Philip - so nice to see you again. I love your shirt! Rufus and Percy are looking fantastic. The reflections in the teapot are amazing, aren't they? I enjoyed seeing your kits. I had never heard of Luca-s so I had to do a bit of googling! And yes, of course we want to see your other kits! I love seeing what people have in their stash. Happy stitching!
Hi Sheila, thanks so much - glad someone else likes my shirt! I'd be very happy to make more videos showing off the kits! Very best wishes to you, and happy stitching :0)
So great to have you back, I've really missed your videos. Lovely stash. As for Riolis kit, don't be intimidated by it. Working with yarn thread can be a pleasant experience, the xs are so fluffy and plump. Just read the instruction carefully, and cut the number of threads you need for the particular symbol, for some you may use 1 thread, for other 2 threads, just try not to use too long threads, because sometimes the yarn can fray through. I hope you'll enjoy stitching your Riolis kit. Happy stitching. Anna.
What a wonderful picture and sooooooo much work. It really is incredible and I agree with you about the rotation. That is how I stitch as well. Thank you for sharing it.
Yes please, I love seeing people's stash, stitching spots and craft rooms - call me nosey, lol! Your Country Mouse, City Mouse is looking brilliant, fantastic progress on it.
Loving Rufus and Percy. Personally, I love Rufus's hat and his little ears poking through. I'd love to see more of your stash. I love hearing why people are drawn to different patterns. I stitch like you do. I have multiple WIPs, but stitch on what I feel like stitching on and don't see a need to move on to another project if I'm happy working on what I'm working on. I find I'm much more productive that way. Can't wait to see more of your progress.
Hey Dorie, thank you. Let's face it, they're both adorable!! Good to hear more people stitch like I do - I'm so keen to get the mice finished that nothing else is appealing at all at the moment. Very best wishes to you.
I really enjoy watching and listening to you. Thanks for making videos. I wanted to reach out to you in regards of the rivolis? kit you shared. I think you will really be surprised with it. I have stitched a few of them and absolutely love them! The thread is a wool and you'll not find better coverage! I hope you'll enjoy them as much as I did Phillip. Can't wait to see your verdict on them. Happy stitching!
Hi Betty, thanks so much. It's a pleasure to make the videos, and the feedback is always so wonderful. I'm glad to hear you have good experiences with Riolis - I'm quite keen to start the Van Gogh kit. Very best wishes and happy stitching :0)
Oh I do love your Country mouse City Mouse. Thank you so much for showing your progress on it. I am just blown away with the detail of it, that teapot with all the reflections is just beautiful and while I love Rufus and Lord Percy that piece of cake looks positively edible, literally had me wondering if I might have any cake in the kitchen! I did enjoy your haul, such lovely kits and charts and oh yes please, a video of your T.W. stash would be delightful.
Hi Saja, thanks so much - they're pretty adorable aren't they! I know what you mean about the cake! The charting is truly amazing, and I'm in awe of the effects that are emerging as I stitch. I'll sort a TW video. Very best wishes to you.
Hi Phillip, I just love your videos. You have such a wonderful voice. I would love to see the rest of your stash. Love the names for the mice. Rufus and Percy - names perfectly fit them. Glad you are making video's. I look forward to them. Love your shirt it is great!
Hi, Philip! I just love your mousy stitch you're working on now. The colors are glorious. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing your kitsand would love to see your TW's. Love your shirt, btw. Take care and hope to see you again soon. Patty
Your HAED is amazing. I love the details in each of the mice. Adorable. Thank you for sharing your collection of kits with us. I hadn't heard of the Luca s kits before. The images are stunning.
Hi Pam, thanks so much. The detail is astonishing isn't it? I could stare at it for hours and not get bored. Luca S kits are exceptional quality - there are a few more I have my eye on! Happy stitching :0)
I love looking at stash and find it very inspiring! You have some nice kits. I would enjoy seeing your Teresa Wentzler charts and kits. That is quite a treasured chart you found! I have collected some her designs and completed The Castle a few years ago. Love the way she designed dragons! Enjoyed your video! Excellent stitching on the City Mouse - Country Mouse project! Beautiful work!
Hi Louise, thanks so much. Marie's cross stitch is definitely worth a look - they offer a very friendly service. I'll get a TW video sorted next. Happy stitching!
Hi Philip, lovely to see you again! I love the mice, especially Percy he looks like an aristocrat! you have made such good progress. Well done on your find e-bay, such a bargain! Best wishes to you and Nigel, Happy Stitching!
Philip, I can’t tell you how pleased I was to get the notification that you’d made another video. Your mice are looking amazing! The detail in this piece is so impressive- I am particularly charmed by Rufus’ acorn beer mug. And I agree with you: If you are having fun, then you are under no obligation to switch projects. I’m so glad you have the opportunity to join the UK HAED retreat! Orietta and Teresa Littlestitcher always have great things to say about it. The FlossTube retreat here in the US was a great success, despite my worries. Plans for the next one are already being scribbled in my notebook. I think it was be wonderful if a European Flosstube retreat came into being, and I hope someone can make it happen one day. It was lovely stitching with you this morning. Take care!
Hey Julia! So lovely to hear from you - I'm halfway through your retreat vid, and loving it. Finger's crossed we can sort something over here - it would be great to actually meet some more tubers! It's a great thought to think I was keeping you company while you were stitching - flosstube is so good for that, and because we all know each other, it's like having a neighbour popping over. Rufus sends his regards (he proposed a toast - such a soak!) Very best wishes x
That teapot though! In the HAED-I KNOW it's not really silver -but the illusion is magnificent! Please do a show about your stash! That's half the fun! Thank you for posting!
Hi Rhonda, thanks so much. I am in awe of the charting on that teapot - I look at it now, and wonder how on earth it's done - even though I've stitched it!! Very best wishes to you.
I found your latest video thoroughly entertaining 🙂 your HAED piece with the mice is amazing - & not far off a finish which is great! Luca-S kits are beautiful - I own 2 maybe 3 of those kits but have yet to start one lol. Happy Stitching & I look forward to your next update 👍🏻
Hi, thanks so much. I'm glad to hear that other people are into Luca-S - I'm so pleased with the kits I bought, and I'm so tempted to get more. I do think I should start at least one before I do that though! Very best wishes and happy stitching!
Aw, you say all the right things you lovely person! I love that shirt too, but many people disagree with me....(I don't care, I'm wearing it anyway!). Hope you're doing good x
Hi. Your mice piece will be amazing, can’t get over how the jug looks like copper with the reflections! Very exciting stash look forward to seeing you start the next one. Lovely to hear from you again on Flosstube. Take care
Hi Glynis, thanks so much. The effects on the mouse pattern are amazing aren't they? Even though I've stitched it, I look at it and wonder how the effects are achieved! Very best wishes to you.
I do love to listen to you and I love the mice. You have some very beautiful Kits. Even when you had nothing to show and only tell a story I would sit down and listen to you. You have a very nice voice.
I really love what you said about not imposing a stop if you are enjoying your current stitching. I am crazy about Roofus and Sir Percy! Yes!!! Please show your TW collection!! So thrilled you will be joining us Chatelaine addicts! My best advice is to remember they are just one stitch at a time like any other project...have you joined the Chatelaine support group on fb? It is a very supportive group and you can get wonderful support and help on any questions.
Just found you and started with this video. I might have to go back to the beginning! Love your Mice and kits. Gorgeous. And yes, Flosstube and IG definitely help make the cross stitch community feel so much closer.
