Twiddle Stitch Designs

Howdy strangers! How have you all been?

This is a hard post to write and I have been putting it off, BUT life has become a little bit busy with the house move, house decorating to plan (I'm having soooo much fun choosing colours 🎨! Husband less so 🤭) and two small people to keep an eye on.

Plus, in my wisdom, I am about to start an apprenticeship at the day job, which will take approximately 2 years. It's been something I have been wanting to do for a few years now so I feel I have to grab the chance whilst it's there.

Therefore, after careful consideration, I have made the decision to step back from Twiddle Stitch Designs for a time as it might just be one thing too much.

I'll keep my Etsy shop open so feel free to keep browsing and purchasing, and I'll keep popping back here and sharing updates on my personal stitching (like this one I started this evening from The Geeky Stitching Co )

Hope you all keep well, and speak soon! In the meantime, keeeeep stitching! 🧵

Day 16 of is 'Highs & lows'

Absolutely the biggest high I get is any feedback or reviews I hear from customers, especially if one of my designs has meant so much to the person stitching it.

As for lows, I shall refer back to my post regarding the relentless imposter syndrome. It summarises all the low points at the moment - sales numbers not being where I would like them, struggling in making the moves forward I would like to etc.

Hey ho, let's focus on those highs shall we?! 😀

'From idea to product' is the today's prompt.

My ideas start by buzzing round my head before getting written into a list of ideas, then sketched VERY briefly before I chart it up and stitch it.

As you can see, I was ok at drawing until I was about 11 years old then did not progress any further 😂.

But let that also go to show that you don't have to be an "all-round" crafty-arty person to be creative. Creative is what you make it.

Spring Notes pattern:
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1202160427/spring-notes-cross-stitch-pattern-pdf

Today's prompt for is 'Big or small

The current products offered by Twiddle Stitch Designs are patterns. All TSD patterns are created using 2-4 colours.

However, when it came to designing the patterns, I just knew that to get it right I needed to extend the number slightly to 5. No matter how I looked at the design, I just felt I couldn't compromise on it for the sake of sticking to the usual maximum 4 colours.

2 colours is quite an interesting challenge in creating a pattern. It's also a really fun opportunity to play with colours - do you blend or contrast? Bright or calm? So many palette options!

Both of these patterns are some of my charity creations.

Breastaurant Open pattern:
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1262717912/breastaurant-open-breastfeeding-charity

Always in my/our Heart(s) patterns:
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TwiddleStitchDesigns?section_id=34789574

continues with today's prompt being 'Planning'

And without wanting to sound like a broken record, this is my face when I think of the planning I should be doing and I'm not...
..meh, the planning will sort itself out at some point

The lack of planning extends to new house plans too by the way. It's not just my business taking a hit!

(And yes, this was an unplanned photo 😂)

Today's prompt for is 'Recharge'.

Now, I am currently really struggling to find my recharge moments. Part of the balancing act of working/family life. I've only got bigger cross stitch projects on the go and haven't finished designing the next TSD one, so I'm not getting my 5 minutes of stitching sanity.

Little One's sleep is still not great (she has been teething so we can forgive...a bit 😋), so recharge overnight is broken.

However, it is not all doom and gloom. I have recently been making time for reading at bedtime again, something I used to do avidly but it got dropped both times when babies came onto the scene.

And you know what? Sleep may be broken but I'm definitely feeling benefits from a more quality. It's pure joy.

Currently enjoying the 7th book in Ben Aaronovitch 's Rivers of London series. Hits my usual fantasy reading enjoyment alongside a bit of whodunnit. I'm a few books behind but they're on my book case, waiting 📚.

Pjs from because who doesn't love a moment?!

📚

continues with 'Trial & error'.

I have previously mentioned I really am not happy with the photographs of my designs, but I haven't yet been able to rectify this. Just a bit too much for the old brain space right now.

Looking back at my first ever TSD design though, I can see that my photos have been improved ever so slightly. They have now gone from being taken on the kitchen table where you can see the table top edge and the kitchen wall 🙈

Labyrinth cross stitch pattern:
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/853829878/labyrinth-cross-stitch-pattern-pdf-only

Day 8's prompt for is 'Finishing touches'

Every single TSD pattern is designed, charted up and stitched up by me. This is so I can make sure I'm happy with the colour choices and that every stitch is in the right place.

