Flosstube 29 - A demo, wips, haul, new starts and stitching joy! March 25, 2024

[@juliemiller6920]

By all means, yes, do what makes you happy! Right now I am finding joy in completing a pattern before I start a new one. But who knows how I'll feel tomorrow! I may feel like starting 10! I want to thank you for directing me to your tutorial on stitching/counting on linen (I didn't thank you on the last video). This was very helpful and the best video on the subject I've seen! I hope your Easter has been happy and take care!

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Julie, I’m so glad the stitching/counting in linen demo was helpful. Very pleased to hear that. 🙂 Thanks so much for your nice note. I appreciate it so much! 🙂🙂

[@mariesaur753]

Great flosstube. I would love a tour of your sewing room. Always so interesting to see how others have set up their space.

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Marie! 🙂

[@bonitaharms9429]

Thank you for another wonderful flosstube. Thank you for the Blackwork lesson, it was very interesting and it is beautiful. Yes, Stacy Nash "blew" my stitching budget, but I love everything Stacy. Happy Sttitching.

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Bonita, so glad you enjoyed the video and thank you so much for your nice note. I appreciate it so much!🙂

[@barbarahouser]

Another one knocked outta the park! I loved seeing your WIPs and all those newly kitted projects...and YES, YES, we want to see your sewing room! Thanks for showing that lovely egg basket up close, I was loving it sitting behind you but wanted a closer look. When I was doing basket weaving, I made only 1 egg basket, but didn't even realize that I could have done such a beautiful handle on it. I have it somewhere and will be digging it out of storage as we recover from a remodel, so I can fill it with a multitude of stitched pin pillows. Happy travels and see you next time! xoxo

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Barbara, so glad you enjoyed the video. I wasn’t going to purchase another egg basket, but this one had that beautiful woven handle and I couldn’t resist. I love your idea of filling your egg basket with pillows! Wouldn’t that look beautiful! Thanks again for your note. 🙂🙂

[@hucl_berrystitcher]

I'd love to see your sewing room! You are a wonderful talker and teacher.

[@karencombsstudio]

Thank you so much! 🙂

[@marilynferlitsch2003]

Another interesting video. YES! We all would love a tour of your sewing room Have a wonderful Easter. Marilyn

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Marilyn! 🙂

[@dianemcclure6884]

Yes please, I would love to see your sewing room and all the things!

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Diane! 🙂

[@wendywesley7423]

Wow this is great! Thank you!

[@karencombsstudio]

You are welcome. It will give you a starting point and some things to ponder as you research machines. 🙂

[@loftymakes]

Thank you for another great video, your work is beautiful. That blackwork is stunning! Wishing you a Happy Easter 💗

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks so much! Happy Easter!

[@BrendaHapps]

First time watching. You are a joy to watch!! You have so much knowledge and I appreciate you sharing. I would love to see your sewing space!! Have a wonderful Easter!! 💐

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Brenda, thanks so much! So glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for your nice note. 🙂

[@BrendaRogers-l4p]

I learn so much. Thank you.

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Brenda! 🙂

[@amymontoya1971]

Thank you for all the inspiration. I would love to see your sewing room. Safe travels if you go.

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Amy! 🙂

[@lizflorom6021]

Yes for a sewing room tour.

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Liz! 🙂

[@wendywesley7423]

Yes I would love to see your stitching room ❤

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks. Wendy! 🙂

[@georgiaobrien8393]

Lovely stitching Karen! Seeing your Ann Tong Uffindell really is motivating me! And, yes - would so enjoy a tour of your sewing room!

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Georgia! 🙂

[@valeriesievenpiper908]

I have to tell you that I have been stitching for many years also, and I recently took out an old piece I did in the 80's. It needed a good clean...and yes it had masking tape on the edges. Glad we are over that! Thanks for the tips. Seeing your whole room would be great

[@karencombsstudio]

Valerie, I totally agree, glad we are over that! 😬 Thanks so much for your note. 🙂🙂

[@lindarubano4562]

I would love to see your sewing room…enjoyed seeing your beautiful stitching

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Linda! 🙂

[@colleenbrandt5828]

You’re a gifted teacher. Yes to tour. Beautiful stitching. Love the pieces you pick. Thanks for sharing.

