Season's Greetings



Image courtesy VintageHolidayCrafts.com 

Hello Friends,

Well, the decorations are up, the Christmas cards have been sent and we are on the way to celebrate with our family on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.



I love Christmas time and all the hustle and bustle that comes with preparing to be with those we love.  I love to decorate and bake, although this year I didn't quite  get to the baking.  :(  I love to watch old Christmas movies on TCM even though I have seen them all several times.  I love to stitch something for friends and I enjoy spending time with my family. 

Exchanging gifts at my family's house is now a thing of the past.  We decided several years ago to make a change in our usual drawing of names.  We were feeling like we all really had enough stuff to last us a lifetime.  So, instead we each pick a charity that we are interested in supporting and then we gift the money we would have spent on each other to this organization in the name of our family.  Then when we celebrate Christmas we each talk about the charity we chose and why we chose that one this year.  It's been nice to see what others have chosen to support and why.  Of course we still do stocking stuffers to exchange a little something like a Starbucks card or a book card...something small.  My sister Beth always makes apple butter or jam for each of us.  We have made it a yearly tradition for the five sisters to go for coffee (without our spouses ) and talk about what has happened over the year for each of us personally.  I am so lucky to have four sisters who are also my best friends.  I know I can talk to them about anything and I will get support and love.  I know not all families are like this, so I am really grateful that we have this special bond.  So, I am really looking forward to spending time with family and friends.

I went to the Kris Kringle Party at the Attic Needlework Shop last Saturday and really enjoyed myself.  The food was great, the company superb and the ornament exchange was great fun.  I have a picture of what I stitched, but I was so busy decorating the tree and getting ready for this family visit that I didn't get a picture taken of the ornament I received!!  It was adorable and I will have to take a picture when I get back home on New Year's Eve so that you can see what it looks like. 

This is a colorized version of a pattern in the latest Antique Sampler Stitcher Magazine put out by Lesley Wilkins in the UK.  It really turned out so cute that DH said he wanted me to make another one for us.  An easy quick stitch and finish.

I brought along my Wisdom and Innocence Scarlet Letter piece so that I could work on it while on the trip North.  Since I joined Nicola's Scarlet Letter Year stitch along, I am inspired to finally finish this piece.  You can see more about this stitch along on my personal blog at www.samplermakerssamplerspot.blogspot.com. I won't have much time to stitch on it when I get back as I will be busy preparing for the March Nashville Needlework Market.  That always takes up most of the two months before the market.  Lots to do and never enough time. 

I hope that all of you have a wonderful holiday season and that the new year will bring you many blessings.  Merry Christmas.

Until Next Time,

Gloria

Thank-you

Hello Friends,

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and I am planning for a quiet time with family.  My husband's birthday is on Friday so we are just going to slow down for a day or two and enjoy each other's company.

I am grateful for so many things, but I wanted to take time to thank all of you who have helped to keep my business going over the last 9 years.  This of course includes all of the shops and customers who purchase designs from Milady's Needle and follow my blog.  In addition this includes the many friends who have helped me to stuff patterns and assemble kits before markets as well as those who have attended the markets and handled all the craziness that accompanies those markets.  Thank-you, Thank-you Thank-you!!  I would not be in business today without all of you.  Your excitement and enthusiasm for Milady's Needle is what keeps me inspired to continue designing.

My sister sent me a wonderful poem that I want to pass on to you.  The thoughts expressed encompass those intangibles that we can all be thankful for all year around.
 

For the peace and promise of a sunrise.
The quickening of breath that comes
when we take in the beauty of our surroundings.

 

For the mystery and humility
of daring to see how we are all connected. 

For the opportunity, over and over again,
to choose joy. 

 

For waking up every day to the unknown
and the courage to walk into that day. 

 

For loved ones and the trusted few
for whom we dare to be truly seen. 

 

For the ones we touch and those who touch us
never knowing the grace exchanged. 

 

For teachers and wise companions
who shed light on our path. 

