Flosstube #66--1 New Start, 2 FFOs, 1 FO, WIPs and some HAUL!!

[@karendavis-macon9658]

Your videos are GREAT...and personally I love ALL of your WIPS and viewing your progress!! Does that viewer not see How you have all your WIPS under control!!😊😉. Brenda I am sure you inspire many....including me; to have a GREAT selection of WIPS to choose from!! You do you BOO!! 😍😜. HAPPY STITCHING TODAY AND EVERYDAY IN 2020!!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Karen!!!!!! You never fail to cheer me up :)

[@JanHicksCreates]

Hi Brenda! Love what you are doing with both Pandemic and The New Normal! So interesting that you find the Sulky 12 wt good for 40 ct. I’ll have to give it a try. For your thread bed, what I do is stick it into a ziplock bag when I’m putting things away. That keeps the threads in place and won’t have them get messed up if you fold the felt against itself. I ADORE your Linen and Threads SAL. Such a pretty one this year. I love seeing all of the different color variations.So good to visit with you today! Take care!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Hi Jan!!! I was just watching you last night!!! LOL And I love your Kelly bag with the little pocket for the thread bed that came with it, genius!!! I will have to work harder at paying attention and snagging a Thats so Kelly bag :) And your idea of a ziplock back is also genius. I will have to get one out right now, lol. I ordered the folding thread bed from Dot Dot Goose, but it is not here yet. Love keeping up with your gorgeous projects, your design with the MS Toxic silk is GORGEOUS!!!!

[@nityaviswanath894]

Your Harvest Time pillow is so sweet! Prairie Schooler sure does make some charming patterns. Love seeing all your wips! The SALs from Linens amd Threads and Modern Folk Embroidery look really nice. I want to join the 2021 SALs from both of them this year. Thanks for sharing!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Nitya! the 2021 SALs look amazing, you will enjoy them!

[@lauriejtowle7137]

Yup, Dot Dot Goose has the "thread pal" that you are looking for. In fact, I've sent her my own fabrics and she's made them for me. Costs less and I get them in the fabrics I really like. They fold up, close with a snap. They even have a little "heart" in the inside in which you can park your needle. Check her out!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Laurie!!!! I went and checked them out and bought one!! Just waiting patiently for it to come :)

[@carlenehall2979]

🤗 Thank you Brenda for sharing your projects and finishes. I always enjoy spending time with you! Take care.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Carlene :)

[@dollyyarborough2918]

Hello, I am a long time stitcher but just found Floss Tube and love it! I love your pieces, you are a gifted stitcher, thank you for sharing. Have to tell you about a product I buy at Fat Quarter Shop, Lori Holt design boards. I love them, they come in a variety of sizes and are perfect for staging your threads when stitching. Your threads stay put, absolutely perfect for stitching. I also use them when staging my quilting squares as well. Thanks again for showing your lovely pieces!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Dolly!! I watch Kimberly's live Flosstube every week and love it!! I have been meaning to buy on of their design boards but have not done it yet, but I think they would also be amazing!!!

[@nannettmcdougal-dykes9339]

Great Video....so happy to see all the WIPS....love that bags....Friends Stitch it so amazing.....I was a one stitch wonder stitcher to....but not any more....at the beginning of the year I had 35 WIPS....I have finish 15 this year...working on 16 right now...

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Nannett! wow, 15 going on 16, that is amazing!!! Glad to know I am not the only one out there who enjoys many WIPs :)

[@lynnrebman8337]

Enjoy your videos...I’m a Sulky thread lover as well. I started using it when I had a lot of white on a project. Did on 32 count and it gave it a delicate and lacy look. I love the Soda Street project. Glad the fire spared the tower. So scary.

[@Handworkmaniac]

thank You Lynn!!! So glad to hear from another stitcher who loves the Sulky thread :)

[@rosebudstitcher2780]

Great progress on your beautiful pieces. The colors on your new long dog are gorgeous. Blessings

[@Handworkmaniac]

thank You!!

[@stychaddict4499]

Thanks for another fabulous video. I too am getting used to wearing a mask all day at work! You have done so much stitching over the last few weeks, it is great to see it all. And I absolutely love your wall.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You!! I will be so grateful when we don't have to wear them every day anymore :) Something to look forward to.

[@crafterwithfibro5053]

Why so many wips..... Why not?!! I used to be a monogamous stitcher years ago but currently, I have 20 wips!! Love it 😍

[@Handworkmaniac]

Laughing, exactly!! So funny how we all love cross stitch, but we are all so different as well. Which is why we all do it our own way :)

[@elizabethcorsini5499]

Great video! Your WIPs are looking great, your new projects are lovely, and I love your FFOs. Your little pillows came out beautifully, you must be so thrilled! Thank you for sharing your stitching with us, I really enjoy stitching along and seeing your progress.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Elizabeth!!

[@karinmonnich3310]

Love all your pieces. Happy Stitching!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Karin!!

