All your projects are gorgeous and lovely as usual. I love the swans! And the peacocks. And the angel. I request book videos, also fireside chats on the meaning of life, as well as "Go to Work At the Bakery with Me" vlogs, and how to Canadian snowshoe. Some of those were serious. I'll let you decide which.
Loved the video Mckenzie! I also love the idea of putting a sparkly floss behind the swans to make it look like they are sitting in water, perhaps a shimmering dark(ish) blue? Brilliant idea! Happy stitching!!
The Chatelaine is going to be just beautiful! Changing the background color behind the swans is a very good idea... I like your thought on maybe going with a metallic blue/grey. I am sure what ever you choose it will be pretty. Looking forward to seeing this piece done McKenzie. Have a great week!
To avoid slipping stitches, you have a couple options. If you are using DMC, doing your bottom legs using continental helps keep the floss on top. You can do the top leg as normal (| | | on the back). For completing each stitch as you go, you need to "wrap" the bottom thread. Let me try to explain a little better - the two fabric threads that you are stitching over - one is on top of the other. After you do your bottom leg, you want to come up on the opposite side of that bottom thread. This requires you to travel either horizontal or vertical (alternating across one row). By wrapping around the bottom leg, your stitch won't slip under the top leg. Hopefully that makes sense! I love watching your videos and appreciate the time you take to make them :)
I adore your Peridot Fairy WIP. Just beautiful! I'm very impressed with your Chateleine on black, too. I think a shimmery blue around the swans would be perfect.
As always your WIPs look amazing!! I love the idea of the shimmery metallic around the swans. It'll look like water and that's appropriate! lol I know this is flosstube, but I would love to see a video about your book collection. I know you've shown a few before, but I'm nosy and I'd love to see them all! ~Amy~
Peacock pinwheels looks fabulous, hope you find someones' suggestions to be helpful. It's hard when others say it looks great when something about the project still bugs you.... again still looks fabulous!!! 😊 I am looking foward to the alternative floss choice behind the swans. Your videos are always awesome... have you ever created a tag video? Well bye for now. 🌺
Great update! I think your idea of using the black metallic around the swan is going to look awesome! I stitch HAED over 1 on 25ct using a quantum frame and for me the tension of the fabric helps my stitches looks more even. I do have kind of a tight tension in my stitches so I have to pay attention at what I do.
Love see all your stuff and love the new vlogs! I want to do a Chatelaine and was leaning towards Swan Lake on black, but ssscccaaarrryyy!! I am glad to watch yours first and learn from your tips! I did that with Save the Stitches! Thanks!!
+Judy Richardson Thank you Judy, I so appreciate that! It is totally scary but the nice thing is that no one is judging you while you're doing it, so if it takes forever it's okay. I think my Chatelaine will take forever ;)
Jealous that you have pulled ahead on Angel of Love. I'm so into my current piece though. I think I'll rotate to Angel of Love next. Yours is looking GREAT. One reason I haven't went back is I'm really undecided about when I get to the navy if I want to do it 2 or 3 over 2. Argh. Decisions, decisions.
+Emily C (eclecticpossessions) Not for long I don't think, I am pretty obsessed with my Mira right now. I feel a falling-down-the-rabbit-hole situation coming on! I would support 3 over 2, I think that would look wonderful.
Every time you show peacock pinwheels I like it more and more. The over time I ever tried one over one my stitches were so uneven I threw it away after 20 mins. Heh. Clearly, I'm not very determined to figure it out. I'm curious to see what everyone else does! And right now, my favorite videos are book/magazine flip throughs and updates. Super boring, but there you go.
Thanks for the update! :) I guess I am a bit like you with tension, I don't pull my stitches tight. My HAED and Joan Elliott's fairy's skin are worked one over one. So far I haven't encountered problems with stitches slipping between the weave of the fabric * knocks on wood * What I have noticed, is that it is way harder to end your threads with one over one! LOL. I have more trouble weaving the end of the thread at the back. A good reason to keep my stitches deliberately loose. :)
+Darling Bluebell I SO agree about ending threads on one over one! I think of that every time I finish a thread and I've never mentioned it. Everything is so tiny on the back I really have to wiggle my needle in!
