Flosstube

[@carolechambaret7515]

Thank you so much. Enjoying, insparing since years It's always a pleasure . I like all what you realize. I like your wall changing behind you. Thank you and a great end of the year in serenity .

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Carole!

[@starblue4719]

I love seeing all your beautiful cross stitch projects that you share…some are so unique I’m going to write them down in my special cross stitch book so I can purchase them later. I love the kingdom of books, the Scottish door, the completed Jesus pattern and many more. You are an inspiration for me to get all my cross stitch projects finished. I have many awaiting 😊 I also appreciate all you share about Alaska because I live in Anchorage, Alaska. I have a few cross stitch charts by Meredith Mark. She has many Alaskan patterns which I think are out of print but are still available. Thank you for your wonderful floss tube. Love Anne from Alaska ❤️❤️❤️

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Anne! I love that you live in Alaska!!! It was soooooo beautiful to visit, I just loved it. I will have to look for more Meredith Mark patterns!

[@katherinem7835]

Brenda, your stitching is always so beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Katherine!

[@BusyMagnaBee]

Love the new haircut. Thank you for your inspiration to stay focused, get busy and make progress.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You! Thank YOU for reminding me to stay focused and get busy today :)

[@karinmonnich3310]

Love your finishes and your progress on your wips. Your hair looks amazing. Happy stitching!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Karin!

[@juliemcolgan1446]

Been meaning to say I love the lost no more piece. In that frame it looks like it belongs in a church! And that it has been hanging in a church for 100 years! It is fantastic!!!!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Julie! I really love that piece as well :)

[@soniasundberg2940]

The door is stunning. 😍

[@TheStitchingOwl]

Your voice is so peaceful…thank you for the middle of the night company while stitching. 🦉

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You :) I'm so glad I got to visit with you in the quiet of the night :)

[@oonaghirishstitcher]

Hi Brenda, in a future video could you talk a bit about how you approach stitching when you have lots of WIPs in rotation? By this I mean what are the different ways that you figure out which piece to work on that day/week. I have heard of WIPGO, 30mins a day projects etc as methods for helping to do away with the element of having to choose what to work on each day but would love to know more about all the various methods you use to help you decide what to be working on! You talk a lot about dividing projects into sections and I think its a good way to cover a lot of ground with the WIPs! I often find it overwhelming to choose what to work on, or sometimes don't have the motivation to work on a piece even if I planned to work on it bit by bit to get it done by a certain date. I always like to hear how you approach planning things!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Hi Oonagh!!! I know I talked a little bit about this in my latest video. But I think I will talk about it more in my plans video in a few weeks :) I totally agree, plans really help me decide what to work on each day, and help me get through the ones I don't feel like working on :)

[@blacksheepenchanted]

Your hair looks great! Love the look on you. As always your video was fabulous - amazing stitching and beautiful project choices. Happy Stitching! 🪡🧵 Jacque🐑

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Jacque!

[@kris_cross_stitches5748]

I love your hair cut. Your hair looks so pretty. Stitch West was so amazing. Happy stitching!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Kris! And I agree!!! We were so lucky to be there :)

[@sophiadejonge4878]

I absolutely love your start of winter of the sea sampler by jeannette douglas❤. I just want to start mine even more 😂

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Sophia! Yes, you should start it! LOL

[@stitchingatthecabin]

There is nothing like enabling someone and then actually seeing the start. Woohoo!!!!! You got a lot of that flower done in a short amount of time!! I'm a little sad you are nearly done with Kingdom of Books. I've enjoyed watching that one immensely. I mean, I have it. I could start it. Ha ha. I managed to avoid taking anything off of the freebie table at both retreats!!!!! So proud of me! Birdhouse Artistry is magnificent!!! Start that one next!!!!! Those matching quilted bags would be perfect for the Birdhouse Artistry. I don't know what you'd put in them, but same style.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Julie!!! Yes, you could start Kingdom!!! LOL I'm so impressed you avoided the freebie table! LOL

[@pegmiller3101]

I always love watching your Flosstube! Your stitching is beautiful 💕 Loved your hair!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Peg!

[@charj57]

Swan Sampler Stitchers has beautiful colors!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Char!!!

[@carolyncaverly2190]

I have not seen you in a while. Your hair is gorgeous! Love the texture. Cross stitch works are fabulous.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Carolyn!!

