Flosstube 1: My Lifelong Temperature SAL and More! (A WIP Parade)

[@craftyyams4960]

Love your first flosstube!! You’ve got a lot of really nice pieces. A finish parade would be awesome 😊

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thank you! My finish parade is up (flosstube 3), so enjoy!

[@craftyyams4960]

@@STEMxSTITCH oh awesome! I’m about a month behind clearly 😂

[@xstitchinglibrarian]

Hello Nicole! Welcome to flosstube. I love your projects and look forward to following your channel.

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thank you! 😊

[@sunrise49738]

Elegant Lace is drop-dead gorgeous! Wow, have to give you a huge amount of credit for even trying 56 count. Great idea to do a temperature SAL for your life. You did a great job on your first floss tube and welcome to this wonderful community. Happy stitching.

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Isn't it?! And thank you so much! It has been a very warm welcome so far!

[@naturegirl7420]

Love your temperature chart…great idea

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thank you ❤️

[@kcfield601]

Love the lace looking cross stitch. Looks amazing, well done. I knitted lace until shoulder surgery a couple of years ago. Can't knit anymore. Hopefully I can get back to it. I actually have an almost finish on some needles, lol. That is when I picked up diamond painting a couple worker introduced me to, love it. After doing that for solid year, I needed a break and re picked up counted cross stitch. Now I am doing stamped cross stitch and in kits. Lol Those 2 things I always avoided. My wife and I still have pieces I stitched framed in our home. Currently working on 11 count Maydear Sunflower Basket. Wife loves seeing the progress. Thanks for showing your wips.

[@STEMxSTITCH]

I hope you are able to get back to knitting! Not being able to do a hobby I loved would be a huge adjustment for me. I’ve always been interested in diamond painting, but mostly for the process as I don’t love the final form as much as stitching. Anyway, I’m glad you enjoyed the video!!

[@monicalittle2856]

Wow!!! I'm a U Dub'r too and my best friend of 25 years graduated from Cal Poly in SLO!! Glad to of found you!!!

[@STEMxSTITCH]

How coincidental! Although I always noticed there is a strong group of people who go to CP from Seattle or move to Seattle after CP!

[@shani_stitches]

I am totally using your temperature stitch idea, but I have a lot more years to account for. I saw this in your 2023 finishes and I had to come here to find out the details. I’m really enjoying your videos!

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Please do! I would love to see others do this 😊 happy to share any details or answer any questions!

[@FrostyXStitch]

Welcome to active Flosstube 🧵

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thanks!

[@SarahsStitchySpot]

What a joy you are, Nicole. Great first FlossTube. Leah Noel from Rhubard Patch studio sent me your way. Beautiful stitching. The temperature chart is brilliant. Looking forward to more videos.

[@STEMxSTITCH]

You are too kind! Thank you so much ❤️

[@AnastasiaMeng]

The temperature chart idea is so awesome 😮❤ never seen someone doing their whole life temperatures. Best part is that all days before your birth are grey! It just hit me on so many levels. And the colors form this amaze pattern of life. Just wow

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thank you!!! I was seeing so many temperature SALs for a year, but that felt very incomplete/random to me. I wanted it to feel like a more complete representation. After charting my whole life, I can see why it’s uncommon to do a temperature SAL like this (it was so time consuming), but it’s been so worth it seeing it stitch up!

[@emijb38]

This is the reason I didn’t want to do a temp-chart! Why would I want one from a random year (which it would feel like in the future). I’m however really excited about a life chart! I’m almost 44.. 😂 It’s going to take me a while!

[@STEMxSTITCH]

But it will be so incredible in the end! I would love to see others do their lives!

[@noelwilcox9989]

Welcome, I’d love to see a finish parade. I really love your lace project using the flosh by DMC, I’m going to have to look that up and buy some. For your beautiful HAED, I’d suggest getting felt and putting it in between your cross-stitch and the qsnap bar. That helps to not squish your stitches. Excited about new content, and thanks for sharing.

[@STEMxSTITCH]

My finish parade is up! Check out flosstube 3 :) floche is awesome, only downside is that it comes in a hank, so you get a very large quantity and it’s a bit more pricey.

