Just around the corner....

is a new release from Silver Creek Samplers! I will be releasing it in early January. Here's a sneak peek to whet your stitching appetite....

Now, let it snow!
Thanks for dropping by!

Diane

Testosterone: 2......Estrogen: ZIP!

That's right. I lost! To what, you ask? To football of all things! Although it does promotes male bonding between Alan and Colvin. They both are avid Giants fans and watch every game they can. Sunday being one of them. So I will paint you a clearer picture of what I lost: MY STITCHING CHAIR! I cannot STAND listening to a football game while I am trying to relax with my stitching. I've tried and I just can't do it! So I let the boys have the living room (and my stitching chair), while I packed up my stitching supplies, a spare chair, and floor lamp, and fled to a much quieter place in the house....our bedroom. It doesn't provide the cushiness that my bottom is accustomed to, but it provides me the peacefulness and solitude that I crave while stitching. I even had Christmas music playing quietly in the background. So I suspect that this will become my new stitching home, at least until football season is over!

Thanks for stopping by!

Diane

DMC 815....

That's about the color of my blood as it travels through the tubes and into the apheresis machine. When I'm not stitching, I donate platelets at my local Red Cross in Johnson City, New York. I donate every other Tuesday after work. It's about a 2 1/2 hour process, but I can't think of anything more satisfying than helping to save lives. I began donating whole blood in 1989, and platelets in 2010. The only thing that would make it PERFECT, would be if I could stitch WHILE I donated. However, as you can see in the picture, that would be impossible to do as I have a needle poked in each arm!

Really, it's quite a relaxing process. I get to sit in a comfy recliner with by back against a warm heating pad while I watch a movie of my choice, complete with headphones. And if I get cold, they cover me up with fleece blankies! If I need anything....the volume of the tv turned up, my face scratched, my nose wiped, or my feet rubbed....the technicians obey my every command! Why do they bow to my every whim? Because they covet my platelets and want to keep me as a returning customer.

How great is that! For 2 1/2 hours, I am queen of the castle. But then after a refreshing snack of Keebler cookies and juice, I return to reality where if I want something, I have to do it myself.

Do any of you donate blood? (besides the occasional needle stick you might give yourself while stitching!) If not, I would encourage you to give it a try. There's nothing better than knowing you gave a perfect stranger the gift of life. And it's one size fits all!

Thanks for visiting me here, down by the creek!
Diane

I've been framed!

Greetings friends! I trust you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Ours was spent with my mother-in-law, Helen, Alan (my husband), and Colvin (our son). A very intimate and quiet affair, with all of the yummy traditional fixings. I cooked the turkey (with the help of a Reynolds oven bag. I just LOVE those things!) and made the gravy. My MIL did all the rest. Friday I boiled up the turkey carcass for soup, and today, the soup is finally finished. While the soup was busy doing its souping thing on the stove, I did a framing project that has been a LONG time coming. Here it is completely finished:

As you can see, it's an old window frame. I brought this home from my grandpa's farm many years ago, because I knew I would have a use for it someday. It's been hiding in our basement for, oh, maybe 13 years (give or take). And this weekend, I brought it to life. The pictures were taken at grandpa's farm, by a good friend and photographer in 2003. I had a quilt book published that year, and used some of the pictures in my book. The book is called "Quilts from Squier Lane", if anyone is interested! Anyway, I had the pictures on CD, and had enlargements made for each window pane. Here's a closeup of the photos:

That's me holding Colvin's hand. He was just shy of 4 years old. I have always loved this photo and wanted to remember that at one time, my baby boy would willingly hold my hand. **sigh** They grow up so fast! I found the quote on the internet and knew it would be the perfect finishing touch to my project. It's hanging on the wall above my piano. And I couldn't be happier with how it turned out.

Thanks for spending a few minutes with me down by the creek!

Diane

Seeing Stars...

Here is the full reveal of my newest Christmas pattern "Star of Bethlehem".

It is stitched on Weeks Dye Works 30ct "Dolphin" linen. 

The design size is a petite 65 x 88.

Also included with this sampler is an ornament pattern that was stitched 

on R&R Reproductions 28ct "Americana Blend" linen.

The ornament design size is 49 x 48.

So, fire up the needle and floss. Christmas is only 49 days away!

Thanks for visiting me down by the creek!

