Re: Bucilla - Threads in their kits

I would never buy a Bucilla product again. The thread came all bunched together with the indication which thread was which and many close in color had similar thread counts. I called the company and they gave me a hard time about sending me the missing threads. I told her myself and two other people verified the colors and what was missing. When I asked what the problem was she huffed. Very dissatisfied with this company

So I would guess that things with Bucilla and their kits haven't improved since the original post in 1996?
IIRC Bucilla uses their own color number system and threads, not DMC or Anchor for their kits. Think cheap imitation floss. That makes things even worse since you can't just run out to the LNS or online to order replacements or extra floss.
I've purchased a kit or two from Bucilla, but always pitched their floss and matched it up with higher quality DMC or Anchor before beginning work. An expensive way to get just a chart and fabric which also usually gets replaced, but sometimes a design just calls to you and you HAVE to have it!
I purchased a VERY expensive kit from a company in the Netherlands called Pako. The floss was DMC so was easier to match up in case of shortfalls. It would have been a PITA to have to contact the company for extras and for the price paid, I wouldn't expect to be shortchanged.
I did replace the high-quality Aida with Belfast linen for the project, adding to the finished cost, but it was a huge project and was worth the effort.
Nyssa At River's End

This is from 1996

You might say, The Glory Days :) How are you Rich?

I am doing good, thanks for asking. Still stiching.
Rich

Nice to see at least a *bit* of action here again!
What is everyone working on? I am doing a foxgloves pattern: 'm nearly done...have all the green done and am working on the few bottom flowers. I'm actually stitching it for Arliss (former member of this group), who has trouble stitching on black. I've also started (but have set aside for the duration of the foxgloves) their hollyhocks kit which is for me.These are kits from Europe (Riolis) and use an acrylic/wool blend, which has been a dream to work with...it's pretty soft stuff and the colors are really vibrant. And (to keep this on topic) they are supplied with plenty of floss. :)
Joan in very snowy ND!

I love seeing posts here again!
So I'll add my own. ;)
I'm currently re-stitching models for my first four Goodie Bag charts. Zweigart liked them so much, they kept my original models for display at trade shows and such. Considering how generous with sample fabrics they are, I had no problem with that, but I do want to have a complete set of models in my own collection.
The big news I've been holding back is that I've developed a new website along with several friends (one of whom is another stitcher) and will eventually be re-posting my old freebie charts on the new site plus newer, exclusive designs that have never before been published.
The site won't be just about stitching, but I'm hoping that the freebies will bring in some interest and folks will find other things about it they like and keep coming back.
BTW the site will have NO ads or tracking. It's not a money- maker, just an outlet for us to share our interests and ideas with others.
I'll let everyone here know when the site goes live.
I can't wait to start getting feedback on all the work that's been done.
Nyssa At River's End

It's nice to read about folks are working on. I wish I could add. Haven't picked up a needle in so long. Maybe this is the push I need.
Look forward to you site, Nyssa.
Nancy

I'm peaking in, since I do get the digest and see that Joan has mentioned my name. I know that Joan intends to enter the foxgloves bell pull at her county fair. I would hope (but suspect it might not work out) that she could enter her hollyhock bell pull at the same time; I might persuade her to hold off and enter both at the same time next year.
I've been working on a couple of Mirabilia designs - Stone Roses (just beads and ribbon work left) and Lady of the Flag (just a bit of a hair color change, then backstitching and beads left); I set both aside to stitch Marie Barber's blue and white floral teapot, which is also almost finished, with just a few more cross stitches and backstitching to do.
I've been dealing with dry eye for the last couple of years, so I have some really awful days during which I can't do much of anything - except pour the drops in and cover my eyes with warm compresses. Some days I can read, even if I can't stitch. (Have you ever noticed that you do not blink as much while stitching as you do during other activities? It's true.)
If one goes by the interstates, I'm about 270 miles from Joan. It's also cold and snowy here. Bismarck had 6 or 7 consecutive days of subzero highs this month, and we've been getting plenty of "nuisance" snowfallss, which are snowfalls of under 2 inches; our HOA has a snow removal contractor come in to clean driveways and sidewalks when we get 2 inches or more, but it's up to the individual homeowner to clean up anything less than 2 inches. Ugh. I have a backache from shoveling today.
Arliss

I just finished a little wren and "Tweet Heart Ornament" by Lucie Heaton (a little bird from a magazine). I had it framed. Picture is on FaceBook. I also finished "Grateful Every Day" by My Big Toe. I am amost half done on "Holloween" by Renato Parolin. I put it aside to work on "Hope Blooms" by Patti Conner of SamSarah Design Studio. The chart uses all 35 of the new DMC colors.
Rich

Congrats on that, Nyssa! What a good feeling that must give you.
<snip>
Sounds fantastic! Please do let us know! Joan

LOL! There's absolutely *no* way I'd get them both done! Haven't touched the hollyhocks since I started yours. Ooo, you didn't tell me you finally decided on the hair! Last I heard you were pulling your own out trying to decide! ;)
We're supposed to get *another* 1-3 tomorrow or Wed. sigh. I just hope it's a nice slooooooow melt, so we don't have another 1997 flood! Everyone is complaining about the snow, but these are the kinds of winters I remember while growing up, so to me it's back to "normal". People just aren't used to it anymore, I think.
Joan

You've been a busy boy, Rich! Those look like fun designs. Joan

I would hope (but suspect it might not work out) that she could enter her hollyhock bell pull at the same time; I might persuade her to hold off and enter both at the same time next year. Hahahahaha I said you could hold off and enter both together NEXT year.
And I'm still unsure, but I'll try some colors (I've pulled a lot of "blonde" flosses and will try them out on a scrap of the fabric; the over-dyed fabric is the main problem, but I'm not going to start over on the recommended fabric now.
I think you've had more snow there than we have here, but there's still an awful lot piled up on my lawn. (It does provide some privacy from the street!) But this month has been just bitterly cold, with nothing above 20F the whole month - and that happened only once or twice on widely separated days. My gas fireplace gets used a lot. It snowed overnight and most of today, but it *might* be finished now.

True, but then I wouldn't get blue and purple ribbons on *both* of them!!! There *is* a method to my madness. :)
I'll have to send you the pic of my mom's mailbox. All you can see is the door! It's been snowing lightly here since noon and is supposed to continue into tomorrow. With no wind, it's making the roads slippery (there is *something* good about wind! LOL).
Joan

Have you seen the group is now getting taken over by a spammer..i have not had any posting for some time

is anyone around any more