Phillip I love your videos. Congratulations to you and Nigel on your marriage. Because of you I want to order the Castle Sampler. I've ordered 4 HAEDs but am going to finish decorating my apartment and start them after th ed holidays when the snow is quite blizzardy. Hugs to you my stitch friend. Louis
So happy to have found your channel. I’ve heard people mention watching your channel but it had not popped up in my recommended for you feed. Today it did and I very glad. I’ve seen your postings on your mice and have found them adorable, so I’m glad to have seen the entire piece. You are very close to a finish. Best of luck to you with that. happy Stitching. Dena
Hey Dena, thank you so much! I'm a happy subscriber to your channel, so it's even more special to hear from you. I'm ganging on with the mice - nearly got another page finish! Very best wishes and happy stitching
Hi Phillip, watching your video , I saw for the first time on flosstube the kits which I was working on for more then 20 years. Only in the last 2years I discovered Nora Corbett and the last Chatelaine. So kind of I stopped working on those kits from which I have at least another 20 kits. And about Stefan cel Mare, he was a great Romanian kind of king. Great watching you.
Hi Dana, thanks so much. The information about Stefan cel Mare is very interesting - I must do some more research on him. The great thing about stitching is that no matter how many years pass, it's still there waiting for you! Very best wishes and happy stitching
Hi Amy, thanks so much. I may just hold you to that and spend my next video talking about dirt on the floor! Haha! Percy's pretty chipper about his name too! Very best wishes
Your HAED is gorgeous! Beautiful work. I love the names for your mice.....they look like Rufus and Percy😊. I could listen to you for hours..... your voice is so calming. Thanks for the wonderful video. Good to see you again!
Hi Jenni, thank you so much. The mice practically named themselves to be honest! I'm getting so excited for the finishing line. Very best wishes to you :0)
I agree with Simunya....love listening to you. The mice are fantastic, absolutely stunning. Cool shirt, too. Oooohhhh, can’t wait to hear about your dirty secrets! 😂. Oh my gosh, that Tapestry book is fantastic! Love the whimsy! Can’t wait to see you do something out of there.
Hi Kathleen, thanks so much. Ha! My dirty secrets aren't really that dirty!! But I'll show you mine.....hee hee! I love the tapestry book - it makes me smile every time I look through it. I'd love to have three-legged cat and dog races on my wall! Very best wishes :0)
Hi Philip. Lovely video and I really enjoyed seeing your kit stash. Your Mice are coming along beautifully, you have made so much progress. I have stitched the Chatelaine Watergarden from the paper chart, so I assure you it is possible. This chart has fewer specialty stitches than you would normally expect from a Chatelaine so I think it’s perfect for a first timer. Definitely start from the centre and read the written instructions first (and refer back whilst you’re stitching). Instructions regarding the colours to use for the specialty stitches and back stitching will be given. If you have any questions when you start, just ask 😀 you can find me in the Stitch Mania fb group. Oh, and it would be fab to see you at a retreat in Crewe 😀😀
Hi Lucy, thanks so much. It's great (and very reassuring) to hear about your Chatelaine experience. I think they're absolutely beautiful, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't daunted by it. Here's hoping I can sort the Crewe retreat. Very best wishes to you and happy stitching
Hi, finally a video! :) Thanks for the update, really enjoying your flosstube. I'm Russian, so I know a bit about Riolis and Luca-S. When stitching with Riolis yarn, you just follow the key for the number of strands. For me it is super easy and preasurable to stitch with the yarn, but I heard some others develop some kind of allergy to it. As for Luca-S, it is a company from Moldova, an ex-USSR constituent, but a stand-alone country now. Maybe I'm biased, but I also think that the kits from ex-USSR countries are way to go because of the quality and not-so-blown-up prices.
Hi Oxana, thanks so much. I think you're right about the Riolis and Luca S kits - they're getting more interest in other countries now, and rightly so. The quality of the kits I have is superb. I've seen quite a few other Luca S kits which I may purchase. Very best wishes to you.
I love how your HAED is turning out. I purchased one myself but haven’t started it yet. I have yet to organize the floss. I made the mistake of getting the 254 color chart so now I have that many flosses to organize.
Lovely to see you again!!! Your country and city mouse is just stunning.... I would love to see you finish it! If you love it ..just keep on going!!! Lisa
Hey Philip, I have thoroughly enjoyed watching you country and city mice come together. It will look awesome when it is finished. I have an embarrassingly huge TW stash also. It would be fun to see what you have so that I can compare with mine. Happy stitching!
Hi Brian, thanks so much. I'm so close with the mice that I've become a bit obsessed with finishing it! I'm glad to hear you've got a lot of TW stash too. I have a stupid amount, but I still keep adding to it! I'll definitely do a video on it, in the hopes that your stash exceeds mine! Very best wishes to you, and happy stitching :0)
Great video, great kits. Yes, please show us your other kits and patterns. Speciality stitches are doable, there are plenty of videos available to show you how. The white around the neck of the city mouse is called a jabot, these are usually made of lace.
Your Chatelaine is beautiful! Don't be afraid of the specialty stitches. Martina provides excellent instructions. Just take your time and after the first one or two, you will get along just fine. The trickier ones (for me) were Queen stitches and Jessica stitches. I HIGHLY suggest making working copies of the pattern and enlarging them if you can. My Blue Moroccan Lace is a paper pattern and working copies that I could highlight made all the difference.
Thanks for the chatelaine tips - I have every intention of re-watching your great chatelaine videos, and I've sourced lots of 'how to' videos for speciality stitches - when other people do them, they look quite easy, but I'm still not convinced. Happy stitching :0) x
Great video as always, Philip! Country and city mice look fantastic!!! Almost there! Imagine the accomplishment once completed. You can stand back and say I did that 😊 Water garden was my first chatelaine. I bought it for the same reasons you described. You’ve almost completed a full HAED, a chatelaine will be a piece of cake for you. This particular one is not hard to do. The flowers and greenery can be a bit finicky but otherwise I thought it was a fun stitch. I have progress pics on IG if you want to take a look 😊 @staynstitch
Hi Tina, thanks so much for messaging. I've just linked up with you on IG, so I'll have a good look at your pics - it's always good to know someone else has accomplished what you've yet to begin. I am looking forward to it, but it is daunting - far more daunting than the mice! Very best wishes to you
I have stitched a Riolis kit and despite of the wool thread those are absolutely gorgeous to stitch. You could think that wool threads are challenging to stitch but at least in Riolis kits those are not.
Hi Philip, Actually Riolis also has lots of kits with simple stranded cotton threads; they use Anchor. I know this as I own quite a few of them (one of my WIPs is a Riolis of this kind) and none of them has wool/acrylic (although yes, lots of them come with the wools I know). Just an addition in case anyone is interested. BTW, the sepia tone kit is called Old Photo - Riviera :) The 'Old Photo' is a series, Riolis has a few under this title with different subject matters.
Hi Kinga, thanks so much. Great info on the Riolis kits - I'm going to have to dip my toe in the Riolis pool soon I think. I'm glad you know the name of the kit! She's just Sepia lady to me! Funnily enough, I've seen another one in the series in the last couple of days - I had no idea before then. Happy stitching :0)
Your HAED is wonderful - I see you are very handy with the old Sylvo to keep that silver pot looking so shiny ! And I too was wondering if I had any cream cake in the kitchen as I felt my mount water. I loved your kit parade and would love to see more - I have recently purchased a Riolis kit and can't wait to get started on it.
