cross stitch, fabric project, home decor, mini quilts, monday morning designs quilt pattern, quilting, quilts, Uncategorized

2024 Project Recap

Every new year I look back at all the projects I’d made the previous year. Some years I’m surprised how much I did; other years I’m surprised how much I didn’t make!

2024 was a year where I really didn’t make a whole lot, partly because I was running out of room to store quilts. I wanted to part with some but needed a good cause. I ended up donating 4; three to Hurricane Helene victims in NC and one to fire victims in LA. I strongly felt they needed quilts much more than I needed them sitting in my curio cabinet, so off they went to new owners.

Here’s a look at what was accomplished last year…

In January I released my Classic Plaid quilt pattern; one that I had written a few years prior. It’s beginner friendly and is a really quick sew. It’s available in my Etsy shop. The quilt is also for sale!

In May, I made a cute little clothespin hanger for the drying rack I use outside. It’s nice to make useful items for around the house.

To add to that, I made some decorative pillows for my bed. I had the yardage for a few years, just waiting for the right project and these were definitely it.

In June, I made another Wee Three Trees with leftover fabric from my Winter Woodlands quilt. I ended up selling this mini on Etsy, but it’s always a fun make. Wee Three Trees has been my most popular pattern since its release!

In August, I listed my Love to Sew cross stitch pattern. Again, I’d written it a few years back but somehow didn’t release the pattern then. It was enjoyable to make something different. I’m thinking about a new cross stitch pattern, just got to put the pencil to the paper…

In August, when it was way too hot for any outdoor activities, I’d decided to take a few hundred already trimmed HST and sew them together. I thought I’d make a throw quilt for myself but then realized there weren’t enough HST for anything larger than crib size. I ended up selling this on Etsy.

In November I released my Merry Little Stars mini quilt pattern. One of my all time favorite fabric collections is Evergreen by Basic Grey for Moda. I had just enough left to make the stars and I was lucky enough to find yardage for the borders and binding. I loved having this displayed on my coffee table during the holiday season.

In December I’d gotten back my Winter Woodlands quilt from my longarmer. It’s quilted in swirls and lovely snowflakes. I released this pattern last year, and it was a favorite both seasons. It’s very simple and all you need is a jelly roll and some background yardage. I used Merry Little Christmas by Bonnie & Camille for Moda.

For now, that’s all I can share. 😉

Upcoming, I have a queen sized quilt to be featured in American Patchwork and Quilting. It’s a pattern that allows for so much color and it’s designed for fat quarters. I’m looking forward to sharing it with everyone.

Happy sewing in 2025!

cross stitch, patterns, PDF pattern

Yay for Yarn Cross Stitch Pattern

My latest cross stitch pattern is ready! It’s named Yay for Yarn, and it depicts a happy sheep jumping over yarn and knitting needles. I designed this one for all the yarn enthusiasts out there (inspired by my daughter who is an avid knitter).

Yay for Yarn is available for purchase at my Etsy shop. It’s an easy project suitable for cross stitchers of all levels. It’s finishes at 2 1/2″ x 2 3/4″ so it’s on the small side, making it an quick finish.

cross stitch, Uncategorized

Cross Stitch Revisited

While growing up I was always involved in some sort of craft—from hand embroidering on something, to knitting a scarf, to crocheting an afghan. While they weren’t always large or even finished projects, I was constantly making.

Somewhere in the mid-80s, I started cross stitching. Not only was it all the rage then, it was affordable, relaxing and fun—projects were portable, too—so it was something I could do when my kids were little. I spent several years at it and I made a lot of things, but eventually I tired of it or I simply didn’t have time for it, so I gave away all my materials and never looked back.

In the fall of 2019 I started seeing pretty cross stitch projects popping up on Instagram posts which got me thinking about taking it up again. It seems like it’s made a resurgence in today’s craft world, and I always enjoyed it so I figured why not.

While I love quilting and have no plans to stop (doubt I could if I wanted to) I thought a cross stitch project might be nice to do in between large quilting projects. This time around I’m only making smaller items since I lean towards minimalism and don’t want to fill my space with too many things. 🙂

That said, I made a quick trip to JoAnn Fabrics, picked up some supplies and started again. I was happy to see a skein of DMC floss is only 56 cents! Still affordable.

But what to make? I wasn’t sure if I’d still enjoy it, so for starters I designed a small project to help me get back into the swing of things. It’d been probably over 20 years since I’ve cross stitched.

And who’s surprised, the design I made is about sewing. 😉

I’ve completed my stitching and yes, it was as enjoyable as I remember…

While my eyes aren’t as good as they used to be, I’m pretty sure I’ll stick to it anyway. And I still love all the beautiful colors.

Once my little project is finished I’ll happily share it. And I plan to have a pattern available too!