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.

Owls in May?!?

I've been staying at home a bit more lately (haven't we all?!?) and have found a little bit of time to play with some of the accessory offerings that kept being pushed aside because things were too busy. Today I've added some adorable hoot owls to the needle minder line. All of these are assorted, so there is a LOT more available than what I have shown, and eventually all that I've shown may not be available, BUT I do have a lot of the materials on hand and can probably make some stitchy happiness for you. Owls measure 1-5/8" tall and 7/8" wide at the belly.

Owl Geometric Assorted (matching thread keeps available on some)

 Owl Paisley Assorted (and these have matching thread keeps, too!!!)

 Owl Vintage Floral (some of these also have matching thread keeps!)

Owls Wedgewood (and these have a matching thread keep, too)

I would love there to be more exciting this going on but I am grateful for a roof over our heads, food in our bellies, and lots of little x's to be created. Be well and keep looking up for strength and peace.

New for April 2020

Let me start by giving you a great big hug and sharing the hope that we will come through this season with a greater love and appreciation for the relationships in our lives. This has been a hard couple of months for our world and so many things have changed. My prayer is for grace and mercy through it all.

Continuing to life here: it has been a whoooole lot of the inside of our house. Doodlebug was laid off of both of her jobs, and all lessons and community concerts and events were cancelled, which has been hard for her. I'm starting to like not driving her everywhere! Our car went from the pacific northwest (icy roads and salt to melt the ice) to south Texas (humidity) to not going anywhere (social distancing) so everything rusted on the bottom of it and had to be replaced (rotors, breaks, all things that move and make it safe to drive). My computer crashed, my printer died, and this meant updating all of my software (I miss office 97) and trying to teach this old dog new tricks. There's probably a country song out there that includes all of this stuff ;o) The new programs and printer means reformatting 1000+ pages of charts and that loud thumping sound was my head hitting the desk all day long. Lots and lots of little annoyances BUT we are safe, we are healthy, we are sheltered and we are fed. We are grateful.

Now on to the new stuff :o) With the changes in our world and so much loss from COVID-19, my order of releases has changed a bit. I was oh, so excited about a new sassy one, but it didn't seem appropriate in the light of the struggles and I will delay it for a year or so. The scripture pieces I was working on seemed more timely than ever, so I offer five of those for what I hope will be many hours of peaceful stitching.

MBT-249 Live Peaceably

The next design in the circle series. Uses GAST Dried Thyme and Grape Arbor, stitched on 32 ct. country french linen, cafe mocha.

MBT-250 Be Ye Kind

This one was a request by a dear lady and it bumped up this scripture from Ephesians 4:32 a little bit higher in my "to do" list. "Be ye kind one to another" is stitched with GAST threads on 28 ct. lambswool jobelan, and fits perfectly in a 5x7 frame.


MBT-251 Trust in the Lord

Another request and one that I love. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding Proverbs 3:5." Such beautiful scripture. I will have a companion with Proverbs 3:6 coming out in the next batch. I'll confess that I'm working with what I have on hand, so the frame is from Walmart and was $5 :o) Yay! Model stitched with Weeks Dye Works thread on their 35 ct. linen, but the color is also available in 30 ct. if that count is a bit high. It is also all whole stitches, so stitch on what you love!

MBT-252 Blessed Is

This piece has been a long time work in progress because it was the one on my floor stand at home - and I was hardly ever home! The scripture from Jeremiah 17:7-8 is what I want for my life: to not fear the drought because my roots are solid and I that will always bear fruit. A bonus chart included is for Psalm 2:12 "Blessed are all who take refuge in Him." Models are stitched with WDW thread and shows in two colorways. Frames are by East Side Frames.

MBT-253 I Will Dwell

This is a companion piece in the square Psalms series. I loved stitching with the purples on this scripture from Psalm 23. "I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Model stitched with WDW thread on 28 ct. jobelan. Frame by East Side Frames.

Also coming out this month are a couple new accessory items. If you check the website, I do have a bunch of doggy thread keeps listed there (and there are a bunch NOT listed because I haven't made time for the photography yet, but I have them) so please contact me if there is something special I can help with. For this month there are more cats and new clasp needle threaders.

Jeweled Cat Thread Keep - An assortment of modern black and white little cat images with the most beautiful pink, purple and blue accent beads. The cat in the crescent moon charm is adorable!

Spring Clasp Needle Threaders - Carved glass beads in bright colors, perfect for a spring smile. They are larger than my normal line and so easy to grasp!

