Stitching – Plum Street Samplers

Market, New Designs, Sneak Peeks, Stitching

New for Market!

February 21, 2023

I am positively scrambling to get everything ready to leave in a week! I’ll be driving to Nashville to meet up with my sister (Audrey) and my dad (Paul) for the 2023 Nashville Needlework Market hosted by Yarn Tree and Needlework Retailer, and I am so excited!

This year I will have six new patterns, and here they are:

FLOAT

Model stitched by Beth Twist of http://www.heartstringsamplery.com

This is a collaboration done with Best Twist of Heartstring Samplery, and we had so much fun working on it! As we did with Sewn in Friendship (released in 2020), we worked it out entirely over text messaging. Her half, called Sting, will be available in her market suite – each chart is sold seperately.

(Photographed by Beth Twist)

(If you would like to stitch both of these pieces as one vertical sampler, you will be able to find a transition strip for downloading here at my site under “Free Charts” or on Beth’s website after the market closes.)

Be sure to look for us in our Muhammed Ali shirts at market if you plan to be there!

PENNY SPRING

(Model stitched by Nataly Koplovski)

This is a companion to Penny Autumn, which was release in 2016. I miss the little fox family that lived behind my house in Nebraska, so I decided to include one in this small spring sampler!

SPRING MOON

(Model stitched by Kathy Krause)

Spring Moon was originally released as an exclusive for Fox and Rabbit, and I am finally releasing it now. I’ve got Summer Moon on its way this summer, as well as Summer Mini Moon (Christmas Mini Moon was released last December). I imagine I’ll have lots of moons in this series, so stay tuned!

STARBARKS

(Model stitched by Nathan Burt)

It’s been a while since I’ve added to the doxie lineup, so I decided to come up with some coffee-colored pooches. One of these days I’m going to have to get myself one of these little characters.. I think they are just the cutest, silliest little dogs!

TORTOISE TOWER

I had so many ideas of what to do for the next stack, and I truly don’t know why I decided tortoises would be next, but here we are! Originally the shell colors were reversed, with the “scales” (actually called scutes) being the darker blue-grey, and everthing in between the lighter blue. At the last minute, as I was stitching the model (yes, you read that right; if you know me, you know I do not care one bit for stitching my own models), I decided to switch the colors to brighten up the piece a bit, and I’m glad I did! But feel free to stitch your stack any way you please. Brown, green, yellow, whatever you like! It’s tortoisly up to you.

THIS I KNOW

(Model stitched by Natalia Canaday)

Lastly, this is my market exclusive this year. I designed it as a partner to This is the Day!, which was last year’s market exclusive. Only those attending the market in Nashville will have access to this chart for their customers, but after a short while I will release it openly to those who could not attend. I really enjoyed designing this, and my friend Katrina (who almost always does my conversions for me) suggested she coffee-dye some of the DMC flosses that are used in the model. They came out so pretty! (Instructions for coffee-dyeing floss are included on the back of the chart.) If you choose not to coffee-dye, your floss will just be a bit brighter. But that would be just as beautiful!

I hope you like my first designs of the year.. it will be such a fun market, and I have no doubt your shop owner will show you all sorts of things you didn’t know you needed. I can’t wait!

I’ll see you soon, and thank you so much for stopping by!

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Paulette Stewart 5 Comments
Market, New Designs, Sneak Peeks, Stitching

Market Releases – Part 2

February 26, 2018

Earlier this month, I released the first of a series called Noah's Christmas Ark. (Please go backwards a few posts to see all the information on the whole series, as well as the details for if you'd prefer to stitch all twelve blocks on one piece of linen.) I don't know that I'll actually stop at twelve blocks for sure, but at least for 2018 that's what is lined up. My friend Pat Ryan is stitching all of them for me as individual ornaments, and at the same time, she's stitching them all on one piece of linen for the shop. I can't wait to see it when it's finished!

Noah's Christmas Ark II (Doves and Honeybees)…

Stitch count for each block: 58w x 48h

Fabric used: 36 ct. Patriot's Brew by R&R Reproductions

Threads used:

Weeks Dye Works in Bullfrog, Parchment, Garrison Green, Kudzu, Grapevine, Molasses, Baked Apple, Galvanized, and Crimson.
Classic Colorworks in Stepping Stones and Hazelnut.
DMC in 3033.

