tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21587385924635433542024-03-13T08:19:25.040-07:00Ink Circles: Pens and NeedlesWhat I do. What you've done with what I did. What I'm going to do. Stuff like that.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310394899489329760noreply@blogger.comBlogger169125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158738592463543354.post-26079498588821717912018-12-25T17:47:00.000-08:002018-12-25T17:47:17.604-08:00Pocket full of wishesMerry Christmas. I enjoyed some time today stitching up this little project and I thought I'd share the "How To" with you. It only took a few hours, and is going to actually be one of the more useful things I've made. I have a wonderful barn coat that I wear often, but am always wishing it had an inside pocket. So I added one made from scraps of silk, linen, and lined with flannel.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BLUCjRqgP6Q/XCLWMSN2h9I/AAAAAAAAHBQ/YAwwWz70GwEoz_kunZuWXjtdTWjQBgkPgCLcBGAs/s1600/deerelf2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BLUCjRqgP6Q/XCLWMSN2h9I/AAAAAAAAHBQ/YAwwWz70GwEoz_kunZuWXjtdTWjQBgkPgCLcBGAs/s640/deerelf2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
The design I chose is "Holiday Magick" with a few extra snowflakes from "Square Dance" below it. The little reindeer's antlers have an antique protection charm woven into them, and was found with instructions to make the (original) charm stitched in red silk and worn near the heart. I think this is perfectly fitting. Obviously you can use any design you like.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e_yezmQA15Y/XCLYuPGDL_I/AAAAAAAAHBw/9YtT5snzl3sv3A2KrkLE6DIgC5Ns0Nu6ACLcBGAs/s1600/deer6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e_yezmQA15Y/XCLYuPGDL_I/AAAAAAAAHBw/9YtT5snzl3sv3A2KrkLE6DIgC5Ns0Nu6ACLcBGAs/s400/deer6.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Using a garment with a good pocket size and shape, make a pattern template out of paper. My linen was a bit small, so I added a flannel strip on the top. It works well as a decorative element too. Press the linen and the flannel and place right sides together. If you like, you can use interfacing behind the stitching.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mVZazPED7wA/XCLXofAUXgI/AAAAAAAAHBc/FSJN_SRwm30HEKhLXkgR6u00ryIJxVZuACLcBGAs/s1600/deer4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mVZazPED7wA/XCLXofAUXgI/AAAAAAAAHBc/FSJN_SRwm30HEKhLXkgR6u00ryIJxVZuACLcBGAs/s400/deer4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Pin the paper pattern so that the stitching comes out straight and centered. Leaving a 2" gap on one of the long sides, stitch the rest of the way around at the outline of the paper.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dfSVRVVzLos/XCLX_GSzLyI/AAAAAAAAHBk/v854u29oFpw3MWtK04CcfD-2xZ-P1fylQCLcBGAs/s1600/deer3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dfSVRVVzLos/XCLX_GSzLyI/AAAAAAAAHBk/v854u29oFpw3MWtK04CcfD-2xZ-P1fylQCLcBGAs/s400/deer3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A2bo8JpKmlg/XCLYlzM0ejI/AAAAAAAAHBs/kO6B2ChEAY0pc7B4-ONZrwq1mKqhoWP6ACLcBGAs/s1600/deer5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A2bo8JpKmlg/XCLYlzM0ejI/AAAAAAAAHBs/kO6B2ChEAY0pc7B4-ONZrwq1mKqhoWP6ACLcBGAs/s400/deer5.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Trim the excess fabric and turn this assembly inside out, so the right sides are now out. Fold the sides of the opening so they match up. Use a chopstick or something blunt but pokey to crispen up the corners. Hand whip stitch the opening so that it now resembles a pillow with no stuffing. At this point (pocket is not attached yet), Sew a row of stitching evenly around the perimeter. This helps to stabilize the raw edges inside the pillow pocket. I used one of the decorative stitching patterns my sewing machine has built in. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yNorcdjsbm4/XCLZuC7wdJI/AAAAAAAAHB4/YfAPBhuuZnYbkSqsjyTh9ugVVKfSBpPUACLcBGAs/s1600/deer7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yNorcdjsbm4/XCLZuC7wdJI/AAAAAAAAHB4/YfAPBhuuZnYbkSqsjyTh9ugVVKfSBpPUACLcBGAs/s400/deer7.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Put the garment on, to decide where the best pocket placement is and pin the pocket in that place. Using a double length of sewing thread the same color as the linen (and beeswaxed) hand whip stitch the pocket sides and bottoms to the lining of the coat.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ta Da!</div>
Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310394899489329760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158738592463543354.post-18333177663410679852018-11-01T18:36:00.000-07:002018-11-01T18:36:09.469-07:00Your Vote CountsKeeping my message short and sweet, get out there and vote.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tfw8rYxANOc/W9upaO9aqsI/AAAAAAAAG90/xzTLgeJu5f4NkiJB4icO7Vw7VNP6f_03wCLcBGAs/s1600/vote-%2Bfreebie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="chart for I Voted freebie" border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="775" height="576" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tfw8rYxANOc/W9upaO9aqsI/AAAAAAAAG90/xzTLgeJu5f4NkiJB4icO7Vw7VNP6f_03wCLcBGAs/s640/vote-%2Bfreebie.jpg" title="I Voted" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310394899489329760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158738592463543354.post-61896069996362200362017-02-25T20:38:00.000-08:002017-02-25T20:38:08.450-08:00Nashville 2017Next week I head to annual Nashville Needlework Market to release my newest charts. Shops that attend market will be the first ones to bring them to their shelves. They'll arrive later at other shops and distributors, then eventually in a few months to my website for direct sales.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gwHlk3jEiss/WLJaVpj1siI/AAAAAAAACF4/aUZuw0XEvekaxdmh0S1_Y6HpgBzneAcCQCLcB/s1600/chalkboard%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gwHlk3jEiss/WLJaVpj1siI/AAAAAAAACF4/aUZuw0XEvekaxdmh0S1_Y6HpgBzneAcCQCLcB/s400/chalkboard%2Bweb.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chalkboard Mandala: GAST on Slate Hand Dyed fabric by Stephanie, <br />1 over 2 on 36</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j_wCXwK_7UA/WLJaVmbsz0I/AAAAAAAACFw/imsIWx0a8eIii4ay4C1n7RGnncfy3dyDgCLcB/s1600/damsel%2Bcover%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j_wCXwK_7UA/WLJaVmbsz0I/AAAAAAAACFw/imsIWx0a8eIii4ay4C1n7RGnncfy3dyDgCLcB/s400/damsel%2Bcover%2Bweb.jpg" width="390" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Damsel: Classic Colorworks Belle Soie on Doubloon byPTP 32</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xMG6L5mnoqc/WLJaVvzT91I/AAAAAAAACF0/gvZoECPVY24lJxAdEvUQqyOeSvmWPg5dwCLcB/s1600/dog%2Bpile%2Bcover%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xMG6L5mnoqc/WLJaVvzT91I/AAAAAAAACF0/gvZoECPVY24lJxAdEvUQqyOeSvmWPg5dwCLcB/s400/dog%2Bpile%2Bcover%2Bweb.jpg" width="261" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dog Pile: DMC on Simplicity Stitching Band</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sRtAcj4yE7I/WLJaV-R872I/AAAAAAAACGA/vgjOmbGXrTQrehTr-1plBghcvHwJnZMUgCLcB/s1600/dragons%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sRtAcj4yE7I/WLJaV-R872I/AAAAAAAACGA/vgjOmbGXrTQrehTr-1plBghcvHwJnZMUgCLcB/s400/dragons%2Bweb.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragons of Sumatra: Gloriana Silk in Poinsettia on 36 Ancient by PTP, 1 x 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A1rPdpu_T2c/WLJaV528ADI/AAAAAAAACF8/op1HzLuQLl8B4VOCRSe9hTjrxMrR0vOfgCLcB/s1600/shard%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A1rPdpu_T2c/WLJaV528ADI/AAAAAAAACF8/op1HzLuQLl8B4VOCRSe9hTjrxMrR0vOfgCLcB/s400/shard%2Bweb.jpg" width="393" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dark Shards: DMC on Vintage Smokey White Belfast </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cWQZliMKG7E/WLJaV6m7npI/AAAAAAAACGE/y1Aq8x2y-mURHlb0YzcAbTvlCQQJNAfoACLcB/s1600/sweing%2Bcover%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cWQZliMKG7E/WLJaV6m7npI/AAAAAAAACGE/y1Aq8x2y-mURHlb0YzcAbTvlCQQJNAfoACLcB/s400/sweing%2Bcover%2Bweb.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arranging the Sewing Kit: GAST on WDW 30 count Parchment</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310394899489329760noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158738592463543354.post-83808328908465918472017-01-01T19:46:00.001-08:002017-01-01T19:46:59.255-08:00New Year - New ChartsHappy New Year to all of my stitching friends. If you're like me, you've made some sort of resolution that says something to the effect of stitch more and stress less. I look forward to being a part of that and hope to see you sharing finishes from your stash, and perhaps to tempt you with new offerings.<br />
<br />
To kick off the new year, I introduce to you three charts that are available to shops starting January 9th. I think I said the 2nd at some earlier point, but I'm taking my own advice to not stress and am giving myself another week.<br />
<br />
