Thread-A-Day - Tribal Anchor Update #1

It's been a busy two weeks in the Stitchnmomma world....work, travel for the holidays and TONS of stitching going on!

I went back to OH for 3 days the weekend prior to Christmas to spend with my son and his girls.  I did take a new design model I'm working on, but didn't get much done on it.  Unfortunately I was unable to take my Tribal Anchor, as I pack really light (like only a backpack light), and there was only room for one small project in my bag.

I started the Tribal Anchor on December 11th, and in the past 17 days, I've stitched on it 11 of those.  

I have gotten quite a bit done with it.  There's one more area that needs to be stitched at the top, but I'll have to move my Qsnap for that, so I'll eventually get to it.  

And if you're thinking this is a lot of progress for just "11 threads", well that's because I've done more than 11.  I'm doing 3 threads per day on this piece, only because it's one of 3 gifts I need to have stitched and finished before the end of March, which definitely requires more than 1 thread per day.  I'm working on gift #2 at the same time, but I can't show that one as the person it's for follows most of my social media posts, and as soon as they see it they'll figure out it's for them.  The 3rd piece will be started as soon as the Tribal Anchor is completed.

In addition of the gifts and future design models I'm working on, I've also been trying to do a little bit on my Pinwheel Halloween Quilt model each week.  This is my progress as of last night:

Since the last time I shared a pic of it, I finished doing the green segments on the 2nd block and have started putting in the patterned segments on the 1st block, as well as stitching some more on the border.  I'll keep plugging away on it and will post another pic in about 1 month.

It's Sunday, and lots of stitching time ahead of me, which means I need to get off the computer and get busy.  Until the next time...Happy Stitching!  :)

The Great Wilderness Afghan - The Beginning

Back in Ohio, many years ago, I had a LNS (local needlework shop) that I used to love to go to and look through the turnstiles of new charts.  And when I say many, I mean many, like as in I was shopping at this store back when I was still in high school!  I would ooh & aah over many of them, others I would quickly pass because they weren't my style and then some I would pick up to look over closely and decide if I could justify spending money that I really shouldn't because my budget was so tight.  Some of them I bought and some I put back down telling myself I didn't know when I would ever get around to stitching it and I had bills to pay instead of buying stitching stash.

The stash did slowly grow over the years with purchases from this LNS, which sadly has since closed.  The stash included many of my Barbara & Cheryl charts, whom I was introduced to through this LNS, along with many other things.  Every few years I would go through my stash and do a clean out.  Sometimes I would pick up a piece and think "Eww, why did I ever buy this?!" and it would go into the pile to be sold on Ebay or my Etsy shop.  Others I would hang onto just knowing some day I would get around to stitching it/them.

Here enters what will henceforth be referred to as my BAP (big ass project)....The Great Wilderness Afghan.

And big it will be!  Those blocks on the afghan...yeah, they're 95x95 stitching over 1 thread...20 blocks total on the afghan.

This afghan chart is one that I held onto throughout the years, no matter how many stash clean outs I did.  I always said it would be a piece I'd stitch for myself at some point in my life.  Part of the hold up on stitching it was the cost of buying the afghan fabric.  If I had to think hard about and justify spending $8.69 for a chart back in the year 2000, I certainly could NOT afford to buy the afghan to stitch it on that would have been $40+ at that time!

About 2 years ago I decided it was my time to stitch it.  I started a hunt for the afghan.  It appears the afghan was no longer made with the black threads running through it.  I was only able to find pale pink and blue for baby afghans, and that just wouldn't do.  So back in the stash it went.

After I moved to Las Vegas earlier this year and was given the gift of more stitching time, I once again started going through my stash and looking at projects I could stitch just for me.  My lovely afghan appeared before me once again.  Alas, I was still unable to find the afghan online anywhere.  After discussing it with the ladies at one of my stitching groups, I decided to ask my the owner of my LNS here in Vegas if she might be able to find it through one of her wholesalers.  Imagine my surprise when she didn't even have to look...she had one in stock in her backroom! 

Now, it doesn't have the black threads running through it, but I can live with the forest green.  It is a wilderness scene after all, so green will suffice.  And did I really have the money for it (prices have gone up in the last 15 years, you know)?  No, not really, but isn't that what credit cards are for?  I think it was a sign that I NEED to stitch it, LOL!

We're now into the cool "winter" months here in Vegas where you're not going to be sweating with an afghan on your lap, so this past Friday night I sat down with my new project.   I opened the afghan package and spread it out on my floor to make sure it was big enough.  Not only is it, but I have extra room too (pieces for the fabric stash when I'm done???). 

