… is the October edition of “Where Bloggers Live” group. This might prove to be an interesting – or maybe boring – post. Certainly my life is boring these days. So we’ll see how it goes from here.
In case you haven’t visited us before “Where Bloggers Live” is a group of ladies from around the country who post about their homes (inside and out), towns, and generally their lives. Be sure to check their links below to read interesting things about them.
Well for those that might read my blog – I’m officially ‘retired’ from getting up and leaving my house to work for someone else. My health didn’t seem to appreciate that move on my part, or maybe it was just the timing. Anyway….
My work these days consist of creating cross stitch charts/patterns, stitching and uploading them to various online sights: Iris Originals, my Etsy shop, and ICG Crafts (the wholesale site that I use). If you’re not familiar with counted cross stitch, you are stitching on a piece of fabric with holes arranged in regular rows and columns allowing you to stitch nice neat crosses. There is nothing on the fabric. Your chart/pattern is on paper and your counting.
Chocolate is a little free chart, many are much more complicated but this kinda gives you an idea. There’s a legend that tells what color floss to use.
And here’s one of my coffee charts finished.
Okay, now you know more than you ever wanted so, back to my work day. Much of it is sitting at my computer. I usually do that on a comfty love seat, with at least one ‘helper’ beside me – there are plenty of other places in the living room for him to lay – but it has to be right next to me. 😉
Now the fun part of all this is the stitching. I must admit I haven’t stitched every one of the charts I’ve created. I find I only have so many hours in the day. My goal is to complete and upload at least 3 charts each month so I get creative with some of the photo editing software. That doesn’t sound like much, but sometimes I’m hard to satisfy (imagine that!).
I am proud of one of my recent accomplishments. I got all my floss and fabric organized (no small job). Of course if you look closely you’ll see that there are elephants to guard everything and the basket next to the tv is Emma Grace’s favorite place to sleep. (It’s not big enough, but don’t tell her that.) She loves the morning sunshine that comes in thru the double windows.
I really like this little ‘organizer’ that I found on Amazon (imagine that). Of course it came in a gazillion pieces – but #1 son who lives next door put it together in no time. It fits perfectly and is clear (plastic), so doesn’t make the room look more crowded than it already is. Fabric is stashed in the little chest next to it.
You might notice a couple of my charts are in the right column of my blog – the blog was originally created to showcase my cross stitch. Kinda lost sight of that, but it what it is.
Be sure to check out my blogging buddies for their take on this month’s “Where Bloggers Live”.
Bettye at Fashion Schlub
Daenel at Living Outside the Stacks
Em at Dust and Doghair
Iris at Iris Originals Ramblings
Jodie at Jodie’s Touch of Style
Leslie at Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After
Sally at Within a World of My Own
How I can relate to having help while you craft. I cannot sit down to scrapbook that my kitties – both of them – come running to stretch out across my craft table and scrapbook pages. So frustrating. I know they just want to be near me but there are times when that makes doing things very difficult. Have never tried to create my own cross stitch pattern. I am doing counted cross stitch right now…very slowly. And it is about more than I can handle with these old eyes. Want to finish this piece I have been working on… Read more »
Oh, I’d love to see the cross stitch you’re working on, especially since it’s an elephant. I can surly relate with the old eyes. I have to use a magnifying lamp now days.
Iris
Such fun cross stitch patterns. Thanks for the explanation, I didn’t know anything about this.
Your coworker is a cutie. Like yours, mine aren’t particularly helpful but they’re cute.
Yeah, I love my coworker. He takes his job very seriously 🙂
Iris
I love that you get a helper like that. My supervisor is so finicky and won’t ever sit with me, haha.
I used to cross-stitch and made a couple of pieces before I got obsessed with knitting. In fact, I still have some flosses that are organized in those same organizers. I’ve used them to decorate a pair of knitted slippers and such. And I used it for my blazer that I DIY’ed not so long ago and you loved!!
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Yeah, my coworker takes his job very seriously. I hear you about knitting. My DIL is a dedicated knitter and she’s made some lovely rugs and heavy thing. Glad you found a use for your floss.
Iris
It’s been a few years since I’ve done counted cross-stitch, but looking at your charts reminded me how fun it is to do. (The last one I started, I bit off more than I could chew!) It’s funny, I never thought about the fact that people create the charts on a computer, but it totally makes sense. You do have a really cute “assistant” there!
Thanks, he is cute, and totally dedicated to his job. You could always go to an easier chart and cross stitch again. It’s a real stress reliver for me.
Iris
I loved learning that those thingies are called charts. Learn something new every day!
I’m sure you’ve said it but I don’t think I ever really realized that your son lives right next door to you! How great for your both!
Aww, a little Koda ball 🙂
xoxo Bettye
Yes, its’s been SUCH a relief having my son (and DIL) next door. They think I don’t eat enough so they’re determined to “feed me”. It’s not such a bad deal for me – but I hate to be dependent on them.
Iris
Your cross stitch patterns are so fun! Love your sense of humor! And I didn’t know they’re called “charts,” which actually makes perfect sense. I did make/design one myself when we were first married, It was a navy Buffalo check within a buffalo silhouette. I still have it somewhere…so thank you for that reminder, haha.
Your computer helper is so beautiful…little Koda. Love that EG sleeps in that basket. I think animals like too small spaces because they’re so cozy.
Thanks, I do try to have humor in my cross stitch. And, my helper is VERY dedicated to his job.
Iris