Hi Mary, thanks so much. That teapot amazes me - I don't know how the effect is achieved, and I stitched it! Sorry-not-sorry about the cake! Very best wishes and good luck with the Riolis kit :0)
It’s funny, just yesterday I was looking up videos to demonstrate half stitch versus tent stitch in the first video I saw was Ingeborg‘s. Not only was it super clear but her Girl with the Pearl Earring was fantastic! I have not heard of Luca S but I will now have to check them out (as if I need more stash!). Like I said on your Instagram, the country mouse in the city mouse delight me. Congrats on the TW find. I love her designs but I’m still a little burnt out from the castle. I do want to return to her designs sometime though. Your description of just wanting to fondle the silks speaks to the heart of all us stitchers :-)
Hi Lily, thanks so much. Ingeborg's tutorial is brilliant isn't it? I'll certainly be referring back to it when I start my first Luca S kit. I know what you mean about TW burnout - I forget what hard work they are when I think about starting a new one. It's probably a coping mechanism! Happy stitching :0)
Great to see you again, I am always enjoying your updates and your mice are absolutely beautiful. Loved to see your kits and please show the others as well 😁
I just love your kits that you have recently bought they are amazing and live the conducted rambles stitch kit and wow you have done amazing with the project your working on now :)
As I have said before, I just love your videos. You have a very calming voice. Love the City Mouse and Country Mouse. My favorite is City, and love the name. Please make it sooner rather than later, you present your haul in a very interesting style.
OMG...dog on a penny farthing...you just made my day 🤣 Love seeing your latest video, been keeping tack of country/city mice on IG and willing you on to a triumphant finish!
Hey Selina. Right? A dog on a penny farthing? It's genius! Plus three-legged cat and dog races - I can barely take the cuteness overload! Very best wishes and happy stitching!
Hi Shelley, thanks so much. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and I'm so determined to finish now. I'll sort a TW video - it may be quite long!! Very best wishes and happy stitching :0)
Yay, another Pip video! So exciting that your HAED is getting close to being finished. That's quite an accomplishment. The tapestry cats and dogs book looks really cute. I hope you make something from it. Luca-S is from Moldova, I think.
Hi there, thanks so much. I can see light at the end of the HAED tunnel! Hurrah! I adore the pics in the tapestry cats and dogs book - one look at the three-legged race charts and I had to buy it! Very best wishes to you.
Hello, Mr. Pip! It's good to see you again! I just love your mice, and the names are quite fitting. Your new patterns are absolutely beautiful! And, yes, count me in with a JW parade,,,,I'll love it! A dear lady once told me to shade white areas with a light dusting of make-up powder when stitching white on white, as she said it washes out easily and will not tarnish the threads. Now, mind you, this was about a hundred and fifty years ago, but I'm sure there are water soluble markers available now? Worth a try, I have used blush and it washed out fine, but I do not consider my stitching a work of art, so I do wash it before framing. Just a thought?
Hey there! Thanks so much - Mr Pip! Love it! That's a very interesting tip regarding the make-up powder - it makes a lot of sense. Fortunately for me and my mice, I don't think I have any other very light areas to stitch now. But I'll certainly bear it in mind on future projects. Very best wishes to you and happy stitching :0)
Another great video! I have enjoyed seeing your progress on the mice. Please do share your other kits especially Teresa Wentzler Designs. I find we have similar taste in patterns and I have learned a lot watching you. Thanks for sharing!
Hi there, thanks so much for your lovely message. I will get a TW video organised. It's always nice to hear that people have the same taste in patterns. Very best wishes to you.
You have some really neat kits. I have fallen under the Teresa Wentzler spell. I am getting things together to start “Camelot”. I for one would love to see your Teresa Wentzler collection. The chart you held up is not one I’ve seen. Thank you again for sharing your work and charts. 😊🙋🏼
Hi Laura, thanks so much. Camelot is a wonderful pattern - I have the chart for it. I'll happily make a TW video - lots of people seem interested in the idea. Very best wishes, and good luck with Camelot :0)
just subscribed! McKenna recommended you over a year ago, but I just subscribed to her and am catching up. Now I have you to catch up with too! I love HAED's! Your work is BEAUTIFUL!! :)
Lyndisfarne are fantastic charts. My friend is the designer, and she is the only designer to have the legal rights to do Discworld charts. Emily has a Facebook page too. Love Percy! X
Hey! I'm so pleased to hear Lyndisfarne are still making kits, and it's amazing that you're friends with Emily. I really like the kits I've bought - great value for money. Best wishes x
Rufus and Lord Percival Fauntleroy are fabulous. Since I'm not a close personal friend with him, I won't be presumptuous by referring to him as Percy. Your progress is amazing and I don't blame you for not wanting to put it down. I have stitched on the same piece for well over a month simply because I was enjoying it. Isn't that the whole point? I rotate when something else calls out to me. How exciting that you got your hands on that TW at such a great bargain! If you don't plan to stitch it, it may be great to just frame the pattern given that it's a limited edition and signed. That lady with the parasol is so sweet. I love that one! Are you going to stitch it on the fabric it came with? It may be worth it to get a darker piece of fabric (a dark gray maybe?) as I would imagine stitching so many beige tones on white may become tedious. Loved the video, as always. Happy stitching!!
Latisha, any friend of mine is a friend of Percy's. It's settled. I'm soooo into the mice, I just can't stop the stitching! That's a clever idea re sepia lady - it would be a nightmare to stitch on pale fabric (plus the fabric they've provided it that really starchy stuff, so I wouldn't be keen on using it anyway). x
When I get notice of a new video from you I know I'm in for a treat. What a fab job you've done on the CM/CM, you'll be finished soon. (she says who has never stitched a HAED) I'm amazed how "mousey" the photo is compared with the stitched piece, which is in glorious color. I wish you would narrate audio books...I could listen to you speak for hours. And I do love your British verbs: Faffing/Phaffing & nattering. Why weren't those passed along to the English speakers in the US? I'm anxious to see how your Russian kits work up. And that book you scored in the antique shop! What a treasure.
Aw, thanks so much Joan, that's lovely. By coincidence, my better half does narrate audio books for a living! Please feel free to take and use faffing and nattering - it's my gift to you! Flipping through the cats and dogs book made me realise how very much I want to work on some of those patterns! Very best wishes to you :0)
Wonderful update. The answer is Yes and No to seeing more of your stash. I love everything you show but it is all impossible to get in the US most of the time. I have been a fan of Luc-S for quite awhile but have only been able to find the kits offered by Russian Federation eBay sellers. Which is great, their prices are fair and they offer free shipping. But the kits I am searching for are tough to get and sell quickly. Now I will be looking out for a couple you showed in this video as well 8-) le sigh. CHeers, Bev
Hi Bev, so lovely to hear from you. Sorry to have been such a tempter! I really do like a lot of the Luca-S kits, but I'm beginning to understand that they're a little to difficult to track down. I think I was lucky to find the UK website which stocks them, and there are a few more I have my eye on. Very best wishes to you and happy stitching x
great to see you back. your making great progress on your haed piece, I love following the updates and i think I caught you on bargain hunt last Saturday too :) sorry if I got the last part wrong
Hi Sylvia, thanks so much. You absolutely did catch me on Bargain Hunt - good spot! We had a great couple of days filming it, and everyone involved was delightful. Very best wishes
I’m loving your mice progress! The colors are fantastic and so rich. I do like the pdf for working Chatelaine’s but if you’ve got a good copy/print shop I’d suggest having them blow up the charts and they might be able to lighten them up a bit. You could also scan the pages in and create a working copy pdf for yourself. I’m by no means an expert but I’ll be glad to try to help if you run into problems with the specialty stitches when you get started. They really aren’t as hard as you think. 😊
Hi Anne - thanks so much. I've spent a large chunk of the weekend binge watching your chatelaine diaries, so you've already been more help than you could know. I'll be grateful for any help you can give if I fall off the chatelaine cliff. Consider yourself subscribed! Very best wishes to you :0)
LOL - The cliff is not that high - you can do it! :) I'm so glad you've found the diaries videos helpful - more to come later this month once I get my current HAED finished up, but regardless, give me a shout anytime if you do need a hand. :)
Hi Michele, thanks so much, that means a lot. I will be happy to make a TW video. Who couldn't love the mice! I'm a bit obsessed by them to be honest! Very best wishes to you.
