WINNERS of 2012 Biggest Giveaway

Sunday is the new Thursday just so you're aware. I really do need to stop giving myself deadlines that I then move on myself. Better late than never my Grandma always says.
So without further adieu here we go.

The Winners of the Epic Stitching 2012 Biggest Giveaway
  

There were 96 individual entries into the contest (some people had the max # at 10 entries!).

Using Google's ever famous random number generator the following numbers were selected:
HAED #1   = 65
HAED #2   = 19
Stash Giveaway = 51
Epic Stitching Gift Card = 88

So there you go!
Wait... you want to know which number you were too?!?
Okay I guess I can help with that. :)

HAED Pattern #1 = 65: Debls
HAED Pattern #2 = 19: Joy
Stash Giveaway = 51: McKenna
Epic Stitching Gift Card = 88: Stacy

Each of you will be sent an email regarding your prize shortly (or you can email me).
If I am unable to connect with someone or they decline a redraw will happen.

Thank you so much to all of you for participating. 
And thank you to all of my new followers and to the many of you who have been around for years.
I appreciate all the support in my many different endeavours!!
 
Coming soon: 
Just Nan Sampler is framed. Pics to come!
Dragons update. I'm about 1/2 through the latest page, so it will be a sneak peek
Cottages update. May is almost done! (man am I behind)
A Mill Hill Santa ornament. A new little project that is a holiday gift for my Mom.

Be back very soon!

WOW!

There are somewhere in the ballpark of about 200 entries into this contest!
You guys are awesome and really flatter me with your strive to win!!! :)

I need a night or two to double check everything, put the final list together (with numbers) and then run the random number generator. It will all be absolutely legit. I'll make sure my snake Cronus watches for anything fishy. And if not him then I'm sure one of the other two (who watch me write all these blog posts) will step up if needed.

So I will be back, absolutely no later than Thursday night (this week) to post the winners.

Thanks again everyone. You just make me smile with your excitement. :D
 Mel.

THE BIGGEST GIVEAWAY OF 2012!!!!

It's here, the biggest giveaway of 2012. 

Why is it so awesome you ask?

Well to start there will be 4 winners.
2 of them will get to pick out their own charts!
2 of them will be getting a items from me full of great stuff!!!

First up the Heaven and Earth Designs Pattern Giveaway!
As many of you know and have been voting all year I won an amazing contest with Michele from HAED. And I wanted to give back to the community for playing along with me all year in helping to choose patterns.
I will be giving away my November & December free charts to 2 lucky winners!  (1 winner per chart) Each winner will get to choose a pattern of their choosing from the HAED website.

Here's a little slideshow of all the HAED patterns I got this year for a little pre-winning inspiration. This includes free ones and others that I bought or had gifted to me. (oh and if you don't win but are dying to have a pattern they are all 25% off until US Thanksgiving (Thursday)

Second is a package of items from my stash! 
A great way to start the new year, or give you something new to work on during the holidays! I will ask the winner for color preferences, likes, dislikes and a few other questions (ie: do you stitch aida or linen, etc.)

Third is a $25 gift certificate to purchase ANY items you'd like from my Etsy store, plus free shipping to anywhere in the world!
All jewelry is customizable. You can pick your own colors, combinations etc if you get in touch with me. Or you can choose from the over 100 items currently available and put together an order. 


So I know you are dying to know...
HOW DO I ENTER (THE RULES):
1) You MUST be a follower of this blog.

2) You MUST comment on this blog post (and only this one) and MUST indicate that you want to be entered in either HAED giveaway, stash giveaway or both.

3) You MUST have an email address linked to your profile or indicated in your comment.

It's that easy!

Want more than just one entry into the contest?Yep there's always a way to get more it just means a little more work on your part.
In every instance you MUST comment on this blog post and link to what you did to get more entries. You can post a comment indicating you want in on the contest and 3-4 links of what you did for extra entries, that's fine. But you have to tell me you worked at it and I have to be able to prove it.

Alright, here's how to get more: 

1) Mention and link to this giveaway post from your own blog.

2) Tweet about this blog giveaway and link to this blog.

3) Facebook about this giveaway and link to this blog. Note: your post MUST be PUBLIC or I can't see it and neither can anyone else!

For even MORE bonus entries you can: 

A) Tweet about my Etsy store linking to http://www.etsy.com/shop/epicstitching or to an item you really like.

B) Like my store page on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/epicstitching

C) Facebook about my store and link to the etsy link (above). Note: Your post must be PUBLIC or I can't see it and neither can anyone else!

D) Post about my Etsy store on your blog page (include at least one link and one picture of an item) and you will get TWO bonus entries into the giveaway.


Don't forget that if you don't comment to tell about all the things you've done, or if you do them on different days just come back and comment again. Otherwise you will not be entered to win!!!

I will give each person's entry a number at the end of the contest and use a random number generator in order to select the winners. Prizes are not redeemable for cash value. All shipping costs on the Etsy store giveaway and the stash giveaway will be paid by me. HAED winners will have their pick of pattern emailed to them by HAED direct.

Alright, whew, that was exhausting!!!

Oh... most importantly CONTEST CLOSES DECEMBER 2, 2012 @ 6:00pm MST.

Halloween project... a bit late.

Where does the time go?
I must say that every time I get on here but yeesh it disappears fast.

Yes I’m still here, and no I don’t have an update on dragons. ;) At least not yet. Almost done half of the next page, I will do a sneak peek at half a page (as I know I’ve been painfully slow with getting full pages done lately).
 
Have I been stitching other stuff?
Most definitely. Lots of other things.
My May cottage is almost done and I have some little things I’m working on (besides the ever looming dragons).
As well as I started the Halloween girl from this year’s Just Cross Stitch Halloween Book. I love these perforated paper projects from Brooke’s Publishing. She really does fantastic work with making perforated paper projects look sooo elegant and lovely.
Here she be to date:



I’ve got a BIG surprise coming in the next 7 days.
I totally promise in the next 7 days. It could even be as early as tomorrow you never know! If you love big projects and need a treat I think you’ll LOVE what is coming.
In other news:
Job is going mostly well. Got a promotion and pay increase. Woohoo! (minus the office politics but such is life these days no matter where you go)
Best thing I ever did was leave my full time creative job for something a little more mundane but a slower pace and leaving my brain to do up designs in the evenings! It’s awesome.
Been at a craft show almost every weekend for a month and the next 3 weekends in a row are no exception. However my bracelets have been moving and people get very excited about them which I just love. And at price points of $5, $10, $15, $20, $25 & $50 they make great stocking stuffers for any budget! (pssst: continuing shameless plug; new content at the store check it out).
Otherwise it’s been full blown winter here for 3 weeks now. Good amount of snow on the ground and the like. Not so exciting, but gives me even more of an excuse to stay home and cuddle up in my chair with my stitching or braiding.

