You're welcome Olivia! It was so fun seeing what everyone picked, plus you have the best selection of patterns :-) Hope you're finding time to stitch and quilt! Happy Crafting, Carolyn
I agree Kathie! There is something about FFOing a cross stitch piece that makes it come alive and look SOOOO good. Anna has some grading and comment writing before her summer starts, but I am already in the summer swing! Happy Crafting, Carolyn
Your videos always make me smile. Especially the cat walks. Not me chair dancing every time over here. Lol And the discussion about picking a week and stitching like a job is my life! Retired. And I will do that in the winter months. I like to plan out the weeks with exciting, fun, and colorful stitching over the winter months to get me thru it.
Hi Pam, It makes me smiling thinking about you smiling! Anna and I have a giggle every time we film a cat walk. The rule we have is: No retakes! What you get, is what you get! LOL. If all goes well I'll be retiring at the end of the next school year and look forward to having plenty of long stretches of crafting. Thank you for joining us and for your comment! Happy Crafting, Carolyn
Our pleasure Janet! Anna and I have so much fun getting together every two weeks to chat about stitching. Thank you for joining us and for your comment! Happy Crafting, Carolyn
Hi Sharon, Thank you for joining us today and for your kind comment! We so enjoyed your "FlossTuber for a Day" episode with Grace -- so fun and inspiring! Happy Crafting, Carolyn
Hi LouAnn! I hope being the mom of 5 daughters is as much fun as being 1 of 5 sisters :-). It's always fun to compare stories of our experiences and what we remember. We were very lucky to grow up in a wonderful household! Thank you for joining us and for your comment. Happy Crafting! -Carolyn
Your framed pieces turned out fantastic! It always amazes how a pieces comes together when it’s fully finished. Anna, thanks for mentioning adding a little personal marking stamp to our pueces. That’s a wonderful idea. I’m going to check out Audrey’s posts. I also would love to try stitching for a day like it was my job. I feel it could go either way - love it or hate it. Have a wonderful couple of weeks!
Thank you Michelle! I feel the same way about fully finishing a knit garment by blocking it. There is something about the final step that pulls everything together. I'm also glad that Anna was inspired to create a maker's mark. I've been designing mine the last couple of days and have one I'm going to try. Thank you for watching & commenting! Happy Crafting, Carolyn
Hi Brenda! A glass with ice is a wonderful idea. Not sure why I also drink seltzer out of the can!? Thank you for spending time with us and your comment. Happy Crafting, Carolyn
I love all the birds and the winter scene at the beginning. Looks like they’re all done on Kinen. I’m a little afraid of linen. Mostly I stitch on evenweave 25 or 28. Yours are beautiful.
Thank you Pat! I really enjoyed stitching both of those pieces and am glad to have them framed. The birds piece is a gift for Anna. They are both stitched on linen. When I started stitching in 2020 I didn't know anything about cross stitch supplies and just happened to pick linen for my first project. I started with 28 count. If you're curious, I encourage you to try stitching a piece on linen. Thank you for joining us and for your comment! Happy Crafting, Carolyn
Oh I love the idea of maker's mark bu Audrey! Something like Albrecht Durer's monogram! And I really like your superspool. Thank you for your flosstube & Happy Stitching!
I'm so glad Anna thought about "making a mark" on her pieces. I'm on board and designed my first version, which I'll try on my next finish. Anna has already found a nice spot to display her superspool. Thank you for joining us and for your comment! Happy Crafting, Carolyn
So happy you enjoyed women’s college softball. I hope you watched after Stanford was eliminated because the Sooner’s four-peat was fabulous. You two are my truly favorite floss- tubers, until Brenda and Laura make me laugh out loud! Seriously, I love your dynamic together and your stitching and creativity!
Watching in bits and bites. The Presidio. Yes. In 1982 I ran in the AVON Marathon (women only) in San Francisco. My DH and I drove down from Alberta here in Canada through the redwoods and made a holiday of it. The Marathon started on the Oakland side of the Golden Gate Bridge, so that the first 2 miles were run on/over the bridge (a FIRST -- and by womem runners, who weren't -- at that time -- yet permitted to run the Marathon distance at the Olympics). We ran by the bay, up through the Presidio and around Lake Mercede (sp??). It was a very special experience...and a fond memory. All that came to mind as you spoke of that place. Thank you.
