Flosstube

[@SuperPeacerose]

Our Thankgiving was quiet. Watch you faithfully. Hope your Christmas is wonderful.

[@vivianburrus8085]

Woo hoo, a weekly Helen video will make this season even brighter! Loved the "Block" design you finished for your friend -- so much so I had to put in an order for it, LOL!! Still consider myself a newbie as I close in on three years of CS and am always intrigued by new finish techniques. I've already downloaded Kathy's finishing instructions and watched your (other) video. Seeing Teri's finished and the ones you did for you and your sister gave me the confidence to go with using Aida for it rather than the called for Linen. I always assume Linen will give a more "polished" finish to a piece but seeing them "in the flesh" assures me the Aida will work just as well. Enjoy the rest of your week and see you again soon!

[@helend.flosstube]

The Aida will look great! I'm working on my third block and all three have been on Aida. 😊

[@mrsbobbinlacer]

Thank you for the video. I always like your adventures. We used to can all of those things, and I won't mention all the rest we canned. That is what 1 acre does for you if you have a dad like mine. We had a herd of deer that used to winter on our place and clean up all the leftovers. 1,2,3.

[@debneal4996]

I had a nice mostly quiet Thanksgiving too. I always enjoy your finishes and your beautiful stitching! ❤ I can relate to your mice story. I usually get them in my house in the fall, but discovered that they have been in our spare car too. You can buy natural mouse repellent packs, but this year I made my own. I use little mesh treat bags from the dollar store, and fill them with cinnamon sticks, whole anise, whole cloves and red pepper flakes. I have them scattered around my house and in my spare car. I haven't had a mouse in the house (knock on wood) since I put the pouches out almost 2 months ago. I won't declare complete success though until I get through the winter! 😂 🎄 ♥️ 🪡

[@lindastitzlein5237]

I am so glad you are doing weekly videos this month! I always learn useful tidbits from you....from Mill Hill frames to canning! The little red Robin piece you've started is adorable. And like you, there is not a Max Pigeon chart that I "need", but a sale is a sale! Can't wait for next week's video!😊 2

[@ritahill5310]

Sure enjoy your stitches and finishes! 3

[@pamelasoper6448]

Always love seeing your finishes and WIPS! 1,2,3

[@lisasharbono7181]

Always love a visit from you! Love your finishing I told my husband I saw a mouse outside by our wood pile - a couple of times before he decided to set some traps. He caught 19 before we didn’t catch anymore. Caught 2 at the same time in one trap once. I hope you get all of yours quickly! 2 3

[@helend.flosstube]

Wow! That's like John and the chipmunks. He caught and moved 17 or 18 from the garden in the early summer before they finally left things alone.

[@patfortner9612]

Enjoy your cross stitch 1,2,3,

[@alfredpratt9373]

Thank you 1,2,3

[@lindaskinner5887]

Thank you for sharing your Advent. 1, 2, 3. ❤

[@robintaylor5352]

Lots of canning!!! We used to do more, but nothing did well this year. Hopefully next year we will have more. We borrowed my dads truck once and found several tiny baby mice that had fallen out. I tried to keep them alive, but sadly one by one they died. Not a fan of them, but hated they died. Can’t wait to see you weekly!!!! 1,

[@kimberlydotson4909]

I love the way you do your finishes

[@lanaro2206]

Beautiful block finish!! Thanks for a great video. 2, 3

[@laurensalviani6484]

I love love love that you use Aida so much! It’s not seen alot with other cross stitchers and I kinda love using it myself! I enjoyed this video so much and can’t wait to see your other December weekly videos! 1 2 3

[@helend.flosstube]

I love hand dyed aida! The colors are beautiful and it's so much easier for me to see!

[@debbiebennett391]

Salsa, salsa everywhere...yum 🍅 Your finish of Home Block is perfect!! My next start will be Robin Redbreast for sure. Always look forward to your videos!! Have a great week!

[@deniseshoup]

Fabulous finishes! And that Robin is so cute on the mint splash fabric. 💚

[@helend.flosstube]

I love how it makes the reds look!

[@heidilehnig3099]

Thanks for sharing - beautiful finishes 1 2 3

[@karenholler6561]

Thanksgiving was nice with my son bringing dinner and then putting up the Christmas tree. The tree has been decorated with ornaments from over the years our Bible study has gotten together for a brunch exchange. 3

[@helend.flosstube]

It sounds like it was a good visit!

[@stampincass]

Your canning numbers are impressive!!! I love your Santa stitch, it's just happy and eye-catching!!