How do you stitch something this large?  I've never done an afghan before.  It was suggested to me from a fellow stitcher that has done a couple of afghans to just use a 11x11 Qsnap on the block you're working on at the time.  Check the Qsnap/hoop stash...nope none available to use as they're all in use with other current models and thread-a-day gifts.  Guess I have to buy one *giggles* if I want to start my BAP.

Next step...decide on which block to start with.  I think I should start with an easy one, so I chose block #2 which is the sun in the sky, and probably the least amount of stitching.  Time to check my floss inventory.  DMC #745 is the predominant color in that block.  Do I have it?  Nope!  Guess I have to buy that too *more giggles*

Is anyone seeing a trend here?  Stash diet...new afghan project...supplies to buy...

In the end, I did NOT start stitching my afghan Friday night, but instead put together my list of supplies which included a new frame and three colors of DMC floss I didn't have in my stash, but will be needed in block #2.  After I left my Saturday stitching group I made a trip to Hobby Lobby and bought one of their frames (40% off coupon!) and my 3 skeins of floss.  And yes, I wrote down my expenditures in my stash diet notebook.

As I'm typing this post it is Sunday morning, and I'm giving y'all one guess what I'll be doing later today after I get all my "required" stitching done on my design model(s) and thread-a-day pieces.  Did you guess I'm going to start stitching on my afghan?  Well if you did, you're right!

Now that you're probably all bored to tears with this super long post, I'll finish it by saying this project will probably take me YEARS to finish.  It won't be a thread-a-day, but will be something I'll spend a little bit of time on each weekend and/or extra days off from work.  My posts about it here on my blog will be few & far between.  I'm thinking an update post as I finish each block.  Either way, I hope it will be a fun journey we can take together and I'm looking forward to stitching a piece I've had in my stash for the past 15 years.

Until the next time...Happy Stitching!  :)

Thread-A-Day - Tribal Shamrock THE FINISH

Ahhh...the great feeling that comes with finishing a project.  :)

Yes, the Tribal Shamrock is DONE!  I started it on October 20th and finished it on December 10th.  I made a couple of slight tweaks to the pattern where I thought it was needed.  This is what the finished piece looks like.

The fabric is looking more blue than green in this photo.  I'll send it off for finishing with my next design model(s) and will anxiously await what she does with it.  My instructions will be simple...pillow or wall hanging of some sort, your choice.

And we all know, as soon as you finish one piece, you MUST start a new one.  Not only did I start a new one, but I have my next 3 thread-a-day pieces picked out, along with the required fabrics and flosses.  So you're probably wondering what my next thread-a-day piece is, huh?  Well, here it is:

 

 

TRIBAL ANCHOR!

I'll do updates on this piece here on my blog, but won't really be discussing it on my FB page.  It's a gift for someone.  That person doesn't follow my stitching stuff, but better safe than sorry.  :)

The fabric I'm using is a 28 count Colonial Blue Lugana I had in my stash (remember, I am supposed to be on a "stash diet").  The fiber is an overdyed thread, which I personally think is the best option when doing a piece like this.  It is Needle Necessities #173, which I had to buy, and WILL account for in my stash diet.  I've done two days of stitching on it and really like how the fiber and fabric look together.

So with that, I think it's about time to get off the computer and get on with a full day of stitching.  I just love lazy Sundays!

Until the next time...Happy Stitching! 

Westie Silhouette Cross Stitch Pattern

Today's finish was another requested breed...the West Highland Terrier, or as most people call it, the Westie.  I stitched it using DMC #762 on a piece of 32 count Belfast linen in "Hocus Pocus" by Hand Dyed by Stephanie. 

This pattern along with all my other silhouettes (which can be found here) is now available for purchase at your local needlework shop or various online retailers.  If you don't want to do a Google search, just click here for a current list of those places.  

If you're a retailer and would like to stock this design, or any of my others, you can purchase here.  

 

And if there's a particular dog breed, or something else you're looking for in a silhouette, just let me know and I'll gladly add it to my list of designs to create & stitch.   I currently have a list of 21 more silhouettes I'll be designing & stitching...some are dogs and some are not.  Be sure to stay tuned for what will be releasing in the future.

 

Until the next time...Happy Stitching!

Patchwork Pin Cushions Cross Stitch Pattern #3

October and November have been very busy months.  I didn't accomplish as much stitching as I would have liked, but was able to get these beauties done for you.

This pattern contains November (a harvest them) and December (a holiday theme).
 
The patterns provide the information on the appropriate buttons.  And as an added bonus, the printed copies of the patterns include step-by-step finishing instructions.  Unfortunately there's no way for me to provide those same instructions with the instant download version available through Patterns Online.

If these designs are something that interest you, you can locate a retailer here.   


