Got my Lowry stand just over a week ago,I also got the magnet attachment, and you are so right, it's great, being an older lady I find it hard and heavy to balance my frame on my lap, so asked my husband to buy me it for my anniversary, and I love it, Thank you for recommending it,well done you!
lol... its so cute how you're chuckling to yourself over your finished little pillow :) It's so adorable and I can TOTALLY relate to the absolute glee in a perfect seam :D :)
MrsMilkybarKid haha... I can't sew to save my life either. Bought a machine a few months ago and it's just a dust gatherer for now ;) O and yes... would love to see some speciality stitch tutorials :)
Congrats Amanda on your wonderful finishes, would love to see your tutorial stitches sweetie there are a lot out there who want to learn and there are not many cross stitch videos with such tutorials and you make the perfect teacher to do so.Look forward to seeing your many projects next year which isn't far off. Happy stitching xxx
Thank you Maureen, I always appreciate your comments x. 2015 really isn't that far away is it - I must be getting old, time is passing far too quickly lol!
You are not the only one completely behind with this months videos, I'm still playing catch up from my holidays but it is nice to know I have one or two to watch per day at the moment. I look forward to seeing your threadporn challenge next year. I'm a little taken aback that you know what you are going to be stitching a year ahead, that is far more organised than I will ever be!
I'm much less organised than I usually am for next year :). There will be fewer big projects in 2015 and many more smalls with Operation Threadporn - they'll be picked on a month by month basis, something I'm not used to at all! I'm sure it will be good for me lol!
I agree with the tutorial ideas. I think we need more and better tutorials on the different specialty stitches, as well as, Hardanger techniques. And, I think you are the one to do them! Good luck with the challenge and happy stitching!
Absolutely lovely projects! I especially love your little pillow. Next year sounds so exciting for you and I'm looking forward to seeing the variety of your projects.
Thank you Lynne :), you know what it's like having so many projects you want to stitch - next year I am hoping to make (what will probably amount to) a (tiny) dent in the pile :).
Beautiful finishes :) Love hearing you ramble on about threads :) Being a somewhat disorganized person I'm always fascinated with people who is. For the first time I'm actually planning a couple of months ahead with my stitching :) Happy stitching :)
Thank you! Secretly sometimes I wish I wasn't so organised (read obsessive lol!) it is too tiring - my husband is the complete opposite and he seems to manage in life just fine! I look forward to seeing what you have in store stitching wise, I love your work on Wrath :).
Hi Amanda, I am completely in awe of how much stitching you get done - I need more hours in my day and days in my year to even get close! As always, your stitching is beautiful, and I love the pillow finish. Maybe my challenge next year could be to finish something in that fashion (I usually frame all my finishes or roll them up ready to be framed at some point!) I have also decided that I need to add Red Riding Hood to my wish list - she is so striking, she's yelling at me to be stitched! I love how you dismissed your sister's suggestion of using less purple too (ludicrous idea!) so much so that I nearly lost my coffee ;-)
Thank you for your lovely comment Gayle! I'm glad Red Riding Hood has found herself on your list, I loved stitching her and can't wait to see what other stories The Primitive Hare is going to chart. I'm a lost cause where purple thread is concerned - since this video was made, a few more mainly purple skeins have found their way into my collection :).
I am a lost cause with purple too... In fact, the omly HAED I have in my collection is purple (Happy Thoughts by Selena Fenech), and one day I will be brave enough to start it! ;-)
Great finishes, Amanda! I love Red Riding Hood, and your pillow turned out great. My mother is a seamstress, and I can't sew at all. I'm trying to rope her into finishing some projects for me. I would love to see tutorials from you, no matter what they're about. You're a natural teacher :)
Thanks Chris! If my mum could sew I would be bugging her all the time with my finishes to finish. I am determined to get better acquainted with my sewing machine......I will not be beaten by a machine :).
I would love to see the specialty stitches that you demonstrate. I think you have a great way of explaining details so clearly. Thank you for your videos. 😉
Very well done on your pillow. Looks super cute:). Love the threadporn ideas and I really look forward to what you'll be doing. Also I'd love to see specialty stitch tutorials, especially hardanger as I want to get started with that. I'm really letting it intimidate me and I don't know why! Thanks for another great video :)💙💙
Thanks Christy! You'll be fine with Hardanger, I just know it :) but if me demonstrating it will help, then I would be happy to do it.......even though I am certainly no expert - but maybe that will be in my favour, because if I can do it so can you lol :).
Haha...you speak so softly, and you're such a sweetie, but every time you mention your sister...you roll your eyes..lol I have two sisters, (younger than I), I know the feels! lol
Ha ha yes - I have just the one sister (younger), who I hasten to add I love very much, thankfully we get on a lot better now we no longer have to share a room with each other lol!
You really are enabling me far too much Amanda lol! Because of the videos of your's I've watched so far, am currently watching this one, I've decided that next year I'm going to try not to start anymore BAP's like HAED's etc so that I might finally be able to start some of the things I've wanted to stitch for a long time, like my Chatelaine Egypt Garden, Twisted Threads Band Sampler and now I'm thinking of trying more hardanger as I've only ever done a few small pieces. And I know just how you feel about finishing, I'm so like you, don't like doing anything unless I can do it perfectly, the perfectionist in me, and I really beat myself up when things aren't as good as I'd like them to be, but I know I need to get over it too, have far too many projects that need finishing properly in my stash.
I don't think it counts as enabling if you already have them in your stash Lisa ;). I got fed up with the same designs hogging my rotation, I'm really looking forward to next year's stitching when I will make sure those designs I've been desperate to stitch finally get started and finished! I admire the fact you have so many WIPs - I honestly don't think I could sleep at night if I had that many, it's the control freak in me lol!