[@bethanyrutta2377]

Beautiful stitching and stitchy fun! Our garden hasn’t done well for 2 years so we haven’t canned anything. I love homemade salsa! You’re amazing! 😊 We made applebutter and apple sauce a few years ago and it was awesome! 1, 2, 3

[@ethelwedan3237]

Love that you are also a canner. I can all summer long grow all my veggie for year and put them up for winter. Just finished canning deer meat. 1, 2, 3

[@helend.flosstube]

I wish we had a pressure canner so we could do more. We're limited with water bath canning.

[@j.a.devanney7523]

Glad you had a successful canning operation. I had mice take up residence in my car, three of them. Coaxed them into the traps with pretzels. They nested in the spare tire wheel. I keep an emergency roll of paper towels withe the spare and jack. They made confetti out of the paper towels! No more since then. Loved your robin stitch and your framed Santa sign. Looking forward to seeing you next week.🪡🪡

[@helend.flosstube]

I told John that's a place we need to look! We're going to go back through the car this weekend. The trap was empty today, so we're still at three.

[@terryphelps7456]

Love the houses. Love it all. Thank you for always sharing

[@joyceclowser3371]

Great video, Helen. I love your thriftiness! Great finishing ideas with things I can afford. I am so sorry you have a mouse problem. Pesky little critters, but so fun to stitch! Happy stitching!

[@DenisePurvis-z5f]

Love your stitching

[@malewis205]

I’m impressed with your fabulous work! 🎉 Happy December! 🩷🙏 3

[@shayriddle1498]

Your finishes are always so pretty.

[@pauladimattei6434]

Love hanging out and stitchin with you #2.

[@sheriking4041]

I bought Real Comfort on a Black Friday sale because I saw how beautiful your stitch is. And I usually stitch in season but I think I will start it in the new year ( when I’m done with Christmas stitching 😊).

[@helend.flosstube]

It's such a beautiful design!

[@colleenyork-d9o]

Love seeing your progress! You got a lot done this week. 1,2.

[@franhoadley7189]

Thank you, Helen.

[@maureenmullarkey1653]

Love your finishes! 3

[@TheStitchingOwl]

The robin is so cute. I succumbed and purchased more Max Pigeon designs too…he keeps coming up with great patterns! 🦉❄️🧑🏼‍🎄🎅🏼❄️

[@helend.flosstube]

I couldn't help myself!

[@patwiggers7872]

Yup I can relate to the mice 🐭story too. My last cat Buddy was an inside/outside cat for a while. He loved to chase the mice and one day he sat at the slider door with one in his mouth just waiting for me to let him in. Luckily, I saw what he had before I opened the door. 😸😸 Holy Catnip... 76 pints of salsa. Hope you have a year's supply of chips to go with. 🍅🍅 1, 2, 3 Have fun catching those mice Emmy!

[@helend.flosstube]

Our car River was inside/outside and you never knew what you'd find by the door. He even took out a crow!

[@StephanieBurch-e3s]

Love watching your channel. #3

[@CarolAttrux]

Great demo! Always good to learn a new technique!❤

[@Kathysimmeth6678]

Very nice flosstube. Thank you for sharing . 3

[@rebeccaana8309]

I love your robin and it looks so good on the mint splash! Sorry to hear about the mouse troubles. My husband stores his boat for the winter and swears by dryer sheets (and it takes care of the fish smell lol). Hope you get all the critters.

[@darlaowen3273]

impressed with your canning. I have done a lot in the past, but have slowed as i age. 2

[@hunnybunny21918]

Thank you Helen D...😊 no 3

[@joyd5000]

Loved seeing your projects. 1 2 3

[@AlwaysBeYourself-6]

I just enjoy all ur videos. I love ur finishes to. U make it sound so easy to do. 1,2,3. My daughter has river rats by her house and they are the heat plate under her car it cost her over a $1,000 to fix. The mechanic told her to put moth balls under and around her car. . Happy stitching 🎅🏻🤶🏻🎄✂️🧵🪡❤️

[@jo-annwhite9237]

Beautiful stitching. You are always so informative. Love the colours on the Robin Redbreast stich it is beautiful! 1,2,3

[@melissaearly7302]

Oh my gosh! I am so excited! Thank you! My cats always find mice and we can never find where they come from. Hopefully you won’t have any more!

[@karistutzman8381]

1 , 2 , 3. The amazing Santa finish. Wow. What a great chart. Love it. Perfect frame.