 

For seasons of sun and rain and bountiful harvest.
For the reprieve of winter stillness. 

 

For the wild ones with whom we share this earth
those we see and those we never will. 

 

For giving and receiving.
For doors opened and walls broken down
by the simple and spiraling depths of love. 

 

For Belonging. . . 

 

to ourselves
to one another
to the world

 

. . .Thanksgiving.

--Chris Heeter

The Wild Institute

 

 

God Bless you during this holiday season.

 

Gloria

 

Je Suis Malade!! / Online Needlework Show Orders / Drawing Winner

Hello Friends,

I have been reading the book Les Miserables and so I thought my post title would peak some curiousity.  It just means that I am sick.  Basically miserable!!!  Guess I got a wopper of a cold or the flu beginning Friday and ended up with a 102 fever and aches and pains.  I have been sleeping most of the weekend.  Finally had a nice bath and my temp seems to be going down some.  Only 99 so that's good.  Since the Online Needlework Show things have been very hectic.

First let me say to those shops who ordered from the Online Needlework Show... It was a great show and now I need supplies to finish processing orders.  So hang in there, I hope to get all the supplies by the middle of this week and you should get your statements by the end of the week.  Hopefully all orders will ship by Friday.  It's great when business is brisk, but when I run out of things it can slow things up a bit.  Sorry about that.

My good friend Kim from Texas arrived right after the Online Show closed.  We had a great time despite the cold she caught the day after she arrived and then passed on to me.  She was here for ten days and we celebrated her birthday while she was visiting. 

 

 

This stitched piece by Plum Street Samplers is what I gave to her this year. She loves Halloween and really enjoyed this piece. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We spent time at the Attic shopping and then in Sedona and Jerome shopping too. It was a great time until Friday when I succumbed to misery. She left on Saturday morning and I have been in bed since. :(

 

So, before I head back to bed, I wanted to let you know the outcome of the Online Needlework Show Drawing.  The winners are as follows:

 

1st:   Lin

2nd: Valhi

3rd:  Penny

 

The three of you need to contact me via email and let me know your snail mail address so that I can get your gift off to you next week.

 

I am off to more bed rest.  I hope you don't catch this bug!!

 

Until Next Time...Keep Your Needles Humming.

 

Gloria

 

 

Winner of the 200 Followers Drawing

Hello Friends,

I have to tell you that I was thrilled to receive all of your responses to the question I posed regarding what you do with stash that you know you will never stitch.  So many wonderful responses which gave me some great ideas about what to do with my stash.  If you didn't get to read them all you should go back and read the responses.  You will get some ideas for your own stash plus a few chuckles.  I could relate to many of you who said you couldn't give up your stash just yet.  After all, you might live to be very old and get everything stitched.  :)

I really like the idea from Rebecca which was to ask yourself "What do you want to put your time into to leave behind 'one' day?"  Another thoughtful question to ask yourself shared by J9's friend is to ask yourself while looking at your current decor "Where would I put this piece?"   Of course many of you think of your friends who might want to stitch what you might no longer want to stitch and that is the best gift for a stitching friend.  All in all I really had a great time reading what each of you contributed as answers to this common "problem".  ;)  What we all seem to love to do is to go through our stash and enjoy thinking about what we plan to stitch. 

On to the drawing!!  The winner of the 200th Follower Drawing is: Natasha.  Congratulations Natasha.  Please send me an email to let me know your address so I can get your gift out to you.  Isn't it great!!  Once I posted hitting 200 followers it wasn't all that long before seventeen more people decided to join the blog.  Too much Fun!

Stayed tuned in to Milady' s Needle Blog to find out the winners of the Online Needlework Show.

Until Next Time...Keep your needles busy!!  You have lots of stash to stitch!

Gloria

Online Needlework Show Starts On Thursday

Hello Friends,

Well, it's time again for the Online Needlework Show!  Starting tomorrow you can go to www.needleworkshow.com  and browse for new and current designs.  Be sure to contact your local needlework store or your favorite online needlework shop and let them know what patterns you would like to see them order.  They need to know this as usually shops will do special orders for you during this show. 

