FlossTube episode 16 - a new linen comparison, a new summery start and a FINISH!(July 1, 2023)

[@barbarahouser]

Congrats on the Quaker Dwelling Finish and thanks for another linen Color Comparison!

[@elizabethcanales7170]

Very enjoyable presentation! ❤

[@karencombsstudio]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@JustOnlyKristi]

The waste knot tutorial was incredibly helpful. Thank you!

[@karencombsstudio]

So glad to hear that it was helpful, thank you for letting me know and thank you for your nice comment. 🙂

[@elaineyoung3841]

Thank u so much for the demo

[@karencombsstudio]

Elaine, so glad you enjoyed it and thanks doe your note! 🙂

[@peterbrown2305]

Karen, what a wonderful teacher you are! Your calm, easy manner just relaxes me. I loved the demo of the waste knot. I’ve recently seen the pin stitch demonstrated and I’m not comfortable with it. I LOVE the linen comparisons. Just seeing so many linens, hearing the names, seeing how they compare one to another. It’s a joy to see!!!!! Thanks! Carol in Texas

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Carol, so glad the video was helpful and you enjoyed it. I’m very happy to hear it was helpful. 🙂 Thanks so much for letting me know, I appreciate it so much! 🙂

[@sharonrobinson9958]

Thank you for another fabulous video! You are so sweet to tell us about threads, linen, cases, and all the neat things! I have learned so much from you! You are amazing!! Thank you so very much!!!❤️🥰😘✨💫🌟

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks so much for your sweet comment, it is very much appreciated. 🙂 So glad you enjoyed this video. 🙂

[@candyernst]

Loved the waste knot tutorial. That will come in so handy.

[@karencombsstudio]

So glad it was helpful and thanks so much for your nice note! :🙂

[@elizabethcanales7170]

Loved the linen comparison!

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Elizabeth, so glad you enjoyed the linen comparison. It was fun to put together. Thanks so much for your comment! 🙂

[@deniserowsegoddard5625]

Thanks for the recipe! Enjoyed the video.

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Denise. Enjoy! The pickles from this recipe are my favorite. 🙂

[@stitchingbythemoon]

Thank you so much for the linen conversion video! That helps so much. Love watching your videos. ❤

[@karencombsstudio]

You are very welcome! I'm so happy to hear that it was helpful. Thanks so much for your note! 🙂

[@jacquelineleibfried4691]

Great video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and projects.

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Jacqueline. So glad you enjoyed it and thanks for your nice comment. 🙂

[@karenkinard6951]

Works love your pickle recipe. Thank you.

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Karen. 🙂 I just added the recipe to the description box, toward the bottom. Enjoy!

[@marthastanchi9891]

great linen comparisons.

[@karencombsstudio]

So glad it was helpful and thanks so much for your comment. 🙂

[@brendag5658]

Yes to the pickle recipe!

[@karencombsstudio]

Just added it to the description, toward the bottom. Enjoy, it’s yummy! 🙂

[@lisadunham1454]

Thank you so much for the lesson on silks. It really helped me to know what was used on what count and the difference between them 😊 loved the linen comparison video, very helpful as well ❤

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Lisa, so glad it was helpful and thanks so much for your nice note! 🙂

[@PriviesandPrimsNeedlecrafts]

Thanks for showing the waste knot. Very useful tip.

[@karencombsstudio]

So happy to hear it was helpful. Thanks so much for your comment. 🙂

[@jennaleeanderson13]

This is the first episode of yours I have watched and holy moly I'm blown away!! I learned so much!! Your linen comparisons are going to be a valuable resource for sure. Thank you for sharing!! ❤

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks so much! So glad you enjoyed it and thanks for your nice note. I appreciate it so much! 🙂

[@angiekonvicka1106]

Nice to find your floss tube. Enjoyed the comparison of the linens. One day I will build up my confidence and try stitching on linen. ❤ Your stitching is beautiful

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks so much for your nice note and I’m so glad you enjoyed the video. 🙂

[@kckoehler1766]

Karen- thank you for the hoop ideas. I didn’t realize that a hoop actually would ‘open’ the holes and now I can’t wait to try it. Thanks again.

