The Quidditch Cup is coming to Stitchwhats!

Good Day Stitchers!

I wanted to let you in on the latest event coming to Stitchwhats!  Starting in August the houses will be competing in a school wide Quidditch tournament!

The Rules:

1. Must be a Sports piece
2. Must be Submitted and approved by the Headmistress  Deputy Headmistress, or Head of House.
1. To submit a piece post a picture of what the finished piece will look like  and your starting point. There will be a thread for Submissions.
3. Must post a starting picture.
4. Post Progress pictures at least twice a week.

The Game:

Each house will be competing against each other.  The event will run from August 1 through September 3. Points will be awarded for the Total number of stitches as well as Finishes.  Each team will receive additional points if they Win the game for the week.

Points:

• Each team will get 10 pts for every 100 stitches put in.
• Each team will get 20 pts for every Finished Object.
• Winning team each week will get an additional 100 pts. (Catching the Snitch)
• Finals
• 1st place will win 100 pts for their team in the house cup
• 2nd place will win 75 pts for their team in the house cup
• 3rd place will win 50 pts for their team in the house cup
• 4th place will win 25 pts for their team in the house cup

Schedule:

• Week 1 (Aug 1 - Aug 8):
• Froggin Vs. Pufflestitch
• Satindor vs. Rhodesclaw
• Week 2 (Aug 9 - Aug 15):
• Froggin Vs. Satindor
• Pufflestitch Vs. Rhodesclaw
• Week 3 (Aug 16 - Aug 22):
• Pufflestich Vs. Froggin
• Rhodesclaw Vs. Satindor
• Week 4: (Aug 23 - Aug 29):
• Pufflestich Vs. Rhodesclaw
• Satindor Vs. Froggin
• Week 5: (Aug 30 - Sep 3) Finals!!
• 1st Vs. 2nd
• 3rd Vs. 4th

FAQ:

• What constitutes a stitch?
• Full cross, bead, specialty, backstitch all count as one stitch
• Tent for this event counts as ½ a stitch.
• Can I stitch on multiple projects?
• Yes and No.  Let me clarify, You can only stitch on one project for this event unless you finish it and need to start another.  The new project will need to be submitted and approved before it will count toward the game.

From the Desk of the Admin team, we bring you the weekly newsletter for CSIF. (May 14 - 20)

This week in CSIF we have a few things going on:

• May’s Monthly Challenge: https://www.facebook.com/events/1659090937731810/
• Weekly Challenge Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1872708343018364
• Designer SAL(Lizzie Kate):  https://www.facebook.com/events/1486946838042623/
• Hangout: https://www.facebook.com/events/293211511118681/?acontext=%7B%22ref%22%3A%224%22%2C%22feed_story_type%22%3A%22370%22%2C%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D

• On the Horizon we have several events coming up: 

• Next Week's Weekly Challenge: https://www.facebook.com/events/1673883082627944/?acontext=%7B%22source%22%3A4%2C%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D&source=4&action_history=null
• Designer SAL ( Mirabilla or Lavender and Lace): https://www.facebook.com/events/1284876341630668/
• Tour De Stitches: https://www.facebook.com/events/278244599293212/

From the Desk of the Admin team, we bring you the weekly newsletter for CSIF. (May 7 - 13)

This week in CSIF we have a few things going on:

• May’s Monthly Challenge: https://www.facebook.com/events/1659090937731810/
• Weekly Challenge Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1472591786115510/
• Designer SAL(Lizzie Kate):  https://www.facebook.com/events/1486946838042623/
• Hangout: (Hangouts will resume next week)

• On the Horizon we have several events coming up: 

• Next Week's Weekly Challenge: https://www.facebook.com/events/1872708343018364/
• Designer SAL ( Mirabilla or Lavender and Lace): https://www.facebook.com/events/1284876341630668/
• Tour De Stitches: https://www.facebook.com/events/278244599293212/
  
  

The last year has been crazy but I am now done with student teaching and hopefully things will be getting back to normally. I hope to be able to create these Newsletters weekly again.  

Happy Stitching!

Stitcher's Stone

While at breakfast this morning you overheard a most curious conversation between Headmistress Hopeless and Deputy Headmistress Mel.

