In the loop with Lizzy

Lizzy Dabczynski-Bean has a burning desire to capture the magic of Bonfire Night in stitches…

Iwish I could get to know each and everyone of you personally. IfIcould, I’ d ask if you have any siblings? Bigfamily? Smallfamily? I think you can find out so much about a person based on how they were raised and what growing up was like for them.

My family has been on the‘ small’ side for generations. I have one sibling– anoldersister, Emily. Mydadisoneof two children and his sister has three children. My mo mi so ne of three children, and her sister has two children, and her brother has none.

So– youknow. Relatively smallfamilies.

But I’ d like to tell you a little bit aboutmysister, Emily. She’solder than me by three years and she and I have an interesting mix of similarities and differences. We don’ t particularly lookalike, but once you get us side by side, the likeness reveals itself in our mannerisms and speech patterns.

Emily has been living in the United Kingdom for two years now. She’ s been attending the Birmingham SchoolofActing, andrecently graduated as a Master of Fine Arts in Acting: The British Tradition. Pretty impressive, right?

We have schemes to be on TV together and be on Broadway together. In my heart of hearts, I know we can make it happen. So when you see us on the red carpet you can say “Hey! That’ s the girl who designed those cross stitch patterns and that’ s herf amous sister– Iknowthem!” But Idigress…

Back to cross stitching! WhenIwas thinking about themes for my Novemberpattern, IconsideredGuy Fawkes Night aka Bonfire Night. I asked Emily( my resident UK expert) if she feels this would be a good theme for November and she said ,“Yes, absolutely. I love it because it feels like how we celebrate the 4 th of July in the States .” Iwasintrigued. Thensheadded, knowing I much prefer autumn al sweater-weathertot-shirtweather, “Only it’ s better because July is usually really hot, and in November it’ s usually niceandchilly.” Perfect. Justmykindof event, in just my kind of weather.

So in honour of Guy Fawkes Night, orBonfireNight, andinhonourofmy sister pursuing her dreams, I’vecreated acelebratory, firework-themedpattern for you to enjoy at this chilly time of year. Whether you’ re celebrating the spirit of rebellion on behalf of all of England, orasmaller, personalvictory (like graduating a Master’ s program– congrats, Emily !) this month’ s pattern is the perfect project for you.

Asalways– I’d love to se eyour finished projects! Please tag me or Stitch People on Inst a grams owe can see your lovely creations. Happy Bonfire Night, everyone! Lizzy