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This was a week of fully finishing cross stitch projects. I did, however, stop to smell the roses (and sunflowers and peaches...).  You can watch my new Flosstube episode here. 

I am thrilled with "Autumn Dream" and how it turned out in the 11 inch square frame. I removed the glass from the frame and cut a piece of foam core board approximately 10.9 inches square using a utility box cutter knife. The frame I purchased can be found here. It came in several colors, but I chose the "carbonized" wood color. I stitched my piece on a 32 count toasted almond linen and I feel like it turned out great in this frame. 

“Patriotic ABCs” by Barbara Ana Designs can be found in the summer 2020 issue of Punch Needle and Primitive Stitcher magazine. I used all of the called for DMC threads. It is stitched on 32 count natural linen. After finishing the stitching, I ironed the piece. Next I used pins, a ruler, and patience to carefully cut the linen to give the piece a three inch margin on all sides. I decided that a thrift store frame I originally got for framing Blackbird Designs “Blessings be Thine” sampler would be perfect to hold this prim eagle sampler.

I feel very overwhelmed and grateful to receive this beautifully stitched bookmark from a stitching friend. Look at that variegated thread in the blackwork! I love that she stitched my motto, "I matter. My Stitching Matters." Thank you so much Vonda for such a beautiful piece. I will treasure it! To my fellow readers of this blog, remember that YOU MATTER and that YOUR STITCHING MATTERS. 

“Remember Me” by Birds of a Feather is complete. I am very excited to have this project completed and framed! I Rit dyed the 14 count Aida fabric. The pattern is stitched using a combination of Sulky 12 weight cotton petites thread and the new Sulky 12 weight Filaine acrylic thread. The witch is stitched in cotton. The houses and the cat are stitched in Filaine. I love the coverage of the acrylic! I am excited to acquire more colors and to work on reproducing a 19th century wool work sampler with acrylic thread.

The frame is one that I found at a thrift store. I removed the glass and used the existing mat board. I laced the piece to the mat board. I used a chenille needle and a single strand of Filaine to lace the project. I know several needlework finishers use upholstery thread for lacing their projects. I have had a lot of success with using 12 weight cotton thread and now I am happy to report that the 12 weight acrylic thread works too.

Thanks to my Flosstube friends last year for helping me to identify one of my Save the Stitches pieces. I found this autumn farm landscape scene at a used bookstore. I took it out of the frame, cleaned it, and then set it aside for more than a year trying to figure out how to fully finish it. Finally I decided to display it. It was already clean but pretty wrinkled. I pressed it with a hot dry iron, and then attached it with two sided stitchery tape to an acid-free mat board. I used my rare earth magnets and E600 glue to attach it to a thrifted easel. The pattern is the autumn scene from the 1990 book “Sloane's Four Seasons” designs by John Sloane from the Something Special/Candamar company. It was stitched on 18 count cream white Aida. I am so happy I found this finished stitch. It looks like you can find a used copy of the chart on ebay. 

While reading this fun book to my kiddos, I remembered there are a few penguins I'd like to stitch from the back issues of Mary Hickmott's New Stitches magazine. Again, I have found some of the back issues available on eBay here. It is fun to read about Antartica while thinking of whales, penguins, and snow to stitch. 

I am happy to report that I was able to venture out to a local farm for “pick your own” season. My family and I picked a ½ bushel of yellow peaches and one peck of tomatoes. It was quite an adventure. I had picked peaches back in California, but this was the first time for my children and husband to pick peaches. Fun fact, the clear plastic bag is a “1 U.S. Peck” size and measures 13.5 inches by 16.5 inches. Now I want to make a project bag and have “I love you a bushel and a peck” cross stitched on the front of it!

It has been two years of talking counted cross stitch and making all the things on Flosstube! Wowzers. In this episode I discuss my recent Facebook Live with Just CrossStitch magazine, my current works in progress, my quilting projects, and Sulky Filaine acrylic thread. You can watch the episode here. 

Last week I went live (right before the tropical storm approached) to talk basic spool finishing. I just love spool finishing! This is a really great scrap-busting way of using up small cut-off pieces of fabric from previous finishes. For instance, on the large spool I demonstrate, you can fit a piece of 14 count aida with a stitch design size of 18 stitches high by 36 stitches wide. If you have scraps of quilting cotton, wrap your spools with that too! 