[@mandyfonoimoana3296]

Loving all your wips! Glad to hear that they got the fire contained.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Mandy!!! Yes, I am so glad that fire is out now, I feel so bad for all the people near all the other fires that are still burning, so sad. We were very blessed :)

[@nellievazquez9950]

On fb there is a wonderful lady that makes project bags and thread beds. Her name is Judy Starkey. Her thread beds have velcro on each side and you can close it and put it in your project bag. They are wonderful

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Nellie!! I will check her out :)

[@carolreid9755]

Thank you for the update, so interesting about the symbols in pandemic. I like you find it comforting to stitch it. Ooo new sampler do I need it ? Of course I do ! How lovely to find the English book titles, great fun. Hope work is going well. I use a piece of felt, fold it in half and attach a needle minder to secure it, I keep meaning to see a popper in but as I don't have many WIPS my needle minder works fine. Having said that I now have 4 on the go and it works so much better ,I work on what I feel like. Stay safe and sane.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Carol! And that is a fabulous idea!!!!! I am so going to try it :)

[@tealelder6475]

I really enjoy your videos. I love all of your beautiful projects. Friendstitch was so fun. I hope they do another one too.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You!! Yes, I hope they do too, and I hope other organizers start to have them as well :) Are you stitching one of the pieces, which one?

[@tealelder6475]

Handworkmaniac yes, I’m stitching the alphabet and trees. I love it. Love everything in the kit.

[@susanmarit8767]

Brenda love all your wipes HAPPY STITCHING STAY SAFE

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Susan!! You as well :)

[@BlackRibbonStitchStudio]

So good to see your progress on Pandemic and now The New Normal! Glad I’m not the only one enjoying stitching on multiple Long Dogs at once! 💝 ~ Denise

[@Handworkmaniac]

Hi Denise!!! Thank You :) I am glad I am not the only one who it stitching on several Long Dog pieces at once, lol!!

[@JennyFleming]

Hey Brenda!! I love knowing what the titles are on those Panna books. MAY I IS STUNNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍. Thank you for your commentary on the Pandemic motifs.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Jenny!! Hope you are having a fabulous Long Dog Stitching day :)

[@susanradford9503]

Thanks for a great video. Love all your projects and found your info on both Pandemic and The New normal fascinating. I need to look at my patterns more closely. Beautiful finishes too. Thank you again.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Susan!!

[@lorettahenderson8979]

Thanks Brenda for your beautiful autumnal wall...loved the translations on the books from your new Russian stitching pattern...that is a big pattern too...glad school is going well for the students...my grandchildren are doing E-Learning right now in Virginia and WV...my daughter was going to their schools to help the new Special Education teachers at first, then just in her office on Zoom and finally at home because of up tick in new Covid-19 cases there...everyone seems to enjoy the new way of learning...best wishes and prayers...with happy stitching too❣️

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Loretta! Glad your grandchildren can still go to school through e-learning. We are having a large uptick here as well, I will be surprised if don't go back to some kind of e-learning soon :)

[@jsapcakrrow]

Love your wips, they are all so beautiful. I love that you are using multiple colors on your Long Dogs-so pretty. I look forward to seeing progress on the Book Wall pattern, it’s lovely.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Peggy! I can't wait to start that Book pattern :)

[@jackietrembley9827]

I , for one, am really glad you have so many WIPs! I get to see more beautiful projects that way! Have a great week.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Jackie!! That makes me feel better, lol.

[@markschweitzer4714]

Your new sampler wall is so fabulous! I’m so glad you have them displayed, I find them so inspirational. You stitch so diversely it is a pleasure for your followers. ❤️Diana

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Diana :)

[@stitchingsunshinerae]

You have been busy. I love you FFOs. I have an growing pile I need to get to soon. Sounds like the retreat was a success. I am so glad. I can’t wait to go to another retreat in person or online. Or mall stitching. 😉

[@Handworkmaniac]

Hi Rae!!!!! I am so looking forward when we can get together and stitch again, sigh. Or mall stitching, lol!!!! We so have to do that. I will have to tell the girls that tonight when I see them, lol. Happy Saturday Conference Stitching!!! I am trying to get caught up on MFE and Kringles while I listen and take notes :) And trying to get caught up on comments in between sessions, lol.

[@stitchn304patience9]

Loved seeing your wips your a stunning stitcher... also if you pull on the bottom of the sulky tub it opens an you can put your thread back in there

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You!!! I love that the Sulky bobbins pop open like that. But for some reason, I dislike winding the thread back on there and getting it closed, lol. Maybe I just need more sleep :)

[@stitchn304patience9]

@@Handworkmaniac maybe lol looking forward to seeinb your progress

[@darleneurso5928]

I am always happy to see a video from you, and each time I wonder how you can work and accomplish so much. Beautiful stitching. Thank you for sharing.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Darlene!! I think stitching is the only thing keeping me sane right now, lol.

[@annieann99]

I love the book piece even more now that you have told me the books are all Netherlands related. The books look like their houses along the canals. We lived there for four years. I just love that pattern. Thank you so much for the translations!!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Hi Jennifer!! Ohhhhh, I didn't even think about the houses looking like the ones in the Netherlands!! That makes it even more lovely.

[@jomariehogle1980]

Another super video. Always enjoy ALL your WIPs and your finishes are beautiful. Oh my I love that you know what the name of the books are it makes it so much fun. The bags are beautiful also. Thanks for sharing.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Jo!!

[@debbierice2618]

Great video, love all your pieces. Thanks for sharing.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Debbie!

