Just a Quick Hello

I received a message that this blog might be spam - !!, so am posting just to keep from being - deleted?? Too strange. Maybe that message was spam! :-)

Back from our Cascade Singers trip - one photo attached (most of the group in a ring fort - where we sang "Home in the Rock"!). Still stitching!, working on county fair projects...did lots of eyelets on my Hardanger table runner while on the tour bus!

Summer??

Erratic weather, that's what it is. Our back yard cherry tree still has green cherries on it! We're eating lots of garden strawberries, though, and the birds are leaving them alone - because they're off hunting for ripening cherries elsewhere?? (Two of Sandy's favorite cross stitched pieces are her Strawberry Sampler from Blackbird Designs and Cherries Crate Label from American School of Needlework - wonder why? :-)

The aboriginal design pictured is Sandy's "souvenir" from last September's trip to Australia and New Zealand - Aboriginal by Prairie Moon (Hog River frame), a favorite designer - we have most of their new patterns in stock. This and Native American are the first in their new International Folk Art series.

Speaking of last September's trip - Sandy's been making greeting cards from her photos - check them out, here at the shop.

NEW, NEW, NEW!!

We sent an email about Lizzie Kate's new Double Flip series for Christmas, but another favorite is Housework Never Killed Anyone - come see it to find out why not! Other new favorites are Primrose Needlework's Mum's the Word; Little House Needlework's The Rain Fell (that's appropriate!); Country Cottage Needlework's Joyful Summer; Mouse Hunt from Lynn's Prints; Seeds of Kindness from By the Bay Needleart; Spring Fever and others from Cinnamon Cat, an English designer; April Showers from Praiseworthy Stitches; Brooke's Books' Spirit of the Bride and Dutch Treat Designs' God Bless Our Home and The Lord is My Shepherd, all designed for perforated paper; Nora Corbett's latest reindeer and her new alphabet series, A, B and C so far- these are fabulous - see them on Wichelt or Hoffman, as they're just out and not in stock yet; Four Leaf Clover from Rosewood Manor; many new baby samplers, including a book from Stoney Creek - and their new Dragons & Wizards; A Dog's Life I and II from X's & Oh's; and last (not really, just have to quit somewhere!) Birds & Blossoms and the superb Virtue Samplers from Homespun Elegance. Sandy's got a lot to stitch!!!

FREE, FREE, FREE!!

The teapot series from Just Another Button Company is adorable - one each month! There are lots of other freebies, too...come 'n' get 'em!, please! :-)

If you enjoy Michael Powell's designs as much as we do, log onto his website, join as a member and have access to some darling free patterns - the latest is the Greek Window. No half or quarter stitches, easily done on aida if you choose - sweet!

And while they last, we still have some birthday gifts for you...OUR 17th birthday!

VACATION!

Sandy's off to Ireland and the U.K. to sing with Cascade Singers June 28, back in the shop on July 22. The shop WILL BE OPEN 11 Am to 3 PM each working day except July 5, so do stop in!! Orders will come in and you'll be called if you have an order arrive. Also feel free to call, 541-296-3939. Email will be stopped during that time.

Who Knew?!

I thought I was the only one - ! Of course, we don't have major league ball here, but we certainly do have baseball!

Promote Needlearts — Celebrate Traditions — Strengthen Community

Celebrating the needlearts & baseball!

WHAT is Stitch N’ Pitch?
Stitch N’ Pitch brings together two wonderful traditions – Baseball and the Needlearts. Every season, Major League Baseball (MLB) and The National Needlearts Association (TNNA) hold Stitch N’ Pitch events. Fans sit together in a special section, work on their crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, knitting or needlepoint projects, cheer on their favorite team, and celebrate the needlearts. Our events attract a unique mix of folk — men, women, boys, girls, old, young, stitchers and baseball fans. Click here for Stitch N’ Pitch Gallery. At each ballpark, there is a Stitch N’ Pitch Expo that may include demonstrations, giveaways or needlearts contests.

Needlearts gets media coverage!

WHY Stitch N’ Pitch?
Stitch N’ Pitch is one of TNNA's successful outreach programs that creates high visibility of the needlearts within the general public. The event is fun and quirky and gets us some important recognition. In 2007, we had over 15,000 fans attend our events with major national press coverage in media outlets like New York Times, Washington Post, Sports Illustrated, and The Associated Press. We have had over 2 million hits to our Stitch N’ Pitch website from interested fans from all over the world!

TNNA members, guilds, groups and more participate!

WHO makes Stitch N’ Pitch Happen?
Each metropolitan area has a local Stitch N’ Pitch Committee that works with the MLB Team to promote each event. Committees are comprise of TNNA members, guilds, and other interested groups who see the value in this program.

WHEN and WHERE is Stitch N’ Pitch?

At the ballpark!

