2017 L*K calendar of newbies!

As promised, here's a preview for the remainder of 2017. Subject to change, of course, but they're on "the list"...and I do love to cross things off my lists.

* Christmas Mystery Sampler - Begins in September!!!
It doesn't have a name yet, but it's designed and almost stitched. Our holiday mystery will unfold in 3 monthly parts in September, October and November.

Once again, it's a "full service" mystery sampler. In addition to the charts, we're collaborating with Marilyn and the ladies at Picture This Plus to offer precuts of linen and Aida in several thread counts. We're also working with Miranda at Weeks Dye Works to create a custom thread color for us. It's going to be yummy, and a bit of an untraditional holiday color...mysterious, right? We're counting on the creative ladies at Just Another Button Company once again to create some fun embellishments.

We're SO excited to begin another mystery journey with you, our favorite stitchers! Stay tuned for mystery details as the 2017 Christmas mystery journey begins.

#184 Red White and Beach

* # 184 Red White and Beach chartpak - coming in June (next month!)
I jumped overboard and designed 4 nautical/beach-y projects that are so fun. They're not strictly patriotic, just summer-y. I loved stitching this bunch of beach-y projects from sunny, landlocked Kansas.

B57 Be Still Inspiration Boxer

* B57 Be Still Inspiration Boxer - coming in June
"Be still and know that I am God". This verse really nudged me a few months ago, so now I'm sharing it with you. Boxer includes 32 ct. fabric, antique gold cross charm and a darling little BONUS design - "Be a Nice Human".

* F168 Boo Celebrate! with Charm Flip-it - coming in June

* F169 Thankful Celebrate! with Charm Flip-it - available in August

 *F170 Merry Celebrate! with Charm Flip-it - available in October

We'll complete 2017 Celebrate! with Charm holiday Flip-it series before 2017 closes. These 7 holidays roll around every year, so if you haven't discovered this series, there's more holiday stitching in your future. Our Halloween Flip-it pictured above, BOO, comes with an antique gold moon charm.

#182 Summer Smalls - more "Smalls" coming soon!

* Autumn Smalls (coming in August) and Winter Smalls  (coming in December)
We're loving the "Smalls" series! I've already designed and stitched a crop of 4 Autumn Smalls. I just adore doing Small projects, especially with luscious autumn colors.  Who doesn't love some quick stitching satisfaction?!

* Tiny Tidings XXII and Santa Snippet '17 - coming "to your town" in August
Our yearly Tiny Tidings and Santa Snippet series continues with more holiday charm. I designed 5 Tiny Tidings this year, and for the first time you can stitch them separately, or together in any combo you like. They're equally fun separately, or as happy holiday companions. This year's Santa Snippet has a couple darling little elf helpers, guaranteed to make you smile.

S128 Peppermint Sleds from 2016

* More Sleds!!! - sliding your way in October
Our little Snippet sleds are so popular, we're doing more. Just stitch on perforated paper and attach to pre-finished wood sleds and you've got a darling ornament/gift. I'm stitching on 6 of these little gems now. They'll be presented in 2 Snippets with 3 sleds each, and include embellishments.

2016 Flora McSample's Treats

* Flora McSample's 2017 Treats - October release
We're not sure what our sampler girl Flora will design this year, so stay tuned. Sometimes they're little stockings, last year was a quartet of "littles", but they're always full of vintage sampler charm. Not designed yet...

* Dear Santa, I've Been Good...Chartpak - October release
A loyal stitcher sent me a saying...and sent it again...and again the following year. Finally, it made it into the official L*K line-up. And I'm so glad she kept bugging me to design around this saying - it's sweet and funny and a great addition to our Christmas collection.

WHEW! I've been busy designing and stitching!!!

The June releases described above -  Red White and Beach, Be Still Inspiration Boxer and BOO! Holiday Flip-it -  will ship to shops everywhere on Friday, June 9. 

We have a week to recover from our daughter's wedding on June 2. That should be enough time, right?

Happy Memorial Weekend, everyone!

Distracted in Kansas

So...it's been almost a month since I last blogged. I used to blog twice a week. Now I aim for weekly or every other week. Lately, I've completely fallen off the blogger bandwagon!

Here's my (self) diagnosis: DISTRACTED!

****The post title "Distracted in Kansas" was meant to be a variation on the popular movie "Sleepless in Seattle".  Just thought I'd better explain, and clue you in to my movie-inspired sense of humor.

In 20+ years of working from home, I've been super diligent and disciplined. I'm frequently asked if it's hard to work from home and get anything done. On the contrary, I have found it's hard to get away from work - it's always right around the corner. But lately....

I do love to make lists!!! Do you like lists? Be sure and leave a comment below if you're list-addicted.

Here's my list on why I'm distracted this spring of 2017:

Ali and Barclay's wedding is June 2!

1) Wedding!!!
The time between Ali (our daughter) and Barclay's Christmas engagement and June 2 wedding is a short 5 months. But, the bride and groom are doing 95% of the planning themselves. Truly, I only have a small amount of details to pull together. Other than being the MOB (mother of bride) at 4 bridal showers, I'm mostly thinking happy thoughts about the big event ahead. And wondering when I'm going to get my dress altered. I'm putting it on this week's LIST.

Alan enjoying the newly fluffed back patio

2) Spring
I adore spring! I can't get enough of watching everything turning green, visiting all the plant stands, going for walks in the woodsy area behind our house, arranging my patio for summer fun, and kayaking our little lake. So. Much. Spring. Very distracting!

Making cookies together = successful marriage

3) 40th wedding anniversary
Alan and I are eagerly anticipating our 40th anniversary this fall. We were babes when we married - just out of college - and it's been an amazing journey together. I can't imagine doing life without this man. So to celebrate we booked a Viking River Cruise on the Rhine and Danube in July. It will also be a great "recovery" from the wedding whirl in June. We'll be accompanied by some dear friends who are also celebrating their 40th.

Our daughter Ali and her fiance, Barclay, took a Viking Cruise last summer and adored the experience - even though they were decades younger than most of their fellow cruisers. It turns out Barc loves to charm the little old ladies.(No wonder we get along so well!) Can't wait for the beautiful scenery, yummy food, and overall pampering.

***Isn't it interesting how often your kids get to have cool experiences before you do? Now it's OUR TURN!

Having said all this about being DISTRACTED from my work...NO WORRIES, cross stitch faithful! I may be staying up late surfing Pinterest wedding pics, but I've still got a full line-up of newbies scheduled for 2017.

Just this morning, I finished the new product release schedule for 2017. On my official new release LIST, of course!

***Check back soon, because I'm working on a BIG blog post with all the newbies coming in 2017, including our top-secret Christmas Mystery Sampler.

Meanwhile, if you love LISTS like I do (and appreciate the supreme satisfaction of crossing things off a list)...LEAVE A COMMENT and tell me about your list addiction.