Thank you for making this year so special. 

Wishing all of you a new year full of joy and many blessings.

Happy New Year my friends!

  Smiles, 

~Nan

Wanted to Share this News

I wanted to share the exciting news with all of you.  I'm feeling very proud to be published again.  

This time in Craftways

~A Cross Stitch Christmas~Handmade Memories~
(which can be ordered from your local needlework shop)
I was asked last year, by the managing editor to submit a design for the Folk Art chapter in their next Cross Stitch Christmas hardback book.  I couldn't wait to get designing and I knew I wanted to make it very special.   I received my copy and I was just blown away by the stunning job they do with layout and photography in this book.

Here are some pics of my "Bright Be Thy Christmastide" pattern.

  (click to make them bigger)

I took this picture before sending the model off to the publisher.

I love how they pictured it in the book.  I'm no photographer, so it's much better in person:)

And here is the cover.

This was a wonderful Christmas gift this year!

x x x

Thank you for all your sweet comments on my previous post.  I'm so glad you all liked the Holly freebie and it makes me very happy to share it with such appreciative blogging friends.  You keep me inspired.  I hope to see some pics of your finishes in the future. 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, my friends.

~Nan

Christmas Creations

These past few weeks, I've been having fun creating.  The other day I finally put the last stitch in the Christmas pieces I've been making.  If you got a chance to read my previous posts....my plan was to list them for sale in my Etsy shop.   Well, a friend saw them and called to ask if she could  purchase them.  AND if you know me, I can't say no to a friend.  I still wanted to show you what I created in hopes that it will still be of some inspiration to all the creative stitchers and finishers out there.

I reworked my "Holly Sampler" pattern so that it would be square and fit on this hanging bag finish that I wanted to make.

I used the motif from my "Be Ye Merry" pattern for the fabric covered box and added some special touches inside. 

I think my most favorite of the three is the sawdust filled holly pinkeep.  It's just so simple and prim......my favorite kind of piece.  I love the black and khaki striped homespun ticking that I chose to use.  I just recently purchased this fabric and I'm sure I'll be using it again on something soon.

x x x x x

As a little holiday surprise from me to you.....here is the holly border pattern

I stitched it with WDW Bullfrog and GA Country Redwood

using 30ct R&R Reproductions Old Mill Java linen.  I had some scraps leftover from a previous project and it just happened to be the perfect linen color.

The pinkeep measures 6 1/2" by 4" with the center ticking being 3" by 4"

I used the same ticking on the back.  I left a 1/2" seam allowance on all sides of the stitching before sewing it all together.  It's really quite an easy finish and hope you'll give it a try.

x x x x x 

There's still plenty to do around here to get ready for Christmas.  I'm off now to run some errands and do some last minute gift shopping.  Thank you for following along with me and I'm always so happy to hear from you and see your comments.  Enjoy these days leading up to Christmas and Happy Stitching.  

Smiles, ~Nan

A Stitcher's Finish

Happy Sunday All!

Things are very busy around the Lewis residence and like most of you, we are trying very hard to decorate, shop and make preparations for Christmas.  It seems like Christmas has come very quickly this year.  

I did want take some time this morning and show you another stitcher's finish.  

Vonna sent me this picture of an ornament she just finished using one of my freebies.

It is part of her 25 Days of Christmas with the Twisted Stitcher.  Here is a link to her blog where you can see more of her beautiful finishes.......thetwistedstitcher.blogspot.com 

She stitched this on 28 ct. Lambswool using the suggested DMC floss.

She added little evergreen boughs with berries and pinecones and even attached a cute little tag.

So sweet and such a wonderful and different finish.  Love it.  Thanks so much Vonna for sharing it with us.

Well, I hope you all have a wonderful week and that we all get lots done.  I hope to be back soon to show you a few things I've made for the holidays.  I have such fun creating!

Happy Stitching my friends.

~Nan

A Stitcher's Finish

My sweet friend, Linda, whose blog is Keeper of the Crowes, sent me a finish this week and I just couldn't wait to share it with you.  She stitched "Be Ye Merry" and it's finished into a pinkeep, much like the original design, except she added ruching.

In one word.....G O R G E O U S......

 And I love how she placed it in her new lollipop handled carrier that she just found this past Autumn.  So pretty with the greenery.

I found it a real coincidence, since I just happen to be stitching this same design this very week.  I've found myself with a bit of down time between projects and I thought I'd try and make a few finished pieces to sell in my Etsy shop this month.
I use to love doing that when I belonged to the "To Dwell in Primitive Thymes" online group and I miss it sometimes.  Here's what I have so far.....

