Cat Quaker Sampler Finished

Today I thought I'd share my Cat Quaker Sampler with you.  I finished stitching it awhile ago but forgot to post a photo:

Among other things, a lot of other things, I need to take this to Hobby Lobby and have it framed.  I love the colors in this.  Reminds me of Spring!

In other news, I've decided to take a little break while I figure out what path to go down.  Do I just stay with Etsy or find another option.  I'm not techie and I'm not big on sitting here at the computer doing repetitive, boring stuff.  So we'll see.

I've spent the past year playing "catch up" after finishing everything with my parents house.  I still have some things here to get back in order so maybe now, while I think things thru, is a good time to do that.

And I want to stitch!  Don't we all!!  I have a list of some ideas for the next few months so hang in here with me while I figure all this out.

In the meantime, there's a lot patterns in my Etsy store.  If you haven't looked around there in a while, please do grab a cup of tea and do a little shopping for yourself today.   

Rethinking things....

Well, I'm not a techie!  I spent all day yesterday just trying to get thru the administrative stuff at Shopify and I've decided to put it all on hold for now.  I don't have the patience for figuring all this stuff out so for now, I'll just stay at Etsy and put up with their nonsense.  More later.

New Website Coming Soon

Well, I have decided to set up my own website.  I haven't started yet but after Etsy removed my America 250 Sampler pattern claiming I violated an Intellectual Property law based on a "supposed" complaint from the official government America 250 Committee, I have reached my breaking point with them.

If I want to fight this, I have to contact the Committee.  Ya, wish me luck on that one!  I'm not allowed to discuss it in the Etsy Forums (not that I ever hang out there) or they'll disable my shop, and still up for consideration is the removal of my Star Seller status.  If they do, their algorithms will completely ignore my listings.

And we all know that they are using bots to do this s**t, not real people.   

And never mind all the AI garbage patterns that Etsy allows on their site.  Yes, be sure if you order any patterns on Etsy that you are ordering from a reputable cross stitch designer and not some one using AI to make "so called" patterns.  They're pretty easy to spot if you look closely.

I've been with Etsy since the beginning and little by little, they have taken over completely running the show instead of letting me run my shop.

Trying to get thru their algorithms is a nightmare.  They're fees have gone through the roof.  And their smug attitude is too much to tolerate at this point in my life.  I'm going to be 65 years old on Christmas Eve.  I'm done taking crap from anyone!

And I'm not the only one.  Other designers have had their Semiquincentennial designs removed as well. 

So, I will be setting up my own website.  It'll be a warm, friendly site that suits my love of cross stitch and crafts.  And it won't be Patreon.  I'll be using Shopify.  I can do Stitch-Alongs there and a Pattern Of The Month Club.

In the long run, it will save me some money, some time and energy and a lot of aggravation! 

I won't be shutting down my Etsy site anytime soon.  I'll do that down the road once I know the new website is established so for now, feel free to shop there.  It'll take me a little while to get things set up.  I've been doing this a long time and have a lot of patterns to post. 

In the meantime, if you're still wanting to stitch my America 250 Sampler, you can order it from me directly via my email.   

That's it for my rant! 

New Freebie From Karen Gillespie

We have a new free pattern from our dear friend Karen Gillespie.  She's been doing a series of Star Quilt designs for each holiday.

You can download the PDF file here along with our other Free Cross Stitch Patterns.

In other news, I'm still thinking through the whole Patreon thing.  I keep asking myself if I need another webpage to maintain and I really don't but I think a pattern of the month club would be fun and I do think it would be easier to host stitch-alongs there.  So we'll see what I decide.

In the meantime, please enjoy this cute little Halloween design from Karen! 

  

New Mystery Stitch-Along? Please read!

Hi everyone!

 

I’ve been sitting at my computer a lot lately, thinking about doing something a little different. I enjoy doing the Mystery Stitch-Along's but there's a lot of techie work on my end doing it thru Etsy and Facebook. 

 

To kick things off, I'm thinking of doing a 3-Part Winter Mystery Stitch-Along that finishes up by February 1st. Then we could start a new one for Spring.