These charts are cross stitched over two linen threads, and you will back-stitch the honeybees' legs and stingers.

The finishing was done by Joy Hayward of Finely Finished, and as I mentioned above, Pat Ryan stitched the models! :) (It takes a village to get models done…or at least some very helpful friends!)

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Pennsylvania Fraktur…

Stitch count: 125w x 58h

Fabric used: 36 ct. Ligonier Latte by R&R Reproductions

Threads used:

The Gentle Art in Old Red Paint, Mulberry, andds used: Maple Syrup.
Classic Colorworks in Hazelnut.
Weeks Dye Works in Bullfrog, Charcoal, and Sanguine.

Trim used: Vintage Pom Poms by Lady Dot Creates

Stitches used in this design are cross stitch over two linen threads; the motto on the bottom is stitched over one linen threads, and the flower stamens are long-stitched.

(This chart was originally released as a club piece for The Colonial Gathering club.)

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Soul Sisters…

Stitch count: 62w x 169h

Fabric used: 32 ct. Patriot's Brew by R&R Reproductions

Threads used:

Weeks Dye Works in Blackboard, Driftwood, Parchment, Sanguine, Garrison Green, Grapevine, Onyx, and Chrysanthemum.
Classic Colorworks in Deep Fennel.
DMC in 758.

Stitches used for Soul Sisters are cross stitch over two linen threads, and cross stitch over one linen thread on the friends' faces and hair.

The frame is by Sherri Berkman of Total Framing in Fairfax, Virginia, and Pat Ryan came to the rescue again on the model!

(This design is a companion to A Hundred Ways, released earlier this month, and was originally released as an extra chart for the Dyeing to Stitch retreat in the fall of 2017.)

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Babushka's Bees…

Stitch count: 145w x 82h

Fabric used: 36 ct. Toasted Almond by Hand-Dyed Fabrics by Stephanie

Threads used:

Classic Colorworks in Clay Pot, Hazelnut, Stepping Stones, Wasabi, Rose Petal, Antique Lace, Sunkissed, Pine Needles, Cappuccino, and Hickory Sticks.
Weeks Dye Works in Bee's Knees (new for market!), Charcoal, and River Rock.

This design is stitched in cross stitch over two linen threads, and a tiny bit of over-one stitching on the queen bee's shoes and crown. There is also some long-stitching on the bees' wings, legs, and stingers, and a back-stitch for Babushka's lips.

The frame (love this moulding!) is by Sherri Berkman of Total Framing in Fairfax, Virginia, and the model was stitched by Deborah Bixby!

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And that's a wrap!

On deck for the near future is Noah's Christmas Ark III, and I honestly have no idea what else. I'm working on it though!

Thank you again for stopping by my blog… I know in this fast-paced, instant world we live in, it's hard to settle down to read a blog post, but I do so appreciate your taking the time to do so. It means so much to me! My blog, though mostly neglected in the past few years, has always been a place for me to settle in and feel like I'm really talking to friends. So I am grateful to you.

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Paulette Stewart 6 Comments
Chart Corrections, Market, New Designs, Sneak Peeks, Stitching

Market Releases – Part 1

February 26, 2018

In the past, I have shared with you my love for coffee and crowns, but until recently, I don't believe I've mentioned my love for cows.

(I guess I also love the letter c.)

Perhaps you've seen my new market releases online somewhere, but just in case you haven't, I'll be posting them here, in addition to all the supplies you'll need if you're interested in stitching any of them. And don't forget to let your shop owner know, so she/he can preorder a chart for you! 🙂

This is Bovinia…

Stitch count: 86w x 61h

Fabric: 36 ct. Winter Brew by R&R Reproductions

Threads:

Classic Colorworks in Black Coffee (the first run of charts has Black Crow listed, but this is incorrect!), Toasted Marshmallow, Pine Needles (new for market!), Joshua Tree, Cinnamon Toast, Red Currant, Used Brick, and Jakey Brown. It also uses DMC in 754.