Usually, when I stitch a design again, I like to mix it up a bit.  It gives me a chance at a kind of "WHAT IF"........ I plan to finish this differently too. 
 I used overdyed floss this time around.  Forest Glade, Lancaster Red and Heirloom Gold.  My good friend, Pat stitched her version with these colors and I loved it so much I decided to use her choices for this.  I love how it looks on this dark WDW Cocoa linen too.
x x x x
Well, a big thank you Linda for stitching and sharing your beautiful piece with me.
I'll keep you posted with my stitching and finishing progress.
Have a wonderful week my friends!
~Nan

Beggar's Christmas Release

Happy Weekend to you all....

I've tried to work very quickly to get this new release completed and I'm please to show you the finish of "Beggar's Christmas".

Stitch count is 77 H by 106 W. 

 The model was stitched on 35ct Chamomile Tea by R and R Reproductions.

Absolutely love this new color linen!
The thread colors that were used are Gentle Art in Country Redwood and Heirloom Gold
and Weeks Dye Works in Onyx and Moss.

Trimmed with BeeSkep baby chenille by R and R Reproductions.

I've already begun shipping to shops and my distributors should have this later next week. 

Also added it to my Etsy Shop.

x x x x x

This will be my last release for the year.  I've already begun to work on my first design for the Ladies Prim Society, due out in late January.  As I mentioned, this is a wonderful club hosted by Dyeing to Stitch and they have decided to open the club to new members for 2014.  Please visit their website

http://dyeing2stitch.com/subpage.php?page=primsociety

for more information about the club. 

As always, thank you so much for taking the time to visit and for your continued support of my needlework designs.   I am always so touched by your emails and comments.

Hugs and Happy Stitching!

~Nan

Having a Little Fun

I've been having a little fun designing and stitching.  One of my favorite things to do, of course.  I decided to play around and create a Christmas version of Beggar's Night.   I wanted it to be more prim than the usual red and green, so I added lots of dark gold to prim it down, so to speak.  I like the end result and hope you do too.   Here's "Beggar's Christmas"  I think Mr. Crow looks full of mischief.  Like he's about to make off with a stocking full of goodies :D

I'm a bit behind on this piece because I needed to focus on my kit release and the work needed for my next Ladies Prim Society piece, that was due out.  Thank you again for all your sweet comments and emails about both of these pieces.   You continue to make me smile.

I hope to have "Beggar's Christmas" all finished up by the end of this week and the release soon after.

As always, thanks for visiting and I'm wishing you all a happy and productive week.

Smiles, ~Nan

Ladies Prim Society Reveal

I know there's been a bit of suspense about the last Ladies Prim Society piece. 

It's finally completed and I'm ready to show you the reveal.  I am so hoping all the members will be pleased with the finale piece.  It's just been such a fun year being apart of this club and I'm happy to say I will be continuing in it again next year.

"Holiday Patchwork"

I'm also excited to tell you that Dyeing to Stitch has decided to open up enrollment for new members in 2014.  So, if you missed out getting in the club this year, you'll now have an opportunity to join.

Here is a link to their website where you will find the member application.

http://dyeing2stitch.com/subpage.php?page=primsociety

The girls at Dyeing to Stitch hope to have this new kit mailed to the members by Thanksgiving.

As always, I'll be sending the model to them for display in the shop.  

Sincere thanks for your comments and kindness.

Happy Stitching my friends!

~Nan

Road Trip to Lititz PA

Yesterday was the perfect day for a road trip.  Sunny, but cool.  Perfect Fall day for shopping in the beautiful little town of Lititz, Pa.  My friend Mimi and I set out early and made it there in no time.  So, as promised, here are pics of our day!

We decided to have an early lunch before walking around.  We ate at a lovely historic tavern called the General Sutter Inn.  The food and service was wonderful and it was just the perfect way to start our visit.

Afterwards we walked along the street going in and out of all the shops.

There were some great old houses on the street.

I just loved this one with it's gray door and shutters and pair of rockers too.

The reason for our trip was to visit the open house at Days Gone By Creations.  You can not leave this shop without buying something or maybe one of everything :D.  Mimi and I were in primitive heaven :) and Cindy, the owner, is such a sweetie.  It was wonderful seeing her again and she did the most amazing job on the displays and front window.

Here are just a few pics of the shop.  Yep.....drool......

