#CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--CHRISTMAS IN JULY

Last Thursday was not only Independence Day, it was author Lois Winston’s second blog post over at Booklover’s Bench, where she's now one of six mystery authors who blog on a rotating basis.

As mentioned here earlier, Booklover’s Bench offers a monthly Rafflecopter giveaway of books by the contributing authors. However, in addition, sometimes the authors also have giveaways connected to their posts. If you post a comment to the blog, you’re entered in that author’s additional giveaway.

For her post this month, Lois is talking about her upside-down world where, as a designer, she’s spent years working on Christmas in July. This year she’s pulling double-duty because not only is she working on designs for a Christmas cross stitch book that will release in 2020, she’s also working on the latest book about me, which happens to take place at Christmastime. Handmade Ho-Ho Homicide, the eighth Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery, will be available in October. Want a sneak peak? Click here to read the first chapter.) 

But there’s more…

Click on over to Booklover’s Bench and post a comment for a chance to win a cross stitch book featuring cross stitch charts of the Twelve Days of Christmas as seen above. One winner will be randomly drawn from all the comments posted.

Don’t delay, both drawings end July 18^th.

#CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--CROSS STITCHED TOTE BAG

With summer right around the corner, many of you will be heading to the shore, whether at oceanside or lakeside, for vacation. So today I thought I’d share with you this Cool Chick cross stitched tote by Lois Winston (she who writes about me) from the June 2008 issue of The Cross Stitcher.

Maybe someday if she stops depositing dead bodies at my feet and writes me out of the debt she wrote me into, I'll be able to relax at the beach once again. What do you think?

By the way, if you're stuck without vacation plans and dealing with the heat and humidity, you might want to cool off vicariously by reading Drop Dead Ornaments, the latest Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery. Think mind over matter. Think snow!

Drop Dead Ornaments

An Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery, Book 7

Anastasia Pollack’s son Alex is dating Sophie Lambert, the new kid in town. For their community service project, the high school seniors have chosen to raise money for the county food bank. Anastasia taps her craft industry contacts to donate materials for the students to make Christmas ornaments they’ll sell at the town’s annual Holiday Crafts Fair.

At the fair Anastasia meets Sophie’s father, Shane Lambert, who strikes her as a man with secrets. She also notices a woman eavesdropping on their conversation. Later that evening when the woman turns up dead, Sophie’s father is arrested for her murder.

Alex and Sophie beg Anastasia to find the real killer, but Anastasia has had her fill of dead bodies. She’s also not convinced of Shane’s innocence. Besides, she’s promised younger son Nick she’ll stop risking her life. But how can she say no to Alex?

Buy Links

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#CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--CROSS STITCHED PATCHWORK AMERICANA STAR

Patchwork American Star

Memorial Day is next week. Why not go patriotic with this quick-to-stitch flag star? Worked on 14-ct. perforated paper, it measures 2-5/8” x 2-5/8”, a perfect size for a broach.

Following the Color Key, cross stitch with two strands floss. Backstitch with one strand DMC 311 Navy Blue-MD (Anchor 148).

When stitching is complete, trim the paper to one hole all around the finished stitching. Using jewelry glue, attach a pin backing to the back.

#CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--A CROSS STITCHED DOG & A DOG-CENTRIC ANTHOLOGY FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Today at Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers we’re going to the dogs. We’ve got a cute cross stitch doggy to stitch and a dog-centric mystery anthology for a good cause. 

Directions

Cross stitch design with two strands floss on 14-ct. fabric. Backstitch and French knot the dog with one strand black floss. Backstitch and French knot the words with one strand baby blue very dk.floss.

Summer Snoops Unleashed! 

Looking for cool cozies for hot summer days? Then you will love this purr-fectly paw-some cozy mystery box set from fourteen USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon bestselling authors. Enjoy hours of fun sniffing out clues on sandy beaches, shimmering waterways, and at small-town celebrations in these fourteen brand-new furr-ocious mysteries and cozy crimes full of wily sleuths, cagey plots, and un-fur-gettable tails! Only .99 cents. Proceeds from the pre-orders of the anthology Summer Snoops Unleashed! will go toward charities that help senior dogs.