There is mostly cross stitch over two on this chart, but the crows' faces are stitched over one thread, as well as a tiny bit of grass and Bovinia's eyes.

The frame is by Sherri Berkman of Total Framing in Fairfax, Virginia, and the model was stitched by Katrina Devine!

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Next up, we have The Milk & Cream Co...

Stitch count: 123w x 127h

Fabric: 36 ct. Vintage Pecan Butter by Lakeside Linens

Threads used:

Classic Colorworks in Black Coffee, Frosted Sage, Prairie Grass, Eggshell (2 skeins may be necessary), Pine Needles, and Joshua Tree.
Weeks Dye WorksBark and Baked Apple.
The Gentle Art in Tin Bucket.
DMC in 632, 640, 950, 3371, 3779, 3857, and 3865

Stitches used in this design are cross stitch over two threads, with cross or ten-stitch over one thread on the mini cows' eyes and noses. You'll also have a little long-stitching on the bucket's handle, and a tiny back-stitch on the milk maid's mouth.

The frame is again by Sherri Berkman of Total Framing in Fairfax, Virginia, and Katrina Devine was the model stitcher! Thank you, Katrina!

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Jack's Sweet Shoppe: Woolemina is up next…

Stitch count: 74w x 70h

Fabric: 36 ct. Weathered Shingle by R&R Reproductions

Threads used:

Classic Colorworks in Persimmon, Bunny Honey, Pine Needles, Weeping Willow, Cinnamon Toast, Blushing Beauty, Hickory Sticks, and Tennessee Red Clay.
DMC in 640, 822, 950, 310, 3829, and 3813.

Stitches in this design are cross stitch over two threads, as well as a few tiny areas of over-one stitching (Woolemina's eyes, the bee, and the tiny heart). There is also a little long-stitching on the bee's wings, legs, and stinger.

This chart was originally intended for a Wilton's 4.5" tart pan (like all the other Jack's Sweet Shoppe patterns), but at the last minute, I decided I wanted to frame it instead! So Nataly Koplovsky, the model stitcher for this design, suggested the Etsy shop called Signed and Numbered, and I was immediately smitten with their frames! I chose the 4×4 Circle Opening Frame in the color White, with the finish Vintage.

By the way, Nataly also named this chart. 🙂 Thank you, Nataly!

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Those are the first three designs! I'll be back shortly with the remaining four. 🙂 Thank you for stopping by, and have a great Monday!

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Paulette Stewart 3 Comments
Freebie, Holidays, Patriotic, Stitching

Happy Birthday, Mr. President!

February 18, 2018

I sort of really like George Washington.

Maybe you knew that.

So to celebrate his birthday this week, I've got a free chart for you! (This little design was inspired by one of my favorite peep-peeps, Wendy Davis, because she was thoughtful enough to send me an e-birthday card this morning – for George's birthday, of course; mine was last month. Thank you for the laugh, Wendy!)

If you'd like to download and print the chart, the link is below the image. 🙂

Happy Presidents Day Eve! (Don't worry, Mr. Lincoln, I love you too.)

Download and print: Happy Birthday Mr President

I'll see you all soon!

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Paulette Stewart 7 Comments
Freebie, New Designs, Stitching

Flash Release!

February 9, 2018

I've been asked on more than one occasion how far in advance I come up with a design before I release it. My usual response is that I'm an eleventh-hour designer who doesn't realize it's the Christmas stitching season until about December 20.

I say all that to let you know that I had intended to come out with these designs earlier, but I couldn't, because I had not thought them up yet. 🙂

Shipping to your local needlework shop (those on my auto) next week are two new releases that I'm very excited about! I don't know why, other than each contains a favorite thing of mine: the color pink, and little stitched animals.

First, the color pink…

I've always loved Jane Austen quotes, and the one in the design below comes from Emma. My dear friend Pat Ryan stitched the model in no time at all, and she used a gorgeous linen by R&R Reproductions called In the Pink (32 ct). (The color equivalent of In the Pink would be roughly DMC 225, to give you an idea of what it should look like on your monitor.)

