Loose Thread Stitchers

Meet Up Monday ~ Smalls

2011-04-04T06:09:00.000-07:00

The World's Largest Collection of Smalls ~ This is a MUST follow blog. That has THOUSANDS of stitched smalls. All have descriptions for designer, size, colors, etc. This blog is now closed as it has reached it's max however...if you are interested in being a part of the World's Largest Collection of Smalls there is a second site to upload your work. Click HERE for The World's Largest Collection of Smalls Too.

Needle and ThREAD: Stitching for Literacy

2011-03-21T12:10:00.001-07:00

Be sure to check out the Stitching for Literacy Blog today to see how my son (he's the redhead standing in the far back middle of the photo) got me to stitch bookmarks for his entire class in 3 days.

While you are there you should check out Jen's bookmark designs for sale and support a FABULOUS lady and a FABULOUS cause!

Fabulous Friday ~ Stitchy Sayings

2011-03-18T07:28:00.000-07:00

We've been having a ball sharing our stitchy saying on the LTS Facebook and Twitter pages. We've had a few members ask to put a few in list form on the LTS blog so here goes.....

~ The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person's determination (to finish stitching a WIP).

~ A friend is someone who is there for you when they have a WIP (stitching) waiting for them somewhere else.

~ Great works (like stitching) are performed not by strength, but by perseverance.

~ Good actions (like stitching) give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions (like stitching) in others.

Happiness is not something readymade. It comes from your own actions (such as stitching).

Success (in stitching) is not final, failure (to finish a WIP) is not
fatal: it is the courage to continue (stitching) that counts.

~ Laugh as much as you breathe, love as long as you live, and stitch as much as possible.

~ Coffee makes it possible to get out of bed, but stitching makes it worthwhile.

~ Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll frog tonight and stitch again tomorrow.

~ When the going gets tough the tough get stitching!

Friendship (and stitching) is the only cement that will ever hold the world together.

The strength of a woman can carry the weight of her stash or the world.

~ "If I stitch fast enough, does it count as aerobic exercise?" - Author Unknown

If you think sunshine brings you happiness, then you haven't tried stitching!

~ A fiber craving is nothing that should be taken lightly. What are you going to do about it?

~ There's nothing better than a good friend, except a good friend who stitches with you!

~ Learning to stitch is nearly always inspired by watching someone stitch. Go inspire someone!

~ A wise individual once said, "Nothing stitched.....nothing gained." Learn a new stitch today!

~ The scent of hand dyed linens and threads is the only aromatherapy I need.

~ A balanced diet is fabric and fibers in each hand.

~ "The smallest deed is better than the biggest intention." What's your good deed? Teach someone to stitch today!

We encourage you to share the LTS stitchy sayings, we simply ask you link back to our post when doing so. THANKS!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Trail Creek Farm

2011-03-16T05:01:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

featuring hearts by

Trail Creek Farm

2011-03-14T11:03:00.000-07:00

Monday Munchies ~ Crab Crock Pot Recipe

Each Monday we will kick off the week with a Must have recipe to help get you out of the kitchen and back stitching ASAP!

Crab Crockpot Recipe

Ingredients:
26 ounces crab meat, picked over and flaked
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
6 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup dry sherry
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup light cream
Salt and pepper
3 green onions with tops, finely chopped
2 eggs, beaten

Directions:
Place all ingredients except eggs in crockpot. Cover and cook on high for 1 hour. Reduce heat to low and cook 2-3 hours. Stir in eggs during last hour.

2011-03-11T06:01:00.000-08:00

Find it Friday ~ Ink Circles

I love this company, Tracy is a doll and always releases AMAZING designs. I always wonder how she does it, how do such amazing creations emerge. I always think about the process a designer takes from the initial thought to the final sell-able item. It has to go through a million little changes all to make it just perfect for us!

This subtle floral mandala shows off a variety of blossoms in a pleasing symmetrical arrangement. Coded for 7 shades of DMC, but easily changed to match the bouquet in your dreams. Stitched on Palomino linen by Lakeside Linens. 143 x 143 stitch count.
Model Stitched by Sisu Lull.

I can't wait to get started on this one, might have to put away my current WIP and get my fingers on this little gem!

Whip it up Wednesday ~ Open Herringbone Stitch

2011-03-09T07:12:00.000-08:00

Whip it Up Wednesday ~ Open Herringbone Stitch

Each Wednesday we will choose a stitch to explore and post stitch diagram(s) to help you practice and master each one.

Open Herringbone Stitch ~ also known as Russian Cross, Persian and Fishnet

Steps ~ Work this stitch left to right. Begin in the lower left hand corner and come up through the fabric. Cross over 4 threads and up 2 threads, go down through the fabric. From behind the fabric, cross over 2 threads to the left and come up through the fabric. Finally cross 4 threads and down 2 threads, go down through the fabric. Repeat as necessary.

Steps ~ You can also work this stitch in a larger fashion. Work this stitch left to right. Begin in the lower left hand corner and come up through the fabric. Cross over 4 threads and up 4 threads, go down through the fabric. From behind the fabric, cross over 2 threads to the left and come up through the fabric. Finally cross 4 threads and down 4 threads, go down through the fabric. Repeat as necessary.

Meet Up Monday ~ Ship's Manor

2011-03-07T04:13:00.000-08:00

Have you heard about this fabulous new company lead by Eric Shipley? His mom taught him how to stitch when he was just a kid and now he has turned his love of needlework into a design company! With a new and fresh perspective brought to needlework I am sure you're gonna love his designs as much as we do!

To find out more about Eric and his designs you can visit the Ship's Manor website HERE, their Facebook page HERE, the Ship's Manor Twitter feed HERE and his Blog HERE. Happy Stitching!

Freebie Friday ~ Loose Thread Stitchers

2011-03-04T09:00:00.000-08:00

Have you joined Loose Thread Stitchers yet? If you read our blog and follow us on Facebook ~ you should really check out the website. Ever want to find an out of town shop? Find a list of designers? On the LTS website you can ask stitching questions, win prizes and find what you need when you need it. Be sure to check it out......

And Yes, no worries, we have a LTS name tag freebie for you inspired by the thought that quite possibly we have turned a corner and Spring is on it's way.....cross your fingers!

Click HERE for the LTS Name Tag Freebie...and be sure to check out the SYHO Blog HERE where we will be featuring another fun freebie today.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Primitive Needle

2011-03-02T05:05:00.001-08:00

Yesterday we learned that Lisa Roswell, of the Primitive Needle, died when her car was swept off the road by a flooding river as she drove to work at the North Coast Cancer Center. She was an amazing designer and she will be missed. If you would care to leave a message for her family, you can leave a comment on her blog HERE. Below you will find a small sample of her amazing work.

Meet Up Monday ~ The Creative Finisher

2011-02-28T03:07:00.000-08:00

Morning All! I'd like to introduce you to Veronica Buckwalter AKA The Creative Finisher. Ronnie is an AMAZING finisher and has worked with designers and myself (she is our SYHO finisher) on new releases as well as finishing designs for Just Cross Stitch Magazine, The Gift of Stitching and Just Cross Stitch Ornament Edition. Here's a few examples of Ronnie's fabulous finishes.

Freebie Friday ~ SYHO Designer Encyclopedia

2011-02-25T08:11:00.000-08:00

Have you stitched the SYHO Designer Encyclopedia? If not here's what you are missing....

SYHO Designer Encyclopedia Cover

SYHO Designer Encyclopedia Spine

SYHO Designer Encyclopedia Inside Cover

Homespun Elegance Ltd ~ Heart is the Spirit of the Home

Glendon Place ~ Life Lived for Others

Ink Circles ~ Florin

Country Garden Stitchery ~ Home in September

Glendon Place ~ Life Lived for Others

Ink Circles ~ Florin

Country Garden Stitchery ~ Home in September

Designs By Lisa ~ Purrr Like You Mean It

Blue Ribbon Designs ~ Established with Love

CherryWood Design Studios ~ That Kind of Stitcher

La-D-Da ~ Tis Better

Trail Creek Farm ~ Endless Love

Myrtle Grace Motifs ~ Home is Where Your Leaves Are

monsterbubbles ~ Twitter

Rosewood Manor ~ My Two Ducks

Did you know when you purchase all 12 designs you will receive the cover chart and the finishing instructions FREE? Be sure to contact your LNS or ONS to order your SYHO designs and ask them to contact Colleen (at) LooseThreadStitchers (dot) com to have the SYHO Designer Encyclopedia Displayed in their shop.