The baseball season runs from April to October. More than 85% of MLB Teams (> 25 Teams) are holding a Stitch N’ Pitch in 2008 in major metropolitan areas! In 2008, TNNA is expanding the program to Stitch N’ Pitch at Minor League Baseball (MiLB) venues across the country. To find a Stitch N’ Pitch event near you check out our Calendar Schedule.

Spring Cleaning?!

WHAT?! Who wants to do that when there's stitching to be done? But this is advice from Nordic Needle's newsletter about cleaning your needlework:

As a follow-up to a previous discussion, Frances D. from Minnesota wrote. “In late August I wrote to ask for help in cleaning my cross-stitch pieces that had been damaged by a faulty furnace that created an oily soot on everything in my sewing room. I got several helpful responses from your readers, but the tip that worked the best for me was from Sherryl who suggested using Murphy's Oil Soap. I was unable to find the Murphy's Oil spray as she suggested, but I diluted the regular kind and followed her directions otherwise. In case someone else should encounter a similar problem, this is what I did."

Sounds extreme, but it worked!

Spring into action: There's still plenty of time to stitch Habitat for Humanity pillows, from a free design by Count Your Blessings, for the annual auction (in August) - a quick and fun design, and a painless donation to your community. We'll even give you a remnant to use!

Spring a bookmark on an unsuspecting reader! The Bookmark Challenge is in full swing - and we have free patterns and remnants - you could win a $100 gift certificate from Nordic Needle! Just have them to Sandy's by April 30.

Spring is also the time to think of Moms and weddings, graduations and dads (and baseball?! - we watched our neighbor's son pitch in last night's Little League opening game, and were reminded of how we miss those frequent evenings at the COLD ballpark - and all the "down" time Sandy used to stitch there!). There are plenty of wonderful things to stitch for all those occasions (even baseball!), and we'd love to show you some - new designs from Lizzie Kate, Prairie Schooler, Silver Lining (pictured above, Sandy and Marc Saastad, designer), Mirabilia, Lavender & Lace, so many more.

Also check out the semi-annual online trade show with over 120 vendors!, April 16 - 21, daily doorprizes, things you'll not see elsewhere that we can get for you. http://needleworkshow.com

Nashville News

What a fun trip! There's always so much to see and BUY at this trade show - and the flights and drives were smooth - AND we got to have lunch in Minnesota (four hour layover!) with Sandy's Dad (Mom was ill), youngest brother and oldest sister-in-law - at the "destination" Mall of America, since you can't even meet for coffee at the Minneapolis airport these days. (The site of the Mall was the Minnesota Twins' stadium when Sandy grew up there, oh so long ago - a conversation with a security checker about that caused quite a delay... :-)

Come in to see what we brought back - with more arriving via the usual shipping channels. Weeks Dye Works and The Gentle Art have new threads; Picture This Plus as new hand dyed fabrics; X's and Oh's has a wonderful 2009(!) calendar out already; Glendon Place has several beautiful monochromatic designs with lovely sayings; new children's kits called "Grandma and Me" by Designs from Pamela will provide a change of pace for those precious beginners; Hob Nobbs to delight as always, Val's Stuff, Rosewood Manor, Eric Michaels, Hands to Work, La D Da, Brittercup, SamSarah, cute, cute, cute!! (There are flyers to peruse if you're not into cute. :-)

Then there's Sisters and Best Friends - they are now two companies (AB Designs and Wildflower Stitchery), but still friends - so they have twice the cute (sorry, I'm just into cute!)!

Habitat for Humanity project - We have ten stitched pieces already! Count Your Blessings sent us a dozen Mary Engelbreit fabric tuckaway pillows, what a great start! She also sent a gift for each stitcher - and we have some left, so do bring in your stitched piece - no need to do any finishing! We're hoping to raise a nice piece of change for our local organization.

Christmas is coming!

Still, we have three weeks to finish our projects!, so don't lose heart. Sandy's still working on her grandkids' ornaments, and just started a small picture for her dad - three weeks, plenty of time!

ORNAMENT CONTEST WINNERS - First place, Mary Crichton, $15 gift certificate; second place, Reta Holland, $10 gift certificate; third place, Linda Berry, $5 gift certificate. Each entrant also received a special gift for entering - start now for next year! :-) Come see them, vote on your favorite, and check out our wonderful tree full of handmade ornaments, with lots of easy ideas for finishing.

BOOKMARK CHALLENGE - We didn't have many to turn in this time, but we have another chance come spring - Sandy's happy to give you remnants and free patterns if you'd like to participate - you could win a $100 gift certificate from Nordic Needle! The bookmarks are given to kids all over the country to encourage them to read - a doubly good reason to stitch!

Don't forget our after Christmas sale, stating at 11 AM Dec. 26!

[Photo is a quick cancer survivor design from Count Your Blessings, with Sandy's friend and survivor, Ceecee.]

