Monday, August 31, 2009

A Finish…and…Starting Friday…

First, let me talk about my latest finish.

Remember this?

DSCN0912It’s now this! 

DSCN0923 My second completed x-stitch! 

I can’t tell you how much I enjoy x-stitching.  I find it both relaxing and challenging at the same time.   On the downside however, it has shown me how bad these old eyes have become.  Not only do I have to use my reading glasses, but my ‘mag-eyes’ as well, otherwise I can’t see where to place the needle.   A small price to pay in exchange for the pleasure derived.  So what if I look like a Martian  granny while I’m stitching!

Now I have to decide whether to frame this sampler or  make it into a pillow.  Any suggestions?

~ *~ * ~ * ~ * ~ 

And now for my other bit of news.

As a teacher of decorative art for 25+ years, I also created and published my own designs during this time as well.  Since my retirement, I have ventured into quilting and needle art and have found many similarities between my past profession and my current ♥. 

More and more I find myself translating my ♥ of designing into my stitching, and that is what I’d like to share with you all.

So, beginning this Friday…which is the first Friday of the month…I will be introducing my first,  First Friday Freebie.

fff button_sml[1]On the first Friday of every month, I will be posting a new design for  you all!  With Robyn’s technical assistance,  you will be able to access a link to a PDF file which will include the line drawing, photo and instructions for each of the projects directly from my FFF post.

All the projects will be original designs and will be copyright protected.  However, they will be free for you to use for your  personal enjoyment.  All I ask is that you do not take credit for the designs nor try to sell them as your own.  You may change the colors and reduce or enlarge the line drawings to suit your needs.   And if you have any questions, I’m always just an email away.

So grab the button, tell your friends and be sure to come back this Friday for the first, First Friday Freebie.  The only hint I’ll give you is…‘Fall is in the Air!’

Happy stitching!

Kaaren ♥

on

45 comments:

  1. MiriamAugust 31, 2009 at 8:39 AM

    Ohhhh I can't wait!!!

    Thank you Kaaren!

    I think cross stitch is almost as relaxing as hand piecing. :)

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  2. edieAugust 31, 2009 at 8:49 AM

    Is it Friday yet????? How many more hours???? Oh, Kaaren, how wonderful, and (as usual) so very generous. Love your second cross stitch. Several years ago I purchased a Dazor lamp from The Silver Needle in Tulsa, OK (they have a wonderful website, and the shop is AWESOME). They used to have an annual sale on those lamps, don't know if they still do. It was worth every $$$ (not a pretty lamp, but most helpful, couldn't cross stitch without it). Okay, how much longer until Friday . . . . . . . . Edie

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  3. Abby and StephanieAugust 31, 2009 at 9:12 AM

    Your stitcher is wonderful and just in time for Fall. I'm looking forward to seeing what goodies you'll be sharing!

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  4. Karen from Sew Many Ways...August 31, 2009 at 9:13 AM

    Hi Kaaren,
    I can't believe how long it's been since I've talked to you. Such a busy summer...I've squeezed in a post here and there, but found it hard to keep up with everyone's blogs and commenting. Everyone is back to school this week, so we'll have a normal schedule again. I hope you've had a great summer. By the looks of all your posts you've been so busy. This cross stitch piece is beautiful. That was my main craft years ago, but I think I'd have trouble with my eyes too. I need my reading glasses just to see this computer. The idea for FFF is so wonderful and can't thank you enough for your generosity. Now we each have an FFF and a TTT...thanks to you for thinking of the TTT for my Tuesdays!! Well, see what happens when I don't write regularly, it's a crazy long post. Good luck with the FFF. I've been meaning to ask someone out there in blog land, but how did you make the button for the FFF? I've been wanting to make one for TTT.
    Talk to you soon,
    ~Karen~

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  5. AnonymousAugust 31, 2009 at 9:15 AM

    My cross stitch would look lovely framed in a black frame but you have my initials all wrong. :-)

    I'll be looking forward to first Fridays then!!

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  6. Linda - Behind My Red DoorAugust 31, 2009 at 9:24 AM

    Oh I love it!! And I hear you with the eyes thinige! I find it harder and harder to do and my severe astigmatism is making it harder and harder to correct for work that close!! The one I am working on now is slow going because of that. If I want to do any other close work, I can only stitch for a short time. But slow and steady wins the race, right?

    How exciting that you are going ot be sharing your original designs with so many!! I can't wait to see what is next!!

    hugs, Linda

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  7. Carrie P.August 31, 2009 at 10:16 AM

    How exciting for you to be sharing your talent with us all. I just finished my post for today but I will add the button tomorrow to my blog. I really look forward to the First Fridays.
    Your cross stitch is so nice. I would make a pillow and use fall fabrics with it.