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks Colleen! So glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for your nice note!

[@nancymarsh2540]

I would love to see a tour of your quilt room and stitchy spot! Thank you for your great Flosstube 😃

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks Nancy, so glad you enjoyed the video and thanks so much for your comment! 🙂

[@donnacarman5429]

Yes, please on a tour of your studio. I look forward to all of your videos. Your stitching is beautiful and I appreciate all of the tips you share. You have a very calm and patient teaching talent!

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Donna, I appreciate it so so much! 🙂

[@celinebowman6309]

I would love a tour of your sewing room! I enjoy your videos very much.

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Celine! 🙂

[@wendywesley7423]

Thank you !!!!

[@karencombsstudio]

You're welcome! 🙂

[@cbwoods5166]

Interesting thing to note about blackwork, it is from in part by the 15th century maybe before that time frame. A famous artist Hans Holbein, who was the artist for many historical figures, as Anne Boleyn her husband, Henry 8th, just to name a few. You pronounce it ‘Hole’ ‘Bine’ sounds like ‘line’. Holbein. There are many art mediums named after him. So just a nugget of information, I have studied and learned. The stitch is named after him, if I remember correctly, due to the artistry. It is not pronounced like a goblin .

[@karencombsstudio]

I just watched a lecture from the Royal School of Needlework about Holbein. His paintings have fascinated me for years, and I love the detail of the blackwork included in many of his portraits. Thanks so much for your note 🙂

[@kimedge7493]

@@karencombsstudio Hi Karen. You've put the "L" behind the "B" in both your spelling and pronunciation in the video, but you have it spelled right up above. It rhymes with "whole sign". :) So good to see you again!

[@karencombsstudio]

I stand corrected. . . that will teach me to film as I'm getting work done on the house and am distracted.. ;-)

[@debrajohnston1790]

Sewing room tour sounds good to me!!!

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Debra! 🙂

[@mellymueller]

Another fabulous video, Karen! Can’t wait to see you in July…

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Melly! See you this summer!!🙂

[@marylou5209]

I would love to try the blackwork. Thank you for the tutorial. A tour of your studio would be great.

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Mary Lou! 🙂

[@maggiewatte7911]

A flat iron for your hair also can get the kinks out of floss on low temp

[@karencombsstudio]

Great tip, Maggie. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

[@dawnamsbaugh78]

I'm new to your channel and will be returning. I love learning new things, and you are a wonderful teacher. Thank you for sharing your time and talents. I would love to see a tour of your creative space. Have a happy Easter, and enjoy the eclipse.

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Dawn! So glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for your nice note. 🙂

[@glendakayjones5290]

We would love to see a tour of your sewing room!

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Glenda!

[@maggiewatte7911]

A tour would be awesome

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Maggie! 🙂

[@ritadepalatis6366]

Happy anniversary! I always enjoy seeing your beautiful work and your discussions about fabrics, floss, techniques, etc. I use a small piece of a slightly damp sponge and run my "kinky" floss over it just as one would do with beeswax. Jean Farish mentioned doing this on one of her Flosstubes. It works great for me. I'd love a tour of your sewing room!

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Rita, thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for your nice note. I remember Jean talking about using a damp sponge and totally forgot about it. Thank you for the reminder, Jean always has such wonderful videos. Thanks again. 🙂

[@Felice-hc2dh]

Your floss tubes are pure delight.

[@karencombsstudio]

Felice, i’m so glad you enjoyed them and thank you for your nice note. 🙂

[@ivonep8166]

Beautiful projects, thank you for sharing your work, blessings ❤️🇬🇧

[@karencombsstudio]

Thank you so much, so glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for your note.

