SamSarah Stitching and Quilting Blog

January Counted Thread

2012-01-14T08:04:00.000-06:00

Good Morning!

I've been busy this new year, just like everyone else, and so I'm finally posting the new designs for January (when I'm about to send the update to shops about the new designs for February!!)

The Farmer's Market Veggie series is nearing completion with this, the fifth design in the series, Fresh Okra. I must admit, I don't even like Okra! Something about that slime just pushes me back from the table. However, it's a cute little veggie and the name fits in the space, so it made the cut for inclusion in this series! (Sorry broccoli, your name is too long!)

chart 9038
Farmer's Market:
Fresh Okra

This piece, stitched in a row with the four previous designs, is on Weeks Dye Works 30 count Straw over-dyed linen, using over-dyed floss from Crescent Colours, The Gentle Art and Weeks Dye Works, and embellished with fun glass beads and millefiore "bugs." We packaged up the beads for each section of the banner to make it easy to embellish. Just add an "A" to the front of the chart number to order the accoutrement pack (A-9038.)

I've been having so much fun with the Farmer's Market series and there is one more chart, releasing in February, to complete it. Thanks so much for stitching along with me!

bonus Okra
soft-sculpture

Every chart in this series has a bonus soft-sculpture piece of fruit or vegetable. This cute little Okra is stitched and stuffed with a bit of wool roving. Complete finishing instructions are included.

I keep all my pieces on the kitchen island in a oversized glass canning jar. I love to see them all collected and the jar keeps them safe from splatters from my cook top. Makes me smile every time I walk by!

chart p058
Daily Life:
Come Home Early!

Also new for January, the Daily Life series continues with Come Home Early! This is the fifth little Pearl chart that surrounds the Garden Daily center design.

Our series is stitched on Weeks Dye Works 30 count Blue Jeans linen using over-dyed floss from Crescent Colours and embellished with our cute collection of colorful buttons.

Seven more Pearls will be released in this series to complete the design. I'm only three charts ahead of you, but am trying to get it all stitched before the next trade show in Nashville at the end of February. That's plenty of time, but I have lots of other pieces in the works as well, so fingers crossed I'll get if finished and framed.

This design has been so rewarding to stitch. I usually don't use a hoop or Q-snap to stitch, preferring instead to just hold the linen in my hand. But this one is forcing me to use a giant Q-snap to keep it straight and square. That's how much I love it!

Well, back to stitching, before the rest of the family wakes up! I'm working on a new designs to debut in Nashville. Have a great Saturday and make some time to be creative today!

New Quilts!

2011-12-24T14:37:00.002-06:00

Well, Patrick Lose put a little fire under me . . . to get my new quilts out there for everyone to see. Thank you! We all need a little push once in a while (me, more often than most!)

It seems Quilt Market is not good for my mom's health! My first market in Salt Lake City was in May and one week after I returned, my husband and I went over to her apartment to deliver groceries and found her on the bathroom floor where she had spent the night. Everything comes to a stand still when caring for a loved one, but fortunately she recovered with a week in the hospital, a month in the care center and a move to assisted living.

Fast forward to the second Quilt Market in Houston in October. Two weeks before market, when you never leave the sewing machine - not even to sleep - mom fell and broke her hip and pelvis. That was at 3 on a Friday afternoon - not the best time to need emergency surgery in a small town hospital. They pulled in people, and kept people and finished her up at 2:30 in the morning. Luckily they put her back together with three screws instead of a hip replacement. With a lot of hard work on her part, she is now out of the care center (in for two months this time) and back in her assisted living apartment. She's in a wheel chair a lot, but is working on using her walker more. She uses it to walk to the dining room all by herself!

So - I only had the cover quilts completed for market (sewing on binding in the hotel room on set-up night.) The companion pieces to round out each book waited until I returned and received some of the wonderful supplies I ordered at market. Finally, all four books were printed. I opened the final book last Friday, only to discover, every other page was upside down. Seems their press had stopped after only 20 books were printed and they had to call in the tech. After he left, they commenced printing without checking (because it was set up correctly in the beginning.) Anyway - the final book is at the printers again as I write, and I hope to have it before the New Year.

I was waiting until everything was ready, but my friend Patrick made me realize, I better get this info out to you now. Books will be here soon and you can ask your favorite shop to order for you.

Mister Bennett's Neighbors

book 1004 Mister Bennett's Neighbors

This quilt title came along in a round-about way. At first glance you might think I'm a huge Jane Austen fan. While her books do reside on my kindle, I have not taken the time (yet!) to read all the way through even one.

I always have a working title in mind, but it just wasn't fitting this quilt. I happened across this Pride and Prejudice quote and knew it was perfect. How many of us are guilty of taking walks in the neighborhood and commenting on the state of our neighbors gardens, or the behavior of their children and pets. It's not like my own are perfect! It just made me laugh that some things never change.

This book is 24 pages and contains full size patterns for the 44 inch square cover quilt, pictured above as well as a small companion banner that fits perfectly on an Ackfeld banner stand.

bonus Home Banner included in book 1004

Home Banner is made from one house block, surrounded by 20 smaller blocks to finish at 13-1/2" square. I used fusible applique, finished with a machine blanket stitch for all projects in the book. I think hand applique would be lovely as well!

Also included in the book are idea pages with layouts for a table runner, a pillow, and a simpler version of the Home Banner with blank border blocks for signatures of neighbors. A perfect going away gift.

This book is available now from either SamSarah or Hoffman Distributing Company. I'll be submitting all the books to other distributors, just as soon as I receive the final book from the printer.

Pretty Maids

book 1005 Pretty Maids

I love using lots of different fabrics to create each quilt. Charm packs, layer cakes and similar sampler tidbits make it so easy to get small amounts of lots of different fabrics.

They also introduce you to new color combinations that may be different from what you'd pick out on your own. It's good to step out of your cozy zone! Of course, if you have lots of scraps around from other projects, this makes a great way to use them.

The cover quilt, pictured at left, finishes to 42-1/2" wide by 46-1/2" tall. It is pieced, appliqued with fusible adhesive, machine blanket stitched, embroidered and has buttons added for ladybug spots. Lady bug legs and antenna were added with a fabric marker (this was done the night before I left for market!) A bit of embroidery could used instead.

Pretty Maids Placemat

Bonus Projects:

Pretty Maids Wine Gift Bag
with Beverage Coasters

One of my friends saw the quilt in progress and commented that it would look great hanging in her breakfast room. So, I had to make placemats, drink coasters and a wine gift bag to match (not that my friend drinks wine with breakfast!) There is even a gift tag pattern to add to your greetings.

The placemat is created with fusible applique, topped with iron-on matte finish vinyl and quilted around each shape. Makes for speedy clean-up after breakfast.

The coasters are made from terry cloth and backed with iron-on vinyl topped fabric to help protect your table, while still absorbing condensation.

Pretty Cool Banner

I just love this Ackfeld stand, so I made another banner for it. The stand sits on a table in my entry and I just change the banners with the season.

For Pretty Cool Banner, I used one block from the cover quilt and added border blocks to the sides. For those of us who lived through the 60's, the colors and shapes just remind us all that everything old is new again.

All patterns are full-size in this 24 page book.

This is the book that is currently at the printer, but it will be available very soon! I'll be shipping it to Hoffman Distributing just as soon as possible.

Poppy Paparazzi

book 1006 Poppy Paparazzi

I received a wonderful bundle of Red Rooster fat quarters from the Paparazzi collection, and challenged myself to use every fabric at least one, in one project. I think I had a couple of fabrics left when the quilt was completed, but this bright and cheerful quilt just makes me smile. It's 37-1/2" square.

Because I only had fat quarters, piecing the borders was necessary. But since I love to use ten fabrics when one would do, I'm happy with the results!

There are lots of layers appliqued on top of each other, so it can become a little stiff if you use regular weight fusible. You can use HeatnBond Feather Light fusible adhesive, or do a bit of extra cutting and remove the center of the web shape before fusing it to the back of the fabric (I vote for the feather light!!)

Poppy iPad case

Bonus:
I bought myself an iPad to use at trade shows and it just cried out for a protective case.

I used fusible fleece on the back of the fabric, iron-on vinyl on the top of the fabric to help keep it clean in my bag and one of the flowers from the quilt for embellishment.

Each layer of the flower is constructed separately and sewn to the flap of the bag with a giant over-dyed button from Hillcreek Designs. This one fits my iPad, but you could easily adjust the dimensions to fit whatever device you have.

Poppy Paparazzi book contains 16 pages with full-size patterns and complete instructions. It's available from SamSarah or Hoffman Distributing.

Can't See the Forest

book 1007 Can't See the Forest

Sometimes I can't see the forest for the trees! Autumn is my favorite time of year. Besides all the beautiful colors in the leaves, the sky seems a whole lot bluer. It just makes me want to be outside, cleaning up my gardens for winter.

Since I'm busy getting ready for quilt market during this beautiful time, I was feeling a little bit sorry for myself being stuck in the house. And then I realized how lucky I am to have this incredible job. So I decided to make my own leaves and trees on the sewing machine. The cover quilt, pictured at left, is 39-1/2" square.

Jump In Banner

The colors on the cover quilt were a big jump out of my cozy zone. I'm just not that subtle, but I know lots of my friends like a more neutral palette, so I gave it a whirl and I like the results. That's the beauty of making a quilt. You can take a pattern and make it all your own just by changing up the fabrics.

Next, I made the Jump In banner for my Ackfeld stand to use in my entry in the fall. This is more like me! And I'm always ready to "jump in" the leaves.

After all that raking leaves and cleaning out garden beds, you might be feeling a bit tired. So I made a big Lay in the Leaves pillow to toss on the floor or curl up on the sofa for a nap.

Lay in the Leaves Pillow

This pillow is made from four quilt blocks with a couple of borders. Some of the fabrics are scraps from the cover quilt.

It's quilted with fusible fleece and sewn into a pillow cover with a zipper in the back. I used a 24" pillow form and stuffed a bit of extra fiber in the corners to fill it out nicely. Finished size is 23-1/2" square.

After your nap, you might enjoy a meal on a Dine in the Woods Placemat. I reduced the tree motif, turned it a bit and placed three in a row. A couple of bird friends are enjoying a chat while waiting for a bug or worm to appear.

Dine in the Woods Placemat

This placemat features a border of pieced squares on the top and bottom with fusible applique for the trees and birds. There is no need to finish the edges of the applique because iron-on vinyl tops it all.

After the vinyl is applied and the backing is added, quilt around the shapes to define them.

Can't See the Forest is a 16 page book with full size patterns and complete instructions. It's currently available from SamSarah and Hoffman Distributing.

I'll be submitting the four new books to various distributors next week. Since many shops are closed between Christmas and the New Year for inventory, it may take a bit before they arrive in your favorite shop. If you see something you like, please ask your shop to order it for you. My four previous designs are also available from United Notions.

SamSarah only sells wholesale to independent quilt and needle art shops. Please be sure to support them!

Happy Holiday to everyone!
Patti

Yikes! A chart error!

2011-12-11T15:00:00.001-06:00

An alert stitcher contacted me today to let me know of a mistake on the new Daily Life: Lasso the Moon! chart. Thank you Candace!! I really proof read a lot, but I think I may need a fresh pair of eyes to look as well.

p056 Daily Life:
Lasso the Moon!

Here's the info:
In the symbol key, there is an open heart symbol (which is for the color clay pot) but it is not used in the chart. So just ignore that.

While I was looking at the chart to figure out why I had done that, I noticed an even more urgent correction. I hope no one has stitched this part yet (and I beg your forgiveness if you have.) I changed the floss color on the outer circles in the corners to Wild Berry and neglected to change the symbol on the chart. The chart symbol is for Ora's Iris and that is not a match to the photo on the cover. I am sorry I made that error and failed to catch it before it went to the printer.

If you are a stitcher with this chart, please write these corrections on your chart. Any charts shipped after today from SamSarah will have a correction sticker, however, there are several hundred charts out there that were shipped before I realized the mistake was made. If you have friends who are also working on this, please let them know.

If you are a shop owner, please print this out and include it with the chart. Once again, my humble apology. If you have a group of stitchers working on this series, please alert them. Fingers crossed this is the last time I do this.

Now, un-cross your fingers and have fun stitching.

Happy December!

2011-12-04T07:08:00.001-06:00

This year has gone by as fast and furious as a run down a double diamond ski slope (which I would never attempt - I'm more of a bunny slope girl.) Hoping to catch a break soon so I can clean out some of the stuff set aside for "later!" Yeah, right!

Anyway, hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are happily working on hand made gifts and decorations for your home.

Our new counted thread designs releasing for December are:

Farmer's Market: Fresh Onion, contains both the banner section (that coordinates with five other designs) as well as a bonus soft sculpture Onion wedge.

Chart 9037
Fresh Onion Banner

Fresh Onion is the fourth chart in the series, which we are stitching all in a row on Weeks Dye Works 30 count Straw linen, using two strands of over-dyed floss from Crescent Colours, The Gentle Art and Weeks Dye Works.

We have embellished each section with our collection of glass beads and will place the finished banner in a frame from East Side Mouldings.

Two more veggies remain to complete this fun series (just in time to begin some new fun at the Nashville Cash 'n Carry market!)

Chart 9037 Bonus
Onion Wedge soft Sculpture

On the same chart is our delicious Onion Wedge soft sculpture. This one is stitched on 28 count gingham over-dyed in Light Khaki by Weeks Dye Works.

Onion Wedge is stitched with two strands of over-dyed floss from Crescent Colours and Weeks Dye Works. Simple finishing instructions are included in the chart.

Chart p056
Lasso the Moon!

Daily Life marches on! Number five in our 13 part series is Lasso the Moon!

This series began with a full size chart - 9040 Garden Daily which was stitched in the center of a large piece of Weeks Dye Works 30 count Blue Jeans linen, using two strands of over-dyed floss from Crescent Colours. Each month a smaller "pearl" size chart is released to surround the center.