I'm trying hard to be more organized, and productive at the same time.  Starting this month, new designs will be released on the 1st and 15th of each month.  If I have multiple designs releasing I'll do one blog post here per day telling you about them, until I have them all covered.  2016 will be an exciting year with the remainder of the pincushions being released, along with more silhouettes (and no, not all dogs either), more of the Modern Dictionary series, a new quilt-inspired series and plenty of other random stuff thrown in just to keep it exciting!

And if you're stitching any of these lovely pieces, feel free to share pics of them on my Facebook page or even join our group that's also on Facebook, where ladies share their WIP and finished project pics.

Until the next time...Happy Stitching!


Editor's Note:  Unfortunately the Patchwork Pincushions will no longer be available as an instant download through PatternsOnline.  Their site won't allow me to upload my file, and their IT Dept. is unable to figure out, which is extremely odd since I do use PCStitch, which is their own program.  I apologize for any inconvenience, however, the charts will still be available in print form from many other retailers.  Thank you.

Stitch From Stash - November 2015 Recap

Back in October I shared with everyone that I was putting myself on a "stash diet".  My goal was to spend as little as possible on new stitching stash, supplies, etc. and with any luck, spend nothing at all.  Because I do need to buy some new supplies, I gave myself a "reward" system where I can earn credits.  You can find all the details on my plan here.

So, a little over a month has gone by, so as promised, I'm sharing my results with everyone, just to hold myself accountable.  :)

Opening Balance = $0.00
Finishes = $21.00
Purchases = $60.01
Balance Forward = ($39.01)

Yes, I ended the month in the red *sigh*, but they were ALL very important purchases!  Alas, I'll share all the pluses and minuses below.

Finishes
November Patchwork Pincushion = $5.00
December Patchwork Pincushion = $5.00
Modern Dictionary: XXX = $5.00  (future pattern to be released so I'm not saying what word it is yet)
Westie Silhouette = $5.00
Xmas Ornament = $5.00

The Xmas ornament I'll share a pic of later, as it's getting mailed in the morning for an exchange, so I can't share it online yet.  The Modern Dictionary piece will be released either Jan. 1st or 15th, so you'll have to wait until then to find out what it is.  The pincushions and Westie will all be available for purchase online in the next 24-48 hours.

Purchases 
2 new charts (can't share pics as they're both for gifts for people in the Spring), and some floss.  In fact $40+ in floss.   

Let me introduce you to my new friend I've named "Giganto"

Giganto is 2,100 meters or 283 skeins worth of DMC #310, and I used the ruler so you can see it is about 6-1/2" high.  I was "forced" to buy it by "Kris" from Kris'Stitches and the other ladies at my Saturday stitching group.  They held me down and told me I wasn't leaving the store until I agreed to buy one.  Nah...I'm just kidding.  No holding down was involved, but we certainly do enable each other.  Instead of looking at it as SPENDING money, we're going to think of it as SAVING money.  If I were to buy 283 skeins of DMC floss, I would have spent an extra $70+ more than what I did buying my new friend.  So, it looks like I'll be stitching all my silhouette models in black for the rest of my life, LOL!

All in all, I'm happy with my spending for the month.  I certainly could have spent A LOT more, especially considering the emails I've been receiving over the past week with Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.  But, I was a good girl and deleted every single one of them without even opening them....even the fabric sales.

Stay tuned for how I do in December.  And since I heard from so many of you after my last post, if you're doing your own stitch from stash, and have a blog you want to share, please be sure to leave a link to your latest recap in the comments below.

Until the next time...Happy Stitching!

 

Thread-A-Day - Tribal Shamrock Update #2

I've been quite the busy beaver with my stitching the last couple weeks and am happy to say I've kept current with my thread-a-day stitching.  I missed 3 days, but only because I realized I was off by one thread on my fabric and had to do some "reverse stitching", which I didn't want to try and rush in the mornings before work.  I saved that for the weekend while I was at a stitch-in, picked it all out and then caught back up to where I should have been.

This is my progress as of this morning.  I'm probably about 60-65% done with the design.

In other stitching news, as mentioned above, I was at a stitch-in near Death Valley again last weekend.  As usual, it was a great time with good company, lots of laughs and plenty of stitching going on.

I finished the November/December pincushions and shipped those off this week for finishing.  I'm expecting to have the chart released in the next week or so.

I've also been treating my next silhouette design as a thread-a-day.  It's also currently in the 60-65% range of being done.  

And because you can never take too many projects with you to a stitch-in, I decided to take along my Pinwheel Halloween Quilt.  Unfortunately I haven't given it any love since the middle of August.  :(  After finishing my pincushions, I decided to give myself a week off before I started any real serious stitching on my next design model, which means I've put a few extra stitches in the PHQ.  This is my progress as of this morning.

Not a ton done, but I have started on the first green & purple pinwheel, along with some stitches on the black border.  I'll try to get some of the non-solid colored pinwheel segments done prior to posting my next update on it.

