Loved this episode. Lots of great ideas! I have a little suggestion for your bike stitching. Years ago I read about a lady who would do the first half of a cross on a project and the during the day would go back and do the second cross while watching her children - no need for a chart, etc. I did use that method years ago while riding and stitching. Keep making videos I look forward to your videos.

@kensingtoncrossstitch

2 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for watching! And that tip is so clever! I will definitely need to give that a try.

The Apple Branch pattern is lovely! I love your videos, I always see patterns I've never seen before. Love your idea for The ST Captains. Your grandmothers piece is gorgeous.

@kensingtoncrossstitch

13 күн бұрын

Thank you, thank you, and thank you! :D I really do need to re-frame my grandmother's piece too so I can enjoy it all the time.

I don’t have a designated craft room, so I have stuff tucked here, there and everywhere. The other day I got in organization mode for my cross stitch fabric. I used the 12” x 12” scrapbook paper plastic storage containers to separate mine by count as well. Thankfully I had a few deep ones to use for my favorite two counts to stitch on and the other counts are in the shallow ones. I made a stack on the corner of my dresser and have them stacked in order by count. It is very easy for me to find what I need. And know that I also definitely don’t need to buy fabric for a while. Additionally, I separated my extra DMC floss in bags by color number range to make it easy to see if I have the number I need before buying more. I was surprised to see some subtle shade differences with some of the colors, so I will have to be careful not to mix them on a project.

@kensingtoncrossstitch

2 ай бұрын

I love both of those ideas! I think a lot of organization is just finding something that works for you and your space and then sticking with it (that last part might be my downfall ...). This is the first time I've had a dedicated crafting space, and it does allow for more nesting, but the old tried and true methods to keep things contained still work so well.

Great to catch up!! And I love seeing what you are working on and the great organizational finishes too! For your apple tree branch, you may want to consider what the "Curious Crafters" (another great FT channel) call TILES. They finish as a flat item on a piece of mat board and then diaplay in an easel. It is a great look, very easy to change (or turn 45° 🤷‍♀️) and is an easy finish!

@kensingtoncrossstitch

Ай бұрын

Thanks so much for watching! That's a great suggestion too (they're such a great source of ideas, aren't they?) -- thank you!

Great to see you, and nice to see all your finishes. I like the idea of wrapping fabric on the comic strip boards. My fabrics are just in 2 containers. That will be my next organizing. I just organized my crafty space this week. I have finishes in totes divided by seasons, so that helps when decorating. My patterns I haven’t yet done are in a large tin and in file folders by season or type. Seems to work. My DMC are in little drawers and variegated in clear plastic portable drawers. I actually posted pictures of it this week. See you next time😊

@kensingtoncrossstitch

2 ай бұрын

I saw your photos! Your craft room looks great, and you have so many neat little organization tricks in there. I especially liked the cubbies. They're functional and have cute decor too.

Deborah...thanks for the lovely visit...I too have a under the bed basket...you have nicely stitched projects...I have a fabric stash, each is ,marked rolled, and stored in a plastic holder for wrapping paper...I am always afraid of folding my fabric...best wishes❤❤

@kensingtoncrossstitch

Ай бұрын

Oh, what a great storage idea! Keeping things rolled up like that definitely keeps it protected and wrinkle free. Thank you!

Just came across your channel. Glad I found someone else who enjoys my three main hobbies of cross stitch, (oldish) Star Trek, and Lego. 🖖🖖🖖

@kensingtoncrossstitch

Ай бұрын

Welcome! Always delighted to find others who share that trifecta of hobbies! 🖖

@kensingtoncrossstitch

Ай бұрын

Welcome! I'm always delighted to find others who share that trifecta of hobbies! 🖖

I'm so glad I just found your Flosstube. Love your finishes and organization tips. I just recently found an app for my phone where I can enter my patterns, fabric and floss. This way I don't duplicate my patterns. I'm OK with fabric and floss duplication. 😆 Thanks for sharing all the information

@kensingtoncrossstitch

Ай бұрын

I'm so glad you did too -- hello! I have an app like that too, and I've been so happy with it. Keeping track of the patterns that I've bought versus just the ones I thought about buying is a serious endeavor at this point. 😆

I am enjoying your video, I can relate to the purchase of a beautiful tin, not for the contents, but for the beauty of the tin itself. I also get the same advent calendar each year and I love those tiny round tins that the tea comes in. I always hang on to them. I tell my husband I am repurposing them. 😀

@kensingtoncrossstitch

2 ай бұрын

You can tell your husband I'm doing the same thing - strength in numbers! 😆

Great job with your organization!! And I love your easy refinish!