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  8. JulieAugust 31, 2009 at 10:24 AM

    WOW! your x stitch is stunning kaaren. i'd definitely frame it if i were you. i actually bought a frame for mine yesterday. a pillow would also be nice, but i can see your in a black frame, or perhaps dark red wood.
    your FFF is such a lovely idea and truly generous of you! how exciting, being able to have our very own original kaaren designs! can't wait.
    have a great day!
    hugs,
    julie xoxoxo

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  9. LurlineAugust 31, 2009 at 10:57 AM

    Done, Kaaren - looking forward to Friday - will email you with thanks soon!
    Hugs - Lurline♥

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  10. AnnetteAugust 31, 2009 at 11:29 AM

    Your sampler is lovely. To me it seems like it should be framed...but I know you will make it beautiful either way. Maybe a combination...a quilted border wallhanging. I am excited about First Friday Freebie. Thanks!

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  11. FrancienAugust 31, 2009 at 11:29 AM

    Your stitchery is lovely Kaaren...and i too can,t wait to see what you are sharing with us every first friday of the month...so generous...your button is already on my blog...cant wait...bought a new loupelamp today so nothing can,t go wrong..could not see the little stitches anymore so your patterns could not come at a better time....
    greetings Francien.

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  12. DebAugust 31, 2009 at 11:52 AM

    Kaaren! I love your piece. I'm thinking that you could do either - frame it or make it into a pillow. And I'm very excited about your Freebie Friday! I'll look forward to what you share with all of us!!

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  13. SusannahAugust 31, 2009 at 12:12 PM

    Kaaren, How wonderful of you!!!!!!

    I always find myself going to your site and staying there for a while because I know everything you do is nicely done and so very tasteful. I sincerely appreciate you thoughtfulness about sharing with all of us out here. I am so looking forward to these Fridays. Thank you and have a Happy Day!

    Friends,
    Susannah

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  14. DorothyAugust 31, 2009 at 12:55 PM

    Your x-stitch sampler is wonderful Kaaren. I think it would look nice framed in a vintage looking frame. Your FFF sounds exciting.

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  15. SandyAugust 31, 2009 at 1:33 PM

    Quite a beauty, that cross-stitch. I, too, love to cross-stitch, but don't do as much in recent years. Usually just a small project or two.
    Can't wait for this Friday....how generous of you!

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  16. CandaceAugust 31, 2009 at 1:43 PM

    I love the stitchery! To me it's asking for a frame!
    Wow - you are so kind and generous and I absolutely can't WAIT to see the First Friday Freebie. Thanks so much, Kaaren!!
    Cheers!

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  17. ElinAugust 31, 2009 at 2:08 PM

    I do look forward to Friday! Your vollection of scissors is amazing, and your cross stitch wonderful. I wonder, could you tell me why the black bird is so frequently used in appliques and other products in America?

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  18. CathiAugust 31, 2009 at 2:18 PM

    Your stitchery is fabulous!
    I can't wait until Friday and finding out what your first Friday Freebie will be!

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  19. pauletteAugust 31, 2009 at 3:16 PM

    Hi Kaaren,
    I know I loved Fridays before BUT I really love them now. Thanks for the chance!
    Paulette

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  20. Nanette MerrillAugust 31, 2009 at 3:48 PM

    First freebee friday! Good idea. Good luck with it. I'm not a stitcher but I want to be. This sampler is lovely.

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  21. Kiwifruit-ShireeAugust 31, 2009 at 4:41 PM

    Hi Kaaren,
    I think you should frame it, they last so much better in the long term, and it is pretty special especially being the first needlework. Just a simple black frame will do it. And roll on Friday!

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  22. KarenAugust 31, 2009 at 4:49 PM

    I'll be right in line with everyone else on Fridays! How generous of you to do this.

    How much wall room do you have? I think that would determine whether I framed your stitchery or made a pillow. I think you want to do some more samplers, so maybe a pillow this time and frame some of the others you plan to make. I like the one you have just finished. Did you use a hoop or frame to do it?

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  23. Stina BlomgrenAugust 31, 2009 at 5:44 PM

    Oh..Kaaren so much fun ... andI just cant wait until Friday!!! Getting curious already!!!! FUN!!!!
    Your Xstitch looks just wonderful... its so fun when you start!! :o)

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  24. HeidiAugust 31, 2009 at 5:57 PM

    You have the start of your sampler wall! I cannot believe how fast you are stitching these up now. Great job. I just love it. Don't fret the double glasses and I share that problem. And I would never stop as it would be mean stopping with stitching and quilting. Cannot wait to see your Fall freebie. As you see, I am so starting with autumn with my wreath done and (if you saw my other blog) starting to decorate with gourds.