Mel: is it true?
Hopeless: is what true?
Mel: That the Stitcher's stone is real.
Hopeless: Well yes, of course, it is real, a great many years ago I helped the sorcerer Alowishus acquire it.
Mel: Where is it now?
Hopeless: Safe I'm sure.
Prof. Screwy: (snickers) Knowing Alowishus is it at the bottom of one of his many WIP piles!
Prof. SugarNanna: (chuckles) No, Screwy I am sure he probably stuck it on one of his thousands or Ort Jars!
The group moved away from where you were sitting...  What in the world is the Stitcher's Stone?

The Sorting Quiz!

1.     You have picked out a beautiful design to stitch, what fabric do you pick?

1.     14 Count - White (1pt)

2.     18 Count  - Hand dyed (2pt)

3.     28 Count - You custom Dyed it (3pt)

4.     40 Count - Hand dyed (4pt)

2.     You have decided you want a new start what do you pick?

1.     Joan Elliot (1 pt)

2.     Chatelaine (4pt)

3.     Country Cottage or sampler (2pt)

4.     HAED or some other large design (3pt)

3.     It is Thursday Night, CSIF is having their weekly hangout do you....

1.     Join the live hangout to chat and stitch (4pt)

2.     Watch the hangout via YouTube and chat with everyone from there (3pt)

3.     Watch from YouTube but don't participate in the conversation (2pt)

4.     What is a hangout? (1pt)

4.     There is a stitching emergency!  You were all set to start a new project you have everything you need but one color of floss, what do you do?

1.     Race out to the craft store to pick it up. (2pt)

2.     Pull up 1-2-3 Stitch and order the floss and a Few other items (4pt)

3.     Pull out your stash and find an alternative (3pt)

4.     Wait until the next time you are at the store and pick up the color.  (1pt)

5.     How many WIPs do you have approximately?

1.     One WIP is my limit! (4pt)

2.      No more than 5, I swear that is my Limit.... I hope (2pt)

3.      Somewhere under 100, you can't make me count!!!! (3pt)

4.     It's over a 100 and I am proud of it! (1pt)

6.     You need to set up a rotation, you have a goal to finish at least 1 WIP a month for all of 2017 how will you set up your rotation?

1.     Rotation, who came up with that hair brained idea?  (1pt)

2.     I work on what calls me that day, I have one project I try and work on each week. (4pt)

3.     I have a rotation of sorts and try to stick to it. (3pt)

4.     I have a regimented Rotation with detailed plans for each week. (2pt)

7.     It is your day off, you have the house to yourself.  You have set up your stitching supplies and have settled down for a nice day of stitching.... some hours later you realize you are very hungry, what do you do?

1.     Grab some snacks and a beverage to munch on while you stitch. (2pt)

2.     Fix yourself a snack with that won't stain your fabric. (3pt)

3.     Grab a snack while taking a break and bring back a drink in a closed container.  (1pt)

4.     Eat or drink anywhere near my stitching? I don't think so! (4pt)

8.     Headmistress Hopeless will be checking your project what will she find?

1.      1/2 inch border one side, front legs all go the same way, that is what we need right?  (1pt)

2.       2-inch border all the way, the stitches are all uniform, she isn't checking the back right? (2pt)

3.      3-inch border all  around, the stitching is uniform, and the back is mostly good (3pt)

4.      My projects are pristine as always!  The back looks as good as the front, as it should be! (4pt)

9.     If you had your choice what would you do with a kit?

1.     I always follow the directions carefully  (1pt)

2.     I follow the pattern, but if I make a mistake I don't worry too much about it. (2pt)

3.     Follow the pattern?  I just make it up as I go.  (3pt)

4.     I will replace the fabric with what I like, and change out the floss for silk. (4pt)

10.  You were shopping at the local thrift store and found a partially finished project what do you do?

1.     Interesting but not my style so I'll leave it there. (1pt)

2.     What a lovely project but it might be missing something (2 pt)
3.   I'll pick it what a lovely project I shall take it home and give it some love! (3pt)