@kensingtoncrossstitch

Ай бұрын

Yay, thank you!

Glad to find you - just popped up on my feed. Thanks for sharing your basket of finishes - I have a container for linen finishes and one for canvas finishes. I also need to get busy deciding on my fully finishes. I like your Curtis B piece, I have finished several of his small pieces. I also organize my stitching fabric on comic boards with alligator clips. I have them organized by count in different boxes. I store my DMC, Anchor etc on bobbins. My fancy floss is stored alphabetically on flex rings by company. My various needlepoint threads are stored by color in plastic shoe boxes. Looking forward to seeing more of your videos.

@kensingtoncrossstitch

Ай бұрын

Lots of great organization ideas in your comment too -- thank you! I really like the idea of keeping linen and canvas finishes separate too.

Hi Deborah, Hope Autumn abc’s is progressing well. It looks great on the blue/grey fabric. I love your idea of rotating the fabric to make your seasonal branches stand out and look forward to seeing it unfold. I’m very bad at organising my stash, I do have bags for each different count of fabric so it is easy to find the size I want. I also love my pip and chip bobbins for my DMC. I think my favourite is having different projects in project bags, that was a game changer for me. I was able to have my larger projects more accessible so work on them more. Great video and looking forward to the next.

@kensingtoncrossstitch

Ай бұрын

I hope you're well too! I finished my June segment of Autumn ABCs on Sunday. I can't believe we're nearing the end already! I also love keeping my projects in project bags. Having everything at hand and ready to go when the mood strikes really has been a game changer for me too.

Great organization ideas! I absolutely adore the stitch your Grandmother did! Wow-just beautiful! Your finishes are all so pretty. Have a great day. It was lovely spending time with you, today.

@kensingtoncrossstitch

2 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for watching today, Rhonda! I really love that piece my grandmother stitched as well. I have several of her pieces, but one might be my favorite -- shh! :D

Hi Deborah. Yay, I'm all caught up again on your videos. Thank you so much for another great video. Wow, I had forgotten your previous beautiful finishes. I can't wait to see how you fully finish them. Nice job on your fabric organization. I'm curious, where are you displaying your new mini Lego creations?❤❤

@kensingtoncrossstitch

Ай бұрын

Thank you, Judith! ❤ I am storing the Legos pretty much wherever I find the space. They're on bookshelves, mantles, in my home and work offices ... 😆

Lovely to meet you Deborah, first time viewing your channel and subscribed within a few moments, love your multi craft inspiration and your cheery personality. Thank you for sharing your time with us and showing us your lovely projects. Great storage ideas, i also need to be more organised, my craft room is a disaster haha. Look forward to following your viewers opinion on the best way to organise. Take care and happy stitching 🌷🌷 from Judy in New Zealand FT An Aussie in a Kiwi world

@kensingtoncrossstitch

Ай бұрын

Thank you so much, Judy! It's wonderful to meet you too. I'm glad the storage ideas were helpful. And definitely check out the other comments -- lots of great ideas showing up from others too.

love your organization section. I have a similar set up for my fabrics. And yes, once you see them like that you realize you never need to buy fabric again. 😂😂😂 Gorgeous batch of finished projects! -Stephanie

@kensingtoncrossstitch

Ай бұрын

Thank you so much, Stephanie! I just won't think about how much fabric I own -- that's how it works, right? 😆

Just found you and love all your stitching and crafting! Your tin is gorgeous and I love that you repurpose items! 💙🩵

really enjoying watching this video. I started with diamond painting and have shifted to cross stitch I didn't like that I was left with so many excess diamond drills at end of each kit. I haven''t found a way to get them recycled. Where as cross stitch it's fairly easy to buy some aida and find free patterns to use up left overs from previous projects.

