Can you teach a Kindergartner to stitch?

So I woke up this morning and realized I have a bit more than 25 hours to get together a lesson plan for my son's (red head in the red sweater vest and black blazer) kindergarten class. I have been invited to come and talk about my job and introduce stitching to the kids.

Now, I of coarse think I have the BEST job in the world. I work in the needlework industry, can it really get any better than that? NOPE! But to be given the opportunity to introduce stitching to 25 six year olds has my head swimming.

What should I show them? Fabrics, Fibers, Accessories, Gadgets, Magazines...there are so many wonderful things about why I chose to start Loose Thread Stitchers, why needlework is so important in my life and how fabulous it feels to create something with my hands. I am so excited to be able to share that with this fabulous group of little people.

So today I will get to the store and pick up a few supplies. I want to create a few "test" pieces so they can use them in the classroom. I have to pack up some models and showcase the range of stitching (framed pictures, pillows, necklaces, smalls, etc.). A pile of fabric, threads, embellishments, etc. for each table of children and I am (cross your fingers for me) going to attempt to make cross stitch cupcakes. Did I leave anything out?

Edit Note ~ Just found this great blog by The Lavender Bakery that shows FABULOUS examples of cross stitch cupcakes! It is the second entry after the Jimmy Choo cupcakes. if you live in the UK ~ this looks like the place to be! This lady has talent! Thanks for the inspiration!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Specialty Stitches

Have you heard of Puffin and Co?

I was in search of a thread separator yesterday and jumped on the Puffin and Co website to check out their stuff. I am so excited! This company has some FABULOUS finds. I spent quite some time perusing the site and window shopping the eye candy. I found a thread separator that is not only functional but fun at the same time.

Here's a few of my top picks ~

Thread separators ~ Here's a link to the video to show exactly how these work.

Needle Nannies

Scissor Sitters

Thread and Yarn Organizers

Each one is better than the next, right? With my B day right around the corner and a hubby in need of a few suggestions, these are defiantly on the top of my list!

5 Little Know Facts about Designs By Lisa

1 ~ Even though the company is *Designs by Lisa*, I may not answer to Lisa, since I go by a shortened version of my middle name which is Kathleen. (Kathy) Why? Because when I was born, my dad was out of town, when he returned, he did not care for the name Lisa which my mother had loved and named me. He started to call me Kathy, and the name stuck. Someone had to give, and my mom lost. So in honor of my mom, I named the business after the name she had really wanted to call me.

2 ~ I model stitched for 4 yrs before starting to design.

3 ~ I have never, ever, bowled in my life. Is that sad or what? It looks fun, sorta.


4 ~ I have an obsession with painting*as in rooms, walls, entire houses, etc.

5 ~ I love riding on the back of my husbands* Harley. There's something to be said about being on a motorcycle winding through beautiful scenery with the wind blowing through your hair (okay, that don*t really happen because I wear a helmet), but the rest is true!