I really love talking about the Sulky acrylic thread! Check out my blog post where I discuss this really awesome product! I really think it is a game changer for cross stitch! 

​ I show my progress on "Beach Dance" by LindyStitches. It features an adorable pair of Blue Footed Boobies dancing in the sand. This weekend I was going through my magazine stash and came across the birds on the cover of the magazine... I am sensing a theme and think I need to stitch this one too. 

My garden is blooming and I am so grateful for these beautiful flowers.  The sunflowers faired well when the tropical storm rolled through central Maryland. 

I want to thank two special stitching friends for their stitching kindness. I was fortunate enough to receive two packages this week. Thank you ladies! Also, thank you to Theresa at Kitten Stitcher for her support of this special anniversary episode of Flosstube. Her shop ishere. 

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

 "Bobbins and Boobies" is the theme of episode Flosstube 95. Combine the "Boo Bees Apiary" cross stitch pattern with the newly released "Beach Dance" of Blue Foot Boobies bird pattern by Lindy Stitches and you get a match made in pun heaven. Bobbins and spools  have been on my mind all week. I am looking forward to finishing cross stitch works on wooden spools and winding thread bobbins with my DMC thread stash. 

This week I wonderful package of stitching kindness that included a set of plastic embroidery floss bobbins to organize my DMC floss collection. I show the different kinds of bobbins and clear plastic containers to house the rainbow of 6 stranded cotton perfection (aka cross stitch floss). 

Teach for Justice on Instagram inspired me to research Amplifier art and work with creating an inclusive classroom space. ​I downloaded some of the art and had it printed. Now I just need to get it framed and on the wall! I will post pictures and artists once it is hung on the wall.

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.  

I am delighted for this week's episode of Flosstube. You can watch it here. I show my stitching this week and my two new pattern releases. 

I want to thank everyone who tuned into my Just CrossStitch live event last week. It was so much fun. You can watch the replayhere. 

TheAngry Sweater is so fun! I started stitching it with two strands of DMC on 14 count clear perforated plastic. I am using a size 26 tapestry needle. I will finish the sweater as a little ornament. I cannot wait to see it completed! I will finish the ornament with decorative scrap book paper to cover up the back of the sweater. I will carefully cut around the plastic canvas at the border to get the sweater outline. 

I created this pattern because I just love themed sweaters! I started doing Ugly Christmas Sweater parties in college and then collecting them over the last 10+ years. Once they became super popular and not just the heavily embellished sweaters from the 1980s and 1990s, I purchased a Dr. Who themed 8 bit art themed sweater. It is screen printed rather than knit, but it still conveys awesomeness. 

I am really excited about Jolly Jully stitching, and I hope you will consider stitching holiday themed patterns along with me this July.

For my Happy Holidays Fireplace pattern, I charted out the words "Merry Christmas." This can be stitched in the same footprint as the original Happy Holidays phrase. You can now chose which one you would like to stitch. Both versions will still fit in a standard 5 x 7 inch frame. 

You can follow me on Instagram @ardithdesign 

Happy Stitching,

Amanda Mae

In Flosstube 91 I show my finish of "Autumn Dream" and my FFO of Barbara Ana's "The Key." I talk about the projects I've stitched on and my upcoming Facebook Live Summer Drink Cozy event with Just CrossStitch. You can view this episode episode here. 

I talk about some cool stuff to check out. If you are into knitting and yarn, Magpie Fiber yarn store in Frederick Maryland has a beautiful selection of hand dyed fibers. If you like historical and period clothing, check out Cheyney McKnight and her channel Not Your Mommas History on Youtube.  She is also a contributor in the American Duchess, "Guide to 18th Century Beauty." ​

It's now officially summer and things are heating up here on the east coast. The humidity has set in and the insulated drink tumblers have come out. I decided to draft and develop a drink cozy pattern for my 30 ounce Yeti tumbler. 

