Another Batch Of Finishes

I spent last weekend doing the finishing on some cross stitch pieces.  

First,  I have my Do Not Bother The Bee piece that I sewed into a pillow:

 

 

 

I added some lace and trim on either side of the stitched piece as well as a few little bee charms.  I crocheted some trim for the outside and sewed that on by hand.  It was an easy and quick to stitch project.

 

Next is the Theorum Watermelon by Sandra Sullivan of Homespun Elegance:

 

 

 

I love stitching fruit designs and I love anything that looks old and antique.  This pattern has been in my stash for quite awhile.  The fabric is 25 ct Lugana and I hand dyed it myself.  Again, I use some fuzzy yarn and crocheted trim for the outside. 

 

Speaking of fruit patterns, this one is from a sampler by The Prairie Schooler:

 

 

I stitched this one awhile ago but never got around to sewing it together.  I'll put it out for Thanksgiving.

I can't tell you who designed either one of these pieces:

 

 

 

 

Again, I stitched these awhile ago but didn't get them sewn into anything.  I don't have the patterns anymore so I have no clue who designed them.  I changed the alphabets from DMC to Sampler Threads so they had a vintage look.

Last but not least are these two little ornaments:

 

 

 

I did not stitch these, mom did.  I found them in her sewing room when I was packing up the house.  The cat ornament looks so familiar in style but I can't connect the dots as to who the designer is.  I remember mom stitching on these.  Not sure why she didn't sew them together but they're done now.

 

The wood piece that I display these on was made by my dad.  The door knob and key are from my grandparents house in Chicago.  Dad also put a photo of the house on the back.  I think it's a photo of my dad with grandma.  I'd have to look again.  

 

He made a couple of them.  One for my cousin, one for mom and one for me.  But I also have mom's now and still have to find a place to put it.

 

So that's what I did last weekend.  I ran my sewing machine and the crochet hook! 

New Releases for June

I hope everyone has been enjoying this beautiful early Summer weather.  Back in April, I was starting to wonder if it was ever going to warm up!  Thankfully it finally did.

I have some new cross stitch pattern releases to share today. 

This one was inspired by Kris Herber who runs the Kitty And Me Designs Facebook Group.  She loves her coffee and suggested something with this phrase.  Since I love anything antique and vintage, I thought a vintage style coffee pot would be fun!

The coffee design then inspired the Cross Stitch Keeps Me Sane pattern.  How many of us need our needlework and hobbies as a stress reliever?  

I also worked up the June and August Colorful Cats patterns for the 12 month series.  This is June.  She features strawberries and gingham.  The ladies on the Facebook group have told me they love gingham.

And this is August.  She features a variety of flowers and looks like a warm, late Summer day.

My patterns are available at many needlework retail stores both online and brick & mortar shops.  And you can find them in my Etsy store as well.  Be sure to use Coupon Code:  STITCH1 when you place your order.

New Patriotic Freebie From Karen Gillespie

Our dear friend Karen Gillespie has graciously worked up a new Patriotic Free Cross Stitch Pattern for us!!

She is planning on doing a series of these quilt square patterns over the next year so be sure to come back to download them.

In the meantime, here is the pattern:

 

Download the PDF file for this pattern and all of our free designs here:

 

Free Cross Stitch Patterns 

 

Happy Stitching! 

 

New Cross Stitch Freebie by Karen Gillespie

 

We were graciously given a new Freebie cross stitch pattern by our dear friend Karen Gillespie! A Patriotic Quilt Square featuring a little black kitty! Thank you Karen!! 

 

 

 

The PDF file is available to download along with our other free patterns at this link:

 

Free Cross Stitch Patterns 

 

And don't forget to enjoy the 20% off sale at Kitty And Me on Etsy. Offer good on all PDF downloads thru Monday May 11th.

 

Kitty And Me Designs on Etsy 

Mother's Day Sale

Good Morning Everyone!

I'm running a sale for Mother's Day at Kitty And Me on Etsy.  All PDF Download files are 20% off now thru Monday May 11th. 

No Coupon Code needed!!!  Pour a glass of iced tea and hop on over to pick up the patterns you've been wanting!

