cross stitch cafe

AACCKK TECHNOLOGY AND LIFE

2009-09-26T08:17:00.005-05:00

Over the past few days I have had so many exciting UNEXPECTED changes that my blog address HAS to just be a .com address in order to serve all the needs of changes within it.

I have been commissioned to create and work with an additional "needleart" venue (besides cross stitch). So, it is not best I have a blog address that has xstitch in it and not needlwork in general. Had I been smart in the first place and had just the word needlework or stitches in it I would not have created this problem

SOOOOO- my permanent blog -- It's still a blogspot account just with my own domain. WHich is:

www.bethkhdesigns.com

Finally, I can chill...

Just Cross Stitch Ornament

2009-09-22T12:17:00.015-05:00

I mentioned a few days ago I would post a photo of my ornament--I still have not received my issue, but did find a photo of the page it is on. I did the prim angel holding the star of Bethlehem above Jesus in the nativity near the town... I always try to do an ornament that has to do with what Christmas is--

Mattel memories

2009-09-20T07:49:00.004-05:00

When I was young my dream was to work for Mattel. Were they they not a 1960's, 1970's child's fave for toys? I suppose with Barbie and Hot Wheels alone they were special, but I loved them for so much more. Dancerina. I will never forget the Christmas I received her-her beautiful sparkling crown...if she could talk now so many of my dreams of "when I am a grown up" she could remind me of-- probably would make me sad though. I also know she was very special to me because my Mom and Dad did not "spoil" me with all the dolls and toys i thought I wanted. As far as the "big" dolls go "Dancerina" and "Velvet" were it. My Grandparents did give me the "little things" , but I respected the gifts and all. So, here is a photo of Dancerina circa 1968.

I also adored, collected and loved my "Little Kittles" I have attached a picture of my very first one. I still have many of them and their club house which I will get a picture of soon. I must laugh though, somehow I did not choke or die from the accessories or the wire inside them that made them "bend". I wonder how many kids had a Gumby and Pokey... DO girls even play with dolls anymore?

OVERHAULING

2009-09-15T19:59:00.003-05:00

Hello everyone. I had a "business" meeting late today and for the next couple weeks I will be overhauling work, blogging, and streamlining tech items--so if I am not back for a bit that is why. I'll try and at least post photos of all the fall stitching & when I return you will see a whole new blog.

my new blog address will be (and also gets you here now) www.bethsblogxstitch.com

I just can't do it!

2009-09-15T12:07:00.003-05:00

I have decided I do not like mixing business with pleasure. So, I am separating my personal blog from "Fanci That". I will still note magazine stuff here. It takes so much time to personal blog, business blog, tweet and facebook -- I would rather be stitching. So, I have found a student to keep up the Fanci That News and all that other techno stuff and I will focus on my personal blog, stitching, designing and more stitching. I'll keep fanci that links on this blog and just put the word "updated" next to those links when something is happening such as new designs or freebies...

I have learned over time and having cancer for so long that once business filters into personal I become stressed and my priorities get all out of whack. I have posted another pumpkin design today and will go back to three or so tomorrow.

I thought I would post the Just Cross Stitch ornament 2009 today, but, I don't have my issue yet, so it will have to wait.

Decorating for Fall

2009-09-14T22:06:00.001-05:00

I absolutely adore decorating the house for the Fall. It's not that I don't like decorating for Christmas, I do. I love the lights and ornaments and our nativities. It's just that over the years I have chosen to focus less on the Christmas Decor (except for lights and ornaments always adding those), and more on Advent and the true meaning of the season.

I love I can keep my Fall decor up for a full three months. I suppose I could filter in "winter" type decorations to extend the Christmas decorating, however, I do not love winter. I love the "idea" of riding in a horse drawn carriage in lovely New England in the snow , but, in St. Louis our winters are pretty ugly. Brown. So, being a color gal I go right from Christmas to Valentines and pansies.

I also love Fall colors. They are so cozy. I love coffee and there is something about coffee and fall. I also collect pumpkins. All kinds. Stuffed, ceramic, stitched, gourd"ish", white , some with faces (I just turn them around after Halloween) and of course I get a few real ones and photograph them each year. Although I visit the
"Pumpkin Patch" annually I have much fonder memories of the Patch when the boys were young. For the past 7 years, I have dreaded fall because of every fall meant cancer treatment. Although it still happens, it has become such the norm, I do not dread the season so much anymore.

So, in honor of Fall I will be posting 3 or 4 stitches (every post) I have done of my own work (some will eventually be available in the shop or in print again) and other designers who are dear friends that I have also stitched. It could go on for weeks if I don't post at least 3 at a time. I have over 50 in my collection and I know I haven't counted them all!