4.     I don't shop at thrift stores. (4pt)

11.  Headmistress Hopeless has just announced a surprise SAL!!!

1.     I don't really do SALs  (1pt)

2.     I'll take a look at it if I have time I might do it. (2pt)

3.     I can't click the Join button fast enough. (3pt)

4.     Not another Freaking SAL!!! (4pt)

Stitchwhat's Weekly Newsletter

Hello everyone,

So this week we are traveling to Stitchwhats, on various forms of transportation, be it the train, flying car, or tardis.  We will all be arriving at in the town of StitcheryDo.  Once we reach town, everyone will need to think about how they want to finish this leg of the journey.  You can either ride the enchanted boats across the lake to the school.... Might be a great way to meet some mermaids as they patrol the lake. Or see the hydra who also lives in the lake. You can also take the horseless carriages through the enchanted forest, you could see unicorns, dragons, werewolves, and any other number of magical creatures.  Once we arrive at the school, the sorting will begin.  I know everyone is very excited to be sorted into their houses and start their stitching journey with the school!  I know the school and all of the faculty will be pleased to have new students!  I have heard that there are a great many exciting plans in store for everyone in the coming year!


                                                                Sincerely,
                                                                        Headmistress Hopeless

Welcome to Stitchwhats!

Congratulations Stitcher, 

I am happy to inform you that you have been granted acceptance into Stitchwhats! A very prestigious Stitching Academy.  Here at Stitchwhats you will take classes such as; Potion Making (Dying), Defense of the Dark Arts (Frog avoidance), Charms (Beading), Transfiguration (Pattern Modification), History of Magic (Specialty Stitches), Herbology (Specialty Fibers), Astronomy (Sparkle thread and Fabric).

If you accept this invitation you will, of course, be sorted into Houses.  Here at Stitchwhats we have the following houses.

Satindor -  home to the brave and intrepid stitchers who will meet every challenge. 

Froggin - home to the sly and sneaky stitcher who will look for every shortcut and maybe try and play a dirty trick on the other houses.

Rhodesclaw - home to the intelligent stitcher who chooses their projects and battles wisely.

Pufflestitch - home to the studious stitcher who follows the directions precisely at all times.

 The School will be opening on October 1, 2016.  Reserve your bed now!  On October 31st the sorting ceremony will begin!  Stitchers will be sorted into one of the four Stitching houses.  Once Sorted into your House you will be given the password to the House commons for that house.  Each week Houses will earn points towards the house cup.  The house cup will be awarded Quarterly.  Points will be awarded for participation in the group events and challenges.  For example, is you complete a weekly challenge you will earn your team 5 points, If you complete a Monthly challenge you will earn your team 40 points.  If you join a Hangout and participate (you tube or live) you will earn your team 50 points.  SAL Participation will earn 10 points. There will also be special challenges though out the year. 

To accept this invitation to attend Stitchwhats you will need to join the facebook group Cross Stitch, It's Fun and follow the instructions given there.

                                                                      Respectfully, 

                                                                               Headmaster Hopeless

Supply List
1 enchanted Needle (your preference on size)
1 pair embroidery scissors
Cloth
Cauldron (fabric dying)
Floss

Text Books
Patterns of your choice
The Cross Stitcher's Bible (recommended, NOT Required)

Stitching School???

When we last visited, our friends; Samual Satindor, Freddrick Froggin, Rhonda Rhodesclaw, and Petunia Pufflestitch were thinking of opening their very own enchanted stitching school... But what to teach???  Satindor wanted to teach creativity and daring stitching, Rhodesclaw felt it was essential that stitchers learned the foundations of stitching, Pufflestitch, wanted stitchers to try new things and have fun.  Froggin felt that it was essential that stitchers learn to use only the finest of materials, and except only perfection.  Satindor, Rhodesclaw, and Pufflestitch did not agree with Froggin.  Enchanted stitching is about more than perfection and the quality of your materials.   The four friends decided to compromise, as all wise stitchers would surely do.  The school would offer classes in all of their areas.   Stitchers wishing to join the school would need to be sorted some how in to groups.... But how to sort these stitchers?  That was a new problem that the four friends must tackle now  So we will leave our friends stitching by the fire.  Each was now stitching what would become banners for the groups of stitchers that wished to follow the ways of Satindor, Froggin, Rhodesclaw, and Pufflestitch.  Can they finish these banners before the school opens?  Can they solve the puzzle of how to sort the students that would want to come to their school?  We will have to check back soon to see what they have come up with!

Weekly Newsletter

Long ago....

