FlossTub episode 20 - Hobby House Retreat, WIPS, haul and a bonus video! (September 15, 2023)

[@Springermom2]

Karen thank you so much for sharing your Hobby House experience & goodies, as well as your rocks! My gosh, I’d never heard of that type of rock. So interesting! I do hope to get to Hobby House one of these days. They sound like an amazing shop & terrific owners.

[@karencombsstudio]

So glad you enjoyed the video and thanks so much for your nice note! I appreciate it so much. 🙂

[@donnabennett5106]

Hobby house retreat sounded fun,lovely haul,great stones,Thankyou for sharing 👍🇳🇿❤️🪡

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Donna, so glad you enjoyed it and thank you so much for your nice note. 🙂

[@margaretelerick3017]

Just came across your flosstube, love it! I really enjoyed learning about the fossil rocks, fascinating! Your stitching is beautiful and the retreat seems like it was very enjoyable! Heading to Part 2 now! Happy Stitching🪡🧵

[@we.are.curiouscrafters]

Thank you for another fun episode Karen! Loved seeing your projects, learning about the retreat, and hearing all your stories. Happy crafting! -Carolyn

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Carolyn! 🙂 So glad you enjoyed the episode and thanks so much for your note 🙂🙂

[@jennyglover3267]

Love your videos! You are so informative about what you purchased and all you did! Made me feel as if I was there w/you! Thanks for all the time you spent for all of us!!

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks Jenny, so glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for your nice note! 🙂

[@carolswan8758]

My first time watching you, Karen, and I enjoyed every minute. I now will go back to previous episodes til you're on again.

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Carol, thanks so much for your note. I'm so glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for letting me know. it is very much appreciated. 🙂

[@evelynflavin5812]

Just found your flosstube and immediately subscribed. Can't wait to catch up on past videos. As one other stitcher commented, I also appreciated the linen comparisons. So helpful. My closest LNS is about 60 miles away. Thank you for the time you put into flosstube for all of us. Just wanted to tell your viewers that I discovered the chart holder about a year ago and have used it ALOT. It works great and has held up well. I was so happy to find an environmentally friendly chart stand instead of plastic. Highly recommend! Thank you again for a great video. Your stitching is beautiful!

[@karencombsstudio]

Evelyn, thanks so much your nice note and I'm so glad you enjoyed the video. :) I'm very happy the linen comparison has been helpful, I know it has helped me as well. Thank you for letting me know. I've been very impressed with the CocoKnits line of products. I just purchased the carrier and look forward to using it as well. I will show that in my next video. . . which I just finished taping. Thanks again for your comment!!

[@deniserowsegoddard5625]

So delighted to see you doing Laura Standish. These days floss tubers are only interested in doing simple cross stitch! Our guilds here in Spokane, Washington did many retreats with various teachers showing/teaching us samplers of historic colonial america. They were also so knowledgeable of historic needlework. I miss taking classes! You gave another lovely floss tube, looking forward to your next!

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Denise, thank you for your lovely comment, I am so glad you enjoyed the video. Loara Standish is a sampler I read about last year in an older (from the early 90’s) needlework magazine and have wanted to do it ever since I saw it. I was finally able to get the chart and instructions from the Pilgrim Hall, museum gift shop I just love it and it is such a beautiful sampler. The classes you took in the past sound absolutely wonderful! Thank you for sharing that. 🙂 As you will see in my most recent floss tube, I have started another historic sampler, and I’m loving it. 🙂 Thanks again for your note!

[@deniserowsegoddard5625]

One more comment, I miss not having a local shop anymore. Nothing beats seeing and touching threads and fabric. Your showing fabric comparisons is quite helpful!

[@karencombsstudio]

I agree, nothing beats seeing it in person. . . . however, a comparison does help. I’m happy to hear it was helpful. 🙂🙂

[@epworthglynn7544]

Great video. Thanks for showing the linens and your projects. Glad you made it home safely.

[@karencombsstudio]

So glad you enjoyed the video and thanks so much for your nice note. 🙂

[@patriciacaughey5122]

So glad you had a great time at the Hobby House Retreat. That must have been awful when you were notified your flight was cancelled but you made the best of it and drove home. Your wips and finishes are so pretty. Thank you.

