tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252596372024-03-14T01:33:19.801-03:00StitchingCAWelcome to Stitching.ca previously known as Karen's Colourful Creations.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360696870772219311noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25259637.post-45329012734444451642019-04-03T08:45:00.000-03:002019-04-03T08:45:00.084-03:00My First Sale<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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With Easter approaching, I decided to run my first sale. I already offer free shipping on most items, and am now offering an additional 15% off of select items. Head on over to my shop, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/StitchingCA?ref=seller-platform-mcnav" target="_blank">StitchingCA</a>, to see what's on sale. </div>
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Have a great day!</div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360696870772219311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25259637.post-65057255567528413532019-03-03T20:00:00.001-04:002019-03-03T20:00:30.963-04:00Cork Mini ID Wallets<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Those that follow me on Instagram know that I love cork. I love that it is an ecofriendly sustainable fabric and that it wears quite well. It's one downside is that it is<b><i> expensive</i></b>. Cost before tax and shipping is approximately $80/yard if you can afford to buy the full yard. Smaller pieces are more affordable, but the price per square inch is higher. So, all of this is to say that I have to sell some things made from cork and I can no longer afford to keep it hoarded away for my own personal use. <br />
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On that note, the recently released Keyfob Wallet pattern by <a href="https://www.sewgnar.co/" target="_blank">SewGnar</a> is perfect for cork. I've made 7 of these little wallets and have 4 more on the go! I love this little wallet! This little bright blue one is one of my favourites.<br />
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This wallet has 2 card slots, a small zipper pocket on the back, a vinyl ID window, and a slip pocket that will hold folded bills. It is small enough to slip into your pocket. It's a really cute fun wallet that comes in lots of colors. </div>
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I love working with cork. It is a dream to sew and has a great look. I made a previous post on my love affair with cork <a href="https://www.stitching.ca/2017/02/my-love-affair-with-cork-leather.html" target="_blank">here</a> and it has lots of info on the product. All of my cork is purchased from <a href="https://mmcorksupply.com/" target="_blank">MM Cork Supply</a> which is located here in Canada. </div>
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These wallets are now for sale in my Etsy shop, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/StitchingCA?ref=seller-platform-mcnav" target="_blank">StitchingCA</a>. </div>
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I hope you've had a wonderful weekend!!</div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360696870772219311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25259637.post-22130847626713951302019-02-08T13:52:00.005-04:002019-02-08T13:52:57.102-04:00Tea Lovers Extraordinaire<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Fellow tea lovers, have I got the thing for you! I made up some of the cutest most perfect tea organizer wallets! </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m7_DGFcGw2c/XF2_qZz1OvI/AAAAAAAAE_A/KpLkJZGMrvQYqN2GqehjhLMi7xWomi6dwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m7_DGFcGw2c/XF2_qZz1OvI/AAAAAAAAE_A/KpLkJZGMrvQYqN2GqehjhLMi7xWomi6dwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3374.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Each wallet has 6 slip pockets for your lovely packets of tea. This unique design (Pattern by Uniquely Michelle) has two pockets on each of the "pages." I love how the design emulates a little book. <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YNiePp_4IrY/XF2_qjhuo7I/AAAAAAAAE_E/BMauKrrpJiwSFQXgwP2sW1paNxBM-JtYgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YNiePp_4IrY/XF2_qjhuo7I/AAAAAAAAE_E/BMauKrrpJiwSFQXgwP2sW1paNxBM-JtYgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3386.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And I just have to show you the back of this particular tea wallet cause this fabric is so cute!</div>
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A teapot! This fabric was made to made into a tea wallet!! </div>
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All three of these little wallets are now available in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/StitchingCA?ref=search_shop_redirect" target="_blank">Etsy shop, StitchingCA.</a></div>
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Have a wonderful weekend!!</div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360696870772219311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25259637.post-85568996737311267682019-01-13T14:17:00.002-04:002019-01-13T14:17:33.540-04:00Happy 2019!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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2018 has come to an end and 2019 promises all sorts of wonderful new things. I have had some wonderful sewing accomplishments in 2018 and look forward to more this year, but for now am stitching much more than sewing. </div>
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So far this year (all 2 weeks of it!!) I have been stitching like crazy. Sewing seems to be on the back-burner for now while I work on new stitching projects and try to finish off some old ones at the same time. </div>
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The only goal I have set for myself is to finish one of my larger projects that has been a WIP for a few years now, Seville. It is not a difficult project, but I am stitching it on 36 count linen which does strain my eyes a bit and I don't always feel like working on such a fine count. It has languished in my WIP pile for too long now. I am determined to finish it this year! </div>
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Aside from that, I will sew and stitch whatever catches my fancy at that point in time. I really just want to have fun with my stash and work away at using it up. </div>
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Wishing everyone a wonderful 2019 with lots of new adventures.</div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360696870772219311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25259637.post-15450731391522653132018-10-08T19:54:00.002-03:002018-10-08T19:54:20.203-03:00Happy Thanksgiving and Back Open for Business<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">First of all, Happy Thanksgiving! Since this is Thanksgiving weekend, I would like to say just how thankful I am to my customers and their patience while my shop has been closed. </span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
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Secondly, my Etsy shop, StitchingCA, is back open for business. Due to some unexpected household maintenance, my little shop had to stay closed a little bit longer than I planned. Things are finally getting sorted out and I am so grateful to finally be able to get back to my sewing machines and fabric. </div>
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I haven't had time to sew or stitch over the last couple of weeks. Cleaning, laying flooring, more cleaning, sorting, moving furniture, and of course working have been my routine for the last few weeks. On top of all of the stuff that had to be done, today, I decided to take some time to go through my bedroom and my stash and do a major clean-up and purge. It always amazes me how quickly things accumulate. There's still lots to do, but I've made a start and will keep plugging away over the next few weeks and will hopefully be able to add in some stitching and sewing time to my days.</div>
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Again, I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving! </div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360696870772219311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25259637.post-14946500940273234542018-09-14T19:49:00.001-03:002018-09-14T19:49:16.661-03:00Canada Post Strike 2018<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Because Canada Post is scheduled to go on strike, I've decided to put my Etsy shop, StitchingCA, on vacation beginning, Monday, Sept. 17th. This is the last day I can safely mail packages without worrying about severe delays or lost shipments. As soon as Canada Post comes to an agreement with their workers my shop will re-open for business with brand new products. </div>
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While they're striking, I'll be working on Mini ID Wallets, Clutches, and Cross Body Bags. My product line and inventory will be growing. So, Canada Post better get their act together so I can bring all of my new goodies to you. </div>
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If you're looking to make a purchase now, please do so before Sept. 17th!</div>
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I apologize for any inconvenience this brings, but believe this is the best option at this time. Other carriers are much more expensive than Canada Post and just aren't a realistic option. I look forward to re-opening as soon as possible, and hope that Canada Post comes to a resolution quickly! </div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360696870772219311noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25259637.post-52036824953300084332018-09-03T10:00:00.000-03:002018-09-03T10:00:54.306-03:00All the Ever Afters<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Time management is sometimes really hard to manage. I have all kinds of plans and ideas and never enough time to do everything. For those of you that don't know, my my main hobbies are sewing, stitching, and reading. Trying to find time for all three is a struggle!<div>
