Hello!

My sister and I have been stitching and sharing our work over text. It’s been a simple delight and a fun way to spend the evenings on the couch. I decided to make a template for a monthly embroidery journaling project. Each month offers blank space to try out designs, practice stitches — anything you want!

I drew the design in my cricut design software and had the machine draw it onto fabric. I’m using a Kona fabric, my favorite brand, 100% cotton.

On my first try, I realized that I didn’t give myself enough room on the edges to fit the hoop to be comfortable to work with. Oops!

Let’s try that again…. Much better.

I’m new to embroidery. When making my first quilt I hand sewed the edging and it was my favorite part. So meditative (and you get to be under a blanket while you do it!) It gave me some confidence that if I could do that I could do embroidery. So, if you’ve never done it - GO for it!

Here is JPEG you can print out at whatever size you’d like and trace on to fabric using a water soluble marker (you can find at any craft store!) Or upload this image to your cricut and let the machine do it for you! Be sure to use the water soluble cricut marker!

Below is how it looks in my set up screen. Leave room for your hoop!!

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Happy stitching! If you end up working on this I hope you’ll share it with me! Tag me on instagram @kirbifagan

Dear Readers,

2022 lays out in front of us and like me, you may be thinking about resolutions. The hard lines, going cold turkey on xyz, big aspirations, we all know how that goes. Here are FOUR ideas I have for a successful January and with some (very) tiny drawings to inspire you.

ONE

Drink a whole glass of water - make it a big one, when you wake up News Years Day! What could be better than starting of the year well hydrated? Sass it up with some fruit. Who knows, one good choice may lead to others.

TWO

Forgive someone. The fall outs and tensions of the past few years have been uncomfortable and heartbreaking. Find it in your heart to forgive the mistakes of others. Do it in your heart, believe it in your soul and move forward. Am I the only one with Lorde’s lyrics “No, I don’t keep a list can’t hold a grudge” stuck in their head? The song is called “Hold No Grudge” if you want to check it out.

THREE

Finish something! Why start something in January? What about finishing a project you abandoned? Take inventory, maybe its a book you really liked but didn’t finish… What about framing that family photo you’ve been meaning to do! Maybe it’s home improvement project, donations you never dropped off, or a craft you forgot about. Whatever it is, you’ll be so glad when you are done. These dolls below need some finishing don’t you think?

FOUR

Write a letter to a friend. Times are tough, reach out just to say hello. All it takes is picking up a pencil - you may be surprised what the words “I’m thinking of you” can do to lift up someone’s day.

Whatever you do in the fresh new year, be good to yourself and others.

Sending smiles and well wishes,

Kirbi

P.S. I hope my snail mail subscribers enjoyed the affirmation card I send out. To be included in future mailings go to the Blog “home” and subscribe — I don’t sell things, I don’t email, I only send snail mail surprises. Your information is safe with me. As the “metaverse” takes over the world this may be the only place I continue to update. I hope we can stay connected. <3