Flosstube #18 - 2023 WIP Parade & 2024 "Plans"

[@stitchedlitbc]

I have an advent calendar obsession too 😊

[@kensingtoncrossstitch]

Yes! So glad I'm not alone!

[@LynneRobertson-d3z]

Hello Deborah, I was just new to your channel tonight for me here in Australia, and omg Wreath of Roses, I also have this I started it as a complete novice, never stitched anything before in my life, I achieved about an eighth of it and stopped stitching, following many other crafts, but mainly painting in oils, acrylics and watercolours. I returned to crossstitch after seriously more than a 30y break and have been stitching happily everyday for a couple of years, but still not a stitch in Wreath of Roses YET. it is so pretty so one day I may 🤷‍♀but you are the only other person I’ve seen that has had it Happy stitching 🩷🩷

[@kensingtoncrossstitch]

Hi Lynne! Someone else understands! 🤣 I have seen Wreath of Roses for sale a few times over the years, but no one else stitching it either. It sounds like we had very similar experiences too! I drifted away to other crafts for a long time too. If you ever do pick it up again, let me know. We can cheer each other on!

[@robinbunis6792]

Hi Deborah...loved your WIP parade. I am such a cat lady and had to pause to order ABChat, never saw before. Enjoy your snow day. We had rain which seems to be the norm the last few years. Say hi to Doc and Wesley!

[@kensingtoncrossstitch]

Hi Robin! I'm so glad you liked ABChat too -- it's such a simple but fun pattern. We got about 6 inches of snow, but are expecting a lot of rain today, so it will soon be gone again. I am trying to type this around Doc's efforts to get attention, so he definitely says hi back. :D

[@TheNutmegStitcher]

This was inspiring. I've also realized that I need mini goals and milestones to keep my projects progressing. I dislike languishing projects. It takes some of the fun out of new starts. As long as I make SOME regular progress on the older ones, I can still enjoy the starts. I think it's about persevering, not depending on the dopamine rush of novelty. I trust myself more when I finish what I've begun. It's surprised me that it matters even when it comes to a fun and unnecessary hobby like cross stitch. I really want to get some finishes and fully finished pieces this year, and that's going to mean stitching and meeting small and regular goals. Loved this. ❤

[@kensingtoncrossstitch]

I'm so glad it was helpful to you! I think you put it exactly right: the fun of a new start gets diminished if it never progresses any further. I do love finishing things because that gives a rush too, but there's something so quietly lovely about making steady progress too. That balance is different for each of us, but we can find it. Knowing there are others who also need those mini goals and milestones is good to know. ❤

[@joanneneufeld8212]

Great wip parade. I was happy to see you also have a 25 year old wip!

[@kensingtoncrossstitch]

Oh yes! Super Old WIP Club members unite! 🤣

[@karinlampe9330]

Great, I am going to join that club, too. My oldest WIP must be a bit older than 30 years now… 🙈

[@kensingtoncrossstitch]

🤣

[@amandahaynie2619]

Great wip parade! Really enjoyed the whole video. Looking forward to more 😊. Happy stitching.

[@kensingtoncrossstitch]

Thank you so much for watching! 🤗

[@TheNutmegStitcher]

Loved your idea of blowing up that sheep stitch to be a statement piece on the wall. I think that's a wonderfully interesting idea.

[@kensingtoncrossstitch]

Hooray! I think it'll just be so fun and eye catching.

[@usefulhours]

So enjoyed listening to your plans and seeing your projects. You really inspired me to look at my languishing wips with fresh eyes. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@kensingtoncrossstitch]

Oh, I'm so glad you found it inspirational! And thank you for watching. ❤

[@isweariamstitching]

Oh wow, stayed pretty even in your wip count, impressive! Jumbo sizing that sheep piece into 2 separate ones is very cool!

[@kensingtoncrossstitch]

I was really impressed with that too! Not planned, but I'm happy with it. And I think those giant sized sheep are going to just be so darn cute!

[@nityaviswanath894]

Hi Deborah! Your video popped up on my feed today! I came for the wip parade and stayed for the Star Trek chat 😂 I rewatch Next Gen, DS9 and Voyager about once a year, totally worth it. They're still so good! I love your mini portraits idea with that, that will look great! It looks like the Picoti piece says Mon petit mouton tout doux which means "my little sheep soft all over". That Jardin Privé cat is cute! Constant cat is a cute idea for a sal! Véronique Enginger patterns are so pretty. Hélène LeBerre makes beautiful ones too. This was a fun visit! Happy snow stitching!

[@kensingtoncrossstitch]

Trekkies unite! 🤣🖖 And thank you for that sheep translation. That makes so much more sense than what Google gave me! My school time French was a long time ago, so I just poke my way along with translations these days. Helene le Berre is a favorite designer of mine too! She has such a delicate style, and I'm hoping to work on a few this year too.

