Happy "1-Month Birthday" Zoe !!!

June 29, 2010 was a most "spectacular" day for our family, the day "ZOE MARIE" made her long awaited debut!!! The family waiting room was filled with 2 sets of very anxious Grandparents, 1 Great Grandfather, 2 Great Grandmothers, an Uncle, an Aunt and a Cousin. After a long day of waiting; watching TV, knitting, reading magazines, eating lunch, taking turns in the birthing room to "check in" on the progress, my husband finally got a text that read: "Send in the Grandmas!!!!!" We grabbed our "pass" and sped down the hall choking back the tears of joy!!! What a beautiful sight!!! She was alert and looking around like, "where the heck am I now"!!! We took lots of pictures of her with "Mommy and Daddy" and got our first "hold" later that evening. It's truly amazing!!! We are so Blessed to have another healthy, beautiful little girl!

"The Birth of a Child Reaffirms

the Miracle of Life"

This Photo: 2 1/2 weeks old ~ 1st trip to our house!!!

"Happy 1-Month Birthday Zoe", can't wait to see you again soon!!!

A short post this time as many of you have been asking about our new "little one". It's back to work now, designing and running the shop, vacation's over; ~~~ boo...!!! I'll be designing Zoe's Birth Sampler soon so it can be ready for her "1st Birthday"! My next post should have some UFO updates and hopefully photos of some "NEW" designs that will be released very soon!!! I'm waiting on a couple frames and working on some usable photos. Sometimes that's a real challenge!

In the meantime....Happy Stitching!!!........................Anita

"Waiting on Zoe" !!!

It dawned on me a few weeks back that I had started this wonderful Grandmother design, "Blessings Sampler" by Wild-Heart Designs, when we were blessed with our darling granddaughter Chloe. It's about 1/2 done at this point. Now that the days are getting closer to the arrival of our second granddaughter, Zoe, I went to my studio and retrieved it from my UFO drawers, yes, drawers, and have been working on it again. I will hopefully finish it this year and will have a sweet, sweet memory of working on it while awaiting the birth of both sweet little girl cousins! The completed sampler will read, "The love and devotion I gave to my child I thought I could give to no other, But life held a lovely surprise for me the day I became a Grandmother!" Thank you Wild-Heart Designs!!! That says it all!!!

"Blessings Sampler" by Wild-Heart Designs

Stitch Count: 115 W x 341 H

I'm stitching this on 30 Ct. R&R Kansas City Blend Linen

so the design size will be: 14" x 29"

I'm using the called for fibers from Weeks Dye Works

I'm also working on "Zoe's" Christmas Stocking in between my other projects. Here's the progress so far. Jamie picked out this "Shepherd's Bush" design and I offered to make it for her. Sandy, Jamie's mom was going to stitch it but she had been helping with all the nursery items, curtains, crib canopy, painting, and decorating I thought she maybe needed a break! Since I don't live near them, this is how I can contribute. I hope Zoe will like it!!!

"Elizabeth's Stocking" by Shepherd's Bush

110 W x 170 H

18 Ct. Natural Linen

While rummaging through my UFO's I found this little piece that just needed the last two squares filled in. Why do I put something aside when it's nearly finished??? I do it all the time, do you??? Sometimes I think I'm loving this so much I don't want it to end. That wasn't the case with this piece though. I remember I had taken this to hockey practices (wow that WAS a long time ago!!!) and kept making mistakes on the little back stitch curly-q's on the "A". Guess this just wasn't the project for hockey!!! Annnny---whooooo, it has since been finished and I took it to the framer last week!!! TA-DAAAA!!! One down, several hundred to go!!!!

"A Diminutive Dutch Sampler" by Barrick Samplers

183 W x 35 H

I converted the DMC to GA Sampler Threads and stitched it on some

of my own "grungy" hand dyed 28 Ct. linen.