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Spending time reading is hard for me. I love reading, but to sit down and dedicate my time to an actual book is hard. I am always multi-tasking. </div>
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A few months ago I signed up for a monthly audio book plan. I absolutely love it! I can sew, stitch, do dishes or whatever while listening to a book. It's wonderful for multi-tasking. I wish I signed up sooner! The down side for me is that I can go through an audio book in a couple of days and it can get expensive buying new books that frequently. </div>
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So, I've also been trying to dedicate a bit of time here and there to actual books or e-books. I have a Kobo and love it, but you can't really pass an e-book on for someone else to read. So, if I see a book that I think my daughter would love just as much as me, I will buy the book. And such was the case with <i>All the Ever Afters</i>, by Danielle Teller<i>.</i> </div>
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I was browsing the book store one day and saw that this was one of the bookstore clerks picks. They had it sitting out front and center. I am a sucker for buying a book by its cover, and the cover of this book drew me in. Then I saw the caption "<i>The Untold Story of Cinderella's Stepmother</i>." Well now, I love fairy tale twists and this was right up my alley and I knew my daughter would love it too. So, I bought it even though it was a bit pricey ($25 CDN after taxes). But hey, two people will probably read this book at the very least. </div>
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Last night, I finished it. I won't throw any spoilers out there for those of you that haven't read it. I will say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. In short, it is more or less a historical fiction novel that tells the story of a young peasant girl born into serfdom. She was lonely and trying to survive in a cruel world. If you like fairy tale twists or historical fiction, this might be a book for you. </div>
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So, now that I've shared my reading adventure I really need to go and get a few things done. </div>
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I hope you've enjoyed your Labour Day Weekend!</div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360696870772219311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25259637.post-58015561402477479802018-08-22T18:17:00.001-03:002018-08-22T18:17:52.602-03:00Wow! Have I Been Busy!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
What a crazy couple of weeks. There's been a lot of learning with the start of my little Etsy Shop, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/StitchingCA" target="_blank">StitchingCA</a> and a lot of making.<br />
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Inventory is my number one priority right now. It seems new items must be added regularly if you want to stay in the Etsy searches. So, I'm working like a busy bee here. I'm almost half way to my goal of at least 100 items. But in reality, I'll probably need more than that.<br />
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I've added cosmetic pouch sets, cork fabric pencil cases, small pouches for your purse, mini ID wallets as well as some of my cross stitched and embroidered items. My shop objective is to make affordable products while maintaining quality. It's a challenge, that's for sure! But a challenge that I'm willing to take.<br />
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The main thing to keep in mind is that Etsy's average sale is $25. I keep this price in my head while I do a cost analysis of different items. My end price must be within a certain range for me to make the effort. If it's not, than that item is axed until I can figure out a less expensive way to make it without losing quality. This doesn't mean that I will never list more expensive items. It only means that I'm focused on a certain type of product at the moment, and will see how that goes before expanding into more pricey items.<br />
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Also, for as long as I can, I am offering <b>free shipping in Canada</b>. The challenge with free shipping is the 2cm mailbox slot. If the package doesn't fall freely through a slot template that the clerk tests it in, than it cannot be sent letter mail and the jump in price is drastic -- $2.07 after tax to $15+. I think from this point forward I will always look at that slot as the "<i>slot of doom</i>!" I mean who wants to pay $15 to ship a $25 item!?!? Not me, that's for sure. As a customer, I'd walk away. Anytime shipping costs that much, I want to be able to buy lots to make it worth my while. <br />
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I'll end with some pretty pictures of some things I've made in the last week or so.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cork fabric Pencil Cases with neon zippers and bright fun linings.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nautical themed ID wallet with vinyl window, change section and 2 card slots.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pf1lACGVHRg/W33PHfau92I/AAAAAAAAEzI/oYm2h3l-2TcFQY6ElN63svhGlsCgXPZSwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pf1lACGVHRg/W33PHfau92I/AAAAAAAAEzI/oYm2h3l-2TcFQY6ElN63svhGlsCgXPZSwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2839.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bright and cheerful ID wallet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6tE-2FvScQ/W33PHaKSb7I/AAAAAAAAEzE/uURUefbHt80NYGpbpt5nH76Amxqx1wTbgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6tE-2FvScQ/W33PHaKSb7I/AAAAAAAAEzE/uURUefbHt80NYGpbpt5nH76Amxqx1wTbgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2902.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect pouches for your purse.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qxLiCmBqIv4/W33PH1R_nnI/AAAAAAAAEzM/aumqVfyE55UbNrGpRyKXG9BE1ALWpyzXgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qxLiCmBqIv4/W33PH1R_nnI/AAAAAAAAEzM/aumqVfyE55UbNrGpRyKXG9BE1ALWpyzXgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2905.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect Purse Pouches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TMVpl47T_BU/W33PIGksBuI/AAAAAAAAEzQ/7ELzrMAVIdMbn_9g0ql2-RFqy5xLrFn-ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TMVpl47T_BU/W33PIGksBuI/AAAAAAAAEzQ/7ELzrMAVIdMbn_9g0ql2-RFqy5xLrFn-ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3029.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A whole pile of Grab & Go ID wallets.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rY8ih2vkxg4/W33QLY3NprI/AAAAAAAAEzw/1OXDlyct3KcvKZFMZum4efcjr0_1Z4IjgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rY8ih2vkxg4/W33QLY3NprI/AAAAAAAAEzw/1OXDlyct3KcvKZFMZum4efcjr0_1Z4IjgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3118.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Set of Double Zipped Pouches. Made with very pretty Rifle Paper Co. fabric.<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Pattern by SOTAK Handmade. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uxXH3LHyhKg/W33QLGFNAVI/AAAAAAAAEzo/M0LOnVe_FfgmCJDu6uSRHKIH8J7OUZslwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uxXH3LHyhKg/W33QLGFNAVI/AAAAAAAAEzo/M0LOnVe_FfgmCJDu6uSRHKIH8J7OUZslwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3119.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double Zipped Pouch set made with Rifle Paper Co. fabric.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B5KLm9CYbls/W33QLZE2aPI/AAAAAAAAEzs/YgI_BUb2mi8v2n94PuwRCsoqQU6kDqrtgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B5KLm9CYbls/W33QLZE2aPI/AAAAAAAAEzs/YgI_BUb2mi8v2n94PuwRCsoqQU6kDqrtgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3121.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double Zipped Pouch set with a timepiece theme.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-shel2JhH_PY/W33QL09xg5I/AAAAAAAAEz0/C39kIEVRHqkvo9FmQILKKvik08ZPPy92ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-shel2JhH_PY/W33QL09xg5I/AAAAAAAAEz0/C39kIEVRHqkvo9FmQILKKvik08ZPPy92ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3124.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Double Zipped Pouch set in a tiny floral Sevenberry fabric. </div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I'm determined to keep at it and continue to make the things I love. And I will continue to share any stitchy news (although there hasn't been much stitching lately) and sewing news with all of you. If you want to check out my little shop, you can head over by clicking <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/StitchingCA" target="_blank">here</a> or by clicking on the big orange Etsy button at the top of the page.<br />
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Wishing everyone an awesome week!<br />
<br />
Karen<br />
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360696870772219311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25259637.post-75905376436933064892018-08-10T11:09:00.001-03:002018-08-10T11:09:55.162-03:00StitchingCA - My Etsy Store<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div>