Love the update! Peacock pinwheels might have to go on my wishlist! I'm stitching my first Mirabilia skin 1 over 1, and I stitch on a frame. (Jury is still out on this because I made some color changes due to the blended suggestions on the pattern.). I have not had an issue with the stitches slipping on a tight tension. Occasionally I need to do my stitch from the opposite direction because I have trouble finding the hole when it is seated next to the traditional 2 over 2 stitch.
once you really start using your q snaps your going to love them, also you only need a thin fabric between the stitching and clamp, and don't pry them off just slide the clamps off the bar, its easier and gentler for your stitches
Your swan is beautiful! And I think changing up the black stitches is a great idea. It would be really cool to do a metallic like you mentioned so it looks like they are swimming/standing in the water. Maybe even at night! Nocturnal swans? So beautiful! The peacocks are also really looking nice too. I don't find I have too much problem while stitching my mermaid's skin on my frame. I'm not sure if it is the way I stitch, but I rarely have stitches that slip under. I think I've been keeping my stitches loose-ish to avoid it? Not sure, 'cos I've never stitched it in hand what the difference would be. If you ever do 1 over 1 in your q snap, you'll have to get back to us and let us know the answer!
+BlimeyCatStitches I was feeing pretty uninspired and intimidated about this project and then I read this comment and got excited because I remembered about the metallic plans. Maybe I should start testing that out and it would reignite my interest! So thank you :D
Hooray! My incredible tardiness in watching this video was helpful! Hehe. Glad I could help and I can't wait to see what you decide on. I just love your stitching!
+bumblesby Thank you! I'm glad you liked it! One of my first projects was a this book spines one, if you wanted to have a look at that one too: www.etsy.com/listing/107385417/classic-book-spines-counted-cross-stitch?ref=shop_home_listings
I do one over one, but I do one full x at a time. Also, when I do my bottom leg of the x, I come up at the hole horizontally across from the hole I went down in. Normally I would bring my needle up at the hole directly below the hole where I brought the needle down. That creates a vertical line on the back, which allows the thread to slip. If you bring the needle up at the hole adjacent to where you brought it down, it creates a horizontal line on the back and the bottom leg won't slip. Also the full cross stitched one at at time creates stitches that are more secure if you're only using one thread. If I'm not clear, let me know and I'll post a video!
For doing 1 over 1, I find tension isn't that much of a problem. I don't think I've ever found my stitches slipping. I tend to do mine kind of snug (not TIGHT, but not loose either). I definitely find it easier when the tension on the fabric itself is tighter. . .if just because it's somewhat easier to see what I'm doing when it's so darned TINY. But yeah, I don't find snug stitches vs loose makes that much difference for me.
1x1 I do loosely too. My tension is not tight even in a hoop or if I stitch in hand. missquilt41 is my Instagram to see some of my cross stitch! (Lilly of the Woods) McKenzie, happy stitching ! ☺️
+thelovelyarray I got a beading question for you. I found a pattern I'd love to stitch up for my dad but the recommended fabric is 28 ct. Personally, I'd love to stitch it on 32 ct to make the over all size just a little smaller. Would the beading be messed up/look funny if I worked smaller? Have you changed the size of a beading piece and not run unto a problem? Thanks so much!
+Svannah Morse Hi Svannah! I would definitely do some Google detective work on that one. I know in some cases, like Angel of Love, it can end up being a problem. Angel of Love is meant to be stitched on 28 count and on 32 count the beads won't fit. BUT Angel of Love has a lot of larger beads in it, so I guess it would depend on your pattern and your beads? If you could substitute smaller petite beads or if there are no larger beads (like size 6 or 8 beads) then it might be okay? Let me know if the internet gives you an answer, I'm curious too!
All your projects are gorgeous and lovely as usual. I love the swans! And the peacocks. And the angel. I request book videos, also fireside chats on the meaning of life, as well as "Go to Work At the Bakery with Me" vlogs, and how to Canadian snowshoe. Some of those were serious. I'll let you decide which.
+lindystitches Okay you joke but I HAVE been on snowshoes before. (It was pretty fun too.)
Hi I love all your projects ...super cute x
Loved the video Mckenzie! I also love the idea of putting a sparkly floss behind the swans to make it look like they are sitting in water, perhaps a shimmering dark(ish) blue? Brilliant idea! Happy stitching!!
+Tina Healey Great suggestion! I can't wait to try it! Thank you :)
The Chatelaine is going to be just beautiful! Changing the background color behind the swans is a very good idea... I like your thought on maybe going with a metallic blue/grey. I am sure what ever you choose it will be pretty. Looking forward to seeing this piece done McKenzie. Have a great week!
+Rena Furman Thank you so much Rena!
To avoid slipping stitches, you have a couple options. If you are using DMC, doing your bottom legs using continental helps keep the floss on top. You can do the top leg as normal (| | | on the back). For completing each stitch as you go, you need to "wrap" the bottom thread. Let me try to explain a little better - the two fabric threads that you are stitching over - one is on top of the other. After you do your bottom leg, you want to come up on the opposite side of that bottom thread. This requires you to travel either horizontal or vertical (alternating across one row). By wrapping around the bottom leg, your stitch won't slip under the top leg.
Hopefully that makes sense! I love watching your videos and appreciate the time you take to make them :)
+Annette Wright Thank you Annette, that's great advice!