Diane

My First Freebie

“Parting Promise”

Please accept this free pattern as a "Thank you" to all of my faithful visitors who take a few brief minutes to visit me here, Down by Silver Creek! And, please feel free to email me pics of your stitched freebie (or any of my other patterns). I'd love to see them!

Thanks for stopping by!
Diane

An Interview with Myself!

 

I LOVE my lap frame. Can't stitch without it!

1)    Q: When did you begin designing your own patterns and how did that turn into a business?

A: From 1993-2006, I worked as an art director for a quilt magazine. For those 12 years, I ate, breathed, and slept quilts. Making and designing quilts came naturally to me. It was a devastating blow when the magazine went out of business. My passion for quilting waned and I needed an outlet to channel my creativity. I decided to go back to cross stitching (which I did for a few years before learning to quilt) and began to design my own patterns. It took three years before I had enough courage to contact a distributor. My designs were immediately accepted, and I haven’t looked back since.

      2) Q: Do you stitch your own models, or do you have model stitchers?

A: I do all of my own stitching. I don’t think I’ve stitched a model yet that I didn’t make color or design changes to. I also REALLY enjoy seeing the pattern come to life as I stitch.

3)    Q: How important is social media in the cross stitch industry and how do you make use of it for your company?

 A: I think social media is very important. In January 2012, I began a blog. (downbysilvercreek.blogspot.com) I’m probably one of the last designers to do so! I decided that since I don’t have a website, that a blog would be a good way for stitchers to get to know me as well as update them on what’s new at Silver Creek Samplers. I’m also on Facebook too.

4)    Q: Do you feel your style has changed over time, and if so how do you feel about your older designs now?

 A: My lettering style has changed since my first samplers. I needed to condense my letters a bit to keep my designs to a more “friendly” size. Not everyone wants to spend months stitching a huge sampler, or have the wall space to hang them.

5)    Q: What other designers are you a fan of?

A: Plum Street Samplers and La D Da are two of my favorites.

6)    Q: What are your three favorite movies?

A: Dances with Wolves, The Green Mile, and Forrest Gump

7)    Q: Do you have any pets?

A: No house would be complete without them! Chloe is a 10 year old cat who flunked out of mouse catching school, Molly is our newest member. She is a 2 ½ year old beagle-basset that we adopted this past May from our local shelter. (Don’t tell the cat…Molly is my favorite!) We also have 5 Rhode Island Red hens who live in a chicken coop that my son, Colvin and I built together last year.

"This IS my happy face"

"I promise I won't pee on the carpet if you give me a treat"

"Chickens on my shoulder make me happy"

8)    Q: Would you share a little bit about your family?

A: Sure! Alan and I have been married 18 years this September. We both grew up in Montrose, PA and graduated from the same high school, but didn’t start dating until 1993. We continue to live on our own little acre of paradise, located a few miles north of Montrose. Our son Colvin, turned 13 in June. He is already 5’9” and hasn’t really started his growth spurt yet (yikes!) Colvin is in Boy Scouts and enjoys fishing and hunting. Both Alan and Colvin help me out when I have an order to fill. Alan helps me stuff the bags and Colvin zips them up. It’s wonderful family bonding time!

Alan, my wonderful husband, and Colvin, my baby-boy!

9)    Q: What is your greatest strength? What is your biggest weakness?

A: I think my greatest strength is my creativity and imagination. My biggest weakness is, without a doubt, procrastination.

10)    Q: What changes would you make if you could go back in time?

A: I would not change a single thing. Not that I haven’t made my share of mistakes and bad choices. But I’ve learned valuable lessons from my goof-ups and that has helped me grow into a stronger and more confidant person. No one has the power to change yesterday, but you can change tomorrow!

Do you see what I see..........

"Bethlehem Star"

 A sneak peek of my new Christmas design!

But wait.........there's MORE!!!!!!!

When you buy this pattern, you'll receive this one-of-a-kind cross stitch sampler pattern,  

AND a pattern for a lovely Christmas ornament. That's right.....2 patterns for one low price!

This offer is not yet available in stores (but will be in the VERY near future!)

Stay tuned for the full reveal of "Bethlehem Star"

Coming to a blog near you!

And now back to our regularly scheduled program.

How do you keep a turkey in suspense?

I'll tell you tomorrow! 