Though I suppose I do need to get on that holiday shopping really soon here. If only Canada had black Friday for deals too… (jealous US friends, very jealous)



Until the surprise in the next 7 days. Spend some time crafting!

Where do I even start?

I don't even know where to start today...
So many exciting things. Though fair warning no WIP pics today. But a finish picture (though not of what you might be expecting) and then just some other cool stuff.
First up a finish.
This is a necklace, bracelet set that I donated to a charity's silent auction. The charity is also running a small business expo this weekend in my city. I am very pleased with how it turned out, that it will be in the auction, oh and just a little thing that I have a booth at the show!!!! Okay, I'm excited. I've done some small shows but this will be the biggest to date, and also the first that wasn't just crafts. So it will be very interesting. I hope I stand out, but not in a bad way!

Shameless plug: This set will also be available soon at my store. If you'd like to put in a custom order I do those too just head to the store or email me and we'll get it worked out. 

Moving right along:
Thank you to everyone for voting on my HAED pattern last week. It was another close one. But Myles Pinkney The Cauldron won.
I have a special surprise coming up for my last 2 free patterns (november and december). If you're a big HAED fan watch for them as I think you're going to really like them. ;)

Finally but certainly not last: 
I can't even begin to tell you how awesome I think this is. Yes it's all about me, so if you don't care then don't click on it. ;)
Carole over at No Fills Giveaways and Reviews blog did a little piece about my items on Etsy!
Now if that isn't cool enough she's got a giveaway (yes hosted by me) that is up and almost 200 people have entered it!!! I'm so overwhelmed, and hey I didn't want any of you to miss out. So check out her page and while your there maybe you'll discover some other awesome giveaways and neat items.

Thanks for visiting. I promise much more stitchy related blog post next week. 

October HAED Poll

Well folks it's coming down to that favourite time of year (at least to me) Halloween! :)

I do love it and yes I am doing some stitching related. More of that will come this weekend.

First I need your help again, for the 3rd last time (where did the year go?)
Please help me to pick which HAED design to get for this month.
Oh and if you feel inspired there is a sale of 25% any item before midnight tonight!

Here's the options:

New start & stash!

It's been a hectic couple of weeks for me. But things are finally back to normal for this week at least. In 2 weekends it is Canadian thanksgiving and for the first time I will be traveling to Vancouver (without my man) to spend the weekend with my siblings. Should be good, though cat filled as they have 2 and are graciously sharing their apartment with me to sleep. :)

But let's talk about something more exciting!

Finally I'm here to share with you the commission piece. Its for a friend who picked out the pattern, colours etc and graciously offered to pay for supplies & labour.
Let's make it a mystery... I won't tell you what it is yet but here's almost 25% of the piece done (the polka dots in the background shouldn't be seen. My apologies for their distraction):



I got two exciting things in the mail this week.
First was a giveaway package from the lovely Katrien! It was so exciting to get magazines in another language with unique designs and designers in them. And I adore the frog price kit! Thanks Katrien!



Second I got the new Just Cross Stitch ornament magazine. Now most of you know I live Halloween best. Xmas is okay but just not as fun. But I still make a fair number of Xmas ornaments each year. So I always get this magazine. This year is a great variety (as always) but I adore a few for sure. One of my faves isn't all that Christmassy but no one told me it was a pre req. lol.
(yep badly taken photo from magazine. But you get the idea)



I have got a little mill hill kit magnet almost done that I will share soon. Put some stitches in the mermaid and have another new start kitted up. As usual the projects never end!

I'll be back soon with more updates and a giveaway!
Thanks for visiting.

Location:4 St SW,Calgary,Canada

Nifty Thrifty Sunday!

It's an exciting day in my household today as I've sponsored the Nifty Thrifty Sunday over at Vanessa's blog! There are so many amazing things to check out over there. She has lots of great posts about awesome handmade items. Floral Fridays are also a personal favourite as my green thumb is not so green and I keep hoping I might get it a bit more green before I have a garden in a yard that I need to maintain.


On the note of nifty thrifty things I did up a quick little ornament just the other day with fabric and thread that I had in my stash. It's my continued attempt to "shop from my stash". This cute little ornament will get sewn up and made into a great little Halloween decoration. I'm dreading it but one day this week needs to be my "make actual ornaments" day where I fight with the sewing machine and get some of these stitched piece into actual ornaments.
I almost think I need to make a deal with a sewing machine master near me to have them make them up into the sewn ornaments so that they can go up for sale at the store.
However at the same time I know that I need to get wayyy better at using the sewing machine. So it's good for me. And if one comes out all botched then it just gets to live at my house forever. LOL. :)
This is Haunted Heads on unknown fabric (I think it's a 32 count) and with DMC threads. If I didn't have the real color asked for in the pattern I used something close (and you'd never know I cheated that way)!

In other news I am putting together the promised package giveaway that will include a pattern, fabric and the threads to complete the piece. A kit in it's own right I suppose.
Plus I am going to share the first progress picture from my stitching commission! It's coming along quite nicely and I think I've already got about 1/4 of the piece done!
Also there is a new little family member to stitch for as one of my cousins had a lovely little boy. So new pictures will be coming soon of another baby sampler.

Thanks for visiting today and enjoy the rest of your weekend. 

Dragons... 1 more down, 6 to go!!!

That's right... only 6 more pages to go on Dragons!!!
It's a far cry from the 24 that I started with 4 years ago (almost to the day in fact).
This piece has been both a joy and a bit of a PITA. But for the most part I still love it just as much as I did when I started it.
Here's the latest page completion in detail:

The row that the latest page is from:

And the Dragons to date as a whole:

For those not familiar this BAP of mine it is on ivory 25ct evenweave, 1 thread over 1 with DMC floss. The pattern is by Creature Creations (who no longer exist). 


