Flosstube #4: Nettle’s Purple Socks & Restoring Cross Stitch JOY

Hello stitchy friends and Welcome to my flosstube channel! Today it's all about Nettle by Stacy Nash, a googly-eyed pumpkin and some storage solutions and more. I hope you have a nice fall drink and something spooky or sweet to stitch on. We’re going to have a relaxing, autumn visit today and talk all things cross stitch. I'd love to know what you're working on! I'm Joanne, the Story Stitcher, and I'm so glad you're here.
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🧵Flosstube Channels Mentioned
‪@lindystitches‬
‪@BeckyCraftyMama‬
‪@Sarahthenorthwoodsstitcher‬
🧵Cross Stitch Patterns Mentioned
A Merry Halloween by Teresa's Creative Treasures
Nettle by Stacey Nash ~ animal cracker series
Halloween Sampler by Blueberry Ridge
Emerald City by Owl Forest Embroidery
Jack's House by Ship's Manor

[@charj57]

Nettle is so sweet. Love the tights/socks. Can’t wait to she her fully finished.

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

Thank you! I’m exited to finish her too 🎃

[@crosstitcher2]

Kudos to you…for putting down a project when it becomes work and not fun. We all have to do it. Love your video. Love the purple socks…

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

So kind of you! I appreciate you stopping in and stitching with me. 🎃

[@WendysWhimsicalStitches]

Nettle in her purple socks is darling. The episode title caught my eye as purple socks is a long running joke in our home. When my daughter was about three, my husband and I were talking about something; our daughter came up to us and said, "I'm wearing purple socks!" She just stood there looking back and forth between my husband and I until we busted out laughing. Now when he and I are talking and someone in the house says something off topic or we don't have anything else to add to the conversation, one of us will say, "I'm wearing purple socks!" Maybe I need to stitch a Nettles with purple socks, too. 😂

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

So funny, Wendy! I love that you had that connection and what a cute keepsake she could be for your daughter - a Nettle with purple socks. ☺Happy stitching!

[@stitchingontherock]

Hi Joanne, great video and stitching. You're right that we should enjoy our stitching and not feel pressured because of it. My friend Darlene D'eon has an etsy store, Darlene D'eon Designs, in which she sells her crossstitch patterns and beautiful project bags. I have grime guards, but I don't use them, I find them a pain when changing projects in my q snap. I usually roll my excess fabric and use hair claws from the dollar store to attach it to the side of my q snap. I hope that makes sense. I think the border 1x1 is good. Hope to see you at the Jingle Ball. It's my first time not taking classes this year, just going to hang out and stitch.

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

Thank you for the recommendation! I’ll definitely check out Darlene’s shop. :) I also appreciate the encouragement about deadlines. It’s freeing to be able to stitch as often as possible just for the enjoyment of it. I’m looking forward to the ball as well - see you there! 🤶

[@leswilliams4022]

Dollar tree steering wheel covers for grime guards. Merry Halloween is delightful!

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

Thanks for the tip! I’ve grabbed one this week and appreciate all the suggestions! 🎉

[@naomic9070]

I love your Nettle! Maggie Mae was my first project done on 36 Count linen and I really enjoyed stitching her. I just bought Clovis but I must have Nettle now! I’m going to make the color of her stockings my own too. Thanks for sharing!

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

How fun! The other animal crackers are really, really cute. What great additions to your stash. And I'm so glad that you're inspired to do your twist on Nettle. I bet she will turn out adorable!

[@amymmakes]

Enjoyed seeing all of your progress on your projects, and how you’re organizing your seasonal pieces. So glad you were able to get back to finding joy in your stitching! And I love your A Merry Halloween finish! Your fabric and frame go so well with your beautiful stitching. 😍

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

Amy, Thanks for your kind words on the A Merry Halloween piece. It was really fun to try and make that little frame work. :) And I agree - it's so nice to cultivate joy and to remember the ways it takes to help prioritize it💛

[@tinageorge8759]

Hi Joanne, I just love to see your videos and I wanted to let you know that I as blessed to go to The Attic last weekend for my birthday!!!!!! 💚

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

Happy birthday, Tina, and what a fun way to celebrate!

[@gaylecunningham3614]

Purple striped socks are AWESOME!!!!! You found the key word that is so important with anything creative: JOY! And purple striped socks are great anyway! Happy Purple to you!

