We had some trouble last week with our website and we are not sure if this post went through.

New Melissa Prince Canvases

Slowly but surely new canvases are beginning to come into the shop.   We just received these Melissa Prince canvases.  They all offer a variety of vibrant colors and just looking at them you can imagine all the different stitches that can be used.  You can stitch them simple or you can add metallic threads, beads & ribbons.  If you would like us to kit it for you, we are offering 10% off of the threads.  There is nothing like getting a new canvas!  Give us a call if something catches your eye.

New Stitch Monday – Alicia Lace

Last week I suggested using the Victorian Step stitch for a background.  Another great stitch to use for a background is Alicia’s Lace.  If you Google this stitch you will see there are many different variations.   Weeks ago, I did a blog on what I called 4-way Continental but if you look in “Stitches to Go” they called it Alicia’s Lace Variation (see diagram below for sample).  The other diagrams below show this version of Alicia’s Lace done like a darning stitch.  You need to make sure that your thread is long enough so that you can complete each row.  For an open look do the stitch as shown in pink in diagram 1.  If you are looking for a more closed stitch add the rows in green as shown on diagram 2.  Choose a thread that is lighter than the area you plan to use this stitch or try an over-dyed thread.  Give it a try.

Happy Stitching – Stephanie

We had some trouble with our webpage last week.  Here is the New Stitch Monday from 8/24/20

One thing that I find is I’m always looking for a background stitch.  I like it to be fairly easy with stress-free compensation.  I know that is not always the case.  There is always the debate if you should do the background first or after you stitch the piece.  I don’t really have the answer as I think that is a personal preference.  However generally speaking I do my background last.  For me seeing the stitch piece helps me determine what stitch I will use for the background.  The Victorian Step is a good background stitch.  Once you get the pattern going it will be easy to follow.  I like to begin by setting up in the largest area so that I can get the pattern flowing (shown blue on diagram). The yellow section shows the compensation stitches. As you can see from 2 of the pictures, I like to use an over-dyed thread when doing this stitch.  It gives it an impressive look.  Give it a try.

Happy Stitching – Stephanie

Our webpage was down earlier in the week and this did not post last Monday.  So here it is!

New Stitch Monday – Victorian Step

One thing that I find is I’m always looking for a background stitch.  I like it to be fairly easy with stress-free compensation.  I know that is not always the case.  There is always the debate if you should do the background first or after you stitch the piece.  I don’t really have the answer as I think that is a personal preference.  However generally speaking I do my background last.  For me seeing the stitch piece helps me determine what stitch I will use for the background.  The Victorian Step is a good background stitch.  Once you get the pattern going it will be easy to follow.  I like to begin by setting up in the largest area so that I can get the pattern flowing (shown blue on diagram). The yellow section shows the compensation stitches. As you can see from 2 of the pictures, I like to use an over-dyed thread when doing this stitch.  It gives it an impressive look.  Give it a try.

Happy Stitching – Stephanie

A variety of finishing came in this week and we love sharing them with you.

Stitched by Santa

Stitched by Ellen

Stitched by Lois

Stitched by Catherine N.

Stitched by Mary Lynn

Stitched by Fatima

Stitched by Betty

Stitched by Betty

Stitched by Betty

Stitched by Annamarie

Stitched by Jennifer

Stitched by Trish

Stitched by Tina

Stitched by Tina

Stitched by Barbara

Stitched by Betty

Flash Sale – Island Fun

Hopefully by 2021 we will all be able to sit on an island and relax gazing at the ocean while taking in some sun.  Today’s canvas will help you get into that mood that you get in while on vacation.  The colors are vibrant and with your stitching you can bring this canvas to life.  An over-dyed Silk Road Fibers Straw Silk would be great to use for the palm trees using long and short stitches.  Use a bright red and blue Neon Rays for the umbrella in the brick stitch.  An open darning stitch using 2 strands of Gloriana will make you feel like you are floating in the sail boat.  The canvas is on sale today for $114 originally priced at $162.   Give us a call and this canvas can be yours.

Tennis Anyone!  Is there a tennis player in your home?  For today’s Staff Pick we have we have these adorable tennis players.  You can finish these as ornaments or stand-ups.  Originally priced at $64 each and on sale today for $51 each.  Buy one or buy two.

New Melissa Prince Canvases

Slowly but surely new canvases are beginning to come into the shop.   We just received these Melissa Prince canvases.  They all offer a variety of vibrant colors and just looking at them you can imagine all the different stitches that can be used.  You can stitch them simple or you can add metallic threads, beads & ribbons.  If you would like us to kit it for you, we are offering 10% off of the threads.  There is nothing like getting a new canvas!  Give us a call if something catches your eye.

New Stitch Monday – Victorian Step

One thing that I find is I’m always looking for a background stitch.  I like it to be fairly easy with stress-free compensation.  I know that is not always the case.  There is always the debate if you should do the background first or after you stitch the piece.  I don’t really have the answer as I think that is a personal preference.  However generally speaking I do my background last.  For me seeing the stitch piece helps me determine what stitch I will use for the background.  The Victorian Step is a good background stitch.  Once you get the pattern going it will be easy to follow.  I like to begin by setting up in the largest area so that I can get the pattern flowing (shown blue on diagram). The yellow section shows the compensation stitches. As you can see from 2 of the pictures, I like to use an over-dyed thread when doing this stitch.  It gives it an impressive look.  Give it a try.

Happy Stitching – Stephanie

 Last Call for Raymond Crawford & CBK’s Virtual Trunk Shows

This is our final week hosting the Raymond Crawford & CBK Virtual Trunk Shows.  Start planning your stitching for the holidays next year.  So many great canvases to choose from.  20 % off of all trunk show canvases.  You can see Raymond’s complete line by going to http://www.raymondcrawford.com.   To see what Raymond has in stock please view our previous blogs.  CBK represents several different designers to view CBK’s full line go to  https://www.cbkneedlepoint.com.   Give us a call and let us know what we should order for you.