4th of July Rules - Primrose Cottage (FFO)

Today, I'm auditioning fabrics to FFO the "4th of July Rules" by Lindsey Weight from Primrose Cottage.

Stitched on 32 ct. light taupe lugana with the called for DMC flosses.

The cute little Star hanger is available from 123stitch.


 

Do Dragons Fly?

 Spring Mingle May 2026

I stitched this pin cushion titled "Do Dragons Fly?" by Cathy Habermann from Hands on Design during the Spring Mingle in May 2026. 

I stitched it on 32 ct. Weeks Dye Works Blush fabric with the called for DMC flosses.  

Cathy also gifted us a needlebook titled "Where do Dragons Play", so I wipped that one up too. They make a cute pair.

America the Beautiful - FFO

 

I framed America the Beautiful by Stitching with the Housewives. This was a very old finish I had yet to frame.  I finally found a frame I liked.   Stitched on 14 ct. Navy Aida with called for DMC flosses.  I did change some of the motifs to show more background color.  

Tutorials for Zipper Pulls / Scissor Fobs

Here are a few YouTube videos showing how to make scissor fobs / zipper pulls.

How to Make a Scissor Fob / Zipper Pull - from Lora's Handmade Haven

Scissor fob tutorial -  from Annie the Proper Stitcher

How to Make Scissor Fobs / Zipper Pulls - From Me & My Sister Designs (FatQuarter Shop)

Beaded Zipper Pull - from Jorja's Shenanigans
This one shows how to turn a bead into a charm using a head pin.

All About Using Crimps - from Fire Mountain Gems and Beads
Crimps! Learn the dos and don’ts of crimping, the different types of crimp beads and how to use micro crimp beads to keep beads exactly where you want them.

Scissor Fob with Cording (no beads) - from Tiny Modernist

A list of basic materials needed:  (sometimes they have little packs you can get with everything).

• Lobster claws (not the smallest size)
• Crimp beads (or tubes). 2m or smaller
• Beading wire - between .018-.024 is fine
• Beads (your choice... vary sizes)
• Charm (to hang on bottom)
• If using a bead on the bottom, you'll need a head pin to go through bead to close off end.
• Guardians (not necessary, but useful)
• Bead covers (not necessary, but nice).
  
  

A list of tools needed:

• wire cutters
• needle nosed pliers
• Crimping pliers -  are handy but not absolutely necessary

250th Celebration - Teresa Kogut (FFO)

 

I finished the drum from Chantelle's 141 with the 250th Celebration eagle from Teresa Kogut. Yes, I stitched this twice.  Once for her model, and one for me.  I loved it!

Stitched on 36 ct. Coffee Stain linen by Cedar River with the called for flosses.  

I'm happy with the finish.  The crackle finish on the drum worked well and the cording was easy to make. 

Staining with Paint - Christmas Folk by Hands on Design (FFO)

 I wanted to try my hand at staining with the DIY paint that Chantelle introduced in her Patreon video tutorials.  I knew the Christmas Folk paddle would be perfect.  I think it came out pretty much the way I wanted it to.

Stitch:  Christmas Folk by Hands on Design

Fabric:  32 ct. Platinum Linen

Floss:  DMC floss

Board:  Folk Paddle from Chantelle's 141 Design

It's a FFO day! 250th Celebration from Teresa Kogut (FFO)

 I decided to FFO Teresa Kogut's 250th Celebration eagle from the Nashville Needlework Market 2026 on the We are Blessed drum made by Chantelle's 141 Design Co.  I made my first cording and was pleased it came out right.

Hobby House Retreat - May 1-3, 2026

I had a nice vacation attending the Hobby House Retreat this past weekend.  There were three featured designers: Beth Twist (Heartstrings Samplery), Paulette Stewart (Plum Street Samplers), and Stacy Nash (Stacy Nash Designs).

Midnight Santa - (WIP)

 It's the 5th, so I picked the Midnight Santa WIP as my stitch today.  I'm stitching this as a SAL with my friend Denise and her friend Cora.  My plan is to get the lettering section done this week.  

Fabric:  40 ct. Ancient Ruin by Fox & Rabbit

Floss:  Vicki Clayton Silk conversion.

America the Beautiful - Mystery SAL Block 1 - Teresa Kogut (WIP)

 On the 4th, 14th, and 24th of the month we stitch patriotic themed items in our Discord group.  I picked America the Beautiful Mystery SAL to stitch as I'm a little behind due to some model stitching.  I plan to finish this today and move on to Block 2 the next time I pick it up.

My friend Sarah (from discord) says the men should have mouths.  I don't know, maybe I'll put them in, maybe I won't.  Lol!

Fabric:  40 ct. Maple Bar by Cedar River

Floss:  Called for

Tentative plans for May

Here are some of the things I'd like to accomplish this month:

• America the Beautiful (ATB) Mystery SAL - Blocks 1 & 2
• Fox & Rabbit Mystery SAL - May section
• Make Today Count SAL - Finish for Patreon Zoom
• Band Sampler - (Wanda)
• Band Sampler - (Sarah)
• On the 4's: ATB, 
• On the 5's: Midnight Santa
• Spooky:  13th and EOM - Midnight Ride 
• Work on Red Bunny (maybe finish)
• Start Northern Cardinal
• FFO - 250th Celebration on drum
• Paint Stain - Merry Christmas Folk.
• FFO - April MWI
• Summer in the Garden