These three are all part of the continuing "Arrangements" series.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T4qK9hW-shs/WGnMgFn0kZI/AAAAAAAACEo/6rbucHggNjEg5ZCdZvvoLTakFK8DPsqLACLcB/s1600/tools%2Barranging%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T4qK9hW-shs/WGnMgFn0kZI/AAAAAAAACEo/6rbucHggNjEg5ZCdZvvoLTakFK8DPsqLACLcB/s400/tools%2Barranging%2Bweb.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arranging Tools</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qd8B45zTbTw/WGnMgGm9ydI/AAAAAAAACEw/EDlmU3dUx_gKIdla2TE-w_323GDHPk3lgCLcB/s1600/birdhouses%2Barranging%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="325" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qd8B45zTbTw/WGnMgGm9ydI/AAAAAAAACEw/EDlmU3dUx_gKIdla2TE-w_323GDHPk3lgCLcB/s400/birdhouses%2Barranging%2Bweb.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arranging Birdhouses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1NBbX_-TwzY/WGnMgIeaZwI/AAAAAAAACEs/Y-RYseDMCWUdBbql-SsHrgvAuz0x53alwCLcB/s1600/lures%2Barranging%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1NBbX_-TwzY/WGnMgIeaZwI/AAAAAAAACEs/Y-RYseDMCWUdBbql-SsHrgvAuz0x53alwCLcB/s400/lures%2Barranging%2Bweb.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arranging Lures</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Happy stitching, and my best wishes in the coming year!Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310394899489329760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158738592463543354.post-37461657774858692452016-07-24T11:06:00.000-07:002016-07-24T11:06:16.361-07:00Fall LineupThings are always quiet in the new release arena after returning from Nashville in the spring. It's a time to take a breather and prepare for the coming months. I'm happy to share a number of new releases now as we go into the next "show season."<br />
<br />
Norden is one of the major US distributors for cross stitch charts and supplies. They are hosting a fall show opens August 8th where shops will be able to order new charts and limited edition kits exclusively through them.<br />
<br />
Ink Circles is releasing two new charts for the Norden Fall Show. If you'd like to get copies, ask your favorite shop to tune in to the Norden Show.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yRbL1QprVU4/V5UBp6k6-wI/AAAAAAAACDA/AOTnHHB25G08OBD28h0E8MA9GH9m5h4twCLcB/s1600/dreidel%2B406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Dreidel, Dreidel cross stitch chart by Ink Circles" border="0" height="316" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yRbL1QprVU4/V5UBp6k6-wI/AAAAAAAACDA/AOTnHHB25G08OBD28h0E8MA9GH9m5h4twCLcB/s320/dreidel%2B406.jpg" title="Dreidel, Dreidel" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dreidel, Dreidel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CXbueHEkRQY/V5UBp_nWlGI/AAAAAAAACDE/3CvF0h5UlEQWnswAS3GooiMvaeuo18PDwCLcB/s1600/veg%2B412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Arranging Vegetables cross stitch chart by Ink Circles" border="0" height="257" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CXbueHEkRQY/V5UBp_nWlGI/AAAAAAAACDE/3CvF0h5UlEQWnswAS3GooiMvaeuo18PDwCLcB/s320/veg%2B412.jpg" title="Arranging Vegetables" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arranging Vegetables</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here are two more that I released earlier this month. They should be available through just about every shop, as they've been sent to all of the major distributors.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CyUP25eycHM/V5UC1e0OTYI/AAAAAAAACDM/M72AByArtykfl35R4cLiLnYYUzWPw_JOgCLcB/s1600/NYC%2B336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Reflections of New York City cross stitch chart by Ink Circles" border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CyUP25eycHM/V5UC1e0OTYI/AAAAAAAACDM/M72AByArtykfl35R4cLiLnYYUzWPw_JOgCLcB/s320/NYC%2B336.jpg" title="Reflections of New York City" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reflections of New York City</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J1id2kfBkAs/V5UC1fHoPNI/AAAAAAAACDQ/EDtVhdAcGmUL_O657asoy71et3kRDdK8ACLcB/s1600/scotland%2B336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Reflections of Scotland cross stitch chart by Ink Circles" border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J1id2kfBkAs/V5UC1fHoPNI/AAAAAAAACDQ/EDtVhdAcGmUL_O657asoy71et3kRDdK8ACLcB/s320/scotland%2B336.jpg" title="Reflections of Scotland" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reflections of Scotland</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And stay tuned, because I'll have yet TWO more charts coming for the Fall Harvest Market Hop in September.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310394899489329760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158738592463543354.post-67393166387738272652016-02-07T12:11:00.003-08:002016-02-07T12:11:59.385-08:00Picking ColorsI showed photos of two new releases this week, and it's gotten me thinking about picking colors. Monochromes vs. fully dictated palettes.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--hsgGmcWmTc/VrecHFQmjTI/AAAAAAAAB_c/cLpl0ovsdAw/s1600/tapestry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--hsgGmcWmTc/VrecHFQmjTI/AAAAAAAAB_c/cLpl0ovsdAw/s400/tapestry.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tapestry - in 13 colors of Gentle Arts Threads.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I absolutely love how this came out, and judging from your comments on Facebook you do, too. However, this is probably the only coloration most of us are going to see for this design. There might be a few of us who swap around colors for something else, but most people who stitch it are likely to pick up the Gentle Arts thread pack or grab the DMC or other substitutes. The gold will likely stay gold. The two blues will likely stay two blues. (See below for the color list.)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kBi0xvNXrRs/Vred9-Pa2wI/AAAAAAAAB_k/Zr3dH1reigc/s1600/20160129_084426_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kBi0xvNXrRs/Vred9-Pa2wI/AAAAAAAAB_k/Zr3dH1reigc/s320/20160129_084426_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flower Power - a monochrome</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Flower Power, on the other hand, is presented to you in a monochrome. When you start stitching, we are going to see this on a wide range of hand-dyed fabrics. You are going to choose all sorts of different threads. Many of you will use multiple different threads - making different colored flowers, or even multicolored flowers. And because I didn't specifically tell you what color to put in what spot, you will be creative and you will make awesome things from this. And they will be unique; and they will be special.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When I tell you all the colors, I take this creativity away from you, or at least make it more unlikely that you reach for it. Will it blow your mind if I tell you that all of these mandalas started out as monochromes, and that you can add as much color as you like? I don't add color until the end. Make a photocopy of your chart and break out some colored pencils. Add as much color as you like. Or, pick one nice color and go to town, enjoying the shapes as the stitched take form. There is no right answer - just do what you like to do.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HH9n2YSpeeI/Vreg8toIMwI/AAAAAAAAB_w/-M5FCMozYmw/s1600/20160207_114641_resized%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HH9n2YSpeeI/Vreg8toIMwI/AAAAAAAAB_w/-M5FCMozYmw/s400/20160207_114641_resized%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tapestry before I added the colors<br />BTW - don't you love Moire patterns (the weird lines artifact)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
You can choose from many ways. Unfortunately, I usually only get to show you one way on the cover. That is why we all get so excited when photos of different versions are shared on the social media. Let me know what you come up with. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P-UlluXfkmg/VrejlTKAfNI/AAAAAAAAB_4/Zfxkwz8qGOk/s1600/20160207_113028_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P-UlluXfkmg/VrejlTKAfNI/AAAAAAAAB_4/Zfxkwz8qGOk/s320/20160207_113028_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To make Tapestry with the colors I've shown, you will need these Gentle Arts Thread (5 yard skeins). A few were so close to the 1 skein mark, I've rounded up. The fabric used was Weeks Dye Works Parchment linen in 30 count. Size is 199 x 199.</div>
<div>
Pine (2)</div>
<div>
Mulberry (1)</div>
<div>
Grecian Gold (2)</div>
<div>
Cinnamon (2)</div>
<div>
Soot (1)</div>
<div>
Wood Smoke (1)</div>
<div>
Dark Chocolate (1)</div>
<div>
Barn Grey (2)</div>
<div>
Brethren Blue (2)</div>
<div>
Briar Rose (2)</div>
<div>
Apple Cider (1)</div>
<div>
Garden Gate (2)</div>
<div>
Piney Woods (3)<br /><br /></div>
Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310394899489329760noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158738592463543354.post-13713625547622571892015-10-27T20:18:00.000-07:002015-10-27T20:35:29.825-07:00It's not just for cross stitch any moreMy biggest announcement of the year! I love coloring mandalas, and now YOU can color my mandalas too. I've been working on a coloring book, and now it is ready. It's got 20 different mandalas ready for you sit back, relax, and color.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sjxhJJJj8Xw/VjAlgkWT8WI/AAAAAAAAB8E/5Yl4rOB_yF0/s1600/PoA%2BCover-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sjxhJJJj8Xw/VjAlgkWT8WI/AAAAAAAAB8E/5Yl4rOB_yF0/s640/PoA%2BCover-01.jpg" width="496" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ink Circles is publishing a coloring book. This is what the cover looks like.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's called Peace of Art, a little pun because you will be creating a piece of art and you will be enjoying the peace of this relaxing art form. If you've been watching at all, you'll have noticed a stream of interviews/programs/studies in the social media that tout the benefits of coloring as an adult hobby.<br />
<br />
In what may be either a brilliant or a foolish move, I have chosen to distribute through Amazon as my primary fulfilment vehicle. You'll get Prime 2-day shipping; you'll get their price breaks (if they discount it); you'll be able to write and read reviews; I'll get a huge potential audience.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0996967508/?tag=inkcir-20" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="73" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iIx5Yk1erzw/VjA-3ldAHkI/AAAAAAAAB9E/pMcS_DwYaXE/s200/Amazon-preorder.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