I finally did it - I opened an Etsy store a few days ago. My brand name is <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/StitchingCA" target="_blank">StitchingCA</a> partially because I already own the stitching.ca domain. Since it's short and can mean sewing or stitching I thought it would be a good brand name for my little store. I also created a logo with a dragonfly that you can see on my blog now. <br />
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Everything I've read about Etsy indicates that you need to have a minimum of 100 items and ideally 172.75 items. I'm slowly working my way toward that goal, but that's a pretty big number. Another little tidbit of knowledge about Etsy is that the average sale is $25 U.S. So, it's something else to keep in mind as I make and create my inventory. This doesn't mean I won't get into more expensive items eventually, however, it's definitely something to consider as I choose which items to make. <br />
<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I don't plan on selling embroidered items at the moment, but I don't want to cross it off my list either. The StitchingCA brand is sort of all encompassing and allows me the option to do so in the future. For now, I'm offering some smaller items like pouches, pencil cases and ID wallets. My goal is to keep the prices low and to offer free shipping in Canada for as long as possible. </span><b></b></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></div>
<div>
Some things I've made so far:</div>
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zzJkuhlgHPQ/W22ZB31ovrI/AAAAAAAAEwI/nMVyGwvhbuwb6o8vR4Ec9n3dkeRYPDB8QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1168" data-original-width="1600" height="233" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zzJkuhlgHPQ/W22ZB31ovrI/AAAAAAAAEwI/nMVyGwvhbuwb6o8vR4Ec9n3dkeRYPDB8QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2905.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cosmetic/Toiletry Pouch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CsyaP8yFl_k/W22ZBwvXx0I/AAAAAAAAEwE/M9en5OnWeYI_e9UI6BOUuTBTQOW_DNnUwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3027cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CsyaP8yFl_k/W22ZBwvXx0I/AAAAAAAAEwE/M9en5OnWeYI_e9UI6BOUuTBTQOW_DNnUwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3027cropped.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
ID Wallet with 2 Credit Card Slots and Zipper Section</div>
<div>
Pattern by Uniquely Michelle</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tyo8V_E_RX4/W22ZM18ecgI/AAAAAAAAEwM/plgEFrw-tdQOTvOdrk7HQ7W0ltC8f315QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tyo8V_E_RX4/W22ZM18ecgI/AAAAAAAAEwM/plgEFrw-tdQOTvOdrk7HQ7W0ltC8f315QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2962.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Earbud Case/Coin Purse Keychain with Lobster Clasp or Split Ring</div>
<div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So far, it's nothing major, but it's a start. Have any of you considered making an Etsy store or have a store already? I'd love to hear about your experience and check out your stores.<br />
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'Til next time,<br />
<br />
Karen<br />
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</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360696870772219311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25259637.post-13491546646667848682018-01-15T11:40:00.001-04:002018-01-15T11:57:06.303-04:00Recap of 2017<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As the year came to a close, like many of you, I took inventory on what I completed over the last year. I really was quite busy sewing totes, pouches, purses, grocery bags...etc.... But I still managed a bit of time to dedicate to stitching. Some of my stitching accomplishments include:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jceUaMG2V0A/WlzICxgYCQI/AAAAAAAAEUU/DOGLaj0h1T8UlsjxXb-JSiZE1Sp_PMmnwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171122_113335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jceUaMG2V0A/WlzICxgYCQI/AAAAAAAAEUU/DOGLaj0h1T8UlsjxXb-JSiZE1Sp_PMmnwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171122_113335.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Country Cottage Needleworks - Just Cross Stitch 2010 Ornament Issue</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MSyIQasnOX8/WlzIC5ipSDI/AAAAAAAAEUU/G292t5mTZXwIjZexKr0qrk3n9J2Xs0S8ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171107_115113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MSyIQasnOX8/WlzIC5ipSDI/AAAAAAAAEUU/G292t5mTZXwIjZexKr0qrk3n9J2Xs0S8ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171107_115113.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Victoria Sampler - Woodland Garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bov3AMWQ_XE/WlzIC21STHI/AAAAAAAAEUU/CVpeoaQ3IP0DMApFCe_l2Hepas_cO52CACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170820_172348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bov3AMWQ_XE/WlzIC21STHI/AAAAAAAAEUU/CVpeoaQ3IP0DMApFCe_l2Hepas_cO52CACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170820_172348.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homespun Elegance - Bee Happy</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5zlay3nhuA4/WlzIC2sD6hI/AAAAAAAAEUU/svNaapIV9-cfhn7L-fkgIomAAzYe5ZwqgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170820_123308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5zlay3nhuA4/WlzIC2sD6hI/AAAAAAAAEUU/svNaapIV9-cfhn7L-fkgIomAAzYe5ZwqgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170820_123308.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny of Elefantz Designs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wWyNX1YrW3Y/WlzIC7gJpeI/AAAAAAAAEUU/G6KU2-V98jkTZmKQeBMd0jsUDFQvhcfMACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170429_181049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wWyNX1YrW3Y/WlzIC7gJpeI/AAAAAAAAEUU/G6KU2-V98jkTZmKQeBMd0jsUDFQvhcfMACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170429_181049.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathy Jean Designs - Buttercup Sampler</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bloom - Just Cross Stitch March/April 2011 issue</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o2Qw-p7fTAA/WlzIC8wQhdI/AAAAAAAAEUU/_lIYc4oP5PUCxg22xt5t1LtUVOYqaIIAgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170211_102323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o2Qw-p7fTAA/WlzIC8wQhdI/AAAAAAAAEUU/_lIYc4oP5PUCxg22xt5t1LtUVOYqaIIAgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170211_102323.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birdhouse - Just Cross Stitch October 2007 Issue</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Drawn Thread - Easter Egg Sampler Kit</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JBW Designs - Christmas Tree</td></tr>
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There are others that I made some progress on, but not worth sharing at this time.<br />
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Something new to me last year was trying my hand at toy making and I think I did quite well....<br />
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Both are patterns from the Funky Friends Factory. I had a blast making them and hope to do more this year.<br />
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If you wish to see more pics of my progress in sewing and cross stitch, please check check me out on Instagram - @karens_colourful_creations .<br />
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2018 has started with a ton of stitching, but that will wait for another post.</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360696870772219311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25259637.post-90565030331432016052017-04-29T08:03:00.001-03:002017-04-29T08:03:56.680-03:00Sewing update for March and April<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I made a couple passport wallets that are lined with RFID protection fabric. The pattern is by Genycartes on Craftsy and is called the Rover Passport Wallet. I still have a couple more of these to make. Cork fabric was used as an accent fabric in the first one and on the outside of the second one. I think it came together better when it was used on the outside.</div>
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My daughter asked me to make her an RFID protected travel bag/pouch that she could carry her passport, credit cards, plane ticket, phone and iPod. She wanted to be able to wrap it around her wrist (hence the wriststrap) as well as be able to carry it as a cross-body bag. A cross-body strap was made from black webbing, but it is not in the pics below. The exterior is made from burgandy and charcoal cork fabric and the interior is quilting cotton.<br />
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This was a trial pattern for me. Quilting cottons were used for the interior and exterior. It is lined with foam which makes it stand up. I added a silver "Handmade" tag to the front, magnetic clasp to close the bag, divided the interior and exterior pockets in half, and added purse feet to the bottom. I love this pattern and the look of the bag is fabulous. I can see more of these in my future. :) The pattern is The Ethel by Swoon.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front</td></tr>
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This little pouch was a free pattern. The pouch holds an iPhone perfectly. The front zip pocket is perfect for holding coins/bills/cards. This was made with Cork fabric as well. If you can't tell... I LOVE cork fabric. SOOOO easy to sew with using a domestic machine. <br />
