Where are you Christmas?

No snow. It's just not Christmas time without it. I don't ever remember it being December without a foot of snow on the ground. It's been raining. Rain does not go with Christmas. On top of all that...I tore a tendon in my foot and am suppose to be elevating it 24/7. You ever try to stitch while lying down? I don't recommend trying it. If you do, don't drop your needle. It defeats the whole purpose of elevating your foot because you'll spend 15 minutes up on your feet trying to find the needle. Maybe needles should have FOB's.

Where is the snow? Where is the pain relief? Where are you Christmas?

...and where is my needle?

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

Winter in Key Town will not be released this year. It has taking me longer than I originally thought it would to design it. The good news is that my two heart patterns will be out tomorrow. Thank you for all the support this past year. It's tough being a small fish in a BIG pond.

Updated website

I updated my website today with a story and the release date for my new patterns.

http://shipsmanor.com

My Autumn Heart

You all are spoiled. HAHA   Here it is... My Autumn Heart.

New Patterns coming soon!

It's really difficult being a new designer. I have a ton of ideas in my head for the holidays and just not enough time to do them. I think next year will be easier since I will have a year to design for Halloween/Autumn and Christmas/Winter.  I've noticed, over the years, that my Attention Deficit is much stronger in fall/winter. I wonder if it has anything to do with being indoors more or because of the Holidays. I just find it extremely hard to concentrate on one thing for very long.  I do have a picture to show you all. It is one of two patterns I have finished and ready to print. This is called "My Christmas Heart".

Key Town Continues...

I am excited to announce the release of Winter in Key Town sometime early December. It seems that my Key Town muse, lets call her "The Keeper of Keys" has returned. I have put everything else on hold to work on it. So, look for updates here, on my website and on facebook.

Happy Halloween!

New pattern

I posted my new pattern on my website today. Check it out!

http://shipsmanor.com

Re-design,

I have a hard time with making small patterns. So, making a FOB was a scary thing to me. But, I did it!  Okay, so I re-designed my Ornament pattern. It still looks good and could be a FOB or an Ornament. What do you all think?

It must be the tea.

Well, today started out okay and got worse as time went on. I am pretty sure it was the tea's fault. An order was all wrong, my printer and computer were having a fight. I am sure the tea started it. I had had enough of it and decided my time would be better spent making a nice glass of tea. Ten minutes later I sat down, sipped on some tea and what do you know...everything was better. Really!  Not only did I feel calmer but the order that was messed up was now fixed, the computer was sharing nicely with the printer. I can't explain it and don't want to try but I am sure it must have had something to do with the tea.

Contest

I'm having a contest on my facebook page.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Ships-Manor/146415035397488

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Find this on my website. It is a free pattern.

http://shipsmanor.com

Ornament Freebie

Here is a pic. I will have the pattern on my website today.

http://shipsmanor.com

Christmas/Winter ornament coming soon!

I think it would be awesome to be in a magazine. Especially the JCS ornament issue. Since I don't see that happening any time soon I decided to make an ornament anyway. It's a freebie and it will be posted on my website soon. http://shipsmanor.com

I have been working hard on new designs. Hopefully I will have 4 more released this year. One is already done, it's being framed and I should have it charted out a couple of days after getting it from the framer. I am having Jill Rensel do the framing. I spent some time a couple of weeks ago picking out the frame and mat colors. I am very excited to see it. The other 3 patterns I want to release are not stitched yet. Well, all three are about half way done. I may release 3 patterns in November and then 2 in December. I don't know. :/

Autumn Leaf Freebie

It's on my website. http://shipsmanor.com

Check it out!

Firefly Dance is featured in the October issue of 'The Stitcher's' Voice'. Please visit: http://stitchersvillage.com and check it out!

Two new patterns released today!

It's been a busy week. Two of my patterns have been released and, hopefully, on their way to a store near you. The first is my Firefly Dance pattern. It is a pattern that evokes praise and joy in all mother earth has to offer. If you have ever heard a song in a cricket's chirp or danced with the fireflies then this pattern is for you. The second pattern is my last Halloween pattern of the year. It is called Pumpkin Smarts and has very vivid colors.

Pumpkin Smarts

I wasn't planning on making another Halloween Pattern this year but it's really hard not to be in the spirit this time of year. The frame is hand made. I painted it with chalkboard paint and it looks great with my pattern. So, here is another sneak peak of an upcoming pattern. Yeah, you all are spoiled. LOL

Winner of Firefly Dance pattern

Thanks to all those who entered. Looks like we had 20 entries. Not a bad number for a first contest.

The winner is........  Barb in Syracuse.  Congratulations. If you didn't put address in first email please get that to me asap so I can send the pattern to you. I hope you enjoy it.

I plan on doing more contests in the future. Also, if you really liked my new pattern you can buy it soon. It should be available on Friday Sept, 24th.

