StitchStitchBead Flossstube #20 Christmas in July! - July 7, 2024

A brief look at the progress I've made on a few samplers before looking at a bunch of wonderful holiday patterns to celebrate Christmas in July! A big thank you to Arica ‪@FibersandFlossCanada‬ for her inspiring prompts. Head over to her channel and check out her favorite Christmas patterns and be sure to follow her on Instagram @FibersAndFloss and @AStitchers12DaysofChristmas
Other Flossstubers mentioned:
‪@ContentedNeedleworkerKim‬
‪@we.are.curiouscrafters‬
‪@cardamenpins‬
‪@Stitchingbunny1127‬
‪@SarahsStitchySpot‬
‪@evertote‬
‪@CrossStitchtheGlobe‬
SALs
#StitchingEmeline, Emeline Hotchkiss by Cross Stitch Antiques ‪@crossstitchantiquesbykathl7621‬ , hosted by me and Kim
#MarieLouisePiretSAL, Marie Louise Piret by Hands Across the Sea, hosted by me on Instagram
#TwoBirthdayGirls, Florence Mary Dickinson hosted by Judy and Sarah
#YouWillLikeThisFriendshipSAL, Catharaine Rees by 1897 Schoolhouse Samplers, hosted by Kerri and Caroline
Favorite Christmas Patterns within the 12 prompts provided by Arica:
"And to All a Good Night" by SubRose Design
"Happy Tree" by Renato Periling
"Dash Away All" by Calico Confectionery
"Snow Business" by Just Nan
"Gingerbread Mouse" by Just Nan
"Bianco Natale" by Lilli Violette
"Pennsylvania Christmas Two" by Shakespeare's Peddler
"Holiday Harmony Hard" by Mill Hill
"A Merry Christmas Sampler" by La-D-Da
"Twelve Days of Christmas" by The Sweetheart Tree
"Spirit of Christmas Angel" by Brooke's Books
"The Nutcracker (Blue)" by Vintage Tulip
Most of the above charts can be found either on Etsy or at 123Stitch.com or at your local needlework shop!
Thank you so much for watching! Please feel free to leave a comment here or on Instagram!

[@cassandramccraw2386]

Loved your video! Don’t worry about wrinkles in your stitching; some of your viewers are more wrinkled than your fabric was and we don’t iron our faces!

[@StitchStitchBead]

This made me laugh! I try not to worry about it too much but they do look nice and crisp when ironed! Maybe when Maria is all done 😊 Thanks so much for watching!

[@timeatanner7182]

Thank you my Dear this lovely video full of many beautiful samplers and Christmas ornies ♥️ especially the Nutcracker ♥️♥️♥️ I am waiting for the next video 🥰

[@StitchStitchBead]

So sweet! Thanks for watching! 🥰

[@sleepycalico]

I LOVE your Dash Away All. The original poem speaks of eight *tiny* reindeer and Santa is a right jolly old *elf.* This pillow is perfection.

[@StitchStitchBead]

I actually started Dash Away All just a couple days ago because it is definitely one of my new favorites! Super cute and love all the bright red lettering. Thanks so much for watching! 😊

[@sleepycalico]

@@StitchStitchBead I had to go take a nap to avoid the worst of today's heat wave (108) and I came back to your choice for village. oh, my heart. That is going to be my choice, too. Then I spent an hour looking at all of her patterns. Just love them. I also hate nutcrackers. I think my solution will be to pick a squirrel.

[@StitchStitchBead]

@@sleepycalico That village, I know!!! Definitely on my wishlist. Sorry to hear about the heat where you are! It was toasty in Indianapolis today but nowhere near 108! Stay safe! ❤️

[@ContentedNeedleworkerKim]

It’s always fun to see friends very excited and all wound up about stitching! 🤣💕

[@StitchStitchBead]

Hepped up about ALL the Christmas stuff! 😁

[@mm-qm9zh]

Hi, Audrey! It was so fun to visit with you again! Even though I am not a sampler stitcher myself, I am always in awe of your very beautiful stitching on all the ones you show us. And your color choices are just amazing! I so agree about doing small projects… a good mixture to keep things fresh and fun. I was laughing so much about the perforated paper “propaganda”!! I love that your son is enjoying stitching, too. That’s such a joy! Speaking of that, YOU are a joy, and you always make me laugh 😅. Thank you for that! Y’all have a wonderfully fun trip to London. Till next time… Meline

[@StitchStitchBead]