Hi Margaret! Thank you for sharing this amazing SF memory. Plus, you have my utmost admiration for running a marathon. It has always been on my bucket list, but my knees have never been able to keep up. In my younger days we used to run the "Bridge to Bridge" and the "Bay to Breakers" races. Isn't it fun when memories pop up? Thank you for joining us on our stitching adventure and for your comment! Happy Crafting, Carolyn
I definitely think we are all creators when we stitch. So we should find a way to leave our mark by stitching somewhere. I was a school teacher so I know how hard that career can be. Take a week and just craft if that's what you need. You deserve it. Love the finished pieces.
Thank you Patricia! Anna is currently working on her end of year comments and I finished last Monday. I like to take a few "zip do da" days when school ends. I'm always a little sad & nostalgic at the end of the year AND excited for summer break. Thank you for joining us and for your comment. Happy Crafting, Carolyn
What a great video, did not want it to end. Carolyn you got me with the locket, what a sweet gift. Anna, what a sweet gift for your boyfriend, you must have known he was a keeper. See you soon ladies.
Thank you Robin! So true about the locket -- such a sweet gift, plus she wrote me the nicest note. I'm glad you joined us today and thank you for your comment. Happy Crafting! -Carolyn
I love the idea of a Maker's Mark. I am going to have to put some serious thought into what I might have for my mark. Thanks ladies for another jam-packed episode!
Hi Norma, I'm so glad Anna had this idea! I've spent the last couple of days coming up with my mark and am excited to give it a try on my next finish. Thank you for joining us and for your comment! Happy Crafting, Carolyn
When I lived at the Presidio in the mid 1980s, I did the 40 hour week for a couple of weeks. Actually, I think it was more than a couple of weeks, because I finished a Told in the House Home of a Quilter, and a quilt piece by a designer I don't remember. This designer had so many country and quilt type patterns. However, I finished both of them within the 8 week period. I liked it, and I am trying frantically to that now, but not succeeding. My health is not that great at the moment and I write to you from my hospital bed. Severe lung infection is the problem, but I am being cared for and look forward to being at home again. Love all your videos.
Hi Karen! So sorry to hear about your lung infection and hope for a steady recovery. You must have lived on the Presidio when it was an army base? Have you been back to visit in the last 10 years or so? It has changed so much. Wow! Two quilts in 8 weeks! I'm curious to see how Anna likes a 40-hour crafting "work week" and am tempted to join her. Sending you healing best wishes! -Carolyn
Hello Mary! So happy you hung out with us and thank you for your comment! It looks like you've been having fun stitching adventures around the country. Loved seeing your photos on Instagram. Happy Crafting! -Carolyn
Anna, do not get rid of that fabulous wooden spool. Great price for such a big one - in my opinion. I have many different shapes and sizes and love them. I have a biscornu (sp?) I set on top of one. I have also stitched Prairie Schooler's Christmas trees and plan to use them to set the trees on for different heights on my mantle. I've seen other stitchers turn it horizontally and use the center as a "dowel" to hang a longer cross stitch piece. Keep it!!! You won't be sorry. All of your stitching pieces are beautiful in this episode. I will be anxious to see if you actually survive a 40 hour stitch week. . . . Happy Stitching to both of you!
Thanks for all these ideas for my spool! Right now I have a little rabbit figurine sitting on top, and it's looking mighty cute. I hope to try a 40-hour crafting week in the middle of this month! Happy Crafting, Stacey! -Anna
Your videos are such an upbeat, feel good experience. Your framed pieces turned out beautifully, and your WIPs all look great. I was lacing fabric to stretcher bars during your video for a Katie Strachan project, and spending time with you made this task a more pleasant one. Take care, and happy stitching, Arleen
What fun to keep you company while you were prepping for one of Katie's projects! Which project are you starting? Thank you for your kind comment and happy crafting, Carolyn
@@we.are.curiouscrafters I'm working on the Elizabethan Valentine. It's all lacing and I'll start the stitching this week or next, as I've got other projects calling me. The silk colours are so pretty, and I can't wait to see the effect of the silver thread. But now I'm going to return to my other hobby - eating cherries (many, many of them); I have achieved a superior level of excellence 😄
Carolyn mark suggestion - use a Q with a vertical date next to it and place a feather under both items. I always think of quill pens when I hear r=the word quill. Anna, I love the one Carolyn suggested. This is such a fun idea.