[@cindygaudet1390]

Oh your hair looks great! Love it. And thankful bag looks so cute. Oh kingdom of books is so vibrant, say it every time, it is so pretty.❤ oh the colour of the house on where love grows is beautiful! Cottage garden always have so much stitching! I have a few bird ones and wow lots in each one. Love the fairy house! Lol Brenda you need another month for all your want to finish ones 😅back in a bit to finish

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Cindy! I love those Cottage Garden birds, I am so tempted to start one :)

[@domesticatedstitcher1508]

Hi Brenda! I love everything but mostly the Fabulous Houses! And the projects bags are gorgeous! You know... if I'm being honest since you retired, I wait for your videos and if it's over two weeks already I'm like, "Tick, tock Brenda." Hahaha! -Aubrey

[@Handworkmaniac]

Laughing!!! My husband often teases me and says something like "you haven't made a video in a while, your viewers are probably getting antsy", lol. Next time he says that I will say "Yep, and Aubrey is one of them!!! Thank you so much for watching them and enjoying them :) It means a lot to me.

[@cathybehle-ernst5796]

Oh, Brenda, your work is just BEAUTIFUL! Blessings!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Cathy!

[@christinesouthard2350]

Thank you for your video. So many gorgeous projects. I feel like you worked on so many, all of them so beautiful! Good luck doing your annual mad dash to finish by the end of the year! Can't wait to see how you do! Take care and happy stitching!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Christine!

[@jenniebest5354]

You look so beautiful today! Your hair is so pretty and the colors in your shirt look so pretty on you! Your pieces are fantastic! I'm impressed with all you get done. The colors on your books are stunning and I love the idea of using a frame from your dad. I think I'm going to have to find a piece that would be a good fit for my dad to make a frame for. That would be such a special keepsake. I'm so glad you liked your gift! I would love to get together with you and Collette and stitch together sometime. After seeing you all stitch the Oct to Oct piece I've decided to stitch pieces of it and turn it into a drum.

[@karladenton5034]

OH, I like the drum idea! I did the birdhouses SAL last year (remotely as I didn't get a space in the retreat this fall). I like this year's piece, but don't have the visceral 'have to stitch this NOW' reaction that I had with the birdhouses. A smaller piece, thought - must think on this.

[@jenniebest5354]

@karladenton5034 my plan is to pick my favorite three or four motifs, like one spool, the hoop, and the skein of floss and then see if I can make the border work around it.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Hi Jennie and Karla!!! Jennie I love your idea of doing a few motifs and making a drum!!! Brilliant!!! And yes, you should definitely have your dad make a frame for you :) Thank you again for the gift!!! At some point I will get my schedule together and organize some group stitching :)

[@jackietrembley9827]

Hi Brenda! You stitch the most beautiful projects! I noticed the Cricket Collection’s Autumn over your left shoulder - I was stitching on that while watching you! I look forward to following your stitch-a-longs next year! Your new retirement plan is similar to mine. Whenever I wake up, I stitch until 9 am, then get any “chores” completed. I try to have the must-do items completed by 2. I stitch again from 2-4. The hubby and I go for a walk at 4, then it’s home to make and consume dinner. It’s rare that I stitch in the evening as I’m usually nodding off anytime after 7:30, lol! I’m way more monogamous with my stitching, though. I have around 70 WIPS, but usually only stitch on one or two at any given time. I’m looking forward to seeing how you do with finishing projects by the end of the year!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Hi Jackie! I love your schedule!!! And I love that you were working on Autumn while watching my video :) And I'm so glad you also have around 70 WIPs, lol!!!

[@melodystader1318]

“But next year…I’ll probably be just as bad.” That made me literally LOL. Might as well be honest with ourselves, right? The curly hair is great and so is your stitching!

[@Handworkmaniac]

LOL!!!!! You made me laugh all over again about it! Yes, I might as well be honest, I am a sucker for a SAL with a friend, lol.

[@crystalstitching2]

Hi Brenda...I really enjoy your videos...so inspiring...such beautiful stitching! 😊

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Crystal!