I was very excited to get down to 6 pages. I dunno why, but only a row and a half seems like so little to go. Though it will likely take me until Christmas 2013 to get it all done (and I'm behind on my yearly goal for them) at the same time there are 3 pages in the remaining 6 that are very easy solid based areas. So I think being a bit behind won't hurt me too badly on this one.

In other news I got a package in the mail today from the lovely Helena from ILCS Yahoo Group that had 2 Mirabilias I got from her as well as some bonus Just Cross Stitch magazines, all ones I didn't have! :)
I was so excited I already went through and sticky'd my favourites. :)

Coming up soon: the new commission piece, already a 1/4 done! 
A giveaway... yep that's right a giveaway!! It will be a pattern PLUS the DMC thread to go with it, and some other goodies. Watch for it next week!

Country Cottage JULY Canada Conversion (WIPocalypse #7)

Fall is starting to creep into the air here. It's cooler at night and in the morning it's getting awful close to freezing. It's a perfect time of year for me! Not too cold, and not too hot.
Today I have for you the long awaited conversion for the Country Cottage Monthly Cottages series; July that has been my WIPocalypse project for the year.
The cottage original is for Fourth of July. Now I know the Americans out number the rest of us on the internet by far! However I have always shied away from doing a "monthly series" like this because of the "july issue". It just didn't seem appropriate to have US flag and colors when July commemorates Canada Day (July 1, the day Canada become independent from GB, however we are still
a member of the Commonwealth and pay respects to the Queen) here and I've never been anything but a Calgarian nevermind a different nation.

So my solution?
I'd start a monthly series, and tackle July when I got to it. Was a small piece of me hoping that maybe it'd be a "simple enough" change? Yeah, I'll admit it. But I'm soooo glad it wasn't just a "change a color here or there" because I am in love with how it turned out and feel like this was a good step towards my goal of "designing some patterns" someday. But time to get to it!
Let's start from the end result and work our way backwards:

 The "Canada conversion" of the July Cottage of the Month
from Country Cottages. Conversions & changes by Mel @ Epic Stitching 

The biggest change?
Of course the flag!

As promised I have charted the Canadian flag out for everyone to see and work from.
I know there were a few other flags people wanted for other countries, if you email me or indicate in the comments which countries you'd like then I will do them up for you and post them in the coming weeks. (figuring out the Canadian flag took some time but after many pencil sketches and blocking it at last 20 times by hand I am happy with the final result, that was recharted after stitching as I changed it a final time!) <- this is why I only have the one flag for right now, but please do let me know if you'd like a specific country and I will see what I can do.

The colours?
Alright, starting at the top.
All the little flowers (with yellow in them), the word July, the window & house frames are in "Ruby Slippers" from Crescent Colors.
The other red (big flowers, flag, flower pot flowers) are a lighter, brighter red from Carrie's Creations called "Crimson".
The fireworks have an added Kreinik to them. I did this with all my months, this is entirely optional.
The other colors all stayed exactly the same as on the original pattern.

The modifications besides the flag?
There are other changes as you've likely noticed.
The flowers have left the white line in the middle and the rest is the Crimson red (regardless of symbol, unless green for the leaves).
The house has a "one line" thinner border, instead of having 3 layers and colors.
The windows have been brought down to one pane instead of with the "shutters". All I did was replace the shutters with white and do the outline of the windows in Ruby Slippers red. The little window at the top "peak" of the house was just added in as a 10x10 block. I did this because all the other houses had something in that space when shown on their sides and I didn't feel that another maple leaf was needed (seemed like overkill to me).
The bird is yellow. Why? good question. Because I couldn't decide on a "Canada" color for a bird besides more red, and I was feeling red overload when I got to the bird, so yellow was already in the design, hey there are canaries in Canada somewhere I'm sure. (just not where I live, lol!)

That's it in a nutshell.
Nothing too fancy or challenging (not including that darn maple leaf).
If you have any questions or concerns or what not please feel free to ask and I'll answer to the best of my ability.

I'm sad I have to say this...
DO NOT ask me to send you the pattern with my symbols in it. The copyright to this pattern remains with Country Cottage and it is against the laws of copyright to send you a copy of the pattern with the changes. So please don't make me tell you no and just don't ask. This July month is available at all major LNS or online stores. Ok that's the messiness out of the way.

In other unrelated news I am really, really close (like 20 stitches) away from a page finish on dragons! I pushed hard on dragons this past week once I had the cottage out of the way.
I've also got my new commission on the go and have permission to show you progress pics of it! That is coming next week for sure (it's super fun and crazy colorful).
I've been doing some online advertising for the store. With a stock of about 150 bracelets on hand right now I am having a hard time justifying making new bracelets unless they are sales. (but I do anyways of course, lol)
Lots & lots of new patterns lately that I love. Including Rosewood's Halloween Quilt (so fun!), the latest Just Cross Stitch autumn edition and I've been stocking up on Lizzie Kates snippets. Pictures of new starts on some LK's in the next few weeks, holiday stitching begins! 
Oh yeah... and a baby sampler that needs to get finished. 
Gosh, I've just exhausted myself. Okay, so lots of projects. I'm gonna stop now and get to it all!
Thank you for visiting and reading this far!

This is a cute idea...

I dunno about you but I often wonder what people REALLY think of my items.

Obviously we all support each other no matter what, because it's all about crafting but let's face it... some things are more popular than others and sometimes it's hard to know what!

Which is why I bring to you today this really cute page called "Big Etsy Contest". It's quite a neat idea... and it's not all about shopping (which is always nice, no pressure sale here at all)!

So what's it all about?
Well you visit the site two items show up right away that are running against each other. You get to vote on which you like best. Each day the votes are tallied for items and you can view the top voted on items on the winners page.
Even better if you find something you really love, and must have, there is a page of discounts to stores as well!

Okay, so you ask the magical question what makes this site that much better than any other Etsy promotion site?
It's that it's free!!! No strings attached. One of my items featured back in July (shown) and all I had to do was put my name in the hat. That is very cool. I love the sites that are not just "money" driven (ad dollars) because it really helps reflect what people really like, not just who has the biggest budget. Not only is it a great way to see what's trendy and cool, it's also a great way to add more items to the ever growing wishlist (or maybe see if you can get inspired to do your own!)