I think that is about everything! These past few days I've been trying to sew a few masks so we have some for when church is open again and we can start visiting stores. Sewing is not my gift, so it has been an interesting process BUT by the end of today we will each have at least one fitted mask that is washable. I had to raid Doodlebug's fabric stash which means the prints are wild!

Praying health and wisdom for you, peace in the struggles, and lots of little x's.
Debbie

New releases for February 2020

Didn't I tell you that new releases would be coming soon?!? They are officially released! This batch of designs has been a lot of fun. I say that every time, but these were just a joy and each one is a part of my life.

MBT-244 Time to Stitch ~ A Serenity-ish Prayer

"God grant me the ability to stitch the stash I have, to have the stash I want, and the time to stitch it all." This is what stitchers know to be true - we can have great peace through the art that we love. Model stitched on Picture This Plus 32 ct. Belfast, "Sand," with Gentle Art Sampler Threads. Frame #175901 is by Green Tree Gallery and currently available at Hobby Lobby.

MBT-245 Dog Crazy

I've given the crazy chicken and cat people their own designs, and now it is time for the dog people! I have been owned by all three :o) This adorable piece has two pampered pups accenting what we know is true - we are always just one dog short of crazy. It's nearly impossible to have too many! Model stitched on 28 ct. Jobelan, "Lambswool," with Weeks Dye Works thread. It would be easy to accent this with a little round ken button for the ball, or a bone button for their little treats, by Just Another Button Company, and make it even more adorable. Frame #1048628 is by Green Tree Gallery (spray painted brown) and currently available at Hobby Lobby.

MBT-246 He is Risen

Scripture from Matthew 28:6 is beautifully accented with floral motifs and a simple border. This is a lovely piece to celebrate the resurrection and faithfulness of God. Model stitched on 28 ct. Jobelan, "Ivory," with Weeks Dye Works thread. Frame #1206333 is by Green Tree Gallery and currently available at Hobby Lobby.

MBT-247 Through the Waters

Scripture from Isaiah 43:2 is set to a beach theme with this nautical frame and stitched accents. Model stitched on 32 ct. hand dyed Jobelan, "Queen Anne's Lace," with Weeks Dye Works thread. It doesn't use any buttons in the model, but wouldn't it be adorable with a little seagull from JABC? Frame #1208164 is by Green Tree Gallery and currently available at Hobby Lobby.

MBT-248 Losing My Mind (one stitch at a time)

HeheheHAHAHAHA. There are days when I seriously wonder where I'm losing or finding my mind through the creation of lots and lots and lots of little x's. That is why this design is charted both for "losing" and "finding" my mind. Model stitched on 25 ct. Lugana, "Antique White," with Classic Colorworks thread. Accented with little Tuscan Sun Swirly Bud button by JABC. Frame #1048586 is by Green Tree Gallery and currently available at Hobby Lobby.

I think I spent a little too much time in the frames at Hobby Lobby last month :o) So many beautiful frames! I'm already working on the next batch of releases and am just a few short weeks from ordering some custom sizes from East Side Frames. There will be a new design in the circle series, a new scripture piece from Jeremiah, a new square one from Psalms, and a new word in the floral border series. So many x's!!!

New freebie for 2020

I think I say this about every new year, but I have no idea where last year went! Not only that, but where did JANUARY go?!? Doodlebug has been keeping me very busy, chauffeuring her to different piano accompaniment jobs and spending time out at a friend's ranch, grooming and training horses. It is a joy to see her figuring out her path and being able to offer gentle guidance along the way.

New chart releases will be here (soon!) but I wanted to share with you a new freebie design. It has been ages since I did one and it seemed like a fun treat.

The model is stitched on 28 ct. jobelan “Queen Anne’s Lace”, with Weeks Dye Works thread. The frame is one I had on hand in the garage and it was amazing that it was the perfect fit. There are so many things you can do with the colors, and then you can also leave off the top and bottom borders to make it a square-ish design. Ornament, maybe? Have fun! Just follow the pdf link under the picture or go to the freebie section at www.mybigtoedesigns.com

http://www.mybigtoedesigns.com/freebies/MBTF011.pdf

Keep an eye out for a new release announcement. I'm getting ready to have five brand new cross stitch charts out!!! A couple new thread keep styles are Paris and Ruby. These match the needle minders that have been doing great in stores and are lovely little additions to your stitching stash. Now you can match them together.

Happy stitching :o)