I've also made the decision, in an effort to keep my stitching more relaxed and not feeling quite so much like work, that all new design releases will be done on the 1st and 15th of each month.  If something isn't done for a release date I'm not going to stress over it and will just have it ready for the next one.  Hopefully that will also allow you, my awesome fans, know when to expect to see new designs.

With all that being said, and my relaxation week of reading, TV watching and casual stitching over, it's time for me to start charting my next design and get busy stitching the model.

And if you happen to be stitching any of my designs, and are on Facebook, please feel free to join our group there to share photos, chat, etc.  

Until the next time...Happy Stitching!

Thread-A-Day - Tribal Shamrock Update #1

Unfortunately as a designer I will probably never be as popular as Lizzie Kate, Nora Corbett, Joan Elliott, Ursula Michaels and many other greats.  With that being said I've decided I need to quit putting so much pressure on myself to keep up with them (I do have to work a full-time job and all to pay the bills).  Since I've forced myself to face that realization, I've decided I need more "balance" in my stitching life.  And if I haven't said it already, I must tell you that going to a thread-a-day piece has been one of the best things for my stitching life I've done in a long, long time!  It feels great to know I've given myself permission to quit worrying about cranking out new designs as quickly as I can and just to enjoy the stitching I'm doing.  Not only am I enjoying the pieces I'm stitching for myself, but I'm enjoying the design models I'm stitching much more also.  They no longer feel quite so much like "work".

I started my Tribal Shamrock 20 days ago, and haven't missed a day yet!  As you can see from this picture, it's coming along quite nicely.

I'm more than 25% done and am loving every minute I get to stitch on it.  If I stay on track, this should be done well before the end of the year and I can move along to my next thread-a-day project.  :)

In other stitching news, the November Patchwork Pincushion is complete and the December is about 60% stitched.  I'm hoping to have in done in the next day or so and get those shipped off for finishing and the pattern release.  I'm also about 33% done with the next dog silhouette.

So, since I went out and walked a Veteran's Day 5k this morning (hills included) without the use of my knee brace, I think I'll walk myself back to my recliner and get on with my stitching. 

Until the next time...Happy Stitching!

Thread-A-Day - Tribal Shamrock

As discussed in the post for the "Wings and Things" finish, I'm really enjoying this thread-a-day concept.  I 'm devoting a little bit of stitching time for projects that aren't my design models and still getting plenty of stitching time on the "work" pieces.  I'm finding as I'm stitching on one piece I'm already planning out what can be my future thread-a-day projects.  And this is a really good thing since I've just put myself on a STS diet!

When I was about half done with "Wings and Things" I already new that Tribal Shamrock would be my next piece.  I've had the pattern and floss in my stash for several years.  And I figured some fabric I purchased in one of the sales this summer would be the perfect piece to use.  This is what I'm starting with:

• Design - "Tribal Shamrock" by While Willow Stitching
• Fabric - "Jungle Boogie" by Silk Weaver Fabrics
• Floss - "Forest Glade" by The Gentle Art

Since I'm trying hard to be good to myself with my stitching, I didn't let any moss grow under my feet on my next start.  I finished "Wings and Things" on Monday, October 19th and immediately started "Tribal Shamrock" the next day.  So far I haven't missed a day.  Here's my progress through Sunday, October 25th:

I love watching it coming together and so far it's been a joy to work on.  I just have to remind myself it's a "thread a day" and I'm not allowed to keep working on it when I should be stitching on design models.

I'll share another update on it in about 2 weeks.  Until then...Happy Stitching! :)

Stitch From Stash - The Beginning of my Journey

Hi, my name is Kelly, and I have a problem with my cross stitch stash.

Yes, I admit it.  Since I've moved to Vegas and am only working one full-time job (instead of the normal full-time plus a part-time that I've done for about 1/2 of my adult life), and have had lots more stitching time, I've spent WAAYYYYY too much money on stitching stash...

• 25% off fabric sale at my LNS in June
• 30% off fabric sale at Silkweaver Fabrics July 4th weekend
• 25% off "Christmas in July" fabric sale at Picture this Plus
• Purchase of  1816 Vierlande Sampler pattern (2 magazines to get the full pattern), along with 1/2 yard of PTP fabric and 9 skeins (90 yards) of The Gentle Art floss to do it
• Purchase of a few, OK it wasn't a few, it was 16 more Barbara & Cheryl patterns to add to my collection
• "Wings and Things" chart, spider charm & some fibers to complete it (hey, this one is already completed!)
• A couple of charts that will be stitched for future gifts
• And I'm sure there's probably other stuff I'm forgetting

As you can see, my purchases have been a little out of control.  This prompted me to decide 2016 was going to be the year I would do my own "stitch from stash".  Then I decided, as the saying goes, why put off til tomorrow what you can do today.  That means my "stitch from stash" officially begins today.