Thanks, Meline! Happy to make you laugh and get to show some projects you might like. I'm having a lot of fun stitching smalls this month and already finished another since this video posted so I'll definitely have some things to show next time with lots of my own color choices! Thanks again so much for watching! Lovely as always to hear from you 🥰

[@suesayer82]

Lovely projects, always very inspiring, thankyou for sharing Audrey. Have a super holiday with your family ❤

[@StitchStitchBead]

Thank you, Sue! Glad I showed some things that you liked. Thanks for watching! 😊

[@SarahsStitchySpot]

I loved the theme of Christmas in July and worked on Christmas Delivery by Cottage Garden Sampling. I often find it difficult to work on Christmas smalls instead of my samplers, but I want the small pieces for decorating as well. You have wonderful projects going. Thank you for sharing Audrey. Take care.

[@StitchStitchBead]

Thank you so much, Sarah! I am having fun with these Christmas smalls but those samplers are calling and I'll be glad to get back to them. Thanks again for watching! 🥰

[@margiewest4819]

Beautiful work! Thanks for all the info. Margie \TN

[@StitchStitchBead]

Thank you for watching, Margie! 🥰

[@stitch_in_woodstock]

I am gobsmacked! Never before have I heard anything so wonderful. I was laughing and thought about your son wanting some "Weeks." I congratulate you! Good parenting is hard to find these days, and your kids are on the right path to a fulfilling future. I'm in awe! Let them wander where they may. Who knows -- an interest in cross stitch may lead to saving the world one day. God love and bless you and your beautiful family.

[@StitchStitchBead]

You are very kind! I am doing my best and think they're already better behaved, more flexible, and open to exploring and trying new things than I ever was at their age so I must be doing okay! Thank you very much for watching and your kind comments. Much love to you as well 🥰

[@lanelles242]

Audrey, so much fun seeing your excitement over Christmas in July…you showed some fantastic designs. Of course your stitching is amazing, happy to hear you are delighted with Roxy linen & floss..I also bought Catharine Rees but have not started yet😉❤ As I did start Florence she was in my stash all kitted on 46 ct with 100.3 border is slow going but stunning she is also on hold as I do Christmas stitching right now..London how spectacular what stitching are you taking for on plane or don’t you stitch either way have a wonderful family time. See you next time 🤗♥️

[@StitchStitchBead]

I will absolutely be taking stitching for those long plane rides even though I may not get a lot of stitching done while we’re there. Trying to figure out what my travel projects will be. Probably more Christmas and I’ll get back to my samplers in August. Thanks so much for watching! Happy stitching on Florence and your other projects! 😊

[@georgiaobrien8393]

Maria Ewin is gorgeous! Beautiful stitching and so much progress! And those mice by Just Nan!!! Gah! Already in my cart! And the detail you did with the skates and ornaments are delightful. Thank you for doing these flosstubes!!!

[@StitchStitchBead]

Well, thank you so much for watching! I appreciate the kind words. I have really been enjoying these projects lately and am glad to have people to share them with. I'll be back next month with more progress! Let me know how you get on with those mice! Happy stitching! 🥰

[@periwinklestitcher]

Wow!! Audrey - I wasn't that bothered for Jolly July until I listened to you - what a fantastic enthusiastic review of Christmas charts!! Love those prompts!! Missing you already :)

[@StitchStitchBead]

Thank you, Sian! You are such an inspiration so I am very flattered that you pop over to visit with me here. Love all your smalls and definitely need some of my own so figured I'd better get on it! Can't wait for your next video as well! 🥰 🥰 🥰

[@periwinklestitcher]

@@StitchStitchBead you are too kind! Did you tell us about your little stitched brooch?? It’s so cute ☺️

[@StitchStitchBead]

@@periwinklestitcher I should have! It’s one of the birds from Mrs Campbell by HATS with silks from stash. Finished in a frame from ArtBase on Etsy and glued a pin on the back. Easy peasy!

[@periwinklestitcher]

@@StitchStitchBead well it’s very cool on your denim jacket!! Loving it 😍

[@joanneenglishgantt5827]

Love your videos and enjoy your sense of humor! AND guess I will be making a few chart orders very soon!😉

[@StitchStitchBead]

Haha I am happy to help put some new charts on your wishlist! Thanks so much for watching! ☺️

[@kathygutzman9742]

Thanks for another fantastic video! I recently finished Ye Olde Noel by Heartstring Samplery. My grandmother's birthday was close to Christmas, so I added her name and birth date to the bottom. I almost always stitch over one on 28 count linen, so it's pretty small. ❤

[@StitchStitchBead]

That is a beautiful piece and I love the personalization! Thanks so much for watching and your kind comment 🥰

[@theresastine9809]

I print my "most favoritist" charts on a 28lb bright white paper. It's just a little heavier but goes through my junky printer just fine.