Below is another UFO that I started about a year ago. Not much progress but that's okay. However, I better get back to it since it's being stitched on 40 Ct. linen. The eyes aren't getting any younger! These sweet little designs are by "Little House Needleworks". I'm planning on doing 6 of these "Little Women Virtues" all together on this 40 Ct. Antique Cotton Linen from R&R. I'm leaving out the little rectangles where you can put someones name in. These designs come as thread packs with Crescent Colors Belle Soie Silk threads. The designers choice of colors are so beautiful and the designs are just so adorable I couldn't resist! My placement will be "Gentle & Kind", "Soft & Sweet", "Loving & Faithful", "Strong & Beautiful", Joyful & Caring", "Always & Forever".

Designs by "Little House Needleworks"

I'm using 40 Ct. Antique Cotton Linen from R&R

1 strand Belle Soie over 2 linen threads

Approximate finished design size will be: 9 1/2" H x 7 1/4" W

Below is a design by "The Scarlet Letter" that I started "several" years ago. I love it, and someday, I'll finish it. It comes out of hiding every once in a while and I stitch on it a couple evenings, then something else takes precedence. Such is life! I know plenty of you have the same issues as I, there just is not enough time in one lifetime to stitch everything we love! I will keep the faith, however, that it will get finished! I converted the fibers to Weeks Dye Works and the fabric is either 32 or 35 Ct. R&R Cappuccino Linen (I think! ~ I didn't write it down anywhere!!! ~ oops!!!)

"Amy Ball 1810" by The Scarlet Letter

Stitch Count: 305 W x 375 H

It appears that I had better get with the business of stitching doesn't it!!! I know I'm in very good company as far as projects go. It seems that all avid stitchers are in the same boat!!! We must keep paddling, paddling, paddling on.................It's what keeps us going isn't it??? There's always another piece that "needs" us to carry on!!! So...... Stitch-On!!!!!

Until next time! ~~~~~~~ANITA

This is what I call the "WOW" Factor !!!

I wanted to share this "absolutely awe inspiring" sampler that was recently completed by one of my "stitching pals". We have it on display at the shop right now so please come and see it in person!!! Photos NEVER do a piece justice. You really have got to see this one!!! Reita stitched this beauty on 28 Ct. Natural Cashel Linen using Crescent Colours "Sister Scarlet" Belle Soie Silk. The design area measures 21 3/4" x 22 3/4". She set a goal of one year to complete this project and she came in 2 weeks ahead of her deadline!!! If you happened to notice a slight "quiver" in the earths atmosphere the day of completion, never fear, it was just Reita jumping for joy and shouting a giant "TA-Dah" !!!

"Scarlet Ribands" by Long Dog Samplers

Some new pattern arrivals in the shop follow below. We just got a new shipment from "European Cross Stitch" If you would like any of these designs or others you may see on their web site; http://www.europeanxs.com/ just let us know. We're happy to do special ordering, we can't have everything here in the shop!!! Where's that winning lottery ticket anyway!

"Scarlet Ribands" by Long Dog Samplers

314 x 321 stitches

"Midnight in the Garden" by Sampler Cove
185 x 297 stitches

"Our Anniversary" by Sampler Cove
185 x 275 stitches


"Kaleidoscope Flower" by Sampler Cove
187 x 187 stitches

"Foursome Reel" by Long Dog Samplers

108 x 276 stitches, 104 x 132 stitches, 246 x 134 stitches

"Zucca" by Alessandra Adelaide Needleworks

201 x 190 stitches

"Cardinal Christmas Ball" by Alessandra Adelaide Needleworks

243 x 159 stitches

"Wedding Cake" by Alessandra Adelaide Needleworks

141 x 197 stitches

The remaining two designs are not from European Cross Stitch but of similar looks. Both are equally lovely!

"Alphabet Sampler I" by Lila's Studio

136 x 204 stitches

"Turkish Delight" by Ink Circles

195 x 139 stitches

I hope you've enjoyed the latest edition of "The Sunflower Seed" Blog! It's so much fun doing these and letting you in on some of the "new stuff" here at the shop. Until later, ENJOY!!! ~~~~~~~~~~~Anita

A Tribute to Kris

I wanted to share with you a special tribute series of charts that are in progress in the memory of Kris Stott. Kris and Dave Stott built Norden Crafts which is one of the finest distributors of needlework supplies and accessories for the cross stitch industry. "She was a wife, mother, grandmother, friend, businesswoman, artist, quilter, gardener and protector of all creatures in the animal kingdom, both large and small." This was taken from the back of the chart word for word because it describes Kris perfectly. Her daughter wanted to pay tribute in some way and asked designers to submit designs of specific dimensions, using a chosen fabric and color palette. The submissions were overwhelming, which shows just how much she was valued in this industry. So, seven charts will be published in her honor. A portion of the proceeds is being donated to various animal protection organizations in Kris's name. Also, on the back of the charts are "Remembrances of Kris" from the designers who contributed the portions of each chart.

