FlossTube 38 - Hobby House retreat, stitching and so much haul to share! (Oct 31, 2024)

[@FibersandFlossCanada]

❤❤❤ always a pleasure watching your videos! Always something to learn and inspiring!

[@karencombsstudio]

Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed it and thanks for your nice note! 🙂

[@sharoncervenka5405]

I always look forward to listening to your videos. Some of the charts you picked up I hope to stitch myself. The recap on Hobby House was great!! I would love to take a trip there. (I quilt, too!) Thanks for all the information 😊

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Sharon, so glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for your nice note. Hobby house has a fantastic Quilt shop (along with some wool) in addition to all the switching. It really is something! I hope you are able to visit sometime in the future. Thanks again for your note ! 🙂

[@barbarahouser]

What a wonderful trip to Hobby House! So enjoyed seeing all the things, the plans and all the progress on your WIPs!

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Barbara, so glad you enjoyed it and sure appreciate your note!

[@lindaskinner5887]

Thank you for sharing your experiences from the retreat. Loved the video. Happy stitching.

[@karencombsstudio]

You are so welcome! So glad you enjoyed it and thanks for your note!

[@Terry_Mae]

Your flosstubes are always so inspiring to me. Thanks for another one!!

[@karencombsstudio]

@@Terry_Mae Thanks, Terry! So glad you enjoyed it and thanks so much for your note! 🙂

[@KarenHeath-b6p]

Thank you Karen for a wonderful flosstube , wow what great purchases !

[@karencombsstudio]

@@KarenHeath-b6p Hi Karen, so glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for your nice note! 🙂

[@susanreamy6239]

Hi Karen, thanks for this terrific recap, I was there but it's always fun to hear about it again from the perspective of others. It was a wonderful weekend, and the shop ... the shop ... the Room Full of Linen *thud* - I only went to the shop once, but I was there for three hours! Thank-you for calling out my finish of "Hannah Campbell". I used the called for 100/3 threads, and Soie Surfine for the over 1 stitches. The 40 ct. Vintage Country Mocha fabric worked well because the pattern/chart is so densely packed. Looking ahead, I'll be part of the "One Stitch at a Time" group in January. I've already finished it once, earlier this year for a wedding present. But I plan to stitch it again for another Bride and Groom, who plan a March wedding. "Georgiana Caroline Williams" leapt into my basket at HHL, a fitting companion piece to "Ann Campion". I always enjoy your videos Karen, but it was a true delight to meet you in person. 🙂

[@karencombsstudio]

@@susanreamy6239 Hi Susan, so glad you enjoyed the video and it was a pleasure spending time with you. Your Hannah Campbell was so pretty, I just had to mention it. The silks looked amazing on Vintage Country Mocha. I agree, the dense stitching really showed well against the linen. (All of your pieces were wonderful and I enjoyed seeing them. Thank you for sharing them with me!) Oh . . . the room of linen at Hobby House, it was so much fun to take time and look at all the pieces. Thanks so much for your nice note, I truly appreciate it! 🙂

[@georgiaobrien8393]

What a fun & fabulous flosstube! It truly was like Christmas morning receiving all the wonderful charts and goodies at the retreat! I’ve just started Rosa Gromett…and she is going to bigger than I thought ( but, really…the chart even has the dimensions so, why am I surprised?!). Karen, I must say how nice it was to see how many followers that were at the retreat come up and introduce themselves- and the warmth of your smile was precious. As for your WIPs….when I saw your Mary Ann Copp in a previous flosstube and then at HH, I knew I was in trouble…it’s now in my basket to purchase! I need to be a cat and have 9 lives to do all these samplers!!! Thank you so much for taking time in doing these flosstubes-I feel like we’re stitching together!

[@karencombsstudio]

@@georgiaobrien8393 Thanks, Georgia! It was such a pleasure to be with you at the HH retreat! Wish we had more time, but thankful for the time we had. It was a pleasure to meet so many followers, I just loved it! You are right, it is like Christmas morning opening all the goodies we received (and bought) at the retreat and HH. I am surprised Rosa is a larger sampler. I also thought she was smaller. I did get the other silk for the satin stitch. Wondering if I should start her. . . 🤔 But I also have the VC silks coming for Mary Choak and the kit for Mary Wigglesworth . . . so hard not to start them all! Mary Ann Copp is coming along, I’ve set her aside for a bit and am working on a smaller piece that I hope to finish in the next few days. So many wonderful things to work on and just not enough time in the day! Thanks for your note! 😘

[@joannalangberg9779]

Karen, so good to see your video. I had hoped to see you at My Life is a Sampler 2, but I understand that life happens. My sister and friend picked out Mary Choaks as our remembrance sampler of our weekend together. I plan to buy the Vicki Clayton silks too.