I just wanted to share this little gem with you all. See how many hours you can waste clicking through and voting. Enjoy!

In other news... a page of dragons is almost done, 20 or so stitches away! Update will be next week. I'm also just putting the finishing touches on my July Canadian cottage and will have that with the conversions I did for you very, very soon. Maybe even before dragons... we will see. Thanks for visiting!

August Heaven and Earth Designs Poll!!

It's starting to get a little chilly here in town each morning. A reminder to us all that Autumn is quickly approaching. I've been working on many different projects. New items up at my store. A commission piece that I just got the materials for (yes that's right I'm getting paid a bit to do up a piece for someone!!). Work on July Cottage to transfer it to Canadian (I'm hoping to have this for you all no later than end of the month. AND a mini promotion at the new job. Yep it's busy, but not stressful busy, just busy.

It was a tight race last month for which pattern would win to be my July HAED pattern. There was only 1 vote separating the top 3!! But in the end this wonderful, gothic looking Snow White piece won.



But don't worry if that wasn't your pick. A few of the favourites are back again this month in the voting. As well as some new patterns, including the just listed Autumn pattern (I do really love this one) by a new artist that Michele got signed to HAED. Vote away!

Coming up in the next month: July cottage in Canadian format, Dragons page complete, start of commissioned cross stitch, Mirabilia mermaid update & so much more!
As always thank you so much for your lovely comments and taking the time to read my blog. More coming in August to you all for sure, but I can promise a giveaway in September too! So don't forget to keep checking back!

A Sneak Peek at Dragons & more

First up last week's winner of the HAED poll was Snow White's Fall. It was really close with only one point dividing the top 3!!! So look for Unicorn LP and Fairy Ball to make appearances in future polls before the year is out.

I have a bit of a treat if you will. A sneak peek at the latest page of Dragons I a working on. As per the usual (you'd think I'd learn after 4 years on this project) I'm taking longer to complete the page than predicted. So here's a teaser for where the page is at. It's about 75% done and I do plan on putting in some major time with it this weekend. It's a long weekend in Canada so I'm stoked to get to it tomorrow and hopefully the next two days after that. But without further ado here is the sneak peek:

In personal news: I've been really liking my new job. It's a very systematic process of things I do. And none of the 'disasters' are all that disaster like (at least in comparison to the reactions people would have to designing). After 4 weeks of working there it is looking like (I say guardedly) one of the best decisions I've ever made. It, of course, still has it's people issues and some stress but nothing like what I was dealing with as an Art Director.
And so what has that meant for me as a whole? I am feeling so much better! Probably the best I've felt in about 2.5 years, since before my emergency surgery (that may of you were on the rocky road for). It's been a roller coaster but I feel like I'm finally nearing the end. *happy dance*
Coming up in the next few days: more work on dragons, more bracelets going up on my store this weekend and a finish that I want to "really finish" before I share it with everyone.
Thank you for visiting!

HAED Poll & Winners Announced

I hope you've all been stitching away! Progress has been made this week in Dragons albeit slow but each stitch gets me closer. In the mail I received my Lizzie Kate Mystery Halloween Part 1. This is all the artwork besides the actual b/w chart in the package. The second photo is the preview I found on her site. Too much fun! :)

It's so odd that not even inside is there a picture of the piece, but mystery is mystery. I will be stashing mine for now. Too many other things to work on!

It's nearly the end of July and time for voting on my next free HAED pattern from the contest I won back in December. There were some great new patterns released in the last 2 months. So this poll has a mix of old and brand new! Can't wait to see what everyone votes on this time:


And last but certainly not least we have the winners of the stash pattern giveaway from the weekend. Thank you to everyone who voted. If you didn't win don't despair there will be many more contests I have a lot of things to purge! It happens when you get the stash of 2 previous older stitchers, love lots of it but not all. And sharing is always fun! 

Without further adieu:
Winner 1) GoldenAngelsWorks  (a long, long time follower!)
Winner 2) Ellen (from Singapore)

Ladies please send me your mailing address and personal preferences (likes or dislikes) to me at epicstitching(at)gmail.com and I will get prizes out at the end of the week.

Lots of stitchy updates will be coming your way soon! And of course more giveaways! Thanks everyone!

WIPocalypse 7 & Giveaway!

Is July really almost over? I swear I live in a time warp where I loose days in each month! :)

I'm really quite late on my WIPocalypse update, forgive me, it will almost be time for another one when this one is up. However I did still want to share with you my main WIP for this little fun SAL. The cottages from Country Cottages. Now you saw April last time... and yes I did skip May and June for now, if only because I wanted to get started on my July conversion from US to Canadian colors/flag.
Here's where it's at right now with the first of the color changes. I have the flag drawn up so it will keep moving along soon (note: maple leafs are really a pain to stitch up with no half stitches!)

I also started and finished a little whimsical owl. This guy's pattern is from an old Just Cross Stitch Halloween edition magazine. He's going to be made into a little flat ornament eventually and put for sale on my store. The owl was a great joy to work on only about 2.5 hours to get him stitched up. A nice change and I really love his big eyes!

And last but not least I did put some stitches into my Holiday Delivery Mill Hill Kit that nearly became a UFO but is still a long-time WIP, I hope to finish it before it hits it's 1-year anniversary! Here it is now:

And now for the part everyone really wants to hear about...

THE GIVEAWAY

I have de-stashed quite a bit lately and have been "shopping" in my own stash for little projects (like the owl above) to try and keep my purchases down (I'm unsure of if it is actually working or I just like to think it is I've still bought a lot of stuff...).
So I've got some "vintage" patterns (I don't think something should be called vintage until it is older than me, but others disagree) to giveaway. All of them are intact with all their information. I have some fabrics pieces that will go along with the package for the winners.
Once the winners are announced I'll ask them about what kind of patterns they like and try to send some from the huge stack of giveaway ones I have that suit their tastes. Package will include 4-5 patterns, some fabric and a few "extras". 
As per popular request I will have 2 winners as with most my other giveaways.

Rules are same as usual: 
1) You must be a follower of this blog to be entered.
2) You must comment on this post (and only this post counts!) and you will be entered.
3) If you repost this giveaway on your blog you will be entered for a second time.
4) If you tweet about this post then you get another entry!