[@StitchStitchBead]

I’ll have to try that! Just can’t get used to stitching off of a screen. Thanks for watching! 😊

[@jkminor]

I agree with you on the Nutcrackers lol but dang you. I ended up on Etsy because of this video lol. You are a master Enabler but we love it!!!!

[@StitchStitchBead]

Doing my part to help the designers lol!! Glad you found some things you like 😊

[@pvacha8278]

Love all your projects. Have a great time in London. I saw Erica's video as well about her ideas for Christmas. Always get great ideas from everyone when they share!

[@StitchStitchBead]

Thank you so much! Yes, loved her Christmas videos and knew I had to share my favorites too. Thanks for watching! Happy stitching! 😊

[@wdicranian]

What a wonderful video. Your stitching is beautiful. The Christmas prompt selections are all great with some new to me designers. Thank you for the inspiration. I’m in awe of how much stitching you accomplish. Enjoy your trip.

[@StitchStitchBead]

I’m so glad I was able to show some designers that not everyone knows. Thanks so much for watching! I’ll definitely have things to share after London. Happy stitching! 😊

[@sewmesarah]

Hi Audrey. It was fun to see your choices for the best of Christmas. That Renata Parolin tree is fab! Thanks for sharing the Mill Hill harp. It’s on my list of starts for later this year and was fun to see it finished, even if you did find it tricky on the strings.

[@StitchStitchBead]

So glad you're going to stitch the harp! I love those instruments. They really sparkle on our tree. Thanks so much for watching, Sarah, and for commenting! Happy stitching and all the best to you and your family 🥰

[@StitchinJem]

You may be my person! I love everything you do and I’m kitting up the 2023 Queen of the May as soon as I get to the attic for Summer School

[@StitchStitchBead]

Haha we'll have to meet one of these days! In the meantime maybe we can figure out something to stitch together for a SAL. I don't have enough WIPs apparently 😂 Enjoy Summer School! So wish I was going but I look forward to hearing your stories after you get back 🥰

[@StitchinJem]

@@StitchStitchBead we do! I’ll message you on Instagram and we’ll figure something out -have fun in London so jealous 😩

[@Karen3263]

❤❤❤

[@KelliMcDaniel]

For me, there was a major absence in the 12 days of stitching - the Nativity ❤ I will certainly not do a nutcracker (not a fan either). The selection of beautiful nativities that are available to stitch is expansive! I've ordered many of them 🥰 Love your videos!

[@StitchStitchBead]

You're right! And I thought there should be a stocking amongst the prompts but I imagine Arica will continue this in the future and may switch up the prompts to include things like a nativity, stocking, etc. Thanks so much for watching and enjoy stitching up the fun things in your stash! ❤️

[@SukiScrappinfox]

🌞🌞🌞

[@angelchadwell6656]

Maria Ewin is gorgeous. I’m enabled. Marie Louise Piret is looking so good. Love your Christmas choices. That is a great Santa. Happy stitching and take care!

[@StitchStitchBead]

Are you going to start Maria?? She's definitely proven to be so much more beautiful in person than she was in the photographs and I thought she looked pretty darn good in the photos! Thank you so much for another lovely comment. Happy stitching to you as well! Talk to you again next month 🥰

[@angelchadwell6656]

@@StitchStitchBead I believe so! I need to kit it up!

[@StitchStitchBead]

@@angelchadwell6656 Let me know what fabric and floss you decide on!

[@conniekellett3051]

So glad you posted, I look forward to your videos ❤ great ideas for Christmas. Enjoy London!

[@StitchStitchBead]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed. I'll have lots of stories from London on my next video, I'm sure. Thanks for watching! 😊

[@afreespirit1]

I've started Christmas in July stitching too, but I'm trying to keep it to what's already in my stash, and you just made that so hard to do! All your Mill Hill ornaments gave me a great idea. My favorite 12 Days of Christmas is the new one released just recently - Annie Beez 12 Days of Christmas Stockings. It's shown on 14 count black Aida, but I prefer linen & seriously dislike stitching on black, but I do have some black perforated paper!