By the way what a great idea to do an alternate color or thread behind the swans instead of black. The pewter might be a great choice !
Love your update! The Swans are gorgeous and cool idea about the color and making it look like water! Watching for your Mirabilia stash video!
+Jodi Schell Thank you Jodi!
I adore your Peridot Fairy WIP. Just beautiful! I'm very impressed with your Chateleine on black, too. I think a shimmery blue around the swans would be perfect.
+Ms. OhSewCrafty Thank you so much!
Beautiful work swan is taking shape happy stitching xx
+crossstitchbutton Slowly but surely! :D
Everything looks fabulous! As always :-) Happy stitching!
+Chelsea Gelesko Thank you Chelsea!
I'm always so impressed with your stitching! So beautiful!
+Debra Fassler Wow, thank you Debra!
+Debra Fassler Wow, thank you Debra!
great video and wips. its so enjoyable to see what your doing
+Beverly Evanger Thank you!
your swan piece is going to look gorgeous when you finish, great job so far.
+Terrè Tegan (Mommy07) Thank you so much!
Your wips are so beautiful, really loving that chateline and angel of love!!
+Jessica Henderson Thank you Jessica!
Congratulations on your bid win for the mirabilia pattern dreamer. Good job.
+Cheryl Adams Thank you!
As always your WIPs look amazing!! I love the idea of the shimmery metallic around the swans. It'll look like water and that's appropriate! lol I know this is flosstube, but I would love to see a video about your book collection. I know you've shown a few before, but I'm nosy and I'd love to see them all! ~Amy~
+RnRjunkie66 Ooh, that's good to know! I'm actually planning on going through my books and getting rid of some so I might take you on a tour!
Peacock pinwheels looks fabulous, hope you find someones' suggestions to be helpful. It's hard when others say it looks great when something about the project still bugs you.... again still looks fabulous!!! 😊 I am looking foward to the alternative floss choice behind the swans. Your videos are always awesome... have you ever created a tag video? Well bye for now. 🌺
+Painting with Thread - Shana Thank you Shana! I haven't created a tag really .. hmm ...
Great update! I think your idea of using the black metallic around the swan is going to look awesome! I stitch HAED over 1 on 25ct using a quantum frame and for me the tension of the fabric helps my stitches looks more even. I do have kind of a tight tension in my stitches so I have to pay attention at what I do.
+OriettaStitch Thank you Orietta! :D
Great video I been following you for a while I love your stitching so pretty!
+Rocio Alavrez Thank you Rocio!
Love see all your stuff and love the new vlogs! I want to do a Chatelaine and was leaning towards Swan Lake on black, but ssscccaaarrryyy!! I am glad to watch yours first and learn from your tips! I did that with Save the Stitches! Thanks!!
+Judy Richardson Thank you Judy, I so appreciate that! It is totally scary but the nice thing is that no one is judging you while you're doing it, so if it takes forever it's okay. I think my Chatelaine will take forever ;)
i love peacock and pin wheels and quaker game board. they are on my wish list!!
+Stitching Mae Yay!
Everything is looking amazing! And congrats on the eBay win! Love that pattern :)
+Cassandra Martinez I did it! I won one! :DD
Jealous that you have pulled ahead on Angel of Love. I'm so into my current piece though. I think I'll rotate to Angel of Love next. Yours is looking GREAT. One reason I haven't went back is I'm really undecided about when I get to the navy if I want to do it 2 or 3 over 2. Argh. Decisions, decisions.
+Emily C (eclecticpossessions) Not for long I don't think, I am pretty obsessed with my Mira right now. I feel a falling-down-the-rabbit-hole situation coming on! I would support 3 over 2, I think that would look wonderful.
Every time you show peacock pinwheels I like it more and more. The over time I ever tried one over one my stitches were so uneven I threw it away after 20 mins. Heh. Clearly, I'm not very determined to figure it out. I'm curious to see what everyone else does!
And right now, my favorite videos are book/magazine flip throughs and updates. Super boring, but there you go.
+Little Yellow House Crafts Ooh, so there may be a market for my weird book discussion video then! Haha.
Definitely. ;)
Thanks for the update! :) I guess I am a bit like you with tension, I don't pull my stitches tight. My HAED and Joan Elliott's fairy's skin are worked one over one. So far I haven't encountered problems with stitches slipping between the weave of the fabric * knocks on wood * What I have noticed, is that it is way harder to end your threads with one over one! LOL. I have more trouble weaving the end of the thread at the back. A good reason to keep my stitches deliberately loose. :)
+Darling Bluebell I SO agree about ending threads on one over one! I think of that every time I finish a thread and I've never mentioned it. Everything is so tiny on the back I really have to wiggle my needle in!
Love the update! Peacock pinwheels might have to go on my wishlist!
