Itty Bitty Back Stitch Alphabets/Numbers Freebies

Although I haven't been able to edit my old Webring site for years, I find that the contents are still accessible. Here are some 2 and 3 backstitch high alphabets/numbers I created a long time ago - very useful for adding name and date to small cross stitch / needlework projects.  These are .jpgs so do a copy/paste.

The LMc Designs Webring Site can be found at http://webspace.webring.com/people/fl/llmcm/index.html If Webring rolls you over to their Home Page, reload and hit Stop or X on your browser Tool Bar, which kept them from doing that to me a few minutes ago. Come to think of it, actually the pages were originally created and posted to Yahoo's old, free up to a point, webpage site using it's affiliated online webpage editor. It was shut down years ago. Have to admit I've forgotten the name but many of you may have also have created a website using that program.  I also had a WebRing page where I linked in the Yahoo webpages.  I'm really surprised they are still accessible!

Patriotic Freebie Stitched by Cathryn of Blueladie Designs!

A big Thank You to Cathryn of Blueladie Designs who has shared her stitching. She promises to post a framed version later. Please visit Cathyrn's blog and website to see her designs and other stitching as well!  You can find this chart and my other patriotic designs here.

Halloween Biscornu Freebie - 2013 Update

Copyright 2011-2013 LMc Designs / Bits of Floss
All Rights Reserved

See the original design and charts HERE

Happy Thanksgiving! (and a past freebie)

May we each be truly grateful for all the blessing bestowed on us this past year, and special prayers for and blessings to those who are no longer with us or are unable to be with us this year.

A freebie from 2009 (click on picture for link):

from LindaMc at Bits of Floss

Bits of Floss: Halloween Biscornu Freebie

HAPPY  HALLOWEEN  STITCHING

Size:  44w x 44h
Approximate finished size:   25ct: 3-1/2"    28ct: 3-1/8"    32ct: 2-3/4"

• Read all instructions first
• Copy / Paste to save this information
• CLICK on picture/chart to enlarge, then "save as" or "copy/paste"
• Try printing in LANDSCAPE first.
• Suggested fabric: 25ct, 28ct or 32ct evenweave - Not particularly suitable for aida
• DMC or your favorite other threads, fibers or overdyes
• CLICK HERE  or  HERE  for instructions on making a BISCORNU. READ BEFORE YOU CUT YOUR FABRIC AND BEGIN STITCHING
• Rather than a Biscornu, these make a perfectly good ornament as well - or 2 of them.
• For Instructions on stitching Algerian Eye and the 1/2 Diamond Eyelet, see this site.  For the 1/2 Diamond Eyelet as charted, only stitch half. 
• I would dearly love to see your finish. I'll post a photo of yours in the "Gallery!"
• If you run into any issues, please let me know immediately

    HAPPY HALLOWEEN STITCHING - LindaMc - Bits of Floss    

Thanksgiving Freebie

Size: 66w x 32h

• 14/28 ct - 4-5/8 x 2-1/4 in
• 16/32 ct - 4 x 2 in
• 18/36 ct - 3-1/2 x 1-3/4 in

Stitching suggestions:

• Want a tiny bit quicker stitch? Try the variation below. Actually, I think I like the variation better! Click here for alternate chart.
  
• Lay your threads out on different fabrics before you decide which to stitch on and choose the most pleasing to your own eye
• Stitch with a single overdye or silk
  

A freebie to say thank you for visiting my blog. Happy Thanksgiving fellow stitchers!!

Freebie: Lil Dragon

20w x 20H
14/28ct: 1-3/8 x 1-3/8 inches
French Knot or bead for belly button
Evenweave recommended

If you prefer or need a B/W chart, please leave a comment. I'd love some feedback!

Originally created in 1995 to fill in a blank lower corner in fairy design for a RR. The fairy was bent over looking down at something. Lil Dragon is what I came up with. I borrowed the fairy chart from another participant. Carmel in NZ, perhaps? Her RR was pigs. I still have the little wooden pig bookmark she sent. I've always wondered what happened to her. I have only participated in 3 RRs. I think that "architecture" was my theme for this one. I'd intended to frame the piece for my newly graduated daughter's future office. Unfortunately, one participant decided to hold a couple of pieces hostage. When that was FINALLY resolved and my RR released, I asked that it just be sent home as then stitched. By the time it got back, about 15 months late, daughter had had it with the "good old boy" attitude she'd butted heads with, and had already moved on to something that utilized her skills and gave her the independence she needed to excel. The RR piece is still unfinished and unframed. Needless to say, it was my last RR.

Freebie: Father's Day

My Dad doesn't hunt, fish, golf, drink, watches but isn't into sports, etc. so unless it's mushy, most Father's Day cards just aren't appropriate. He does play Scrabble. So I designed this quick stitch, then made into a card by lightly gluing on to 1/2 sheet of 80lb white card stock, folded in half to make a card. Color options are indicated on the chart, but you can choose your own. I think I stitched it on 16ct Fiddler's Light, then fringed the edges to within 3 squares of the design. My Dad has a refined sense of humor, which is the reason for the HA. : ) I see I left off the happy face symbol beneath it. I made up the alphabet script on the fly to fit the space available. I designed and stitched this in 2004 and the displayed-ever-since card is doing just fine. The card stock may or may not be acid free. I'm thinking I used acid-free stick glue, however. My personal opinion is that by the time anything might start to degrade, I won't be around and no one is going to want anything I've glued with or to it anyway, so generally don't worry about things like that. Download of the design is subject to the copyright information on your right. If you do stitch it, I would appreciate a comment and possibly a photo to post! Perhaps with you and YOUR Dad. Thanks.

Orchid Freebie

One of my other hobbies is raising orchids in my south-facing home office window. Pretty much all you really have to do is water them, give them a bit of food and stay out of the way. Mist occasionally or set in a tray with pebbles and a bit of water to kick up the humidity. I treat mine with studied neglect. One of my favorites was Blazing Treat, a cattleya. After 3 years, I sadly managed to kill it with too much studied neglect. Usually this one had 2 bloom stems with 5 blooms on each one. Unfortunately, the blooms only lasted exactly 3 weeks. I currently have a phalaenopsis that has been in bloom since before Christams. I so loved my Blazing Treat that I converted a similar photo into a cross stitch chart. Never again!! However, I present this for your stitching enjoyment. Download is subject to the copyright information on the right. If you stitch Blazing Treat, please let me know. I'd love to share your work on this blog!!