Flosstube

[@RenewingStitches]

Mini Sunflower cottage is moving along great! Such a nice idea to adopt out a project you aren't going to finish. You have done so much, I'm so glad you didn't chunk it. : ) I have been listening to and looking up while preparing the boys' school stuff. Thank you for making it go faster! And we all thank Mo for helping in the card swap!

[@janetrcrossstitch]

Love watching and seeing all your projects. @WendysWhimsicalStitches is a Mississippi floss tuber. Love your smile, more people need to be that way.

[@SmallTownStitches]

I stitch bottom left to top right and then bottom right to top left. I am so excited to see all the progress you do on sunflower cottage!!!

[@annemarie6962]

Great to see you today Laura. Love all your projects. The dragon piece is beautiful. I'm reading Iron Flame at the minute and am itching to stitch a dragon or two. The WOCS has a two dragon pattern in the next issue. So that's me sorted for the New Year. It'll be perfect stitching while reading Onyx Storm. Be kind to yourself, this slump will pass. When I lose my stitching bug, I read or knit or crochet. Walking away for awhile means I'll come back re energised. Take care, best wishes from 🇮🇪

[@susanradford9503]

Thank you for your flosstube. Be kind to yourself - we all have these little slumps. Smile smile smile 🥰. Thank you for filming even though you don’t feel great - we all appreciate you very much. Your stitching is fabulous. x

[@stitchinwithsandi]

You are such a sweet person. I am sure your stitching is beautiful. I would finish up your piece if no one grabs it. Love your tshirt by the way, what a great color. Love your tree! It's the perfect thing to put in that corner. I am going to pick something from the jcs Christmas issue and I will join you in the stitching. Hope to see you later today! Happy Stitching

[@andrea_can_2]

Hi Laura. I love hearing all your goals and how you are working towards touching more of your pieces. When I saw you hold up Peaceful Path, I thought now that’s a winter stitch I would like to do. But when I opened up my magazine, and looked at the pattern, I was surprised to see that the trees and the house had a more orange hue. When you held it up on the screen, it was more reddish for the house and the trees. And I like that better. It just goes to show how much video can affect the color of what we see. So I think I’m going to do a conversion to make it more red. Definitely the house. Like in the Swedish countryside.

[@StitchingDowntheRabbitHole]

Great video, I got a long of stitching done while listening. We LOVED The Diplomat, and also had to rewatch end of season 1. We finished season two last night and HOLY COW. LOL. Best wishes.

[@donnastone2754]

I usually watch you every week on my TV so I can't comment. This morning my TV couldn't compete with my grandson's cartoons. lol So I am on my computer with earphones. I really enjoy watching your posts. Really admire your stitching organization on your projects.

[@brandistoker]

I would be thrilled to finish your Kringle piece. I have wanted to stitch it but don't want to have to stitch all of it. A partially finished one would be amazing.

[@arleencurry]

Kringles is on my list to do, so I’d love the pattern and your started piece. Liked seeing your diamond painting pieces. I’ve been wanting to try my hand at it. Great video as always.

[@helend.flosstube]

I've let go pieces that I had a lot of work in too. Once you make the decision it can actually be pretty freeing. 😊 Love all your projects as usual!

[@thriftyArtiststitching]

Thanks for a great stitching week Laura. Loved the extra ATC VIDEO also this week. Hope the creative slump ends soon. Hate when that happens. Organizing craft supplies usually helps me get out of a slump. I find things I forgot about. Of course it leads to a giant mess too 😂😂😂😂

[@sallyknotwell1605]

Thank you for a great flosstube, Laura. Hoping life slows down for you and you can catch your breath!

[@owlbestitching8839]

I would love to adopt your Kringles. So far, I haven’t had a project that I’ve totally abandoned yet. But I’m sure with time, it may happen and there’s no shame in that. Your work is beautiful and so glad you’re sharing as much with us as you currently are. I can’t get enough of X Stitch videos. That slump that you’re in… that too shall pass, and you’ll be back to yourself in no time. Take care! ❤️

[@TheStitchingOwl]

Hi Laura…Jan Hicks patterns do go into pattern keeper with ease…I might have needed to put in my colours but I like doing this as I can change the colours to what I am doing. I will be starting the mini full coverage scene from the Christmas magazine tomorrow with you. If no one claims Kringles I am happy to finish it for you. 🦉🧵🪡🎄

[@maryannjohnson5410]

Hi Laura, Kristi's Corner Needlework is a flosstuber in Mississippi. She also has an Etsy shop where she sells her cross stitch patterns. Have a good week!