We found the most colorful over-dyed buttons and packaged them up to go with each design. When the piece is completed, we will frame it in a wonderful East Side Mouldings frame.

Each segment of this design can also stand alone if you're looking for a quicker stitch or a special gift for someone.

I've been stitching on the remaining sections of this series, and realized I was excited about it all over again. This is one of my favorite series (so far!)

Quilt Market news: I have not forgotten about posting the new quilts from Houston Quilt Market! It seems every time I go to quilt market, my mother falls and ends up in the hospital. This time she broke her hip and pelvis, had emergency surgery late on a Friday night, spent a week in the hospital and has been in the care center until yesterday.

The good news is she has been working very hard on her physical therapy and has recovered enough that we moved her back to her assisted living apartment. Fingers crossed that she is happy there.

I have a couple more projects to finish before the fourth book released at market goes to the printer (hoping to get in a good solid day of sewing today!) I'd wanted to wait until all of the books are complete to post photos, so if you saw something you'd like to have, it would be available immediately at your local quilt shop.

Since I've had little time to work, I'll post the one that is currently available, and hopefully next week, all the others will come up. Thanks for your patience!!

Quilt book 1004 Mr. Bennett's Neighbors

The quote embroidered in the borders is from Pride and Prejudice, "For what do we live, but to make sport of our neighbors, and laugh at them in our turn." Some things never change! This book also contains a second design that fits an Ackfeld table banner stand.

Hope your next few weeks are calm and bright!
Patti

Fresh Peas to Stitch

2011-11-03T18:02:00.003-05:00

November brings even more veggie fun with the third release in the six-part vegetable series of Farmer's Market.

Fresh Peas, like the previous charts contains both the banner section and a bonus soft sculpture vegetable.

Chart 9036
Fresh Peas Banner

We are stitching our banner with all six sections in a row (but you could stitch yours separately and frame them individually!)

Ours is stitched over two, on Weeks Dye Works 30 count Straw linen, using two strands of over-dyed floss from Crescent Colours, The Gentle Art and Weeks Dye Works.

We embellished the piece with our collection of glass beads - we love our millefiori bugs - and the finished stitching will be placed in a frame from East Side Mouldings.

Chart 9036
Pea Pod soft sculpture

On the same chart is this darling Pea Pod soft sculpture. Three Peas in a Pod is stitched on Weeks Dye Works 28 count Scuppernong over-dyed gingham linen. We used over-dyed floss from Crescent Colours and The Gentle Art.

Simple and complete finishing instructions are included in the chart - and yes, you can do this!

Chart p055
Growl When Needed!

Daily Life, our 13 part series, continues this month with Growl When Needed!

The series is stitched on one piece of Weeks Dye Works 30 count Blue Jeans linen with over-dyed floss from Crescent Colours. We packaged up the most colorful over-dyed buttons we could find for each section of the design and the finished piece will be placed in a frame from East Side Mouldings.

Each section of the series can also be stitched by itself and framed individually. The center is presented in full size chart 9040 Garden Daily. The surrounding pearl size charts are released one each month. Growl When Needed is the third of 12 pearls.

I just returned from the fall quilt market in Houston, so will post about that in a few days. In the meantime, find some time to stitch or quilt or create something beautiful each day!

Always Have Fun!
Patti

Keeping Vampires at Bay

2011-10-06T06:14:00.001-05:00

Good Morning!

I've had my head down at the sewing machine working on new pieces for quilt market. Lots of fun! And lots more to do before I leave!

But October brings new Counted Thread patterns as well. Our two new series, Farmer's Market Veggie Stand and Daily Life, continue this month with the release of Fresh Garlic and Tweet Your Song!

chart 9035 Fresh Garlic Banner

With Halloween at the end of the month, it's the perfect time to stitch Fresh Garlic! Great protection from little vampires (but they'll still want lots of candy.)

For the Farmer's Market banner, I'm stitching all six sections in a row on Weeks Dye Works 30 count Straw linen using two strands of over-dyed cotton floss from Crescent Colours, The Gentle Art and Weeks with accoutrements we've collected and packaged for you.

I love the bug that just landed on the garlic! Each Millefiori bead is unique, so all the bugs will look ever so slightly different.

When all six sections are stitched, we'll place this in a frame from East Side Mouldings - same as our Fruit Stand frame.

chart 9035 bonus Garlic soft-sculpture

All the Farmer's Market charts have a bonus soft-sculpture piece of fruit or vegetable included. This time it's a whole bulb of garlic. Ours is stitched on Weeks 28 count Light Khaki gingham. Stitch up a bunch and string them into a necklace to wear on Halloween (just kidding!)

Finishing instructions are included in every chart.

Daily Life series began with the center square from chart 9040 Garden Daily and the first of the Pearl size charts, Shine On! that encircle the center. The second Pearl is now available at your favorite shop, Tweet Your Song!

chart p-054 Tweet Your Song!

While I'm not yet Tweeting, our little bird is not shy about sharing what she has to say. I am stitching the entire series on a piece of Weeks Dye Works 30 count Blue Jeans linen using floss from Crescent Colours and embellished with over-dyed buttons we have packaged for each chart.

Each piece of the series can also be stitched individually and finished as a stand alone piece. The pearl size designs make especially nice small pieces to stitch for gifts.

Our completed stitching will be placed in a frame from East Side Mouldings.

Hope you find something you'd love to stitch. Remember to support your local shop and our whole industry.

I've had a few questions about how to attach our letter buttons. Complete instructions are included in the patterns that feature them, but very soon, I'll post a photo tutorial to make the process even easier. Just have to drag myself away from the sewing machine, and I'm having way too much fun there!

Have a great day and thanks for stitching!
Patti

Busy Baltimore

2011-08-24T08:36:00.000-05:00

Good Morning!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all the shops and vendors attending the TNNA Fall Market in Baltimore. Because of you, SamSarah had our best cash and carry show ever! We were slammed both days, and sadly we made mistakes on some of the sales slips. I apologize for that, and think everything is corrected now. I'm looking at ways to check out faster and more accurately in the future! Thank you Heather G for all your hard work making our suite look great and catching some of my mistakes!

So - what were we selling in this busy, busy suite? Lots and lots! Ten new designs were released and I could not have finished in time without the wonderful help of friends. I've listed their names by the pieces they stitched.

A Day@Home series completed with Thursday Afternoon and Saturday Evening. A Day@Home kits contain the chart, over-dyed floss and hand-dyed embellishments. You select your fabric and frame. Beautifully stitched by Karen S!

9020 Thursday Afternoon kit

9021 Saturday Evening kit

Two more stockings joined the six already in the line (our family keeps growing - yippee!) Presenting Kitty Kitty Stocking and Puppy Stocking. Both are stitched with Caron Collection Watercolours on Weeks Dye Works 20 count over-dyed linen. Button letters personalize each and shops can order individual letters from SamSarah. Simple sewing instructions are included on each chart. Thank you Karen G for stitching both! (These are actually easier to sew when someone else stitches them for me, because my stitching tends to make the piece lean to the right.)

9029 Kitty Kitty Stocking

9030 Puppy Stocking

Four new mesh bags debuted (and I actually stitched them myself!) All are stitched with three strands of floss over one on Walker mesh bags. SamSarah has the accoutrement packs for the heart buttons, the individual letters and the zipper pulls. We sold lots of charts to Needlepoint shops who plan to stitch them with all those wonderful fibers they stock.

9031 Fresh Mesh - Halloween

9032 Fresh Mesh - Monogram

Our companion to last spring's Harried Hare arrived in style. Scurrying Squirrel delivers a load of colorful acorns on his Indian-corn-mobile. Plus soft-sculpture Indian Corn are included on the same leaflet. All finishing instructions are included. The framed piece was stitched by Judy P, and Karen S rescued me with her lovely stitching on the bottom two Indian Corn soft sculptures.

9033 Scurrying Squirrel

9033 bonus Indian Corn

Farmer's Market fans can celebrate the beginning of Veggie Stand. Chart one in a series of six is Fresh Beet. We are stitching ours all in a row with over-dyed floss on 30 count Weeks Straw linen. Accoutrement packs are available for each chart in the series. A bonus soft-sculpture veggie is included with each release. Our beet is stitched on Aztec Red gingham linen and topped with an over-dyed wool leaf. Thank you Diane A for stitching the banner section! I think you'll be able to tell when I stitch the next section myself! My stitching is not nearly as lovely. Farmer's Market charts and accoutrements are available to be shipped monthly on the SamSarah auto.

9034 Farmer's Market: Fresh Beet banner

9034 Farmer's Market: Fresh Beet soft-sculpture

A brand new year-long series was introduced in Baltimore. Daily Life begins with a full size chart for a six inch center block. Twelve pearl size charts will release, one each month, to surround the center. All would look wonderful on their own, but we are stitching ours on one 18" square of Weeks 30 count Blue Jeans linen. The first pearl was also released in Baltimore. Each is embellished with tiny hand-dyed buttons. Daily Life charts and accoutrements are also available to ship at the same time as Farmer's Market on our auto. This is one I'm stitching myself, because I change my mind on colors so much!

9040 Daily Life: Garden Daily 6" centerpiece

p053 Daily Life: Shine On!

As soon as we can get the website updated, there will be lots more info available including the complete list of floss needed for the entire series (it's also listed on the first chart.)

My gratitude for all my friends helping me get ready is endless. You are all awesome!

If you see something you'd like to stitch, please support your local needlework shop.

Next up is Quilt Market at the end of October. As soon as I can get my office and shipping room straightened, I'll be starting on quilts. I have lots of ideas flying around my head, and some fun fabric waiting to be cut.

Have a wonderful day!
Patti

Let's Finish up the Fruit Stand!

2011-08-20T05:43:00.000-05:00

Good Morning!

I just looked at the last post and saw I had promised to post photos of the apple. Got crazy busy getting ready for the Baltimore TNNA market and completely forgot. So without further rambling on my part, here it is!

chart 9027 Fresh Apple

Also on the same chart is the apple wedge shown here:

chart 9027 bonus Apple Wedge

And that sweet friends completes the Fruit stand series of Farmer's Market.

I know you're wanting to see the new releases from Baltimore, and many of you have found them elsewhere online - BUT - I just finally got the new stuff sent out to my email list of shops, so I'll post all the fun new designs for everyone to see in a day or two. Thanks for your patience!

Stitch On!
Patti

Farmer's Market finish

2011-07-26T09:09:00.000-05:00

Good Morning!

I shipped the final chart in the Fruit Stand series to my awesome auto shops last Tuesday - so some of you already own it! Distributors will have the chart for August 1 and I'll post the Fresh Apple photos then.

I'm so excited to finish and frame the banner that I just had to share it today. Ta Da!

The Farmer's Market Fruit Stand series

There are six charts in the series with each chart containing a segment of the banner, plus a stitched soft-sculpture piece of fruit. The frame is from East Side Mouldings - love that girly white finish!

Hope you have enjoyed stitching this series. Stitching away on LOTS if new pieces for Baltimore TNNA market in two weeks - so back to work. Love my job!

Have a great day!
Patti

Happy Independence Day!

2011-07-04T18:43:00.000-05:00

I recently published a design depicting the original wording of our Pledge of Allegiance, as it was written in 1892. This has caused quite a bit of unexpected and unintended controversy.

I Pledge Allegiance Sampler

I set out to do a piece on the pledge, and when researching the date it was written, discovered it has undergone several changes over the years. I don’t remember learning this in school. It’s quite possible it was presented in American history, but, as I was often drawing pictures in the margins of my mimeograph handout, I may have missed it.

The date the original version was written coincides with the time frame of my fictional stitcher, Sadie Stuart. (Sadie was created to give me an outlet to design and stitch pieces outside of my usual whimsical style.) This sampler is the result of my finally learning this bit of our history.

I originally taught the sampler at a large retreat in upstate New York. Everyone loved it. In fact, many of the stitchers were also unaware of the history of the pledge and were happy to learn it. Not one person voiced a concern about the wording.

This month I released it as a pattern for everyone. A page is included in the chart to give the history and changes to the original words. Photos of this sampler were posted online by my distributor as well as many shops. And that is when the emails started arriving.

Some were disappointed, some were insulted, some were outraged that I had “left God out of the pledge.” All the writers assumed I was making a social, religious, or political statement. It never occurred to me that a piece of our history would be misconstrued in this way. The recent pledge controversy at the US Open was brought to my attention by one of the writers. That incident completely missed my radar, as I spend little time watching television.

I am glad people stand up for their beliefs. It is, after all, one of the cornerstones of our independent country. It is just the assumption that is wrong. To remedy the misconception, I began replying to each email, letting them know that this was, in fact, our original pledge as written in 1892 by Baptist minister, Francis Bellamy. I explained the five alterations we have made to his original text, mostly to clarify to which flag and country we are pledging our allegiance, and the final change in 1954, while Eisenhower was President, Congress added the “under God” portion. I finished with my personal apology for offending the writer. I also addressed a letter to the shop owners so they would know the true content of this piece and could respond to any concerns from their customers.

Most have written back and told me they were unaware this was the original pledge and jumped to the conclusion that this was just another attack on their beliefs. Some have even written heartfelt apologies for misjudging me. I appreciate the time they took to write.

Others write back and continue to believe that I have shown “blatant disrespect of our nation, our freedoms, and our God.” They believe I should only use the pledge as it is written today. I realize I will never alter their opinion of my motives or of me.

Stated here is the true nature of my beliefs: I love our country, our freedom and our right to choose our religion. I would never set out to say, imply or publish anything to the contrary. My regret is that this was taken to represent something it does not. I respect our history and am proud of the piece I have created.

I will not be making any further comments on this subject.

Sincerely,
Patti Connor

Plays with Fabric

2011-06-23T11:01:00.000-05:00

Remember way back in May, I went to Quilt Market? Well it was awesome! I took a friend to help set up the booth and talk to shop owners. We had such a great time, saw old friends and made lots of new ones. It was rather overwhelming to have so many people say so many nice things (and back it up with orders!) Thank you everyone!

