December 2012 Small

Here is the December small!  Christmas Songbirds Ornament by Historic Stitches.  Absolutely stunning!  Cathy of Inspired Needle picked this month's small, stitched it and finished it beautifully!!!

Here is a picture that shows you the size/scale of the ornament as you can see it grouped with a darling pair of Christmas scissors.  (Santa, if you are seeing this could you put a pair of these scissors in your pack for me?) 

As you can see....this is a two-sided ornament so you can add a personalization on the back. 

Cathy has kits available for this ornament at the shop.   The pattern calls for 32 count linen which makes the size of the ornament 3-1/2" x 3-1/2".  

Included in the kit will be the two pieces of 32 count linen you will need to stitch the front and back, Gentle Arts Buckeye Scarlett floss and, of course, the chart from Historic Stitches.

Kit prices are as follows:

14 count aida kit is $17.00

28/32/36 count linen kits are $19.00

40 count linen kits are $23.00

In addition to being a beautiful ornament, this looks like a fun stitch too!!!  

Wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving a great time getting ready for Christmas!  Happy Stitching!!!!

I don't remember which month this small was for but I stitched it for an exchange and created a box top.  It is stitched on 32ct antique ivory using GAST and DMC.  The inside is finished with an autumn leaf print. 

November 2012 Small

 This month's small is by C Street Samplerworks.  It is called ABC I Love Thee.   I picked this one because I just found it so sweet and gorgeous!  It could be an early Valentine start, but I don't think it just has to be for that holiday.  I see it as a year round sentiment and design.

 Cathy very kindly stitched this up over the weekend!  Doesn't it look totally fabulous???

I love this "arty" photo she took.

I hope everyone else is taken with this design too.  

Here is the information for ordering kits:

Pattern, 30 count Weeks Linen & silk thread for $21.00

OR

Pattern, 35 count Weeks Linen & silk thread for $19.00

If you prefer cotton overdyed thread, Cathy can substitute the silk with 2 skeins of Crescent Colours for no additional cost.

Interview with Brenda

As you know, this month's small was selected by Brenda.  Beside cross-stitching, Brenda LOVES University of Michigan football.  Hence, the picture of the fabulous stadium where the team plays.  If there is a game on, I know that Brenda will be glued to the TV with a project in hand.  It sounds like a really good time to me!!!!

Here is the interview with Brenda.  If you would like to visit her website, click HERE!

Q:  How did you get interested in cross-stitching?  When did you first start stitching?

A:   I got interested in stitching when I was pregnant with my oldest daughter back in 1984.  My first cross stitch piece was a Dimensions kit for a birth sampler for Ashley.
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Q:  Okay, quick, it is 9 a.m. on a Wednesday morning.  Your boss tells you that you don't have to come to work today.  What are you going to do with yourself?

A:  On an unscheduled day off I would probably go to a LNS for some stash enhancement and then come home and stitch all day long with NO GUILT!
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Q:  You are famous in certain circles for your "kick-ass" stitching room. Can you tell us a little bit about how long you planned for it and thought about it before you were able to implement it?

A:  Well my stitching room is something I had dreamed about for years.  When my oldest daughter moved out I very quickly (like the next day-- LOL) moved all my stash into her old room.  The room has sort of evolved over the last couple of years with the addition of furniture and my wanting to change things around.  I get a lot of my inspiration for what I've done in that room from seeing different stitching/quilting rooms online.   
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Q:  What is your favorite thing about having your own stitching room?  

A:  The best part of having my own stitching nest is being able to retreat there when life gets crappy.  All is good with the world when I'm stitching in my nest:)
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Q:  Can you tell us a few of your favorite designers?

A:    I have so many "favorite" designers.  This is hard but if I had to limit it to what charts I would buy "sight unseen" then that would include Blackbird Designs, The Drawn Thread, Little House Needleworks and The Victoria Sampler

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Q:  What is one of your favorite small pieces you stitched before we started Year of the Smalls?

A:  One of my favorite smalls would have to be a 15-sided Christmas Biscornu by Just Nan.  I enjoyed stitching all the little sides and was so proud that I was able to assemble it on my own.  

