Heart Health ~ Carol for Heart

CAROL For Heart, Inc. was founded in 2003 to eradicate women's heart disease through increased awareness and education to women and those in the medical community. Please join us as we fundraise, share information, websites and services to raise awareness and educate ourselves, our sisters, our daughters and our loved ones.

If you're a woman, know your risk, talk to your doctor and be proactive.

The Warning Signs: If you or someone you are with has chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs listed below, don't wait longer than 5 minutes before calling for help. Call 9-1-1!

1. Chest Discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.

2. Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.

3. Shortness of breath. This feeling often comes along with chest discomfort. But it can occur before the chest discomfort.

4. Other signs. These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.

The above came from the Fact Sheet/Question & Answer; Go Red for Women Awareness Campaign February 2004- American Heart Association as well as the American Heart Association Southeastern Chapter.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Designs By Lisa

Suit yourself

This week Kathy, of Designs By Lisa is having a sale on this great design entitiled ~ Suit Yourself. What a clever design title. I like this for quite a few reasons but probably most of all, it is quite masculine and a great gift idea for the man in your life.

I know father's day is right around the corner and the big guy's been complaining about the felt on his poker table getting all messed up b/c of the condensation from the drinks. I am going to split these up and make them into coasters.

It will take care of the drink issue and they'll match the poker area (not that that is a concern for the big guy, but I'll know they match). I think he's gonna LOVE this!

Sale runs through Friday, May 28th, be sure to check it out!

Traffic 101

Just saw this post by Kathy of Designs by Lisa and HAD to share it with our blog readers. Kathy is extremely active and is always biking, hiking and getting outdoors to be active and stay fit. Here's a post for her Facebook page about some unusual traffic she found herself in on the bike trail last week.

Happiness is having the bike Trail to yourself.....until you are held up by traffic....

Stitchy Sayings

We've been having a ball sharing our stitchy saying on the LTS Facebook and Twitter pages. We've had a few members ask to put a few in list form on the LTS blog so here goes.....


~ The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person's determination (to finish stitching a WIP).

~ A friend is someone who is there for you when they have a WIP (stitching) waiting for them somewhere else.

~ Great works (like stitching) are performed not by strength, but by perseverance.

~ Good actions (like stitching) give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions (like stitching) in others.

Happiness is not something readymade. It comes from your own actions (such as stitching).

Success (in stitching) is not final, failure (to finish a WIP) is not fatal: it is the courage to continue (stitching) that counts.

~ Laugh as much as you breathe, love as long as you live, and stitch as much as possible.

~ Coffee makes it possible to get out of bed, but stitching makes it worthwhile.

~ Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll frog tonight and stitch again tomorrow.

~ When the going gets tough the tough get stitching!

Friendship (and stitching) is the only cement that will ever hold the world together.

The strength of a woman can carry the weight of her stash or the world.

~ "If I stitch fast enough, does it count as aerobic exercise?" - Author Unknown

If you think sunshine brings you happiness, then you haven't tried stitching!

~ A fiber craving is nothing that should be taken lightly. What are you going to do about it?

~ There's nothing better than a good friend, except a good friend who stitches with you!

~ Learning to stitch is nearly always inspired by watching someone stitch. Go inspire someone!

~ A wise individual once said, "Nothing stitched.....nothing gained." Learn a new stitch today!

~ The scent of hand dyed linens and threads is the only aromatherapy I need.

~ A balanced diet is fabric and fibers in each hand.

~ "The smallest deed is better than the biggest intention." What's your good deed? Teach someone to stitch today!


We encourage you to share the LTS stitchy sayings, we simply ask you link back to our post when doing so. THANKS!

Can you teach a Kindergartner to stitch?

So I woke up this morning and realized I have a bit more than 25 hours to get together a lesson plan for my son's (red head in the red sweater vest and black blazer) kindergarten class. I have been invited to come and talk about my job and introduce stitching to the kids.

Now, I of coarse think I have the BEST job in the world. I work in the needlework industry, can it really get any better than that? NOPE! But to be given the opportunity to introduce stitching to 25 six year olds has my head swimming.