We flew home on a Monday afternoon, the next day was our youngest son Sam's birthday. In between unpacking and loads of laundry, I got to enjoy a lunch out with Sam and his sweet girlfriend. The next day I took my mom to a doctor on the other side of St. Louis, which always seems to take most of the day. Thursday and Friday, I got in two solid days of cross-stitch work finalizing two charts and sending them off to the printer.

And on Saturday, when delivering mom's groceries, we found her lying on the bathroom floor where she had spent the night. Needless to say, posting quilt market photos to my blog took a back seat. I'm happy to report she is now adjusting to assisted living after her journey through the ER, hospital, care center, and a disorienting move. And that explains my long silence on the new quilts. The silence is officially broken!

book 1000 Resolutions

Presenting my first quilt book entitled Resolutions. In the final days of last year, I was thinking about all the things I wanted to do, improve and accomplish in the next year - but I didn't want the usual vague list of resolutions (the ones that end up abandoned by mid month.) So these are "Patti Resolutions" like bake fat pies or growl when needed and are presented in some very delicious fabrics from Moda, including part of a collection from our friends at Blackbird Designs.

This quilt was started in my home studio, blanket stitched while on a retreat at Kinderhook (with a borrowed sewing machine since mine went on strike the first night - and I'm still apologizing to my fellow retreaters for all my whining,) and finished with a loaner sewing machine from my Bernina dealer while she repaired and cleaned mine. Even though I did all the sewing, many people contributed to this quilt! Thanks to Rosemary's Quilts, Fancyworks and all the quilters who didn't pay attention to my muttering!

This book is 32 pages, contains all the full size drawings for the applique, including the oversize insert for the center block, complete instructions, plus three extra projects made from individual blocks.

Eat well lunch tote

Take Naps nap pillow and Hold On sachet

Note all the awesome over-dyed rick rack thanks to Sharon Crescent. Nearly available from Crescent Colours - rick rack in four sizes, chenille and cotton lace trims in colors to match her lovely floss - ask at your favorite shop!

Have a little lunch, take a nap and enjoy the scents of lavender from your garden!

Second book up is a familiar look if you been stitching SamSarah stockings. Presenting the second quilt book, Eight Stockings.

book 1001 Eight Stockings

We keep adding to our family (hurray!) and I wanted all our stockings to match, because it seems like we've always been together. I knew the designs would work great as applique, but the fabrics made them even better than I imagined.

This 24 page book contains all the full size drawings, pattern for the stocking and a complete alphabet to personalize each.

While at Kinderhook, we went into nearby Hannibal Missouri and shopped at a great quilt shop, Hickory Sticks. Room after room of fabulous fabric plus really nice staff made burning up a credit card a real possibility. I tried to maintain a bit of self control, but this fat eighth pack of fabric from French General just jumped off the table and landed in my arms. This fabric, plus a few greens from my local shop, Sweet Annies Quilt Shoppe, inspired my first quilt pattern.

Presenting Pieced and Appliqued Pom Pom Garden.

pattern 1002 Pom Pom Garden

Even though the fabric inspired me to design this quilt, I think it would look great in any line of fabric. Bernina Sewing Center in Lake Mary, Florida bought this pattern at market to teach a class using the Bernina cutting tool and appliqueing with the machines decorative stitches. Great idea and I can't wait to see it! This pattern includes color cover, shopping list, full size drawing for applique and complete instructions for piecing and finishing. All pages enclosed in the familiar 6 x 9 hanging bag.

Rounding out our offerings for Spring Quilt Market is my third book, How Many Days?

book 1003 How Many Days? wall quilt

Once again at Hickory Sticks, a fabric would not let me pass by. This charm pack of 5" squares makes a great year round wall quilt with a secret hidden within the batting. Come the holidays and 25 little squares easily attach to create an advent calendar. Will it stop the oft-repeated question, How Many Days? Of course not! But it will be fun to add a square each day and watch the time go by.

book 1003 How Many Days? individual ornaments

Those who stitch may recognize my similar cross-stitch design, Twenty-five Days. I love the cross-stitch version (chart 8982,) and it's fun to see it interpreted in cotton prints. This 16 page book contains wall quilt instructions, plus full size drawings to make all 25 ornaments.

Hope you enjoy the new quilt books and pattern. Shops can order directly from me or through Hoffman Distributing Company. If you are an individual, please ask your shop to order for you. Have fun stitching and quilting!

Faye makes me smile!

2011-06-20T21:42:00.000-05:00

Followers of this blog will recognize Faye from her carrot finish posted a little while ago. She's done it again - created a really cute piece that started with my design and turned into so much more with clever finishing.

America is one of my favorite "Doubles Charts" Doubles are pieces I design for both counted thread and wool applique. Clearly, Faye could do either, but in this instance, she completed the counted cross-stitch America and sewed it into a great pillow. Love the shape, the double rick-rack and the choice of fabrics. Awesome. Here's a look.

chart 8976 America

Thanks so much for sharing your fun Faye!

Tomorrow I'll be shipping out brand new charts to my auto shops, so I'll post photos and descriptions later in the week after those shops have had a chance to receive them. If your shop is not on my auto - not to worry! My wonderful distributors will have the new charts for July 1 ordering. Besides the next installment of Farmer's Market, a new patriot piece will debut.

Thank you everyone for continuing to stitch.

A pair of Pears and a Sweet Finish

2011-05-25T05:10:00.000-05:00

The latest installment of Farmer's Market is arriving in many needle art stores right now! Yummy pears are stitched this month on both the banner and as a soft-sculpture piece.

Chart 9025, Fresh Pear is number four in a series of six that make up the Fruit Stand in our Farmer's Market. Pictured above is the banner, which we have stitched in a row, on Weeks Dye Works 30 count Straw linen using over-dyed floss from Crescent Colours, The Gentle Art and Weeks Dye Works. Our simple accoutrement pack can be purchased separately.

The latest addition to our bowl of fruit is the Pear Wedge. It's stitched on Weeks Dye Works over-dyed gingham linen in Light Khaki, using over-dyed floss from Crescent Colours, The Gentle Art and Weeks. We added a stem made from a scrap of Weeks wool. Pattern and finishing instructions for our soft-sculptured pear are included in the chart.

And now a Drum Roll Please .......

The final chart of the 'Our House' series of Pearls is arriving in our auto shops!

Chart P052, Patti's Garden! is chart sixteen of sixteen in 'Our House' and fits in the lower right corner. The designs look great hung together or each can stand alone. You can purchase an all inclusive kit with Graziano linen aida, Crescent Colours floss, the needle, a button and the frame all packaged in a re-gift-able organza bag, or the mini-kit minus the frame and packaged in a clear cello sleeve or only the chart. Lots of stitchers are putting them all together on one piece of linen and adding our complimentary border (available only from your favorite needlework shop!) I hope you've enjoyed stitching this series as much as I did!

And yes, Virginia, there will be another series coming soon. It's currently in the charting stage and will debut at the next TNNA cash and carry show in Baltimore in August. I'm planning a slightly different format, but that's all I'm going to say about it for now. Not teasing, just still evolving. I'm excited about the way it's turning out. So, let your shop owner know if you're ready for another fun adventure with SamSarah!

If your shop is not one of my auto shops, the charts above will be available to everyone June 1 from Hoffman Distributing and Norden Crafts. Both distributors also carry the accoutrements, so ask your shop to order them too, and you'll be ready to stitch away.

Have fun stitching!

Berry-licious!

2011-05-02T07:53:00.000-05:00

Getting ready for Quilt Market - leaving a week from Wednesday - but not forgetting my stitchin' pals!

Here are the new counted thread releases available in shops today!

The Farmer's Market series continues . . .

chart 9024 part 1 - The Farmer's Market, Fresh Berry

I'm happy to present chart 9024, the third section of the Fruit Stand banner, Fresh Berry is stitched over two on Weeks Dye Works 30 count Straw linen, with over-dyed floss from The Gentle Art, Crescent Colours and Weeks Dye Works and embellished with our own little accoutrement pack. We're stitching the six sections in a row and will frame it when completed.

chart 9024 part 2 - Berry-licious!

Included in the same chart as the banner is our soft sculpture strawberry. Our berry begins with a piece of 28 count Scuppernong over-dyed gingham linen from Weeks, gets stitched over two with over-dyed floss, and hand seamed and stuffed to create the berry shape. Edges of the leaves are finished with a simple blanket stitch that is closely spaced. Easy finishing instructions are included in the chart.

Our House Pearls series is nearing completion! This is chart 15 of our 16 chart series.

chart P 051 - Our House Pearls - Play Time!

Play Time! is stitched over one on Graziano,18 count Natural linen Aida with Crescent Colours over-dyed floss and embellished with a tiny heart. This is available as an all-inclusive kit with chart, fabric, floss, button, needle and frame in an organza bag - or as a mini-kit minus the frame and packaged in a clear sleeve, or you can get just the chart if you are stitching this series all on one piece of linen.

I have drawings completed for the next Pearls series, but have just started the charting. So yes, there will be new, fun series, but it probably will not be ready until later in the summer.

I hear my sewing machine calling, so must sign off for now. Thanks so much for all you do and have fun stitching!

Look what Amy did!

2011-04-24T20:09:00.000-05:00

Most of the time, I have my head down working away - and I'm not really aware of what's going on around me. Then, I get a a little note from someone who stitched one of my charts and I am just blown away by the creativity and the joy so many of us find in giving something from our hearts and hands.

Amy's version of chart 8994 Hip Hop Hare

Amy stitched Hip Hop Hare for herself, but when she finished, she knew she had to forego this project as her own, make another (identical, to be fair,) and place them in her two daughter's Easter Baskets. Amy's finishing is divine, and I think I actually have some of both fabrics in my stash. Amy cut the inner border on the bias, and it's perfectly straight with crisp mitered corners. As we say in the midwest, "That girl knows how to use her sewing machine!"

I received the photos about a week ago, but I didn't want the possibility of spoiling the surprise, so waited until this evening to post the photo. Amy sent another showing the back of one of the pillows, but for some reason, the server would not upload it (love technology when it works!) The piping is perfect from both sides.

I'm feeling a real connection to Amy, not only because we bought the same fabrics, but because I still make Easter baskets for Sam and Sarah (ages 21 and 23.) Thank you Amy for creating such wonderful gifts for your very lucky daughters. And thank you for sharing them with us.

Happy Easter to everyone.

Look what Faye did!

2011-04-13T22:08:00.000-05:00

I just had to share this blog with you because I'm so honored that Faye not only stitched the carrots from Harried Hare already, but she finished them (in her own awesome way) AND posted them! Click on this link:

http://www.carolinastitcher.blogspot.com/

There's still time for you to do this too! Check out what Faye did and get busy stitching the carrots from chart 9015, Harried Hare. You will have fun and you'll certainly make your family and Easter guests smile at the cuteness of it all :-)

Thank you Faye!

Limes are not just for beer!

2011-04-12T08:52:00.000-05:00

Good Morning!

Been busy sewing for Quilt Market, so I'm a tad late posting this, but it's here now!

In your local and on-line shops right now, see the April charts from SamSarah. The Farmer's Market series continues with a lovely lime. Having squeezed one or two into a beer, this fruit may qualify as one of my favorites. But this version will never spoil, nor squirt you in the eye.

Farmer's Market - 9023 Lime wedge

The Lime wedge is stitched on Weeks Dye Works 28 count Scuppernong gingham linen using two strands of over-dyed floss and finished as a soft sculpture. Pattern and simple finishing instructions are included in the chart.

Farmer's Market - 9023 Lime banner

Also included on the same chart is the banner section for Lime. We are stitching all six pieces in a row on Weeks 30 count Straw linen using over-dyed floss from Crescent Colours, The Gentle Art, and Weeks Dye Works. The accoutrement pack is from SamSarah and is sold separately.

'Our House' Pearls - P050 The Front Gate

We're on the bottom row of the 'Our House' Pearls! This month The Front Gate is available. Pearls can be purchased as a complete kit including the Graziano linen aida, Crescent Colours over-dyed floss, button, needle and East Side Mouldings frame. They are also available as a mini-kit without the frame, or as the chart only.

Hope you're having a fabulous spring! Back to the sewing machine :-)

Patti

News from Nashville

2011-02-23T15:29:00.002-06:00

Oh what fun! Thank you, thank you to all the shop owners who were able to attend. Loved every minute of it. For those not there, or those that missed a bit, here's what SamSarah presented.

9015 part one Harried Hare

Chart 9015 entitled Harried Hare shows the Easter Bunny on a busy day. Traveling in his whimsical carrot-mobile, our bunny is happily making deliveries. Harried Hare is stitched over two on Weeks 30 count Baby's Breath linen using over-dyed floss from Crescent Colours, The Gentle Art and Weeks Dye Works. The new 'girly-white" frame is from East Side Moulding.

9015 part two Three Carrots

Included on the same chart, are three soft sculpture carrots that are so much fun and surprisingly easy to create. Complete instructions are included. All are stitched on Weeks 28 count Scuppernong gingham linen with floss from Crescent Colours, The Gentle Art and Weeks Dye Works. Someone at the show decided to stitch hers over one on silk gauze. They'll be tiny and even more adorable!

9016 Sadie Stuart Spring Flower Sampler

We've unearthed another 1800's sampler by the imaginary Sadie Stuart, friend of Jenny Bean. This time Sadie dyed a scrap of gingham with elderberries gathered in the woods to create Spring Flower Sampler. Sadie's second sampler features symbols of spring to celebrate their survival through the long cold winter. You can re-create Sadie's piece on Weeks 28 count Peoria Purple gingham using over-dyed floss from The Gentle Art and Weeks Dye Works. Our frame is from East Side Mouldings, although Sadie's brother, Henry, whittled the rosettes on her original frame.