Hi Lisa! Thank you for the quill pen suggestion! It reminded me that our grandmother Quill used the quill pen as her symbol. It was on her notecards and a tote bag (which I have). I'm going to play with charting a simple one. Thank you for watching and commenting! Happy Crafting, Carolyn
Emeline is gorgeous!!!❤ I was stitching my Emeline while I watched this video. I haven’t been able to put it down. Stitching her is addictive. Your framed pieces are just gorgeous!’
Thank you Karen! I've been working on the over-one personalization and have been pleasantly surprised with how it's turning out. I'm starting to hit the point where I don't want this project to end. As always, thank you for joining us on our stitching adventure! Happy Crafting, Carolyn
I love your idea of trying out the crafting as a job for a week. I don't think that I would be able to stick to a 9 to 5 but could do something close to that, maybe even a little bit bigger than part time crafting job - that sounds like fun. I'm also intrigued by your discussion about a maker's mark. My family often tells me that I should be putting my initials on my finishes, so now will think about that more seriously and try to come up with something a little more artistic than just my initials. Your framed pieces turned out so beautiful and I enjoyed seeing your progress on your current wips. Thank you for another wonderful video.
Thank you Lorraine! Anna has had some winner ideas recently! I'm all in to her marker's mark ida and have spent the last couple of days designing mine. I have a version I'm going to try on my next finish. I'm also very curious to see how Anna's 40-hour crafting "work" week goes. Perhaps I can go over for a few "work meetings" during that week. Thank you for joining us today and for your comment! Happy Crafting, Carolyn
Shocked that I got both of you wrong in the picture. But you both have inspired me to get my stitching out again. I've been knitting up a storm but haven't stitched since about February. Time to get out North Pole and all of the goodies.
Hi Robyn! The sisters guessing game was so much fun for us. We need to take a similar photo of the 5 of us the next time we're together for a comparison. I'm happy to hear you've been inspired to get back to stitching. I love all fiber related hand crafts and have found myself moving between them over the years. I think the most important thing is to make with our hands! Thank you for spending time with us and your comment. Happy Crafting, Carolyn
I always love your thumbs up. Spending time with grandchildren and children is the best. One of my current thumbs up is being able to enjoy childrens theater again with my grandchildren. Just saw the musical “She Persisted.” Enjoy your summer break. Your framed pieces are beautiful. Thanks for sharing. Question: How do you see yourself in retirement? Will you volunteer somewhere?
Thank you Carol! It's so fun doing "kid" things again with grandchildren. One of my favorites is going to the playground -- I still enjoy swinging on the swings! Anna and I are looking forward to filming our Stitch With Us video later this month and answering all the questions -- thank you for contributing yours. Happy Crafting! -Carolyn
Actually I find your conversation about your Grandpa very interesting. I love listening to peoples' trips down memory lane. Especially how we remember things differently because that's how it was with my sisters. I was so thrilled when I saw your Emeline Hotchkiss sampler Caroline. I had to order it immediately. Lacolle is only about 2 hours from where I live and it's a teeny place. I believe the population is under 3000. It is believed Emeline is buried in Burtonville, QC which is about 2 minutes from Lacolle. So this sampler is not only Canadian but Québecois also. Apple trees are very popular in the southern part of Québec. I do not have a special stitching mark and in fact had never thought of it. However I am now completely intrigued. I've got some thinking to do.