[@noelwilcox9989]

@@STEMxSTITCH Good to know that you have more out. I can’t wait to watch. If it’s in a hank, does that mean you get more for your buck?

[@STEMxSTITCH]

I haven’t crunched the numbers in terms of cost per meter 🤔 so maybe? But it becomes more of an investment if you need more than one color!

[@debrajohnson6774]

Great video! Thanks for sharing. I too have been using floche, and I really like it. I’ve only used the white- I wish they offered a full range of colors. Can’t comment on the q snap. I mostly stitch in hand. Thanks again

[@5lovestarr]

I've been wanting to do a temperature tracking project for so long! At first I wanted to do a crochet temperature blanket, but I couldn't decide on a style to do it in with how big it would end up being. I found out about temperature cross stitch projects and figured I could handle another stitching project but couldn't settle on when to start it so I figured I'd do one about the temperatures while I finished my degree. Your project has now inspired me to make a temperature cross stitch that catalogues my entire college timeline (my associate's degrees, bachelor's, and eventually masters and PhD further down the line). Thank you for sharing!

[@STEMxSTITCH]

This is so exciting, I love that! I think choosing really important years or cataloguing a specific season of your life is such a neat way to do this (and maybe slightly more approachable than doing your entire life lol).

[@5lovestarr]

@@STEMxSTITCH thank you! Yours is turning out amazing and hopefully mine will look just as interesting once it’s finished!

[@twotallstitchers]

Great intro video and love your lifetime temperature chart! I haven’t done a HAED but when I have a piece bigger than the q-snaps, I put a piece of batting between the stitching and the snap and it seems to work ok.

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thank you! And thanks for the tip! I use felt for the same purpose but find it’s still not perfect and I’m on the picky side 🙃

[@BlancheMoon59]

Loved your temperature SAL idea and project so amazing might be tempted to do it, of course if you don’t mind 🙈

[@STEMxSTITCH]

You should totally do it! I would love to see other people’s versions!!

[@jeanieallard8494]

And we love the lighthouse you made and gave us for Christmas. This video is very interesting. Good job on your first video.

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thanks Gram! ❤️

[@kathymathews2804]

The lifetime temperature chart idea is BRILLIIANT!!!!!!!

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thank you so much!!!

[@outdoorsystitcher2573]

Great job, and welcome to flosstube. I would go crazy without patten keeper. For your full coverage to help prevent smashing stitches, you could use a piece of felt between the clamp and stitching. I did a large HAED without using the felt. I would sometimes use a q snap, sometimes a hoop, there would be indentations, but given time and also washing drying and ironing it when finished made those lines disappear. A little advice also, if doing page finishes on large projects, feather stitches into the next page. That was the only noticeable lines on my finished HAED when I did page finishes. I look forward to seeing more from you.

[@STEMxSTITCH]

I was going crazy 😂 glad to know that washing and ironing will fix any squished ones 😅

[@TheCraftyCataloger]

I just found you thanks to Leah Noel over at Rhubarb Patch Studio … great first video, I look forward to watching your next ones. I love your temperature piece based on your life. What a novel idea! I think it’s cool how the colors fell and it almost looks like a strand of DNA. ~Katrina

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thank you! It has been really cool to see the patterns in the colors come together, especially how there are obvious changes in the trends that give away that I moved.

[@christinerobertini4023]

Loved your video. I cannot wait to see your piece on the mustard yellow fabric completed

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thank you! And me either! Hoping it gets called on WIPGO soon 😁

[@naturegirl7420]

Beautiful pattern on yellow fabric …I’m a microbiologist and ICP..stitching is so relaxing after long days

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thank you! Love to hear that there are more stitching scientists out there!!