[@karencombsstudio]

You are welcome, so glad jt was helpful! Thanks so much for your note. 🙂

[@ritasokol646]

Karen, what a great tutorial! Everything was fun, and I learned a thing or two or three! Your stitching is just gorgeous and I love the linen examples. My favorite to stitch on is 36 count, then 32 count, and you are correct, some of the called for linen is almost impossible to find. When I call a shop I will ask them for a good substitute, and they are so helpful on the phone, the Naples area doesn’t have a cross stitch store so I have to order online or phone. It’s so difficult not having the fabric in front of you. So this was very beneficial, thank you. I use a waste not for my needlepoint but I never thought of using it for cross stitch! Your explanation, calmness and details to help all of us stitchers is so much appreciated. I will go back and watch your prior videos and I can’t wait for your next one. Enjoy your canning! We will be waiting, until next time…

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Rita! Thanks so much for your lovely comment. I’m so glad you enjoyed the video and it was helpful. You are right, it is difficult to order linen online, hard to see exactly the color. I have the same situation, I have to order mostly online When I visited the Attic in January and Cecelia‘s in June, I was so pleased to be able to see linen in-person and I did buy what I could. I am please the linen comparisons have been helpful. I find it helpful myself, especially when I’m trying to substitute a color. Thanks again for your nice comment 🙂

[@CountTwiceStitchOnce]

Love your floss tube. You have great content! 💜 - Connie

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Connie! So glad you enjoyed it and thanks so much for your nice note! 🙂

[@199conman]

Yes! Refrigerator Pickle Recipe! 😸

[@karencombsstudio]

Just added it to the description box, toward the bottom. Enjoy, it's yummy!

[@janepanovich9818]

Refrigerator pickle recipe…YES! Please share.

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Jane, added the recipe to the description box, toward the bottom. Enjoy! It’s a good one! 🙂

[@kimedge7493]

I like stitching houses too, and made a house quilt! You could stitch a sampler of your own design with cute little houses all over and make a little village of your own. Maybe you could put in some buildings that have been important to you. You might even put in some gardens on it. :)

[@karencombsstudio]

Great ideas, Kim! I do seem to be drawn to houses. 🙂 Thanks so much for your note!

[@marykjersten4336]

Yes I would like your refrigerator pickles, thank you!

[@karencombsstudio]

I will post the recipe shortly in the description. It is a yummy one, my “go-to” refrigerator pickle recipe. 🙂

[@marykjersten4336]

@@karencombsstudio thank you so much!

[@karencombsstudio]

@@marykjersten4336 Just posted it in the description. . . toward the bottom of the description. Enjoy! 🙂

[@Frostedminifirecracker]

Oh yes! Fridge pickle recipe would be much appreciated. ❤

[@karencombsstudio]

I’ve added the recipe into the description box, scroll down toward the bottom, and you will see it. 🥒 Enjoy, it’s a good one. 🙂

[@Frostedminifirecracker]

Thank you so much. The only thing is, I doubt they will keep in the refrigerator that long! Chomp chomp lol.

[@karencombsstudio]

@@Frostedminifirecracker You’ve got that right. 👍 They are really good, easy to go through quickly. I like the fact that they can be tweaked to make them spicy or no spice, add garlic, or leave it out, you can tweak the recipe to your preference. The little bit of sugar really mellows out the acidity. . . .

[@marthasalas2723]

Loved your video. We are honored to get to see all the great information you provide in cross stitch and organization. Loved the waste knot start. Thanks for sharing. ❤

[@karencombsstudio]

Aw, Marty, thanks so much for your nice comment. 🙂 Very happy to hear the Waste Knot video was helpful. 🙂

[@melissabeck8405]

Loved this Karen, and I could hear you perfectly! Congrats on your beautiful finish. LOVE that brick house. Enjoyed seeing your cases. I have the green Hand n Lock. I haven’t tried any silk other than Silks4U and I appreciate the silk comparison. I wrote it all down! Ooh now we are on to the linen comparison so I’ll sign off and continue watching. Thank you for the linen info as well. I have favorites but more seem to crop up all the time. Happy 4th! 💥 Melissa

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Melissa! So glad you enjoyed the video and thanks so much for your nice note! Happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@PhoebeMoon]

Ooh the waste knot is so helpful! Tysm Karen. You have such a lovely calm instructional presence. Like a friend teaching you who truly cares ❤❤❤ yes please on the pickle recipe! 🎉

[@karencombsstudio]

Phoebe, thank you so much for your kind comment! I’m very glad to hear the Waste Knot tutorial was helpful. 🙂 I just added the recipe to the description, toward the end. Enjoy, it’s a good one! 🙂

[@lindaskinner5887]

Your Quarker Dewelling is gorgeous. Pickle recipe would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for sharing.

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Linda! 🙂 I added the recipe to the description box, scroll down toward the bottom to see it. Enjoy! It’s a good one!