After asking you for feedback regarding the Cottage Charm Stitcher's Pocket design a few weeks ago; I decided to release the pattern as a chart.  The design is listed as new for the Online Needlework Show.

I emailed some of the shops who participate in my automatic orders program and a couple of shops emailed me back to let me know they still had a few of the kits left.  So, if you are really wanting to do this project and finish with that cute alphabet fabric contact either Linda at House of Stitches (www.houseofstitches.com) or Debbie at Stitchville USA (www.stitchville.com).  I am sure they can help you obtain this kit.

Online Neelework Show Drawing

 

What would the Online Needlework Show be without a drawing!?!  :)  You all know the drill by now, but in case you are new to my blog here's what to do.  To enter make a comment to this post and list a couple of your favorite designs by Milady's Needle.  Be sure to include your email in your post or I will have trouble contacting you to let you know if you win.  The drawing is held after the show closes on Tuesday the 23rd of October.  So, be sure to browse the show and enter the drawing.  Boy, two drawings in one week.  What am I thinking.  :)

Til Next Time...Keep On Stitching.

Gloria 

P.S.  And don't forget to leave a comment about your "stash practices" on my last post for the 200th Follower Celebration Drawing.  There have been some great comments by all of you.  I am not surprised by how similar we all are as we think about giving away stash.  I have enjoyed reading them with a chuckle or two.  I might just have to do this again when I reach 300 followers.  :)

Milady's Blog Hits 200 Followers! Let's Celebrate!

Hello Friends,

I have been waiting for a long time for the follower count to hit 200 and within the last couple weeks it has finally reached that goal.  Not that I don't want more of course, but I promised myself a celebration when the count got that high.  So...to celebrate, let's have a drawing! 

The drawing will be for a few needlework related goodies that seem to be multiplying like wildfire in my personal stash.  If you know me, this is a real sacrifice since I don't often give from my "personal stash."  I have way too much trouble making a decision about what to give away.  My friends say I easily have enough stash to open a shop.  :)  Even though I know I will never stitch all that I have in my stash, I love to go through everything and dream about what I want to stitch next.  It's hard for me to let go of those dreams.  So, I hope you like what I have chosen to send on to some lucky stitcher out there in blog land. 

To enter, just post a comment here and tell me what you do with stash that you love, but know you will never get to in this lifetime.  Some of you may keep everything, others may give it away.  If you do the latter, how do you decide to give up on the dream of stitching that design?  What do you tell yourself when you decide to keep the pattern instead of giving it away? (If you are anything like me you might say to yourself "Oh, I think I will put that design to the front of the to do pile".  :)  As I hear from you, I will put your name in the drawing which will be held on Monday October 22nd in honor of a dear friend's birthday.  The odds of winning are only 1 in 200, so what have you got to lose?

I have included a few patterns from some of my favorite designers, gift cards, a needle threader, a cute gold bookmark with sewing items attached, sampler cards, a small alphabet notebook, a Mary Englebreit Sewing Kit and finally a Ginger Snip of which I have two more in my stash.  I just love these little snippers and I can hang it around my neck on a satin cord for easy use.

Looking forward to hearing your stories about your stash.

Until Next Time
Keep Your Needle Busy,

Gloria

Just Cross Stitch Ornament Issue

Hello Friends,

The ornament issue has been out about a month now and I just thought I would give you a close up look at the ornament I designed for 2012.  I think it turned out quite nice. 














It's called....gee can you guess?...A Partridge in A Pear Tree.  Hope you will enjoy stitching this ornament.  I have had a few people asking when Two Turtle Doves will be coming out and I had not really planned on designing the whole song.  Not sure I want to commit to a series again.  Keeping up with a series is a commitment that is hard to manage and I don't want to disappoint people who are looking forward to the next installment.  So, if it happens that I decide to do another from this song, it won't be in order and it probably won't be all of them.