What should I show them? Fabrics, Fibers, Accessories, Gadgets, Magazines...there are so many wonderful things about why I chose to start Loose Thread Stitchers, why needlework is so important in my life and how fabulous it feels to create something with my hands. I am so excited to be able to share that with this fabulous group of little people.

So today I will get to the store and pick up a few supplies. I want to create a few "test" pieces so they can use them in the classroom. I have to pack up some models and showcase the range of stitching (framed pictures, pillows, necklaces, smalls, etc.). A pile of fabric, threads, embellishments, etc. for each table of children and I am (cross your fingers for me) going to attempt to make cross stitch cupcakes. Did I leave anything out?

Edit Note ~ Just found this great blog by The Lavender Bakery that shows FABULOUS examples of cross stitch cupcakes! It is the second entry after the Jimmy Choo cupcakes. if you live in the UK ~ this looks like the place to be! This lady has talent! Thanks for the inspiration!

Why I joined the SYHO Campaign

What can I say about being involved in the SYHO campaign? Only that I'm very proud and happy to be a part of it. I've been stitching for over 20 yrs, and it's such an important part of my life. It's my passion, and people who have a passion for something, live it, and want others to share in it, and that's why I'm excited to be a participant. I wanted to share with others the love I have for stitching, and provide the campaign with a fun chart in the month of May. I want to spark an interest in people to pick up needle and thread and carry on this love of cross stitch. And the fact that the campaign is also promoting heart health, well, that was icing on the cake and made it all more worthwhile. Be Healthy, and Happy Stitching!

Kathy, Owner & Designer
Designs by Lisa

5 Little Know Facts about Designs By Lisa

1 ~ Even though the company is *Designs by Lisa*, I may not answer to Lisa, since I go by a shortened version of my middle name which is Kathleen. (Kathy) Why? Because when I was born, my dad was out of town, when he returned, he did not care for the name Lisa which my mother had loved and named me. He started to call me Kathy, and the name stuck. Someone had to give, and my mom lost. So in honor of my mom, I named the business after the name she had really wanted to call me.

2 ~ I model stitched for 4 yrs before starting to design.

3 ~ I have never, ever, bowled in my life. Is that sad or what? It looks fun, sorta.

4 ~ I have an obsession with painting*as in rooms, walls, entire houses, etc.

5 ~ I love riding on the back of my husbands* Harley. There's something to be said about being on a motorcycle winding through beautiful scenery with the wind blowing through your hair (okay, that don*t really happen because I wear a helmet), but the rest is true!

Chicken Pasta Recipe by Designs By Lisa

Ingredients:

1 * cup uncooked penne pasta
1 cup chopped asparagus
6 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 cloves garlic
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with herbs, including juice
1 ounce feta cheese, crumbled
1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese

Directions:
Cook penne pasta until al dente (tender), 10 to 12 minutes, or according to package directions. Drain the pasta thoroughly. Set aside.
In a pot fitted with a steamer basket, bring 1 inch of water to a boil. Add the asparagus.
Cover and steam until tender-crisp, about 2-3 minutes.
Spray a large nonstick frying pan with cooking spray. Add the chicken and garlic and saut* over medium-high heat. Cook until the chicken is golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Add the tomatoes, including the juice, and simmer 1 minute more.

In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta, steamed asparagus, chicken mixture and feta cheese. Toss gently to mix evenly.

Divide pasta mixture into two servings and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Analysis (per serving)
Calories 455 Cholesterol 81 mg
Protien 41 g Sodium 240 mg
Carbohydrate 55 g Fiber 6.5 g
Total fat 8 g Potassium 462 mg
Saturated fat 3.5 Calcium 125 mg
Monounsaturated Fat 2 g

King of the Kitchen ~ Designs By Lisa

If you've been reading the LTS blog you've probably picked up that the kitchen and I do not get along. In fact, the big guy asked me recently where I'd like to travel when the kids get older. I said probably Hawaii, Ireland.....he interrupted and asked for a more domestic local. Maybe Texas or Arizona, I suggested.....nope closer he replied.....like maybe the kitchen. He laughed for quite some time at himself.