Veronica Buckwalter of The Creative Finisher has generously provided us with the FABULOUS finishing instructions for the SYHO Designer Encyclopedia. Ronnie is a MUST for all your finishing needs, she is AMAZING and we will be showcasing her skills in next Wednesday's Wordless Wednesday so be sure to check it out!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Stitchy Foods

2011-02-23T06:27:00.000-08:00

The Sweet Adventures of Sugarbelle

The BearFoot Baker

Cake Central

Agnes' Signature

Meet Up Monday ~ Summer House Stitche Workes

2011-02-21T04:02:00.000-08:00

Here's a fabulous blog by Beth Ann Segal about her life, loves and her new design company. I happened to check in with The Twister Stitcher Blog yesterday where she shared this blog and I just had to check it out! Beth is not just a blogger she is also a designer.

With her unique perspective on design and fresh ideas, I am sure Summer House Stitche Workes will take the stitching world by storm! You can check out their website HERE. Be sure to share with your stitching friends.

Freebie Friday ~ CherryWood Design Studios

2011-02-18T05:08:00.000-08:00

This is the story of how 2 friends ended a 2 day road trip: They shopped all around NorthWest Iowa... talked, laughed, ate way too much fast-food & decided to start a serious venture that combined their love of stitching, an attention to detail & the will to say - we can do this?
We hope you like it - Cathy & Theresa

OK - that is seriously how this all started... Click HERE for a bit more about this fun partnership!

Here's a look at a few FABULOUS FREEBIES from CherryWood Design Studios

Click HERE to download the charts for the designs shown above. Click HEREto follow CherryWood Designs on Facebook. Click HERE to view more Freebie Designs on the SYHO Blog.

Wordless Wednesday ~ St. Patricks Day Designs

2011-02-16T05:44:00.000-08:00

The Sweetheart Tree

X-Appeal

Raise The Roof Designs

Needle Delights

Dutch Treat Designs

Meet up Monday ~ Funk and Weber Designs

2011-02-14T06:23:00.000-08:00

A new Stitching for Literacy bookmark pattern from Funk & Weber Designs is launched today...on Janie Hubble's blog. Go figure. Maybe it's one of Jen's puzzles.

You can get a sweet Valentine's Day deal on it today ~ 25% off!

Click HERE for more info.

Come on over to the Stitching for Literacy website to learn more about what’s going on and how you can join the fun. Send us pictures of bookmarks you stitch, and give us a shout when you initiate a Stitching for Literacy event in your area.

P.S. Jen will explain The Story Behind the Stitchery tomorrow on the Funk & Weber World blog.

Freebie Friday ~ The Sampler Girl

2011-02-11T08:42:00.000-08:00

I just LOVE Tonya's sampler designs. It has something to do with the history, the simplicity and the colors. I can't get enough. Tonya keeps a blog (You can follow it HERE) and last week she posted a FABULOUS Freebie. She has been struggling with the design for a while and although loved the verse, she continued to tweek the design until she decided to post for her blog followers.

I am sure you'll be just as delighted as they were to stitch up this fabulous new design! Click HERE for the Freebie Design.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Valentine Crafts

2011-02-09T04:42:00.000-08:00

Someday Crafts ~ Valentine Table runner

Choose To Thrive ~ Burlap Heart

Make the Best of What’s Around ~ Framed work

All Dahled Up ~ Love Pillow

Red Berry Crafts ~ Valentine Ruffle Balls

Freebie Friday ~ Jeanette Douglass Designs

2011-02-04T07:28:00.000-08:00

Click HERE to dowload this adorable Complimentary Design from Jeanette Douglas. For more great freebies click HERE. You can also follow Jeanette's blog HERE.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Valentines

2011-02-02T06:32:00.000-08:00

Monday Blog Roll

2011-01-31T07:07:00.000-08:00

Here's a few Fabulous blogs we follow that you might want to check out. Do you have a blog? Be sure to leave us a link in the comment section and we might pick you to be a featured blogger in the future! Be sure to check out the SYHO Blog HERE for more blog fun!

Stitcher Links

www.cariboobutterfly.com

Jen LOVES crafts and shares her project with you on this fun blog.

http://carolinastitcher.blogspot.com/

Faye is a stitching machine! He blog is full of fabulous finishes, updates on her WIPS and the occasional giveaway.

http://ndmurdock.blogspot.com/

Join Nancy on her journey to finish 15 projects this year.

http://karenshandiwork.blogspot.com/

Karen’s work is AMAZING! Her blog is filled with fabulous photos of her work and links to fun freebies.

http://www.serialstarter.blogspot.com/

Confessions of a Serial Starter ~ doesn’t the name say it all!

Designer Links

http://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

Belinda from Blue Ribbon Designs shares a sneak peek at future designs, favorite recipes and machine embroidery.

http://samplermakerssamplerspot.blogspot.com/

Gloria of Milady’s Needle has started a new blog....that blog will be a more personal blog with a focus on her life, my stitching projects, what she is reading and thinking.

http://shepherdsbushblog.blogspot.com/

Shepherd’s Bush Blog

http://plumstreetsamplers.typepad.com/plum_street_samplers/

Plum Street Samplers Blog ~ blogging about stitching, fun and family

http://bythebayneedleart.blogspot.com/

Blogging about new releases, teaching schedules and life

Freebie Friday

2011-01-28T08:00:00.000-08:00

Brenda E. Kocher designs are elegant, original, canvaswork embroidery designs, which showcase a wide variety of textured stitches and utilize only the finest of Italian silk and specialty threads.

Here's a few of Brenda's Fabulous Freebies that you can make with the stash you already own!

Click HERE to download the directions and find out more about Brenda's work.

Giveaway ~ FREE tickets to SAVOR in Philadelphia

2011-01-27T06:42:00.000-08:00

I know we are all about Stitching here at LTS but a girl's gotta eat right? So if you live (or know someone who lives) in the Philadelphia Area be sure to check this out!

We are giving away tickets to SAVOR!

The 3rd Annual Can't Miss Food Event of the Year!!!

Sample Fabulous Fare from Some of the Region's Premier

Restaurants & Caterers while Sipping Luscious Libations

and Listening to Live Music. *Open-Bar also included.

Benefits Philabundance!

~ To Enter ~

You must be 21 or over to be eligible to win.

You also must live in the PA, NJ, Delaware, Tri-State area

as the tickets are for an event in Center City, Philadelphia.

For one entry~ Simply share your favorite cake and icing flavor combination below!

For a second entry ~ Sign up as a follower of Truly Custom Cakery's blog and/or"like" Stacey’s Sweet Shop on Facebook and leave a 2^nd comment here stating you're a follower and/or fan.

For a third entry ~ become a Facebook fan of Loose Thread Stitchers and leave a 3rd comment letting me know you’re a fan.
For a fourth entry ~ Join the Loose Thread Stitchers website (free) and leave a 4th comment here letting me know you joined.

For each entry, PLEASE include your e-mail address!

Entries with no contact information will not be eligible to win.

A maximum of four entries per person.

The winner will be chosen using Random.org.

This giveaway will end Friday, January 28th at 10pm EST.

For More Info on the SAVOR event. Please visit this LINK.

SAVOR

Last Year We Collected 550 lbs of Food!

We Want To Surpass That Amount this year!!!

PLEASE Bring a nonperishable food item for Philabundance

& be entered to win hundreds of dollars

in restaurant gift certificates!

Sponsors Include:

The Crystal Tea Room, Victory Beers, Barefoot Wines,

Philadelphia Distilling - Bluecoat Gin & PENN 1681 Rye Vodka

Select Event Rentals

Back2Life presented by Brandywine Valley Talent

SAVOR Restaurant/Food Participants to date:

A La Maison
Arbol Cafe
Avril
Bobolink Dairy & Bakeyard
Chabaa Thai Bistro
Concerto Fusion
Crystal Rose Catering
Cupcakes Gourmet
Desserts by Dana
Drexelbook Catering
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar- Radnor/Marlton
Fruit Flowers
Funky Lil' Kitchen
Green Valley Inn
Jimmy's BBQ
Mango Moon
Mediterranean Grill
Mel's on the Hill
One Village Coffee
Susanna Foo
Truly Custom Cakery

Once Upon A Cookie
Twenty 9 Restaurant & Bar
Valley Green Inn
Waterworks Restaurant
Votre Vu
Xocai Chocolates

Wordless Wednesday ~ SamSarah Design Studio

2011-01-26T06:47:00.000-08:00

Ok So I know today is Wordless Wednesday but I am making an exception today. There is NEWS in the cross stitch industry. A few weeks ago Patti (SamSarah Design Studio) sold her %age stake in Just Another Button Company to focus on her counted thread and quilt designs. So here's Patti's newest creations and a bit of info about how SamSarah Design Studio came about...

“Alphabet Baubles” series of 26 charts “T” is for Train is stitched on Zweigart Newport natural/red linen using floss from The Gentle Art and Weeks Dye Works, embellished with JABC buttons and placed in an East Side Mouldings frame. The final chart, “Z” is for Zipper released in January 2011.

Entire alphabet can be stitched or select letters to spell out a word or name.

