iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

It was a happy stitching day. I made progress on Winding River by Pigeon Coop Designs AND The Verdant Cottage by Lola Crow Cross Stitch. #craftsky #stitchsky #crossstitch #movingmeditation #stitchingformentalhealth

Cross-stitch WIP on a hand-dyed evenweave in light blue, gray, and brown.

The sun is coming up from behind green hills, and there is a river in the foreground.

Pattern is Winding River by Pigeon Coop Designs.

Cross-stitch WIP on hand-dyed fabric in shades of brown.

I’m not very far into it yet, but making good progress on the mossy cottage roof. There is a chimney on the right side and the roof is strewn with small white flowers.

Pattern is The Verdant Cottage by Lola Crow.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Due to the magic of library book holds, I read this one right after Yesteryear. An idea from that book framed my experience of this one. Men can simply say, « I don’t want to do that, » and walk away from their families or aspects of family life. What must that be like?!? #booksky #memoir #bookrecs

Book cover of Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage by Belle Burden.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

Whew. A mindfuck of a book that takes on influencer culture and the ways that patriarchy and white supremacy harm everyone. Be prepared for an uncomfortable, thought-provoking ride. #booksky #bookrecs #fiction #unlikeablecharacters

Cover art for the book Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke. Most of the cover is sky and there is a farmstead with a barn, house, and outbuildings.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Finished part 7 of the Moon Garden SAL by Witch’s Garden Crafts. My mom’s health is deteriorating, so this project is keeping me calm while I sit at her bedside. #craftsky #stitchsky #crossstitch #movingmeditation #stitchingformentalhealth #crossstitchisselfcare #moongarden

Cross-stitch WIP, parts 1-7 of the Moon Garden SAL by Witch’s Garden Crafts. Pattern is inspired by the first moon garden, Mehtab Bagh, designed as the perfect spot to view the Taj Mahal by moonlight.

Garden paths, stone arch, and tree are stitched in shades of gray, flowers in green and shades of white and yellow. Bats and owl are stitched in shades of orange-brown. Full moon and stars in white and ecru. Fabric is 16 ct. Aida in Starry Night, hand-dyed by Witch’s Garden Crafts.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Spring in Stars Hollow on a giant piece of fabric with the patterns from all four seasons in a row. I have a bit more work to do on Summer and Winter. Perhaps I’ll remember to post the whole piece when all parts are done! #craftsky #stitchsky #crossstitch #theblackneedlesociety #ifinishedsomething

Finished cross-stitch piece on light gray linen. Pattern is Spring in Stars Hollow by The Black Needle Society. Motifs are references to episodes of The Gilmore Girls.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

We adopted Lem, our black German Shepherd, about a year and a half ago. Right from the start, our priority with him was gentleness with our cats. They mainly keep away from him, but this week I captured him in calm moments with each of our cats. Oh, my heart. 💜 #dogsky #catsky #dogsandcats #peace

While lying in the living room floor with my feet up to ease some back pain, my German Shepherd came over for a nap and my muted calico cat got a lot closer to the dog than she is usually willing to do.

A black and white tuxedo cat is lounging on the bed with a black German Shepherd in the foreground. They were both snoozing when I walked in.

A black German shepherd and a black and white cat sleep on the carpet.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Sixth finish in July. This is a gift for my mom, who is too ill to get outside much, and who misses her garden. #craftsky #stitchsky #crossstitch #ifinishedsomething

Finished cross-stitch project. The pattern is from the June 2023 Cotton & Twine subscription box.

Fabric is a sky blue hand-dyed Aida. The word Summer is stitched in the center, surrounded by bee, flower, and butterfly motifs.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

Fifth finish for the month of July. Doing my best to get my WIP list to a reasonable length. The Chronicles of Narnia by Stitching Book Club. This was a slow stitch, but I love how it turned out. #craftsky #stitchsky #crossstitch #ifinishedsomething

Finished cross-stitch. Pattern is The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by Stitching Book Club. Fabric is an opalescent white Aida and the floss color palette is pastel.

This was a stitch-a-long released in three parts.

Part one reads, “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

Part two lists the Pevensie children: Peter, Edmund, Susan, and Lucy. There is a crown in the center.