I am so excited that I created this pattern! I made a few different versions, but my favorite incorporates the "Star Bowler" pattern by Kathleen Berlew featured in  Just CrossStitch Magazine's June 2020 issue. Loving all things bright and mid century, I was immediately drawn to this chart. I only stitched the top part of the pattern. I stitched it up on a 14 count Aida black fabric using Sulky 12 weight cotton thread. I am so happy with the results. 

​I highly recommend stitching with Sulky 12wt cotton thread. Here are the Sulky colors I used in for the "Star Bowler" thread conversion: 1188, 1834, 1024, 1095, 1071, 1039, 1226, 1328, and 0568. 

Want to see this pattern and talk to me live as I make another drink cozy? Then set your calendars for Friday June 26th at 2 pm eastern time. I will be hosting a Facebook Live event over on the Just CrossStitch Facebook page. I will be going live to talk about how you can add cross stitch pieces to your summer accessories. Want to sew this pattern? It is available here. 

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. It does not cost you any additional money. Thank you for your support of my blog. Happy stitching, Amanda Mae

Shortly after Sulky of America debuted the "Intro to Cross-Stitch" video series, I saw that a new "fluffy" and "fuzzy" 12 weight thread featured on the front page of the Sulky website. I immediately wanted to learn about this thread. Full disclosure, I have been a huge fan of the 12 weight cotton petites since the 2019 Nashville Needlework Market. Thanks to Flosstube video makers and Hands on Design, I learned about the fantastic possibilities of stitching with 12 weight thread rather than traditional skeins of DMC. If the 12 weight cotton thread is a winner, I had to know if the 12 weight acrylic thread stood up to the hand stitching test. I scoured Pinterest to learn more about the Filaine thread. I saw several photos in regards to machine embroidery and free-motion machine embroidery, but there was a distinct lack of hand stitching examples of Filaine thread. That got me thinking, would this thread work for counted cross stitch, punch needle, and other types of hand stitching?

The first thing I did was to stitch a sample of stitches with my Gentle Art Simply Wool Cranberry red thread and then with the Sulky Filaine Carmine Red. 

​After stitching both lines on a scrap of linen, I truly could not tell a difference between the two types of threads in terms of appearance. I denoted the wool with a "W" and the Filaine with an "F." 

I grabbed a piece of 18 count Aida cloth and started cross stitching an American flag motif. I then tested out different stitches: long stitch, Rhodes heart stitch, eyelets, colonial knots, and backstitching. My cross stitches were very bulky on an 18 count fabric. My suggestion is to use a 14 count Aida or a 28 count linen. I will also say that doing knots is very difficult with the acrylic thread. Leave your french knots and colonial knots for your cotton thread. 

I think I am the most excited about the faux wool stitching I did with the Filaine thread. I took one of my historic wool samplers I am going to reproduce and I chose two of the motifs to replicate with the acrylic thread. I am just blown away with the acrylic's mimicry of wool thread. This has significant implications for me as a needleworker with a sensitivity to wool. Yes, I have a wool sensitivity. I was lamenting how I could thoughtfully reproduce wool samplers when I have a hard time stitching with wool. Now I can model stitch them my adaptations of historic wool samplers with Filaine thread! 

I integrated the acrylic thread in my personal stitching of Birds of a Feather "Remember Me" halloween pattern. I am so happy with the coverage of the acrylic thread on 14 count aida. 

I grabbed an teeny tiny piece of scrap linen and started free hand stitching a bearded face. Next I used a brand new toothbrush to brush the white thread to have it mimic the look of hair. I think it turned out well. You can see me doing this on camera on my Flosstube video review of Filaine thread. 

My final test of the acrylic thread was punch needle. I am so pleased with the results. I created the pattern and I have it available if you are interested in doing punch needle with Filaine thread.

I am super happy with this new thread and I look forward to integrating it into future designs. I hope other designers, artists, and stitchers consider using this thread for their hand stitching. It is a viable replacement for wool thread and it adds an extra fuzzy dimension to the stitching. You can watch my YouTube video where I show these projects here.   

Here are some of the awesome Sulky threads I have stitched and designed with:

All of the opinions in this blog post are my own and I am not a representative of Sulky of America. Sulky did send me the Filaine spools to test and review after I formally requested a sample of the threads. This post does contain affiliate links. If you click on one of my links and make a purchase, I do receive a commission.