[@kimpembleton2683]

Welcome to Flosstube!! That temperature piece & concept is amazing! I can imagine other people will take up that idea too (I’m tempted, but I’m 60 now!) I am also doing Hidden Harbor, colour expansion! I use just an 8x8 qsnap for all my full coverage. Lots of people use a piece of felt under the clamps to protect the stitches. I just use doubled up paper towel & that works just fine. When they seem to be starting to wear I just use a new one. I’ve subscribed! ❤ Kim from Canada 🇨🇦

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thank you, I would love to see others try it as well! I could see how it would be a bit overwhelming to start from scratch to 60 versus 25 though. A few other people also mentioned this and it made me think that there are other life markers you could start from (other than birth) that could make it more approachable! For example since you were married, had kids, started a certain job, retired, moved to a forever home, etc etc. It could be a kind of milestone sampler for anything really! I do use the felt trick and it definitely helps a lot! I think I’m just a bit picky :)

[@kimpembleton2683]

@@STEMxSTITCH, great ideas for other life markers. I’m going to give it some thought & figure something out. But I do like huge projects, so maybe I’ll tackle from birth 60x365 stitches, lol that’s only 21,900 stitches! Small compared to my HAED’s! Your first video was just on my recommended from this morning so I am now watching your 2nd and then onto the 3rd… Love them!

[@STEMxSTITCH]

You could definitely do it! Honestly, I didn’t find the stitch number to be the real hurdle, it’s the data collection and making the pattern itself that felt the most tedious to me. Glad you are enjoying my videos so far! ❤️❤️

[@rhondaalbrecht]

I scrolled through the comments to see if anyone else had told her about using the felt or batting under the q-snap clamps to cushion her stitches from being crushed. I never thought about using a paper towel. Good suggestion!

[@SamanthaPajor]

I *love* the idea of a lifetime (so far) temperature project! That's so cool. 👏

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thanks 😊

[@marzipanstitcher8571]

Delightful. Wonderful idea about whole life temperature chart. Hidden harbour is gorgeous

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thank you❤️❤️

[@terrifallwell8484]

Im sure you will hear this multiple times but you can move your qsnap over over stitched project but place cut strips of felt under it to protect your stitches. Look forward to seeing your updates.

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thanks for the tip!

[@beckycraftygirl1559]

Just found the video & i love the idea of the semi-life long temperature SAL! I already want to make one. When my qsnap is going to have to be on top of stitches I get some sheets of "premium" felt (the 79 cent stuff @ hobby lobby) and cut it into strips about 1&1/2" by 1 inch longer than the clamp on the qsnap & put the strip over the stitches before clamping the piece in the qsnap. Between that and washing the piece when completed, I don't notice any squished stitches. It does make the clamps stretch a bit though so that's one con of doing that.

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thanks, you should totally make one, I would love to see it! And thanks for the tip, it works well for me too but I’m a tad picky about how the stitching looks before I wash it haha

[@beckycraftygirl1559]

@@STEMxSTITCH There's always something, I don't like the look of 2 strands of floss over 1 on 14 ct. aida, but I like it just fine over 2 on 28 ct. linen/evenweave. The stitches are exactly the same size/coverage but...just nope. If I stitch on 14 ct, I'm going to use 3 strands. 😂

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Love how relatable crafty pickiness is 😂

[@ShandaPanda77]

Wow! In all the floss tube I’ve binged, never saw that type of temperature chart done. I think you’re a trailblazer and others will embark on similar project! Hope to see more videos 😊

[@STEMxSTITCH]

I had never seen it either! Doing just one year like you usually see seemed too random and incomplete to me though. I would love to see other people do the same!!

[@sunshinexstitchjd]

I liked your first video and I think your temperature stitch is incredible! I don’t think I could stitch on fabric over 50 count! The smallest I’ve done is 28 Ct but I am wanting to try 36 and 40 count!

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thank you! I definitely think 36ct is my personal max for comfortable stitching without magnification.

[@MissusStitches]

Yes. With big projects, or almost all my projects, I snap the holders right over stitches. I don't find it squishes my stitches, or if it does it is not noticeable as a finished piece.

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thanks for your thoughts! Perhaps I’m just a bit too picky 😂

[@carolosborn4435]

Every enjoyable.

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thanks!

[@lynnbomar7801]

You're so smart ! Lol

[@suehayward-ault3587]

The elegant lace is stunning ❤

[@STEMxSTITCH]

It really is! Thank you!

[@judemack8604]

Love the way you mix science and stitching. The live long temperature chart is amaxing.

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thanks so much!

[@miloreavis1125]

Welcome to flosstube and welcome to the Pacific Northwest! Love the body temperature chart idea, very unique 👍

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thanks!