Internationals are very welcome to enter! Draw close date will be Wednesday, July 25, 2012.
Winners will be chosen by a random number draw.
Good luck!!  :)

thank you for all your wonderful comments about my new job and the flood we had. Things appear to be all good at the house, though getting rid of the musty water smell is proving a bit challenging. And my new job is going very good. A big, big learning curve but I'm getting it and am fairly confident that I will be able to do it all once I know how. M.

New job, finishes & stuff

Alright, my online presence slumped for a few weeks while I sorted out some personal things. Let's start with some stitching and then if you care you can read the personal stuff at the bottom. And if you don't you can browse on. 

I've been loving going into my stash to "shop" and doing up little pieces for sale on my store. 

Here are the latest cross stitch finishes.
First up a Lizzie Kate on 28 ct linen with oversees threads (as called for in chart):

This is another itty bitty by Keslyn. I adore this colour!! It's by Weeks Dye Works. I might keep this one when it's finished up, not sure yet:

I did also start my Mirabilia South Seas Mermaid. I'm missing a few colors of DMC so need to get those ordered in or stop by Michaels to pick them up. But I can work around the colors I need. I also have the beads on order right now so looking forward to seeing all the colors (this piece is full of beads) when they arrive. Because I use scroll rods all stitching will be done first and then beading. The tiny start:

 

Lots of new bracelets always going up on my store. I don't list them all here as it's too much. And this blog is about stitching not really jewelry and selling. I don't want you to all feel spammed!

Personal stuff:

The good news is that I've been at my new job a week and I really like it. Lots to learn and stuff but it's all processes and black/white rules. No more arguing over colors/placement etc. so far I have not missed design at all. The processes are fairly easy and there is always some sort of busy work to do. Even if it's as mundane as filing. I don't mind because it fills the day and I feel like I did something when I leave. The office is very nice (though subzero with the A/C on) and I have my own office two days a week (well it's always mine but 3 days a week I sit at reception up front) which is nice and I can have music. Thank goodness! I couldn't live without it.

Other good news is that the baby that I did the Just Nan Sampler for has arrived! She's adorable and so precious. But big, at 8pds, 3oz she's nearly the right size to start crawling, lol. Great fun for my uncle and his wife, and while the little one is technically my cousin I suspect I will turn into an aunt.

Bad news: I wasn't able to leave my old job at the magazine on good terms. They made it very difficult and I felt very bullied do I walked in the end. It was too bad and I have some guilt about it but I know it was for my best interests. And at the end of the day it doesn't matter at all now with the new job up and running. Hopefully I can leave it behind forever soon.

Other annoying news: We had a flood happen at our apartment while we were sleeping the other day. Our toilet bowl randomly cracked. Had a real mess to clean up as it had dropped to our main floor from the second. So it's gross and smelly and stuff. Just a real pain. Doesn't appear to be lots of damage to personal items so far but we did call insurance to give them a heads up as my beautiful rosewood piano (electric) got lots of water on it. It appears to be fine but I'm waiting to make sure the wood doesn't warp, or the electrical dies. Luckily no stitching stuff was hurt, water got close to dragons and other projects in the works but didn't touch it, now that would be a true disaster and nightmare.

Otherwise I'm just trying to settle into my new job. Stay less stressed, fill etsy orders (which is fun) and find some time to work on dragons!! I'm going to makes self work on dragons this weekend it's been neglected far, far too long. 

I hope your all well. There will be a giveaway for some "vintage" patterns soon. (I think calling things from the 80s vintage is silly but everyone seems to do it. I figure if it's younger than me (30) it's not vintage!)

I'm still alive (& a new start)

Hey everyone, I know where have I been for the last 8 days... well it's been a bit rough. But hopefully we're coming out of that and into something better. What's going on: well... let's just say it went sour at my former job. So badly that I had to walk away, and am still feeling sick over it all.
But Mon, July 9 I start my new career, job and hopefully chapter to my life. So I'm working on moving past all the ugliness of the last 10 days.

Now... onto some exciting stuff. I've been getting sales! :)
It's so very exciting. My Etsy store is getting hits and I've generated sales. I can't tell you how exciting it is each and every time someone loves my item(s) enough to purchase one. I just love it.



We were at a wedding last weekend that required a 3 hour drive. Perfect time to Kumihimo like mad and make bracelets. This was my favourite of all the ones I made. I just adore it. It is available for sale on my Etsy store but I have to say I need to make one for myself. Part of my plan for the next week is to make some items for me to wear (as I wouldn't want to wear something and then sell it after, ick!). To the right is this gem of a bracelet.

I haven't gotten a lot of stitching done. A mill hill magnet kit is almost complete however. It's cute little summer flip-flops. I'll have pictures soon. I'm hoping to relax enough that I can concentrate on working on dragons. And that my hands will stop shaking (from all the stress, they get bad when I'm in anxiety/stress mode) enough for me to feel confident enough to put stitches into linen. I miss my linen stitching. But am sooo thankful for my Mill Hill kits when that happens as I can't miss the holes as easily on perforated paper.

The new start I think I will be doing is this Mirabilia mermaid (South Seas #92):

I've had her in stash for awhile now, and while I don't have a home for her in particular with my store I can now justify working on a new piece that doesn't have a destination as I can always put it up on my store. (see how this is all a cover to just have more pieces started, LOL!) :D  I'm waiting for some of the threads I need but have got my fabric (it's a gorgeous hand-dyed) all picked out. I can't wait to share it with you guys, but I'll get a few stitches in it first so you are admire something other than a dyed fabric.

Alright, there's an update. I know it's not very exciting. I'm hoping that things will get more exciting on the stitchy side of things very soon!

Thanks for reading and commenting. I do appreciate every one of you that take the time to visit here and join me in my crafting journey. 

PS: did you watch Craft Wars on TLC this week? I wasn't sure of what I thought... I'm gonna try another episode and see what I think then.

Lizzie Kate Finishes! (and BIG news)

Hello, hello. I'm late, I know. I've really got to stop promising things on here that just don't happen. Well they always happen just not usually when I say they will. And you all forgive me which is why I keep coming back. :)

Big news... will be at the bottom of this post so that anyone who only wants to read about stitching can do so and then fly away.