 

 

Semiquincentennial Eagle Is Ready For Framing!

Ready for framing. I finished the Semiquincentennial Eagle yesterday. After being off by 1 stitch on the right side of the eagle and spending quite a bit of time trying to find the mistake, I was able to move forward and complete the project. It was a joy to stitch! If you would like to stitch the pattern, you can order it from everythingcrossstitch.com .

I stitched my project on 28 ct Light Taupe Lugana over 2 fabric threads.  I used Kreinik #002 #4 Braid for the metallic.  It took a little more than 1 1/2 spools.  Kreinik is hard to come by these days but if you have 2 spools in your stash, it should be more than enough.  I'll take this up to Hobby Lobby and get it framed.  I'm thinking something simple like a metallic gold frame but I have to see what they have.  I'm not framing it myself, I don't like doing that and my Hobby Lobby does a nice job. 

And don't forget, we're having a stitch-along on Fans Of Kitty And Me Designs Facebook Group. There are prizes for the 1st 2 stitchers who complete the project. Hop on over and join us!

Quick Update On Semiquincentennial Eagle

I finished the bunting yesterday afternoon and already started on the lettering.  I'll stitch on this later today and share another update when the "America 250" is done.

I sure hope somebody get some Kreinik #4 Braid in soon!  The Kreinik shortage is getting on everyone's nerves including mine.  It's my favorite metallic thread.  I was going to use #210 on this but it didn't show up well on the Light Taupe Lugana that I'm working on so I switched to #002 which looks much better on this fabric.  I have some but not sure I have enough to do the entire border.  

 

Update On Semiquincentennial Eagle

Well, after having to rip numerous times....I have his face done!

All it takes is one miscounted stitch and you're spending hours trying to find it!

Anyway, his face is done and I've started on the bunting which is going pretty quickly.  Will post another update when that's done.

Don't forget, we're doing a stitch-along at Fans Of  Kitty And Me Designs on Facebook.  There are prizes for the 1st 2 stitchers who complete the project.

Order your pattern from Everything Cross Stitch and join us at the group! 

 

 

New Cross Stitch Patterns Just Released

Today I thought I'd share my newly released Cross Stitch Patterns.  Yes, I work a lot.  I always did until my parents got sick and then my work had to take a back seat so I could take care of them.  I'm still winding down from everything but I'm finding myself getting back to a normal routine.

First is His Eye Is On The Sparrow

Inspired by the Gospel song of the same name, this realistic sparrow sits on a branch of cherry blossoms.  A simple border brings the piece together.

Next is Do Not Bother The Bee Sampler

 

 

A sweet little Honeybee is surrounded by a floral border and an original poem that I wrote many years ago.

 

Cherish nature's nectar

Add it to your tea

But it would be wise 

to heed this advise

and do not bother the bee! 

 

I'm very fond of geometric mandala style designs.  Kris Herber who manages Fans Of Kitty And Me Designs on Facebook inspired these new patterns based on the elements - earth, wind and fire:

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think the Fire Flowers are my favorite!  Which is your favorite?  Leave your comments for me!!

Everything is available at Kitty And Me Designs on Etsy.   Be sure to use Coupon Code:  STITCH1!  All patterns are offered as Instant Digital PDF files as well as printed pattern leaflets.

In other news, I'm almost done stitching the eagle's face!  I expect to complete him later today so I'll post another update on my stitching progress tomorrow. 

 

 

Progress On America 250 Eagle

Here's an update on my Eagle cross stitch project:

 

 

If you're wondering how I get my eagles to look so realistic,  I've been following Jackie and Shadow, the Big Bear Bald Eagles for quite a few years now.  So they are my models!

 

This is Jackie.  She's keeping 2 little eaglets warm now.  I saw her lay the eggs and I watched as the eggs hatched.  So very cool!!!

 

Anyway, if you'd like to watch the live cam, you can find it at Friends Of Big Bear Valley.   You can also watch them on YouTube.  In fact, my little Millie girl loves to watch Jackie and Shadow!