Part three features Tumnus walking in the wintery forest.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Fourth finish for July. Tale As Old As Time SAL by Story Stitches. #craftsky #stitchsky #crossstich #TAOAT #ifinishedsomething

Finished cross-stitch project. Fabric is a hand-dyed 16-count Aida in swirls of pink, purple, and orange. Pattern is a free stitch-a-long called Tale As Old As Time available from Story Stitches.

The frame is a castle and each room features a scene from Beauty and the Beast (the animated Disney movie).

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Third finish in July. Hobby by Prudence Kitch. This one will be displayed in my craft room. #craftsky #stitchsky #crossstitch #snarkystitching #ifinishedsomething

Finished cross-stitch project. Design is stitched on mocha linen and features a woman dressed in a bonnet and a hoop-skirted dress, holding a sewing project in an embroidery hoop. Text reads, “Cross-stitch is the perfect hobby; you get to stab something until it’s pretty.”

Pattern is from Prudence Kitch on Etsy.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Second finish of the month! Cryptids by The Witchy Stitcher. Love how cute the creatures are. #craftsky #stitchsky #crossstitch #ifinishedathing

Finished cross-stitch project. Pattern is Cryptids by The Witchy Stitcher.

Fabric is a hand-dyed Lugana in moss green and the frames are stitched in DMC black étoile floss for a hint of sparkle.

Row 1: Mothman, Night Crawler, Bigfoot, Death Worm
Row 2: Enfield Horror, Jersey Devil, Kraken, Flatwoods Monster
Row 3: Chupacabra, Hopkins Goblin, Dover Demon, Loch Ness Monster
Row 4: Frogman, Jackalope, Yeti, Ahool

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Oops, I did it again. Started a new cross-stitch project by @thewitchystitcher.bsky.social instead of picking up one of my many WIPs. This one is just for fun! #craftsky #stitchsky #crossstitch #taylorswift

Mock-up of a cross-stitch pattern. Ghosts of the Eras Tour by The Witchy Stitcher. Each panel is a version of a Taylor Swift album cover—with ghosts.

Hand-dyed 32-count linen in a pink called Dragon Fruit. I’m cross-stitching the words and the frame in DMC black étoile.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

My local library does a “What are you reading?” post every week, and I borrowed this after another patron mentioned it. Cozy fantasy about a retired assassin yearning to leave his past behind. I was delighted and can’t wait to continue the series. #booksky #bookrecs #cosy #fantasy #fiction

Audiobook cover of The Retired Assassin’s Guide to Country Gardening by Naomi Kuttner

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 07/06/2026

The Lady from the Black Lagoon is about Milicent Patrick, the costume designer who created the iconic creature costume for the movie. Her supervisor stole the credit and ruined her career. This reclamation of MP’s story is feminist AF, and I loved it. #booksky #bookrecs #nonfiction

Book cover of The Lady from the Black Lagoon by Mallory O’Meara.

Cover is lime green and text is hot pink. The image is a portrait of Milicent Patrick, seated, holding a sketchbook. A monster’s arm is coming out of the sketchbook and forming an arc over the artist’s head.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

An interesting take on the kind of thriving planet we could have if politics were more about being stewards of the planet and its people rather than wringing every possible cent of profit out of it. #booksky #bookrec #nonfiction #readingispolitical

Book cover of Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson.

Cover art features half of a globe topped with clean water, thriving wild spaces, farmland, high-rise housing, and renewable energy.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

Not quite done with either the frame or the first part of #snollow but making progress. It’s such a fun stitch! @thestitchcrypt.com #craftsky #stitchsky #crossstitch #sal #oneofmanywips

Cross-stitch WIP. Fabric is a light olive green linen. The frame is brown branches with a snail in shades of blue and pink in the lower right corner. Text reads, “Snails Hollow.” Snails Hollow Stitch-a-long by The Stitch Crypt.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

Finished part 6 of the Moon Garden SAL by Witch’s Garden Crafts. I pick this one up when my mental health needs needs a boost. Savoring every stitch! #craftsky #stitchsky #crossstitch #movingmeditation #stitchingformentalhealth #crossstitchisselfcare #moongarden

Cross-stitch WIP, parts 1-6 of the Moon Garden SAL by Witch’s Garden Crafts. Pattern is inspired by the first moon garden, Mehtab Bagh, designed as the perfect spot to view the Taj Mahal by moonlight.