Has anyone stitched the new Shepherd's Bush pattern? I thought about just stitching the house on the hill... what do you think?

Photo information
Top photo: Ghosties- My boys have always like this one. I think because it is primitive while still being fun-
Middle photo: Scarecrow-October (I had a year series of scarecrows. I remember a shop owner who stitched them all as pillows for her daughter going to college. Her daughter requested them for her room.
Bottom photo: Pumpkin Farm one in the Bell pull or linen band series. I hang this from a peg hook...

9/11/09

2009-09-11T12:45:00.007-05:00

Today I thank and pray for all those who have served and are serving our country and protecting our freedom and liberty. I heard the recording of the original news broadcast this am on the radio as the 9/ 11 attack was happening those years ago and it was like I was exactly where I was at that moment in time. The same feeling rushed over me, and shock.

I am also thankful my children have been exposed and participated in an AF JROTC program. They may not realize now, but, much will stay with them. I went up to the high school today and honored those from 9/11--our principal always makes sure the day is remembered and honored. He works with the AF ROTC at lafayette and it still touches many. I saw quite a few tears in the crowd. (photos were taken today of AFROTC kids and friends.)

I will say I missed my oldest son, Peter today not there in uniform, and wondered what his college is doing today in remembrence of 9-11. He has a few years before he is in the AIr Force/military due to pre med/med school , however in my mind there is a piece where I still and will always see him in uniform as a part of AFROTC until he is again wearing the blue.

God bless to all the families and people who are close to you and were impacted on that day. If you ever have the opportunity to visit NY and the site where the twin towers once were, it is definitely a must visit. It brings the event completely to heart. All the notes and postings and memories people have written are tacked everywhere and the city has left them for others to see and read.

Today I have posted a photo I took of the "site" and the church which still stands untouched right next to the site and all the horrid destruction around it. It was the only building that had no damage...

New freebie upload to yahoo group

2009-09-05T08:39:00.003-05:00

Good day! I just uploaded a new freebie to the yahoo group. This was in the Gift of Stitching magazine a while back-- I have always loved sheep especially black ones!

2009-08-31T21:53:00.004-05:00

After getting back from dropping Peter off at college, I realized how the summer was consumed by him leaving for the first time. My dear friend Mary Rose truly brought that to light. The summer is about over and looking back I don't know where it went. Another thing I realized is although I thought I was emotionally prepared for my oldest leaving, I am not. It seems at the most unexpected moments it hits me like a brick wall.

Peter is quite happy so far. His roommate is lovely and they mesh-- they met for the first time on move-in day. I have posted a photo of them. (Peter on left, Michael his roommate on right) Such fun times ahead... The only thing I was not too fond of down in Austin was the "rattlesnake guide" given to them in their registration packet. Acck!

Stitching post soon. I do have an ornament in the JCS Christmas Ornie issue coming up and another surprise following close behind.

Blessings-

Just Cross Stitch Halloween issue

2009-08-26T13:10:00.005-05:00

Well, I am back from Austin, Texas and dropping off Peter. Mixed emotions about the whole experience. How quickly life passes here. More on Austin next post.

Today I am honored to be among the other lovely designers who are a part of the Halloween Issue of Just Cross Stitch Magazine. It is such a blessing to work with Christy, the Editor and JCS is just my fave. I have posted a picture of the design here. Be sure to pick up your copy at your local shop or bookstore it is a fun one.

woops

2009-08-17T16:55:00.007-05:00

I forgot to put the link for the highlighter pens yesterday. It is my FAVOURITE web site for all sorts. Being left-handed I have never been able to use gel pens or rollerballs due to the angle I hold the pen and smearing of ink. I also write in a way I need a very fine point. Japan has it all. This company is out of San Fran- but all their product is from Japan. We can't get the "eons ahead of us" utensils here.
Here is the link: www.jetpens.com.
This green pen is an extra, extra fine ballpoint. One of my faves to use for writing in my Bible and pocket filofax.

Onward

2009-08-16T23:36:00.011-05:00

Onward:
1. To a new season -Like many of you the past few days, I could not hold back the urge for "autumn" on my blog while stitching up my Fall projects.
2. To a new phase of life-One child off to college this Thursday.
3. Like Vonna my "new year" starts in the Fall. So, new filofax pages, new goals (which always involve simplify, pare down, regroup)
4. New Bible Study- I finally get to do "My Beloved Disciple" by Beth Moore with a group
5. New car- Well, not really, just a repair job on my van due to our Youth Pastor smacking into it with the church van.
And finally, number 6. New Pens- It's sort of a sickness. I love my Japanese pens. I don't purchase the back-to-school Target versions. The artist in me requires/desires something different. My latest catch from Japan: ERASABLE highlighters. I LOVE them. I can cross stitch and mark my charts as I stitch or design and erase the marks if I overlap or decide I don't want the messy look. When I am reading or working on something if I no longer want it in the book... My other new fave is a micro eraser in the form of a pen. Perfect for calendar or small spaces.