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Patricia. 🙂 The retreat at Hobby House was excellent. I was disappointed about the flight cancellation, but traveling for work for years, I know it can happen. I was happy I could switch gears and drive home. Thanks for your nice note! 🙂

[@patriciacaughey5122]

@@karencombsstudio you are so welcome and thank you for your fun, informative videos

[@jodeeblue9663]

I love watching and learning from you

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Jodee! So glad you enjoyed the video and thanks so much for your note. 🙂

[@charj57]

6:54 love the band sampler. I wish the Un-stitcher had a different covering cap, as mine falls off easily. 😮Wow😮 cool stones!!!! Ours is the Geode I’m glad your drive home was safe. I really enjoyed this video. Thank you

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Char! So glad you enjoyed the video and thanks so much for your nice note! 🙂

[@stitchinglonestar6362]

I love the rock lesson ❤

[@karencombsstudio]

So glad you enjoyed it and thanks so much for your note! 🙂

[@diannefullam2393]

It was nice to meet you when you stopped at our table at the retreat. Everything was so amazing.

[@karencombsstudio]

Dianne, it was nice to meet you as well. The retreat was so much fun! I’m still thinking of all the fun we had. 🙂 Thanks for your nice comment. 🙂🙂

[@1856BrickHouse]

I am a new subscriber and I love your content, as I am a sampler stitcher too. Although I live in Indiana now, I am a Michigander forever and ever and loved seeing the Petosky stones. I will enjoy going back and watching your earlier videos.

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks so much and thank you for your nice note. 🙂

[@sharonannc.3079]

A Michigander 💯 Moved to Ohio to take on professional jobs at Cleveland Clinic. Heart Transplants 1981 I wonder how many Michiganders know the Five finger lakes song 🎵 Good to see you Karen..

[@karencombsstudio]

Nice to see you!

[@kathleenross4791]

So nice to relive the retreat through your eyes. I enjoyed the retreat too! You may have inspired me to pick up Loara Standish and get some stitches in. I'll have to review all the instructions again. She is my oldest wip from a class my sister and I took from Joanne Harvey many years ago!

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Kathleen, Thanks so much for your nice note. Wasn't the retreat lovely?!? I really enjoyed it. How fortunate to have taken a class from Joanne Harvey. Her instructions are wonderful! Thanks again for your note!

[@desireepheister2633]

Enjoyed seeing the linen comparisons! Thank you!

[@karencombsstudio]

So glad you enjoyed it and thanks so much for your note. 🙂

[@juliew3740]

Hi Karen. I am pretty sure that Pam from Just Keep Stitching has those 9 charts all stitched up together with a border that Vonda Phiffer (?) created. It looks great all in one piece.

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Julie, thanks so much! That may be where I saw it. I will have to look it up. I vaguely remember Vonna offering a chart for her border. . . . maybe on her blog???? Off to investigate. Thanks again!

[@barbarahouser]

Hey Karen, So glad to hear you had such a great time at the Hobby House Retreat. Sorry for your traveling woes, but it is like the saying goes; Life is what happens when you make plans! I hope you get to see Anabella's on your next trip....you might want to check online for my LNS, Cross Stitch & Crafts which is just over the NC/TN border in Johnson City, TN. Maybe you could visit there sometime...I would love a chance to meet you in person! Have a great week & see you next time; Happy Stitching!

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Barbara, so glad you enjoyed the video and thanks so much for your nice note. I enjoy going to Johnson City, it’s been a while since I’ve been there. I taught for regional quilt show in that area several times, and also for one of the shops years ago. Beautiful,, beautiful area! Thanks again! 🙂

[@lindaskinner5887]

Thank you for sharing.

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Linda. 🙂

[@PriviesandPrimsNeedlecrafts]

I'm hosting a camping and stitching retreat next weekend, at a campground 15 minutes from Annabella's. Stop by Pride RV Resort & Family Campground in Waynesville if you're there from the 25th-28th.

[@karencombsstudio]

Sounds like so much fun! Sadly, we won’t be over to the mountains until after the 28th. 😞 Thanks for thinking of me, sorry our dates won’t overlap. I know everyone will have a good time and you will get to visit the new shop!! 🙂

[@karencombsstudio]

Sounds like so much fun! Sadly, we won’t be over to the mountains until after the 28th. 😞 Thanks for thinking of me, sorry our dates won’t overlap. I know everyone will have a good time and you will get to visit the new shop!! 🙂

[@marydamico8552]

Enjoyed the video! I also knit and I'm on my second Weekender, The Cocoknits stand is wonderful for knitting and cross stitch. Thanks for sharing the information about the stones!

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Mary! So glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for your nice note. 🙂 I’m hoping the straight needles make all the difference when I cast on. 🧶 I’m hoping it will.

[@PamelaHall-v4q]

Well, wow! I'm in Petoskey! Love your videos.❤

[@karencombsstudio]

One of my favorite places! Love that area of Michigan. Many happy memories visiting Traverse City, Petoskey, Charlevoix, etc. 🙂 Thanks so much for your nice note!