[@stitchinglonestar6362]

You bring me joy, Karen!! 🤗

[@karencombsstudio]

Aw, thank you so much! 🙂

[@TeresaGarcea]

Hi Karen I really appreciate your floss tube and all the information and beautiful stitching!

[@karencombsstudio]

You are so welcome, I’m so happy you enjoyed the video and thanks so much for your nice note. 🙂

[@sheilalovesgreg3489]

Hi Karen! I am retired as of 2020 and I do stitch all day long and my husband and I stitch in the evenings together. I stitch all day long only because I have mobile limitations so I’m thankful for stitching. Yes to the tour!

[@karencombsstudio]

Sheila, thanks so much for your note. Your stitching time sounds lovely. Thank you for sharing it with me. 🙂

[@harrietmcsloy4512]

Oh yes please, love a tour of your stitch room! As always loved your flosstube. Always so informative and so many beautiful things to look at. I should have given up trying to stitch at the same time though…… I made so many mistakes! Another good starter book on Blackwork is the RSN Essential Stitch Guide by Becky Hogg on Blackwork. Printed by Search Press. I too love looking at the wonderful embroidery and textiles to be found in Tudor and Elizabethan portraits.

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Harriet, I’m so glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for your note. I will have to look for the book you recommended. I don’t think I have that one. Thanks again! 🙂

[@annm8680]

I definitely want to see your sewing studio. I learn something everytime you make a video. I am stitching a similar chart from Scarlett Letter, A Couple in an Exotic Landscape. It is from circa 1700. The colors are brilliant. I also change colors as I go. I appreciate you telling your process.

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Ann, so glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for your nice note. 🙂 The Scarlett Letter has so many amazing charts. I will have to look up the one you are doing. 🙂 Thanks again!

[@kckoehler1766]

Oh I would LOVE a tour of your sewing room / stitching spot. Thank you for the generous offer ‼️

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, KC!

[@janetfraser8317]

A tour of your sewing room would be nice

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Janet! 🙂

[@marysorensen220]

I was SO happy to see your video pop up! You are definitely a teacher and I constantly learn from you. Love your stitching. 🙂

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Mary, thank you so much! I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed the video and appreciate your nice note! 🙂

[@KayPilger]

Love your videos. Yes, shop tour would be nice. Happy stitching.

[@karencombsstudio]

So glad you enjoyed the video and thanks so much for your note! 🙂

[@_runtothehills]

Thanks so much for another fabulous flosstube, Karen! I’d love to see around the rest of your stitching room 😊 Hope you have a great time going to see the eclipse!

[@karencombsstudio]

So glad you enjoyed the video and thanks so much for your note! 🙂

[@Dinahflo1]

I don’t purchase many charts, but I really enjoyed seeing your lovely projects and other charts. The blackwork is very interesting and beautiful. Thank you for the tutorial and other stitching hints.

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Dinah, so glad you enjoyed the video and thanks so much for your note. 🙂

[@cathybortz1779]

Another great video. Thanks again for including a teaching video.

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Cathy! I'm happy to hear you enjoyed the video and thanks for your nice note.

[@conniedvorscak8608]

Always a lovely visit. Of course I'd love to see your sewing room!

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Connie, so glad you enjoyed it.

[@lesliedelooze3681]

Ann T Uffendahl is just gorgeous in person! Thanks for the suggestion on using cards for floss drops, as I’m sorting out old Christmas cards now. Yes on your sewing room tour!!

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Leslie, you are welcome and thank you for your nice note! 🙂🙂

[@deborah965]

My fabric will arrive midweek for my "Shores of Hawk Run Hollow" start. I am located in NE Ohio, so we are looking forward to the solar eclipse. Had planned to drive closer to Cleveland until we learned there are a million folks expected to head that direction too. Lol. We received our viewing glasses last month. Love your floss tube videos.❤

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks for your note Deborah, so glad you enjoyed the video! What fabric did you pick for your Shores? So many lovely options! We did get our glasses, my husband ordered them quite awhile ago, so we are all set there. I’m hoping the cloud cover isn’t a problem, but it is too soon to tell. Thanks again for your note ! 🙂

[@yvonnevigil7489]

Hi Karen , new subscriber here . Enjoyed this Video very much thanks.