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

Thank you, Gayle! I appreciate that so much! 😊🧵

[@pauladimattei6434]

I like your idea of the one over one border. It does look lacey and spidery. Maybe you need to live with it a bit more before deciding. And that tin….what a treasure❤

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

Great suggestion, Paula, that it's not a decision I need to make right away. I do think I just might leave it ☺ The tin is such a treasure! I feel very thankful 😊Thanks for stopping by!

[@terrykowaski1048]

Love your work and your floss tube show, signed up,a I won’t miss any❤

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

Thank you, Terry!! 🧵😃

[@jennyfifield8452]

Hi Joanne, love Nettles purple tights. Absolutely adorable, I would love to stitch her someday. You can find inexpensive “grime guard’s” from the dollar tree. Steering wheel covers work great. Have a wonderful day.

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

Jenny, Oh wow, I love this tip! I'm going to head to the dollar tree hopefully today JUST to see if they have steering wheel covers at mine. THANK YOU!

[@megastitches]

❤❤❤ totally understand when you set a goal for yourself and then you’re saying that you’re probably not on track. It makes you feel a little bit disappointed and kills your Stitchy bug. I’ve noticed myself that two days on a project is the sweet spot.

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

That makes me feel better to know I'm not alone. And what great advice! I'm going to remember the "two day" tip and give that a try. That definitely sounds like a good sweet spot.

[@gingershull2364]

You have quickly become one of my favorites to watch! You are doing an excellent job! I would NOT rip,out that border! It looks perfect with one strand. 😊

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

Thank you so much! That means a lot. And yay! I’m inspired to keep the boarder stitched as is 🎉☺️

[@barbiejobonnett7473]

Good to see you again Joanne. Nettle is adorable - I often set overly ambitious goals for myself and burn out. My sweet spot is 5 WIPs or less at a time. I don't purchase a lot of project bags but just gifted my stitchy friend an adorable bag from Dot Dot Goose. I ordered some of your Amazon project bags (love the double pocket) and am waiting for them to arrive. Love your fabric choices for your projects. You got two of my favorites - vintage smoky white and star sapphire. Your enthusiasm is contagious and it is great to see your progress.

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

Barbie, That sounds like great advice. I like the idea of not having too many WIPS going at once. I will need to look up the Dot Dot Goose bags on Etsy - thank you! And I hope you enjoy the mesh bags! I've really been loving them and am planning on getting another set. How fun that a few of these fabrics are your favorite. I'm really enjoying exploring new colors and options -- thanks for watching and your kind comment!

[@BattleBugCrafts]

Nettle looks great! I started xstitch in September so this will be my first Jingleball . I signed up for gen admission and am very tempted by the badger pattern but I think I’m going to hold off on classes for this year and instead spend that money on the ornament book and maybe a pattern from the shop.

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

We started around the same time! I began in August so it’s nice to bump into another newbie ☺️ I too am tempted by a few classes so I’m glad the PDF classes don’t sell out. See you there! 🎄

[@rebeccajourney3183]

JoAnn, I ordered the mesh project bags from Amazon, as I thought the double projects I have would fit perfectly in there! Especially when they share floss colors❤ Perfect!

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

Rebecca, Yay! I really hope they work great for you. Happy stitching and storing! 🧵 💼

[@BeckyCraftyMama]

I love how Nettle socks are purple. They're my favorite color. Hmmm...I may change mine as well. Thanks for sharing. Happy stitching!💜

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

Hi Becky, And thank you again! Oh, fun. If you do a different color, I bet it would be adorable. The original is precious too but sometimes it's fun to try something new :)

[@mariecaza1051]

👋 Joanne. I have Nettles kitted, plan to start on Oct 31st for my granddaughter's 16th birthday... maybe can be finished for her 17th. I like how you framed your piece with fabric to fill the frame size, 👌 Happy Stitchin

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

Marie, What a sweet idea for your granddaughter. I hope she loves it! And thank you. It was fun to try and make it all fit 🙂 Happy stitching to you, too!

[@Jan-SewHappy]

For being such a new stitcher you have a lot of great ideas!! I'm impressed that you have jumped into 32 count linen as I have done linen and don't find it very easy... your projects are darling!! I want to check into your project bags they look very useful 😊🪡🧵xxx

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

That's so kind of you, Jan. I've always loved crafty things so cross stitch has been a very enjoyable outlet for that. Now if I can just become a better counter, lol. I'm really glad you enjoyed the projects and video. Thanks again for stopping in!!

