I had taken a break from counted cross stitch for a few years having lost my stitching bug. This past winter, my sister-in-law (@theNantucketStitcher on Instagram) helped me reignite that fire and we started sharing pictures of our current stitching projects. She also introduced me to groups on Facebook that were only about cross stitch. OMG! Have you done a group search on FB to find like minded people? Check it out…there are hundreds and I’m being conservative.
So I joined a group, thinking I’ll check it every week to see what someone is working on. Wrong. The first one I joined, Stitch Maynia, hooked me for 2 hours. The projects being shown were gorgeous! The people helpful. The information plentiful. I was enthralled with this world of creativity beyond a Dimensions kit, which is what had started my entrance into stitching in the early 70’s. The patterns, the thread, the needles, needleminders, project bags, dying fabric, linens, Aida, even weave, and on and on. But then I realized something. It seemed the text messaging format had reached stitching. They had their own language and I couldn’t wait to learn it and be a part of this community.
Ready to learn some new lingo? Here we go.
FO – Finished Object
FFO – Fully Finished Object
WIP – Work In Progress
BAP – Big Ass Project
LNS – Local Needlework Shop
SAL – Stitch Along. This happens in person or virtually!
ORT – Old Remaining Threads
FROG – when you have to rip out something stitched incorrectly. RIPIT RIPIT
Stitchy Mail – Getting wonderful packages in the mail that contain only stitching items. I immediately take a picture and send to my daughter and SIL. They understand the thrill.
Needle-minder – neat little pin/button with a magnet on it’s back that you can attach to your fabric and lay your needle on while not stitching. Whoever initially came up with this idea is a genius!
Project bags – sewn by other stitchers (like me!) these bags can have a clear plastic front allowing you to see your current stitching project. I keep my pattern, floss, fabric, scissors, beeswax and anything else for the current project in one. Warning: they are addictive. You can’t get just one. I think I need to learn how to sew one.
The two in the picture below are from:
Pink bag – SouthernGirlStitcher Etsy shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/SouthernGirlStitcher?ref=search_shop_redirect
Green bag – MadebyMamaJoan Etsy shop
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MadebyMamaJoan?ref=shop_sugg
Coffee/Tea dyeing fabric – WHAT?! Yes, it’s an amazing way to make your fabric look older and there are tons of tutorials on YouTube. I learned from watching TheRealHousewivesofCrossStitch Flosstube.
Flosstube – A group of stitchers that create videos on YouTube about their projects, product reviews, stitch alongs and other crafts they are working on, books they like, you name it. Many of the stitching pattern designers also post videos. I initially subscribed to only a few. That list has grown exponentially and I watch them while stitching.
So there you have it. A peek into a whole new language for those of us who get excited upon learning about petite needles (John James size 28 petite are my new favorite, see picture below) while creating beautiful works of art with needle, thread, fabric and unique finishings.
Until next time, keep that needle moving!
Tamara
This Nana Stitches 