FlossTube: Cross Stitching Shenanigans!

[@kathigaimara6955]

You are such an inspiration…not only with your stitching and quilting, but your words of wisdom are so good for my soul. Time is the best gift we can give whether we are giving it to others or ourselves. Enjoy the rest of your summer!

[@gwouellette]

I am sitting outside after dark by a fire watching your Flosstube. It feels good to put your feet up and slow down and do nothing. We live in a society that seems to wear busyness as a badge of honor. If you are not busy you are not productive, or successful or many other things. Socrates very wisely warned, “ Beware of the barrenness of a busy life” I wish I had realized that when I was younger. Good to see you back. Love your project bags…You are making me want to get at making more project bags which are badly needed. I need some for my wool pennies, various other wool appliqué projects, and of course my cross stitch projects. I have myself down to approximately half a dozen. That might increase as we move into winter, but I have several quilty projects that need finishing as well. I really need to take each one out and think about what made me want to make them, and if the love is gone then pass them on…if it’s still there the get ‘em done! Also on my radar for a wooly start is the redware crow…I finally found a good background fabric! Love your still photos and music…very relaxing . Enjoy your time up in the mountains. I have to tell you I am excited to be going on a road trip with a girlfriend…guys are doing a fly in fishing trip and we are headed south of the border to Spring Green…Country Sampler here we come! It has been quite a spell since I was there and I am excited to go again. My favourite quilty, stitchy, decor shop! Enjoy your retreat! Wendy(in Canada)

[@susangroebe2917]

Dearest Shanda. I just retired so we will be evolving together. I teared up at the end of video with your words of wisdom and the beautiful music. You are an inspiration to me and a real treasure to our stitching community. I hope our paths will cross. Sue.

[@lyndalavelle99]

Although I have followed you for several months now, I have never commented before. The last few minutes of your video so touched me that I felt I had to comment this time. I retired 10 years ago from a corporate career that was always draining. After retiring I felt much the same as you do now; evolving. Evolving into who I wanted to be all along. I love your life in the mountains, as I know you do. As a stitcher and a quilter, I so look forward to your next video.

[@mariawells8026]

You are a gift to us out in stitch/quilt/sew world! Thank you for your beautiful, peaceful manner.

[@prairiestitcher515]

Thank you for continuing to make videos! I so enjoy seeing you and your pics and your projects. It’s like sitting w an old dear friend… sometimes lots going on to share and sometimes not as much but always wonderful time Together! I think so many of us are seeing the wisdom in let’s finish the stuff we have going and not go crazy with lots of new starts!! We just recently ( two weeks ago) retired and so it’s nice to hear your thoughts and I read one of your viewers comments about now having 6 saturdays a week. It’s a great way to view it! Anyway thanks again.. see ya soon!!!

[@pamlacey136]

I was thrilled to see your video pop up today! I had been thinking about you earlier today and wondering how your summer away from social media was going along with having retired. It was so nice to see what you had been working on and to hear how things were going for you. I do some EPP and that quilt that you quilted is so gorgeous and what a treasure it is. I love how you get to be a part of your clients work by doing the quilting for them to complete their memories in quilts. What a joy. I like that you are “evolving”. That is a wonderful way to think of it and to live your life. I love your churn dash quilt - it is going to be gorgeous. I also really like the project bag and the cook book that you put together for your daughter’s birthday. The wolf pillow is so beautiful - I am sure her mother-in-law will treasure it. Happy stitching and hugs are coming your way……………..

[@maryannebenoit3488]

I always look forward to your videos. Enjoy your retirement. Love all your projects. Thank you.

[@sarabrunsvold2461]

Wonderful video!!! You’ve been pretty busy with project bags, stitching and quilting. You will learn to embrace not having a daily time schedule. God bless you and your family!!!!

[@courtnieburrell3266]

I love the phrase “I am evolving “. Glad you are enjoying your retirement. I too prefer project bags with cloth and top zippers. Your were wonderful eye candy.

[@BrandiTalmadge]

Loved seeing what you’ve been working on and listening to your wise words. I was just talking with my husband this AM about truly enjoying each day and the simple things in life - I’m growing so tired of the complicated world we all live in and the ever-seeming flippant society in current day living. Thank you for sharing yourself and all that you’re working on - I enjoy your videos! 🥰

[@marlanedows7049]

Congratulations on your retirement. You earned it. Thanks for doing these videos- they are so enjoyable with your engaging style.