My blog is in progress. I have many links to add. Blogging is an area I have to keep simple so I am going to do all the work in the posts and the columns will have simplicity-just links. I will work on this after I return from Texas.
Ta-ta- for now.

I often wonder if I am more of a Tigger or Rabbit-- my youngest Caleb told me the other day he thinks Eeyore was the very first EMO. If you have high schoolers you may get a chuckle out of that--

Happy Halloween

2009-08-12T20:07:00.011-05:00

One of my illustration jobs involved creating an alternative to the "creepy" Halloween items for children. More specific-with a Christian focus. The product is available for purchase at most Christian bookstore and gift shops after September 1. So, if you have young children or Grand children- you may want to drop these in a trick- or- treat bag for class parties, neighborhood trick or treating , trick or trunk (I think that's what the tailgate trick or treating is called)-- or just use them for gift tags, and fall. I am in the "inbetween stage" right now. No little ones at home and no grand children for awhile. What a lovely time in life for a Mother. It really is gone in a blink of an eye.

Peter's birthday was August 9. That, combined with him leaving next week for his freshman year in college made the day bittersweet.

I am not quite ready to get the photo album out and reminisce yet.

A season ahead

2009-08-08T14:24:00.005-05:00

I think once you become a stitcher, or crafter for that matter, it seems we are always a season ahead. When it's for work, I have learned to work a year in advance whenever possible. For stitching , just a season. I
still get excited about all the "decor" to go up, but I always want to put it up before it's "time". A week ago I was all about Summer now, after stitching this Mill Hill kit I am ready for sunflowers, birch leaves falling and a few gourds here and there. I collect pumpkins, so, it's hard to wait on putting them out. I have no idea why, but, I LOVE pumpkins. The way many love snowmen.

I'll post a photo of this when I frame it. I have three Halloween/Fall designs that will stand together. All Mill HIll beaded kits. I love these kits for travelling and keeping in my car, taking to the doctor office...

Next up is three "fun" witches brewing up some stew. Yes stew. Monday I have another Halloween surprise--I just received samples of product I illustrated for a Christian stationery company- Yep, Halloween and Christian together!

Summertime

2009-07-31T22:50:00.006-05:00

Summer is closing in on our family since my youngest starts school on August 18th and my oldest goes to college on the 20th.

I really don't like how quickly the summertime passes. Yesterday I watched Meet Me in St. Louis with Judy Garland and Margaret O'Brien.
It made me really want to hang on to summer and the simplicity of life it brings. Although only some of the movie was filmed here in St. Louis and I know the house where it was filmed was on Warner Bros. backlot, I love watching the scenery in this movie because they did such an excellent job of reproducing the World's Fair homes here by Forest Park. Whenever I can I drive by the Central West End and the neighborhoods where these homes are located. Some of the streets still have gates. Forest Park is the second biggest public park in the nation (Central Park in New Your #1). If only we still had the trolley line...

Stitching: Mill Hill Lemonade Magnet
Fro their Spring 2009 Series

the past few days

2009-07-22T07:25:00.008-05:00

LIfe is getting away quickly. From now until September first my posts will probably be quite scattered due to vacation, taking son to college in Texas and prepping for school to start on AUgust 18 for my high school son-Caleb. (I still think mid August is ridiculous to begin school).

This past week we spent days helping our much loved Pastor of 12 years pack up his home. He received a Call far, far away-- TEXAS . I call it a "God Thing" the Pastor my son Peter grew up with is going to have a church 10 minutes from the University he is attending.

I have posted one of my latest stitches. I love the Mill Hill designs to stitch for holidays. It's a break from my work and I love to bead. Ihave noticed many, many online stitching blogs focus on samplers, samplers and more samplers or at least the style of-- I love it so much, but, I do not have any more room for samplers and most of the people I stitch gifts for are not "sampler" people. So, I apologize if the hodge podge of stitching posted on this blog doesn't have much in the way of samplers. Hopefully, it will be a "horse of a different color" for you to ponder over. The color in this one is so cheery.

Starting in September I will have a freebie or two available at the yahoo group, so, make sure you join by then!
Blessings to all

Yahoo group formed

2009-07-11T15:58:00.005-05:00

Good day! We have finally created the news only yahoo group. As a member you will be first to receive notices of new freebies and new design releases plus any other special announcements.

As a group member you will have access to some special freebies non- members do not have. The ship is now in the files section.

Here is the link to the group. I have also posted a box in the column to join by just entering your email address.

Fhttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/fancithatxstitchnews

The Saltbox Studio

2009-07-09T19:42:00.013-05:00

Something I have not mentioned on my blog yet is "The Saltbox Studio". If you are a card maker or stamper, or know someone who is and need a gift, check out this line of stamps. are available on sale from A Muse and I illustrated them. I have chosen to get back in the needle arts on a more full time basis, so, I decided to stop doing this line. I will still illustrate for the regular A Muse line.

You will be seeing some of these designs coming soon to cross stitch (Like Shabby Sheep and Chick Retreat) the will be available when our new boutique opens. I have posted a few photos of some of the designs.
Enjoy! (card sample by Mary Rose)

Chart download update and change + God Bless America

2009-07-04T00:01:00.001-05:00

Marilyn made aware to me that an account had to be created to download the freebie I posted a few days ago. I did not realize this. Please email me if you would like the chart and I'll email you one. I am setting up a yahoo group for newsletter and freebie purposes only that if you sign up for it you will have access to the "freebie" file. This keeps your info confidential and if you sign up for individual emails you will be notified whenever a new freebie is available and new products too. I'll post that group info after the holiday.

I wish you all a joy-filled Independence Day. I am so thankful for all who have fought for our freedom. Our founders committed treason and would have laid down their life for USA-and since the beginning so many more have not only fought to protect our freedom, but assist others for theirs.
God Bless.

Beth

DO you remember?

2009-07-03T08:13:00.011-05:00

I was watching a show on Hulu (It's the only way for me to actually see a show consistently) and while browsing I came across Nanny and the Professor and watched a couple episodes. Does anyone remember that show? I loved it. Especially Prudence because she was my age. The show began airing in 1970. I lived in the Cleveland, Ohio area then. As far as my life goes my childhood years in Cleveland were my favourite and have the fondest memories. Could be the age I was 4.5 through 10 in a time when we could run around the neighborhood with no fear, and had lots of neighborhood kids that were ALL home and not running to a zillion "planned" events"... It could also be the actual years 1965-1971. What a wonderful time for being a young child in America.

I remember everything from running to my girlfriends house down the street to those Frito Bandito erasers I collected in every color from the lunch 6 pack box. Darn things never really erased, they just smeared. But I loved them. Of course I will never forget the heart throbs on 16 Magazine. David Cassidy, Bobby Sherman, The Osmonds and the Cowsills.

I have posted a few pictures for you--I did forget the show "Dark Shadows" until I flipped through and saw the pix of the cast then the memoreis all came flooding back. Check out the "outfit" for the teen page. I was too young for that, but I did have ponchos. Handy things weren't they? My plaid wool one made by my Mom was a fave. The crochet one was nifty too. LOL

If you can guess the name of the show Bobby SHerman and his buddies (W/o googling!) shown above were in post a comment and I will do a random drawing (of those who got it correct) for sampling of Weeks Dye Works floss.

Expectations?

2009-07-01T19:31:00.012-05:00

Above: A view out of Peter's dorm room window
The dorm room chair, fridge, microwave...

While checking around the University campus I tried to shoot a few photos with my Iphone. Of course, I left the camera in the hotel room-
I am not sure where the"bar" moved up or changed, but, when I went to college we had no air conditioning in the dorm rooms just the shared areas, a "land line", a basic wooden chair, a small closet and a bed. The rest we had to bring. Now, the rooms are "equipped" with all the modern conveniences from computerized -techno phones, large leather cushy chairs, a rather nice sized fridge, a microwave and a very large bathroom that has wonderful wood floors. Our bathroom was "down the hall" with 10 sinks in a row and a bunch of shower stalls. Even when I moved into the sorority it wasn't much better. How about you? What were your college quarters like?

I am blessed with lots of other things for my son when he goes off to college. Our Pastor of many years got a Call to Austin in March. He is absolutely awesome with youth and definitely lives the closest to "Christ like" a person can- His new church is just 10 minutes from the University. How awesome is that.

Stitching update: I am currently stitching a design on a Token and Trifles sewing card. LOVE them. I will post a picture and more detail soon. I am also creating a condensed "color card key ring for my Weeks Dye Works threads. I really hate having to pull out the large rings of each color--even though they are on the clip it up- I am using the wonderful Teardrop floss holders from Access Commmodities. I purchase them from Anita's.

Exchange and a freebie design for you

2009-06-30T19:11:00.013-05:00

Although we are back from our trip to Austin it has taken a couple days to catch up. Or at least begin to. I mailed off an exchange stitched piece for a 4th of July round today. I thought I would post a photo and the chart for you to download.

