Wordless Wednesday - August 1, 2012

 

Photo Courtesy of International Living

Tips & Techniques - Bobbins vs. Stitchbows

I see a lot of questions going around the various online cross stitch groups & forums about how people store their floss/thread/fibers/cotton (whatever you may call it in your part of the world).  I thought I would give my opinion this week and the number one reason behind it.

You'll see below is a picture of some floss on a DMC Stitchbow holder (on the left) and some floss on a cardboard bobbin (on the right).  These are both DMC floss that I have pulled at random from my stash.  Each color is nearing the end of the skein.  You can see with the stitchbow that the floss is still straight & free of kinks whereas the green floss that has been stored on a bobbin is all kinked up, and typically causes me to deal with more knots than my floss that is stored on a stitchbow.  That in itself is my #1 reason for switching all my floss over to stitchbow holders.  I've been converting over the past 3 years or so, so I've been able to spread the cost out over time.

If you decide to convert to stitchbows you'll need 3 things to make it work.  First you'll need the stitchbow holders themselves, you'll need the pages to put them in, and you'll need a binder to keep them in.  The holders & pages are available at most major craft stores (Hobby Lobby, JoAnn's, etc.) as well as many online stores.  As far as the binder, you can get any 3-ring type that is available at your local dollar store, office supply store, etc.  I've picked mine up at various places and none of the colors match, but I don't really mind.  

Here's a picture of what it will all look like in a binder.  No, the numeric labels don't come with the pages, I did those myself with my label maker (my Dad would be so proud, lol!)

Money Monday - July 30, 2012

Because I ♥ all of my fans & customers so much, I thought I would give you a special Money Monday from my own shop.  

Use coupon code FAB40 in my shop and you'll get a 40% discount on your entire purchase (excludes shipping charges). This coupon code will be valid for 40 hours only and will be deactivated Wednesday morning at 12:30am EST.   Do you notice a "40" theme going here?  LOL!

The discount is good on anything in my shop...patterns, fabrics, greeting cards, gift items, etc.

Don't delay, because the coupon code won't last long!

Amazing Quilts

Quilting is one form of needlework I've never had any desire to learn, but I just love looking at other people's works of art.

Each year JoAnn's does a quilt contest with awesome prizes.  The first place winner receives $5,000 cash!!!

They have recently announced the winners from the 2011 contest, so I thought I'd share a couple of them with my fabulous readers!

 This is the 1st place quilt and winner of $5,000!

This is the 2nd place quilt and winner of $2,500

There are many other quilts you can look at, these just happen to be my 2 favorite.  If you'd like to see the others, just click here.  Enjoy!

Pattern of the Week - July 28, 2012

I promised several weeks ago that not all of my posts would be cross stitch related, that I would expand them to cover all types of needlework.  This week I'm featuring an embroidery pattern from my friend Jen over at SewJenaissance.

Halloween will be right around the corner and I think Jen has done a fantastic job of combining jack-o-lanterns with matryoshka dolls.  You can get the pattern here and at $5.00 (regular price) it's quite a bargain.