[@cherylmarch9293]

Very happy to see you today! So enjoyed seeing your project bags you made. I need Togo into my stash and make me some. Thank you for the tip of zipper on the top for easy access. And about the vinyl sticking to our patterns. Eek. The quilt on your long arm is gorgeous. And your churn dash blocks are so pretty!! I have a go cutter, I should use it more. And I will. I can then sit and sew quicker. Here where I live in northern ca I keep things together as well, in case we have to , Go. We had to evacuate 2 years ago. Scary time. Happy you didn’t have to go. Thank you for all the inspiration you put in your videos, esp at the end of taking those moments that are precious to us and soaking them up! You and your family be safe and have many happy times.❤️

[@karenjohnson8177]

I'm so happy for you that you have retired. You will love it! I retired 4 years ago and now have time to stitch, garden, do wool applique, read, bake, watch grandkids, see friends, watch flosstube, etc. With all the things you love to do, you won't be bored. Look forward to seeing your future projects.

[@shirleykreikemeier1089]

What a beautiful ending to your video!! Thank you. Covid “allowed” me to retire when I was only 62…it came quicker than I thought it would, but we are blessed to be retired together & are having a great time. You are right, it does take a while to remember how to “slow down” & I’m not sure I have perfected it yet (ha!)…..but i enjoy each and every day & am thankful, grateful…..

[@lindamelz242]

Congratulations on your retirement !!! Your project bags have such fun fabric and the jumbo trim is cute . Your daughters stitch is Beautiful and so is your finish. Stunning hexi quilt - love the red. Inspiring FT

[@ceciliatracey2794]

Love you hanging quilts Of course cross stitch And your bags are wonderful God bless

[@marilynferlitsch2003]

Great video. Love all of your project bags, especially the one for your daughter. I don't care for the vinyl bags either. That Hexi quilt is gorgeous! Glad you got is safely finished. Marilyn

[@Deborahflosstube]

Having a great day watching your videos, even the old ones. I just started making my own project bags and I like the zippers at the top too. I'm using up my extra quilt blocks where I tried a block but never made the quilt, or never finished the quilt!

[@shandastitchinginidaho]

Great idea for solo blocks! Love it!

[@patriciadouglass7141]

Love your podcasts! Always so comforting! Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful projects! You mentioned fly fishing! My significant other is really into it as well! We have family in Ennis, MT, actually Cameron, and it always so wonderful to go visit them. They are right on the Madison so it’s fly fishing heaven! I wanted to tell you we just watched a documentary on Joe Humphreys on Amazon and it was beautifully filmed! Thought you might enjoy it! Live The Stream is the name of it! Thank you for being you! Appreciate you!

[@lorettahenderson8979]

So nice to see you…retirement should come sometime after college…I have always thought that the older you get…the better you get…life helps you put things in perspective…I love to knit, cross stitch, crochet, learning to quilt and always have a book to read or rereading…I certainly agree with S. Williams and your fragment’s of time…I try to do a 3 to 5 day stitch rotations to get my whips down to a more manageable amount…those bags of yours with the zippers at the top are really my idea of project bag’s…wishing you and your husband the best and of course happy anything you want to experience…life is good❤️

[@gerryfix1009]

You do such beautiful work. Thanks for sharing your gifts. Great to see another video🍁🍁🌲

[@cathylounsbury7707]

Hi Shanda! Good to see you again! I’m sure with perseverance you will get your projects finished one by one. You always have such beautiful projects going. I loved all your project bags and your choice of fabrics. I do the same thing - see fabric that I love and buy enough to make a project bag out of it. It’s so much faster for me than making a whole quilt out of it, which I would probably never finish. At least that way I can enjoy the fabric I love along with my cross stitch. Enjoy the retreat in Missoula! I almost signed up, but I have a conflict with the date, so I couldn’t attend. Maybe next year! Happy stitching til next time! 🪡🧵🪡🌞🌼🌼🌼🐝🐝🐝💕💕💕

[@donnafowler7327]

I love your project bags with the zippers on the top. I've only made them with the zippers on the front. You've inspired me to try and make one (or more) like yours. Also loved seeing all you have been working on.

[@cathigainey6343]

Always a good day when I see your notification pop up! Happy retirement! You're gonna love it ...I do!