Contest

This is for all my blog friends. Exclusive look at a new Ship's Manor pattern. This is currently not available for sale but should be in a couple of weeks. It is the first pattern in my "Simple Things Series". I hope you like it.

I am doing a drawing for a free pattern. Email name to shipsmanor@gmail.com. Winner will be chosen on Tuesday the 14th and results posted here. Take time to check out my released patterns at http://shipsmanor.com.

 

"Cricket Chirp

Night Trance

Moon and Stars

Firefly Dance"

 

Cooler Weather and Dedication

The weather has changed here in Utah. Of course that doesn't mean it will stay this way. This past week the high temps have been in the 60's-70's. A week ago...temps close to 100. Colder weather makes me tired. I'm not saying it's a bad thing. I love being wrapped in a warm blanket and snoozing. It's not very productive but sometimes being lazy is for the best.

I think I am 1/3 of the way done with my newest pattern. It's been a lot of work but worth it. I also think it will be well-liked by others. It's different, winter-themed and (dare I use the overused word?) WHIMSICAL! It's also very down to earth and hopefully will make you smile. The picture says to me "Dedication". No matter what you do and what you believe in always do it with your whole heart. If people tell you you're crazy just say "thanks".

New Pattern

Visit me at http://shipsmanor.com

New pattern: Comfort and Snow

Ramblings... I didn't use any hand dyed thread for this pattern but I am for a pattern I am currently working on. I think I may have to stop using them though. I love the look but the expense is killing me. Especially since I never know what the right color is until I start stitching it. So, if it's the wrong color then back to the craft store I go for another color. Speaking of craft stores...I am very blessed to live in the same town as Shepherd's Bush. I am sure you have heard of them. Tina, Teri and the rest of the staff are some of the nicest people you could ever meet. Also, the shop is awesome. The atmosphere is a mix of comfort and excitement. It really does have a way of transporting you back in time.

http://www.shepherdsbush.net/

3 patterns out on Friday the 13th

I don't know if it's lucky or un-lucky. I was 3 of 39 patterns released on friday. 39!!!  Last week there were only 6 and the week before about 15 or so. I am very excited about it though and had a nice feature on Hoffman Dis. facebook page. Only problem is I wanted to act all professional and not post anything, instead I posted something goofy (because I am goofy) and then decided to delete it. Maybe animosity and mystery is better than showing people how wacky I am. Hmm...guess my patterns will do the talking for me...haha.

Currently working on two winter-themed patterns.

Website

All new patterns will be posted at my new website shipsmanor.com  

I felt I needed to create a more formal place for finished patterns, answered questions and corrections. Of course I will always be here on my trusty blog. It's a nice place to talk about nothing.

New website soon and the story of Ship's Manor

I decided I needed a non-blog website. Soon I will be the proud owner of a new site called shipsmanor.com. I am excited but also confused about the whole website thing. I am learning though and should have it up and running in a week or maybe less. Until then, please enjoy the "Un-true story of Ship's Manor"

The Story of Ship's Manor

The Ship family was well known in New York, London, Paris and Utah. They were very much a part of high society due to their ship making skills. In the mid 1800's the ship making stopped but their legend lived on. High on a turret of Ship's Manor was a window shaped like a captains wheel. At one time it signified skillfull ship makers. Then, in 1856, the significance changed to adventure, dreams and story telling.

The Ship family was a generous lot and were loved by everyone; not once did they refuse to share their candles or a cup of sugar.One dark night Mrs. Ship did the unthinkable, she refused to share her last cup of wassail. She was cold and just started reading a new book. She said "A book is not a book without a nice cup of wassail". So, Mr. Ship was wassail-less and shivered for hours just to spite Mrs. Ship. After two hours of pressing his cold feet on Mrs. Ship, Mr. Ship decided his time would be better spent in a quiet basement playing with needle and thread.

All night he worked, only interrupted once or twice by wassail filled laughter from above. His fingers bled and his eyes burned. When the sun rose he stopped. Ship's Manors first pattern was finished and it was beautiful.  Mr. Ship cried with glee "My first pattern" he declared and held it up, a little too high because he spent the next hour brushing cobwebs from it. Now it was time to show his wife.

With needlework in hand he rushed up the stairs, turned a corner and rushed up another flight of stairs. Mr. Ship headed straight for the bedroom, where he knew Mrs. Ship would be waiting. He knew in his heart that she would be delighted with him and his first beautiful pattern. Down the hall he sprinted, yearning for the smile he knew he would be greeted with. When he reached the bedroom...the bed was empty. Hadn't he left Mrs. Ship here, last night to her wassail and book reading? It was the bedroom and even if it had been the den she would've surely came to bed by now. Alas, the bed really was empty. Mr. Ship's shoulders slumped, the pattern fell limp in his hand.

