Hi, Karen! It was so nice to visit with you again! I loved seeing all the different choices you shared for your retreat packing…many good choices. I personally like the little square box that contains most everything you need, and can sit open on the table…that’s just my “two cents”, though. 😂 I wish you safe travels and I hope you have a wonderful time at the retreat. 🩷 Meline
Part of the fun of a retreat, for me, is planning and organizing what I can take with me. Since I'm always going to be driving, I have room for whatever I want. One time I took a tiny milk glass vase for my tools and a miny quilt for my place mat. FUN!
My husband and I traveled to Tennessee last year and stayed 2 days in Columbia. We had lovely stay at the Blythewood B & B and thoroughly enjoyed touring the area. So beautiful in your city!
Karen, This was so helpful. I look forward to meeting you at the retreat. You seem to have more information about the retreat than I do. Happy stitching. Best, K
Hi K, There was an email sent a few weeks ago that mentioned a few details about the workshop. Was sent by Patti and I believe I read in that information that the tables will be set up classroom style. See you soon!
Thanks for the recap, Karen! I've made my list to check off tonight (see you this weekend!). I think that we both started our stitch retreats at the same time--with Sampler Symposium 2023.
What a useful video. Thank you so much for sharing. Would you consider also putting some photos up in your next RUclips video of the retreat with Nicola. I don't do Instagram nor Facebook. I will probably never get to a retreat with her, so I tend to live vicariously through what other stitchers post on RUclips. If it is too much, no worries. I really like your little boxes for all that you need/want. The little red square one particularly attracted me. Really cute and amazing what will go in it.
Thanks Virginia! Will try to get some photos, will have to see if they are allowed. If so, I will be sure to post them on the opening of the next video. Thanks so much for your note ! 🙂
Thanks for sharing with us. It was interesting to see what you need to stitch. But you didn’t share how many projects you’re going to bring to work on. Whenever I travel anywhere, I always bring too many :). I look forward to see pics from your class, it sounds amazing.
Hi Linda, so glad you enjoyed the videoband thanks for your note! 🙂 I decided not to share the projects I’m taking since I’m going to “try” and focus on the sampler and learning new stitches. (Still will take at least one WIP, but haven’t decided which one. Probably something with fill-in so I don’t have to count. 😉)
I love being organized and you just gave me so many ideas! I don’t go on retreats but this would work for a long weekend or extended time away. I love taking a project with me whenever we go somewhere. Thank you so much, Karen!
For quilting classes, I cut my name out of printed, adhesive address labels and, then, put my name on scissors, etc. I would do the same if I were going to a cross stitch retreat. Hoping you enjoy your retreat! It sounds like fun.
Karen, do you like the singer needles? I like of like lori holt needles because they have that protective coating on the eye. The singer needles have it as well I see. Do you prefer them? It seems like most other needles fray thread cotton or silk fast.
The Singer needles are similar to the Pony needles. (And sometimes the Pony Needles are hard to find in stock, so I use the Singer needles .) I like them because they are a little shorter, not quite a “petite” (which are harder to find) but close. The colored eye is a little easier to thread. So far, I haven’t had any trouble with burrs in the eye of the needle. However, as you can see in the video, I use many different needle companies, but for travel, the small compact is really handy.
Karen I found you!!! I used to cross stitching in the past but lately had been more involved in paper crafting. Recently, while recovering from hip replacement surgery, I discover floss tube and instantly rekindled my love for the craft. I am looking for a group of stitchers that meet in a regular basis. I moved to Columbia TN 5 years ago. I was so happy when I noticed in your last video that you live in the same town. Thanks for all the inspiration!
Hi KC, so glad it was helpful! When I went to my first retreat last year, I had no clue what to pack ( and I took too much and not all the right things.) I thought a video looking at what to pack and considering the space you may have would be helpful. So glad it was. 🙂
It is the Potoky (mini) stand. In a past episode I gave a review of it. I believe it was episode 24: ruclips.net/video/-HjrUzIEgjU/видео.htmlsi=P2kYkAGp-d-Xg1Go I’ve had it a year and love it. I purchased mine at Hobby House. They are an investment, but I use mine every day and still love it. Thanks for your note!