For stitchers creating a complete door banner with all the letters (three letters wide by nine letters tall,) a complimentary chart will be released in Nashville to stitch the twenty seventh square.

‘Our House’ Pearls series of 16 charts, released one each month, shown stitched on one piece of linen with the complimentary border available from your favorite stitch shop. Can also be stitched individually and comes as a full kit, mini-kit (minus the frame) or just the chart. Four charts yet to be released.

Stitched on 28 or 30 count linen or Graziano 18 count natural linen Aida with Crescent Colours over-dyed floss, embellished with JABC buttons and placed in a frame from East Side Mouldings.

Here’s a Sneak Peak of part of a new full size chart releasing at Nashville Needlework Market in February. Three-dimensional carrots and a framed Easter piece are included on this, as yet, unnamed chart.

Future of SamSarah Design Studio:

Since I’ve only been enjoying just a few short weeks of this new-found freedom, we’re still in the process of ramping up SamSarah. We had a houseful of kids, family and friends between Christmas and the New Year and I enjoyed every minute of it. Then it was time to start stitching in earnest for the next market. We definitely will continue to design fun and whimsical charts and kits for stitchers. In addition to the sneak peaks and new chart announcements above, a new six-month series, “Farmer’s Market” is in the works and debuts at Nashville. We will keep creating new finishes, finding new accessories and will always be a place for fresh ideas to bloom.
In addition to needlework, we are expanding the company to include our new “quilt division.” I get to revisit an old love - patchwork and applique - updated with new techniques and fabulous new fabrics. So glad I donated all the old cottons to a quilt guild making Iowa flood relief quilts. Not a bit of guilt for buying new fabric! The new quilt designs will debut in May when SamSarah attends our first Quilt Market in Salt Lake City. We’re just finishing up Nashville cross-stitch designs before beginning to sew new quilts.

To find out more about SamSarah Design Studio be sure to check out the SYHO blog HERE, read about SamSarah on Patti's Blog HERE and follow SamSarah on Facebook HERE.

Monday Blog Roll

2011-01-24T05:10:00.000-08:00

FAB Designer Blogs

Plum Pudding Needlearts

Lacey Thread Designs

The Sampler Girl

FAB Stitcher Blogs

Craftwoman 2008

Stitching Obsession II

Fair and Square

Stitching for Literacy ~ Blogger Puzzle Line 7

2011-01-21T04:50:00.001-08:00

March 17 – April 28 Celebrate reading and stitching! Join participating independent needlework shops, guild, and Web communities, and stitch a bookmark that will be donated to a library or school during Children’s Book Week to reward reading accomplishments.
It’s a snap.
Step 1: Stitch a bookmark (or two, or three…). Any hand-stitched bookmark counts:

any pattern (one you purchase or one you make up)
on any ground (perforated paper, aida, linen, canvas, etc.)
with any fibers (cotton, silk, metallics, beads, etc.)
using any needlework technique (cross stitch, blackwork, hardanger, etc.)

If you're participating in the Needle and ThREAD: Stitching for Literacy New Blogger Puzzle Contest,

here's line 7:

H W F V L M S U V M W M X C S N Q S A M,

This contest is open to everyone. If this is the first time you're hearing about it, go take a look.

Step 2: Drop off or mail your bookmark to a participating needlework shop, guild, or community between March 17th and April 28th. (Or any time of year, most participants collect bookmarks year-round.)
Want to do more?

Participate in Needle and Thread: Stitching for Literacy events at your local needlework shop and/or library.
Teach someone how to stitch a bookmark.
Start a Read-and-Stitch Club.
Spread the word about the program to your friends and family, on your blog, and in your newsletter.
Participate on the Needle and Thread: Stitching for Literacy blog.
Read! And tell us on the blog what you’re reading.

Freebie Friday ~ Kreinik

2011-01-14T08:15:00.000-08:00

Need a way to use your stash and no break the bank on new projects? Then be sure to stop by the Kreinik website HERE and you will get hundreds of projects to get you crafting for all your friends, family, even yourself!

With 24 different categories of crafts they are sure to have you covered. With great ideas for kids crafts, scrapbooking, punch needle, plastic canvas, jewelry, cross stitch and so much more...be sure to bookmark the page so you can come back and visit again and again!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Just Another Button Company

2011-01-12T07:25:00.000-08:00

Ok you know I have a problem with no words...hahahahaha ~ Just wanted to let you know Just Another Button Company has a new blog. Be sure to check it out HERE and find out what the company's original name was before they changed it in 2001.

Kranberry Kupboard ~ Card Making Class

2011-01-10T07:12:00.000-08:00

Live near Philadelphia and want to try something new? Need a night out with your girlfriends sans kids? No problem, we got you covered! Kranberry Kupboard is holding a fabulously fun card making class January 25th @7:30PM. Here's the cards you can make:

I know what you are thinking.....there's no way I can make these, I have no idea how to do this. Believe it or not, they are pretty simple to make and Eileen is a wonderful instructor and can easily get you up to speed and making these amazing creations.

Be sure to check out the Kranberry Kupboard Facebook Page HERE and call Eileen at 215-443-5008 to RSVP and hold your spot for this event. Space is limited and at only $20 ~ You can't find a better, more affordable girls night out! Hope to see you there!

Needle and Thread: Stitching for Literacy 2011 Bookmark Challenge

2011-01-07T06:16:00.000-08:00

Needle and Thread: Stitching for Literacy
2011 Bookmark Challenge

March 17 - April 28
Share the joy of needlework and encourage kids to read. Stitch a bookmark for the Bookmark Challenge.

Bookmarks are donated to libraries and schools during Children's Book Week where they are awarded to kids for reading accomplishments.
Visit the Stitching for Literacy Website and blog to join the fun and learn about events and contests.

Reading and stitching make the world a better place.

Be sure to check out Jen's FABULOUS Going, Going, Gone! Bookmark Finishing Tutorial HERE

You can find this pattern/kit for purchase HERE

This is the PERFECT bookmark to keep my son interested in reading. I'm going to find the perfect Baseball book to go along with it and give it to him for Easter. Now I just need to figure out what to do for the girls...decisions, decisions (:

Wordless Wednesday ~ monsterbubbles

2011-01-05T07:20:00.000-08:00

Be sure to check out the SYHO blog HERE for more fabulous designs by monsterbubbles.

25% OFF SALE at Wasatch Needlecraft

2011-01-03T06:46:00.000-08:00

is having an Anniversary Sale

From now until the close of business Friday, Jan 7th

take 25% off your entire order

Sale includes special orders and items that have not been transferred over to the new site yet.

Discounts will be reflected on the checkout page.

All Orders will receive a free gift- a great little pad that will help keep your beads from sliding all over the place.

Karen also has a FABULOUS Frequent Buyer Program. For every $150 you spend at Wasatch (no need for you to track the $ amount, Karen has it covered) you'll receive a $10 coupon towards your next order.

Here's a few new releases Karen has in stock now

~ Here's the MUST have links for all things Wasatch Needlecraft ~

Wasatch Needlecraft Website

Wasatch Needlecraft E-mail

Wasatch Needlecraft Facebook Page

Save 20% off at the Needle and I

2010-12-30T05:33:00.000-08:00

..........SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE..........

****************************************

CUSTOMER APPRECIATION SALE

Thursday, December 30: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Friday, December 31: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Saturday, January 1: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Sunday, January 2: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Save 20% on all in-stock, regular-priced merchandise.

* Discount does not apply to special orders.

Lots of hand-painted needlepoint canvases and selected picture frames are 35% off.

Come see our sale tables with lots of bargains!

Selected Stitched Models are for sale and are priced as marked.

We cleared out bookracks and have hundreds of chart books at ½ price!

If you live too far away or if the weather makes it impossible for you to come to the sale,

e-mail us your list and we'll gather what we have in stock and mail it to you!

****************************************

The Needle and I

1649 N. Alpine Rd.

Rockford, IL 61107

1-815-227-1234 or 1-800-316-1940

Email: theneedleandi@sbcglobal.net

Websites: www.needleandi.com

www.fromnancysneedle.com

Wordless Wednesday ~ Country Garden Stitchery

2010-12-29T04:23:00.000-08:00

Be sure to check out the Country Garden Stitchery website HERE and follow them on Facebook or view their Etsy shop for more FABULOUS finds!

Is it Summer Yet?

2010-12-27T07:35:00.000-08:00

I know, I know. Christmas just ended, the toys are all over the house (I've decided against cleaning again as it continues to find new ways of covering the floor), and a newly fallen foot of snow covering the ground.

We live in the North East and it is COLD!!!! With the wind (it's REALLY blowing up a storm out there), the COLD (it is FREEZING!!!!) I dread going out in the snow today. I know the kids are excited and they are looking forward to it....I'm chilly just thinking about it.

