What's Going On in the World        of Lilybet Designs

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August 4, 2008

WOW, I can't believe it has been so long since I've updated the "News" page.  I guess the old saying "Time flies when you're having fun" is true.  Because, I've been having fun!  Dick and I spent some time traveling this summer.  It was our 30th wedding anniversary in June and we took off for an 18 day trip to Italy and Croatia.  We started out on a 13 day cruise and spent additional time in Rome.  We visited Rome, Portofino, Venice, Florence, Messina, Livorno, Naples, and Split and Dubrovnik, Croatia.  What an incredible country and culture Italy has.  We enjoyed the art, architecture, piazzas, churches, castles, canals and of course, the food and wine!  Needless to say, it was hard to come home to our "ordinary" life.  I could get used to that cruising lifestyle, but alas, reality has returned.  

I managed to fit in a "designing" trip to Cincinnati in May, and Kathy and I have come up with a few fun new designs.  The first one is entitled  "Spook" and uses Just Another Button Company buttons.  This one works up super quick. (are you sensing a trend here, quick and easy!)  And it's just in time for the Halloween season.  It is currently available through Lilybet Designs and will be released to the distributors in a week or so.  

It is VERY HOT here in North Texas.  Today we had temperatures at 107 degrees.  We have had 24 days over 100 degrees in the past month or so.  Too hot for my liking.   Boy, am I ready for the cool October breezes to blow!

I hope all of you are keeping cool and enjoying your summertime.  Until next time.  Blessings ~ Kay

March 31, 2008

It's here!  "Girlfriends II"  (see "What's New" or "Others" page on the website).  The second in a series created especially for the feminine side.  Automatics are going out this week and then available through the distributors in a few weeks.  It has been fun stitching this series.  I couldn't believe how quickly these work up.  Only a few evenings.  The finishing possibilities are endless.

Well, spring has arrived in North Texas.  The humidity is rising and the thunderstorms are increasing.  The sure sign, the weeds are abundant in my yard.  I am not a gardener nor claim to be, but I guess it's time to start thinking about what flowers to plant.            A little color in all our lives is wonderful!  Until next time. 

Happy Spring!  ~ Blessings, Kay

March 2, 2008

I'm sorry for the delay, but due to a death in my family, "Girlfriends 2" will not be released until late March.  I apologize for this delay, but life (and death) happens.  Please continue to check back to this website for news.  ~ Blessings,  Kay

January 2008 ~ Hello from Lilybet Designs 

I am thrilled to tell you that the first design in the new series "Girlfriends" is  ready to ship.  This sweet piece stitched up very quickly and would be a wonderful addition to any girls room.  I chose to finish it as an addition to a pre-made pillow, but it would be darling made into a door hanger or a cover to a styrofoam cubed with bright ribbons around the outside.  The possibilities are endless.  Kathy really came up with another great series!  Check it out on the "Others" page of the website.

Winter has me doing a lot of knitting in addition to cross stitch.  I think it keeps me warmer (or so I think it does).  Not that there are that many really cold days here in the Dallas area, but it has been chilly the past few weeks.  I have taken the step into cables.  I just love them!  I made 3 cable scarves so far and can't wait to start another.  I am trying to knit in all areas.  I am active in a knitting/crochet ministry at my church and we are making items for local charities and hospitals.  It's a way for us to give back to others with the talents God has given us.  I think that is important.  I have started a chemo cap and some blankets and hats for the preemies in the neonatal at the hospital.  I really enjoy doing these projects.  That's what keeping my hands busy at the moment.

I am currently working on the next in the "Girlfriend" series and the plans are for a March 1st release.   Check the site for updates.   Keep stitching and stay warm!   Blessings ~ Kay

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It's hard to believe that 2008 is here.  The Nashville Market is just around the corner and I regret to say, that I will not be attending this year.  I hope to return in 2009.  I have a family commitment that conflicts with the date, and in my life, family comes first.  I will be releasing the first in a new series of designs just before show time.  This series is quick and cute!  Kathy came up with this group, and they will look great in any girl's room (no matter how old!).   These would be darling finished as a series of pillows, a cubed piece to sit on a desk or shelf,  or as a door hanger.  They are just so "girly".  Look for the first of this series to hit the market around February 1st. 

Our holidays were spent with family in Cincinnati.  Kathy hosted Dick and I, along with my parents and my brother, Kyle and his family, from Wisconsin.  It was lots of fun and filled with the laughter of children.  It was my nephew, Jayden's, first Christmas.  (he's the one who inspired "Baby Sampler" and "Bubbles")   My niece had the honor of dancing in the Cincinnati Ballet's Nutcracker.  She was one of the ginger kids,  the first one out from under the dress.  There could not have been a prouder "Auntie" than me!