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These are bags that I'm using regularly. The large is my everyday tote that I use to carry my stuff back and forth to work and the smaller I use as a purse when I'm not working. Personally, I think it would look funny to carry them both at the same time lol. The middle exterior panel pocket and bottoms are both made with cork fabric and the the exterior is cotton canvas with little sailboats. The interior lining is made from a cotton coat fabric. It is the perfect fabric for a lining as it has body an doesn't need interfacing. I added slip pockets on one side and a zippered pocket on the other. This pattern is the Hapai Tote by SewDaKine<br />
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Lastly, is a practice run for a little fabric envelope that I made from quilting cottons. I still need to add a snap closure. And yes, the spool fabric was cut upside down by accident. I'll still use it as a small project pouch for myself. This pattern is the Secret Pocket Envelope Clutch by Michelle Patterns and can be found on Etsy.<br />
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And that's it for March and April. Hoping for a productive May. :)<br />
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Karen</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360696870772219311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25259637.post-1244638798698377122017-04-28T20:17:00.001-03:002017-04-28T20:35:28.541-03:00Stitching update for March and April<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Some things I've been working on through-out March and April:</div>
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First, is Bloom from Just Cross Stitch March/April 2011 edition. I used mostly Vikki Clayton silks from my stash because I didn't have the threads the pattern called for on hand. The fabric is 32 count Willowgreen linen. </div>
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The little bee is from an Easter Pattern by The Cricket Collection. I couldn't get the fabric to show up correctly at all. It is 28 count pale yellow Zweigart linen.<br />
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The bluebird is a transfer design that I transferred onto the cork using Prick and Pounce. The little bird was stitched with DMC #8 Perle Cotton. The cat bookmark is part of the Cozy Cat pattern from the Cross Stitch & Needlework Fall 2015 magazine. Both were stitched and finished in March/April.</div>
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Finally, this is what I'm currently stitching and hope to have it finished soon. Buttercup Alphabet by Cathy Jean fro The Victoria Sampler. I'm using the thread pack which is a mix of Gentle Art Sampler Threads and Weeks Dye Works. The fabric is 25 count Zweigart Raw linen. I absolutely love the funky alphabet in this pattern. :)<br />
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And sadly, that's all of the stitching I've completed in the last couple of months. Hoping for a more productive May. :)<br />
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Karen</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360696870772219311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25259637.post-49465205990130780222017-03-03T21:59:00.001-04:002017-03-03T21:59:05.624-04:00My finishing pile is dwindling!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Recently, I took out a few things that have been in my "to be finished" stack for literally years and finally finished them off. <br />
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First up is one of my very first pieces of hardanger. To finish it, I backed the hardanger with a piece of teal cotton that perfectly matched little flowers in the floral print that I used to cover a paper mache box. I'm quite pleased with how it turned out and use the little box to store some bits and bobs. <br />
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Next are a couple of cross stitch pieces that I made into cute zipper pouches with bright red zippers. I finished them off with metal zipper tags with the Canadian maple leaf. These pouches are being used as project bags.<br />
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So my finishing pile is down by three! Maybe not a lot but it's still something. :)<br />
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Now, onto my sewing projects.... <br />
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Since I really needed a new purse because mine was looking quite shabby I decided to make my own. I found the Hippo Hobo pattern by Emkie Designs and made two - one for winter and one for summer. They're a little on the large side, but they're perfect for carrying my things to work and since they're quite light I don't mind using it as an every day bag either. <br />
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I thought I'd practice making some wallets with cork and whipped up these two Slimline wallets. The pattern is by Carla's Creations and can be found on Craftsy. I especially love the Tula Pink fabric. That fox is simply the cutest thing ever.<br />
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I've been on the lookout for a small wallet pattern for awhile and came across the Limelight wallet designed by RLR creations. I love the ID window in this one, but managed to flub it up when I was ironing it towards the end. If you look closely you can see the melted plastic. Aside from that, I consider it a success. It's an adorable little wallet pattern.<br />
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That's all I have for now. I've been working on some passport wallets and a pouch with RFID protection, which I'll talk about in another post. </div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360696870772219311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25259637.post-21927073784616265332017-02-25T10:09:00.002-04:002017-02-25T10:11:48.578-04:00My love affair with cork leather<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If you follow me on Instagram, you will already know of my new found love for everything cork (also known as cork leather, vegan leather, or cork fabric). So, I thought I'd explain why I'm so enamoured with this stuff.<br />
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Some of you may be asking what is she talking about so here are some pictures of cork leather to help you out:<br />
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Some facts about cork:<br />
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<li><b>Sustainable</b> product. Cork is harvested from a cork tree once every 9 years. This process does no damage to the tree. There are cork tree forests in Portugal that are over 2000 years old! Although, from the information that I have, I believe most trees are harvested for up to 300 years. That's still one heck of a long time though. </li>
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<li>It is <b>100% natural</b> product. I'm always looking for alternatives to synthetics.</li>
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<li>It is <b>strong</b>. Cork leather is as strong as its leather counterparts. There have been some discussions on pre-mature wear in the corners, but I believe this has to do with heat (iron) being applied to the cork and other mitigating factors (quality of the cork leather - I buy only the best). Leather and vinyl both show wear in the same fashion.</li>
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<li>It is <b>water resistent. </b>Bags and wallets made from cork are protected. As much as I love fabric bags, water protection is nice to have.</li>
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<li><b>Natural anti-mildew and anti-bacterial properties. </b>Synthetics such as vinyl definitely can't boast of this feature. Again, this is a benefit from an all natural product.</li>
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<li>It can be <b>wiped clean</b>. I hate it when my leather wallets starts looking dingy due to every day handling or my bag starts looking like it's older than the stars because it's gotten dirty. Cork has a smooth, surface that can usually be wiped clean with plain water. I read one story where dark jean dye rubbed off on a white cork handbag and the dye washed off completely with a damp cloth. Most bags would be ruined. That's a definite bonus in my books!</li>
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<li>Cork leather is <b>PETA CERTIFIED. C</b>ork is an ecofriendly vegan alternative to leather or vinyl. Remember that bit about trees being harvested for approximately 300 years? </li>
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<li>Cork is <b>STITCHABLE</b>. Cork leather is quite pliable and has a different type of density. So, being stitching obsessed, I had to test it for myself to see if it could be used in hand-stitching. </li>
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The hardest part for me was figuring out how to transfer the design. You can't exactly see through cork, so Prick and Pounce is pretty much the only way to transfer the design unless your good with free-handing it. </div>
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There is enough stiffness in the cork to hold it in your hand and stitch. </div>
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I finished it off as an open-mouthed cork bag. I decided to list this for sale on Instagram and couldn't believe how quickly it sold. 😊<br />
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I'll end this post with some pictures below of a couple of things that I've made with the cork.<br />
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This is the Slimline wallet designed by Carla's Creations. Pattern can be found on Craftsy.com.<br />
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So, that's it my friends. What's not to love about this stuff, eh? 😊<br />
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Wishing all of you a happy weekend!<br />
