FlossTube #52: Stitch With Us (6/20/24) 

My earliest crafting memory was my grandmother teaching me to crochet - she was the main influencer of trying many things - I’m just sorry I could never figure out knitting! Always wanted a pair of hand knit socks! I still have the two Holly Hobby embroidery pictures I made for her about 50+ years ago hanging in my sewing room. Thanks for prompting the great memories.

Thank you for such a fun video! It was wonderful to get to know you better by your answers. You both are so lucky to have a sister who gets you. You are very easy to listen as I stitch. Love this flosstube channel!

Yes, a good time was had by all! It is fun to get to know the Flosstubers we follow a bit better. Your honesty and comaradarie are so pleasant to watch...or hear, as we stitch, too. Thanks.

That was so relaxing and fun. All the questions were great and I enjoyed listening to your answers and getting to know you a bit more. A number of years back my stitchery guild did a round robin. think with 8 participants. Each person decided the theme or designer, floss colours, etc. they wanted and stitched the first (top) part of their sampler. These were done like band samplers. The fabric and flosses changed hands each month and at the end of 8 months everyone had gorgeous samplers. There were some wonderful Mirabilia round robins done many years back. For those, the stitchers created box shapes on their fabrics. One stitcher might have square boxes, another rectangular, and others very ornate and swirly. I remember one person only wanted mermaid tails in these boxes, so they ended up with them pointing in all directions and with much metallics and beads. Another person just wanted Mirabilia faces. The creativity was wonderful to see and the final projects were fantastic. There are so many different ways to do round robin layouts, will be interesting to see what you both come up with. Both the projects you stitched on today look great. Enjoy your well earned summer holidays. I also don't think your mom would notice one extra sister. I don't have any so I think I may need to be adopted. Take care, Arleen

I tell you what - it's like sitting with my sisters when I spend time with you two BUT with the added bonus that we feel exactly the same about cross stitch in the way you said "if you know you know. " I could easily spend days stitching - I enjoy going through my charts, looking at the linen, thinking of what to do with all the threads and no one I live with understands this! Thanks for a fun video ladies.

This was so fun -- thank you! And it's true, if California is your place, it's your place. I've lived in several great places and hugely enjoyed them, but invariably wanted to come home. IYKYK. Especially the Bay Area.

I really like this format as we get to know about your family background. This is a nice change and feels like a in person vidi. Thanks

That was so much fun! I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you better! And the questions made me think about my answers too! Fun! The first question reminded me that we have love of math in common. On your first floss tube I commented about that. I used to love seeing the smile and bright eyes when the light of understanding went off! I most enjoyed hearing you describe your absolute love of stitching. I feel the same way, and it’s hard to describe the deep feeling of contentment, joy and awe that comes from creating our little pieces of art. It’s magical to me and I hope I keep that spark of happiness until the day I stitch my last stitch! I had to stay up this first day of Summer and get my first stitches on The Cross-Eyed Cricket Summer! I will have the middle of the sunflower done before I head to bed! Thanks for a real treat tonight! Please do it again! Susie from the Smokies

I'm watching this on Saturday evening, June 22, as I sit out in my backyard. It's in the low twenties Celsius, with a very light breeze. I'm stitching on "Ann Perrin 1841", Jeannette Douglas' reproduction sampler from Nashville Market 2023. My elder cat, Pookie, sleeps next to me on the cushion we share on the garden bench. It's been lovely and fun to hear your answers to those questions...as I near the end of a perfect evening.

Loved seeing that you turn your fabric to stitch Anna. I do the same, I think I do that because I was a quilter who hand pieced and did applique before I became a crosstitcher.

Such a fun video! I felt like I got to know you a bit better. One round robin idea I’ve heard is for each person to choose an Ink Circles pattern and start the project off. And then the project circulates around the group with each person stitching a section so the original stitcher gets a finished piece.

I have not been to CA since 2019. My parents both died that year in CA. Strangely, they died 6 weeks apart, one in Sacramento, the other in the bay area. We have all heard stories of elderly couples that die close together, but my parents had been divorced for 53 years. I still have a brother in Redwood City and other relatives in other cities. The traffic down there is nuts! So we don't really like driving around there. We live in Oregon and Portland traffic ia almost as bad as CA traffic.

Thank you so much for a lovely stitching visit! I just loved this video! I'm so excited to hear if you do your round robin! I love seeing all the flosstubes where they are stitching these. I wish I knew other stitchers as I'd love to have someone to do that with as well! Love your beautiful projects too and hearing all your lovely stories! ❤

So much fun! I just retired….the happiest thing has been taking off my watch.