[@StitchStitchBead]

How could I forget Annie Beez's 12 Days! So cute! I don't blame you about the dark linen. I have a piece and I wonder how challenging it will be to use. I'm glad you found some things to add to your wishlist but I don't blame you for sticking to your stash. Goodness knows we have enough! 😂 Thanks for watching! 😊

[@patricialally9476]

I hated the border as well. As did many of us who stitched it. When completed it is a true beauty..stay with it

[@patricialally9476]

That is Mary Florence Dickenson

[@StitchStitchBead]

I know it will be worth it so I will definitely persist but she may take me a while longer than some of my other samplers. But I want her on my wall! 😊

[@marciaclifford7107]

Watched Arica yesterday and enjoyed her thought process. And was really impressed with what you selected, Audrey! Thanks for showing all you did and skipping the purchases. Have a good trip to London! (Going to see the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court?)

[@StitchStitchBead]

Thank you! Yes, I can't buy everything but was happy to share the gems that I found. And I would love to see some needlework exhibits with in the UK but we may not have time. I'll let you guys know when I get back! Thanks for watching 😊

[@christinepelt3653]

I so enjoy your flosstube and all your beautiful work! Would you be able to share your conversion with the added threads for Emeline Hotchkiss? This is on my list to start and would like to try using these threads for the first time and love the 4 colors you added. Thanks, Audrey!

[@StitchStitchBead]

Thank you so much! Yes, I am happy to share. For the berries or fruit in the trees on Emeline I used 284 (which is already called-for in the chart) as well as 060, 494, and 655. Those are 100.3 spooled silk by Au ver a Soie and you should be able to order them from Hoop & Frame or 123Stitch or your LNS. Happy stitching! 😊

[@christinepelt3653]

Thank you very much!!

[@pamklipsic5036]

Can you share your colors for the trees. I live that much better myself. It's beautiful!!

[@StitchStitchBead]

Hi! I'm sorry but can you tell me what chart you're referring to? I'd love to share the colors! 😊

[@pamklipsic5036]

@@StitchStitchBead So sorry...the Emmeline Hotchkiss Canadian sampler. Your changes are beautiful 😍!

[@StitchStitchBead]

@@pamklipsic5036 Thank you! For the berries or fruit in the trees I used 284 (which is already called-for in the chart) as well as 060, 494, and 655. I think they all work well together! 🥰

[@pamklipsic5036]

@@StitchStitchBead Thank you again for sharing! I look forward to your next update on this sampler💕

[@marjodeforest3762]

Two question’s for you- are Painter’s Thread silks? And where did you get them? Whoops 3rd question is what is the gold backing you had put on the back of Mill Hill Santa you showed? Your stitching is great. Love the samplers!

[@StitchStitchBead]

The variegated spooled silk is Painter's Thread from ThreadNuts.com, yes. It's wonderful! The gold backing on my Mill Hill Christmas ornaments is just some embossed scrapbook paper I purchased from Michaels a few years ago. Unfortunately they no longer carry that particular design but any thick scrapbook paper combined with acid free craft glue will finish Mill Hill kits nicely! 😊 Thanks so much for watching!

[@yvonnevigil7489]

Hi Audrey, love all you videos. Love the 12 days of Christmas ( maybe ). Love those threads that green with blues in it . What's the name. Thank you❤

[@StitchStitchBead]

The variegated spooled silk is from ThreadNuts.com and the particular green I used is called Cezanne. Check them out. They’re great to work with! Thanks for watching! 😊

[@yvonnevigil7489]

@@StitchStitchBead with thread nuts do they work on higher counts like what?. Only gone up to 40 but had a birthday recently and got some 46😯 🤣

[@StitchStitchBead]

@@yvonnevigil7489 The spooled silk from Thread Nuts is an overdyed 100.3. The Christmas piece was stitched on 46 ct and I have used 100.3s on 56 as well! I would say they work best on 40 to 56 ct but would look a bit thin on 36 and lower.

[@yvonnevigil7489]

@@StitchStitchBead thank you dear. Not a sill user here ( yet ) 🤭

[@FibersandFlossCanada]

Love the color changes in the berries on Emeline. What is the darker green color you are using in that pattern? It looks like the green I should convert to for Elizabeth Furniss….and thank you so much for sharing #astitchers12daysofchristmas ! I absolutely love your selections. I have debated over the just nan mice for years and I think I need to make them this year!

[@StitchStitchBead]

I saw your post and have been mulling it over! I sent you a picture on Instagram with some suggested greens! Let me know if you need more!

[@cynthia8022]

Could you do a video showing you just stitching in your preferred method?

[@StitchStitchBead]

I would LOVE to do a stitch-with-me video! The trouble is I need a special support for my phone to get the right angle but it's on my wishlist! Thank you for your feedback ❤️