Seriously? He's nuts! He knew when we got married, I was not skilled in the kitchen department. I am certainly not the Queen of the kitchen, but the big guy on the other hand, is FABULOUS at making pretty much anything and everything under the sun.....and so I will stitch this fun little design for him to let him know that if I can't actually make "food" in the kitchen I can still flex my stitching abilities there (:

Fabric: 28 Count Hand-dyed Sandcastle Jobelan #429-503 from Wichelt
Threads: Gentle Art Sampler Threads,DMC conversion included

Beads: Mill Hill glass seed beads # 00367

Frame: East Side Mouldings: 800-840-6077

Design Size: 9 1/2" w x 7 1/2"h

Stitch count: 134w x 106h

Kathy from Designs By Lisa is having an exclusive sale on this fabulous chart till May 16th. Sale price is $5 and that INCLUDES shipping! Be sure to get over to her website and order b/4 they are gone!

LTS / SYHO May Stitcher Newsletter now available for download

The May Stitcher LTS / SYHO Designer Encyclopedia newsletter featuring Kathy Hackford of Designs By Lisa has been published. This newsletter is filled with activities, heart healthy tips, tricks and games to get stitchers excited about stitching!

You can check out the latest newsletter HERE

...and in case you missed past issues, you can find them HERE as well as fun downloadable activities, complimentary charts and much much more!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Designs by Lisa

Help Mike from Hoffman Distributing!

Help Mike (from Hoffman Distributing Company ) out! Go rate his guitar playing HERE and help him get enough points to win a new guitar! Plus, you're allowed to make fun of him all you want. Who can resist that?

and the winner is.....

Be sure to stop by the Funk and Weber Needle and ThREAD: Stitching for Literacy Blog today at 4PM EST to see if you are the lucky winner of the SYHO Bookmark Challenge ~ $500 in stash! courtesy of Loose Thread Stitchers. We will announce the winner on the LTS Blog tomorrow.

While you're there be sure to read about Bev who has stitched over 60 bookmarks for her local library in Clinton ~ isn't she FABULOUS!

Here's a preview of Bevs work ~ AMAZING!

Moday Morning Motto ~ Designs By Lisa

I know I am not the only one who wakes up on Monday morning and feels a bit....blah......well actually if I must be honest (and b/c this is a blog by a mom for moms, I guess I'd better be) I am like that almost every morning. My poor husband had no idea what he was getting into and yet he's still here after almost 10 years....bless his heart!

Yes I admit it, I am NOT a morning person. My face is full of pillow wrinkles and my hair has become a tangled mess insisting on running in 1,000 directions to avoid a comb and welcoming a hat. I get up b/c I have 3 small children to get out the door to school and work to get done before they get home. Otherwise, I would sleep till noon. Alas, those college days are far behind me.

So after I got the last little one out the door and settled down to write the Monday morning Loose Thread Stitchers Facebook update and view my friends Facebook updates I came across one that made me smile...on a MONDAY morning no less....NEVER happens (:

My girlfriend, Kathy of Designs by Lisa, just released a new design called Monday Morning Motto and I promise you the only difference between me and the bird is the color of the hair. I am so getting this one and putting it right next to my bed on my nightstand. Maybe if I see it in the mornings it will get a little spring in my step and a smile on my face.....now if it could only get rid of the pillow wrinkles and bed head, I'd be set!

Seven Words to fight Breast Cancer

We'd like to highlight a non-stitching related cause today. We have worked with Michelle from MKC Photography in the past on an amazing series of sewing images and she recently shared with us her newest work to help raise money for Breast Cancer. We just had to share it with our members....

I took a poll. I asked women what words they would want to hear when facing a battle, what words they would say to their mother, their sister, their friend. I arranged them in order, from the first day, moving on and upward, through the journey. These seven words are for my aunts. They are for my cousin. They are for my college professor. They are for my childhood friend. They are for each one of us, because cancer touches us all.

In honor of May and Mother's Day, 25% of all proceeds from this print will go directly to my dear friend's organization, Phi Mammo Gramma, as they raise funds for the Avon Three Day Walk in the hope that, one day, the eighth word will be "cure."

SYHO Friday ~ Designs By Lisa

It’s Official it’s SYHO Friday! Yippee! We are thrilled to introduce Kathy of Designs By Lisa, the SYHO Designer Encyclopedia May 2010 designer.