 

I’m also thinking about starting a "Pattern of the Month Club". They would be small designs, maybe 60 X 60 or 75 X 75 stitches, where members get a brand-new, exclusive PDF chart from me on the 1st of every month. They would be exclusive to members until the series is complete and then I would release them to my regular outlets.

 

To make things easier for me and you, I would do this thru Patreon. 

 

Don't worry—I will still keep adding new patterns to my Etsy shop and retail shops just like always! This club is just a fun way and an easy way to do stitch-alongs and some new "monthly designs". I'm still working out the details but before I jump in, I wanted to ask you all first: Would you be interested in a monthly club like this?

 

Let me know what you think in the comments below!

October Releases - Folk Art Samplers

I can't believe that Summer is over and it's Autumn now.  I love the Fall season but I'm not thrilled with what comes after it!

You might know that I started designing in 1989, working with magazines and manufacturers.  This made me a rather prolific designer as I had to adapt to what publishers were asking for.  To this day, I'm grateful for that because now, I can work in many different styles of design and I never get bored.

My current interests are folk art samplers rather than the more realistic, heavily shaded designing that I did years ago.  I've always loved samplers, and have stitched many over the years so now I'm turning my focus towards a more simplistic adaptation of my ideas.  Still colorful!  But more geometric.

With that said, I have 4 new releases for October.  I hope you like them!

A Cardinal Christmas features a majestic red cardinal perched atop a festive holly topiary arrangement.

 

A Partridge In a Pear Tree was inspired by the classic Christmas carol.  This elegant folk art design

features a stylized blue partridge perched atop a golden pear topiary. 

 

A Blue Christmas Tree was inspired by the Elvis song.  I was thinking about my mom.  She loved Elvis

and she loved Christmas.   This design features a beautifully geometric tree growing from an ornate blue

urn, topped with a sweet little blue songbird. 

 

A Peaceful Christmas Night was inspired by the deer that I see in my yard almost every day.  This elegant design features a majestic brown deer silhouette standing peacefully between two green pine trees. The background is filled with blue and purple snowflakes and the entire design is surrounded by geometric borders. 

 

You may have heard that I no longer stock printed leaflets in my store.  All patterns are now available only as PDF download files.  With the cost of Etsy fees and shipping, it just isn't cost effective.

 

If you prefer printed pattern leaflets, please visit any of the retail needlework shops.  Many carry my patterns and if they don't, I'm sure the will be happy to order them for you. 

 

You can these and my entire collection at Kitty And Me Designs on Etsy.

Be sure to use Coupon Code:  STITCH1 

September Releases

I just listed my new releases for September.  

One of my elegant, Victorian style Christmas Stocking patterns with beautiful red poinsettias and holly.  A lattice-work background worked in Kreinik gold braid adds a touch of sparkle.

 

 I'm really liking mandalas these days so I did this pretty Poinsettia design.

The geometric poinsettias are surrounded by pretty blue snowflakes.  Worked entirely in full cross stitches so it's easy to stitch!

I've completed the 12 month series of Colorful Cats.  This is November:

She features tiny pumpkins and vines along with patches of gingham which everyone seems to love these days.  Those blue eyes will melt you heart!

And now, for the Grand Finale of 12 months series.  This is December:

Does she look like a Christmas Tree or what?!!  She surrounded by red ornaments and golden stars!

All are now available here:  kittyandme.etsy.com

Don't forget, I no longer offer printed pattern leaflets.  All listings in my store are for PDF Downloads only.  If you prefer printed patterns, please contact your favorite needlework retails shops.  Many stock my patterns or will order them for you. 

Have a wonder Labor Day everyone!

 

Crazy Candy Corn Cross Stitch Pattern Freebie

I have a fun Autumn Cross Stitch Pattern Freebie for you today!

This is "Crazy Candy Corn".  Perfect to make into ornaments or fridge magnets.

Download the PDF file here along with my other free patterns:  Crazy Candy Corn 

Shop Announcement

Well, I've spent the last week doing a complete overhaul on my Etsy shop.  That was a lot of work!! 