If you're not seeing the link directly above because of Adblock or your firewall, you'll need to go to Amazon and search the old fashioned way. It says order, but technically it is "pre-order" until Nov 10th.<br />
<br />
Some of the choices I made in putting this together that might set my book apart from others:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Single-sided (8.5 x 11"), so you can cut out pages and frame (or hang on your fridge) without losing a second page.</li>
<li>Cardstock pages, so you can use colored pencils OR marker, or maybe even watercolor pencils without the page bleeding through or rippling.</li>
<li>Spiral wire binding, it folds back flat to whatever page you choose. No coloring in the binding area.</li>
<li>Spiral at the top: both my kids are southpaws. That side spiral gets in the way, so this works great for right or left handed colorists.</li>
<li>A color test area on each page so you can check if your shading works or that pink is as bright as you hoped. It's designed such that it can be cut out to make a bookmark afterwards.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GLMs7CnEyv8/VjAunrIPTpI/AAAAAAAAB8g/BpG724Eipk8/s1600/0996967508.pt01.web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GLMs7CnEyv8/VjAunrIPTpI/AAAAAAAAB8g/BpG724Eipk8/s400/0996967508.pt01.web.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the 20 pages. You can see the binding and the bookmark in this photo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H2a5d3EqM0k/VjAunkVWcRI/AAAAAAAAB8k/HE4MHlHkEbc/s1600/0996967508.pt02.web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H2a5d3EqM0k/VjAunkVWcRI/AAAAAAAAB8k/HE4MHlHkEbc/s400/0996967508.pt02.web.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pick the colors that make you smile. Relax, there is no wrong way to do it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VRSvkMk2wdo/VjAwXTMryyI/AAAAAAAAB80/QdfOREaw248/s1600/0996967508.back.web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VRSvkMk2wdo/VjAwXTMryyI/AAAAAAAAB80/QdfOREaw248/s400/0996967508.back.web.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Complete with a real ISBN: 978-0-9969675-0-1<br />
I feel so official!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'll be adding this to the Ink Circles site for ordering, as well as my Etsy shop, in the interest of complete marketing options, but don't feel bad getting it from your cheapest easiest source. (Only feel bad if you are getting it illegally from a scanned pirated posted copy.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Namaste!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310394899489329760noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158738592463543354.post-8624691671710493982015-10-10T16:51:00.001-07:002015-10-10T16:51:39.370-07:00Happy Thanksgiving Canadians!There is a lot of weird nonsense going on in the world right now, but there is also plenty to be thankful for. Monday is Thanksgiving Day for our Canadian friends, of which I am happy to have many. I was pleased to be asked by Thread & Eye in London, Ontario (the same shop that let me pilot the Roll Your Own Mandalas) to extend my Reflections series to include Canada. Challenge accepted.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-omE0z_7_zOA/VhmghMPhJKI/AAAAAAAAB7s/igxfMLtxXto/s1600/canada%2B336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-omE0z_7_zOA/VhmghMPhJKI/AAAAAAAAB7s/igxfMLtxXto/s400/canada%2B336.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reflections of Canada </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Canada has no shortage of cool cultural icons, and I tried to balance some from both from modern society and the native peoples. Throw in a few common non-human residents and add a generous sprinkling of the traditional maple leaves and... Voila! Reflections of Canada.<br />
<br />
Ingredients: Hockey sticks, teepees, Inukshuk, beavers, pine trees, Parliament building, geese, moose, totem pole, RCMP, the CN tower, dogwood flower, and maple leaves.<br />
<br />
This chart is currently available exclusively through <a href="http://www.threadneye.com/reflections-of-canada-exclusive-to-thread-eye-p-10245.html" target="_blank">Thread & Eye</a>. Neale and Kathy are happy to do mail order. It's shown stitched in Dinky Dyes Warratah silk on 32 count Vintage Smokey White linen by Zweigart, but it will obviously adapt to just about any color scheme.<br />
<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310394899489329760noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158738592463543354.post-64260016245495622692015-09-13T11:11:00.000-07:002015-09-13T11:11:26.060-07:00Freshly Harvested<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lmmo_b8nYjk/VfW3OR41ONI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/pZHQlf0ibLo/s1600/harvest%2Bcrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lmmo_b8nYjk/VfW3OR41ONI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/pZHQlf0ibLo/s1600/harvest%2Bcrop.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ask your favorite LNS or ONS for these fresh picks from Ink Circles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This fall was the first in many years when the TNNA (national trade organization for needlework) didn't organize a fall needlework market for wholesale buyers. To fill the gap, two different efforts created new shows using new concepts as a way to bring a surge of fresh designs for the fall.<br />
<br />
Norden Crafts generated quite a buzz last month with their show and over 120 new designs from your favorite designers, everything ordered through and shipping from Norden. This month, the gals from Shepherd's Bush coordinated an online show where contributing designers made little mini-shows on their own websites and handled orders directly.<br />
<br />
It may have been a bit tough for individual stitchers to sort their ways through these new formats, but recognize the result being HUNDREDS of new designs being made available in the cross stitch market within the last month. With that, I salute the efforts made for both shows and proudly present to you the six new designs released by Ink Circles, including Second Spring in collaboration with Hands On Design. Contact your favorite shop to order any of these charts. I do have an online web shop, but I don't add new releases for a few months in an effort to give shops first crack at sales.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310394899489329760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158738592463543354.post-58204647885503658722015-09-06T21:48:00.000-07:002015-09-06T22:35:30.437-07:00Love and Let LoveHere is a special mandala for you. Some of you...if you're not into this sort of thing (tolerance) please just scroll along to the next blog/post - no comment is necessary. If you'd actually like the pattern to stitch this gratuitous profusion of rainbows, hearts and little <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">♀♂</span> in various combinations see below. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qILtlwbsHpI/Ve0GvwsyzZI/AAAAAAAAB6M/iTaluzpKmxU/s1600/relentless1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qILtlwbsHpI/Ve0GvwsyzZI/AAAAAAAAB6M/iTaluzpKmxU/s320/relentless1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relentless</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Uses 10 skeins of DMC (3 of which are black); 115 inches square; suitable for aida, beads, etc.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-36PLgZWolZ0/Ve0h8_Ek62I/AAAAAAAAB7E/pHVXDjf_zH8/s1600/IMG_20150906_124456_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-36PLgZWolZ0/Ve0h8_Ek62I/AAAAAAAAB7E/pHVXDjf_zH8/s320/IMG_20150906_124456_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colors called for, but you can pick your own rainbow.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" name="_xclick">
<input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_xclick" />
<input name="business" type="hidden" value="tracy@inkcircles.com" />
<input name="currency_code" type="hidden" value="USD" />
<input name="item_name" type="hidden" value="Relentless PDF cross stitch chart" />
<input name="shipping" type="hidden" value="0.00" />
<input name="shipping2" type="hidden" value="0.00" />
<input name="amount" placeholder="Enter Amount Here" type="text" value="" />
<input alt="Make payments with PayPal - it's fast, free and secure!" border="0" name="submit" src="http://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_buynow_LG.gif" type="image" />
</form>
READ ALL THESE WORDS BEFORE YOU BUY: A pattern for this cross stitch design is being offered in pdf format, rather than the usual norm for me which is printed only. Also unusual, is that I am not specifying a price; you put in a number that is right for you, like a tip jar. I'll be donating the funds from this one to an appropriate local org. This is NOT an automatic download - you have to wait for me to email you the file, which I will make every effort to promptly do. I will send it to the email PayPal tells me, unless you say differently. I will not be doing anything ever with the email you use other than sending you the file. The file you receive is copyrighted and is NOT to be posted on any web site or forum, disassembled, scanned, etc. If your friend wants a copy, please send them the link instead and encourage them to chip in a buck or two.<br />
<br />
