iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Just finished stitching Ghoulish Pumpkin by Ruth @craftwithcartwright. I love the stylized depiction of the pumpkin, stem, and leaves, emblazoned with all kinds of spooky skulls. #crossstitch #xstitch #ghoulishpumpkin #halloween #craftwithcartwright #halloween2026

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Happy Fall! The autumnal equinox is at 8:05 pm today on the U.S. east coast. I decided to stage a "glamor" shot of my recently stitched version of Happy Fall Acorn by @robinpickens.bsky.social to celebrate the official start of fall this evening. #crossstitch #xstitch #happyfall #autumn #acorns

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

To celebrate the imminent change of seasons I stitched up this delightful little cross stitch pattern called Happy Fall Acorn from @robinpickens.bsky.social. #crossstitch #xstitch #autumn #happyfall #happyfallacorn

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

I just finished stitching this cute little opossum, one of the Pumpkin Spice Pals designed by @thecozydh.bsky.social from the Autumn 2026 issue of Just CrossStitch magazine. (I tend to like small projects.) 😀 #pumpkinspice #crossstitch #xstitch #autumn #opossum

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

It is beginning to feel like autumn, the start of Pumpkin Spice season. To celebrate, I stitched this cute little opossum, one of the Pumpkin Spice Pals designed by @thecozydh.bsky.social from the Autumn 2026 issue of Just CrossStitch magazine. #pumpkinspice #crossstitch #xstitch #autumn #opossum

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

For some folks, September marks the beginning of Pumpkin Spice season. To celebrate, I stitched these two cute Pumpkin Spice Pals by @thecozydh.bsky.social from the Autumn 2026 issue of Just CrossStitch magazine. #pumpkinspice #crossstitch #xstitch #autumn

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

I love getting "snail mail" and just finished stitching this cute little pattern from @thecozydh.bsky.social called Mr. Snailman. I haven't figured out what to do with it yet, but for fun I staged a little photo of the piece on a postal envelope for Priority Mail. #crossstitch #xstitch #snailman

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

I just finished stitching the final part of the delightful Summer Solstice Stitch-Along by @snarkyandmodern.bsky.social and @becoproductions.bsky.social. Thanks for a truly enjoyable stitch. #crossstitch #xstitch #summersolsticeSAL #summer

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

I just finished stitching this fierce-looking opossum by Marianna at @crossstitchwithart . One version of the pattern had "Screaming is Self-Care," but I kind of like it without words, so I may call it done at this point. #crossstitch #xstitch #crossstitchwithart #opossum #lgbtq

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

I just finished part 5 (of 6) of the wonderful Summer Solstice Stitch-Along by @snarkyandmodern.bsky.social and @becoproductions.bsky.social that included some border motifs in the bottom area. I wonder what's coming next week? #crossstitch #xstitch #summersolsticeSAL #summer

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

I just finished stitching a new bee in part 4 (of 6) of the wonderfully delightful Summer Solstice SAL by @snarkyandmodern.bsky.social and @becoproductions.bsky.social. I love the bite-sized pieces each week that let keep pace with the project. #crossstitch #xstitch #summersolsticeSAL #summer

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

I just finished stitching part 3 (of 6) of the delightful Summer Solstice SAL by @snarkyandmodern.bsky.social and @becoproductions.bsky.social. I just love the way this pattern is stitching up as a new part is released each week. #crossstitch #xstitch #summersolsticeSAL #summer

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

I just finished stitching part 2 (of 6) of the delightful Summer Solstice SAL by @snarkyandmodern.bsky.social and @becoproductions.bsky.social . "Bees have been a symbol of the summer solstice since ancient times" and I love the way the design is emerging. #crossstitch #xstitch #summersolsticeSAL

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

I was delighted today to receive the final portion of the Pride Besties SAL by @samanthatextiles.bsky.social and immediately stitched Tom, the cute little gay earthworm. What a cool and wonderful group of supportive friends. 🏳️‍🌈 #crossstitch #xstitch #pride #pride2026 #PrideBestiesSAL

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

I am often reluctant to join a SAL for fear of falling behind, but when I saw this cute little bee (that I just finished stitching), I couldn't resist joining the Summer Solstice SAL by @snarkyandmodern.bsky.social and @becoproductions.bsky.social . #crossstitch #xstitch #summersolsticeSAL