[@karencombsstudio]

@@joannalangberg9779 Hi Joanna, I wasn’t able to attend My Life’s a Sampler, but it looked fantastic! I was sorry to have missed it. 😞 Isn’t Mary Choaks lovely?!? I just got the VC silks and was toying with the idea of starting her. Glad you were able to go to the retreat and picked up Mary! 🙂 So glad you enjoyed the video and thanks so much for your note! 🙂🙂

[@clappjl]

Another awesome flosstube, thank you for sharing your stash enhancements!

[@karencombsstudio]

Thank you so much for your note, I’m so glad you enjoyed the video. 🙂🙂

[@lizflorom6021]

You CAN finish the red sampler!!!😃 This year!

[@karencombsstudio]

@@lizflorom6021 Hi Liz, you are right. . . . I could. 😃 I guess just depends on how the mood hits me and what I feel like stitching. After spending 40 years meeting creative deadlines in my quilting career, I’m enjoying stitching on wherever my creative muse takes me, with no deadlines. . . and who n led, it might just take me back to Americana Red before the end of the year. 🤷‍♀️ We will see. 🙂🙂 Thanks for your note, I appreciate it! 🙂

[@BridgetBouillé]

So very grateful for your comments on the satin stitch. I have just finished a HATS Isabella Uffindell and have left the satin stitch portion for the very last. After frogging a section no less than 3 times , I feel more confident to continue thanks to your instructions.

[@karencombsstudio]

@@BridgetBouillé Hi Bridget, so glad it was helpful. Check out the comments on this video. A Viewer (Dean of stitching) was kind enough to share some of her tips as well. I will be utilizing all of these hints when I tackle the satin stitch again. Keep me posted on your progress and thanks so much for your note! 🙂 Thanks so much for your note! 🙂

[@VirginiaEfta]

Hello Karen, thank you so much for all your sharing from the Hobby House Retreat! Someday I will get there as well. I so loved the joy in your face when you spoke of meeting your Flosstube fans. It lit up your face and was really heartfelt. I am sure that those who were able to meet you saw this as well and it warmed there hearts! I loved the intro of the beautiful things you saw at the retreat... and...well...Karen, I just love your videos! What more can I say?! You are such a warm presence and I dearly hope that I will be able to meet you some day. Thank you so much for your sharing.

[@karencombsstudio]

@@VirginiaEfta Hi Virginia! Aw, thank you so much for such a sweet note. I appreciate it so much! It really was a joy to meet viewers, as soon as we started chatting, it felt like we’d been friends for years. 🙂🙂 Thank you again, you made my day!

[@marilynferlitsch2003]

The retreat sounds fabulous. Great projects & gorgeous haul. Marilyn

[@karencombsstudio]

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

[@reneebebla422]

What an awesome video, love your recap of Hobby House Needleworks. It truly is a magical place. Love the linen you bought, there was so much linen when I went in September. I also saw Mary Choaks, absolutely stunning. I got the 46 count Just the Ticket and the 100.3 for her. Started her on my vacation last week and absolutely love it. Some fun stitches in her sampler. I will try to post her soon. Trying to finish Sarah Milthorp, I didn’t do the border as I went along so now stitching the border. Mary Ann Copp is beautiful! Enjoy your stitching

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Renee! I agree, HH is a truly a destination store. I’m so glad I was able to visit their new location. 🙂 I’m not sure what linen I will use for Mary, but the VC silks I ordered just arrived, so I’m happy to have them. I believe I have some Just the Ticket, not sure if I have 40 or 46. I did purchase some 46 when I was at HH, might use one of those. Sarah Merope is such a pretty sampler, that border is no joke, it takes a bit, but it is stunning. Thanks so much for your nice note, I appreciate it!

[@maryannemulligan7016]

Enjoyed seeing all of your finds at Hobby House. It's a great place! (Just in case you're not aware of it, the crinkling noise in the video. I understand some are sensitive to it) Thank you for all of your inspiration! I appreciate all the links included, as well.

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Mary Anne, so glad you enjoyed the video and thanks so much for your nice note! (No idea what caused the background noise, I just got a new phone, so hopefully that won't happen again. Thanks for letting me know!) Thanks again for your note!