Until Next Time,

Gloria

This Week at Milady's House

Hello Friends,

Well, a lot has been happening lately.  Remember my office before:

The office has now been remodeled.  Here are pictures of the new office fairly empty.  I am so excited!!!

When I get everything in it's place again, I will post a few more pictures.    I had the counter tops done in linen laminate, which will really hold up with constant use (i.e. cutting fabric, assembling patterns, thread comparisons, etc....I can just throw the threads on the counter top and get good idea of what the colors will look like on flax linen.  :)

Check out the counter!!!  You can see it pictured next to the end of my sampler table runner!

Anyway, I think this will work out wonderfully for both my business and my stitching.  I even have a nice comfortable stitching chair from  Lazy Boy.  :)  It's going to be awhile before everything goes back in place, but hopefully by the end of the year I will have a clean office, guest room and great room.  We will finally be able to have an open house.

So, what do you think????

Until next time...keep those needles humming.

Gloria

Comments Anyone?

Hello Stitching Friends,

I have been looking at a lot of blogs out there trying to get new ideas for my blog.  I changed the look of the blog and I am wondering what you think.  If you have ideas as to what you would like to see more of on this blog, please leave a comment.  If I implement one of your ideas, I will send you a free chart from Milady's  Needle.  I would like to have this blog be one that people like to read and comment on.  So, let me hear it from you out there in blog land. 


I am stitching tonight and will be attending Sampler Sunday at the Attic tomorrow.  Wish I was already stitching on the new sampler design, but I am still charting it and choosing colors.  So, I will have to choose another sampler to bring with me to stitch on while there.  It should be a fun afternoon.  I love to look at all the samplers that others are working on and of course the new things will be in from the Baltimore Market. 

Off to stitch for awhile now and hope you are doing the same.

Until next time,

Gloria

New Designs In the Works

Hello Friends,

Well, the last post I did was supposed to be on my personal blog as I am not sure how many of you are really all that interested in what I am stitching for friends or what I am reading or for that matter how I am feeling on any given day.  :)  I wondered where that post went on my personal blog and searched for it everywhere.  Guess I didn't think to look at this blog.  So, if you wondered why I was telling you all that stuff...well..it was an oops moment.  :)

So, back to Milady's Needle doings.  The Summer Sampler Soiree at the Attic was simply wonderful!!  I had a great time teaching the finishing of the pin cushion and scissors fob.  Whilte I was teaching the class, I realized that my finishing technique for this piece is different enough that it would be a good teaching project rather than simply releasing it as a pattern. All the designers have agreed not to release their Soiree pieces for one year.  So I decided to release this design as a teaching piece and will be starting to schedule classes at the Nashville Needlework Market in 2013.  Classes will be scheduled beginning the fall of 2013.  I hope that some of the shops there will be interested and those of you who belong to guilds, please be sure to let your workshop chairperson know that Milady's Needle will be teaching the Garden Delight Pin Cushion and Fob.  They can contact me at gloria@miladysneedle.com. 

I am busy getting ready for the October Online Show.  I didn't attend the Baltimore Market this year, but I am looking forward to the next fall market being back in the middle of the country again.  I would love to return to St. Charles, Missouri, but I am not sure where the market is going to be next fall.  I am sure we will know by the Nashville Market, which is in February. 

In the meantime I am working on completing a few new things.  I have Christmas Ornaments in the works as well as Ann Smith Blockley's Needlework Accessories.  I am working on two reproductions and hope to have them complete for the Nashville Market.  If you read the Attic Needlework Newsletter, you will have seen a picture of these samplers.  Here is a sneak peak of M. Woods. 

The first picture is of the front of the sampler and the second is of the back of the sampler.  Look at those colors pop!!  I love looking at the back of the antique samplers.  The colors are so rich and bright.  I know that a lot of you love the older, softer look on the front, so never fear, I will include the softer colors in the final chart.  I think that she is going to be lovely with the original colors. 