Garden path and stone arch stitched in shades of gray and flowers completed so far are stitched in green and shades of white and yellow. Bats stitched in shades of orange-brown. Full moon and stars in shades of white and ecru. Fabric is 16 ct. Aida in Starry Night, hand-dyed by Witch’s Garden Crafts.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

Frozen Kongs are lifesavers. We can eat without Lem begging for 15 whole minutes. 🤣 #dogsky #gsd #busydog #momstoptakingmypicture

Black German Shepherd licking frozen yogurt and mashed banana out of a red Kong. There’s a brick fireplace in the background and a red and cream rug in the foreground.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

I don’t normally read a lot of horror, but this one is sticking with me. There are plenty of gory moments, but this is the first horror novel I’ve read that is also a surprisingly sweet love story. #booksky #bookrec #horror #fiction

Image is a phone screenshot of a finished audiobook. The red and black cover art features the monster Shesheshen (the black figure) and the human she loves (the red figure). The book is Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

Stitching and watching the Artemis II launch. Literally the only thing on today that I have any interest in watching. #craftsky #stitchsky #crossstitch #science

A living room with a TV in the corner playing live coverage of the Artemis II launch. A curious German shepherd is sniffing everywhere, and my current cross-stitch WIP is shown in the lower left corner. It is The Haunted Library by Lola Crow and shows a bookshelf, some floating books, a partially stitched staircase with a reading skeleton, and Mary Shelley and Frankenstein.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

An excellent memoir from a former Facebook insider that explains so much about the enshittification of the platform and the active harm they are doing to people all over the world. A must-read! #booksky #bookrecs #memoir #leanout #regulationandoversightnow

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 21/03/2026

This is a God Damned Family Heirloom,” designed by Grannie Panties. I changed the swear to my personal fucking favorite. I keep thinking I’d like to make a whole series of these for my nieces and nephews as they start their adult lives. #craftsky #stitchsky #snarkystitching #makesmelaugh

Completed cross-stitch project. Still needs to be ironed and framed. Fabric is an oatmeal Aida. Text reads, “This is a fucking family heirloom.” Pattern designer is Grannie Panties.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

New start, even though I have 60-ish other WIPs. Who has a problem? Not me, certainly. 🤣 This one is a gift for a friend who went way above and beyond when I was prepping to sell my house and make a cross-country move. #craftsky #stitchsky #crossstitch #madewithlove #snailshollow #SAL

Cross-stitch WIP on a light olive green linen. There is a snail in the lower left corner and the border will be stitched mostly in shades of brown. The text reads, “Snails Hollow.” This is a bew stitch-a-long from The Stitch Crypt.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

I’ve been working on this one for a long time and getting close to a finish. It’s so stinkin’ cute! Design by @thewitchystitcher #craftsky #stitchsky #WIP #crossstitch #stitchingmakesmehappy

Cross-stitch WIP. Fabric is a hand-dyed Lugana in olive green. The border is stitched in black DMC étoile floss and says Cryptids. There are sixteen smaller boxes inside, each featuring a different Cryptid. Pattern is by The Witchy Stitcher.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 25/01/2026

Rage stitch in response to the latest US citizen murdered by ICE terrorists today. This is my original work. #craftsky #craftivism #stitchsky #stitchingispolitical #stitchingisresistance #ragestitch #congresswhereareyou #defundice

Finished cross-stitch piece on white Aida with red spatters. Text reads, “When is enough ENOUGH?

Keith
Renee
Alex

Abolish ICE!”

Names refer to three US citizens murdered by ICE agents so far this year (Keith was killed on New Year’s Eve, so technically last year, but I haven’t seen much outrage about his murder).

