Episode 313 Christmas in July Begins! SD 480p

FO's: 13th Colony, Part 3 from By the Bay Needlearts
New Starts: Pere Noel - Hands on Designs
Shakespheare's Fairies by Mirabilia
WIPs: Neige et Montagne (Snow and Mountains) by Madame La Fee'
Santa's House by Cottage Garden Samplings
Seven Swans Swimming by Erica Michaels
Pere Noel by Hands on Designs
Hoop stand: Elbeesee on Etsy
Email: [e-mail]
Instagram: Halfstitch2017

[@kathyault7563]

Oh Dena, your finish is stunning! Can't wait to see what you picked out for the mat & frame! Congrats again! Enjoy your trip & Happy Stitching!!

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Thank you so much! I have the framed piece in my upcoming video. It is already back from the framers. Also, had a great trip. Will share some about that as well. Dena

[@susanleeks17]

Congratulations Dena!! What a feat to complete 13th colony!! It looks amazing! 🤩

[@dianebrinkmeyer4390]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful stitching.

[@rachelchapman5340]

Dena, your 13th colony is stunning. Congratulations! Your videos are my favorite and I appreciate spending time with you. Thank you for all you do for our community.

[@cathleensullivan7621]

Hi Dena, your 13th colony is Amazing!! Congratulations on your finish. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. Have fun at your retreats. Have a good week 😊🪡

[@kimdavison9223]

Congratulations on 13 colony ❤🎉❤. I'm excited to see it framed!❤

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Kim, you don't have to wait long. I have it back already! Dena

[@angiefittro8372]

Congratulations! 13th Colony looks wonderful! Looking forward to seeing it framed!

[@charlotteburkhardt4903]

As always love seeing your stitching! 13th Colony is awesome! Congratulations 🎉. Have fun on retreat 1, looking forward to seeing you again in Huntsville. Safe travels.

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Charlotte we are here already visiting friends. Will see you at retreat. Dena

[@CrystalSypolt-pi2tb]

Holy cow, Dena! Congratulations on preserving and finishing Thirteen Colony. It is absolutely stunning. It is one of my very favorite pieces you have stitched. I cannot wait to see your masterpiece framed. If it is not too much trouble, would you please show us what it looks like when hanging over your fireplace. I wish I could stitch as fast as you do. I am retired but I have to take several medications that unfortunately make me sleepy when I am stitching. The last picture you posted of Cocoa is absolutely adorable. I love the expression on her little face. I hope you and all of your friends have wonderful retreats and can't wait to hear all about them. I pray for your safe travels. By the way, you look more fantastic in your health journey every time I see you. Take care and hope to see you soon with all of the stitching news.

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Crystal, thank you so much fir the kind words about 13th Colony. I have it back from the framers! It is gorgeous! When we get home I will have it hung and share it!

[@ginmol53]

When she comes up, please tell Donna I sent a big hello and hug to her !!!!!! 🙂

[@lindaskinner5887]

Amazing! Your 13th Colony is outstanding. Hope you had a wonderful time at your retreat. I’m so proud of Miss Cocoa, celebrating the 4th of July with everyone. It was so nice to your stitching. I’ve tried some cross stitch, I’m better at sewing. I think I will try a few smalls and Christmas ornaments. Happy stitching. ❤

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Best of luck on the smalls. That is a good way to see how you like stitching.

[@StitchinMommy]

Congratulations on your 13th Colony finish! It’s spectacular! Your Snow & Mountains is looking so fun now, too! Have a wonderful retreat!

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Sarah, finished my Snow and Mountains at retreat! Great time and good stitching. Dena

[@amandahaynie2619]

Wow! Congratulations on your beautiful finish! You need to show us when you hang it. Can’t wait to see it framed. I’m very happy for you ❤

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Ananda thanks so much for sharing my excitement over 13th Colony. Can’t wait to show it over the fireplace. Dena

[@jennharts1]

Congratulations on your huge finish!!! What an accomplishment, can't wait to see it framed and on your wall. Have a great time at your retreat, wish I was at your table!!