I'm stitching my first Mirabilia skin 1 over 1, and I stitch on a frame. (Jury is still out on this because I made some color changes due to the blended suggestions on the pattern.). I have not had an issue with the stitches slipping on a tight tension. Occasionally I need to do my stitch from the opposite direction because I have trouble finding the hole when it is seated next to the traditional 2 over 2 stitch.
+Suzanne Smith Oh, I hear you - I've had trouble finding the hole too! Which Mirabilia are you working on?
+thelovelyarray The Garden Party... I've decided to frog the 1 over 1. Ugh! I might finish picking it out in a year or two! 😉
Love all your Wips great job
+onemore x stitch (onemorexstitch) Thank you!
once you really start using your q snaps your going to love them, also you only need a thin fabric between the stitching and clamp, and don't pry them off just slide the clamps off the bar, its easier and gentler for your stitches
+Tamara - Mini Xstitcher Thank you Tamara, that's great advice!
+thelovelyarray your very welcome
Your swan is beautiful! And I think changing up the black stitches is a great idea. It would be really cool to do a metallic like you mentioned so it looks like they are swimming/standing in the water. Maybe even at night! Nocturnal swans? So beautiful! The peacocks are also really looking nice too. I don't find I have too much problem while stitching my mermaid's skin on my frame. I'm not sure if it is the way I stitch, but I rarely have stitches that slip under. I think I've been keeping my stitches loose-ish to avoid it? Not sure, 'cos I've never stitched it in hand what the difference would be. If you ever do 1 over 1 in your q snap, you'll have to get back to us and let us know the answer!
+BlimeyCatStitches I was feeing pretty uninspired and intimidated about this project and then I read this comment and got excited because I remembered about the metallic plans. Maybe I should start testing that out and it would reignite my interest! So thank you :D
Hooray! My incredible tardiness in watching this video was helpful! Hehe. Glad I could help and I can't wait to see what you decide on. I just love your stitching!
Brittany, you are always helpful! :D
Thanks for showing the Book Spines WIP and where you got it :) I'm always on the lookout for book related Xstitch
+bumblesby Thank you! I'm glad you liked it! One of my first projects was a this book spines one, if you wanted to have a look at that one too:
www.etsy.com/listing/107385417/classic-book-spines-counted-cross-stitch?ref=shop_home_listings
ooo - I like that one too. Thanks!
love it!
and i loved black fabric for my project too
+Marife Cortero Thank you Marife! :D
I do one over one, but I do one full x at a time. Also, when I do my bottom leg of the x, I come up at the hole horizontally across from the hole I went down in. Normally I would bring my needle up at the hole directly below the hole where I brought the needle down. That creates a vertical line on the back, which allows the thread to slip. If you bring the needle up at the hole adjacent to where you brought it down, it creates a horizontal line on the back and the bottom leg won't slip. Also the full cross stitched one at at time creates stitches that are more secure if you're only using one thread. If I'm not clear, let me know and I'll post a video!
+Latisha Beckett Post a video for us slower people!! lol
+Latisha Beckett Go on with your helping-McKenzie-out self! Also I agree with Judy, you should do a video :D
For doing 1 over 1, I find tension isn't that much of a problem. I don't think I've ever found my stitches slipping. I tend to do mine kind of snug (not TIGHT, but not loose either). I definitely find it easier when the tension on the fabric itself is tighter. . .if just because it's somewhat easier to see what I'm doing when it's so darned TINY. But yeah, I don't find snug stitches vs loose makes that much difference for me.
+Elentarien I agree, I'm finding the linen a bit "looser" than I'm used to, so I have to adjust my tension.
I wouldn't stitch black on black. Change out is a great option.
+AliceInStitches Thanks, I think so too!
1x1 I do loosely too. My tension is not tight even in a hoop or if I stitch in hand. missquilt41 is my Instagram to see some of my cross stitch! (Lilly of the Woods) McKenzie, happy stitching ! ☺️
+laura tyler Thank you Laura!
+thelovelyarray I got a beading question for you. I found a pattern I'd love to stitch up for my dad but the recommended fabric is 28 ct. Personally, I'd love to stitch it on 32 ct to make the over all size just a little smaller. Would the beading be messed up/look funny if I worked smaller? Have you changed the size of a beading piece and not run unto a problem? Thanks so much!
+Svannah Morse Hi Svannah! I would definitely do some Google detective work on that one. I know in some cases, like Angel of Love, it can end up being a problem. Angel of Love is meant to be stitched on 28 count and on 32 count the beads won't fit. BUT Angel of Love has a lot of larger beads in it, so I guess it would depend on your pattern and your beads? If you could substitute smaller petite beads or if there are no larger beads (like size 6 or 8 beads) then it might be okay? Let me know if the internet gives you an answer, I'm curious too!