My friend and former TDIP sister, Susan Burd of Country Crocks, was there too.  I just love Susan and always enjoy our chats.  I was excited to introduce Mimi to her.

My two buddies........

Here are the treasures I left with.....

Two sweet bee's wax stocking ornies, an 1803 candle called Cookies for St. Nick, smells unbelievable, and a primitive paddle.

We also stopped for a little refreshment at the local pub, Sturgis Haus Brewery.

I wet my whistle with a half pint of Krauses Haar.  A favorite of mine when here.

 

Well, I hope you enjoyed seeing the pics of our visit to Lititz.  Cindy told us there is another open house in the Spring and I'm sure Mimi and I will make the trip back for it.

Happy Weekend all,

~Nan

A Stitcher's Finish

Ooooh, I've got  the most wonderful finish to show you.  Myra of gr8damesplace.blogspot.com blog, sent in this pic.  She stitched my newest design "Wintertime" using coffee stained 32ct WDW Parchment and DMC Floss.

She added some rusty bells on the bottom.  A snowflake on the front and another

as a surprise, on the back.

I really enjoy getting these emails and like to share the finisher's words and thoughts.

So, here's what Myra wrote me....

Hi Nan!  I wanted to share with you my finish of Wintertime. Once again, I enjoyed every stitch. I am thinking I would like to stitch it again using a blue pallet of floss. I decided to make a door/cupboard  hanger and taking a cue from your Bountiful Blessings kit I added a little surprise in the form of a rusty tin snowflake to the back of mine. Thank you for a wonderful design and finishing inspiration.

Thank you Myra.  It's so much fun to see my designs done by a fellow stitcher.  I really love all the extra special touches you added!  Well done my friend and enjoy!
x x x x x
  Tomorrow I am headed to Lititz PA, with my good friend Mimi, for the Open House at Day's Gone By Creations.  And of course, a nice lunch, some antique shopping and chatting with friends.  I'll try and get some pics to post of our outing.  I try and do that and then end up having so much fun that the camera never comes out.  Maybe I'll make that Mimi's job:)
Smiles, ~Nan

In * the * Zone

Just wanted to make a quick post to say, "thank you soooooo much" for all the wonderful emails and comments on my "Bountiful Blessings" pinkeep kit.

The response was, in a word, amazing and much more than I could have ever expected.

I am both touched and surprised by it all.
I also want to thank Ann Robbins and Pat Ryan of Dyeing to Stitch and R & R for helping me make this kit happen and for supplying me with beautiful linen and trims.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *~

I am now in kit mode and as I mentioned, in the title of this post......In the Zone:)

Thank you again for your continued support and all the smiles you bring me every day.

Happy Stitching!

~Nan

A very Happy Halloween to all.

Wishing you fun and fright 
and much delight:)

x x x x

Halloween Hugs, ~Nan

*Sweet Little Limited Edition Kit*

I designed and stitched this sweet Autumn pinkeep and thought maybe some of you would like to make one too.  So, I'm putting together a few kits. 

 I just love the saying "Bountiful Blessings".  

I actually feel that way all year round and not just at Thanksgiving. 

It's stitched on 32ct linen with 1 strand of floss over 2 linen threads and is a pretty fast and fun stitch.  For a nice surprise, on the back, I've added a wool Fall leaf with a brass acorn charm tied to it.

The kit includes:

32ct R & R Irish Creme linen

4 skeins of DMC floss

R & R Cocoa ric rac

Tan plaid shirting fabric

Army blanket wool

Brass acorn charm

Brown hemp string

Color cross-stitch graph

Leaf template

& complete finishing instructions

 $28.00 plus shipping

The kits are limited quantity and will be offered only through me and my friends at Dyeing to Stitch shop.  You may email me at threadworkprimitives@verizon.net

I look forward to your emails and comments.  

Happy Stitching!

~Nan

~*~More Fun Stitching~*~

Just wanted to show you another piece I finished for fun.  A friend of mine was gifted a Halloween tree to hang ornaments on.  I wanted to make something special for her to put on her new tree.  I can show this to you now since it arrived at her doorstep this week.

Hope it makes her smile when she looks at it!

And this is the back.......