Stitch Count: 62w x 169h

Fabric: 32 ct. In the Pink by R&R Reproductions

Threads used:

DMC 3045 , 758, 950, and 3721;
Weeks Dye Works in Artichoke, Charlotte's Pink, Chablis, Oscar, Pelican Gray, Blackboard, and Gunmetal;
Classic Colorworks Bamboo.

There is a little bit of over-one stitching in the faces and hair, as well as a few little letters, but other than this, all cross stitch is used.

Framed beautifully by: Sherri Berkman of Total Framing in Fairfax, VA (Hi, Sherri!)

You'll notice the four DMC colors I listed above; I always give a conversion to DMC on all of my charts, for all of the colors. But in this case, there were two colors that were used for only a very small number of stitches. Therefore, I decided to go with the DMC color, rather than switch to a more expensive overdyed floss. Read on, if you'd like further explanation:

Generally, when I'm reviewing the colors of a chart before it's finalized, I will take very similar colors in that design and condense them into fewer colors, so that there aren't so many colors to purchase for one design. Other times, I really do prefer the subtle differences, so I leave them as they are. Recently, however, I've taken to noting how many stitches per color are in my designs, and I'm going to try to start using DMC where there are very few stitches used. Of course, if you prefer all overdyed flosses, then simply ask your needlework shop what their suggestion is, based on the dye lots they have in their inventory.

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My next release is the first in a series of Christmas ornaments! This will be a year-long series, with two ornaments per chart released 6 times throughout the year. There are 12 ornaments total (plus one more – I'll explain in a bit!), which can be stitched as they are shown on the covers, or all together, on one piece of fabric! It just depends on if you want a larger sampler at the end of the year, or 12 + 1 individual ornaments.

And here is the first of Noah's Christmas Ark…

Here is a little bit of info for you…

If you choose to stitch these as ornaments, each block will be 58w x 48h. But if you want to stitch them all on one piece of fabric (three horizontal rows with four blocks each, pictured below), your stitch count will be 244w x 152h. This stitch count includes four blank rows (or 8 threads if using linen) both horizontally and vertically between each of the twelve blocks.

The ornaments will be stitched on 36 ct. Patriot's Brew by R&R Reproductions.

The threads used on just the Crocodiles and Giraffes are as follows:

DMC 3072;
Weeks Dye Works in Sanguine, Dove, Bullfrog, Parchment, Garrison Green, Kudzu, Grapevine, Collards, Molasses, Cayenne, and Gunmetal;
Classic Colorworks in Stepping Stones and Hazelnut.

If you want to have all the threads on hand for the entire project, regardless of how it is stitched, you will also need the following six colors:

DMC 3013 and 3033;
Weeks Dye Works in Tin Roof, Galvanized, Crimson, and Baked Apple.

I would also recomment that you have 2 Grapevine and 2 Parchment on hand.

All of the ornaments are stitched in full cross stitch over two threads, but there are just a couple of blocks with a few back-stitches or long-stitches in them.

Finishing by: Joy Hayward of Finely Finished. Thank you, Joy!

Here is a suggested layout for the ornaments, if you'd like them all stitched as one project:

I would not, however, suggest stitching all of the borders first, as there is one upcoming release that actually extends into its own border by just one stitch. I can't say which one that is, bc it's not out yet, but also because I don't know where you would like your animals placed on the grid above! It's completely up to you! 🙂

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But wait! There's more!

As a way of introducing this series, I'd like to offer you a complimentary chart called "Noah's Welcome Mat." It's yours for the printing, and it is the 13th block in this series I mentioned earlier. The grid above shows all twelve borders for the regular releases… you may, of course, choose to stitch Noah's Welcome Mat in one of the blocks, but if you use an even-grid layout, one of your animals will have to be kicked off of the ark, so to speak.

Here is what the finished Noah's Welcome Mat looks like, stitched by my friend Pat Ryan (who also stitched the first two above, and will be stitching the entire series! Thank you, Pat!). The printable chart is available in the link under the photo.