As we look to this new year and all the possibilities it holds, I pray your year is full of love and blessings!

Kay

Greeting From Lilybet Designs!

It's finally starting to get cool here in North Texas.  Our autumn here is so short.  It seems like summer just kind of turns into winter.  We still have our air conditioning on!  It's kind of hard for me to think Christmas, but we all know we have to get our stitching done for the holidays.  I have just released "Let It Snow" which is a small snowflake spots sampler with the finishing touch of the darling snowflake button by Just Another Button Company.  I just love working with their buttons!  This design uses an R&R Reproduction fabric called Le Mer.  This fabric reminds me of a cold, clear winter sky.  

I know many of you are looking for finishing ideas other than a frame.  My friend, Sheri, suggested that the design would look great finished as an ornament.  You could turn the piece on point, add some cording and a tassel and you will have a wonderful ornament for a friend or for your tree.   Any way you finish this, it is a quick and pretty project. 

Well, we are working toward the new year with more designs.  You'll just have to check back to see what's in the works.  Until then I pray you all have a blessed holiday season.   ~  Kay

~ September 8, 2007

Happy Fall!

Lilybet Designs has just released the anxiously awaited "BOO" chart.  (see "What's New" or "Others" page on the website)  This one really works up quickly, in just a few evenings.  I think the Tin frame from Twisted Threads just sets it off perfectly.  It will compliment your "Pumpkin Trio" cuties too!

I have returned from my summer travels. A grand time was had by all.  I am now getting into the swing of things again.  Currently in the works is a mini snowflake spots that makes a great ornament.  Look for that to be available the end of September.  

Well, we are headed into my favorite time of year.  I love the cooler temperatures, crisp breeze, and all the holiday events.  This time of year gives me even more reason to stitch.  Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas projects abound!  I hope you all will find time for many hours of stitching.

Blessings  ~  Kay

~ July 28, 2007

Greetings,

Hope everyone is having a fun filled summer.  I just returned home from a visit with Kathy in Cincinnati.  We had a good time and came up with a few new ideas that should feed your "girl" side.  Look for those later in the year.

Right now, I am putting the finishing touches on "Boo", it should be ready for shipping in late August.  This designs is a quick stitch and will be a cute addition to your Halloween collection.  

As I told you in my previous post, I am off again to see family.  My parents are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and we are all gathering to help them celebrate.  I am really looking forward to spending a few weeks by the cool shores of lake Michigan.

Hey, check out the Hoffman homepage of their website (www.hoffmandis.com).  Lilybet Designs is the "Friday Feature" designer for August 3rd.  They will feature the Pumpkin Row" pattern (which has been very popular) as well a short interview with me.  It was fun to participate and I thank Hoffman for asking me to be a part of the series.

Well,  that about wraps it up from here.  Have a great day!

Blessings ~ Kay

July 6, 2007

A great Halloween treats bag!

I'm so excited to release the "Pumpkin Row"  design.  It's so fun and wacky at the same time.  Please check out the "What's New" or "Others" page to see this new design.  I am loving this 8" wide banding by Wichelt.  The colors are great and the finishing is a snap.  Made sense to put this one on a tote bag too.  "Pumpkin Row" will be ready to ship July 20th, so get your orders in to me now!

I used several Kreinik #4 very fine braids in the pumpkin's faces, but I have included the DMC floss alternatives if you don't want to use the Kreinik braids, but they add SO much to this piece, especially the "glow in the dark" thread I used in the mouth and eyes.  Just too much fun!

I have one more quick Halloween design I'm currently stitching, it'd called "BOO".  This is one of Kathy's designs and oh so cute!  Look for that to be released in August.

Speaking of Kathy, I am leaving to go and spend a few weeks visiting, playing, and designing with her in Cincinnati.  I will make sure to take time to enjoy my nieces too!  Then we're on to Wisconsin to celebrate my parents 50th wedding anniversary.  The whole family will be present.  A grand time will be had by all.  Enjoy your summer!  Blessings  ~ Kay

~ June 7, 2007

Ok, here we are, another design in honor of my new nephew, Jayden.      I guess I'm just in  that "baby" mood.  This design works up super quick and you can substitute the name and date with a saying if you choose.  Even change the bubbles to pinks for a girl!  Check out the model on the "What's New" or "Other" page.  I'm shipping the charts out this week to my automatic shops and it will hit the distributors in a few weeks.