This is a brief post because there's much stitching to be done - but we have lots of quick to finish designs here, and even some pre-Christmas half price Mill Hill ornament kits from past years! Stop in!

Computer Crashed!

"This wasn't supposed to happen to me!" The Geekster (a local computer repair service) echoed my exact words - it's what everyone says. BUT I had everything backed up - BUT it's not there! I still don't understand it, but have been in the process of fixing and re-entering everything I can find - which does not include a lot of email and snail mail addresses for all of YOU! Please send us an email when you read this so you can also be resurrected - sandystitch@gorge.net - THANKS!!

Meanwhile, life goes on, and merchandise continues to arrive - stop by to see what's new! Fabrics, books - Halloween and fall designs, Thanksgiving and Christmas - there are lots of beautiful new things to stitch! And some of us are doing baby samplers, again! Sandy's expecting grandchild #5 just before Thanksgiving, is doing the "high chair baby" from Imaginating's Gift From God leaflet - because the baby looks so much like all of her grandkids, so adorable, of course! :-) (You can see it on Hoffman.)

Also, watch for our new website at www.sandys-stitch-niche.com - right now it looks like graph paper - not bad, but it's a pretty blank chart! :-) (The address works with or without the dashes - please add it to your favorites, and we'll let you know here [or by email if we have your address] when it's functional.)

Summer's Flying By!

It's been such a busy summer, and soon we'll be gone to Minnesota for a family wedding and some reunion time. (My brother sent photos of the collapsed bridge, from the top of a 23 story building he manages right next to the bridge, wow, so horrific. No one we know was on it, PTL!) Then some vacation, looking forward to the traveling. WHILE SANDY'S GONE HOURS WILL BE 11 - 3 Tues. through Sat.

So, from Aug. 17 until Sept. 18, minus a couple of days, Sandy will be gone, but DO COME SHOP! Pam, Linda H., Ty, Sue, Linda S. and Julie will be here, eager to help you! Please, help them "earn their keep" and keep Sandy out of that red ink hole! :-) There will actually be new things arriving, and Becky will be checking it in, calling you about your special orders, and putting out the new merchandise.

The photo above shows Jamie Beam's (The Knotted Tree) Spring, Summer and Fall Floral Samplers - each uses different fun fibers and linen (or your own fabric choice - Linda H. hand dyed her own Aida! - she'll be here on Aug. 21, 24, 30, and Sept. 14 if you'd like to ask her how she did it). Jamie's working on Winter - poinsettias and holly and a red cardinal - we know we'll love it just as much as the other seasons.

So, what else is new? All the Mill Hill beaded pins and ornament kits are here, as well as the fall and Christmas beaded and buttoned kits (six more village buildings!). There are new Prairie Schoolers and Heart in Hand designs, Lizzie Kate and Bent Creek (the Red Thread Snapper series continues, just a delight); new designers (at least to us) The Primitive Needle (Kindred Spirits), A. Fox Original (Let it Snow - sounds good right now!), Midsummer Night Designs (Forget Me Not); and oldies Donna Kooler (Great Cross Stitch Gifts), Passione Ricamo (The Queen of the Fairies!, gorgeous!) Mirabilia (Crystal Symphony is her latest) Nora Corbett (her new Pixie Couture Collection is just darling), just to name a few. Sandy continues to stitch the months of Crabby All Year by Raise the Roof Designs - it's hilarious, and has been so much fun to stitch! It uses lots of buttons from Just Another Button Co., too, such a great touch; the fried eggs are truly clever.

Another local designer is back in business, hurrah! Maureen (Doherty) Jaimes, Doherty Designs, has re-released her local patterns, including Mt. Hood and Lost Lake, Multnomah Falls, Timberline Lodge, Mt. Bachelor, Haystack Rock and Crater Lake, lucky us!! Sandy saved her stitched Timberline Lodge, so you can see that one "live", but long ago donated Multnomah Falls to a local charity auction, and Lost Lake left with the framer. They are all fun and easy to stitch, however, and the finished pieces are terrific.

Maureen also has a design of the Sydney Opera House and bridge, which Sandy has her eye on since she'll be visiting there in September!; she enjoys stitching her own souvenirs - don't you? :-)

Watch for our new website in the fall, http://sandysstitchniche.com! We don't know what will appear yet (what would YOU like?), but it will be good learning experience. :-)

Until later...we're off to the wilds of Minnesota.