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Thanks so much Brenda!!!!!  You are such a wonderful stitcher and friend!   

Fancey's Flowers

Fancey's Flowers

Pineberry Lane

40ct Linen

Required DMC Threads with 1 change

 

I know I am behind with my smalls, but momma is back in the game and trying to catch up. I started with Fancey because of her Fall colors and she is just darn cute! I did change her to a lady because I don't do witches and just decorate for the Fall season. I also changed the color of her basket so it would stand out a bit more. She was a fun stitching project!!

 

I will get started with the current project, but will post the past projects as I finish them. I hope we will continue this into 2013! I just got severely sidetracked with prom, graduation, and preparing 2 for college and the last for high school.

 

Hugs & Stitches!!

October 2012 Small

October's small is Autumn Splendor by With Thy Needle and Thread.   This small was selected for us by Brenda!  Please go to her blog and scroll down for her more pics of her finish.  She opted to finish it as a box topper and it is just gorgeous!

 

You may contact Inspired Needle and purchase this as a kit with chart, fabric and threads.  The kit will include full skeins of the overdyed threads, so the cost is a bit higher, but it is definitely worth it and you will have some extra thread for your stash!

You may select 35, 30 or 14 count fabric with Gentle Art Threads.  

30 count linen is $39.00

35 count or 14 count are $37.00.  

Also, if you would like just the chart, just the linen or just the threads please let Cathy at Inspired Needle know.  

I am sorry for the delay in this announcement!!!!!  Darn it when "real life" gets in the way of the stitching!!!!!!

Interview with Patti!

This month's small was selected by Patti.  When I think of Patti one of the things I think about is a lake in Michigan.  You see, Patti and her family have a little get-away place there.....above is a picture she took of the lake.  Isn't that just the best place to imagine spending some time to recharge your batteries and read and stitch??  Definitely!

On to the interview!

Q:   When did you start cross-stitching?  Did someone teach you?

A:  I started cross stitching when I was in my early 20's.  My Dad was into all kinds of needlework; needlepoint, cross-stitch, embroidery, sewing, crewel, and he inspired me to try.  I also belonged to a Crafts Group that got together and my friend Nancy's mom liked to cross stitch.  I did it for a few years and then stopped.  I got back into it when I met YOU!  (side-note:  Patti and I were lucky enough to meet through our blogs!  We noticed that we did not live that far from each other and we decided to meet at a stitch shop not far from our homes.  We met for lunch and shopping and the rest is history!!)
 

Q:  When and where is your favorite time to stitch?

A:  At night when everything else is done, as well as anytime with my Stitching Buddies!

Q:   Who are some of your favorite designers?

A:  I LOVE Pineberry Lane, Sampler Girl, Stacy Nash, Brenda Gervais, Little House Needleworks,  Notforgotten Farm,  Blackbird Designs,  Primitive Betty's, Prairie Schooler, Shepherd's Bush and everything else my friends stitch that I "have to HAVE!!!"
 

Q:  Can you share one of your favorite "cross-stitch memories" with us?

A:   Having some cross- stitched pieces that my Dad made around the house makes me very happy. Also spending time stitching with friends, laughing and chatting- the fellowship that brings; as well as some time alone, especially, in Michigan, when I get uninterrupted time to stitch is so rewarding.  The retreats we have all gone to have produced some good memories as well!
 

Q:  Can you tell us about one of your favorite pieces that you have stitched? 
 

A:  I love them all- especially the finished ones!!!! I think I am partial to the holiday/seasonal ones.

Q:   What would constitute the perfect stitching day?

A.  Stitching with my Stitching Buddies ANYTIME!!! And a cozy fall or winter day!!!

Thanks Patti!!!! (by the way, the picture of your finished smalls is making me hyperventilate (in a good way!))

September 2012 Small

This month's small was selected and stitched by Patti.  Isn't Miss Fancey just perfect????  This is Fancey's Sunflowers by Pineberry Lane.  I just love Pineberry Lane!!

