A Patriotic Finish

 

Design: Remember Me from Romy's Creations

Link:  (20+) Romy’s Creations | Today's Monday's freebie is "Remember me".. | Facebook

Started: Friday, May 30, 2025@ 12:15p.m.

Finished: Monday, June 2, 2025@ 6:55p.m.

Fabric: 28 count linen in the color tan/white gingham 

Fibers: Called for DMC white, 310, 312, 321, 950 & 3852

Notes: This was a fun and quick stitch! I think I want to fully finish into a small cushion!  A trip to Hobby Lobby may inspire me! I think my fabric choice was perfect!

🌸 Spring Yearns for a Spring Urn Finish! 🌸

Design: Spring Urn, a free design by Ewe & Eye & Friends

Link: Newsletter-April-2025.pdf

Started: Sunday, April 27, 2025 @2:15 p.m.

Finished: Thursday, May 29, 2025 @9:30p.m.

Fabric: 28 count linen in Dusty Green similar to DMC 523

Fibers: DMC stranded cotton as called for with the exception of 3740 for the coiled flowers.  I used DMC Flower Thread number 2724.

Notes: This took much more time to complete then I anticipated.  I stitched a total of 27 days on it.  There were a few days I just didn't stitch on it. I wanted to stitch it so I could include an image of the design on a daily entry on my Facebook group "Needle Free For All".  The chart is a bit of a challenge to read but I did accomplish that with a good deal of accuracy.  I love how this turned out.  I had never stitched Kam's coils before and they are certainly not perfect but I love the effect they have in the hanging flowers on the left.  The alphabet did not come with the chart so I winged it on my own!  I love the primitive feel.  I would like to make a cushion with it, I think.  I believe a trip to Hobby Lobby is in order to see if I can find another option.  I mean when is a trip to Hobby Lobby not appropriate? I went out on the front porch to photograph this on this rare day of sunshine this May day and I hung it on my mailbox and thought it looked darling there. Fun, fun, fun!

🐦A Tweet Finish!🐦

Design: Wordy Birds January by Sweet Wings Studio

Link:  Wordy Birds January - Sweet Wing Studio - PDF Pattern - Etsy

Started: Thursday April 3, 2025

Finished: Saturday April 5, 2025 

Fabric: The Dye is Cast Hand dyed fabric 28 count in "Summer Sky" (this company is no longer in business) It is similar to DMC #157.

Fibers: Called for DMC.

Notes: Ugh, all of my notes disappeared, let me try to start over!  This is only a small part of original pattern.  My mother fell off of a step ladder trying to fill her bird feeders on her deck.  She collapsed her lung and fractured her spine and scared the hell out of her 3 living children and their spouses! This Tufted Titmouse is a bird she can have that she need not feed.  It is a bit of humor from a scary time. This is a two-sided fob that can hang where she wants.  I plan to stitch more of these as the collection is available.  I stitched both sides then washed and pressed it.  I also pressed a lightweight interfacing on the back for more stability.  Then I stitched an outline around the birds and bound the sides together.  I filled it with rice before it was completely closed.  My bottom tassel and top loop are made of silk ribbon from my stash. I adore how it turned out even if it isn't perfect!

A primitive vintage free design finish!

Design: Ewe and Eye and Friends "Alphabet Heart"

Link: newsletter-j-f25.pdf

Started: Saturday, February 1, 2025 @ 11:40a.m.

Finished: Wednesday, February, 5, 2025 @ Noon

Fabric: Heatherfield 26 count in "Hickory"

Fibers: Weeks Dye Works in Juniper, Kudzu, Lancaster Red and Red Pear, Gentle Arts Sampler Threads in Presidential Blue

Notes: I love the way this turned out.  I enjoyed stitching on the Heatherfield. I did start this piece using the Kudzu but ultimately did not like the way it was showing up on my fabric color.  I left it in the center of the right heart but then used the Presidential Blue for the letters and the left heart.  Also, the little red square to the left of the left heart was to be satin stitched and I didn't care for that so I horizontally I wove in 3 lines to give it a patch looking texture. It was a fun little stitch which challenged me. I kept miscounting and had to rip out to redo several times. The red outline wouldn't meet up perfectly if the alphabet was not perfectly placed.  I would someday like to finish this in a shabby chic type of pillow for a bowl on my dining room table.

 

In Honor of our beloved fur babies!