Due to the cost of Etsy fees and the outrageous price for shipping these days, I decided it was no longer cost effective for me to offer both PDF Downloads and Printed Pattern Leaflets in my store.

So I've discontinued printed patterns.  I still offer the Crazy Quilt Magazines and Books but everything else is PDF downloads only.

If you prefer printed patterns, please order from your favorite needlework retail shops.  There's tons of them and many stock my patterns.

Please hop over and take a look at Kitty And Me on Etsy.  It's much more streamlined now and easier to find what you're looking for.

And I'm running a 20% off sale thru next week so now is a good time to order everything you have in your "cart".

 

 

August Releases

I've just released 7 new cross stitch patterns and I'm excited to share them!

First are the September and October Colorful Cats:

 

 

You gotta love those little apples and pumpkins!

The final two designs in this 12 month series, November and December, will be released in September. 

Next, I've gone a little crazy with Quaker samplers!  It's a bit ironic really.  

The Sherman line on my mom's side of the family were Quakers.  It's been the most interesting and challenging part of my ancestry journey!  And I'm still working on it because, like with any type of history, you're never done!!  But I've learned a lot and made some unbelievable connections which have been very exciting for me and my cousin.  Maybe I'll post about all that another time.

For now, I have some Autumn Quaker samplers.  

This design features an owl against a "moon" medallion with traditional Autumn themed motifs.  

I went with 28 ct Confederate Gray Cashel Linen.  In all these years, I don't think I've ever designed anything for gray fabric!  But it works and this design is perfect to stitch for October.

Next is the Peace And Plenty Quaker Sampler:

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays and it inspired this colorful sampler featuring a turkey, corn, apples, pumpkins and leaves.  

This set of 2 small samplers feature pumpkins in baskets along with classic Quaker motifs and borders.

I'm including an alphabet and numbers with all Quaker samplers now so stitcher's can personalize their work.

The Watermelon Quaker Sampler is fun and whimsical!  I love anything with watermelons on it.  Pretty shades of pink and green are my favorite colors. 

 

This set of 3 small Quaker samplers feature the saying, "Do your best, leave the rest, Angels do no more."  It's a sweet reminder that we can only do what we can do then we have to leave the rest in God's good hands.  My mom loved this verse so it makes me think of her.

These would be perfect to stitch up, sew into simple little pillows and display in a bowl or basket.

So those are my releases for August.  I'm really enjoying working with the Quaker motifs.  Just full cross stitches, no backstitching, no fractional stitches, simple and easy to stitch.  And yet still colorful!  At least mine are!!

All patterns are available as both professionally printed leaflets and as PDF download files.  Ask for them at your favorite needlework retail shops or find them at Kitty And Me Designs on Etsy. 

 

Please Read! Jackie And Shadow

 

Some of you know that I have been following the famous Jackie and Shadow Big Bear Bald Eagles for quite a few years now. Jackie has been injured and is being treated at a rescue center for injured birds of prey. 

 

They are not government funded and rely on donations to rescue and care for injured eagles, owls and other birds of prey. I made a donation to them for helping Jackie. 

 

Normally I don't do this here but you know my love of animals, wildlife and Bald Eagles so if you have a few dollars to help, I would so much appreciate it.  Jackie and Shadow were the models for my America 250 Eagle pattern that I did for Imaginating.

 

This is the link for the Ojai Raptor Center where Jackie is being cared for.  There is a link for donations on their website and it's my understanding that you can also donate to them thru Amazon.com.

 

If you email me a copy of your donation receipt, I will send you a pattern of your choice. PDF files only. Please include your pattern choice in your email message. My email is pkellogg@mc.net

Offer good thru July 31st.

Cat Quaker Sampler Stitch-Along

The awesome administrator of our Fans Of Kitty And Me Designs Facebook Group, Kris Herber, is hosting a stitch-along for the Cat Quaker Sampler. 

 

 

The stitch-along starts on Monday the 20th. There will be prizes for the 1st two stitchers to complete the project. 1st prize is a $20.00 Coupon Code at kittyandme.etsy.com and 2nd prize is a $10.00 Coupon Code. 