Chart #1: "From the Heart"

Designs by: Katy Stott Fong, The Needle's Content, Amy Bruecken Designs, Twisted Threads, SamSarah Designs, With My Needle, Bent Creek and JBWDesigns

Chart #2 is called "Lady of the House" and is, of course, my favorite since it includes my design portion!!! In my design, Kris is standing there with a heart that fills her bodice, overflowing with love for all the things she stood for. The hearts growing on the plant represent Kris and Dave and the family that blossomed, son Matt, daughter Katy and their grandchildren. The yellow flowers in the border represent, of course, Sunflowers!

Chart #2 "Lady of the House"

Designers: Rosewood Manor, Heart in Hand, Glory Bee, GPA Designs, The Cricket Collection, Homespun Elegance, The Sunflower Seed, Little House Needleworks and Waxing Moon Designs

I stitched and framed my portion of the design before submitting the pattern to Katy. I wanted to make sure I had my charting correct. The initials are KS, 09; Kris Stott and the year of her passing.

Design by "The Sunflower Seed"

Because Kris loved ALL animals so much I will close with a photo of our "Sweet Betsy". Even though she barks and growls at just about everyone that comes through the door here at the shop, once she knows you she is the sweetest "old girl" ever! She spends most of her days napping but around 4:30 every afternoon I get a little "1 hour warning". She comes to me wagging her tail and "warbling"!!! I'm sure she's telling me to get things cleaned up and put away, pack your bag and get ready to go home cause I'm gett'in hungry!!!

Betsy's bed under my desk!

Please let me know if you are interested in either, or both, of "Kris's Stitches" charts. I will be more than happy to gather up the supplies and mail them to you wherever you may be. They are delightful designs and if you're an animal lover you'll be helping many less fortunate, plus getting a beautiful stitched project to enjoy for many years to come! Stay tuned for additions to this series.

Happy Stitching ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Anita

Exciting Times Ahead !!!

I guess it's been a couple weeks now that my BFF Reina, sister Paula and I traveled to the middle of the State to attend a baby shower for my "adorable" daughter-in-law Jamie!! I've never seen so much "PINK" or so many wonderful and beautiful baby gifts in my life!!! It was so much fun! It took a van, an SUV and a car or two to bring all the "goodies" home. Son Harrison was overwhelmed with it all!!! Guys are so funny!!! This little girl will be the best dressed baby ever!!!

"Gi-Gi Anita" and "Mommy Jamie"

Besides cross stitching, I also love to knit. I wanted to make some special things for "Zoe" that might add a little "pizzaz" to some of her ensambles!!! Below is the ultimate "Box~O~Booties"!!! I tagged them all with fiber content and washing instructions.

"Box~O~Booties"!!!

I found the pattern for the "Heirloom Bootie" below in one of my Interweave Knit magazines and absolutely fell in love with them. I only had one finished at the time of the shower but wanted to include it in the box anyway. They are made of 100% Cashmere.....mmmmmm, SOOOO soft!(The mate is almost done!)

"Heirloom Booties" ~ 100% Cashmere

Below is a little pair of variegated pink booties laced with some soft "polk-a-dot" ribbon! Jamie likes "polka-a-dots" !!! This yarn was the only acrylic yarn I used. It is, however, awfully soft.

"Varegated Pink Booties"

I'm not sure that these are even wearable !!! but they were so cute I had to make these adorable "Mini Mary Jane's" anyway!!! They could just be a cute decoration if nothing else. Harrison could hang them from his rear view mirror!!! This yarn is Bamboo, Cotton and Nylon and very soft too!