The exciting thing about this sampler is that it is also going to be pictured in Joanne Lukacher's upcoming book about the samplers of Norfolk, England which will be published by In The Company of Friends.  I won't tell you too  much about this now except to say it will be available in February of 2013.  I will tell you more when I know more about the book.

A sneak peak of the other sampler in the works will be posted at a later date.  Don't you just get excited about new reproductions!!  I do and I love to look at what other designers are reproducing.  Several new ones were released at the Baltimore Market.  Look for all the latest reproductions at your local needlework shop.

Until Next Time,

Gloria

Gloomy Day

So, it's a cloudy in Arizona today.  Not many of these kinds of days in the Valley of the Sun.  I love bright sunshine, so when it clouds up I begin to feel a bit gloomy myself. 

So to cheer myself up, I am doing some of my favorite things....that is reading and stitching.  I am working on a gift for my good friend Kim.  She will be coming to visit here in October and her birthday is the 22nd, so of course the stitching is Halloween related.  Although I am not much on Halloween decorating myself, she loves Halloween and decorates and stitches on Halloween themed items as the 31st looms ahead.  I am looking forward to the visit and I know she will like the surprises I have in store for her birthday.  I won't post pictures until we actually celebrate as I really do want her to be surprised.  Will let you know how it turns out. 

I am currently reading House Rules by Jodi Picoult for my book club which meets on Monday.  Don't know that I will have it completely read, but it's a nice group of women, so I will go to the meeting anyway.  It's been a good read so far and I have always enjoyed Picoult's books. 

I am also reading Les Miserables.  Whew, a very long book, but very interesting.  The jury is out right now as to the rating, but I am still reading, so either I just want to get through over a 1,000 page book or I am still hooked into the story.

Next up on the book list is Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn and A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness. 

Guess I should get busy here, as the day is slipping by as time usually does.  Some days I wish I could slow it down.  When I was  kid I always wanted to speed things up.  How life changes.

Until next time,

Gloria

Attic Needlework Summer Sampler Soiree

Hello Friends,

I was thrilled when Jean from The Attic Needlework Shop asked me to participate in the upcoming Summer Sampler Soiree on the 17th - 19th of August.  We have quite a few designers in the area and there are a lot of great projects going to be stitched that weekend!!  Joining me will be Tanya from Scarlet House, Vickie and Meagan from NeedleworkPress, Linda from Samplers Remembered, Bunny and Apryl from Priscilla's Pocket, Linda from Needlemade Designs, and Nancy from Five Times Blessed.    I am excited!!  The project is finished, I have ordered supplies and I will kitting up the class projects within a week or so.  Thought you might like to see what the class project looks like.

Garden Delight

Pin Cushion & Fob

Check out all the classes in the newsletter which Jean sends out every Thursday Evening at: www.atticneedlework.com/.

Until Next Time....

Gloria

Margaret Brown Stitched

Hello Friends,

It's always nice to see some of your stitching of Milady's Needle designs.  Last week, as I was reading through all the blogs that I follow, I found Margaret beautifually stitched by Shannon.  And she plans to stitch Sarah also.  Shannon says she changed the colors to overdyed silks.  Isn't this simply stunning!!  You can see Shannon's other stitching at: www.lovetostitch-onestitchatatime.blogspot.com. 

Send me a picture of your completed Milady's Needle projects and I will post them on my blog.

Til Next Time...

Gloria

What's Up At Milady's House

Hello Friends,

Take a look at my personal blog ( www.samplermakerssamplerspot.blogspot.com ) for information on what's happening at Milady's home in Arizona.

We returned from a trip to Canyon De Chelly and we able to get the closets finished for moving in all my stash, work related fibers, fabrics and needlework tools. One picture says a thousand words.

Until Next Time.... Enjoy Your Stitching Time.