Hi Alison! I'm glad you enjoyed our walk down memory lane :-). It's always fun for us sisters to compare our experiences and memories -- many differences, even though we grew up in the same wonderful household. How special that Emeline Hotchkiss comes from your area of Canada! You will absolutely love stitching her -- I'm starting to feel sad that she is almost finished. Thank you for joining us and for your comment! Happy Crafting, Carolyn
Love your videos! You both have put a lot of thought into your Makers Mark. I watched Nicola Parkman’s episode and thought I need to put my initials and date. Now I need to put more thought into this! Definitely like the “watermark” idea!
I'm so glad Anna came up with this idea and have had fun the last couple of days coming up with my "mark". I have a version I'll try on my next finish. Thank you for joining us today and for your comment! Happy Crafting, Carolyn
Anna, we have a great framer here in Strasburg, PA and when I am out thrift or antique shopping, I will buy frames that I find. I take them to the framer and he will cut them to fit pieces I want to use to frame my cross stitch work. On 95% of the pieces I stitch, I straight stitch my initials SUD at the bottom left corner of the piece and the year I finished it on the right bottom corner. I try to space them under a motif or letter that is the bottom line of the piece. Some day, when someone buys my piece from the Goodwill store, they will wonder who SUD was (although I do put a library card holder and a piece of index card on the back of all my framed pieces indicating the name of the chart, designer, fabric, threads and a little bit about either the sampler or when I was stitching it, or who it was for....
Hi Sandi! What a wonderful resource you have for your frames. There is nothing more beautiful than a wood frame! I love how you personalize each of your pieces with your initials and year. I appreciate the conversations the cross stitch community has been having about personalizing our pieces, especially reproduction samplers. Happy Stitching! -Carolyn
I love your songbird sampler and your ship! I have a similar ship in my to do pile 😁. A ghost mark is brilliant because I don’t want to mess up the pattern.
Thank you Bethany! The Songbird Sampler was so fun to stitch and was the perfect gift for Anna, aka Birdie. I agree that the ghost mark is brilliant. I've been working on my mark the last couple of days and have a version I'm going to try on my next finish. Thank you for joining us and for your comment! Happy Crafting, Carolyn
Enjoyed your video! There are neat quakers, samplers etc that fit around the center piece of your spool. They are beautiful! Check that out before you let it go. Your price was good for the spool also. Happy stitching.
Thank you Eyvonne! If I know Anna, she's going to come up with a creative way to use her spool! Thank you for joining us and for your comment! Happy Crafting, Carolyn
Another wonderful video! Congrats on the finishes! Such an interesting conversation about a mark. I have a usual way I like to make a quilt label (triangle on one corner stitched into the binding) and on small stitches I haven't done anything. But on large pieces I have stitched my initials and the year I finished. Nothing creative! Love the idea of making a crafting week over the summer...I'm going to look at my calendar!
Hi Kathy! I'm so glad Anna had this idea about a Maker's Mark! I've been working on mine the last couple of days and have a version I'm going to try on my next finish. I'm curious to see what Anna thinks about a 40-hour crafting "work" week, and if the timing is right might join her. Thank you for hanging out with us and for your comment. Happy Crafting! -Carolyn
I really like the idea of a watermark on the fabric. There are so many fancy cross stitch alphabets. I might steal this idea and come up with a stylized initial to use as a 'watermark' makers mark. (also would love to try the 40 hour week this summer - just hope it doesn't make anyone sick of stitching)
Hi Angela! I love your idea for a stylized initial for your maker's mark. I've been working on mine the last couple of days and have a version I'm going to use on my next piece. I'm so glad Anna came up with this idea! I'm also curious about Anna's 40-hour "work" week. I think it would be fun, as long as I changed up what I was doing -- stitching, knitting, ffoing, organizing, planning, etc. Thank you for joining us and for your comment! Happy Crafting, Carolyn
Great video! Emeline is looking lovely - I love the strawberry border. Anna, your ship is so impressive and your grandfather’s frame is a treasure- it must be wonderful to have pieces that he made. Carolyn, I love your Soldotna - it’s one of my favorite Boylandknits patterns - I’ve knit two versions, I added sleeves to the second one, and found a long sleeved tshirt to wear under the first, which I knit using Neighborhood Fibers yarns that the owner Karida helped me pick out. The maker’s mark is such a good idea, as you were talking about it I was thinking about the painter Albrecht Durer’s signature- that large capital A over a smaller capital D. If the year and my name/initials are not part of the design (as is the case for many Blackbird Designs, I just backstitch my initials and the year in the lower right corner. My question for you, not stitching related though, is how long you have both lived in California.