Firstly, your hair looks especially cute today. Now all the other stuff. Obviously, your band sampler is beautiful - loving the colour popping against the black. I love that Thread Pickerz colour you chose for your little project. It's so soft and pretty, exactly the type of colour I like. I cannot believe you sewed that pillow. Good for you! You MADE A PILLOW and it's awesome! You must hush about all of this 'rambling on' you think you're doing that we don't enjoy - obviously we love listening to you, silly goose. I am so excited for Op Threadporn - the reason I started making videos about project pan is because I thought I would be held more accountable for it (not because people are jerks, just in my own mind because I had put it out into the TH-cam universe). McKenzie
Thank you McKenzie :), hope I am just a silly goose and not a gross one ;). I loved that thread I used for my pillow too, now it's mostly gone *sniff*! Op Threadporn may end up turning into me mourning my thread losses ha ha! Lord knows what I'm going to do with the neon threads - I may not mind their passing quite so much.....
I love your finishes! Your sewn finish is absolutely adorable and you did a wonderful job! Your operation thread porn sounds like it will be a fun year of stitching for you! You have me thinking on my stitching now. I have never really "planned" a year of stitching but maybe this new year that will change! The wheels are turning in my head now! : )
Thank you Sandi! I am a bit of a planner with everything, so I'm no different with my stitching. I like to gave goals just so I have a bit of focus, but I'm rubbish at stitching something on a deadline - I'd be a very poor model stitcher I think :).
Great finishes, Amanda :) I love Red Riding Hood I have it kitted up. Thinking about getting sleeping Beauty kitting it and starting them together. As for your sewing bravo! I am self taught as well it gets easier as you do it.
Thanks Mel, I am looking forward to stitching Sleeping Beauty next year - they are such simple yet beautiful designs to stitch. My husband finds it hilarious that while I will sew thousands of tiny beads onto a project, it takes me forever to get around to having the patience to sew on missing buttons onto clothes........I can't explain the reason either :).
I enjoy stitching along to your videos very much, so keep the long videos coming! Your Red Riding Hood piece looks lovely--I like your added sparkle for the snowflakes :). You mentioned you railroad your stitches and I would like to see how.. do you use a laying tool to do it?
Hi Melanie, I don't always use a laying tool for railroading cross stitches - my laying tool tends to be a size 22 tapestry needle when I do use one though lol! If you watch my Rhodes Stitch tutorial I talk more about railroading and demonstrate how I do it there :).
MrsMilkybarKid I watched your Rhodes Stitch tutorial today--thanks for explaining railroading so clearly. I like how your railroading method doesn't require a laying tool! I've been playing around with a makeshift trolley needle (a yarn needle joined to my pinky with a rubber band lol!), but I feel it's just a matter of time before I poke myself in the eye. So I'm happy to have another option now :).
I love the idea of using your threads to stitch all your freebies! I have loads of freebies too and think I might do a slightly similar version of your challenge.
That was a great challenge you've put out. Sadly, I don't have a thread stash, boo hoo me. You're are not alone when it comes to finishing a finish. That is something that needs to be worked on. Oh, I would love to see specialty stitch videos. Your a great teacher.
I watch a lot of video's while I stitch and I do have to get up the courage to start doing my own because I really want to. I did snag the Souvenir de France freebie so thank you for that, it's really pretty. Beautiful work as always on your finishes and your Rainbow Sampler, it looks stunning! I am going to do the Twisted Band one soon and I did order the Tree of Stitches today so I am looking forward to doing that first. Thanks again for sharing ;)
Those finishes are pretty :) Love love love operation threadporn! Lol @ your sister with the purple thread rule! I've always wanted to stitch some bookmarks, so would love to see how you would do that, and look forward to adding a few freebie charts to my stash too. Specialty stitch videos would be useful to me.
Thank you Kezla! Ooooo bookmarks, there's a good idea for a finished finish that needn't involve my sewing machine lol! There are so many great freebies out there - I am really looking forward to delving through my collection and actually stitching some :).
MrsMilkybarKid Just put in my second order for some pretty fabrics from Chromatic Alchemy, my purse may not be your biggest fan, but the stitchy part of my brain loves you :D
Oooooo can't wait to see what you bought! I almost bought some today (find it hard to resist Sam's dyed and ready pieces), but then reminded myself that I have a few little stash parcels on the way and to show restraint (a word I am not altogether familiar with lol)!
Kezla Just sorting through my freebies to get them in some sort of order and found these bookmark freebies, so thought I would post the links just in case..... kincavelkrosses.wordpress.com/2011/06/19/hands-off-my-book/ and kincavelkrosses.wordpress.com/2010/02/01/bibliophile-blackwork-bookmark/ , there are a TON of awesome freebies on the site that can use any colours of thread and fabric and most are quite quick stitches.
I love the challenge idea! My challenge to myself this year wasn't stitching related. It was to try the intermediate ballet class at my local dance studio (I already did the Elementary one) and as of last month, success! I was good enough for the teacher to recommend I move up. I am currently still stitching on my wedding sampler, but, I am hunting around for a birth announcement stitch for my nephew who was born last month. I am going to have to come up with some kind of rotation I think...4 WIPs (including 2 BAPs) is getting a bit much! Maybe we should all choose a stitching challenge for next year...then we can all follow each other's challenges and keep each other honest :P I am terrible at self-discipline when it comes to stitching. Anything that is pretty gets stitched on or bought, lol.
That is awesome Chloe that you are taking ballet classes - I would be too scared to do anything like that! Rotations are good - though I have rather a loose one myself, but I find it helpful to make steady progress on my WIPs. I'm not a serial starter, I'm way too strict with myself - probably why the thought of throwing caution to the wind next year with my stitching is slightly unnerving :).
