More new goodies!

 It has been a crazy few weeks (months!) and I'm woefully behind on updating everything. It's a mostly good crazy, though, and I'm grateful. The fall Expo was a couple of weeks ago and this meant new chart and accessory releases. This meant lots and lots of inventory prep so that things could quickly ship out. The Expo was a great event, lots of shop orders, and all of them have shipped and are happily in their new homes. Here is what was featured:

MBT-277 Quaker Sacrifice

This is the fifth in the Quaker Seasons series and I still love each one. There are brighter colors in this one, and more of a harvest or fall feel with the rust colored focus thread in the center, but it could easily be toned down or stitched as a monochrome piece. The scripture is from John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friend." Model is stitched on 32 ct. country french linen, "Cafe Mocha," with Weeks Dye Works thread. Stitch count is 137w x 236h. Frame by East Side Frame.

MBT-278 The God of Peace

This is also in a series, a companion to MBT-160 Walk by Faith, MBT-176 Saved by Grace, MBT-182 Love One Another, MBT-209 Guide Me in Truth, MBT-232 Wait in Hope. There is a middle focus word with a beautiful scroll detail, scalloped edge border, and elegance. The scripture is from Romans 15:13 "The God of peace be with you." Model is stitched on 35 ct. Weeks Dye Works linen, "Tin Roof," with WDW thread. Stitch count is 97w x 65h. Frame is from Walmart (seriously, I was in a crunch, life was happening, and this was available and looks great with the design!).

MBT-279 Merry Christmas

I love the circle series! This is a companion design to oodles of other circle patterns. The little Merry Christmas ornament was stitched over one, and the Joyeux Noel is stitched over two. The design is also charted for Feliz Navidad, Frohe Weihnachten, and Buon Natale. Model stitched on 32 ct. country french linen, "Cafe Mocha," with Weeks Dye Works thread. Stitch count is 63w x 63h. Frame by Signed and Numbered.

MBT-280 My Cup Overflows

The fourth release is also a companion design. Scripture is from Psalm 23:5 "My cup overflows with blessing." Model is stitched on 28 ct. jobelan, "Lambswool," with Weeks Dye Works thread. Stitch count is 70w x 42h. Frame is by Green Tree Gallery. I also have this frame is a soft pink, which means there will be another one in the series! 

Now there are the accessories. So many accessories that I'm just going to highlight a few!

Pumpkin Spice Fob Pin Set  

Bees Pin Tin

Mermaid Treasure Fob Pin Set

Christmas Sheep Fob Pin Set

Fall Pin Tin

There are also other holiday mini fobs, thread keeps, needle minders... but if I put them all here then you'd have to go and get another cup of coffee or tea and settle in for a bit longer :o)

Our world continues on and we pray for hope and healing. I keep leaning on the sovereignty of God and knowing that He has it all in His hands. Doodlebug is almost of age to drive on her own (ACK!!!), and as scary as that is, there is joy in knowing she can get to her jobs (on her own!) and take on more responsibility as she grows towards adulthood. She wrote an original worship song and they sang it at church last week, which was so neat. Solid scriptural foundation, focused on Christ, giving praise to Him. I am a very proud mom. Yesterday, I sat down and was able to get a few x's into a new design. It is stitched over 3 and is keeping my brain busy. I like the look of the chunkier x's on the smooth fabric. The garden is wrapping up and we did not get much of a harvest this year. I still had fun watering each day and seeing all of the critters that made themselves at home. The frogs crack me up. The snakes, not so much. 

New Cross Stitch Patterns and Accessories!

My June releases have crept into July :o) It happens. I've been stitching in every spare moment and am so excited to share the new designs with you!

MBT-272 Be Devoted to One Another

This scripture from Romans 12:10 is one of my favorites. I know I say that a lot, but the call to honor one another above ourselves has really been on my mind for the past year as so many have struggled. The model is stitched on Picture This Plus, 28 ct. lugana, "Bramble," with GAST thread. It is a companion design to MBT-083 Be Not Forgetful.

MBT-273 It Is Well With My Soul - the full version

This piece is similar in style to the smaller design, but the motifs are different and the colors have a bit less variation. I've done this with Amazing Grace: there is the full version (088), the small version (200) and then the freebie (F08). I just love the hymns and want them to surround me! There is a lot you can do with this piece: stitch the chorus in between each verse, select the verses that you sing the most or are most familiar to you and only stitch those, play with the colors... Have fun! The model is stitched on 32 ct. Country French Linen, "Latte," with Weeks Dye Works thread. 