[@helend.flosstube]

Thanks so much!

[@jeannegiebe2718]

Beautiful stitching as usual. I always enjoy your videos. I did get a chuckle at what your son said. Nothing like having a math wiz in the house to remind you of all the work you have to do! I also contributed to Pigeon Coop!

[@helend.flosstube]

He's a big help! 😂

[@debraquilts8030]

Happy Christmas stitching, 1, 2, 3.

[@patcurley2794]

Your finishes are so wonderful. 1, 2, 3

[@paulagolden4731]

We had an almost full house for Thanksgiving. Not all of our children were able to make it home this year but we still had 14 around the table! Looking forward to all your December floss tubes! 1,2,3

[@helend.flosstube]

So glad you had a nice Thanksgiving!

[@judithsmith593]

Cute block finish ❤ 2 , 3

[@reneecleveland6828]

I love my mill hill frames, which I ordered after watching one of your earlier floss tubes. 2 or 3.

[@nancyshank7215]

Sympathize with your mouse in the car issue. We live in the country and harvest season and winter drive them into vehicles. We've had good luck using peppermint essential oil on cotton balls placed in our vehicle as a deterrent even one stored in a shed all winter. Look for mouse nests in your vehicle cabin filter, engine air cleaner or glove compartment (ask me how I know-before essential oil use). Our best solution now is our 3 year old cat who lives outside and makes the garage his headquarters for the winter. Haven't had a mouse problem in 3 years. Let Emmy do her thing! Love your videos. Always on my "first watch" list.

[@helend.flosstube]

We're happy to let Emmy troll around out there! 😂

[@gracenellis1790]

Perfect finishing!!!

[@stitchingontherock]

Hi Helen, Happy December. Great progress on your stitching. Ugg mice, we had one in the house a few years ago, we spent a week at my mom's until it was caught. I'm going to vote for you doing weekly videos all the time. 2 3

[@helend.flosstube]

Emmy brought one in from the garage last winter, that was an experience!

[@stitchingontherock]

@helend.flosstube years ago when I still lived at my parents, our cat brought a live shrew into the house. Just my sister and I were home, and we managed to trap both the cat and her present in the bathroom. When my dad and bil got home, my sister and I were outside. Of course, my dad opened the bathroom door, and the cat ran out, but no shrew. It had gotten inside the baseboard heater. My dad had to grab its tail with pliers to get it out and release it back outside

[@AnabelleWillkomm]

Love your finishes. 1, 2, 3. Thanks

[@lauriehessler8639]

Love your finished projects! And that Robin project is adorable 😍. I can see why you worked on it so much. My cat loves to go into my garage, too. He brought 2 mice into the house this fall, but luckily, I caught them and released them outside. We now have to do mouth checks before he is allowed back in the house, lol. I'm glad to know there's others dealing with this too.

[@helend.flosstube]

When Emmy was first going in the garage we would leave the door cracked for her so she could get back inside. That stopped when she brought a mouse right up to our bedroom!

[@grmanat]

Omg…mice. I have never had them, until last week. Set a trap, caught one, then another. The second one was caught by the back end. I got a couple plastic sacks to sweep it all in. As I was trying to release the trap the little booger bit my finger! I immediately washed my finger, googled what to do and “symptoms can appear in 3-10 days”. So far I’m fine! Anyway, I won that battle. I put peppermint oil in diffuser and keep it going. So far I haven’t seen anymore. Checking traps several times a day! 🤞

[@edithmcclanahan1291]

Merry Christmas season! 1.2.3.

[@marymoore654]

As always great video and always love your helpful hints. Wow on the Salsa! And thanks for the recipe! Oh we had mice in our basement and finally got rid of them…hope you so as well! And yea I do believe the Irish spring helps. 2,3

[@arleencurry]

2, 3. I love homemade salsa also.

[@debrachewning1311]

My mom did a lot of canning, mostly when we lived in Iowa in the 1950s. I remember sitting in the root cellar when we had tornado warnings and looking at the canned vegetables.

[@helend.flosstube]

My parents canned a lot too!

[@debramatherly550]

Your Santa stitch and finish is beautiful. I stitch but not so great at finishing. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

[@loriirons9503]

Hi Helen! Love the little Robin from Little Dove! All of your wips are looking great as always!! Hope you get the mouse problem curtailed! If not, I recommend the Cab Fresh Rodent Repellent sachets or bags from Walmart. I sold thousands of them over the years in my pest control days, they really work and they smell great too!