I dream of summer vacation. The warm sunny skies, the sand in my toes and the kids making castles on the beach. The boardwalk at night with the kids going on the rides all night and enjoying the sights and sounds of the shore.

I just happened to be on Hoffman Distributing's website this morning and found this new design by Designs by Lisa. I LOVE IT! I am putting this one in my rotation for the long winter so I can have it ready for vacation this summer.

~ Just visited Designs by Lisa website and found this fabulous tote on sale today only. How fabulous is this going to be to take to the shore with me this summer and pack all my stitching?! LOVE IT! You can order it HERE ~ get them while they last!

My Christmas Miracle

2010-12-24T03:52:00.000-08:00

So you might or might not know by now that I was in the hospital last week delivering my 4th child 7 weeks early. It was a roller coaster of a day starting with trying to get the 3 kids out the door to school while the big guy was in Texas at a business meeting.

Needless to say, once my water broke and I realized the baby was really on his/her way I went into survival mode. Called my mom to take me to the hospital, my mother-in-law to watch the kids and my husband (who I had to convince that I was NOT joking and he needed to get on a plane and come home).

Once all the calls were made, I packed my bag, cleaned the house ~ my mother-in-law was coming over.....I didn't want it to be a disaster area when she got here....I leave that kind of mess for my mom (:

Bryn Emily Leader arrived later that day. She weighs 4 lbs. 13 ounces and is 16.5 inches long. She was immediately escorted to the NICU to get help breathing and I anxiously awaited the big guys arrival. (Sad to say he missed her birth but fought horrible traffic and flight delays to get there ~ I felt so bad for him once he arrived more than 12 hours later).

I knew she was little, I knew she needed help breathing, I knew I needed to wait to see the big guy before I got myself crazy...and so I waited. As soon as he got to the hospital I sent him in to see Bryn. I knew I would know by the look on his face when he got back if she was OK or not. As soon as he came back, I knew everything was going to be OK.

I am thrilled to say, she is doing very well. It is going to take her some time to get her lungs together and learn how to regulate her temperature and learn how to eat, but what a wonderful Christmas gift.

This morning I woke up at 4AM so I could get to the NICU to spend some time with Bryn. There was a post it note on the front door telling me to look under the tree. There were 2 small boxes: 1 with my name and 1 with Bryn's. Each box contained a small charmed necklace with Bryn's name and mine with Mom. The note in the box read ~ To the love of my life and my Christmas Miracle.

My husband had contacted my girlfriend Layne Freedline of Layne Designs right after Bryn was born. He wanted to get Bryn a necklace to match her sisters. Layne (she is just incredible), was able to make the necklace and ship it so the big guy could put it under the tree in time for Christmas. She even included a Mom necklace for me.

I'm filled up just writing this blog post. We have a long road ahead and a lot of waiting to do before we can bring little Bryn home...but I could not have asked for anything more this Christmas. I have an amazing husband who is already making sure his little girl is taken care of, an amazing family that has pulled together to help us with my other 3 children, and a wonderful friend who jumped thru hoops to make sure my little girl has something under the tree on her first Christmas. This is what Christmas is all about!

Run Run as fast as you can.....

2010-12-23T03:36:00.000-08:00

.....you can't catch me I'm the Gingerbread Man.

This has nothing to do with stitching but as soon as I saw this shot I knew I had to blog about it. I mean how fabulously funny is this? From the terror on the Gingerbread Man's face to the little kids fingers reaching out to devour the cookie.

What a fun shot and puts me in the mood to make some Gingerbread cookies myself. I found this one and since it has 4 stars, I am thinking of giving it a try. We'll see how it turns out.

MKC Photography is the genius behind this shot and Winter Stars below. I love the story behind Winter Stars ~ you can read it HERE .

4 Hour Gifts

2010-12-21T02:40:00.000-08:00

The holiday season is almost over and the countdown has begun for last minute gift ideas. Still dont' know what to make for that crafty person in your life? The BagSmith has the answer!

Here's a FABULOUS cable and ribbed shawl that will keep your BFF warm and fashionable thru the rest of the winter months. This project can be completed in less than 4 hours.

Don't have 4 hours to spend? How bout 2 hours? This fun and funky hat and scarf combo can be easily stitched in less than 2 hours and with unlimited yarn choices it is the perfect personalized handmade gift this year.

To find more project ideas check out The BagSmith website HERE

Wordless Wednesday ~ Ink Circles

2010-12-15T07:03:00.000-08:00

Ok so maybe not so wordless here...(I know again, 2 weeks in a row ~ hahahaha) be sure to check out the SYHO blog today for some more fabulous images of amazing pieces from Tracy Horner of Ink Circles.

Here's a few more I just had to post.....LOVE THEM!!!!

Kranberry Kupboard

2010-12-14T06:07:00.000-08:00

Have you heard about Kranberry Kupboard? It's a FABULOUS primitive/stitching shop in Hatboro, PA and I just LOVE it! Eileen is the owner and a sweeter lady you could not meet! The shop recently moved down the street from its original location.

Here's the new window display! How fun is that?!

Here's a few of Eileen's treasures displayed for Christmas.

I LOVE these stockings and tea towels.

***This week only***

Kranberry Kupboard is holding a Christmas Lottery. Come in or call the store with your order by 12/18 and you will receive 25% - 50% off your order. How fabulous is that? I already wrote my ~ Honey if you didn't get me anything for Christmas yet list here's where you need to go and what you need to get on sale list. I hope he reads it carefully (:

I almost forgot the best part of Eileen's shop......Friday night stitching! Every other Friday night, Eileen has open stitching. You need to call in advance (so she has enough tables and chairs set up). You can bring dinner or order with the girls. It is a great way to connect with other stitchers in your area or even if you are visiting family and friends for the holidays. The next scheduled dates are:

December 17, 2010 6PM -10PM

January 7th and 21st 6PM -10PM

Want to learn more about Kranberry Kupboard?

The new address is

120 South York Road, Suite 2A

Hatboro, PA 19040

215.443.5008

Hours of operation are as follows:

Tuesday - Friday 11AM to 5:30PM

Saturday 11AM to 3:30PM

Sunday 1PM to 4PM

You can find Kranberry Kupboard on Facebook here

Tracy Horner of Ink Circles

2010-12-13T04:32:00.000-08:00

We just added a fun new post about Tracy Horner of Ink Circles to the SYHO Blog. Be sure to check out 5 little know facts about Tracy here!

Did you know Tracy has a companion company where she sells AMAZING artwork on Etsy? If you haven't stopped by her shop lately, I HIGHLY encourage you to check it out. Here's a sneak peek at what you'll find ~

How amazing are these Christmas note cards?

Stitch Counters anyone?

I love these gift tags!

with matching cards? How fabulous!

I'm thinking that I need a few more stocking stuffers. Happy Holiday's everyone!

Myrtle Grace Motifs

2010-12-10T05:44:00.000-08:00

Erin has created an amazing company, Myrtle Grace Motifs, that featured designs in both counted cross stitch and punch needle. Above is an example of the same designed shown in both types of embroidery. Erin created this design in honor of Kris Scott of Norden Crafts who unexpectedly passed last year. Erin blogged about how Norden came to distribute her designs and why she wanted to honor Kris in a special way.

Read more about it here.

Wordless Wedensday ~ More SYHO Designers Featured

2010-12-08T06:20:00.000-08:00

Ok so maybe not so wordless here....be sure to check out the SYHO blog today for some fabulous images of amazing pieces from our 12 amazing SYHO designers.

Here's a few more I just had to post.....LOVE THEM!!!!

Country Garden Stitchery

Cherrywood Design Studios

Glendon Place

Do you SYHO with Karen Kluba of Rosewood Manor?

2010-12-06T04:50:00.000-08:00

Be sure to check out our newest SYHO blog post here. We are featuring Karen Kluba of Rosewood Manor and her fabulous SYHO Design as well as a few newer releases from this year.

Do you live in Virgina? Why not stop by the Rosewood Manor trunk show from December 6th - January 8th. You can see several models and pick up your favorite charts there!

HAUS TIROL

1915 Pocahontas Trail

Suite E-6

Williamsburg, Virginia 23185

Phone: 1-757-220-0113

Want to learn a few tricks from an accomplished designer? Click HERE to find out some of Karen's secrets!

Rosewood Manor has a FABULOUS Complimentary Chart on the site now from 2009 that is perfect for the holiday season ~ Click HERE to find out more.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Fun Funk and Weber Classes

2010-06-16T04:16:00.000-07:00

EmbroiderMe!™ Bracelet Basics and Beyond

2010-06-15T05:17:00.000-07:00

Jen from Funk and Weber e-mailed me last night to let me know that registration is now open for her FABULOUS bracelet class. Here's the info, this is a MUST class to pick up for the summer ~ so fun!