[@stitchinginhighheels9529]

I love your idea of turning the portion of the WIP for your mom into a strawberry. I think it's a really clever way to get it to a finish without having to do all of that stitching that you just don't enjoy. This is the first year in quite some time that I've been able to really think about planning and goals for my stitching. I've enjoyed the planning process and am trying WIPGO for the first time. I'm hoping that my goals are reasonable enough that I can achieve them, and that I've still left myself enough time in a month to stitch on things that really all to me. I know that setting it up so that those projects were the only thing I stitched on would be setting myself up for failure; if I feel like I *have* to stitch on something, my brain rebels and then I don't stitch at all. I loved seeing your WIPs and plans! 🪡👠

[@kensingtoncrossstitch]

I have really enjoyed thinking of ways to personalize projects, both for my own interests and to ensure they don't keep languishing. This one definitely suffered from "but I have to stitch it exactly as designed!" for too many years. I think it's all about us finding the right balance and motivations for ourselves, isn't it? We're each inspired and motivated differently, and trying out different methods until we find something that works for us is part of the process too. I hope you have a wonderful stitching year!

[@xstitchinglibrarian]

Hi Deborah, I love your 2024 plans. You are so realistic and intentional about your goals and plans. I love it. I tend to bite off more than I can chew by setting very lofty goals that only add pressure to my already stressful day. I am going to take a page out of your book and work on setting more realistic goals this year. Happy new year my friend. I must now venture out in a snow storm to return to work after our short winter break. ⛷💨🥶🌨❄

[@kensingtoncrossstitch]

Hi Judith! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I think I've become more intentional out of necessity. 🤣 If I gave myself free rein, I'd start everything and finish nothing. And I do love the satisfaction of a finish so ... I hope you stay safe and warm in the snow today!

[@lindaboudreau7154]

Great to see your WIP and 2024 plans. You show us a lot of patterns that we don’t usually see, and that’s great. It introduces us to new designers. We are expecting a snow storm Tuesday. I don’t work that day, but we have our “Carnegie Cafe” or Craft and Create night at the library that night, but it might be cancelled. We are going to make vision boards. So it’s a wait and see situation if it’s a go. See you next time

[@kensingtoncrossstitch]

Hi Linda! I'm glad you enjoyed it. There is so much variety in patterns these days, and I love exploring that. Your event sounds very fun! I hope your snow day goes well and isn't too disruptive.

[@Sewmena918]

I like your approach to your older WIPS. The strawberry will be so nice for your Mom. I have loose plans for my stitching this year. I probably have more than I can finish, but only 2 actually WIPS. I have about 10 kitted up, but I have signed up for at least 4 stitch clubs at Fat Quarter shop, so I am trying not to feel overwhelmed. 🤣 I work full time so it’s not like I’m stitching all day. I also decided I wanted to make a quilt, so I started that this weekend.

[@kensingtoncrossstitch]

We sound very similar! I make a lot of plans, kit up a lot, and am finding myself distracted by thoughts on quilts and other crafts too. 🤣

[@rhondazamora8136]

I loved WIP Parade! Happy stitching 😊

[@kensingtoncrossstitch]

Thank you so much! Happy stitching to you too.

[@carylminard448]

I love Veronique’s patterns. I have 3 of her books, so I know which ones you were talking about. We’re getting another snow day today, so I’m getting more stitches in. Im looking forward to seeing your progress on your WIP’s and new starts.

[@kensingtoncrossstitch]

Always happy to hear about another fan of hers! She has such a distinct style, and not one we see much. Thank you for watching too!

[@stitchingginny]

Great WIP parade. You always choose beautiful projects and look forward to seeing you stitch on your WIPs and the new starts. Enjoy your snow day stitching. We had a snow day most of the day, but it has stopped and mostly melted off of the concrete. I am already looking forward to Spring now that the holidays are over. Happy Stitching 😃

[@kensingtoncrossstitch]

As much as I love snow, when it gets to the sad and dirty stage, I'm definitely wanting it to be gone. We're expecting lots of rain and warm temperatures today, so I think it'll all be gone pretty soon. I am so glad you enjoyed the parade and projects too. Happy stitching!

[@shawnduray6297]

Very much enjoyed your plans for 2024 - I like your taste in patterns and how you seem to individualize projects to your very own tastes. If I watch you long enough perhaps some of that creativity will rub off on me! 😁 I really like the Reflections on the Fourth pattern - BEAUTIFUL!!!

[@kensingtoncrossstitch]

Oh yes, that Reflections piece is beautiful, isn't it? I will be very happy to have that one on display. I used to stitch only what the designer intended, but I found myself putting off too many things because only part of the pattern really spoke to me so individualizing them has become a fun challenge.

[@michaeljones4380]

Deborah! It was great to see all your WIPS and plans for 2024! I look forward to seeing them all again on your upcoming flosstubes as you work on them. I’m envious of your snow day. It sounds so cozy! We’ve had a rather warm winter so far here in Dallas and I’m not complaining. LOL! But we’ll see how long that lasts!