 Patti stitched hers without the bottom part that lists the year 1799. 

Aren't these DMCs just Gorgeous!!!!!

Here is the kit information:

There are four kits this time, all with Pineberry Lane pattern, Picture This Plus Heritage linen and the 11 skeins of DMC.  The fabric counts in the kits are 40, 36, 32 and 14.  The linen kits are all $26.00 each and the 14 count Aida kit is $24.50.

Please let Cathy know which kit you would like and it will be winging its way to you!!!!  I can't wait to stitch this one.  Thanks Patti for such a wonderful choice!

 

Interview with Linda

 

Here is the interview with Linda Crowe who selected this month's beautiful small, Acorns and Sunflowers by Beehive Needleworks.  Linda has her own blog, Keeper of the Crowes, which showcases here stunning stitching!  Click her to visit:  Keeper of the Crowes

Q:  When and why did you start cross-stitching?

A:  It seems as though I’ve been cross stitching forever! Actually, I can’t remember a time when I didn’t have some kind of needle in my hand, but cross stitch was just “it” for me!!!  I think it’s in my genes.  My mother knitted, hooked rugs, did various types of needlework and painted. Her father did leather tooling in New York in the 1800’s. He created and executed the designs used at that time in furniture making.  I just like that connection to the past. The funny thing is, no other female relatives in my family can even thread a needle!! LOL!

Q:  What is your stitching schedule like?  Every day?  only when you feel like it?  

A:    I stitch each morning for about an hour, then again in the late afternoon, and in the evening when my schedule allows.

Q:  How has your stitching changed over the  years?  (charts, linen, etc.)

A:  Well, I stitch on linen and prefer 36 or 40 count. I do silk conversions whenever I can. And, thanks to my stitching buddies, my awareness of so  many different designers has expanded greatly. Oh, yes, my “stash” has “ expanded”, as well.

Q:  Could you tell us about your dream stitching day?  (stitching or shopping or whatever this means to you)

A:  Fortunately I get to live my dream stitching day every time I get together with my stitching group. No one has more fun than we do!!!   

Q:  Could you tell us some of your favorite designers?

A:    Oh my gosh, there are too many to mention. But, if you ask me who I would buy sight unseen, that would have to be Blackbird Designs and Brenda Gervais.

Q:  What are some of your favorite pieces you have stitched?

A:  I can’t seem to put my Shepherd’s Bush “snowmen” away. They stay up all year!!!  I love all my patriotic designs, but my favorite designs that are being displayed at the moment are Let Us Be Truly Thankful the American Edition from Heartstring Samplery and Land of the Free by BBD.  I also love my Springtime Social  piece by Brenda Gervais.( I know it’s a favorite of yours, too, Laura.) The new Christmas Garden design by BBD  and The Birds & The Bees by Carriage House Samplings are also among my favorites. 

  

Q:    What made you pick this month's small?

 A:  The early style of the design just really appealed to me.   I love sunflowers and the fact that they are two toned, with those acorns and in that urn!!! It was a “no brainer” for me!! 

Q:  Do you believe in stitching on one piece at a time or do you switch around a lot between pieces?

A:  LOL!!! Laura, you know me too well.  Yes, I like to stitch one piece at a time. 

Thanks Linda!  It is fun to get your take on stitching!  

Interview with Karin

Karin picked the small for July and her interview is late!!  Sorry about that!  Here is the very interesting interview with Karin who now lives in Illinois, but is from Holland.

Q:  How long have you been stitching and how did you learn how to stitch?

A:  I have been stitching since I was 15 years old. I learned to stitch by myself.  The way I discovered cross stitch is quite funny.  I worked in a convenience store on the weekends and there was an offer from a cigarette brand. When someone would buy a few packs they got a mini kit from Lanarte. One of the customers didn't want the kit and offered it to me. I looked at it and as it was quiet in the store I started it right there and then!  Hooked ever since!
 

Q:   Is there a difference in stitching (shops, designers, retreats) between Europe and America?