So... dragons, is in progress. I'm not even at 1/3 of the page, I got sidetracked and these cute Lizzie Kates are why! I realized that these little inspirational snippets that Lizzie Kate released recently would fit nicely in a 4x6 frame on 32 ct. So a-stashing I went to find colours and within one night each (about 4-5 hours each) I had them complete! I started with "Create":

In this next one I just adore the thread I used in the world Dream. It's by Threadworx. First time I've used their thread, and won't be the last, it was great to work with and so pretty! Here is Dream:

Both these items are looking for new homes and available on my Etsy store. I am planning on doing up some more of the words, I think next to kit up is 'Remember'. My partner and I have been randomly picking words, he made a game of it. :)

I have some other starts and things that I will share after the weekend. It's a busy one for us as we are traveling to a wedding for the weekend, but I'm hoping to sneak in some good stitching and bracelet making time.


Okay... the big news:  I HAVE A NEW JOB! 
are you confused thinking "geez Mel, we didn't even know you were looking". Neither did I until a few weeks ago. It happened crazy fast.
Here's the thing; as many of you know and have been on the journey that is life with me, for a few years it's been a rough go since my surgery in 2010. As I've tried to stay a designer and work in the fast-paced, demanding environment of magazines it has continued to burn me out. I've been thinking of moving careers for some time, and so I just decided to do it. With the blessing of my partner of course. I am going to be putting out one more magazine with my current company, and then I will be moving July 9th to the new position. It is an administration position, on a team (yeah!) with an oil and gas company. For those not aware oil and gas is the lifeblood of my city Calgary and as we've decided to make our home here I figured it was the most logical move. Money is better, lots of jobs usually available (occasional busts but just had one so likely good for a bit) and I grew up on oil money as my parents both work in so why not carry on the tradition. Most importantly no more crazy overtime, weekend work, 2am at the office to make a deadline, or pressure to come up with 10 creative ideas in an hour. I am super excited about an 8-5 Mon-Fri position that will allow me to spend more time making things, selling things and enjoying life in general. I think it's gonna be awesome!

Thanks for reading this far if you did. :)
I'll be back next week with lots more goodies that I'm working on.

Questions Game!

As many of you probably know from following me for the last however long I tend to not play these games... but this one is making it's way around our little blogosphere of stitching... so I'm just gonna go for it.

And if you're not one for these games that's okay. I promise a stitchy update in the next 2 days. Really, got some finishes and starts. (dragons is only at about 1/4 of the page so I will hold it until there is more to show). However there are some new bracelets up that I've made you could always check out at my etsy store in the meantime. This one is my favourite of the last few I've made I think:

The rules are you answer the eleven questions asked you and then you tag eleven more bloggers and ask them eleven questions.

1. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

In a somewhat secluded mountain town (Rocky Mountains) that UPS would deliver to so I could get my supplies!

2. What is your favorite comfort food?

I'm a candy fiend. But my comfort food is a slurpee. Not really 'food' so much as liquid sugar, but it's always what I default to on a bad day, even when it's -30C outside.

3. If married how long have you been married?



I'm not married, my partner has decided he'd rather not get married. So by our standard of when we "committed to each other" we've been together for about 3 1/2yrs, dated longer.

4. Are you a dog person or a cat person?

Can I be a snake person instead? lol.
I'm a dog person out of the two.

5. What is your favorite TV show?

Of all time: Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Of the past season on TV: Once Upon a Time.

6. Who is your favorite actor/actress?



I love a lot of different actors, but I think the one I honour the most is Viggo Mortenson.

7. What kind of movies to you enjoy (horror,romance,action)?

Fantasy, Sci-Fi and action. A bit of romantic comedy very rarely, and almost never horror. Then I can't sleep. Yep I'm a wuss.

8.What do you do for a living?

I'm an Art Director for a local magazine. (Graphic Design)

9. Who is our favorite designer (you can only pick 1)?

Hardest question ever... oh my. I guess I'd have to pick HAED by Michele Sayette. I think my life would be much less exciting without HAEDs to work on.

10. What kind of books do you like to read?

Fantasy, Sci-Fi and Paranormal romance. I love to read and have more books than cross stitch patterns, which is really a scary statement.

11. Does your DH or SO have a hobby (if so what is it)?
Yep, he's a rock climber and paintballer. So when he's getting his weekly dose of adrenaline I tend to be at home working away on a stitching project.


Now for my 11 bloggers.





1. Melissa at Melissa's Stitching Room
2. Lesli at Fabulous Frogger
3. Denise at Riverside Stitching
4. Ineke at Threads for Cathair
5. Evalina at This and That
6. Bekca at Stitchy Lion
7. Carissa at My Ramblings
8. Milly at Milly's Stitches
9. Vicky L at Nutmegger's Stitching Working
10. Meari  & 11. Shelleen (who were picked by others as well, but those are my picks anyways. lol)



Now for my questions.
1. Rain or Snow?
2. Are you in any SAL's?
3. How many WIP do you have on the go?
4. Do you do any other crafts other than stitching? (ie: beading, scrapbooking, knitting, etc)
5. Do you watch sports? Have a favourite sport?
6. Are you active? Have a workout program, bike, run etc.?
7. Favourite genre of music? (ie: rock, country, blues, etc)
8. What type of cell phone do you have?
9. Smallest project you've ever done?
10. Largest project you've ever done?
11. How long have you been blogging?

Alright peeps, there you go. Stitchy update coming in next couple of days. 
(I might also have some really exciting news, I won't know until tomorrow...so stay tuned in)

WIPocalypse #6 (April cottage & more finishes)

Full Moon time, so that means it's that time for the WIPocalypse challenge update. I actually remembered that it was this week and worked on my April Cottage intentionally to be sure to have an update. Amazing right? lol.
I did get the April cottage complete. I changed very little in this one. Quite liked it the way it was. I added some sky blue kreinik to the clouds. My trademark on this big piece is that each month has some kreniek in the sky ornamentation. Here is Country Cottage of the Month April:

Moving right along I have another little cross stitch finish. I went on a bit of a tirade of stitching after the craft fair on Saturday. I managed to finish this up (even though I hadn't shared it yet!). It's a super cute Lizzie Kate kit called "Life is a Beach". It was a limited edition that I was luckily able to snag on eBay. I changed almost all the colours to match what I had on hand for over dyed threads in my stash. The linen is a hand painted sandstone colour. It looks just like sand. I love it and wish it showed up better in this picture for you all to see:

And finally a very brief and blurry look at some of my latest bracelets I've made (we were sorting through them and I had them all lined up so took a quick, crappy pic):

I am doing another craft fair table next Saturday (not this one coming up but the next) and am going to see how it goes. I think I've got one lined up in July and then end of August. We will see how it goes. The bracelets you see above are not yet loaded onto my Etsy store (but will be soon). If you are seriously interested in purchasing one of them or seeing better pictures please let me know and I will hold them for you to purchase when they are loaded on Etsy and send you better quality (lightbox) pictures.