[@lindapearson3340]

For Christmas Ornaments I have done some felt with sequins & beads and stuffing and they come out really nice. Love your projects. Your Spring Quaker is so beautiful the way you have changed your colors. You have a keen eye for color that is for sure. I am sure that you are going to have a lot of people wanting to finish your Kringles piece. Happy Stitching.

[@maureenlopez9266]

I really like the little tree behind you😊. You should keep that up year round to display some of your small seasonal pieces on! I also enjoyed the trading card video. Such creativity! When I get in a slump I just ride it out by taking a break. When I try to force my way out of it, nothing gets done. When I take time off, I usually come back with a roar! Go easy on yourself and just go where the wind blows you😊. Have a great week!

[@sewmesarah]

Hi Laura, sweet lady. It’s an overwhelming time of the year I think, and it seems to just keep ramping up over these next few months. For me, when I find myself in the creative slump, I find it best not to push it. I try to connect with anything that sparks an interest, so maybe I’ll find a craft you tube I haven’t seen before and just watch if it holds my interest. It’s ok if it’s not something I intend to do myself, just something of interest. I also find small projects are the way to go at those times. Not adding to the overwhelm is key for me, so letting myself off the ‘to do’ lists really helps too. Take care, and I hope you find a way through the overwhelm soon. Thinking of you, Sarah.

[@Yvonnescraftyadventures]

Laura I am so sorry you are feeling in a slump. I know I’ve had this too with my crocheting or quilting and sometimes I just needed to stop trying and let it rest for a little while. I don’t know if a creative slump is really something you can push out of or through so maybe allow yourself a rest from finishing even if you don’t finish 55 things by the end of December then. I have to tell you though that your videos are always one of the highlights of my week. Fridays is always Laura day and I am sure I am not the only one you bring so much joy to this community.

[@melissao7840]

Love you're videos❤! Back in the 70's we would make the beaded ornaments from the Herrschners magazine. Do believe they still have them.

[@pammoore4743]

Just love watching you - you are calming and real! You always tell us we are important - I really hope you realize that too. Give yourself grace. I get anxiety and literally have to get up and go do something different for 10-15 minutes. Or just taking a 10 minute walk. I hope you feel relaxed soon. Mine definitely goes with the time change, weather change. Once again I love watching you. You are just a kind person

[@Nightfeare]

I would love to adopt your Kringle piece. I have really wanted to stitch on this piece and think it would be fun to finish yours. Gorgeous WIPs. ❤❤❤

[@Eliska_Svobodova]

Hi Laura, great video and great progress on your projects. Hope you will feel better soon, and maybe take your own advice and be kind to yourself, because you matter :) I had kind of a crafting block earlier this year and what helped me was to stop working on projects that overwhelmed me, break the routine and start on something completely new. It charged me with new energy and later I was able to continue on my previous projects with newly found enthusiasm :) you participate in a lot of different challenges and a number of your own goals that may be bit tiring and repetitive after the whole year? But of course, do what you feel is right for you. Love your work and looking forward to your videos every week ☺

[@elizabethwright7260]

Another great flosstube! I would love to adopt Kringles, i have wanted to stitch it, but just haven't hit the add to cart yet. Keep the great videos coming. Love I Spy too.

[@ItsOnlyStitching]

Ah, sorry I obviously hadn’t watched yet when I asked you for the Thanksgiving board! Doing a call now! I’m going to start Kringles one of these days-have the pattern and also thinking of punching it up. So lmk when you restart!

[@deborahbrandenburger7240]

I loved the Maisie Dobbs series, but I'm much older than you are!!!! Personally, I think reading/listening to the first book is beneficial as it really helps you understand things through the rest of the series. I did find the first book rather depressing, but it was what life was like in that era and does explain so much about Maisie.

[@genstitchr]

Maisie Dobbs I read. You can always go to the library (what my librarian spouse says). The backstory is usually pretty described in the books early on. My mother inlaw hates them (retired clinical psychologist). Probably how I would feel about scientist characters😂

[@bethanyrutta2377]

Beautiful stitching! I love everything!! Amazing! Thank you for sharing! 😊

[@lindaromar2824]

Laura, I would love to stitch Peaceful Path with you. It was one of the patterns I had marked as a “I would like to stitch this” pattern. I will try to get to Michael’s in the next day or so to pick up some floss. Have a great week.

