High Bush Cranberry Syrup: A Cherished Childhood Tradition

Growing up, high bush cranberry syrup was a staple in our household. Every late summer, my mom and I, along with my sisters, would venture to a neighbor's woodlot, where the berries flourished. Known as kalyna to Ukrainians, the scarlet fruit was easy to collect, as it grew in convenient clusters on flexible branches. Rich in vitamin C, we enjoyed the syrup during the winter months, drizzling it over pancakes or adding it to tea for a unique flavor.

I discovered a patch of these berries in a woodlot within the city limits where we live. For several years now, we've been harvesting the berries and turning them into jelly. We prefer to gather the berries before they are fully ripened, as they contain a high amount of pectin. Consequently, I don't use any additional pectin when making the jelly.

Numerous recipes for highbush cranberry sauces and jellies can be found online for you to explore and experiment with. Click here for my Jelly recipe.

Floral Monogram - G

The letter "G" carries multiple meanings depending on its context. In Freemasonry, it frequently symbolizes God, often called the "Great Architect of the Universe," or it can represent Geometry, emphasizing the importance of divine guidance and the study of spatial relationships.In numerology, the letter G corresponds to the number 7, which signifies introspection, spiritual awakening, and the pursuit of wisdom.

Click Monogram G to get your Free Cross Stitch Pattern

A Fifteen-Year Reflection: Crafting Beauty Over Eight Months

I used a simple stem stitch to create the stems for the poppies in this project. I haven’t posted a tutorial on how to do this stitch since there are many blogs and YouTube videos available that can teach you both the fundamentals and advanced techniques of cross stitching.

Join me on an eight-month journey as I recount the story of how I crafted this beautiful lady fifteen years ago. Click here Elegance of Spring to begin the journey.

A Timeless Gift: Reframing and Preserving a Stitched Masterpiece

“Image a walk through the English countryside. You emerge from the woods, brushing back limbs, when you happen upon this beautiful serene sight.” This is part of how the beautiful cross stitch scene was described in the February 1997 Just Cross Stitch magazine.

I stitched this in the year 2000. It was a gift for my sister’s milestone birthday.

At the time I framed it on a budget; a store-bought frame, clear glass and mats that were not acid-free. Twenty years later for another milestone birthday I reframed and re-matted the picture. I also added glass with UV protection.

In the original framing the frame was too wide in comparison to the width of the mat. The general rule is that the mat should always be 1.5 times wider than the frame.

The mats not being acid-free turned a dingy yellow which is seen along the beveled edge. Although I found no evidence of fading in the stitching, I am now more confident that the colors will stay vibrant with 99% UV protection.

When choosing a mat for a picture my first rule is to choose a neutral top mat. You should never choose mat colors based on what room the piece will hang in.

I prefer multiple mats because they add depth to the picture. I try to tie the bottom mat color to the frame color. When choosing the middle mat I like to pick a color within the art.

 

Embroidered Elegance: Halfway Through My Stitching Journey

On page four of my stitching journey, I have passed the project’s halfway point with nearly two hundred hours invested in the project. I started stitching the lady’s dress and she is now pictured holding a bouquet of beautiful flowers she has collected.

Follow my entire journey by clicking here: In Her Garden.

Floral Monogram - F

The letter F is often associated with harmony, love, and nurturing energy. In a more general sense, "F" can also represent freedom, faith, and flow.

Click Monogram F to get your Free Cross Stitch Pattern.

 

Exquisite Quilt Blocks: Cross-Stitch Patterns from Collection of 25

These are two cross-stitched quilt block designs, part of a collection of 25 featured in Pattern #35, available in my Etsy shop. You can choose to stitch all 25 blocks or select your favorites to create a personalized picture that reflects your unique style and décor.

Sail Into Life: Timeless Baby Boy Birth Sampler

This baby boy birth sampler featuring a sail boat is one of the most popular in my Etsy shop. If you love the sea this gorgeous birth sampler will surely become a treasured family heirloom.

"Sweet Ribbons & Bows: A Charming Baby Girl Birth Sampler Cross Stitch Pattern"

A newly designed cross stitch pattern showcasing ribbons and bows. This delightful baby girl birth sampler makes an ideal gift for a nursery. You can find the pattern available for purchase in my Etsy shop.

Floral Monogram - E

The letter E embodies energy and life. It signifies vitality, movement, and flow, reflecting continuous motion in both physical and spiritual realms. E can be found in words such as energy, evolution, and enlightenment, and it is linked to dynamism and transformation.

Click Monogram E to get your Free Cross Stitch Pattern.