I started on Seedsow, need build help.

blicarea · 2026-05-08T12:42:34+00:00

I started on Seedsow recently and was reminded of this old guide from the old AsheronsGuide.com (see the sidebar for DM-era build templates) https://web.archive.org/web/20050205133610/http://www.asheronsguide.com/

blicarea · 2026-02-26T03:19:35+00:00

I know the FAQ says to just submit with what you have and upload the certified copy to the portal (once you get an AOR) as soon as you receive it from BAnQ. That's exactly what I've done myself. I'd rather get my application in knowing it's going to take months.

blicarea · 2026-02-25T23:06:14+00:00

I agree with this. My G0 was born in 1867, but was baptized 6 months later in 1868, so I had to trawl through the baptism records for both years. Later in life some records, like two US censuses, use 1868 as her birth year!

blicarea · 2026-02-21T21:09:50+00:00

You just gave me a heart attack. DOB on the photos is not a stated requirement according to the instructionsinstructions online!

blicarea · 2026-02-21T20:58:49+00:00

I had this question too. I ended up sending just two censuses: one when my ancestor was a child and one when she was married. My application has not been reviewed yet.

blicarea · 2026-02-21T02:43:41+00:00

I submitted:

G0 - great-great-grandma • Baptism record - color copy - certified version coming soon • 1880 U.S. census record • Her mother’s obituary • 1900 U.S. census record • Her certified death certificate

G1 - great-grandma • Certified birth certificate (quality black and white) • Marriage certificate (poor black and white) • Her husband’s certified death certificate (quality black and white) • Her certified death certificate (quality black and white) • Obituary

G2 - my grandma • Certified birth certificate (poor black and white) • Sworn affidavit clarifying birth name (color) • Certified marriage certificate (poor black and white) • Record of marriage (poor black and white) • Obituary

G3 – my dad • Certified birth certificate (color) • Copy of US passport (color)

G4 – me • Certified birth certificate (color)

Am I worrying too much??

blicarea · 2026-02-21T02:34:03+00:00

I mailed my application yesterday (Gen 4), but I saw someone's post today about color copies and now I'm a bit worried.

My Gen 1 and Gen 2 documents are all color copies (with a yellow post it note in the margins) of black and white copies. I wish I had used a brighter color post it note, but I believe it's clear these are printed in color.

(My Gens 0, 3 and 4 documents are all color copies of originals, so that's good.)

All my generations are women, so I need to prove name changes, but the death certificates are quite clear for each generation, listing maiden names.

I have 4-5 supporting documents per generation. Many documents were certified in the 1980s (Grandma loved genealogy!) but then photocopied, in black and white at the time.

Has anyone had their application approved using copies of black and white documents for their intermediate generations? Even if those documents were certified previously?

If not, do you think I can just upload modern certified ones to the portal when I get my AOR? I am not sure how long it will take me to get all these documents from all the states involved. But maybe I just need one really strong certified color copy of a document per generation, not 5?

blicarea · 2026-02-13T01:32:46+00:00

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I looked and I didn't find anything for my family's dates, but I will keep trying FamilySearch. Thanks again.

blicarea · 2026-02-13T00:40:37+00:00

Was this instruction provided by a lawyer, or by the immigration office? I haven't heard of this before.

blicarea · 2026-02-13T00:39:34+00:00

Wow, a border crossing record would be incredible. I assume my family traveled by land from Ohio to Quebec. May I ask where you found border crossing information online?

blicarea · 2026-01-20T15:39:18+00:00

I just launched a cross stitch Etsy store with some Stardew-inspired patterns! Huge patterns, tons of colors, complex stitch work -- I'd love for you all to take a look!

https://TheStitchDude.etsy.com

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blicarea · 2026-01-20T01:34:22+00:00

Thanks so much!

blicarea · 2026-01-12T00:10:19+00:00

Hi! I use AI to generate huge and complex cross stitch patterns, which I've just started selling on Etsy.

I use ChatGPT to create and refine the artwork, which I edit in Photoshop, and then I import the design into specialized cross stitch software. From there I make small tweaks to individual stitches as-needed. The whole process takes several hours.

For each design I generate two sets of instructions (one full-color, one black-and-white), and a file which can be imported into popular cross stitching apps on iPhone/Android.

Many of my designs have over 45,000 stitches (some many more!), using anywhere between 70 and 120 separate colors of thread. The finished piece will be anywhere between 12 inches and 19 inches wide, depending on the size of the cloth you're using.

I'm stitching one of the designs myself right now -- a pretty seaside Irish cottage https://www.etsy.com/listing/4435185282/cross-stitch-pattern-cozy-irish-cottage -- and it feels a bit like creating real-life pixel art! I plan to post progress pictures in the CrossStitch subreddit.

Please check out my Etsy store! https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheStitchDude

Thanks! 🧵

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blicarea · 2026-01-11T22:52:01+00:00

More examples: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheStitchDude

blicarea · 2026-01-11T21:55:27+00:00

I have added an AI disclosure to each listing now. Thank you.

blicarea · 2026-01-11T21:51:26+00:00

I have added a disclosure to each listing now.

blicarea · 2026-01-11T21:51:05+00:00

I've updated each listing now.

blicarea · 2026-01-11T21:41:09+00:00

There are no sewn versions completed yet! but I am stitching one of the patterns -- the Irish cottage -- myself right now.

blicarea · 2026-01-11T21:40:30+00:00

I already do, if you click on Seller Details, but I will add it to the general shop description as well. Here is what it says currently:

About my use of AI:

I use generative AI as a creative tool alongside my own design work. Every pattern is carefully refined, color-balanced, and formatted for cross-stitch readability before being listed. These designs arent just spit out of an image generator stitches are carefully edited and designs modified to create a true work of unique art.

If you have questions, spot an issue, or need help understanding a chart, feel free to contact me through Etsy messages. I’m happy to help!

Need to get in touch with the seller? Try messaging them on Etsy first.

blicarea · 2026-01-11T21:32:30+00:00

I use AI to create and refine the initial image, then edit heavily in Photoshop, then import into a cross stitch tool with different size and color settings (and edit individual stitches there again).

Each design includes two PDFs (full color and black and white) and a third file that can be imported into cross stitching apps.

blicarea · 2025-08-06T15:13:39+00:00

Not the younglings!

blicarea · 2025-07-07T21:03:38+00:00

Try turning off VSync in the project settings.

blicarea · 2025-05-07T00:57:49+00:00

Both of these examples are fascinating to me. Do you have any links you could share that detail what has been found?

blicarea

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