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