Gloria

Feedback Needed From Stitchers

Hello Stitching Friends,

I am in need of feedback from those of you who would like to stitch the design Cottage Charm, but have not yet purchased the kit.  The kit came with linen, floss and fabric for the needle book and pocket. 

Cottage Charm Stitcher's Pocket

Cottage Charm Needle Book Inside



The kit is no longer available, because the fabric is no longer available.  Despite searching everywhere for more of this fabric, I have been unsuccessful.  I have never discontinued any of my designs, as I still have orders for them, so I hate to do this at this point.  I have had requests from shops for the kit, but have had to disappoint them. So, it would seem that there are still those who might want this design.  Obviously those who have the kit will be ahead of the game as they have the fabric for finishing which accents the piece so well.  But, I am sure there are other fabrics available that would work nicely too.
So...I am wondering...how do you feel about offering this design as a pattern.  I would like to hear from shops as well and stitchers about this before I release this as a pattern. 

Please let me know your thoughts about this before I retire this pattern for good.  I always appreciate feedback from stitchers and shops.

Until next time...keep your needles busy.

Gloria

Oops!

Hello Friends,

Every once in awhile I get a note from stitchers who tell me of a mistake or omission on one of my charts.  I really get frustrated when this happens, as I must proof these charts at least 20 times myself and I have others do this for me too.  So, I appologize profusely to those who have purchased charts expecting to have no trouble stitching the design.





With that in mind, I have two charts that need updating. 








If you have purchased Ann Smith Blockley 1834 and plan to stitch it in DMC; the number listed for the first floss is 3784.  Thanks go to Frances S. for finding this error.  The correct floss number is: 3787. 

If you purchased Queen Anne's Pin Chest & Needle Book and you are wondering what floss color to use for the Long-Armed Cross Stitch; the color to use is Belle Soie Enchanted Forest.  Thanks go to Mary J. for finding that I omited to specify the color used for this stitch in the stitching notes.

I do so appreciate it when a stitcher contacts me regarding an error.  Things do slip by in the process of proofing.  So, if you find an error, please let me know.  Both Mary and Frances are receiving a free chart for contacting me with this information.  Thank-you so much ladies.

It's a wonderfully hot Saturday afternoon in Arizona, so I am going to get stitching on a new project that I have developed for an upcoming class.  Stay tuned for an upcoming announcement regarding this class.

Until next time...stitch, stitch, stitch.

Gloria

Update and Drawing Winners!

Hi Sampler Friends,

Okay...so I got bitten by the bug three times and was sick for three weeks.  First Bronchitis, then the Flu and finally a virus of unknown origin.  That virus was a real winner!! My neck looked as though I swallowed a frog!!  :( 

Anwway, I am finally recovering and that's good because I am on my way to Texas for a stitching retreat.  I will be seeing long time friends who are a part of group called the Sampler Dames.  I have such a wonderful time with these ladies and stitch to my heart's content!  I will be stitching on some new designs as well as some small pieces from other designers. 

The new designs are Ann Smith Blockley's Needlework Accessories.  Won't give the specifics away just yet, but as a reminder, here is Ann's sampler for you to see the possible motifs I will be using for these designs.  I think you will like these small needlework accessories which will be a quick stitch and great for presents for stitching friends.  So, stay tuned for more details in the near future.



Well, I am sure you have been waiting for the results of the drawing.  I chose three winners this time around and they are as follows:

1st: LaDonna
2nd: Niina
3rd: Charlene

Ladies, you know who your are.  Please email me with your full name and home address so that I know where to ship the package.  Congratulations!!  For the rest of you...there will be another drawing at the next Online Needlework Show in October, so don't give up on becoming a winner!

Well, I better get packed.  I leave tomorrow for Texas.  So until next time...keep on stitching.

Gloria

2012 Spring Online Needlework Show

Hello Friends,

I guess it would help to actually post the "Online Needlework Show Post" in order for you to leave your comments for the drawing.  :) 

Take a look at the Online Needlework Show (www.theneedleworkshow.com) for the latest patterns from Milady's Needle.   There are five 2012 releases, which were pictured in my last post in March.  The sampler pendants and other kits are only available at trade shows, so if you want your local needlework store to order these for you be sure to let them know during the show. 