MBT-274 You're the Friend

This one makes me smile and giggle, and then smile some more. It is also charted for "you're the mom," "you're the sister," and "you're the grandma." The model is shown in two colorways. Both are stitched on 28 ct. jobelan, "Ivory," and with Classic Colorworks thread.

MBT-275 The Earth is the Lord's

This scripture is from Psalm 24:1. The design is a continuation in the square Psalms series and I love the little bird button! There is a charted bird, too, for those who prefer not to use the button (but he's really really cute). The model is stitched on 28 ct. jobelan, "Beige," with Weeks Dye Works thread. 

MBT-276 Every Good and Perfect Gift

I just love this scripture. Every good and perfect gift is from above, James 1:17. This is a companion design to MBT-262 Encourage One Another, but in a different colorway. It does fit a standard 4x6 frame on 28 ct. fabric. The model is stitched on 28 ct. jobelan, "China Pearl," with Weeks Dye Works thread. 

Thread Keeps Summer Ornaments

Thread Keeps Butterfly Wings

Needle Minder Lily

Needle Minder Melody

I do hope you enjoy each offering as much as I have. Life here keeps on. Hubby and doodlebug have become more involved in their positions at church and it has been good. Doodlebug, yes the sweet little girl who is growing up way too fast, has her learner's permit and is driving as often as possible. She is officially graduated (ack!) and trying to figure out her future. We still haven't figured out a house, or a town, but we know we are being used right where we are and we rejoice. 

In a few weeks I will get to attend a needlework retreat and I am so excited to see the stitchers there and be encouraged in that time together. There is a fall Needlework Expo at the end of August, and that is when I plan to have the next batch of releases. Yep, I realize it is July. I better get stitching ;o) 

New Designs for March!

It has been a whirlwind of a month. These patterns were released earlier this month at the new online wholesale market, the Needlework Expo, and life has been so crazy that I'm just now sitting down! It has been mostly good crazy, and some crazy crazy, but that is life.

MBT-268 Communion in the Lord's Supper 
Matthew 26:26-28

This model is stitched on 32 ct. country french linen, Golden Needle, with Weeks Dye Works thread. It would be a beautiful piece to celebrate the resurrection season or as a remembrance of the sacrifice that was made. It is created in an antique reproduction style and I used thread colors that would blend together but still be unique. It would be beautiful as a monocolor design, too!

MBT-269 Count Blessings

Another in the circle series!!! I love the simplicity of the saying "count blessings." Over the past year I have tried to make that a focus in all of the challenges, remember to count the blessings. Model stitched on 32 ct. country french linen, Cafe Mocha, with Gentle Art Sampler Thread.

MBT-270 One Stitch at a Time

This one makes me smile. Take each day one stitch at a time. Sometimes my focus is only on that next "stitch" and what needs to get done, but as the big picture comes together it is a sight to behold. Other times I get so stressed by the many "stitches" to be done that I forget to just work through the next one and it will come together. Model stitched on 28 ct. hand dyed jobelan, Queen Anne's Lace, with Weeks Dye Works thread. Frame is by Green Tree Gallery #1048586 and it has (sadly!) been discontinued at Hobby Lobby.

MBT-271 Let Us Love
I John 3:18

The scripture from I John, "Let us love not in word or talk, but in deed and truth," is something I've been trying to focus on for each day. My words have value and impact, and my actions even more so. The strong border and bold colors make this a great piece as a gift for a Pastor or clergy member, or for Father's Day. It fits a standard 5x7 frame. Model stitched on 32 ct. jobelan, Lambswool, with Weeks Dye Works thread.

There are also oodles and gobs of accessories shown on the website that are new for this year. New minders and thread keeps, as well as fun fobs and pins. Have fun and let me know if there is anything I can help you find.

The rest of life here is toodling along. Doodlebug is very very active as a piano accompanist right now and the next few weeks will be a daily adventure of rehearsals with various choirs and lots of time on the road. She is starting to look towards college and career and we are doing our best to support and encourage. Things are starting to green up in our part of Texas and the peas and lettuce in the garden are almost ready to eat. We lost a few plants in the big freeze, but the pots that were moved to the garage came through so I still have my grapes growing and all of my succulents. Hubby is in prayer over a more active role in our church and has started teaching again. His passion for scripture has made the last twenty years (yes, we just celebrated our twenty year anniversary of him putting up with me!) possible. I pray for another twenty and then another twenty. My continued prayer is for wisdom on the next steps and not getting so busy with the busy that I miss the joy in the little things and the ministry in the people God puts along the path.