[@corinnecaywood9764]

Great video! I ordered the mesh bags and absolutely love them! I like the way the 1 over 1 border looks.

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

Corinne, They are so handy! I'm really glad you like them too. And I was laughing at myself last night for how many times I said 1 over 1 when I meant to say 1 over 2 😆😏

[@corinnecaywood9764]

@@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher 1 over 2 looks great to 🙂

[@JanetteSoffes]

Love your organization ideas. Affordable way to set aside the items you are shelving for now. Project bags are wonderful. I am keeping an eye out for some for me, too. ❤. Nettle is so sweet. I just love her little personality shining through!

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

Yes! I wanted to keep it simple but also cute. Nettle has so much personality and I'm looking forward to finishing her. We will have to look for some project bags together!

[@kathystever129]

I really enjoy your enthusiasm and creativity. Great projects!

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

Thank you so much, Kathy!

[@barbarafoster9030]

I love your FlossTube episodes, Joanne! Please keep them coming! Your enthusiasm is so uplifting, your stitching is lovely, and your dad is a treasure!!! I think you should keep the border of your sampler as is. Like you, I too am looking forward to my first Jingle Ball. Meanwhile, happy stitching!

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

Barbara, It really means a lot to know you've enjoyed the videos and that they were meaningful for you. That's been my hope. I'm having fun making them and cross stitching, and getting to connect here with so many others.😊 My dad is very thoughtful and I'm always blessed by the little treasures he finds. Looking forward to the Jingle Ball right alongside you!

[@madebydonnaq]

Hi Joanne, I wasn't going to stitch Nettle, but I just love how you did the purple tight and it sparked my curiosity and now I think I'm going to purchase the pattern. Love your videos.

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

Donna, I loved reading your comment and hope that you enjoy stitching Nettle if you end up grabbing the pattern! Thanks for stopping by!

[@michellebee7528]

Joanne, SUCH a cute finish for 'A Merry Halloween ' - a great way to make a big frame fit a smaller stitch! Bravo!!🍁

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

Thank you! It was really easy to just sew the band of fabric on top and bottom and I love how it turned out. So glad you enjoyed it as well and I hope you find a great project to try it with. :)

[@cindiejensen3555]

Joanne you are so cute snd have such great storage ideas. It will be so fun to follow you and maybe meet you at the Jungle Ball. 🏈

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

So kind of you Cindie! Lots of fun stitching and festivities in store! 🧵 🎄

[@towmater1231]

Love your flosstube videos Joanne! Your enthusiasm about cross stitching is so refreshing! I’ve also sent you a DM on IG. Happy stitching!

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

Thank you so much!

[@sandraskonieczny746]

I'm so happy to see you today, I love everything you stitch, by the way I have ordered the book behind you, just waiting for it to be delivered. Have a good day.

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

Sandra, What a kind comment! It means a lot that you enjoyed the video and stitches and just as much that you ordered a copy of The Gold in These Hills. I truly hope it's a blessing to you.

[@StitchingDowntheRabbitHole]

Enjoyed your video and projects very much, thank you! One tip I learned from my needlepoint work (where you often turn the stretcher bar frame sideways or even upside down to access an area) was to put a few BIG RED stitches at the top of the work before beginning. It draws your eye and reminds you where the top is. It's harder when the edges get ridden by the snap frame, but maybe that will give you an idea. best wishes!

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

What a great suggestion! I really appreciate that and will use it for some future projects. Thanks so much for sharing. :)

[@gracevanduyn491]

Thank you so much for sharing your great project ideas! I love the Trick or Treat Storage Archive. idea. Now you have me thinking about a Christmas project equivalent?!? 🤔 Looking forward to your next Flosstube.

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

So funny because I was just thinking how I hope I can find a cute Christmas storage option 🎄☺️ I’ll be on the lookout! Thanks for your fun comment.

[@teresathornboroughtravel]

I’ll be attending my first Jingle Ball, and I’m so excited! I love the border on your sampler as it is. Great vlog!

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

Thank you Teresa! I'm really glad you enjoyed it, and yay! We will both be looking forward to the Jingle Ball 🙂🎄

[@juliew3740]

I would use that tin your dad gifted you to hold your floss stash (until your stash outgrows it 😂). But seriously, it’s a fun tin in fantastic shape and I think it screams supplies. What a fabulous find!