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Jenn thanks for the congrats!!! I have it back from the framers already. Can’t wait to share it with everyone! Dena

[@lindacraig5056]

Dena 13th Colony turned out fabulous. Hope you get it back soon so we can see it framed. You made wonderful progress on all of your projects. My Min Pin is scared of fire works. He is the one we rescued from an abusive home He still has night terrors and cries out at night. I pull him close to me and cuddle with him and he goes back to sleep. My little Yorkie could careless they don't scare him at all.LOL Im glad Cocoa enjoys them. I am glad they are done for Tuckers sake. Happy stitching

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Linda the 13th Colony is done and I have it back from the framers already! I will share it in my next video!

[@homesweethomehandmade]

Hello Dena congratulations 🎉🎉 on your 13th colony project, it’s absolutely stunning 😍 Your channel and stitching is so inspiring. Happy stitching best wishes Natalie x

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Natalie thank you for such lovely comments! Dena

[@lorettahenderson8979]

Dena...BTB 13 Colony is awesome...can't wait to see it framed...enjoyed all your other stitching...I have been going thru some magazines to select some old patterns to stitch for Christmas...wishing you safe travels and enjoy your retreats❤❤

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Loretta so excited that you are stitching Christmas in July. Dena

[@leemazza6208]

Oh Dena, your By the Bay is absolutely gorgeous. Congratulations! This July I am stitching on a few things, Durene Jones Christmas friends and Linda Kotila’s Smokey Mountain Christmas. Oh boy that sky is immense, wish me luck. Again congratulations.

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Lee, thanks for the congrats! Love your Christmas stitching line up. Dena

[@ginmol53]

OMG!!!! 13th colony turned out magnificantly!!!!!! Anxious now to see how you decided to ffo it!!! 🙂

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Gin I had it framed. Mindy at Hobby Lobby did a fantastic job!!! Dena

[@janniestanley]

Oh congrats on that huge finish! It is beautiful! Thx for tips and tricks! All your projects are lovely. Enjoy the retreat and safe travels.

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Thanks Jannie for the well wishes for safe travels. I also appreciate the wonderful congrats for the huge finish! Dena

[@jeannieleitner3582]

Dena, 13th Colonyis beautiful! I was so excited to see you finished it and now looking forward to the FFO. Have fun at your retreats and safe travels 😊

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Jeannie thanks so much. I have 13th Colony back from the framers already! Can’t wait to share it! Dena

[@barbarawallin6162]

Your 13th colony is stunning! Even though I am 72, I want to be just like you when I grow up!

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Barbara, I am catching up with you! I am so delighted you like my 13th Colony. Dena

[@empm1330]

Hi Dena I absolutely love your finish on your 13th Colony by the bay and it is stunning. Can't wait to see what you picked out for the matting and framing. I hope you have a safe trip on your retreat and have fun. I have been working on my Christmas in July and will probably send you pictures at the end of the month to show you what I stitched on and my progress. Love seeing your hubby with Cocoa. In the meantime Happy Stitching and be safe and kind. God bless Pat

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Pat can’t wait to see what all you stitch in July. Thank you fir the kind words for my By the Bay piece. Dena

[@emjaymckarney7972]

Congratulations on your beautiful finish of 13th Colony! Can't wait to see it framed.

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Stay tuned! I have it back from the framers now. Will share on my next video. Dena

[@devrakline4967]

By The Bay is gorgeous! Congratulations!

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Thanks Devra for the congrats! I can't wait to share the framed piece in my next video. Dena

[@ginmol53]

So happy for you that you have the opportunity to attend retreats!!!! ai live vicariously thru everyone that gors to one. I thank you all for sharing!!!!! :-)

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Gin you could pretend you are at a retreat and view your favorite floss tubers as you stitch with them! A virtual retreat might be an option for you such as the Jingle Ball. Dena

[@ginmol53]

Snowy mountain is really looking so fabulous!!!!! alooks like you could have tht finished in the near future!!!!!! 🙂

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

I actually brought it with me to work on at retreat if I can. Dena

[@iriscope6798]

13th Colony is absolutely beautiful. Can't wait to see it framed. In stitching Christmas in July I have stitched 6 days on my July ornament and finished it. This week I am stitching on PS 1994 Santa for 5 days.