As I've seen other groups and people talking about this on their blog posts, I decided I'd do some research to find out what the "rules" are.  Some of them were actually really complicated with forced check-ins, credit based on the number of stitches you've completed, etc.  I don't need complicated, so after a little bit of thought, I created my own simplified rules, since this will be my own thing.

And the rules are:

My stitching account will start with a $0 balance

I will earn spending "credits" for each finish, regardless of whether it is one of my design models or a "just for me" piece

• $1.00 per ornament/greeting card stitched
• $5.00 per piece stitched using a 8 x 8 or smaller Q-snap frame or comparable sized hoop
• $10.00 per piece stitched using a 10 x 10 Q-snap frame
• $20.00 per piece stitched using a 11 x 17 Q-snap frame
• $30.00 per piece stitched using a 17 x 17 Q-snap frame
• $50.00 per "mega project".  These will be pieces that are larger than a 17 x 17 piece, afghans, etc.

I will lose "credits" for all stitching purchases.  This means charts, fibers, fabric, embellishments, magazines, etc.  The only thing exempt is the cost of finishing & photography of my design models, as this is an essential part of my business and doesn't contribute to my stash. 

I'd like to learn how to crochet this year also.  If I choose to do that, I think my purchases will fall into my STS rules.  I'll just need to figure out how I earn credits for the pieces I finish.  But, that's another issue to be determined later *if* I actually learn to crochet.

On the first day of each month I'll do a blog post sharing my successes/challenges from the previous month, along with an accounting of any monies I did spend.  Hopefully each month I'll be carrying a credit balance forward. The next post will be done on December 1st, which will encompass the last few days of October 2015 and all of November 2015.


Not only will this be great for my budget, but I think it will be fun to see how much money I can "save" while stitching from my very large stash before I actually need to start buying more stuff.  I'm thinking possibly years!  

 If you have a STS challenge you're doing, feel free to share links to your blog with me and I'll add them to mine.  We can cheer, or commiserate if we go over "budget", with each other along the way.

Hope you enjoy the journey with me.  Until the next time...Happy Stitching...on a budget!

Thread-A-Day - Wings and Things - THE FINISH!

OMG!  Can I just say how excited I am to actually stitch AND finish a piece that isn't one of my design models and is just something I stitched strictly "because I wanted to"?!?!  Now, please don't take that the wrong way that I don't like designing and stitching my models, because I absolutely do, or else I wouldn't be doing it.  In all honesty though, it has been YEARS and YEARS since I've done something just for me.

So, since the title gave it away...drum roll please....

Let me proudly present, my "Wings and Things" finish!!!

Some of you may be looking at it thinking the colors are just all wrong.  Well, again, this piece was for me, and I absolutely love color!  And purple and green together are great Halloween colors, right?

I personally think it turned out to be a great mix of cross stitch companies:

• chart by Ink Circles
• chartreuse floss by Weeks Dye Works
• glow-in-the-dark braid for the web by Kreinik
• spider charm by Lizzie Kate
• fabric by Stitchnmomma

And in case you're reading and saying "what spider charm?", here's a close up of it:

Now, I just need to get it framed and give it a place of honor on my walls.  I'm personally thinking a brushed silver/pewter frame, but we'll see what happens.  We all know how ideas can change.

I'm going to continue with my thread-a-day projects, as it's been so much fun stitching for myself again.  I also feel like it's bringing more joy to stitching my model designs, as those aren't quite feeling so much like "work" the past few weeks.  My next project will be my "Tribal Shamrock" by White Willow Stitching.  That will also be a great mix that will include fabric by Silkweaver Fabrics and floss by The Gentle Arts.  I'll share update #1 on that piece in the next two weeks or so.

Thanks so much for going on my little thread-a-day journeys with me.   And until the next time...Happy Stitching!

Thread-A-Day - Wings and Things Update #3

My stitching time over the past couple of weeks has been sporadic.  I have days that I get home from work and don't even want to touch my stitching, and would rather lounge in my recliner with a good book.  Then I have days that I'm doing other things and am not at home to be with my stitching.  However, the days that I DO stitch, I'm truly enjoying them!  There's nothing worse than stitching because you feel like you should be doing it, but you're no into it.

So, sadly to say, I'm still technically about 4 weeks behind where I should be (if I were doing a thread a day), but at least I'm making progress.  I'm now officially past the half-way point.  Woohoo!  And to think if I were sticking my my schedule, I'd be about finished by now. 

Since I am behind, I've been taking this piece with me to my stitching groups to use that time to try and catch up.  I've been getting plenty of compliments on the color scheme I'm using, and others are looking forward to seeing it finished.  And, I'm still on the hunt for the right spider charm/button to use on it.  

