Hearts and Flowers Biscornus

For all the cross stitcher's out there, Hearts and Flowers Biscornus are now available again:

Rereleasing Cross Stitch Patterns

I have loads of news to share today.  First, I finished up on my Pink Rose Crazy Quilt Hanging Pillow.  Well, I finished stitching it yesterday:

Since I like to have a few things to sew together at one time, I pulled another project and when I finish it, I'll have 3 things to sew together.  Want to guess the theme on this one?

I have some pretty little strawberry beads that I made from polymer clay awhile back.  I want to use them on this piece.

In other news, I get so many requests for my retired cross stitch designs that I decided to just make them all available again.  It'll take a little while to get them all ready but I will be making them available at Magcloud so anyone who wants them can purchase them either as a hard copy or as a digital download.  I will post them here as they become available.  I think this will be the easiest way to publish them.

Also, I will be converting my Elegant Crazy Quilt Seam Treatment Books to Macloud format as well.  Again, for anyone who prefers to have a hard copy rather than a digital copy, this is a nice option. 

Finally for today, here's my finished Cat Pillow:

This would be too cute for a baby's room!

Okay everyone, that's my new for today.  I have loads of new handmade things from mom so I'll have photos of those soon and my 4th of July door pillows are done so I'll have those to post soon too!

Have a great Sunday everyone!

Marie Antoinette Quilt Block 3

I mentioned in my post earlier today, that I wasn't feeling great for a few days so I was taking it easy.  I did some small projects and started on Block #3 of my Marie Antoinette Quilt.  This is the block before I did any stitching on it:

And this is what it looks like at the moment:

I was in my Cedar Chest over the weekend and found some pieces of vintage jewelry that belonged to my grandmothers.  I decided that I could enjoy having them more if they were on this quilt rather than hidden away in my Cedar Chest so I added the blue floral piece to the left of Marie.  That one belonged to my paternal grandmother.  The snowflake looking brooch belonged to my maternal grandmother.  I'm going to add some silk ribbon roses on either side of that piece.

I have a few other pieces of my grandmothers jewelry that I'll be adding to the other blocks.  Might as well enjoy them!

And these are the recent ornaments that mom and I made.  Mom made the Santas and I made the angels:

Speaking of my mom, her gallbladder surgery is scheduled for December 14th.  The surgeon was trying to hold off until after the holidays but mom has been in so much pain these last few months, they just can't hold out any longer.

And in other news, my Simba kitty seems to be doing much better.  After some research, my vet diagnosed him with Colitis and that was putting the strain on the kidneys.  He's now on special food for Intestinal health and a 3 month regimen of Prednesone.

He's still using my floor from time to time, just for good measure I guess, but 98 % of the time, he's using the litter box.  And, he's looking like he's bulking up a bit.  Not so frail and thin now.  Kathi picked him up to maul him yesterday and she said he feels a little heavier.  He was a 15 pound cat all his life and dropped down to 8 pounds.  He was so tiny but hopefully, is on his way to feeling better.  He actually pounced Lucy the other day so that's a good sign!

2010 Just Cross Stitch Ornament Issue Drawing

I have an extra copy of the 2010 Just Cross Stitch Ornament issue here.  This is the last issue that any of my cross stitch ornament designs will appear in.  As many of my long time readers know, I have retired from designing counted cross stitch.  I want to pursue other avenues with my creativity.

I thought it would be fun to have a little drawing for this magazine.  The rules are easy, just leave a comment on this post and I will add your name to a basket.  On Saturday morning, November 20th, Scott will draw a name and I will post the winner here later that afternoon.

I'll autograph this issue for the winner!!!  Good luck everyone!

Rose Garden Design In Cross-Stitch & Needlework

I just received the March 2010 issue of Cross-Stitch & Needlework:



I did this lovely Rose Garden design for Charles Craft last year:



Not bad considering I was in the "depths of hell" at the time I did this design!  I am quite pleased with it.  I don't usually get to the see stitched models until they are published and I must say, this really came out beautiful!

I'd like to offer my copy of this magazine to the first person who leaves a comment letting me know that they would like to have it.  USA residents only please!  I just can't keep every magazine that I ever had a design published in.  There wouldn't be any room in my house for me and my cats!  So if someone would like to have this, just leave me a comment and I'll gladly send it off to you and I'll take care of the postage.

In other news, I made some Oatmeal cookies this morning but I'm not really happy with them.  I used my mom's recipe which I forgot, I don't care for.  They're too crunchy.  Next time, I'll go back to my recipe which is soft and chewy. 

I've also been fooling around with Facebook today.  I had to download the latest version of my browser just to get Facebook to work properly.  Then I set up a "Page" for Kitty & Me Designs.  I'm still trying to figure that out but I did manage to get my Etsy shop linked over there.  I could use some "fans" now if anyone feels like heading over there.

The other day, I worked up a new Banner for my shop:



As I mentioned last week, I've got to not push myself so hard and instead, do things that I really enjoy so I decided to have some fun and play with my craft supplies and my shop.  The banner isn't exactly what I wanted but it's good for now.  I may play with it some more at a later date.