New Designs!

Well, a single day was about all of the restraint I had to keep them to myself. I have issues with self control :o) The website has been updated and I'm so excited to share the new designs! Each one has a very different personality from the other, which sums up the last couple of months for me. 

MBT-263 I Will Bless the Lord, Psalms 34:1

This piece is the fourth in the square series, with a distinct fall flair because of the rich colors. The model is stitches with Weeks Dye Works thread on 28 ct. Lambswool jobelan. You could easily brighten it up to be a spring design, if that fits in better for you. The frame is by East Side Frames. 

MBT-264 The Love of God

The hymn by Frederick Martin Lehman has recently come into the spotlight with artists Mercy Me and the Gaither Vocal Band. The lyrics are a beautiful song of worship and I've highlighted the third verse and refrain. The model is stitched with Gentle Art Sampler Thread on 28 ct. Latte Country French Linen. The frame is a standard size 11x14 from Green Tree Gallery, found at Hobby Lobby.

MBT-265 Sarcasm is My Love Language    

I had to do something sassy, and I've found that with this motto there are some people in my life who experience that love far more than others. It is a very quick finish, fits in a 5x5 frame, and if you stitch it over one it could be the perfect ornament for the person in your life who needs the smile. The model is stitched with Classic Colorworks thread on 32 ct. Queen Anne's Lace hand dyed jobelan. 

MBT-266 Mightier Than the Waves, Psalms 93:4

This is a verse that I cling to during the times of struggle, when the waves are crashing and I seem to be tossed about. Mightier than the waves of the sea is His love for you. The model is stitched with Weeks Dye Works thread on 32 ct. Queen Anne's Lace hand dyed jobelan. The frame is a standard size 4x6 from Green Tree Gallery. 

MBT-267 Christmas Pinkies VII

I finally found my box of completed ornaments that needed to make it into a pinkies compilation! Over the past year, one of the most requested ornament patterns of mine has been "Always in My Heart." It was stitched as a memorial piece for a very dear friend who passed away. A group of us stitched it for her family members, each one with their own colors and personality, so that her husband and parents and kids each had their own memorial ornament. She is still missed. Also included in this pattern is Peace on Earth, and two versions of Nothing is Impossible. 

Now you know why I've been so excited! Each batch is a snapshot of what life is holding for me and this season has been all over the place. I currently only have one design in progress for the next batch, one in the circle series, which means time of prayer and consideration for what next needs to unfold from my needle and thread. 

This year is going to be different as far as holiday celebrations go. I pray peace for those who are struggling with solitude or loss, and that new ways are found to reach out, connect, and feel the love of fellowship from those in the families we are born into and those families that we choose through friendship.

New Pin Sets for November

Do you ever get that sinking feeling? Where things just don't seem right and you get lower and lower in this world? The air seems to go out of your sails and you feel unsettled? I'm going through that at this very moment, but not for the reason you might think ;o) My office chair is broken. It randomly decides to lose all of its height, which I definitely need to sit at my desk, and drop me six inches. I end up feeling like a small child sitting at the adult's table for the first time for Thanksgiving. I have to laugh each time it happens and think that if this is the most annoying part of the moment that I'm in, it's a good moment.

MBT stuff has been hopping! New releases have already started shipping to shops and I'll update the website and post images in a day or so. There are five new charts, all with unique personalities, so a little something for everyone. I've been working on new accessories and want to share the pin sets with you today. They've been in the trunk shows for months, but yesterday was when I finally said "get these pictures done now!" I hope you enjoy.

Strong Roots

Southwest Surprise

Fall Queen Bee

Spring In My Garden

There is a fifth set, Beach Days, and it is on my "to do" for pictures as soon as I am ready to also photograph the new Christmas specialty fobs. Each set comes packaged with the three pins together, coordinated with colors and theme, and are adorable! 

The rest of life stuff keeps moving along in our part of the world. Not literally moving, since I haven't found a house, but we are in prayer and thoughtful consideration of our next steps. As the holidays arrive I've started stress cleaning and the newest tool is a steam mop. I just used it for the first time and the floor is a little cleaner and my socks are soaking wet. 

Happy stitching to you all and see you in a few days!