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Karen</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360696870772219311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25259637.post-44780070594599298252017-02-24T22:06:00.003-04:002017-02-24T22:06:53.541-04:00A little bit of this and a little bit of that...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I could start with the "I'm so sorry for not blogging" speech, but I think we've all heard it before. So, I won't bother you with that. Let's just get right to the good stuff. 😊<div>
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I've been busy! There have been some family health issues that have been dealt with, but are still ongoing. Then there was the regular Christmas business that happens every year. This year was a bit more busy for me because I worked Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. Some would say who hates me so much at work lol. But that's not the case at my place of work. Since I work a shift work rotation, it is just the way it worked out. My rotation just so happened to land on all of those days. Go figure!?! Nobody complains when it's their turn to work it because we all know it's inevitable.</div>
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Now, that takes me up to January. In January, the family health stuff was number one on my plate and pretty well takes me right into February. February has been busy too. I'm not sure if any of you follow the East Coast weather forecasts, but we had some brutal weather! Ice storms and flash freezes.... and then so much snow I swear we were buried alive. Oddly, here we are at the end of February with absolutely beautiful spring-like weather. Our massive amounts of snow and ice are melting. The temperatures were in the low double digits today. Just absolutely fantastic to see. </div>
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Amidst all of this insanity, I have managed to sew and stitch a few things. It's time to bombard you with pictures. 😏</div>
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I'll begin with an update on my stitching:</div>
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First up is Birdhouse from Just Cross Stitch Ornament Preview Issue October 2007. An unwritten goal (I guess it's written now though lol) is that I'd like to stitch more from my magazine collection in 2017. I have accumulated goodness knows how many magazines and rarely stitch anything from them. So, this pretty little design is the first to be stitched for that challenge.</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Now, those that follow me have seen this one before. I started Santa's Secret, a Dimensions kit, just before Christmas. I made quite a bit of progress, but bored of it as the Christmas season came to an end. It is one that I will definitely finish for next Chrsitmas. </span></div>
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The next picture is of a pair of hearts that I embroidered onto a handmade pillowcase as a Valentine's Day stitching project. The transfer design is one that I had printed off ages ago and don't remember the source.<br />
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I guess this is a little out of order, because this is what I picked up when I set Santa's Secret aside. This Easter Egg was a Drawn Thread kit aptly called The Easter Egg Sampler. Some may say it's a bit too early for Easter stitching, but it called to me... and the rest is history.<br />
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Now, for my next magazine challenge. Here is Bloom Pincushion from Just Cross Stitch March/April 2011 issue. It is Volume 29 Issue 2 for anyone that would like to know. As you can see there are still a few stitches left in this one, but it will be done soon.<br />
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Now, Seville is one that I've been working on for awhile. I haven't quite finished page 2, but I'm getting close. I'm stitching this on 36 count linen and I find I have to set it aside after a bit of stitching. I guess my eyes aren't as good as they used to be 😡. For those that would like to know, Seville is from a Just Cross Stitch magazine as well. It is in the June issue of 2015. Also, I'm using DMC 744 as my thread of choice for this pattern.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v5i6S88KJgI/WLDf3O5sbvI/AAAAAAAADZE/rWJQWfhr_CArqH7DsoPuhgYwqx5BN1XugCLcB/s1600/IMG_2708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v5i6S88KJgI/WLDf3O5sbvI/AAAAAAAADZE/rWJQWfhr_CArqH7DsoPuhgYwqx5BN1XugCLcB/s320/IMG_2708.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R7OEAjZJMV4/WLDgAhKLmcI/AAAAAAAADZI/8ycsjah1aWQncE2QjispnOrdXSbFvr25gCLcB/s1600/IMG_2712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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I think this will be the last pic I'll share with you tonight. It looks pretty plain and boring, I'm sure. But this little stack of white cotton is actually five pillowcases I made last night. I really wanted a pair of Valentine's pillowcases, but only had the one pillowcase made up. So, last night I busied myself by making five more. Five blank slates all set for embroidery. 😊</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R7OEAjZJMV4/WLDgAhKLmcI/AAAAAAAADZU/nR6o8imaQ7MOaFkEDvPFdHrETSzM_UBkQCEw/s1600/IMG_2712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R7OEAjZJMV4/WLDgAhKLmcI/AAAAAAAADZU/nR6o8imaQ7MOaFkEDvPFdHrETSzM_UBkQCEw/s320/IMG_2712.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'll leave you with that cause I know it's a lot to sift through. Tomorrow, I'll be back with an update on a few other things I've been working on. <br />
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Wishing you a wondeful weekend!<br />
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Karen</div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360696870772219311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25259637.post-66959201780558563162016-12-21T11:35:00.002-04:002016-12-21T11:36:17.465-04:00Sewing update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="text-align: left;">Aside from stitching, I've been busy making bags and wallets and I absolutely love it! This first pic is a bag designed by Chris W. Designs and the wallets on the right are her designs as well. The purple and teal wallet is by Emmaline Bags and the one with the buttons is by Karla's Creations.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BjYUgkkf7dk/WFqae9XtaoI/AAAAAAAADGw/jGBpuodHHS8n7WmipBLQFYWlxroSM9igACLcB/s1600/IMG_2619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BjYUgkkf7dk/WFqae9XtaoI/AAAAAAAADGw/jGBpuodHHS8n7WmipBLQFYWlxroSM9igACLcB/s400/IMG_2619.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The second picture is a totebag designed by myself. It is fully lined with a recessed zipper closure and zip pockets inside and out. The wallet is the Pick-a-Pocket wallet by Chris W. Designs as well. Love this design! It's a slim functional wallet that holds a cell phone. I made this set back in the summer, with the intentions of giving it as a Christmas gift.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tZIDEp9IisI/WFqahrxhxYI/AAAAAAAADG0/NRYMMRTqxYASHf-4iANWxw81w62g16XbwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tZIDEp9IisI/WFqahrxhxYI/AAAAAAAADG0/NRYMMRTqxYASHf-4iANWxw81w62g16XbwCLcB/s400/IMG_2623.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Next, are the insides of a couple of the wallets. <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BBzXSLo4tkU/WFqa6plWL7I/AAAAAAAADHE/0o5vTnxymF4X_rUjqsIkc6TFqPAVcNX3ACLcB/s1600/IMG_2667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BBzXSLo4tkU/WFqa6plWL7I/AAAAAAAADHE/0o5vTnxymF4X_rUjqsIkc6TFqPAVcNX3ACLcB/s400/IMG_2667.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The next two pictures are of some of the accordian wallets that I've made. I love making these little wallets and as you can see they are perfect for putting a little cross stitch design on the front flap. I've made quite a few of these as Christmas gifts for this year, </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bJSbcBjO0kU/WFqa0OoqBCI/AAAAAAAADG8/BK6dJpB2fwM3WFcJ9um-qfemcvRxSaFtACLcB/s1600/IMG_2661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bJSbcBjO0kU/WFqa0OoqBCI/AAAAAAAADG8/BK6dJpB2fwM3WFcJ9um-qfemcvRxSaFtACLcB/s400/IMG_2661.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Finally, another Necessary Clutch Wallet designed by Emmaline Bag. The main boddy of this is made from cork leather which is really fun to work with. My domestic machine had no problem at all sewing through it. I'm not sure if you can see the pretty silver flecks in the cork, but it is quite shiney and looks awesome with the hot pink bandana material. <br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pm5p-iHzjhU/WFqa85ORV1I/AAAAAAAADHI/PDWCCTh1ZGA8r684fZBFqAHlE5D9HuLDQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pm5p-iHzjhU/WFqa85ORV1I/AAAAAAAADHI/PDWCCTh1ZGA8r684fZBFqAHlE5D9HuLDQCLcB/s400/IMG_2668.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And below are the insides.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D9JQ13QrA70/WFqa_lzqKuI/AAAAAAAADHM/NJgBJNuC5nM0pMati3jIGizl_nHRfMl9ACLcB/s1600/IMG_2669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D9JQ13QrA70/WFqa_lzqKuI/AAAAAAAADHM/NJgBJNuC5nM0pMati3jIGizl_nHRfMl9ACLcB/s400/IMG_2669.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have more pics on Instagram @karens_colourful_creations. I tend to take pics right away on my phone, but for whatever reason, they won't upload to my PC anymore. So, there are lots more pics over there. <br />
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And that's what I've been up to this year. Between stitching and sewing, I think I got a fair amount done. <br />