I am a bit of a serial starter, mostly because I stitch a lot of gifts and things. My nephew's one should be a relatively quick stitch though. But as the weather warms up here I do less stitching because there is so much to do in the gorgeous weather outside! I look forward to seeing your videos next year and how your challenge goes.
Amanda I so feel like I have found a kindred spirit in you. We are so similar in so many ways. I love to plan and organise, I love purple, so many other things in your video I kept thinking that's just like me! I have always always wanted to stitch Plum Pudding by Glendon Place and you may have just encouraged me to get it kitted up for next year and SAL with you.
And you wonder why I've been following your blog all these years lol :). We definitely love so many similar things with our stitching, especially that we want to stitch all the things!!! Sigh.......! I would love to SAL Plum Pudding with you! I loved that design from the day it was released at Nashville two years ago - it contains just about all the things I love (just missing metallics) and for the life of me I cannot figure out why it has taken me this long to sort out kitting it up and starting?! I still have no clue what your new start is by the way.......I am interested to see the reveal!
MrsMilkybarKid To be fair it was a very random photo and may not be the right way up on the blog :-) I'm going to get a price from Dawn on how much it would be to kit up Plum Pudding and get saving.
Yay! I'm getting everything from Dawn on layaway, using her suggested fabric Candytuft. No pressure for me on starting - I've got plenty to keep me busy ;).
Soo...I took the plunge and purchased a Chatelaine. :) My boyfriend won a trip through his work, and we ended up in Hawaii for our anniversary. Naturally, I knew that I had to have the Hawaii Garden Mandala. I've got some of the silks coming in, and I had a question for you: how do you store your silks? You mentioned FlossAway bags. Is that how you store them all? How do you keep them from becoming overwhelmingly bulky? Operation ThreadPorn sounds like it'll be great. I agree with you on the purple thread rule. I'm surprised that she thought that would fly. lol!
Oooooo how exciting! I know that Palette PC has that one in her stash too for her first big Chatelaine - secretly hoping you both start them soon :). Yep I store all my hand dyed silks and cottons in floss away bags and they are then stored in containers by brand. I like the bags as it stops my threads from getting kinky (which I don't care about with my DMCs) and I can save little pieces easily (again, something I don't care about with my DMCs :)). I don't find them too bulky, but sometimes that depends whether the skein is twisted or not. When I am actively stitching on a Chatelaine I keep all the floss for the project together on a floss ring, I only use bobbin boxes for projects that require a ton of DMCs - in other words my HAEDs! I hope when you start on your Chatelaine you will share your progress in some way with all of us :).
Hey Emily! It wasn't superglue, it was wonderweb - but shhhh don't tell anyone! Most definitely I will pick freebies from different designers and hopefully different styles to cover all bases. There are some awesome freebies out there and you've got to save the pennies somehow lol! Hope you are feeling a bit better, but if not, hope your stitching is helping a bit (or just marathoning TV!).
Aha, probably slightly better than superglue! ;) :P Sounds good! I thought you probably would pick different designers but thought I'd mention it anyway. I'm struggling to stitch at the moment, but at least I have the tv and DVDs! :) x
Such a great idea about your challenge. I want to stitch up two Xmas ornaments for my boys to hang on the tree by the end of the year so this video has inspired me to start them very soon.
Thanks Jan :). Sometimes when I start projects that I know I have to finish properly (ie ornaments!) it does put me off starting them - but you are a far far better seamstress than me lol!
You did a great job on the pillow. Those side seams are not easy even for experienced sewers. You make me laugh when you are making fun of yourself but you have such a straight face. :) I think you suffer from "Yes, I have more than enough threads, but I don't want to use them because, well.....then they'll be used!" lol In the papercraft/scrapbooking hobby world, it's called having a "hoard vault". My dear, you have a floss hoard vault. (nothing wrong with that!) :)
Ha ha collbn - yes I have a hoard vault definitely! I tell you what though, I am waaaaay worse with (non stitchy) fabric! Waiting for the perfect project to use the perfect fabric for.........I'm hoping next year might help in curing me of that problem lol!
I love your ideas for Operation Threadporn :). It will be really interesting to see what designs you choose and how you finish them. I must admit that if I really loved a thread I would find it very hard to use it - I would have to have one to use and one to keep - which is of course ridiculous :). I seem not to finish my projects properly at all as I stitch for the joy of stitching and not usually to actually create something so it will be nice to see some new ideas.
Thanks Nic! I know what you mean about using favourite threads - but I figure a new favourite is always around the corner with the way I collect them :). I don't finish finish things either - I have drawerfuls of completed projects. I figure I'm never going to get any better at finishing unless I practice (which I hate doing) so TH-cam will keep me accountable..........hopefully lol!
Thank you Sharon - yes my thoughts exactly re the purple threads, but then I probably have enough purple threads to see me through the challenge - just ha ha!
I just love red riding hood and she is now on my wishlist :) Love your finishes and im so excited for your challenge next year... You introduced me to the world of threads and so I am slowly building up a collection myself so to see the variety of colours you own stitched. I am sure will inspire me to buy more... As I have said I think in my own videos AAN designs I think will be perfect for your collection as they are only a few colours so they may be worth looking at for some of your more unusual colours, They arnt free but I dont think too expensive especially when you already have the floss to hand :) Great video as always and I really dont think many people will have switched off before the explanation of operation thread porn lol x
Thank you Rachael! I've always had AANs on my wishlist, so I'm hoping by clearing my stitching next year of big projects that suck all my time, I will get around to stitching some charts that I've wanted for far too long!
Great video! I love your finishes and I think your challenge next year is going to be fun to follow! I am also guilty of having bought Mabel SAL and never got around to do it.. shame on me!
Orietta! Hope you had a fab holiday - with no mishaps this time :). Yes, I figured this would be the perfect opportunity to do Mabel's SAL - this time with no chickening out when I come across a stitch I don't like the look of lol!
