Hello everyone! Jan Hicks here, of Jan Hicks Creates! Welcome to my world! It is a world filled with color, cross stitch, knitting, more color, love and laughter! I live with my wonderful husband Mike and our very fluffy Siberian kitty Nina. We also have two boys who are grown and living their best lives, of which I am very proud.
My design style is eclectic, ranging from more traditional samplers to designs inspired by retro antiques, textiles, ceramic tiles and more. Everywhere I look, I see inspiration, and I am always thrilled when my finished design reflects what I see in my head.
Mike and I love to travel in our RV, and we love to take pictures of all of the amazing places we visit. This has provided me with a lot of great shots which I am honored to offer to you in the form of cross stitch patterns or as prints or on other media in my shop on Fine Art America.
Enjoy exploring my shop! I look forward to seeing your stunning cross stitch designs!
Hi Jan,
I am so excited to hear I won the Lavender and Lace Santa. Thank you so much. It was very generous of you. I so enjoy watching your videos.
Cricket Collection, Playing With Jax question…I just ordered the Playing With Jax chart, but do not have it yet.
On your YouTube video you showed on your phone an alternative way of stitching out the center white pumpkin with leaves on it instead of the face. Would you please share where I would be able to locate the alternative chart with the leaves? I much prefer the leaves….
Thank you sew much!!
Susan
Jan I need your help bad. I am an old school cross stitcher. Using DMC for years. Now I am working on a project that has Watercolours thread. I got it but don’t know how to separate it the right way. Can you please show me how. I feel like you are my best friend some days. If you know of a you tube that would help please let me know.
Thanks
Mary Boze
Hi Mary! I am happy to be your best friend any day! 🤗
I have som Watercolours around here some place. I’ll find them and on tomorrow’s Stitch with me video, I’ll talk about them and show you how to separate them and work with them. Now, I will say it’s been a long time since I’ve used them, but I’ll help as best I can.
I am new to your channel and thoroughly love your channel and your joyful spirit. I just bought 3 northern expressions shades of color and would like to do them in a neutral theme (all the same). Any ideas on colors and linen for a modern farmhouse look. I have lots of grays, wood tones and splashes of color in our colorado house in the woods. Just finished my first linen piece. No more aida for me. Diane
Hi Diane! Thanks so much for your kind words!
My first thought on linen color is Tycho by Picture this Plus. It is a cream/white base but has very subtle mottling. Sometimes it appears to be grey and peach, other times more golden and blue. I just love it and it creates a wonderful backdrop for so many colors. What are your splashes of color? Any green? I think thinking with what you described here, and with Tycho as a background, shades of pine or evergreen would make a really pretty combination. What do you think?
I saw the short video on IG where you received all the linen from the stitcher who had to quit stitching on linen. I want to know what method you use to get the crease lines out of that linen that has been folded up for such a long time. I recently pulled out some black Aida for a project and after ironing and steaming and misting and ironing I can still see a faint line where it was folded. I like your new haircut. It looks so cool.
Hi Pat! Did I answer this somewhere else? I have a feeling I did, but just in case, I will answer it here! Sorry I didn’t see this sooner!
So, I think you have done pretty much what I do, by the sounds of it. I do use a product called Best Press to spray on it, and that may help somewhat more, but if I am using something that has been folded along the same line for a long time, then I have found it pretty much impossible to remove the line completely. Many people say that when you have it blocked and stretched for framing, that will remove any remaining line that might be there, and it should, as long as it’s a crease and not a faded mark along that line. I’m afraid I can’t say for sure on that fact, though, because I don’t have a project that comes to my mind as having experienced this. Hope that helps a little bit!
Please can you tell me the colour conversion you used on do ray me
Much obliged joyce hainsworth xxx
Hi Joyce, if you go to my Color Conversion page and scroll down a little bit, you will find all of the information there. Let me know if you have any questions about it.
Jan, I have been watching your You Tube videos for a while and look forward every week to the new ones. Recently I have purchased Farewell to Anger. What a huge project!!!!! Do you have any suggestions as to where I should begin? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Hi Sandra! Thanks for hanging out with me every week!
Most people start Farewell to Anger in one of the corners. It’s easier than having to find the center in a huge piece of fabric. Most people start in the upper left corner, because that is page 1 of the pattern is. What you will want to do is make sure you have the correct size fabric, and then find the point that’s 2 inches down and in or 3 inches down and in, depending on how much you want to leave for the margin, and just start stitching there. If you need some guidance on how to work on such a large piece, I highly recommend Teresa Little Stitchers videos on working on full coverage pieces. She has a series of videos on the topic, and I believe she has them separated into a Playlist so you can find them all easily. If you have trouble finding them, let me know, and I’ll get the link for you. Hope this helps! Do let me know if you have any other questions!