[@gordonbethdaigle4360]

I'm sorry to hear you are in a creative funk. Lol. Around here this time of year we have lots of craft fairs going on. Maybe if you went to a few you might get some inspiration or see some things that make you happy. I hope your mojo returns soon. I often get ideas from you. I have started scrapbooking my projects after watching your flosstube. Thank you for inspiring me.

[@whichstitchps]

Hi Laura! I am also struggling with my Kringles. I'm going to be restarting it at some point down the road. I love your version and would love to adopt it if nobody else needs it. You could keep the pattern since I have my own copy. ❤

[@emptynestcrafting6562]

I am always so happy for you brave souls who can give away a Stitch you no longer love even though you put so much work into it. I cant wait to see your restart on it. If I feel a slump in one creative aspect, I move on to something else creative. And if nothing is reaching out to me, then I am good with taking a couple of days of not doing anything.

[@MandyParker]

Congrats on figuring out what you wanted for Kringles, it shouldn’t be a struggle to stitch something you aren’t happy with. I hope you can get some inspiration for the crafting slump.

[@kima9181]

Hope Kringles finds a good home - as nice as it is, it has never looked liked a "Laura stitch" to me.

[@anitaphelps8663]

Hi Laura! Enjoying your flosstube. I have the Just Cross Stitch magazine, and I'm thinking of joining your SAL. It would be my first full coverage project. Take care.

[@stitchingbytheshore]

Awesome!

[@vredmond0652]

I am a left handed stitcher also. Can’t tell you how many times people have told me that I am stitching wrong. I just ignore them and just do me 😂🤣

[@kitmar1667]

So, I think Im broken, cuz, I couldn't settle down with projects to fit the prompts. Lol. I got overwhelmed & just put the list aside. Lol. But, oh my, I'd love to adopt your Kringles project!! Although, I am a right-handed stitcher., I'd give it a really good a go at finishing it for you, since its almost already completed. Lol. However, if a natural lefty would love to have it, I'd surely step aside.

[@katherinecaldwell790]

I just bought the pattern Black Rose by Owl Forest I am going to start soon. I saw a wonderful idea on Xstitchmd's floss tube she made the roses red and every thing else black I think I am going to do mine like that too.

[@stitchingbytheshore]

I’m doing that myself as well. I’ve got my plum fabric, stitch mostly in black and then the roses will be done in a deeper red that goes nicely with the fabric.

[@amyswihart7283]

I love those 4 Lila's Studio seasonal bird charts that you have stitched. I keep putting them in my 123 wishlist, and then taking them out. I should just get them, because they are so cute stitched up, and are smaller patterns. I would absolutely love to finish your Kringles. I stitch on aida exclusively, and have always admired that design.I bet you feel relieved to get it out of your wip pile, with the plan you have to restitch it with the brighter colors. Will you do all 3 floors then? Or stick with the 2 floors?

[@AmniconStudio]

Beautiful WIPs! The time change kicks my butt each year.

[@susanleone8986]

How about taking your Jan Hicks pattern to FedEx store or library and enlarging your pattern? I've done it and the enlargement does wonders for my eyesight. Never had a problem with FedEx refusing to make an enlargement....just a thought! And pretty cheap too!😆

[@cynthiamyers5453]

What do you mean "caviar seeds" with diamond painting? You can use mod podge to seal. I'd love to adopt your Kringles! It's beautiful!

[@lauraleehawes5266]

Sorry you are going through a rough time, I have rough times allot since I had to go on disability and pain as well. I have a bad habit of not talking about it until breakdown mode, I live with my daughter and son-in-law and trying not to worry them, I feel a big relief after just talking about it Another thing that helps me is pulling out all of my old magazines and books takes my mind off of everything. Hope you get to feeling better.

[@virpir2453]

I am intereste in adopting your wip with the chart. Your wips are so pretty.