Love watching your videos, and of course joined in with my stitching. ❤️

My favorite needles are Sullivan's ballpoint needles. They are slightly thinner than regular tapestry needles, but they are very strong. The ball point makes finding the holes in the fabric a breeze.

I enjoyed stitching along with you, listening to your conversation and the questions. You asked what I was working on while I listened - I'm working on a counted cross stitch adaptation on 28 ct linen of an Erica Wilson needlepoint chart of the William Morris Strawberry Thief. I converted her Appleton wool colors to DMC wool colors, then to sort of similar DMC cotton colors chosen from my stash. LOL, hope it doesn't turn out to be the confused disaster that sounds like.

What a super great visit! Fitting that I am stitching California from the Statehood Series by Threadmilk Designs as this So. Cal girl watches some Nor Cal girls! I currently do not have a unicorn chart. Touching the Autumn Sky by Mirabilia was my unicorn which I acquired and instead of stitching it, I am almost treating it like that fancy bar of soap that is too pretty to use…I think it will be my October birthday stitch this year…but I have said that before..lol..So enjoyed just listening to the questions and enjoying all your stories. Now I will ponder what my own responses would be..what will my memories unfurl??? Neato! thank you!

Had such a relaxing afternoon stitching with you! Thanks and hope you do it again. I think you will both find some type of volunteer opportunity when you retire. You’re both so purpose driven and active that something will come your way and suck you in (in a good way😉) before you know it. Have a great summer!

I enjoyed this video, how fun! You two ladies are so fortunate to be sisters who love the same crafts. It's a joy to watch you both and your loving and caring relationship. The question that spoke to me is the balancing of life and craft. I try to balance both, it's only me and my husband so a lot of my time is my own, when I have time I craft, it's my first time that I do, as I sew, weave, machine knit, needlepoint, and make photos with film photography, develop my own film and now cross stitch.

Such fun! My friends don’t stitch so it was great to have you both stitching I’m like you I tend to leave housework so k can stitch but now that I’m retired it’s even better as I don’t have to keep my eyes on the clock! Hope you & the Hathaway Stitchers do this stitch-a/long again!

Ladies, I have to say this is one of the most enjoyable episodes ever. You both look so relaxed and actually happy going back and remembering things I thoroughly enjoyed it. I don’t know any other way to say it, but please do it again. I loved it! The questions were great. The answers were fun and thoughtful perfect and every way I’ve really enjoyed it. I have something to say about Anna using the book on her IKEA stand. Something that I do is get a hardback clipboard. I clip my chart onto the clipboard and if I’m outside, the wind can’t blow it away. The back of the clipboard keeps everything nice and stiff. The metal clip is a great place for a magnet for scissor or/and a needle minder and It rests well, propped up against quite a few things …works perfect for me. Thought you might be interested. There was something else I wanted to comment on and I can’t remember what it is now if I remember, I’ll come back at add to this. My unicorn chart is by the Good Huswif and called Ida Mae… she is a crow wearing a dress. Love it!

Great video- feel like I know y’all 💕 Loved your explanation of embroidery vs cross stitch- I also have trouble with the free form - grid for the win ❤ Enjoy your summer

I really enjoyed the day with you. The close up stitching was marvellous because I don’t stitch in hand so that was interesting to see. Have a great summer….see you soon.

This was so much fun! It was like I had someone to stitch with. I worked on my Bristol Sampler-Jane Ann 1871-Fifteen Friends by CozyEgg Designs. I got so much done. The question that spoke to me is having someone to talk cross stitch and to take trips with. Also since I stitch with a hoop, it was great to see close up how you both stitch. Thank you for sharing your stitching journeys and have a wonderful summer crafting all the things.

Hello friends - I really enjoyed your video today. It was so nice to get to know you both a bit better. I love hearing about all of your crafty projects as I’m a multi-crafter also and enjoying seeing what others are doing. I don’t have a unicorn chart - there’s enough good stuff out there that I usually don’t have a huge desire to stitch something that I don’t already have in my stash or can’t get. Right now my most challenging project is Louisa Barney by Reflets-de-Soie (sp) - I am loving the stitch, but for some reason it doesn’t come up in my rotation very often. Thanks again for your lovely chat today.

This was a really fun episode. I agree completely with your comments about unicorn charts. I’m amazed at the number of people who become fixated on some old chart that is unavailable. There are hundreds of designs I would love to stitch. I try to be careful not to overbuy, because my tastes change over time. I can’t wait to retire so I can go to the weekly daytime stitching groups at the local LNS.