Lovely catch up!! I think you may be on the fast track to finish that HAED project so no wonder you don't want to put it down - only partial pages left?!?! Go Go Go! Loved seeing the stash. I have stitched a Riolis kit and have since been finding more and more cross stitch kit companies based in East Europe and I can no longer decide which one I want to buy and stitch next. Luca S has come on to my radar but they are a bit harder to find compared to Riolis. I am stitching a paper chart chatelaine, bought back in 2003 or 2004 and it's been fine. Because the chart is more or less repeated each quarter if the page break is somewhere annoying I find that part of the design somewhere else and make sure I have reoriented the chart the right way. Does that make sense? I've also searched for really good images of the design that someone else has stitched on google and use it for reassurance that it looks the way it should.
Hi Lisa, thanks so much for your lovely message. I will certainly keep going with the mice - I've got my determined head (or should that be haed!!) on! Luca-S are hard to find - the website I mentioned has loads of them, but they're certainly not as common as Riolis. There are a lot of very beautiful designs, and I'm so tempted to buy more - there's an amazing kit of two flamingos. Good to hear that stitching from a paper chatelaine chart has been no problem for you, and your advice on finding another section with the same pattern is great advice - I'll certainly bear it mind once I've finally plucked up courage to make a start. Very best wishes and happy stitching :0)
Hey Pip!! Good to see you again. I was laughing at your standy-sitty-standy routine because I DO EXACTLY THE SAME THING on my videos. Good to see someone else getting in on the act! I can’t believe @bendysyitchy and I won the name game!! I was ridiculously excited waiting for you to announce Percy’s name!! Woo hoo!!! Still watching, just needed to give you a quick excitement update 😅 I am currently doing a Chatelaine, I originally bought the printed pattern, but the quality was so poor I ended up buying the PDF directly from Chatelaine because I couldn’t see the numbering on the specialty stitches and just wouldn’t have enjoyed it. I have not had to practice, just followed the instructions carefully. So far so good!!
Hey, thank you so much! I'll always think of it as standy-sitty-standy now! Isn't it a pain!! So pleased you're pleased on the mouse names! They just seemed so perfect. Thanks for the advice on the chatelaine - I'm getting very tempted to buying the pdf as well. I may be starting it very soon.... very best wishes and happy stitching :0)
Sweet! I've just finished recording my latest update (will post on Monday when I have the upload speed :-)) the Chat is discussed extensively if you want to check it out! I'd love to have you drop by :D - M
Thanks so much Yvonne - I'll try not to leave it so long next time. There's been no progress on day 3 of the 12 days, but I will definitely be going back to those patterns. Very best wishes :0)
Hi Philip! I am working on a Riolis kit right now and I quite like the threads! The coverage is great. Since the fibers are pretty yarn-like they do tend to fray after stitching with them. My pattern calls for 2 over 1 on Aida, so to help with the fraying I thread my needle to the center of a long piece of thread, fold it to match up the two ends and anchor them behind first. Does that make sense?
Hey there, thanks so much. Very interesting to hear about your experience with Riolis - it seems to be a similar message from everyone. And yes - it makes sense :0) Happy stitching!
Hi Philip! first of all: excellent shirt! love it :) Your mice are looking so handsome! I'm sure you're itching to get them finished. Loved seeing your kits too. And yes my 'lady with pearl' is a luca-s kit and it was a tapestry or 'goblen' kit like yours too. So tent stitch all the way. And i had plenty of floss left, but probably not enough if i had done full crosses. I love luca-s, it was so much fun to stitch and i enjoy the anchor floss too. Bit of a warning in case you haven't opened the kits yet: the fabric is a bit weird. It's closer to a sort of plastic mesh than a fabric, but not as plastic feeling and stiff as the plastic canvas. Just be prepared it will be stiff and i didn't want to clip in in my q-snaps because it was a bit thick but it was fine to work on in my scroll frame. I don't remember the count but i do recall it is a fabric that they make especially in cooperation with zweigart and you can only get it from luca s. Anyway enough rambling... have a great week! xx
Hi Ingeborg, so good to hear from you. I love that shirt! People either love it or hate, so I'm glad I'm not the only one who loves it! Good to hear about your experience with Luca-S. I've examined the fabric, and you're right - it's practically perforated paper! I hope you're back to being fully fit now - I've got your next vid to look forward to. Have a great weekend and happy stitching :0) xx
Hi Shirley, thanks for the info. The second I read Vlad, it rang a bell, so I'm sure you're right. I'll do a bit more research on it - it's a fantastic image. Very best wishes.
HI Pip love you vlogs and you mouse picture is fab you where saying about your chatelaine.why don't you if you have a printer scanner scan the pattern send it to your computer and pdf it from there just a idea
Hi Andrea, thanks so much. That is an excellent idea re the chart! So simple, yet I hadn't thought of it. I'll definitely look into that. Happy stitching!
I don't believe this!!! I was trying to figure out how to contact you so I could offer you "You Were Hatched" #483/1000 and didn't you show the one you got on Ebay! I was at the retreat and met Ms. Wentzler and she was very kind as she signed over and over and over.
Joni M Hi Joni - thanks so much for having thought of me with regard to your copy of ‘hatched’. That’s an incredible thoughtful thing to have done. I’m a bit jealous that you were actually there for the signings! Thanks again - I’m really touched by your generosity 🙂
Philip - so nice to see you again. I love your shirt! Rufus and Percy are looking fantastic. The reflections in the teapot are amazing, aren't they? I enjoyed seeing your kits. I had never heard of Luca-s so I had to do a bit of googling! And yes, of course we want to see your other kits! I love seeing what people have in their stash. Happy stitching!
Hi Sheila, thanks so much - glad someone else likes my shirt! I'd be very happy to make more videos showing off the kits! Very best wishes to you, and happy stitching :0)
The watergarden! So happy to find someone else who has chosen it to stitch.
So great to have you back, I've really missed your videos. Lovely stash. As for Riolis kit, don't be intimidated by it. Working with yarn thread can be a pleasant experience, the xs are so fluffy and plump. Just read the instruction carefully, and cut the number of threads you need for the particular symbol, for some you may use 1 thread, for other 2 threads, just try not to use too long threads, because sometimes the yarn can fray through. I hope you'll enjoy stitching your Riolis kit. Happy stitching. Anna.
Hi there, thanks so much. Thanks for sharing your experience with Riolis, that sounds very encouraging. Very best wishes and happy stitching :0)
What a wonderful picture and sooooooo much work. It really is incredible and I agree with you about the rotation. That is how I stitch as well. Thank you for sharing it.
Yes please, I love seeing people's stash, stitching spots and craft rooms - call me nosey, lol! Your Country Mouse, City Mouse is looking brilliant, fantastic progress on it.
Hi there, thanks so much. I'll be happy to make similar videos - I love snooping around other people's stash too! Very best wishes
Loving Rufus and Percy. Personally, I love Rufus's hat and his little ears poking through. I'd love to see more of your stash. I love hearing why people are drawn to different patterns. I stitch like you do. I have multiple WIPs, but stitch on what I feel like stitching on and don't see a need to move on to another project if I'm happy working on what I'm working on. I find I'm much more productive that way. Can't wait to see more of your progress.
Hey Dorie, thank you. Let's face it, they're both adorable!! Good to hear more people stitch like I do - I'm so keen to get the mice finished that nothing else is appealing at all at the moment. Very best wishes to you.
I really enjoy watching and listening to you. Thanks for making videos. I wanted to reach out to you in regards of the rivolis? kit you shared. I think you will really be surprised with it. I have stitched a few of them and absolutely love them! The thread is a wool and you'll not find better coverage! I hope you'll enjoy them as much as I did Phillip. Can't wait to see your verdict on them. Happy stitching!
