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.

Some great finishing has arrived!

Stitched by Carolyn B.

Stitched by Joan

Stitched by Marilyn

Stitched by Carolyn D.

Stitched by Stephanie

Stitched by  Concetta

Stitched by Lonnie

Stitched by Jennifer

Stitched by Linda S.

Stitched by Fran

Stitched by Tracey

Stitched by Sally

Stitched by Jane M.

Stitched by Mollie

Stitched by Stephanie

We have a few of these Raymond Crawford Hanukkah Exclusives still in stock.  Give us a call for more information.

Flash Sale – Fruit & Vegetable Turkey

During Thanksgiving we always see foodies design turkeys out of fruits & veggies.  Well how about stitching one?   This canvas would be such fun to stitch.  Consider beading the corn with multi colored yellow & gold beads.  The woven stitch or the Padded Brick with an over-dyed thread or Silk Road Fibers Straw Silk would be great for the basket.  There are lots of possibilities for different stitches for this turkey.  Make it into a strand-up for your holiday table and enjoy it for years to come.  The canvas was originally priced at $210 and is on sale today for $147.

Staff Pick Wednesday – Sandra Gilmore

Sandra Gilmore is one of our favorite designers and today we have this delightful Easter canvas with hydrangeas, chicks & eggs.  This would make a great pillow or stand-up that can decorate your house in the spring for years to come.  Here are some stitching ideas, use an over-dyed thread or Silk Road Fibers – Straw Silk for the basket.  If you like ribbons you can do French Knots for the hydrangeas.  Use Neon Rays and Neon Rays Plus to give the eggs a nice shiny glow.  For the chicks use Fuzzy Stuff in long and shorts stitches.  This is such a fun piece.  The canvas was $140 and is on sale today for $112.  If you would like us to kit this for you, we will give you 10% off of the threads.  Get your finished stitching to us by 12/22/20 to ensure that you have them back in time for Easter.

New Stitch Monday – Gobelin Stitch and Its Many Variations

While this is not really new the Gobelin stitch and its many variations is good to have in your repertoire of stitches.  It’s the perfect stitch when you are looking for something to fill in a space or use as an easy background that isn’t complicated and easy to compensate.  Many times, books will call it Encroaching Slanted Gobelin but I call it Interlocking Gobelin.  Either version of the Horizontal Interlocking Gobelin can easily be used for borders.

By combining Interlocking Gobelin with a Tent stitch you can create a brocade stripe.  This would be the perfect  if you are looking for a stitch that would look like wall paper.  Give them a try.

Happy Stitching – Stephanie

Raymond Crawford & CBK  Virtual Trunk Shows

Looking for something new to stitch now or later in the year.  We are still hosting the Raymond Crawford & CBK Virtual Trunk shows.   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.

So many canvases to choose from.  Which one should we order for you?

Due to Covid 19 if you find something that you like on their websites, we can order it for you.  There will be an 8 to 12 week wait time for canvases ordered. We are offering 20% off of all trunk show canvases.  Take a peek as we are sure there is something there for you.

Saturday Store Hours  – 8/15/20

Please note that we will be open today from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm for drop-offs, pick-ups, canvas & thread selections.

We will not be taking appointments.  Sorry for the inconvenience.

We are still hosting the Raymond Crawford Virtual Trunk Show. Please visit his website to view his full line or view previous blogs to see which canvases he has in stock and ready to ship.  His website is http://www.raymondcrawford.com.

Flash Sale – Kirk & Bradley Brick Canvas

Today we have this delightful Kirk & Bradley brick cover canvas on sale.  Some stitches that can be used for the front of the house would be the Cashmere Stitch or any variation of this stitch using an over-dyed thread.  Use the leaf stitch for the bushes and French Knots for the topiaries. The Double Hungarian would be good for the sky.  The book “Stitch Ins & Outs for Interiors & Exteriors Plus” would be a wonderful book to have when picking out stitches for this canvas.  The price of the canvas was originally $226 and is on sale today for $158.  Give us a call and this beauty can be yours.

Saturday Store Hours (8/15/20)

Please note that this Saturday, August 15, we will be open from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm for drop-offs, pick-ups, canvas & thread selections.  We will not be taking appointments.  Sorry for the inconvenience.

Canvases by Raymond Crawford & part of the trunk show.