9017 Fresh Mesh Spring Tote and Clutch

My love of Walker Bags continues with Lime! Our Fresh Mesh bags are stitched directly on the bag, so when you're finished stitching - you're finished! Spring Flower Tote and Hearts Clutch are stitched over one "strand" of mesh with three strands of over-dyed floss from Weeks Dye Works. The zipper pull is handmade by SamSarah, and although we sold out at the show, more supplies are on order and they will be available again in a couple of weeks. Each one is unique!

Introducing a new series of kits entitled A Day@Home. The first two were released in Nashville, with two more releasing at Baltimore. I had intended to do just four kits in the series, but started a minor uproar with some shops insisting that I must do one for all seven days in the week. So, we'll see how the first four are received and then we'll decide. Let me know what your vote would be.

9018.K A Day@Home - Friday Night Kit

Friday Night is stitched over two on Weeks 30 count Blue Jeans linen using over-dyed floss from Crescent Colours and embellished with our tiny "stars." Included in your kit is the chart, sufficient floss for 28-30 count linen and our accoutrement pack. You supply the linen and the awesome 6x6 tray from East Side Moulding.

9019.K A Day@Home - Tuesday Morning Kit

Our second kit in the series is Tuesday Morning. It's stitched on Weeks 30 count Kris' Bon Bon using over-dyed floss from Crescent Colours and embellished with our tiny over-dyed "flowers." Included in your kit is the chart, sufficient floss for 28-30 count linen and our accoutrement pack. You supply the linen and 6x6 tray from East Side Moulding. At the show, we grouped our four models standing up on various height candle sticks. Loved the look!

A new six part series begins this month entitled Farmer's Market. Each chart will contain one section of the framed fruit stand banner, embellished with our own pack of accoutrements, plus a coordinating soft sculpture piece of fruit.

9022 Farmer's Market part one - Fresh Melon Banner

Chart 9022 Fresh Melon is shown above - the beginning section of the Fruit Stand banner. We're stitching our banner all in a row on Weeks 30 count Straw linen, using over-dyed floss from Crescent Colours, The Gentle Art and Weeks Dye Works. Colors are repeated throughout and the entire floss list is included in chart one. Each section is embellished with our accoutrement pack. When we've finished stitching, we'll place it in a frame from East Side Moulding.

9022 Farmer's Market part two - Melon Wedge

Included in the same chart, our melon is stitched and formed into a wedge with pattern and simple, complete instructions included in the chart. What fun to have a whole bowl of fruit when the series is complete! This one is stitched on Weeks 28 count Scuppernong gingham linen with over-dyed floss from The Gentle Art and Weeks Dye Works. Linen and floss colors for each peace of fruit will vary.

Hope you've found something you want to stitch and thanks again for everyone who made Nashville such a wonderful event. I took photos of our booth, but have yet to unpack my camera. If they turned out well, I'll post those later. Have fun stitching!

Lookout Nashville!

2011-02-13T08:17:00.000-06:00

Good Morning!
One week from today, we'll be starting day two of the market, with a member's meeting at 8 am, to take care of business before the door of our suite opens at 9. Did I tell you I LOVE MARKET? I do.

This is where I put my little design babies out into the world, and hope they take not only their first little steps, but head off running wild. It's also where I get to re-connect with all the shop owners and other designers from all over the country (and the world) and catch up on their lives. It's so fun to be around people that love the same things I do.

I'm a firm believer in not showing my designs before I get to market. For a shop owner to attend market, they must pay to get there, pay for their hotel room and meals, and still have money left to buy our products. Especially in this economy, this is getting tougher to do. So, for the ones that put out their resources to come and see me, I want to reward them with the first look at what I've created. Now, I know most of what I've done will end up on the internet by Saturday night, but I'm still on the side of keeping it secret until market.

I did put a couple of teaser photos in a trade magazine that recently came out, so I'll share one of those here for you, too. I've been having fun stitching pieces and finishing them as a soft sculpture. This may sound difficult, but I've made sure to use easy construction methods and given you complete instructions in the chart.

from new chart 9015 Harried Hare

They are seriously easy! Pictured above is one of the pieces from the chart, which also includes two other carrots and a large framed piece that really makes me smile. Easter bunny lovers rejoice!

For Sadie Stuart fans, we've unearthed another of her samplers from the 1800's. Fresh Mesh has a sequel as well, and I like this one even better than the first. Bags will be available for shops to take home, so you can get started right away. And we're bringing a few of the bags for the original chart too.

A brand new six-month series entitled Farmer's Market Fruit Stand begins. The first chart will debut and includes a portion of the banner and another soft sculpture - this time a piece of fruit.

We'll also release the first two in a series of four kits. The series is A Day@Home and features four days - four homes. Kits include the chart, over-dyed floss and accoutrements. You supply the fabric (since everyone has their own distinct preference) and the cool black tray from East Side Mouldings. The remaining two kits will release in August at Baltimore Market.

We'll have some fun zipper pulls for the mesh bags along with scissor fobs and surprises.

That's all for now, still packing kits and checking things off the list. Nashville here we come!

New Chart for February

2011-01-26T10:06:00.000-06:00

Good Morning!

Just one, and only one new chart for the first of February. Why? Because we're saving the rest of our fun new designs for the upcoming wholesale Needlework Market in Nashville, February 19 and 20!

Check out a sneak peak of a Nashville release on Loose Thread Stitchers blog at http://loosethreadstitchers.blogspot.com/2011/01/wordless-wednesday-samsarah-design.html and see more on the Stitch Your Heart Out blog at http://stitchyourheartout-lts.blogspot.com/2011/01/wordless-wednesday-samsarah-design.html. While you're there, check out all the benefits they offer to everyone who loves stitching - and be sure to follow both blogs. Thanks Colleen!

So - here's the one and only. 'Our House' Pearls continues this month with the release of A Little Rain! Chart P048 is shown stitched on Graziano 18 count natural linen aida, using Crescent Colours floss, embellished with a single button and placed in an East Side Mouldings frame. This is available as an all inclusive kit that even includes a needle. It's also available as a mini-kit with the above items minus the frame or you can buy just the chart and stitch all 16 on one piece of linen.

P048 'Our House' Pearls A Little Rain!

The final four charts are ready to release - one each month. If you want to stitch them all together, ask your favorite shop for the complimentary border.

Please be sure to make a bit of time to stitch today!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-02T09:05:00.000-06:00

I am so excited to begin a new year. The ideas are skating a roller derby in my head. It will be fun to see which ones pop out the winners.

Lots of new projects are coming in February at the TNNA wholesale market in Nashville. I may give some sneak peaks before the show, but I really like to give the shops that attend the first look. Without our wonderful shops, none of us get to stitch!

Here are the two January charts that auto shops received before Christmas. A Dozen Buzzin's finishes the series with December Buzzz. Ours is stitched all in a row on Weeks Dye Works 30 count Straw linen, using Crescent Colours over-dyed floss, embellished with two buttons and placed in a frame from East Side Mouldings.

'Our House' Pearls continue with chart number 11 in a series of 16. P047 is Land of Love! and is stitched on Graziano 18 count Linen Aida, using Crescent Colours floss, embellished with a single button and placed in a frame from East Side Mouldings. We stitched ours individually, and will hang them in order. But you can stitch them all together and enclose them in our complimentary border available from your local needlework shop.

The week between Christmas and the New Year was so great. We had a houseful of grown-up kids and extended family, visits with friends, long walks on the trails, and tonight a football rivalry party - St. Louis Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks. Bragging rights will be established tonight! I'd better get busy cooking.

My foot is on the mend and I've been able to work out at the gym (recumbent bicycle and weight lifting - no running yet!) My new Kindle is grabbing lots of my attention, but I've had plenty of time to stitch upcoming designs. Life is great!

Hope you're having as much fun as I am. I'll talk to you soon.
Patti

December charts!

2010-11-16T14:13:00.000-06:00

I'm late posting the new charts for December! I've been running around, headless chicken-like, trying to get everything accomplished before my foot surgery. Of course, I can never get everything accomplished, but I crossed off a fair amount of tasks prior to going under the knife. I have arthritis and a degenerating joint in the first metatarsal with some bone fragments thrown in for added pain, oh and my cartilage in that joint is gone - not aging so gracefully. If I didn't have the surgery, the joint would continue to degenerate. Easy decision. That was a week ago and I had my dressing changed Monday. Sutures removed next Monday and finally, I can wash my foot!! I appreciate the little things!

You may have already seen the December charts on shop websites, but here they are together. Alphabet Baubles series is complete with Z is for Zipper. "Z" is stitched over two on Zweigart 28 count Newport Red/Natural linen using floss from The Gentle Art and Weeks Dye Works, embellished with JABC buttons and placed in a frame from East Side Mouldings.

chart B038 "Z" is for Zipper

Also released in December is the eleventh chart in the A Dozen Buzzin's series, November Buzzz. We're stitching ours all in a row on Weeks Dye Works 28 count Straw over-dyed linen using Crescent Colours floss, embellished with JABC buttons and placed in a frame from East Side Mouldings.

chart zz11 November Buzzz

Third release for December is the tenth chart in the 'Our House' Pearls series entitled Gentle Breezes! We stitched and framed ours individually - to be hung together, but lots of stitchers are choosing to create the whole series on one piece of linen. Ours is on Graziano 18 count natural linen aida using Crescent Colours floss, embellished with a button and placed in a frame from East Side Mouldings.

chart P046 Gentle Breezes!

We're having the whole gang at our house for Thanksgiving and for that, I feel truly blessed. Thanks so much for allowing me to have such a fun job. Have a wonderful holiday!

My green pumpkins!

2010-11-06T06:13:00.000-05:00

Last post, I promised to show pictures of our single green pumpkin that I planned to carve into a Frankenstein creature for Halloween. Well - I was out in the garden, cleaning up plant debris, and it's pretty amazing what all that pumpkin vine can hide!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Pumpkins

We actually had five green pumpkins, which made me think - wow, we could do Ninja Turtle pumpkins instead! Here are the three smallest and the two larger pumpkins are already sitting on the front porch with our single purchased orange version. I spent lots of time working in my garden that lovely warm day, which is always a treat for me. After that, my youngest son Sam and his girlfriend Katy came over, so we had most of the family in the house. In Patti's book of "fun things to do," cooking for everyone is right up near the top of the list. By the time we finished cleaning up dinner, trick or treaters started ringing our bell. So, pumpkin carving just did not get accomplished this year! Not to worry - I'm pretty sure our visitors were more interested in what we put in their bags, than what we put on our front porch.

Last night, we had a low of 25 degrees, so today I'll pull out the last of the tomato vines and trim back the herbs. Growing season is over. Time for a little rest and regeneration for my garden. I'm grateful for all it has provided.

Have a great day!
Patti

Pumpkin Time!

2010-10-24T16:25:00.000-05:00

I planted a single pumpkin plant last spring with visions of dozens of beautiful orange pumpkins (that are virtually free) dotting my front landscape in October. The vine with its giant leaves and lovely yellow flowers has consumed a huge area of my garden. It covers the top of bushes, wraps around my tomato cages, and is climbing the posts of my deck. I saw lots of bees visiting, but right now I only have one pumpkin to show for all that covered up real estate. Our pumpkin is still very green - a beautiful dark shinny green, and Halloween is only a weekend away.

What to do? Our lovely green pumpkin will be carved later this week, but instead of a traditional face, this year our pumpkin will be a Frankenstein. If he turns out well, I'll post a photo - I may even post a photo if it looks silly. I'll try again next spring, but I'm not leaving anything to chance. Next year, I'm going out with a cotton swab and pollinating those flowers myself!

Shipped to our automatic shops on October 20 and available to all shops from our distributors on November First are three new releases from SamSarah.

This is chart B037, Alphabet Baubles - Y is for Yo-Yo. It's stitched over two on Zweigart 28 count Newport Red/Natural linen with two strands of floss from The Gentle Art and Weeks Dye Works, embellished with JABC buttons and placed in a frame from East Side Mouldings.

Only one more letter to go! Next month will finish up this Bauble series and for those of you who have been stitching this series all on one giant banner, I plan to release a complimentary chart for that last empty spot. I'll make it available to shops at the Nashville Needlework Market in February, and send it to all the shops on my email newsletter list after that. I won't be posting it online, so you'll need to stop in your favorite shop to pick up a copy.

A Dozen Buzzin's continues this month with chart ZZ10 October Buzzz. The bat wings and candy corn antenna just make me smile! We are stitching our Buzzin's all in a row on Weeks Dye Works 30 count Straw linen with two strands of Crescent Colours cotton floss, embellished with JABC buttons and our completed piece is placed in a frame from East Side Mouldings.

Our House Pearls for this month is P045 Sunny Days! All the Pearls are stitched on Graziano 18 count linen aida with two strands of Crescent Colours cotton floss, embellished with a single JABC button and placed in a black frame from East Side Mouldings. There are sixteen charts in the series and this is the ninth release. They are designed to be framed and hung very closely to complete "Our House." Pearls are available as a complete kit including everything needed to make the piece above, as a mini-kit without the frame, or as a chart only.

Each month, one new chart will be released until the series is complete. For stitcher's choosing to create the design on one large piece of linen, there is a complimentary border design available from your favorite shop. A photo is shown on a previous blog, so just scroll down and there it is!

Hope you're having a fabulous October!

TNNA St. Charles Market - and new designs for October

2010-09-29T06:32:00.000-05:00

What a great market! It was so good to see everyone. I taught a class on Friday afternoon, and I realized that I could hug every shop owner in the room. We've seen each other every six months or so for years, and you just become so close. We've watched kids grow up, celebrated happy times and comforted the tragic events in each other's lives. Most of all, we have the good fortune to make our living from our love of fibers. Thanks to everyone who attended!

Here's a look at new charts from market, as well as the new releases for October. Two more stockings have been released, for a total of six so far.

Nick & Chip Stocking

Nick (as in St. Nickolaus) and his head elf Chip, join forces to get toys to every child on the planet on Christmas Eve. Talk about cool under pressure! Chart 9006, Nick and Chip Stocking is stitched over two on Weeks Dye Works 20 count Mocha linen with one strand of Caron Collection Watercolours, embellished with Just Another Button Company buttons. Simple sewing instructions to finish the stocking are included.