Wait! His eyes lit up. "She must be in the dining room eating breakfast". Mr. Ship ran faster this time down the hall, the thought of not only sharing his pattern with his wife but the maid too had excited him. Down one flight of steps he went, turned a corner and went down another flight right into the dining room. Then he stopped, looked at the empty table and sighed. Miss. Lu, the maid, opened the kitchen door and jumped out of shock. Mr. Ship had wild hair and a crazed look in his eyes. "Where is the Mrs.?" he asked. Miss Lu didn't speak but her eyes jerked to the den. Mr. Ship nodded.

Again he raised his shoulders, eyes and pattern. His energy, perhaps a little less than before, had returned. Mrs. Ship must be reading the paper, he thought. The bedroom wasn't the perfect time to show her, she would've been half asleep, if she were eating breakfast she would be too distracted by the sausage to fully appreciate his needlework. Yes, the Den would be the perfect place. Mr. Ship stopped outside the den door, he took a deep breath and then flung it open. "Surprise!" he yelled. Indeed, it was a surprise by all. Mrs. Ship had fallen asleep while reading, half cup of wassail in hand when she was startled by her husband. She sat straight up on the sofa, the book flew across the room into the fire and the wassail flew towards Mr. Ship...and his pattern. Mrs. Ship, eyes wide, drool hanging from her chin, looked at her husband. Her husband looked back, shoulders slumped, wild hair, eyes heavy...wassail dripping needlework in hand. The room was silent until Mrs. Ship noticed her book was missing "My book!" she yelled and then looked at her husband. He gestured to the fire, turned around and walked through the door.

Mr. Ship remained fond of his first pattern, and if anyone ever asked (which they usually didn't) he would just say it was the new "antique look". Fortunately Mr. Ship continued making patterns and kept them in a locked box away from wassail flinging mishaps. Now, 150 years later his patterns will be enjoyed by all and I will be the one to share them.




The name changed over time, each generation adding an extra letter just to further themselves from the craziness. I am Erik Shipley, Mr. Ship was my great great great Grandfather. His patterns, and his journal, passed from generation to generation and recently landed in my lap. I refuse to hide from the truth though and even thought about shortening my name by one letter until it returns again to it's true form SHIP. It was a fleeting thought though since I didn't want my last name mispronounced...Shippel, Shiplay, Wassail. So, here I sit, day after day stitching up the dreams of my Grandfather, avoiding spiced orange drinks and laughing.

Halloween

Well, I finally finished my Halloween pattern. Hopefully it will be out soon. I know I am a little late for this season but it is not a complicated pattern and I believe it could be stitched quickly. After all, Halloween is still about 3 months away. I am really proud of this pattern because it took a lot of sweat and  tears...umm, yelling to finish it.

Thanks again for stopping by!

Cold lemonade and chicken coops

Yeah, strange title but it fits. I've never been a big fan of summer heat. I love the flowers and being outside but I dislike sweating. I guess I don't know anyone who likes to sweat but I am sure they are out there. Now, about the chicken coop. Well, my chickens are too big now to be inside the house so it was time to build them a chicken coop. I hatched some eggs a couple of months ago, the most amazing thing i've done and seen, and now I am the proud parent of 4 chickens. Hopefully they are all female since I am keeping them for the eggs.

I realize I only have two followers at this time. If I just had two followers throughout this whole blog journey I would be very grateful. I mention I only have two followers because this feels like a journal right now and I need to keep telling myself that this is the internet and public and no one wants to hear me ramble on for hours. The whole point of this new blog was to share some good news...

I now have a distributor for my cross stitch patterns! I am very excited and frightened. I know that it will be a lot of work but definitely worth it. I have put a lot of time and love (yes, love) into my patterns and I know you will get enjoyment from them. Whether its the dog days of summer or the cold nights of winter, I hope my patterns will bring peace and relaxation to you.

Two new patterns

I've finished two and am currently working on a Halloween "ship shape" series one. It should be finished in a week or so.

Also, I am in the process of looking for a distributor. I've contacted two so far and have not heard anything back. I assume they are busy but i'd really like to know what they have to say.

"Key Town"- part of the "ship shape" series.

This is my Key Sampler. Looks good framed or made into a pillow. Pillow was made by Jeff. :)

Four Days Later

Well, i've finished the stitching. Looks good to me. Now it's time to make the frame and finish the pattern.

I have also been working on a sampler and something for Halloween. Seems like all I do is cross stitch and work in the yard. 

Keytown WIP

The name might change but that's what I am calling it right now. I only have a little more to do. Then I will frame, finish the pattern and see what happens.

Cross Stitch

Ship's Manor is a new cross stitch design company. My name is Erik and I have been doing cross stitch, among other things, for the past 20+ years. I've never created my own patterns until now and I have been jumping right in. I feel that feedback is very important in any aspect of our lives and that's why I have made this blog. I should have my first pattern ready in a couple of weeks. At that time I will be selling it on etsy or other sites. Hopefully, in the near future, you will be able to get them at your local craft store. Thank you for visiting and I look forward to many more visits.

Erik Shipley