Thank you Trudy! The Soldotna was so fun to knit and I love your idea of adding long sleeves. Caitlin is a master at color work yoke sweaters. I think my favorite sweater by her is Zweig. I've worn mine so much I've almost worn it out! As for marks, I'm so happy we're all thinking more about personalizing and "signing" our cross stitch pieces -- especially reproduction samplers. I love Anna's idea of a "maker's mark" and have spent the last couple of days designing mine. Thank you for contributing a question! Anna and I plan to film our Stitch With Us video later this month. We're so happy you have joined us in our stitching adventure and love reading your comments! Happy Crafting, Carolyn
Hi Trudy! Hmm... my first reply didn't seem to go through, so I apologize if this is a repeat! I agree that the Soldotna was very fun to knit. I love your idea of adding long sleeves! Caitlin is the master of color work yoke sweaters. I think my favorite ifsZweig. I've worn mine so much I've almost worn it out. I'm so glad Anna started thinking about Marker's Marks and that the cross stitch community has been talking more about personalizing and "signing" their pieces -- especially reproduction samplers. I've spent the last couple of days designing my "mark". Thank you for your question! Anna and I plan to film our Stitch With Us video later this month. We're so glad you have joined us on our stitching journey and so appreciate all your comments! Happy Crafting, Carolyn
The songbird sampler is so beautiful. Thanks for another great video, I enjoy your needlework and all the content! Just the right amount of crafting and chatting,
Thank you for your kind comment and for joining us today. Anna and I have so much fun getting together every two weeks to catch up and talk about stitching. Happy Crafting! -Carolyn
I was SO close! In fact my first guess was correct, but I didn’t follow my gut, ah well… I don’t have a maker’s mark but I’ve been putting my initials and year, if I can fit both, on my stitching for ever. Sometimes i use a bold color from the design. For samplers, I often use a paler color, ghosty even, as you described, and for all the reasons you mentioned. I love your Émeline Hotchkiss, Carolyn. I tried to buy the chart in May when i was at the Attic but they were temporarily sold out. On my list for August. Your needle book is so pretty, Anna. Can I send mine to you for finishing when i’m ready? 🤣 Thanks for sharing ladies!
So interesting that your first guess about the sisters photo was correct, Tricia! I think Carolyn and I will be putting our initials and the year on our samplers from now on - her finish and maker's mark on Emeline are incredible. And haha - if you only knew how easily I could be convinced to finish something for you. :) Happy Crafting! -Anna
The fully finished items are awesome…it would be lovely to have a picture of how you showcased each of the pieces. Question…for each of you, what would you consider the most pivotal or influential credit you took in post secondary education and why?
Thank you! It's been so fun to start building up a collection of fully finished pieces. So far I've been displaying my pieces here and there, but now feel like I need a better plan. Should I spread them out around the house? Focus them on a stitching wall? Etc... It's been fun to think about. Also, thank you for your question! I'm looking forward to filming our Stitch With Us video later this month. Happy Crafting! -Carolyn
Ladies, thanks for the new episode! Always such a treat to stitch with you & thanks so much for the generous gift!!! Do not have an Instagram account so please keep an eye out for my email. Thank you & enjoy your weekend!
You're welcome Leslie! I've received your email and your chart has been ordered. Excellent choice!!!! Thank you for joining us on this adventure! Happy Crafting, Carolyn
Thank you for another great video. Loved the discussion on makers mark. I’ve hand embroidered quilt labels with a makers mark but there is more space and it’s on that back. For my surface embroidery pieces I embroider name and date in the selvage that will be folded under when finished. That leads me into a question for your stitch with me episode. Have either of you ever done surface embroidery? Love all you guys share. Thank you!