For those of you that might be seeing this piece for the first time, I'm using Weeks Dye Works "Chartreuse" and Kreinik "Grape" Glow-in-the-Dark #4 braid on a piece of Ultra Dark Violet 14 ct aida that I hand-dyed myself a couple of years ago.

I'm feeling rather inspired today with all my stitching, so enough chit-chat and time to get back to it.  Until the next time...Happy Stitching!

Poodle Silhouette Cross Stitch Pattern

Today's finish was another requested breed...the Poodle.  I stitched it using DMC #310 on a piece of 32 count Belfast linen in "Crystal Chablis" by Picture This Plus. 

When I was buying this fabric at my old LNS back in OH, Shelly the store owner, said she knew what the perfect design would be to stitch on it...a poodle.  She laughed when I told her that was exactly what I had in mind when I picked up the fabric.  Definitely love it and may just have to get some more.

This pattern along with all my other silhouettes (which can be found here) is now available for purchase at your local needlework shop or various online retailers.  If you don't want to do a Google search, just click here for a current list of those places.  

If you're a retailer and would like to stock this design, or any of my others, you can purchase here.  

 

And if there's a particular dog breed, or something else you're looking for in a silhouette, just let me know and I'll gladly add it to my list of designs to create & stitch.   

 

Until the next time...Happy Stitching!

Autism Awareness Ribbon Cross Stitch Pattern

Way back in 2010, about one year after I had opened my Etsy shop, I created an Autism Awareness Ribbon pattern by the request of a customer that had an autistic son.  Over the years it was a very popular pattern.  Unfortunately when I put my Etsy shop in vacation mode at the end of 2014 in preparation for my cross country move, that pattern was one of the few that was not available through any other venue.

Well, I'm happy to say that today I sat at my computer and recharted the design (it was done on my old PatternMaker software I no longer have) and once again have the pattern available for purchase.  

As of this present time, it is only available via instant download through Patterns Online.   I hope to have it available through other venues in the future, I just don't know how quickly.  I'll be sure to update you if/when that changes.

Editor's Note:  As of January 5, 2016, this chart will be available through various online retailers as well as local needlework shops.  Just click the "Where to Buy" tab for a list of retailers.

Until the next time...Happy Stitching!

Patchwork Pin Cushions Cross Stitch Pattern #2

Even though I like to think of myself as a stitching machine, it's sometimes important to have a life outside of my full-time job and stitching.  A 4-day trip back to OH to see the kids along with various other life events put me behind schedule.  They're a little later than I originally wanted, but I'm happy to say the second in the series of Patchwork Pin Cushions is finally available!! 

This pattern contains September (a back-to-school them) and October (a Halloween theme).
 
The patterns provide the information on the appropriate buttons.  And as an added bonus, the printed copies of the patterns include step-by-step finishing instructions.  Unfortunately there's no way for me to provide those same instructions with the instant download version available through Patterns Online.

If these designs are something that interest you, you can locate a retailer here.   


Now to finish my next silhouette which only requires another 2-3 hours of stitching time (look for that in the next few days), get started on the next silhouette, chart and stitch my next Modern Dictionary piece (a requested word), do something that came to me the other day while at work, and then get cranking on the November/December pin cushions.  Oh, to only have more hours in the day!!

And if you're stitching any of these lovely pieces, feel free to share pics of them on my Facebook page or even join our group that's also on Facebook, where ladies share their WIP and finished project pics.

Until the next time...Happy Stitching!

A Weekend Stitch-In and "Wings and Things" Update #2

This past weekend I attended a weekend stitch-in with some of the ladies from the local EGA chapter I joined when I moved to Las Vegas.  It's held in the "middle of nowhere" on the edge of Death Valley, in a town I had not only never been to before, but had never heard of (Amargosa, NV).  I figured why not go and have a good time.  Lots of stitching was done, and it was a nice place with great views.  I thought I'd share a few of the pics I took with everyone.

This is the view I had from my seat.  The seat was nowhere near as comfortable as my recliner at home, but the view was 10x better, LOL!

 A neat cloud formation over the mountains

This is the pond out back that we could see from the veranda.  They call it a "lake".  Lots of ducks around the pond area all the time, including a really cool black & white one that I really should have taken a picture of.

The other portion of the pond.  The owner of the casino likes to collect antiques from the earlier days when it was a big mining town and was being settled, so you'll see those scattered throughout the property.  There are quite a few interesting ones around the pond area.

I've never been to California, so on Sunday morning when I was walking with one of the other ladies before breakfast, we decided to walk to CA so I could have my picture taken.  And we did walk past the sign just to make sure I was officially in CA.  And you're probably thinking "she WALKED to California?!".  Well, let me share a little secret with you...the casino we were at is less than one block from the CA border.  In fact, you can see the sign I'm standing at from the room we were stitching in.

