I had a busy week so on several evenings I was only able to stitch for an hour or so. Kalissa and I went on a walk a couple of nights and I went myself (well actually with Rosie) another night. How are you all doing who were going to work to get more steps in? I know the days outside are numbered so I’ll trade outdoor time for stitching time.
Most of my time this week went into Be Ye Thankful by Brenda Gervais of With Thy Needle and Thread. I really love this one. Here is where I was last week.
I went full speed ahead on this one. I wanted to have this fully finished so I could enjoy it over the Fall season.
Last week I put out the Fall decorations and oh my. What a treat to pull out all of my pillows and little finishes I had for the season. It made me all the more want to make some more smalls. I haven’t been a cross stitch for a long time so I don’t have a big stash of already made goodies.
Here is where I am at now…FINISHED…well at least finished with the stitching.
This was stitched on 40-count Vintage Country Mocha with all the called-for threads.
From there I picked up my Come to the Garden piece by Teresa Kogut. I am stitching this on Picture this Plus 40 count Vellum with the called-for colors. Here is where I was last week.
Being I put a lot of time into finishing the small piece I showed at the beginning, I didn’t have as much time for this. So here is where I am now.
My goal was to finish the lettering along the bottom and I did. This piece originally was charted to say, “Come to the garden. Thy senses will be overjoyed”. I didn’t love the saying and wanted something more personal. Kayla ended up charting the words to an old hymn, “I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses.” 
That song was played at my mom’s, dad’s, and my niece Jody’s funeral. She charted that for me and also charted their initials. I plan to add them all to the sampler to personalize it.
I’m finally getting far enough along on this that I’m getting more excited to be stitching on it. You might remember this is the piece that I had trouble getting the border to match up on.
I’m moving in the right direction now and that’s all that really matters.
I had an eye doctor appointment this week and wanted something to take to the doctor’s office that I could stitch on in the waiting room. I don’t like to take big projects. I ended up quickly kitting this…
I don’t know if it was lucky or unlucky but I only got the tiniest of starts because my time in the waiting room wasn’t long at all. HA!!
This piece is designed by the same person who did our stitch-along piece Red Bird Sampler.
I really enjoyed stitching that one and anticipate enjoying this one as well.
I put all of my stitching things into a floss tube video. You can see it by clicking the play button or you can go HERE on Youtube, save it and watch it on your television.
That’s really the only stitching I got done. I’ve gotten a lot of sewing done lately and that has taken up my time as well.
Kelli started the big chart I told you about Peacock, Unicorn, and Badger by The Scarlett Letter. This one…
Here is her new tiny little start. This piece will be full coverage. Can you believe that every little box on the chart has to have a stitch in it? WOW!! This will be impressive once finished.
I was able to find and cut down a frame for my All Creatures Great and Small. I had an errand to Cedar Rapids yesterday and got a piece of glass cut at Hobby Lobby. Next up, that needs lacing and the framing to be finished. I am also working on finishing my small Brenda Gervais piece finished. It seems like there is always something to do.
That’s all that’s new from the Kramer house in the cross stitch department.
Your cross stitch is really beautiful. I love the sayings you use. Especially since they are so dear to you and your family. They will be treasured for years to come by your family too.
I love seeing how your cross stitch pieces come together, and how the words are so relevant.
I’d love to see you use either magnets or Velcro to attach your pieces to the book and like you said keep the others inside the box, good idea Jo!
Your cross stitch pieces are beautiful! I really that you changed the words “I come to the garden….” It is a hymn that I really like. It will be a very nice when finished. I don’t think I could do the one Kelli is doing – oh my so many stitches!! She is brave and low keyed enough I guess.
Did you show your eye doctor what you were working on? No doubt s/he would have said your eyes/prescription were just fine!!
Look forward to your posts everyday, but especially your Friday posts on cross stitch! I did get my Santa with his knitting for my daughter cross stitched for Christmas, just have to put a hanger on the frame. Can’t wait to see what she thinks. Your daughter has a beautiful piece to stitch, don’t think I could do it. Please keep us in the loop on her progress. I really want to do the seasons that you have been working on. Stitch when you can and enjoy your familly!
Hi Jo! Do you use a magnifier or good light? I’m struggling with my stitching lately and need a good light with magnifier. Thanks to you I picked up cross stitch again after many years….you definitely inspire me.
I use good lighting and 3.5 readers.
Your work is inspiring, for sure. Is it possible to get the pattern for the second line of the Garden sampler? I love the hymn and want to start mine
Beautiful work! I love how you personalized the saying.
Hello Jo, I enjoy your daily visits. We usually have coffee together each morning. I love your quilts, your thrift store finds and your cross stitch. It’s the cross stitch I need help with today. It’s all yours fault that I’ve picked it up again!! I love yours and your daughters samples, but I’m looking for realistic rabbits and bunnies patterns. Could you or your other cross stitcher’s offer and recommendations?
Thanks,
Lydia
Hello Jo, I enjoy your daily visits. We usually have coffee together each morning. I love your quilts, your thrift store finds and your cross stitch. It’s the cross stitch I need help with today. It’s all yours fault that I’ve picked it up again!! I love yours and your daughters samples, but I’m looking for realistic rabbits and bunnies patterns. Could you or your other cross stitcher’s offer any recommendations?
Thanks,
Lydia
Your cross stitching is beautiful! The Peacock, Unicorn piece is going to be a real piece of art.
I don’t cross stitch, but I enjoy seeing the works in 0togess and finished.
I have a question about the Red Bird sampler done as the SAL. If you used linen and silk thread what temperature do you press the piece on? I am currently work on the Bluebird sampler also using silk floss and I have been thinking about it. Hope to finish that this weekend and then start a Blackbird Designs patriotic piece. Sew enjoy reading about you, your family and your daily life.
I still use the linen setting. I don’t “hold” the iron on the piece.
Your pieces are lovely. I appreciate that you stitched, “I come to the Garden alone,” A great old hymn that I’ve sung hundreds of times. It’s So nice to know that God is in control.
I notice you don’t start your work in the center of the cloth. How do you start your work?
I’m answering your question in the next cross stitch update.
I love the hymn “I come to the garden alone”. Is it possible to share that pattern? I’d be willing to pay your friend who did the lettering.
https://www.joscountryjunction.com/dewonroses/ Follow that link and you can get the charted words for free. They are in that blog post.