[@HJKingston]

Dot Dot Goose Designs makes projects bags but also makes the thread bed item you are looking for that closes and snaps. Its called a project pal.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You!!! I went and checked them out and ordered one. Now I am just patiently waiting for it to arrive, lol.

[@beecee6360]

I love your wall and all your stitched fall things - beautiful! Love your smalls in the basket, especially the Harvest pillow. Glad school is still going strong and the kids are cooperating with wearing masks - I know it must be difficult to wear a mask all day, I can't wait to get home to take mine off when I'm out just grocery shopping LOL!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You!!! Yes, lol, the very first thing I do as I walk out the door of the school each afternoon is rip that mask off and stuff it in my bag.

[@teriadams7398]

It's nice to see your finish ☺️. That will help your well being. You and your daughter do beautiful work.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Teri!!

[@kanona0115]

Dot dot goose makes adorable Pocket Pals on Etsy that have felt on both sides, a wool heart in the center to hold a needle and snaps shut- i ❤️ them!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You!!!! That sounds like exactly what I was looking for!!

[@ElizzaBeast]

DotDotGoose on Etsy has “thread keepers” that snap shut and they even have a little piece of felt to hold an extra needle… basically just a thread bed that folds in half

[@Handworkmaniac]

I eventually bought one of theirs, I love it!!! Thank You!!!

[@paulinedutton8576]

Beautiful Wips Brenda of gorgeous projects. I love your Floss choices . I am considering The New Normal and the Modern Folk Embroidery SAL 2020. I’m wondering if you could tell us how your rotation works in your next Flosstube please.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Pauline!! I will talk about my Rotation in my next video :)

[@lucyleo2912]

Hey I have a solution to your sulky thread left over bits... Why don’t you wrap them a little around the snap shut bit on the spool and then snap it shut They won’t move, so next time you go for that colour it’s locked onto the spool x

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Lucy!!! I love that the Sulky spools pop open on the ends like that. So nice to secure the loose end so they don't unravel. I thought about putting the leftover piece back on the pop end, but for some reason I don't enjoy fussing with getting it wound back on the spool, lol. I probably just need more sleep, lol!

[@littlemrssunshine85]

I don’t know if anyone has mentioned this but the top and bottom of the Sulky threads pop up. I put my unused thread around the top when I put it away. Then the next time I pull out that project, I can see immediately if I have a cut piece ready to go.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You!!! I love that the spools pop out on top and bottom. And as you may have seen in my most recent video, I had no idea that the King spools did the same thing!!! I don't know why I am so lazy and think that winding the thread back onto the spool is such a bother, maybe I just need to get more sleep, lol :)

[@joywhite6445]

Enjoyed your video, all the finishes and the Whips, Happy Stitching and Stay Safe 😊

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Joy!

[@tinajensen6687]

I started Harvest Time by Prairie Schooler just as you showed your finished pillow! I love your pillow! Always good to stitch with you!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Tina!! I hope you enjoy stitching it as much as I did mine, it was a lovely piece to stitch.

[@lynettedavies3164]

I always love seeing your WIPs and future WIPs, Brenda and there is almost always some enabling involved! I’d promised myself not to buy any more Long Dog Samplers and then I saw the New Normal! I haven’t given in yet but I’m sure I will before too long! It was very interesting to hear what you were saying about that design and also Pandemic - they are both fascinating. If I stitch New Normal, I think I may try the Sulky threads. Everyone seems to like them. I enjoyed seeing all the pieces on your Autumn wall. I’m interested to find out how you hung up the ones that aren’t FFO’d yet. I have plenty of those so I may give it a try!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Lynette! Flosstube always enables me too, lol!!! If you break down and buy the New Normal, I hope you enjoy it as much as I am :) For the unframed pieces, the smaller ones are wrapped around a piece of cardboard, and then I just used straight pins to tack just barely through the corners of the fabric and into the wall. For the larger ones, I just folded under the edges of the piece and then used straight pins to pin it to the wall :) "Cheap and Cheerful" way to enjoy them :)

[@KatTalks]

Brenda, how lovely to hear your voice again! It is indeed a challenging year, but it’s voices like yours and people like the Friendstitch that remind me how close we can all be in, even within our little bubbles. During the pandemic my hobby spending has really ramped up, so I don’t blame you at all for starting New Normal out of schedule - we all need to give ourselves a little grace and find happiness and calm however we can. Of course not irresponsibly, but if it hurts nobody, I think all speed ahead! Glad to hear that school is going well and looking forward to seeing Marie’s stitching - do you regret giving her your Sulky choice now that you’ve seen how beautiful it is? My best wishes to you and yours - and all the wee villagers too! Love Kat

[@Handworkmaniac]

Hi Kat!!! So nice to hear from you :) Thank You, and yes I agree, if it is not hurting anyone else, and it is affordable for me, any hobby time that keeps me sane this year is worth it, lol. Laughing, I still like my Cactus color just a little bit more than the Blue Heaven color, but it is so perfect for Marie as her favorite color is teal :) But they are both gorgeous colors for sure :)

[@mrsmiggins6435]

I thought it was wonderful that Mary had taken the trouble to translate all the titles of those books for you. What a wonderful community we have on flosstube😀.

[@Handworkmaniac]

I so agree!!! I can't thank her enough for doing that for me :)

[@annieann99]

The other thing about the books pattern is that I believe those gates are to Peace Palace Hague, Netherlands

[@Handworkmaniac]

Wow, that is a cool piece of information!!! Thank You Jennifer!!!!