Jan, you are a bad influence. I bought Shooting Star. Carol Manning. On the threads I confused it calls for 0033 and 0034. What are these colors?
Hi Mary. These are the newest DMC colors, numbers 1 – 35, I believe. 123Stitch carries them, so you can get them there.
Thanks. I thought so but I knew you would know for sure! I have all those colors. You find all the good stuff. I love your videos. I can see what they meant when it feels different with the live video, it seems like you are trying to read and not stitch like normal.. Just talk about your life or life in general.
Thanks for what you do. I couldn’t do it.
hugs
Jan, I lucked upon your website and I feel blessed! I saw your post on “Sing a Sampler Series” by Silver Creek Samplers. I’m with you in wanting to stitch in the rainbow color conversion. Did you change any colors other than the ones you listed? I’d like to know the colors you used. Thanks so much. Pat
Hi Pat! It’s so pretty with the rainbow colors, isn’t it! It has been a while since I worked on mine, but I am pretty sure that I am pretty much only using the colors listed. There may be a case here and there for the little bits in the different squares where I need a different color, but hopefully I’ll be able to pull from what I’m already using. Hope this helps!
Jan
Hi Jan,
Your name was given to me for custom cross stitch patterns made from a photograph. Is this something you can do? We are looking for something about 16 by 20 inches. How much would this cost and how long would it take to get the pattern? It is for a gift (needed for late September).
Thanks in advance,
Denine
Hi Denine!
Yes, I do make cross stitch patterns from photos. In general, the cost is usually between $40 and $50. Once I get the photo, it usually only takes me about a week to do the conversion. There are some things I’ll ask you about the pattern, like how many colors you want the pattern to use. Once I have it done, I’ll send you a computer generated picture of what it will look like stitched for your approval.
When you are ready, you can send the photo to jan@http://www.janhickscreates.com and we can continue the conversation via email.
Looking forward to working with you!
Jan
Hi Jan,
I am interested in doing some designing for myself and I believe you mentioned what software you used (somewhere). Would you mind sharing that info again. Thank you so much! Love your Flosstube!!
Hi Suzanne! I use MacStitch, by UrsaSoft. It is the only software I’m aware of for the Mac. They have a sister program for the PC called WinStitch.
Good luck!
Hi jan I am a winner of the silk thread. Trying to get in touch with you. Pkeser let me know what next steps are. Regards Joyce
Hi Joyce, I got both of your emails with your address, so nothing more you have to do except sit back and wait for the goodies to arrive in the mail. I will be getting it out in a few days.
Jan
What is the difference in the Lores and the Hires charts. Have done all of the Barbara & Cheryl charts so want something to match their work.
Hi Donna!
My HiRes charts means that they are bigger charts with more colors in them. Having them bigger with more colors means that you can see more details in the chart. So conversely, the LoRes are usually a little smaller and use fewer colors, leading to a loss of detail and colors. Are you looking at the Charleston Charm pattern? If so, look at the two framed computer generated images more closely by clicking on the little magnifying glass to bring up the larger images. You can see a loss of detail on the LoRes version. You can see which is which by looking at the title underneath each picture.
Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Jan
I watched you for the first time today on your Floss Tube #117; I was glad to catch you there as I’m getting back into cross stitch after a many years-long break to start knitting and then quilting. I am interested in finding out more about the Cosmo cotton floss now that I’ve heard your ringing endorsement and will look for it after I sign off here.
I also understand your frustration with the whole moving process; we had a pack-it-all order once so the movers packed the full trash from the kitchen, too. I realize it wasn’t their responsibility for us to have emptied it, but…I’ll leave it there.
If you’re staying at the Circle Pines KOA in Williams this week, it’s our family’s favorite KOA ever! We live in the SW corner of Arizona and love that part of the state for a break from the heat. As you’ll definitely see when you are there, Williams is not Phoenix, like Lahaina is not Honolulu. You aren’t the only one to say that, but it slights everyplace else in state that is so much more (less?) than congestion, traffic and stress. Definitely eat at Cruisers if you like smoked meats with as Route 66 vibe and the Pine Country Restaurant while you’re in that area, as well as the Bear Tracks Cafe at the KOA if you don’t feel like cooking or going into town.
Thank you again for the information and safe travels!