[@dandgvc8215]

I love your flosstube!!! The temperature chart is awesome. Your projects are beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thank you so much! ❤️❤️

[@teacherlovesbeauty]

Nice to meet you! Just found your channel!

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Welcome! Nice to meet you too!!

[@MJ-cj3hh]

Your FlossTube came up as a recommendation. Great job on your first episode! Loved seeing all your projects and hearing how you keep yourself organized. The temperature project is amazing! I’ll look forward to future episodes.

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thanks so much! I hope you enjoy my other updates as well :) I post each weekend

[@shaunpstitches]

Welcome to Flosstube!! Love your Temperature chart, that's an awesome idea. As far as Q-Snaps and large full coverage go, what I do, instead of using another piece of fabric, is use the border of the piece as my buffer fabric when I move the Q-Snap. So I basically fold it back over the Q-Snap, if you look at one of my videos you might be able to see what I mean because I am probably not describing it well. But I do ALOT of full coverage and I don't like to mess with small pieces of felt or something every time I move the Q-Snap or swap out a project.

[@STEMxSTITCH]

That makes sense and is a good idea! Thanks for the tip!!

[@catherinetitus1228]

Your work is beautiful! My sister, who lives in Ohio, who is a Stitcher just reached out to me to watch your Flosstube! I stitch in southern Cal. The lace project is unbelievable and I love your temperature SAL. I’m not sure if you watch Pam and Steph, just keep stitching. But I’ve noticed that Steph cushions her Q snap with squishy drawer liner. I’m thinking about picking some up and trying it myself. Keep up the good work you’re amazing. I look forward to your next flight to.

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thank you so much! I miss California. Ill have to check out Pam and Steph!

[@erin.stitches]

Great first video! Regarding Q snaps - I use fabric or felt as a buffer when covering already stitched areas. Put the extra fabric or felt over the fabric and then add the clamp. It doesn’t smush things down too much that way!

[@STEMxSTITCH]

This is a great tip! I use felt under the clamps already to protect unstitched areas of the fabric and it helps a lot! Maybe I’ll try clamping over stitches again and not keeping it on the Qsnap for so long 😅 though I really don’t like moving my Q snap around 😂

[@carmentaylor3706]

@@STEMxSTITCH I use a small amount of fleece on each side it totally protects your stitching and it make the q snap more tighter.

[@annasbooksandstitches]

I 100% agree with strand being the perfect coverage on 18ct!

[@STEMxSTITCH]

It took a lot of trial and error to find my favorite combo, but glad to know someone else agrees!!

[@kaylirodgers413]

Wow this temperature chart! So so impressive. Awesome video. 💚

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@KathysQuiltsandStitching]

56 count?!?! i didn't even know that existed! So sweet and tiny! The life time temperature chart is so cool!

[@STEMxSTITCH]

I didn’t know it existed either until I started watching @kayleecrossstitch ! It’s incredibly tiny!!

[@MoniMerel]

I liked your life time temperature chart. I did not see what you do with a leap year. Where do you put that extra day/cross stitch? You have given me an awesome idea and maybe I will stich it for myself.

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Great question! I originally planned to split the share for February 28th into two half stitches for leap years. However, I ended up just excluding the leap day in the end for the sake of simplicity and uniformity in the stitching.

[@emijb38]

Love your video! And with everyone welcoming you to Flosstube.. I’m guessing there are more channels for me to explore 😅. Well, you are the first I’m subscribing to. Going to watch your other videos now. Greetings from Sweden! 🇸🇪

[@STEMxSTITCH]

What an honor! There are so many incredible Flosstubers out there, I mention those that I watch all the time at the end of my second video if you are looking for a place to dive in. Enjoy!

[@threecatsstitching]

What a lovely video! I love your temperature chart idea! it seems like a lot of work as you said it was, and also probably very rewarding! It will be amazing when it's complete this year!

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thank you! I can’t wait until I can finish it!!

[@LindaStitches]

Hi ! Loved your video! I feel very uncomfortable clamping my Q Snap directly over stitching. I cut strips of thin cotton quilt batting ,ie Warm & Natural and place it over my stitching where I clamp it.

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thank you! I do that with felt!