It's been too long - Sandy's been stitching too much! You all know what it's like - there's never enough time to stitch, so less "important" things are set aside, including updating the blog. :-)

Meanwhile it seems that summer has hit, the garden is overflowing, the grandkids are having birthdays - and the older two have asked to learn how to stitch!, so this grandma's had a ball teaching them. Their enthusiasm is so exciting! Paige (pictured here with red 6 count Herta), just turned four, told her mom, "I'm going to stitch just like Grandma when I grow up, all the time and everywhere." Love it! :-)

There are so many new things in the shop, beginning with Mill Hill kits; the spring set can be described as "Your Favorite Vacation" - Lakeside Retreat, wine tasting (red or white?) Tropical Hideaway, Seaside Sampler, On the Range...fall's set has a Midnight Farm, Autumn Wreath, Apple Adventure, Be Thankful, Lavender Fields and Country Welcome - really love them all, and they've chosen designs that work so well for our area! The pins are great, too!

Daylight has a new battery-operated (or plug-in) clip on light that might prove as good as or better than our Flex Lights from Mighty Brite, plus it has an optional magnifier and a shade which hides the light from the driver (you DO stitch in the car, don't you?!) or prevents glare on the TV, and has the natural daylight spectrum which is so much easier on the eye. Darn, there's always something new, isn't there??

From Vintage Bliss, apple and pear stand ups; Brooke's Books' Spirit of Quilting, Cross Stitch and Knitting angels; Kit & Bixby's Glimpse of Heaven and Haunted Wool; Lisa Cowell's "My Grandma's Attic" series; Mirabilia's Lady of the Mist and Mermaid of Atlantis, and under her other name, Nora Corbett, Ivy and Fern; new from England, The Stitching Shed, sweet-bright-and-easy baby samplers - the style reminds us of The Bold Sheep; tons of new florals from Ellen Maurer-Stroh; Bent Creek's Red Thread series; Lizzie Kate's Summer Crazy and new designs for weddings and babies; Humble Home from the Workbasket; and the ultimate, Inspiration from Rosewood Manor. ALL of these Sandy would be thrilled to stitch - the challenge will be - how many can she stitch before the NEXT round of new things??

A reminder to check Hoffman's Friday update, new books every week! Just let us know what you'd like! (You can see the new patterns mentioned above there or at Norden Crafts or Wichelt.)

Leisure Arts has a new online feature, their Library - where you can purchase single out-of-print patterns, as well as some that were never previously released, such as some Disney designs (the license has expired, so no new books will be published at this time). Check it out!

We have several boxes of books for half price - lots of treasure has been plucked from them, but there's plenty more - the racks were just too stuffed, so something's got to go! (Sandy bought them all thinking she'd of course stitch them if no one else did!:-) Please do come down and take advantage of her over-enthusiasm!

We hope you'll take some time from the flurry of spring/summer activities to relax and stitch a bit - there are so many good reasons, graduations, holidays, and always babies and weddings. Come stitch with us Wednesday mornings and every second and fourth Tuesday evening.

Nashville News

Nashville was sooo much fun this year – so many great designers attended, we brought back way too much stuff! Lots flew out the door last week, but we promise there’s plenty more, and we’re still ordering and receiving orders, too. New patterns, gadgets, buttons, fabrics, threads – come see what’s new from The Workbasket, Val’s Stuff, Rainbow Gallery, Indigo Rose, Ladybug Lane, Bent Creek, Adam Originals, Crescent Colours, Kit & Bixby, Raise the Roof (remember Sweet Tooth? – would you believe Brace Face? :-), Heinzeit, Angel Stitchin’, Hog River Frames, Stitchworks, Sue Hillis, Imaginating, Primitive Traditions, Britstitch, X’s & Oh’s, M Designs, Poppy Creations, SamSarah, Hands to Work, Stitching Pretty, Sunflower Seed, Bizzi Creations, Whimsy & Wit, Hob Nobb, Water’s Edge, Stitcher’s Hands, JAR Designs, Glendon Place, Monsterbubbles, Lizzie Kate, Sampler Threads, Carrie’s Creation (overdyed threads from the Tri-Cities!) – to name a FEW!!

One of Sandy’s favorite new patterns is “Crabby All Year” from Raise the Roof – the first three months are in the current leaflet, with three more leaflets to follow. The photo shows how much they’ve designed so far – LOVE the fried eggs on the sidewalk!, could be seen here any August day!

We had time to have a little fun in Nashville for a change as we went a day early – toured the landmark Ryman Auditorium (of Grand Ol’ Opry fame) and visited the famous Bluebird Café to hear some wonderful singer songwriters (one from Spokane!) – where many have been "discovered" and the walls are covered with photos of famous musicians who've performed there. Food was good, too. :-)

Mostly, though, trade shows are a lot of work, albeit fun and exciting work – just tiring. We’re still sorting through the paperwork but finally have everything unpacked and sorted out, ready to show off, hurray! Sandy has her next few (?!) projects planned, but first MUST finish Princess Belle for her granddaughter’s birthday, a really sweet piece. (If YOUR daughter or granddaughter is a princess, too, we have one princess pillow kit left!) There are only a couple of Disney Princess books in stock - Leisure Arts' license has expired, so when these books are gone you'll probably have to go to Disney theme parks (or possibly stores) to find (expensive) kits only.