If you run a shop and are interested in printed copies of this, send me an email and I'll be happy to set you up.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310394899489329760noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158738592463543354.post-59017980231106029882015-05-29T10:35:00.001-07:002015-05-29T10:35:36.620-07:00NeglectI've apparently not posted since January? That's a bit embarrassing, and not for want of content. Some mandalas to stitch... here are the monochromes.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_UvavEFeVxQ/VWiignl7GbI/AAAAAAAAB4k/NhzzYSPjYiA/s1600/holly%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_UvavEFeVxQ/VWiignl7GbI/AAAAAAAAB4k/NhzzYSPjYiA/s320/holly%2Bweb.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Holly Jolly Mandala</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B-8jO_EsROo/VWiitCpFeyI/AAAAAAAAB4s/RBGFhMtTEaI/s1600/Spirited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B-8jO_EsROo/VWiitCpFeyI/AAAAAAAAB4s/RBGFhMtTEaI/s320/Spirited.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Spirited Mandala</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8q2Mf3nSOOU/VWiiz85igAI/AAAAAAAAB40/yKL6RYo_MR4/s1600/wingsthings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8q2Mf3nSOOU/VWiiz85igAI/AAAAAAAAB40/yKL6RYo_MR4/s320/wingsthings.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wings and Things</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CGyFxCc7JIg/VWijHFsBwwI/AAAAAAAAB48/yGL3OkcaggE/s1600/Valentina%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="304" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CGyFxCc7JIg/VWijHFsBwwI/AAAAAAAAB48/yGL3OkcaggE/s320/Valentina%2Bweb.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valentina</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310394899489329760noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158738592463543354.post-91367994598652588812015-01-16T13:15:00.000-08:002015-01-16T13:15:06.012-08:00TNNA PhoenixTwo new Ink Circles charts debuted in January at the TNNA Phoenix tradeshow last weekend. Shops that attended were able to pick up or order these through Wichelt. They are going this week to shops on automatics from me, and they'll be with all the distributors within a few weeks (i.e. available everywhere by then.)<br />
<br />
The first is a set of sewing implements that fit inside this little tray. When I first saw the tray, my first thought was of an antique bed. So naturally, it needed an antique bed covering. The set grew as I thought of more things that could fit into the bed.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-664GqyZSYm8/VLl80vY8jGI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/lEFGkm8Wg-w/s1600/cover%2Bstory2%2Bsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-664GqyZSYm8/VLl80vY8jGI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/lEFGkm8Wg-w/s1600/cover%2Bstory2%2Bsmall.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The set is called "Cover Story"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The set includes a scissor keeper, pinkeep, needlebook, the coverlet, and some throw pillows. The chart pack includes all of the finishing instructions for each item. I chose Red, white, and blue silks from Treenway. The fabric color is important to be darker than the white, but not much. Heroic by Picture This Plus worked out perfectly. Below is an example of the overshot woven coverlets that inspired these designs.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1d/Coverlet_weave.jpg/250px-Coverlet_weave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1d/Coverlet_weave.jpg/250px-Coverlet_weave.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Read more about coverlets <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woven_coverlet" target="_blank">here</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The second new piece is a followup to the popular Reflections of Paris and Turrets and Town pieces. This time we visit London. If you look you can see most of the popular landmarks with everything from police boxes and double decker buses to Underground signs sprinkled in.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_1k0oruByRs/VLl-UXR8zKI/AAAAAAAAB3g/o4vZ1IAn7lU/s1600/London%2B500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_1k0oruByRs/VLl-UXR8zKI/AAAAAAAAB3g/o4vZ1IAn7lU/s1600/London%2B500.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reflections of London</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I find this style of design fun to draw as well as enjoyable to stitch. Given the encouragement and the popularity, I'm planning more. It's only a question of which city/country/area to do next.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310394899489329760noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158738592463543354.post-33253319922389545112015-01-03T10:07:00.000-08:002015-01-03T15:38:18.798-08:00RainierNew RYO colorway called Rainier: 311/322/828, 961/962/963, 3844/3846/3811, 501/3052/524. These are the 2014 mandalas:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ut5ffzJIMVQ/VKgvDfapNDI/AAAAAAAAB3E/wqR90tscK8w/s1600/first%2Bseven%2Brainier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ut5ffzJIMVQ/VKgvDfapNDI/AAAAAAAAB3E/wqR90tscK8w/s1600/first%2Bseven%2Brainier.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310394899489329760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158738592463543354.post-30689033971631574082014-11-28T13:26:00.000-08:002014-11-28T13:26:58.276-08:00Open letter to AmandaHello Amanda,<div>
I'm not sure what your financial and moral situations are that led up to you joining the Chinese pattern sharing forum. I don't have any vendetta against you in particular, you just happened to be more obvious than most of the thieves so it was easy to single you out for example.</div>
<div>
It always leaves me with a knot of anger in my stomach when I see my charts posted up on the sites for the downloading. Seriously, how would you like to see something that you've spent hours developing as a saleable product being passed out for free. Actually it's worse than just giving them away for free. To download them, I know that you have to further propagate the piracy by uploading different charts to the forum. I wonder who you sold out to download my pattern.</div>
<div>
My daughter's college doesn't take "gold coins" for her tuition. The grocery store doesn't accept them either, nor the vet, nor the power company. Perhaps you think we designers are swimming in dough from all the legal sales and don't really miss the gravy. If you were to look at how many of my charts were posted in that forum, and calculate how many downloads each, and how much lost sales, you might be surprised at how high the figure was. Perhaps you don't realize what a small percentage of the retail price from a legal sale ends up in an account from which I can pay for those groceries.</div>
<div>
From your Facebook pictures, I can see you have a young son. Are these the lessons you are teaching him? He'll grow up to be a real gem, I'm sure.</div>
<div>
I particularly like the way you waved your arms around and Facebook deleted everything from my timeline, including my own photos. It's as if NOTHING happened there. I called you out as a thief, with the hard evidence to back that, yet somehow I was the bully. But not before 4,000+ people saw what you did. </div>
<div>
There's not much I can do to stop the root problem. Those foreign sites don't comply with legal requests and takedown notices. You've changed your screen name, as if that will protect you or somehow hide you from view. Lawyers to chase infringers and shut down sites don't work within the salary limits I have, and further dealings with you will only depress me.</div>
<div>
Besides there is a different morally decrepit soul over on Google docs that I'm turning my energies toward today. She somehow thinks that if she recharts my patterns into the cross stitch program herself, that she can copyright the output. And as I speak, a friend just sent an email pointing out that some bitch on Pinterest is sharing scanned images. Ah what a respected and rewarding career.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
May karma bite you on the ass,</div>
<div>
Tracy</div>
Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310394899489329760noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158738592463543354.post-69907479001971207722014-11-10T10:37:00.002-08:002018-01-05T21:09:55.685-08:00Where did October go?Somehow in all the hubbub of preparing for the big Trail of Orts tour, I neglected to update the blog and the <a href="http://inkcircles.blogspot.com/p/roll-your-own.html" target="_blank">Roll Your Own Wiki</a> with the latest mandala in the series. The charts went out to all the subscribers on October 1st, but nobody else got to see and I didn't preview it in the typical variety of colorways. October was the 7th and final installment in the Merry Go Round RYO series. These were all named after lines of latitude, and October was the Arctic Circle. Whether or not any visible cues from where I drew my inspiration still remain distinct in the design is open to your judgement, but these always do end up being a study in abstraction.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W7DeKMC5njQ/VGD-RIJB_2I/AAAAAAAAB08/Xnl9vLhK5Ew/s1600/Eagle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W7DeKMC5njQ/VGD-RIJB_2I/AAAAAAAAB08/Xnl9vLhK5Ew/s1600/Eagle.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arctic Circle in its titular colorway:<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; text-align: left;">Navy 336/312/334; Christmas Green 701/703/472; <br />Jade 561/562/564; Desert Sand 632/407/950.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here she is in some of our other colorways. It's always fun to see how the different colors tend to accentuate one part of the design or another. As usual, it's going to be a tough choice to pick colors for stitching.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PQs4ENSqgE8/VGEDap3KQrI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/-mU7cXhBjlc/s1600/eagle%2Boptions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PQs4ENSqgE8/VGEDap3KQrI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/-mU7cXhBjlc/s1600/eagle%2Boptions.jpg" width="398" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top Row: Clean the Fan, Orchids, Halloween<br />
Middle Row: Zaszlaja, Basil, Tropic of Cancer<br />