Dogs Leave Pawprints and Gingher Evelyn

 Lois, at Nedlewerkes, sent me a picture of this adorable finish last night and I just *had* to share! I love how they did the finishing!!! The pattern is MBT-172 Dogs Leave Pawprints and it was stitched for the Austitch Charity Auction with all proceeds going to Service Dogs Inc. The box is by Lone Elm Lane and I'm in awe of their creativity and the craftsmanship of the box. I hope you enjoy seeing it as much as I did.

I have been busily working on accessories and sending out trunk shows to various shops. Not much stitching has been happening in my life, but I'm glad for the mild Texas temps and things that are keeping me on my toes. We're still getting fresh tomatoes from the garden and I'm treasuring each one as I know the season will soon be coming to an end. 

Gingher released their new Evelyn scissors and I have both a long and mini fob to match. Also created are oodles of coordinated accessories if you so desire to add them to your stitching stash! From left to right there are coordinated perfectly pretty pins, a regal pin that is great for stitch picking, needle threader with clasp, thread keep, matching marking pins, a thread hopper (up at the top with the two needles and corded thread), winged specialty pin, and mini fob. 

The thread hoppers/counters are hopping out of inventory and I've been refreshing things with new color combinations and new beads. I've added in some new pin sets and hope to get pictures done of those next week. This week has already disappeared from my grasp and it's only Thursday!

New for September 2020

It is hard to believe that it is already September and the weather is starting to cool. I say cool for Texas, which means still very hot but not *as* hot. We have done a couple of hiking trips, touring state parks and enjoying the beauty of creation. A few weeks ago we hiked Davis Mountain and it was both glorious and brutal. My snarkasm was in full bloom as we reached the summit and all I could think of was the Sound of Music and how "Climb Every Mountain" was not an encouragement at that moment. The only song I was hearing at that point was "Swing Low Sweet Chariot." Last weekend we hiked in Mineral Wells and it was so green and peaceful. The trek back into Penitentiary Hollow was full of lots of little lizards and turtles: my favorite things!  

This has been a very strange year for us all and I tend to stitch what I am going through. The past two months have been a focus of encouragement and just understanding that we weren't meant for this world. That being said, I also brought back a little sass ;o)

MBT-258 New Mercies

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never end, they are new every morning. Selections from Lamentations 3:22-23. Model stitched on 28 ct. Water Lily jobelan with Classic Colorworks Silk thread. This piece is the next in the series of floral frames. Frame by East Side Frames PAOT 7-1/2 x 7-1/2.

MBT-259 Give Me Jesus

I can't say enough how this has been my cry of both sorrow and joy over this past year. In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus. You may have all this world (give me Jesus!). Model stitched on 32 ct. Icelandic Beige linen with Weeks Dye Works thread. Frame by East Side Frames VSGG 5x7.

MBT-260 In My Defense

And, the sarcasm... you had to know it was coming :o) I had so much fun with this design!!! In my defense I was left unsupervised. That sums up most of what I get myself into. The chart is shows with lots of color and lots of frills, and then in a pared down version that shows off a hand dyed fabric and a little bit of the dark side. The models are stitched with paw-prints, for the dog/cat/pet lover, and then with flowers, for that super sassy someone in your life. I've also included charted motifs for shopping (purse, shoes, ring) and hand prints (kids, need I say more?!?). Vibrant model stitched on 32 ct. Antique White jobelan with Weeks Dye Works thread. Alternate model stitched on 32 ct. Picture This Plus Valor linen with Weeks Dye Works thread. This is one design I really look forward to seeing the creativity that abounds with our stitchy community. Metal frame by Green Tree Gallery #1719699 4x6.

MBT-261 Power in the Blood

I normally don't release two hymns in a single release but it seemed like both were needed. Being cleansed from sin by the sacrifice of Jesus is an amazing gift and a joy, and this is one of my favorite hymns that celebrates the power of our Savior. Model stitched on 32 ct. Cafe Mocha linen with Weeks Dye Works thread. Frame by Green Tree Gallery #1918861 10x13.

MBT-262 Encourage One Another

Encourage one another day after day Hebrews 3:13. Another verse that has been dear to my heart. It stitches up quickly to be a great gift. Model stitched on 28 ct. Amazing Grey linen with Weeks Dye Works thread. Frame by Green Tree Gallery #881052 6x4. 