[@cathysargent4400]

Lovely garden 😃I'm building my raised bed.

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Cathy! 🙂 You are going to love your raised bed garden! Takes a little bit to get it all set up but once it is, it’s less work and so much fun to see things growing. 🌻

[@ritasokol646]

Yes, please share the refrigerator pickle recipe! My mother from Italy, always made them (along with canning fruits and vegetables, tomato's etc) and I don't think I have her recipe. Love your floss tube, I just discovered you!

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Rita, Thanks so much for your nice note! I've added the recipe to the description box, scroll down toward the bottom and you will see it. Enjoy, it's a good one! 🙂

[@ritasokol646]

@@karencombsstudio thank you, Karen, so much!!

[@juliaalopiparo1605]

Another great video!!! You are a natural teacher!!! And your Harriet Salt is just stunning.

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Julia! I appreciate it so much! 😊

[@susanreamy6239]

Hi Karen, I only found your channel recently, but I really appreciate your style and depth of information. The fabric compare/contrast was very useful. I am doing Hannah Campbell on 40 ct. Vintage Country Mocha, and it's working very well. I too am expecting an order of soie surfine from Cathe in Alameda for the over one. Your flowers are lovely! I look forward to some canning pictures.

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Susan, thank you so much for your nice comment. I appreciate it so much! I am very happy you enjoyed the video, and the linen comparison was helpful. Hannah Campbell on vintage Country Mocha must be beautiful !

[@victoriasamek]

Thank you sooo much for the linen comparison! Do you think Winter Moon would work for Mary Ann Copp Sampler?

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks so much for your note, so glad you enjoyed the video. I think Winter Moon would work well. I would do a floss toss just to make sure. 🙂

[@lisaburkes519]

Karen you do such a great job with explaining and show tutorials. Thank you so much for doing these videos!

[@karencombsstudio]

Lisa, I’m so glad the tutorials were helpful. 🙂 Thanks so much for your nice note, made my day. 🙂

[@lindaseftick3956]

Hi Karen, That was a great video. I like your finishes, Quaker and stars. Thanks for the linen comparison it helps to see the linen side by side. It’s so hard to pick linen online partly because you can’t compare it. I have some flower thread for Jane Parsons. How does that compare to DMC or silk? What count would I use and how many strands? Thanks

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Linda, thanks so much for your nice note! I have not used the flower thread, I’ve heard about it, but never used it. I will have to mention it in the next plus tube and see if some of the Viewer’s have information on it. Thank you so much for your great question! 🙂

[@michaelbai180]

How many quarts does your pickle recipe make for the ingredients you listed?❤

[@karencombsstudio]

Can’t really tell you that, all depends on the size of the cucumbers and how many you have. I can give guy a rough estimate, if I can remember. . . I used this recipe last weekend and I believe I got about 6 quarts. Trying to remember if I doubled the brine or not. I can’t remember. I can tell you I’ve doubled the brine in the past and if I overestimated, I’ve put the extra brine in a sterilized quart jar and put it in the refrigerator for a few days, until I make pickles again. When I used it, I did re-boil it and cool it before filling the jars. Hope that helps, sorry I could not give you a definitive answer. . . .

[@anitaphelps8663]

I've been wanting to try stitching with one thread, and your waste knot tutorial has inspired me. Thank you so much. One question: Do you have a preferred threads you like to use?

[@karencombsstudio]

So glad it was helpful! 🙂 I use many different threads: DMC, Weeks, Classic Colorworks, The Gentle Arts for cotton flosses. For silk, I’ve used Dinky Dye, NPI and Au Ver A Soie (all their different weights.) I’ve really enjoyed using all of those. Hard to pick a favorite, they all have been lovely to stitch with. 🙂 Thanks so much for your nice note!

[@jodyarcher9713]

Hi Karen! Your garden is beautiful and yes, pickle recipe please! Spring hoops are the only hoops I use - easy-on/easy-off. And thank you for another great linen comparison. Verry helpful. I'm adding them all to a spreadsheet to help me keep track. You've saved me a small fortune in on-line shopping!