How fun! This is second floss tube that mentions new needles…only when I lose one!! I just keep reusing mine😮

It was fun listening to your answers. I am stitching Peacock by Cottage Garden Samplings. I'm using the called for 32 ct. fabric which should end up with a 6.25 x 6.25 stitched piece. But it looks like it will be a bit larger. So I may have to rethink my finishing idea. I don't recall if you were asked a question about this but you spoke about how much you enjoyed doing cross stitch. For me it is very calming and it might have the same effect as meditation. You comments about moving to California were interesting to me. I am a CA native, living most of my life in Lodi. I love the state but my husband & I moved out of the state in 1978.

so Fun! I have to comment on the amazing lime green sofa. If you watch Last Homely House you will know why.

I will finish watching, tomorrow! It’s my bedtime and I have packed up my stitching so my cat doesn’t mess with it.

Thanks so much for answering my question first! I come from a similar background and love to hear how others gained their crafts! Hugs, Candace

Enjoyed this visit and hearing more about you and your crafting. I'm working on a small Halloween piece from La-D-Da as I watch you. I stitch in hand and enjoy a variety of fabrics and fibers (and expanding my stash so I can kit things up when I feel the motivation to start something new). Enjoy your summer crafting!

Loved this episode, great to hear more about you and watch your different stitching styles 😊

Enjoyed stitching along with you. Great answers to questions. Would love to do a round robin thinking quakers

This was a very interesting and entertaining episode. Maybe you should do it once a year, when you’ve finished with school, as it was this year. The relaxed pace lent itself to your thoughtful answers and exchange of thoughts between the two of you. Caro in Texas

I loved the Q&A video. Enjoyed getting to know you better. My favorite needles are Bohin also. I do have a belated question: Have you two always been as close as you seem to be now? I don’t have sisters and love your relationship. ❤️

Glad you’re both on vacation 😊. You’d be shocked if you came to my house in Roseville. In 2018 we bought a 3,500 sq ft house for $595,000! You definitely can’t touch that in the Bay or East Bay areas. Now the prices are up in the 800,000 to $1,000,000 range for this size house. Luckily ours is a single story.

I like this format every now and again. Loved your answers, so glad you were willing to give it a try. I find stitching in an airport I always get looks and questions. I am 3/4 complete on Let Love Reign by Teresa Kogut so that is my most "intimidating" pattern. I just returned from a girls trip with my crafty friends and I'm the only one that Cross Stitches others either paint or do paper crafting. I wish I had a sister to enjoy this with, you two are great! Happy Crafting.

So fun to visit with you! I am stitching part 2 of the Frosted Pumpkin Arctic Animals stitch along - making a walrus while I listen. Definitely do this again... it was entertaining and I learned a few things! Stitching makes me so happy also 🥰

Thank you for a great video.

What fun! I love hearing your childhood stories the most. I was working on Mary Barr by The Wishing Thorn while watching. A round robin stitch sounds like fun, but I would need to find some over one stitchers. ❤❤❤

Love love love this!!! I’m cooking dinner while chatting with you both, and then I hope to stitch a bit with you. ❤

I really enjoyed this episode. I feel I know you both a little better. I stitch in hand also. I stitched with a q-snap for a few years, but then realized I love stitching in hand more. Enjoy your summer of stitching.

That was really fun. Enjoyed , as I always do. I didn't stitch with you however, I was afraid I might miss something you showed or said. I would like to ask about the art piece behind you and the other one that is often behind you. Did a family member paint them. They look as though they were painted by the same artist. I really admire them. I also enjoyed hearing about Chincoteague and the ponies. My sister and hubby have a place there, always have s great time when I visit there. I also love the Misty books. I've continued to watch each flosstube you post but just haven't commented in some time. My husband passed away on March 11. We were married in 1982. I miss him greatly but have kept myself quite busy. You both always make me smile. Take care, til we share again. ❤, Donna

I enjoyed listening to all of the questions and your answers.

Hi you two , Enjoyed this Video alot, a nice treat. Always wanted to try stitching in hand but also a stand. But just use hoop. Afraid of stitches not laying well and tension with in hand. Put knitting on hold to start cross stitch. Take care ❤

Love your channel and loved this particular episode! Yes, please do it again sometime! I kept it on in the background while grading -- it makes the grading a little less painful. :)

I just spent the afternoon stitching with you girls and I loved it! I am one who wants to talk about stitching 24/7 also. I agree that you must have a person or many to do that with and I do! I’m lucky that way and it’s not weird or I’m a huge weirdo 😂. I poke and stab, I use a qsnap along with a clip on magnifying glass. My favorite needles are Piecemakers (28) and I mostly use 40 count linen. My dream day is stitching all day long 😊. Thanks for the fun ladies!