Bottom: Seahawks, Fall Daisy, Geode</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
RYO charts are now available only in printed form from your favorite shop or directly from my <a href="https://inkcircles.com/collections/roll-your-own" target="_blank">webshop</a>.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310394899489329760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158738592463543354.post-71368276099285182752014-11-06T14:58:00.000-08:002014-11-06T14:58:40.606-08:00November New ReleasesTwo new charts for November. If you ran in to me on the Trail of Orts Tour, you will recognize the Spot On set of mini-mandalas that I brought along. Susan at Red Gate Stitchery makes these very cool little drilled pendants of wood and acrylic and my thoughts immediately ran to tiny kaleidoscopic jewels that would fit just perfectly. You can ask your favorite LNS to stock or special order the pendant blanks, or you can buy them directly from Susan in her <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/RedGateStitchery" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>. The chart is $10 and should be available from your favorite shop.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-stKLMdbLSM4/VFv6YPD9kAI/AAAAAAAAB0k/0r0uVTeoqi4/s1600/red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-stKLMdbLSM4/VFv6YPD9kAI/AAAAAAAAB0k/0r0uVTeoqi4/s1600/red.jpg" height="277" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DMC and a few hours to make a sweet little necklace!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The <a href="http://stitchersvillage.com/activities/village-home-series.html" target="_blank">Stitchers' Village</a> is sponsoring a series of charts themed by asking where several designers' ideal home would be. Ink Circles was #3 in their series, with the chart Village Square. (Rosewood Manor and Glendon Place were #1 and #2.) "My village home is in a small town full of parks and trees and flowers. I can easily walk to the bookstore, the stitching shop, and the pub." I stitched it in Gloriana's Bluegrass Silk (you'll need 2 skeins) and Picture This Plus Icon Belfast linen, but it will obviously adapt to many a combo.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NYX6Nnj9E_o/VFv7xtoSp9I/AAAAAAAAB0s/N89m0R-oYdk/s1600/Village%2BSquare%2B336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NYX6Nnj9E_o/VFv7xtoSp9I/AAAAAAAAB0s/N89m0R-oYdk/s1600/Village%2BSquare%2B336.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Village Square - #3 in the the Village Home series.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, wherever it is that you call home, I invite you to pour a mug of your favorite brew (be it coffee, tea, or beer) and sit for a while and stitch. I'm pretty sure you deserve a little break.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310394899489329760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158738592463543354.post-11611686494311800492014-10-26T09:39:00.000-07:002014-10-27T11:41:36.298-07:00The Trail Leads HomeIt's taken a few days to get everything back to normal after our ort-sprinkling journey across the country. Cathy Habermann of Hands On Design joined me on a seven stop hop that took us to two shows and five LNS shops in between.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IpXW5wW9Mfs/VE0YAQrQZWI/AAAAAAAABx0/Dv2MMNkwOnY/s1600/celebrate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IpXW5wW9Mfs/VE0YAQrQZWI/AAAAAAAABx0/Dv2MMNkwOnY/s1600/celebrate.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We started in St. Charles MO at the Celebrations of Needlework.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SYhRbrTI9rI/VE0fF5goUvI/AAAAAAAABzk/c1RycvN9vK8/s1600/celebrate%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SYhRbrTI9rI/VE0fF5goUvI/AAAAAAAABzk/c1RycvN9vK8/s1600/celebrate%2B2.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I taught a class the silk-sequencing technique<br />
I've been playing with. Alyse is showing off<br />
her finished class piece.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HfTN4NieCsE/VE0YBNiXlTI/AAAAAAAAByA/hvpO0WlkKrQ/s1600/etc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HfTN4NieCsE/VE0YBNiXlTI/AAAAAAAAByA/hvpO0WlkKrQ/s1600/etc.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stitches Etc. is right there in historic downtown St. Charles.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ffpfyhYzS58/VE0YAmHGH8I/AAAAAAAABx8/o2CI8GKvcHA/s1600/etc%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ffpfyhYzS58/VE0YAmHGH8I/AAAAAAAABx8/o2CI8GKvcHA/s1600/etc%2B2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging out with Cathe Ray from Needle in a Haystack, Gail Zumwalt of <br />
Stitches Etc, and Cathy Roginela of Inspired Needle. The Cathe/y contingent were<br />
all in town for the Celebrations show.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LVRhGT_L9mg/VE0YCAE9iNI/AAAAAAAAByU/9maIkffvcAc/s1600/heart%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LVRhGT_L9mg/VE0YCAE9iNI/AAAAAAAAByU/9maIkffvcAc/s1600/heart%2B2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Susie has an amazing shop in Evansville IN.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RsDldLJ5i20/VE0YCii8n0I/AAAAAAAAByY/dqQXdOhB4aU/s1600/heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RsDldLJ5i20/VE0YCii8n0I/AAAAAAAAByY/dqQXdOhB4aU/s1600/heart.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stitches From the Heart, the second shop on the route, was filled to the brim<br />
with good stuff. Our little table was equally packed. We could have spent days there.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yc-pF3vm5wQ/VE0YDmFYd5I/AAAAAAAAByo/KyNlUm50nzU/s1600/post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yc-pF3vm5wQ/VE0YDmFYd5I/AAAAAAAAByo/KyNlUm50nzU/s1600/post.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Stitchin' Post in Nashville was shop #3. Again, we got to meet some <br />
amazing ladies and see a wonderful LNS.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6HmuCN9xP7U/VE0YDlz5J3I/AAAAAAAABys/7WgNXAA5H2U/s1600/post%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6HmuCN9xP7U/VE0YDlz5J3I/AAAAAAAABys/7WgNXAA5H2U/s1600/post%2B2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anyone would be happy to be able to call this their LNS, and we were<br />
lucky to have a little shopping time here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FMduJ1p2d-k/VE0YAm7COKI/AAAAAAAABx4/BgZA2peQHnY/s1600/dixie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FMduJ1p2d-k/VE0YAm7COKI/AAAAAAAABx4/BgZA2peQHnY/s1600/dixie.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cindy welcomed us at shop #4 - Dixie Darlin in Pigeon Forge. She was getting ready<br />
to join us at Stitching at the Beach, our final stop. You might know Cindy from her design<br />
work as Foxwood Crossing (lots of sleds) but she also keeps a fully stocked<br />
shop in a historic touristy area.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MyMiGfcu3qA/VE0YBkLbI-I/AAAAAAAAByI/LQFSIzXvR6o/s1600/frame%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MyMiGfcu3qA/VE0YBkLbI-I/AAAAAAAAByI/LQFSIzXvR6o/s1600/frame%2B2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was easy to see why stitchers living a four hour drive away call the Stitch & Frame Shop<br />
in Rock Hill, SC their "local" needlework shop. We even had a few of the not-so-locals<br />
drive up for the day to meet us on our trip.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-079Lgjk1K7I/VE0YByx99-I/AAAAAAAAByM/NNrAtgZEyEo/s1600/frame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-079Lgjk1K7I/VE0YByx99-I/AAAAAAAAByM/NNrAtgZEyEo/s1600/frame.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stitch & Frame's building was perfect for a shop - light and airy, with high windows,<br />
ledges and cubbies everywhere that were filled with models.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XSrBIuR42oc/VE0eBYMR9WI/AAAAAAAABzc/0QzMQL9nMPM/s1600/20141015_111210_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XSrBIuR42oc/VE0eBYMR9WI/AAAAAAAABzc/0QzMQL9nMPM/s1600/20141015_111210_resized.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathy drove up and brought in her finished 99, which included<br />
a custom bottle she swapped in. I love it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YOUHAJhou_I/VE0hGP4op8I/AAAAAAAABzw/d2RRhsuf3Ck/s1600/20141015_182348_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YOUHAJhou_I/VE0hGP4op8I/AAAAAAAABzw/d2RRhsuf3Ck/s1600/20141015_182348_resized.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And onward to the Ocean.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VNsA0fglDKo/VE0YDQ5cQHI/AAAAAAAAByk/er3ZTw923X4/s1600/myrtle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VNsA0fglDKo/VE0YDQ5cQHI/AAAAAAAAByk/er3ZTw923X4/s1600/myrtle.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stitching at the Beach is a lovely retreat with a shopping boutique area in the room.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hkeshN1u37k/VE0YC_5RJEI/AAAAAAAAByc/19Cn95Vy5Z4/s1600/myrtle%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hkeshN1u37k/VE0YC_5RJEI/AAAAAAAAByc/19Cn95Vy5Z4/s1600/myrtle%2B2.jpg" height="291" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got to see a few friends from the Branson retreat last summer,<br />
as well as meet a few friends from Facebook. Many of them brought<br />
in finishes. Such nice work - I am so proud!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-alXTpCU5sSc/VE0jTa-Y52I/AAAAAAAABz8/DIwcaFf-aaY/s1600/celebrate%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-alXTpCU5sSc/VE0jTa-Y52I/AAAAAAAABz8/DIwcaFf-aaY/s1600/celebrate%2B3.jpg" height="400" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have such wonderfully nerdy fans! And such accomplished<br />