SPECIAL BONUS for those who've read this far - it's been quite awhile since we've offered Anchor at 3 for $1 - so until March 17, just mention the blog when you come in, stock up!

Enjoy the spring weather, but remember to pick up your stitching to relax those sore mucles after gardening! :-)

Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!

Here's this year's tree: first place in the ornament contest went to Gayle Jacobson's beautiful church (a Dimensions Gold kit); second place to Mary Crichton's adorable Santa Kitty; third place to Marie Huntington's intricate (one over one) Joy (Just Nan); People's Choice went to Gayle Jacobson also. Thanks so much to all our entrants - they make our tree so beautiful, and give us all new ideas for future Christmases.

Sandy's off to Minnesota for a big family Christmas and her parent's 60th anniversary. (Flying through Denver!, say a prayer and wish them luck!) The shop will be OPEN Dec. 26, 27 and 28 from 11 AM to 3 PM, but then closed until Jan. 2 (landlord's decision). On those three days, take advantage of the post Christmas sale - 40% off all Christmas items and 25% off EVERYTHING (except of course pre-orders) ELSE ! Keep the shop "elves" busy, please! :-)

Even this late in the year there are new arrivals - wonderful fabric kits from Mill Hill, "Words for Life" using floss and beads and fitting a standard 5x7 frame; a new series of Dolly Mamas, knitters, crafters, quilters and more; Lizzie Kate Flip It Bits for 2007, darling monthly designs; Bitty Buttons from Victoria Sampler, such as a Sheep and a Fawn; and a fun series of "Snowballz" from a new Minnesota designer, Carolyn Manning, just to name a FEW. Do come in and check them out while taking advantage of great SALE PRICES!

Ornament Time!

There's only one week left to bring in your Christmas ornaments for this year's contest - don't let us down! :-) Remember, every entry receives a gift. Saturday after Thanksgiving is the deadline; Reta will be here until 3 PM that day (while Sandy is off playing with her grandkids).

Pictured are some of the QUICK ornaments Sandy stitched for the Women in Business tree for the Festival of Trees (December 1 & 2) - she used her flower photos mounted on perforated paper and stitched simple words - "Joy", "Peace", "Noel", "Love", "Hope" and "Faith" - in two simple cross stitch alphabets. Backed with Christmas wrap and a gold hanging cord, finished in no time! (Seriously, a couple of hours, start to finish.)

Christmas is coming! Think about what you might like to add to your stash - send in the family to shop! We also have gift certificates, but it's fun to have givers choose something for you to make for them. There are many new designs and designers - such as Kit & Bixby, wonderful sheep and samplers. Make a wish list! When January comes you'll be prepared to snuggle by the fire and stitch something new.

We also have new free patterns, and for those of you ambitious enough to get this far, Anchor will be 3 for $1 until Christmas (Dec. 23 actually) and remnants half off! We'll also give you a free book for each two you purchase at full price (excluding special orders)!

THIRD FRIDAY happens each month downtown - come check it out - "Downtown The Dalles Delivers Delights"! We're here until 5:30 - then we all wander to our neighbors for tastes and treats and live music.

And meanwhile, Happy Thanksgiving!

Halloween!

We think it's a fun occasion, ushering in the cooler temps and showering us all with...chocolate! Here's DiAnne with one of our favorite designs, "Sweet Tooth" by Raise the Roof Designs.

It's also time for the fall online trade show - you're our guests! Just "tune in" to theneedleworkshow.com late on October 11, through October 15, see what's new, and place an order with us! Be sure to register for door prizes each day: Dinky -Dyes is again giving away an *entire line* of their fibers...either silk or cotton, your choice! Plus, there are many other doorprizes generously offered by the vendors. Sandy won several last spring, and has at nearly every show. You can win, too!

WHAT'S NEW? One of our favorites is a new set of Dolly Mamas - Go Braless, Burn the Candle, Sick Days, Bring Coffee, Rise & Whine and Mr. Right...irreverent, wildly dressed women - just like some of our friends and relatives. :-) Great for gifts, and there's plenty of time to get them done for this holiday season, as they're fairly quick and easy to stitch. The complete kits sell for only $9.99.

One of our favorite artists, Michael Powell, has finally released some of his 8x8 designs as patterns only, saving us a bundle; his kits, from England, sell for $57; the patterns are $20. If they sell well, he'll probably release some of his larger designs as well. They're delightful, whimsical buildings that are FUN to stitch. Come see them in person! Brand new to his website, there's a free monthly pattern, too: right now you can get the Spanish Church Icon, and try him out for FREE! http://www.michaelpowellart.co.uk/

Mill Hill's annual beaded and stitched pins, ornaments and 6x6 pictures are always fun - this year there's a whole village to stitch.