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 23/12/2025

Weeks of a few stitches per day and I’m finally almost done with the aviary frame. Missing two colors that I’ll come back to later. #craftsky #stitchsky #stitchingformentalhealth #extraordinarybirdssal

Extraordinary Birds SAL by Lola Crow. The frame of the aviary with an owl perched near the top left and a crow near the top right. Fabric is a hand-dyed Opalescent Lugana with muted shades of blue, green, and brown.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

After our family lured us back to the Midwest with tales of mild winters, we have 12” of snow and temps holding at 10 degrees Fahrenheit. This a quick and cheap enrichment activity that will keep Lem busy and also tire him out so I can hold on to a bit of sanity. #dogsky #gsd #enrichmentfordogs

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 23/11/2025

I’m finally making a bit of progress on the frame of #theextraordinarybirdssal from @lolacrow.bsky.social. Thisclose to finishing the barn owl, but still missing one floss color. #craftsky #stitchsky #crossstitch #slowart

Cross stitch project in progress. Pattern is Extraordinary Birds by Lola Crow Designs. Picture shows the top of the aviary, with a barn owl perched on the left side. Fabric is a hand-dyed opalescent Lugana in shades of blue.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 23/11/2025

A charming memoir about being a craftsman in our modern age where things are no longer built to last. The writing is gorgeous and the audiobook, read by the author is *chef’s kiss. #booksky #memoir #nonfiction #greatread #bookrecs

Book cover of Ingrained: The Making of a Craftsman by Callum Robinson. Cover art is a piece of wood and four woodworking tools.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 15/11/2025

Another toy successfully deconstructed. Man, life is hard for a black dog! #dogsky #gsd #destroyeroftoys #tired #naptime

Black German Shepherd lying on a red and cream area rug. The fluffy remnants of a toy are scattered on the rug.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 09/11/2025

Lem fell asleep right in the middle of destroying his new friend. 🤣🥳 #dogsky #gsd #fulfilled

Black German shepherd sleeping on a white carpet and a red/cream area rug. There is a stuffed toy behind his back feet, and the toy’s ripped-off tail is between his front legs. A piece of stuffing is hanging out of his mouth.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 03/11/2025

The three main reasons I do not get all my chores done. #gsd #naptime #snugglycats

Sleepy black German shepherd on the floor and two black and white tuxedo cats enjoying nap time.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 13/10/2025

Finished No Kings, a free pattern from Witch’s Garden Crafts. Made a slight alteration and stitched the flags upside down. #stitchsky #craftsky #crossstitch #stitchingisresistance #ifinishedsomething

Finished cross-stitch piece. Fabric is opalescent white Aida and the text, stitched in red and blue, says, “NO KINGS IN AMERICA.” The American flags are upside down.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 10/09/2025

The carpet won’t be this clean and white for long, but Lem is enjoying a nap in our new living room. #dogsky #gsd #doglife #snoozy

Black German shepherd napping on plush white carpet in our new living room. There’s a red couch and a wall of windows on the porch behind him.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 08/09/2025

Lem and I took a walk down by the Rock River this morning. Lovely and peaceful. #gsd #rockriver #beloit #dogsky

A black German shepherd is at the edge of a riverbank. The Rock River and the skyline of the opposite shore are visible in the upper part of the photo.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 30/08/2025

Still in the midst of a cross-country move, but managed to finish part 5 of the Moon Garden SAL by Witch’s Garden Crafts. It’s been a lifesaver during a stressful time. #craftsky #stitchsky #crossstitch #slowart #movingmeditation #moongardensal

Cross-stitch WIP, parts 1-5 of the Moon Garden SAL by Witch’s Garden Crafts. Pattern is inspired by the first moon garden, Mehtab Bagh, designed as the perfect spot to view the Taj Mahal by moonlight.

Garden path and stone arch stitched in shades of gray and flowers completed so far are stitched in green and shades of white and yellow. Bats stitched in shades of orange-brown. Full moon and stars in shades of white and ecru. Fabric is 16 ct. Aida in Starry Night, hand-dyed by Witch’s Garden Crafts.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

This is a book that EVERYONE should read. I’m not sure if I recommend it more for women fighting to have their symptoms taken seriously, or their doctors. I knew the history, but the implications for care in the present shook me. #booksky #bookrecs #nonfiction #brokenhealthcare #whyfeminismmatters

Book cover of All in Her Head by Elizabeth Comen, MD. background is pink and title is in a red font. Cover art is a line drawing of a woman in the style of Leonardo da Vinci’s “Vitruvian Man”

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 07/07/2025

A look at Christian mythology from Lilith’s perspective. A timely read as Christian nationalism raises its ugly head. #booksky #bookrecs #mythology #dailyactsofmicrofeminism #readingispolitical

Book cover of Lilith by Nikki Marmery. A nude woman with long, dark hair holds a giant pomegranate. Cover art also includes plants and a snake.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 19/06/2025