A:  There certainly is! Of course there is more availability in America and it seems more popular, although the last couple of years I noticed more is coming out of Europe. Especially the French have more designers getting international interest which is great! Unfortunately there is not a lot of cross stitch everywhere in Europe. Before moving to the US I lived in Ireland for over 5 years and there was nothing!! Even finding DMC was almost impossible. Luckily there was the internet and I ordered everything online. So you can imagine that I was like a kid in a candy store when I moved to the US and visited a cross stitch store!  There were not many possibilities for retreats in Europe. One shop in London, Hanging By A Thread, organized classes with US designers and that was always so much fun!
 

Q:  What is your favorite cross-stitch accessory?

A:  Definitely scissors...I am a collector!

Q:  Do you have a tip for people who would like to try to stitch on 36 or 40 count?
 

A:  Just give it a try! The result is so beautiful and stitching with just one thread is wonderful, no need to worry if the threads are laying nicely. With a pair of readers or a magnifier it will even be easier!

Q:  How often do you stitch?

A:  I try to stitch every night while watching TV.

Q:  Who are 3 of your favorite designers?
 

A:  That is a difficult question....there are so many. I would say Blackbird Designs, Shepherd's Bush and I love reproduction samplers, especially Dutch ones and Quaker Samplers.

Q:   What is your favorite fabric to stitch on?

A:  36 or 40 count Lakeside Linen.
 

Q:  Can you tell us a story of a time that you were truly on a stitching "high?"

 A:  I think it is every time I am together with my stitching buddies:-)

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Thanks for the interview Karin!!!

Coming next is the interview with the current month's small presenter - Linda!

August 2012 Small

This month's small was selected by Linda Crowe.  Linda has beautiful taste and always stitches the best stuff.  This is no exception.  The piece is called Sunflower and Acorns and the designer is Beehive Needleworks.  Just lovely isn't it???

If you would like to order a kit from Inspired Needle it will include the Sunflowers and Acorns pattern, plus DMC & Gentle Art thread, plus fabric. 

There are three separate kits.  

#1 Kit has 36 count Edinborough linen in Natural, chart and threads.

#2 Kit has 32 count Belfast linen in Natural, chart and threads.

#3 kit has 14 count Aida/Linen blend in Natural, chart and threads.

Each of the kits is $24.00.

Please note:  The pattern was charted for all DMC but Linda substituted the two flower colors with Gentle Art Sampler threads to give some nice color variation.

Happy Stitching!!!

A Tease

I just wanted to let you know that our next small is really gorgeous and will be so much fun to stitch! The initials of the designer company are B.H........see you back here on the 15th!

Love
Laura

Tisket A Tasket finish

I just finished up Tisket a Tasket.  I'm not sure why I stitch my small projects months later than everyone else, because each of them have been a very enjoyable stitch.  Could it be I have too many projects?  Nah!

Not sure yet how I'm going to finish this.  I absolutely loved the way that Jeanne finished hers, and I've never done a flatfold finish, so maybe I'll try something like that.

Flower Pot Sampler

I just finished framing the Flower Pot Sampler.  I chose to do mine in Belle Soie Rose of Sharon to match my bedroom.  I really enjoyed stitching this one, and love that it fit in a standard frame.

July 2012 Small

How delightful our next small is!!!  It makes me feel as we are out in a beautiful garden with just a hint of a breeze and the smell of roses in the air!

This lovely design was chosen and stitched (above) by Karin.  Later this month I will share the story of how Karin and I met.  It is the tale of two crazy stitchers!  This month's design is Crown Sampler by Niky's Creations.  And look at the finish that Karin had done for this design.....stunning!   What a great little project to sneak into your bag on a weekend away!

As usual, if you would like to order the whole project kitted up, Cathy at Inspired Needle is ready for you!!!  

The fabric used is Weeks Dye Works Beige and it is available in 30, 35 or 40 count.  There is enough floss in the kit to stitch the design.  The kit price is $29.00 which includes the chart, the fabric and the fibers (and a cute little bag to put them all in!)  Cathy will have a kit with Aida cloth available too; just ask!

