Flosstube 29: Waxing lyrical about our ballsy retreat

[@bonniehinshaw3131]

Start it now!!!!!😍😍😍 congratulations on the flosses named after you ... 🤗🤗🤗🤗 the peacock biscornu is beautiful. Thank you for sharing your beautiful weekend with us . The retreat looked like a lot of fun . I look forward to your next video.

[@needleandspoonsd8239]

Well Darling, the video was fantastic, but your waxing thanks at the end had me rolling!! You’re a doll. ♥️♥️♥️ And I wouldn’t worry too much about work taking up your stitching time; you will find your balance and happiness in both. 😘

[@DarlingBluebell]

Hahaha I am glad you had fun with that - so did I!

[@karendavis-macon9658]

What a 👍 video. I am watching this video in the anticipation of flying tomorrow to Arizona for McKenna's retreat SHENANIGANS!! Kelly is just the sweetest person with an expert trained eye for colors!! The first time I met her she was completing Miara's RED TO GREEN!! FABULOUS!! Now that Gloriana peacock feathers must have and the green and blue silk must have!! So glad you had a fabulous time...wish I could come!! Don't forget Double Dutch!! HAPPY STITCHING TODAY AND EVERYDAY!!

[@DarlingBluebell]

Thank you so much, Karen! I hope you are having a fabulous time at Stitchnanigans. It looks like a blast from the pictures on Insta! xx

[@SmallTownStitches]

I totally have gone back an binge watched all your flosstubers from the start. I absolutely adore you. I’m currently on page 5 of the 6 for Krozwyrd. You should absolutely start it!

[@halfstitchcrossstitch2456]

Mieke, so much fun sharing the retreat stories and footage with you. Your haul was glorious and your gifts were so thoughtful. I will be praying for you as you re-enter the workforce.

[@DarlingBluebell]

Thank you so much, Dena! It strengthens me to know that people continue to pray for me. Thank you loads, big hug and happy stitching.

[@jodilee8709]

Beautiful - everything! It looks like you had a marvelous time, and got a bit of stitching in, too. 😃 Love love love those silks... 💙

[@DarlingBluebell]

Me tooooo. Gosh, drooling over them. So soft and so pretty. Thanks for watching! :-)

[@stitchysam5911]

Loved your update Darling Blueballs!!!! ;-D You've made so much progress on your WIPs. Going back to work may make you value your stitchy time even more, but boost your confidence and stitch even faster to make use of the time you do have! Take care xx

[@DarlingBluebell]

Haha thank you Sam! I hope it will. Seeing the company doctor later today and I'm pretty nervous about it, as always. Let's hope we'll create a good schedule together.

[@margaretg7773]

Wonderful video Mieke. It is so good to see that you had such a wonderful time at retreat. You are so right - stitchy friends are the best. Wonderful gifts - received and given and a great haul.

[@DarlingBluebell]

Thanks so much, Margaret!

[@lyncampbell992]

More haul - it makes my day. Delighted you had such a wonderful retreat. Thank you for sharing your wonderful memories. The peacock biscornu is stunning. Continued good health.

[@DarlingBluebell]

Thank you Lyn! :-)

[@andreac-iheartcrossstitch]

Oh Mieke!!! Everything!! I loved EVERYTHING in this video!! 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@DarlingBluebell]

Thank you so much my wonderful friend! :-)

[@patriciakasmarek6680]

So glad you had such a wonderful retreat! All your progress and haul is amazing.

[@DarlingBluebell]

Thank you Patricia! :-)

[@CreativelyYours]

Sweet Mieke, thank you for this trip down a ballsy memory lane, I miss you all like crazy and hope to see you soon again! Thank you for my wonderful gift exchange and the fact you used my tutorial with lacing the project. I just bought a hank of Darling because of you 🤪 i am going to film my retreat update now to stay in the mood. I think you should wait till May with Baroque if you can!! Happy stitching 🧵 X Debbie

[@CreativelyYours]

And then there was the “ my abbs would like to thank” bit 😆😂😆 here we go again hahahaha

[@DarlingBluebell]

Ballsy memory lane, hahaha. Ja dat was het zeker! Wat supersupersupercool dat je ook een hank van Darling hebt gekocht. Benieuwd wat je er voor moois mee gaat maken! Dikke knuffel xx

[@douille123]

Start the project now! Can't wait to see how those beautiful threads appear on that fabric! I just found your channel and love that I had found another BLUE fan. I love all shades of blue, but especially royal blues.