I love to add little surprises to the back of my pieces.

x x x x x 

I also finished my PSS Farmstead piece that I've been working on.  I made a few changes, of course.....I left off the year and also the wording because I plan to finish it into a long skinny pillow.  Besides stitching the Palomino horse, Sunny,  that I'm learning to ride on..... I also added one of the other horses at my trainer's place, Harry.  He's a big brown and white Quarter horse and could pull that sleigh with ease, I'm sure.  My trainer, Ellen and her husband, have lots of animals, including all kinds of chickens.  Some of them lay green eggs.  I was so fascinated by that, I decided to add a chicken to the mix also :)

Learning to ride has been such a fun and positive experience and I look forward to every lesson.  This piece has become very special to me and will remind me of my new buddies, Ellen, Sunny, Harry and the green egg laying chickens:D

x x x x x

Now, it's back to work....(but it's still fun).  I've got my next piece for the Ladies Prim Society with Dyeing to Stitch to finish.  That deadline will be here before I know it and I want it all to be ready for the club release in mid-November.  Can't wait to show you it!

Happy Stitching or whatever makes your heart sing ;)

Smiles, ~Nan

~*~Some Fun Stitching~*~

I love Sunday's.  They are my lazy day with my hubby.

We cook a big meal or I should say, he cooks a big meal, while I stitch.  We watch football and basically just relax and enjoy each others company.

I have been stitching and lots of it is just fun stuff:)

If you follow my blog, you know that I've been taking horseback riding lessons and the horse I'm riding is Sunny.  

My second heartthrob♥

Anyway, I've been wanting to stitch Farmstead Christmas by Plum Street Samplers since last year.  We all no how that goes ; )  I decided this was a good time and I was showing my hubby what I was going to work on and he suggested I change one of the horses in the sampler to Sonny.......What a fab idea.  See why I just love him so much? :))))  Now, I was even more inspired to start stitching it.

Here's my progress so far....I couldn't wait to put the stitches in Sunny and his fence.

So far I'm loving it.  I'm thinking of stitching an "S" in the wreath for him too.

x x x x x x x 

The other piece I stitched up was "Wicked" by The Primitive Needle.  This was a freebie. 

My friend, Rita, stitched this design last year and I did the finishing on it for her.  

I made it into a flat fold ornament and hung it from an old skeleton key.  I liked the way it turned out so well that I wanted one for our house. So this is how I will finish mine also.
x x x x x x x
I'm working on a bit of a surprise piece too and hope to tell you more about it in a few weeks.
As you can see my hands are always busy doing what I love.
Have a great week and happy stitching!

 ~Nan

What a Nice Surprise

I'm sure a lot of you are seeing pictures of the Dyeing to Stitch Retreat that lots of lucky stitchers got to attend down in Virginia Beach.  I was unable to make it,  but wanted to personally stitch something special for Ann and Pat to have as a giveaway door prize during the banquet.  I had no idea who had won my creation until my blogging buddy Faye, 

of the Carolina Stitcher blog sent me the sweetest email and picture, letting me know how thrilled she was with her win.  Imagine my surprise and delight that someone I knew had won.

I used my pattern "Love for Labors All" to create a long drawstring bag.  Above is the picture Faye sent me.  She has it tucked in her pie safe all snug and illuminated by candlelight.  How pretty it looks and how happy I am that it found such a nice home :)  Thank you Faye for your kind words and for bringing such a smile to my face with your email.
 x x x x
I also designed a pattern especially for the Retreat called "Celebration Sampler"

I've had a number of emails asking me how the pattern can be purchased.
Since this was for the Retreat, Dyeing to Stitch will be selling the charts in their shop, so give them a call.  I'm sure they'd be more than happy to help out.
x x x x
Feels like a day off for me with the post office being closed for the holiday.
Thank you to everyone who purchased my new design "Wintertime" and for your wonderful emails and comments.  I've been busy packing up orders and I'll be shipping the second round out tomorrow. 
Until next time, happy stitching!
~Nan

Wintertime Release

A very happy Friday to you all.....

Thank you to all my friends and followers for your patience while getting this new pattern ready for release. Your emails and comments are always so heartwarming and so supportive.  You have no idea how much they mean to me. 
Here goes...... I still get butterflies when I release a pattern :), but

I'm so happy to show you how it finished up.

"WINTERTIME"

I decided to make this into a hanging pinkeep.  It's stitched on the most beautiful 32ct Apple Brown Bindy linen by R & R Reproductions.  The colors on this worked out beautifully for me. 
All Gentle Art.....Country Red, Forest Green, Sable and Mustard Seed.  
I did provide a complete DMC conversion in the floss key.  It's hard to see in the picture, but I added a small jingle bell on the sides and used plaid homespun for the hanger.
I'm still very much in the Halloween/Fall mood, but I will find delight in hanging this in the house come December.
I've added this new design to my Etsy Shop.  The charts will be on their way to my distributors later today and should be in shops soon after that.
  Another new design is in the works!
Enjoy your day! Happy Stitching and thank you for stopping by.
~Nan

A Stitcher's Finish

I thought I'd take a break from printing!
I got two finishes from Robin to show you!