Design: Shelter Block from KiraLyn's Needlearts

Link: Shelter Block - KiraLyns Needlearts

Started: Saturday, 11 January 2025 at 5:15p.m.

Finished: Wednesday, 22 January 2025 at 12:30 p.m.

Fabric: 28 count Brittany evenweave in the color "bone"

Fibers: Used the called for DMC stranded cotton 003, 434, 436, 523, 598, 676, 801, 807, 3371 and white.

Notes: I enjoyed stitching this to commemorate the rescue and rehomed dogs and cats I have had the honor to love and care for.  They have been a huge part of my life and that of my beloved husband.  Here are some of my babies, PJ, Whitney, Jamie, Maggie, Gadget, Muffin, Kamahamaha, Tricky Ricky, Tina, Rosie, April, Noah, Allie, Otto and currently our baby Kasie Jo.  I did personalize my finished piece using a heart charm from a mismatched pair of earrings in place of the "O" in "Adopt". 

Our beautiful Allie who died June 8, 2023 and our heart Noah who died November 10, 2022.

Our current sweetheart Kasie Jo.  Rehomed with us July 1, 2023

The first finish of 2025!

Design: Winter Wonder designed by Sweet Wings Studio

Link: Not available for sale until late 2025, this is a Sweet Wings Patreon design. Here is a link to Sweet Wings website: Sweet Wing Studio

Started: Wednesday, 18 December 2024

Finished: Saturday, 11 January 2024

Fabric: 28 count Monaco in the color Blue Glass

Fibers: Classic Colorworks Lettuce Leaf, Caribbean Waters & Aunt Marie's Violet. Six Strand Sweets Blueberry Pie. Weeks Dyed Works Sky & Peoria Purple. DMC 003, 828, 890, 950, 3863, Ecru and B5200.

Notes: I enjoyed stitching this Patreon design.  I have never been a Patreon member of a cross stitch designer.  I am thoroughly enjoying it.  I love the blues in this piece and love my fabric choice. This was a joy to stitch! Oh, I did substitute the called for Classic Colorworks Blueberry Tart for a Six Strand Sweet Blueberry Pie that I have in my stash.  I also used DMC 828 for the Classic Colorworks Blue Beadboard. I adore the floss choices of the designer, Susan O'Bryant! At one point I thought I was crazy because the quilt star in the lower left was wonky. I couldn't figure out where I stitched it incorrectly.  After some frustration I realized it was charted incorrectly!

Comfort and Joy is finished!

 

Design:  Comfort and Joy by Sweet Wings Studio (exclusive Patreon design)

Link:  Sweet Wing Studio | cheerful cross stitch designs made with love | Patreon

Started: Saturday, November 30, 2024 @1110

Finished: Tuesday, December 17, 2024 @2050

Fabric: 32 count Jobelan in the color Parchment

Fibers: GAST Shutter Green & Otter Creek, Classic Colorworks in Hickory Sticks, Peanut Brittle, Pebble Beach and Red Ribbon and lastly DMC 927 and Blanc

Notes: I enjoyed stitching this first Patreon exclusive design from a new favorite designer.  I love the style of the designer Susan O'Bryant. The older I get the more I enjoy the spiritually inspiring designs in the cross stitch world.  This piece seemed to take a longer time than usual to stitch.  I love the red in the design.  It is so warm and happy!  My Mom, who is 88 years old now, is increasingly needing help or encouragement to take care of herself.  She got quite ill a couple of weeks ago and it scared me badly.  She is better now and raring for Christmas. Hopefully after the first of the year I will have more time to stitch.  God Bless all who read this and may you find love and contentment in the coming new year!

A sweet free design finish!

 

Design:  Forever In My Heart "Snowflake 2001 Needleroll"

Link:  November 2024 newsletter Newsletters | Fiberworks

Started: Monday, November 18, 2024

Finished: Tuesday, November 26, 2024@1230

Fabric: Zweigart 28 count Lugana in Navy Blue

Fibers: Waterlillies by Caron in Pearl, Kreinik #4 Braid in color 032.

Notes: The free design calls for beads.  I did not like the way the beads looked so I used the Kreinik braid to stitch small Smyrna crosses over 2 threads.  This gave the piece some sparkle and I really liked how it looked. For the center I used a single earring I had that was missing it's mate.  I cut the back off and centered and stitched the clear nylon thread I have, to attach it to the lugana.  I love how this looks.  The photos I took did not do it justice.  I asked my very talented little sister to photograph this project and she did a much better job.  Thank you Ginger! Love you bunches!