So, here we are kicking off the second half of the Year of the Smalls!!  Thanks to everyone for your enthusiasm.  So far, it has all been a total blast.  

Hope to hear from lots of you stitching this design (and any of the past ones.  True confession; I just started Small Token by BBD last night!!).

Interview with Teresa

This month's small was selected and stitched by the lovely and talented Teresa Whisson.  Below are some thoughts from this wonderful friend.

Q:  What made you choose this month's design?

A: Laura told me to pick it.  (Editor's note:  Really?  Am I that bossy?  Probably.)

Q:  Could you give us your "craft history?"  For example; when did you start stitching?  What other crafts do you enjoy?

A:  I started sewing when I was 8 and I just loved it. My dad would buy my fabric only after I finished the previous garment. I wish I still had that discipline!  And I wish my dad would still buy my stash. LOL.

I couldn't wait until I was 16 so I could work at the fabric store.  I applied on my 16th birthday and was hired on the spot.  I worked there through high school and college.  

I started cross stitching in about 1980 after I took a class with my sister. I cross-stitched off and on throughout the years but have been stitching non-stop since about 2000.  I also picked up quilting along the way and have made over 100 quilts. 

Q:  Would you tell us some of your favorite stitching designers?

A:  Blackbird Designs and Prairie schooler are my favorites.

Q:  Tell us about your idea of the perfect stitching day?
 

A:  I LOVE shopping with my stitching buddies. Road trips and retreats are the best. Stitching is great, but the friendships I have made are beyond measure. I adore my stitching buddies
 

Q:   Do you have a stash?  And if so, how do you organize it?
 

A:  I have taken over the hall closet (walk-in) for my stash. I have the kits and charts organized alphabetically!  I also have an Excel spreadsheet listing every chart and the fabric I have for it (if kitted). There are over 1000 entries on the chart so I guess I have a pretty nice stash! 

Q:  What is your favorite part of being a stitcher?

A:  See #4 above! 

May Finish

Here is my May small finished into a pillow.  It is stitched on 32ct Limestone with Crescent colours Weeping Willow.  I finished it while attending Celebrations of Needlework so I matched some Chenille trim that I picked up at Inspired Needle's booth.  I chose Crescent Colours Chenille trim in Beanstalk.  It matched perfectly.  Thanks Cathy for such a wonderful array of items that you brought all the way to Nashua.

April small finished..........

I finally got my April project finished off.   The thread colors in this project are sort of unusual so I had to dig deep in my fabric stash for something I thought worked with it.  I decided to make a standing easel out of "Tisket a Tasket".    It will be a cute spring piece to display.

June 2012 Small

 Happy Mother's Day!  I thought it would be fun to get this month's small up early on a day that everyone feels celebratory.  


This month's small is Liberty Sewing Pouch by Stacy Nash Primitives!!!!!!  Isn't it wonderful???  Just gorgeous and totally cool!


This small was picked by Teresa and all the pictures on this entry of the finished piece are from her.  She did a great job stitching and fabulous job finishing this piece!  I think all of us will be lined up outside her door to request her services!

 Look how cute the kitting is!!!!

The kit will contain Weeks Dye Works linen in Confederate Grey, plus 7 skeins of DMC floss, plus the pattern.  There are two sizes of linen available, both 30 and 35 count. Both kits are $25.  If you need Aida, please call or email Cathy at Inspired Needle and she can set you up.

Here is the link to Inspired Needle:  CLICK HERE!

 I love, love, love the designs by Stacy Nash!  You could give me any one of her charts and I would be happy!

 Here are some close-ups of Teresa's fine stitch work!

This is a great project to start the summer with don't you think???

Anticipation

These gals are perched on the fence post because they are anxiously awaiting May 15th and the announcement of the next small project.  Since they were so excited I thought I would give them a little hint as to the next project........the designer of the next small has the initials S.N.  

Exciting!!!

An 'unofficial' small

Although I love the May small and have every intention of stitching it, I got sidetracked by this project when I bought an adorable pincushion stand at Celebration of Needlework.  This is one of the Quaker Pincushion designs by Jeannette Douglas.  I bought it Saturday and finished it on Tuesday.  Hoping to assemble it this weekend.