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Since this will probably be my last post for this year I'll wish you all a Merry Christmasd and a very Happy New Year! All the best in 2017!! <br />
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Karen</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360696870772219311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25259637.post-33920362858026117962016-12-18T23:12:00.001-04:002016-12-18T23:14:09.015-04:00Long overdue<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The very first thing I want to tell you is that my domain name has changed. GoDaddy wanted too much money for the renewal of my old domains, so I went in search of a new one and settled on <a href="http://www.stitching.ca/" target="_blank">www.stitching.ca</a>. Welcome to my new domain! :)<br />
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Now lets get down to business with what's going on in my stitchy life. There is <em>soooooo</em> much to share, since my poor ol' blog has taken such a back-seat this year. I'll try not to overwhelm you with almost a whole year of stitchy goodness and I will try to break it down into a few posts. <br />
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Next up - PICTURES! Today I'll show you my cross stitch updates.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xC4V-UX9RtA/WFdKjFeMwAI/AAAAAAAADE4/APLTI-TS514WgcyzeP8AnxNlazvSoTUwwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xC4V-UX9RtA/WFdKjFeMwAI/AAAAAAAADE4/APLTI-TS514WgcyzeP8AnxNlazvSoTUwwCLcB/s400/IMG_2613.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Around the World in 80 Stitches - Papillion Creations</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IFqSdocxAnY/WFdKl3X2k9I/AAAAAAAADE8/XWx2fjqf-YYUypQ5hErZKj9_18AWB4iIgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IFqSdocxAnY/WFdKl3X2k9I/AAAAAAAADE8/XWx2fjqf-YYUypQ5hErZKj9_18AWB4iIgCLcB/s400/IMG_2640.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dimensions Kit - Santa's Secret</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KVA1_oeC728/WFdLDDNEchI/AAAAAAAADFQ/_p9hY_aqghokxwvOXAYbWZD6mfpEQG1GgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KVA1_oeC728/WFdLDDNEchI/AAAAAAAADFQ/_p9hY_aqghokxwvOXAYbWZD6mfpEQG1GgCLcB/s400/IMG_2629.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seville - JCS magazine and Pumpkins on Parade by Carousel</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OKQrqsqXAhE/WFdLIVxiKLI/AAAAAAAADFU/dIitPOLuSwUmuumCo2DPGBGtiqEogla9QCLcB/s1600/IMG_2626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OKQrqsqXAhE/WFdLIVxiKLI/AAAAAAAADFU/dIitPOLuSwUmuumCo2DPGBGtiqEogla9QCLcB/s400/IMG_2626.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss Peepers - LHN<br />
BlueBird - Just Nan<br />
Underwater Lottery - Designs by Lisa<br />
Bunny and Basket of Flowers card - freebies from magazine<br />
Blubird pillowcase - embroidery design found online</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2V5STNTED0E/WFdKrLGUdII/AAAAAAAADFE/_-AdwBOnEyop0V7IbDSe7xHqmjv2JLUhQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2V5STNTED0E/WFdKrLGUdII/AAAAAAAADFE/_-AdwBOnEyop0V7IbDSe7xHqmjv2JLUhQCLcB/s400/IMG_2645.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red House in Winter - Little House Needleworks<br />
Peppermint - Little House Needleworks<br />
Tweet - Little House Needleworks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J2QW3BETIy0/WFdKuRXm3kI/AAAAAAAADFI/u1SKZ5vvZcs9UX3TyLmu0XHjvmyAQWLcgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J2QW3BETIy0/WFdKuRXm3kI/AAAAAAAADFI/u1SKZ5vvZcs9UX3TyLmu0XHjvmyAQWLcgCLcB/s400/IMG_2643.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final Finsishing of Pumpkins on Parade, and a couple of ornaments that were sitting in my "To Be Finished" Pile</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w7dc-EcwNDA/WFdKzp_d_0I/AAAAAAAADFM/KMSCYqVaHugLWLRXXHUa8QdKqzjiKFHYQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w7dc-EcwNDA/WFdKzp_d_0I/AAAAAAAADFM/KMSCYqVaHugLWLRXXHUa8QdKqzjiKFHYQCLcB/s400/IMG_2647.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From an old magazine - can't remember name of design or which magazine</td></tr>
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I'm sure there are more cross stitch updates to share, but these were all I could think of when I was taking some pictures today. <br />
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There haven't been very many cross stitch stash acquisitions this year. I ordered a few things from Traditional Stitches during their annual sale (see below pics).<br />
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And a second order from Traditional Stitches for a couple of charts that are being given to me as Christmas presents this year. These two charts have been on my wishlist for a very long time. I was so glad to finally be able to get them.</div>
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And finally, last but not least, an order from Herrschners for some $1.35 magazines and a few other sale items.<br />
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That's all I have for cross stitch updates for now. My next post will show a whole lot of sewing goodness! Hope you come back to check out my sewing updates tomorrow. :)</div>
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Thanks for visiting,</div>
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Karen</div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360696870772219311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25259637.post-33226330044675074892016-03-25T10:56:00.002-03:002016-03-25T10:56:51.977-03:00Stitchy Mojo struck again<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Since my last post, I've been a very busy stitcher. So busy in fact that I didn't stop to take time to post. When the stitchy mojo strikes I think I just have to go with it! ;)<div>
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I've been mostly working on The Seville Pillow from the Just Cross Stitch June 2015. I'm very happy with my progress, although a little bit tired of yellow. Here are the before and after pics:<div>
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My after picture shows almost the full first page of the pattern completed. This 6 page pattern is definitely a larger cross stitch pattern than I normally take on, but I've been enjoying every stitch.</div>
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I found a nice big piece of 36 count cream linen in my stash that worked perfectly for this project. The thread I chose is DMC 744. It's a nice soft yellow, but I dare say that I was getting a bit yellowed out after my last big stitching session. </div>
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I've also had a few smaller things on the go including a little bit of finishing. </div>
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First is Little Miss Muffet's Tuffet designed by Twisted Oak Designs and I managed to stitch and finish it in its entirety. Now, the stitchy gods were definitely on my side for this one. Can you believe I managed to find the perfect size paper mache box at the local Dollar store!?! </div>
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I didn't have any fabric in my stash that matched, so I went shopping with my Mom at the local fabric store (who just so happened to have a special sale on cottons that day). In the piles and piles of cottons that were on sale she eyed this cute blue cotton that matched perfectly! </div>
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I had an extra skein of the dark pink DMC floss in my stash that was used to make the cording and the little piece of lace came from a big bag of odds and ends of lace that I picked up at a garage sale a few years ago. So this was a super handy little box was a steal of a deal to final finish.</div>
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Next, is The Sweetheart Tree's Tiny Violet Sampler. I had the silver cable on order and was so happy when it arrived and I was able to stitch the final border. It is a beautiful design and I absolutely love it. It's just so sparkly!! :)<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kLhXYlqP5ZI/VvU9DrbhhjI/AAAAAAAACKQ/f6zLmYAmpuwbRVdYxIQ6lDa8D7rTliDQw/s1600/IMG_2481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kLhXYlqP5ZI/VvU9DrbhhjI/AAAAAAAACKQ/f6zLmYAmpuwbRVdYxIQ6lDa8D7rTliDQw/s320/IMG_2481.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Finally, I did a little bit of Easter stitching. The pink and green bunnies are from a little pattern called Bunny by The Sweetheart Tree and the middle design is Hop by Lizzie Kate. I decided to try my hand with grommets/eyelets, and I'm afraid I'm not overly happy with how they turned out. I really wish I had added a angled edge at the top to make them more tag-like, but I forgot to and I already had them mounted when I realized my mistake.<br />
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That's what I've got to show for all of my stitchy enthusiasm in the last month. Now, it's time for me to cross go and cross a a few more Xs while the mood is still with me. </div>
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Wishing all of you all of the best this Easter weekend!</div>
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Happy Easter!</div>
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Karen</div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360696870772219311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25259637.post-34241676315091285912016-02-22T10:40:00.002-04:002016-02-22T10:40:28.949-04:00A stitchy update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So, it's been awhile since I've posted a stitchy update. So here it goes:<div>
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I finished the Victoria Sampler needleroll into a needleroll. This is quite an accomplishment for me because I've never made one before. It really wasn't as difficult a finish as I anticipated either. :)</div>