A Sweet Wing free Christmas finished!

 

Design:  Sweet Wings "Merry Little Christmas"

Link:  Gallery 1 — Sweet Wing Studio

Started: Monday, November 11, 2024

Finished: Monday, November 18, 2024@ 1130

Fabric: Silkweavers Limited Edition 28ct Quaker linen color is similar to DMC 3753

Fibers: DMC blanc, 931, 3362, 3862 and GAST Lexington Green

Notes: I was having a stitching malaise and nothing sounded appealing.  I joined Sweet Wings Patreon and decided a small free design of hers sounded fun. Enjoyed this bitty stitchy!

A small Christmas finish!

Design:  Cross Eyed Cricket "Wreath" 

Link:  No link, a free handout from 2000

Started: Saturday, November 2, 2024@ 1614

Finished: Wednesday, November 6, 2024@ 1341

Fabric: Brittney 28 count in color "Bone"

Fibers: Old Willow Stitchery "Solitude Green", GAST "Dried Thyme", Rainbow Gallery "Very Velvet" in V231 and SJ Designs Glass Beads size 11/0 #154 "Sweet Cream"

Notes: I started this and was half way done when I realized I was off and the wreath would not meet correctly.   I could not figure out where I went wrong and I pulled it all out and gridded the fabric.  I was a quarter done and realized I was not going to have enough of the Old Willow floss.  So I started looking thru my floss and found a GAST color that was virtually the same so I started toggling between the 2 so it would appear to be the same color.  That was successful as now I can't tell you which is which.  I loved the Very Velvet's texture and look, but crossing my stitches made the bow look bad.  So I decided to give couching a try.  I had never couched in 40 years of stitching but I am really pleased with how it looks. The beads show up with a green cast but they aren't they are a yellow/white color.  I am not sure how to finish or if I will ever fully finish this.  I really like it. 24 years ago I picked up the free handout at Just Needlin' which is no longer in business, unfortunately.   

 

A fun free finish!

 

Design: Romy's Creations "Cross Stitch Every Day"

Link: Romy’s Creations | August 19th... it's again Monday and it's again freebie's time | Facebook

Started: Tuesday, September 3, 2024@ 1800

Finished: Monday, September 9, 2024@ 1400

Fabric: Zweigart 32ct Lugana in Mushroom

Fibers: GAST in Dungarees & Old Willow in Vampire's Kiss (Old Willow floss line is no longer available)

Notes: A fun little free design available on their Facebook group.

Romy's Creation free design finish

 

 Design: Romy's Creations "I have not heard your voice"

Link to design: (20+) Romy’s Creations | MONDAY'S FREBBIE @everyone | Facebook

Started: Wednesday, 21 August 2024 @1330

Finished:  Monday, 2 September 2024 @1145

Fabric:  28 count Zweigart Cashel linen in Vintage Beige

Fibers: Anchor Stranded Cotton Multicolor in # 1325 purple to raspberry pink with some blue

Notes: Started with Six Strand Sweets by Jessica Burr in Snow Cone which is no longer available.  I felt it was too light on my fabric so I found a deeper shade in my stash.

A very quick stitch finish! 🎃🎃🎃

 Design: Notforgotten Farms "Local Flights"

Link to design: Local Flights Pdf/download Cross Stitch PATTERN From Notforgotten Farm™ - Etsy

Started: Sunday 19 August 2024 @1930

Finished:  Monday, 20 August 2024 @2000

Fabric:  28 count Silkweavers lugana in "Candy Corn"

Fibers: DMC Flower Thread in 2371 & 2916 (I love working with flower threads!)

Notes: I added to the design the word "only" and the cat on the lower left.  I know it's a sketchy looking cat but I felt I needed to balance out the design.  Here is an image of the design as designed by Lori Brechlin. 

I found a witches broom on Temu for sale and will attach the sign to it.  The broom is really cute and I paid less than $10.00 for it.  This will be a gift for my sister who is a Halloween freakoid!  I will post a fully finished photo when it is complete.

A 3 year old finish!

 

I realized I had never posted a finished photo of Mirabilia's Day Nymph that I finished October 14, 2021.  I had started it long before that and put it down for some time.  Of course this photo does not do it justice, she is really beautiful with all the beads.  I stitched her on Zweigart 32ct lugana in Cinnamon Roll with all the called for beads and fibers. I also stitched her skin over one which can be a disturbing activity.