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks Yvonne! So glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for your nice note! 🙂

[@laurab5889]

Karen your sessions are always so good. You have helpful tips & I like that u stay on topic. You’re a gr8 teacher.

[@karencombsstudio]

Laura, thank you so much! 🙂

[@jacquelinebilling8643]

Another informative and hugely enjoyable flosstube, thankyou! ❤ I’d love to see a tour of your sewing room! X

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Jacqueline! 🙂

[@madamevavra]

Love that Uffindell progress, but giggled when I saw all your other starts! Thanks for waiting for me to catch up? Lol I may have finally sorted out my other WIPs and my floor stand so that I can start on Ann Tong this week. Maria Ewin has me still clutched in her grips, but her border is one day from done and then I will put her away for a week. And a resounding yes on a studio tour!

[@karencombsstudio]

I know, right! 😂 So many starts, but loving stitching in each one. Thanks for your note! 🙂

[@gingermccafferty9572]

You are so sweet. Love everything - just a joy to have a visit from you. I must take the inspiration from you and get going on HATS Ann U. It would be good to have a goal to try and catch up to you. ( I wanted to start on 2/29 for leap year😂)

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks for your sweet note Ginger, made my day! 🙂

[@Christine_K_Stitching_Away]

Hi Karen, I will tour with you anywhere. Please share your sewing room with us. Thank you so much for being such a wonderful educator. Christine

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Christine, thank you for your nice note, I’m so glad you enjoyed the video. 🙂

[@Terry_Mae]

Lovely to see you again Karen. As I was watching this video, I kept wondering what all the things were in the background. You must have read my mind. Yes please, a tour of your happy place would be great.

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Terry! 🙂

[@lindabrick2812]

I just love all your new starts!! Your stitching is beautiful. Thanks for sharing. I’d love to see your stitching room.

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Linda, so glad you enjoyed the video and thanks so much for your nice note! 🙂

[@juliew3740]

Yes please to the tour. Craft/sewing room tours are fascinating. I always wonder what is beyond my view while watching a flosstube & have gotten so many storage ideas from other people. Thank you so much for another really nice chat, Karen.

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Julie! So glad you enjoyed it and thanks so much for your note. 🙂

[@peterbrown2305]

Thank YOU, Karen! You are a wonderful teacher. Visits with you are such a joy. I would love a tour of your stitching room! And perhaps you have done this already, but it would be useful to know how you feel about each of the silks. I’ve only used DMC….I have a huge collection of it from years ago….and a few hand dyed cottons. But someday I’d like to give silk a try and how to know which to use? Also, I love that green linen from Trixie Tricycle. I’ve seen it before and I am a huge lover of green. I do wonder what would look good on it. One day I’m going to order some of it!!!! As I write you, the eclipse was two days ago and we were in the band of totality. There were clouds in the sky, but we were able to see the beginning minutes and as the event went on, the clouds cleared away and we had a perfect view right from our driveway! What a privilege to witness it. There has been an enormous buildup to the eclipse here for the past two years and huge crowds were expected. I don’t think the numbers materialized, but I was driving into my small town yesterday, going south on 281 and the stream of cars headed north let me know that in the surrounding towns and parks and ranches there were many, many visitors. I hope they enjoyed the visit and I hope they head home! Texas is a state that has attracted many to come live here. We don’t need to get too much bigger….especially our small towns!!!! I look forward to our next visit! Carol in Texas

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Carol, so glad you enjoyed this episode and I loved reading your note! We were in Little Rock for the eclipse and were in the path of totality. It was amazing and hard to put into words. . . . A visit to Shepard’s Needle before we drove home yesterday was the icing on the cake of our little get away. Traffic was heavy between Little Rock to past Memphis, even 24 hours later, but it was all worth it. Thanks for your vote on the sewing room tour. I haven’t done it yet, but will probably do it by June. Thanks again!! 🙂

[@leslies6008]

Your floss tubes are wonderful! Thank you so much. Yes, would love to see your sewing room if you don’t mind sharing it.