 

 

 

 

Semiquincentennial Eagle Progress

I started stitching on the eagle!  I love eagles!!  Anyway, as I mentioned earlier this week, I did this design for Imaginating and it's available as both a pattern and kit at Everything Cross Stitch.  I'm hosting a Stitch-Along for this pattern over at Fans Of Kitty And Me Designs Group on Facebook.

I'm stitching mine on 28 ct Light Taupe Lugana.  

So...I have his eyes and beak done!

The eyes are challenging to stitch. Patience and taking the time to make sure the stitches lay flat will pay off.  And that's the only challenge with the project.  The rest is all full cross stitches with a little backstitching for the vines in the flowers on the border.

If you'd like to join in on the Stitch-Along, hop over to the Facebook group.  We're offering prizes to the 1st two stitchers who complete the project.  First prize is a $20.00 shopping spree at Kitty And Me Shop.  2nd prize is a $10.00 shopping spree.  Hope you'll join us!  It's a really nice group of stitchers.

I'm off to bake a batch of cookies and then I'll be stitching on this project the rest of the day! 

Finished Some Things

I ran my sewing machine last week and finished a few door hangers that I stitched.

I stitched this piece when my dad was in the hospital.  So that was 2 years ago.

The pattern is by Carolyn Robbins of Kiralyn's Needlearts.  Her designs are so sweet and delicate.  I added Kreinik Blending Filament to the flowers and the bee.  

This was a little kit that my mom bought me years ago.  Not sure why I didn't stitch it right away but I pulled it out this year and stitched it around Valentine's day.

The kit is by Riolis.  I checked their website and couldn't find it so it might be discontinued.  It's worked entirely in metallic thread with some pink and red beads.  

You might remember this pattern since I was stitching on it over the holidays.

Designed by Kooler Design Studio.  It looks like they're working on their website at the moment but I think the actual designer is Sandy Orton.  I love stitching cornucopias filled with colorful fruit.  The design didn't really seem suitable for lace so I finished the edges with some trim that I crocheted with some of my fancy fuzzy yarn.  It's just single crochet with 2 different yarns.  The trim is sewn on by hand.

I know you haven't seen this one because I didn't stitch it.

Mom stitched this piece I think back in the 90's.  I remember her working on it.  Not sure why Mom didn't sew it together but I found it in her sewing room when I was packing up the house.  I can't tell you who the designer is either because I didn't find the pattern in mom's things.  So, I put it together and now I can enjoy it.

Door hanging pillows are a great way to display small cross stitch and embroidery pieces.  I have them hanging all over my house and I change them with the holidays and seasons.  They're easy to sew together and inexpensive to put together with fabric and trim left over from other projects. 

AMERICA SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL STITCH-ALONG CONTEST

AMERICA SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL STITCH-ALONG CONTEST

 

 

We've added a fun incentive to join our stitch-along! PRIZES!!

 

The first person to complete this design will win a $20.00 shopping spree in my Etsy shop.

The second person to complete this design will win a $10.00 shopping spree in my Etsy shop.

 

To join in on the fun, order you pattern from Everything Cross Stitch.

 

Then join Fans Of Kitty And Me Designs on Facebook

Post your stitching progress as often as you can. Kris and I will be stitching this project too so there will be lots of photos. 

 

Start as soon as you gather your supplies. I'm hoping we gave everyone enough time to complete this project by the 4th of July this year.

 

Again, the 1st and 2nd person to complete the project will win a shopping spree prize! 

 

You MUST post a photo of your completed project at the FB Group but we'd also like to see lots of progress pictures!

 

Please note: this pattern is NOT available from me.

It has been published by Imaginating and is available at Everything Cross Stitch.

Please join us and have fun!!! Good luck!!

Stitch Along

We're having a Stitch-Along over at Fans Of Kitty And Me Designs Facebook Group for the Semiquincentennial Eagle!

I too will be stitching this pattern so please join us!!  Of course I will also post my stitching progress here.  You can purchase the pattern at Everything Cross Stitch.

Also, all PDF downloads in my Etsy Shop are 20% off.  No coupon needed.  Hop on over and enjoy a little shopping!  

America Semiquincentennial Commemorative Pattern for Imaginating

I was asked by Imaginating to do a special commemorative pattern to celebrate our nation's 250th birthday.  I'm thrilled that is has now been released:

 

 

 

This pattern is not available from me.  You can purchase it at Everything Cross Stitch. 