[@valeriebayer2416]

Hi Roomie!! Such a nice video. So relaxing yet inspiring. I really want to get to my WIP's that have been languishing. And happy retirement. It takes some time to find your pace but you will enjoy every minute. Thanks for mentioning the retreat again. I can't believe it's next month!! But we will have fun! Happy end of summer to you too. And thanks for the good reminder to fully live each day. See you soon!! Valerie

[@sharonhendrix3864]

Love your project bags….yes, I also moved to top zippers and no more vinyl-fronts for me! Enjoy your retirement - I retired in ‘99 and my husband in 2011….my only advice is to not start putting too many things ‘off until tomorrow’ (a huge mistake I made) because it quickly can turn into a lifestyle….now a lot of my ‘giddy-up’ is gone! ❤️❤️❤️

[@barbarachase7725]

Wonderful seeing you again and congratulations on your retirement… Or evolving! Loved hearing and seeing your wild turkeys. My daughter just relocated from Southern California to Idaho and I will miss visiting her and her wild peacocks. Even though they started early in the morning I love their sounds and beauty. maybe they will settle in an area that has wild turkeys, wouldn’t that be fun?! I have only made vinyl project bags but think it’s worth Making a few without vinyl and appreciate the tip about the light interior. Thanks again for an inspiring video!

[@annettecrnkovich6690]

Happy Retirement to you Shanda🍾 loved your project bags! You have inspired me to make a couple. I seem to be a hoarder of fabric 😅so its time to make something pretty/useful with the fabric. Enjoy your new life. Look forward to your next video. Happy stitching🧵

[@gingershull2364]

Your videos are the highlight of my day! Your calm attitude and beautiful projects speak straight to my soul! You are so wise with your words of wisdom! It makes me so thankful I was a stay at home mom until my girls went to college. Those fragments of time were the best and we only get one chance to do that. I’m also thankful I work at a school and have wonderful hours and all the breaks. I just have a few more years and I will retire too. Until then I will enjoy and cherish everyday because we never know what the future holds. All that to say thank you for the reminder of what the best things in life are!!

[@cindygaudet1390]

Exactly Ginger!

[@smartneedlecrafts9211]

Very beautiful cross stitching,thanks for sharing it my dear friend 🌸💐🌸

[@donnabennett5106]

Hi Shanda lovely to see you again your stitching projects are beautiful as is your Bags,I have made a few and yes I agree about zip on the top,your quilts are gorgeous,enjoy your retreat Thankyou for sharing 👍🪡🇳🇿

[@nancyn4446]

Great video. Love all your projects and the quilt is beautiful ❤️❤️. I agree with you on the project bags. I make bags for myself like yours. I think they are so much roomier.

[@monak9250]

I'm nearing my evolution date as well. You are right - we are always evolving, and I'm looking forward toward evolving into something new and exciting. Enjoy the journey.

[@monicamathis79]

Very much enjoy your videos. Happy,Healthy Retirement !

[@rebeccajourney3183]

Hi Shanda, Lynn in Lancaster gave you a shout out. I live in Tampa Bay but long to move back near the Appalachians (before I can't!) Your surroundings are gorgeous! Thank you for your memories and reflections❣

[@marciamitchell1384]

What a beautiful flosstube. Enjoyed it so much.

[@lanelles242]

Shanda, beautiful video..many blessings on however you evolve love what you do…take good care see ya next time🤗🌻

[@Roberta.SABLEStitchers]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on retirement and staying busy. Even before I worked I enjoyed being busy so don't see that changing when I retire but expect it will look different, with time to garden, walk, read and of course craft. But still makes me a bit anxious because I do mostly like my job and the people I work with.

[@jeannettesmith501]

The bags are awesome! Thanks for sharing. Great inspiration to head to my sewing room.

[@deborahvankleef382]

Congratulations on your retirement!! You will see you are busy more than before but I have a little thing I say when people ask me how I get so much sewing and quilting done, how did I ever work full time and I reply “I never got to do the fun things” because you’re busy working, raising families, maybe helping older parents so you never really get to take time to do what we love, so embrace it and enjoy because you never know what tomorrow will bring…for me, it’s like a blessing I have been given and want to make everyday count and by sewing/quilting/cross stitching, I get to relax and donate my quilts to Charity, something I said I would do if I got to retire….I so enjoy your videos and look forward to many more!!!! I also have become a happier, calmer person than before I retired 🙂

[@FromtheHeartNeedleArt]

So good to catch up with you and your handy work. Your bags are beautiful. I’ve wondered how close the fires were getting to you. Hoped you were safe. I will see you in Missoula next month. I was able to get in to the retreat. Can’t wait! -Wendy

[@nana_mcstuffing5030]

A wonderful video to watch and extremely wise words. I retired 6 years ago & I feel it’s a privilege to be able to retire , not everyone reaches that age. It takes time to adjust & relish it , but relish it you will. Love ❤️ & hugs 🤗 to you. Your project bags are awesome ❤️❤️🪡🧵❤️❤️

[@andreadixon3208]

I love to see your beautiful projects. Love your life advice.