Get your needlework off the wall and into your life! Stitch a fabulous, fully-customized bracelet. Four lessons will guide you step-by-step from start to finish. Download instructions and diagrams (Adobe Acrobat Reader required), then participate in group discussions and ask questions in our private Yahoo Group. Basic knowledge of needlework techniques required: beginning and ending threads, reading a diagram, etc.

Once you've learned the bracelet basics, you can alter the decorative stitch, change fabrics and fibers, and add beads and charms to create an infinite number of one-of-a-kind, perfectly sized bracelets.

Choose your own materials or purchase a kit

Our class pattern uses any 28-ct. linen or evenweave fabric, or 14-ct. Aida, and #8 pearl cotton. Seed beads, accent beads, and clasps complete the bracelets. Choose your favorite fabrics and fibers, or order a complete kit.

Kits contain 28-ct. Blueberry Meran from Zweigart® and DMC #8 Pearl cotton in red, green, yellow, and purple, along with a findings pack with all the necessary beading supplies.

Class outline

During the class you will learn how to customize your bracelet for a perfect fit, and receive tips and tricks from Jen and fellow classmates.

Lesson 1: The Decorative Stitch

Lesson 2: Edge Finishing

Lesson 3: Back Finishing

Lesson 4: Stringing beads and clasps

'Download instructions, diagrams, and images, then participate in group discussions and ask questions in our private Yahoo! Group any hour of the day, at your convenience.

Basic knowledge of needlework techniques required: beginning and ending threads, reading a diagram, etc.

Once you've learned the bracelet basics, you can alter the decorative stitch, change fabrics and fibers, and add beads and charms to create an infinite number of one-of-a-kind, perfectly sized bracelets.
Class cost: $20 USD
Kit cost (optional): $10 USD, plus $1.50 shipping within the US or $3 international shipping

After payment is finalized, your order will be shipped, and you will be invited to join the Yahoo! bracelets group on July 18, 2010.

Check out Jen's website for more info and sign up for this amazing class!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Homespun Elegance

2010-06-09T03:57:00.000-07:00

How Sandra J. Sullivan of Homespun Elegance joined the SYHO Campaign

2010-06-08T11:13:00.000-07:00

I was very honored to be asked to participate in the SYHO campaign. Hopefully, this campaign will find new stitchers and instill in them *our* love of this needleart, support our wonderful needlework shops, and promote awareness of heart disease and how to avoid it.

Unknowingly, Loose Thread Stitchers chose someone who has a very important reason for promoting heart health. At the age of 47, my husband, Lehmer, had heart bypass surgery. At 23, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure (200/110). We have both greatly benefited from modern medicine and all it can do for you.

Sandra, Owner & Designer

Homespun Elegance

Satin Stitch

2010-06-07T05:00:00.000-07:00

Satin Stitch

Each week we will choose a stitch to explore and post stitch diagram(s) to help you practice and master each one.

Satin Stitch ~ also known as Damask Stitch or Flat Stitch

Work from left to right (also can be worked right to left) top to bottom (or bottom to top). There are different ways to work this stitch. For the best effect be sure to be consistent with your choice throughout your project.

Can also be worked at various lengths and intervals of your choosing.

SYHO Friday ~ Homespun Elegance

2010-06-04T05:13:00.000-07:00

It’s Official ~ It’s SYHO Friday! YIPPEE!!!! We are thrilled to introduce Sandra of Homespun Elegance, the SYHO Designer Encyclopedia June 2010 designer.

Month ~ June

Design Company ~ Homespun Elegance

Design Title ~ The Heart is the Spirit of the Home

Fabric ~ 32 Count “Amber” Linen from Wichelt

Threads ~ WDW Swamp Water, Kudzu and Straw / Crescent Colors Cocoa Bean, Old Oak Tree / DMC Colors 3799, 758, 869, 3371, 3768, 3051 and 822

Charm ~ Brass “Heartlet” by Homespun Elegance

The June SYHO stitcher newsletter will be out on Monday….till then, be sure to get over to Hoffman Distributing Company’s website and drool over their Friday new releases and then get to your LNS STAT!

~ NEW Cherrywood Design Studios Freebie ~

2010-06-03T07:10:00.000-07:00

Be sure to check out Cherrywood Design Studios freebie section. They just posted this fabulous complimentary design this morning. How fun is this? Looks like I have another project to add to my list!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Homespun Elegance

2010-06-02T05:13:00.000-07:00

How to Cross Stitch

2010-06-01T23:08:00.000-07:00

Cross Stitch

Each week we will choose a stitch to explore and post stitch diagram(s) to help you practice and master each one.

Cross Stitch ~ also known as Petite Cross, Counted Cross, Cross-Stitch and Point de Croix

How to Cross Stitch

Step 1 ~ come up through the fabric on the lower left hand side.

Step 2 ~ Cross 2 threads and go down through the fabric on the upper right hand side, cross 2 threads and come up on the lower right hand side.

Step 3~ Cross 2 threads and go down through the fabric on the top left hand corner. You have just completed your first cross stitch ~ Yea you!

Step 4 ~ Now try to stitch a few in a row. You can choose to stitch half stitches and come back or do each stitch individually.

Step 5 ~ experiment with different threads and how each showcases cross stitches in a unique way. You may choose to stitch each stitch as you go. Stitch half stitches left to right and cross on the way back. Stitch your stitches in a circular or sporadically on your piece. Each will bring a unique depth and coloring to your piece. One way is not better than another ~ your preference is what matters!

~ Please view our Cross Stitch Diagrams Below ~

Cross Stitch over 1

Cross Stitch over 2

Cross Stitch in a row

Do you Twitter?

2010-05-28T02:00:00.000-07:00

Find it Friday ~ Cross Stitch and Twitter

Each Friday we will showcase a product, service, offering or event that is a MUST to check out!

We have been asked by our members to compile a list of our favorite cross stitch professionals and stitchers we follow on Twitter ~ Here they are! Do you know others we do not have listed here? Let us know and we will add them to our list! Happy stitching!

Cross Stitch Professionals to follow ~

@HoffmanDis

@StitchsNThings

@PhilaEGA

@Silkweaver_Fab

@VictoriaSampler

@BlueRibbonXS

@BrooksBooksMom

@OttLight4me

@UniveraLiz

@StitchNPitch

@FiresideStitch

@LeisureArtsInc

@kirstenjedwards

@SzuLetCreations

@TNNAPiPN

@sublimestitchin

@twistedthreads

@Articneedle

@monsterbubbles

@niah

@crosseyedkat

@CherryWoodDS

@KreinikGirl

@TNNAorg

@TJBdesigns

@crossstitcher

@StitchyKitty

@studiotwenty

@inkcircles

@needleworkRTLR

@nascarwitch

@gentleart

@DyerJo

@MrXstitch

@KrazyKatshop

Stitchers to follow ~

@mistystitches

@stitchxs

@CrossStitchSite

@bellastitch

@XStitchPeg

@xstitchcrazy

@MBcrossstitch

@Stitchoutloud

@sandyxstitch

@crossstitchblog

@mdunaway

@stitcher63

@desafio6

@stitchingranny5

@crossedthreads

Do you spend your B-day in Stitches?

2010-05-27T05:52:00.000-07:00

It's only 8:53AM and my B-day couldn't get any better. Today is my birthday (No I will not be sharing my actual age, but I love that the little guy told his class I am going to be 26. I heart him). I came downstairs to the kids singing happy B-day to me and got some really FABULOUS homemade card from the kids (The big guys was just as great, just store bought), a huge list of HB's on Facebook, a massage and pedicure (can't wait!) and some serious stash!

It got me thinking how I was going to spend the day. Gracie's end of the year school pageant is tonight and we are so excited to see her sing her song she's been rehearsing for weeks in secret in her room at night and do her thing on stage. Emma has playgroup and I still have to bake cookies for tonight. Besides going to the post office, get some office work done and possibly throw in some laundry at some point today....how is this different than any other day?

I feel the need to celebrate in stitches. Sound crazy? Not really, right (: Every year I pick a small project to accomplish on my B-day. A few years ago it was a Merry Cox piece that I just LOVED and I actually did the finishing (please note ~ it was my first try, probably should have left it up to Ronnie, but I am glad I tried at least this one time.) Today I am starting the Stitching Treasure Box with Sheep Waxer by Homespun Elegance. I heart it and it is the perfect quick to stitch project to commemorate this FABULOUS year I am about to embark on!

So how do you commemorate your B-day? Do you do it in stitches?

Wordless Wednesday ~ The Bagsmith

2010-05-26T04:26:00.001-07:00

94 days of sizzlin summer stitchin fun

2010-05-25T05:40:00.000-07:00

I've been working on this new promotion for the past few days to kick off the summer stitching season. We are looking to find 94 different needlework companies to participate in this fun summer long event. Each day we will showcase a new company and have them answer questions about their company / their products basically anything you want or need to know about them.