[@DarlingBluebell]

Hi Pat, and welcome! :-) Thank you so much for watching and commenting. Always a pleasure to meet another blue lover. Hope you will enjoy my future videos as well.

[@ladybirdstitcher4200]

It looks like you had such a great time. Stitchy friends are the best. I’m so excited that you started your Takaki. Looking forward to see the picture come to life. All the best with your return to work. Happy stitching 😊

[@DarlingBluebell]

Thanks so much Lorna! :-) Happy stitching to you too xx

[@missussedas3295]

OMG!!! I'm watching your video, (you know I love you and I see all your videos) and suddenly ... there are my silks!!! I agree with you, this community is generous. But I think that my gift is very, very little compared to your generosity, yours and the rest of the flosstubers, who share your time and your works with us. And finally make us enjoy a good time !!! I hope you enjoy stitching with those silks. Gracias por todo!!!

[@debbieblewitt5378]

I'm so glad Mieke mentioned you and showed your beautiful silk. A hank of Darling will be soon in New Zealand.

[@missussedas3295]

@@debbieblewitt5378 Thank you!!! 🤗 I've never visited New Zealand, 🤔 maybe I'll take it to you in person. You know, nothing is too good to offer good customer service 😉😂

[@DarlingBluebell]

Gracias a TI guapa. I could not resist giving you a massive shout-out. ;-) I've heard from several people that they have visited your Etsy shop thanks to my video. That gives me such joy. Very much looking forward to stitch with your beautiful silks. Un abrazo xx

[@DarlingBluebell]

Aaah that is fantastic Debbie! Such a good choice. ;-)

[@karinmonnich3310]

I am glad you had a wonderful time at the retreat. Beautiful gifts!

[@DarlingBluebell]

Thank you, Karin! :-)

[@lynettedavies3164]

I loved hearing about your retreat. It sounds like great fun! What wonderful gifts you received! I just love that peacock biscornu!

[@DarlingBluebell]

Thanks, Lynette! :-) Isn't that biscornu just the best... I've put it right across from my stitching spot so I can look at it all day :-)

[@marzipanstitcher8571]

So glad you had a great time at retreat. Beautiful gifts. Why wait, you are going to be stitching them all for months anyway. Enjoy your combinations x

[@DarlingBluebell]

Thank you Marcia! :-)

[@marshakruze6056]

I vote for a May start. What a lovely retreat. Just a nice size to get to visit and have fun. Love all the blue.

[@DarlingBluebell]

Thank you, Marsha! :-) I have indeed decided to start the pieces in May. Looking forward!

[@messystitchuation]

Lovely Mieke, I only now just got around to start catching up with everyone’s retreat updates (because of course I did) and thank you, thank you, thank you for letting me and all of us relive this fantastic and hilarious weekend in your video! Everything you showed and said was just beautiful. What I really wanna do right now is give you big hug. Thank you for just being you. Love, laura

[@DarlingBluebell]

Me tooooo! Missing you sweetie. Big hug back! xx

[@OliviaBFlosstube]

Baaaaallllssss!!! Hahahahaha! I love it and I love all of you ladies! That retreat looks like an absolute blast!

[@DarlingBluebell]

Hahaha right back atcha! xx

[@sofiamochon-ciniglio4010]

The Takaki is beautiful & always love your blue theme 💙

[@evelienjol7169]

Nice to be enjoying retreat again through your video. Now the waxed balls make sense 😜. It is a pity that I wasn't there when Raffaella handed out the pattern. It is a lovely gesture from Cassandra. Enjoy stitching it and enjoy stitching your new starts 😘. See you soon. Groetjes Evelien

[@DarlingBluebell]

Heb je geen exemplaar van Raffaella gekregen, Evelien? Als je wilt kan ik 'm met alle plezier naar je opsturen. Ik vind 'm leuk maar ik weet toch zeker dat ik 'm niet ga borduren. Laat maar weten. :-)

[@evelienjol7169]

@@DarlingBluebell ik heb je berichtje gestuurd op instagram

[@KKP7557]

Hello, Mieke, I just stumbled across your channel this past weekend and it feels like I have found the Dutch version of me! I, too, love the color blue and am attracted to it in my stitching. I've only watched your videos going back to Sept. 2018, but have felt a kindred spirit with your mental health struggles. I have anxiety myself so I know what problems that brings, especially in the workplace. Your choice of projects to stitch in the geometric realm are so very beautiful. I will definitely be seeking out the Frasselt pattern along with her sisters, as well as the fibers and fabrics from Missus and xJu(?). Thanks for recounting your retreat weekend. There is no more loving and caring community than cross stitchers. Lovely to see that holds true across cultures and countries. Hope I didn't natter on too long! Very much looking forward to your next video. Karen (Needleworker94)

[@DarlingBluebell]

Hi Karen, so nice of you to write such a sweet comment! Always a pleasure to see fellow blue lovers here :-) Wishing you all the best with your anxieties... Sometimes I feel like they are the boss of me, other days I gladly feel it's the other way around.