"Mini Mary Jane's"

Below is a matching cap and bootie set. Made of 100% Cotton yarn, very pink and also very soft. I found some really sweet floral ribbon to use for the bootie laces and made a cute little bow and flower decoration on the cap.

"Sweet Baby" Set

Last but not least, I made this little soft yellow pair of socks for "down the road" a bit. Maybe 8-12 months of age. This yarn is Bamboo, Merino Wool and Silk...awesome!!!!!

"Party-Time Lace Socks"

All the booties are very stretchy so hopefully they will fit for a few months. Whatever the case, I had a ball making all of them!!! What else is a "Gi-Gi" to do while waiting the arrival of a new "Granddaughter"!!!

Until next time...... Stitch, Knit, Crochet, Draw; ......whatever you love, be creative!!! ~~~~~~~~Anita

Finally ~~~ A Spare Moment !!!

As soon as we're through with Nashville Market, preparations begin for our "Heartland Cross Stitch Shop Hop" held just a few weeks after. Therefore, not much time for blogging! Then after the Hop, I was busy knitting "little pink" things for our "soon to be granddaughter's" baby shower. More on that topic in another post!



We had a great Hop this year with the theme being "Christmas". I designed the border and the other participating shops designed the individual inner designs. Each shop then stitches the designs as they choose. We have always stitched and framed the complete sampler so we have a complete model for all to see. We also added buttons for a little extra "pazzazzz"! (You must attend the Hop and visit all the shops to get ALL the portions of the sampler. Sorry, the patterns are not available otherwise.) A great big "thanks" to ALL who attended making this event such a success!!!

"Border Close-up"

"2010 Heartland Cross Stitch Shop Hop Sampler"

Below is a booklet I released just in time for the Hop. It's called "Lovely Alphabet" and contains the upper case of all letters. I had previously sold each letter individually and decided to put them all together in a book. The reception was absolutely awesome!!! When stitched on 14 or 28Ct. these designs fit into these coasters shown in the photo below. They are also very "lovely" framed! This booklet is only available through our shop at this time. They are somewhat labor intensive so not sure I will release them to my distributors yet. (Maybe after I've gotten some more rest!!!)

"Lovely Alphabet"

I have always put together a special kit for each Hop and below is the "2010 Hop Kit". It is called "Deck the Halls" with 2 little ladies decorating their tree for the holidays. The design was packaged with the pattern and fabric, tied with an organza bow and a star ornament for your own Christmas tree! We also had some frames on hand for sale. A quick, cute stitch! (Just a little hint...this design will be implemented into a larger design to be released a bit later, in time for the holidays!)

"Deck the Halls"

In years past I have also had "handpainted" Sunflower items available to the "Hoppers" for sale. I've had several different shapes and sizes of snippet jars and a couple of different shaped magnetic needle cases. This year I thought since the theme was "Christmas" I would paint up a bunch of glass balls, tie some "Happy Holiday's" ribbon on them and they could be filled with "snippets" if you so desired! Otherwise, just hang them on your tree empty, just as lovely!!! They made a fun hit!!!

"Waiting for packaging!"



Each ornament was packaged in their own gift box!!!

That about does it for this post! Thanks so much for stopping by and hopefully I can do better in the future. There's just so much to do and the days and nights just seem to be getting shorter. What's up with that anyway??? We're having lots of rain these days here in Kansas so this withered little "Sunflower Seed" is rising up through the muddy soil and working on some new designs again!!!

"Happy Stitching" ~ ~ ~ ~ Anita

What's Been Flying Out The Door!!!

We've really been busy here at the shop since returning from Nashville. All our market orders are out and things are getting back to normal!!! I think!!! However, we're gearing up for the upcoming "Heartland Cross Stitch Shop Hop" which is Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 29, 30 and May 1. Mark your calendars 'cause you won't want to miss the "crazy fun that'll be happ'nin"!!!

I think we're all just about sick of winter so I'm going to start out with a new Spring design that'll be sure to lift up everyones spirits and get to thinking of new spring grass rising through the ground along with flowers, bunnies and lovely Spring colors. Just envision it in your mind and maybe it'll actually happen soon!!!