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Victoria Sampler</div>
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September Birthday Sampler</div>
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Next, is an ornament that I've been wanting to stitch for a long time. I think this little reindeer is just so cute....</div>
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Serendipity Designs</div>
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Candy Cane Reindeer</div>
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JCS 2010 Christmas Issue</div>
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I've also been working on VS Biscornu Beautiful Finishing #4, Sweetheart Rose:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Since there are so many pieces to this, I've been working it in an assembly line type of fashion... IE: all of the Rhodes Hearts first... then comes the backstitching. Although, I did get a bit bored with the Rhodes Hearts and haven't stitched a few of the squares yet. Since it is such repetitive stitching, I've been taking lots of breaks and working on other things in between. </div>
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One thing that I've been working on that is a bit different for me is an embroidery piece. Using a piece of fabric that came off of some hemmed curtains, I decided to make an embroidered cushion. I traced a quilting stencil onto the fabric and have started Split Stitching the design. Here's a pic:</div>
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This fabric definitely isn't ideal stitching fabric. It's heavy and it has some sort of thermal backing becauase it is a piece of thermal curtains lol. No matter, I am pleased with how it's turned out so far. The light mauve thread is in the first picture because I've considered adding it to the design somehow.</div>
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And finally, I started a small little design that I can't remember the name of or even who designed it at this moment, but it will be a little topper for a circular box.</div>
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This is the first little triangular section that I've stitched. All of the little triangles will form a smallish circle and it will be fitted onto a 4" circular paper mache box cover. </div>
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This is probably one of the first patterns I ordered online, which means it has been waiting to be stitched for years. I've had it kitted up for ages and keep meaning to start it, but something else always gets my attention first. Well, this pretty little design is finally going to get it's time to shine. </div>
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Now, that's quite an update lol. Looking back it appears I've been stitching a lot more than it feels like I am and that's a good thing. :) </div>
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Wishing you lots of stitchy bliss,</div>
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Karen</div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360696870772219311noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25259637.post-6090564246246425022016-01-31T15:48:00.000-04:002016-01-31T15:48:00.288-04:00Victoria Sampler Birthday Needleroll<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last week I started and finished the stitching of the September Birthday Needleroll kit by Victoria Sampler. It's a really cute little blue sampler that will be hemstitched (maybe this week) and made into a needleroll. I don't think it will take much time for the final finishing, but hemstitching always takes me awhile to set up. <br />
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September Birthday Needleroll Kit</div>
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I'm not sure if I'll jump right into the hemstitching this week or if I'll work a little more on <a href="http://www.karenscolorfulcreations.com/2015/09/me-and-biscornu.html" target="_blank">this Victoria Sampler biscornu that I started here</a>. Some of my old WIPs are calling my name as well. I'd love to finish some older projects that I've had laying around for literally years, such as Around the World in 80 Stitches. </div>
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These days, I've been on a small kick and there always seems to be another small kit or design calling my name as one gets finished up. So, I need to decide to work on something a little bigger and maybe finish one of my BAPs up or work on some more smalls. Decisions decisions.... I also feel like playing with <a href="http://www.karenscolorfulcreations.com/2015/08/prick-and-pounce-and-hand-embroidery.html" target="_blank">prick and pounce set</a> again and transferring some more designs. </div>
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Well, it's time for me to get off this computer and get busy with some stitchin'. </div>
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Wishing you all a fantastic weekend!</div>
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Karen</div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360696870772219311noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25259637.post-26646054579908410832016-01-25T09:03:00.000-04:002016-01-25T09:04:09.119-04:00Some Finishing along with some Final Finishing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've been making good use of my stash lately doing up some little kits that I've had laying around for quite some time. The final finishing bug seems to have hit me too. I've been doing everything from covering buttons to lacing pieces for framing. Below are some pics.<br />
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The above little spool was a limited edition alphabet kit by Needle Work Press although it would be easy enough to kit something like this up oneself by using an old wooden spool and a bit of banding and choosing the alphabet font of your choice. I chose to stitch mine with Crescent Colours Bing Cherry and the butterfly button and the button on top both came from my stash.<br />
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Next, are the Covered Buttons designed by Jeanette Douglas. The kit came with three designs and all of the specialty threads needed to stitch them, but it only had one big button for the final finishing. The pendant was in my crafty stash for a couple of years now, waiting for the perfect design. I was really happy when I saw that the strawberry fit. I picked up a few covered buttons at my local fabric shop in the largest size I could find and was delighted that tulip would fit on one of them. The button that came with the kit is a bit larger so I had to play around to see which would fit on what. I've noticed a lot of these little covered buttons and pendants popping up over on Instagram and I can understand why. They are so quick and easy to make! I'm quite happy with how these three little designs turned out.<br />
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I should probably mention the little beaded felt strawberry as well. I made this up last summer. I have a few of the Just Nan mice kits in my stash and wanted to practice the finishing (which is more or less a strawberry) before make these little kits up. Unfortunately, this is the only one that turned out well. I plan on trying my hand at a few more though because they are pretty cute. :)<br />
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Finally, I did a little bit of framing. Both of these pieces were stitched quite awhile ago and laying in my "need to be finished" pile. The light green frame was one that I picked up at the Dollar store years ago (try to find a frame like that at the dollar store now!). <br />
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"Canada" was framed with a shadow box that I've had laying around for some time as well. I had a hard time getting this one to line up perfectly and if you look closely you can probably see that it's still a little crooked. After about an hour of playing around with it I gave up and decided it was good enough. It always surprises me at just how long it takes to lace up a design for framing, but it is so worth it in the end.<br />
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So, that's it for my little finishing spree. With all of my WIPs I shouldn't be searching for new projects, but I did. I've started a needleroll (another new finish for me) that shouldn't take too long to stitch up. No pics for now since there really isn't much to show. <br />
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Happy Monday! <br />
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Karen</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360696870772219311noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25259637.post-8289147832578434692016-01-16T19:11:00.000-04:002016-01-16T19:11:17.200-04:00First finish for 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Wow! Can you believe that not only is it 2016, but we're also half-way through January too! I dare say how time flies.... <br />
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I finished these Plum Pudding Needleart pieces a few days ago. Sometimes, it's so nice to work on monochromatic designs that don't require a whole lot of thought. These were fun and easy to do and really didn't take much stitching time at all.<br />
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Holiday Samplings</div>
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The candy cane was definitely my favourite, but I really like the Season's Greetings piece too. I used one of my favourite reds for these, DMC 115. They weren't finished in time for this past Christmas, but that gives me a whole year to get around to the final finishing, right? haha </div>