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Iris congrats on your ornament finish! I just finished my July ornament on Sunday. Happy Stitching! Dena

[@ninahobbysite]

By the bay is super beautiful. Love it. Happy stitching

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Nina, got it back from the framers already! She really put the work into that one and moved it quickly! Dena

[@leswilliams4022]

Beautiful finish! Congratulations! You are an amazing inspiration.

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Les thanks so much for the kind words! Dena

[@Toni-Curatolo]

Hi Dena I'm Toni (Antoinetta) from the UK 🇬🇧 I just found you and really wanted to say how beautiful all your pieces are.i was blown away! Anyway I'm watching your videos from the start so It takes me a while to catch up..😂lol I'm new to cross stitch and I only started using 16 count Aida so far and love it.....❤ Sending you big Toni hugs from the UK 🇬🇧 ❤️

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Toni welcome to my channel and to cross stitching! You will have years of pleasure and enjoyment! Dena

[@sharonwilliamson2279]

Congratulations on the finish so stunning. I can see snow and mountains becoming another focal point soon😊 you have made great progress on that too recently. I am stitching a Christmas in July project that I wish finished this year. Xxx

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Sharon, you are very asute. I finished Snow and Mountains at retreat this past weekend. Will share it in my next video. Dena

[@judystone3645]

Beautiful 13th Colony! I have loved watching 👀 your progress on it. Pere Noel is so cute. I started 8 new Christmas projects the 1st eight days of July for Christmas in July. I am hoping to work on them all month and have some ornaments finished. Have a great trip. ❤

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Judy that is a great plan! I started four new Christmas projects and have finished two so far. Best of luck with the ornament stitching. Dena

[@cheryl9353]

Congratulations on your huge finish! It will be a terrific over the fireplace piece! Have fun at retreat. Teresa Kogut will be there as an attendee.

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

I met and chatted with Teresa. She is so friendly! Dena

[@teresaatkinson5610]

That's gorgeous. I love the willow tree.

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Teresa I think it is one of my favorite parts! Dena

[@PeeDeeStitcher]

Dena - 13th Colony turned out so beautiful! I can't wait to see the frame you choose for it. Happy stitching! - TaMara

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

TaMara, be watching for the next video. I got the framed 13th Colony back already and it is so beautiful to me. Dena

[@ginmol53]

I'm so appreciative that you share your stitching journies with us!!!!! It makes me happy to see your acomplished treasures,!!!!!! Congrats!!!!! 🙂

[@kathyn4267]

Coco is so cute! We had a weeping willow tree when I was growing up. It was so fun to play under it. Have fun on your retreat. It's Tues. Safe travels.

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Kathyn, I recently heard at retreat that in samplers a weeping willow represents grief. However for me it represents my mom which is a very positive thing for me so I love that there is a weeping willow in 13th Colony. I hope it is a positive memory for you also. Dena

[@kathyn4267]

@@halfstitchcrossstitch2456 yes it's a positive memory

[@themartianstitcher7483]

By The Bay finish is incredible!!! ♥ I was gifted the three pieces and three pieces of fabric by a stitcher that started the first piece and no longer wanted to stitch it. Mine will therefore be in 3 pieces to frame but still beautiful. You have inspired me to get busy! Enjoyed visiting with you today. ( It's very hot and humid here in NS lately) Marion

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Marion it is a fun stitch, lots of blocks of color. You will fly through it. Dena

[@Elaine_Jim_McGuire]

Congrats on 13th Colony Wowza!!!!!

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Elaine thanks so much!!!

[@CynPope1]

Good to see you as always. You had a really good finish..it wil look great all framed and hung in the place of honor. For Christmas in July I did Deck the Halls by the Draw Thread. Came out really cute. Enjoy your travels coming up. Cindy

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Cindy we are visiting friends here in Huntsville before our retreat. Today the hubby is going on a bike ride with his friend. Enjoy your stitching!

[@user-ns9cc8we8b]

I really appreciate you you are fantastic thanks for sharing thank you so much

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

So happy you enjoyed the video. Dena

[@kathyn4267]

I forgot your by the bay is gorgeous!

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Oh, thank you!