[@deehansen5490]

I’m always amazed at your end of the year plans! 28 projects are a lot! It will be fun to see how many you are able to get done! Isn’t retirement great!?! I’m enjoying seeing your progress on everything each month! Have a great Thanksgiving and see you soon!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Dee!!! Yes, retirement is the BEST! And Happy Thanksgiving to you as well :)

[@DeborahGain]

I love the little Whitman sampler piece! It’s so very sweet!! I love listening to you while I stitch. I have lots of trouble sleeping so playing your video while I stitch at night is like visiting with a friend! You are such a talented lady!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Deborah! I"m so sorry you have trouble sleeping, but I'm glad I can visit with you :)

[@karladenton5034]

I know, right! The designer did this design for several of the sampler guilds that were active in the late 90's / early 2000s. I was a founding member (and board member) of the Kansas City Sampler guild, so I have a very similar one finished in my smalls collection. I put the logo piece in the bottom of my tin and use it as an ort container at retreats. The over one stitching is so delicate. I love it.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Ohhhh, it sounds amazing!! What a great idea to use it as an ort container :)

[@bonnietucker6811]

Your kingdom of books is marvelous. It was great stitching with you tonight. I love your curly hair

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Bonnie!

[@cyndiloo7571]

Your new haircut is so nice! Great projects as usual!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Cyndi

[@LadyMarmaladeinStitches]

Of course I love your hair and welcome to the curly brigade 😆 lovely wip and I really like your choice of new starts ❤

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You!!

[@KarenAllison-k9j]

I love to see your name pop up as NEW on flosstube! Your sweet soft voice.is very comforting as I stitch watching ALL of your many projects. I am fairly new to floss tube and started cross stitching again during the pandemic. Thank you for spending your time and energy not just on hand work but also on camera!! I also am a new retiree.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Karen! And congratulations on retirement! I LOVE it!!!!!! And I'm so glad you found cross stitching again during the Pandemic :)

[@mildredalayon7095]

I love your videos. We have similar tastes, and what I love most is that you finish your projects. You are, however, a dangerous enabler 😉. So many beautiful things. Let me get back to my stitching.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Mildred! LOL, so sorry about the enabling!!! Yes, you better get back to stitching, laughing.

[@Addiescrossnquilts]

😮I love the cottage garden piece. I never thought about stitching them as one piece. Your stitching is beautiful.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Addie!

[@susanhaywardault3514]

Congratulations to you both, 🎉❤

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You!

[@mirpaxvv]

Happy Thanksgiving Brenda! - Valerie

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Valerie!

[@b.a.blessingstitcher]

Such a great video Brenda! I actually have to go back and rewatch because there were so many things I want to bookmark. It was such a pleasure to meet you and Hannah and Alicia, among many others at the Crazy Woman retreat. Thanks so much for your help with the fabric for the Cottage Garden Houses. It was incredibly helpful! Hugs ❤

[@Handworkmaniac]

Hi Diane!!!!! I loved getting to know you and stitch with you :) And i;m so glad the little fabric swatch was helpful!

[@angelawest5125]

Always love seeing your beautiful projects and love the variety of designs/styles. Kingdom of books is getting so close. I stitched her Owl design which is also long and skinny. Minor note that Andriana just has one n at the end.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Angela! And thank you for correcting my spelling! People would be so frustrated when they searched for it and couldn't find it :) I will have to go look up the owl design, it sounds gorgeous.

[@sandrafulton4351]

Love the books

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Sandra!

[@jomariehogle1980]

Love seeing all your projects and finishes too. Sounds like a fun retreat. As always thanks for sharing.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Jo Marie!

[@joyceclowser3371]

Wonderful video! I always look forward to your end-of-the-year “how many can I finish” plans! I think you can do it! 📣 I literally drool every time I am privileged to see your Russian books piece! Absolutely striking! Happy stitching! ❤

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Joyce!

[@iriscope6798]

Love seeing v your floss tube pop up and all the projects you work on.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Iris!

[@megastitches]

Retirement suits you!! you look amazing Love your hair Brenda!!! And I wanted to say that several times during the video I saw your daughter Marie !! I was like wow she really looks like you ♥️♥️ and of course, you already know that I love your beautiful stitching I’ve been following your journey on the book one and wow you do commit to your goals 😅🫶🏽💪🏽🎉🎉

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Milka!!!! I will have to tell Marie that, she doesn't think she looks like me, lol!