There were four talented stitchers, who were fast friends, Samual Satindor, Freddrick Froggin, Rhonda Rhodesclaw, and Petunia Pufflestitch.  One day the four friends were sitting around the parlor with their stitching when Satindor said, "You know we should start a school to teach young stitchers how to use their stitching powers."  The other three thought this was a marvelous idea.  But what should we teach these new stitchers?......

http://www.clipartpanda.com/clipart_images/from-the-postmaster-and-52463426

...... To be Continued.

Weekly Newsletter

Hello Everyone,

Today is the last day of the Stitchlympics!  I hope everyone had a lot of fun with all of the events.  We hope to have the medal's announced by the end of the week.  We had several people complete this week's Challenge of getting a finish.   So this week the weekly Challenge will be a game of Floss Bingo!   No new SAL's this week, crazy I know but have no fear the crazy is coming back soon!  We do have our regular hangout on Thursday Night.

Next week we have the Fantasy SAL on Thursday (Sept. 1)  We also have a Paula Vaughn SAL coming on Sept. 6.


Now for a sneak peak at what is coming next year.  For the next few weeks, we will be giving Hints for a big announcement that will be coming November 1st. So here is this weeks teaser!

Like a challenge?  Have you liked the team events this summer?  Want to play  fun games while stitching and chatting with your friend?  Keep reading the weekly newsletters for more hints and the big announcement!

Good, Better, Best ~~Remembering my roots

Just the other day I was sitting among my stash and watching Flosstube. What? You don't do that? Anyway, like I said I was sitting among my stash, watching Flosstube. I was admiring how varied our community is.

It got me thinking about my first steps into the world of stitching, granted they were a long time ago but I made them none the less. I still to do this day remember the very first kit I ever stitched. It was the goose ornament. Any other early 1980's stitchers other there remember that one? What I am trying to get at with this is the needle this kit came with. I thought it was soooo coool that I had my very own needle and didn't have to borrow my mother's. I kept that needle for years; so long in fact most of the finish had been eaten away by the oils in my hands. It wasn't the best needle but it was a good needle; it got the job done.

Then came the day when I moved away from kits and started selecting pattern, fabric and threads as individual items. The lady at the LNS helped me with everything and even included a free pack of DMC needles as her gift to me. She advised me to start with a new needle. I did and wow just wow. I was blown away by how much those needles were better then what I had been using. I was proud of my little pack of needles. I abandoned my first needle and committed myself to only using DMC needles.

Fast forward a few years (more than that.....more than that.....ok stop), I had just broken my third needle in one day while working on my HAED. I turned to the message board to see what I could do. Someone ( I honestly can't remember who ) posted about needles and talked about different brands. I had never heard of these brands. So to Google I went. I was able to order a pack of Bohins from 123stitch. These needles rocked my world! I couldn't believe the quality of these needles. I was in love.

Now I know what you are saying, "hurry up get to the point already!". My point is this. There was nothing wrong with the needle I started with, in fact I still use kit needles from time to time. I was able to move up with my quality of needles in time and as funds allowed, but that didn't make me any less of a stitcher. We all start somewhere and we all start within whatever budget we have at the time.

Weekly Newsletter for the Week of August 14th - 20th

It is that time of year again.  I will be returning to class for my last year.  I will be preparing for student teaching this semester, thus I will largely be unavailable once again.  Where did the summer go?  This has been a busy month already for the Admin team, and we hope that things will settle back down to normal soon.    We have some very big plans for next year that we are very excited about.  we will be announcing them in the 4th quarter of this year.


Happening this week:

Stitchlympics will be wrapping up this week.  With the final award Ceremony being published the following week.  he Weekly Challenge is back, and this time we are going for a finish!  We will also be having the Stitchy Hangout Thursday night.


Stitchylympic Medals so far!

Stitchylympics Medals For the 15 Minute Sprint 
1st Place: Aphrodite
2nd Place: Ares
3rd Place: Demeter

Stitchylympics Medals For the 3 hour Marathon
1st Place: Aphrodite
2nd Place: Ares
3rd Place: Demeter

Stitchylympics Medals For the 30 Minute relay 
1st Place: Aphrodite
2nd Place: Demeter
3rd Place: Hera

Stitchylympics Medals For the Javelin Stitch
1st Place: Apollo
2nd Place: Aphrodite
3rd Place: Dionysus