Hi Betty, thanks so much. It's a pleasure to make the videos, and the feedback is always so wonderful. I'm glad to hear you have good experiences with Riolis - I'm quite keen to start the Van Gogh kit. Very best wishes and happy stitching :0)
Lovely, as always, to spend some time with you! Absolutely loved your purchases and can’t wait to watch you stitch them!
Thank so much, that's a lovely message. I'll hopefully get round to stitching them all at some point! Best wishes to you.
Oh I do love your Country mouse City Mouse. Thank you so much for showing your progress on it. I am just blown away with the detail of it, that teapot with all the reflections is just beautiful and while I love Rufus and Lord Percy that piece of cake looks positively edible, literally had me wondering if I might have any cake in the kitchen! I did enjoy your haul, such lovely kits and charts and oh yes please, a video of your T.W. stash would be delightful.
Hi Saja, thanks so much - they're pretty adorable aren't they! I know what you mean about the cake! The charting is truly amazing, and I'm in awe of the effects that are emerging as I stitch. I'll sort a TW video. Very best wishes to you.
I'm catching up on floss tube this weekend and love your video as usaul. Beautiful stitching!
Hi Phillip,
I just love your videos. You have such a wonderful voice. I would love to see the rest of your stash. Love the names for the mice. Rufus and Percy - names perfectly fit them. Glad you are making video's. I look forward to them. Love your shirt it is great!
Hi, Philip! I just love your mousy stitch you're working on now. The colors are glorious. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing your kitsand would love to see your TW's. Love your shirt, btw. Take care and hope to see you again soon. Patty
Your HAED is amazing. I love the details in each of the mice. Adorable. Thank you for sharing your collection of kits with us. I hadn't heard of the Luca s kits before. The images are stunning.
Hi Pam, thanks so much. The detail is astonishing isn't it? I could stare at it for hours and not get bored. Luca S kits are exceptional quality - there are a few more I have my eye on! Happy stitching :0)
I love looking at stash and find it very inspiring! You have some nice kits. I would enjoy seeing your Teresa Wentzler charts and kits. That is quite a treasured chart you found! I have collected some her designs and completed The Castle a few years ago. Love the way she designed dragons! Enjoyed your video! Excellent stitching on the City Mouse - Country Mouse project! Beautiful work!
Hi Annette, thanks so much. I'm very excited about the limited edition TW chart - I never normally win stuff like that! Happy stitching :0)
Great video - I will have to look into the Maria's cross stitch site. Yes of course we want to see your Dimensions and TW stash 😁
Hi Louise, thanks so much. Marie's cross stitch is definitely worth a look - they offer a very friendly service. I'll get a TW video sorted next. Happy stitching!
Hi Philip, lovely to see you again! I love the mice, especially Percy he looks like an aristocrat! you have made such good progress. Well done on your find e-bay, such a bargain! Best wishes to you and Nigel, Happy Stitching!
Hi Lynn, thanks so much. Great ebay find eh! I'll pass your good wishes on to Nigel as well. Happy stitching!
Philip, I can’t tell you how pleased I was to get the notification that you’d made another video.
Your mice are looking amazing! The detail in this piece is so impressive- I am particularly charmed by Rufus’ acorn beer mug. And I agree with you: If you are having fun, then you are under no obligation to switch projects.
I’m so glad you have the opportunity to join the UK HAED retreat! Orietta and Teresa Littlestitcher always have great things to say about it.
The FlossTube retreat here in the US was a great success, despite my worries. Plans for the next one are already being scribbled in my notebook. I think it was be wonderful if a European Flosstube retreat came into being, and I hope someone can make it happen one day.
It was lovely stitching with you this morning. Take care!
Hey Julia! So lovely to hear from you - I'm halfway through your retreat vid, and loving it. Finger's crossed we can sort something over here - it would be great to actually meet some more tubers! It's a great thought to think I was keeping you company while you were stitching - flosstube is so good for that, and because we all know each other, it's like having a neighbour popping over. Rufus sends his regards (he proposed a toast - such a soak!) Very best wishes x
Love your videos and those mice are very dapper. I enjoyed seeing your kits too. Happy stitching 😊
Thanks so much for you lovely message - dapper is the perfect work :0) Happy stitching!
That teapot though! In the HAED-I KNOW it's not really silver -but the illusion is magnificent! Please do a show about your stash! That's half the fun! Thank you for posting!
Hi Rhonda, thanks so much. I am in awe of the charting on that teapot - I look at it now, and wonder how on earth it's done - even though I've stitched it!! Very best wishes to you.
I found your latest video thoroughly entertaining 🙂 your HAED piece with the mice is amazing - & not far off a finish which is great!
Luca-S kits are beautiful - I own 2 maybe 3 of those kits but have yet to start one lol.
Happy Stitching & I look forward to your next update 👍🏻
Hi, thanks so much. I'm glad to hear that other people are into Luca-S - I'm so pleased with the kits I bought, and I'm so tempted to get more. I do think I should start at least one before I do that though! Very best wishes and happy stitching!
Omg your HAED piece!!! Just stunning. And I love your shirt!!!
Aw, you say all the right things you lovely person! I love that shirt too, but many people disagree with me....(I don't care, I'm wearing it anyway!). Hope you're doing good x
Hi. Your mice piece will be amazing, can’t get over how the jug looks like copper with the reflections! Very exciting stash look forward to seeing you start the next one. Lovely to hear from you again on Flosstube. Take care
Hi Glynis, thanks so much. The effects on the mouse pattern are amazing aren't they? Even though I've stitched it, I look at it and wonder how the effects are achieved! Very best wishes to you.
I do love to listen to you and I love the mice. You have some very beautiful Kits. Even when you had nothing to show and only tell a story I would sit down and listen to you. You have a very nice voice.
Hi there, thanks so much for your lovely compliments - I'm glad to hear the video was enjoyable. Very best wishes to you.
I really love what you said about not imposing a stop if you are enjoying your current stitching.
I am crazy about Roofus and Sir Percy!
Yes!!! Please show your TW collection!!
So thrilled you will be joining us Chatelaine addicts! My best advice is to remember they are just one stitch at a time like any other project...have you joined the Chatelaine support group on fb? It is a very supportive group and you can get wonderful support and help on any questions.
Just found you and started with this video. I might have to go back to the beginning! Love your Mice and kits. Gorgeous. And yes, Flosstube and IG definitely help make the cross stitch community feel so much closer.
Phillip I love your videos. Congratulations to you and Nigel on your marriage. Because of you I want to order the Castle Sampler. I've ordered 4 HAEDs but am going to finish decorating my apartment and start them after th ed holidays when the snow is quite blizzardy. Hugs to you my stitch friend. Louis
So happy to have found your channel. I’ve heard people mention watching your channel but it had not popped up in my recommended for you feed. Today it did and I very glad. I’ve seen your postings on your mice and have found them adorable, so I’m glad to have seen the entire piece. You are very close to a finish. Best of luck to you with that. happy Stitching. Dena
Hey Dena, thank you so much! I'm a happy subscriber to your channel, so it's even more special to hear from you. I'm ganging on with the mice - nearly got another page finish! Very best wishes and happy stitching
Of course we want to see your collections. Love the mice and that CAKE!
Thanks so much Marsha - I'll be happy to show them! Happy stitching to you :0)
The mice are so cute.
Also, "You were hatched..." I hope you enjoy it. I think it would be really sweet for a childs room.
Hi Sara, thanks so much - you're right, the TW would make a lovely christening gift. Very best wishes.
Your such a doll!! Loved seeing your kits. Would like to see your TW collection as well.
Hi Coleen, thanks so much! I'll sort a TW video out. Very best wishes to you.