 

You'll have to join the group to participate: https://www.facebook.com/groups/fansofkittyandmedesigns

Have fun and good luck!

America 250 Eagle Framed

 I just picked up the America 250 Eagle.  I had it framed at Hobby Lobby.

 

Sorry for the reflection.  It's a bright sunny day here so I had to photograph it on the dining room table and still got a reflection.  It's hanging on my wall now. 

I must say, Hobby Lobby does a nice framing job.  I do wish they had a better selection of frames to choose from.  I wanted something antique looking.  Luckily, this one has that look.  I can never find anything that looks old enough!

If you want to stitch this pattern, you can find it at Everything Cross Stitch. 

New Releases Quaker Samplers

I've been busy with new mandalas and samplers.  I've always loved geometric patterns.  So I have new releases for today!  These patterns are available as printed pattern leaflets or as Instant Digital PDF Downloads.

Ask your favorite needlework retail shops to stock my designs or find them here in my Etsy shop:

kittyandme.etsy.com 

First is the Cat Quaker Sampler:

A lovely Quaker cross stitch sampler pattern featuring a black cat with florals and medallions worked in gold, green and purple. This modern, yet traditional folk art pattern is worked entirely in full cross stitches.

Stitch count: 170 w X 126 h 

Finished size: 12 1/8 in w X 9 in h Fabric: 28 ct cream Lugana over 2 fabric threads 

Threads: DMC

Large print, easy to read black/white symbol chart. 

Next is The Bluebird Of Happiness Quaker Sampler:

This lovely Quaker sampler features a bluebird and pretty floral motifs along with pretty geometric medallions. A modern, yet traditional design style celebrating the Bluebird Of Happiness. Worked entirely in full cross stitches.

Stitch count: 126 stitch square 

Finished size: 9 inches square Fabric: 28 ct cream Lugana over 2 or 14 ct Aida 

Threads: DMC

Large print, easy to read black/white symbol chart. 

Finally are the Quaker Mandalas.  I've shared the first one here but not the companion piece:

 

These blackwork mandalas for counted cross stitch are worked in a traditional quaker style with floral motifs. Stitched entirely in black, this pattern is reminiscent of the American schoolgirl samplers of the late 1700/early 1800's. The geometric pattern is easy to stitch, worked entirely in full cross stitches.  The Quaker Mandalas can be worked with any color thread on any color fabric.

Stitch count: 141 stitches square 

Finished size: 10 inches square 

Fabric: 28 ct light mocha Lugana over 2 or 14 ct Aida. 

Threads: DMC 310 (you will need at least 4 skeins)

Large print, easy to read black/white symbol chart.

Quaker Mandala

Let me introduce you to my newest design obsession:

I have always loved old-looking cross stitch samplers.  I've always been aware of the Quaker style samplers but until now, I was drawn more towards traditional, symmetrical early American samplers.

Well, thanks to my friend Kris Herber who manages our Kitty And Me Facebook group, I've now caught the Quaker bug!  LOL!! 

Since my "designer brain" wasn't quite wired to this style of design yet, I started with a geometric mandala pattern.  

I decided to design it in black and had intended on "coloring" it when the design was done.  I sent it to Kris and she loved the way it looked in black.  Yes, it does pop!  So I decided to leave it that way.

The design can easily be worked in any thread color on any fabric color but the black thread on the light mocha fabric definitely gives it an antique look!

If you would like to learn more about antique samplers, you'll find the Unraveling The Threads Of History website and good source for information. 

You can also learn more about Quaker Samplers at the Rokeby Museum website. 

The Quaker Mandala pattern will be released around the beginning of July.   

Cross Stitch Pattern Freebie America 250 Bookmark

If you can't get enough patriotic cross stitch patterns, I worked up a new freebie pattern!  Worked in the "crazy" style, America 250 Patriotic Bookmark is nice way to remember our country's special anniversary!

Click here to download the PDF file.  All previous free cross stitch patterns are available at that link as well.  Happy Stitching! 

Sale This Week

All PDF Download files are 20% off now thru June 18th at kittyandme.etsy.com .  No Coupon Code needed.

 

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!