A couple of pics of the view we had on our morning walk.  It was soooooo much better than the views of gym equipment and 2 flat screen TVs I get on the treadmill at my apartment complex!!  And surprisingly it was a "cool" morning, so the fresh air was a nice change of pace.


And yes, stitching was done.  I'm actually running behind on my stitching.  I've been extremely busy with life the last few weeks (including a trip back to OH over Labor Day weekend to see my son and his girls), and my hand and wrist have been giving me some problems.  My Labor Day trip was a great time to give my body a rest and let some healing occur so stitching can happen without pain.

While I was at the stitch-in, I finished the September/October Patchwork Pincushion models (they're already in transit to SnowBerry NeedleArts for finishing), started my next silhouette model and got some stitching done on my "Wings and Things" piece.

As you know, "Wings and Things" is supposed to be my thread a day piece.  Unfortunately that hasn't been happening.  I have been keeping track of my days though, and was able to do some catch up while I was there.  As of this morning, I'm officially 3 weeks behind, so it will now become two threads a day until I catch up.  I'll post another update for you in about 2 weeks.

So that's all my pictures I have to share with you for now.  In the next 2 weeks I'm expecting to have both the new silhouette and the next in the Patchwork Pincushion patterns released, so be sure to keep an eye out for those.

Until the next time...Happy Stitching!

Looking For Rainbows Cross Stitch Pattern

It's been way too long since I've had a new quote pattern for you.  In fact, more than a year!  This time around I decided to take one of my favorite Charlie Chaplin quotes and give it a pop of color that it deserves.

The quote itself is stitched in full stitches using 2 threads.  Whereas the chevron rainbow is stitched in half stitches using one thread.  I wanted a subtle look for the rainbow, just like a real one, and I think I achieved it using that technique.  As always, the gorgeous finishing was done by SnowBerry NeedleArts.

If you're interested in this design, or any of my other designs created from quotes, you can find a retailer here.

Thread A Day - Wings and Things Update #1

It's been 2 weeks since my post about starting a thread a day project.  It's been going really well, and I'm actually only one day behind on it.  Here's a current photo of "Wings and Things" by Ink Circles.  Stitched on a fabric I hand-dyed myself using Weeks Dye Works in Chartreuse and Kreinik in Grape glow-in-the dark for the spider web.  I'm officially done with 1/4 of the design.

In addition to doing "Wings and Things" as a thread a day, I decided I would add the model for my "Pinwheel Halloween Quilt" as another thread a day...when I have time.  Unfortunately I'm about 5 days behind on this one.  Maybe I can make up some progress on this one over the next 2 weeks before I do my next status update.

I really like the orange on this piece.  I'm stitching mine use the overdyed alternative floss, which is "Carrot" by The Gentle Art.  I can't wait until I move onto the second pinwheel and can start stitching the the overdyed green I chose!

In other stitching notes, I'm continuing to add my already released designs to Patterns Online, which provides instant downloads.  As of today, 25 of my 43 released patterns are now available on this site. I'll continue adding another couple each week until they're all done, as well as all new designs are automatically getting uploaded.

On a personal note, I've decided I've spent too much time in the last year not being physically active enough.  As incentive to get back on the fitness wagon, I've signed up to do some charity 5k races.  I have two next month in September and another in November.  There has also been some talk with one my new friends here in Vegas about doing a half marathon next August.  Now that will be a goal to work towards!  I realized this morning how out of shape I've become when I attempted to do my 75 minute yoga DVD and after 34 minutes my arms & legs were shaking so badly I could no longer hold the poses.  It's very sad to me as I used to do that DVD 3x per week, as well as pilates, walking & weight lifting.  I WILL get back into shape, and we decided as long as I can still hold a needle in my hand, then "noodle limbs" are quite alright.  :)

I'll be back in two weeks with another thread a day update.  And hopefully before then, I'll have a new design to share with you also.  Until then...Happy Stitching!

Pinwheel Halloween Quilt Cross Stitch Pattern

Last year I released my Pinwheel Christmas Quilt design...probably the only type of quilting I'll ever have the nerve to do.  I really enjoyed it, as well as the people that participated in the SAL I did with it.  I decided I would do other themes and make it a series.  I'm happy to announce I now have the 2nd theme available...the Pinwheel Halloween Quilt.

Since quite a few people used overdyed threads on the Christmas version, I decided to give an overdyed alternative for each of the solid pinwheels.  They also happen to be the same colors I'll be using.

If you're interested in purchasing this design, or any of my other quilt themed pieces, you can find a retailer here.  

Until the next time...Happy Stitching!

