Stitching Stash

A week ago I made a trip to the local specialty needlework shops in the area - mainly in Solvang, our "Danish Village" - and let myself loose on their charts and supplies. My favorite shop, "Thumbelina",  carries European designs, as well as better known Lavender and Lace and Told in a Garden projects... I was especially intrigued by two very detailed samplers... Anyway, this is what I picked up.

The two bigger ones are historical samplers - one stitched originally by a 13-year-old girl in the 18th century (my hat off to her, I at her age could barely thread a needle). 

I addition, I continue to feed my addiction to Little House Needleworks designs. These were ordered online and are going to be stitched, framed and walled just as soon as possible.

While browsing the needlework shops, I noticed how expensive all the cross stitch kits have become. I used to love Janlynn and Dimensions kits, but I cannot justify spending almost $100 per kit, no matter the "special" quality of threads and linen. Turns out the reason for such a price increase is import costs! All these kits are now produced and put together in China. In addition to that, all the model stitching is also being outsourced to China as well.. Why, you might ask? One of the shop owners shared with me that these kits used to be 'Proudly made in USA", and the model stitchers were hired out of Pennsylvania, until they decided to have a union and asked for more money - they demanded to be paid over $20 per stitching hour... As a result, to save on costs, the companies outsourced their model stitching - and their kit production - to China... And that is why a simple kit at one of those stores starts at $75 - a lot more than I can afford even on my good, non-"financial-dieting" days. 

In my "vacation" mode, I completely forgot about my Etsy store. When I first went on vacation, I had such plans - stitch more biscornu, find more projects, have a sale... Well, instead of all that I ended up stitching entirely for myself - for my home, so to speak, and focusing on bigger projects, too. In fact, I have been enjoying it so much, that now I have an idea for a model stitching service... I have been thinking of starting my own website, show pictures of what I have stitched so far, and offer my services - to companies, private people, whoever is interested. And why not? I now have over 15 years experience stitching... and my rates will be way under $20 per hour. :) 

Now I am going to dive back into my stash and go on with the current project... Thanks for reading my ramblings! 

I Lost My Temper and Can't Seem to Find It...

The other day, I went to our local craft store for some supplies. Because of our budget, I always try to look at the discount and sale items first. So, I go to the discount shelf - and see a treasure: several pieces of Zweigart linen. Of course, I pick one up - what a deal, what a surprise, what a... never mind. I get to the cash register, and the girl tells me it's a mistake, an oversight, the price on this item is three times what I expected.... It was not even supposed to be on the sale rack.
It's not the first time this happened at our store: I see something in the discount bin, I pick it up, and at the cash register there is a "misunderstanding." In the past, I just refused the item and went on my way, slightly disappointed. But this time, I snapped. This was the last straw. I requested to talk to the manager. The impertinent tone of the cashier asking "Regarding what??" only confirmed it for me that something had to be done...
When the manager came, I explained to her the situation, and she was on my side. Wow, that's a first. She even said that they would honor the sale price of the item - it's their policy: after all, it's not my fault they put it on the wrong shelf.
The wrong price of material was the obvious trigger of my temper tantrum. I think, though, the real reason for my "rebellion" is deeper than wanting a piece of stitching material.... I come to this store at least once a week, and every time I know exactly what I am looking for. I know about different types of stitching cloth and the stitch count. That is why it is frustrating for me to talk to the personnel of that store - they do not seem to know anything related to this craft. Every time I asked for help finding something, they could not help me, because they did not know what I was talking about: "Eh, Aida? Evenweave? I am not sure we have it..." One time, I had to explain to the employee what poly-fil was: "You know, stuffing for pillows? Comes in bags, looks like cotton puffs?" He still did not know... Finally, I located it by myself, and one thing I was thinking - I could do this job so much better... Yet, he is doing it instead. When I tried to apply at our local craft store, I was deemed "overqualified"....  If that means I actually know my stitching stuff - I am guilty...
In the end, I got what I came for, and got my "treasure." But beneath the surface, there is so much more...

Thank you for reading my rant. Have a wonderful day!

Quilt Sampler and Thrift Store Treasures

Last week, I finished my Quilt Sampler. Hearts reminded me of cookies, and I constantly wanted to snack. Then, I had to find a good frame for it. Where is the best place to find a good, affordable frame? Thrift Store!
I went in there for the frame, and left with four bags of things. What treasures I found! Old cross stitch magazines. Embroidery patterns. Dolls. Stuffed toys. And - the biggest surprise - a completed and framed cross stitch! Here it is... My main treasure.

Who would throw away such a beautiful piece? I can't imagine. Well, lucky me. Now it is hanging on the wall of my new "office space".

What else? Ah, dolls. One is a collectible - came with a stand, a certificate and in a closed box. Another one I liked because of a crocheted dress and hat - she feels comforting.

Then, there were a few soft toys - two bags, exactly... Most of them went to the girls, but I picked three - a team - for my office. Here they are.

And finally (drumroll!) - the main reason for the trip, the Quilt Sampler. Here it is, finished and framed.

The frame fit perfectly, and the shabby look did match it very well. I am happy with it.

Now - off to the new projects! Wish me luck.