And that brings to mind our annual ORNAMENT CONTEST - have your entry here by Nov. 25, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Everyone wins!!

Nordic Needle's newsletter has been giving us weekly stitching tips, sent in by their stitchers around the world. There are lots of great ideas:
http://www.nordicneedle.com/tips/stitching_tips.shtml

SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE!
The month of October, mention the Blog and help yourself to some treats! REMNANTS 1/2 off! MAGAZINE BACK ISSUES, 1/2 off! ANCHOR FLOSS 3 FOR $1!! Get stitching on those holiday projects!

MORE TREATS - FREE PATTERNS
Birds and Butterflies:
http://www.vsccs.com/charts/FreeCharts.html

HOT ENOUGH FOR YOU?

OK, that's very cliched - but it IS really hot here just now! Just Another Button Co. even created this design for the day of commemoration, July 23 - it was fun to stitch, which Sandy did before it got hot! It's one of several FREE patterns she's done recently - check them out in our front window, and come get your copy. Next up is "Sneak Zucchini Night" - Aug. 8 - sneak your extras onto your neighbor's porch!

Speaking of free patterns, there are several from a new design company in Kennewick WA, Ink Circles: http://www.inkcircles.com/html/free_charts.html . We have some of their designs, including a Norwegian Rosemaling (in cross stitch) pattern and a cute cowboy.

Other new designs are some cute Christmas ornaments from Leisure Arts, Mill Hill's Santa's Closet ornaments with beads and treasures, Mirabilia's White Christmas...feel cool yet? :-)

Lizzie Kate has many sweet new patterns, including A Brother, Winter Wishes, Just Be Claus, Think Summer and Autumn Things. We have several of Passione Ricamo's fairies; the newest Britty Kitties is here, #V from Brittercup Designs; Heart in Hand's latest, Birds of a Feather and Gardening Medley; and Stoney Creek's Happy Everything, to name a few. You can always check for what's coming out at http://hoffmandis.com; they now post them every Friday! Please let us know what you'd like!

If you missed the Zweigart tree skirt sale - less than half price! - we have some extras - take advantage of this special offer. Even unstitched they will look terrific under anyone's tree this year.

We found some wonderful stitching tips at this website - http://www.scarletquince.com/tips.php - everything from stitching supplies to methods to cleaning...

Stop in, get cool, find a new project, ask for your 10% DISCOUNT FOR AUGUST...And keep on stitching!

It's Our 15th Anniversary!

The photo on the right is of one of our free patterns, from Monsterbubbles, stitched by Pam Shelquist, finished by Corliss Marsh - on Baroque hand dyed fabric from Picture This Plus. The other photo is Sandy's niece, who took the advice to heart! :-)

Mill Hill is early this year - with their fall kits and now even their Christmas kits are ready! The beaded and buttoned series is a village - there's a church, toy shop, train depot, tree farm, post office and Victorian house, just darling! And there's their usual cute Christmas pins - we love them all - teddy, carolers, holly wreath, train, kitty and gingerbread boy. You can see them on www.wichelt.com - and here in the shop, of course! Soon they'll have a new Santa ornament series ready, which have always been wonderful in the past.

Many of our favorite designers have great new designs, too - we especially love the cute patterns from Count Your Blessings, Forever in My Heart, Prairie Schooler and the new Daydreams from Dimensions. Janlynn has followed their Dolly Mamas with Chicklets - the daughters! - "Motor Mouth", "Miss Understood", "Miss Know-it-all", "Smarty Pants", "Princess Drama" and "Miss Behave" - what a hoot! And Hob Nobb's new buttons and patterns are terrific!, a wonderful baby sampler, Limited Edition Spring and Christmas, new Doodles, just so cute!

Please remember, you can always look up patterns for us to order for you, by subject, keyword or designer at http://hoffmandis.com

We also have Stitcher's Journals from Yarn Tree; each has graph paper as well as journal pages, so you can design and record your materials, thoughts and ideas, all in one beautiful book. They'd make a great gift for any stitcher.

Peter Rabbit has made his appearance - in the baby sampler Sandy stitched for her newest grandson, Mitch. It's not framed yet, so no photo - but you can see it at the shop. Pretty darned sweet!

"All Purpose Recipe for Cleaning your Needlework

The Valentine museum has a wonderful needlework collection. This recipe comes from one of the curators at the Valentine, Grace Wells, via needlework teacher Marion Scoular. Mix 1 T Ivory Flakes (or grated bars Ivory soap) and 2 T Snowy Bleach. Dissolve this in 1 gallon of hot water and let it COOL TO ROOM TEMPERATURE. Put your needlework in this solution and soak until the stain is gone, up to three weeks. Rinse very well. The "up to 3 weeks" part of the directions implies that the solution is not changed, but I'd check water level for evaporation, as above. And when I add water, I'd give things a gentle swish."