It took awhile to decide what to stitch and then I realized it was time to get back to a simpler time of design. There is something clean and classic about "quilt block" type designs in cross stitch. I went to the graph paper and put together some classic pieces. I call the design "Over There" for the song written by George M. Cohan during The First World War times and yet I think most of us know at least the melody and the first line or two of the chorus.
Enjoy.

Freebie "Over There" Chart

Over There song

Time flies

2009-06-21T07:05:00.000-05:00

I finally uploaded graduation pictures of Peter from my camera. "everyone" always says how quickly the 18 years goes by and they are right.
I am so thankful and grateful God has blessed Peter and I have been blessed with a "good" kid. He has always made good choices regarding the big things.

Many needlework industry people may remember Peter when he was 3 and under and I brought him to a couple trade shows. he was always so enamored with Rod Cliett from Hoffman Distributing--and Rod being the kind-hearted awesome guy he is, I can see why.

We're Austin this week for college orientation (14 hours by car). Long way away-- and with Peter's goal to be a doc in the Air Force I have come to realize that wih Med school (a different school, a specialty chosen(could be a different college again) and then off to Air Force I will most likely not be living near Peter for a very long time. Maybe the Kenny Rogers song "On the Road Again" will become a favourite...
More on Austin when we are back...

411 HELP

2009-06-21T06:03:00.000-05:00

I am travelling this week to Austin Texas. Can anyone tell me of a good cross stitch shop to visit in the vicinity? I will be staying up by Lake Travis, so places like Georgetown and Round Rock are close too. Although I have searched online I have only discovered one south of Austin, but, not sure of the quality... I can't wait to eat my Texas waffle again. Oh and the Bar be que--When we lived in Kansas City it was everywhere St. Louis has none to speak of...
Thanks so much,

Beth

The power of three

2009-06-17T11:04:00.006-05:00

I am not going to get into the whole three is great for color, wall groupings... I am speaking of three ply stranded cotton floss.
I really have fallen in love with this product. (Specifically, Weeks Dye Works line)

I love three ply floss because:
•It comes on a spool
•Because of the spool no tangles
•I am doing much stitching of late of 14 ct. perforated paper. Three ply floss is needed for good coverage-- just snip and go!
•When I have a project that calls for one or two ply floss I can just divide it into singles or for two ply I use two strands together and for the single strand left I fold it in half and use the loop method to start the thread
(If you enjoy the loop method all three strands could be done this way for the 2 ply projects)
•Cute to store/display in a basket...
•If you dabble in Punch Needle it is a great option too.
The stitched piece above is for a "sea/nautical display" using three ply floss on the perforated paper-- I haven't decided if I am going to frame it or make it into a small...

Patriotic goodies

2009-06-13T13:02:00.005-05:00

Goodies are always so fun to touch, see and marvel over. However, for me it seems the smaller the more smarvelous! ( I just saw Fred and Audrey last night) The items I have posted today are for a few projects I am working on to decorate our home for the summer.

The wreath is from Nancy's Needle (no longer in business, so, if you can find one of these gems kudos to you), The buttons are from Just Another Button Company, The fabric Joann's (all their patriotic prints are 40% off+)

Oh, one of my dear friends is a complete country gal- how blessed she is. I am torn right down the middle. For as much as I love the quaint little small towns, I love and could easily live in a brownstone in the city where I could walk to the neighborhood market daily... in many ways I have found city living more simple the "country". I love the arts, people watching and historical destinations of all larger cities. Brain food.

When I visit the Missouri Botanical Garden, I love to imagine myself with one of those cute city gardens --so intimate. Then I head on over to the Woodland garden and pretend there a bit, and finally the prairie/Butterfly garden area- For now, I have to wait out just two more years of the suburban life. Then no need for the "best" school district anymore. Wahoo!

For those of you who love the simple life and live in a city or prefer one check out www.december.com He has written a lovely ebook on Simple Living in the City . None of the live the simple life by churning your own butter...LOL SOme of his ideas are quite extreme
for us with families. However others are quite insightful.

In progress

2009-06-07T22:39:00.008-05:00

A few years back I had two patterns designs --one Lady Liberty and one Uncle Sam. They will be available again under the "classics" section soon. However, given the fact people love quick to stitch designs and "smalls" they will also be available individually in a mini version. I am working on stitching the smaller Lady Liberty and Uncle Sam now, so, I can use them in the house for the summer and release them. Here is a pix(a not so perfect phone picture) of lady liberty--I'll post her again when she is "finished" with more detail and all.
Off to read everyone's blogs...

About time for a stitching post

2009-06-03T08:58:00.007-05:00

Thankfully, this week I have had time to stitch daily. It is something that truly calms me down, makes me feel productive and gives me time to listen to God and his creations. (I love the sound of birds and water). So often I yak away to God and forget to listen.