    Hugs ~
    Heidi

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  25. Jane's Fabrics and QuiltsAugust 31, 2009 at 6:18 PM

    I love to cross stitch and I would frame it as pillows can get dirty.
    Your button is going up right now!!! I am so excited for your first and many more FFF'! Yippee!!!

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  26. TudyAugust 31, 2009 at 6:57 PM

    I just added you to my blog. I love to stitch so thanks for free patterns.

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  27. PatAugust 31, 2009 at 8:06 PM

    Oh Kaaren, I love your finished cross stitch. Thanks again for sharing that pattern with us. Love your FFF idea. I am going to grab your button and run to my blog right now. Thanks!

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  28. GerryARTAugust 31, 2009 at 9:20 PM

    Kaaren, I've posted your button to my blog in hopes of steering new blog readers to your wonderful blog. I get new inspiration every one of your posts.
    I am looking forward to First Fridays from now on.

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  29. Sew Useful DesignsAugust 31, 2009 at 9:23 PM

    Hello darling Kaaren! xx

    You've now given us all another good reason to look forward to Friday!!! :-) Thank you so much for sharing your amazing talent with us all. {hugs}

    Darling, I've never thought that cross-stitch was something I'd ever get back into (I used to cross stitch with mum when I was a teenager and we'd sell them for charity). BUT! You have inspired me to begin again! It's all in the design, and I really love those samplers. Another craft I find so therepeutic is punchneedle embroidery, that's also very relaxing, although does make my hands ache! Too many crafts and too little time!!! he he he...

    Lots of love to you!
    Hugs, Vikki xx

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  30. JanetAugust 31, 2009 at 10:15 PM

    That sounds exciting Kaaren. I love the cross stitch but please don't abandon quilting for too long, lol.

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  31. The Rabbit FactoryAugust 31, 2009 at 10:39 PM

    Kaaren...your blog just keeps on getting better and better! Love your finished cross stitch...mine is still undone but I've jumped to a few other things just yet. I will get it finished and you are my inspiration to do so! Thanks

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  32. Cathy BSeptember 1, 2009 at 12:09 AM

    Another great sampler finsih Kaaren! We'll need to find you some more of these sampler freebies!

    Even though I don't quilt, I'm looking forward to seeing your Friday Freebies!

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  33. antique quilterSeptember 1, 2009 at 5:19 AM

    the cross stitch is just so beautiful
    I have done some years ago but now I am tempted to go find a cross stitch store and get started again
    I love samplers
    but also just love simple ABC patterns too
    oh your tempting me!
    Kathie
    thanks for the 1st friday freebies have to go click on it now and see what your first one is!
    so nice of you to do this

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  34. Bestemor DrilloSeptember 1, 2009 at 6:27 AM

    How exciting ! I have add the button to my blog.

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  35. LeKaQuiltSeptember 1, 2009 at 6:45 AM

    First Friday Freebie - Wow - we are going to have so much fun!
    I'm looking foreward to Friday and I can hardly wait until Friday to find out what your first FFF will be !
    Thank you so much for sharing goodies with us :o)

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  36. RumiSeptember 1, 2009 at 7:35 AM

    Looking forward to Friday! Thanks Kaaren!

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  37. RobinSeptember 1, 2009 at 2:05 PM

    Sounds like fun!!! I can't wait to see the designs.

    The little cross-stitch alphabet is so cute!

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  38. SherriSeptember 1, 2009 at 2:39 PM

    I can't wait to see the first design Friday! Thanks so much!!!

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  39. AnonymousSeptember 1, 2009 at 7:30 PM

    Thank you! Looking forward to it :o)

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  40. WendySeptember 2, 2009 at 12:26 AM

    I used to do x-stitch before I started quilting, I still try and do a little here and there. I love the Blackbird Sampler and will save that design for a someday project.
    I love everything about FALL, I can't wait for Friday to arrive.

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  41. MickiSeptember 2, 2009 at 5:19 AM

    Your stitching project looks wonderful. I used to do a lot of cross stitch...I haven't done it in a while. Enjoy it!
    Micki

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  42. ShakerwoodSeptember 2, 2009 at 9:36 AM

    Only two days away! Thank you so much for doing this. I am really looking forward to it.

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  43. KarlaSeptember 2, 2009 at 12:16 PM

    Wow..........you have given a lot of us something to look forward to.

    I love your blog! Just found it last week.

    Thanks
    Karla in Louisiana

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  44. MelSeptember 2, 2009 at 12:51 PM

    Oh, I'm going to love this!! I love your work!!

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  45. isa & martaSeptember 2, 2009 at 1:28 PM

    Qué maravillosa accion la suya, gracias amiga por compartir.

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