[@kckoehler1766]

Thank you Karen for all your hours of hard work. Your videos are such a connection for me since I don’t have a ‘group’. 😊

[@karencombsstudio]

@@kckoehler1766 Thanks,KC! I’m so glad you enjoyed the video and I truly appreciate your nice note! Glad to have you as part of the group! 🙂🙂

[@elainegavelek2488]

Great flosstube. Love all your haul. Thank you for sharing.❤

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Elaine! So glad you enjoyed it and thank you so much for your note! 🙂

[@lorettahenderson8979]

Karen...thank you for sharing your delightful visit...enjoyed everything you shared...I think Christmas came early for you this year...your samplers are beautiful...best wishes ❤

[@karencombsstudio]

@@lorettahenderson8979 Thanks,! Loretta! So glad you enjoyed the video and I appreciate your sweet note so much! 🙂

[@susansmalheiser787]

If I understood you correctly you are going to use 100 3 in the sampler but for the satin stich au ver a soie . I thick that is brilliant!! It was good to see you!

[@karencombsstudio]

@@susansmalheiser787 Hi Susan, it was good to see you as well! 🙂 Yes, that is the plan. Nicole mentioned this either in her video or when talking with us about the sampler and the stitches. I thought that was a very interesting idea, so I have purchased the corresponding color in Soie D’aiger for the satin stitch. I haven’t started Rosa yet, but I’m looking forward to doing so in the near future. 🙂 Thanks so much for your note 🙂🙂

[@jillmcconville3346]

Great video Karen. I loved meeting you at the Hobby House Retreat. I hope to see you again sometime.

[@karencombsstudio]

@@jillmcconville3346 Thanks, Jill! It was such a pleasure to meet you and be able to chat with you. I enjoyed it so much!!! 😘

[@kathydecker889]

This was a great Flosstube and fun to watch. I really wanted to meet you at the Great British Sampler Weekend but never made it up by your table. I was a little squished into my spot and it was hard to get out once I was there.😂 Hope to meet you at the next event. I always enjoy your Flosstubes. If you ever figure out a way to Zoom meet or whatever, count me in!

[@karencombsstudio]

@@kathydecker889 Hi Kathy, so glad you enjoyed the video and thanks so much for your note! I’m sorry we didn’t get to meet. We also were a little squished and those of us at our table often had to leave out the side door to get out of the room. . . . often it was just too hard to move through the tables to get out of the room. All that aside, it really was a wonderful weekend, so many special presentations and goodies. 🙂 Thanks again for your nice note! 🙂🙂

[@sherryrudder6035]

Enjoyed hearing about your Retreat.

[@karencombsstudio]

@@sherryrudder6035 Thanks, Sherry! So glad you enjoyed the video and thanks so much for your note! 🙂

[@kathycullenstern9652]

A delightful video as ever. If you figure out how to complete the ort box you will have to share. I can’t figure it out and Brenda said it was so easy. I’m glad I finally found you at the retreat to say hello. I like your idea about buying the different silks for the satin stitches on Rosa Gromett. Happy Stitching.

[@karencombsstudio]

@@kathycullenstern9652 Hi Kathy, if I figure it out, I will let you know. I guess many people found it easy, I was okay until about the middle of the instructions. After that, my brain just didn’t register what to do. 🤷‍♀️ It was lovely to meet you! It was a really special weekend! I’m waiting on the other silk and look forward to using it. I like that idea and may find it easier than “untwisting” the 100.3 silks. Thanks so much for your note! 🙂🙂

[@neilstephen6761]

Thank you for sharing enjoyed the video

[@karencombsstudio]

@@neilstephen6761 So glad you enjoyed it and thank you so much for your nice note! 🙂

[@joannmiller6852]

Thank you for a great review. I especially love how you describe and contrast linens. Wondering if you could share your process for over ones. Just finished my first over one project on 40 count and had to switch to 100/3 as other floss was way too thick. Do you have any suggestions over ones. I had letters to complete and I did full stitches so it is more pronounced. Thanks in advance for advice. Joann

[@karencombsstudio]

@@joannmiller6852 Hi Joann, so glad you enjoyed the video and thank you so much for your note! I often switch to Surfine for my over one stitching on 40 ct and higher. I find it is a little easier to use, especially when doing full crosses over one. I did just order some Vikki Clayton silks and she now has a super-fine which I also ordered to do the over one on Mary Choak. I’m looking forward to trying it. I did a video in the past where I did a video about stitching over one. It is in my FlossTube 12. I think I covered a full cross as well as the tent stitch, over one. Can’t remember exactly, but I hope you will find it helpful. Thanks again for your nice note!

[@joannmiller6852]

@ great info…I inadvertently bought some of Vikki’s ssf silks….assume this is the ultra fine. I’ll give it a try. I love her silks! Appreciate your help! Now off to find your over one ftube,

[@karencombsstudio]

@@joannmiller6852Hi Joann, the VC superfine silk I ordered just arrived in our mail today. I look forward to trying it. I believe it is as fine as Surfine, so I’m anxious to try it. Thanks again for your note!