Titles include:

Werewolf in the Vineyard

An As the Grapes Turn Mystery

By Judith Lucci

Radical Regatta

Corsario Cove Cozy Mystery, Book 4

By Anna Celeste Burke

Fireworks, Forensics and Felonies

By Colleeen Mooney

YOURS

A Kate Hamilton Mysteries Novella

By Fiona Quinn

Pies, Lies and a Last Goodbye

A Baker Girls Cozy Mystery, Book 4

By Maria Grazia Swan

You Can’t Judge a Crime by It’s Aura

A Piper Ashwell Psychic PI Novella

By Kelly Hashway

Yankee Doodle Deadly

A Trailer Park Princess Novella

By Kim Hunt Harris

Death in Mercy

By Susan Boles

Sharpe Pain: A Corpse in the Cabin

A Maycroft Mysteries Novella

By Lisa B. Thomas

Death and Taxes on a Cloud

A Career Crisis Café Mystery, Book 6

By Emily Selby

Ruff Justice

A Second Chance Adventure, Book 5

By Joanna Campbell Slan

High Heel Homicide

A Holly Woods Mystery Novella

By Ava Maloory

A Knead to Kill

An Apple Orchards Cozy Mystery, Book 1.5

By Chelsea Thomas

Spunky Bumpkin

By Sam Cheever

Pre-order now to help senior fur balls of all shapes and sizes.

Kindle

iBooks 

Nook 

Kobo 

#CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--ENCOURAGING SAMPLER

By Lois Winston

Ever have one of those days where you second-guess yourself? You look around and wonder, why am I doing this? What’s the point? Have I made the wrong decisions? We all have those days, right? Sometimes you just need a little positive affirmation to help get you through them—a pat on the shoulder or an “atta girl!” for making the effort and encouraging you to keep trying.

I was having one of those days recently when I came across this sampler I designed fourteen years ago. The quote is from Walden by Henry David Thoreau. It reminded me that life is about the journey. We won’t always succeed at everything we do, no matter how much we work toward something, but we still have to continue to dream and live our lives striving toward fulfilling that dream. Why? Because you never really know when a dream will come true, but one thing is for certain. If you give up on yourself, the dream definitely won’t come true.

#CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--FROM CROSS STITCH TO DUPLICATE STITCH

Southwest duplicate stitch sweater design
featured in the July 1993 issue of The Crafter

Duplicate stitch, which is the art of embellishing stockinette stitched garments and blankets by overstitching the individual knit stitches, was all the rage back in the early 19990’s. Even though many store-bought knit garments are still embellished with duplicate stitch, most crafters have either forgotten or have never heard of this particular needlecraft. As a matter of fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find pattern books for duplicate stitch in any craft or needlework shop nowadays.

However, many simple cross stitch designs can be used for duplicate stitch. All you need are charts that don’t feature fractional stitches or backstitching. Also keep in mind that cross stitches are square in dimension, while stockinette stitches are slightly vertical rectangles. This won’t matter for many designs (it wasn’t a problem for the sun in the model shown above), but it’s something to keep in mind when choosing a design.

Basic Duplicate Stitch Instructions

Each square on the graph represents a “V” shaped duplicate stitch. The duplicate stitch is made by stitching over the “V” stitch of the stockinette stitch garment or blanket with embroidery floss. This is done by bringing the needle up from the back at the point of the “V” (fig. 1). Next, Insert the needle through the upper right point of the “V” and out through the upper left point of the “V” (fig. 2). Bring the needle back down through the base of the “V” (fig. 3). Begin the next stitch by bringing the needle up at the base of the “V” to the left of the just completed stitch (fig. 4). Work in horizontal rows wherever possible.

For best coverage, separate the strands of floss before threading the needle. The number of strands used will depend on the sweater gauge. The more stitches per inch, the fewer the strands needed for coverage. Work a test section to determine the number of strands you’ll need for best coverage on the item you’re embellishing.