[@karencombsstudio]

Jody, so glad you enjoyed the video and that the linen helped. 🙂 I was pleased to see that the linen I purchased at Cecelia‘s was different from the linen I had in my stash. Sometimes I tend to buy the same thing and have been making a conscious effort to have a variety of different counts and colors in my stash I will post the pickle recipe in the description shortly. It’s a yummy one. 🙂 Thanks again for your comment and your support 🙂🙂

[@LorraineSmith-pz7eg]

Would you explain how a SAL works. I understand a group is stitching the same pattern with a timed release of the sections in the pattern but I’m guessing there is a little more to it. Thanks

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Lorraine, thanks so much for your note. From what I have seen, there are several ways SALS can be done. Some are informal, such as the Live On Little SAL. For this one, you can follow the #liveonlittlesal on Instagram and use that hashtag when you post your progress photos on Instagram. You can also use that.Hashtag to see other people’s progress, the linen, and/or floss they are using. Very inspirational. Some SALS are more organized with an actual group, such as the Hannah Campbell group on Facebook. Once you join the group, there will be a SAL leader who will post live chats and answer questions, others will post their progress, the shop sponsoring the group or the designer may share information and/or helpful tutorials. On Facebook, I’m in the HATS - Hannah Campbell SAL. (HATS stands for Hands Across The Sea and Nicola Parkman is the designer of the beautiful reproduction of the Hannah Campbell sampler. ) it’s a great group, lots of inspiration and support as we work in the sampler. Cathe Ray (owner of Needle in a Haystack and a wealth of knowledge, often shares information that is very helpful. For this SAL, the sampler has been broken down into 15 month sections. You can go ahead and work on it faster, work on it slower, or give yourself the goal of getting each month’s section done. ( That is what I’m doing. Working on each month’s section, and then working on other projects until the next month.) Some SALS will start with a group of friends doing it, posting on Instagram, encouraging others to join in and some may have an organized group on Facebook. There may be other ways as well, but those are the ones I’ve seen and participated in. Great question! Thanks so much for your comment. 🙂

[@LorraineSmith-pz7eg]

@@karencombsstudio wow! Thanks for your very quick and thorough response. Happy 4th

[@karencombsstudio]

@@LorraineSmith-pz7eg Happy 4th of July to you as well! Have a great weekend!

[@nancysneedlework9199]

Fabulous video! My choice is soie surfine for 45 cnt. & above. 100/3 packs the weave too much for me because I like a more sparse coverage. I am looking forward to more videos.

[@karencombsstudio]

So glad you enjoyed the video and thanks so much for your note. I appreciate it so much! 🙂

[@judychambers8484]

In central Florida our green bean and tomato season is over. I canned both this year but have never made refrigerator pickles. Would love to have your recipe.

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Judy, our green beans are going strong and our tomatoes are just starting. I usually wait until the end of August beginning of September 2 cans of tomatoes. I find they are a little better than earlier ones, at least for us here in middle Tennessee. The refrigerator pickle recipe is so good. I just put it in the description, it’s toward the bottom. Enjoy!

[@Sunnyslopestitcher]

Hi! In last floss tube, you mentioned that Pony needles came in petite. Could you tell me where or how to purchase them? Thanks 😊

[@karencombsstudio]

I purchased mine on Amazon. Check the description box in my floss tube 15. I put a direct link to the pony needle in the description. Thanks so much for your note. 🙂

[@sheilalovesgreg3489]

Your Quaker Dwelling is amazing! I can’t wait to see it framed. Another great video 🤩🇺🇸♥️🍉

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks, Sheila! So glad you enjoyed the video. 🙂 I’m pleased with how Quaker Dwelling turned out . . . and that big house. ❤️ will be taking it to the framers soon. Now to decide on a frame. 🙂

[@jodeeblue9663]

Share your pickle recipe please

[@karencombsstudio]

I've added it to the description box, scroll down toward the bottom of the box to see it. Enjoy, it's one of my favorites. :)

[@paulettehabbit5482]

Please share your recipe. I love pickles!

[@karencombsstudio]

I will put it in the description shortly. It’s a yummy one. 🙂

[@sharonbutvilas954]

Forgive me but how are counting pins actually used. I see so many stitchers collect these pins. Would you have a demo by chance on how to use counting pins? Thank you. Love your videos.

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Sharon, thanks so much for your note and what a good question! I don’t have a tutorial, but may add one in the future. I use them when I need to move from one section to another. Let’s say you need to count over 15 spaces from one location to the next. Place the first counting pin in your starting location and then count over say 10 spaces. Place the second pin in that location (it will hold your spot. ) Count over the remaining 5 spaces and then place your first pin there. (A little bit like leap frog. . . .) The counting pins will hold your place as you’re counting. I find the counting pins make it a little easier to not lose my place and make sure I’ve moved over the correct number of spaces. Thanks again for your comment, so happy you are enjoying the videos. 🙂

[@sharonbutvilas954]

@@karencombsstudio Karen, your explanation was so clear and I now know how to use counting pins. I will have to get 2 or 3 for my needle samplers which get complicated st times. Getting back into cross stitching after ten years away doing quilting. I love needlework and want to get better at accuracy. Thanks do much for sharing your knowledge.