@@bethhuisman1722 You are welcome, so glad it was helpful. I’m not sure we will need it, but I’d rather have it with me than wish I’d brought some. I’m also think of adding a small piece of 40 ct, just to have as a second (smaller) count practice cloth. . .
Love your organization…a woman after my own heart! Question…where did you get the little tool Inthink you called your “star detailer”? Thanks for a fun video.❤
I got the one in the video from Hobby Lobby. 123Stitch has the Star Detailer which is similar, but has a star on the top. Thanks so much for your note! 🙂
Hi Karen! Could you tell me what the name of that little brush is? The one you showed most was blue. I've never seen that. And also the little red picker you showed? Thank you!
Thank you for the reminder, I will add links to the description box. (I knew I was missing something. . . ) Just added them to the description box: Unstitcher Tool (by Lori Holt) www.fatquartershop.com/the-un-stitcher-lori-holt www.connectingthreads.com/the-un-stitcher-of-bee-in-my-bonnet-co/p/82961 "Boo-Boo" brush amzn.to/3WmZDTT
Hi Debbie, it was given to me years ago. Not sure if there is a pattern. Basically a circle with the corners tied. I will make a note to show it in more detail on my next floss tube so you can take a look at it 🙂
Hi Victoria, so glad you enjoyed the video. I modified my case after seeing a few examples on a Facebook group. I found (for me), I get more use out of the case with the compartments removed. Thanks for your note!
Hi Karen..this question for you pretains to quilting..I love hand quilting and tried pin basting for the first time…but found the pins left holes behind…any brand pins you would recommend ?
Hi Linda, I use nickel-plated medium size safety pins I got from our local dry cleaner years and years ago. I have t noticed holes from them, but my quilts are usually machine quilted, so that may make a difference. Have you tried a “finer” or smaller pin? Might not leave a home, but it may take much longer to baste. Please keep me posted on what you find. Thanks for your note!
Hi, Karen! It was so nice to visit with you again! I loved seeing all the different choices you shared for your retreat packing…many good choices. I personally like the little square box that contains most everything you need, and can sit open on the table…that’s just my “two cents”, though. 😂
I wish you safe travels and I hope you have a wonderful time at the retreat. 🩷
Meline
Thanks, Meline! 🙂
Love that happy little lizard in your case.
My daughter bought me that. I just love it. Thanks for your note! 🙂
Part of the fun of a retreat, for me, is planning and organizing what I can take with me. Since I'm always going to be driving, I have room for whatever I want. One time I took a tiny milk glass vase for my tools and a miny quilt for my place mat. FUN!
Hi Diane, I love that! Thanks so much for sharing it. 🙂
Thank you for sharing! This is most helpful!! Enjoy your retreat!!!
Thanks so much!
Awesome! Thank you so much for this very informative video! You are the best I hope you have or had a wonderful time on your retreat!!❤️✨💫❤️
Thanks, Sharon! 🙂
Have a great time and a safe trip, Karen. Looking forward to hearing about your adventure!
Thanks, Barbara! 🙂
Fun to watch! Enjoy your trip.
Thanks, Sara! 🙂
I hope you have a fabulous time! ❤🍂
Thanks, Jackie! 🙂
@@karencombsstudio I noticed Mary Arden needles in one of your boxes, those were my favorite until I found the Colonials. ☺️
@@jackieahlstrom I do like the Mary Alden needles. I’m almost out of them. I’m with you, really like the Colonial needles. 🙂
Excellent advise ❤ Enjoy your retreat and safe travels.
Thanks, Bridget! 🙂🙂
My husband and I traveled to Tennessee last year and stayed 2 days in Columbia. We had lovely stay at the Blythewood B & B and thoroughly enjoyed touring the area. So beautiful in your city!
Thanks, Amanda! We love living here. 🙂
Wishing you a safe trip and a wonderful time at the retreat! Please take a video or many pictures to share with us!
Thanks, Ginny! 🙂
Thank you for sharing. Safe travels, enjoy.