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Leslie! 🙂

[@cleocat8415]

K, I had kinky DMC too when I switched from bobbins to floss drops. So I ironed mine flat, cooled and then put it on drops. Beautiful! It’s cotton after all!! Lonnie in Texas Aka Cleocat

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Lonnie! Great tip, thanks for sharing it. :)

[@joannecorbeil5168]

Hello Karen. Thank you for another interesting and informative video. Yes I would appreciate à visit of your sewing room. It might help me better organise my sewing corner. Your new projects seem so enjoyable with such lovely colors. I wish you and your family a great spring. Byebye from France 🥖

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Joanne, thank you so much for your nice note and I’m so glad you enjoyed the video. 🙂

[@jzsketchcraft]

Sewing room tour pleaseeeeee

[@karencombsstudio]

🙂🙂

[@ContentedNeedleworkerKim]

Yay, you started Fruit Tree!

[@karencombsstudio]

I did! Working on the one over one now. Love the colors in it. 🙂

[@kathycullenstern9652]

Another enjoyable video. Thank you. I was stitching while I watched. A tour would bring lovely.

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Kathy, so glad you enjoyed it and thank you so much for your note. What were you stitching on??? Always enjoy hearing what people are working. 🙂

[@kathycullenstern9652]

@@karencombsstudio I’m almost finished a Jean Farish design. It a sampler from our Stitchers’ Escape Cruise to New England and Canada last September. I plan to enter it the New York State Fair this year.

[@sandyp2485]

I have ordered a few things from The Exemplarary Shop and love the kits. Included on the cover of the box (which is a nice box) is some of the history about the piece. Often there is a choice of getting the kit in cotton or silk floss but either way, it's put together beautifully. The instructions are extremely detailed so carefully read those first so you'll understand why to do something a certain way. The Loara Standish kit that I purchased with the silk floss was even numbered like a fine piece of art would be; the others I bought with cotton floss and were not numbered. Some of the kits can be purchased at the museum shops where the original sampler is displayed but don't count on it being in stock. One time I did have a problem with a missing page and wrote to the shop explaining the issue and promptly received that page and a couple others I didn't realize I was missing. The shop owner is very nice. I really like all the new starts you have going. They are several of the charts I'm working to get kitted up and begin. Thanks for your comments on the kinds of fabrics used. It will help a lot as I begin my search. Your presentation on blackwork is very nice and caught my interest. I really should give it a try since I have a long-haired, black & white tuxedo kitty whose hair is constantly having to be removed from my work. If I did blackwork, it wouldn't hurt too much when an undetected hair was accidentally included and changed the coloring of the thread--kind of important on bright flowers.

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Sandy, so glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for your nice note. I enjoyed reading it. 🙂 I agree, the kits from The Exemplarary Shop are outstanding! So well done. 🙂

[@jackieahlstrom]

Always a joy to spend time stitching with you! I think you’ll like the Colour and Cotton floss. I’ve used it for a few things. I snagged a spot in one of their monthly floss clubs and get a few skeins every month. They’re gently variegated and have gorgeous colors! The skeins are a bit larger/longer than most of the other brands, too. I’d love to see more of your sewing room!

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Jackie! Appreciate your nice note and so glad you enjoyed the video. I’m looking forward to trying the Colour and Cotton floss. The colors are gorgeous. I’m hoping someday to get up to their new retail location near St. Louis. Thanks again for your note! 🙂

[@jackieahlstrom]

My sister lives about an hour from the C & C store, it’s her LNS!

[@karencombsstudio]

@@jackieahlstrom An hour away?!? Oh, that could be dangerous (and fun!). 😉

[@jackieahlstrom]

Their floss wall would be my undoing!