This project is another gift I did for some one overseas. They love Poppies in Europe. The flower just doesn't seem to be an "American" type flower to stitch. (I myself am a sunflower, daisy and hydranga gal--Oh i love red geraniums in the summer and roses...) It was hard to find a poppy without backstitching. I didn't have time to design one because of all the work already on the table. I was so excited when I saw this design offered by a UK magazine based on The Edwardian Country Diary book.

I also must confess I ripped out the backstitching in the tulips project prior to giving away. As noted in the comment by Deb the day I posted them,--I too love the blurry line effect no backstitching offers.

Have a lovely day everyone. I wish I could post more stitching, but right now I am stitching "work" and I can't post it yet.

By the way, if you haven't seen Star Trek and you grew up with "kirk" it is a must see. I think Christopher Pine (AKA Kirk in the new movie) has finally shaken his Princess Diaries 2 typecast. LOL

Close to a perfect day

2009-05-29T18:24:00.014-05:00

St. Charles stroll (look at that sky!)
Some of the MAin Street Samplings
Cracker Barrel view from my seat--

Part of today was a "time to myself day" I had the luxury of: Strolling ( and shopping a bit) along Main St. in St. Charles, Missouri, visiting the cross stitch shop on Main street, and eating at Cracker Barrel. For a few hours of the day I felt a bit of simplicity to life again. The weather was sunny and a perfect 81 degrees with no humidity too.

The best part of the day was when I was shopping in my favorite St. Charles store: Main Street Marketplace. It has all sorts of items from there own dipping and barbeque sauces to the perfect gifts for Mom and friends. It was a female's heaven today (see above photo) I tasted every sauce and dip they had to sample, and they hd them ALL out. However, it wasn't the tasting that was the best, it was the wonderful kindess of the owner. You see, they do not take credit/debit cards! (Truly an olde marketplace). The reason being their average sale is 2.00! Yep that is how reasonable the prices are at Main Street Marketplace. The banks really sock it to the small business owner.

As I was checking out the owner kindly pointed to the sign stating "no cards..." Anyway, I did not have enough cash on me and I don't carry checks with me, so, I was out of luck. No purchase for me. After all that tasting too. Before I could say anything other than I have no checks , The owner (Skip) bagged up my purchase, handed me my package, gave me his address and said to mail the check to him. Mine was definitely more than a 2.00 purchase. He actually insisted on it.

I am so thankful for the people who are kind everyday. They renew my faith in Americans, mankind, and he was also a lovely example of a person who works and lives based on what this country is founded on-- Freedom, capitalism and trust.

I must say, I have been extra joyful today and have been reminded how important be kind to another truly is--His kindess made my meal at Cracker Barrel all the more "back in the day"--

Mainstreet Marketplace has a web site--YAY! I am going to definitely frequent the site. The sauces and dips are all incredible as are the decorations, gifts, coffee...
www.mainstreetmarketplace.com

A novel idea

2009-05-27T07:56:00.006-05:00

I love to stitch in any spare moment I have. Waiting in a doc office, in traffic, at night in the early morning... the thing of it is, I also love to read my Bible. I really don't like having to divide the time up because I don't like to take time away from either.

It dawned on me all the Christian Radio I listen to is great when stitching, but I need to be inputting scripture.
Well duh, Beth-- listen to a MP3 version of the Holy Bible while stitching. Now I have both. I keep my Filofax near by and make notes I want to read again or highlight or mark in my Bible. So not only do I get to input scripture and stitch, I end up going back to the scripture again and studying it more in the physical Bible. I like having on my Iphone because I can repeat the scripture til I memorize it too.

here are FREE Downloads of NIV Bible in MP3 form (you can just listen on line at Biblegateway, or purchase a CD version too.) James Earl Jones version is my fave but not free.

Old testament link
New testament link

(The photo today is a typeface/font called Cross stitch Basic)

Memorial & Honor

2009-05-25T07:46:00.011-05:00

I pray today for all our families who have lost a loved one, for all our armed service members both veterans and currently serving as well as their families. I pray for our country and the freedom and liberty so many have fought for. I hope each of you take a moment this Memorial Day to honor our armed service families, members and veterans too.

PHOTO INFORMATION:

Trivia for today: CIVIL WAR GRAVES--The rounded grave top is a Civil War Union Soldier grave stone and the pointed grave top is a Civil War Confederate Soldier grave stone.

Grave stone of Peter Navvaro, son of a family who lost two of their sons' within 6 months of each other. The survivng son, Kevin is a class mate of Peter (my oldest). You can see the AF JROTC patch on the ground. My heart goes out to their mother today. SHe visits their grave sites (right next to each other at Jefferson Barracks) every single day.