(I can hear the moans and groans!) Sorry. I just couldn't resist repeating a favorite joke from my childhood. All kidding aside, Norden Crafts has assured me that my interview has not been forgotten. Your visits to my blog are important. Please stay on-line for the next available blog post. Thank you for your patience. Please stand by..........for..........just..........a little..........bit..........longer. (insert elevator music here). While you're waiting, post some questions you'd like to know about me, and I'll answer them, in the order they are received!
Thanks for stopping by the Creek!
Do come again!
Diane

While you're waiting....

My most sincerest apologies to those of you waiting patiently for my Q&A with Norden Crafts. I'm not sure what happened, but no matter, I will be one of their featured designers in the VERY near future, so hang in there. While you're waiting, I thought I'd answer the three questions that I'm sure have caused you all many sleepless nights.... or not.

1) Q: Can you play the kazoo?
       A: Why sure! Who can't? I'm also fluent in flute.....

 2) Q: What is your shoe size?
     A: 

I complained about the size of my BIG feet until one day, my Grandma told me that my feet weren't BIG, they were just LONG! It's all in your perspective!

3) Q: Is that your REAL hair color?

      A: Judging by this picture, what do YOU think?

So, what else would you like to know?

Diane

 
 

Can YOU play the kazoo?

Please circle October 10 on your calendar. That's the week I'll be the featured designer on Norden Crafts blog! I was asked to answer 5 designer questions and 5 "about me" questions. So now you will all get to know me a little bit better and have answers to questions that I'm sure you've all been pondering like "What is her shoe size?", "Can she play the kazoo?" and my personal favorite "Is that her REAL hair color?" Stay tuned to find out!

Hope to see you at the Creek again real soon!
Diane

Smile like you mean it!

Hello Friends!
I don't know where you are in the country, but it was a BEAUTIFUL day in my neck of the woods. The trees are just beginning to show off their new autumn wardrobe and the air has become refreshingly cool.

It's that time of year when many students are staring down the lens of a camera for school pictures that so often look like mug shots minus the numbers! We all have school pictures that we are quite embarrassed of and wish to bury in a very deep hole. (I won't even bring up my BIG hair and BIG glasses.) That's a topic for another day!

I was always afraid of what Colvin's pics would look like, not because he isn't photogenic (which he is), but because the photographer doesn't take much time with the kids to get the BEST possible pose and smile. Last year, I decided to take Colvin's school pics myself and I was very happy with the outcome. So, this year, I again played photographer much to my son's dismay.

This afternoon, we went to a local state park in our neighborhood and had our very own photo shoot. Colvin insisted that I took 100 photos, which isn't true. If he had been paying attention, he would have known I only took 99! He humored me by letting me pose him and politely waited to roll his eyes AFTER the pictures were taken. Such a charming child!

His glasses have transition lenses, so when I got him posed, I had to put his glasses on his face and quickly take the picture. After each picture, I took his glasses from him and stored them in the sweatshirt pouch until it was time for the next one. Geesh, no wonder he was rolling his eyes.

Here is the fruit of my labor:

This is my personal favorite!

He truly was a good sport and we accomplished what we set out to do...capture another year of memories. Just wait til he gets the bill!

Thanks for stopping by the Creek. Leave me a note letting me know you were here!

Diane

Oozing out my pores...

Creativity, that is! I love the high I get when I finish designing a sampler. ***deep breath*** Ahhhhhh. I've designed 2 new samplers in less than a week and now I want to get stitching! But one thing gets in my way..... my job. Now don't get me wrong. I like my job, but it doesn't produce the same euphoria as designing and stitching. It does however help pay for the roof and walls that surround my stitching chair. I feel blessed to have a job especially when so many do not. But between you and me ***whispering*** I'd rather be home stitching!
Thanks for taking time to stop by the creek. I do hope you'll keep coming back!

Diane

Grimes Ghost is in this Post!

"OLD GRIMES"
Old Grimes is dead, that good old man,
We ne'er shall see him more;
He used to wear a long brown coat
All buttoned down before.

"Grimes Ghost" • Design size: 103 x 107 • Fabric used: Zweigart 32ct. "Creekstone" lugana

 When I heard this old nursery rhyme, I knew I HAD to design a sampler for it. Of course, I decided to change some of the words to make it my own. I don't think Old Grimes will mind, after all, he's dead! I don't usually embellish my samplers, but I just had to sew real buttons on his coat. The graph shows stitched buttons if you prefer to go that route. In case you're wondering, the 1/4" buttons I used were found at Joanne Fabrics. With all of the buttons in my button jar, I didn't have the right size or amount that was needed. Perhaps you will be luckier than I was! If not, go to Joanne's! I'm stitching a Christmas design right now, so be on the lookout for a sneak peek soon. Thanks for stopping by the creek and please come again!