[@justsewsherry7184]

I watched this latest video today after hearing Brenda and Laura of the Serial Starters talk about you. i enjoyed it very much and will be going back to catch your previous videos. It was also interesting as my husband, and I recently returned home from a trip around Michigan. My husband and I spent many hours on some of the beaches looking for petoskey rocks and we were not successful but enjoyed the hunt. Michigan beaches are beautiful.

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks so much for your nice note! I’m so glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for letting me know. 🙂 We have so many lovely memories of summers spent at Michigan beaches. Glad you got to visit. It’s a beautiful state. Thanks again. 🙂

[@Elaine-artistry]

The linen comparison is super ❤ thank you so much !

[@karencombsstudio]

Elaine, so glad it was helpful and thanks so much for your note! 🙂

[@Elaine-artistry]

@@karencombsstudio 🌹from 🇸🇬

[@richterstitcher7936]

How fun. Thought I’d also say I’m a Michigander also! Born and raised and married there but now we lived in TX since 1992!! Man do I miss the fall season and the colors thiugh! 👍😁🍁

[@quiltmania58]

The needle minder on your Laura Standish sampler! I think it would be called a gravestone angel. Where did you get that ? I love it and must have one. I love your flosstube; your stitching is beautiful!

[@karencombsstudio]

@@quiltmania58 Hi Tracey, thanks so much for your note. I’m so glad you enjoyed the episode. I got the gravestone Angel needle minder from Mad for Minders. I just love their needle minders. 🙂 Here’s a link to their shop on Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/MadForMinders Thanks again!

[@afreespirit1]

I want to go to Hobby House one day! I'm a huge rock hound - have been all my life. I watched a video about rock hunting along Lake Superior for Yooperlites. Have you ever seen those fluorescent stones?

[@karencombsstudio]

I haven’t ever seen one of the fluorescent stones, but I know what you’re talking about. They look amazing. Thanks so much for your nice comment! 🙂

[@lesliedelooze3681]

Your travels! Yikes! Glad you had a good time, though! Love Hobby House and look forward to one of their retreats.

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Leslie, the travel on this trip was a challenge, but it worked out, so it was all good. 🙂 The retreat was so much fun and I loved visiting Hobby House. Can’t wait to go back. 🙂 Thanks for your sweet note. 🙂

[@lesliereinhardt4908]

Karen, I so enjoy your videos!! I love the sharing about the rocks! Beatiful future projects. Sounds like a wonderful retreat!! Also thank you for the keyboard case for my light. I have been trying to find one for months. Your channel makes me feel like we old friends just visiting.

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Leslie, so glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for your nice note. The retreat really was wonderful. I was so thrilled when Mary Lou shared the keyboard case with all of us. I too, have been searching for a hard case for my light, and it was a perfect solution. So glad it was helpful. 🙂

[@donnapope179]

I use the Ed-Mar needles and love them,

[@karencombsstudio]

Donna, I’m looking forward to trying them. 🙂 Thanks so much for your note. 🙂

[@jennywright3223]

Thank you so much for comparing the linen colours! As someone who doesn’t get to brick and mortar shops it is very helpful.

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Jenny, so glad it was helpful. I also have to purchase most of my linen online and know it can be difficult. Very happy that the comparison was helpful. Thanks so much for your note. 🙂

[@beckyess7399]

I enjoyed the video very much, as I always do, because I always learn something. I’m so glad Georgia asked the question about the rocks! I’ve never heard of them. If I ever get to northern Michigan, I’ll know to take a hike along the lakeshore to look for them. Also, I always go shopping while I’m watching your videos (watch-pause-shop … watch-pause-shop … [repeat]). Sadly, the Loara Standish sampler is out of stock. I found one on ebay, but it was at a price point I could not justify. I hope the museum will offer it again one of these days. Yours is coming along beautifully!! Thanks for another lovely video! See you next time! ❤

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks so much! So glad you enjoyed the video. 🙂 I did see the museum was out of stock in the sampler. Hopefully it will be back on stock soon. 🙂 Thanks again for your note!

[@sharonbutvilas954]

I just love your videos which show me so many wonderful patterns, fabrics etc. save many to rewatch again. I especially loved this one with great keyboard case fior Daylight Halo Go light which I need to buy new one as old one cracked at base and no longer can stand up. What a great idea and thanks for sharing. Genius! Also loved all details about a Hobby House retreat but appears to be more for professionals v everyday cross stitchers just getting back into hobby. I would love to attend one day but feel too intimated at moment. Karen, Thanks for giving us suggestions and sharing your beautiful projects.