[@theresapetrik1995]

Slumps are just that, don't worry about what you produce or don't. Sometimes when I don't stitch for a while, I come up with new ideas in colors, floss, etc. on a project I'm working on or getting ready to start. I literally just finished, while watch you, Angry Cat from 2021 Cross Stitch Halloween issue. I wasn't enamored with the witches broom. Being forced to wait for an additional skein of floss to arrive to complete the cat, I decided to change the broom into a slice of the moon and dangle the spider from the moon. Also, decided to make the cats eyes glow-in-the-dark green. It came out better than I thought it would. Be it a forced stop or a slump, sometimes a break is good till you start wanting to do more stitching. Please thank Mo along with yourself for helping with the ATC swap mailing. I'm really looking forward to the arrival of that very special piece of mail. Take care of yourself, be gentle with yourself and breathe.

[@cherylclayburn6478]

Oh my word! I love the Maisey Dobbs series. I have listened to them so many times. Keep going it’s great. The first book is kind of slow.

[@sleepycalico]

I'm right-handed and I make my x's the same way you do. Kringles is going to look so much happier with brighter colors for me, too, but someone will adore these soft muted colors. I'm glad it will be going off to its real home. It will make someone happy just for what it is and also because it will forever remind them of you. I am all muted down myself. Never before has the time change so knocked the stuffing out of me. And the election makes me want to slide all the way into a coma. If I were a shape-shifter, I would transform into a cicada and sleep quietly underground for the next few years. I just added The Diplomat to my DVR yesterday! I think I learned about it on Amanpour. There are always good things to look forward to and fuzzy beasties demanding their snuggles.

[@marypassmore308]

Sorry you are going through this creative block. This is happening to me making greeting cards. One thing I know, we need to be gentle with ourselves and we will eventually get to feeling better. Just take one day at a time.

[@Marietnieskens]

I can finish your piece I love it restarted stitching too love Christmas pieces

[@heden1460]

I watch Mary's Stitching Corner. She watches you and is stitching Summer Quaker. Unfortunately, she also has had trouble with her border matching up.

[@FrenchyStitchy]

OMG I had NO idea that was left handed stitching!! I do know that I stitch "opposite" everybody else 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣(and I'm not left handed!)

[@genstitchr]

I adopted someone else's work this fall, so I can't do another stitchy child until next fall. I'm also a lefty.

[@Catmumcraftseverything]

Probably not terribly helpful, but I find a 30 min chunk can help, so if I don't feel like doing something I give it a minimum of 30 mins. Also new starts help me lots

[@marciadwyer1366]

Laura I would love to adopt your Kringles cross stitch piece. I don’t have the pattern.

[@cathwilley8130]

Mod podge is supposed to be good for sealing diamond painting.

[@carmenguzman7991]

Great podcast, where do you find your magazines?

[@ThePajamaStitcher]

I love Kringles! Im ambidextrous and can stitch both left and right handed. I would love to adopt it from you. As of right now I only have 2 Christmas pieces going and want to add more to my collection. And the colors fit my style. Are anybody's pieces perfect? I think there is at least 1(100) wonky stitches in every piece I have, so it would fit right in. 😂 I put my Owl Forest into SAGA. It works much better. I have put them in Pattern Keeper. You have to sometimes resize the graph on the chart when it says it can't read it. I've found that it will sometime miss 1 line and after making that change, it works. Sorry if that doesnt make sense, Im a visual person, so it'd be easier to show than tell. I'm not an expert but Id be willing to Zoom with you to help you figure it out. Dont worry about slumps. When I get in one I just put it aside and do something else. Eventually my creative bug comes back on its own. Im currently going through a crochet slump, so I just knit and cross stitch. Lately Ive been getting the urge to pull out the afghan Ive been working on for 2 years now, but Im gonna let it sit for a bit longer.

[@tamarabrown4570]

If the stitcher makes their X’s different, just turn the project (and pattern) sideways. My bottom leg is \ and the top leg is /.

[@christinerobertini4023]

🌻🌻

[@CrombieTX]

Did you find the hashtag for Peaceful Path?

[@raggedygene1770]

Hugs to you ❤

[@Karen3263]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@carmenguzman7991]

What is a pattern keeper?

[@sleepycalico]

It's an app that shows you what percentage of stitching you have completed on your wips. You can use it to enlarge the pattern to see it more easily. It will highlight every occurrence of a particular symbol so you can easily figure out how to get to each stitch. It eliminates the struggle of page breaks. I'm an old-fashioned paper-chart girl, so I don't know what else it does, but people swear by Pattern Keeper.

[@audreyfleming8036]

❤❤❤