We'll have tons of giveaways, prizes and opportunities to get to know designers and manufacturers in a whole new way. We asked the question on our Facebook page yesterday but wanted to continue the thought on the blog.

Do you have a company you want us to contact to participate? What would you ask them about their products? What do you NEED to know? Do you have ideas to improve an existing product on the market or a tip or trick to help other stitchers?

We want to hear from you! Let us know your thoughts. We will be announcing the promotion to needlework professionals at the end of this month and we want to be sure to include your favorites so be sure to e-mail us at info(at)LooseThreadStitchers(dot)com or leave a comment and let us know who you want us to contact.

Here's who's on the list of companies stitchers want us to contact so far:

monsterbubbles
The BagSmith
Puffin and Company
River Silks
Vineyard Silks
Sassy Fabbys
Sam Sarah Design Studio
Blackbird Designs
La-D-Da
Sue Hillis
The Trilogy
Raise the Roof
My Mark
Ink Circles
R&R fabrics
Amy Bruecken
LilyStitch

I will continue to update the list of companies to contact as we receive them..so be sure to keep checking back and e-mail us your favorites!

Fun Kid Gift Ideas

2010-05-24T04:26:00.001-07:00

Just saw these on Sit N' Stitch's Facebook Page. I am always looking for fun and creative baby /kid B day gifts. With 3 kids under 7, we go to LOTS of b-day parties, baby showers, christenings, etc. I always feel I want to make something but I always seem to have a hard time finding something that I think they would like. I think both of these would be great.

We have a baptism on the 13th of June...I wonder if I can get one of these done by then?

Can you teach a Kindergartner to stitch?

2010-05-20T04:02:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-19T05:54:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of Puffin and Co?

2010-05-18T04:21:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-17T08:19:00.001-07:00

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!

Chicken Pasta Recipe by Designs By Lisa

2010-05-15T05:58:00.001-07:00

Ingredients:
1 * cup uncooked penne pasta
1 cup chopped asparagus
6 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 cloves garlic
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with herbs, including juice
1 ounce feta cheese, crumbled
1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese

Directions:
Cook penne pasta until al dente (tender), 10 to 12 minutes, or according to package directions. Drain the pasta thoroughly. Set aside.
In a pot fitted with a steamer basket, bring 1 inch of water to a boil. Add the asparagus.
Cover and steam until tender-crisp, about 2-3 minutes.
Spray a large nonstick frying pan with cooking spray. Add the chicken and garlic and saut* over medium-high heat. Cook until the chicken is golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Add the tomatoes, including the juice, and simmer 1 minute more.

In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta, steamed asparagus, chicken mixture and feta cheese. Toss gently to mix evenly.

Divide pasta mixture into two servings and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Analysis (per serving)
Calories 455 Cholesterol 81 mg
Protien 41 g Sodium 240 mg
Carbohydrate 55 g Fiber 6.5 g
Total fat 8 g Potassium 462 mg
Saturated fat 3.5 Calcium 125 mg
Monounsaturated Fat 2 g

King of the Kitchen ~ Designs By Lisa

2010-05-14T00:05:00.000-07:00

If you've been reading the LTS blog you've probably picked up that the kitchen and I do not get along. In fact, the big guy asked me recently where I'd like to travel when the kids get older. I said probably Hawaii, Ireland.....he interrupted and asked for a more domestic local. Maybe Texas or Arizona, I suggested.....nope closer he replied.....like maybe the kitchen. He laughed for quite some time at himself.

Seriously? He's nuts! He knew when we got married, I was not skilled in the kitchen department. I am certainly not the Queen of the kitchen, but the big guy on the other hand, is FABULOUS at making pretty much anything and everythign under the sun.....and so I will stitch this fun little design for him to let him know that if I can't actually make "food" in the kitchen I can still flex my stitching abilities there (:

Fabric: 28 Count Hand-dyed Sandcastle Jobelan #429-503 from Wichelt
Threads: Gentle Art Sampler Threads,DMC conversion included

Beads: Mill Hill glass seed beads # 00367

Frame: East Side Mouldings: 800-840-6077

Design Size: 9 1/2" w x 7 1/2"h

Stitch count: 134w x 106h

Kathy from Designs By Lisa is having an exclusive sale on this fabulous chart till May 16th. Sale price is $5 and that INCLUDES shipping! Be sure to get over to her website and order b/4 they are gone!

LTS / SYHO May Stitcher Newsletter now available for download

2010-05-13T05:53:00.001-07:00

The May Stitcher LTS / SYHO Designer Encyclopedia newsletter featuring Kathy Hackford of Designs By Lisa has been published. This newsletter is filled with activities, heart healthy tips, tricks and games to get stitchers excited about stitching!

You can check out the latest newsletter HERE

...and in case you missed past issues, you can find them HERE as well as fun downloadable activities, complimentary charts and much much more!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Designs by Lisa

2010-05-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

Help Mike from Hoffman Distributing!

2010-05-11T02:30:00.000-07:00

Help Mike (from Hoffman Distributing Company ) out! Go rate his guitar playing HERE and help him get enough points to win a new guitar! Plus, you're allowed to make fun of him all you want. Who can resist that?

and the winner is......

2010-05-10T11:36:00.000-07:00

Be sure to stop by the Funk and Weber Needle and ThREAD: Stitching for Literacy Blog today at 4PM EST to see if you are the lucky winner of the SYHO Bookmark Challenge ~ $500 in stash! courtesy of Loose Thread Stitchers. We will announce the winner on the LTS Blog tomorrow.

While you're there be sure to read about Bev who has stitched over 60 bookmarks for her local library in Clinton ~ isn't she FABULOUS!

Here's a preview of Bevs work ~ AMAZING!

Thank Ewe ~ Monday Morning Giveaway

2010-05-10T03:41:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, my girlfriend Michelle called and started raving about a fabulous new designer she just met at a local art show. Rachel designs greeting cards and small gift tags and although I was sure they were adorable, I wasn't sure how they would fit with Loose Thread Stitchers. Obviously I need to learn that Michelle knows of what she speaks. Rachel has a fabulous line of non stitching cards but my favorite series is a fun set about a sheep made of small balls of yarn. I just LOVE the simple design. What a fun way to say thank you to your stitching friends?

Rachel's designs can be purchased at Ewe and I or your local yarn shop. Feel free to e-mail Ewe and I at info(at)EweAndI(dot)com if your local shop does not carry her line. They'd be happy to fill your order.

I heart these cards so much ~ let's have a contest! We will be giving away a set of 6 mini gift tags this week to a lucky stitchers. Here's how to get started:

1 ~ follow the Loose Thread Stitchers Blog
2 ~ Leave a comment and let us know what other kinds of stitching cards you'd like to see
3 ~ Share this post on your blog and post the link in the comments section
4 ~ Share this post via Twitter, follow us and post the link in the comments section
5 ~ Share this post via Facebook, join us and post the link in the comments section

You'll receive 1 entry each for a total of 5 entries. We will use a random number generator to choose the winner. Good luck! The contest runs till Sunday with the winner being announced next Monday. Good luck!

Seven Words to fight Breast Cancer

2010-05-08T05:21:00.001-07:00

We'd like to highlight a non-stitching related cause today. We have worked with Michelle from MKC Photography in the past on an amazing series of sewing images and she recently shared with us her newest work to help raise money for Breast Cancer. We just had to share it with our members....

I took a poll. I asked women what words they would want to hear when facing a battle, what words they would say to their mother, their sister, their friend. I arranged them in order, from the first day, moving on and upward, through the journey. These seven words are for my aunts. They are for my cousin. They are for my college professor. They are for my childhood friend. They are for each one of us, because cancer touches us all.

In honor of May and Mother's Day, 25% of all proceeds from this print will go directly to my dear friend's organization, Phi Mammo Gramma, as they raise funds for the Avon Three Day Walk in the hope that, one day, the eighth word will be "cure."

SYHO Friday ~ Designs By Lisa

2010-05-07T05:01:00.000-07:00

It’s Official it’s SYHO Friday! Yippee! We are thrilled to introduce Kathy of Designs By Lisa, the SYHO Designer Encyclopedia May 2010 designer.

Month ~ May

Design Company ~ Designs By Lisa

Design Title ~ Purrrrr Like You Mean It

Fabric ~ 32 count Hand-dyed Raspberry Jobelan #865211 from Wichelt

Threads ~ GAST Chalk, Black Crow, Pebble, Rose Garden, Tea Rose

Buttons ~ Just Another Button Company #ss1005.T

The May SYHO Stitcher newsletter will be out on Monday...till then be sure to get over to Hoffman Distributing Company's website and drool over their Friday new releases and then get to your LNS STAT!

Sublime Stitching

2010-05-06T07:05:00.000-07:00

Did you hear Sublime Stitching is having a Cinco de Mayo sale? Just enter the code ~ YAY4CINCO ~ at checkout and get 5% off your order till the end of the day today!