Diane

A season of firsts.....

My son, Colvin, started back to school today. His first day of 8th grade.

He attends the same high school that my husband and I graduated from. He's actually a third generation Montrose Meteor. Seems like just yesterday, he was going off to his first day of kindergarten....

(***sigh***) Where does the time go?

On the stitching front: my first trunk show is scheduled to arrive today at Crafty Ewe in Ohio. I courageously packed up and sent off 5 of my samplers: Eye on the Sparrow, Dandy Dreams, Halloween Bright, Promise of Spring, and 47 Hearts. It was almost more nerve-wracking than sending Colvin off to school on his very first day! My samplers will be staying with her long enough so that those attending the Shop Hop in October can view them up close and personal. I'll be releasing "Grime's Ghost" soon...perhaps before the next full moon. Stay tuned and please stop by again soon!

Diane

A Tiny Bit O' Grimes

Here's a sneak peek of Grime's Ghost, which will be my newest fall release.

and that's all I'm gonna show you! Mwa-ha-ha (evil laughter isn't as effective in print, is it?!)
Have a great day!
Diane

Toad-ally blown away.....

by all of the new followers of my blog! Thank you one and all for hopping on over here to see what's new or not so new. I'm in the home stretch of stitching a new design for the fall. It has a sort of "halloweeny" feel to it. I'm calling it Grimes Ghost, and that's all I'm telling you for now. I'll post a sneak peak as soon as I get it off the scroll rods. Until then, may all of your stitching be frog-free!

Diane

Join me for a sweet cup of....

Liber-Tea! In my last post, I mentioned that I was stitching a new patriotic sampler. I didn't finish it in time to release it for July. I decided that instead of waiting until next year, I'd release it anyway. After all, we should show our American pride all year round!

"Sweet Cup of Liber-Tea"

I stitched it on 30ct Sheep Straw linen by R&R Reproductions, and all flosses are from The Gentle Art. I just shipped this to Hoffman and Norden Crafts last week, so it should be available for your stitching pleasure soon! If not, be sure to ask your local needlework shop to get it for you.

The Just Cross Stitch Halloween Issue is out! I gave you a sneak-peak quite a while ago of my sampler that would be appearing in this issue, and now I'll reveal the entire picture.........

"Witchy Remedy"

This issue is packed full of spooky fun, so don't miss out. Just be sure to save a slice of moldy bread!
Thanks for stopping by the creek! Please come again, and bring a friend!

Diane

I'm back....did anyone know I was gone?

Too much time has passed since my last post, so I'm dropping a quick note to you. May was a tough month. I had to have my beagle, Maddie, put down. She was 12 1/2 years old and her health was going downhill fast. We adopted her in May 2003 from our local shelter in Montrose, PA.

My son Colvin with Maddie. Taken in 2003 shortly after we adopted her.

She was a sweet girl who was afraid of our cat and thunderstorms. She loved a good game of fetch with her blue ball, and she hated being in her kennel (so much that she destroyed 2 of them!) On May 17, I held her as she crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. We buried Maddie on the edge of our property in the shade of the woods and planted a native pine sapling on top of her.

The last picture taken of me and my Maddie May.

The emptiness was terrible. I felt lost not having her long, soft ears to stroke. The house was too quiet without her beagle bay and her toenails clipping across the floor. By Sunday, May 20, I was in need of some canine snuggle therapy, so after church, we stopped at True Friends Animal Shelter in Montrose, PA. And there, we found and adopted Molly. She is a beagle/basset and is about 2 years old. And such a LOVE! She brings a smile to everyone she meets....

Colvin with Molly. Taken June 2012.

Are you smiling? I sure am! That is my just turned 13-year old son, Colvin with Molly. The cat is less than thrilled about Molly's presence, but she'll come around in time.

Not a lot to report on the stitching front. I'm working on a patriotic sampler right now. I wanted to release it in time for July 4, but that's not going to happen. Oh well, any time is a good time for patriotism, right? I have a halloween sampler called "Witchy Remedy" that is going to appear in the Halloween issue of Just Cross Stitch magazine. I think it comes out in July. Be on the lookout for it- it's always a fun issue!