So fun ladies! No structure just relaxed and interesting for me! I think you should do these about twice a year. Happy vacation! I love to see the relationship between you two. My sister nor my beat friend stitch so it's lonely for me. Maybe I can interest hubby😂

Great video. So nice to see sisters enjoying each other. I have two and they are my best friends! (But they don’t stitch 😂)

Funny video ladies! Currently my favorite beverage is an iced matcha with lavender foam🩷

Always love your videos. I am stitching on Ann Dale, a reproduction sampler by Kitten Stitcher. It’s large and I will finish it this year. It’s not my oldest WIP but it has been going for a number of years. Love the question session.

My unicorn chart is Blackbird Designs "And to All a Good Night". I have stitched one round robin. It was fun but the final piece is not something that I would display. I was hoping that I would meet stitchers that I would become friendly with, but I ended up with a person from Connecticut, Indiana and Texas and I live in PA. I would try it again. I am not intimidated by specialty stitches, but I usually choose strait cross stitching pieces. I will do french knots, backstitch, smyrna stitches and a couple of algerian eye, but have not done any other specialties. I stitch in hand unless I am stitching over one (which i avoid) at which time I will use a small hoop. I stitched the Berry bowls...it was supposed to be me and a friend each stitching 1/2 for the other person, but it never worked out that way so I have stitched the two parts on different fabric and just need to sew the two pieces together. This was a very fun video (not that your other videos are not fun) so you should consider doing it again. Have a great stitchy weekend. I am close to a finish on Vibrant Flowers. I need to finish it in June as I stitch a Christmas sampler in the month of July (Christmas in July);

Its interesting the things that motivates a student. Enjoyed getting to know more about you.

So. Much. Fun. Loved that stitchy time with the two of you. I was LMAO when you told the story about the book! OMG. Have a great week!

loved this. thank you, ladies

I really enjoyed this format. I hope you will keep it in the act. I was knitting on a shortie sock while I watched. I have a question: Is there a story about the headless sunbather picture in the background?

Very fun video. Interesting to watch you both stitch. Different from each other and different from me, as well.

Fun episode, you should definitely do it again! I am just waiting for you two to finish your Fruits of Plenty!! 🙂

That was fun & interesting! My unicorn chart is The Sassenach Sampler from Lauren Sauer

Loved this episode very much and have peacock unicorn a badger on my wish list. Right now I am stitching on Sleepy hollow by Laurie Prindle 18ct 2 over I designed by Heaven and Earth designs. It has 314375 stitches and I have stitched 262054. I am 83.36 percent and it is my first design that I am stitching from them. I truly love full coverage but also do smalls inbetween. I have also purchasing some samplers and patterns that you two have shown. Thank you for staying curious and being creative with finishes.

I love this! I am watching you ladies while I am work. No stitching.

Really great video and so much fun! I worked on His Eye is on the Sparrow while listening which is taking me quite a bit of time but was never intimidating. Would love to learn to stitch in hand so that even large projects are much more portable.

Loved it - great idea and kind of fit the summer vibe too. I struggle with counting so some charts intimidate me until I can see how to break it down. I am a Cali girl from 3 generations, so loved that part too. Stretch out your days and enjoy to the max! hugs

A thought about ending your stitches……I was taught never end a thread by running it under stitches you have just made….it can have a tendency to loosen them. Always run the thread under the row above or below where you finished…if possible.

Really enjoyed your Q and A session. Thank you

This was so much fun. I found myself answering the questions along with you both!

Happy summer vacation ladies! Enjoy your stitching time!

Darn, I hope you can answer one more question: You’ve mentioned many times that your parents live behind Anna and your sister lives next door, a family compound. Anna, was the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) for your parents already in place when you bought your house? If not, did your architect sister design the ADU?

That was a great video ladies. Really enjoyed it!

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That was great! Did your parents relocate to California to be near you? Really fun idea. Thank you for sharing.

Love this! What size needle do you use?

Umm. Is the print behind you a headless woman?

Such a fun episode! I loved hearing how you both came to California! I’m a Bay Area girl too - grew up in Los Gatos and now live in the East Bay. Love all of your videos!❤