Click here to print your chart: Noah's Welcome Mat

I hope you like these first two Plum Street charts for 2018! I think this is going to be a fantastic year, and I hope you have lots of fun with your needlework projects… even if you don't start your Christmas stitching until December 20. 😉

Thank you so much for stopping by to visit my blog… I'll see you all again soon!

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Paulette Stewart 8 Comments
Friends, Retreats, Stitching, Travel

Dyeing to Stitch – Part 2!

December 13, 2017

Where on earth did I go?

Why did I never finish this post?

Goodness, the days just go right on past me without my even realizing it these days. I sure didn't mean to leave you hanging.

Let me get the rest of these photos uploaded here, so I can at least say I did it! I had such an enjoyable time at the retreat way back in September. (Shame on me! No excuses!)

Olga's Autumn Stocking was stitched over one thread by Susan (Iinstagram: susan_414), and it was incredible! All of Susan's work is simply breathtaking.

By the way, most people are very surprised when they see this stocking stitched over two threads, as the model was done. It is much larger than you'd think! The way the entire stocking fits on the front of the chart makes it appear to be much smaller than what it really is, so I've been told.

And lastly, one of my favorite photos: the two Donnas! Such sweet friends…

And that's all of them! I'm so sorry it's taken me so long. 🙁

I'm off to try to get the rest of my day organized.. there is still so much to do, and Christmas is two weeks away!

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Paulette Stewart 8 Comments
Friends, New Designs, Retreats, Stitching, Travel

Dyeing to Stitch! Part 1

October 4, 2017

Hello again!

I'm just sitting here trying to wrap up my second Flosstube video, so I thought I'd pop in here and share a few pictures I took while I was at the Dyeing to Stitch retreat in Virginia Beach last weekend.

The last time I visited the shop, there were hundreds of models to look at.. and this time, there were hundreds more! I am shocked and amazed at how many models Ann and Pat and their team manage to fit into the shop – every single square inch of space is inspiring! Some of these you may have seen from the last time I was there, but I loved them enough to re-take their pictures and share them again!

Hi Robin!

Here's another view of the drum collection…

I had such a fun time with Beth.. if you haven't checked out her new The Gobbler pattern, it's adorable!

One of my favorite memories was when Beth gave a few of us a "dramatic reading" of the story of The Gobbler on the back of the chart – a story, by the way, that came from her own imagination… It was a lot of fun listening to her read it!

I think I'll leave off with that for now, and pick up for part 2 soon!

Check back on YouTube for my second FlossTube video soon… and please overlook all the errors! 🙂

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Paulette Stewart 16 Comments
Class Pieces, Retreats, Stitching, Summer, Travel

The Silver Needle Summer Stitching Event

August 3, 2017

Hello again! The calendar says it's August 3, but it feels like I just got back from Tulsa! Linda from Chessie & Me fame and I were invited by Lindy of The Silver Needle to be the teachers at the annual Summer Stitching Event, and it was absolutely fun-filled and energized and fabulous! And spending time with Linda was wonderful; she's a talented, lovely teacher, and I'm privileged to call her my friend.

And I didn't get one lousy picture of her project. But don't tell her.

Some friend I am.

Actually, I didn't get a picture of mine either, but that's because I knew what it looked like. But I did take a picture of it for the cover of the chart before I left, thank goodness.

In the last few blog posts, I included a tour of Lindy's shop, and today I'd like to share just a few pictures from the actual class with you. The class was held in an open space in the building around the corner from The Silver Needle shop. The temperature outdoors was at least 426 degrees Fahrenheit, and it was during high noon on Day One that Linda-from-Chessie and I decided to head over to the classroom.

It took us about a half hour to get there.

Not because were were enjoying each other's company so much that we had to shoot the breeze (there was no breeze) in the parking lot, but because we went in the opposite direction of where the classroom was, and ended up walking around the entire plaza before we got our bearings. Thankfully we were not eaten by coyotes, but I guess at high noon in an open parking lot in a super bustling part of town, that's not likely to happen. But you never know.

Anyway, we made it to class and as soon as our pulses returned, the retreat went splendidly.

If you ever get the chance to attend the retreat in Tulsa, come hungry.

