Thread-A-Day - Tribal Anchor THE FINISH

I have a confession to make....I stitched more than 1 thread-a-day on this piece on the days I did stitch on it.  I know, it's sort of cheating, but I have several gifts I need to have done by the beginning of March, and I wanted to make sure I wasn't running behind.  I started the piece on December 11th and finished it on January 9th.  I also had about a full week in there I wasn't able to stitch on it at all.

I love the look of the piece and all the little motifs that make up the anchor.  This will either be finished into a pillow or a wall hanging, so we'll have to see what Rita does with it.

I also promised I share a picture of my Tribal Shamrock once it was finished.  I've found living in a small 1-bedroom apartment that it's important to have functional finishes, unless I want to take up every inch of wall space (which I don't), so I Rita turned this piece into a basket front for me.  Don't you just love it?!

Today (Sunday) I'll be working on a color conversion for my next thread-a-day and starting it.  Unfortunately it will be a secret thread-a-day, as it's a gift for someone that follows me online and I don't want them seeing it.  I'll take pics of it every two weeks just like I normally would, and then do a start-to-finish post after they've received it.  And the only reason for the color conversion is to match their home decor.

So, with that being said, I believe it's time for me to get off the computer and get down to business with my stitching.

Until the next time...Happy Stitching!

Fight Like A Girl - Breast Cancer Awareness Cross Stitch Pattern

After recently republishing my Autism Awareness Ribbon chart, I was asked to do something for Breast Cancer Awareness.  Here's my spin on it using not only DMC floss, but some Kreinik blending filament to give it that little bit of sparkle every girl needs in her life.

If you're interested in this design, you can find where to purchase it here

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

Modern Dictionary: Cat Cross Stitch Pattern

It's been about 9 months since I released the last Modern Dictionary design.  Honestly, I quit doing them because they just don't sell, which to me means people don't like them.  However, I did a poll on my Facebook page of what people wanted to see in 2016 and there was a tie for first place...more Modern Dictionary pieces and more quilt inspired designs.  So, here we are.

This piece was stitched on a 28 count aida hand-dyed "Blueberry" Jobelan.  I went back to my standard black floss, because using any other color just doesn't feel right to me.  Of course the finish was done by Rita over at SnowBerry NeedleArts.

This pattern along with the other pieces in this series (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 have the opportunity, please support your local needlework shops, as they're a dying breed and we need to keep them around!

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

And if there's a particular word you'd like to see a fun definition given to, just let me know and I'll gladly add it to my list of designs to create & stitch.  

Smiley Trio Cross Stitch Pattern

One of my goals for 2016 is to recreate and re-release designs that were done years ago on my old PatternMaker software.  The first one of I've done is the Smiley Trio.  

This design was always one of my best sellers through my Etsy shop, whether it be the pattern, or the little magnets I stitched of the different smileys.  Each smiley is 2" x 2" when stitched on 14/28 count fabric.

If you're interested in this chart, simply click HERE for a list of retailers where it might be available.

Be sure to stay tuned throughout the year as more of my "old" designs come back to life.

Until the next time...Happy Stitching!

Stitch From Stash - December 2015 Recap

Happy New Year fellow stitchers!!

Before I get into the nitty gritty of my December finishes & purchases, I wanted to make a revision to November's numbers.  After publishing my post, I was questioned on whether I was counting the expense of items that were being stitched with the specific purpose of it being a gift.  My answer was yes.  However, I posed that question on both my Facebook page and in my stitching groups, and the resounding answer was....if it's being stitched as a gift, and nothing is going into your stash, then NO, it should not be counted.  Hence, I've changed my personal rules, which means it will change my November numbers.  I'd also like to say that since I'm not counting any expenses (since I would have been purchasing a gift anyway), I also will NOT be giving myself credit for completing that piece.

 November revised figures

Opening Balance = $0.00
Finishes = $21.00
Purchases = $40.76
Balance Forward = (19.76)

Now that we have that out of the way, let's get on with December.  Sadly, another month ended in the red.  :(

Opening Balance =  (19.76)
Finishes = $10.00
Purchases = $41.75
Balance Forward = (51.51)
 

Finishes
Tribal Shamrock = $10.00

I was a little light on the stitching this month between the holidays and traveling back to OH for a few days.  I'm not too worried though, I should have quite a few finishes in January.

Here is the ornament I finished last month and couldn't show a picture of.  I DID give myself credit for this one because 100% of the supplies for it came directly from my stash.

And here's a picture of the tribal shamrock.  I sent it off this past week to be finished, so I can't wait to see what she comes up with for it.

Purchases 
Framing of my completed "Wings & Things" piece, floss and a new Qsnap for my Great Wilderness Afghan, and some misc. floss for a new design model I'm working on.

I tried to do much better with my purchases this month.  If you're not stitching & completing, you really shouldn't be buying...right



Lastly, I was asked last month how I keep track of my finishes & spending.  I have a notebook I'm writing things down in.  Nothing fancy, but it works for me.  

 


I hope sharing the pictures of my notebook will help someone else figure out how to do their own "stash diet".  If you want to know anything else, just ask away.  

Until the next time...Happy Stitching!