People do tend to look at me strangely in the store when I'm trying them on because instead of standing there with a book or magazine to get the right strength I'm standing with a piece of fabric in my hands, lol!  I have different strengths I use for the different count fabrics I use.  And I don't always use them.  If I'm stitching on a 14 or 16 count fabric I typically don't use them.

These three options are just a few of the many that are out there.  Most people have their favorite just as I do, but I figured I'd at least highlight a few of them for those that have problems seeing their fabric/stitches and have never considered using an aid that can help them continue on with their stitching for years to come.  :)

Money Monday - October 22, 2012

Today's money savings tip for you has absolutely nothing to do with cross stitch, needlework or any type of crafting.  Instead it is something that every single one of us has to buy...GROCERIES.


I thought I'd pass along a couple of websites I've been using to either get coupon savings or actual cash back into my PayPal account, all without ever having to print anything out and take to the store.

The first is Cellfire. This site attaches to your local grocery store rewards/loyalty card (if you have one) and will provide e-coupons where you don't have to clip anything out and take with you.  All you have to do to register with some basic information and then either log into your cellfire account or grocery store website prior to shopping and simply click on the offers you'd like to have uploaded to your card.  When you have your cashier swipe your rewards/loyalty card like you normally would, any e-coupons that have been loaded to your card will deduct from your bill just like a normal coupon.
 
The second site is SavingStar.  This site works very similar to Cellfire, only instead of deducting from your grocery bill the savings accumulate in your account online and you can redeem them one of several ways:  deposit into your bank account, deposit into your PayPal account, Amazon gift card or what I believe is a donation to AmericanForests.org.  I can tell you I've personally been doing the deposits into my PayPal account.  These are actual funds, nothing fraudulent or anything, and the money is in my account within a few business days of requesting it.  I've personally earned $14.75 in the last several months.  If you click here you will go to their page that lists all of their current participating grocery store chains.

Here's the best part...if you're really good about couponing & saving money, you can actually "stack" your deals to get an even better savings.  Here's an actual example from my grocery shopping I did two days ago:

I bought a box of Cocoa Puffs Cereal for Zach.  It wasn't on sale so I had to pay the regular price of $4.49/box.  I had a Cellfire e-coupon for $.50, a cut out coupon for $.50 which my grocery store will double and then a SavingStar e-coupon also for $.50.  That turned into a total savings on the box of $2.00 so I got his cereal for $2.49 instead of $4.49.  Now if I was having a good week, the cereal would have been on sale too, but it didn't work out that way for me this time. 

Now so you know, I'm not receiving any type of compensation for endorsing these sites, although it would be nice if they did that.  I'm just passing along a way for everyone to save a few dollars here & there, which in today's economy can turn into a nice chunk of change at the end of the year.  I hope you've found this information useful.  Happy shopping!  :)

Swirled Heart - The Finish

I have another finish today...yay!!  This time it is the model for my pattern "Swirled Heart".

This piece is a relatively quick stitch as it is done in all one color so it will really pop from the fabric you stitch it on.

I'm currently selling the pattern on a pre-order basis with a 33% discount.  I have to finish tweaking it from changes/corrections I made while stitching the model.  If you're interested in purchasing a copy of the pattern, just click the photo below and you'll go straight to the listing in my Etsy shop.

And as always, I'll also be selling the stitched model of the pattern.  This would make a unique Christmas gift for someone, and at only $15.00 it's a real bargain!  If you're interested in getting the model, which there's only the one of, just click the photo.

Now I'm off the computer again to try and get a 2nd project finished up today.  It is my Thanksgiving themed piece that I'm stitching for the Etsy Needle Arts Team (Etsy NEAT) Challenge.  My reveal date is supposed to be Wednesday, so I'd better get to it.

Happy Stitching!

Pattern of the Week - October 20, 2012

I've been working on the model for my "Swirled Heart" this week and have shared some pictures of it on Facebook and Twitter.  I had a fellow tweeter reply to one of those shares complimenting me on the piece and asking me if it was an "AAN".  I had no clue what they were talking about, so of course I went to Google, and I'm sooooo glad I did!

It turns out "AAN" is Alessandra Adelaide Needleworks.  I'm absolutely in love with her designs!!  I actually sat and scrolled through all 195 of them on the 123stitch.com site.  I've added several of them to my wishlist.  And since Halloween is right around the corner, I decided to use "Zucca" as my Pattern of the Week.  Just click the picture and you'll go to where you can purchase the pattern.  :)

Freebie Friday - October 19, 2012

Turkey Day is only about 5 weeks away in the U.S. and I'm already stitching up some Thanksgiving items.  I thought it might be a good choice to share with you this week.  Just click the picture to go to the site where you can download the pattern.  :)

Punkin Chunkin

Years ago I saw a show on the Discovery Channel called "Punkin Chunkin".  It was really pretty cool.  People build different types of contraptions that hurl pumpkins through the air to see who can get them to fly the farthest.  They have several different categories, including trebuchet, catapults and air cannons.

It amazes me how far you can get a pumpkin to fly!  The current world record in the Adult Air Cannon category is 4,483.51 feet.  That's like 3/4 of a mile (a mile is 5,280 feet)!!!

Unfortunately since I got rid of my cable package we can't watch this year's episode.  :(  Guess I'll have to wait for additional videos, like this one, to come out on YouTube.

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTr4nwsYRv8&feature=youtube_gdata

And if you're in the Bridgeville, DE area you should try to get down there and see it.  It is November 2-4th this year and is something that is on my Bucket List as a fun event for sometime in the future.

Wordless Wednesday - October 17, 2012

Photo courtesy of Conde Nast Traveler

Tips & Techniques - The Basic Tools

In my opinion, there are 3 basic tools you need to have when you're doing any type of needle work....a good pair of small sewing scissors, a needle threader and some sort of needle case.

Below is a picture of the ones I have.  Mine are just the basic/generic ones you can get at any craft store.  I've had all of them for years & years.  In fact, I think some of my tools are probably older than my 20-year-old son, lol!

Scissors - you want to have a small pair with a fine point end that is great for snipping those threads really close to your ground (fabric, canvas, whatever).  My main pair are Fiskars.  I also have a pair of the ever popular "stork" scissors, that I keep in my stitching bag that travels with me.  A scissor fob is completely optional.  The one attached to my scissors was a gift from a fellow stitcher several years ago.  It's definitely been helpful for me on the times I've left my scissors on my lap, instead of putting them back on the table, and they have slid down into the couch/recliner.  Admit it, we've all done it.  :)

Needle Threader- it's a great tool to prevent you from licking the end of your floss so you can get it through the eye of the needle.  I use a generic DMC one that has 3 different sizes, as I do stitch many different types of projects that all have different needle sizes and different thicknesses in fibers.

Needle Case - You'll need a needle case to keep all of your needles in.  I like to have one with a magnetic strip on it so I have someplace to sit my needle while I'm grabbing my next strand of floss, etc. I personally never leave a needle in the fabric of my piece when I'm not working on it.  Having the magnet also helps eliminate the worry of a needle falling on the floor and someone stepping on it.

Now if you like to have "fancier" tools, there are all sorts of options for them.  I personally love all the products my friend Tommye over at TJB Designs has in her shop.  Follow the link above to stop by and check them out.  Oh, and she offers gift certificates too, which are always a great idea for our significant others to get for us stitchers.