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.