[@passionforcrafting1161]

Finally had a chance to watch it... I am sitting here laughing, my abs are getting a workout too! It was really a fun time at retreat, the withdrawal is real... Missing you all so much already! Loved your progress, Woodland Vines will be stunning. And your Tilton piece is looking gorgeous, I will have to put some effort in to catch up with you and Denise. Love you very much my dear darling, can’t wait to see you again! Maybe a stitchy afternoon at Borduurparadijs later in summer? Wishing you all the best, take care! Dunja

[@DarlingBluebell]

I would love that! :-) Can definitely not wait a full year to see you all again. Big hug!

[@honeybstitcher1598]

Hallo Mieke, wat heerlijk om je zo blij en vrolijk te zijn en wat ontzettend fijn dat je het zo leuk hebt gehad! Je geweldige patronen, stof en garen gekocht en allemaal helemaal jou! De biscornu (hoe je het ook uitspreekt, hihi), wat een geweldig cadeau! En over geweldig cadeau gesproken, zijde dat naar jou vernoemd is? WAAAAUW, en wat voor zijde, schitterend. Dank je wel voor je videos en tot de volgende. Groetjes van Alice

[@DarlingBluebell]

Dank je wel Alice! :-) Ja dat zijde hè... M'n mond viel tot op de grond open, haha.

[@juliewaterbury3321]

Save the new starts for Maynia. So happy for you to have had such a wonderful retreat and made such great memories... what a haul!!!!

[@DarlingBluebell]

Thank you Julie! I have indeed decided to save the starts for May :-) Looking forward!

[@StitchWitchCat]

Loved all the projects!! But being a full coverage addict, I simply adore Takaki!! Now I want to start a Takaki too 😍 I love that you are feeling better, but continue to look out for yourself! Oh! And this is Cat from A Thousand Needles by the way. I changed my handle to my Real name 😊

[@DarlingBluebell]

Hi Cat! I recognized you from the picture ;-) Yesss you should start a Takaki! I bet you'll love it, the colours are so rich. Enjoying mine very much.

[@jasminecustombags]

Such a great video; again. It brings me so much happiness and inspiration to watch you. Much love -Gen

[@DarlingBluebell]

My pleasure, Gen! :-) Thank you for the sweet words xx

[@darlenel-k-dlklife]

I would set myself a goal on Tilton Crafts and once I had achieved that I would do a start. I would also want to start it right now but understand you also want to get some more stitching done on the other piece. Love all the updates and love seeing your progress on things.

[@DarlingBluebell]

That's a great idea, Darlene. I've managed to finish the first page within just 10 days. Breezing through it. Maybe I'll try to finish the 2nd page as well, and then I'll dive into May and Maynia :-) Thanks for watching!

[@debbieblewitt5378]

Retreat sounds like a complete blast. So happy for you all. Your gifts and buys are amazing. I'm off to look at those silks. An Ink Circles in one of those would be incredible. Start everything now! Lol. Take good care of your beautiful self dear lady and stitch with happy thoughts of good friends and good times. You continue to inspire me. Thank you.

[@DarlingBluebell]

Thank you so much Debbie! It is always a pleasure to hear that you've inspired someone. Let me tell you that YOU continue to be a constant source of support for me, both here and on Insta. Thank you a million times over for that xx

[@mevstitchesinparis5382]

I just had an epiphany!!! Maybe it wasn't really me that was at retreat... Maybe someone else took over... Do you think people will buy it? 8-) Dearest Darling Mieke, this video has made me laugh so hard I had to stop stitching for 15-20 min, I cried when I saw the gifts from Cheryl, I literally stood up to applaude you when you said biscornu and lost my needle in the process, and now my cheeks are hurting for smiling too much... I want to see Castle Walls started, I want to see Baroque started, I want to see you breeze through that insane Tilton Crafts piece, but most importantly, I want to see your beautiful smiles again and again and forever. Thank you, for the joy and life you offer to us.