@kensingtoncrossstitch

Ай бұрын

I was thinking the same thing! It seems like they give you plenty of supplies, but so does every other kit, so you never really have a way to use them up like you do with cross stitch. Hmm.

Great video! I get such a kick out of watching you. Kudos on your patriotic finish, I love it!

@kensingtoncrossstitch

2 ай бұрын

Oh, thank you so much, Vicky -- I really appreciate you watching! And I'm so glad you like the patriotic finish too.

Just found you and love all your stitching and crafting! Your tin is gorgeous and I love that you repurpose items! 💙🩵 your finish parade is amazing and thank you for all the organization!

@kensingtoncrossstitch

2 ай бұрын

I'm so glad you stopped by and enjoyed the video! That tin is just so beautiful, isn't it? I'm so pleased I was finally able to find a good purpose for it.

Loved seeing your finishes! My favorite storage is my IKEA Kallax shelving unit. It’s white and I bought aqua bins from hobby lobby for four of the shelves. I have some smaller baskets that match, but I sort my quilting fabric and my kitted up cross stitch bags in the bins. I love how versatile the unit is.

@kensingtoncrossstitch

Ай бұрын

Yes! I've had a couple of those myself before and you're right -- they're so versatile and great for various crafting and storage needs.

Would love to see that adorable embroidery of the "pattern lady" finished as a project bag, either a stitchy tote or a large pouch!

@kensingtoncrossstitch

Ай бұрын

Oh, that's a wonderful idea, thank you!

The easiest way to explain diamond painting is this: "Imagine cross stitching, paint by numbers, and mosaics had a threesome.... diamond painting would be their baby". Most DP companies have their drills (those sparkly resin pieces) colored and numbered by DMC organization, that's true. Heaven and Earth Designs will actually convert their charts into a diamond painting for you. At least they were doing that 4 years ago. I had come back to cross stitching in 2019, in 2018 I had discovered diamond painting, and these two hobbies are what consume most of my time now. Diamond paintings can be small, such as your bookmarks, key chains, or ornaments, or they can be massive (like 4-6 feet long). They can be full coverage, or they can be a partial, where you only place the drills on certain parts of the canvas. There are companies whose kits are crappy quality, there are companies whose kits are exceptional quality. The resin bits (aka "drills") can have a few facets, which is what makes them sparkle, or multiple facets, making them even sparklier, Some kits may have larger gem-like pieces for you to place on the canvas. Some drills are coated with an AB (Aurora Borealis) coating that makes the drill shimmer like the Northern Lights. Sort of like using Kreinik or Diamonte or Light Effects or Rainbow Gallery Petite Treasure Braid. If you get your kits from a less-reputable source, you might be getting stolen artwork. If you get your kits from a reputable source, you can rest assured the artwork is licensed and the artist is being rightfully paid. For someone who is about to ask: diamond painting uses a cloth canvas, much like canvases artists paint on. The design is printed on the canvas, with symbols over the design. The whole thing is then covered with a highly sticky glue, and covered with clear acetate sheets that the diamond painter lifts off, exposing the glue. There is a key with the symbols and the colors listed on the margins of the canvas (which is NOT covered with glue), and you match the drills (which are sorted into bags with the corresponding color number) with the symbols on the key and the canvas. Using a wax-tipped pen, you place the drills over the symbol on the canvas. One drill at a time, much like one stitch at a time, you cover the glue with the drills. It goes about as fast as cross stitch. Some would say it goes even faster. All I know is that both diamond painting and counted cross stitch give me the same peaceful zen calm that I all too often need to decompress after work or just escape from life in general, LOL! Thanks for sharing your organization! I really enjoyed your video!

@kensingtoncrossstitch

Ай бұрын

This is such a helpful description of diamond painting, thank you! Next time I have a question, I know who to ask! :D

Awesome hair! I had several ‘We are long lost twins’ moments in this episode. It has inspired my next flosstube! I am not good at organisation but my main tip is to make it as easy as possible so that I actually keep it organised. If I have to think about it and spend time on it, it won’t happen and very quickly get large piles of stuff lying around.