Plus....Dia De Los Muertos is only $2.50 ~ that's 50% off!

Off to shop a bit...I need some funky summer patterns.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-05T04:59:00.001-07:00

All I seem to think about is needlework

2010-05-03T05:22:00.000-07:00

Since it's the start of a new week I always like to try and tackle at least one question/thought/idea I have rumbling around in my head. Last night it took me over 2 hours to get to sleep b/c I had a mountain of ideas running around and I just couldn't get them to stop.

In the past, I tried writing everything down in a small note book (The big guy's suggestion and purchase) the book was filled within a week and I started to get anxious b/c there was so much to do in the book, I'd never get it all done. Totally overwhelming! I felt worst off than before and the book mysteriously vanished (I was told the dog ate it but I'm not buying that story).

I think about family things, I think about day to day to do lists and since I started Loose Thread Stitchers, all I seem to think about is needlework. How do stitchers use the internet to find what they need. What would make it easier for stitchers to find what they need online easier. How do stitchers find a Local needlework Shop (LNS)? What makes them go back. Why do they stitch and what does it give them? I could go on and on (I actually typed out a few more sentences but re-read what I wrote and thought it was a bit overwhelming so I deleted them...... (: see what I mean?)

This year we started the Stitch Your Heart Out (SYHO) Campaign, joined Funk and Weber Designs in the Needle and ThREAD: Stitching for Literacy Campaign, Wrote an event column for The Gift of Stitching Magazine and introduced moms to needlework via our MomSpace column. We began work with The Embroiders Guild of America to boost their visability online and continue to work with local needlework shops, designers, teachers, distributors and manufacturers to build content on the Loose Thread Stitchers website to help stitchers find everything they need in a single location. And yet...I still feel like there is so much more to do.

So......instead of going crazy in my head this week I thought I would put it out to our LTS community. What do you want to see, what is missing that you'd love to do, experience, showcase. Why do you do needlework and how can we share it with the general public? I want to know your thoughts, feelings, opinions, suggestions ~ the good bad and the ugly. Get a cup of coffee get your fingers on the keyboard and let me know what you think!

Whew! now I feel better......I can't wait to read your ideas!

Happy B-day Stitches 'n Things

2010-05-01T07:01:00.000-07:00

The following is an excerpt from the Stitches 'N Things Newsletter ~ BE sure to check it out!

Drum roll please ........................ Effective at midnight o'one Saturday May 1st............ Since we're turning 18, you get a month long birthday present of 18% OFF** your orders!

** discount excludes DMC floss; not applicable to items already discount/on sale; not applicable to items ordered prior to May 1, 2010. No special orders = items not normally carried in the shop catalog/web site. Key tags will not be punched during the sale month.

** Your order form, if ordering from our secure shopping cart/catalog, will NOT reflect the 18% off discount. That discount WILL be taken off manually by us when we process your order through. You will receive the discount on all applicable items that you are ordering.

Wowsers! That's cool .. but wait a second Deb, how will I know if I'm getting the discount? How will I know if what I'm ordering is in stock or not?

Not to worry. Since it's impossible for me to know ahead of time what items will be wanted at the discount, if you are ordering from our web site and what you are ordering is not in stock, it WILL be re-ordered for you AT the 18% Off Discount! It's the items we don't have on our web site that are considered 'special orders' and are not applicable; those items we do not now carry or have not carried in the past.

Now .. lets take this UP a notch and find you MORE WAYS TO SAVE on your Charts/Books/Leaflets!

IF A CHART is not in OUR catalog, but it IS on our Merchant Mall catalog at HOFFMAN Distributing ... you'll still get the 18% OFF Discount when you order it in May!
IF A CHART is not in OUR catalog, but it IS in the chart catalog at NORDEN CRAFTS ... you'll still get the 18% OFF Discount when you order it in May!
IF A CHART is not in OUR catalog, but it IS in the chart catalog at WICHELT IMPORTS ... you'll still get the 18% OFF Discount when you order it in May!
IF A CHART is not in OUR catalog, but it IS in the chart catalog at YARN TREE ... you'll still get the 18% OFF Discount when you order it in May!
And .. just to prove I'm really in a good mood and not stressed out with 'this birthday' ... you'll also get 18% OFF ALL FRAMES, whether in stock OR special ordered! ALL CUSTOM FRAMING (mats, glass, spacers, mounting fee) will be 18% OFF!!! Custom Mats from Sekas OR Jill Rensel are also 18% OFF.

Happy Birthday Month To Us ... Happy Birthday Month To Us ...

Happy Birthday Month dear Stitches N Things (and dear Stitches N Things customers) ...

Happy Birthday Month To Us (er, to you)!

The Tote Buddy ~ fun and fashionable way to reuse and recycle

2010-04-29T08:14:00.001-07:00

Have you heard about the Tote Buddy?

So this is SO FABULOUS! I just had to share. I found this company on Twitter and I thought to myself, how clever is this? A fun and fashionable way to go grocery shopping and save the environment.

I always seem to have an issue with remembering the bags and then I get annoyed b/c they are all over the place and I can never find them when I need to...it drives me crazy! No more, check out the video of how the tote buddy works and use the code ~ earthday ~ when ordering to receive an exclusive LTS discount!

I also thought of all the times I am lugging around my needlework, trying to get everything together and I love the fact that this will work double duty ~ grocery shopping and needlework weekends ~ how fabulous! Now if I can only find someone to do the grocery shopping for me I could stitch more (:

They even sell extra bags (choice of black or orange) at a great price ~ less than $3 a piece or $2 when ordering 5 or more!

Fun and Funky Pins and Pin Cushions

2010-04-28T05:07:00.001-07:00

Happy Hump Day! Wednesday's are always a good day at our house b/c I don't have to make lunches in the morning. The kids have pizza for lunch at school every Wednesday so I get a few extra minutes. As any mom knows that is REALLY exciting!

I took the 10 minutes to run over to the Just Another Button Company website. I remembered seeing these fun pins with these adorable pin cushion made from Weeks Dye Works wool in Nashville and thought they might be a fun project to try this weekend.

I love these little acorns, how fun are they for fall?

Here's a fun way to spruce up your kitchen! How fabulous are these?

They have fun floral arrangements too! Seriously creativity!

With all the different options I think it is going to be hard to choose just one....maybe I'll tackle something to coordinate with the girls new room decor. I've been working on their room for 2 weeks and this might be just the final touch they need!

2010-04-27T04:59:00.001-07:00

Did you know Nordic Needle has a super large collection of complimentary charts on their website? With over 40 needlework designs using cross stitch to specialty stitches you will be sure to find a fabulous design that will spark your interest and get you stitching!

Here's a few of our favorites....

These bookmarks are perfect to stitch for the Needle and ThREAD: Stitching for Literacy Campaign ... there's still time to help promote needlework and get the next generation excited about stitching!
Be sure to e-mail Loose Thread Stitchers
~ Info(at)LooseThreadStitchers(dot)com ~
a photo of your finished bookmark to be entered to win $500 in stash!

Beautiful bookmark designs by Carol Pedersen

What a great taste of Hillside Samplings work. This quick to stitch can be stitched and finished during a T-ball game ~ Stitching in public is a great way to introduce stitching to others.
A lovely night scene of the hillside in cross stitch by Hillside Samplings

I just love this apron. What a fun and unique way to show off your stitching abilities!
Create this fun chicken scratch design provided by Odile Berget.

Whatever project you choose, Nordic Needle can help you find the perfect supplies to complete any project. What will you choose?

Stitchy Follows?

2010-04-26T04:29:00.000-07:00

Due to the non-stitching related Doggie topic yesterday it seems we hit some kind of alert with Blogger. After I verified the account and our info, I was able to get parts back the blog (we lost quite a few posts) but we were not as lucky with our followers.

We will be sending out an e-mail to all Loose Thread Stitchers members as well as posting on Facebook and Twitter. Please pass the word to your stitching friends that 99% of our followers were deleted and they will need to re-follow the blog.

If you were also following the SYHO Blog, you will need to re-follow there as well.

In light of this situation, we will be moving the blog to another venue in the near future to prevent this from happening again but for now we don't want you to miss the latest and greatest in the stitching world. Thanks everyone!!!

Is your life a Sitcom or a MasterCard Commercial?

2010-04-25T09:54:00.001-07:00

My friends have told me time and time again, my life is like a sitcom. If we are friends on Facebook, you know my status updates are a constant stream of ~ you'll never believe this, or seriously, my kids are NUTS...... They are always up to something and always good for a laugh. Well I guess Drexel, our dog, was feeling a bit left out b/c this was the last 16 hours of my life.....