[@andreadixon3208]

Your temp chart is very cool. So detailed. I did one for 2022. I did the bookshelf because I love to read. The yellow project is beautiful. I've never heard of the floss. Beautiful

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thank you so much! I saw so many gorgeous temperature bookshelves last year 😊

[@smokymountainstitchers1314]

Welcome to FlossTube! I love your life temperature chart; that's an awesome idea.

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thank you so much!!

[@TotalTryFails]

Great first video. Would love to hear more about your research. Personally, I would use a roller frame for larger pieces. Good luck with this new endeavour!

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thanks! Rolller frames are a great idea, I might have to save up for one! I’ll try to share a bit more about my work in the next video :) but the tldr is that I am creating hydrogel materials (think Jell-o) that respond to different cues (like light) and applying them to for things like therapeutic delivery. Hydrogels are excellent mimics of human tissue (soft, filled with water, etc) so they are a huge interest for more advanced therapies looking to regenerate tissues and organs.

[@kathycullenstern9652]

Lovely first floss tube. I love your temp project.

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thank you!

[@JanetDoucette]

I am from SLO!!! Always makes me happy to hear someone mention the area!!! I live in Oregon now, so I understand what you are going through concerning the climate change!!! Your Elegant Lace piece is gorgeous!!! The temperature chart is an awesome idea... I have thought about a temperature chart, but I haven't figured out how I would do it. Welcome to Flosstube!!!

[@STEMxSTITCH]

I miss SLO so much!! I hope to visit there soon and spend some much need time on the beaches. There are so many incredible temperature charts out there, so it’s surely hard to choose!

[@P-la_stitches]

Hi! Watched your first one and enjoyed it, looking forward to seeing more of your stitching!

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@janinerosenke5463]

Love your channel. Love your logic. Love your projects.

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thank you! That means a lot!

[@rebeccajourney3183]

The lace piece is lovely! Your temperature chart is so cool. I like that you included from conception. The colors are really pretty, but the grey I might have chosen a different color for: a warm instead of a cool 😎 color. Is there a reason you chose grey? Hidden Harbors colors are really nice!

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Technically from birth, not conception 😆 I wanted the grey part to be clearly different from the colorful part - not colorful. So either white, black, or grey. White would be hard to see on the fabric, black felt too harsh, and light grey looked nice to me!

[@nataledougherty9718]

Beautiful work! We share a love of cross stitch! It is so meditative for me as well!

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thanks Natale! I tend to fall deeply into creative hobbies that keep my mind busy and calm at the same time. In the past it has been hand lettering, bullet journaling, crocheting, and knitting. But I think that cross stitching will stick for quite a while.

[@Gargan26]

I think an under lit magnifying lens on a stand would help you with that tiny stitching project. There are so many available on amazon!

[@STEMxSTITCH]

That’s a great idea! Thanks!

[@Susan-zy2in]

That was a lovely introduction to you and your stitching. I loved the idea of the temperature stitch…mine would be almost 26,000 stitches, so perhaps I won’t go there…looking forward to your next Flosstube.

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thank you!! That big of a temperature SAL would be truly incredible! I’m trying to decide if I should start another piece for the next 25 years of my life, but I think I’ll make that decision somewhere further down the line 😅

[@Susan-zy2in]

@@STEMxSTITCH good call 😉

[@RhubarbPatchStudio]

Hello! Loved your first flosstube and happy to subscribe. Your temperature chart is amazing. Regarding your question about the q-snap, I will share the excellent advice I received from other experienced stitchers: You should always have some kind of fabric layered between your stitching and the clamp. I got some white felt from Michael’s and cut it into strips for that purpose. Your stitches might still get a little squished but it won’t be as bad. The other option is to find a scroll frame that is wide enough for your project. I think the inexpensive wooden ones at Michael’s work just fine, but there are other brands to choose from if you’re willing to spend more and wait for them. Can’t wait to see your previous finishes! Happy stitching! -Leah Noel

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thanks for the sweet note! That is great advice, I also use white felt I picked up from Michaels between my clamps. I think maybe I’m just really picky about not squishing my stitching at all 😅 I haven’t tried scroll frames yet though, that’s a great idea since I wouldn’t have to workout about clamping at all!! I just recorded a video with all my finishes, can’t wait to put it out this weekend!