[@domiesheart9366]

Oh my can't wait to see it framed. Your amazing.

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Thank you so much. I have it back from the framers and it is so lovely!!!

[@carlenehall2979]

Wonderful finish Dena!

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Thanks Carlene!

[@dianeruno4942]

Dena- your 13th Colony is a wonder! Isn't it a wonderful feeling of accomplishment to be done? I'm doing Christmas in July- working on WIPS- polar plunge ornaments, a Christmas strawberry, Christmas Garden by Blackbird designs and a Prairie Schooler Santa piece-phew- wish me luck! need to get that WIP count down! Happy Stitching to you!

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Diane it is a wonderful feeling to get By the Bay completed! Just in time for all Christmas in July. Your line up sounds fantastic! Good luck with all your projects! Dena

[@pattihenshaw5664]

13th colony is absolutely stunning!! I can’t wait to see it framed and please show us it hanging over your mantle. I remember you saying that’s where you wanted to hang it. You do such a beautiful work. I really enjoy your floss tube immensely.!! and I love to see what Coco is up to as well.

[@stychaddict4499]

Congratulations on your most marvelous finish of 13th Colony Bay. Cannot wait to see the frame! I do have that piece, and would like to stitch it one day. I also like to stitch on a frame. I have a few different varieties - even the cheap ones that don't roll extremely tight I don't mind!

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Stychaddic, even brought a lap stand to retreat. Floor stands not allowed so Lap stand will have to do. Dena

[@linwheeler4295]

CONGRATULATIONS Dena. Your 13th Colony is a masterpiece. Thank you for your diligence in showing us your work. You are inspirational women. Enjoy your retreats. X

[@debramckenzie266]

Enjoy your retreats! Love 13th colony

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Debra thanks so much for the well wishes for retreats. My first one was fabulous!!! My second one starts Thursday morning! Dena

[@susanradford9503]

Oh Dena, By the Bay is stunning. I can’t wait to see it framed. Thank you for sharing all your beautiful stitching. Take care and happy stitching.

[@gaywells7340]

You look great in those red tops! And your haircut is perfect for you. I loved the little glimpse into the tools you prefer. I have just one roller frame that gets plenty of use. I never thought to get another one! Enjoy your retreat. Sending a 👋🏻 from Hershey, Pennsylvania.

[@cindygaudet1390]

Oooh love love it, so beautiful! Fantastic! Still stitching totem but almost finished a page and then just 2 full pages to do. End is coming! Everything is great! Allie barks but isn’t afraid but shakes if Murray sneezes or I hiccup. Lol we saw some fireworks for Canada day but only the high ones. Enjoy your trips! Have fun!

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

@@cindygaudet1390cindy so happy to hear of your continued progress on your Totem. Way to go!

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Thanks so much fir the lovely compliments about my hair cut and my red! Got to wear red for Christmas in July stitching!

[@angelawest5125]

Congratulations on your big finish on 13th Colony! I recently framed a wide piece and ran into the 40" limitation but thankfully it could fit in under the limit, but it indirectly set the margins and mat width as a result...

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

I totally understand. If you ever have to order the oversized mats they come in white, off white, grey and black at Hobby Lobby and no other "colors". Dena

[@dianeperkins7229]

Beautiful finish on 13th colony! I love the willow tree. Can’t wait to see it framed.

[@DeboraCarrollStitcher]

You really look so good! Congrats! ❤

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Thank you Debra. I have been working on it!

[@neilstephen6761]

Hello Dena congratulations on your fabulous finish it’s a work of art. Cannot wait to see it framed. Hope you enjoyed your trip. Happy stitching

[@candrasowder8236]

With the stretcher bars and tacks, use artist tape on the area where the tacks go, and stretch to drum tight. That's how needlepointers get theirs tight to stitch and prevent warping. 13th Colony is amazing!!!!

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Thank you Candra! I learned something totally new from you today. Dena

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Candra, I am contacting you because the recipient who was called to receive Donna's wedding sampler WIP for adoption has not contacted me. I've tried several times, so I redrew the name. You are the lucky one this time. Please email me at [e-mail] with your mailing address so I can put this in the mail to you my friend! Dena

[@candrasowder8236]

@@halfstitchcrossstitch2456 how exciting!!!

