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It is no secret that one of my favorite counted cross stitch creators is Barbara Ana Designs. I have stitched several of her anthropomorphic animals and a cute mermaid. My latest cross stitch finish is the freebie pattern offered on the Barbara Ana Designs Instagram page. She released it as a complimentary chart with the #bewellandstitch movement. I have stitched both of her Be Well complimentary designs in 2020. I decided to do a thread conversion and use Sulky 12 wt cotton Petites.*  

When I am not cross stitching, I really enjoy making all the things. I have been quilting and crafting. My favorite crafty club is the current Farmhouse Style Kit Club.* I made their first kit, which was the gorgeous felt wreath. My second kit just arrived! It is a soap making kit. I've always wanted to learn how to make soap. Seriously! In case you are interested in the club, Annie's is offering  75% off any Annie's Kit Club with the promo code SHARE75 .

Thanks so much my friends and happy stitching!
​Amanda Mae

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This episode features two new cross stitch pattern releases. So exciting! I also show my WIPS (works in progress) on my Totem pattern by Ursula Michaels, "Light" by Barbara Ana Designs, and a sneak peak of my upcoming design featuring Sulky Poly Star and 12 weight cotton thread. I also show my quilting and crafts with my kids.
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It is so exciting to announce that I have two pattern releases this week! The first is Pear Assortment. This is a 16th century needlework block print that I adapted for counted cross stitch. It was originally stitched in conjunction with my filming and development of the Sulky of America's "Intro to Cross Stitch" video series. You can watch that video series here. 

The second pattern release is "Whaley Love Winter" featured in the 2020 Just CrossStitch Ornament Issue. The model is stitched withSulky 12 weight cotton thread and Hiloshimmer thread. It is stitched on 32 count Indigo linen by Luminous Fiber Arts and mini creamsicle orange pom pom trim by Lady Dot Creates. 

The pumpkin block pattern came from The Cloth Parcel. I decided to make each block into a decorative pumpkin pillow. I added metallic thread to the top stitching. I think I found my new favorite shiny thing and that is Sulky's Poly Star Thread! You can watch the episode here. 

Here are some photos showing what I discussed on Flosstube 96 this week.  I hope you enjoy watching the episode and happy stitching! 

I started watching Flosstube on YouTube in 2017. One of the things that I love viewing is the "Tour de Wall" started by Pam and Steph of "Just Keep Stitchin." Every season they would film a segment showing the different finishes mounted behind them on the wall. As each season changes, another "tour de wall" would be showcased. In honor of my deep appreciation for their wall tour segment, I figured it was time to show you the pieces featured on my wall. 

The Flosstube wall in my studio is ever-evolving. The change in seasons along with my new finishes that I have finally fully finished or "FFO'ed" account for the change in the look of the wall. The paintings are from the late 19th century and early 20th century. They were gifted to me. I love them so much. I feel like the frames and the florals pair nicely with my grandmillennial or maximalist aesthetic. 

I hope you enjoy the slideshow of some of the pieces on my wall. The pugs love to hang out and help me to film my videos. I am in love with the "Let Equality Bloom" print by Brooke Fischer. It was originally printed for my homeschool classroom space, but I couldn't help but add it to my wall next to my Boo Bees Apiary piece. The center of the wall features Prairie Schooler Fairies stitched with Sulky 12 weight cotton thread. I used the Sulky Crossroads collection spool pack for my color conversion. I also have an accidental collection of needlepoint pillows that I love to keep in my studio. I love the them so much! 

I hope you enjoyed my "Tour de Wall!"

Happy stitching,

​Amanda Mae

Here are some notes and cute photos from Flosstube episode 93 by Amanda Mae of Ardith Design. The debut of the  brand new punch needle embroidery pattern "Sunflower Cottage" and fair isle sweater cross stitch ornament  inspired by the recent film, Eurovision is showcased on the video.  The pugs make a quick appearance, but they mostly wiggled around and tried to chew on my project bags.

After years of dormancy, my crochet hook emerged to start a new sustainable stitching project. So far I have created three crochet knit rag rugs. Luna Moon pug thinks that they are just the right size to lounge on and nap. 

I just love PNPS magazine! I am enjoying working on the various projects in the book. 

The plastic canvas finish of "Angry Sweater" turned out even better than I imagined. Stitch up this cute fair isle sweater as an ugly Christmas sweater ornament for Jolly July. It warms my heart to incorporate an obscure cinematic movie reference with my love of counted cross stitch, tree ornaments, and the majestic twinkle lights with the fun "angry" emoji face.