[@clotheslinecraftscaroline2446]

Lovely to spend time with you catching up, lots of lovely stitching as always. This has been a year and it isn't over yet, but flosstube is keeping me going! Stay safe. Xxx

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Caroline!! Yes, such a crazy year indeed, but we will get through it eventually :) And I agree, cross stitch is about the only thing keeping me sane!

[@dianefrazier7789]

Thank you for another great video! Love that it was a long one! Enjoy all your projects. Still waiting for Boss daughter to appear! Glad the fire didn’t get your husband’s tower.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Diane!!

[@carolynblumert8020]

Always love spending time with you. I ordered the Russian book kit and will wait to start it with you in the new year 😊. I held up the floss catcher from DotDotGooseDesign on Etsy when you were describing what you wanted but I guess you didn’t see it -haha. They a great. You are inspiring and quite an enabler to me - thanks for taking the time to share.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Carolyn!!! Oh no, I guess I wasn't looking when you held it up, lol!!!!!! I went to her Etsy shop immediately and ordered one, trying to wait patiently for it to arrive, lol.

[@lindajohnson6331]

Dot dot goose (Etsy) has little fold over thread keepers and bitsy bips (that’s so Kelly). I use both

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Linda!!! That is exactly what I was looking for :)

[@deanofstitching9921]

Find That’s So Kelly on Etsy or Instagram. Kelly will get you set up with whatever kind of bitsy bob will work best for you.

[@Handworkmaniac]

@@deanofstitching9921 Thank You!!! I just saw Jan's of "Jan Hicks Creates" from Kelly with the thread bed that goes in the little pocket, amazing!!!

[@allie7505]

Hi Brenda, I gotta say you have really inspired me and my craft...your craft room is just beautiful and your stitching is wow! I first saw Victorian Charm here on your floss tube channel...so have brought this pattern and hand dyed fabric from 123 stitch 😆 I couldn’t help but admire it on your room wall... and I really need to start this 👍 Gotta say 2020 has been very challenging for all of us here also and plague dr is also going to be stitched in NZ. LDS pandemic had this designed and were releasing this for their 25th Anniversary for 2021...but released it early for free for a week in June (my birthday 19th June) due to Covid 19 💕

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You! I hope you enjoy Victorian Charm as much as I did :) It is a gorgeous pattern, on hand-dyed fabric it will be amazing!! Glad to meet another fan of the Long Dog Samplers :) And what a wonderful birthday present for you!!! LOL

[@janettedodd1790]

Hello Brenda, great video, I’m stitching Pandemic too. Julie Line is an amazing designer, I have so many of her patterns waiting patiently for me!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Janette! So glad to hear from another Long Dog Samplers fan! And thank you for giving me her name, I keep forgetting to look that up!

[@janettedodd1790]

Handworkmaniac She is also on Instagram as joolsline.

[@Handworkmaniac]

@@janettedodd1790 Thank You!!

[@shinglespringsstitcher]

Lovely projects! I love your color choices for the new Long Dog Samplerr.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You!!

[@cheribaldwin8409]

What do you do when the magnets on your needle minder don't match, therefore they don't hold as well as the ones that do? Two idea's for your threads. You could roll the felt like the puzzle savers or you could get smaller bags and put them on a smaller ring. Also you could rap them on a plastic bobbin, that's what I do. Then with a pencil write the number on it. I find that working on more then I thing at a time it stops me from being bored with what I'm working on. I wish I could be a little faster, so I could be done faster. I have so may I would like to do, and just not enough time. I have to stop myself from buying more patterns. Love your videos Cheri Baldwin

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Cheri!! Those are all fabulous ideas! I don't love having the Sulky spools in baggies, and as soon as I get the King sized spools ordered, they won't fit in the size bags I use, and will be pretty bulky. And I bobbinated for 20 years, but it is no my favorite either, lol. But I love your idea of rolling it like a puzzle saver!!

[@ruthbalzer4631]

I get my thread beds from Judy Starkey. She has a Facebook group called Judy's Project Bags and More. They have 2 little pieces of Velcro to close it, and I keep it in my project bag.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Ruth!! That sounds like exactly what I was looking for. I knew I had seen them around, but had no idea what they were called or who made them!!

[@stitch_in_woodstock]

Enjoyed your video and we have chatted on Instagram occasionally. Setting aside projects can make a stitcher feel guilty. My mother passed in 2004, and I had been working on a Quaker sampler from AuryTM, In Memory of. So now it's 2020 and I'm thinking my son will inherit an unfinished piece. Then a brilliant idea. Pulled the project out, and saw that I had more stitched than I thought. In January, my aunt passed away at age 102. She and my mother were the best of friends. So, I am going to add in a couple more motifs and stitch the words "in memory of" the names of them both, and then, "sisters in life, sisters in heaven." And call it a finished piece. If I don't get it framed before I leave this earth, then my brother will inherit the piece as my aunt is his godmother. So, you are so right. Sometimes it's best to set a project aside for a while. Love your video, going to subscribe, and I am working on Hands Across the Sea Agnes Husband sampler. I tend to work on one thing at a time, but I have about 40 WIPs waiting for attention. My non-stitching roommate doesn't understand my obsession. Ah, well, as long as I understand and approve. Until next time, be well, be safe and take care.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Karen!! What a beautiful idea for your Quaker Sampler!! I think it would be a lovely piece to remember them by. Your Agnes Husband sampler sounds amazing, I will have to go look up the picture. Yes, my husband is patient with me, but does not understand either, lol .