stitchers. All of Janel's work on the table there is over 1.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We kept busy enough that not much actual stitching was done, and we left very few orts in our wake. The weather at Myrtle Beach was fabulous, and after days of driving in the torrential rain that was very welcome. Wish we could have found a little more time for the sand, but we enjoyed every minute of it.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have no clue whether factors will ever align to let us plan something like this again, so I am truly thankful to everyone that came out to meet us and all the beautiful shops that opened up their doors. What a trip! </div>
Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310394899489329760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158738592463543354.post-68335258800751700152014-09-18T08:40:00.000-07:002014-09-18T08:40:33.489-07:00Trail of Orts"Trail of Orts" is officially booked! Cathy Habermann of <a href="http://handsondesign.biz/" target="_blank">Hands On Design</a> and I had both signed up to show at two different retreats/festivals this fall. When the dates were finally announced, they turned out to be only a week apart. So, rather than attempt to fly back home and immediately turn around and fly off again, we decided to make a road trip of it. We're inviting everyone to join us in the fun.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--VROc20n_S4/VBr2Fsm_QII/AAAAAAAABxU/9DMPIlQbilo/s1600/TOO%2Bschedule-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--VROc20n_S4/VBr2Fsm_QII/AAAAAAAABxU/9DMPIlQbilo/s1600/TOO%2Bschedule-01.jpg" height="640" width="494" /></a></div>
We kick off with the <a href="http://celebrationofnw.com/index.php" target="_blank">Celebration of Needlework</a> in St. Charles, Missouri, the longest running show of its kind. I'll be teaching a class on using and understanding variegated threads and will have a booth with lots of models to see in person. It's set up boutique style in the hotel room suites, where everyone builds a mini-shop in the front room and sleeps in the back room. This show is open to the public unlike the TNNA shows I've been doing. There are many rooms and areas where stitchers get together and hang out between shopping sessions and classes. Then...<br />
<br />
We've set up Meet and Greet events at shops all along the way. We'll each bring in a collection of models and charts, and will be anxiously awaiting meeting stitchers and seeing what they are up to. The shops and times are listed above - I hope folks will be able to break away from whatever they're doing and come by to visit. Then...<br />
<br />
We arrive on the Atlantic coast at Myrtle Beach,South Carolina, ready for the PALs <a href="http://www.downsunshinelane.com/beach.htm" target="_blank">Stitching at the Beach</a> retreat. This is the 17th year that Down Sunshine Lane has organized this event, and I must say it sounds like they've gotten the formula right. Stitching. Beach. It's a combination of various scheduled activities, a merchant mall area, and plenty of relaxed stitching time. This is my first time, but Cathy has told me how much fun it's going to be.<br />
<br />
I must say this is the most planning and thinking ahead I'm having to do. I'm probably over preparing in some areas, but I've never had to be stocked for seven events in a row. We've got some new little surprises and special things that we'll be revealing along the way, so even if you can't meet us on the trail in person you can follow along on our blogs and facebook pages.<br />
<br />
Road Trip!Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310394899489329760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158738592463543354.post-70987261995106694502014-09-03T16:18:00.000-07:002014-09-03T16:18:52.695-07:00Fan LoveI was recently delighted to see that the number of likes on the Ink Circles Facebook page had grown to the 3000 mark. I decided that this deserved a big thank you.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dVZbSzZ1QS4/VAeWGXpPY5I/AAAAAAAABu4/llM7FES0NnE/s1600/3000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dVZbSzZ1QS4/VAeWGXpPY5I/AAAAAAAABu4/llM7FES0NnE/s1600/3000.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
About this time, I was sharing some photos of stitching on wood and a friend (waves at Julia) pointed out that <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/RedGateStitchery?section_id=12718105&ref=shopsection_leftnav_3" target="_blank">Red Gate Stitchery</a>'s skinny bamboo blank looked perfect for a T.A.R.D.I.S.<br />
<br />
Occasionally there is a minor kerfluffle to bring it into the light, but many stitchers do not realize that practically every chart they see that pays tribute to a movie, a TV series, a superhero, a band, a song, anything to do with an empire run by a mouse wearing pants, etc., needs to be properly licensed to be legal. The ferocity with which the trademark holders swoop down on you depends on a few factors: their own in-house legal budget, how prominent/obscure the violation is, how much they think the artist is going to make, and whether Mercury is in retrograde. Licensing is extremely expensive and really inhibits the commercial level cross-stitch designers from getting in the game. Swarms of hobbyist designers play (or are) ignorant and put up infringing charts for sale on Etsy or their blog or wherever.<br />
<br />
So, absolutely no TARDIS charts coming from me. I offer instead a complimentary chart of this generic substitute: Perfectly Ordinary British Police Box. ( I really did <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Police_box" target="_blank">look it up</a> to ensure that a generic version did exist and they weren't invented just for the show.) No trademark. No money changing hands. No problems.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://inkcircles.com/Goodies/InkSpot18.pdf" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J_3_lhi7Gh0/VAea8LS4zGI/AAAAAAAABvA/ECLzr8_bNh4/s1600/police%2Bbox.jpg" height="640" width="494" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://inkcircles.com/Goodies/InkSpot18.pdf" target="_blank">Click here to download my PDF.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310394899489329760noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158738592463543354.post-58763779201390615232014-09-01T12:52:00.003-07:002018-01-05T21:08:05.575-08:00The Horse Latitudes<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CBYPW_PPv94/VATHGmP-POI/AAAAAAAABuI/sRyCBzTWnkE/s1600/horse%2Bmandala%2Bin%2BDoor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CBYPW_PPv94/VATHGmP-POI/AAAAAAAABuI/sRyCBzTWnkE/s1600/horse%2Bmandala%2Bin%2BDoor.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Picking an obscure grouping for the 2014 RYO series has been an interesting and educational exercise. I probably should have confirmed ahead of time that there even were seven named lines of latitude that would provide inspiration, but this way I have the opportunity each month to do a little research, a bit of digging, and some playing around.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-laaFWreXt9g/VATJiI20sgI/AAAAAAAABuQ/VD2oz0VFpvg/s1600/horse%2Bmandala%2Bgeode.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-laaFWreXt9g/VATJiI20sgI/AAAAAAAABuQ/VD2oz0VFpvg/s1600/horse%2Bmandala%2Bgeode.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The titular Horse Latitudes are actually a matched set, between 30 and 35 degrees both north and south of the equator. Rather than one specific latitude, each is a band of latitudes characterized by the type of air current. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horse_latitudes" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a> offers much maritime discussion and a few different possibilities on the origin of the name which involve sailors and dead horses (both literally dead and figuratively dead.) See - you learn things when you cross stitch.<br />
<br />
I've worked a team of horses into this mandala. They are subtle, and in fact are winged, as in the immortal (thus very not dead) Pegasus. I figure they can keep Draco company. As always with these RYO charts, any of the existing color palettes can be plugged in with an extremely high success rate.<br />
<br />
<br />
The topmost version in blues and greens is called Door: 3750/931/3752, 3847/3849/472, 561/562/564, 500/502/3813. (Inspired by this <a href="http://design-seeds.com/palettes/ADoorPalette.png" target="_blank">Design Seeds Photo</a>.) The second one down is in Geode: 347/3712/761, 3834/3041/3743, 413/414/415, 312/334/3841, inspired by<a href="http://design-seeds.com/palettes/GeodeTones_1.png" target="_blank"> this Design Seed photo</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6kqYsCNJd9w/VAS9uJvR1VI/AAAAAAAABtI/BHGAowHQJ4E/s1600/horse%2Bmandala%2Bvictorian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6kqYsCNJd9w/VAS9uJvR1VI/AAAAAAAABtI/BHGAowHQJ4E/s1600/horse%2Bmandala%2Bvictorian.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Here is Horse Latitudes in Victorian (<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">600/602/605, 349/351/743, 3842/3760/3761, 911/913/955.)</span><br />
<br />
And of course, it's still fun to make new palettes. Here is a short example of how you do it.<br />
<br />
1) Find a photo, a fabric, a flower - something that you like the look of. This example was suggested by a friend on facebook. I tried to find the original poster to give credit, but it has been share a ton through Tumbl and such and I gave up pulling the thread. It brought a smile to see the Facebook share had come to my friend by way of Patricia Polacco's page - she was one of the kids' favorite author/illustrators when they were young. I also particularly like the message in this photo. The news media seems to be a constant stream of bad things happening due to racism and intolerance. (Be good to each other!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wcg3vQPbfTE/VAS-0Bio6bI/AAAAAAAABtQ/5J1_xZRkv3U/s1600/humans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wcg3vQPbfTE/VAS-0Bio6bI/AAAAAAAABtQ/5J1_xZRkv3U/s1600/humans.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