Thanks, Linda! 🙂
Karen, This was so helpful. I look forward to meeting you at the retreat. You seem to have more information about the retreat than I do. Happy stitching. Best, K
Hi K, There was an email sent a few weeks ago that mentioned a few details about the workshop. Was sent by Patti and I believe I read in that information that the tables will be set up classroom style.
See you soon!
Thanks for the recap, Karen! I've made my list to check off tonight (see you this weekend!). I think that we both started our stitch retreats at the same time--with Sampler Symposium 2023.
Thanks, Leslie! See you at the workshop! 🙂
This is wonderful! Have a great time😊
Thanks, Connie! 🙂
What a useful video. Thank you so much for sharing. Would you consider also putting some photos up in your next RUclips video of the retreat with Nicola. I don't do Instagram nor Facebook. I will probably never get to a retreat with her, so I tend to live vicariously through what other stitchers post on RUclips. If it is too much, no worries.
I really like your little boxes for all that you need/want. The little red square one particularly attracted me. Really cute and amazing what will go in it.
Thanks Virginia! Will try to get some photos, will have to see if they are allowed. If so, I will be sure to post them on the opening of the next video.
Thanks so much for your note ! 🙂
Have to chuckle - what we need vs what we want to take! Love your red cases! Enjoy the retreat and give hugs to our stitch friends!
Hi Georgia! It’s a struggle! 😂😂
Will miss seeing you and will give the “gang” a hug from you.
Thanks for sharing with us. It was interesting to see what you need to stitch. But you didn’t share how many projects you’re going to bring to work on. Whenever I travel anywhere, I always bring too many :). I look forward to see pics from your class, it sounds amazing.
Hi Linda, so glad you enjoyed the videoband thanks for your note! 🙂
I decided not to share the projects I’m taking since I’m going to “try” and focus on the sampler and learning new stitches.
(Still will take at least one WIP, but haven’t decided which one. Probably something with fill-in so I don’t have to count. 😉)
I love being organized and you just gave me so many ideas! I don’t go on retreats but this would work for a long weekend or extended time away. I love taking a project with me whenever we go somewhere. Thank you so much, Karen!
Hi Mary, so glad you enjoyed it and found it helpful. Thanks so much for your note! 🙂
See you this weekend!
Hi, Susan, see you soon! 🙂
Have a wonderful time. Enjoyed seeing your video. Haven't gone to a retreat but will be ready if I ever do!
Thanks, Jayne! 🙂
Have fun! I’m flying out Thursday for a long trip (including Country Sampler), so I will be packing stitchy stuff as well!
Thanks, Kim! What a treat to visit Country Sampler! On my list to do. 🙂
For quilting classes, I cut my name out of printed, adhesive address labels and, then, put my name on scissors, etc. I would do the same if I were going to a cross stitch retreat. Hoping you enjoy your retreat! It sounds like fun.
Thanks, Sharon. 🙂
@@karencombsstudio You are welcome, Karen.
I use a point protector that are used on knitting needles for my scissors. I got mine at JoAnns. They are made by Clover.
Great idea, Cindy! Thanks so much for sharing it!! 🙂
Enjoy four retreat.
Thanks, Paulette! 🙂
Karen, do you like the singer needles? I like of like lori holt needles because they have that protective coating on the eye. The singer needles have it as well I see. Do you prefer them? It seems like most other needles fray thread cotton or silk fast.
The Singer needles are similar to the Pony needles. (And sometimes the Pony Needles are hard to find in stock, so I use the Singer needles .)
I like them because they are a little shorter, not quite a “petite” (which are harder to find) but close. The colored eye is a little easier to thread.
So far, I haven’t had any trouble with burrs in the eye of the needle.
However, as you can see in the video, I use many different needle companies, but for travel, the small compact is really handy.
Karen I found you!!! I used to cross stitching in the past but lately had been more involved in paper crafting. Recently, while recovering from hip replacement surgery, I discover floss tube and instantly rekindled my love for the craft. I am looking for a group of stitchers that meet in a regular basis. I moved to Columbia TN 5 years ago. I was so happy when I noticed in your last video that you live in the same town. Thanks for all the inspiration!