I learned quite a lot about stitching in a variegated floss color when I stitched the inside of the panes on her wings.  I wanted the wings to look natural and so I stitched in puddles to create just the color effect I was looking for. I think the wings look wonderful!  

I will say I also learned I despise pony beads!  They are large, unwieldly and very funky to attach.

Day Nymph is still available for purchase.  Here is a link to it's sale page at 1-2-3 Stitch: Day Nymph - Mirabilia Cross Stitch Pattern - 123Stitch.   I very much recommend this great on-line shop!  

Another freebie finish: Cross Eyed Cricket "Autumn Acorn 2022"

 

I really did enjoy this stitch project. I worked like a possessed stitcher yesterday to finish it.  I stitched the bottom third below the houses sitting on the gold metallic yesterday.  The only thing different about my stitching from the called for is the gold metallic I used.  I like Treasure Braid better than Kreinik.  It is much easier to work with. I also love the fabric color.  This is the same fabric I used for Day Nymph.

Design: Autumn Acorn 2022 by The Cricket Collection (Cross Eyed Cricket)

Link to design: Complimentary Design — CECricket (This free design will change at some point)

Started: Wednesday, August 7, 2024 @1300

Finished:  Sunday, August 18, 2024 @2230

Fabric:  32 count Zweigart Lugana in Cinnamon Roll

Fibers: As charted w/DMC except used Treasure Braid by Rainbow Gallery #PH03

A "palette cleaner" stitch and finish!

 

This is a fun quick stitch and a lot of personal customizations.  I used black beads for the seeds on the strawberry.  I also accidently stitched the width incorrectly due to a counting error which left too much space for my taste on the left hand side.  So I added some small buttons I had in my stash.  The back stitched steam may perhaps be too light but I wanted it to look like steam and not smoke.  This was a fun "palette cleanser" stitch.  Not sure what I will work on next but I am delighted with this project.

Design: Strawberry Jam and Biscuits Stamp from Pinker 'n Punkin

Link to design: Pinker n Punkin Quilting & Stitching: We Have a Swarm and a Strawberry Stamp Freebie

Started: Sunday August 4, 2024 @1735

Finished:  Tuesday, August 6, 2024 @1500

Fabric:  28 count Zweigart Cashel linen in "Flax"

Fibers: Six Strand Sweets in Spice Drop and Rock Candy; Olde Willow in City of Bristol Brown and Quaker Gold Star; Dye is Cast in Blueberry, Fuschia and Juniper; DMC White and 310; Mill Hill petite beads 42014.  All fibers except DMC are no longer available. 

A June finish, Mary did you know?

I love the song Mary Did You Know, the Home Free version which you can hear here: Home Free - Mary Did You Know (youtube.com)

Design: Lilacs by KiraLyns Needlearts

Link to design: Mary Did You Know Christian Cross Stitch Pattern Pdf Download by Kiralyn's Needlearts - Etsy

Started: Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Finished:  Saturday, June 8, 2024 @1900

Fabric:  28 count cashel linen in Antique ivory

Fibers: As called for 

 

A fully finished bookmark!

 

A fully finished bookmark which was a gift to my husband on our 13th wedding anniversary 24 June 2024.  The edges are blanket stitched and it turned out beautifully.  I ironed on interfacing on the back to prevent threads from raveling.  I was quite pleased. This is an Artecy design.  The pattern can be found here: Artecy Cross Stitch. Praying Hands Bookmark Cross Stitch Pattern to print online.

KiraLyn's Needlearts Lilac finish

 

Design: Lilacs by KiraLyns Needlearts

Link to design: Lilacs Cross Stitch Pattern Pdf Download by Kiralyns Needlearts - Etsy

Started: Sunday, June 9, 2024 @10:30am

Finished:  Thursday, July 4, 2024 @09:18am

Fabric:  Zweigart 28 count lugana in lavender (similar to DMC 211)

Fibers: As called for, except used Mill Hill beads #00161

Be Still finish!

This is my favorite Bible verse!

Design: A New Creation by Alison

Link to design: Be Still Cross Stitch Pattern - Etsy

Started: Saturday, July 6, 2024 @1500

Finished:  Sunday, August 4, 2024 1130

Fabric:  Zweigart 28 count Cashel in Light Mocha

Fibers: As called for, except used DMC 840 instead of GAST & used Mill Hill Beads in #3015