Cocoa Stocking

Cocoa Stocking is stitched over two on Weeks Dye Works Cappuccino linen with one strand of Caron Collection Watercolours and embellished with peppermint sticks and marshmallows and sewn to finish. This is chart 9007.

Sadie Stuart Acorn Marking Sampler

Some of you may be familiar with Jenny Bean, the fictitious young stitcher of the early 1800's created by Theresa Venette of Shakespeare's Peddler. Jenny Bean has some new friends, and Sadie Stuart is one of them. This is Sadie's first piece, commonly called a Marking Sampler. Sadie's family settled west of St. Louis and she would rather be out hunting in the woods and riding horses with her brothers. Sadie's mother lets her have fun, but has insisted Sadie learn some of the things she'll need to become a proper young lady.

With a scrap of gingham linen, over-dyed with Burdock root, and a bit of her mother's treasured floss, Sadie created her first sampler. Our reproduction of Sadie's piece, chart 9013, is stitched over two on Weeks Dye Works Straw over-dyed grey/white gingham using two strands of floss from The Gentle Art and Weeks and placed in a frame from East Side Mouldings.

Sadie found she likes to stitch and will be creating many more pieces. Stay tuned!

Fresh Mesh - Winter Tote & Clutch

Introducing Fresh Mesh! I fell in love with Walker mesh bags at summer market and had to design something for them. Chart 9014 is Winter Tote and Clutch. Snowman Wave and Evergreen are stitched directly on the bag with three strands of over-dyed floss and a bit of Pearl Cotton #5. So fun - and no finishing!

For October our regular monthly series continue. Alphabet Baubles, A Dozen Buzzin's and 'Our House' Pearls.

Alphabet Baubles "X" is for X-ray

We're nearing the end of the series! "X" is stitched over two on Zweigart 28 count Newport Red/Natural linen using floss from The Gentle Art and Weeks Dye Works, embellished with JABC buttons and placed in a frame from East Side Mouldings. Chart B036.

A Dozen Buzzin's - September Buzzz

Twelve fun little bees with different wings each month! Chart ZZ09, September Buzzz brings acorns, and is stitched over two on 30 count Straw linen from Weeks Dye Works using two strands of Crescent Colours floss, embellished with JABC buttons and when finished will be placed in a frame from East Side Mouldngs.

'Our House' Pearls - Splish Splash!

Number eight in the series, chart P044, is presented above. All are stitched on Graziano 18 count linen aida over one with two strands of Crescent Colours floss, embellished with a JABC button and placed in a frame from East Side Mouldings. This series was designed to be hung together on the wall, in the order shown on the back of each chart.

Show below is the completed series, all stitched on one piece of linen, with a complimentary border that your local shop can request from me. At the instigation of Anita Boatwright of The Sunflower Seed in Topeka, Kansas, we collaborated and put them together with a complimentary border. Here's the results with a million thanks to Anita and her very talented stitcher.

'Our House' Pearls with complimentary border

Hope you find something you'd love to stitch here. Have a fabulous and fun day!

Yikes! Where do the days go?

2010-09-24T02:56:00.000-05:00

I was checking my friends blogs, and I realized that I had not posted anything since August. Well, I'm not going to post the new market releases just yet, but when I just tried to upload photos from the latest auto for you to see, the little circles just kept spinning!!

I am a bit sleep deprived, but I tried it twice with different photos and got the same result. Doesn't seem to be me that causing the problem this time!!

So, it's off to St. Charles tomorrow to teach a class at TNNA, the two days of fun trade show and home to my great husband and family.

OK, I gave it one final try and the September Buzzz appeared. I have finally finished all twelve and I love them all in a row. This is chart ZZ09 and it's stitched on 30 count Weeks Dye Works straw linen using Crescent Colors floss and embellished with buttons. Frame is from East Side Mouldings.

Well, well, well - now the photos have decided to play! Here's another that was shipped this Monday to shops. This is X is for X-ray from the Alphabet Baubles series.

Last up is the eighth 'Our House' Pearl entitled Splish Splash! This one is stitched on 18 count Graziano linen with Crescent Colors floss, embellished and framed. You can get just the chart, a kit with everythig but the frame, and the all-inclusive kit, that includes the frame and comes packaged in a re-usable, organza gift bag.

It's late, I should sleep, see lots of you tomorrow. Keep happy and keep stitching!

Just Harvested for September

2010-08-24T05:29:00.000-05:00

I live in a rural area and drive the back roads to get everywhere. Yesterday, I was heading over to UPS in the next town over, and I saw that a farmer had already begun harvesting corn! It's not even the end of August yet (for those of you who only have contact with food in restaurants or at grocery stores - that's really early.) This is field corn (not sweet corn that's picked fresh in the early summer) and it's used to feed cattle and process into auto fuel. I'll have to ask one of my farmer friends what's going on with that - but it did get me thinking about Harvest - hence the blog theme this month.

So - just picked and fresh at the SamSarah auto shops are the following new designs.

B035 Alphabet Baubles "W" is for Wizard

The monthly Alphabet Baubles continue with "W" is for Wizard. "W" is stitched on Zweigart 28 count Newport Red/Natural linen with hand over-dyed floss from The Gentle Art and Weeks Dye Works. Embellishments include a gold letter "W" and three magic sparkle buttons (also known as burgundy and olive berries) from Just Another Button Company. We have finished each Alphabet Bauble in a frame from East Side Mouldings - New Folk Faire Moulding in Blackberry with a 5" square opening.

ZZ08 A Dozen Buzzin's - August Buzzz

I'm currently stitching on the final four bees, and I'm so happy with the way it's looking. For those of you stitching along with me, I hope you like them too! Just picked is August Buzzz. I'm stitching all twelve bees in a row on Weeks Dye Works 30 count Straw linen. All bees use the same palette of Crescent Colours floss and all are embellished with JABC buttons. I just received the frame for this piece from East Side Mouldings, and you'll see it pictured here, when all the bees are stitched. This is another series that I can't wait to see completed, but will miss the fun of stitching on my little bee buds. Not to worry, there are more ideas ripening in my head for future charts!

'Our House' Pearls
P043 Apples on the Tree!

Our third "pick" for September is the next chart in the 'Our House' Pearls series - Apples on the Tree! We have an apple tree by our deck that has four different varieties grafted to one main trunk. It is supposed to be trained to grow along wires we installed between the deck posts - but that requires pruning and training the tree and that's just not happening around here. So our apple tree is a little wild looking, but produces lots of different apples each year. Trouble is, we never get even one apple from this tree. The squirrels and raccoons who also reside on our property, dine on the apples the minute they are ready! So, this is as close to having a juicy ripe apple, ready to pick, as I'll ever get. Apples on the Tree! is stitched on Graziano 18 count Natural linen aida using Crescent Colours floss, embellished with a JABC apple button and placed in a frame from East Side Mouldings.

If your favorite shop is not on the SamSarah auto, the above charts will be available from Hoffman Distributing and Norden Crafts, Ltd for shipment after September 1.

The last weekend in September, we'll be exhibiting at the TNNA St. Charles Market. We're excited to present our newest charts and can't wait to see our friends. I'll post the new photos after market, along with the new designs for October. And I'll try to take more photos during the show this time - but really - we're so busy having fun, that I usually forget.

Hope you enjoy the bounty of our charts this month! Make some time to stitch today.

Fresh Stitchin' for August

2010-07-23T10:38:00.005-05:00

Good Morning! Last Tuesday, we shipped to our auto shops, which means many of you can see the new designs this weekend at your favorite shop. Not to worry if your shop is not on our auto, as the designs will be available from our distributors August 1.

First up, is the next chart in the Alphabet Baubles series, "V" is for Violet. Stitched on 28 count Zweigart Newport Red/Natural linen with Weeks Dye Works and The Gentle Art floss and embellished with Just Another Button Company buttons, we've framed it with a Blackberry Folk Faire moulding from East Side Mouldings.

Our Dozen Buzzin' series continues this month with July Buzzz. We are stitching all twelve in a row on Weeks Dye Works 30 count Straw linen with Crescent Colours floss and embellished with JABC buttons. If wall space is at a premium because of all your fabulous stitching, you may choose to stitch each bee individually and swap them in a frame of your choice each month.

Rounding out the shipment is 'Our House' Pearls Bird Songs! Pearls are available as a complete kit, mini kit or chart only. Complete kits include Chart, Graziano 18 count Natural linen Aida, Crescent Colours floss, JABC button, size 28 tapestry needle, an East Side Mouldings Painted Pine frame and packaged in a re-gift-able organza bag. Mini kit includes the above, minus the frame, and is packaged in a clear acetate sleeve.

I'm currently stitching on the final four Alphabet Baubles. It's like coming to the end of a good book, you want to find out how it ends, but you're a little sad that you've finished. I'm also working on new designs that will release at the St. Charles TNNA show at the end of September. Lots of fun winter stitching!

Hope you're having a good summer, and don't forget to take some time to stitch today!

Mulch Mountain!

2010-07-05T11:26:00.006-05:00

Good Morning!

After three days of moving our "18 cubic yard mulch mountain" to various flower beds that are visible from the street, we have cleaned off the driveway. It looks so much better! But the gardens in the back of our home remain weedy and un-mulched. At least ten more yards will be needed - crud. But hey, the bright side is, besides putting fresh mulch in the gardens, I left probably three pounds I've been trying to shed out there as well. Anyway, it's just a good feeling to take care of things.

All the shops that attended TNNA Columbus Market in June had a one month exclusive on the new charts and kits released by SamSarah at the show. That month is nearly over, and soon everyone will have access to the new designs. Here's the info:

Chart 9011 is Merry Little Birthday and it's stitched over two on 28 count Peoria Purple over-dyed Gingham Linen from Weeks Dye Works using two strands of floss from The Gentle Art and Weeks Dye Works, embellished with JABC buttons and placed in a frame from East Side Mouldings.

Chart 9012 is Hip Hop Moo DOUBLES. Doubles have both a cross stitch version and a wool applique version included in the same chart. The cross stitch version is stitched over two on 20 count Weeks Mocha over-dyed linen using one strand of The Caron Collection Watercolours, embellished with buttons and placed in a frame from East Side Mouldings. The wool applique version is created from Weeks Dye Works wool, Pearl Cotton #5 and floss, embellished with the same buttons and sewn into a pillow. Either version would be ideal as a baby announcement by adding a bit of linen or wool to the length and personalizing with all the important information. This is probably the final chart in the Hip Hop series - but I never say never!

Four new 2-oz Tins were released at the show as well. All are birthday related (notice the theme here?) Tins are sold as complete kits including chart, Weeks Dye Works 30 count linen, Crescent Colours floss, a JABC button, size 28 tapestry needle, 2-oz tin plus complete finishing instructions in a totally cute clear purse. Included in this series is T017 It's a Gift tin, T018 Piece O' Cake tin, T019 Wish Tin and T020 Party Tin.

Hope you enjoy the new designs! Have fun stitching. Next weekend, more mulch - hope it rains between now and then, to make the weeding easier!

Patti

New Charts for July

2010-06-30T10:11:00.003-05:00

Good Morning!

I'm taking a tiny break from making buttons to pop up a quick post of the new charts arriving in your shop for July release.

The Alphabet Baubles continue with "U" is for Umbrella, and if you know me at all, you'll know I'd rather have 'fun in the sun' Umbrellas than 'rainy day' versions always!!

The Dozen Buzzin's continue with June Buzzz and his delicious strawberry wings, and 'Our House' Pearls, chart 5 of 16 in the series, is Spot the Dog! who lovingly guards 'our house.'

Hope you enjoy stitching these - and now back to button making.

Thanks!

PS I will post the new charts and kits from TNNA in a few days.

Columbus TNNA Market

2010-06-09T06:16:00.006-05:00

Last minute prep will go on 'til the wee hours and then we're off in the morning for Columbus TNNA Market. I'm even making a zipper bag of stuff to finish in the car - and no - I'm not actually driving!! The big guy will take care of getting us there. Am I lucky or what?

So much to see and do and absorb in the next few days. Love, love, love it! Will post new stuff a few days after we return.

June Stitching Fun

2010-05-25T08:39:00.002-05:00

Happy Tuesday!

The auto was shipped just before we left for Quilt Market last Thursday, so lots of shops have the charts already. They will be available from our distributors June 1, so everyone else can get them soon. Shown are the three charts included in the auto, Alphabet Baubles "T" is for Train, A Dozen Buzzin's - May Buzzz, and 'Our House' Pearls, The Gable Window!

"T" is for Train is stitched over two on Zweigart 28 count Newport Red/Natural linen using two strands of Gentle Art and Weeks Dye Works floss, embellished with Just Another Button Company buttons and placed in an East Side Mouldings Frame.

May Buzzz is stitched over two on Weeks Dye Works 30 count Straw linen, using two strands of floss from Crescent Colours, embellished with JABC buttons and will eventually be placed in a frame. We are stitching all twelve Buzzin's in a row, but they can be stitched in any way you choose.

The Gable Window! is the fourth in a series of sixteen designs that make up 'Our House.' All are stitched over one on Graziano 18 count Linen Aida, using two strands of Crescent Colours floss, embellished with a JABC button and placed in an East Side Mouldings pine frame.

Now that we're back from Quilt Market, we are seriously digging in and finishing up preparation for the TNNA Market in Columbus June 12 - 14. Hope to see lots of shops there so they can bring home the newest charts and kits from SamSarah. Back to work, but thanks everyone for all you do!

New Charts for May . . . part three

2010-04-23T19:08:00.003-05:00

Yup! It's Fluffy the Cat!

Presenting the newest edition of the 'Our House' Pearls series. This is number three and there will be sixteen in all. They are designed to be individually framed and hung together to depict 'Our House' and yard. Lots of fun and so easy to personalize.