Hi Phillip, watching your video , I saw for the first time on flosstube the kits which I was working on for more then 20 years. Only in the last 2years I discovered Nora Corbett and the last Chatelaine. So kind of I stopped working on those kits from which I have at least another 20 kits. And about Stefan cel Mare, he was a great Romanian kind of king. Great watching you.
Hi Dana, thanks so much. The information about Stefan cel Mare is very interesting - I must do some more research on him. The great thing about stitching is that no matter how many years pass, it's still there waiting for you! Very best wishes and happy stitching
I just love listening to you talk...It could be about dirt on the floor and it would sound magical!! Love the mice, happy you chose Percy!
Hi Amy, thanks so much. I may just hold you to that and spend my next video talking about dirt on the floor! Haha! Percy's pretty chipper about his name too! Very best wishes
Your HAED is gorgeous! Beautiful work. I love the names for your mice.....they look like Rufus and Percy😊. I could listen to you for hours..... your voice is so calming. Thanks for the wonderful video. Good to see you again!
Hi Jenni, thank you so much. The mice practically named themselves to be honest! I'm getting so excited for the finishing line. Very best wishes to you :0)
I agree with Simunya....love listening to you. The mice are fantastic, absolutely stunning. Cool shirt, too. Oooohhhh, can’t wait to hear about your dirty secrets! 😂. Oh my gosh, that Tapestry book is fantastic! Love the whimsy! Can’t wait to see you do something out of there.
Hi Kathleen, thanks so much. Ha! My dirty secrets aren't really that dirty!! But I'll show you mine.....hee hee! I love the tapestry book - it makes me smile every time I look through it. I'd love to have three-legged cat and dog races on my wall! Very best wishes :0)
Hi Philip. Lovely video and I really enjoyed seeing your kit stash. Your Mice are coming along beautifully, you have made so much progress. I have stitched the Chatelaine Watergarden from the paper chart, so I assure you it is possible. This chart has fewer specialty stitches than you would normally expect from a Chatelaine so I think it’s perfect for a first timer. Definitely start from the centre and read the written instructions first (and refer back whilst you’re stitching). Instructions regarding the colours to use for the specialty stitches and back stitching will be given. If you have any questions when you start, just ask 😀 you can find me in the Stitch Mania fb group. Oh, and it would be fab to see you at a retreat in Crewe 😀😀
Hi Lucy, thanks so much. It's great (and very reassuring) to hear about your Chatelaine experience. I think they're absolutely beautiful, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't daunted by it. Here's hoping I can sort the Crewe retreat. Very best wishes to you and happy stitching
Hi, finally a video! :) Thanks for the update, really enjoying your flosstube.
I'm Russian, so I know a bit about Riolis and Luca-S. When stitching with Riolis yarn, you just follow the key for the number of strands. For me it is super easy and preasurable to stitch with the yarn, but I heard some others develop some kind of allergy to it.
As for Luca-S, it is a company from Moldova, an ex-USSR constituent, but a stand-alone country now.
Maybe I'm biased, but I also think that the kits from ex-USSR countries are way to go because of the quality and not-so-blown-up prices.
Hi Oxana, thanks so much. I think you're right about the Riolis and Luca S kits - they're getting more interest in other countries now, and rightly so. The quality of the kits I have is superb. I've seen quite a few other Luca S kits which I may purchase. Very best wishes to you.
I love how your HAED is turning out. I purchased one myself but haven’t started it yet. I have yet to organize the floss. I made the mistake of getting the 254 color chart so now I have that many flosses to organize.
Lovely to see you again!!! Your country and city mouse is just stunning.... I would love to see you finish it! If you love it ..just keep on going!!! Lisa
Hi Lisa, thanks so much. I'm cracking away at the mice - feeling very determined!! Best wishes
Love the mice they are coming out great! Nice win on the Theresa Wentzler dragon & it's signed which is a nice bonus 😊
Sharon
Hey Philip, I have thoroughly enjoyed watching you country and city mice come together. It will look awesome when it is finished. I have an embarrassingly huge TW stash also. It would be fun to see what you have so that I can compare with mine. Happy stitching!
Hi Brian, thanks so much. I'm so close with the mice that I've become a bit obsessed with finishing it! I'm glad to hear you've got a lot of TW stash too. I have a stupid amount, but I still keep adding to it! I'll definitely do a video on it, in the hopes that your stash exceeds mine! Very best wishes to you, and happy stitching :0)
Great video, great kits. Yes, please show us your other kits and patterns. Speciality stitches are doable, there are plenty of videos available to show you how. The white around the neck of the city mouse is called a jabot, these are usually made of lace.
Hi Helen, thanks so much. A jabot! That's the word I couldn't think of - I can sleep tonight now! Very best wishes and happy stitching :0)
Your Chatelaine is beautiful! Don't be afraid of the specialty stitches. Martina provides excellent instructions. Just take your time and after the first one or two, you will get along just fine. The trickier ones (for me) were Queen stitches and Jessica stitches. I HIGHLY suggest making working copies of the pattern and enlarging them if you can. My Blue Moroccan Lace is a paper pattern and working copies that I could highlight made all the difference.
Thanks for the chatelaine tips - I have every intention of re-watching your great chatelaine videos, and I've sourced lots of 'how to' videos for speciality stitches - when other people do them, they look quite easy, but I'm still not convinced. Happy stitching :0) x
Great video as always, Philip! Country and city mice look fantastic!!! Almost there! Imagine the accomplishment once completed. You can stand back and say I did that 😊
Water garden was my first chatelaine. I bought it for the same reasons you described. You’ve almost completed a full HAED, a chatelaine will be a piece of cake for you. This particular one is not hard to do. The flowers and greenery can be a bit finicky but otherwise I thought it was a fun stitch. I have progress pics on IG if you want to take a look 😊 @staynstitch
Hi Tina, thanks so much for messaging. I've just linked up with you on IG, so I'll have a good look at your pics - it's always good to know someone else has accomplished what you've yet to begin. I am looking forward to it, but it is daunting - far more daunting than the mice! Very best wishes to you
I have stitched a Riolis kit and despite of the wool thread those are absolutely gorgeous to stitch. You could think that wool threads are challenging to stitch but at least in Riolis kits those are not.
Hi there, thanks so much. Good to hear about the Riolis. I must make a start on one soon. Very best wishes and happy stitching.
Hi Philip,
Actually Riolis also has lots of kits with simple stranded cotton threads; they use Anchor. I know this as I own quite a few of them (one of my WIPs is a Riolis of this kind) and none of them has wool/acrylic (although yes, lots of them come with the wools I know). Just an addition in case anyone is interested. BTW, the sepia tone kit is called Old Photo - Riviera :) The 'Old Photo' is a series, Riolis has a few under this title with different subject matters.
Hi Kinga, thanks so much. Great info on the Riolis kits - I'm going to have to dip my toe in the Riolis pool soon I think. I'm glad you know the name of the kit! She's just Sepia lady to me! Funnily enough, I've seen another one in the series in the last couple of days - I had no idea before then. Happy stitching :0)
Your HAED is wonderful - I see you are very handy with the old Sylvo to keep that silver pot looking so shiny ! And I too was wondering if I had any cream cake in the kitchen as I felt my mount water. I loved your kit parade and would love to see more - I have recently purchased a Riolis kit and can't wait to get started on it.