[@bluebeam92]

Dot dot goose (Etsy) has a booklet type thing that you can fold in half and it will fit in your project bag. I believe she uses a snap to close it. I always enjoy seeing your WIPs. Stitching and listening to you talk about your stitching is an enjoyable evening for sure! I have started all the things during this pandemic. I need to pick colors for my Pandemic so I can join along stitching while we are in this odd holding pattern. Also, After the roses by Ink Circles is SOOO worth it. If you start in a corner, it might not feel so repetitive. I was worried about the repetition, but it is small enough and just so gorgeous it hasn't been a problem. I hope your husband's broadcast tower survived the fire. Have a lovely week.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You!! That is exactly what I was looking for. I thought I had seen something like that but couldn't remember where or what it was called! That is a perfect phrase "holding pattern", :) Thanks for the encouragement, I may buy it after all, it is soooo gorgeous. And yes, the fire burned all around the broadcast tower, but did not stop it from working. They won't let my husband up there yet so he can look at it, but it is still working. We have received lots of blessings :)

[@lmhoovable]

The Chatelaine on the wall! I just received the pattern in the mail...in a couple months I'll purchase the kit. Yours looks stunning!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You!!! And so exciting for you!!! I hope you enjoy stitching it as much as I did mine :)

[@rhondapolk3425]

I sure enjoyed watching you, project bags, WIPS, haul, the friendship retreat Box was awesome! See you next time around- Go get a glass of water!🙃

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Rhonda!!! And yes, I needed a glass of water!

[@susanstohlman3613]

Thank you for a wonderful video. Your Fall wall looks great, how do you put up your unframed pieces? All of your wips are beautiful and interesting. I have six and am upping the count to ten with a pounding heart! I am starting the perpetual calendar the beginning of October, I was hooked when I saw yours, excited to begin. Between Covid, all the wildfires and the upcoming election it is a stressful time for our country. Praying 2021 will be better.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Susan!!! I so agree, I will be so glad when we are past this challenging year :) 10 WIPs!!! I hope your heart calms down and you enjoy them, lol. Everyone has their own comfort level on the number of WIPs they have :) And I hope you enjoy stitching the calendar as much as enjoyed stitching mine. It was such a fun project :)

[@robertas.4061]

I make an ort case by cutting a rectangle of Pellon decor Bond and the same size fabric. Sew them together right side together and turn out. Then just sew a snap on or a snip of velcro. They fold nicely and lay flat when open. You can sew a heart of felt in the fold line to use for storing needles. I can send a photo and dimensions by email if you want it. Love your colors got the new normal. Be well. Roberta

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Roberta!! That sounds like an amazing way to make something to hold my thread. I will write it down and try it out. Thank You :)

[@robertas.4061]

@@Handworkmaniac the snaps I but are called K snaps, they are plastic and come in lots of fun colors. Amazon sells them and the vise. They work on kids clothing and pockets for bags. I love your videos and my elan stand (after watching your video about a year ago.)

[@tarafell6301]

Well, you are far too young to have wips as old as mine, but last Christmas my husband said, “ what about doing some framing”? I got two sets of two pieces each done. One was a pair of crewel embroidery I stitched 55 years ago, and the second were two little 6” needlepoint shorebirds I finished 50 years ago. KThey make me so happy to see them on the wall each day - finally. I am going to stitch the PR Harvest Time. I’ve seen pictures of the cover for years, but when I saw yours, I was wowed. I’m so glad your fire is finished. We live on the back side of Timp and had your smoke, but it must have been so frightening to watch it so close and have it threatening your tower. Hopefully were done for the year as we get cooler the end of the week.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Tara!!! I love that you got those old pieces framed!!! That is amazing!!! I'm so glad you are enjoying them. I loved stitching PR harvest time, it is such a gorgeous pattern, go for it! Happy to think of you stitching just on the other side of Timp. The smoke this summer has been so terrible, and I feel so bad for all the people who are near all the fires that are still burning.

[@denisehagemann1586]

DotDotGoose on etsy has the little felt book that you are looking for. Very reasonable at $12 and gets to you in about 3 weeks (at least to MO). I have multiple ones that I put in my HAED project bags and absolutely love them. They are about 5x7 in size and have a felt heart inside to put a needle in. It closes with a matching plastic snap. She also has some that matches a project bag if you want to go matchy matchy. On a totally separate note: Keep up the good work. You are always so calming to watch. I would love to get a "Wee Village" but my dogs would keep stealing stuff from the village and I don't think I want to try and figure out where they hid them.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Denise!! That sounds exactly like what I was looking for, I thought I had seen something like that somewhere but did not know what it was called or where to find it!!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Oh, your dogs stealing stuff is making me laugh :) I have to watch my small grandchildren very carefully, or they do the same thing!!