[@pamlacey136]

I always love seeing your beautiful projects! I also always feel better after watching your videos as I love seeing the bags on your shelves behind you. Since I have so many projects, it makes me feel like I am not the only one with lots of projects. LOL. I love the shorter length of your hair, and the curl is very flattering. Your friends and the “freebie table” were very good to you!! What fun. Isn’t it fun to be retired?!! Enjoy your stitching.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Pam! Yes, retirement is the best!!!!! And yes, lots of full project bags is like containers of future happiness just sitting there waiting for me :) You are definitely in good company :)

[@katherinem7835]

My daughter is doing a riolis kit too and she always loves stitching with the yarn thread as well.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Hi Katherine! Ohhh, I'm glad she is also enjoying it!

[@Springcreekkristi]

This was my first one of yours I have watched! You are so pleasant to listen to, not to mention so much variety of eye candy to look at. Thanks for sharing! ❤

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Kristi! And welcome!

[@KimberlyL1958]

As always, I’m so impressed, Brenda. Great progress and a great video! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. 💕🍂🍁🦃🦃🦃

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Kimberly! And Happy Thanksgiving to you :)

[@lynncordova8169]

First of all, your hair looks wonderful!❤❤❤ You stitching is all so much beautiful eye candy. I love your huge houses sampler. What a great idea to stitch the Tudor instead of the haunted house. I have no idea how you keep track of and are able to stitch so many monthly sections. Amazing.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Lynn!

[@taniabertuola]

Loved seeing all your project. They are gorgeous as always.

[@Handworkmaniac]

thank you Tania!!

[@helio-trope]

I think you have the most beautiful collection of projects of all 🥰🥰

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You! What a kind thing to say :)

[@Sewky1]

Your new hair style is so pretty!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You :)

[@debradawson3051]

I love all your projects because you have such eclectic taste. The variety is what I enjoy and you literally have something for everyone, Brenda. When you showed Winter Moon, I had to smile. That was my start for the Winter Solstice 2023 planning to finish this year. Nope, it will be a two year project and the goal is now Winter Solstice 2025. The design is pure genius with the challenging house and the calm of the trees, however there is a lot of stitching and color changes. I will enjoy stitching it with you next year ❤

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Debra! I love having a variety of sizes and styles to choose from :) I'm so glad to hear you are stitching Winter Moon, it looks so lovely. Smart idea to make it a two year SAL, grin.

[@Coffee_rex]

Was so excited when I saw your video. Straight to my stitchy spot to stitch and watch

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You!

[@judystone3645]

Great progress on projects. Love all the pretty bags, floss minders, etc. It adds so much to our stitchy stash, doesn't it. Congrats on your finishes and new starts. Have a great few weeks working toward end of year goals. Your Dad's piece is just gorgeous!!❤

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Judy! Yes, I love the pretty things to use when I stitch :)

[@conniesiefken4696]

Always love the variety of projects you show, Brenda! I have no doubt you will finish a fair amount of your 28 projects by the end of the year.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Connie!

[@KathysQuiltsandStitching]

You have no idea how excited I get when I see you have posted a new video!! Love your new hairdo! The Thankful bag turned out so great - I must try to stitch one of those bags. So many wonderful projects on the go... how do you decide which one to stitch?!?

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Kathy! I do have a hard time deciding sometimes, lol! Usually I make a plan at the beginning of the month of what pieces I want to focus on that month, and I try really hard to keep up on all my SALs, lol!

[@Sue_RedThread]

Brenda, I so enjoy your vlogs! You are an inspiration to stitching and I am living vicariously through you with your amazing organization and planning. R-Kade is really looking fantastic and Kingdom of Books- so close to a fabulous finish! Thanks so much for taking the time to put together your vlogs- I am a long time follower. I hope we get a chance to cross paths one day. Oh- and your haircut/curls look a-may-zinnng!!!!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Sue!!!! And thank you so much for watching all of these years :) I too hope we cross paths some day :)

[@homemadeontheridge]

Wonderful video! Loved seeing all your finishes and progress!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You!!

[@jtuck88]

Love your work and your videos. You get a LOT done. It is motivating. Also, you have encouraged me to maybe design an actual Whitman sampler box....in memory of my Mom.vSanta always left a box for her on the fireplace❤️🎄

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You! And I think that is wonderful idea!!! What a wonderful Christmas memory.