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Just finished stitching the 3rd part (of 4) of the Pride Besties Stitch-A-Long by Samantha @samanthatextiles.bsky.social with the addition of Alyx the non-binary dolphin with their handmade rainbow garland . #pride #pridebesties #pridemonth #pride2026 #nonbinary #transgender #LGBTQ

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

It was uplifting to see so many countries in the Pride Parade yesterday in Washington DC, including Canada, the UK, Ireland, the Nordic countries, Switzerland, and others, a joyous celebration for folks of all ages, genders, and nationalities. Love is love. 🏳️‍🌈 #pride #pridemonth #pride2026 #lgbtqia+

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Thanks. When I first stitched the frog with the Progressive Pride colors and posted it on Facebook, she asked if I'd sell it to her, because she loves frogs. I instead offered to stitch her one in her preferred colors and showed her your color options--she chose the Lesbian Flag. :)

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

There is nothing better during Pride Month than showing your support to other members of the community. This morning I'm delivering this little Pride Frog with the lesbian flag by CJ @stitchystark.bsky.social to a friend. #crossstitch #xstitch #Pride #pridemonth #pride

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Happy Pride Month. Hang in there. FYI, I made a few purchases today to encourage you. :)

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

I was late starting this SAL, but I've caught up and just finished stitching Part 2 (of 4) of the Pride Besties SAL by @samanthatextiles.bsky.social. I wonder what creature will be in today's release of Part 3. This is so much fun! #PrideBesties #Pride #PrideMonth #LGBTQIA+ #crossstitch #xstitch

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Just finished stitching Part 2 (of 4) of the Pride Besties SAL by @samanthatextiles.bsky.social. I wonder what creature will be in today's release. This is so much fun! #PrideBesties #Pride #PrideMonth #LGBTQIA+ #crossstitch #xstitch #Pride2026

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Today, at the request of a friend, I stitched up this little winking frog holding the Lesbian Pride flag, as designed by @stitchystark.bsky.social, one of 9 different flags in their Pride Frogs pattern. #crossstitch #xstitch #pride #pride2026 #pridemonth #lesbianpride

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

I feel especially inspired to stitch during Pride Month. This morning I finished stitching this little Pride Flag project in the Progress Pride Flag colors, designed by CJ Stark @stitchystark.bsky.social, one of nine Pride flags in the pattern. #crossstitch #xstich #pride #pride2026 #pridemonth

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

I just finished stitching the rainbow flag Pride version of one of Sweden's cryptids, the Great Lake monster (Storsjöodjuret in Swedish) by @ingerscrafts.bsky.social, one of 14 Pride color variations of this legendary creature. #Pride #pride2026 #pridemonth #storsjoodjuret #crossstitch #xstitch

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Today I finished the rainbow flag Pride version of one of Sweden's cryptids, the Great Lake monster (Storsjöodjuret in Swedish) by @ingerscrafts.bsky.social . I love this simple, graphic representation of the legendary creature. #Pride #pride2026 #ingerscrafts #storsjoodjuret #crossstitch #xstitch

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

I love these little time lapse videos that show your design process. It's cool to see how the different elements are added and adjusted (or in some cases removed). There are so many creative decisions that you make along the way. Wow!

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Just finished stitching this fun little pattern called Snakespeare, designed by DH @thecozydh.bsky.social. "Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio: a fellow of infinite jest..." I just love the rosy cheeks of the skull. :) #Snakespeare #TheCozyDHStitchery #crossstitch #xstitch #shakespeare

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Finished stitching Goblin Pride by @thecozydh.bsky.social and chose to colorize the letters of "Be Proud" with some of the colors of the flag. Happy Pride Month! #Pride #pridemonth #pride2026 #crossstitch #xstitch #LGBTQIA+

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Happy Pride Month! I am working on Goblin Pride, a newly released pattern by @thecozydh.bsky.social that includes the intersex-inclusive Pride Progress flag. I've finished the flag and will start on the goblin flag bearer and the words, "Be Proud." #pridemonth #pride2026 #crossstitch #xsttich

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

Just finished a couple of heraldic motifs from a book that I bought in Vienna, Austria in the 1990's. I believe the book contains historical and traditional cross stitch patterns from a museum, but I am not sure, because it is entirely in German. #crossstitch #xstitch #heraldicmotifs

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

I'm working on a motif from a cross stitch book that I bought years ago in Vienna, Austria. I think most of the motifs in the book are from historical or traditional pieces, but I'm not certain, because the book is in German. My daily count is really variable--a few hundred stitches is a good day.