[@willeke1234]

Love the books with dutch related names. The houses are the "grachtenhuizen", in english canal houses. You can see them for instance in Amsterdam. You got me triggert by showing this. The house with the gate must be the "Centraal Station" in Amsterdam I guess.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You!!! I love watching the narrow boat channels on KZbin, mostly out of Great Britain. I have learned so much about the canals and how they work. I will have to look for some videos about the canals in the Netherlands :) And I love knowing that the Kingdom of Books piece is an homage to the beautiful canal houses in the Netherlands. Thank You!!!!!!! It will be even more fun to stitch on now :)

[@willeke1234]

Here you can find some info about the Central Station in Amsterdam. www.iamsterdam.com/nl/zien-en-doen/attracties-en-bezienswaardigheden/overzicht/amsterdam-centraal-station and more info in english here, you will have to scroll down... en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsterdam_Centraal_station.

[@willeke1234]

In Germany there are beautiful documentaires about the Nether lands. www.ardmediathek.de/wdr/video/tamina-in/2-fuer-300-tamina-in-amsterdam/wdr-fernsehen/Y3JpZDovL3dkci5kZS9CZWl0cmFnLTlkNDA3ZmI2LWNmMGQtNGE1NC04Zjc0LWE2MzYxYTcxOGMxNw/ and www.ardmediathek.de/wdr/video/planet-wissen/amsterdam-eine-alte-junge-stadt/wdr-fernsehen/Y3JpZDovL3dkci5kZS9CZWl0cmFnLWZhYjg3NjMyLWE0OTAtNDZhNC04ZGU3LWM4ZmE1NWRjNTQ2ZQ/

[@willeke1234]

This is a longer version of the latest video m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKOUf52BjauAppY. In the video's you see a building that looks a lot like the Central Station and it is called "Rijksmuseum". It is built nu the same architect. You have to look for the clocks in the towers to know which building it is.... 😉. Have fun stitching.

[@jamjams_9678]

oh, we got all the peeps today, hi all the fam! i only have 5 xstitch wips (rotating 3 cus they gifts) other 2 haeds........1 crochet.. also gift

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Jamie!! 5 WIPs is a great number!!! I would get a lot more of mine done if I would just focus on five. And I haven't pulled out my crocheting or knitting for over a year!! LOL

[@melbaburwell6264]

I love your autumn/fall wall behind you.. ok I love all your work.. lol... I had picked up a suppose to be easy cross stitch pattern that came with 30 count linen.. I am trying to learn how to work with linen and even weave. so far I can do a cross stitch.. but back stitch lettering is not so easy .. is there a recommended way to start the thread or a video showing back stitch lettering? I tried the knot on the back but the knot comes through and when using one thread. I find its not so easy.. lol.. yes I'm a beginner stitcher.. still haven't finished my first project yet... lol if there are any recommendations, I'd be a happy camper... I know I always ask you questions, but.. I you're one of my favorite floss tube channels that I watch. Thank you for your patience. Lol..

[@Handworkmaniac]

Hi Melba!!! Sounds like you are doing great, keep going!! Yes, getting the thread started with one strand of backstitched letters is a bit challenging, lol. If it is close enough to some cross stitching (within 4-6 threads) I will turn over to the back and run the thread under 3 or 4 stitches, and then go under just the last stitch one more time, to anchor the thread. Then come up where the backstitching starts and start stitching. But if you need to start far away from any cross stitching, then I use the "away knot" method. You could probably do a search on KZbin for "away knot" and find a video showing it. You basically tie a big knot in the end of your thread, one big enough that it will not pull through the fabric easily. From the TOP side of the fabric put your need down through the fabric, maybe 4-5 inches away from where your first stitch will be. Then come up from the bottom where your first stitch is and start stitching. When you are done stitching the letters, go back and carefully cut the knot off, thread your needle onto the tail that is left (this is why your knot needs to be 4-5 inches away from the stitching, so you have a long enough tail to thread onto the needle) and on the back, run the thread under some of the letter stitching several times to anchor it.

[@melbaburwell6264]

Handworkmaniac Thank you. I’m going to try it out. I did watch a couple of videos on both the waste knot and tying the knot at the end. I’ll have to practice the waste knot or away knot. I just have to make my knot bigger so it doesn’t slip through the fabric. That’s what kept happening. Thank you 😊

[@sheriking4041]

I will start it with you as well. Yeah. I’m so excited

[@Handworkmaniac]

Yay!!! I am thinking maybe the day after Christmas so I have as much of my vacation as possible to stitch on it. I will definitely let you know, in my video, what day, when we get closer!! And I will show what fabric I finally decide on :)

[@debramckenzie266]

Fantastic projects. Love watching your progress.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Debra!

[@betsykleger4808]

I totally understand why you have “so many WIPs”. I just start what I want when I want to. And then rotate them.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Betsy, I am glad I am not the only one who things that way :)

[@scottydog6539]

Do you know of cross stitch companies which use colored charts as the ones you showed. Were they Panna or Riolos? Are there any others with colored pattern charts. They would be so much easier. Years ago they painted on the needlepoint canvases and for cross stitch designs were on the cloth.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Hi Suzanne! I have worked on a few needlepoint canvases where the picture is printed on the canvas, so nice because you don't have to refer to the pattern :) All cross stitch designers are different. Some do full color charts and some do not. All of the SodaStitch patterns I bought (from S. Korea, on Amazon) are full color. And of the kits I bought from mybutton.com the Riolis kits all have full color charts. The Panna Kit chart is printed with 3 or 4 colors, but only to help distinguish different symbols and backstitching, the colors don't correspond to the color of floss being used. The "Kingdom of Books" kit by "Make It With Your Own Hands" company was also in full color. But other versions of that pattern made by a different company is not a full color chart. The magazine subscription I have "The Cross Stitcher" from the UK, also prints all their patterns in full color.