Find loads of free designs here:

http://www.cross-stitch-art.com/crossstitch2/Enewsarchive.htm

And some great ideas for gifts:

http://www.cross-stitch-art.com/crossstitch2/Thingstomake.htm

And even animated instructions!

http://www.cross-stitch-art.com/crossstitch2/AnimatedXS.htm

Addressing those pesky fabric creases again, this advice is from Marla Hunt in the Nordic Needle's newsletter: "take a mixture of white vinegar and water and dab it on the crease...then put a damp dishcloth on it and lightly steam it dry until it disappear(s). It work(s) beautifully."

SPRING...IS SPRINGING!

It's beautiful here, sunny morning walks start out cool and end up WARM! It's hard to sit still and stitch, but since Sandy's held captive here at the shop, she does usually find some time...Hope you do, too!

Here's a picture of Alice, who spends her lunch hours working on her Hardanger - she began this piece in 2004! Persistence - and a small investment of time each day - and we can all accomplish wonders. Consider joining us for our Wednesday morning stitch group, from 10 AM to noon - you CAN finish something! :-) (Hardanger, second and fourth Tuesdays, 7-9 PM, 10% discount on Hardanger purchases.)

Consider the philosophy of "just one stitch is better than no stitch at all". If you sit down to stitch just one stitch you could easily look up 1/2 hour later, find that more than one stitch has been done and you're a little bit farther along on the project. It works!!

Another great tip: When stitching a large area of one color, stitch only half stitches when you are able to use the chart and carefully count. Then when you want to stitch quickly or carry a project along to the doctor's office or kid's sports or play practice or music lesson, you will only need your fabric, needle and thread and you can cross those stitches without having to count or refer to a chart!

We have lots of new projects in the shop, many of them quick and easy - honest! Come check out the fun! Becky completed a darling Dimensions straw bag - embellished with a needlepoint initial, though it could also be cross stitched; see it before she gives it to her daughter. Reta's completed fairies, the Passione Ricamo Autumn Fairy and Mirabilia's Christmas Fairy, are here for just a couple more weeks - just darling! They'll be off to the Hood River Blossom Festival at the Odell fairgrounds April 15, 16, Easter weekend. And one of our favorite new things - Chocolate from Hob Nobb - makes you hanker for a piece, and we have one for you! Leisure Arts has a series of cross stitch books combining simple stitching with stamping and water color painting - great for kids, too. We also have a few very cute Dimensions kits for Russian punch needle - now THAT's quick and easy!

FRIENDSHIP TAPESTRY - It's made its USA debut, at Nordic Needle in Fargo, ND - see their wonderful pictures on the website - and "Rags" is still adding pieces, so yours can still be included. www.internet.is/friendshiptapestry.

UNFINISHED PROJECTS - If you have pieces that you just can't bear to look at any longer, consider donating them to Corliss's team's Relay for Life Unfinished Project Sale - which will also be a great place to shop when the time comes! We'll keep you posted! Meanwhile, start sorting. :-)

CONVERSION CHARTS - Reta shared this fabulous website with us today; you can even find REAL thread numbers for kits in some cases! Just about every kind of conversion you can think of has a resource listed here: aion-needlecrafts.co.uk/info/conversions.htm - do check it out!

A REMINDER - We are here because of YOU, and we thank you so much for these 15 years of your support. Please consider ordering your stitching pleasures from US rather than online or from a catalog. Instant gratification is more expensive - you pay that shipping - and in the end, if we can't provide it for you now, we can't be here in the long run for you, either. We really try hard to satisfy all your stitching needs. Please call, or email, before you indulge that whim. Each book you buy from US is marked on your book card; the thirteenth, up to a $10 value, is FREE!

Here's A Useful Idea

Sandy forgot to include this yesterday; she read it in the Nordic Needle newsletter and has used it on the Peter Rabbit Sampler she's stitching for her newest grandson, Mitch. It has a single stitch border all the way around.

When you have a distance like that to cover, or any distance of some length, rather than counting and re-counting, as you go across with the first half cross, simply cross every tenth stitch! She re-counted each group of ten, but then just carried on across the width of 224 stitches, no problem! What a concept!

Back From Nashville!

Where to start?! We saw so much, it's still almost a blur. Of course, the off and on snow kept up the blur, too - schools were closed! There was not much snow sticking, but we were told the hidden ice was the culprit - and the drivers don't slow down, so there are lots of accidents.