We sell them as all-inclusive kits with the chart, Graziano 18 count natural linen Aida, Crescent Colours cotton floss, Just Another Button Company button, tapestry needle and East Side Mouldings frame all packaged in a re-gift-able Organza drawstring bag. We also have "Mini-Kits" that omit the frame and are packaged in a clear acetate sleeve, or you can buy just the chart.

Look down in an older post if you'd like to see the drawing for the entire series. Hope you have great stitching plans this weekend! I'll be spending Saturday at the spring retreat sponsored by my local shop, Mom and Me Forever. Can't wait to sit and stitch with old and new friends. Have a wonderful weekend!

New Charts for May - part two . . .

2010-04-22T20:21:00.002-05:00

Three charts go out in the auto, and the second chart is the new Alphabet Bauble "S" is for Star. Like the previous letters in the Alphabet Baubles, this one is stitched on Zweigart 28 count Newport Red/Natural linen. "S" is stitched with 6-strand cotton floss from Weeks Dye Works in Chesapeake, Crimson, Mulberry and Pecan as well as The Gentle Art Chamomile and Nutmeg. It's embellished with Just Another Button Company button pack 9038 and placed in a New Folk Faire Moulding in Blackberry from East Side Mouldings.

Only seven more charts to finish the alphabet. Thanks so much to all of you stitching the series! I'd love to see your photos when completed!

Tomorrow is the next 'Our House' Pearls. See ya then!

New charts for May - part one...

2010-04-21T18:41:00.004-05:00

April Buzzz is flying your way!

By tomorrow, some shops will have the newest SamSarah charts in stock. We shipped our auto Tuesday April 20, and the shops closest to us will start receiving their packages first.

April Buzzz is one of three charts included in this shipment. This funny little bee is the fourth member of A Dozen Buzzin's and has Easter Eggs for wings and Easter eggs to be found hidden among the sprouting carrots (perfect for an Easter Bunny snack.) I'm only a couple of months ahead of release, so I must get busy and get more stitched!

We're stitching the Dozen all in a row on 30 count Straw linen from Weeks Dye Works, using Crescent Colours six strand cotton floss and embellishing each bee with buttons from Just Another Button Company. After the row is complete, I'll pick out a frame and let you know what it is.

I'm really trying to get this one completed so I can give you the entire floss list including quantities. I promise I'm using the same colors in more than one block, so don't worry about buying floss only to have most of a skein languish in your stash.

Tomorrow, I'll post the Alphabet Bauble "S" and Friday the 'Our House' Pearl. Off to make more buttons and hopefully get in a little stitching before sleep.

Have a fabulous week and let me know if there's anything I can do for you.

New Stuff from SamSarah

2010-03-26T05:38:00.004-05:00

Good Morning!

The auto shipped on March 17, so if your local needlework shop is on our auto, charts and buttons should have arrived and you can pop in and check them out today. Otherwise, the distributors will have charts April 1.

Just in time for spring, 'R' is for Robin BAUBLE is chart B030 and is stitched over two on Zweigart 28 ct Newport Red/Natural linen #7644-5399 using floss from Weeks Dye Works (Bright Leaf, Charcoal and Straw) and The Gentle Art (Pumpkin Pie and Wood Trail,) embellished with button pack 9037 from JABC and placed in a 5" square Blackberry Folk Faire Moulding frame from East Side Moulding.

The Dozen Buzzin's continues with ZZ03 March Buzzz. We're stitching ours in one continuous row over two on Weeks Dye Works 30 count Straw linen using Crescent Colours floss in Black Coffee, Clay Pot, Ginger Snap, Joshua Tree, Poblano Pepper, Roasted Chestnut, Sassy Brass, Steamed Broccoli and Tufted Yellow, embellished with button pack 9063 from JABC and will be framed when completed. Floss colors are repeated all along the row and as soon as I finish stitching, we'll have a complete list with quantities.

Our House Pearls second release is P038 Love Letters! stitched on 18 count Graziano Natural linen aida using Crescent Colours Black Bird, Eve's Leaves, Sweetest Heart, and Toasted Marshmallow, embellished with JABC pack 9085 and placed in a 2-1/2" square Painted Pines Black frame.

Have a fabulous day, and make some time to stitch!

Our House

2010-03-13T07:11:00.003-06:00

Good Morning,

It's cold and rainy out - a perfect day to stay in and stitch. But alas, errands to be run, chores for my mom and buttons to be made. That seems to be everyone's dilemma - how to carve some time for yourself. I will try! I have my ornament designed for the next JCS Christmas issue and I want some time to play with it.

Last post, I promised to show the full drawing of 'Our House' Pearls when I had a minute to make it. So here it is! Some of you have already had a chance to look at it on my Facebook Fan Page, but not everyone looks there ... and I did promise : )

Next Friday, I'm off to teach at A Stitcher's Garden (Fayetteville, NY) retreat. I love stitching retreats! This one will be held in Syracuse, and I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone. I also really like the piece I designed for them and hope they all have fun stitching it.

Have a great Saturday, and find some time to stitch!

'Our House' Pearls

2010-03-02T07:07:00.005-06:00

Good Morning!

I've started a new series of Pearls entitled 'Our House.' There will be a total of 16 pieces in this series that I designed to be individually framed, in matching black Painted Pines frames, and hung - four across and four deep - with just a bit of space in between.

The wonderful thing about this series is that, even though they are designed to be hung in a group, each design stands on its own. You may choose to hang the entire series in your own home, but stitch it twice and you have a fabulous house warming gift for someone else, as well.

However, if you aren't THAT good of friends, The Front Door! will be a charming token for anyone. And clearly Love Letter! could be for everyone you care about.

Since I have only four completed at this point, I can't show you the entire series! But, I can show you this much, and as I get them stitched, I'll show you more. The first chart The Front Door! was released late February at the Nashville TNNA market.

The second chart, Love Letters! will ship on the SamSarah March 17 auto and be available from distributors April 1. Contact your favorite needlework shop for more information or to order.

Next to release will be Fluffy the Cat! and after that, Gable Window!

There are three options for purchasing this series. Our 'All-Inclusive' Pearls Kit contains the chart, Graziano 18 count natural linen aida, Crescent Colours over-dyed floss, a Just Another Button Company button, a size 28 tapestry needle, and an East Side Mouldings black Painted Pines frame all packaged in a re-gift-able organza drawstring bag.

Our 'Mini-Kit' contains the above items, minus the frame, and is packaged in a clear acetate pouch.

Or, if you'd like to change up the fabric and fibers, you can purchase the chart only. I'm working on a drawing so you can get a better idea of the entire series and will post that when it's ready.

In the meantime, stitch and be happy!

Nashville Blast!

2010-02-25T08:01:00.010-06:00

I promised to give you a glimpse of what goes on at a cash and carry market. It turns out that during the actual show, I'm so busy helping shop owners in the button company, that I can't get over to make any photos of the SamSarah Suite during market (even though we are right next door to each other.)

But here's how we turn an ordinary Embassy Suites living room into SamSarah land.

The woman you see in the photos is my friend and the daughter of the shop owner who encouraged me to become a cross stitch designer. While I'm busy setting up in button company suite, Heather sets up SamSarah.

The first two photos are of the room as it exists when an ordinary guest arrives - with the addition of our stacks of boxes we've carted up from the van (that was packed to the roof!) It's about 3:30 on Friday afternoon.

Next, we move the furniture around. The sofa now sits where Heather was sitting at the table and the table has been moved near the mini bar. The plastic bins of charts to sell are on the sofa because that is where they will sit during the show.

Later in the evening, they will be moved to the floor, so Heather can pull out the sofa bed to sleep. The bedroom has two beds, but Dawn from the button company will be bunking with us. Heather likes to stay up late, so this works out well.

Our folding tables have been set up and draped, and the wooden screens are in place. Lights are added and the stitched samples are starting to go up. The dining chair fills in nicely for the step stool we left in the garage at home.

Heather auditions pieces around the room and eventually finds the perfect place. She makes the room look great and it's easy for shop owners to find what they want.

It's about midnight and she has everything in it's final place ready to open the doors in the morning.

Boxes of Pearls charts and kits, the in-progress Dozen Buzzin's stitching, 2 oz Tins samples and kits sit on the table in front of the window. A fun little bee sits on the upside down waste basket that has been topped with a piece of black foam core (we use whatever is at hand.) Hanging above are the first four stockings in the series. They spin so they can be viewed from inside the room or out in the hallway.

Our stitched samples are arranged and hung on the screens, the lights are on to test that everything looks good. To the right of this is the dining table that has been set up as a check out counter.

We finally get to bed around 1:30 on Saturday morning, which will make for a short night. With three women to get showered and ready in the morning the alarm is set for 5:30. Dawn and I try to be quiet to let Heather sleep as we get ready, and we wake Heather on the way down to the breakfast buffet at 7:30. The market opens Saturday morning at 9 am and the fun goes on until 6. Sunday, we do it again, but only until 4.

The final photo is Sunday at 4:15. Heather is taking down and packing up while the last customer is picking up her order. By 6:30, it is all down and we have packed the van. It takes far less time to take it down than put it up! Now it's off to dinner with friends and home in the morning.

I have posted the photos of new designs on the SamSarah Design Studio Fan Page on Facebook. Here is the link to my Fan Page http://www.facebook.com/pages/SamSarah-Design-Studio/304512375510

Take a look or check them out at your favorite needlework shop.

Enjoy your day!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T06:31:00.003-06:00

Valentine's Day only happens once a year, but I try to celebrate love and gratitude every day. It's simple to find little ways to show folks you are thinking about and care for them.

Since most of the people who read this are stitchers and creative souls, here's a little visual gift for you to celebrate this day.

Next post will be after we return from the TNNA Nashville Market. I'll put up photos the new stuff and try to give you a glimpse of what goes on at a show like this. It's crazy fun!

Have a wonderful Sunday and thanks so much for all you give to me!

2010-02-02T06:07:00.003-06:00

One of my favorite things is when a stitcher starts with one of my designs as a starting point, and takes it to the next level to create something all her own. This is an exceptional example!

One of my other favorite things is the internet that allows me to meet someone from far away, that I probably wouldn't have had the chance to know.

Loriana from Milan, Italy sent me photos of the wonderful advent calendar she created for her two young children (ages 6 and 4.) She made a felt banner with a big tree and decorated the tree with the ornaments from my book, Twenty Five Days.

Loriana began with a Natural tattersall linen with metallic gold stripes for the ornament fronts. Instead of finishing the ornaments on wool, like I did, she used the same tattersall and stitched backs with the count-down numbers. She matched an ornament with a number and sewed them into little treat bags to hang on the banner. Inside she puts candies and small presents for her very lucky children, and ties the bags with festive red ribbons to gold rings sewn on the banner.

I'm so impressed with this and thank you, so much, for sharing this with us all, Loriana!

Have a great day everyone, and always have fun being creative.

Always Learning!

2010-01-28T18:19:00.003-06:00

Here's a piece in progress that I'll be teaching at The Stitcher's Garden (Fayetteville, NY) retreat in March. I love to meet so many stitchers, but I only teach about one retreat every other year. I'm so over-booked in my daily life, that I can't do more than that - and still do it well. If you're interested in attending, I have the link to the shop posted on the SamSarah Design Studio Facebook page (you can also find it through google.)

So, last night, the shop near me was open just to have a little class on stitching on linen. Now, you may think that since I stitch on linen 90% of the time, I wouldn't need such a class. But you'd be wrong :-)

I've never actually taken a class on how to stitch on linen. Like most everyone else, I started on Aida cloth and then wanted my pieces to look more artful - and linen fit the look I wanted - especially over-dyed linen. I just figured out how to proceed from the instructions printed in the chart, asked a few questions of other stitchers, and started stitching.

And guess what - I don't stitch anything like the technique that was taught! I rarely use a hoop or Q-snap (only when I have specialty stitches,) I cut my floss into 36" lengths, I use the sewing method and cross my X's in the opposite direction (but always the same direction,) and I start at the top of the stitch, not the bottom!

But, guess what else! I end up with stitches that look good enough for the front of my chart and that I can do quickly (very important since I stitch so many pieces.) And when I finally get to stitch, I'm soooo content!

My favorite part of the class was the "rule" that you "stitch the way that makes you happy." I can do that!

I did learn two new techniques that I'll use in future pieces and future classes and retreats that I teach. My favorite was the "pinhead" stitch! A great way to create those single stitches floating out in the middle of empty linen. Absolutely, no tails showing - gotta love that! It's evening now, so any photos I take to try to show this will not look good, but I'll try one day to get something good enough to teach you this wonderful stitch.

So, always keep learning, always strive to improve, and never be too serious!

Have fun!

What's on the January Auto! B028 & ZZ01

2010-01-16T13:10:00.004-06:00

Saturday morning - off to the gym at 7:30, worked out for an hour (and I love my new running shoes from my dear husband) then the WalMart run, two grocery stores ... and that was it for Saturday errands!! We were home by 11 am. A world record. (We must have forgotten something!)

Coming up next Wednesday, we're mailing out the auto. That's our short-hand phrase for the shipment to shops who sign up to buy our charts automatically on the 20th of every month - a full ten days before anyone else can get them. WE LOVE THEM!! And you should too. They try really hard to keep current with everything you want, while at the same time providing you with a place to see and touch fibers!

Please support your favorite local shop, if you're lucky enough to still have a local shop, or your favorite online store. There are so many great ones out there. Not only do they have all the wonderful stuff we NEED, they are a wealth of knowledge for techniques, fibers - just everything.

And thank you for continuing to stitch! We all need each other.

So - what will be included in our January auto? The Alphabet Baubles continue with B028, "P" is for Pear, and the brand new series A Dozen Buzzin's begins. First chart is ZZ01 January Buzzz. This is a funny little series of bees with different wings each month. Ours is stitched all in a row, but any bee can stand on its own. We'd love to see all twelve framed individually and hung on the wall four across and three deep. Check out the photos and then contact your favorite shop for charts, linen, floss and buttons.