Thus making them the perfect patterns for you.

Today's prompt for is 'Learn'.

There is the cliché response of 'I have learnt so much since launching my business', which obviously I have...
..BUT...
..my big thing I am currently learning to manage and combat is my imposter syndrome. It sits on the opposite should to my mum guilt and they like to take it in turns to whisper negativity into my ears about every part of my life. So there are often days when I feel like I am failing at mother hood, at the day job and at my business. And those days are brutal.

Thankfully I have a very supportive husband and amazing friends at the end of my phone who are great at offering advice and support. I have my tools - sometimes this is chocolate 🍫, and sometimes I can give my imposter syndrome and mum guilt the finger and tell them to go elsewhere (sometimes not that politely...😇)

starts the week with 'Start the day'

I really wish I had an exciting business themed start to the day to show you, but in between child care and the day job, this is the BEST way to start my day!

Cup of tea in my Scottish thistle mug, given to me when I moved away from Edinburgh by my very kind landlady ☕💗

I have even created a pattern to celebrate my love of tea! 😁
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/997730670/tea-is-life-cross-stitch-pattern-pdf

Day 3 brings you 'Snippet' - a snippet of something about Twiddle Stitch Designs. So here is a snippet of me stitching up one of my earliest designs, 'Me Time is Stitching Time'.

Because cross stitch is all about grabbing that essential yet elusive 🪡

Me Time Stitching Time pattern:
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/867755849/me-time-is-stitching-time-cross-stitch

Day 2 of is 'All About Me'. Quite good timing really as I haven't done an introduction post for a few weeks and have had a few new followers.

I'm Jenn, I'm a mum to two gorgeous girls (Big One and Small One), wife to a wonderful husband and part-time local council employee. I live in a village just outside of Dorchester in Dorset and founded Twiddle Stitch Designs in 2020.

I started cross stitching in 2014 and it quickly became my safe place when it all gets too much. Since becoming a mum, it has become even more important for me. And let's be honest, it is SO nice to be away from screens sometimes!

And that's what my designs are all about - to try and get busy people 5 minutes downtime, whether it's a distraction from the kids relentless TV programme (except for Bluey, which is AMAZING!) or crazy work days.

Nearly the end of the day and I nearly forgot to start this year's , with Day 1 being 'Brand'.

Twiddle Stitch Designs brings you cross stitch patterns that celebrate colour, and are perfect for stitchers at any level!

Each TSD pattern:
🪡3x3 inches
🪡2-5 colours
🪡fits perfectly in your handbag or work bag
🪡ideal for grabbing 5 minutes' (or more!) peace
🪡offer a great alternative to mindless screen time

Sounds like it's just up your street? Then have a look at my Etsy shop:

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TwiddleStitchDesigns

Apologies for being AWOL again - really need Spring to take away the child illnesses now!

Took my "big" cross stitch project with me on my train journey today. Really appreciated the quiet time, listening to my podcast and zoning into my stitching. But...
..I really wish I had one of my TSD patterns to stitch because this was feeling a bit awkward size wise.

TSD patterns:

🧵 3x3 inches in size
🧵 2-5 colours required
🧵 perfect for all levels of stitchers

Which makes them perfect entertainment on your train journeys 🚂

Guess I had better get working on the next design then! 😂

Do parents deserve time for hobbies?! Absolutely yes!!

When you become a parent, there is a period of time when you feel like you've lost yourself a bit. But after a while, you come up for air and you look for your favourite things again. However, you also find parental guilt telling you that you shouldn't be spending time on what you enjoy if it isn't for your kids.

This is absolute rubbish. And I can put my hand up to falling prey to it. But I have also fallen prey to my mental health suffering for not allowing myself that time.

Parents deserve their hobbies. Parents NEED their hobbies.

Twiddle Stitch Designs on Instagram: "Do parents deserve time for hobbies?! Absolutely yes!! When you become a parent, there is a period of time when you feel like you've lost yourself a bit. But after a while, you come up for air and you look... 0 Likes, 0 Comments - Twiddle Stitch Designs () on Instagram: "Do parents deserve time for hobbies?! Absolutely yes!! When you become a parent, there is a period of time when you feel like you've lost yourself a bit. But after a while, you come up for air and you look for your f...

NEW PATTERN RELEASE! 🪡 Peace & Kindness is a simple cross stitch pattern designed to celebrate hospice care and its workers in memory of my late mother-in-law.

