Love is Love Cross Stitch Pattern

I can't really call this one a "new release" as I first published the pattern back in 2009 and sold it through my Etsy shop for many years.  However, it is new to my wholesaler and is now available through these shops.

This design representing the LGBT / Gay Pride flag may not be for everyone, but if you do like it, it's an easy stitch with all full stitches and lots of color blocking.

Happy Stitching!

Tips & Techniques - WIP Storage

It's been quite a while since I've done a tips & techniques post.  There are so many of them out there, that I like to share one only when I think it's something good that people may not have seen before.  I believe this one may qualify.

I wish I could take credit for this idea, but alas I can't, as I picked it up from some of the ladies I've been stitching with in my new hometown.

Most of the ladies I stitch with on Thursdays and Saturdays have the System 4 Needlework stands (which I don't) and work on large, detailed pieces like Mirabilia designs.  They all use the cute little Q-snap covers (that I don't), and each have their own system of floss storage.  One of the other things they all have in common are these plastic covers they put over their pieces when they're not working on them to protect them from dirt, pet hair, etc.  After a couple of weeks of stitching with them and being envious of their covers I finally decided to ask where they got them.  Let me tell you I was shocked, and had one of those "smack my head" moments when they told me.  Are you ready for this????


They're just plastic, saran wrap like bowl covers!!!  Absolutely brilliant! 
 

Of course I had to go buy some.  I checked at my grocery store...no luck.  Went to Target where the one lady said she gets them...they were out.  I had to go to the evil of all places retail the other day (yes, that would be WalMart) and low & behold they had some there.

They come in multiple sizes, as you can see from the photo, so they're great for a variety of projects.  I've taken some pics of some of mine.

This one is a project I have in a 8x8 Q-snap.  And yes, that IS a hair clip I'm using to hold my extra fabric.

This is a project I have in a 12" hoop.  If you look at the bottom right corner of the photo you can see the shine of the plastic, as this looks like there's nothing even covering it.

And this one will show you the back side and how they fit around.

Not only will they protect the front side of your piece, but you can also tuck your pattern right in there with it.  I also have a couple of my projects with a separate little baggie that has my floss and misc. stuff I've been tucking in the front also.  Now that really only works if you're toting a couple colors around with you at a time for a small project and not something large.

Anyway, I'm trilled with my $1.98 purchase that will now help keep my stitching clean when I'm not working on it.  I hope some of you find this useful also.

Happy Stitching!