The Silver Needle hosted a pincushion exchange to raise money for St. Jude's Hospital, and all of the pincushions were so beautiful…

This is stitched over one on 40, y'all…

Here are some of the attendees (hey girls!) discussing the finishing of the little acorn project I brought…

One of the ladies there was working on this breathtaking Scarlet Letter sampler… I was completely gobsmacked.

Here is Shannon, quite a prolific stitcher, working away…

The classroom had a mini shop set up with a trunk show of lots of Chessie & Me and Plum Street models…

Here is one of the attendees, working away on Linda's project, which was a gorgeous painted patriotic house box with a stitched flag mounted to the roof…

On Saturday afternoon, the attendees started packing up and heading back to their homes, and we all said goodbye. Lots of new friendships were formed, and it was so much fun getting to put faces with Instagram names, meeting FlossTubers, and watching Facebook groups reunite. If you ever get the chance to go to the Summer Stitching Event in the future, don't pass it up! I had so much fun, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have met all of you who attended.

After the classroom was broken down – trash out, tables folded, chairs stowed, charts and models boxed, tablecloths shaken out, and cars loaded, the staff and Linda and I headed to Lindy and Craig's house for a huge barbeque and lots of laughter. I did take one parting shot before I got in the car, of Lindy and Craig's fabulous front door. I begged them to let me take it home with me, but they politely refused me. Isn't it great? They certainly knew how to build houses and doors back in 1928.

Thank you for stopping in for the last leg of the tour. Hopefully you'll come back by soon to see the pictures from the Pioneer Woman Mercantile.

All I can say is swoon!

Oh, and before I forget, here is the picture of the class piece I did for the retreat:

And here is the little acorn project and pincushion for the welcome night… you can hardly see the little acorn, but it's there!

See you soon!

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Paulette Stewart 10 Comments
Chart Corrections, New Designs, Stitching

Releases for July

August 1, 2017

Good morning!

I used to be an early riser.

For years it was 5 am, and then I went through a phase of 3:45 that I didn't love much, but grew to. This year I suddenly joined the 6:30 club, which I also don't care for, because I generally feel that by 7 am, my day is half over. I am happiest in the zero-five-hundred-hours range.

This morning I woke up at my beloved 5:15, which has given me lots of ambition for the day. And that translates to another blog post, right on the heels of yesterday's post. That never happens!

(After reading over what I've written, I do realize that it's a sorry state when "ambition" is defined as one blog post per day for two consecutive days.)

So here I am, coming to you with information about my latest releases, as well as a chart error or two that I've been made aware of.

The new patterns I've just shipped to shops this week are these:

A Thousand Hills… I posted about this one on Instagram, bc I've recently fallen in love with bovines. Katrina Devine stitched this (as well as converted the DMC palette to beautiful overdyed flosses), and her little granddaughter Ellie seemed to enjoy watching her stitch it, which made me smile. It made me happy that Sophie immediately claimed the sampler for herself – which also never happens.

The linen used for this sampler is 36 ct. Winter Brew by R&R Reproductions, and the threads used are Classic Colorworks in Tennessee Red Clay, Deep Fennel, Egg Shell, Sunkissed, Pea Pod (2 skeins suggested), Avocado, Hickory Sticks, Ye Olde Gold, Cinnamon Toast, Black Coffee, and Red Currant; Weeks Dye Works floss in Schneckley and Havana.

The stitch count is 156w x 194h, and it is mostly cross stitch over two linen threads, with the tiny black birds stitched over one thread.

THE FOLLOWING IS A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:

Berry Cottage… This one is sort of a follow-up to A Red Cottage, released a few years back. At first I had this dubbed "A Plum Cottage," but something about it wasn't working for me – and that's when I realized it was the color. So I changed it to a rosewood color, added some berries, and found I liked it much better!

This model was stitched by the delightful Penny Houser, and the linen she used was R&R Reproductions' 36 ct. Patriot's Brew. The colors used were Classic Colorworks in Tennessee Red Clay, Used Brick, Bunny Honey, Weeping Willow, Muddy Puddle, Cinnamon Toast, Blackbird, and Red Currant; Weeks Dye Works in Sandcastle and Schneckley.

