I Like Thursday ~ Stitch in Hand

 

A few of my favorite cross stitch things:

1) my cushioned lap desk, which I use at the table or in a chair, as I find the ergonomic pad on the bottom rests my wrist as I stitch,

2)  my Riley Blake Reader Glasses, 5.0,

3) my insulated water bottle,

4) my Halo Go Rechargeable Table Lamp, which I cannot stitch or read without ... I have two, one in the bedroom and one in my living area,

5) my Bohin Tapestry Needles, usually I use size 20,

6) my Dritz Beeswax Thread Conditioner,

7) my size 11 count aida ...  Zweigart is my favorite brand as it is firm and evenly woven

8) my Aurifloss, which is my preferred floss ...  I use all six strands on 11 count aida.

I like to stitch in hand, which means I do not use a frame, 

and I prefer to stitch through two holes so my hands stay mostly on the top.

The Zweigart aida is perfect for this as it is firm 

without being too stiff and it presses flat nicely. 

I actually made my first, very basic video ... 

@scrapatches A Stitch in Hand makes me happy 🙂 #crossstitch #stitchinginhand #crossstitchoftiktok #fleamarketflowerscrossstitch ♬ Happy Little Things - Holly Kluge

 ... on TikTok showing my stitching in hand.  

I do not know if I will make more.

Most days I think I have forgotten more than I ever learned about cross stitch.

That is okay.

With every new cross stitch project, I begin again

and I enjoy learning new things.

I like to have my kitty helpers as I stitch.

Katniss is my stitching companion today. 

For more I Like Thursday thoughts and photos,

visit my friends @ Not Afraid of Color

Happy Thursday! 

Wordless Wednesday

Stitching Progress ~ January 2nd

 

Here is my stitching progress today at tea time.

I am stitching the outer border of this pattern 

and will then finish the inner grid before starting the flower motifs.

Since the info on the pattern sheet is for 14 count aida 

and my vision needs is for the larger 11 count aida, 

I have to adjust for the difference.

Adjusting and placing the design properly in the fabric

 is always a trial and error process for me.

I am happy to report that my 18" by 21" piece of stash fabric

is a good size for the pattern.

The measurement for the outer border is

14" across and 15" down 

and the extra fabric borders are sufficient for my finishing plan.

I will have a small strip of aida on the bottom to save for 

a bookmark or other small project.

This makes me happy.

If you are interested is stitching this pattern yourself ...

The pattern ...

Flea Market Flowers Cross Stitch Pattern

 @ Fat Quarter Shop

... is on sale at the time of this posting.

I find these full color patterns from Lori Holt are very easy to read.

Hugs & Stitches! 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

New Year ~New Beginings

 Happy New Year to you and yours!

A new year brings new beginnings so I shall begin again with the new year.

This photo is the start of a new cross stitch project.

This pattern was a Christmas gift from one of my sons. 

Flea Market Flowers is an older Lori Holt collection, 

but this pattern is one I have always wanted to stitch.

The Aurifloss and the ivory 11 count aida cloth is from my stash

and has been waiting for the right project.

Here are my first stitches for 2024.

I am stitching the outer border today in gray.

I hope to be back tomorrow to show my progress.

My goals for 2024 are to stitch and sew and post everyday.

I am also starting a monthly linky party.

I am calling it "Hugs & Stitches" 

a phrase borrowed from my dear stitching friend, Debbieann.

All stitches welcome ... 

be they quilting, sewing, crocheting, knitting, embroidery, cross stitching,

hand-sewn or by machine ...

or any creative process that you love.

Hugs are for all.

Please share this new year adventure!

May your new year be filled with creative fun and hugs.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

End of Year Wishes

 

123123

My wish is that 2023 has been a good year for you and yours,

that even the rough patches have been smoothed with many helping hands.

My wish is that this festive season has been filled with joy and love and happiness.

My wish is that all of your family and friends are well.

My wish is for your 2024 will be happy, healthy, productive and prosperous.

May there be peace. 

~ See You Next Year ~