 

This pattern is next on MY stitch list!  I'm finishing up a project and then I'll be starting on this next week.

 

Easter Embroidery

Hello and Happy Easter!

I thought I'd share some little Easter Door Hanging gifts that I made for my sweet neighbor ladies:

 

 

 

The patterns came from my collection of Vintage Iron-On Embroidery Transfers.  I used the Crayon Tinting technique to color them before stitching. 

 

Have a wonderful Easter Sunday and don't eat too many Chocolate Eggs! 

Cross Stitch Colorful Cats Monthly Series

Just Released!  The April and May Colorful Cats cross stitch patterns are now available:

 

Ask for my cross stitch patterns at your favorite needlework retail store or find them here:

Kitty And Me Designs on Etsy 

The Top Is Done

It took me 6 days but I finally completed the top of the McHenry Landmark Crazy Quilt:

 

 

The lace, trim, yo-yo flowers and buttons are all sewn on by hand.  The lace is vintage, given to me by my mother in law.  The buttons are vintage Mother Of Pearl.  Took me hours to go through my stash and find enough of them with the shank and the right size!  The leaves have vintage 2 hole MOP of buttons on them too but they have a green tint to them.  They kind of blend in which is what I wanted.  The only thing not vintage are the little vines.  That trim is in my stash and I thought it was perfect to go with the little blue flowers.

 

Here's a closeup of one of the corners:

 

So the next thing to do is go to Hobby Lobby and get the backing fabric and about 50 black buttons to sew on the back for the purpose of holding the layers together so it doesn't sag while hanging.  Despite no do-dads other than buttons, this quilt is quite heavy.  

 

It measures 65 inches wide X 55 inches high.

 

Be sure to click on the photos to see them up close.

 

I'm going to take a little break before finishing it up.  I had to do all the hand sewing while sitting on the floor.  My back needs the break! 

 

When it completed, it will hand in my hallway.  I'm planning on doing a presentation on it for the Historical Society at some point. 

Back To The McHenry Landmark Crazy Quilt

It's been awhile since I've been able to work on the McHenry Illinois Landmark Crazy Quilt.  When my dad got sick, I had to put everything on the back burner so I could focus on taking care of him.  He actually helped me arrange the blocks before he got sick!

Anyway, I went to Hobby Lobby yesterday. That was tough.  All I could think about was mom.  We used to go there together and spend hours just looking at everything!!

Anyway, I bought black satin for the borders so I'll get to sewing that on over the weekend.  Then I can do the handwork. 

I have some vintage lace that my mother in law gave me so I plan to hand-sew that on and then I'll be adding all these little fabric yo-yo's in the corners.  I think I made these while dad was in the hospital:

These will go in the corners as flower sprays.  I will use vintage "Mother Of Pearl" buttons in the centers and probably add some embroidered vines.

But one step at a time.  Once the border fabric is on, I'll have to hand sew more of that trim around the perimeter of the blocks.

So....Methinks I'll actually get it done soon!  But the handwork will take me awhile!  Wish me luck! 

 

Shamrocks

 Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!!

 

 

 

Free St. Patrick's Day Cross Stitch Chart

I worked up a little St. Patrick's Day freebie cross stitch pattern a few weeks ago.  Almost forgot to post about it!  This is a little Four Leaf Clover design.

Here's the link where you can download this PDF and my entire free cross stitch pattern collection.

Happy Stitching! 

New Cross Stitch Patterns Colorful Cats for March and July (America 250 Cat)

In December, I started a news series of Colorful Cats Cross Stitch Patterns.  One for each month of the year.  January and February were released a few weeks ago but now I have 2 more patterns but I didn't do them entirely in sequence.  

March of course has a Springy St. Patrick's Day theme complete with a few Shamrocks for good luck!!

But then I skipped to July.  There's a method to my madness. I wanted everyone to have time to complete the special America 250 cat in time for Independence Day.

 

These are now available for purchase.  Ask you favorite needlework shops for my patterns or find them here:  kittyandme.etsy.com