Thanks for all your lovely comments on the baby sampler. The little one was successfully born on June 4. Sounds like her and the family are doing well though I have not yet connected directly with them. So it's time to stitch her name and the date. (I love the name they picked, Evelyn, we'll likely call her Evie)

For those that haven't seen me up yet I now have a twitter account at www.twitter.com/epicstitching
As well as a facebook page www.facebook.com/epicstitching  But don't worry all the big info goes here still as this blog is my first social media love, and cannot be replaced. :)


Coming up: A dragons update next week sometime (should be about 1/2 way through the most recent page), as I'm marathoning dragons all weekend. I've also got a couple more little pieces on the go or that will be on the go soon to share.

Baby Sampler Complete!

It's complete! Just in time for the baby shower last weekend. I'm happy to show you the Just Nan "Baby Garden". Stitched on a 32ct Lambswool Linen (I think). Using DMC colours and Krenik as used in the chart. I actually didn't modify a single thing on this piece believe it or not. Just Nan patterns are often just that good. Here's the little gem (without names or dates yet, as the baby hasn't been born):

I've been working on a Lizzie Kate little summer kit that I will have complete this week. As well as many new Kumihimo bracelets that I'll share next time.

I wanted to let people know, those that are doing the Country Cottage of the Month SAL. If you've seen July and are not one of our lovely American friends who want the Fourth of July theme I will be revising the chart for Canada with a Canadian flag and colours (maybe change the fireworks as well). And I'd be happy to do the same for any other country people would like to stitch instead.

It was the first craft fair yesterday. It went... okay. Not great sales, but got a new plan for the next sale in 2 weeks in terms of presentation and signage. The fair yesterday was a very local community one and therefore just too small with not a lot of traffic besides parents with kids who didn't want to buy. Sooo... here's hoping the one on June 16 will be an improvement.

That's all for now. Thank you so much for your comments (and voting) this past month. An update on cottages will be coming up soon (and I really need to get back to the neglected Dragons). 

And the winner is...

Well this is an interesting one this time around everyone. We have two charts that are literally head-to-head (and the others aren't far behind). I guess everyone liked these charts all across the board which is cool.

So here's what I've decided to do: Dream Unicorn and Catch Me are within one vote of each other and while I was watching last week they kept flipping who the winner was. So this Dream Unicorn will be my May chart, and Catch Me will be my June chart. Catch me was sooo close last time too so I want to make sure that it ends up in the HAED stash.
So thank you to all that voted!

(and if neither if these charts was your pick, don't worry they are likely to appear in future polls, though there are still more charts that are on the wishlist that haven't been posted).



The baby sampler is as done as it can be without a baby born to put on the name, date and time. I didn't get around to a picture of it as I have been busy with making loads of bracelets. I will get one tonight and post it this week. Promise!

A Giveaway Chance

The wonderful Lesli has decided (all on her own) to do a giveaway of one of my bracelets as she loved the one I sent her so much.
I'm incredible flattered and excited to know that she and her daughter are getting such enjoyment from my wares. It's very humbling. So thank you Lesli!

She is giving away one of my bracelets at:
http://fabulousfrogger.blogspot.ca/2012/05/epic-stitching-giveaway.html

Check it out, and all her wonderful progress on so many HAEDs! :)

Poll time!!

It's that time of the month again. No not the messy kind, the fun kind. ;)
My monthy HAED poll allowing you all to vote on the next free chart I get from HAED (from the contest I won back in December).
Last month was a tight race but Water Dragon did beat out everyone. So this month you'll see some new ones in there, and a couple of faves returning to battle for their chance to be in my stash.



 
For those of you who are envying having a HAED or a new one, to add to your stash check out the site for the next 2 more days it's all 50% off!!! This is the biggest sale of the year that Michele and Bob put on so now is the time to buy. (I even cheated and bought a pattern from a designer who is being retired, it's a Fred Winkler called Sally May. If you want one of his you only have until the end of May to purchase before they go off the market).

In other news: the wedding on the weekend that I attended was absolutely wonderful!! On Sunday I was able to make a ton of new bracelets for my store. (I will have pics soon)
And I chugged away on the baby sampler Just Nan that I want to get as complete as possible (until the baby is born) by Sunday. I should make it if I only work on it this week. So, pics of it to come as well. And then I definitely need to get back to dragons! :)

Thanks for stopping by and voting!

Wedding Quadrielle Finished!

It came out okay! Yep I'm talking about the scary Sweetheart Tree Wedding Quadrielle that I made.
I didn't kill anything or anyone, and it made it through in one piece and actually looks like it's supposed to. There were a few touch and go moments of wanting to kill it as I stitched up the seams but everyone survived. (in case you haven't figured it out yet I hate to finish things into ornaments etc. and I'm not a pro at it either).

The linen and threads used are the ones in the kit (they are DMC colours and a lovely linen to work with). ST does make great kits that are more or less ready to go. I had to pick up some interfacing for support and stuffing for the middle, but that was it. (I apologize in advance for the poorly lit pictures. Also a note that the names have been photoshopped out for my friends protection. (pictures can be clicked on to view larger versions)
So without further ado here it is. The complete Wedding Quadrielle from Sweetheart Tree:

So what made this project a bit tough:
• see all those lovely looking vines for the leaves that is all backstitch/running stitch and is a pain to count out. I may love counted cross stitch but I'm not really a 'counter'. More of a fill-in person (hence why I love HAEDs so much).
• You must be sure that your outlines are the right number (I counted four times I think) or the piece will not match up when you go to put it together
• It is over one for the names and text in the middle areas, not too hard just be prepared to potentially need your magnifying glass
• Putting the thing together is a bit of a trial if you're not really a seam person. However it doesn't require a sewing machine I put it together all by hand.
• My hands got cramped working on the seams and pushing through all the layers. In the future with a piece like this I would not try to get it all put together in 2 nights I would spread it out over a few more so that my hands don't get trashed (like they did) and move onto other stitchy things when one side is done for the break on the hands.