I really love your videos. I for one would love to see some tutorials on speciality stitches. I really want to do some chatelaine designs and I'm intimidated by the different stitches.
Thank you Lisa - I promise you, when I do a few little stitch tutorials you will quite probably think, is that all there is to it?! Most of the "common" speciality stitches are way easier to stitch than they look. I always tell myself that there are only so many holes that the needle can come up through and you can always unpick and try again :).
Hi MrsMilkybarKid, I love your video's! Your stitches and finishes are absolutely beautiful. I really enjoy listening to you 'rambling on' about threads. Operation Thread Porn, brilliant! I can't imagine your collection. Know, your thread addiction and your video on silks has only inspired me to plan to purchase threads every month. :) You showing speciality stitches would be awesome! I am not on Instagram, yet. I am working on the idea of uploading a stitching TH-cam video. Nonetheless, I am working on Kerry Beary's "Chocolate Lounge." Happy stitching. AL
Thank you Anishke, always happy to enable a fellow stitcher :). It would be brilliant to see a TH-cam video from you, I love seeing the variety of everyone's work and their passion for it - very inspiring. I also love seeing stitchers' new stash ........... :).
Looking forward to all you have in store for next year! I adore your finishes and want to make a pillow with lace and buttons like that with one of my many finishes..... someday! I finally made a video, yay!! However, since you're on the forum, you've already seen all my finishes :)
Yay Calico! That is great you have made a video - I will check it out! I may have seen your work, but it will be lovely to hear you talk about them :).
How about "Amanda Teaches Hardanger" to those of us who are deathly afraid of it? You could maybe select a freebie pattern that we could all stitch together as you talk us through it?
Ha ha I don't think I have any business teaching anyone Hardanger - but you can all find solace in the fact that if I can do it, so can you:). I can try some tutorials, but I am far from expert at it myself, so we can muddle on together!
Haha no project with lots of purple?? Thats crazy talk! Iwould like to set iut some personal goals and loosely plan my stitching for next year as well :)
Still catching up on all your videos, would love stich demos as I am also trying to learn Hardanger and am struggling with those pesky doves eyes. Also going to look into Instagram. Crafty hugs xx
Hi Amanda, love your finishes!! I can't wait to see how you do with "Operation Thread Porn". I love your videos and watch them no matter how long they are!!!!
I loved hearing your thoughts on your threadporn challenge and am looking forward to regular progress reports and IG pics. Last month I joined a Smalls SAL via my blog and intend to keep going with this so I hope to join you on your Freebie project. My rules are that I can use any design from my stash or a new freebie design if I've found one I love but the materials - fabric, threads, buttons, finishing materials must come from my stash. I think you said if I post photos on IG I should use #flosstube even if I only watch and don't upload videos Love your Red Riding Hood finish - my Smalls piece for August was a freebie by Primitive Hare :-)
Thank you Hazel! I loved you Primitive Hare pin cushion - I've had that freebie in my collection for so long, I hope I will get to it next year as it is one of my favourites! Yes, if you tag your pics with #flosstube everyone who is part of our little community on IG will be able to see your work and appreciate it too :).
I am currently working on Thomas Kinkade Snow White. Almost done. Plan is to complete the whole collection of 12 in the next 12 years. 1 question, How much time to you spend stitching each day? I have 3 little ones and usually stitch at night while watching tv and feel like I don't stitch as fast and all these "Floss Tubers" I see online.
The Kinkade Disney pieces are beautiful! In answer to your time question, I find that here comparison is the thief of joy :). For starters I have no children, so I have more time for it, although I tend to stitch more in the Autumn/Winter than I do Spring and Summer. As long as you enjoy the time you spend stitching, I wouldn't worry about how fast others seem to stitch as we all have different circumstances :).
Hi Crafty Kara, I'm also working on the Kinkade Snow White right now, and am so excited to see you are doing it too! Going to hop over to your channel now to see where you are on it :). I also would like to complete the whole Disney Kinkade cross stitch series, but I have a feeling it will take me longer than 12 years... so you aren't slow at all! I have 2 littles (3 yrs and 4.5 months) so my stitching time is also usually at night. And once I start stitching I forget how tired I am and sacrifice way too many hours of sleep just to keep stitching...
love your finishes and good luck with the thread plan.Wanted to ask if it was you that mentioned looking for Toho beads here in the UK I have spotted them at www.thebeadshopliverpool.co.uk/121-size-15 they have size 11 and 15 not sure which would be the best size for xstitch.
Got my Lowry stand just over a week ago,I also got the magnet attachment, and you are so right, it's great, being an older lady
I find it hard and heavy to balance my frame on my lap, so asked my husband to buy me it for my anniversary, and I love it,
Thank you for recommending it,well done you!
I'm so glad you like it Margaret, I find it makes stitching so much easier! Funnily enough I got my husband to buy mine for an anniversary too :).
lol... its so cute how you're chuckling to yourself over your finished little pillow :) It's so adorable and I can TOTALLY relate to the absolute glee in a perfect seam :D :)
Thanks B - chuckling AT myself probably a more accurate description, I'm so rubbish at sewing!
MrsMilkybarKid haha... I can't sew to save my life either. Bought a machine a few months ago and it's just a dust gatherer for now ;)
O and yes... would love to see some speciality stitch tutorials :)
Congrats Amanda on your wonderful finishes, would love to see your tutorial stitches sweetie there are a lot out there who want to learn and there are not many cross stitch videos with such tutorials and you make the perfect teacher to do so.Look forward to seeing your many projects next year which isn't far off. Happy stitching xxx
Thank you Maureen, I always appreciate your comments x. 2015 really isn't that far away is it - I must be getting old, time is passing far too quickly lol!
You are not the only one completely behind with this months videos, I'm still playing catch up from my holidays but it is nice to know I have one or two to watch per day at the moment.