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Sharon, so glad you enjoyed the video. The keyboard case was such a great idea, we were so glad when Mary Lou (at our table) shared it with us. Please don’t be intimidated, we had all levels of stitchers at the retreat, and everyone was so friendly. Some people worked on a project they brought from home, others started one of the projects that was given to us. . . . and some people visited different tables, chatted, and didn’t stitch much at all. They just enjoyed being with other stitchers. There were several people I met that it was their first retreat, and they enjoyed it. Just some food for thought, I don’t want you to be intimidated by going to a retreat, they really are quite fun.

[@JillPoteat-fd5xi]

I enjoyed your video. The retreat sounded wonderful! I loved hearing about all the fun you had. The items you bought were so lovely. I'm interested in the charts you got. Is the Manor house sampler available for purchase? I loved it. The cloth you bought was very beautiful colors. I would love to go to a retreat. Can't wait until next time.

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Jill, thanks so much for your note, I’m so glad you enjoyed the video. 🙂 The Red Manor House chart is by The Scarlett House and was a project at the retreat. Not available to the general public right now. However, I’m guessing it will be available in about a year or so. Thanks again for your note. 🙂

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

You’re making me want to pull Loara out and start her. My ancestor was second in command to Miles Standish. I feel their daughters probably knew each other well, so I have a sentimental reason to stitch her. I’ve had it for awhile but have been a little intimidated. I’m encouraged to hear you feel the instructions are clear.

[@karencombsstudio]

My 10th generation grandparents (on my mother’s side) were John and Priscilla Alder. They had quite an interwoven history with Myles Standish. I’ve always wondered if this is why I’m so drawn to early American history and why the Standish sampler has been calling to me. 🤷‍♀️🙂 The instructions are very clear. I read the general instructions and did the basting along the side of my design area, to help set everything up. After that, I just pulled the sheets that only relates to band 1 and worked that. After Band one was finished, I put those sheets away and pulled the sheets just relating to Band two. I found that was very helpful and made everything much easier to understand. Thanks for your note! 🙂🙂

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

@@karencombsstudio Oh, yes. I recognize that name. I’ve always been interested I American history, even as a little girl. I’ve been doing genealogy for over thirty years now. I even recently discovered I have a Mayflower connection. I know that and my learning to stitch as a child is the link that draws me to the samplers. I can imagine what their lives were like. It must have been so terribly hard then! I have a small collection of charts that I have a place and time link to that I hope to live long enough to stitch in honor of my female ancestors.

[@karencombsstudio]

@@mountaincraftsstudio Love this! 🙂

[@melaniedavis2526]

I love the sound of crinkling!! 😂 Karen! Thank you so very much for showing us the comparison from one linen to another!! I LOVE THAT! ❤❤ IT'S JUST SO HELPFUL! 🎉 I've been to The Attic too & just love them all. Thank you for being so willing to answer any questions we may have!! You've made my entire day!! ❤ You're a fabulous person!! Thank you! I'm so thrilled you've decided to do your Flosstube videos!! I'm buying some of that linen. Joan at The Attic is so darn kind she'll do anything to help you! I just ordered The Scarlet House pattern! Eeekkkk! I'm beyond happy! What linen would you suggest? I'm learning so much from you! 💖💖.

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Melanie, so glad you enjoyed the video and thank you so much for your kind comment! Which chart did you get? Was it Bonnie’s Bittersweet? (Such a charming design!) I used 40ct Stone by Fiber on a Whim, I believe that is correct. It has a slight grayish/blue tone. However, I think you could use any neutral linen. Vintage Country Mocha might be an option. Can’t remember what the chart called for . . . but any neutral would look nice. In the next video, I will look up and mention what I used. 🙂 I agree; the Attic is wonderful! They have always been so helpful when I’ve emailed or called to order. Can’t wait to visit them again. Not sure when that will be, but I’m looking forward to it.

[@melaniedavis2526]

I bought the pattern The Schoolhouse just released. You talked about it. Can't remember the name of it right now! I've looked through my linen & I think a neutral color will be good. I haven't gotten the pattern yet. I'm excited to stitch it! Thank you!

[@kckoehler1766]

I was disappointed when you got to the end of this video 😊. I really enjoyed all you shared - including the stones. Glad you made it home safely - audio books are the best. 🤩

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi KC, when I saw you were disappointed, I was a little nervous, but then I read the rest of your comment. Good one. lol So glad you enjoyed the video, it left quite a mess when I was finished 😂

[@SharonCarbine]

Fabulous video, Karen. Thank you! Glad to learn about all the fun you have been having. :-D

[@lindaholland683]

Glad you enjoyed the retreat but flights these days are horrible not so easy for traveling compared to driving. Had my own experience with cancellations and flight changes including weather redirected landings. Beautiful haul and starts.