@kensingtoncrossstitch

2 ай бұрын

Oh, how exciting! I am tickled that I inspired you, and I can't wait to see the episode and hear all about it. That's such a great tip on organi(z)(s)ation too. I also have a tendency to lapse into large piles of stuff if it's too complicated. (Let's not talk about my basement at the moment ...)

Love all your stitching and organization

@kensingtoncrossstitch

Ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

Deborah! Greetings from Dallas! Another fun video! Enjoyed your finish parade! I would totally stitch Apple Branch the way you’re doing it. I was heavily into diamond painting for about 3 years before I went back to cross stitching. If you have any questions just let me know! I have a whole other stash of diamond painting kits and accessories. The collecting of DP kits is as real as the collecting of cross stitch patterns, fabrics, and floss. LOL! Hope everything is going well with you!

@kensingtoncrossstitch

2 ай бұрын

Michael! Good to hear from you. I hope all is well in Dallas! I can totally see that buying diamond painting kits can be just as addicting! I had to rein myself in from going too far down that path -- at least just yet. :D I suspect the cat kit will be the real test for me and if it's something I continue doing. If so, I know just who to ask -- thank you!

Loved seeing what's in your to be finished basket and your fabric organization. I'm going to Stitch Maine too and hope to meet you in person! Patti

@kensingtoncrossstitch

Ай бұрын

Oh, hooray! I hope to see you there!

Wish I was organized but am not. Love your fabric baskets, great way to see what you have. Your finish basket has some beautiful pieces in it! Have a great week.

@kensingtoncrossstitch

2 ай бұрын

I often have a greater desire to organize than will to actually do it. On the occasion when I am in that mood, I've learned to do it immediately, or who knows when it'll strike again. :D Thank you so much for watching, and I hope you have a lovely week too!

During the winter, I did the same with most of my fabrics. I have bins for 36 count, 40 count and now 20 count. I still have a pile of 32 and below to finish. I love it.

@ctstitcher

2 ай бұрын

Oh and I was going to suggest preloading a few needles before you get on the exercise bike.

@kensingtoncrossstitch

2 ай бұрын

I remember! It was very inspirational. It's a big of a chore to do it initially, but then so great to have it done, isn't it?

@kensingtoncrossstitch

2 ай бұрын

Okay, that literally never occurred to me. You are so smart!

@ctstitcher

2 ай бұрын

@@kensingtoncrossstitch yes definitely

@ctstitcher

2 ай бұрын

@@kensingtoncrossstitch lol once in awhile

Have you thought of using your needlepoint project whilst on your bike. I think it would be grand!!!

@kensingtoncrossstitch

Ай бұрын

You know, I have been thinking about that too -- I think so as well, thank you!

Even though you didn't talk about books this time, I had to tell you that I just started the first book in the Lord Peter Wimsey series by Dorothy Sayers! I have been watching all of your older videos and heard you say that these books were some of your favorites! Thank you for the recommendation!! Also, another wonderful video full of beautiful stitching and inspiration ❤️

@kensingtoncrossstitch

2 ай бұрын

Oh hooray! I am always so happy to hear when someone starts reading that series. Definitely a big time favorite of mine. I love how the characters and her writing deepen with each book too. I hope you come to love them as much as I do!

Your season to season project is awesome! I don’t think that you would have any issues rotating the pattern as long as the crosses look the same. I usually turn my projects up down when I’m stitching if I need to. Yours each of the two parallel parts of the pattern are going to look exactly the same. I think it would add a nice touch to the project the rotation and as you said I’ll be fun to see what you’re stitching!😊

@kensingtoncrossstitch

2 ай бұрын

Oh, I'm glad to hear you think that! I do like knowing there will be two matching parallel sides, and I'm just curious what it'll actually look liked all together. We'll see!

Just searched on Amazon for an exercise bike with a tray. Would be curious to learn what type you chose. I'm looking for more options to exercise while I enjoy my hobbies.

@kensingtoncrossstitch

Ай бұрын

This is the one I bought: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0762FFNQ4 -- they seem to offer some very steep discounts, so it's worth keeping an eye on it if it's something you're interested in. It does offer resistance as well as tracking various stats. I've found the tray to be a good size too. Good luck with your search!

Great video!! Thx for sharing!