Hi Mary, thanks so much. That teapot amazes me - I don't know how the effect is achieved, and I stitched it! Sorry-not-sorry about the cake! Very best wishes and good luck with the Riolis kit :0)
It’s funny, just yesterday I was looking up videos to demonstrate half stitch versus tent stitch in the first video I saw was Ingeborg‘s. Not only was it super clear but her Girl with the Pearl Earring was fantastic! I have not heard of Luca S but I will now have to check them out (as if I need more stash!). Like I said on your Instagram, the country mouse in the city mouse delight me. Congrats on the TW find. I love her designs but I’m still a little burnt out from the castle. I do want to return to her designs sometime though. Your description of just wanting to fondle the silks speaks to the heart of all us stitchers :-)
Hi Lily, thanks so much. Ingeborg's tutorial is brilliant isn't it? I'll certainly be referring back to it when I start my first Luca S kit. I know what you mean about TW burnout - I forget what hard work they are when I think about starting a new one. It's probably a coping mechanism! Happy stitching :0)
Thank you for making your videos. Love listening to you. Would love to see your projects that you have.
Great to see you again, I am always enjoying your updates and your mice are absolutely beautiful. Loved to see your kits and please show the others as well 😁
Hey there, thanks so much. I'll be happy to show other kits - there may be some long videos ahead of us!!! Happy stitching :0)
Pip Stitch that sounds great 😁
I just love your kits that you have recently bought they are amazing and live the conducted rambles stitch kit and wow you have done amazing with the project your working on now :)
Hi happy Shelly! Thanks so much for your message, it's very much appreciated. Best wishes and happy stitching :0)
As I have said before, I just love your videos. You have a very calming voice. Love the City Mouse and Country Mouse. My favorite is City, and love the name. Please make it sooner rather than later, you present your haul in a very interesting style.
So glad that you updated again :) I love your videos. Those mice are coming along so beautifully. And I love their names. Absolutely suits them.
Thanks Kate, that means a lot. Gotta love the mice! Very best wishes
OMG...dog on a penny farthing...you just made my day 🤣 Love seeing your latest video, been keeping tack of country/city mice on IG and willing you on to a triumphant finish!
Hey Selina. Right? A dog on a penny farthing? It's genius! Plus three-legged cat and dog races - I can barely take the cuteness overload! Very best wishes and happy stitching!
City mice is coming along nicely! Love that you named the mice. Yes, let's see all your TW's!
Hi Shelley, thanks so much. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and I'm so determined to finish now. I'll sort a TW video - it may be quite long!! Very best wishes and happy stitching :0)
I would love to see your Teresa Wentzler collection. :-)
I would love to see your Teresa wentzler collection. 😃
Yay, another Pip video! So exciting that your HAED is getting close to being finished. That's quite an accomplishment. The tapestry cats and dogs book looks really cute. I hope you make something from it. Luca-S is from Moldova, I think.
Hi there, thanks so much. I can see light at the end of the HAED tunnel! Hurrah! I adore the pics in the tapestry cats and dogs book - one look at the three-legged race charts and I had to buy it! Very best wishes to you.
Hello, Mr. Pip! It's good to see you again! I just love your mice, and the names are quite fitting. Your new patterns are absolutely beautiful! And, yes, count me in with a JW parade,,,,I'll love it! A dear lady once told me to shade white areas with a light dusting of make-up powder when stitching white on white, as she said it washes out easily and will not tarnish the threads. Now, mind you, this was about a hundred and fifty years ago, but I'm sure there are water soluble markers available now? Worth a try, I have used blush and it washed out fine, but I do not consider my stitching a work of art, so I do wash it before framing. Just a thought?
Hey there! Thanks so much - Mr Pip! Love it! That's a very interesting tip regarding the make-up powder - it makes a lot of sense. Fortunately for me and my mice, I don't think I have any other very light areas to stitch now. But I'll certainly bear it in mind on future projects. Very best wishes to you and happy stitching :0)
Another great video! I have enjoyed seeing your progress on the mice. Please do share your other kits especially Teresa Wentzler Designs. I find we have similar taste in patterns and I have learned a lot watching you. Thanks for sharing!
Hi there, thanks so much for your lovely message. I will get a TW video organised. It's always nice to hear that people have the same taste in patterns. Very best wishes to you.
You have some really neat kits. I have fallen under the Teresa Wentzler spell. I am getting things together to start “Camelot”. I for one would love to see your Teresa Wentzler collection. The chart you held up is not one I’ve seen.
Thank you again for sharing your work and charts. 😊🙋🏼
Hi Laura, thanks so much. Camelot is a wonderful pattern - I have the chart for it. I'll happily make a TW video - lots of people seem interested in the idea. Very best wishes, and good luck with Camelot :0)
Another great video. Love the mice and look forward to seeing your progress. Think we must live very close to each other I'm in Wistaston
Hi Karen, thanks so much - yes we are very close! You're just up the road - do you go to the Crewe retreat? Very best wishes to you.
just subscribed! McKenna recommended you over a year ago, but I just subscribed to her and am catching up. Now I have you to catch up with too! I love HAED's! Your work is BEAUTIFUL!! :)
Lyndisfarne are fantastic charts. My friend is the designer, and she is the only designer to have the legal rights to do Discworld charts. Emily has a Facebook page too. Love Percy! X
Hey! I'm so pleased to hear Lyndisfarne are still making kits, and it's amazing that you're friends with Emily. I really like the kits I've bought - great value for money. Best wishes x
Rufus and Lord Percival Fauntleroy are fabulous. Since I'm not a close personal friend with him, I won't be presumptuous by referring to him as Percy. Your progress is amazing and I don't blame you for not wanting to put it down. I have stitched on the same piece for well over a month simply because I was enjoying it. Isn't that the whole point? I rotate when something else calls out to me. How exciting that you got your hands on that TW at such a great bargain! If you don't plan to stitch it, it may be great to just frame the pattern given that it's a limited edition and signed. That lady with the parasol is so sweet. I love that one! Are you going to stitch it on the fabric it came with? It may be worth it to get a darker piece of fabric (a dark gray maybe?) as I would imagine stitching so many beige tones on white may become tedious. Loved the video, as always. Happy stitching!!
Latisha, any friend of mine is a friend of Percy's. It's settled. I'm soooo into the mice, I just can't stop the stitching! That's a clever idea re sepia lady - it would be a nightmare to stitch on pale fabric (plus the fabric they've provided it that really starchy stuff, so I wouldn't be keen on using it anyway). x
When I get notice of a new video from you I know I'm in for a treat. What a fab job you've done on the CM/CM, you'll be finished soon. (she says who has never stitched a HAED) I'm amazed how "mousey" the photo is compared with the stitched piece, which is in glorious color.
I wish you would narrate audio books...I could listen to you speak for hours. And I do love your British verbs: Faffing/Phaffing & nattering. Why weren't those passed along to the English speakers in the US?
I'm anxious to see how your Russian kits work up. And that book you scored in the antique shop! What a treasure.
Aw, thanks so much Joan, that's lovely. By coincidence, my better half does narrate audio books for a living! Please feel free to take and use faffing and nattering - it's my gift to you! Flipping through the cats and dogs book made me realise how very much I want to work on some of those patterns! Very best wishes to you :0)
Wonderful update. The answer is Yes and No to seeing more of your stash. I love everything you show but it is all impossible to get in the US most of the time. I have been a fan of Luc-S for quite awhile but have only been able to find the kits offered by Russian Federation eBay sellers. Which is great, their prices are fair and they offer free shipping. But the kits I am searching for are tough to get and sell quickly. Now I will be looking out for a couple you showed in this video as well 8-) le sigh. CHeers, Bev
Hi Bev, so lovely to hear from you. Sorry to have been such a tempter! I really do like a lot of the Luca-S kits, but I'm beginning to understand that they're a little to difficult to track down. I think I was lucky to find the UK website which stocks them, and there are a few more I have my eye on. Very best wishes to you and happy stitching x
Great video keep them coming.x
Thanks so much Shirley - very best wishes to you :0)
great to see you back. your making great progress on your haed piece, I love following the updates and i think I caught you on bargain hunt last Saturday too :)
sorry if I got the last part wrong
Hi Sylvia, thanks so much. You absolutely did catch me on Bargain Hunt - good spot! We had a great couple of days filming it, and everyone involved was delightful. Very best wishes
So very glad to see your video
Hi there, thanks so much for messaging. Best wishes to you.