This Month's Interview - Jayne

Above is a photo of Jayne's finished Flower Pot Sampler.  She picked a gorgeous frame for this one.  It looks so gorgeous!!!!!  Thank you Jayne for picking such a wonderful May project!

I wanted you to get to know Jayne so following is a cutting edge interview we conducted today!

Q:  How did you start cross-stitching?

A:  I started with a crochet hook when I was a little girl and I eventually tried every needlecraft I could and landed on cross-stitch as my favorite about 20 years ago.  I love it more with each project, the lovely fabrics, fibers and patterns that are available today makes it so much fun.

Q:  Who are some of your favorite designers?  

A:  My favorite designers change, however, the constants are Blackbird Designs, Ink Circles, Birds of a Feather (sadly, they no longer design for cross-stitch) and Little House Needleworks.  

Q:  What is your fondest stitching fantasy?

A:  My secret fantasy is to own a cross-stitch shop and carry every cross-stitch item made, along with having a drive-through window and emergency delivery services....this is all going to happen when I win the lottery.  I have planned out all the jobs that my friends want to have at the shop.  We would have living quarters above the shop for whomever wants to stay overnight to stitch and hang out. 

Q:  Can you tell us about a project that you remember stitching?  The time, place, what was going on in your life when you were stitching it?

A:  I stitched The Serenity Prayer for a friend of mine that was going through a difficult time.  I worked on it every day while riding the train on my commute to work.  They still have it and it means a lot to them.

Q:  What is your favorite thing about stitching?

A:   This hobby has not only given me something that I so love to do, but I have connected with a wonderful group of women that have provided me some of the best times I have ever had and I know there are a lot more of them to come!

 
 

Tisket

I finally have a picture to show you of Pat's finish of Tisket Tasket in the called for fabric, Dye Pot Blend.  Isn't it gorgeous!!!  I still love this dear little pattern so much!

Laura

Another Poinsettia House finish........

I finally finished this one!!  I thought that house was going to take forever.  No it didn't take me 4 months...I started it last month since I joined the group late.   I love how it turned out...I added a few beads in the centers of the flowers and where the 'berries' were around the border .  I also changed the wording.      Next up I'll be starting the April project...

March and April Finishes

Here is March's small. BBD "Small Token" stitched over 1 on 36ct fabric.  I used some of the suggested threads and DMC for what I didn't have.  It is teeny tiny and I love it.

I decided to stitch from my stash for the month of April.  I chose The Goode Huswife's The Cat Sampler.  It is stitched on 32 ct Flax Fields with the recommended DMC threads. 

I couldn't resist buying the kit for May.  I love the selection and can't wait to stitch it up.

Pins & Needles finish

I finally got my little pincushion sewed up week....finished stitching it about 2 weeks ago but hadn't had time to do the sewing and stuffing.  I used some lovely wool on the back and filled with crushed walnut shells.  It's stitched on Lakeside Linens Vintage Bittersweet with overdyed flosses - I had to make a few color modifications to go with the linen. 

I'm falling behind a bit....haven't even started the April basket project yet but almost finished with Poinsettia House - that house seems to take forever to stitch!

May 2012 Small

Introducing the small for the month of May!!!  This is the adorable Flower Pot Sampler by From the Heart!!  This delightful small was selected by Jayne! 

I am particularly in love with the alphabet on this chart.  I think it is full of whimsy.

And look how Cathy kitted up this project!  What a delight!

Here is Jayne's finish.  She is not sure if she is going to frame it or finish it into a little pin keep. 

 If you would like to purchase a kit from Inspired Needle you can order the chart, Belfast Limestone 32 count linen and one skein of Crescent Colors Weeping Willow for $15.00 or if you prefer to substitute Belle Soie Weathering Vine for the cotton the cost would be $20.00 for the entire kit.

As you know, I am supposed to announce the new smalls on the 15th of each month, but since this is a Friday night and the start to a weekend I thought we all needed a little treat and excitement!  Enjoy!