I look forward to seeing your threadporn challenge next year. I'm a little taken aback that you know what you are going to be stitching a year ahead, that is far more organised than I will ever be!
I'm much less organised than I usually am for next year :). There will be fewer big projects in 2015 and many more smalls with Operation Threadporn - they'll be picked on a month by month basis, something I'm not used to at all! I'm sure it will be good for me lol!
I agree with the tutorial ideas. I think we need more and better tutorials on the different specialty stitches, as well as, Hardanger techniques. And, I think you are the one to do them! Good luck with the challenge and happy stitching!
Thank you calcrules - you have high hopes for me, not sure I can live up to them - but it seems people want me to give the tutorials a go :).
Absolutely lovely projects! I especially love your little pillow. Next year sounds so exciting for you and I'm looking forward to seeing the variety of your projects.
Thank you Lynne :), you know what it's like having so many projects you want to stitch - next year I am hoping to make (what will probably amount to) a (tiny) dent in the pile :).
Beautiful finishes :) Love hearing you ramble on about threads :) Being a somewhat disorganized person I'm always fascinated with people who is. For the first time I'm actually planning a couple of months ahead with my stitching :) Happy stitching :)
Thank you! Secretly sometimes I wish I wasn't so organised (read obsessive lol!) it is too tiring - my husband is the complete opposite and he seems to manage in life just fine! I look forward to seeing what you have in store stitching wise, I love your work on Wrath :).
Hi Amanda,
I am completely in awe of how much stitching you get done - I need more hours in my day and days in my year to even get close! As always, your stitching is beautiful, and I love the pillow finish. Maybe my challenge next year could be to finish something in that fashion (I usually frame all my finishes or roll them up ready to be framed at some point!) I have also decided that I need to add Red Riding Hood to my wish list - she is so striking, she's yelling at me to be stitched!
I love how you dismissed your sister's suggestion of using less purple too (ludicrous idea!) so much so that I nearly lost my coffee ;-)
Thank you for your lovely comment Gayle! I'm glad Red Riding Hood has found herself on your list, I loved stitching her and can't wait to see what other stories The Primitive Hare is going to chart. I'm a lost cause where purple thread is concerned - since this video was made, a few more mainly purple skeins have found their way into my collection :).
I am a lost cause with purple too... In fact, the omly HAED I have in my collection is purple (Happy Thoughts by Selena Fenech), and one day I will be brave enough to start it! ;-)
Planning is so much fun. I am sure you will enjoy the process of sorting out your ThreadPorn projects. I look forward to seeing them next year.
Thanks Bev - I'm the sort of person that has more fun on the journey than when I reach the destination - LOVE planning :).
Great finishes, Amanda! I love Red Riding Hood, and your pillow turned out great. My mother is a seamstress, and I can't sew at all. I'm trying to rope her into finishing some projects for me. I would love to see tutorials from you, no matter what they're about. You're a natural teacher :)
Thanks Chris! If my mum could sew I would be bugging her all the time with my finishes to finish. I am determined to get better acquainted with my sewing machine......I will not be beaten by a machine :).
The trick is getting her to actually use her sewing machine. She loves to remind me that she's retired....lol.
I would love to see the specialty stitches that you demonstrate. I think you have a great way of explaining details so clearly. Thank you for your videos. 😉
Thank you Vanessa, that is very sweet of you to say :).
Very well done on your pillow. Looks super cute:). Love the threadporn ideas and I really look forward to what you'll be doing. Also I'd love to see specialty stitch tutorials, especially hardanger as I want to get started with that. I'm really letting it intimidate me and I don't know why! Thanks for another great video :)💙💙
Thanks Christy! You'll be fine with Hardanger, I just know it :) but if me demonstrating it will help, then I would be happy to do it.......even though I am certainly no expert - but maybe that will be in my favour, because if I can do it so can you lol :).
Haha...you speak so softly, and you're such a sweetie, but every time you mention your sister...you roll your eyes..lol I have two sisters, (younger than I), I know the feels! lol
Ha ha yes - I have just the one sister (younger), who I hasten to add I love very much, thankfully we get on a lot better now we no longer have to share a room with each other lol!
I'm excited to see you stitch Red next year. It's been on my wish list a little while.
You really are enabling me far too much Amanda lol! Because of the videos of your's I've watched so far, am currently watching this one, I've decided that next year I'm going to try not to start anymore BAP's like HAED's etc so that I might finally be able to start some of the things I've wanted to stitch for a long time, like my Chatelaine Egypt Garden, Twisted Threads Band Sampler and now I'm thinking of trying more hardanger as I've only ever done a few small pieces.
And I know just how you feel about finishing, I'm so like you, don't like doing anything unless I can do it perfectly, the perfectionist in me, and I really beat myself up when things aren't as good as I'd like them to be, but I know I need to get over it too, have far too many projects that need finishing properly in my stash.
I don't think it counts as enabling if you already have them in your stash Lisa ;). I got fed up with the same designs hogging my rotation, I'm really looking forward to next year's stitching when I will make sure those designs I've been desperate to stitch finally get started and finished! I admire the fact you have so many WIPs - I honestly don't think I could sleep at night if I had that many, it's the control freak in me lol!
Firstly, your hair looks especially cute today.
Now all the other stuff. Obviously, your band sampler is beautiful - loving the colour popping against the black.
I love that Thread Pickerz colour you chose for your little project. It's so soft and pretty, exactly the type of colour I like.
I cannot believe you sewed that pillow. Good for you! You MADE A PILLOW and it's awesome!
You must hush about all of this 'rambling on' you think you're doing that we don't enjoy - obviously we love listening to you, silly goose.
I am so excited for Op Threadporn - the reason I started making videos about project pan is because I thought I would be held more accountable for it (not because people are jerks, just in my own mind because I had put it out into the TH-cam universe).