[@DarlingBluebell]

Hahaha oh my dearest mev, no, absolutely nobody will believe it wasn't you... And I don't even want to consider that thought, because YOU are such a delight to have in the room. Missing you sorely. You can bet I will be thinking of Paris and Notre Dame and you with every stitch that's gonna go into Castle Walls. Looking forward! Sending you an enormous hug xx

[@mappingstitcher]

Sounds like a great time at your retreat!! I can't wait until I can go to one!

[@DarlingBluebell]

Thank you! It was! :-)

[@therockingstitcher]

Geweldig verslag van jullie heerlijke weekend!! En ik ga bijna net zo dol op blauw worden als jij met al die mooie combinaties die jij laat zien😍

[@DarlingBluebell]

Hahaha ohhh yes missie bijna geslaagd dus! ;-) Dank je wel lieverd, xx

[@susanhoey9248]

The peacock biscornu (sp?) is truly gorgeous! Congratulations on the new silks from Missus named after you, how very special. All your blues are my favorites. You look so much happier and back to your former self, you are in my thoughts. The retreat sounds amazing, such good friends.

[@DarlingBluebell]

Thanks so much, Susan! I guess I was still very high on adrenalin after the weekend - it took me almost a week to get over the high, haha. Thanks for keeping me in your thoughts xx

[@jomariehogle1980]

Enjoyed the video. Love seeing the retreat pics. Your WIPs are amazing. Thanks for sharing.

[@DarlingBluebell]

Thanks for watching, Jo Marie! :-)

[@alysandra305]

Thank-you for sharing your fun :)

[@jaellede]

Loved your recap of the retreat and was laughing tears again 😅 I guess I need to rewatch your video many more times to remember our amazing weekend 💙 Also I am this year in the team "start all the WIPs and enjoy them", just do whatever you want 😁

[@DarlingBluebell]

Woohoo that is the best team to be part of! ;-)

[@shellmcphee971]

Mieke you are a treasure! Your story telling is fantastic, and I love going on the stitchy journey with you.

[@DarlingBluebell]

Please do Shell! It looks like such a fun piece :-)

[@StitchinMommy]

Great update! Sounds like a wonderful time! Have you considered moving up your Castles project in light of the Notre Dame sadness, since that pattern reminded you of it?

[@DarlingBluebell]

I have :-) It's been on my mind for a few days, but I haven't decided yet on the other colour to go in the design. Hope to choose that soon, and then... starting it! :-) Happy stitching xx

[@juliefarrell9738]

Another lovely video, such a joy to see your smiling face 🙂 I think you should start your project right away and enjoy all of those beautiful colours! Happy stitching ❤️

[@DarlingBluebell]

Thanks so much, Julie!

[@starlastitcher3134]

I loved seeing your pics and videos of the retreat, how fun!!! Hugs from the US

[@DarlingBluebell]

Thanks Melissa! :-)

[@scstitcher2178]

Beautiful gifts from beautiful people for a very beautiful young woman! 😁😁💕💕

[@DarlingBluebell]

Thank you!! :-) :-)

[@angelaspringett1262]

Its great to see you sew happy. Glad you had a wonderful retreat, seeing old friends and making new ones. Much love, take care. Happy Easter☺

[@DarlingBluebell]

Thanks so much, Angela! Wishing you a happy Easter as well xx

[@katescrimgeour3884]

I was so glad to see your new Flosstube - I feel like we have been waiting forever. I thought you looked very healthy and well rested. I'd love to get a group together for a Stitching Retreat - it sounds like so much fun. I'd start on your Ink Circles now just so you would have a change of pace from your full coverage projects. I just bought Ink Circles Reflections of Canada! Cant wait to get started! All the best - health and happiness.

[@DarlingBluebell]

Haha thank you Kate! It is indeed wonderful to get a group of stitcher together for a retreat - even though everybody comes from different cultures and walks of life, you share a passion for stitching and the conversation just never dries up.

[@JudithHembrow]

Thanks for this Mieke, it was fun hearing about the retreat. Glad you all had fun x

[@DarlingBluebell]

So great to hear from you Judy! Did you realize that I chose my words about 'the 17 from last year all subscribing again' to include you? ;-) Because you were definitely with us in spirit! Big hug xx

[@bekbannister]

Hi Mieke!! I am so glad that the retreat weekend was awesome. It sounds like such a riot of laughter. Thanks for sharing with us. I think you should start the baroque piece right away and try out those lovely colours on the fabric. Cheers!

[@DarlingBluebell]

Thanks Bekah! I'm still enjoying my Tilton start massively, have decided to wait for Maynia with the new starts. But ohhh I look at them every day as they sit in the corner waiting for me haha.