Colonel Michael Berenc USAF(left) and Master Sergeant Dave Cugier USAF (right) are veterans our family honors today. I so thankful they have been a part of my sons' lives. They have taught my boys the importance of love of country, leadership, respect, intergrity, honor, community service and so much more. They are men ofexceptional character.

Peter in one of his last moments in AFJROTC, no it's on to the big one.

Cross stitch photos are of the pattern Long May She Wave from Fanci That. Slated for publication again this summer.

A quick tip

2009-05-21T21:20:00.004-05:00

I am sure this has been thought of by others, but I thought I'd share it with you anyway. I was introduced to the "helping Hand" which is the device that clips to your hoop, scroll frame or Q-Snaps (I use the Q Snaps) and holds your chart. I really liked it for awhile, but it becomes heavy and in the way after I am stitching for a spell.

I was stitching out on our deck and it became breezy so I stuck the corner of my chart in the Q-Snap to keep it from blowing away.Poof! A new helping hand. It works great. The paper sort of lays on top of the top Q-Snap and does not get in the way of stitching. It's lighter and I have found this quite handy. (Use a copy of your original chart so you don't mess up the original. You can also fold and flip the copy)

It's off to a busy weekend. Graduation and other events--

(photo taken with phone-not so "beautiful")

The Post Mail

2009-05-19T12:56:00.004-05:00

As far back as I can remember I have loved the excitement and anticipation of receiving mail. Now days UPS an Fed EX and other delivery choices play into the equation, but I think opening the mailbox is still my favourite and most exciting.

Around a month ago I ordered the DMC European catalogue and a few other needlework items we cannot get in the states. I love DMC products from Europe. They have so many kits and designs we are not offered here. Today they arrived. YAY!

Inside the mailbox was not just my package from the UK, but also the Stitchery catalog, Cross Stitch and Needlework Magazine, a refund check for a bill overpayment (complete surprise) and Country Sampler magazine. I'd say I hit the jackpot!

There is a downloadable version of the Euro DMC catalague here.

The perfect pink me up!

2009-05-16T17:08:00.007-05:00

Today I received my Fair and Square Spring from my partner Nicky who lives in Australia. It's been quite hectic and a bit depleting for me this week, so, when I opened the package and saw the pink house it brightened the day. I wonder what the neighbors would think if I painted our house pink. Maybe if I can just move near the beach...

Have a been a cross stitch snob?

2009-05-14T13:36:00.009-05:00

It seems for the past many years I have stitched designs with a specific "taste" to them. I also have been using over dyed threads and fabrics (mostly linen and neutrals in the "brown" family) since the early 90's! I have had tunnel vision. I will say, at least not to the extreme that I stitch various designers that the designs have so much the same look one could interchange the name/header/packaging and it wouldn't matter, but I have really limited myself. I feel terrible. There is so many beautiful designs out there I never took a second look at-- Now, however, I am. I have found a fresh and new bucket of art to stitch that's been at my front door all along.

A great example is I find myself designing and stitching more for gifts. Often I come across someone who I want to make a gift for who loves a "character". OH my gosh, the "c" word. I would have never stitched a licensed character in a million years just even a year ago. Now I am open to it! I am enjoying creating a "character" for my niece's room. Not only does it stir up memories of when Peter and Caleb were young watching Winnie the Pooh or something, it also takes me back to Hallmark and all their lovely, "cute" characters during the 60's and 70's. I grew up with Hallmark being my only source for cute coloring books, cards, illustrations... They even licensed Holly Hobbie and don't for get Betsy Clark! Huge influence on my desire to be an artist--

So, as my new designs come out, you may actually see some of them with a bit of backstitching and "cuteness" to them, no overdyes, and some nice WHITE or off white evenweave. Can I ever make it back to Aida? I will still keep the Fanci That style, but, with a new twist to keep the designs fresh.

The photos above are of a gift I stitched recently for someone who is elderly and loves tulips.(Normally, I probably would have left off the back stitching) The shading, palette and backstitching are all out of my stitching "norm". Or at least they used to be.
Blessings on your evening.

Another chapter finished

2009-05-13T10:03:00.009-05:00

Peter my oldest graduates from high school in less than 2 weeks! We head down to Texas in late June for college orientation and then to Gettysburg, PA for one of our "historical" vacations. Peter makes me laugh. He can be so black and white about things at times. One of his latest comments: "I have no reason to see Europe until I have seen and experienced my own country. I will be over seas soon enough".

No argument from me. I have been one of the blessed Americans--I've "experienced" every state (except for Hawaii and Alaska), not just driven through or stopped on a layover at an airport. I will get to the other two--I have also been all over Europe and being a Christian and an art and architecture gal (love them both) I must say I love Europe and the Biblical history. Peter, being destined for a Doctor in the Air Force is right, he will be over seas soon enough, so our next goal is to visit every Battleship in the US. I can't wait to go to the USS Missouri... (sorry--blurry photo around 500 feet away)

A "stitching" post later tonight.