[@djcuzy12]

Wow, I was just going to blame you for kitting up Sarah Milthorpe with VC silks but now I am smiling because you just gave me permission to start her. I can’t wait. I have 3 others that are giving me itchy fingers too. 😅. Yes yes yes to the studio tour❣️

[@karencombsstudio]

Glad I could help. 🙂🙂🙂 Sarah is such a lovely sampler, so elegant. You will love it. Thanks for your note. 🙂

[@sarawilson9155]

Love to see your stitching room, Karen. Mine is a big muddled mess!

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Sara!

[@madaketmom]

Holding the kinked floss over a streaming tea kettle will also get the kinks out. Not enough to saturate w steam, just enough to unkink.

[@karencombsstudio]

Oh, wonderful tip! Thank you for sharing it!!

[@carolineioannidis4186]

I love houses too❤❤❤

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Caroline. 🙂

[@9001012]

Thank you Karen, I hurried to buy books on black stitch. To flatten my thread, as I remove from the floss drop, I pass it through a moistened paper towel - straightens right away

[@karencombsstudio]

Wonderful idea! Thanks for sharing. I’ve seen Jean Farris mention using a little sponge, but never thought about using a moist paper towel. Excellent idea! 🙂

[@BrendaRogers-l4p]

I’d be interested in hearing about your quilting classes on-line or otherwise if any are open to the public. Thanks

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Brenda, Thanks so much for your note. I have an on-demand class with Craftsy: New Directions in Tumbling Blocks. It is based on my one of my most popular classes. You can see more information here: www.craftsy.com/class/new-directions-in-tumbling-blocks/ You can see more information about my books here: www.karencombs.com/page.php?ID=16 And my current patterns here: www.karencombs.com/page.php?ID=19 Thanks again for your note!

[@elainegavelek2488]

Love your videos. Would be great to see you space.

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Elaine! So glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for your nice comment. 🙂

[@lindaskinner5887]

Happy Anniversary. Why do they call it black work, is it because they only use black floss? Your stitching is beautiful. Thank you for sharing. I would love a tour.

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Linda! I guess they call it blackwork because it was originally done in black thread on white linen, dating back to the Tudor time period and perhaps before. Thanks for your note! 🙂

[@sherrymcconathy8835]

I love how you teach as you share. Thanks for patiently answering questions. I have a question which I’m sure you’ve probably answered before, but could you share what length of floss that you stitch with.

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Sherry, so glad you enjoyed the video and I appreciate your nice note. Great question! I will add it to the list for our next visit. 🙂🙂

[@tamipugh3377]

I originally had my DMC on bobbins. Jean Farrish is an instructor and designer of needlework and cross stitch. She taught me to keep a small sponge in a bowl with a small amount of water. You run your floss over the sponge and the small amount of moisture straitened the floss out immediately. I love blackwork but have never done any yet. It is on the bucket list. What kind of silk thread did you get from the Attic that is on the spools?

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Tami, thanks so much for your note. 🙂 I love Jean’s FlossTubes, I had forgotten her suggestion for the damp sponge, thank you for mentioning it. It’s a wonderful tip. A Ver Au Soie 100.3 is the silk on the spools. It is the silk I’m using for Sarah Milthorp. (From The Attic’s Sampler Symposium). Thanks again for your note. 🙂

[@neilstephen6761]

I find blackwork more inspiring than cross stitch and work it on even weave fabric personally I would not spend the time or get the satisfaction working on Aida . Thank you for your video.

[@karencombsstudio]

I do love Blackwork, loved it for years and years. Has always fascinated me. Thanks for your note! 🙂

[@snowbirdtbd3688]

What is the type stand you have your hoop in? Love your stitching and channel.😊

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks so much for your note. 🙂 I use the mini Potoky Stand. I purchased it from Hobby House and love it.

[@jguldy]

Lovely episode! I remember a few flosstubes ago, you mentioned switching your starts to upper right. Can you explain the method to the madness for that? I, too, am a right-handed stitcher, but I start in the upper left (whenever I can); because I stitch top to bottom and left to right. So that makes sense for me. Do you stitch right to left and top to bottom? Looking forward to the next one!