[@helend.flosstube]

I just looked that up and I like that it's pet friendly!

[@lorrainebergstrom9391]

Your Block Party finish is so beautiful and I love the size. Your framed Christmas finish is so festive and cheerful, I love it. That's amazing to get that much canning done in just two days. Wow, you are an efficient assembly line. Thank you for another great video. 2, 3

[@helend.flosstube]

It's a very full two days of canning! 😂 By the time we're done we don't even want to think about canning until next year!

[@charj57]

The red flowers and bird look great on the Mint Splash fabric. 2 3

[@kathytansey2486]

Loved that Robin chart ! Yikes on mice, I had one run across my garage floor when I went to put out the garbage ! Oh my nice frames I need to check that place out! 1,2,3 Stay warm !

[@rosalinddurfee5311]

I love how you have so many WIPS

[@janetlongislandsticher]

Hi Helen great to see you again, love how good you do the ffo. #1,2,3. Take care😊

[@normaferro3190]

Hi Helen, your stitching and finishes are fantastic - just love the block you finished for your friend Terry… absolutely gorgeous!!! Relating to your mice issues, living on a natural pond, we have had a few of those little critters make themselves at home in our basement, especially when the temperatures drop, but a neighbor of mine actually just posted on our Facebook page that she places dryer sheets around the perimeter of her basement, which she swears that the odor deters them from entering in the house - don’t know if it works, but it’s worth a try. Happy stitching!!!

[@helend.flosstube]

I've heard that too. I think we're going to give the car a good clean out this weekend and leave some in there

[@nannettmcdougal-dykes9339]

Always fun watching....1,2,3....I understand...mice are a problem...please take. Are and br sage

[@debbieshoul2834]

Helen you sure have been busy with the canning. I wish I had the room to do that. We grow tomatoes and I will do freezer tomatoes and freezer marinara. I’ve done peach preserves before and that’s been delicious. Anyway…your finishing is beautiful! Mice do not like peppermint oil either. I’ve used that along with the Irish Spring soap. 1 2 3

[@helend.flosstube]

We're fortunate that we have a basement so we're able to store things there. The jars and all of the equipment certainly take up a lot of space!

[@lilbitcrafty9176]

Hello fun finishes today !!! I finished a small Santa and stuck on how to fully finish, ( so many options and not ready to commit to one idea 😂) Sorry to hear about the mice, I can tell you we were doing everything at my relatives home, boy never hurts to try it all. We were doing peppermint soaked cotton balls in small containers with holes and they just scooted around them. Still found droppings. Cleaning and cinnamon seemed to make the biggest impact. Of course these cute little buggers just go everywhere. With the kitties you probably will be able to tackle them quicker. Good luck !!!!

[@helend.flosstube]

I hope so! I don't want one running over my foot while I'm driving down the highway!

[@lilbitcrafty9176]

@ OMG!!!! Right, But let me tell ya those little stinker are so so so fast we all ways questioned if we saw one or not !!! lol would not hurt to call a car repair shop and see what they say. I was telling my husband I might buy those overpowering cinnamon pine cones and tuck them in everywhere to cope with my anxiety 🤣🤣🤣🤣!

[@JoanneFry-hd7ni]

Oh no! Mice chewed through wires in my daughter's car when she lived in Arizona. Huge car repair bill. She put lights around the car every night to keep them out. Thanks for the great video! 1, 2, 3.

[@helend.flosstube]

I'm hoping we got this batch relocated before they did any damage!

[@ginnyandersen8527]

That little Robin Redbreast is the cutest little bird! Advent boxes are so much fun! If there is one mouse, there are many more. Peanut butter is the best draw for mice. I lived on a farm for a lot of years and had a regular trapline that I checked daily. I am also a Pico de Gallo over salsa fan. 1, 2, 3

[@helend.flosstube]

John uses peanut butter and sunflower seeds. 😊

[@DianeMissirlis-l5m]

Hi Helen. I'm also working on the Historical Sampler Sal. Also on part 2, though a little farther along than you.