McKenzie
Thank you McKenzie :), hope I am just a silly goose and not a gross one ;). I loved that thread I used for my pillow too, now it's mostly gone *sniff*! Op Threadporn may end up turning into me mourning my thread losses ha ha! Lord knows what I'm going to do with the neon threads - I may not mind their passing quite so much.....
I love your finishes! Your sewn finish is absolutely adorable and you did a wonderful job! Your operation thread porn sounds like it will be a fun year of stitching for you! You have me thinking on my stitching now. I have never really "planned" a year of stitching but maybe this new year that will change! The wheels are turning in my head now! : )
Thank you Sandi! I am a bit of a planner with everything, so I'm no different with my stitching. I like to gave goals just so I have a bit of focus, but I'm rubbish at stitching something on a deadline - I'd be a very poor model stitcher I think :).
Great finishes, Amanda :) I love Red Riding Hood I have it kitted up. Thinking about getting sleeping Beauty kitting it and starting them together. As for your sewing bravo! I am self taught as well it gets easier as you do it.
Thanks Mel, I am looking forward to stitching Sleeping Beauty next year - they are such simple yet beautiful designs to stitch. My husband finds it hilarious that while I will sew thousands of tiny beads onto a project, it takes me forever to get around to having the patience to sew on missing buttons onto clothes........I can't explain the reason either :).
I enjoy stitching along to your videos very much, so keep the long videos coming! Your Red Riding Hood piece looks lovely--I like your added sparkle for the snowflakes :). You mentioned you railroad your stitches and I would like to see how.. do you use a laying tool to do it?
Hi Melanie, I don't always use a laying tool for railroading cross stitches - my laying tool tends to be a size 22 tapestry needle when I do use one though lol! If you watch my Rhodes Stitch tutorial I talk more about railroading and demonstrate how I do it there :).
MrsMilkybarKid I watched your Rhodes Stitch tutorial today--thanks for explaining railroading so clearly. I like how your railroading method doesn't require a laying tool! I've been playing around with a makeshift trolley needle (a yarn needle joined to my pinky with a rubber band lol!), but I feel it's just a matter of time before I poke myself in the eye. So I'm happy to have another option now :).
I love the idea of using your threads to stitch all your freebies! I have loads of freebies too and think I might do a slightly similar version of your challenge.
Oooo that would be cool Kim!
That was a great challenge you've put out. Sadly, I don't have a thread stash, boo hoo me. You're are not alone when it comes to finishing a finish. That is something that needs to be worked on. Oh, I would love to see specialty stitch videos. Your a great teacher.
Thank you Katrina! I've filmed a stitch tutorial, just needs editing sometime over the weekend - no idea how useful it will be but I tried lol!
I watch a lot of video's while I stitch and I do have to get up the courage to start doing my own because I really want to. I did snag the Souvenir de France freebie so thank you for that, it's really pretty. Beautiful work as always on your finishes and your Rainbow Sampler, it looks stunning! I am going to do the Twisted Band one soon and I did order the Tree of Stitches today so I am looking forward to doing that first. Thanks again for sharing ;)
Those finishes are pretty :)
Love love love operation threadporn! Lol @ your sister with the purple thread rule! I've always wanted to stitch some bookmarks, so would love to see how you would do that, and look forward to adding a few freebie charts to my stash too.
Specialty stitch videos would be useful to me.
Thank you Kezla! Ooooo bookmarks, there's a good idea for a finished finish that needn't involve my sewing machine lol! There are so many great freebies out there - I am really looking forward to delving through my collection and actually stitching some :).
MrsMilkybarKid Just put in my second order for some pretty fabrics from Chromatic Alchemy, my purse may not be your biggest fan, but the stitchy part of my brain loves you :D
Oooooo can't wait to see what you bought! I almost bought some today (find it hard to resist Sam's dyed and ready pieces), but then reminded myself that I have a few little stash parcels on the way and to show restraint (a word I am not altogether familiar with lol)!
It's the dyed and ready that get me! And I really loved my first package so it would be rude not to really :)
Kezla Just sorting through my freebies to get them in some sort of order and found these bookmark freebies, so thought I would post the links just in case..... kincavelkrosses.wordpress.com/2011/06/19/hands-off-my-book/ and kincavelkrosses.wordpress.com/2010/02/01/bibliophile-blackwork-bookmark/ , there are a TON of awesome freebies on the site that can use any colours of thread and fabric and most are quite quick stitches.
I love the challenge idea! My challenge to myself this year wasn't stitching related. It was to try the intermediate ballet class at my local dance studio (I already did the Elementary one) and as of last month, success! I was good enough for the teacher to recommend I move up.
I am currently still stitching on my wedding sampler, but, I am hunting around for a birth announcement stitch for my nephew who was born last month. I am going to have to come up with some kind of rotation I think...4 WIPs (including 2 BAPs) is getting a bit much!
Maybe we should all choose a stitching challenge for next year...then we can all follow each other's challenges and keep each other honest :P I am terrible at self-discipline when it comes to stitching. Anything that is pretty gets stitched on or bought, lol.
That is awesome Chloe that you are taking ballet classes - I would be too scared to do anything like that! Rotations are good - though I have rather a loose one myself, but I find it helpful to make steady progress on my WIPs. I'm not a serial starter, I'm way too strict with myself - probably why the thought of throwing caution to the wind next year with my stitching is slightly unnerving :).
I am a bit of a serial starter, mostly because I stitch a lot of gifts and things. My nephew's one should be a relatively quick stitch though. But as the weather warms up here I do less stitching because there is so much to do in the gorgeous weather outside! I look forward to seeing your videos next year and how your challenge goes.