[@stitchinginhighheels9529]

I love your videos.. your work is beautiful and I always come away with something to inspire me and to think over. I hadn't heard Serena Williams' quote, but I love it, and it's timely for me to hear right now. I've got some time until I'm done working, but I'm pondering some changes that would definitely be more in the realm of evolutionary. Enjoy the rest of the summer!

[@karenpeterfi2223]

I really enjoyed this video and particularly your words of wisdom at the end. I try to make each day count, live in the moment, not looking back nor too far into the future, and counting my blessings every day.I hope you have a great finish to your summer! Looking forward to your next video.

[@marythompson509]

We retired in September 2020. My husband says we have six Saturdays and one Sunday each week. We love this life. With all your projects (I stitch and quilt too), you will wonder how you ever found time to work. ❤️

[@hedylack1004]

You are such an inspiration. Enjoy your retirement and and all your crafty projects. Will be looking forward to next time. Loved all you bags, gorgeous.

[@nancyd5576]

Shanda, I was so happy to see you had posted a new floss tube and I enjoyed every moment of it. I share your sentiment about time and how precious it is; yet, I have lost alot of it feeling sorry for myself since Covid struck and our lives changed so tremendously. You inspired me to get back to my crafting. I have so much wool applique, cross stitch, and quilting to be done and need to make time every day to do a little of it in between enjoying the moments. Today's time was going for a ride with hubby, he isn't feeling well and just wanted to get in the Subaru and go. We stopped at a flea market, had lunch, had an ice cream, stopped so I could buy a DMC floss I need at JoAnns and back home we came. Yes, gas isn't cheap; but we enjoyed every moment of this day and I was able to end it with a great sentiment from you. Hubby and I are retired. Take Care, Happy Stitching, and may your WIPS become FFO's.

[@lorielle1395]

Evolving or “ reinventing yourself “ is actally more accurate…plus retirement sounds like you gave up…lol. We are too you g for that! I left my job almost 5 months ago and am surprised how much of my identity was tied to my job. I love my new life but everything is different including spending far more time with my spouse (not always good for an introvert 🥴) I made a mistake of making myself a routine immediately to replace my work routine and nearly made myself nuts! I still struggle with not feeling productive enough but am trying to focus on healing from work stresses, enjoying each day, and just getting one or two things done each day. Welcome to the evolution Shanda! Lori

[@tinageorge8759]

I’m so very happy for you on your retirement, God bless you and your precious family!!!!!! 💚

[@lindyhebel7046]

What a blessing you shared🤗🌷

[@carolynmeadows4538]

What an amazing video. I decided when I retired I was going to give myself the gift of time. I'm taking the time to enjoy the things I want to do. You seem to be at peace with yourself and your life. Continue to enjoy your life. Can you suggest a tutorial for making project bags like yours? I like the ones with the zipper on top. I have never put in a zipper so this will be a learning experience for me. I keep a list of things I want to learn and putting in a zipper has moved to the top.

[@sheilalovesgreg3489]

Ohhh Shanda!!! What a wonderful video 😍. I enjoyed this one so much & of course we have a lot of the same patterns. I got mushroom Lugana in the mail yesterday and I didn’t know what I ordered it for until you showed yours. So thank you, I can match up my fabric with my patterns. Your bags are amazing, the dick and Jane one is adorable. I was born in the 50’s so that was the book we used in school. I also have a O’Tannenbaum and the box and I’m ready to start it!!! I know you will settle into your retirement, it does take a while. I’m so glad you’re my friend and you are so inspiring. love ya pea pod sister 😆💞

[@cheryl8280]

Shanda you're so prolific. I'm never as relaxed as when I watch you videos (over and over!) You certainly have your hands full. I made a promise to myself last winter, that if this upcoming winter is going to be as brutal as the last one, I'm ordering in my groceries and finishing my wips (both cross stitch and quilting). I may have to take some of that back because my Anthology is going to take a while yet. I think the worst part of finishing is the lacing, framing, sewing into cushions, etc. I can just picture you stitching to the sound of roosters! LOLOL Nature's music?? Oh well it all gets done in time, right?? You are looking very relaxed. "Retirement" is agreeing with you. I know after 10 years, I'm still loving it!

