happy go lucky stitchalong

I'm so happy to hear how many have signed up for my Big Picture Class!

Have you signed up yet? I'm not sure how much longer it will be available at just $10 (reg. $20)...so jump on it if you're interested.

It's a one week online workshop, offered June 21-27, with lots of fun videos and extras, including a couple of live chats! We'll be stitching an grid-style sampler, filled with all the things that make you happy. You could follow along, stitching the same squares I do, or take off with the inspiration you find and customize the sampler to specifically what makes you happy. I seriously cannot wait to see what you come up with!

Lots of folks were worried that they couldn't sign up since they'd be away for that week (it is summer, afterall) that they'd have to miss out on the fun. Not so! Signing up for the class gives you forever access to all the materials and forums. You'll miss the live chats, I suppose. But don't let that stop you...it's going to be a great class. So, even if you are going to be away for that week, you can still sign up and have access to the videos when you return.

Another question is whether this class is appropriate for beginners. And I think it absolutely is. I learned to stitch when I was just a little girl and my style still has that childish charm to it. It's perfect for beginners, including youngsters. This sampler is all about expression...not perfection.

If you're still worried, you can try this exercise...osn

Draw a design on a bit of fabric and try stitching the outline of what you drew. Then try drawing a simple but tiny heart, and try stitching from one side to the next, filling it in, like the heart above. Try that exercise and then, if you had fun and enjoyed it, I think you'll really love the class.

Signing up gives you access to the pre-classroom immediately, which is filled with fun things like a video to help you make your own happy list! There's also a video to help you purchase your supplies and get you all set up to start stitching next month.

Have any other questions? Post them in a comment below and I'll address them here!

p.s. I had an email from Virginia who wants to use the exact fabric I did for my sampler but was having trouble locating it. Here's a direct link http://www.123stitch.com/cgi-perl/itemdetail.pl?item=67-135X

EDITED TO ADD


Shelly, yes you can access the class in full anytime after the week is over. But you'll need to sign up for the class prior to the end of the workshop. Does that make sense?

Raychill, here's a source for Osnaburg which ships internationally. http://www.onlinefabricstore.net/sheeting-fabric/osnaburg-fabric/unbleached-osnaburg-fabric-.htm?s_kwcid=TC|1027047|osnaburg||S|e|12821926453&gclid=CIni5JLflrACFUdN4Aod3BAG2g
Or, check your local fabric store. They probably carry it.

Adriana, I don't really show instructions for stitches but most of the stitches are very basic. In fact, you could probably stitch the entire sampler using just satin stitches (filling in a space by stitching from one side to the other, like the heart above) and backstitches or outline stitches. A really great resource for learning new stitches is http://www.needlenthread.com/ The video tutorials are fabulous. Just remember that with out sampler, it's about expression, not perfection.

Lyn F, It's okay if you're not great at drawing. If you need help figuring out a design when you're stitching, you can just email me or post it in the forum and we can all brainstorm together. Most importantly of all, don't stress! It'll be fine!

Yael, I think you'll be okay gently washing the sampler. Be sure to pre-wash your fabric. There's one part of the sampler where we'll be making button people by drawing faces on buttons. You may need to experiment to make sure the marker you use stays when washed. And you'll want to be mindful of the washability of all the embellishments. But what a great idea to make it into a quilt. Will you change the dimensions of the grid...or will you make a tiny quilt?

Tina, Monica, Melissa, Cherie & Kerrie! So happy that you'll be joining in on the fun! Let me know if you have any questions. It's going to be so much fun! I can't wait!