Finally for today, Tristan at Enchanted Revelry blog is offering a very nice give away.  I found his blog today through Mary Anne's blog.  Tristan's blog is wonderful!  Thought provoking and visually incredible!  Do stop by and take a peek!

I guess that's all for now.  I feel like I didn't accomplish anything today!  Did you ever have a day like that?  You make your plans but they just don't work out.  Well, tomorrow's a new day.  For now, I'll get myself into a nice warm bubble bath, grab my latest Somerset Studio magazines and relax.

At Home With Needlework magazine

The September 2009 issue of Zweigart's At Home With Needlework magazine has been released!



Along with the Blackwork Halloween tabletopper on the cover, you can find it's companion (a lovely bellpull) and several of my other designs including this one:



There's also another of my black cats with quilts designs in here along with a sweet gingerbread man tabletopper. Be sure to check out this issue!

In other news, I'm hanging in here. Today seems to be a decent day. I've been to WalMart, the Yankee Candle store, made 2 batches of Oatmeal cookies and 2 batches of Blueberry Muffins. I definitely feel spent now so I'll spend the rest of the day relaxing and stitching.

Cats & Quilts Series Completed

I've just completed the Cats & Quilts series:





The patterns can be found here.

Patriotic Floral Basket Counted Cross Stitch Design

I had a request to re-release this patriotic design:



I've added it to my Etsy shop.

Patriotic Love Birds

With the 4th of July coming, I thought I would go ahead and re-release my Patriotic Love Birds designs:



What a fun Summer project! If anyone is interested in stitching this design, it can be found here.

Button Block Update & More

I finished up on this little block yesterday:



I've always liked the way yellow, pink & green look together. So Springy!

This one will be my next block:



I haven't decided what colors to use on this. I may keep it kind of "woodsy" looking and do with browns, greens and cream. Stop by tomorrow to see where it goes.

In other news, The First Robin Of Spring Mystery is revealed! Here is the completed design:



And this is the little "thank you" design that I did for the stitcher's who joined in:



Both are available here.

Elegant Crazy Quilt Seam Treatments EBOOK Now Available!

I'm pleased to announce that my E-Book, "Elegant Crazy Quilt Seam Treatments" Volume 1 is now available for purchase:



This is a complete guide to working Crazy Quilt Seam Treatments with Waste Canvas. Create perfectly spaced and sized stitches every time!

This book covers the how-to's of working with waste canvas on crazy quilt seams, what size threads to use, how to calculate, helpful hints and more.

Included are 72 charted border designs and 9 Bonus Feather Stitch designs.

Cross stitcher's will love this book too! Create beautiful one of a kind band samplers using the borders!

I've also set up a Flickr group for stitcher's to chat about the book and share photos of their stitching. It's a public group so all stitcher's who work with the designs in this book are welcome!

The book is available for purchase in my Etsy shop.

The Flickr group can be found here.

What Is Waste Canvas?

I received several emails yesterday, from stitcher's who weren't familiar with waste canvas. I was asked if I would go into a more detailed description of what it is and how I use it to stitch on crazy quilts. First, here is an excerpt from my book:

Waste Canvas is a loosely woven mesh, coated with starch. Originally created for stitching charted designs on non-cross stitch fabric such as tee-shirts, the mesh is gridded with a blue thread every 5 stitches.





The purpose for using Waste Canvas in crazy quilting is to create perfectly sized and spaced stitches. With Waste Canvas, the stitches are counted out rather than free-handed.

Waste Canvas offers endless possibilities for borders using basic stitches:



The Waste Canvas is pinned or basted into position and working from the charted pattern, the stitches are counted out and duplicated on the block:



Once the border is complete, the Waste Canvas threads are pulled out one by one, from under the stitches:



And I must tell you, pulling those Waste Canvas threads out is way more fun than it should be! I mean honestly, I love that part!!!!

So that's what Waste Canvas is all about. It's available in 3 sizes, 14 count, 10 count and 8.5 count. For a beginner, I recommend 10 count or 8.5 count. I use all three sizes depending on my project.

I hope this basic explanation helps. If anyone has any questions, please don't hesitate to email me.

I was also asked about available payment methods. For US Residents only, I can accept US Money Orders. For international payments, I accept PayPal. Payment can be made with a credit card through PayPal. Ordering and payment can be made through my Etsy shop. Again, the book will be available somewhere between February 7th and February 10th.

To Knot Or Not To Knot

Do you knot or not knot? I thought I'd clear up the mystery as to when knots are appropriate and when they're not. Ha, ha, ha! Okay, enough of the not, knot stuff!

With counted cross stitch, it's generally recommended that the thread tails be woven in behind the stitches on the back. Cross stitch fabric, esp. evenweaves and linens are thin so knots would show through on the front, giving the finished stitched piece a lumpy appearance.