[@LeannaPerry-qe4pv]

Hi Helen 😊 another fun video 😊 thank you for the opportunity! 2, 3

[@CherylWissel]

Great video Helen! I am wanting to start canning also. I hope to make it work next year. 1 2 3

[@jenniebest5354]

We went camping and our van was left open. We noticed tissue bits everywhere. It ended up being a squirrel that got into the van and was making a nest with nuts and everything by the gas pedal. A different camping trip a mouse got into the tissues and started making a nest under my daughter's booster seat. She was not happy when we got home and she moved her booster to pick up something she dropped and found a mouse. 😂

[@GinaBallard]

"That can change next week". ,,a definite quote ..love the block, a very nice finish,,,and a link to a canning recipe. Just have to say that you are wonderful 😊 2. 3

[@helend.flosstube]

Thank you! 😊

[@rosemorrill5690]

LoveThe little mouse ornament 2,3

[@rhondazamora8136]

I love how “Santa is Coming to Town” looks all framed. I remember when you started that adorable stitch. I also think RobinRedbreast is so cute. I don’t think I would be able to put it down. See you next week.

[@helend.flosstube]

It's going to be hard! I know I could finish it if I keep going, but I have a couple other things I want to start. Decisions!

[@christy428texas]

3. Great Santa Claus finish! Enjoy the salsa & stewed tomatoes this winter. We like to process summer veggies too.

[@dianeperkins7229]

Be sure to make sure there are no mice getting to the car engine. They like to build nests there and will chew wires. Enjoyed seeing your stitching progress!

[@helend.flosstube]

John checked the engine area and didn't see any sign of a nest. We're going to give everything another look this weekend.

[@janoechler-kirschbaum-eh9ln]

Thanks for sharing. 1 2 3. Hope your cat gets your mice!

[@CrossStitchtheGlobe]

Stitching on Santa’s House while I watched ❤️🎅🏼

[@helend.flosstube]

I'm itching to start!

[@joanmorton9844]

Hi Helen! I l love the robin redbreast stitch. It is so pretty. When you started talking about the mice it reminded me of my adventures with mice in my garage. Those little critters ate through the electrical wires in my car 3 different times. My husband has a variety of things out in the garage to try to keep them away, Irish Spring soap, electronic things and even some kind of food that kills them though I hate that option. When we had a cat we never had the problem of mice. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Take care! 🐈😁

[@helend.flosstube]

Last year was the first year we had a problem. I'm hoping Emmy wants to keep going in the garage patrolling over the winter!

[@rosalinddurfee5311]

FYI...Chantells141 has DMC colored numbered stickers for the floss bobbins! I'm working on Primrose cottage 2024 Snowman. He's soooo cute.

[@denisebickmore3992]

Another enjoyable video! I like seeing you every week, but I can understand why you normally post every 2 weeks. Your canning ambitions are mind-blowing…I wouldn’t have the patience! As always, beautiful stitching. Have a great week.

[@helend.flosstube]

We started off slow, but every year we seem to add more and more!

[@StitchinwLoo]

I missed out on Max's sale but there's quite a few of his designs stewin in my 🛒- I really gotta just take the plunge and get em! Like I need more but hey 🤷‍♀️ I LOVE that Irish spring idea I'll hafta try that! We just got my husband's dad's old car but it needs some work b4 it's road worthy again so right now it's in our driveway and we just start it once a week...but now u got me thinkin and idw any lil critters makin a home in there b4 we can fix it! Off to dollar tree I go 😂 Happy stitching 🐈‍⬛🪡❤️

[@ritah7457]

Love that white frame and the cute stitch in it! So cute I had to order the chart! 😂

[@helend.flosstube]

It was a fun one to stitch!

[@rosalinddurfee5311]

Wow that block is amazing

[@brendatomlinson7708]

Love your Robin in the mint green! I’m having a mouse issue too and I’m going to try soaking cotton balls in peppermint essential oil to scatter around.

[@helend.flosstube]

A few people recommended that

[@CrombieTX]

I love your "Santa Claus is Coming to Town"!

[@marciaplatt8575]

Thank you! 3

[@rosalinddurfee5311]

Love, love, love your Santa Clause 🎅

[@PatriciaHup]

Loved today's video. Your stitching is gorgeous. Have a great week. 😊 1, 2, 3

[@sherriplocinski8721]

2, 3 I’m finished stitching the Robin Patchwork SAL. The white really pops on that green fabric. And I’m enjoying my first advent box from them. Ew, mice are the worst (the live ones, not stitched ones).

[@audreymartin6635]

Good kitty!!!

[@MariaHlad]

I didn't can at all this year and I know I'm gonna regret it. But this fall was just too hectic. Ah well. Love the weekly videos and the advent calendar is great. 2

[@helend.flosstube]

Some years are like that! That's another reason why we freeze tomatoes for salsa. It allows us to can when we have more time and it's not as hot in the kitchen!