[@margaretbramlett1645]

Karen, thank you for your kind words about my Loara Standish. I am honored that she made the opening credits. 💕🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@karencombsstudio]

@@margaretbramlett1645 Margaret, your Loara is so beautiful, I just had to share it. I was so happy I could see it in person, it is stunning!

[@charmaineborg960]

Thank you Karen for sharing. You have no idea hiw wonderful it is to bring you in our homes. I will never be able to join a retreat cause I live in Europe and so this is the closest I get to meet fellow stitchers. I have no one to share this hobby with. SO THANK YOU.❤

[@karencombsstudio]

@@charmaineborg960 Hi Charmaine, thank you for such a sweet note and I’m so glad you enjoyed the recap of the retreat. Do you have Zoom or are you on Facebook? If you are on Facebook, check out the Across the Pond group. They meet once a month via Zoom and it is lovely 2 hour visit with stitchers sharing their work or just listening while others share. It is held at a time where everyone can join. . . . evening in Europe and afternoon in the US. I’ve put the link to the Facebook group in the description box so you can check it out. Thanks again for your note, made my day!! 🙂

[@charmaineborg960]

​@@karencombsstudiothank you for replying. Am in the group Across the Pond. Will join the zoom so as to meet kindered spirits❤

[@karencombsstudio]

@@charmaineborg960 Wonderful! I hope to be at the next one. 🙂

[@susansmalheiser787]

I'm going to stitch London in March 2025. Are you close by?

[@karencombsstudio]

@@susansmalheiser787 it sounds lovely, but unfortunately, I won’t be attending. (I live near Nashville, TN. )

[@laurab5889]

I love that basket behind u that’s rounded on each end! What type of basket is that?

[@karencombsstudio]

@@laurab5889 Hi Laura, it is an antique egg basket. I found it last fall at a local antique mall. It has a woven handle, which I haven’t seen before. In one of my videos (sometime last fall), I show it in more detail. It was a lovely find and I just had to bring it home. Thanks for your note! 🙂

[@Debeeaz1]

You’re just the cutest!

[@karencombsstudio]

@@Debeeaz1 Aw, thanks so much!! 🙂🙂

[@jackiebaumhauer4831]

Enjoy all your videos. "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" There is a book and film.

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Jackie! I have that film saved on my "wish list", but haven't watched it yet. Looking forward to seeing it. Thanks again!

[@DroppingNeedlesEmbroidery]

I just had to call The Attic and order Ersilia's sampler and it's all your fault!😂

[@karencombsstudio]

Who can resist that lovely sampler?!? You will love it! (Sorry to have enabled. 😉 😂) Thanks so much for your note!

[@theresaclark762]

At the very beginning of this floss tube, there was a cross stitch I would love to find but I can't find title or designer names. The sampler is from Ross Gromett aged 12, 1876. Could you help?

[@karencombsstudio]

@@theresaclark762 Hi Theresa, isn’t it as lovely sampler?!? Rosa Grimett was the project we were given at The Great British Sampler Weekend at Hobby House several weeks ago. I will show it in detail further into the video. While not available now to the general public, I’m guessing it will be available later next year. Not 100% sure if or when, but look for it later next year. Thanks so much for your note! 🙂

[@charj57]

Hannah Campbell is lovely

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Char! I need to get back to her. . . she really is a beautiful sampler! Thanks so much for your note!

[@deanofstitching9921]

A sewing stitch rather than a stab down and stab up stitch makes my satin stitches look much better

[@karencombsstudio]

@@deanofstitching9921 Thanks so much! I will have to try that. 🙂

[@deanofstitching9921]

@ another trick that helps me is using my needle after the satin stitches are in to “pet” the stitches. I run the needle under a row of satin stitches and gently gently strum the back of my stitches with the needle tip. This seems to help spread the thread among the stitches evenly.

[@karencombsstudio]

@@deanofstitching9921Excellent! Thank you so much!!!

[@pattyshadle8749]

How u stitch with 103 is it single strand or what

[@karencombsstudio]

@@pattyshadle8749 Hi Patty, 100.3 is a single strand. It’s lovely to work with and has a beautiful sheen. I enjoy using it on 40ct and 46ct, 1 (strand) over 2 (linen threads). Thanks so much for your note! 🙂

[@pattyshadle8749]

@karencombsstudio can I use it on adia

[@karencombsstudio]

@ Hi Patty, I believe 100.3 silk might be too thin for adia. I haven’t used it on adia, only on higher count linen. Most stitchers use it on 37 and higher count linen. If you want to try it, you could use two strands on 18 count aida.

[@pattyshadle8749]

@@karencombsstudio Thank You

[@karencombsstudio]

@ Happy to help. 🙂