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!