Have a fun Saturday - I'm off to make buttons (frank's cardinal and little ghosts) and then I'll fix a yummy pasta and chicken salad for dinner with a little stitchin' time to top it off. Life is good!

Baubles M and N

2010-01-09T08:44:00.004-06:00

Good Morning! I must be getting used to the cold, because I no longer bring it up in conversation. Our time in Mexico still shows on my tan face, but shoveling snow this week wasn't so bad - numb fingers excluded. It just makes me appreciate getting away with my family so much more!

We did just get another load of firewood this morning and now have it stacked neatly on a porch, - ready to bring in when needed. Still must do the shopping run, and pop in to deliver stuff to my mom, but after that I hope to get my house back in shape after the holidays. Then we're invited to a lovely New Year's party this evening. Looking forward to that!

Here are the final two Baubles that are released and have not been posted. Chart B025 "M" is for Moon and chart B026 "N" is for Nautilus. Like the other Baubles in this series, they are stitched on Zweigart 28 count Newport Red/Natural linen using two strands of floss from The Gentle Art and Weeks Dye Works, embellished with JABC buttons and placed in a frame from East Side Mouldings.

The letter "P" is shipping to our auto shops on January 20 and all other shops will have it after February 1. I will post it when we ship.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Bee Happy & Celebrate the New Year!

2010-01-04T14:46:00.005-06:00

Introducing "A Dozen Buzzin's!

A new year brings a new series of designs from SamSarah for you to stitch! Twelve fun little bees with different wings each month. Stitch them individually or all in a row.

Shown at left is chart ZZ01, January Buzzz with snowflake wings, which ships to our automatic shops on January 20 and is available to all other shops on February 1. Ask your favorite retailer to sign you up for "My Year on the Bee List" so you don't miss a single Buzzin'.

Our model is stitched over two on Weeks Dye Works 30 count Straw linen using two strands of Crescent Colours floss and embellished with JABC buttons. We're stitching ours all in a row, so will not be lacing and framing it until the December Buzzz is complete.

Buzzin' charts are printed on cover stock measuring 8.5" x 11". Large color photo on the front with easy to read black and white chart and instructions on back.

Each month design has a stitch count of 40 wide x 71 tall. All twelve in a row measures 480 wide x 71 tall. What a fun way to celebrate the year!

Hope you have a fun day and bee happy stitching!

Merry Christmas Eve!

2009-12-24T19:15:00.004-06:00

I looked at my "to-do" list from today and I'm amazed at all that was accomplished. At the moment, I can't wait to sleep, but I'm sure the "second wind" will blow through my studio any moment. Still must pack for our family Christmas gift/escape, but I always have tomorrow - sometime - so I'm just taking a moment to wish you all the gifts of Peace, Health and Prosperity.

I always choose to count my blessings, even when times are tough, and I know that I am well and truly blessed. I love my family (and 90% of the time, they love me back!!), I get to draw pictures and make stuff for a living, and I have good friends I can always count on - and they can always count on me. If I remember to take pictures while we're away, I'll post some when we return. No phone service where we're going, so can't even update the Facebook page. Awesome!!

Last Friday, we shipped the auto, so the Bauble pictured above should be in your favorite needlearts store when you go in for the "Keep (insert shopowner's name here) from Counting Sale" which occurs all over the country between Christmas and the New Year. Go ahead and wear your pajamas, and stock up on lots of fun stuff to stitch.

This is B027 O is for Owl. Have fun, and I'll see you when we get back.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Eve!

2009-12-24T19:15:00.001-06:00

Alphabet Baubles "I" to "L"

2009-12-21T06:24:00.002-06:00

We're getting close to being up-to-date on the posting of new charts! Here are Alphabet Baubles

B021 "I" is for Ice Cream

B022 "J" is for Jack-O-Lantern

B023 "K" is for Kimono

B024 "L" is for Lily Pad.

All are stitched on Zwiegart Newport linen using The Gentle Art and Weeks Dye Works floss, embellished with Just Another Button Company buttons and placed in an East Side Mouldings frame.

When the Alphabet Baubles are not traveling to a trade show they are all on display at the shop that is closest to my home. If you are in the St. Louis area, you can see them in person (along with nearly everything I've published) at a wonderful shop - Mom and Me Forever - in Bethalto, Illinois.

Last night, my daughter Sarah and I went to the Fox Theater in St. Louis to see Irving Berlin's White Christmas. We've been working so hard lately, that it just didn't feel like Christmas yet. Seeing that production (and it was fabulous) really put me in the mood. I still have tons of work to do before the holidays, but I'm beginning to look forward to it, instead of wishing I had two more weeks to get ready.

The button company office is closed now to finish up inventory (yes, we count ALL those buttons,) but we're having our office party at lunch today. This morning I'm off to that famous ham store to pick up gifts for our employees, and later we're all bringing dishes to share. We're even sneaking in a surprise for the soon-to-be new grandma among us. (When did we get old enough to be grandmas?) The next few days will be a whirlwind for most of us, but I hope you find a way to make it a happy time.

Enjoy your day!

Alphabet Baubles "E" to "H"

2009-12-18T02:38:00.004-06:00

Thursday night is date night at our house. Both my husband and I have very busy work schedules. So, if we're both home, this night is reserved just for us . We had so much fun tonight - went out and ran into old friends of Kurt's and now I have new friends. Then on to a fabulous dinner at Bigelow's. A bowl of pasta and a glass of wine. Love it!

But now, after just a couple hours of sleep, I'm awake again. So, I could lay there and listen to my husband breathe, or I could just get up and work. Well, that's an easy decision!

Here is B017 "E" is for Elephant, B018 "F" is for Farm, B019 "G" is for Ghost and B020 "H" is for Heart. This is a fun series to design. Some of the letters are for the old reliables and others are for more obscure items. Lots to stitch and little time to stitch it - but we sure have fun trying!

I'm thinking about new designs for the next big trade show in February, but tomorrow, I'll be shipping our automatic (shops sign up to get the new stuff before it arrives at the distributors, so you can have it before anyone else.) After it all ships, I'll post a photo of the new chart - hint: it's the letter "O" - and you can go see it in your favorite shop.

Have a fabulous sleep!

Alphabet Baubles

2009-12-16T20:09:00.004-06:00

As the Baubles for each month neared completion, I was asked, What's next?

Hmmm.

I am lost without a book to read, and I am a graphic designer who loves type faces, so I decided to do the alphabet. In hindsight, this makes for a very long series, but the beauty of it is, you don't have to do the entire thing!! Of course, you can - and lots of you are stitching them all (thank you very much.) You can pick the letters you like, either because you like the motif, or because you are spelling a word or name, and stitch them.

I still used 28 count Newport linen, but this time I switched to Red/Natural. All are stitched with The Gentle Art and Weeks Dye Works floss, embellished with JABC buttons and placed in a Folk Faire Blackberry frame from East Side Mouldings.

Here is B013 "A" is for Apple, B014 "B" is for Bee, B015 "C" is for Cupcake and B016 "D" is for Dog. What really makes them simple is the letter button sewn into the center block.

Have fun with stitching, and I'll show you the E, F, G and H next time.

Final four Monthly Baubles

2009-12-13T07:33:00.005-06:00

We're back from the cousin's home, with wonderful quilts for Kurt's daughters. They were gifted in the will, but we were unable to locate them on previous sifting and sorting days. Up on the top shelf in the back bedroom closet, wrapped up to look like pillows, the quilts were found yesterday by both of my sisters-in-law. They are truly midwestern quilts of embroidered blocks, one in pink, one in blue. One has prairie point edges, and the other is a simple binding. Lots of quilting in the setting blocks. So sweet. I'll air them out before Christmas, when the girls will be here.

Here are the final designs in the monthly Baubles series. B009 September is acorns for a couple of reasons. One reason is that we have pin oak trees in our yard and they produce the most enormous acorns I have ever seen. Another reason is when I was in first grade our teacher asked our mothers to sew a little drawstring bag. We were then to collect ten acorns on our walk to school and place them in the bag. We used those acorns to learn the simple concepts of adding and subtracting and kept them in our bag between lessons.

B010 October is Witch's hats. Halloween has become such a popular holiday among stitchers and crafters. I realize that many don't participate, but I get far more emails when I don't include Halloween in a series, than when I do.

B011 November is less about the official holiday of Thanksgiving and more about the things for which I give thanks. My goal is to feel gratitude on a daily basis, and I usually find many reasons.

B012 December ... and in the midwest - that means cold. Mittens are wonderful as well as a necessity. All monthly baubles are stitched on the same linen as described in the earlier post of the first four, embellished with buttons and framed. Next post will introduce the Alphabet Baubles series.

Have a relaxing Sunday and enjoy your holiday.

More Baubles!

2009-12-11T05:35:00.004-06:00

My Christmas tree is up in its place, but there's not an ornament on it yet. Hope to do that tonight. I'm actually going to venture out to the mall this morning in hopes of finishing the shopping. It's unlikely I'll actually finish, but it's a good goal. Then I'll spend the afternoon at the button office, so tonight will be my first chance to make the house pretty.

Tomorrow will be spent helping to sort and organize the home of a cousin who passed away earlier this year. Lots to do to settle an estate and the bulk of the job fell to my sister in law. Hopefully, an extra set of hands will help ease the load.

The next four Baubles are pictured at left. They are B005 May, B006 June, B007 July and B008 August. All have the same info as the four from the previous post, so I won't repeat it, but I do hope you'll find one that appeals and give it a try. Have a fun weekend and make time to stitch! And I hope I can follow my own advice.

Baubles!

2009-12-08T08:10:00.003-06:00

The Baubles Series began quite by accident. I had sent in the blurb that appears in a trade show exhibitor's book that said, "Look for the new Pearls and Doubles." Well that phrase was typed "Pearls and Baubles." Since we get to see this book shortly before we go to market, I knew this had happened, so I quickly thought, OK, time for a new series!

I had picked up a piece of this linen at my local shop, but it was not marked indicating its origin. It is very similar to the Graziano linen that I had used for A Year Full of Happy, so I thought I knew the manufacturer. I loved the windowpane grid, and drew a little snowman and a heart design. Both were stitched in the wee hours, sent off to the printer and ready to go by the show. And those are the January and February Baubles, but it turns out the linen was made by Zweigart, and since I had already sent the charts to the printer, every January and February chart has a correction sticker!

The first twelve Baubles are named for the months of the year and are all stitched over two on Zweigart 28 count Newport Natural/Cream linen using two strands of floss from The Gentle Art and Weeks Dye Works, embellished with Just Another Button Company buttons and placed in a frame from East Side Mouldings.

The first four pictured at left are B001 January, B002 February, B003 March and B004 April.

Lots of stitchers have done the series and rotate them on and off the wall all year.

Have a fun day and try to stay warm!

Final Four Pearls . . . for now!

2009-12-06T07:33:00.003-06:00

I'll be designing more Pearls this winter, but for now, here are the final four Pearls of the Month. September, October, November and December, are all available as charts, all-inclusive kits or mini-kits.

September is back to school so P033 Need to Read!, October is Halloween and P034 Yikes!, November celebrates Thanksgiving and our bountiful harvest with P035 Bounty!, and for December - a month of many celebrations - we'd all like P036 Peace on Earth!

Enjoy your day, and find some time to stitch.

Arriving in shops now. . .

2009-12-05T08:01:00.003-06:00

If you're stitching or just collecting the Alphabet Baubles, the letter N should now be at your favorite shop! Chart B026 N is for Nautilus.

All the Alphabet Baubles are stitched on Zweigart 28 count Newport Red/Natural linen using two strands of floss, embellished with JABC buttons and placed in a frame from East Side Mouldings.

Tomorrow the last four Pearls of the Month will be posted, and then we'll begin showing the Baubles!

Mid Year Pearls of the Month

2009-12-05T07:47:00.004-06:00

Here are four more Pearls for the warm, middle of the year months!

May, June, July and August Pearls of the Month are all stitched on Graziano 18 count Natural Linen Aida, using two strands of Crescent Colours floss, embellished with a JABC button and placed in an East Side Mouldings frame. Charts are available individually or as an "all-inclusive" kit with linen aida, floss, buttons, a size 28 tapestry needle all packaged in a re-gift-able organza draw string bag, or as a "mini" kit without the frame and packaged in a clear cello bag.

Chart P029 is May Flowers!, P030 Hit the Links!, P031 Old Glory! and P032 Summer Camp! Stop in your favorite needlework shop and have some fun.

Days Fly By!

2009-12-04T08:25:00.003-06:00

It seems I've missed a few days posting, with all the busy days we've had, but finally back to it! Only twelve more Pearls to go, then it's on to the Baubles. In between, I'll be giving you peeks at what's coming up (as soon as I know it ;)

Last year, I drew a little picture representing a happy time each month and called it Pearls of the Month. This turned out to be very well received, and now I'm pondering a sequel. I'll have more Pearls for you, but I'm thinking it will be in the spring.

January, February, March and April Pearls of the Month are all stitched on Graziano 18 count Natural Linen Aida, using two strands of Crescent Colours floss, embellished with a JABC button and placed in an East Side Mouldings frame. Charts are available individually or as an "all-inclusive" kit with linen aida, floss, buttons, a size 28 tapestry needle all packaged in a re-gift-able organza draw string bag, or as a mini kit without the frame and packaged in a clear cello bag.

P025 is Happy New Year, P026 True Love, P027 First Day of Spring and P028 Egg Delivery can be ordered from your favorite needlework shop.

Have a happy day!

Cozy, Frosty Pearls

2009-11-29T08:59:00.002-06:00

In my little part of the world, after Halloween, comes cold weather followed (if we're lucky) by Indian Summer and then it gets really cold. Even though it can be miserable, it can also be lovely when frost or ice is hanging from the tree branches and everything sparkles.

This series of Pearls celebrates the cold weather and ways to keep warm. Cozy Hat is P021, Cozy Mittens is P022, Cozy Socks is P023 and Frosty Flakes is P024. All are stitched on 18 count Graziano Natural Linen Aida, using two strands of Crescent Colours floss, embellished with a Just Another Button Company button and placed in a frame from East Side Mouldings.