Things I learned from this project: 
• I can put things together I just have to be prepared to read the instructions a few times over to make sure I get it.
• Slowly but surely is a good thing when putting together items you can't rush it and hope to have an even seam
• If you put the beads on after the interfacing (like the pattern suggests) it really does help your beads stay a lot more secure. I'm almost tempted to put interfacing on the backs of all my beaded stitching pieces now that I know that.
• If you don't like what they do change it. In the original pattern it calls for twisted cord for the hanger, I hate making twisted cord and was on my own without a partner to help. So I just made a thin little Kumihimo 'bracelet' up and put it on instead. Just used the left over colours from the piece (and some Kreniek 1/8" ribbon to sparkle it up)


I know these are super intimidating for people, which is why I thought I'd give you my overview to help. They are not as hard as they look, not by a long shot. But you have to believe you can do, read the instructions lots and if you are getting frustrated with it put it down. That can be the most important thing to remember in crafting sometimes if it's not working out put it down and come back to it later.

I hope this helps give you an idea of the complexity of the project and maybe make you more likely to pick up one of those patterns you just love but think is too hard. It's never too hard if you want to make it work you can. :)

I have a number of items that will be going up on my store as soon as I have some time to get some white background pics. There is a new cross stitch itty bitty and some new bracelets as well. That will be next post. I'm also working on the baby sampler again, and have a new start. Another little kit, this time from Lizzie Kate! 

Thanks for visiting, commenting and overall making my day. *hugs* to you all!

WIPocalypse #5 (cottages & a winner)

Almost half the year! Oh my. Where does the time go? I think tracking things by the full moon makes me really realize how insanely fast things really do go by. It's that time of the month again, where I share my cottage update for WIPocalypse. I haven't had much of a chance to stitch on cottages with the wedding piece and the baby sampler taking up my stitching time. However here it is to date:

I just got June in the mail the other day and realized I've fallen behind on this SAL for the cottages, but alas what can you do. And it's a no pressure SAL so I decided I wasn't going to stress about it.

In other news. I made a facebook page for my new store on etsy. It's located here if you care at all to see it or like it. I figured if I'm going to try and actually make this store work then I better get out there and really try to market it. So this was one of many steps on the list.

All your comments were really cute and great from earlier this week. Thank you so much for all of them. The winner of the draw is Veronica!!

Congrats! If you could send me your snail mail address and I'll send you some patterns from my stash that need some love.


Coming up: I have to put the wedding piece together this weekend (I'm so afraid, here's hoping it goes okay!), progress on the baby sampler for next week AND the poll for this month's HAED. I'm gonna try and do it before the month is almost over. As always, thanks for dropping by.

Finishes, starts & a new designer, OH MY!

That's right I actually have a finish (just a little one but hey it counts), a start, a share of a project I've been teasing for weeks and some bracelets. Oh my indeed!  It was a very busy last couple of weeks so I was sooo excited to have the entire weekend to literally sit in my chair and stitch or bead. It was glorious. I so wish I could figure out a way to craft as a full-time job. Even after 3 days of more than 8 hours stitching/beading each day (I had Friday off as well) I couldn't get tired of it. Though my legs needed a walk break!

What came of this epic stitching weekend? Well... first up is the piece from Sweetheart Tree that I've been talking about for a couple of weeks. It's nearly done, needs some beads and then to be put together. I'm waiting for my interfacing to show up in the mail so that I can do the beads (they will be less likely to wander if they are stitched through the fabric and interfacing, or so the instructions tell me, we will see). I've really loved to hate almost every stitch in this. While Sweetheart Tree patterns look absolutely amazing they are not my favourite to do up. My love/hate relationship with backstitching really comes out of the woodwork. But I survived and am pretty happy with it so far:

Now let's just hope I don't screw up making it into a Quadrielle and ruin all that work!
PS: names and date are stitched they are just covered up for the privacy and protection of my friends.

What next? How about a quick glance at some new Kumihimo bracelets. I've been playing with different patterns, fibres and the like. I got a new foam disc to work with called "KumiLoom" that is just amazing. It's not circular or square (so it can do both flat and round stitches) and is a perfect size. Love it! These are the latest that I liked from the weekend:

A new designer? It seems to be rare these days that you hear about a great new designer. I feel like all we hear about, or often hear, is about how some of our beloved old favourites are retiring. But I have got a treat for you. This designer is new to me, even though she's been designing since 2004. I just adore her stuff. Kelsyn's got my attention with their geometric shape designs that use varigated threads. As you all likely remember I won 3rd place last year (in a big fair) with Needlemania's Cheryls Bouquet that is similar. So how could I not be in love with Kelsyns? (AND they include specialty stitches. It's like she read my mind!)
So I finally got my order in with her Itty Bitty pattern set. I've decided to do up my favourites of these little gems in ornament sized pieces that are suitable for my store. I've already got one done and another started! (can you tell I love these?) They are really simplistic to stitch even though they look elaborate. And almost anyone can fall in love with them, not just stitchers. I think these patterns are a great way to show people that we don't just do hearts and butterflies in cross stitch!
Without further rambling, here is the first of Kelsyn's:

 

 Its on 28ct Carmel Toffee linen using Weeks Dye Works Mothers Day thread.

And the one I started (what a treat to have little start and finishes for me!) using another WDW (can't remember name sorry!) on 32ct white linen:

Whew! That was a biggie. If you made it this far woohoo you deserve a prize. Better yet let's do that, nice and discreet down here and see how many are paying attention and don't just see giveaway in the header and visit. Comment and tell me what your favourite varigated colour of thread is and you'll be entered into a contest to win some patterns from my "destash" pile. (As I talk to myself I realized this is maybe proof that I am having a conversation as I write my posts, no editors here!)

Anyone that is worried that they've only seen little pieces from me lately, have no fear. I have been working a tiny bit on dragons, and am cruising on the just nan baby sampler (as babies don't wait for stitchers!) Once the wedding piece and baby piece are off my plate (end of the month) I plan to get back into cottages as well.

Thanks for visiting I do appreciate it and all of your comments!