Show Your Stash: Patterns

 Anna over at Stitch Bitch is having another Show Your Stash questionnaire, which I am very late in posting for.

When you shop for patterns, do you buy on impulse or do you buy only what you need?
I only buy a pattern  if I truly love it and know I will stitch it. Otherwise it's just a waste of money.

How do you sort your patterns—by designer? theme? Season?
Some by designer and some by Season.

How do you store your patterns?
Just a 3-ring binder. I only have one at the moment. But I have a whole shelf of Cross Stitch magazines.

Which designer do you own the most patterns by?
Lavender & Lace by the late Marilyn Leavitt-Imblum. I just adore her Angels and Christmas designs.

"Santa of the Forest"

By Lavender & Lace

Which designer have you stitched the most patterns by?
Me ;}  I have Pattern Maker Pro, so I design most of my own Cross Stitch and Hardanger charts.

"Nichole"

By Sandra Longan Designs (that's me)

What tips do you have for building up a well-rounded stash?
Only buy what you know you will stitch in a certain amount of time or that you truly love. Other wise your tastes will change and you'll end up with the "What Was I Thinking" pile.

When do you say enough is enough?
I don't have a lot of patterns, so when I don't find any that I love that'll be enough.

How do you whittle your stash down when it's gotten too large?
Give it away to friends or second hand store.

Do you have a current favorite in your stash? Let’s see it!
No current favorite.

A Sampler for Nichole

This is my last finish for this month. I started designing it on January 2nd after Nichole's first vet visit. I stitched on it almost exclusively from January 7th until the 24th. This was my way of dealing with the grief of losing her.

Out of grief, beauty can be born.

Here are a few closeups of the specialty stitch area's.

I used this piece as a learning sampler for Hardanger, Pulled Thread, Drawn Thread & Ribbon Embroidery as well. This has a little bit of everything in it. It was truly a labor of love. It will be framed with a double mat under glass in time, just need to find the perfect frame.

Here is the finished piece.

Design: "Nichole"
Designer: Me ~ Sandy In Montana
Finished: Sunday, 24 January 2010
Stitched on 32ct. white linen.
Threads used were DMC white, 552, 554 & 924, DMC Coton Perle #8 & #12 in white.
Embellishments were Mill Hill Beads & two Swarovski Crystal pieces.
Stitches used: Petite stitch, Backstitch, Cross Stitch, Satin Stitch Hearts, Four-Sided Stitch, Twisted Latice Band, Algerian Eyelets, Smyrna Cross, Reversed Diagonal Faggoting (Cable Stitch), Kloster Blocks, Needle Weaving, Doves Eye's, Square Filet, Square Filet w/beads, Picot Knots, Drawn Thread, Ribbon weaving & Ribbon Embroidery.

Copyright 2010