Each design may be purchased as chart only, "all-inclusive" kit with chart, linen aida, floss, button, needle and frame all packaged in a re-gift-able Organza draw-string bag, or a "mini" kit with the above items, less the frame, and packaged in a clear acetate envelope. When it's cold outside, I love to be cozy inside and stitching away.

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Two of our girls are packing up and going back to their respective homes today. It has been wonderful to have four of the five home all at once, and in just a few short weeks, they'll be back for Christmas. We are truly grateful for all we have.

A Little Late for Halloween!

2009-11-18T05:51:00.002-06:00

I'm really trying to get all the designs posted on this blog that haven't made it to the web site yet, but sometimes, the timing is off a bit. That's what I get for going in order. Happy Halloween in November!

After the beach Pearls, I wanted to create more Halloween Pearls (just did the single Boo! in a previous batch,) and this is the result! P017 Jackie Oh!, P018 Frank N Stein!, P019 Nevermore!, and P020 High Spirits!

Like the beach series, all of the Halloween Pearls are stitched on Graziano 18 count Natural Linen Aida, using Crescent Colours floss, embellished with JABC buttons and placed in a frame from East Side Mouldings. All are available as a chart only, "all-inclusive" kit with chart, linen Aida, floss, button, needle and frame in a re-gift-able organza drawstring bag, and as a mini kit with everything but the frame and placed in a clear acetate envelope.

I could suggest you get an early start on next year's Halloween decorations, but if you're like me, you are currently busy planning Thanksgiving, quickly followed by Christmas (or whatever holiday you celebrate.) And the likelihood of working ahead is pretty slim.

Anyway, hope you enjoy them! Have a great day.

Let's go to the Beach!

2009-11-17T06:54:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was spent catching up from being gone all weekend, so finally this morning, here are the next four Pearls. It's been cold and raining for the last two days and it looks like today will be the same. Attitude adjustment time - and what better way than to think about warm sunny days!

I do love to soak up the sun, and since I live in the midwest, it's always a journey to get to the shore. But whether you live near the ocean or near the corn fields, stitching this set of Pearls can take you there any time.

The first is P013 Sand Pail! Sand Pail has an oops. On the back of the chart, the button number should be 4514.S small sand dollar (it shows 4515.S which is a balloon - very confusing) There are lots of charts out there without a correction sticker, so be sure to ask your shop for the correct button. Next is P014 Toy Boat! followed by P015 Flip Flop! and P016 Starfish!

All are stitched on Graziano 18 count Natural linen Aida using two strands of Crescent Colours floss, embellished with JABC buttons and placed in a frame from East Side Mouldings. This is the first time I used Natural and I love the color. All designs are available as chart only, all-inclusive kit with chart, linen, floss, button, needle and frame, or mini kit without the frame.

Why not pack up your gear and go to the shore today? Your favorite shop can help you get there. Have a fun day!

More Pearls for your Strand

2009-11-12T07:14:00.004-06:00

Good Thursday morning!

We had some major earth moving done around the creek that runs through the back of our property, plus rip rap dumped and placed. This work was all in an effort to stop the creek from undercutting in the oxbow curve to help preserve an ancient sycamore tree that grows on the edge of the bank. We've had this project underway since late summer, but the "heaviest rainfall on record" has prevented completion. Grass seed was finally put down Tuesday night and watering began. This morning it's 32 degrees and there's frost on the straw covering our new seed, so I'm hoping the hoses and sprinklers didn't freeze last night. It will warm up later today so we'll see if there was any damage when I go out to water.

The final four Pearls that I stitched on Antique White linen Aida are presented today. After the twelfth Pearl, I switched to the Natural linen Aida. Since I already did Pearls for babies, I wanted to do them for Mom and Dad, plus I snuck in two of my favorite holidays (and I always love snowmen.)

P009 is Mom!, P010 is Dad!, P011 is Boo! and P012 is Twinkle! All are stitched on 18 count Antique White linen Aida using two strands Weeks Dye Works floss, embellished with JABC buttons and placed in an East Side Mouldings frame.

Today is button company payroll, so I'll be in the office most of the day. Then it's off for a very quick date night (just a bit of dinner actually) since one of our daughters will be coming in later tonight. We're attending a black tie wedding Saturday night in which she is one of the attendants. I'm so looking forward to seeing her, plus I get to play dress up!

Have a wonderful day and find a few minutes to stitch!

The second set of Pearls

2009-11-09T04:17:00.003-06:00

I wanted to do some Pearls about things I love. Babies, Home, and Country popped in first, so they were a natural for the second series of Pearls.

Sweetie Girl! is P006 and Buster Boy! is P007 for the babies, Home! is P005 and Love & Country! is P008. I envisioned stitchers would change the names of the girl or boy to a child they love, however there was not room in the chart to provide a complete alphabet. Since the letters are a simple back-stitch, most everyone could write out the name on graph paper to personalize their piece.

All are stitched on Antique White 18 count linen Aida using two strands of floss from Weeks Dye Works, embellished with JABC buttons and placed in a frame from East Side Mouldings. Pearls make the best gifts. They are not a huge investment in time or money, yet show the person who receives it you cared enough to give a bit of yourself.

I have a very long list of buttons to make, so I'll be making various cat buttons today. Hoping to fit in at least an hour of stitching before bed. Have a wonderful day!

Pearls - the first four

2009-11-07T07:37:00.004-06:00

Seriously busy around here! But finally back to posting charts that have not been added to my web site YET! (And we are actually working on the site make-over - which will take time.)

Pearls, like most of my designs, started with the frames. These adorable frames are tiny with an opening of 2-1/2" (which is about 2" from the front.) and made in Pennsylvania by East Side Mouldings. My friend, Kris, had also given me a piece of the linen to try. Now, I love to stitch over two on over-dyed linen, and I thought, what am I going to do with white Aida??

When I tried stitching on it, I was amazed. This is linen Aida and it's not stiff, like most of the Aida I've used before. I loved that I could stitch a tiny design - it's 18 count - and stitch over squares instead of counting over two on 36 count linen. So, that's how Pearls were born and here are the first four. There are now 36 designs, with more to come. Pictured are P001 Happy Birthday!, P002 I Love You!, P003 Smile! and P004 Yippee! All are available from your favorite retailer.

We all like quick stitches for a variety of reasons, but I love to create something in an evening or two, and frame it up, just to see something completed. Then it's back to the longer projects with a fresh enthusiasm. The first twelve Pearls which are stitched on the Antique White linen Aida are available as charts. You might find a kit somewhere, as we did a limited edition for a market. However, we are not currently kitting them, as we do the remainder of the designs which are stitched on the Natural linen Aida.

Late last night, I made a new Facebook page for SamSarah Design Studio. I have a personal page, but some of the postings are a little too personal, so I made one just for the Studio. I posted the Pearls of the Month on it, so if you're in a hurry to see more - that's a good location. Since the page is a business page, everyone can look, no waiting to be my 'friend.' I don't know how to post a link (I'll see if I can figure it out later,) but hopefully it won't be too hard to find - and hopefully you'll become a fan!

We have a houseful this weekend, so time to go. Muffins to make and towels to wash. Have a wonderful day!

Kits for Pearls & 2 oz Tins

2009-11-01T10:19:00.004-06:00

Hooray! We're now up to date with posting the newer full size charts that hadn't made it to the web site.

So, I decided to start posting the photos of my Pearls charts. Pearls are little gems that are such fun to stitch! There are 36 designs, so far, but I'll post them four at a time, so it doesn't take forever to see them all.

Then I realized, since the holidays are coming up fast, I should show the kits we assemble for Pearls and 2 oz Tins - in case you'd like to whip up some quick gifts. Another great idea is to buy the kit and just give it to a stitcher friend so they have a ready to go project. It's also a great way to get back into stitching, without having to find all the different supplies.

Pearls Kits have a couple of options. You can buy an "all-inclusive" kit (shown in the top photo) that includes a SamSarah Pearls chart, Graziano 18 count Natural Linen Aida, Crescent Colours over-dyed cotton floss, JABC button, size 28 tapestry needle, and an East Side Mouldings Painted Pines frame, all packaged in a re-gift-able organza drawstring bag.

We also offer a Mini Kit (second photo) that includes the chart, Graziano 18 count Natural Linen Aida, Crescent Colours over-dyed cotton floss, JABC button and a size 28 tapestry needle, all packaged in a crystal clear cello bag.

This option is good if you're not ready to buy the frame, plus it's a great way to teach someone to stitch. For the Pearls of the Month, you could buy one each of the five colors of frames from your shop, plus all twelve mini kits, and trade them in and out of frames to display the current month. Right now, only Pearls stitched on the Natural Linen Aida are available as kits. The first twelve Pearls are stitched on Antique White Linen Aida, and we're not yet kitting those.

Earlier this year, we introduced our new line of "2 oz Tins." There are now 12 designs, with more to come, and they are only available as kits.

Packaged in a truly 'cute' see-through purse with a satin ribbon handle, the kits include a chart, clear and complete finishing instructions, Weeks Dye Works 30 count over-dyed linen, Weeks or Crescent Colours over-dyed cotton floss, JABC button(s), size 28 tapestry needle and, of course, a 2 oz Tin.

I hope you're getting lots of ideas for a hand-crafted holiday. Since I got side-tracked with the kits, I'll start posting the Pearls photos in the morning. The first twelve you'll see are available as charts only, but after that, they are available as charts, full kits and mini kits.

Stop in at your favorite needlework shop and have fun stitching!

Happy Halloween - jump on The Witch's Broom! 9001

2009-10-31T14:09:00.004-05:00

Yippee! The rain has finally stopped so the trick-or-treater's can have a fun night tonight! Actually I'm just happy to get the candy, I've hidden in the front coat closet, out of the house. It's tough to be good when I hear it calling me!

The Witch's Broom can be hung completely decorated or use it as a countdown to Halloween by placing an ornament on the broom each day. You can also use the ornaments for any Halloween tree you have. The broom is easy and surprisingly quick to stitch over two on Weeks Dye Works 20 count Mocha over-dyed linen using one strand of The Caron Collection Watercolours, and finished on a Charland Designs pewter flying witch bellpull. Each ornament is stitched over two on various colors of Weeks 30 count over-dyed linen using two strands of over-dyed floss from Crescent Colours, The Gentle Art and Weeks Dye Works. Embellishments are (of course) Just Another Button Company buttons.

I originally stitched 31 ornaments, to create a full month countdown, but when I attached them all to the broom, it was just too busy for my taste. The extras now hang on a creepy little tree. I actually like the broom all by itself, and ended up using just twenty of the ornaments. You can make as many or as few as you'd like and change the colors to suit your taste.

Complete finishing instructions for the broom and the ornaments are included in this eight page chart.

Start this project as soon as you finish The Witch's Hat, and you'll have a totally stitched up Halloween. Have a fun and spooky evening!

The Witch's Hat 9000

2009-10-30T19:13:00.002-05:00

If you think I planned that The Witch's Hat would be the chart posted the night before Halloween, you just don't know me very well. That would require thinking ahead, pretty much a foreign concept in my life! It just happens to be the next in sequence of the charts that have not yet made it to my web site.

This piece was initially designed as a class for a retreat that I taught in Door County, Wisconsin. Like most of my other designs, it began life as a scribble on a post it note. (My life will be less rich if 3M ever quits making them.) The scribble evolved into this design which was well received by the class. After a year, the design was released to be published, and it was like a gift. I had something ready for a trade show without staying up all night to stitch. It's a little late for you to create this for Halloween 2009, but if you get started now, you'll have it ready well before next Halloween - and that will be like a gift to yourself!

The Witch's Hat is stitched primarily in counted cross stitch, and using a variety of stitches, over two on Weeks Dye Works 30 count Guacamole linen with two strands of Weeks cotton floss, embellished with JABC buttons and placed in an East Side Mouldings frame. The chart includes illustrations of the specialty stitches, so it's easy to accomplish.

I think I'll finish working for tonight, go downstairs and cook a little dinner and hopefully fit some stitching time in. Tomorrow it's off to the gym before the grocery store and errands. Even though I'm working out more and eating healthier, I haven't lost an ounce. But I'm feeling more fit, so if all else fails, I may just have to buy a new dress. Tragic. Have a fun weekend, and always make time to stitch.

On the Wire 8996 8998

2009-10-29T03:54:00.002-05:00

I found wonderful wire table toppers at quilt market one year (we also exhibit the buttons at quilt market, so I get to see all the lovely cotton fabric, finished quilts, notions and goodies!) I immediately wanted to design something for them. I also had this great over-dyed gingham linen and had not yet stitched a piece to celebrate Kurt's and my wedding. Everything came together in one piece.

Happily Ever After is stitched over two on 30 count over-dyed natural gingham linen using two strands of floss from The Gentle Art and Weeks Dye Works, embellished with JABC buttons and finished to hang 'on the wire.' If you prefer, it can be placed in three frames or it can also be stitched all on one piece of linen and placed in one larger frame. You really have lots of options. The chart includes a full alphabet for personalization and finishing instructions.

Three Carrots is stitched over two on Zweigart 18 count Clay Cork using one strand of Caron Collection Watercolours, embellished with JABC buttons and finished 'on the wire.' Because of the count of the fabric, this one stitches up soooo fast. I LOVE the carrots, especially the polka dot one. When I was finished stitching, I realized the linen would just blend in with the wire, so I stitched the linen to rectangles of over-dyed wool and sewed two big matching over-dyed buttons on the back. That way the pieces "button" on to the wire and can be easily changed seasonally. Instructions are included in the chart. Now I just need to design more pieces to rotate into the display! Just like above, if you don't want to display this on the table stand, you can easily stitch it on one piece of linen, and you can substitute a smaller count linen and stitch with floss.

All my charts are really just starting points for you to create something that is truly your own. The important thing is to just have fun!