[@kensingtoncrossstitch]

Hi Michael! You know me and my chatty ways, so you'll definitely see and hear lots about them in upcoming episodes. 🤣 Some of your warm weather must be headed this way, as we're expecting lots of rain and temperatures in the 50s today to wash away all that lovely snow.

[@flossysewsandgrows]

Great projects! I think you are brave finishing the wreath - my WIP from the 90's has very firmly been burying at the bottom of a draw lol. Happy stitching xx

[@kensingtoncrossstitch]

Thank you, Sally! I can't say it's a pattern I'm really eager to pick back up, but since it will make her very happy, here we go. 😳🤣

[@flossysewsandgrows]

@@kensingtoncrossstitch yes we must keep our Mum's happy! I would probably do the same! Xx

[@sunrise49738]

Hi Deborah! Wonderful video, as normal. Love that you are discovering what kind of stitcher you are and are loosely planning around those facts. Had to laugh at you being the "advent calendar" gal. I do miss Doc and Wesley making an appearance now that you are back to filming in your craft room. You will have to see if you can bribe them into making an appearance soon. Hope that you don't get too much snow. We are cold here in central Texas with the feel-like temperature down to around 1 and supposed to be getting a glazing of ice and wind chills down to below 0. Feels like I didn't leave Michigan when this happens. I never expected to have at least 1-2 weeks a winter of actual winter weather when I moved to Texas. Supposed to go up to almost 70 on Thursday, then back to the 40s, and I wonder why I am having a hard time shaking this crud that the grandson shared with me. Mom has a pain shot appointment on Friday so will be working on my temperature cat piece from last year. Seems like I only pull it out when I am waiting for mom to get through her appointments, which are not that often, so it might turn into a 5 year piece at this rate. Take care and give the boys some extra loving from me. Dawn in Texas

[@kensingtoncrossstitch]

Hi Dawn! Always lovely to hear from you and what's happening in your life. We've had a bit more snow since I last filmed, though more rain is incoming, so it may be gone again soon. I have enjoyed it while it lasted. I really do need to think of ways to get Wesley and Doc into the craft room with me, don't I? I think part of it is the time of day. I usually film first thing, when they're most interested in a post-breakfast nap. :D

[@homemadeontheridge]

I love seeing all the unique patterns and cross stitch books you find from French, German, etc. designers! I recently purchased the “J’arrive” pattern you shared in December and love it!

[@kensingtoncrossstitch]

Oh hooray! That's such a cute pattern. As much as I love the US designers, I also love seeing the different styles in European designers too. It keeps things fresh when thinking about what to stitch.

[@megastitches]

❤❤❤

[@lilysmomma785]

Just love all of your videos ❤️ Beautiful wip parade !!!! Would you consider selling the fruit of the month chart ? I LOVE your idea to make it into a book, I have a brand new baby niece that it would be perfect for. Let me know, thank you 😊 Also, another idea for your captains, you could still use tiny frames, but put magnets on the back for a fridge or whatever other surface.

[@kensingtoncrossstitch]

Thank you so much! I do still love the idea of it being a baby book, so I'm so happy you may do it yourself! Unfortunately, I only have a digital copy, so I can't pass it along, but it does look like it's still available on the Frosted Pumpkin website. And great idea about the magnets for the Star Trek portraits - thank you! ❤️

[@illogical_illogical940]

Looking forward to the Dimension strawberry and the rest! Cute Trek chart. My account name is a reference/ homage to episode “Sarek” and actor Mark Lenard. 😊🖖.

[@kensingtoncrossstitch]

"Sarek" is a great episode -- and great inspiration for a name! 🖖

[@JaneandMolly5166]

Where do you purchase your Christiane Dahlbeck books and patterns? (Before I go down the rabbit hole...!)...Does she use DMC or fancy floss? What fabric count does she general call for? I know I can likely use any count, but in the photos I've seen online, it looks like the floss is likely 2 strands as it appears almost 'embossed' -raised off the fabric. Thanks for any insights (or point to one of your videos if you talk about this!)

[@kensingtoncrossstitch]

Happy to help! I tend to go a couple different places for her books: The French Needle (www.frenchneedle.com/) is an online US shop that imports them; Casa Cenina (www.casacenina.com/) is an Italian site that usually has a good selection; and you can buy directly from her website (www.fingerhut-dahlbeck.de/), which has the print books and some of her patterns to download. She does use a variety of flosses, and especially her older books may only use German threads. There is often a conversion chart inside, though, that lets you choose which thread company to use. Most of her pieces do use 2 strands. I filmed a video about a year ago (kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKWmpXSvoLSKr7M - excuse the bad lighting!), in which I talk about buying and using European patterns, and that includes some extra tips too, so I hope you find it helpful as well!

[@JaneandMolly5166]

@@kensingtoncrossstitch Wow, fantastic info. Thanks so much!!!!!!!!!!