Month ~ May

Design Company ~ Designs By Lisa

Design Title ~ Purrrrr Like You Mean It

Fabric ~ 32 count Hand-dyed Raspberry Jobelan #865211 from Wichelt

Threads ~ GAST Chalk, Black Crow, Pebble, Rose Garden, Tea Rose

Buttons ~ Just Another Button Company #ss1005.T

The May SYHO Stitcher newsletter will be out on Monday...till then be sure to get over to Hoffman Distributing Company's website and drool over their Friday new releases and then get to your LNS STAT!

Homespun Elegance Ltd. ~ I Love Summer

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this new design by Homespun Elegance Ltd. for so many reasons...here's a few in no particular order:

1 ~ I DO LOVE summer!
2 ~ The colors are exactly my speed
3 ~ It is a quick to stitch project
4 ~ Just the right size ~ portability is key w/ 3 kids on the go
5 ~ great finishing ideas ~ so making this into a set of pillows for the shore house!

You can totally change the thread and fiber colors to be bright and bold, it is a fabulous hostess gift for your summer parties, I could go on and on. I guess I'd better get my list together for my next trip to the LNS.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Blue Ribbon Designs

Donate 3 hours to spark a child's love of needlework

There are 3 days left to stitch a bookmark for the Needle and ThREAD: Stitching for Literacy Campaign. You could win over $500 in stash and a fabulous tray of cookies from Once Upon a Cookie.

Think you don't have enough time? No worries click here to find a quick to stitch chart with lots of small motifs, you only need a single thread color and a small piece of fabric and you are all set! In less than 3 hours you could create an amazing needlework bookmark to give to a child and introduce them to the wonderful world of stitching and encourage their love of reading . Do you remember how you first got hooked? Wouldn't it be FABULOUS to share that feeling with the next generation?

What are you waiting for? Get stitchin!

Happy B-day Stitches 'n Things

The following is an excerpt from the Stitches 'N Things Newsletter ~ BE sure to check it out!

Drum roll please ........................ Effective at midnight o'one Saturday May 1st............ Since we're turning 18, you get a month long birthday present of 18% OFF** your orders!

** discount excludes DMC floss; not applicable to items already discount/on sale; not applicable to items ordered prior to May 1, 2010. No special orders = items not normally carried in the shop catalog/web site. Key tags will not be punched during the sale month.

** Your order form, if ordering from our secure shopping cart/catalog, will NOT reflect the 18% off discount. That discount WILL be taken off manually by us when we process your order through. You will receive the discount on all applicable items that you are ordering.

Wowsers! That's cool .. but wait a second Deb, how will I know if I'm getting the discount? How will I know if what I'm ordering is in st

ock or not?

Not to worry. Since it's impossible for me to know ahead of time what items will be wanted at the discount, if you are ordering from our web site and what you are ordering is not in stock, it WILL be re-ordered for you AT the 18% Off Discount! It's the items we don't have on our web site that are considered 'special orders' and are not applicable; those items we do not now carry or have not carried in the past.

Now .. lets take this UP a notch and find you MORE WAYS TO SAVE on your Charts/Books/Leaflets!

• IF A CHART is not in OUR catalog, but it IS on our Merchant Mall catalog at HOFFMAN Distributing ... you'll still get the 18% OFF Discount when you order it in May!
• IF A CHART is not in OUR catalog, but it IS in the chart catalog at NORDEN CRAFTS ... you'll still get the 18% OFF Discount when you order it in May!
• IF A CHART is not in OUR catalog, but it IS in the chart catalog at WICHELT IMPORTS ... you'll still get the 18% OFF Discount when you order it in May!
• IF A CHART is not in OUR catalog, but it IS in the chart catalog at YARN TREE ... you'll still get the 18% OFF Discount when you order it in May!
• And .. just to prove I'm really in a good mood and not stressed out with 'this birthday' ... you'll also get 18% OFF ALL FRAMES, whether in stock OR special ordered! ALL CUSTOM FRAMING (mats, glass, spacers, mounting fe e) w ill be 18% OFF!!! Custom Mats from Sekas OR Jill Rensel are also 18% OFF.

  

Happy Birthday Month To Us ... Happy Birthday Month To Us ...

Happy Birthday Month dear Stitches N Things (and dear Stitches N Things customers) ...

Happy Birthday Month To Us (er, to you)!