Getting to Know Featured Stitcher Brandy

You’ll find Brandy around the web on these links:

Instagram – @a_girl_and_her_kindle
Pinterest – @HandmadeRedhead
Goodreads – HandmadeRedhead
Litsy – @Handmade_Redhead

Now let’s get into the stitching questions and have some fun getting to know Brandy, her projects, and her crafty stash…

What’s your favorite type of cross stitch project to work on?

I love to stitch mandala type, geeky themed, and snarky designs the best. I have been known to do a quote or two and some floral designs.

I love a good geeky themed cross stitch pattern, too. 😉

Do you have a favorite designer?

Tracy Horner from Ink Circles is my absolute favorite designer. I’ve finished 6 of her designs, have 1 in my WIP pile and 3 others kitted and ready to go. Not to mention multiples that I have bought that aren’t kitted up yet.

How big is your stitching stash?

Brandy’s WIP Pile

Bigger than I’d like to admit. I have almost a gig of PDF charts, a file box of printed charts, 2 large dresser drawers of evenweave, aida and linen, 6 photo boxes of various flosses, and a couple of moving box of finishing supplies (hoops, ribbon, beads, old frames, foam core, craft paper, etc.) That’s just my cross stitch stash.

How long have you been stitching?

I’ve been stitching since right before my daughter was born. She’s turning 28 soon.

How did you learn to stitch?

My grandmother has always been crafty, so I have been around crafts all my life. She did a little embroidery and that’s how I got interested. I bought myself a stamped cross stitch baby announcement for my soon to be daughter. I thought stamped would be easier than counted. I was wrong. That was the last stamped project I have ever done.

I know some people find the stamped cross stitch projects easier, but I find stamped to be a bit difficult sometimes too. I guess my brain just doesn’t work that way.

Do you watch television or listen to music (or podcasts) when you stitch; what’s your favorite way to fill the sound void?

I watch TV usually. I am in the middle of X-Files, Star Trek Voyager, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, and a few other shows.

I also listen to podcasts and audio books. Podcasts are too many to name. I follow about 40 different podcasts in a variety of subjects. My current audio book is Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher.

Wishful Drinking is on my Kindle ready to read. I <3 Carrie Fisher.

Slightly related, but non-stitchy question: What are you currently reading and/or binge watching?

Non-stitching time I am reading. I am currently reading Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli.

This year I am really getting into comics/graphic novels and poetry in addition to fiction and non-fiction.

Other than your current project and favorite needle, what is one thing you must have while stitching?

Whether I want them or not, I have 6 cats and a dog. I don’t feel like I need them to stitch, but they are convinced that I NEED them.

My magnifying Ott light is the only other thing I need.
Can’t stitch if you can’t see.

So true, your eyes are not replaceable and good light is very important.

Do you have any “in real life friends” to share your stitching with in person, or maybe a local get together with a local stitch group? Tell us about so we can be jealous!

I actually met my boss on the Blogspot stitching circuit 6 or 7 years ago. We met up a few times at our LNS before I started working for her and her husband.

My husband doesn’t stitch, but he is very supportive. He oohs and ahhs over all my work and encourages me to take the time I need to stitch. He even goes with me to the LNS.

What stitched project finish are you most proud of?

My favorite finish is Cirque des Cercles by Ink Circles, of course.

It was stitched on a custom hand-dyed 28 ct evenweave by Stab and Stash (not sure they are around anymore) with Fishpepper 4431 and Fire Dragon silk floss from Hand-Dyed Fibers by Vikki Clayton.