For Peace, For Hope, For You

I thought about writing an essay about the tragedies that have recently captured the news, about the hardships so many face, but I can't. I just don't have the energy. So rather than blather on, I give you this free pattern. Enjoy it, send pics, and find peace, hope, and solace in the thread. Be blessed, dear readers.

There is no copyright on this design. It is open domain.

New Patterns at Ant of Sweden

Designed by Ant of Sweden

Now available exclusively at  Ant of Sweden: Gift Pack 2.

I've packaged 4 of my most popular patterns in one PDF ebook. These are some of my favorites, and I'm thrilled to bring them to you.

Deco, Ilsa, Hannah, and Erin 

Visit  Ant of Sweden today and see all the great new cross stitch and blackwork designs. From samplers to seat covers, Ant of Sweden offers something for everyone. Check it out; I think you'll be inspired!

First frame job

Well, I did it. I framed the Celtic Sampler in a shadowbox. This is my first attempt at framing and no, it's not perfect. But it does give me the incentive to try again soon. Any advice or tips for making the job easier would be greatly appreciated.

Happy stitching!

So, how'd the pot roast turn out?

The Precision Induction Cooktop puts a nice sear on meat. It was quick and easy.

Chuck roast seared in the Precision Invection Cooktop.
I used Montreal Steak Seasoning  for a light rub.

I'm afraid I had the temperature a little high for cooking though, so the roast was finished rather quickly. Like two hours faster than I had planned.  Keeping it warm made the meat tough. Oh well. Lessons learned.

The next day, I tried fried chicken according to the directions in the PIC cookbook. It turned out juicy and tender. The recipe was easy to follow and results were exactly what I'd hoped for. Which brings us to the cookbook and the Precision Cooking Club website. The website is a nice source for information and recipes.  At this time, both the book and the website are the same, but there's lots of room for new information on the website. Precision Cooktop owners get exclusive access (you'll need the serial number of the unit to sign up). It's a nice inclusion in the total package.

The PIC has a fan that runs whenever the cooktop is in use. It's not exactly the quietest fan, either. On the other hand, the unit does not radiate heat, so the kitchen is cooler.

The more I use the PIC, the more I like it. Still a very enthusiastic "Thumbs Up".

On the stitching front: I've come up with a new border pattern, Celtic Heart.

Celtic Heart Border

There are a lot of half stitches in this one, so it's best suited for even weave. Aida cloth is not recommended. I do plan to design a slightly larger version more suited to all fabrics in the near future.

Celtic border

It's far from finished, but I'm so excited about my new design that I just can't wait to share it.

I love Celtic knot work, the beautiful, winding lines weaving gracefully in and out, the intricate and painstaking attention that it requires to both draw and stitch. This one is not yet available for sale, but it will be soon at Ant of Sweden. In the meantime, pay a visit and check out my other patterns. Perhaps you'll find just the right thing for those upcoming Christmas projects.

Post Pattern Depression

It's my own fault.  I don't need to get so involved, but sometimes I just can't help myself.  Sometimes a design becomes so intriguing, so mesmerizing that when I finish it, even under the joy and thrill of accomplishment, I feel a sense of emptiness, a little bit of loss.  Such is my relationship with "Blessings."

I think I'll set the stitching aside and go read a book.

Sometimes I just can't stop

"Monarch" has been a fun pattern.  But as I looked at it, I felt something was missing.  So I took it back to the drawing board.

Yes, I will send the extra detail to those of you who have chosen this pattern.  Happy Stitching!