The stitch count for Berry Cottage is 112w x 83h, and it is stitched mostly in cross stitch over two linen threads, with the miniature cottage stitched over one thread.

Judge Not… I almost didn't release this one! I just wasn't sure if it was going to be a keeper when I sent it to Penny to stitch, but when I got the model back from Sherri (the Fabulous Framer at Total Framing in Fairfax, Virginia), I kind of liked it!

This was stitched on 36 ct. Stars Hollow Blend by R&R Reproductions, and uses colors by Classic Colorworks in Shabby Sheep, Muddy Puddle, Tea and Biscuits (don't you love that name?), Whatley Woodlands, River Rocks, Blackbird, Bunny Honey, Hickory Sticks, Cherry Cobbler, and Toasted Marshmallow.

The stitch count is 223w x 91h, and it is worked entirely in cross stitch over two threads.

Sampler House III… I've been asked how many will be in this series, and I'm not quite sure of the answer to that. I had originally decided on five, but when I decided to release them in pairs, that turned to six, and if I come up with any more ideas, then that will turn to eight, and if I find that I've awakened at 3:45 again one of these mornings, that will turn into ten, and so on. You get the picture.

Pat Ryan stitched this model on 36 ct. Stars Hollow Blend by R&R Reproductions. The threads used are as follows: Classic Colorworks in Antique Lace, Blue Corn, Hickory Sticks, Blackbird, and Ye Olde Gold (on the key on the chart, I accidentally forgot to indicate that those last three colors are by Classic Colorworks also); Weeks Dye Works in Lancaster Red and Garrison Green (my new favorite green); The Gentle Art in Schoolhouse Red.

The stitch count is 98w x 99h (all of the Sampler Houses will be approximately the same size, by the way), and it was worked entirely in cross stitch over two threads.

The finishing was done by the talented Joy Hayward of Finely Finished.

Sampler House IV… Katrina Devine stitched this fall-themed house, and I love the colors she chose to convert to for this one as well!

The model was stitched on 36 ct. Winter Brew by R&R Reproductions, and these are the threads used: Classic Colorworks in Olive Branch; Weeks Dye Works in Tiger's Eye, Havana, Terra Cotta, Caper, Grapevine, Charcoal, and Schneckley; The Gentle Art in Mulberry.

The stitch count for this is 98w x 99h, and the chart is worked entirely in cross stitch over two linen threads.

This one was also beautifully finished by Joy Hayward of Finely Finished.

And there you have it! Those are my releases for this month! I will be pre-releasing some new things at the Dyeing to Stitch retreat in September, as well as the Shepherd's Bush retreat class piece, Heritage Sampler. (Pat is busy working that onto a piece of 36 ct. Olde Towne Blend.) Then in early October, that set will begin making their way to your local shop.

Before I leave, I have one more chart clarification to make:

Thank you so much for stopping by! I'll return soon with more of the long weekend in Tulsa!

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Paulette Stewart 8 Comments
Needlework Shops, Retreats, Stitching, Summer, Travel

The Silver Needle Tour – Part 2

July 31, 2017

My goodness, where have I been?? I'm so sorry to leave you hanging like that! If you haven't given up on me just yet, let's continue our tour!

If you are ever able to visit The Silver Needle. you'll be greeted by a very sweet staff and hopefully the Head Proprietress Herself, Lindy…

The shop is huge! It's full of pretty much anything you'd need to fill your stitching hours with…

(In the usual paparazzi fashion, I stalked Linda from Chessie and Me while she shopped for flax outerwear…)

(One of my guest rooms – formerly Sabrina's room – has been slowly evolving into a Farm Suite. I'm not sure I meant to do that, but evidence of my love for cows and sheep have made their way into that room, so perhaps I should add a bit of pork to the decor with Stacy Nash's design below…)

I hope you enjoyed this brief second half of the Silver Needle Tour! I'll be back soon – I promise this time! – with more photos from my five-day-weekend in Tulsa, which includes a visit to the Pioneer Woman Mercantile in Pawhuska.

Thank you so much for stopping by!

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Paulette Stewart 7 Comments