SUPER!👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
I’m loving your mice progress! The colors are fantastic and so rich.
I do like the pdf for working Chatelaine’s but if you’ve got a good copy/print shop I’d suggest having them blow up the charts and they might be able to lighten them up a bit. You could also scan the pages in and create a working copy pdf for yourself. I’m by no means an expert but I’ll be glad to try to help if you run into problems with the specialty stitches when you get started. They really aren’t as hard as you think. 😊
Hi Anne - thanks so much. I've spent a large chunk of the weekend binge watching your chatelaine diaries, so you've already been more help than you could know. I'll be grateful for any help you can give if I fall off the chatelaine cliff. Consider yourself subscribed! Very best wishes to you :0)
LOL - The cliff is not that high - you can do it! :) I'm so glad you've found the diaries videos helpful - more to come later this month once I get my current HAED finished up, but regardless, give me a shout anytime if you do need a hand. :)
Just love your videos. Thanks for sharing. Yes please do share you Teresa Wentsler (sp?). Love your mice too.
Hi Michele, thanks so much, that means a lot. I will be happy to make a TW video. Who couldn't love the mice! I'm a bit obsessed by them to be honest! Very best wishes to you.
Lovely catch up!! I think you may be on the fast track to finish that HAED project so no wonder you don't want to put it down - only partial pages left?!?! Go Go Go! Loved seeing the stash. I have stitched a Riolis kit and have since been finding more and more cross stitch kit companies based in East Europe and I can no longer decide which one I want to buy and stitch next. Luca S has come on to my radar but they are a bit harder to find compared to Riolis. I am stitching a paper chart chatelaine, bought back in 2003 or 2004 and it's been fine. Because the chart is more or less repeated each quarter if the page break is somewhere annoying I find that part of the design somewhere else and make sure I have reoriented the chart the right way. Does that make sense? I've also searched for really good images of the design that someone else has stitched on google and use it for reassurance that it looks the way it should.
Hi Lisa, thanks so much for your lovely message. I will certainly keep going with the mice - I've got my determined head (or should that be haed!!) on! Luca-S are hard to find - the website I mentioned has loads of them, but they're certainly not as common as Riolis. There are a lot of very beautiful designs, and I'm so tempted to buy more - there's an amazing kit of two flamingos. Good to hear that stitching from a paper chatelaine chart has been no problem for you, and your advice on finding another section with the same pattern is great advice - I'll certainly bear it mind once I've finally plucked up courage to make a start. Very best wishes and happy stitching :0)
Hey Pip!! Good to see you again. I was laughing at your standy-sitty-standy routine because I DO EXACTLY THE SAME THING on my videos. Good to see someone else getting in on the act! I can’t believe @bendysyitchy and I won the name game!! I was ridiculously excited waiting for you to announce Percy’s name!! Woo hoo!!! Still watching, just needed to give you a quick excitement update 😅 I am currently doing a Chatelaine, I originally bought the printed pattern, but the quality was so poor I ended up buying the PDF directly from Chatelaine because I couldn’t see the numbering on the specialty stitches and just wouldn’t have enjoyed it. I have not had to practice, just followed the instructions carefully. So far so good!!
Hey, thank you so much! I'll always think of it as standy-sitty-standy now! Isn't it a pain!! So pleased you're pleased on the mouse names! They just seemed so perfect. Thanks for the advice on the chatelaine - I'm getting very tempted to buying the pdf as well. I may be starting it very soon.... very best wishes and happy stitching :0)
Sweet! I've just finished recording my latest update (will post on Monday when I have the upload speed :-)) the Chat is discussed extensively if you want to check it out! I'd love to have you drop by :D - M
It’s a date 😊
Pip Stitch floss tube up, all about the Chatelaine and some standy uppy sitty downy action as well... 😊
Video's are very good don't stay away so long please!. Very interested in how your 12 days of Christmas is doing.
Thanks so much Yvonne - I'll try not to leave it so long next time. There's been no progress on day 3 of the 12 days, but I will definitely be going back to those patterns. Very best wishes :0)
Hi Philip! I am working on a Riolis kit right now and I quite like the threads! The coverage is great. Since the fibers are pretty yarn-like they do tend to fray after stitching with them. My pattern calls for 2 over 1 on Aida, so to help with the fraying I thread my needle to the center of a long piece of thread, fold it to match up the two ends and anchor them behind first. Does that make sense?
Hey there, thanks so much. Very interesting to hear about your experience with Riolis - it seems to be a similar message from everyone. And yes - it makes sense :0) Happy stitching!
The euro flosstube retreat sounds amazing and which is the mad hatters group as I would really love to go to a retreat :)
The Facebook page is called Mad Stitchers UK - it's a closed group, but you can request membership. A euro retreat would be amazing wouldn't it!
A signed TW!!! You must do it, even though it's not your favourite
Another teresa wentzler collector here! Please show your patterns off!
Hi Alyx, thanks so muc. Yay TW! I'll be happy to show the patterns I have. Very best wishes.
Hi Philip! first of all: excellent shirt! love it :) Your mice are looking so handsome! I'm sure you're itching to get them finished. Loved seeing your kits too. And yes my 'lady with pearl' is a luca-s kit and it was a tapestry or 'goblen' kit like yours too. So tent stitch all the way. And i had plenty of floss left, but probably not enough if i had done full crosses. I love luca-s, it was so much fun to stitch and i enjoy the anchor floss too. Bit of a warning in case you haven't opened the kits yet: the fabric is a bit weird. It's closer to a sort of plastic mesh than a fabric, but not as plastic feeling and stiff as the plastic canvas. Just be prepared it will be stiff and i didn't want to clip in in my q-snaps because it was a bit thick but it was fine to work on in my scroll frame. I don't remember the count but i do recall it is a fabric that they make especially in cooperation with zweigart and you can only get it from luca s. Anyway enough rambling... have a great week! xx
Hi Ingeborg, so good to hear from you. I love that shirt! People either love it or hate, so I'm glad I'm not the only one who loves it! Good to hear about your experience with Luca-S. I've examined the fabric, and you're right - it's practically perforated paper! I hope you're back to being fully fit now - I've got your next vid to look forward to. Have a great weekend and happy stitching :0) xx
Hello. The king with the sword with the head of a bull with the star in the background looks a lot like Vlad the Impaler.
Hi Shirley, thanks for the info. The second I read Vlad, it rang a bell, so I'm sure you're right. I'll do a bit more research on it - it's a fantastic image. Very best wishes.
Sorry. I guess I should have said Vlad Tepes or Vlad Dracul
The mice look awesome
Thanks so much Cindy. Happy stitching :0)
HI Pip love you vlogs and you mouse picture is fab you where saying about your chatelaine.why don't you if you have a printer scanner scan the pattern send it to your computer and pdf it from there just a idea
Hi Andrea, thanks so much. That is an excellent idea re the chart! So simple, yet I hadn't thought of it. I'll definitely look into that. Happy stitching!
I don't believe this!!! I was trying to figure out how to contact you so I could offer you "You Were Hatched" #483/1000 and didn't you show the one you got on Ebay! I was at the retreat and met Ms. Wentzler and she was very kind as she signed over and over and over.
Joni M Hi Joni - thanks so much for having thought of me with regard to your copy of ‘hatched’. That’s an incredible thoughtful thing to have done. I’m a bit jealous that you were actually there for the signings! Thanks again - I’m really touched by your generosity 🙂