[@ginmol53]

I think it's awesome that Cocoa likes and watches the fireworks!!!!!!! Most dogs have to be medicated while they're going off!!!!! Kudos to Cocoa!!! 🙂

[@cynthiamyers5453]

Your 13th Colony is stunning! What a great accomplishment! Can't wait to see it framed.

[@michelleboggs8336]

I can’t wait to see your 13th colony in a frame, it’s absolutely beautiful.

[@MelissaStitches]

Your 13th Colony is my favorite of all your stitching. Can't wait to see it framed. Hope you have a wonderful time at your retreats.

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

The first retreat was fabulous and now I am about to go to the second one! Visiting with friends first.

[@nerdystitcher]

Awesome!

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Thank you very much!

[@theresalaboda3569]

Your 13th colony is gorgeous. I can’t wait to see progress on your Christmas in July.

[@brandybuske9000]

Just Wow!! Congratulations on completing such a beautiful masterpiece! I am looking forward to seeing the 13th colony framed. I really enjoy seeing your stitchy progress each week. You are very inspiring!

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

You are so kind! I have it back already and I love it. Will share it framed on my next video.

[@RosalieChambers-xi4hx]

That is amazing

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Thank you very much! Dena

[@cherylbond2641]

Hi Dena, 13th Colony is beautiful! Stitching along with you for Christmas in July, new start today- Santa Stops Here by Brenda Gervais. Have fun at the retreat, safe travels!

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Cheryl thanks for joining me with stitching Christmas in July. Yay a new start!!! Dena

[@CharleneTaylor-kz8lz]

Hi heard from you for a long time

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Thanks for watching.

[@cindyf62]

Bravo on 13th Colony! Can’t wait to see it framed. I just purchased my first scroll rod. I wanted to ask you, is a 30” managable? I have a project that is 26”wide (One Nation). Thank you!

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Cindy my longest is 36 inches. If you have a floor stand to hold it I find it works great. I just move my chair down as I move across the piece. Lol.

[@cindyf62]

@@halfstitchcrossstitch2456 Thank you, that makes sense. A friend at my stitch group also suggested turning the fabric on the length side which is shorter. I have a lowery stand, I’ll try it.

[@inesmatthews5761]

❤❤❤

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Ines thanks for stopping by again. Happy stitching.

[@mccannlinda33]

Hi Dena, Love your finish beautiful ! I would love to see you demonstrate your lap stand to see if it would work for me. If you have it in another video could you give me the number? I too love 2 handed stitching but I can’t find anything in Canada . Hope you enjoy your retreat!

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Linda I will certainly try to capture my lap stand for you. I brought it with me on this trip and my most recent retreat just prior to this one as well.

[@mccannlinda33]

@@halfstitchcrossstitch2456 Thanks so much Dena

[@jansfrontporch5512]

I have a question. A couple of years ago, you stitched a beautiful JBW design. I know it's no longer published, but I'm hoping I can eventually find a copy. Can you remember or guess at the name of the chart? You are the only one I've ever seen stitch it. The 13th Colony is a true masterpiece. Great job! I'm not stitching exclusively Christmas in July, but I am working on Christmas at Hollyberry Farm. I've been working on it for a couple of years, and have likely stitched it twice, but keep having to frog mistakes.

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Jan I have stitched a few JBW designs so I don’t know which one you are referencing. Can you describe something about it?

[@jansfrontporch5512]

@@halfstitchcrossstitch2456 I think you stitched it in the house you moved from. It was an alphabet in lovely script, with pastel colors. I want to say there was a doll or an angel on it. I wrote the name of the pattern down at the time and who knows where that scrap of paper is now. I apologize for asking.

[@rachelchapman5340]

Dena, your 13th colony is stunning. Congratulations! Your videos are my favorite and I appreciate spending time with you. Thank you for all you do for our community.

[@yasmincroxford5441]

Well done on your big finish. I am not stitching christmas in July but I am stitching a christmas present in July 😂

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

I have also stitched on a Christmas present! It was so good to get one gift finished this early! Happy gift stitching. Dena