[@kjmstitches]

Great first video! Love the temperature chart you made! Awesome idea and it is turning out great!

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thank you so much! I’m really itching to get it finished, but I’ll have to be patient 😊🙃

[@johnniesaxon]

Watched your flosstube and loved it 😊 How interesting is the Temp chart. I love the idea. Also bravo for keeping organised. I feel like I'm a mess when it comes to that.

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thank you so much!! I tend to be an aggressively organized person, so I couldn’t help but make a whole spreadsheet to track my stitching as well 😅

[@KEBStudioCreations]

Your temperature chart is so cool!

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thank you!

[@skyedawson6492]

Hi. So pleased to find you. Your projects are very different and wonderful to see. Also your Stitching is beautiful. I would love to know how your interest in chemistry started if you wouldn't mind sharing? Lots love

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thank you for your kind words! I got interested in chemistry in my high school AP chem class. It felt liked something just clicked for me then and the concepts just made sense and were intriguing to me. I am a very logical and methodical person and I think the sciences just really spoke to me because of that! I also had the most incredible science teachers, which didn’t hurt! Eventually I was a high school intern in a biochemistry department at a local university and I basically decided after that that research was what I wanted to do. Continued to pursue research in college, got more interested in the health applications of chemistry and biology, and got into my PhD program in Bioengineering!

[@skyedawson6492]

@@STEMxSTITCH wow incredible. Thanks for sharing, very interesting. I also love method logic and organisation. Look forward to more videos 💜

[@TekGeekHD]

What an absolutely delightful young woman. Hopefully you'll join us grandmas at the grandma activity emporium (GAE) sometime very soon. Good job, sweetie. Keep up the great work. - Gladys

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Waiting for the grandma activity Olympics so that I can compete 😉

[@nadinesmith-jensen7732]

What is the grandma activity forum?? Is it in Seattle?? I just moved to Bainbridge Island and I don’t have anyone to stitch with. I just moved From Atherton and I don’t know anything about this area.

[@STEMxSTITCH]

This comment was a joke from my boyfriend 😆 however there is a stitching group in Seattle called Seattle stitchers and you can find the group on Facebook!

[@stitchbrat]

What a great first video! Your temperature chart is both amazing and amazingly creative. It’s so pretty to look at, too! I’ll just say it - have you thought of just keeping it going, or starting the next 25 years of your life? How cool would that be to have two of them when you turn 50! I use a hoop and not Qsnaps but I always use the same size hoop and move it around. It does temporarily crush your stitches, but it’s not permanent. Also, you said you wash your pieces, which I do too, and that makes any crushed stitches spring right back to life.

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thank you! Yes, I have been thinking of doing another for the next 25 years. However I think it would drive me crazy to have a WIP for that long and only be able to make a tiny bit of progress on it at a time. So I’m planning to wait a couple decades and start it then if I’m still stitching! Good to know that they pop back up after washing, I wasn’t sure if they would!

[@carmentaylor3706]

Wow you are so amazing with you temperature chart idea and you’re a natural at making videos. I so enjoyed watching and I see you have floostube # 2 so I’m going to watch that now. I would also love to see your finished projects and do you use a hoop on the bus or just stitch in hand?

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thank you! I have a finish parade up now where I share everything I have ever stitched as well! I do both depending on the project and size of the cut if fabric but I much prefer stitching with a hoop. My hand gets quite sore trying to hold the fabric taught!

[@jeanieallard8494]

Gosh, it never occurred to me to plan projects, etc. which might be why I have several partly finished knitted items in bags that I haven’t worked on for ages!

[@STEMxSTITCH]

😆 I have to plan everything, even my hobbies!!

[@BuddySue68]

You have a lovely natural way on camera. For larger projects I use a scroll frame, check out Omanik, but then you might find yourself falling down the rabbit hole of floor stands for it too!

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thank you, I definitely felt a bit awkward in this first one but am getting more comfortable as I keep going! Scroll frames are getting tempting 🤔

[@rebeccajourney3183]

What does STEM represent? Love the yellow fabric. I'm not a counter of stitches but I imagine it is goal oriented. I count finished projects but since I gave most of mine away over 50 years of stitching, I really have no idea... I do like the idea of mixing the sizes of projects so you have finishes, but I've never attempted a HAED.