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Today I finished stitching Take a Book, Leaf a Book, a new pattern by @manda-infinitybear.bsky.social . "The travelling bookshelf shambles along, steady in its mission to deliver new worlds to those in need." I love this woodland version of a tiny library. #crossstitch #xstitch #infinitybeardesigns

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

I decided to stitch another version of Bella's Garden by @thecozydh.bsky.social, this time on 18 ct black Aida. I initially stitched this little springtime pattern on a lighter fabric, but have to admit the soft pastel colors really pop on the darker fabric. #thecozydh, #crossstitch, #bellasgarden

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Thanks, Manda. I loved stitching the pattern, though I must confess that it's the first "full coverage" piece I've stitched in a really long time--I have no desire to stitch gigantic, poster-sized pieces. The frame is a temporary one for now, but I might decide to use it when I actually frame it. 😀

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Today I put my final stitches in the delightful Skyline Stretch by @manda-infinitybear.bsky.social . As she described it, "The kitty lazily stretches in front of the skyscraper and gently bats at the windows, softly meowing for yummy treats and head scritches." #crossstitch #xstitch #skylinestretch

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

Today I stitched up this newly released springtime pattern by @thecozydh.bsky.social called Bellas's Garden. I love the soft pastel colors of the flowers that surround the little cat in the center. #thecozydhstitchery, #crossstitch, #xstitch, #bellasgarden

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

This pattern is so much fun to stitch. I think I am about 25 percent done now and may start on the cat this weekend. (I am jumping around a bit on the pattern as I stitch.)

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

This bright orange fabric seems to scream Halloween, but this pattern that I just started by @manda-infinitybear.bsky.social actually has an urban vibe and eventually you'll be able to see why it's called Skyline Stretch. #crossstitch #infinitybear #xstitch #skylinestretch

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Thanks, Manda. I think the fabric was called something like smokey green--there is a hint of green in it, but it mostly reads as gray.

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

I just finished stitching this delightful Strawbunny pattern from @manda-infinitybear.bsky.social . As she described it, "Perched upon a fluffy red cushion, the bunny twitches her whiskers in anticipation, waiting for summer days filled with lush strawberries." #crossstitch #xstitch #bunny

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

I am absolutely thrilled that dragonflies are starting to appear in my area, including this beautiful Springtime Darner that I spotted on Monday (6 April) alongside a creek. #dragonflies #springtimedarner #dragonfly

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

Thanks. I didn't have a deep purple fabric in my stash, so used something that I thought might work. Transphobia is still so pervasive (and socially acceptable) that I figure I need to take a public stand to support those who are under attack.

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

This morning I finished stitching your Phoenix pattern. I like the way it turned out.

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

I just finished stitching this beautiful Phoenix pattern designed by Amanda @badstitch.bsky.social as a fundraiser for International Transgender Day of Visibility. That day is past, but please continue to support those striving to live their lives authentically. #crossstitch #transgender #xstitch

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

Transgender Day of Visibility is over, but you can still help with @badstitch.bsky.social efforts to raise funds for Trans Lifeline--and get the cool cross stitch Phoenix pattern that I just started stitching by donating $5+ USD to their campaign! Ends today! (tilt.fyi/nR9uGYuA5Z)

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

This morning I finished stitching the Cozy Cryptic Quaker, a cool pattern designed by @thecozydh.bsky.social in commemoration of the Twitch streaming anniversary of @crypticentity22.bsky.social . #crossstitch #xstitch #thecozydh #thecozydhstitchery #cozycrypticquaker #crypticentity22

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

I am currently working on Cozy Cryptic Quaker, a pattern designed by @thecozydh.bsky.social in commemoration of the streaming anniversary of @crypticentity22.bsky.social . #crossstitch #xstitch #thecozydh #thecozydhstitchery #cozycrypticquaker #crypticentity22

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 22/03/2026

I got involved in a little staring contest with a Bald Eagle on Friday (20 March) at my local wildlife refuge. I moved slowly and deliberately to get some photos and then departed silently, leaving the eagle in peace on its perch. #baldeagle #eagle #birdphotography #raptor #wildlife

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Mike Powell @michaelqpowell.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

This morning I finished this delightful little pattern called Mouline Moon from Amanda Delong @badstitch.bsky.social . The colors of the clouds remind me of the cherry blossoms that are just starting to open in my area. #crossstitch #xstitch #badstitch #moulinemoon #amandadelong

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