[@dawnbouquot8569]

Happy to have you back, and amazed at all your progress! I was hoping you had had time for Spring CreekFever! It really is beautiful! I have notices out on numerous stitching Buy, Sell and Trade sites - Also keeping an eye out on Ebay! I have great hope! My daughter did a FaceTime yesterday and her husband had just come in from creek fishing steelhead in BC... it is his first love next to his family.... who I would make it for! I can't wait to see it framed! I'm thinking I'd like to do one of the west side retreats someday, about 3 days south of me - just watched a past Artsy Housewife, who was just getting ready to go to Stitch West. I'm in northern Canada, and the west side seems easier to drive to. Who knows! We have reached the time of year when one says the 'S' word... we already have about 10"... not too cold yet and that is lovely! Till next time - happy stitches!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Hi Dawn!! I am sure you will find it :) Wow, northern canada is an amazing place in pictures. Not surprised you already have 10 inches! I bet it is jus beautiful. But cold, lol. Yes, hopefully you can get to a retreat in western canada, they are so fun!

[@beckygwynn]

So wonderful to see all of your remarkable projects!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Becky!

[@bethanyrutta2377]

Gorgeous stitching and bags and haul! So fun!!😊

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Bethany!

[@desireepheister2633]

Obviously you are enjoying retirement!! Looking forward to seeing how many finishes you manage by the end of the year! Go!!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Desiree!! I really appreciate the encouragement!! :)

[@karenolson2532]

I love you month houses. I only got the first house. ❤

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Karen!

[@LesliesLakeLife]

Brenda, you are always such a joy to watch. I absolutely love your work. I would love to know how you store your patterns? I have tried the binder idea but the sleeve protectors can get rather expensive. I think your hair looks so good. It really suits you.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Leslie! I talked about your question in my latest video (#137) and explained a little. But I also think I showed how I store them in my craft room tour, Video #118.

[@wizzy-stitches]

Loved seeing all your amazing projects Brenda! Must say retirement has left you with a beautiful sparkle it must be all that happy stitchy time. I'm very jealous over here. Keep happy and healthy stitching! X

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You! I am totally LOVING being retired :)

[@theresacavanagh6131]

Love you hairstyle!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You!

[@empm1330]

Hi Brenda I absolutely love seeing your WIP's. I have a lot on my wishlist after seeing your video. I will be doing 25 new starts for 2025 and I thought I might include some smalls for gift giving. I have been doing 3 months to a finish with Dena half cross stitch and have finished two out of the 6 projects that I have picked. Dena came up with 2025 to try to finish series that she started but did not complete and would like to see the series completed for next year. I have a few that I may have finished one out of 3 in a set and thought I might go back and finish the other 2 or 3 (whichever how many are in a set). I will be going through my stash to see what starts I want to do for 2025. I always have fun doing that. I always love seeing your channel Brenda you do such beautiful stitching in your projects. In the meantime Happy Stitching and be safe and kind. God bless Pat

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Pat! I love your 25 in 2025 idea! What fun. And I have so enjoyed watching Dena finishing her list. Working on completing a series is such a great idea :)

[@louannanderson3844]

It’s Tuesday the 12th and snowing in Murray so I’m working on my snow day piece. Same as yours but the blue version..it’s lovely! And so are your curls!!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Louann! I was sitting at my desk uploading my video Tuesday and looked out the window and saw that snow!!! LOL. Ohhh, I bet the blue version is gorgeous!

[@dianenoles2067]

Love your stitching! Your haircut is very cute.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Diane :)

[@cindygaudet1390]

Back, The Halloween is so great think I would burn out on all the border cats but would love the top section! Oh my good idea on how to figure your finishes for the yr. Hmm I don’t know if I could along with stitch alongs which I don’t do, but have full coverages to do. 😅 thanks for the great video again. See you next time!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Cindy! Yes, that has been a LOT of black cats, lol!!!

[@mikkianddonaldludwig2438]

I love your hair!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Mikki!

[@Hexagonstitches]

So many beautiful things. Have loved watching your progress on them. I am on auto ship for all the houses but have only started the first 2. I bought enough 40ct fabric to do them all separately. Look forward to the Tudor house. I recently purchased the Wisdom Sampler as a kit in a local charity shop. Couldn’t resist it either. Interestingly it’s designed by Donna but under Elsa Williams label. Will change the 14ct Aida out for a higher count fabric. Look forward to seeing how much you achieve. My current focus project is Death By Cross Stitch. Have been working on it since it first came out. 😂

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You! I am excited to see the Tudor House too :) How interesting that Elsa Williams company did a version of the Wisdom Sampler as well! Wow, Death By Cross Stitch is a major work of art! I bet yours is just stunning!