I had an MRI on Monday of my right shoulder. Been having a lot pf pain since March, so we're trying to find out what's going on. I see the orthopedic dr. July 2. My regular dr. feels it's shoulder impingement syndrome. We'll see what the orthopedic says and what the MRI shows. Fortunately, the pain hasn't stopped any stitching from happening! Well, thanks for stopping by.....come again when you can stay longer. And if I'm not here, leave a message at the beep!

Diane

I love my Mom...

so much that I stitched a sampler in honor of her and gave it to her for Christmas. It's my newest release called "Mother's Tribute". It's a quote from Abraham Lincoln. "Everything I am or hope to be I owe to my angel Mother."

I changed "angel" to precious because it fit within the design better. I don't think Abe would mind. The sentiment is still the same! I share my birthday with Lincoln so this sampler is extra personalized for me. You could even stitch your mom's name at the bottom instead of A. Lincoln (unless of course your mom IS A. Lincoln!) It's a quick stitch, so you can get it done in time to give it to your Mom for Mother's Day. I love my Mom and I'm proud to say that she's my best friend. (and now she's famous!)

It's Easter and the SON is shining!

This has been such a beautiful Easter weekend! A bit windy and cool but the bright sunshine makes up for it. Yesterday was truly a blessed day as I got to meet a promising new cross stitch designer who lives just a few hours away from me. Holly is a truly WONDERFUL person and I am grateful that the Lord had His hand in allowing us to meet. We met at a coffee shop in a shopping mall that was about the half-way point for both of us. I don't drink coffee, but I enjoyed the most DELICIOUS Chai Latte. Of course the conversation was delightful and the 3 hours we visited flew by quickly. Holly shared some of her sampler creations with me and they are GREAT! I know when she's ready to share them with the stitching world, you'll love them too! I wish you many blessings on this Resurrection Sunday. You can't keep a good man down.....HE IS RISEN!

Drum roll please.....

I finally have pictures of my floss cabinet to show you. The top part had its humble beginnings as a silverware chest that I got at a church sale. I saw its potential and began planning the transformation. The top wasn't deep enough to house my floss bags, so Dad and I built a new lid that was deep enough. I wanted to be sure I had plenty of room for all of my floss, so we built the lower part with 3 drawers. To be as thrifty as possible, we used a lot of scrap wood. Plywood, pine, and oak were all used in its construction. The whole project cost around $30.00 and I couldn't be happier with the final outcome! 

To mimic white porcelain knobs, I used small wooden spools painted white. 

The drawers are sectioned off with thin wood, to help keep my bags neat and tidy. The silverware chest came with a rectangular brass plate on top. I removed it, polished it, and had my initials (DMG) engraved in it. 

The brass handles on the lower section were originally attached to the sides of the silverware chest. I removed them, filled the holes and relocated them to their present location. Enjoy the pictures of a custom-made Grickensmith (Smith is Dad's last name) floss cabinet. Thanks for stopping by!

Long time, No See!

COMING SOON...Mother's Tribute"

I can't believe it's been a month since my last post. Life just keeps on speeding by and time gets away from me. Being new at this blogging thing, I'm never sure if what I have to say is interesting to anyone else. Last time, I mentioned that my Dad and I were building a floss cabinet. Well I'm pleased to announce that it is finished and my DMC is happy in its new home. I have yet to organize my full palette of The Gentle Art floss (or is it flosses?)....all things in good time. I'll post a picture of the cabinet soon. Very soon, I'll be releasing a new sampler design named "Mother's Tribute". Just in time to celebrate Mother's Day! Enjoy your sneak peak!

Please stop by again. And feel free to leave me a comment. I enjoy knowing I'm not alone!

Diane

A...B...D&C

Sneak Peek of Witchy Remedy

47 Hearts

Sorry it's been awhile since my last post. I had to have a D&C on Valentine's Day. Can't you just feel the love?! All went well and my doctor does not suspect the polyp to be cancerous. A huge relief to be sure. My Dad and I have been building a floss cabinet which I hope to be able to show you soon! It's in the staining process right now. In my last post I showed you a sneak peek of my newest design, and I think you've waited long enough to see the whole thing. I'm also sharing a sneak peek of a sampler that is going to appear in the Halloween issue of Just Cross Stitch. More big news to share....I have recently signed on with Norden Crafts Distributors. They will be debuting my designs in Nashville which is right around the corner. Lots of good things happening these days!