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

I like this plan! It DOES scream supplies ☺ Thanks for voting, Julie, and sharing your thoughts. I'm so glad you enjoyed the video and the new treasure.

[@lauriebutler-tn5pt]

Great projects! Im not a huge Halloween fan, but there are so many cute stitches. Of course, i have to buy some. 😊 I think your border on your sampler looks good the way it is. 😊

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

Laurie, I’m very inspired to keep the boarder now - appreciating these comments! 😊 I too keep it pretty simple with Halloween so I’ve been on the hunt for some of the cuter options 🎃😉 I hope you enjoy all of your fall stitching!

[@user-uh3ml4tq7r]

Love the spider web concept, one over one on your Halloween sampler!

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

Thank you! I think it works nicely too. :)

[@tlovesstitching]

I also have a cross stitch looking pattern on a tin! It came from a 90 year old family member and I assume she had it at least 60 to 70 years. See you at the Jingle Ball!

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

How special! I looked this one up on Etsy and it might be from the 50’s or so. Maybe yours is around the same time! Hooray for the Jingle Ball! Lots of fun to look forward to 😊🎄

[@Sarahthenorthwoodsstitcher]

👋🏼Hey! Thanks for the shout out! That’s how I found you and subscribed ❤

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

Sarah, That makes my day! I'm looking forward to enjoying more of your fun videos with my Mom. We just love all your finds and fun solutions.

[@Sarahthenorthwoodsstitcher]

@@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher 🤗

[@Sarahthenorthwoodsstitcher]

Say “Hi!” For meeee

[@JanetteSoffes]

Hi, Sarah! This is Joanne's mom and I find stitching with you so relaxing. You remind me of one of my dear friends in mannerism and sense of humor. So I am one of your subscribers.​@Sarahthenorthwoodsstitcher

[@Sarahthenorthwoodsstitcher]

@@JanetteSoffes 👋🏼Hi! Thank you so much! It’s so neat to meet folks this way😅Glad you enjoy the channel 🤗

[@janetrcrossstitch]

Great video. I just finished an Owl Forest piece, Summer in the Village. Love their patterns and would love to use their floss, but I also converted to Colour and Cotton and DMC. For grime guards I have used steering wheel covers from Dollar Tree.

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

Thanks for watching, Jane! I will look for the Summer in the Village pattern. I bet it's beautiful. And thank you for the grime guard idea!! You're the second one who mentioned the steering wheel covers from dollar tree and I right away went over there and bought one! 😍

[@angelasawyer6714]

For your Blueberry Ridge piece, if you decide you would prefer a thicker border you can simply stitch over the existing stitches with another single strand of black instead of frogging the entire area you’ve worked. Trust me, try this 😊

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

That's a great idea, Angela. I had actually thought about it but didn't know if it was a shortcut that was "allowed" so your comment was nice to know that we can cut a corner where needed ;)

[@milagonzalez1353]

I just heard you can use steering wheel covers from the $ Tree for grim guards. In my way to get one for myself!

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

Yes! I just got one too! :)

[@mabrybischof]

Hello mother

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

Good morning

[@Evelyn-n9p8w]

Her name is Stitching in South Jersey.

[@vickispleas5911]

Hello Joanne. On your Halloween stitch with the pumpkin. You aren’t done. No spider tread on the spider. They are just hanging there.

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

Vickie, Interestingly enough I had the same thought! Then I checked the pattern a few times and it doesn't have any lines or threads threads for the spider string. I could always go back in and add some. :)

[@Evelyn-n9p8w]

I just saw “Little Women’s Christmas Morning” on a new flosstuber…(south Jersey something), and thought you would love it. Check it out! Enjoyed your post and went back to the beginning posts, too. Keep stitching!

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

Ooh, thank you Evelyn! I just looked it and up and it's darling. Already one I've added to my wishlist. I appreciate you sharing. Happy stitching!

[@tonyaspeelman4914]

I just adore you!! Are you going to the jingle ball?

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

Tonya, I am! Really looking forward to it 🙂🎄

[@mikithompson745]

I just bought nettle. I find that anytime I put a deadline on something or make in an obligation stitch or knit, I lose the joy immediately.

[@Joanne_TheStoryStitcher]

Great point and I am starting to learn that, too. There's a balance, isn't there? I hope we both especially enjoy our stitching this week. 🍂