This first design is ofcourse from "Prairie Schooler"!!! What a nice mix of Spring things!!! Sweet ducks and adorable rabbits, a spring lamb and we can't forget some chickens!!! Quick stitches to "egg-on" Spring !!!

"Signs of Spring"

by Prairie Schooler

The latest edition of Hawk Run is here and it's fabulous!!! It's always wonderful to see the actual stitched models and photos can never due the piece justice. This is such a great design as you can stitch as many pieces of it as you like and make up your own sampler. Do each one individually and have 12 great pieces. I'm extra fond of this one as fall colors are my favorite. Love the "earthy" tones!

"Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow"
by Carriage House

This is a beautiful sampler that I got to actually see in Norden Crafts exhibit room. It's a "one color" sampler which stitches up much quicker and it was just beautiful. The wording is so wonderful!

"I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm"

by Heartstring Samplery

This is what we're all doing,"Waiting for Spring"!!! This little snowman is really cute and looks like he's preparing for Easter whatever the climate!!

"Waiting For Spring"

by Val's Stuff

Another cute little snowman from Val's. Seems like everyone loves snowmen, any time of year!

"A Little Bit of Snow"

by Val's Stuff

Looks like this little guy is preparing for the Spring rainy season!!! Everyone chuckles at him when they see him here in the shop!!! That's a good thing!!!

"LeggySnowman" by Heart and Hand

"I've traveled across both sea and land to collect needlework treasures so exquisite and grand." How wonderful is that!!!

"Schoolgirl Samplings"

by Blue Ribbon

There were several alphabet samplers that caught my eye at this market. This one from La-D-Da is one of them. One color on some great hand-dyed linen. I think these caught my attention partly because 2 year old Chloe has learned to recognize all letters of the alphabet now and was thinking how fun to stitch her an alphabet of her own!!!

"ABCD" by La-D-Da

This is another great alphabet! Love the extra touches to each letter and the border is so fun!!

"Wicked Alphabet"
by Primitive Needle

The following Blackbird Designs have been very popular here at the shop. They are ordered, sold and ordered again and again!!! Be sure to leave your name so we can reserve one just for you so you don't miss out! Honeysuckle Manor is a great book with soooo many projects for you to do.

"Honeysuckle Manor" book by Blackbird Designs

The next two samplers are the first of 13 leaflets to come. There is a diagram showing how you can put all these designs together into one large sampler. The 13th leaflet will have some extra designs that can be placed in the extra slots in this sampler. It will be oh so awesome when finished!!! However, you can also just pick the ones you love the most!!! Be sure to watch for the upcoming leaflets!!!

"Snow Garden"
by Blackbird Designs
(1st chart)

"Valentine Rose"

by Blackbird Designs

(2nd chart)

The following 2 designs are some really great small projects that make up in some wonderful pin cushions. You could also frame these if you prefer but either way they are quick to stitch, feel good projects!!!

"Blue Bird"

by Blackbird Designs

"Bird In Hand"

by Blackbird Designs

This is the 4th installment of Little House's ornament series. How cute is this?!!!

"Snowy Pines"

by Little House Needleworks

Here's a couple new designs from JBW Designs. One color stitching makes for a fast finish!!!

"French Country Butterfly"

by JBW Designs
"The Queen Bee"

by JBW Designs

Last but not least we have a cute pastel "Easter Samplings" from Lizzie Kate. Again, I'm really wishing for Spring!!! It can't come too soon!!!

"Easter Samplings"

by Lizzie Kate"

I know this has been long but there's just sooooo much to show! Obviously, I can't show ALL or stock ALL so if there's ever anything that I can "special order" in for you, don't hesitate to ask. If you want, you may cruise; http://www.hoffmandis.com/ or http://www.nordencrafts.com/. If you find anything there I certainly can order it in for you. (You cannot order direct from them) We usually have a fairly quick turn around so there's not much waiting time.

I hope you've enjoyed this latest edition of our blog. I certainly appreciate your visits and your comments are welcomed and much appreciated.

Here's leaving you with wishes for many happy hours of of creative stitching!!! ~~~Anita