Steps to Recovery for a Cross Stitch Addict

Hi, my name is Kelly and I'm a cross stitch addict.  Even though I do get lots of pieces completed, I think I'm continually starting more than I really should be.  Especially when I need to be stitching models for my new pattern designs.  I'm taking the first steps towards recovery of my addiction... 

Step #1 - Take inventory of all my WIPs.  
Oh, I started that and it was just too overwhelming!  I gave up counting when I got to 15.

Step #2 - Separate WIPs between Stitchnmomma pattern models and pieces by other designers that are "just for me".
OK, I think this one is a little more manageable, although still a little overwhelming.

Step #3 - Pick one piece that will be a "thread a day" piece
Easy enough!  I picked for my first one "Wings and Things" by Ink Circles. (See photo and more info below)

Step #4 - Complete selected thread a day piece, return to step #3 and repeat. 


I've never done a "thread a day" piece, but I think it will be an easy way to start working through my huge stash of WIPs and actually see progress while still working on getting pattern models completed.  For those of you that haven't done this either, the process is an easy one...pick a piece and stitch one strand of thread a day on it.  You're always welcome to do more, but you need to do at least one.

Recently I started "Wings and Things" by Ink Circles.  I'm stitching using Weeks Dye Works chartreuse on my Very Dark Violet (DMC #550) aida fabric.

I'm not particularly fond of stitching on 14 ct. aida, but when I finally achieved this color of fabric (after over 1 year of trying to do it) I decided I needed to keep one piece out of the batch for myself.  At the time I didn't know what I was going to stitch on it, but knew I would eventually find something.   In all honesty I had wanted to do an Ink Circles piece, but all of them I liked were too large for this piece of fabric.  Then a few weeks ago, one of the ladies I stitch with on Saturdays showed me the "Wings and Things" chart.  I knew it was THE ONE!  I flipped the package over to look at the design dimensions and was beyond thrilled that it was small enough to fit.    And because y'all know I like bright, bold colors, I chose the charteuse floss to use.

This is my progress as of yesterday, August 1st.  I have almost 1/4 of the chartreuse stitched.  For the spider web in the center I'm using Grape Glow-in-the-dark #4 braid by Kreinik.  I'm also on the hunt for a super cute spider button or charm.  If you happen to know of one, please share the info with me.  :)

(close up of stitched progress)

I'll continue stitching and will do my best to post and update every week or two.  I'll have to see how much progress is made with doing just one thread per day.

Until the next time...Happy Stitching!

Lupus Walk Fundraiser Raffle

I'm sure by now many of you have seen my "Two Blessings" design.  You may or may not have also seen the blog post that tells about the meaning behind it.  There is now less than 60 days for me to raise funds for this year's Walk to End Lu?us Now that will be held on September 26th.  I decided it's time to kick it into high gear and have a fundraiser raffle for it.  

Here's the info on the prizes...

The first prize package will be a copy of my "Two Blessings" pattern, along with the floss needed to stitch it and a piece of 15" x 18" Charles Craft Gold Standard 14 ct. Fiddler's Cloth aida fabric.  Approximate value of this prize package is $20.00.

The second prize package will be a copy of all 7 of the designs currently released in my Modern Dictionary series, 3 pieces of fabric large enough to stitch most of the designs on and 3 skeins of DMC #310 floss.  Approximate value of this prize package is $55.00.

The third prize will be a new, unopened DMC color card with actual floss samples.  The pictures of the inside come from my own copy.  Approximate value of this prize is $25.00

The grand prize in this raffle will be my finished model for the "Two Blessings" design.  It is a heart-shaped wicker-type basket with my stitched design finished as the lid.  The professional finishing on this piece was lovingly completed by SnowBerry NeedleArts. Approximate value of this prize is $75.00.

So, are you interested in winning one of these prizes?  If so, keep reading for details on how the raffle will work and what you need to do to enter.

The Rules...

1. THE RAFFLE IS OPEN TO RESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES ONLY. 
2. To enter, you need to go to my fundraising page and make your donation. All money goes directly to the Greater Ohio Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America and is tax deductible.
3. For every $5.00 you donate, you will receive one raffle "ticket" towards the drawing.  If you donate anonymously I won't be able to see your name and enter you into the raffle.  So the more you donate, the more chances you'll have to win!
4. Only one prize will be awarded per entrant.
5. All shipping costs will be paid for by Stitchnmomma, so the only money you need to spend is what you want to donate to a worthy cause.
6. Entries will be accepted from July 26, 2015 through September 15, 2015.  The winners will be drawn on September 19, 2015 and will be shipped as soon as mailing addresses are confirmed.

Thank you in advance to everyone for their support in this year's walk!!  

And in case you're wondering, even though I'm no longer living in N.E. Ohio, I'm participating as a "virtual walker" and WILL be doing my 5K here in Las Vegas the same day as my sister and all her other supporters are doing in back in OH.