Amanda I so feel like I have found a kindred spirit in you. We are so similar in so many ways. I love to plan and organise, I love purple, so many other things in your video I kept thinking that's just like me! I have always always wanted to stitch Plum Pudding by Glendon Place and you may have just encouraged me to get it kitted up for next year and SAL with you.
And you wonder why I've been following your blog all these years lol :). We definitely love so many similar things with our stitching, especially that we want to stitch all the things!!! Sigh.......! I would love to SAL Plum Pudding with you! I loved that design from the day it was released at Nashville two years ago - it contains just about all the things I love (just missing metallics) and for the life of me I cannot figure out why it has taken me this long to sort out kitting it up and starting?! I still have no clue what your new start is by the way.......I am interested to see the reveal!
MrsMilkybarKid To be fair it was a very random photo and may not be the right way up on the blog :-) I'm going to get a price from Dawn on how much it would be to kit up Plum Pudding and get saving.
Yay! I'm getting everything from Dawn on layaway, using her suggested fabric Candytuft. No pressure for me on starting - I've got plenty to keep me busy ;).
MrsMilkybarKid Got a price back from Dawn and I will be getting Candytuft too should be able to get it for the new year.
Now I'm looking forward to this project even more!
Soo...I took the plunge and purchased a Chatelaine. :) My boyfriend won a trip through his work, and we ended up in Hawaii for our anniversary. Naturally, I knew that I had to have the Hawaii Garden Mandala. I've got some of the silks coming in, and I had a question for you: how do you store your silks? You mentioned FlossAway bags. Is that how you store them all? How do you keep them from becoming overwhelmingly bulky?
Operation ThreadPorn sounds like it'll be great. I agree with you on the purple thread rule. I'm surprised that she thought that would fly. lol!
Oooooo how exciting! I know that Palette PC has that one in her stash too for her first big Chatelaine - secretly hoping you both start them soon :). Yep I store all my hand dyed silks and cottons in floss away bags and they are then stored in containers by brand. I like the bags as it stops my threads from getting kinky (which I don't care about with my DMCs) and I can save little pieces easily (again, something I don't care about with my DMCs :)). I don't find them too bulky, but sometimes that depends whether the skein is twisted or not. When I am actively stitching on a Chatelaine I keep all the floss for the project together on a floss ring, I only use bobbin boxes for projects that require a ton of DMCs - in other words my HAEDs! I hope when you start on your Chatelaine you will share your progress in some way with all of us :).
yay a new video :) love it! your progfress is so pretty on the twisted rainbow sampler was nice seeing the design up close x
Thanks Michelle, hope all is well with you x
Sorry to hear you haven't been well this month. Sending you good wishes!
Hey Emily! It wasn't superglue, it was wonderweb - but shhhh don't tell anyone! Most definitely I will pick freebies from different designers and hopefully different styles to cover all bases. There are some awesome freebies out there and you've got to save the pennies somehow lol! Hope you are feeling a bit better, but if not, hope your stitching is helping a bit (or just marathoning TV!).
Aha, probably slightly better than superglue! ;) :P
Sounds good! I thought you probably would pick different designers but thought I'd mention it anyway.
I'm struggling to stitch at the moment, but at least I have the tv and DVDs! :) x
Such a great idea about your challenge. I want to stitch up two Xmas ornaments for my boys to hang on the tree by the end of the year so this video has inspired me to start them very soon.
Thanks Jan :). Sometimes when I start projects that I know I have to finish properly (ie ornaments!) it does put me off starting them - but you are a far far better seamstress than me lol!
You did a great job on the pillow. Those side seams are not easy even for experienced sewers. You make me laugh when you are making fun of yourself but you have such a straight face. :) I think you suffer from "Yes, I have more than enough threads, but I don't want to use them because, well.....then they'll be used!" lol In the papercraft/scrapbooking hobby world, it's called having a "hoard vault". My dear, you have a floss hoard vault. (nothing wrong with that!) :)
Ha ha collbn - yes I have a hoard vault definitely! I tell you what though, I am waaaaay worse with (non stitchy) fabric! Waiting for the perfect project to use the perfect fabric for.........I'm hoping next year might help in curing me of that problem lol!
I love your ideas for Operation Threadporn :). It will be really interesting to see what designs you choose and how you finish them. I must admit that if I really loved a thread I would find it very hard to use it - I would have to have one to use and one to keep - which is of course ridiculous :). I seem not to finish my projects properly at all as I stitch for the joy of stitching and not usually to actually create something so it will be nice to see some new ideas.
Thanks Nic! I know what you mean about using favourite threads - but I figure a new favourite is always around the corner with the way I collect them :). I don't finish finish things either - I have drawerfuls of completed projects. I figure I'm never going to get any better at finishing unless I practice (which I hate doing) so TH-cam will keep me accountable..........hopefully lol!
Only 1 out of 10 threads can be purple? That's just cruel.
Yes, I would be interested in seeing new stitches or stitch demo.
Your pillow looks great.
Thank you Sharon - yes my thoughts exactly re the purple threads, but then I probably have enough purple threads to see me through the challenge - just ha ha!
Your Challenge sounds like it will be fun. I would love to see some videos on how to do specialty stitches.
Thank you WonderfullyHopeless - looks like I will be trying to incorporate some little tutorials into my videos next year :).
Awsome!!! I love watching your videos. And I like seeing the specialty stitches. Don't always like going them though :)
I just love red riding hood and she is now on my wishlist :) Love your finishes and im so excited for your challenge next year... You introduced me to the world of threads and so I am slowly building up a collection myself so to see the variety of colours you own stitched. I am sure will inspire me to buy more... As I have said I think in my own videos AAN designs I think will be perfect for your collection as they are only a few colours so they may be worth looking at for some of your more unusual colours, They arnt free but I dont think too expensive especially when you already have the floss to hand :) Great video as always and I really dont think many people will have switched off before the explanation of operation thread porn lol x
Thank you Rachael! I've always had AANs on my wishlist, so I'm hoping by clearing my stitching next year of big projects that suck all my time, I will get around to stitching some charts that I've wanted for far too long!