Thank you so much for the little pink bag. I have totally enjoyed your videos. We have a lot of the same taste. I sorta envy you traveling like you do. Don’t know how you get so much stitching done. Keep up the good job. U R a bright spot in my day. My home address is Rodneyann Bensmam. 1358 6th Avenue. Sidney ,Ohio. 45365
Thanks so much, Rodneyann! I’ll get your bag in the mail by the end of the week.
Jan, I LOVE the project you made with MissusSedus Darling and the rust/red earth linen. I couldn’t see the name and maker of the linen. I’m hoping it is still being made. I can’t get this out of my head. I keep thinking that I sure love the combo! Love your floss tube. It is very enjoyable. Thanks, Kathleen
Hi Kathleen!
The project I did with Missus Sedas Darling is Shades of Gold by Northern Expressions Needlework, but the linen is gold, not a rust or red. Unfortunately, it is linen that I’ve had in my stash for years and the tag is long gone. Is that the project you are referring to, though?
Hi Jan –
Thank you so much for providing your thread conversion for The Quilters Cottage by Lori Holt. I have struggled with wanting to stitch this & was always hesitant due to the thread color choices, I remembered you had stitched this & researched your site &
oh happy dance! I found your conversion. Again, many thanks for sharing!
Be safe, be well. Hang in there Jan & crew!
Awesome, Lisa! So found that was useful for you! I have to admit, I do like my colors much better. Lol. Enjoy stitching it!
HI there-just saw a floss tube video you had done where you talked about a co called Forgotten Fibers? They make a floss called Monkey Monkey Underpants? How do I find them. I looked on Etsy….no luck on the web. BTW-really like your flosstube video…to the point, interesting content.
Hi Stacy,
I don’t know if this color of floss was exclusive to the Gilmore Girls kit or not, but here is the link to their website and the floss they currently have – https://www.forbiddenfiberco.com/collections/embroidery-thread
I just watched #138 video. I’m also in Surprise AZ. I wish you all the safest travel to Idaho Fall,Idaho. I so enjoyed the opening with the Big Bend National Park highlights, I’m a Texan and have yet to see it’s beauty.
Hi Dotti! Thanks so much for your kind thoughts. We are now on our way to Idaho, currently staying overnight outside of St. George, UT. The scenery here is amazing as well! I’ll be sharing it all on my next video! Glad you enjoyed seeing Big Bend. You have to try to get there some day. It was amazing!
Hi Jan, so excited to hear my name called, Cathleen Sullivan Midnight Clear! My email is chrisrobinsullivan@yahoo.com. Have a great week. Thank you Cathleen
Congratulations! I’m sending the PDF now!
Hi Jan, I wanted to get more information about your Sing A Sampler color conversion. I was wondering if you might be able to tell me what color fabric you used (it looks light grey) and also what color fabric was featured in Jennifer Drinka’s version (which was your inspiration). I love the brighter colors that you both used and would love to try and stitch this myself, but wanted to get more information about the fabrics. I’m a newbie cross stitcher, so forgive me if my question about the fabric is fairly elementary. Thanks so much for all of YOUR inspiration!
Hi Eliza! Sorry for the delay in responding. The fabric that I’m using is a 30 ct Murano, the color is Pewter, so it is a kind of grayish blue. Quite lovely and versatile. I am not sure what fabric Jennifer used.
Hi Jan
My mom an I
Liked your hot air balloon cross stitch
An we would like
To do the kit as well
How do we go about getting one
Thank Terry An Maryann
Mazur
Hi Terry,
So sorry for the delay in replying! I didn’t get a notification of your comment!
I do not kit my designs up myself, but my designs are now available to cross stitch stores everywhere and they would be more than happy to kit them up for you as well. If you don’t have an LNS close by, I can recommend Acorns and Threads in Oregon or Keepsakes in Ohio as excellent places to get your charts and materials. You can find the information for both of those shops online. Hope this helps!
Jan
Hi Jan,
I’d like to use your Love is Love pattern for a wedding present, and want to customize the bottom with their names and wedding date. Is the font used for the Love is Love part of the pattern available anywhere? I’d like to keep it consistent. Thank you in advance!
Hi Angie,
So sorry for the delay in getting back to you.
I believe the alphabet I used was one from the Brenda Keyes Sampler Motif Book, but I can’t put my hands on my copy right now to confirm. This is the book I am talking about, in case you aren’t familiar with it. https://www.sassyjacksstitchery.com/product/ulitmate-sampler-motifs-source-book-brenda-keyes-the-sampler-company/
If/when I find my book, I will let you know what alphabet it was.