We brought back new designs (and ordered more) from Hob Nobb (the CHOCOLATE is Sandy's favorite), Landmark Designs (English), Lizzie Kate, Imaginating, My Mark, Blue Ribbon Designs, 4 My Boys, Janlynn (Chiklets!), Lilybet Designs, Kitty Kats Original, Sue Hillis Designs, Forever in My Heart (check out the Clipboards!, too cute), Water's Edge, Art-Stitch Designs, The Marking Samplar, Whimsey & Wit, Erica Michaels, X's & Oh's, Brittercup Designs, Sisters & Best Friends, La-D-Da, Ladybug Lane, Designs From Pamela, Elizabeth's Needlework Designs, Prairie Moon, The Stitchworks, Monsterbubbles, ewe & eye & friends, Twisted Threads, JBW Designs, Hands to Work, Val's Stuff, Bizzi Creations...and MORE.

There are also new hand dyed fabrics (including Aida!) from Pictue This Plus - colorfast, too; new overdyed threads from both The Gentle Art (Sampler Threads) and Weeks Dye Works; lots of frames and Serendipity kits and patterns; buttons from Just Another Button Co.; there's lots more, plus tons of free patterns to share with all of you. Come check out the new stash!

When you do, mention the Blog for a free gift from Nashville and a "coupon" specially tailored just for YOUR purchase!

Happy New Year! Here's to the Winners!

We hope you had a great Christmas! Ours was shared with our children and grandchildren, so it was very special; those grandkids are sooo much fun!

It was also shared by our wonderful stitchers, eight of whom brought their beautiful Christmas ornament creations for the month of December - our tree was lovely - and Sandy forgot to take a picture!!

Winners were: First place, $15 gift certificate, Marie Huntington, Partridge in a Pear Tree; Second place, $10 gift certificate, Reta Holland, Ladybug Diamond; Third place, $5 gift certificate, Ada Marie Haake, Roly Poly Santa; and People's Choice, two Christmas leaflets from Knotted Tree NeedleArt, Reta's Ladybug again. (She says ladybugs are Christmas good luck in Germany.) Congratulations, and thanks to all who entered - each entrant got a Christmas ornament pattern with a Sampler thread and fabric to make it.

To begin the new year, we drew three winners from 2005's filled book cards; winners are Mary Beth Thouvenel, Sandy Hoyt and Pam Shelquist, each of whom got to choose a large cross stitch collection book, such as 365 Alphabets, a $21.95 value. Congratulations! It's fun for us to collect the cards during the year as they are turned in for a free book up to a $10 value - your thirteenth is free - and then to give away more yet. Free is Sandy's favorite thing!

STITCH GROUPS

We're still hosting two groups, Wednesday mornings from 10 to noon, and a Hardanger group on the second and fourth Tuesday evenings, 7 - 9 pm. Come join us! The Hardanger group earns a 10% discount on Hardanger materials those evenings, so come down, stitch, visit and shop!

NASHVILLE SHOW COMING UP

We'll be off to the Cash and Carry trade show Feb. 10-13; the shop will be open, 11 - 3, and there are already lots of new things in stock - on the 14th there will be lots more! Mill Hill's new spring pins will be here soon, really cute as always - there's a Fishing Frog!, and Antique Daisy, and four more cuties; Lizzie Kate's Flip Its for 2006 are twelve darling Christmas "littles" with no-sew finishing - Sandy bought a new wreath to hang them on, but they also offer a cute Feather Tree - it actually has feathers! If you're interested, come look - or check their website - so we can pick one up for you in Nashville.

Another exhibitor whom we have not seen there in many years (she can't keep up!), Hob Nobb Designs, will be showing new designs; if you've done any of their quick designs with their really darling intricate button embellishments, you'll want to come in for those; we still have a few from the last order, which also included some new ones.

Picture This Plus will be showing new hand dyed fabric colors; theirs are also available in Aida, a real bonus. They're colorfast, not too expensive, and really fun to stitch on. The photo is one of the two Cancer pillows Sandy did for Christmas, on their Cherub Cashel, for her two sisters-in-law who are celebrating 5 years cancer-free. She's pleased to report that they were tickled by them. (They use Just Another Button Co. buttons, on their own free pattern.)

SPEAKING OF FREE...

We always have lots of free patterns to give away; Just Another Button Co. has one every month, using their buttons, of course - Wichelt sends us one - Lizzie Kate and many others have theirs online. We'll bring back LOTS from the Nashville Show. We love to sell books, our bread and butter, so to speak, but we use the freebies often, too. They're great for new ideas and inspiration, and we love to share. All you have to do is stop in!

Merry Christmas!

We had a fun afternoon with Jamie Beam of Knotted Tree NeedleArt, and her mom, Bonnie. Jamie was full of fun ideas, brought lots of finished pieces for us to see, and those who dropped by enjoyed meeting her. Her story is in Just Cross Stitch magazine; she began designing for something to do after having to retire from banking due to health issues. Each of her patterns sold provides research funds for Multiple Sclerosis.

The Friendship Tapestry will be in the Midwest in March; if you're planning a trip to Fargo or Minneapolis, you could see it and meet Rags, or if you have family there as Sandy does, let them know about it. Check with us for the details.