25% of proceeds from sales will be donated to Mountbatten Isle of Wight, who provided exceptional care for my mother-in-law in her final few months with us.

Simply designed with two words that summarise what hospice care provides and a motif that demonstrates this care, it is the perfect pattern for stitchers of any level, to be stitched for yourself or for others.

Peace & Kindness cross stitch pattern:
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1394026470/peace-kindness-hospice-care-charity

The days are getting lighter, the weather seems less grey, that must mean that is almost here!

We've recently put up a couple of bird feeders in our garden and have been thoroughly enjoying seeing our feathery visitors on food raids 🐦🥰

If you fancy some seasonal stitching, then take a peek at the TSD seasonal offerings:

Hope Springs pattern:
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/967789057/hope-springs-cross-stitch-pattern-pdf

Spring Notes:
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1202160427/spring-notes-cross-stitch-pattern-pdf

So as it's payday, why not make yourself happy and pick up a new pattern to stitch today?! 🪡

All TSD patterns can be bought from my Etsy shop:
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TwiddleStitchDesigns

What are Twiddle Stitch Designs patterns all about?

They:
🪡are 3x3 inches in size
🪡have 2-5 colours
🪡take approximately 6 hours to complete
🪡fit comfortably in your work bag or hand bag
🪡make the perfect projects to gain 5 minutes peace

So what are you waiting for? Have a look at my Etsy shop and pick up you first TSD project today:

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TwiddleStitchDesigns

Hi! Thought I would show my face and introduce myself to my new followers. I'm Jenn, the founder and designer behind Twiddle Stitch Designs. I'm a wife, Mum to two daughter (Big One and Small One) and part time local government worker, residing in the beautiful county of Dorset.

I have been cross stitching for nearly 9 years, having needed something to keep me entertained in the evenings after project wedding was completed. I was bored of screens but need something for my hands to twiddle with. It was a hobby that quickly became my safe place to unwind and relax with. I can always feel a difference in my mental health when I have or have not been cross stitching.

Come September 2020, I finally realised my dream to start designing my own patterns. Twiddle Stitch Designs patterns are small and simple, suitable for all levels of cross stitcher, designed to help busy people for some essential respite from the hustle and bustle of life, even for just 5 minutes.

Thank you for following me and for being interested in my story. If you would like to see my patterns and buy any that peak your interest, please take a look at my Etsy shop:

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TwiddleStitchDesigns

Nothing like a bit of Friday night froggin' 🐸...
..but this is why I stitch up every single TSD pattern - so I can ensure that the colours are exactly right.

So tonight, it was out with one colour and in with two others 🌈

Got a wee bit distracted at a work event yesterday and noted down a stitch-a-long idea.

What do you reckon? Who would be interested in a Twiddle Stitch Stitch-A-Long,?

If there was ever a month for hunkering down with your craft supplies, old or new (let's be honest, new), it's January. It's the month that feels just sooooo llloonnggg!! It's grey, wet and everyone is on a come down after Christmas and New Year.

So why not find a new, fun, simple cross stitch pattern to stitch away these January evenings?

Take a look at my Etsy shop for all TSD patterns:
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TwiddleStitchDesigns

Ooch it's a bit chilly at the moment isn't it? Don't know about where you are, but Dorset had areas being turned into ice rinks due to such cold weather following fields and rivers flooding the roads. Needless to say that we stayed home today and tried to stay warm!

I am now enjoying some stitchy time under my blanket on the sofa. Do you have a favourite stitching spot for colder spells?

Rainbow Frost pattern:
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/919091164/rainbow-frost-cross-stitch-pattern-pdf?

Valentine's is one month away - are you stuck on what to give your loved one? Why not stitch them up this Love Eternal Celtic Knot. Continuous and never ending, this nod to Celtic Art is a perfect gift to show your love, especially when it's been hand stitched! And when is handmade gifts ever not made with love?!

You could even personalise it by swapping the colours for your loved one's favourite!

TSD patterns take on average 6 hours to complete. If time is a pressure, you can still do 5 or so stitches a day and STILL get it finished in time! Isn't that fab!

Love Eternal pattern:
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/949364963/love-eternal-celtic-knot-cross-stitch?

And off we go! Back to TSD stitching and the first pattern of 2023!