[@janinewolfe9486]

Hi there, I’m in love with the piece to your left. Looks gray or pale green with trees and a village scene in the middle. Is it an a available pattern.? Love your site. I stitch while I listen and watch. Xo

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Janine! It is called "Alpine Seasons" by Chatelaine.

[@teriadams7398]

Why not make a needle holder book to hold single threads with several pages

[@Handworkmaniac]

Teri, That is a great idea!!

[@Amylovestoads]

Hello. The finished stitched piece behind you on the wall.... how are the ones that aren’t framed hanging on the wall? Do you have them folded over on the edges?

[@Handworkmaniac]

Hello Amy!!!! Enjoy your videos :) The smaller ones are wrapped around a piece of cardboard and then I just put a straight pin through the very corners of the fabric and into the wall. The larger ones, yes, just have the edges folded under and then I used straight pins to pin them to the wall :) A "cheap and cheerful" to enjoy them :)

[@debbiebrooks5109]

Brenda Dot Dot Goose on etsy has what your looking for she makes very pretty bags and a project pal to match the bag or you can just get the project pal they are 12 dollars and they are awesome it is like both sides has the batting and you can close it up with the snap that's on there for that price you could get one for every project lol they are great and there is a little felt heart in the middle for your needles

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Debbie!! That is exactly what I was looking for!! I knew I had seen something like that somewhere but didn't know what it was called or where to find it!

[@veronicabracamontes8104]

What do I want a video of yours, you always show some incredible projects !! Thank you

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Veronica!!

[@bettylowdermilk4296]

Love your videos. Very inspiring.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Betty!

[@kathleenhigham5924]

I'm wondering, for long dog samplers Pandemic, what Thread colors you would suggest for a dark purply grey and an accent color, Maybe some kind of leaf green for the animals

[@Handworkmaniac]

Gosh Kathleen, that is a great question. Usually I either find a gorgeous piece of fabric I want to use first, and then lay colors on it until I find something that really pops. Or I might start with a variegated floss I really like and pull accent colors from the colors in that variegation. Or sometimes I pull the colors from another piece that I really like the color combination in. I am terrible at just choosing a color palette from scratch, I so admire designers and artists that can do that :) Find colors that speak to you and go from there, then they will make you happy :)

[@kathleenhigham5924]

@@Handworkmaniac Oh, and did I mention....We are neighbors! Maybe ill bump into you some day...

[@Handworkmaniac]

@@kathleenhigham5924 Ohh, I hope so!!!

[@marshavasaturo2289]

Hi Brenda, I got my Artisan Lap Frame 3 days ago.I used it today, It's a little difficult for me because I broke my right wrist in 3 places in a kitchen fall..Did you ever stitch any Carol Manning's patterns?Do you think they would be to hard for me.I would like to use Sulky thread, what is the number you use? I look at your sight all the time. Thanks for your help.Marsha Vasaturo..

[@Handworkmaniac]

Hi Marsha!!! I hope you enjoy your Artisan frame as much as I do. It took me a few weeks to get used to it, when I first got it, but I can't imagine stitching without it now. I also broke my wrist about 17 years ago, and I wish I had had my lap frame back then. It took quite a while to regain the mobility in that wrist, physical therapy was such a help after I got the cast off. It was my left wrist, and I kept the two cross stitched pieces I worked on while I had the cast on. I couldn't turn my left hand to be able to get it to the back side of the fabric, like I usually do. So I just leaned the q-snap against my cast and stitched with my right hand. I had a lot of knots on the back of the fabric that I didn't know about until an hour later when I finally turned it over to end a thread. But I just kept going, because I needed the stitching for my mental health. Those two pieces are still beautiful from the front, but they look pretty back on the back. But that doesn't matter, because they will be framed eventually anyway. I keep them because it makes me smile that I still figured out a way to stitch and enjoyed it. I just started a Carolyn Manning piece on Nov 1st, and I am loving it. But it calls for 20 or 30 colors, and I think it would be hard to figure out how to convert the DMC that it calls for, to Sulky threads, unless you had the Sulky color card to use and find your own color matches. Carolyn Manning designs are easy to stitch, because they are just triangles and diamonds, but I do have to use a highlighter on the pattern to keep track of what I have already stitched. You can get lost in all those triangles, lol. But I think I would stick with the DMC if you want to stitch one of hers. Monochromatic pieces that just have one color are a great way to try out Sulky threads. JBW designs has some very cute patterns that are not too big: www.123stitch.com/m/Cross-Stitch-Patterns-from-JBW-Designs. On Pandemic I am using the Sulky color Cactus (#4086). On the New Normal piece, I am using 10 different Sulky colors that I chose because I thought they would look nice together. I hope you have a lovely day, and that you enjoy your lap stand :)

[@marshavasaturo2289]

@@Handworkmaniac Hi Brenda, I want to get a chair like yours.My doctor didn't set my wrist right. Have you seen MFE Flosstube Episode 1.I think you will love his charts.Thanks for answering my emails.love to see your finished charts.Marsha

[@darqjedi]

Just chalk up the video mirroring to the fact that it is 2020, and apparently everything this year is different from the norm.