First is Pride & Glory.  Robin stitched this on 32ct Castleview linen with the called for DMC floss.  This is something she did for an exchange.  Instead of framing it, she made it into an ornament.  How adorable......I want one :) 

 

Next she stitched Happy 4th.  This was stitched on 32ct Aged Lace linen and she again used the called for DMC floss.  This one she's keeping and it will find a home on her wrought iron tree next year!

Robin told me she thought they were both a fun stitch.....Great!  That's what it's all about, right? :)  Thank you so much Robin.  They are both wonderful.  Love them as ornies.

x x x x x

Stop back tomorrow if you have a chance.  I've dotted all my i's and crossed all my t's.

I'll be posting and releasing my new design "Wintertime" tomorrow, so I hope you'll check back.

I just loved stitching this one.   The floss colors really worked out for me and the R & R Reproductions Apple Brown Bindy linen was perfect and such a joy to stitch on.

Until then, have a great evening!

Hugs, ~Nan

Lots to Show and Tell

A surprise box arrived the other day from my dear friend Elisabetta, in Italy.

I opened it and everything was wrapped so pretty.

I just kind of took it all in.  I was so surprised and very excited.  I carefully opened each pretty little package.

Lookie, lookie.....She gifted me an "Old Crow" pinkeep and a wonderful little heart bag with a matching fob floss ring.  Look at the sweet crocheted edging.   Oh my!  She also sent a wooden crow floss holder made by Isobel of The Primitive Hare.  

Gosh, I just love everything Elisabetta and I'm so touched by your thoughtfulness.  I truly appreciate all the time AND stitches that you put into making these beautiful gifts for me.

I will certainly cherish them.  I hope one day I will get to meet you and your lovely family.  Thank you so very much my friend ♥♥♥

x  x  x  x  x 

Next.....remember the sneak peek I showed you about my new design "Wintertime"?  Well, it's all completed and I just need to do one more check over to make sure everything is correct.  I should be able to post the finish by the end of the week and get it listed in my Etsy Shop. WOOT WOOT!  I really  love how it turned out and hope you will too.

x  x  x  x  x

And finally, if any of you follow me on facebook, you know that I've take up riding lessons.

Here's a pic of Sunny and I.

My lessons are every Tuesday morning.  So, I'm off to see my new pal and teacher, Ellen, my buddy, Mimi and of course, Sunny.  Afterwards, us girls are going out for some lunch and I'm sure some laughs.

Be back soon!

Smiles, ~Nan

Day To Play

Took the day off, so to speak, and played hooky.  Well, from cross stitch anyway.

I decided to decorate a bit more and just do some creating in a different medium.

I can honestly say, if had to work in something other than cross stitch, I'd be up to my elbows in working with wool every day and loving it.  I am a huge fan of Maggie B. and I thought I'd play a bit.  I picked a small and doable piece from her book Nature's Offering.

"Acorn and Leaf Needlebook"

I put my own little spin on it and used a real acorn cap for the top.  I collected a whole bunch of these last year in hopes of creating something with them.  See, you just never know. There's a lot of hand stitching to this project, but today was such a slow and easy day, I had time to just breath and stitch at a comfortable pace :)

x  x  x  x  x

I lit one of my favorite candles and the wonderful smell of Banana Nut Bread has filled the house and makes it feel even more like Fall.

 This is my most favorite hooked rug made by Kimberly Bouffard

I'm pretty sure this is a Notforgotten Farm design.  Coolest pumpkin ever.  I make sure to put this out every year.

Here are a few more pics of what's around the house.
The gameboard below was purchased from a very talented artist on Etsy.
Here's the link to his shop. https://www.etsy.com/shop/JohnnyUNamath

 

 

 Can you tell how much I love my friend Ivonne's banners?  They are in every corner of the house.  Still have plenty of pieces to unpack and display.  Yep, this is my favorite holiday, so it will be Fall/Halloween OVERLOAD at our house.  No biggie, hubby is way use to it by now :)

Hope your day was full of creativity and all the things you love.

Smiles, ~Nan