@kensingtoncrossstitch

2 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for watching!

Question of the video - favorite organization tip: I’ve put all of my fabric in a cedar chest, so I don’t have to worry about moths getting into my fabric and eating holes in anything!

@kensingtoncrossstitch

Ай бұрын

Such a great idea! I have a cedar chest as well, and I think that may be where my fabric goes eventually too.

Love your Star Trek!!!! Where can I find the pattern?? All of your stitching is beautiful!!

@kensingtoncrossstitch

Ай бұрын

Yay, thank you! I got it from Happy Sloth on Etsy, but it looks like it's no longer available through their shop. I am sorry about that!

years ago when I first go into cross stitching I bought 3 plastic boxes that were actually made for small toy cars. Matchbox etc. I put all my DMC on bobbins and store them in the plastic boxes. I do have a bit of fancy floss but I'm not really into it. I need to find a way to organize it. Any helpful hints on that? LOL

@kensingtoncrossstitch

2 ай бұрын

That's a great idea! I've had great success finding organizational supplies when looking at different hobbies. My main sewing box for buttons, zippers, etc. is a fishing tackle box. :D For fancy floss, that's a hard one. I never found a good way to bobbinate them, since they're pre-cut, though this was in the days before the bobbins you can buy today that let you both use them as floss drops and bobbins. Maybe that would work? If you only have a few of them, I'd suggest keeping them by color rather than alphabetically. That will make it easier to find fancy floss to sub in for DMC.

Cute hair!

@kensingtoncrossstitch

2 ай бұрын

Yay, thank you!

I really like your Season to Season project and I love the colors you picked. Can you provide your DMC floss conversion colors?

@kensingtoncrossstitch

2 ай бұрын

Oh, thank you! I forgot to say in the video, but the cotton DMC equivalent info is provided in the pattern as well.

Do you worry about your fabric getting dusty or insects getting into the basket?

@kensingtoncrossstitch

Ай бұрын

Bugs aren't something I've had a problem with (phew!), and the baskets sit inside a cabinet so they're mostly covered as well. I think there is likely some dust that could get in, but so far I haven't noticed it being an issue. Others might feel differently though!

Where can l get the Season to Season pattern?

@kensingtoncrossstitch

2 ай бұрын

I picked up mine from Thistle Needleworks, and it looks like they have another copy available: store.apneedlearts.com/009358.html. If that doesn't work, it looks like it shows up on eBay and similar sites from time to time too.

Oh, I am inspired all over again! Question: Your Autumn Row piece by Bent Creek --> what is a draft excluder? I'm thinking of those long, round things that you put at the bottom of the door - I have one for in front of the door to the attic. Is that what you mean? Or are there other types of draft stoppers? Regardless, IT'S A GREAT IDEA!!! ❤ Some Quilty friends and I purchased and split a big pack of comic book boards and I use them to fold and wrap my larger pieces of fabric around and I also bought those plastic clips (that you used to find on a folded dress shirt when you bought it) to clip the loose ends. I store them in a dresser drawer and it is so nice to open the drawer and see all the fabrics stored with like colors. Keeps them from fading, getting dusty, and yellowing from the air.

@kensingtoncrossstitch

2 ай бұрын

Oh, great question! Yes, what you're describing is what I meant. I think "draft excluder" is a term I picked up in a British cross stitch magazine, and it's the phrase that's stuck with me. I am so glad you like the idea too! I've been meaning to do something like that with my quilting fabric too, but who knows when I'll actually get to it. :D I do love being able to just see everything at a glance, though!

@shawnduray6297

2 ай бұрын

@@kensingtoncrossstitch I don't know that I'd want my cross stitched works on the floor, but I was thinking of putting them on the window sills as well. Sometimes the windows can be a bit drafty in my old house!

@shawnduray6297

2 ай бұрын

@@kensingtoncrossstitch I don't know that I'd want my cross stitched works on the floor, but I was thinking of putting them on the window sills as well. Sometimes the windows can be a bit drafty in my old house!

@kensingtoncrossstitch

2 ай бұрын

​@@shawnduray6297 ​@shawnduray6297 On the window sill also sounds like a great Idea! I've had some very drafty windows in my life too.