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Linda, so glad you enjoyed the video. You are so right, travel is much harder these days. Glad you made it home. 🙂

[@LauriWright-hk8rf]

Hi Karen, Stitches Unlimited (owned by Pat, who was at the Hobby House retreat) in Lancaster PA has the Early Americans all stitched on one piece of fabric. I’m not sure who stitched the model but maybe you saw it there?

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Lauri! I met Pat at the retreat, she was lovely. Hope to visit her shop someday. 🙂

[@georgiaobrien8393]

Such a fabulous flosstube Karen! Such great memories of the retreat…but sorry to hear of the travel snafu! However, you found a way to make the most of it! Can’t wait to see the next flosstube!

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Georgia! I enjoyed our time together at the retreat, it was wonderful!! The travel snafu was unfortunate, but worked out In the end. It was a nice drive, albeit long and I did enjoy it. Thanks for your note 🙂

[@JanetJabber]

Oh I am so happy to see your Hobby House haul and adventures. 🌻🌻🌻

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Janet, so glad you enjoyed the episode and thanks so much for your nice note. 🙂

[@richterstitcher7936]

First time listening thanks to Brenda and Laura! 💚👍😁 look forward to following! ❤

[@karencombsstudio]

Welcome! Thanks so much for your sweet note. 🙂

[@bjoyp7463]

So interesting about the stones! Good thing that the travel issues happened at the end of the trip instead of the beginning. I really enjoy everything about your videos. Thanks for making a mess just for us☺️

[@karencombsstudio]

So glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for your comment. 🙂 I agree, glad the travel issues were at the end. It worked out alright and it was a pretty drive home . . .albeit a long drive. It was an especially “messy” video today. 😂

[@lauriewalt31]

So much fun and information! Thank you for sharing😀

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Laurie, so glad you enjoyed the video and thanks so much for your note. 🙂

[@susandow9711]

Hi Karen...loved th video...what is the chart behind you of the raven on the pumpkin that says Oct 31...love it!

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Susan, so glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for your comment. 🙂 The chart behind me is called Oct 31 and is by Cottage Garden. It’s a lovely design and so pretty with the shading in the raven.

[@Meems55]

Hi Karen, love your channel. Thank you for sharing your beautiful work and pearls of wisdom with us. Check out the Tiny House Stitcher, #14. Angie is doing the small patriot series on one piece of fabric and shows her finished project. Looking forward to more of your videos!

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks so much, so glad you enjoy the videos. 🙂 I will have to check out Angie’s channel and video. Thanks for mentioning it. 🙂🙂

[@leslies6008]

Other than the travel home, it sounds like a fabulous retreat! Was the Manor sampler an exclusive for the retreat? Love the linen you purchased!

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Leslie, it really was a wonderful retreat. 🙂 The Red Manor sampler is exclusive to the retreat as far as I know. I’m guessing it will be released next year, but am not sure. Thanks so much for your nice note! 🙂

[@janepanovich9818]

What do you mean by stitching things in reverse?

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Jane, thanks so much for your note. This means the front stitching is the same as the back. Both sides look the same, it is reversible. 🙂 Thanks again! 🙂

[@terryblock8174]

Hey, Karen - I really enjoy your videos. Question for you: Where did you get that fabulous sewing feet cabinet? ( I apologize if someone has already asked. I didn’t have the patience to go through 97 comments. 😂)

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Terry, So glad you enjoyed the video. 🙂 I got the sewing feet cabinet on eBay. . If I can find the maker, I will add it to this reply. Found it (I hope) I believe this is the maker I purchased the cabinet from. (I did have to add the racks. Purchased extra ones from my Bernina dealer). www.ebay.com/itm/224806247860?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=pVkSYe3vTkW&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=u44nOkw7TNW&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[@terryblock8174]

@@karencombsstudio Thank you so much!

[@MaryKurka-ok5rd]

Hi! I’m interested in wrapping hoops, what do you use to wrap the hoop? I have a queen hoop that is missing some of the felt and I would like to try and wrap it. Thanks!

[@karencombsstudio]

I talked to Jean at The Attic Needleworks and she recommended twill tape. I purchased some from the shop, but I’m sure other needlework shops have it as well. Here is an in-depth look at wrapping hoops: www.needlenthread.com/2009/07/tutorial-binding-embroidery-hoop.html

[@MaryKurka-ok5rd]

Thank you for the info!

[@charj57]

What is the name of your opening music? Thanks

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Char, I believe the opening music is called Beat of Nature.