[@Handworkmaniac]

So true!!!! What a year indeed.

[@debbierice2618]

First time seeing May I and I love it.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Grin, that one was one of those "must haves" for me when I saw it too :)

[@melaniecameron2422]

I have a "project minder scissor saver" from RagTagQuiltArt on Etsy. It has a snap to keep it closed when I'm not using it. It's great.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Melanie!!! I went and looked at them and they look amazing! In fact, I just ordered one :) And I had your comment down on my list to mention in my last video and share this Etsy store, and missed it!!! I will get it in the next video and show the one I purchased. Marie and Declan were distracting, lol.

[@bellybuttonsdesigns5]

Love your work so much ❤️

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You!

[@marcialinton1303]

Brenda! Hello! How can we find out more information about the Zoom stitching “retreats”? Thanks so much!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Hi Marcia!! I have only heard of that one so far!!! My only advice is to watch a lot of different flosstube channels because sometimes they get announced there. Especially channels made by cross stitch stores or cross stitch designers. And follow all your favorite designers on InstaGram. I don't know of any central place where things like that are announced or advertised. It kind of just gets spread by word of mouth :)

[@nancyjones5006]

Your work is beautiful! Would you please tell me the name and designer of the sampler pattern above your left shoulder, above the calendar you made? Thank you

[@nancyjones5006]

NVM. I just saw your video with description of your Autumn wall. Thank you!!!!

[@Handworkmaniac]

Oh good. Glad you found it. And thank you :) I changed the colors quite a bit from the called for. I still used DMC but I changed the greens and browns, and added a light yellow whenever the flowers were supposed to be that light brown color. For the greens I used 470 and 471, and for the browns I used 839 and 841. And I added 676 and used it anytime there was a flower that was supposed to be the light brown.

[@betsykleger4808]

What do you use for pillow stuffing?

[@Handworkmaniac]

Hi Betsy! I either use something like Poly-Fil which is just a polyester fiber filling that is very light and puffy. Or I have used crushed walnut (or pecan) shells, which gives the pillow more weight.

[@teriadams7398]

I really DISLIKE a kit that has floss in a huge glob. I struggle with colors that are close, I would rather kit a design. I have had to buy floss over several times because of that. It's so expensive anyway. So I try not to get kits. It makes me sad 😢

[@Handworkmaniac]

Hi Teri!! I'm so sorry you have had that experience with kits. It can be very challenging to separate the colors and figure out what is what. My organizer brain enjoys laying out all the thread and doing the detective work to figure out which color is which and then labeling them all. But I can't stand stitching complicated repetitive borders. So funny how we all love cross stitch, but still have different likes and dislikes :) You should definitely stitch on projects that make you happy :)

[@beeasybylb]

If you look up Dutch architecture you will understand why all the books are about the Netherlands.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You!!! I just went and did a search and saw all the beautiful pictures of buildings that are so tall and skinny, right next to each other. They look like books!!!

[@rhondapolk3425]

Did you order/ recieve the Soda piece just as a pattern or a kit?

[@Handworkmaniac]

Hi Rhonda! I ordered just the pattern on Amazon.

[@annamariesmith4716]

I like the second part of pandemic has an explanation. Its called the new normal.

[@Handworkmaniac]

I so agree Anna Marie! I love when a project has a back story :)

[@anoukvandenhurk2718]

Oh gosh I am dutch but some of the titles I have never heard of🤣💜

[@Handworkmaniac]

Laughing!!! They may not even be real books, lol, but I love knowing what the artist imagined them to be :)

[@bettysteenerson1596]

Would you mind telling me what the name of the book chart from Russia and where did you get it? Thank you.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Hi Betty!! It is called "Kingdom of Books" and I bought my kit from the website mybobbin.com. The name of the company who makes the kit is "Make It With Your Own Hands". Mybobbin.com is based in Russia so shipping times are long right now. I ordered mine the first week of May and didn't receive it until sometime in July. I have a few friends who found it on amazon and ebay here in the states, but the kit they got was a little different from mine. Same pattern, but different fabric and floss brand than mine.

[@BasketsCL1]

I have an idea for making the thing to hold your spoils. Have a place to keep your threads and close up for storage. Send me a message if interested. We could design it together so you’ll have just want you want. Cindy

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Cindy!!! You are so sweet :)

[@stitch_in_woodstock]

P.S. On IG, I am actually stitch_in_woodstock, but for some reason Google has me as this name here and on Facebook. Mine is not to reason why.

[@Handworkmaniac]

LOL, who knows :) Glad to hear from you!!

[@janemarchant7236]

Can’t you just put 2 mats together, I’m sure it would work

[@Handworkmaniac]

Hi Jane, that would totally work, brilliant!!

[@solmolina2898]

undisputed live

[@marilyndumas2945]

Make one yourself

[@Handworkmaniac]

Hi Marilyn! I agree, I definitely should :)

[@lisamunchausen7158]

I sent you an instragram msg.

[@Handworkmaniac]

Thank You Lisa!!! I ordered one and am trying to wait patiently for it to arrive, lol.