After wrapping up some major projects, it felt like a good week to vlog my cross stitch adventure, challenges, and make some bags that have been on my mind!

Cross Stitch has been a joy in my life since watching my mom and sister make projects when I was little. Styles have changed so much since all the teddy bears and ducks of the 80’s!

The gateway back into cross stitch has been since quilt designers have been making companion cross stitches with their releases. The Quilted Scarecrow by Lori Holt is a bigger quilt than I want to tackle, but the design is so sweet, and I get to enjoy both with her companion cross stitch design!

The Quilted Scarecrow project Page: link

Then I have a cross stitch just for my lunch hour at work. Since I’m stitching it on such a small weave, I need all the daylight I can get on it. Maybe this is when I give in get some readers to see those little stitches.

The Witch’s Kitchen Project page: link

My partnership with TeaBloom kicks off this week! I’ve already been a customer of theirs for years, especially for the stunning teapots. It’s hard to resist getting just one, and they make amazing gifts. You can use code BWB10 to get 10% off your order at TeaBloom!

And of course, I stay in my happy place with sewing by making a couple bags. This has been such a joy to pick out the fabrics, do some quilting, and make a functional piece. I’m brainstorming a new shop already, and a long car ride shouting random words together with my family, we have a shop name picked out!

The first bag I made was a ByAnnie Project Bag, and a bobbin floss organizer. The fabric was from the fat quarter stashbuilder add-on with Open Gate quilts. The collection is Rustle from Maywood Studio. I love the large size of this bag, and having the bobbin floss on its own page that can slip in and out. The 12 slots are enough for me to move around with the colors I’m currently stitching, and some open spots for the needle minder and copy of the stitch key.

Then I’ve had the Cross Stitch Project Keeper Pattern on my to make list for a while. The pattern is more beginner friendly than the ByAnnie patterns, and includes an instruction video. I’m drafting up all my thoughts for another post and video reflecting on this design. I definitely enjoyed this lakeside fabric!

Lily Designs Cross Stitch Project Keeper Pattern on Etsy: Affiliate link

You can see the ideas come together in this week’s vlog on my YouTube: watch the video

Don’t forget to check the giveaway page going live Monday for a chance to win a tea canister of your favorite tea at TeaBloom!