[@karencombsstudio]

@@sharonbutvilas954 So glad it was helpful. 🙂 Counting pins are so helpful, makes moving to another spot much easier. . . . and, they are so pretty!

[@Sunnyslopestitcher]

Love your videos, they are so informative & well done. I’m an Aida stitcher, thinking about trying linen. Your tutorial on waste knot squashed my fears. It seems to be the same as Aida except for special stitches, am I correct? Have a great 4th & start a new sampler! 🤣

[@karencombsstudio]

So glad you are enjoying the videos. 🙂 You are correct, very similar to stitching on Aida. I find it helpful to remember I’m counting the “threads” rather than moving from one hole to the next. I did a tutorial on some hints for stitching on linen in one of my FlossTubes that may be helpful. . . . just looked it up, it is my FlossTube 7. “Hints for stitching on linen”

[@rhondabentley6054]

Karen, I have always only stitched on Aida. I really want to try something where I stitch one over two or two over two. I am wondering what would be a good fabric to start with that would not be too small for a beginner. Thanks!

[@karencombsstudio]

I would start with a lighter colored linen and perhaps start with a 25 count Lugana. It is an "evenweave" and would be a good one to start with. I think 123 Stitch has Lugana. I've also bought some from Colorado Cross Stitcher. I love the Lugana she carries. If you use 25 count, you will probably need to use two stands. If you want to use one strand, you could do 32 count (again, I would suggest a lighter color to make it easier to see) and use Dinky Dye silks. They are a little thicker and work well on 32 count. The Stars WIP I showed is don'e on 32 Count with Dinky Dyes and I was pleased with the coverage. If you want to use do 1 strand over 2 linen threads and don't want to use silk, you could probably get away with 1 strand on 36 count. . .. . maybe 32 count. I would experiment and make sure you are pleased with the coverage. Remember, good light and perhaps stronger power readers often help with smaller count linen and I've found those two things really (for me) make a big difference. Great question! :)

[@rhondabentley6054]

@@karencombsstudio Thanks so much!!

[@karencombsstudio]

@@rhondabentley6054 You are welcome. I hope it is helpful. 🙂

[@rhondabentley6054]

@@karencombsstudio It was very helpful!

[@donna.j]

Hello, Karen from Nolensville! So glad to have found your channel. I have learned so much already. Your projects inspire me to change up linen and colors to make my projects unique and more personal. So thank you for that. Also… is your chair a Koala SewComfort chair? I just ordered one and thought yours looked a lot like that. Haha. Have a great day!

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Donna, so glad you are enjoying my FlossTube channel, thank you so much for your lovely comment. 🙂 My chair is a koala chair! I received it as a bonus when I ordered my koala sewing cabinet years ago. I believe I bought it in 2003 and I’m still loving it Thanks again for your note. 🙂

[@barbarafoster9030]

Your Quaker Dwelling is stunning, Karen! Congratulations!!! Thank you for another fantastic video. You’re a phenomenal teacher! Happy 4th! 🇺🇸

[@karencombsstudio]

Thanks so much, Barbara! I’m so glad you enjoyed the video. 🙂 Happy 4th! 🇺🇸

[@patriciahersl4332]

Am I seeing two different colors in the roof? Dealing with failing eyes, cataracts, right now. Losing color and definition. It will get better.

[@karencombsstudio]

Hi Patricia, you are. The roof has two different colors. (Following the pattern) Good catch!

[@sandykilpatrick6856]

I always want new recipes. It would be nice to have your pickle recipe.

[@karencombsstudio]

Wonderful, I will put it in the description shortly. It’s yummy one, might go to refrigerator pickle recipe. 🙂

[@lisawhittaker5680]

Au ver a Soie also has Gobelins that also comes on a spool. Weight wise is a little thicker than 100/3 and is great on 36 or 40 ct. Katie Strachan has a fantastic, 2 part, series on Au Ver A Soie threads, how and when to use them, the different properties of each and how to best stitch with them. She only uses silk threads and these videos are extremely well done and very, very informative. Personally I love stitching with the Gobelins.

[@karencombsstudio]

Lisa, thank you for the information in Katie’s videos. I will certainly look them up. I love Katie’s work and she is a wealth of knowledge. Thanks again for your comment. 🙂