Well, the rain has finally let up and now the heat and humidity of Texas summers has arrived.  No more going outside for me.  More stitching time!  

This summer, my husband and I are going to attend the summer musicals.  We have seen "Wicked" (great!) and "Camelot" with Michael York as the king.  Next week it's "Chicago".  I'm looking forward to the wonderful dancing in that one.  

"Pumpkin Row" is coming along and it is a FUN one to stitch.  Check the website, it should be ready to ship late July.  I've added a few fun fibers to "snazz" this one up a little.  Just an hint, the eyes are going to glow in the dark! 

Well, that about wraps it up from here.  Hope you all are having a great summer, stay cool!          ~ Blessings,  Kay

~ May 30, 2007

Greetings from  rain soaked north Texas.  Boy we sure do need the rain and it has kept the temperatures down, I love that!  Just to let you know I have updated the "Retailers" page on the website.  If any of the shops carrying Lilybet Designs charts do not find yourselves on the list, please let me know and I will gladly add you to the page.  

On a personal note, I have taken up the craft of knitting.  Yes, I've fought the trend and the bug bit me while in Wisconsin.  I have been searching the internet for good knitting sites and blogs, so if you have any suggestions for me, I'd love to hear from you. (kay@lilybetdesigns.com)  My first projects have been hats for preemies in the ICU, I saw this charity idea on DIY's "Knitty Gritty".  Since then, I'm spending way too much time with two needles in hand and not enough time with my tapestry needle and linen.  I'm still plugging away at the "Pumpkin Row"" and "Bubbles", so they should be ready for an on time release.  

Well that's the latest from Lilybet Designs, where the rainy days are spent stitching and knitting.  ~ Blessings to you all, Kay

~ May 17, 2007

I'm excited to announce that the new Lilybet Design chart has been released! 

"Baby Sampler"

This design is in honor of my new nephew, Jayden.  I used the colors of his nursery to stitch this one.  I just love it!  As soon as the Columbus Market is concluded, (model will be in the Norden booth) he will receive his birth sampler.  It can be viewed on this website under the "What's New or "Other" pages.  This pattern works up very quickly. 

I have just returned from 12 days in the beautiful state of Wisconsin.  I just love the cool weather!    All the family members are doing well, even my 95 year old grandmother and 92 year old grandfather.  It was great to see everyone.  My brother and I even got to sneak in a Milwaukee Brewer game and enjoyed a cool day at the ballpark.  

I'm currently working on a new design entitled "Bubbles".  It is scheduled for release in mid-June.  Another new design in the works is entitled "Pumpkin Row"  It is stitched on 28 count Tangerine 8" banding by Wichelt.  This project can also be put on a tote bag, like "Funky Flowers" and Flower Garden".  I am actually stitching on it this week.  These pumpkins are very funky and fun.  It is going to make a fabulous Halloween candy bag.  This chart will be released in July, so be watching and check back with us here at the website.

Well, that brings you up to date on the happenings at Lilybet Designs.  Until next time.  Blessings to you all!     ~Kay

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~ April 25, 2007

Hi there.  I thought I'd try something new (for me that is).  In this world of blogging, I thought I'd keep you up to date with the happenings of Lilybet Designs.  I cannot promise updates that often, but I'll do my best.  This isn't a blog in the truest sense of the word, but just a news & interest section of the site.

The newest design was released today - "Flower Garden".  I love the idea of "using" my cross stitch projects.  With that in mind, I found these cute tote bags at my local craft store and attached this design and the "Funky Flowers" design to the bags.  In my opinion, you can't have too many tote bags for needlework.  I have another one planned, it's called Pumpkin Trio and it will be out in July. 

On a personal note, my youngest brother and his wife just had their 2nd son, Jayden Caleb Hanson.  He was several weeks early, but everyone is doing fine.  I am leaving next week to visit them in Wisconsin.  I can't wait to meet my new nephew.  I have designed a new baby sampler for him and it will be released the end of May, so check back to see that design.

My husband and I just returned from a week in Williamsburg and Washington DC with my sister and her family.  What a beautiful part of the country and so much to see.  We love history and we couldn't get enough of all the sites.  We can't wait to get back.  I had planned to get by to see the ladies at R&R Reproductions, (they have a shop in Virginia Beach called "Dyeing to Stitch") but time and weather didn't allow.   I will make sure I get there the next time we visit that area.

Will try to check in regularly and let you know the "doing" of Lilybet Designs.  Until then, God bless.

Kay

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