2) Find four distinct colors in the photo. You do not have to pick every color you see, just four dominant ones.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-65gPa3ErUV8/VATAXZ9eB2I/AAAAAAAABtY/-pMqDFfvg8E/s1600/human%2Bfour.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="74" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-65gPa3ErUV8/VATAXZ9eB2I/AAAAAAAABtY/-pMqDFfvg8E/s1600/human%2Bfour.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
3) Now find a dark, a medium, and a light for each of those four colors. You do NOT need to see them in the photo, and the four you picked above can be the dark, the medium, or the light of their respective families. Access to a DMC color card or a drawer/wall of threads makes this easier.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sjREUNmR8L4/VATBww8GtFI/AAAAAAAABtg/xBYKx79q6II/s1600/human%2Btwelve.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="46" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sjREUNmR8L4/VATBww8GtFI/AAAAAAAABtg/xBYKx79q6II/s1600/human%2Btwelve.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
4) Plug and Play.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j553XwZKu2E/VATB_WaDgoI/AAAAAAAABto/HrRFh_xpyUY/s1600/horse%2Bin%2Bhuman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j553XwZKu2E/VATB_WaDgoI/AAAAAAAABto/HrRFh_xpyUY/s1600/horse%2Bin%2Bhuman.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Here are the six Merry Go Round mandalas in the "Human" palette: <span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">355/356/754, 938/400/3776, 3340/3341/967, 838/840/842.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iRw8pvm_j7o/VATDRZ6aaaI/AAAAAAAABt4/KjTdvhkymME/s1600/first%2Bsix%2Bhumans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iRw8pvm_j7o/VATDRZ6aaaI/AAAAAAAABt4/KjTdvhkymME/s1600/first%2Bsix%2Bhumans.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">Here is another example, starting with a photo from the website Design Seeds. You might notice that I like that site and use it for color inspiration often: </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xFueRT305VQ/VATPXf8wdLI/AAAAAAAABug/x-d28r2vCV4/s1600/horse%2Bextras.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xFueRT305VQ/VATPXf8wdLI/AAAAAAAABug/x-d28r2vCV4/s1600/horse%2Bextras.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bonus Bits that come with this chart!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yg8JzB8MSsI/VATF8njw4RI/AAAAAAAABuA/EuJmjIf_afM/s1600/carrot%2Bpalette.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="52" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yg8JzB8MSsI/VATF8njw4RI/AAAAAAAABuA/EuJmjIf_afM/s1600/carrot%2Bpalette.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F_UMt7cqIlU/VAS7QA8pyJI/AAAAAAAABtA/bjcA4eSmUUg/s1600/horse%2Bmandala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F_UMt7cqIlU/VAS7QA8pyJI/AAAAAAAABtA/bjcA4eSmUUg/s1600/horse%2Bmandala.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horse Latitudes in Carrots:<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; text-align: left;">3340/725/727, 349/350/351, 895/3346/3348, 915/3607/3609.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I really like Carrots!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i3aehDTB8-E/VATM4EuYkdI/AAAAAAAABuY/w_zKbqs4JtE/s1600/first%2Bsix%2Bcarrots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i3aehDTB8-E/VATM4EuYkdI/AAAAAAAABuY/w_zKbqs4JtE/s1600/first%2Bsix%2Bcarrots.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">One more round to go with this series. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;"><br /></span>
RYO charts are now available only in printed form from your favorite shop or directly from my <a href="https://inkcircles.com/collections/roll-your-own" target="_blank">webshop</a>.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310394899489329760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158738592463543354.post-13477912240064063872014-08-19T19:44:00.000-07:002014-08-19T19:44:43.947-07:00St. Charles RecapJiggity Jig. I'm back from market. Whee Whee Whee! So, you ask, how was the trip? What did you buy? What did you sell? What freakishly large stinging insects did you encounter?<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fNWDc7VIK_g/U_QF_msGhPI/AAAAAAAABrc/7dyXDxmy7HE/s1600/elvii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fNWDc7VIK_g/U_QF_msGhPI/AAAAAAAABrc/7dyXDxmy7HE/s1600/elvii.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An extended flight delay was brightened by a <br />troop of Elvii on their way to Las Vegas.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
New stuff from Ink Circles:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l8JtCH7bzE4/U_QGbfX-hHI/AAAAAAAABrk/VOVgq_NVEFE/s1600/bees%2Bknees%2B400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l8JtCH7bzE4/U_QGbfX-hHI/AAAAAAAABrk/VOVgq_NVEFE/s1600/bees%2Bknees%2B400.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bee's Knees</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4pir7KbUh7k/U_QGkeqGClI/AAAAAAAABrs/zpYYIpuwbI0/s1600/bn%2B5%2B382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4pir7KbUh7k/U_QGkeqGClI/AAAAAAAABrs/zpYYIpuwbI0/s1600/bn%2B5%2B382.jpg" height="320" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Bad Neighborhood:<br />Miracle Grow<br />#5 in the series<br />As always, you might have to look closely to get it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gvW3oIS3E2w/U_QGt_FkSfI/AAAAAAAABr0/uALsSnPWImI/s1600/diversity%2B336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gvW3oIS3E2w/U_QGt_FkSfI/AAAAAAAABr0/uALsSnPWImI/s1600/diversity%2B336.jpg" height="265" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rejoice in the variety that abounds -<br />Diversity in Beer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SpmT-KtV5WU/U_QG5beAdPI/AAAAAAAABr8/TfdCrZaB_L0/s1600/sumatra%2Bship3b%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SpmT-KtV5WU/U_QG5beAdPI/AAAAAAAABr8/TfdCrZaB_L0/s1600/sumatra%2Bship3b%2Bweb.jpg" height="320" width="264" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Big Red Ship of Life is sailing into a port near you.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ln3AgtwKWc0/U_QHFu4MJ2I/AAAAAAAABsE/jaZiNw73JHA/s1600/Northwoods%2B414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ln3AgtwKWc0/U_QHFu4MJ2I/AAAAAAAABsE/jaZiNw73JHA/s1600/Northwoods%2B414.jpg" height="320" width="259" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northwoods<br />My attempt to tastefully use WDW Blaze Orange.<br />Only available through shops that attended this <br />market for the next 30 days.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PXGODFW08PM/U_QHgrd1BxI/AAAAAAAABsM/PXJZY38jaL0/s1600/RYO%2Bseries%2Bmontage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PXGODFW08PM/U_QHgrd1BxI/AAAAAAAABsM/PXJZY38jaL0/s1600/RYO%2Bseries%2Bmontage.jpg" height="168" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2014 RYO Mandala Series<br />made the move from PDF to print only</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Can't help but bring a few things home.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9xg1vcRzoU/U_QIQAozW2I/AAAAAAAABsc/x2KM0a0-9_A/s1600/IMG_20140819_162440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9xg1vcRzoU/U_QIQAozW2I/AAAAAAAABsc/x2KM0a0-9_A/s1600/IMG_20140819_162440.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New colors from WDE, Gentle Art and WDW<br />SamSarah's Steampunk Sea Serpent<br />Heartstrings' His Eye is on the Sparrow + threads</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F9afYXFgHRk/U_QJF3y5AxI/AAAAAAAABsk/R5BpshigiAA/s1600/IMG_20140819_162545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F9afYXFgHRk/U_QJF3y5AxI/AAAAAAAABsk/R5BpshigiAA/s1600/IMG_20140819_162545.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And a few things for Mum from Gigi R. and Queenstown Samplers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And I leave you with the thought that these things are merrily buzzing about in downtown St. Charles. I like last year's katydid better.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DVBt53s2uZA/U_QJpuCtQzI/AAAAAAAABss/81xBF-bC8RA/s1600/1408393726249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DVBt53s2uZA/U_QJpuCtQzI/AAAAAAAABss/81xBF-bC8RA/s1600/1408393726249.jpg" height="320" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And I don't think he grew up in Bad Neighborhood #5.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Happy stitching, and may your needle be the worst thing that gives you an accidental little poke.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310394899489329760noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158738592463543354.post-75984175020180824312014-07-31T11:01:00.003-07:002014-07-31T11:03:18.030-07:00Monthly Mandala: August 2014As summer zips by and we flip another calendar page, I roll out the next installment of the Merry Go Round series. Stitchers are still welcome to join us, although the "mystery" part of things is 71% out of the bag (i.e., 5 of 7 revealed.) It costs $35 to join, or $25 if you do/did the 2013 series, for 7 of these color customizable charts.<br />
<br />
August's offering is "Tropic of Cancer," being named after the latitudinal line as all of the other circles in this series. You may think I missed the boat because the zodiacal calendar has Cancer ending not in August but on July 22nd, but perhaps I was deferring to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidereal_astrology" target="_blank">Sidereal calendar</a> which puts August 1st smack in the middle of the sign. Whatever your opinion on my astronomical and geographical ramblings, I hope find that the chart speaks well enough for itself.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mCiMXc3eQ0w/U9p_iWkdKfI/AAAAAAAABq0/DufHAv8C6So/s1600/cancer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mCiMXc3eQ0w/U9p_iWkdKfI/AAAAAAAABq0/DufHAv8C6So/s1600/cancer.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tropic of Cancer: number 5 in the 2014 Roll Your Own series<br />