More studio & conversion chart

2009-05-08T06:21:00.013-05:00

I have lots of things in progress this week.

-I am working on preparing photographs to upload for albums.

-An updated conversion chart for you I just received a bunch of new colors from the floss companies, so I will put a link for ya'll to download the chart as soon as I update it. (A bit delayed-- Will do as soon as I can)

Another tool I use is the DMC thread card. I have the one with the actual threads that I use when I am designing but I also purchased the "printed" card and have written next to the DMC color the comparable WDW and GAST color. Most of the colors I can carry in my head after all these years, but, this is really helpful when I can't decide if I want "solid" or "over dyed". It's also helpful if I am out of a color and need to improvise for something I am stitching.

-A new personal design service. I have had so many requests for these kind of designs over the years and have finally decided to take the plunge. I am excited about doing this. I will post more in detail soon.

-A series that will begin in late Summer-- Vonna is going to be the Stitching Queen for it. She also will be able to personalise it -(for her not me) This is something I know you'll love!
STUDIO information:
-The floor storage piece is by Art Bin. I LOVE it. The thing holds TONS and is lightweight + quite portable. Art Bin makes it and I got it online at JOANN's 50% off.
-The clear bins. I have been collecting and using these for about 5 years now. They are from the Art Bin Prism series. I just buy one here and there with my 40% off JOANN coupons. These area life saver for me. I am NOT a filer. I am a piler. If it is out of sight, it is out of mind for me. These bins are so crystal clear that I can see the contents while still having "piles" that are organized. I can't work in clutter, and yet I would much rather throw everything in a basket and root around than have all those compartment things in my drawers.
-The Art Bin Floor storage holds 18 bins, my Daylight "Uplight" (I use as a lightbox too), and a bunch of things in the pouches. You can see the Q Snaps...
-Bead cases YAY! The are crystal clear too, Each one is labeled and stored by color family. They are all Mill Hill. These were @ 3.50 at guess where--JOANN's. Thank goodness we had a new one open yesterday!
Have a great weekend everyone--
PS can someone tell me how I can respond or email you to your comments? I used to use typepad and I am not sure how to with blogspot...

Studio and organization

2009-05-05T09:01:00.007-05:00

I don't know about you, but I adore looking at other people's studio and craft space. I have never had the luxury to create an entire room for my studio. Partly, due to I refuse to work in a basement (even with full size windows) they give me the creeps and fear of flooding, and partly due to I need my studio where the action is in our home. Especially when the boys were young. So, the dining room became my workspace and a couple closets became my "storage".

The boys are now about to leave the nest, so I am beginning to rethink my workspace. Being a designer of needle arts I have numerous product lines of threads, fabrics... and need to at the very least have one of each color accessible for design purposes. I have come up with a couple different ways to solve this problem.

One is the "Clip It Up" made for scrappers. I have one for each company. Check out the photos above. This is the Week Dye Works display. It's a great way for me to work because of the "spinning" and "touching" capabilities.

Another is my recently acquired treat (see photo above) from the JOANN's closing near me. They are opening a Super Store just around the corner--YAY. I am sooo excited about the DMC bins. Once I have all my DMC sorted into the correct slots, I will add the Weeks and Gentle Art corresponding colors in with them. This way when it's time to kit or pack up a project for a new design --no more wasted time. It's a great space saver too.

I created conversion charts for weeks/DMC/Gentle Art quite some time ago for my designing purposes. SInce it is converted for my design purposes it may not be "perfect" for others--but if you would like one, just send me an email. Have a great day!

Respect and Remember

2009-05-03T13:06:00.005-05:00

Every Spring I have the opportunity to travel to Jefferson Barracks Cemetery in St. Louis Missouri with the Air Force ROTC. The trip always brings to the surface humility, gratefulness, respect, honor, thankfulness, and a bit of sadness. This year was quite bittersweet.

Americans especially our youth need to be reminded of what our Service men and women have fought so hard to protect. Our liberty and freedom. Our founding fathers fought for our freedom-- willing to lay their life down for it- I wonder who in office would now.

Our government needs to get back to the Constitution of the United States. I pray God won’t completely remove himself from our country even though so many Americans have turned from Him.

I hope that Americans realize that as a dear friend and Colonel of the Air Force put it:
“We need to understand our country was founded on Christian principles and faith of our Father but we (America) honor and receive all people of all beliefs. One does not have to be omitted to have the other”.
So, as I walk by two grave sites of two young brothers who died within six months of each other and think of the mother who grieves-- I pray Americans will again come together to serve other Americans, their country and the world as so many Americans throughout our history have.