I love the idea of 'Operation Thread Porn', I am really going to enjoy watching your progress on this and seeing the freebie designs you pick.
Thank you Louise :), I love freebies so hopefully it will let everyone know what great ones are out there!
Great video! I love your finishes and I think your challenge next year is going to be fun to follow!
I am also guilty of having bought Mabel SAL and never got around to do it.. shame on me!
Orietta! Hope you had a fab holiday - with no mishaps this time :). Yes, I figured this would be the perfect opportunity to do Mabel's SAL - this time with no chickening out when I come across a stitch I don't like the look of lol!
I really love your videos. I for one would love to see some tutorials on speciality stitches. I really want to do some chatelaine designs and I'm intimidated by the different stitches.
Thank you Lisa - I promise you, when I do a few little stitch tutorials you will quite probably think, is that all there is to it?! Most of the "common" speciality stitches are way easier to stitch than they look. I always tell myself that there are only so many holes that the needle can come up through and you can always unpick and try again :).
Hi MrsMilkybarKid, I love your video's! Your stitches and finishes are absolutely beautiful. I really enjoy listening to you 'rambling on' about threads. Operation Thread Porn, brilliant! I can't imagine your collection. Know, your thread addiction and your video on silks has only inspired me to plan to purchase threads every month. :) You showing speciality stitches would be awesome! I am not on Instagram, yet. I am working on the idea of uploading a stitching TH-cam video. Nonetheless, I am working on Kerry Beary's "Chocolate Lounge." Happy stitching. AL
Thank you Anishke, always happy to enable a fellow stitcher :). It would be brilliant to see a TH-cam video from you, I love seeing the variety of everyone's work and their passion for it - very inspiring. I also love seeing stitchers' new stash ........... :).
Looking forward to all you have in store for next year! I adore your finishes and want to make a pillow with lace and buttons like that with one of my many finishes..... someday! I finally made a video, yay!! However, since you're on the forum, you've already seen all my finishes :)
Yay Calico! That is great you have made a video - I will check it out! I may have seen your work, but it will be lovely to hear you talk about them :).
Thank YOUUUU
No Isabella - THANK YOU!
How about "Amanda Teaches Hardanger" to those of us who are deathly afraid of it? You could maybe select a freebie pattern that we could all stitch together as you talk us through it?
Ha ha I don't think I have any business teaching anyone Hardanger - but you can all find solace in the fact that if I can do it, so can you:). I can try some tutorials, but I am far from expert at it myself, so we can muddle on together!
I love the pillow finish!! I can't to see your progress on operation thread porn.
Thank you Maria - it's the simple pleasures that bring us the most joy or in my case hand stitching an open seam closed apparently lol!
Love those stitches
Thank you Denise!
Haha no project with lots of purple?? Thats crazy talk! Iwould like to set iut some personal goals and loosely plan my stitching for next year as well :)
I always like to have plans :).
Still catching up on all your videos, would love stich demos as I am also trying to learn Hardanger and am struggling with those pesky doves eyes. Also going to look into Instagram. Crafty hugs xx
Hi Amanda, love your finishes!! I can't wait to see how you do with "Operation Thread Porn". I love your videos and watch them no matter how long they are!!!!
Thank you Randi :). I believe you will have quite the haul video this month, hope you get a chance to show us all your new additions!
I loved hearing your thoughts on your threadporn challenge and am looking forward to regular progress reports and IG pics. Last month I joined a Smalls SAL via my blog and intend to keep going with this so I hope to join you on your Freebie project. My rules are that I can use any design from my stash or a new freebie design if I've found one I love but the materials - fabric, threads, buttons, finishing materials must come from my stash. I think you said if I post photos on IG I should use #flosstube even if I only watch and don't upload videos Love your Red Riding Hood finish - my Smalls piece for August was a freebie by Primitive Hare :-)
Thank you Hazel! I loved you Primitive Hare pin cushion - I've had that freebie in my collection for so long, I hope I will get to it next year as it is one of my favourites! Yes, if you tag your pics with #flosstube everyone who is part of our little community on IG will be able to see your work and appreciate it too :).
I am currently working on Thomas Kinkade Snow White. Almost done. Plan is to complete the whole collection of 12 in the next 12 years.
1 question, How much time to you spend stitching each day? I have 3 little ones and usually stitch at night while watching tv and feel like I don't stitch as fast and all these "Floss Tubers" I see online.
The Kinkade Disney pieces are beautiful! In answer to your time question, I find that here comparison is the thief of joy :). For starters I have no children, so I have more time for it, although I tend to stitch more in the Autumn/Winter than I do Spring and Summer. As long as you enjoy the time you spend stitching, I wouldn't worry about how fast others seem to stitch as we all have different circumstances :).
Hi Crafty Kara, I'm also working on the Kinkade Snow White right now, and am so excited to see you are doing it too! Going to hop over to your channel now to see where you are on it :). I also would like to complete the whole Disney Kinkade cross stitch series, but I have a feeling it will take me longer than 12 years... so you aren't slow at all! I have 2 littles (3 yrs and 4.5 months) so my stitching time is also usually at night. And once I start stitching I forget how tired I am and sacrifice way too many hours of sleep just to keep stitching...
Did you do your Red Riding Hood with 1 strand or 2 on 36 count?
love your finishes and good luck with the thread plan.Wanted to ask if it was you that mentioned looking for Toho beads here in the UK I have spotted them at www.thebeadshopliverpool.co.uk/121-size-15 they have size 11 and 15 not sure which would be the best size for xstitch.
Ooooo brilliant Shellstitch - thanks for the link, size 11 will be perfect for cross stitch :)!