Sneaked in some stitching at work yesterday. Luckily, my employers are old hippies and our politics align quite nicely. #craftsky #stitchsky #craftivism #sewingispolitical

Cross-stitch WIP. Pattern is No Kings in America by Witch’s Garden Crafts. Text stitches in dark blue says, “No Kings in America.” Needleminder says, “Fight evil, read books.” Fabric is 14 count opalescent white Aida.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 19/06/2025

Usually, the birds clear off this tree as soon as the cherries are ripe. This is the first year we’ve gotten this many. I picked as many as I could reach from the ground and will leave the rest for the birds. #gardensky #abundance #flavorsofsummer

Close-up of cherry tree branches loaded with ripe fruit.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 19/06/2025

We are in the middle of moving back to our home state, so Lem has a much smaller area of the house to roam. No muddy paws on the clean carpet! He’s been getting lots more treats and walks to keep calm while things are changing. Here he is enjoying a yak cheese. #dogsky #treatyoself #gsd #asmrcronch

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 08/06/2025

Been poking along on this one for a while. No Kings in America by Witch’s Garden Crafts. #craftsky #stitchsky #crossstitch #slowart #movingmeditation #craftivism #sewingispolitical

Cross-stitch WIP. Fabric is 18 count white opalescent Aida. Needleminder says Fight evil, read books. Pattern is No Kings in America. So far, the text reads, “No Kings in.” All stitches in dark blue.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 06/06/2025

Part 4 of The Moon Garden SAL by Witch’s Garden Crafts complete. I love the full moon! #craftsky #stitchsky #crossstitch #slowart #movingmeditation #moongardensal

Cross-stitch WIP, parts 1-4 of the Moon Garden SAL by Witch’s Garden Crafts. Pattern is inspired by the first moon garden, Mehtab Bagh, designed as the perfect spot to view the Taj Mahal by moonlight.

Garden path and stone arch stitched in shades of gray and flowers completed so far are stitched in green and shades of white and yellow. Bats stitched in shades of orange-brown. Full moon and stars in shades of white and ecru. Fabric is 16 ct. Aida in Starry Night, hand-dyed by Witch’s Garden Crafts.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 27/05/2025

Part 3 of the Moon Garden SAL complete. Packing for a big move doesn’t leave much time for stitching, but this WIP is reminding me to take a few minutes for myself every day. #craftsky #stitchsky #crossstitch #slowart #movingmeditation #moongardenSAL

Cross-stitch WIP, parts 1-3 of the Moon Garden SAL by Witch’s Garden Crafts. Pattern is inspired by the first moon garden, Mehtab Bagh, designed as the perfect spot to view the Taj Mahal by moonlight.

Garden path and stone arch stitched in shades of gray and flowers completed so far are stitched in green and shades of white and yellow. Bats stitched in shades of orange-brown. Full moon and stars in shades of white and ecru. Fabric is 16 ct. Aida in Starry Night, hand-dyed by Witch’s Garden Crafts.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 04/05/2025

My family is going through a hard time with Mom’s dementia diagnosis. I made these for myself and my sisters to try to keep us laughing through the turmoil. I love how the color choices make each one unique. #craftsky #stitchsky #stabbingthingsistherapy

Three versions of the same pattern that reads, “This too shall pass, but, like, holy fuck.”

Left is on azure fabric with floss in metallic gold, green, dark pink, and shades of yellow.

Middle is on 14 Count Aida in a color called Fairy Mist. Stitches are done in dark yellow, green, and shades of purple and blue.

Right is on a coral fabric. Stitches are done in dark yellow, green, brick red, and shades of coral.

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DebbieD @debbied42.bsky.social · 04/05/2025

Finally starting the frame for the newest SAL by @lolacrow.bsky.social. My camera is not catching the color and sparkle of the fabric, but it’s gorgeous! #craftsky #stitchsky #crossstitch #WIP #newstartenergy #extraordinarybirds

Fabric secured in a Q-snap. Fabric is 28 count opalescent Lugana hand-dyed by Seraphim Fabrics. The name of the color way is Earthangel and its subtle shades of green and blue. Needleminder says, “Duck around and find out.”

The first few stitches are in and the pattern is called Extraordinary Birds Stitchalong by Lola Crow Cross Stitch.

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