As most of you know by now (bc of my gushing on Twitter and Facebook), Breanna has started her own cross-stitch designing business under the name Hodgepodge Cottage. The name she finally settled on couldn't be more perfect! (She started out with Frilly Lilly, but found that the domain name had already been claimed by someone… then she jokingly called herself Blueberry Lane Samplers as a mock of Plum Street Samplers… but considering the wide variety of her interests in life, I think "hodgepodge" describes her perfectly.)
Breanna has always been a creative soul, finding great satisfaction in writing, drawing, music, and fabric. Last summer she discovered sewing, and spent a lot of time with my mom, who taught her how to quilt. A few years before, when she was in high school and was grounded from her social life (ha! I miss those days…), she was so bored, she decided to learn how to cross stitch. And now here we are! 🙂
She will be debuting her first design at the St. Charles Needlework Market on September 24th, and I couldn't be happier for her! Here are some close-ups of the three flags she designed…
This one was stitched by her Meems (my mom)…
The flag "pole" is actually a wooden skewer used for grilling, painted black. We then used tapestry nails to anchor down the pole, with a small amount of tacky glue applied underneath.
Here, you can see the underside of the flag pole…
Since double-sided tape is my very best friend when it comes to finishing (please don't tell anyone that or I'll just deny it), that's what was used to apply the ric-rac. And then a few more tapestry nails were used to embellish the remaining sides.
Here is the one that Breanna stitched…
I can't believe she stitched it all by herself! :) And the cheery purple trim and bright backing fabric are so…hodgepodge! I love all the happy colors she chose.
Finally, here is the one that I stitched for her…
And if the front is too "dark" for you… check out the underside!
If I remember correctly, I believe that fabric came from Kwilty Kim. 🙂
If you happen to be going to Market, you can check out Bre's models in the Kelmscott Designs suite. Each of the models are stitched on 32 ct. Vintage Pearled Barley (Lakeside Linens) and they use Crescent Colours cotton floss in Blackbird, Plymouth Rock, Antique Lace, Tangerine, Bamboo, Eve's Leaves, and Mulled Berries.
Congratulations, Bre! I love you soooooooooooooooo much!
19 Comments
Breanna
I almost exited before reading the whole post to tell you to THANK KIM for the fabric!!! but then i finished reading and you already did it! 🙂 love you!
Danielle
I think it is totally awesome that Breanna is a designer now! What great first designs. I have always wanted to try designing. Maybe I will now. What great inspiration she is. And using double sided tape, what a great idea!!!! I always hate finishing items because I always seem to get glue all over me AND the fabric. I am going to try the tape at my next venture.
DonnaTN
All 3 are really cute! It looks like the apple did not fall far from the tree.
joann tx
congratulations to the designing Brea!!! i love her definition of hodgepodge! i can SO relate!!!!
love the halloween flags!
LLLLLY!!!
Margaret
Fantastic! I love all three — congrats to Breanna and to you too!
littlebit
I love your creativity, Bre! And those designs are TOO CUTE. I love the way you guys chose to finish them..so happy and perfect for Halloween. LLLY, and I wish you the MOST success with this venture. Um..does mom think you got any talent at all from me? hehehehe..well, ok, I cannot help it that no one ever, ever wanted to be my partner in that drawing game.
connie
Bre, These are wonderful. I love the finishing idea. I have a bunch of those skewers in the kitchen. You have given me an idea. I will be looking for your upcoming designs. Paulette, You should be very proud. I know I would be. Congratulations to you both.
Peggy Lee
Awwww…following in her Mamma’s creative footsteps.
Love…LOve….LOVE double sided tape!!!
Dora
I love all three and how you finished them.
They look fabulous in the autumn basket!Congratulations on your first designs~I know you will do well. I’d love to see some Thanksgiving
designs…..hint hint!
Devon
Congrats to you and your beautiful daughter,,I love the designs and I know she will do well as she has had a wonderful and very talented teacher,,congrats..
Catherine
Congrats to Bre!! They are sooo cute!
debbie ridge
Great designs! Congratulations!
Love the name, Hodgepodge Cottagee!!!
Good luck!!
Siobhan
Woohoo Breanna!! I hope she has much success in everything she does, including Hodgepodge Cottage!
CarolR
Well done Bre! Three great designs.
Giovanna
Best wishes to Breanna in her new enterprise!
Leslie
These are adorable! Way to go Breanna! I will be looking forward to seeing these pop up at my LNS.
Elizabeth
Well done, Breanna! I love all three!
Wendy
Oh, how fun! I had actually looked at those the other day on my shop owner’s webpage and didn’t notice the designer, but put it on my wish list. I love flags of any type and these were just cute! I should have put two and two together after having downloaded her patriotic flag freebie! lol
Congrats, Bre! May you have much success!
Reina Scott
Congrats to you all on Bre’s new adventure! Her first pieces are very cute and will be a hit! Good luck and keep the designs coming!