             Milady's Sampler Pendants I                  


        

















       

        
         Milady's Sampler Pendants II
    

To enter the drawing leave a comment to this post.  Be sure to include your email in the body of the post.  The last two shows I had extra winners, but did not hear from them or did not have an email for them to obtain address information.  Don't miss out because you didn't give me your email!!

It feels more like the beginning of summer here in Arizona, but April is supposed to still be Spring. This will be my first year here full time for the summer and I am sure I will adjust to the heat.  I did when I moved to Texas from Minnesota, so I will adjust here too. 

Have fun browsing the show!

Until Next Time,

Gloria

P.S.  To those of you who have already posted to my last post in March, don't worry....I will enter you in the drawing.  You don't  need to re-post.  :)

Nashville New Releases & Update

Hello Sampler Friends,

Well, a lot has happened since I last posted.  We are finally getting settled into our new home.  Does that mean that all the boxes are unpacked?  Nope...but our downstairs is pretty settled.  The Kitchen, Den, Living Room, Dining Room and Library are set up and liveable without boxes.  So, that feels a bit more settled.  The guest room and bath is ready for visitors, but the garage is still full and my office is still quite a mess.  Our neighbors told us it took them a year to get all their boxes out of the garage, so I don't feel so bad still having boxes around.  I just hope we get things in order sooner than a year!!

After a year of sabbatical, I am back in gear and designing again.  For the first time I flew to the market and it was quite an adventure.  Everything cost more than I thought it would, but I hope I learned some things for next time to cut down on that expense.  Which reminds me...does anyone know what the going tipping rate is for bellmen and skycaps?  It's been awhile since I had to tip someone.  For all the previous markets we drove, so we didn't use their services.  I am sure I over did it.

We forgot to take pictures of the suite, so I don't have any pictures to show, but lets get down to the really important information...the new releases.  I am excited to share the new releases and I have worked hard to bring you more of what you have said you like in the way of designs.  So here are the new items released at the Nashville Needlework Market.

Queen Anne's Pin Chest and Needle Book

Sweet Bird's Pin Nest and Needle Book

These hideaway pin cushions are stitched on Weeks Dye Works 40 Count Confederate Gray Linen using Belle Soie Silks from Crescent Colours.  Instructions for finishing are included and the pin cushion when removed from the wooden base reveals an area in which to put pins or the matching needle book. 

Queen Anne's Pin Chest and Needle Book

Sweet Bird's Pin Nest and Needle Book

Milady's Sampler Pendants I

(Market Special)

These cute sampler pendants are stitched on 36 Count Pecan Butter by Lakeside Linens using Gentle Arts Threads over one linen thread.  The fabric and fibers to do all four designs are included in the kit along with one pendant.  Extra pendants are available at your local needlework store.

Milady's Sampler Pendants II

(Market Special)

Another cute set of sampler pendants are stitched on 36 Count Pecan Butter by Lakeside Linens using Glorianna Luminescence over one linen thread. Again the fabric and fibers to do all four designs are included in the kit along with one pendant. 

And Finally....The new reproduction of  

Ann Smith Blockley 1834

Ann is stitched on 45 Count Vintage Meadow Rue from Lakeside Linens using Au Ver A Soie 100/3 silks from Access Commodities.  I loved working on this count with this silk.  Ann was great fun to stitch.  Almost everything on her sampler is asymetrical.  It could be by one or two stitches, but most motifs are not exactly the same on both sides.   The lack of symetry just adds to the charm of this sampler.  So, if you pick this piece up from your local needlework store, be sure to follow the chart carefully. 

That's all the news for this time.  I hope you like the new designs and will let me know what you think.  The next show will probably be the Online Show in April, so stay tuned.

Until next time,

Gloria