Welcome to the latest edition of Where Bloggers Live. If you’ve been following anytime you know -it’s kind of like HGTV’s “Celebrities at Home,” but…Bloggers! We’re a group of six bloggers who are sharing. Be sure to check them all out. Today’s edition is DYI or crafting. Crafting – the activity or hobby of making decorative articles by hand. WOW, I’m excited to see what everyone else shows us today.
So, here we are. I suppose I’ve done all sorts of both DYI and crafting projects over the years, but I’ll just share my favorite as you have other things to read. 🙂
Counted cross stitch – I’ve been cross stitching for 40+ years and still find it to be a great stress reliever. I’ve given away a gazillion and have a closet full of supplies. I’ve designed my own charts (patterns) for years and a few years ago my boss encouraged me to market my charts and now I have a small business selling my cross stitch charts. (You’ll usually see a couple in the right column here and my other ones that I currently market can be found at Iris Originals – OR in shops around the country.) Don’t misunderstand – I’m just a little fish in a big pond – but I do enjoying designing the charts. Besides, at my age you need to do what you enjoy if you possible can!
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- NO, I don’t drink decaf
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- Several of those lately
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- Rejoice – always!
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- Absolutely!
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- One of my favorite scriptures
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- I’ll bet you have one of those
And there are a plethora more – but I want to highlight two of my favorites. This was my very first chart to market and I designed and stitched it when I was undergoing chemo for breast cancer. When my boss convinced me to market it I added instructions for all the many different kinds of cancer.
And of course, the lineup wouldn’t be complete without…
Don’t forget to check out my fellow bloggers and what they’re up to in their spare time.
Bettye at Fashion Schlub
Daenel at Living Outside the Stacks
Iris at Iris Originals Ramblings
Jodie at Jodie’s Touch of Style
Em at Dust and Doghair
Leslie Roberts Clingan
I really used to love cross stitching. Have several pieces that are in various stages of completion. But I am struggling to see well enough these days to do tiny things like needlework. Would like to finish those pieces, though. The cancer pattern is so dear. And I appreciate your sense of humor in some of the other patterns you’ve designed.
I hear you about seeing. I have to use a magnifier lamp these days, but it works great! I used to have my cross stitch with me everywhere and always stitched while waiting – don’t do that anymore (eyes), but I can still stitch at home with my light. You should check that out.
Iris
I used to love to do cross stitch when I was in my 20’s. I think that was the last time I ever picked up a hoop. My backs were often messy, which I’ve heard is a bad thing, but the fronts were passable.
How clever to be able to chart your own patterns, and create such meaningful gifts. (I have to say, I love the dog one in your sidebar…hilarious!)
Thanks Em, he’s one of my favorites too.
My backs aren’t as neat as some, but they’re “my backs” so it doesn’t matter what others think of them. You should try cross stitch again. It never gets old for me.
Iris
Hello, Iris. Beautiful work. I’ve tried cross stitch but just get frustrated with it. I’m so happy that I got to see your creative endeavors. I love the one with the Poodle-great advice! Take care, Terri
I can relate Terri. I was a bit frustrated when I first tried it (MANY years ago), but turns out I really enjoy it. I’m kinda partial to that poodle chart also. I have to read it pretty frequently to remind myself.
Iris
These are such fun cross stich patterns and this looks like a lovely hobby to have! 🙂
Hope you are having a good weekend 🙂
Thanks Mica – it is a stress relieving hobby for me.
Iris
Now I can cross stitch, but to come up with the patterns like you do?? Now that’s a skill!!!
The cancer one is so heartwarming Iris,
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
More fun than skill – but thanks. I do Love to Cross Stitch. Stress relieving for me.
Iris
I can attest to Iris’ wonderful skill as I was a recipient of a cancer cross-stitch one a few years back that I still cherish.
Love the kidnap signal one, ha ha!
Bettye
Glad I was able to stitch the cancer one for you. And that kidnap one is one of my favorites too.
Iris