Thank you for sharing the joy of the new releases with me. You'll notice there are lots of ready made frame sizes and variety of colors. I hope you play with your thread and have fun with your next project. I'm already working on the next set which will include a new square piece from the Psalms and a floral round and a hymn and a reproduction style and.... and I need to find more time to stitch!

New Charts are ready!!!!

It has been a doozy of a season, for these past couple of weeks. Hottest temps of the year in Texas and we helped my in-laws move to a town 4.5 hours away. It went as smoothly as possible, everyone safe and kept hydrated, but it was a lot of work. Kind of makes me rethink the things I'm holding onto for our next move ;o)

God has sent us some special surprises each week. I love turtles. We go on walks each day, making our trek by drainage ditches and creeks, looking out for the little shelled wonders. Out of the blue, we had a turtle show up in our yard that is in a very traditional neighborhood and surrounded by houses and fences and lots of pavement. Then it was a family of ducks, the parents and ten little ducklings. From my research, it was a family of black-bellied whistling ducks. So cute! They spent the weekend in our yard and our neighbor's, until we rigged the fences so they could figure out how to get out on their own. Next was the not-so-cute visitor - a chicken snake. This critter managed to wind himself up in the garden netting. He was so tightly coiled, all knotted up in the netting and not letting me see his head to see if he was venomous or not (and seriously, I was okay with calling in extra help with or without venom), so I called in local animal services and they came right out and set him free (in property far, far away).

Now the only chicken currently on the property is me. Our newest guests are two monarch caterpillars. They have devoured the parsley in the garden, cocooned themselves on the side of our planters, and I hope we will get to see them emerge as beautiful butterflies. In all of the challenges of these times, we are seeking out the little joys.

I do have four new release charts , each one focused on inspiration, hope, and things not of this world. I think I'll bring some sassy back in the next batch, but for now I was clinging to the comfort of scripture and hymns. Each one is part of a series.

MBT-254 Grace
This is a companion design to MBT-097 Peace and MBT-197 Love. The model is stitched on 32 ct. country french linen, Cafe Mocha, with Gentle Art Sampler Threads. I love their blues! Frame is by East Side Frames.

MBT-255 Quaker Rejoice
This is a companion design to MBT-076 Quaker Seasons, MBT-082 Quaker Harmony, MBT-186 Quaker Peace, MBT-227 Quaker Endurance. It features scripture from Psalm 118:24, This is the day that the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it. This verse is such an encouragement that rejoicing is a choice, even in the hard times we can seek out gladness. The model is stitched on 32 ct. country french linen, Cafe Mocha, with Weeks Dye Works threads. Frame is by East Side Frames.

MBT-256 He Leadeth Me
Another design in the hymn series and I couldn't stop singing! The model is stitched on 28 ct. Picture This Plus cashel linen, "Wren" (an amazing color!), with Weeks Dye Works thread. Frame is by Green Tree Gallery.

MBT-257 Straight Paths
This is a companion design to MBT-251 Trust in the Lord Proverbs 3:5. I used different fabric and thread to show how just changing the colors can change the feel of the design. If you want a true companion you can easily go with the fabric and thread from either design - or your own selection! The model is stitched on 35 ct. Weeks Dye Works linen, Linen, with Weeks Dye Works thread. Frame is by Mainstays (yep, I found it at Walmart and it was $5).

My final offering for this batch of releases is the bee-utiful thread keep! This thread ring is available in several colors, has a honeycomb and bee charm, and there is even a matching thread hopper also available (this is available with or without the thread keeper). Colors shown are topaz, green, dark purple, garnet, sapphire.

Praying many comforting x's for you and a great time of reflection (and distraction!) in the art we love.

July new accessories

Summer is upon us and things feel so strange this year. That feeling of being disconnected and trying to make sure and reach out to reconnect. We are praying for all and grateful to know that there is hope. Being shut away, you would think that I've had oodles of time to create. Well... I have!  :o) I've been working on new thread keeps and this post will feature those. Look for new chart releases to come out in a couple of weeks. There will be four new inspirational and scripture based designs, including a new hymn!

Coffee and Tea Themed Assorted Thread Keeps

 Inspirational Florals Assorted Thread Keeps

 Peacock Feathers Assorted Thread Keeps

 Wild Birds Assorted Thread Keeps

Each of these sets has more available than what is shown, but there are just too many to picture them all. I love beads :o) I'm always glad to see about expanding them into a set with a fob, needle minder, pins, needle threader, etc.

I think that is everything for today. Be safe, be well, love those around you and find ways to support one another with kindness. And eat chocolate.