New colorway: Cancer - 817/350/352, 935/469/471, 3834/3835/3836, 632/407/950</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This one seemed to look great in every palette I tried on it. Here are 15 of our established combinations to get you started (or to hopelessly bog you down in equally wonderful choices.)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E3wdN126BeI/U9qBpjwZr8I/AAAAAAAABrA/SkT8eeFe1o0/s1600/cancer+montage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E3wdN126BeI/U9qBpjwZr8I/AAAAAAAABrA/SkT8eeFe1o0/s1600/cancer+montage.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too many options? I think not!<br />
Row 1: Candy Ducks, Long Jacket, Floral Hues<br />
Row 2: Owl Optimizer, Solas, Poiple<br />
Row 3: Garand, Honey Bee, Anchor Moss Rose<br />
Row 4: Revenge, Emerging Hues, Halloween<br />
Row 5: Buried Jewels, Darkside Duck, Orchids</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Your stitching horoscope:</b></span> I see all of your x's crossing in the same direction and little pieces of colored thread everywhere. You are having trouble locating a particular skein of floss that you bought. You will clean half of the house looking for it, then decide to go the the LNS and buy a duplicate. While there, you will decide to reward yourself with a few other goodies as a reward for doing that housework.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310394899489329760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158738592463543354.post-44265918923668526182014-07-26T11:02:00.000-07:002014-07-26T11:02:37.644-07:00GingerbreadI had actually forgotten that I did a piece for this until the finished book showed up in the mail! It's a sweet book with a lot of well-designed projects, IMHO. I see a number of designer friends' names in there, too, which makes if feel like a group collaboration. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hNMhmvAJcII/U9PqfzXD5OI/AAAAAAAABqY/sV_Tx2bCQ2o/s1600/IMG_20140726_104447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hNMhmvAJcII/U9PqfzXD5OI/AAAAAAAABqY/sV_Tx2bCQ2o/s1600/IMG_20140726_104447.jpg" height="320" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hardback book on the shelves now.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You'll like the way they divided the projects up by planned color palettes - we got to choose which section fit our piece. I picked purples and gold. I used DMC, but you could easily sub in overdyes or different colors.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e8I6JxAKpBs/U9PrRRXIXzI/AAAAAAAABqg/i3Wd0gp6Omw/s1600/IMG_20140726_104519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e8I6JxAKpBs/U9PrRRXIXzI/AAAAAAAABqg/i3Wd0gp6Omw/s1600/IMG_20140726_104519.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GIngerbread Flourishes by Ink Circles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So if you're looking for a collection of Christmas patterns that extends beyond an ornament collection, have a look at this book. It would also make a nice gift for a stitcher.<br />
<br />
P.S. You still have plenty of time to finish something BEFORE Christmas. ;-)Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310394899489329760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158738592463543354.post-39150277219282143232014-07-17T07:38:00.000-07:002014-07-17T07:38:39.750-07:00And in the MagazinesI've got three new holiday pieces popping up in the magazines this season. Look for a new Halloween Mandala in the the Just CrossStitch special Halloween 2014 book. This is the fourth year I've done a piece in this series.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nCMabcaw2Vw/U8fadBjA3QI/AAAAAAAABpk/ir1Oe-SPfVQ/s1600/my+halloween.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nCMabcaw2Vw/U8fadBjA3QI/AAAAAAAABpk/ir1Oe-SPfVQ/s1600/my+halloween.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ghostly Mandala by Ink Circles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For some reason I think of Scooby Doo when I look at it. This series was all done with dark but not black threads on varying backgrounds. Any one of them, but this one in particular, would look really neat stitched on the new Glow in the Dark fabric produced by Fabric Flair.<br />
<br />
Changing seasons and dropping down to ornament size, I have a piece in both the JCS Ornament 2014 Issue and the Preview Issue. You can see my mistletoe peeking out at the bottom on the Ornie issue. It's not on stands yet, but you can preorder from just about any shop.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T8PAssazsyg/U8fbgcz4h2I/AAAAAAAABp0/n_4Dowx3p5U/s1600/orn2web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T8PAssazsyg/U8fbgcz4h2I/AAAAAAAABp0/n_4Dowx3p5U/s1600/orn2web.jpg" height="320" width="264" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stained Glass Mistletoe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4_PlsvhBrnk/U8fc03QDKAI/AAAAAAAABqA/KPlRiISVXiE/s1600/ornie+2014+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4_PlsvhBrnk/U8fc03QDKAI/AAAAAAAABqA/KPlRiISVXiE/s1600/ornie+2014+cover.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EUwf4L9mM3I/U8feCy6XYtI/AAAAAAAABqI/NUYFvqUPKTk/s1600/M53353_Onament_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EUwf4L9mM3I/U8feCy6XYtI/AAAAAAAABqI/NUYFvqUPKTk/s1600/M53353_Onament_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EUwf4L9mM3I/U8feCy6XYtI/AAAAAAAABqI/NUYFvqUPKTk/s1600/M53353_Onament_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EUwf4L9mM3I/U8feCy6XYtI/AAAAAAAABqI/NUYFvqUPKTk/s1600/M53353_Onament_300.jpg" height="320" width="257" /></a><span style="text-align: start;">The Preview issue (JCS August 2014, which is out now) had the companion Holly piece.</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><br style="text-align: start;" /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BMewKn3c3Rs/U8fbbIARHzI/AAAAAAAABps/hrVJGd3Eowk/s1600/orn1web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BMewKn3c3Rs/U8fbbIARHzI/AAAAAAAABps/hrVJGd3Eowk/s1600/orn1web.jpg" height="320" width="253" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stained Glass Holly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
Happy holiday stitching,<br />Tracy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310394899489329760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2158738592463543354.post-83533512994172573432014-06-30T14:22:00.001-07:002014-06-30T14:24:53.583-07:00Enter the Dragon<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">Here is the July installation in the RYO Merry Go Round series. If you are wondering what this project is all about and want to join, I've written up a <a href="http://inkcircles.blogspot.com/p/roll-your-own.html" target="_blank">Wiki page</a> with the relative information just for you. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">Constellations, not just earthly locations, can be associated to latitude positions. Good thing, because there aren't as many interesting latitude lines on earth as I'd hoped when I themed the 2014 series. Astronomer David Pratt offers, “The north ecliptic pole lies in the constellation Draco, and has the equatorial coordinates 18h (270°) RA, +66.6° decl. “ The word “Draco” is from the Greek draconis meaning “dragon,” and the constellation is symbolized by a coiled serpent or dragon. At one point, numerologists were all abuzz that "666" (admittedly 66.6) corresponded to the Dragon.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qohnd_S0Mkc/U7HR8T-ZeGI/AAAAAAAABo8/I1sCcZGwfzc/s1600/dragon+in+dragon2web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qohnd_S0Mkc/U7HR8T-ZeGI/AAAAAAAABo8/I1sCcZGwfzc/s1600/dragon+in+dragon2web.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Draco 66.6 for July 2014 Merry Go Round series</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;">Don't worry if you're not into numerology, astronomy, dragons, and such. I try to keep the imagery suggestive at best and completely subliminal if the color are chosen in certain ways. So perhaps you see the dragons and the ladies - perhaps not. It stitches up beautifully in any case.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Sb1_DF8ptE/U7HRgUq4_5I/AAAAAAAABok/4W2jBZovjIE/s1600/draco+montage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Sb1_DF8ptE/U7HRgUq4_5I/AAAAAAAABok/4W2jBZovjIE/s1600/draco+montage.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few more colorways:<br />
Original Draco / Revenge / Long Jacket<br />
Mardi Gras / Candyduck / Starfleet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And not to worry that you're not getting any bonus corner chips this month. The old ones pop in without a fuss and look great, keeping the overall square to the same 115 stitch size.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gup7RvxGkSw/U7HRsMXBqLI/AAAAAAAABos/2q5EfWp-X9U/s1600/dragon+in+memo+with+orch+corn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gup7RvxGkSw/U7HRsMXBqLI/AAAAAAAABos/2q5EfWp-X9U/s1600/dragon+in+memo+with+orch+corn.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Draco in the In Memoriam colorway with corners from Equatorial Orchids</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MOjUj3imSzc/U7HRwYS5f5I/AAAAAAAABo0/EH3ym_JqaFw/s1600/dragon+buried+jewels+2+cap+corn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MOjUj3imSzc/U7HRwYS5f5I/AAAAAAAABo0/EH3ym_JqaFw/s1600/dragon+buried+jewels+2+cap+corn.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Draco in the Buried Treasure 2 colorway with Capricorn's corners</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;"><br /></span>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310394899489329760noreply@blogger.com0