[@STEMxSTITCH]

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math! I don’t think I would be a stitch counter if it weren’t for pattern keeper making it so easy! Happy stitching!

[@rebeccajourney3183]

@@STEMxSTITCH Thank you so much! I bought pattern keeper and a tablet but haven't learned how to use. I have to hook it up first!!

[@julietmcdonald8116]

I love your temp chart. Please explain to me again how you charted the days, months throughout the year? How does 1 month get charted: 5 x 6? And the months that are 31 days and February, how do they get charted? TIA

[@STEMxSTITCH]

I charted left to right, top to bottom! 365 days = 73 columns and 5 rows. So column 1 on the left has January 1st at the top and January 5th at the bottom, column 2 then starts with January 6th. Months start and end right next to each other, even if that is in the middle of a column. I did ignore leap days in the relevant years however, for my own sanity. This method for charting makes the temperature changes throughout the year most noticeable with cold temperature on the left and right for the beginning and ends of the year and warmer ones in the middle. Hopefully that clears it up, but do let me know if I can clarify anything else!

[@julietmcdonald8116]

Thanks for following up so quickly. I appreciate that. Just bought your 1st pattern! So cute. Can't wait to start.

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thanks for your support!!

[@PalettePC]

I had trouble using Pattern Keeper on Bluestacks. I use NOX now, and I have not had any problems at all. I am not sure if they have an android version however; I use it on a PC.

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thanks for the info! I tried Nox, but I also had problems getting it to open on the new MacOS. I think these things are just better updated for Windows!

[@stitchann]

Perhaps you could use a magnifier for the tiny stitch so you eyes won't hurt. Enjoyed your first floss tube will be a subscriber.

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Yes, this is a great tip, I will look into getting one!

[@elizabethkrafnick5466]

I will be traveling by train soon and would love to know some of your tips for working while you are traveling on a train or a bus. Where do you keep the pattern or do you just have an idea of where you were going to work on a small section. That has always tripped me up. Any thoughts you could give me would be greatly appreciated

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Yes! I love working on projects when I’m traveling. I find the hardest part is getting used to compensating for whatever movement there is, which is most difficult on a bus on city roads, but I find still doable. Large fabric weaves are definitely easier to start with and I like to stick to smaller projects so they are easier to pack, get out, and work on without any frames and such. I typically have a project in a hoop in a small zipper pouch with all the flosses, scissors, etc that I keep in my backpack. For these projects, I usually have a picture of the pattern on my phone and I work off of that! Its especially nice if you have a simpler part of pattern with a large block of the same color. I usually will do the outer edge stitches and then put away my pattern while I fill in the middle!

[@elizabethkrafnick5466]

@@STEMxSTITCH thanks! That’s very helpful!!

[@kateys_crossstitch]

I'm using a qsnap for a full coverage and I put a bit of fabric between my Aida and the snaps to protect the stitches a bit. Are you going to miss working on your temperature chart when you complete it?

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thanks for the tip! I use some felt and it definitely helps! I’m looking forward to be done with it actually 😅 as much as I love the idea of it and how it looks, it’s not my favorite thing to stitch on 😬

[@beejayem42]

🐨👍

[@nehcila]

hey what’s up you guys it’s nicole!!!

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Thank goodness I didn’t start like that! 😅

[@jackiek9036]

Girl, don't do this to me! I can't be doing a lifelong temperature chart when 30 is around the corner. 😭 It's such an awesome idea! As for the squished stitches, i know some people put felt strips over their fabric where the clamps go to offer protection, so I don't know of that would help you more?

[@STEMxSTITCH]

Lol I’m sure you could!! That would only be a bit longer than mine! Or you can live vicariously 😊 I do use felt under the clamps, I think I’m just extra picky about how my stitches look after that!

[@juliastitches]

Bummer it doesn’t work anymore but absolutely genius idea to use an android emulator for pattern keeper!

[@STEMxSTITCH]

I ended up switching to a tablet and got it working for myself again! But this method still seems to work well for PCs or non-updated Macs

[@juliastitches]

Sweet, I’m definitely going to try it out!