You are welcome! So glad you enjoyed the video and thanks so much for your note!!
I’m so excited you’ll be there too!! Can’t wait to meet you and learn lots from Nicola!
I'm looking forward to the workshop as well. .. . meeting everyone, learning from Nicola. . . it's going to be great!
See you soon!
Oh Karen - THANK YOU!! This timely video will be a huge help for this first timer. Have fun 😊
Hi KC, so glad it was helpful!
When I went to my first retreat last year, I had no clue what to pack ( and I took too much and not all the right things.)
I thought a video looking at what to pack and considering the space you may have would be helpful. So glad it was. 🙂
Thanks for sharing! I’ll see you at the workshop. Would love to meet you! ❤️👏🏻
Thanks, Rhonda! See you soon!
Have fun. Thanks for the tips.😊
Thanks, Elaine! 🙂
Could you please talk more about the stitching stand you use ? I am trying to figure out what to purchase and they are all a bit pricey 😀
It is the Potoky (mini) stand.
In a past episode I gave a review of it. I believe it was episode 24:
ruclips.net/video/-HjrUzIEgjU/видео.htmlsi=P2kYkAGp-d-Xg1Go
I’ve had it a year and love it.
I purchased mine at Hobby House.
They are an investment, but I use mine every day and still love it.
Thanks for your note!
You are way ahead of me. I'll probably be scrambling Thursday night for this same retreat. I look forward to seeing you again this weekend!
Hi Beth! See you soon! 🙂
I WILL go hunt up a piece of linen for practice stitches. Thanks much for that idea.
And throw in a skein of DMC to practice specialty stitches with. Just thinking.
@@bethhuisman1722 You are welcome, so glad it was helpful.
I’m not sure we will need it, but I’d rather have it with me than wish I’d brought some.
I’m also think of adding a small piece of 40 ct, just to have as a second (smaller) count practice cloth. . .
@@bethhuisman1722 Excellent!
Love your organization…a woman after my own heart! Question…where did you get the little tool Inthink you called your “star detailer”? Thanks for a fun video.❤
I got the one in the video from Hobby Lobby. 123Stitch has the Star Detailer which is similar, but has a star on the top.
Thanks so much for your note! 🙂
Have a wonderful time.
Thanks, Kathy! 🙂
Hi Karen! Could you tell me what the name of that little brush is? The one you showed most was blue. I've never seen that. And also the little red picker you showed? Thank you!
Thank you for the reminder, I will add links to the description box. (I knew I was missing something. . . )
Just added them to the description box:
Unstitcher Tool (by Lori Holt)
www.fatquartershop.com/the-un-stitcher-lori-holt
www.connectingthreads.com/the-un-stitcher-of-bee-in-my-bonnet-co/p/82961
"Boo-Boo" brush
amzn.to/3WmZDTT
Love your little fabric ort tray. Did you make it? Is there a pattern?
Hi Debbie, it was given to me years ago. Not sure if there is a pattern. Basically a circle with the corners tied.
I will make a note to show it in more detail on my next floss tube so you can take a look at it 🙂
Where did you purchase your cases?
I put the links in the description box. You should be able to click on the link and be taken right there. 🙂
Hi Karen, enjoyed your video, thank you. How did you remove the compartments on your Hand and Locke Case? Or is yours removable?
Hi Victoria, so glad you enjoyed the video. I modified my case after seeing a few examples on a Facebook group. I found (for me), I get more use out of the case with the compartments removed.
Thanks for your note!
Hi Karen..this question for you pretains to quilting..I love hand quilting and tried pin basting for the first time…but found the pins left holes behind…any brand pins you would recommend ?
Hi Linda, I use nickel-plated medium size safety pins I got from our local dry cleaner years and years ago. I have t noticed holes from them, but my quilts are usually machine quilted, so that may make a difference.
Have you tried a “finer” or smaller pin? Might not leave a home, but it may take much longer to baste.
Please keep me posted on what you find. Thanks for your note!