Even though I do a lot of stitching I always to go to my favorites and since I seemed to have shared most of my go to stitches, I thought I would venture out into my books and the internet and look for a new stitch to me and possibly to you.  I came across the Tweed stitch in my “Stitches to Go” book, a must have for all stitchers and then I went to the web and found a variation.

In the first diagram the base stitch of the Double Straight Cross is done over 6 threads with them touching both vertically and horizontally and the Cross stitch is in the center over 2 threads of the base stitch.  Once you complete that pattern you can then add the accent Cross stitches. As a general rule I don’t always like such open stitches because I feel it always looks like I forgot to stitch it.   I would try using this stitch in a large area or use as the background of my canvas.   I would play around with different threads such as an over-dyed with a coordinating color, metallic threads or ribbons to see what type of effect I could achieve.

In the Tweed Variation, shown below, the base of Double Straight Cross is stitched over 4 threads with the center Cross stitch over 2.  In this stitch the Double Straight Cross stitches don’t touch and the accent Cross stitches are placed in between 4 Double Straight Cross stitches.   I think this variation would be a great stitch for snow.  Give them a try.  I know I will.

Happy Stitching – Stephanie

Looking for a small project?  We just got 3 really adorable Two Sisters canvases in.  The 2 rounds will fit into the self-finishing boxes.  The blue/green plaid will make a beautiful frame.

We are continuing our celebration this week with 10% off all in stock books.  Here is a sample of our most popular books.  We do have other books in stock so come and take a peek. You can never have enough needlepoint books in your collection.

Sew Much Fun Virtual Trunk Show

Have you found your favorite Sew Much Fun canvas yet?  Well it’s not to late.  We are still hosting their virtual trunk show.

If you have an upcoming Bar or Bat Mitzvah, Sew Much Fun has a wide selection of Tallis bags.  Below is a taste.  You can see their whole line of Tallis bags by visiting their website.

While you are browsing take a peek at some of their floral canvases.  They also have 2 adorable Christmas canvases that would make great holiday stand-ups.

Remember there is a 20% discount on all trunk show canvases.  So why not go to their website at http://www.sewmuchfun.ca and see if you can’t find your perfect canvas.

Finishing Friday!

Stitched by Judy

Stitched by Adrienne P.

Stitched by Gerry

Stitched by Kappy

Stitched by Kappy

Stitched by Elizabeth

Stitched by Ellen

Stitched by Annamarie

Stitched by Carolyn

Stitched by Beth

Stitched by Susan

Stitched by Ellen

Key fobs anyone?  If you need a last-minute gift, we have these Voila Self-Finishing Key Fobs in stock and ready for pick-up or we can ship it to you.   We also just got in these eye glass cases.  It’s always good to have a small project or two to work on in between your larger ones.  Remember this week’s special is 10% off of threads.   Give us a call if something catches your eye!

One thing for sure is that Kirk & Bradley have the cutest holiday themed canvases.  For today’s Staff Pick we have this adorable dome shaped whale canvas that can be finished as an ornament or a standup.  Do the stars in a metallic thread or ribbon.  Consider doing turkey work for the rim & pom pom.    There are some great stitches that can be used for the water.  The canvas is on sale today for $80 originally priced at $100.  Give us a call and this cutie can be yours.

 Voila Canvases & Tote Bags

Who is ready to stitch one of these Voila canvases & have it added to one of their totes?  We just got these canvases and totes into the shop.  Don’t delay in picking out your favorite one.

Remember that this week’s shop special is 10% off of threads, so let us kit it for you. Give us a call today!

Here is a taste of some of their finished samples.

One of our favorite go to stitches for backgrounds is the Nobuko stitch.  While researching to see if there are other variations, because you know there is always a variation or two, I found a sample that used 2 different colors for the basic Nobuko stitch.   It looked good and I will try it on one of my many canvases.

The Double Nobuko is also good for backgrounds and I found a variation where a Cross stitch replaces the two single stitches.

I always find it is easier to try to find a space on the canvas where you can set up a full row of the stitch.  This helps with keeping the stitch straight and avoids mixing up the long and short stitches.

Here is a hint, have a doodle canvas handy when you are trying out new stitches before stitching them on your actual canvas.  This will give you an opportunity to see if you like it and prevent needing to rip it out when you don’t.   Give them a try!

Happy Stitching – Stephanie

Help us celebrate!  This week’s special is a 10% discount on all threads, ribbons & beads.  This would be a great time to kit some of your new canvases or add to your stash.

 Kate Dickerson Advent Calendar

Are looking to stitch a once in a lifetime heirloom that can be handed down from generation to generation?   Kate Dickerson has designed the most elegant Advent Calendar and we have the entire set in the shop.  The Christmas tree and ornaments are on 18 count canvas.

When this gorgeous canvas is finished magnets are place behind each day and behind each ornament to allow the smaller canvases to be held in place making them interactive and fun to have out during the holiday season.

In addition to designing the Advent Calendar Kate has also written a stitch guide to go with it.  If you are interesting in purchasing canvas and the guide or just the canvas please contact the shop either by phone or email.