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Next up is an <i style="font-weight: bold;">"almost"</i> finish. That's one of those finishes where you just have a little bit left, but no thread in your stash that is suitable to complete it. <br />
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Tiny Spring Violet Sampler</div>
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The Sweetheart Tree</div>
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(The colours are really off in this picture. It is definitely a lot warmer in real life.)</div>
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The only part left to stitch is an Oblique Herringbone border that is stitched just along the inside of the deeper purple border. The pattern calls for Kreinik Silver Cable for this stitch. I've never heard of Silver Cable before, so I'm a little intrigued. An order will have to be placed for the missing thread which should be fun since I haven't placed one in awhile. :) </div>
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Finally, I'll talk about all that stuff everyone talks about this time of year: 2015 achievements and 2016 goals. I just browsed through my 2015 finishes and decided I wasn't that productive last year and I don't really have any goals for 2016. So, I'm not going to bother with all of that this year. I just want to have fun stitching and I'm not going to worry about how much I've completed or make any plans for finishing any particular projects. I'm just going to stitch what I feel like whenever I feel like it. :) </div>
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I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year! And I'm wishing you many happy stitches for 2016! </div>
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Karen</div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360696870772219311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25259637.post-53431624987456323032015-10-22T18:51:00.000-03:002015-10-22T18:51:16.685-03:00Happy Dancin'<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There's been lots of sewing going on these days, but not much stitching. I've been working on some Christmas presents and have managed to finish a collection of things for my daughter. <br />
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Below is a pic of everything I've made:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BChDXbVtza0/VilXbuM24TI/AAAAAAAACEU/WeR1zt2PAH8/s1600/IMG_2426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BChDXbVtza0/VilXbuM24TI/AAAAAAAACEU/WeR1zt2PAH8/s400/IMG_2426.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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At the bottom of this pile is the quilt that I talked about way back <a href="http://www.karenscolorfulcreations.com/2014/10/im-baaaaack.html" target="_blank">here</a> in 2014. Its been quilted and bound in the last few weeks. I've also made a table runner (thrown over the arm), a throw pillow and pillow insert for it, and finally a pillowcase (laying over the back of the chair). <br />
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I'm very pleased with how its all turned out and I hope she will like it when I give it to her for Christmas. :)</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360696870772219311noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25259637.post-67431897396950162642015-09-28T13:14:00.001-03:002015-09-28T13:16:40.841-03:00Me and a Biscornu<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
After my last <a href="http://www.karenscolorfulcreations.com/2015/09/some-fall-stitching.html" target="_blank">finish</a>, I went in search of what to work on next. What about all that stuff in my WIP pile, you say? They looked quite comfortable in that pile, so I thought I'd leave them there for now. In all honesty, I did glance at them, but just didn't feel like working on them.<br />
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I think Victoria Sampler is my go to designer when I'm in doubt of what to do next. I love how detailed their instructions are and I have a huge collection of their patterns. Since I haven't worked on anything VS this year, it seemed like a good idea. So, I went to my bin of patterns and found the VS file folder (its really quite thick) and decided on a cute little pattern called Bisornuments.<br />
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I thought this is perfect. The little biscornus would be a perfect way to learn how to make one. I'm probably the only one left that has never made a biscornu (my finishing skills really need some work). And these are just so cute, don't you think? These are designed by Linda Rosser for VS.<br />
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So, I then proceeded to read through the pattern and I thought, "Wait a second! I have the Beautiful Finsihing pattern for Biscornus." And off I went to find it.<br />
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This has complete coloured instructions on how to finish all three biscornus (15 sided, 6 sided and 2 sided). So, I thought this will be my next project! So, then I went in search of some suitable fabric. All I can say is I had no idea these little cuties would need so much fabric. To make the pattern work out right, I need to stick with the 28 ct and I really wanted to use whatever I had in my stash.<br />
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This is what I found:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d4Hu78tI3vQ/VglfwqmWk9I/AAAAAAAACD8/JXT3EV2s9PQ/s1600/IMG_2423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d4Hu78tI3vQ/VglfwqmWk9I/AAAAAAAACD8/JXT3EV2s9PQ/s400/IMG_2423.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">28ct Antique Ivory Cashel Linen</td></tr>
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Unfortunately, the picture doesn't show the colour as well as I'd like, but it is 28 ct Antique Ivory Cashel Linen. This was the only suitable fabric that I had enough of for all three biscornus. I really want them to be a matching set. The threads won't be as prominent as they are on the antique white fabric used in the pattern, but I think it works well enough.<br />
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After finding the linen, the next step was to cut it. I needed 21 4" squares and 2 8" squares for all three biscornus. As you can see from the above pic there is quite a big stack of pieces there. The whole process of picking out the pattern, fabric and cutting it took a few nights lol. I don't think I've put this much effort into the preparation and planning of a project in quite some time.<br />
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At this point, the threads and ribbon are sorted and the stitching is started. One square is finished and the second one is started. I think this will take a few months to stitch since it's taken this long to get this far. I really can't wait to start the finishing though! <br />
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Do you have a finishing technique that you have wanted to try, but never got around to it or felt confident enough to do it? I think the biscornu, for me, is a bit of feeling like I never enough time to really sit down and try it and a lack of confidence in my abilities to do it nicely. I also think the the needleroll is something I've been putting off. Maybe it will be next. :)<br />
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Well, we've been having some beautiful fall weather this week and the leaves are really starting to change. As much as I hate the idea of what follows fall (<i>snow</i>) I love the cooler temperatures and bright clear days that this season brings. <br />
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Have a great week!<br />
Karen</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360696870772219311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25259637.post-5291572635002532282015-09-25T21:37:00.001-03:002015-09-25T21:37:34.214-03:00Some Fall Stitching<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Temperatures are really starting to dip around here. Today, I don't think it went above 15 Celsius. While stitching away in my stitching room tonight I had to put on a big warm sweater and <i>almost</i> turned the heat on. We always try to wait until October before turning the heat on, but it's been a challenge these past couple of nights.<div>
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With the changing season, I've had the urge to stitch something Fall-like. Although, after going through my stash, I realized I don't have a whole lot of Fall themed stash. But I did find a freebie that I printed off a few years ago which could easily be converted to Fall colours. You can still get the pattern on the <a href="http://www.dmc-usa.com/Inspiration/Projects/Color-Variations-Cross-Stitch/Falling-Leaves.aspx" target="_blank">DMC website for free</a>. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DMC Freebie: Falling Leaves<br />28 ct neutral linen<br />Colours converted to:<br /> WDW Celadon, GAST Cranberry and Gold Leave<br />Beads 03024</td></tr>
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(Sorry for the shadowy pic. I didn't realize it had such a bad shadow until I enlarged it here.) </div>
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I think this would be really cute stitched over one. When I first picked it up that was the first thing I thought, but after careful consideration (about 2 minutes of pondering) I decided to do it over 2 instead. I also like the DMC colour variations threads that the pattern calls for, but for this occasion I felt like making it more for Fall-like.</div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360696870772219311noreply@blogger.com6