[@karencombsstudio]

So glad you enjoyed the video and thanks so much for your note! I am right-handed, but I do stitch a little differently than most stitchers ( or diagrams) I’ve seen. The first leg is top left to bottom right, second leg is top right to bottom left. Most of the time I stitch two-handed, but when I use the sewing method (especially on fill-in) holding from the right to the left is easier for me. Hope that makes sense and isn’t confusing. 🙂 Thanks for your note! Karen

[@susandupree5431]

What is the Etsy shop you got the boxed kit from ?

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Susan, It is called The Examplarery Shop. I will paste the link below. :) www.etsy.com/shop/TheExamplareryShop

[@wendywesley7423]

Do you have a recommendation for a beginner sewing machine for quilting? I had purchased a Singer and it had lots of issues.

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Wendy, thanks so much for your note. I would recommend finding a local sewing machine dealer and going in to look at their machines. Right down what kind of things you want to do with your machine and that will help you focus on purchasing one that suits your needs, but doesn’t have tons of extras , which would mean a higher price. It’s been a long time since I’ve purchased a machine, I used my 75 for over 20 years and it still works well unfortunately that is no longer being made. I also have an older Bernina for 440 QE that I purchased used, but it wasin like new condition. The other machine I’ve had forever is a featherweight, perfect straight stitch machine. I’ve had that since about 1986. Different sewing machine dealers will carry different brands. I would recommend going to several if you can check out different brands and give them a try. With piecing, you need a good quarter inch seam, whether that is a quarter inch foot, or a guide. That is something to look for, a quarter inch that you are comfortable seeing on and with. If you think you’re going to use the machine for sewing as well as piecing, then you would need a few more options. Let me think on it and check with some friends who manage sewing machine stores, and see if they have a recommendation.

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Wendy, I talked to my good friend who manages a quilt shop/sewing machine store. She confirmed a few things I mentioned to you: write down what type of sewing and/or piecing and quilting you would like to do. For example, if you wish to only piece on the machine, you won't need as much "throat" room. However, if you wish to also machine quilt, you will need a longer throat space. (With more space comes a higher price.) If you wish to sew as well as piece/quilt, you may need more features and more decorative stitches. If you wish to use it for piecing, a good 1/4" will be most important. Bring the types of fabric you wish to sew with you as you visit your local dealer. Test drive several different machines and see how it feels and if you have an accurate 1/4". Also make sure you know what accessories are included in the machine. Your local dealer is an excellent source for information. Make sure you can tell them what features you wish to have. That way you won't purchase more machine than you need. Right now (March 2024) she did mention two machines that she would recommend looking at. (Please note, this is by no means the only machines that would work, just two to take a look at.) Baby Lock Presto 2 (Which as of 3/29/24) is on sale and is half price) Janome 6130 One more thing to mention: check out Heirloom Creations on KZbin. They have a fantastic series that feature different machines they carry and walks you page-by-page of the manual. It's a perfect way to research features of machines and you can refer to it again and again: www.youtube.com/@HeirloomCreations/playlists I hope this is helpful.

[@deborahstaton567]

I would like a tour.

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Deborah! 🙂

[@NicoleNorthgardenStitches]

What state do you live that you’re gardening already???!! I need to move! (I’m in MN)

[@karencombsstudio]

We live in middle Tennessee. Planted my early spring seeds (carrots and sugar snap peas) at the end of February. Planted romaine yesterday and some other seeds today. We may have one or two cold nights, but I will cover my raised beds if needed. I plant in stages, starting with the more cool/cold tolerant vegetables first.

[@sharonkenshalo831]

Can you do t(e Hoblin stitch

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Sharon, The Royal School of Needlework has a lovely page about the stitch and I believe there is a video: rsnstitchbank.org/stitch/holbein-stitch

[@suesayer82]

Fabulous flosstube, Thankyou for sharing all your lovely projects, so inspiring. Would love a tour of your craft room ❤

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Sue! So glad you enjoyed it and thanks so much for your note. 🙂