We started the day with some chores, running errands and a T-ball game as a family, then back to the house to shower change and get ready for the first birthday party of the day. The big guy stayed home with the little guy and cakes (Emma) and Gracie and I headed out to her friends B-day party (which by the way was FABULOUS and I wish I was as creative as other moms with party themes...I really need help.) anyway sometime between 4PM and 7PM our 7 YR OLD Flat Coat Retriever (A Black Lab and Golden Retriever Mix...but we got him from a shelter so who even really knows for sure.....) decided he wanted to explore Cheltenham Township and busted out of the back yard.....

I can't imagine how this fell and no one in the house heard it......

Around 7PM the kids went to bed and the big guy and I were getting ready to eat dinner and I opened the backdoor to let Drexel in....except he was gone. I went into overdrive, ran right out the front door in sleep socks and the big guy's slippers and started calling for Drexel. I was in such a panic, I took the car keys and started driving around the neighborhood yelling for him and whistling (I am pretty sure my neighbors officially think I am NUTS!). I ran back home to change into sneaks (much better) and posted him missing on Facebook (just in case someone close by saw him).

My greatest fear was that he would get hit by a car once it got dark b/c he's black and you'd never see him in the dark. My head went into overdrive and I was terrified. I picked up my girlfriend Michelle and off we went to case the neighborhood while the big guy called the police and local animal shelters. I picked Drexel up at 8AM at the Montgomery County SPCA. I feel the details of the story can best be explained as a MasterCard Commercial ~

Fence Repair ~ $500
Car Accident trying to find the dog ~ $2,200
Fines for the five 13 YO's smoking weed in the park ~ $500
Possible Bail Money for trespassing at the SPCA to listen for Drexel's bark ~ $250
Donuts for Police Department who found Drexel ~ $15
Donation to SPCA for caring for Drexel overnight ~ $150

Having Drexel Home Safe and Sound ~ PRICELESS!

There are some things money can't buy (DREXEL!!!!), for everything else there's MasterCard.

ByGone stitches at Stitches 'N Things

2010-04-24T04:05:00.000-07:00

I just heard that Stitches 'n Things just received the new ByGone Stitches Design One Nation. It is AMAZING. Stitched with Crescent Colors on Picture This Plus Fabric, this unique piece showcases the states joining the union ~ aka the red and white stripes that make up this flag.

Gail Reinhardt has been designing since 1989 with her own spin on Quaker and Ackworth samplers. here's a few of my favorites below ~

Quaker Christmas

Quaker Virtues

Threads of Friendship

Now if I only had an unlimited amount of time to sit and stitch till my hearts content......I guess that's what heaven is like (:

2010-04-23T05:21:00.001-07:00

I was SO excited today when I read Cindy's newsletter ~ Sit 'n Stitch is hosting a weekend with Elizabeth Ann Talledo of Dames of the Needle / Finge r Work in September (10th-12th 2010).

The project is nothing less than spectacular (as if Elizabeth would teach anything but...). It is a 2 day finishing class with pre-stitching.

The prestitching kits will be mailed the end of July. The project finishing materials will be given out in class. Space will be limited. Students will pre-stitch the three panels with Cross Stitch over one and two, French Knots, Tent Stitch over one, Couching, Eyelet Stitch, Long Arm Cross and Alycia Lace. In class students will construct the 8" x6" three sided Etui. Students will create the ruler and scissor sheaths and cover the matte board with silk lining fabric and linen. They will Rouche the ribbon to the sheaths and hand sew the pieces together.

The first day September 11, 2010 from 1p-5p with Liz - students will cut and adhere interfacing to the lining fabric. They will also start constructing the ruler and scissor cases and apply the Rouched silk ribbon.

The second day September 12, 2010 from 9a-1p with Liz -the students will use double sided tape to attach the silk lining fabric and linen to the matte board panels. They will then hand sew the pieces together to construct the etui.

This class will held at Rancho San Rafael Recreation Center in Glendale, Ca., take 134 east to the 2N freeway exit Mountain, take right @light which is Rancho San Rafael go up hill past two stop signs, on left is the recreation center parking, we will have balloons and sign showing that's where it is.

If you need to make reservations their are several hotels very close by the airport as well as in Glendale. The airport is about 15 minutes away from Rancho San Rafael.
Hilton Hotel approximately $129.00/night, 100 W. Glenoaks Blvd., Glendale, Ca. 818-956-5466
Marriott Airport approx., $99.00/night, 2500 Hollywood Way, Burbank, Ca. 818-843-6000
The shop is within 10-15 minutes of the airport, Rancho San Rafael and the shop.

Loose Thread Stitchers

Meet Up Monday ~ Smalls

Needle and ThREAD: Stitching for Literacy

Fabulous Friday ~ Stitchy Sayings

~ A friend is someone who is there for you when they have a WIP (stitching) waiting for them somewhere else.

~ Great works (like stitching) are performed not by strength, but by perseverance.

~ Good actions (like stitching) give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions (like stitching) in others.

Happiness is not something readymade. It comes from your own actions (such as stitching).

Success (in stitching) is not final, failure (to finish a WIP) is not fatal: it is the courage to continue (stitching) that counts.

~ Laugh as much as you breathe, love as long as you live, and stitch as much as possible.

~ Coffee makes it possible to get out of bed, but stitching makes it worthwhile.

~ Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll frog tonight and stitch again tomorrow.

~ When the going gets tough the tough get stitching!

Friendship (and stitching) is the only cement that will ever hold the world together.

The strength of a woman can carry the weight of her stash or the world.

~ "If I stitch fast enough, does it count as aerobic exercise?" - Author Unknown

If you think sunshine brings you happiness, then you haven't tried stitching!

~ A fiber craving is nothing that should be taken lightly. What are you going to do about it?

~ There's nothing better than a good friend, except a good friend who stitches with you!

~ Learning to stitch is nearly always inspired by watching someone stitch. Go inspire someone!

~ A wise individual once said, "Nothing stitched.....nothing gained." Learn a new stitch today!

~ The scent of hand dyed linens and threads is the only aromatherapy I need.

~ A balanced diet is fabric and fibers in each hand.

~ "The smallest deed is better than the biggest intention." What's your good deed? Teach someone to stitch today!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Trail Creek Farm

Whip it up Wednesday ~ Open Herringbone Stitch

Meet Up Monday ~ Ship's Manor

Freebie Friday ~ Loose Thread Stitchers

Wordless Wednesday ~ Primitive Needle

Meet Up Monday ~ The Creative Finisher

Freebie Friday ~ SYHO Designer Encyclopedia

Wordless Wednesday ~ Stitchy Foods

Meet Up Monday ~ Summer House Stitche Workes

Freebie Friday ~ CherryWood Design Studios

Wordless Wednesday ~ St. Patricks Day Designs

Meet up Monday ~ Funk and Weber Designs

Freebie Friday ~ The Sampler Girl

Wordless Wednesday ~ Valentine Crafts

Freebie Friday ~ Jeanette Douglass Designs

Wordless Wednesday ~ Valentines

Monday Blog Roll

Freebie Friday

Giveaway ~ FREE tickets to SAVOR in Philadelphia

Wordless Wednesday ~ SamSarah Design Studio

Monday Blog Roll

Stitching for Literacy ~ Blogger Puzzle Line 7

Freebie Friday ~ Kreinik

Wordless Wednesday ~ Just Another Button Company

Kranberry Kupboard ~ Card Making Class

Needle and Thread: Stitching for Literacy 2011 Bookmark Challenge

Needle and Thread: Stitching for Literacy2011 Bookmark Challenge

Wordless Wednesday ~ monsterbubbles

25% OFF SALE at Wasatch Needlecraft

Save 20% off at the Needle and I

Wordless Wednesday ~ Country Garden Stitchery

Is it Summer Yet?

My Christmas Miracle

Run Run as fast as you can.....

4 Hour Gifts

Wordless Wednesday ~ Ink Circles

Kranberry Kupboard

Tracy Horner of Ink Circles

Myrtle Grace Motifs

Wordless Wedensday ~ More SYHO Designers Featured

Do you SYHO with Karen Kluba of Rosewood Manor?

Wordless Wednesday ~ Fun Funk and Weber Classes

EmbroiderMe!™ Bracelet Basics and Beyond

Choose your own materials or purchase a kit

Class outline

Wordless Wednesday ~ Homespun Elegance

How Sandra J. Sullivan of Homespun Elegance joined the SYHO Campaign

Satin Stitch

SYHO Friday ~ Homespun Elegance

~ NEW Cherrywood Design Studios Freebie ~

Wordless Wednesday ~ Homespun Elegance

How to Cross Stitch

Do you Twitter?

Do you spend your B-day in Stitches?

Wordless Wednesday ~ The Bagsmith

94 days of sizzlin summer stitchin fun

Success (in stitching) is not final, failure (to finish a WIP) is not
fatal: it is the courage to continue (stitching) that counts.

Needle and Thread: Stitching for Literacy
2011 Bookmark Challenge