[@Hexagonstitches]

@ I’ve just posted my DBCS progress in the Facebook group

[@Handworkmaniac]

Yay! I will have to go look!

[@rwords3056]

You look great!! Hairstyle is so becoming 🎉

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You :)

[@karladenton5034]

When you are ready to start the Just Nan "Butterflies, Blossoms and Bees" please let me know. It's in the stash and I'd love a reason to start it! Love the new hair cut! And man, your needles have been flying since you retired! Isn't it fun .

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Karla! Yes, I am definitely enjoying retirement! :) And yes, I definitely will! I am thinking of starting it in May as one of my new starts :)

[@karladenton5034]

@@Handworkmaniac Excellent. I don't do "maynia", but I will hold an open space in my WiPs for a May start on this one. I'll watch for your annual May plans video to check the day when you have it firmed up! What fun.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Yay! Sounds like a plan!

[@karenbrouillet3080]

I LOVE your hair!!!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You :)

[@nanpritchard9487]

I just stared The Kingdom of Books after watching you work on it. I started in the middle at the gate and am anticipating this will take a bit of time but it is beautiful...thanks for the inspiration, Brenda...hope you are enjoying retirement

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Nan! I'm so glad to hear you started it! I hope you enjoy it as much as I have :)

[@Karen3263]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Karen!

[@ramsam5337]

Здраствуйте!!! Я из России. Хотя мы так далеко живём друг от друга, но мы очень похожи по сумашествию к нашему хобби. У меня дома такие же завалы всего для вышивки. И я рада, что я не одна, а нас много любителей творить красоту❤

[@Handworkmaniac]

Hello! I am so happy to meet another stitcher across the world! It sounds like we love the same things :)

[@m.corp_lauflocon9496]

❤

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You!

[@rebeccaallcorn5758]

Lovely finishes and WIPs. I like your Must-Do list idea. I am going to my first stitch retreat in Jan. Can you share what you bring to retreats, for example, what are must haves for your work area?

[@Handworkmaniac]

Hi Rebecca!! I'm so happy you get to attend a retreat!!! Gosh, that is a great question. I didn't answer you question in my last video (#137) because I felt like it needed some thought. And I think I want to take some time in a video and talk about it. In general, I really enjoy stitching at a retreat (I have some friends that don't enjoy stitching at a retreat, they would rather visit and shop and eat out together). So I bring everything I need to stitch comfortably sitting at a group table: lapframe, projects, reading glasses, chair cushion (that chair gets so hard after three days), small inflatable stool to rest my feet on, something to corral all my stitching tools (either a small retreat mat with pockets, or a stitching tray, large mug, etc), and I have recently enjoyed a small metal book stand that I can magnet things to. I don't bring a lamp because I don't usually need one in a well lit room. But I do bring a small clip on book light that attaches to my q-snap for stitching in the hotel room because it is usually quite dark.

[@margaretbaker623]

Wow! Epic episode, Brenda. You work on such pretty projects. I found 2 this time, that I'd like to do. After retiring I found it took about 3 months just to recover, then the next few to understand what I wanted to do with my extra time. Your plans were perfectly explained and I'm going to use your math to work out some of my own priorities. Thank you! ⚘️ PS: have you bedded down the Wee Village for winter?

[@Handworkmaniac]

Hi Margaret! I feel so much better now that you said it took you 3 months to recover. I feel like I haven't recovered yet!!! And yes, It is taking me ages to figure out what I want to do with my time each day. And my extended family and Church friends adjusting to what I am willing to do and not willing to do with all that "extra time" I must have, lol!!! I'm so glad my math made some kind of sense and was helpful :) And Andrew was not able to edit my video so the pictures of the wee village didn't make it in my latest video, lol! I will put them in the next video :)

[@kima9181]

Awesome vid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Kim!

[@monicakline6788]

Retirement looks good on you. Love your hair. And, of, course, all your stitching is amazing!!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Monica!