[@primthepurplefibrocrow2991]

Usually after watching a retreat recap video I feel sad, disappointed, left out, maybe even jealous. Total FOMO. But after seeing the pure joy in your eyes as you talked about reconnecting with old friends, making new ones, the exchange, your haul, your gifts, and the all around shenanigans, I was just so happy for you! Balls!!!! Anyhoo, I have Castle Walls and ordered a piece of fabric from Crafty Kitten about 4 weeks ago so it should be here soon. I love how you described stitching Baroque in two colors! I have passed it over more than once, liking it but feeling uninspired. I say #miekesminimaynia and we start both in May. That way you can stitch on your Tilton piece a bit longer and I on my new HAED. Oh, and I was watching this video at work while eating my dinner, Safe, I thought, until you mentioned Ingeborg's dildo! I spit my food out laughing so hard!!!!! -Sabine

[@DarlingBluebell]

Hahaha oh I am sorry that you spit out your food, LOL. Thank you so much for coming up with that hashtag, I LOVE IT! Yes, let's do this. Looking forward. Big hug to you my friend!

[@leentjeknol5056]

Hai Mieke, wat geweldig dat je zo veel plezier hebt gehad in Roden en wat bijzonder dat Xjudesign er ook was zeg! Ik ben ook helemaal weg van haar stoffen😀 ik snap je verhaal over het gevoel dat je hebt over weer naar het werk gaan en het borduren dat aan je trekt. Ikzelf ben al bijna een jaar thuis met een zware depressie. En heb heel veel geborduurd, spanning wegborduren en nare gedachten. Nu ga ik sinds8 weken naar de dagbehandeling. Haha ik moest ook echt afscheid nemen van mijn vele borduur uurtjes. Want de dagbehandeling bestaat uit 5 dagen in de week! Jij boft nog met je 2 uurtjes in de week, hahah Misschien is het leuk om je nieuwe project te beginnen op 1mei , stitch mainia ( hoe schrijf je dat eigenlijk) dat maakt het dubbel bijzonder en makkelijker om te onthouden . Maar eigenlijk moet je gewoon doen wat je hart je ingeeft. Misschien ooit tot ziens bij een retreat. Groet Leentje

[@DarlingBluebell]

Dank je wel Heleen! Ik denk dat ik inderdaad voor Stitch Mania ga, ben momenteel helemaal verslingerd aan m'n Tilton Crafts. Wat is het fantastisch dat borduren ons helpt met nare gedachten en gevoelens hè. Ik vind het superstoer om te lezen dat je naar een dagbehandeling gaat. Inderdaad, wat een investering - zowel qua tijd als qua persoonlijke hulp. Heel veel succes daarmee!

[@infiniteneedle9845]

Start it... start the project now... you know you want to.

[@AStitchTooFar]

love you :) en ik denk dat de tilton start misschien ook al een mooie herinnering aan het weekend is, kun je maynia mooi vullen met nog meer prachtigs :) xx oh en volgens mij was ik vooral Annerique's aanwijzingen aan het volgen toen ik die GLoriana van de wand haalde, alle eer aan haar!

[@DarlingBluebell]

Aaah wat goed dat je het zegt! Jullie zijn zo'n mooi duo, haha. Mis je! xx

[@marthadewald664]

PR 147 silks4u is what I’m using on my linens and threads 2019 peacock sal

[@DarlingBluebell]

Ahhh what a wonderful choice, Martha! I received the hank in the mail yesterday - way more beautiful in real life than in pictures. Very happy with it!

[@mirili3836]

Hello Mieke, good to see you again ❗️I loved everything. Hahahaha. In my opinion you should start your project as your stitch maynia as your only one for May. And work on it exclusively 😍😍😍 Cya❗️😘

[@DarlingBluebell]

That's a great idea, Mirili, obrigado! ;-)

[@infiniteneedle9845]

I might have giggled... a lot... during this video.

[@DarlingBluebell]

Bwahahaha best comment, LOL. It's so fun that I can HEAR that giggle when I read you writing it. Hugs to you!

[@katebrown3291]

Hi Meike- we love your videos but see you haven’t posted lately. Hope you are ok lovely lady! KB

[@DarlingBluebell]

Thanks so much, dearest Kate! I had hoped to have put up a video already, but I'm having some very busy weeks at the moment - all good things :-) I hope sometime soon! Thanks so much for checking on me xx

[@StitchEm]

[@DarlingBluebell]

Hugs!