The end of another month, and it’s been another busy one.
As usual, just threading a needle every day to see what happens next.
You can see some of these blocks in action, happening (more or less) in real time on my YouTube channel.
There were my mother’s favourite flowers for her birthday earlier this month, and a heart for her pacemaker check up.
There were some long days
I really like the long/thin format and may well design a whole year like that some time.
A few people asked about this one:
It’s just herringbone stitch, worked quite closely in fine silk thread. You can get a lot of variety from simple stitches by changing the thread type, stitch size, and stitch proximity. Widely-spaced herringbone stitch looks very different from this closely-worked example.
And – I can hardly believe it myself – October tomorrow.
In other news, the shop is open again for thread. I don’t know, at this point, when I will be able to dye more thread so what’s there is what there is.
Also in other news, I’m road-testing the template for next year – just to see. The jury is still out but I think we may get a favourable verdict. There are some challenges and limitations with circles, which could make things a bit more interesting.
If you’re doing your own daily stitching, I hope you’re enjoying it and finding a little peace in a few quiet moments with needle and thread.
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Hi Karen, Seeing the daily creations all together, and the detailed images of some of them, just astonishes: the variety and beauty of the designs and the colors are gorgeous. I don’t know how you continue to create truly unique stitchings every day–and using just a handful of the most basic of stitches! Yesterday, I think it was, when I was watching your Monday video, I, too, was intrigued by the herringbone piece and kept pausing the video to study it whenever it came into view, and I decided it was herringbone stitch and was impressed by how you used it to make this very attractive design. I wondered just now, looking at your preview of your 2027 template, what you might think of doing a mix of squares, long, narrow rectangles, and circles, alone, in columns of two or three, and in horizontal rows. Unsolicited idea, I realize; and apologies if it’s annoying or presumptuous. In any case, I know the new template will be wonderful. I’ll add that I also especially liked the long, thin rectangles–I don’t know why. Thanks for all the trouble and time you take to offer us these little daily gifts. They’re a treasure. Cheers from Mike.
Thanks so much, Mike, for your kind words; also thank you for the idea of mixing circles and long rectangles – maybe one for 2028 as I don’t think I have time to completely redesign the 2027 one now. Maybe have a go at that yourself in the meantime 🙂 You never know, I might just have a go too…
I think the idea of circles is really fascinating. Can’t wait.
thanks so much for the vote of confidence Andrea – I’m still not totally convinced but I’ll keep going with the sample. I do like the thought of thin strips AND circles, as per Mike’s suggestion above.
So good to see the month as a whole and I’ve just caught up on YouTube too. You really are an inspiration Karen and a good reminder that a few minutes daily stitching can help us all in our day to day lives 😊.
Mags
thanks so much Mags, that’s very kind. It’s true, a few minutes of quiet time with needle and thread works wonders 🙂
Thank you for your beautiful stitching, and for such a wonderful idea.
I am just working a grid of 2″ squares, so not as interesting as your design, and I started on July 1st, which is the beginning of the new financial year here in Australia. I will work through until June 30.
I’m finding it is so good for my mental health: 20 minutes/half an hour first thing in the morning, in the quiet, just me and my needle. I was finding I was doom-scrolling on the internet, which wasn’t good for me: this is so much better. Just happened to find one of your YouTube clips and I was off to rummage in the cupboard!
I don’t know if you realise the positive impact you’re having: thank you.
that’s so kind Denise, thank you. I’m so glad you’re finding some peace in a little quiet stitching every day; I agree, much more worthwhile than doom-scrolling 🙂
I loved all of the stitching – ones that were unplanned and those with special moment rememberings. I have checked to purchased your thread previously and I think US is still outside of your shipping options. Right?
Have you ever shared how you dye your thread? I am interested in trying to dye some for myself. Makes it do special.
Thank you so much!!
Thanks so much – yes, sorry, I’m still not shipping to US at present, I still can’t establish exactly what the tariffs are. Some places say 10% but last time I sent something to US I was charged 25%, which makes it impossible for me to continue.
You can find lots of thread dyeing tutorials on YouTube if you have a look – if you search for ‘low immersion thread dyeing’ you will find something similar to what I do. Good luck and happy adventures 🙂
Please unsubscribe me from your mailing list. I can’t seem to do it at my end.
You seem to have done it successfully yourself, Arlene. Your email address is not on my list of subscribers. If you may have subscribed with a different email address please let me know so that I can check for you.
Sent from my iPadOn 30 Sep 2026,
Stitches are unendingly fascinating, aren’t they!
Every one unique 🙂