[@marcymoir3389]

I’ve only done one cross-stitch….a gift for my daughter….it was quite an ordeal as my eyesight is getting very bad….I have a question….all those project bags in the bookcase beside you….are they all projects….??….if so are you planning to live to be 100….??!!….not being disrespectful….just amazed at your optimism….!!….lol

[@Handworkmaniac]

Hi Marcy! Yes, I think my daughters are going to inherit quite a few half-finished cross stitches, lol!!!

[@SukiScrappinfox]

🌞🌞🌞

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Suki!

[@docstitchy]

i would love more info about the shepherd’s bush thread conversion for halloween tiny town. didn’t see any mention when i googled it. thank you!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Hello! I believe you have to buy either the pattern or the fabric and threads from the Shepherd's Bush store in Ogden, Utah, to get their conversion :) You could call them and ask them.

[@katherinem7835]

Brenda, do you know how many wips you have? I can't believe how much stitching you get done!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Hi Katherine! I think I have right around 73 right now, but hoping to finish about 10 of them by the end of December :) Stitching is definitely my happy place :)

[@donnalindakelley3402]

Loved your video. As always I enjoyed seeing all that you are working on. I love the mountains and stream picture. Really amazing. May I ask about silk threads? Can you wash your piece after you finish stitching if you used Silk Threads? I usually use DMC and wash my finished piece and gently iron it. But if you use Silks do you do recommend you wash it and iron it after you are finished? I haven't bought silks due to the cost. But If I did something in silk how do you get the piece ready for framing? Thanks for reading my message. And thank you for making these videos. I do so enjoy them.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Donna! No, I don't wash my pieces after I finish them. I have really dry hands, and the way I have them on the q-snap and in my lapstand, my hands don't rest on the edges of the piece. The only time I wash a piece is if I worked on it for many years and it had been drug all around the desert or beach on vacations over the years. I do usually steam my pieces from the back when they are finished, using a pressing cloth, to flatten them and get all the wrinkles out, and stretch them and lace them. I have never had a problem with the colors running on cotton or silk threads.

[@donnalindakelley3402]

@@Handworkmaniac THANK YOU FOR YOUR REPLY. I really appreciate your answer. PS Your stitching is amazing. I love you channel. Thanks also for all of your videos. I will come for any videos you make. 😊

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You!!

[@noufgazi4900]

How does it feel to stitch in retirement? I can't wait until I get there

[@Handworkmaniac]

It is definitely beyond blissful! But I don't think I would appreciate it as much if I hadn't gone through all those years of working hard :) I can't wait until you get there too :)

[@kevelthaus3197]

I really enjoy your videos- very inspiring. What designer did the calendar on the wall over your left shoulder. I'd love to do that for my classroom. Those books are stunning!!!!

[@stephaniesnape6787]

I have been wondering about that calendar too.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Hello! That calendar is called "Fun Every Day Perpetual Calendar" and is by SamSarah. It is out of print, but sometimes I see it come up on the secondary market. It was printed as a series of 12 leaflets, and you have to have all 12 to have all the numbers and months.

[@JackieAmundson-mv5yg]

How much time each day do you spend stitching?

[@Handworkmaniac]

Hi Jackie! If I don't have any other commitments, usually about 6-8 hours :)

[@Sheryle871]

H i Brenda, i appre3your video, and I liikforward to them. Have blessed wek. Em.

[@Sheryle871]

Sorry week.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Sheryle, I hope you have a blessed week as well :)

[@daliafruchtnis6239]

את אישה מקסימה וכך גם הריקמה שלך

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Dalia!

[@itchingforstitching]

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You!

[@syhaddad81]

Hello, how can I get the design of teresa kugot home town؟

[@Handworkmaniac]

Hello! You need to become a Patreon member at the Patreon.com. And then you "join" or become a member of Teresa Kogut on the Patreon website, at the Tier 4 level. Then you will automatically start getting the monthly releases of Hometown. And I think you can enter her Patreon shop and purchase the sections that have already come out before now.

[@syhaddad81]

@Handworkmaniac The site does not open for me😭

[@Handworkmaniac]

Oh no! I wonder why?

[@margaretblank9351]

P.S. In his humanity, Jesus was an Arameic Jew. Why are his eyes *blue* in the pattern? Just curious.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Hi Margaret! I had those same thoughts when I started this piece. I guess we would have to ask the artist of the original painting why he decided on blue eyes :)