[@clarec6659]

I’m so pleased to visit with you and happy you didn’t need to go. Love your project bags and stitching inside. Blessings and happy stitching.

[@peggyyoung1839]

I retired in 2017. The hardest thing is getting used to the fact that you have lots of time to get things done. I kept wanting to rush thinking I had to go back to work on Monday. The other thing is you tend to forget what day of the week it is. Lol

[@lorielle1395]

My coworker gave me a special “retirement clock” with days of the week instead of hours as a joke….it’s actually been very helpful! LOL! Joke is on her….

[@charj57]

You retired!!!! Wonderful!!! Congratulations!!!! I’ll be back to watch your video…I have to get ready for work.

[@deborahlynnesansom537]

Hi Shanda! As always, I loved your video…congratulations on your new opportunity to evolve. ❤️ I have a question about your stitching, which you’ve probably addressed before. Do you use a hoop or just stitch in hand? Your projects always look so neat. Mine would be a crumpled mess. Looking forward to your next video!

[@conniesimonich2327]

Absolutely loved this video. I had to laugh when you showed the fabric of dick and Jane. Those were the books that I learned to read with back in 1st grade. What a sweet memory. I loved all the bags you made and thank you for the tip on the vinyl as I’ve made lots of them. Beautiful projects and quilts.

[@nevadastitcher]

Thank you for continuing to make these videos! Your stitching and finishing are so beautiful! I retired in 2018 due to illness. My days necessitate slowness which has been a blessing because of crossstitch. My husband retired in 2019 and hurries and rushes more than he did when working. It drives me crazy. I’m glad you were safe from fire. I can only imagine what it must have been like, trying to decide what to take. Hopefully there will be less fires next year.

[@kankerdoodleb9149]

It's great to see you back! I've been thinking of making myself project bags and have looked at tons of tutorials, yours with the zipper on top are just right. Wishing you a very happy retirement, it's been 5 months for me and I love it. Evolving into a happier, calmer person every day.

[@sueadams9364]

What a blessing your video was to me today....and such wonderful words of wisdom. Congratulations on your retirement and the time you will have to work on finishing all those WIPS. I love all you do but especially the quilting as that is a phase I am moving back into. Hope you don't mind if I consider you an inspiration!

[@daisykaysprimitives]

You have really made lots of progress!! Love the fishing bag! Many great projects!! 🤗

[@dianedurrenberger6373]

I like your projects. Retirement is hard work also for me. It really needs time to adjust. Just enjoy life and be ready for new things;)

[@marla_a]

Congratulations on your retirement! Thanks for your very kind and thoughtful words.

[@junewood3012]

So good to see you again, I thought about you a week or so ago, wondering how your start in retirement is going. You are off to a great start ❣️ Thank you for reminding us to stay grounded and simple. As always, I love your stitching and quilting ❣️ However, I'm looking forward to seeing progress on your hexagon quilt 😉. Until next time, happy stitching 🧵

[@teresamc521]

So glad your * evolving* the quilts are beautiful

[@dianeparker4425]

What a wonderful flosstube! 🥰

[@juanitadrexel339]

Congrats on your retirement!

[@suzeezee8196]

What a great way to start my weekend watching your floss tube!! Your project bags are so beautiful!!

[@meghanmaybon8994]

Sounds like you've had an amazing summer and look at all your finishes! Amazing! Been missing you at Maggie's and hope to see you there soon! 🧵🪡

[@martharobbins5189]

Welcome back! I was so happy to see another video from you, loved everything you showed! Do you have a specific pattern for the project bags? I also have made several with the vinyl front and have been thinking about making some like you just showed. Thanks always for inspiring me!

[@juanitadrexel339]

Where do you find easy patterns. I have just met someone who is interested but all my patterns are HAED or with lots of 1/4 stitches and those types of patterns are not something to start her with.

[@conniekrull9458]

thank you!!!!

[@cindygaudet1390]

Oh Shanda! Spent the morning and part of the afternoon with you. Had to run over see my neighbour’s paint job on her kitchen cabinets and wall in living room. All your projects are fabulous and the bags wow. Also just mesmerized by quilts behind you. And sweet soul your ending put me to tears,so well spoken exactly. We are going in to the city Sat for s family gathering, just our kids and their families for my and dil’s long overdue dec birthdays as we weren’t allowed to gather at Christmas. Have a great rest-of the time in the mountains. Seems like you just went up.