You're welcome Edna! Anna and I have so much fun getting together every two weeks to catch up and chat about crafting. I'm so glad Anna started thinking about maker's marks! I've been working the last couple of days to design mine and have a version I'm going to try on my next finish. Thank you for contributing a question. We'll be filming our Stitch With Us episode later this month. Happy Crafting! -Carolyn
Great video ladies...My son is looking into moving to Cali from Ky and I'm excited for him but nervous for me. May need all the suggestions for where to visit there. Also, I have an artist friend that uses BE♥as her name is Bev. She tilts the heart to look like a V. Watermark idea is intriguing.
Hi Lisa -- How exciting for your son! California is a wonderful (and expensive) place to live. It also has lots of fun activities/sights for visiting family members! I love your friend's "mark". I've been working on mine the last couple of days and have come up with a version I'm going to try. Happy Crafting! -Carolyn
Emeline looks fabulous! Oops…I’m Kim Goldman, and I know there is still a bit of confusion occasionally. I am not the model stitcher for HATS. She is amazingly talented, and she is The Contented Stitcher 🤗
Hi Kim! Thank you so much for letting us know about our confusion and I apologize for the error. When I hear the word "contented", I immediately think of you and your fabulous stitching. I'm having so much fun #StitchingEmeline and I'm at the point where I don't want her to be done. Happy Crafting! -Carolyn
P.S. ON that piece from Lacolle, QC -- no the tree wouldn't be a lemon. NO citrus trees would grow in Quebec -- unless inside a hot house. We have real winters here in Canada and Quebec is no exception (even with climate change!). On the other hand, there are LOTS of apples grown in Quebec so the tree would most likely be an apple. (Quebec is also known for maple syrup.) Remember, Quebec is to the north of Vermont, NY State and Maine -- to give you an idea of climate. 😊
Hi Margaret -- Thank you for helping me identify the trees in Emeline. I'm going to go with apple trees. Citrus trees are so common in our area, it's easy to forget they are fragile to freezing temps. Hoping you got time to stitch today! -Carolyn
Love your videos! Just one comment. Kim Goldman is not the model stitcher for HATS. The model stitcher is the Contented Stitcher and her mark is two bees. That confusion is the reason that Kim changed the name of her Flosstube to Contented Needleworker Kim. This is not a criticism. Just clarifying because I used to think that Kim was the HATS model stitcher too. To add to your discussion of a maker's mark: I have decided that I must start being consistent with marking my work (quilts and cross stitch). I am thinking of putting in my initials and year in floss that matches the linen. That way it won't distract from the original work. Happy stitching. Best, K
Hi Karen! Thank you SO MUCH for letting us know we had the wrong model stitcher. I think I hear the word, "contented" and instantly think of Kim G. I really like the idea of marking our pieces with a ghosting thread when we don't want to distract from the original design. I've been working on my "mark" the last couple of days and have a version I'm going to try. Thank you for joining us and for your comment! Happy Crafting, Carolyn
You mentioned The Book of Days. Do you know when the 2025 version will be coming out? I would like to try and be more focused with crafting for next year. I loved the family picture. I also have 5 siblings but was not raised with them so I don't have a picture of us as children. I do however have a picture of two of my sisters with me as a teenager. I treasure that picture.
I have really enjoyed using my Book of Days this year. I don't know when the 2025 version will be released, but looking back on Instagram NeedeWorkPress announced the 2024 cover last September. I noticed the 2024 version is on sale at 123stitch, perhaps you can try it for the rest of this year? As for sibling pictures -- they are the best! When my parents downsized their belongings the most coveted item between us sisters was a family photo of us as children. Thank you for joining us today and for your comment! Happy Crafting -Carolyn
Hi Mary! I also like the idea of a ghost mark, especially when you don't want to distract form the design of the piece. Anna and I have both been using MacStitch from Ursa Software. They also have a version for the PC called WinStitch. Thank you for joining us and for your comment! Happy Crafting, Carolyn
Hi Julianne! Awesome questions! We're looking forward to filming our Stitch With Us video later this month and answering all the questions. Thank you for joining us and for your comment! Happy Crafting, Caroltyn
My motto is, "don't mess with crows!" -- they are so smart and remember you! Perhaps the crow was going after the shiny barrette I had in my hair :-) Happy Crafting! -Carolyn