Never knot the floss. Begin by securing the tail of the floss with the first few stitches. End floss by weaving through completed stitches of the same color on the reverse side of the item. When stitching is complete, secure floss ends with a drop of washable fabric glue.

#CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--AUTHOR LOIS WINSTON'S FAVORITE #VALENTINE CROSS STITCH DESIGN

Those of you who follow this blog know that I spring from the imagination of author Lois Winston, who has had a long career as a designer in the crafts industry. (Is it any wonder she made me a crafts editor? Write what you know, right?)

Anyway with Valentine’s Day coming up, I asked Lois to stop by to share with us one of her favorite Valentine’s Day designs. This heart and floral piece appeared in The Cross Stitcher magazine fifteen years ago.

#CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--CROSS STITCHED HANUKKAH DREIDLES

Every few weeks during the last few months I’ve been showcasing craft projects for glass ball ornaments that are featured in Drop Dead Ornaments, the latest Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery. Today I offer you a cross stitch project perfect for another December holiday—Hanukkah, which this year begins next week.

Hanukkah is the Festival of Lights. It’s an eight-day celebration that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem in the second century B.C. after the Jewish people, led by Judah Maccabee, rose up against their Syrian oppressors and drove them out of Jerusalem. According to legend, even though there was only enough oil to keep the temple’s menorah burning for one day, the candles continued to burn for eight days.

The cross stitch design features a dreidle border. The dreidle, a four-sided spinning top, is a traditional game played during Hanukkah.

Cross Stitched Happy Hanukkah Dreidles

Finished design: 77w x 44h stitches

Size: 5-1/2” x 3” (stitched on 14-ct. fabric)

Cross stitch with two strands floss.

Backstitch with one strand black (DMC 310/Anchor 403)

CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--THE ULTIMATE CROSS STITCH BOOK

Right now we’re wilting from the heat and humidity of summer, but if you’re a crafter, you’re probably thinking about or have already begun your holiday craft projects, especially those of you who cross stitch or do other needlecrafts because unlike many other crafts, needlework takes time. Even small projects require hours to complete.

In my craft room my bookshelves are filled with cross stitch books. My favorites are the ones filled with lots of different projects. My all-time favorite is 2001 Cross Stitch Designs. I think the title is pretty much self-explanatory as to why it’s my favorite. 2001 different designs in one book? Talk about a bargain!

Along with all those cross stitch charts in full color, the book also includes basic cross stitch tips, project patterns and finishing directions, 50 different specialty stitch diagrams, and directions for designing your own cross stitch.

Each chapter is filled with anywhere from dozens to hundreds of motifs divided by categories. Chapters include florals, designs for children, country themes, Americana, nature designs, animals, special occasions, sports and hobbies, alphabets, borders, and holidays—including an unbelievable selection of Christmas designs.

Within the pages of this book you’ll find a project for every person on your gift-giving list.

Buy Link 

#CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--CROSS STITCHED PATRIOTIC PATCHWORK FLAG

Memorial Day is two weeks away, plenty of time to whip up this cute patriotic patchwork flag to celebration the day. 

Materials:
3" x 4" white or ecru perforated paper
floss as indicated in Color Key plus black for backstitching
#24 tapestry needle
2" pinback
jewelry glue
scissors

1. Using three strands floss, cross stitch the design centered on the perforated paper following the chart.

2. Backstitch with one strand black floss.

3. Trim perforated paper to one hole from edge of stitching.

4. Glue pin to back of stitching.

5. Wear with pride!

#CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

Cross Stitch designed by Lois Winston for the August 2003 issue of The Cross Stitcher magazine

#CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--CROSS STITCHED FLOWERS FOR MOTHER'S DAY

This quick-to-stitch design will make a lovely Mother's Day gift for moms who garden. The finished design measures approximately 2-3/4" x 2-3/4" when stitched on 14-ct. fabric. Stitch on perforated paper and attach to a skinny dowel for a plant poke.

#CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--CROSS STITCHED PANSIES

Spring is finally here! Are your crocuses and daffodils blooming yet? Have you picked up your pansies at the gardening center and freshened up your flower beds? If you live in a part of the country where winter still has it’s cold grip on you, why not curl up on the couch and celebrate spring vicariously with some cross stitched pansies? This 3” x 3” design (when stitched on 14-count fabric) will help you forget all that snow and bitter temps. And just maybe, by the time you finish stitching it, spring will have arrived in your neck of the woods.

Happy stitching!

#CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--CROSS STITCHED SNOWFLAKE

There’s no denying it. Winter is here. When you’re stuck in the house, it’s the perfect time to finish those crafts projects you put aside ages ago to enjoy outdoor activities. Or you could start a new project. If you’re looking for a simple, quick cross stitch project, I’ve got just the thing for you.

This snowflake design stitches up in no time. It’s 2-3/4” x 2-3/4”, the perfect size for a sachet or bookmark. Or stitch a row of snowflakes across a set of pre-finished placemats to add some wintry fun to your dining table.

Choose an icy blue or green floss, such as DMC 3840, 598, or 955. Or go for an ombre look with DMC’s new Coloris floss in 4523, North Wind.

#CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--CROSS STITCHED EASTER OR NURSERY BUNNY

This cross stitch bunny design will work equally well for Easter or in a baby nursery. Stitching area is 55w x 43h and measures 4" x 3" when stitched on 14-ct. fabric. 

Cross stitch with two strands floss. Backstitch with one strand black.

#CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--MARTHA WASHINGTON, NEEDLE ARTIST

Today is George Washington’s birthday. In honor of the day, I thought it would be nice to talk about the woman in his life and her favorite household task—needlework.

Martha Washington was an accomplished needle artist, a skill deemed highly prized in women throughout much of history. In well-to-do households slaves and servants were tasked with the spinning, weaving, and constructing of their own garments and many of the household linens. Hired seamstresses and tailors constructed the finer garments worn by the gentry. However, the ladies of the house created the fine needlework embellishments of lace and embroidery that decorated their own garments and household linens.

Rarely did a day go by that Martha didn’t spend some time on her needlework, either sewing, knitting, or doing embroidery. Her handiwork can be seen throughout Mt. Vernon on chair cushions, footstools, and more. She enjoyed partaking of these pastimes with her daughter, granddaughters, friends, and even her female slaves, often acting as teacher who expected the same precision and attention to detail from others as she gave to her own work.

In 1766, Martha acquired the materials to create a dozen chair bottoms from a London upholsterer.  She spent the next thirty-six years cross-stitching a scallop shell pattern, which she may have designed herself. The above cushion is one of six that can be found at Mount Vernon and is a rare example of Martha’s talent.

#CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--CROSS STITCHED SNOWFLAKE

Sick of winter yet? We still have weeks of the white stuff ahead of us in many parts of the country. However, there’s a certain beauty to snowflakes. That beauty is so fleeting, though. The moment the flake lands on your finger or nose, it disappears into a droplet of water.

Why not capture the beauty of the snowflake for posterity in cross stitch. (Disclaimer, here: I know snowflakes actually have six, not eight points. In cross stitch design, it’s often easier to take a bit of creative liberty.)

Put your own creative liberty to work with this super-easy design. On 14-ct. fabric, the size is just under 4-1/2” x 4-1/2”. Choose a color that matches your décor and have fun!

#CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--CROSS STITCHED VALENTINE HEARTS

Get a jump on Valentine’s Day with this cross stitched hearts design worked in a combination of cross stitch, decorative stitches, and French knots. The design is approximately 2-1/2” x 2-1/2” when worked on 14-ct. fabric and would be perfect for a sachet, greeting card, hanging ornament, or on a garment using waste canvas. Work the cross stitches with two strands of floss and the decorative stitches and French knots with one strand in your choice of color.

#CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--GUEST AUTHOR RACHEL LEIGH SMITH

Rachel Leigh Smith writes romance for the hero lover. She lives in central Louisiana with her family and a half-crazed calico. When not writing, which isn't often, she's hanging with her family, doing counted cross stitch, or yakking about life, the universe, and everything with her besties. There may also be Netflix binging...Learn more about Rachel and her books at her website. 

Thanks so much for having me back to talk about my crafting. I have a passion for counted cross stitch. My Mamaw Smith taught me the basics when I was nine, and I’ve built on it since then. It’s my craft of choice, and my favorite way to relax. If I’m sitting in the living room watching TV, I’m stitching, too.

Christmas is my favorite time of year, and actually has nothing to do with the fact that my birthday is Thursday. I LOVE Christmas. Trees, decorations, lights, music, special stuff at church. All of it. Except inflatable yard decorations.

As a family, we’ve always collected ornaments from the places we’ve visited. My Mamaw Smith always gives each person an ornament, and it’s a lot of fun to see what we’ll get each year.

Many years ago I decided to start making ornaments for my friends as part of their Christmas gift. I don’t even remember why, but it probably has something to do with the ornament traditions in my own family.

I started out with my friends’ initials, when one of my favorite designers released a freebie alphabet series that I fell in love with. One of these days I’m going to use the alphabet and make myself a NOEL set.

I branched out from there when I discovered the annual Just Cross Stitch ornament issue. I’ve found lots of great patterns in it, except for the last couple years. I’m not a fan of the primitive sampler stuff that’s so huge right now.

One year I did a Joy tree (above) so many times I got sick of it. It’s one of my favorites. Another year I did one shaped like an egg, because it reminded me of Faberge eggs. I wish I had a picture to show, because it’s so cool. Alas, I don’t.

Another year I did these lacy snowflakes, and matched up hand-dyed silk floss with beads, all from my ever-growing collection of both. Still another year I did a pelican wearing a Santa hat, because I live in Louisiana and it’s our state bird. About four years ago I did a repeating fleur de lis pattern. I think I ended up making that one five times and was thoroughly sick of it at the end.

I finish my ornaments by hand. Depending on what it is I’ll do a flat finish or stuff it. I’ve cheated and done stuffing most of the time. This year I’m doing my very first ones on perforated paper. No finishing! It’s a Christmas tree I found in a booklet that came with a set of embroidery floss.

I’m also cross stitching Christmas stockings for my mom’s collection. Each of the six family members has one, and one of my brothers is married. My mom wants his wife and kids to have a stocking to match his. One is almost done and I have two more to do.

I’m sharing ornaments on my Facebook page all month long, so stop by and have a look at what I’ve made and some of my favorites off our trees. Yes, trees.

Freedom’s Embrace, A’yen’s Legacy #4

If Taran loses his girl--and his second chance at love--he'll never find his way to freedom.

A'yen's Reign: Year Two
Taran has served Nicco, prince of Marcase, for twenty-three years. While on a fact-finding mission to Corsica--a planet annexed by the empire thirteen years ago--Taran and Nicco are kidnapped by the Freedom Alliance and taken deep into the Corsican hardwood forests.

Da'Renna, sister to King A'yen's linked bodyguard, has loved Taran since the moment he saw her. Leaving him behind wasn't easy, but her brother needed her more. Hearing about Taran's kidnapping makes her wonder if she made the right choice.

With the help of a friend from Corsica, Da'Renna and her brother sneak in to find Taran. When mercenaries take her hostage, Taran must make the choice he dreads most: his master, or his soul-mate.

Freedom isn't supposed to be this hard.

Note: This novel stands alone and is a great entry point into the A'yen's Legacy futuristic romance series

Buy link

#CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--CROSS STITCHED CHRISTMAS FRENCH HORN ORNAMENT

It's never too early to start on those holiday crafting projects. Christmas will be here before you know it. 

Here's a simple cross stitch design you can whip up for your own tree or as a hostess gift when making the rounds of holiday parties.