With crazy quilting, I would say that it's a matter of personal choice. For the most part, I knot my threads. With the foundation fabric and all the various surface fabrics, any knots on the back will not show through on the front:



There is one exception to that in crazy quilting. With Silk Ribbon Embroidery, I weave the tails under stitches in the back. I used to knot them. But too many times, while working in other areas of the block, I'd catch that knot and end up pulling the Silk Ribbon, messing up my stitches on the front. It's best to weave those tails under other stitches.

With redwork and outline embroidery, lumps from knots can show through on the front. The choice however, is really up to the stitcher. Most of the vintage embroidered pieces that I've seen at flea markets and antique shops have knots on the back. My own grandmother taught me to knot my threads so I will openly admit, that I knot when I do redwork and outline embroidery:



I hope you find this post helpful. Instead of just posting photos of my stitching, I've been trying to offer you helpful hints along the way.

If you like my Redwork Cat and would like to stitch him, you can find the patterns for him and his friends here.

Soon To Be Discontinued.....

The following designs will be discontinued shortly:













There is one copy of each design available in my Etsy shop. When they're gone, I won't be relisting them. They will be retired permanently.

Elegant Crazy Quilt Seam Treatments Volume 1

I'm now looking at a tentative release date of February 1st for my E-Book titled, "Elegant Crazy Quilt Seam Treatments" Volume 1. The book will feature 60 charted seam treatments (plus a few bonus designs) along with instructions on working with Waste Canvas for perfect seams, what thread sizes are suitable to the various Waste Canvas stitch counts and how to do calculations.

I'd really prefer to publish this a "real" book but at the moment, doing it electronically is the most cost effective way. Perhaps, if it does well, I'll eventually be able to re-publish it as a "real" book.



Each of the seam treatments on this block are from the book. Basic stitches used in the designs are cross stitch, straight stitch, detached chain, french knot and satin stitch.

I will post updates periodically as the final stages take shape.

Take It Further -January - Day 5 & Redwork Cats

I was able to use all 12 of my vintage dyed Mother Of Pearl buttons on this piece:



I really wanted to keep them all together so it worked out great!

I didn't get too carried away in beading the lace and trim. Because those pieces are antique, I wanted the beauty of those pieces to stand out. The vintage buttons and simple pearls seemed to be just enough to highlight the lace without overpowering it.

I'm almost ready for a few larger embellishments and I still want to add some pansies to the patch on the right of the tea lady.

In other news, the long awaited Redwork Cat designs are now available:



You can find them here.

New Releases

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas holiday! My birthday was very nice and Christmas Day was lovely as well. It was sunny yesterday and 40 degrees and ya'll know, I'll love that sunshine! And thankfully, today is more of the same.

Thank you to everyone who wished me a Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas. I just love it when my readers leave me messages! Thank you everyone!

My in-laws headed home first thing this morning. It was so nice to have them here and I miss them already. In fact, I wandered around the house after they left in a bit of a daze. I so enjoyed their company, I almost didn't know what to do with myself!

Anyway, I wanted to let you know that these designs are now available:









You can find them in my Etsy shop. The Redwork Cat designs will be available soon. I still have to do the graphic work on them.

Also, the 2008 Valentine Mystery Stitch-Along starts on January 3rd. That's a week from tomorrow. You can find in my shop as well.

For today, I have to run up town and pick up a few groceries and then this afternoon, I'll put our gifts away and then probably relax and read. I'll be back tomorrow with some of my usual chatter!

New Kitty & Me Designs Coming Soon......

Butterfly Fantasy Designs:







Hearts & Flowers Biscornu's



Also coming soon, REDWORK CATS!

2007 Christmas Mystery Revealed!

Good Morning Everyone!

For those of you who didn't join in on the Christmas Mystery Stitch-Along Project but have read my constant chatter about it, I thought you would enjoy seeing a photo of the entire design. Part 4 was released yesterday so that completes and reveals the mystery:



This design will remain available in my Etsy shop. It will arrive via USPS as a large print, easy to read b/w paper pattern.

My next mystery design is complete and will be the 2008 Valentine Mystery Stitch-Along:



Sign up will start next week. If you're interested in joining in on that project, please keep an eye on my blog here for more details in the coming days.

On a final note, I'm re-releasing some of the past mystery projects. There are few I think that weren't available on my website so as I have time, I'll add those to my Etsy shop. Please keep an eye out for them.

Ok, I'm off to straighten up the house a bit and get the turkey ready to put into the oven! Have a great day everyone and Happy Thanksgiving!

Kitty And Me Domain Name

In case you arrived here via "kittyandme.com", my domain name now points directly to this blog. The old Kitty & Me website is gone. I decided to do this because this is where I am. I post here almost daily, sharing my personal stitching, my own complimentary patterns, a small selection of antique and vintage patterns that I collect as well as tips & tricks for sewing, finishing, stitching and many other things that catch my attention.

All Kitty & Me news is posted here as I receive it

My email address remains the same and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

You may also notice at the moment that my pagetopper and avatar are missing. I'm sure they will return shortly.