January 27th 2007

Free Cross Stitch Tip Of The Week Newsletter -XXX- In this issue: 1) This week... 2) A Top Tip For Cross Stitch Heaven. 3) Recent Articles... 4) Extracts From Our Forums. 5) Cross Stitch Patterns Added This Week. 6) ... and Finally. This Week... Last week's competition winner, Julie R from the UK, has chosen "The Big 5" from the Download Library. The complete cross stitch kit (worth a cool $50) will be on its way shortly ~ Julie enjoy! -XXX- The first of our new cross stitch tutorials is on track for release in a couple of week's time. We're still toying with calling them Cross Stitch Pictorials since each tutorial will be a series of illustrations supported by a minimum of text. Our survey showed one distinct "stitch" causes more problems than any other. So, the French Knot will be first to receive the treatment. -XXX- This week we're pleased to announce the debut of our exciting, talented young Japanese designer "Nanae", whose "Manga" style of illustrations we trust will delight all. The Japanese Manga style is perhaps best likened to slightly comical, or cartoon-like characters. Nanae's first offering "Cute White Kitten" was listed this week (See below).     A Top Tip For Cross Stitch Heaven Here's our top Cross Stitch tip of the week: #7. Add a touch of magic to your table with a table runner A table runner can add colour and class to an otherwise plain tablecloth and dinner setting for special occasions. You will need to make it in a contrasting colour to your background tablecloth for maximum effect. Here's how you can make one simply: Choose a piece of Bellana fabric 30 cm wide and the best length to fit your own table. Sew by machine a 2.5 cm hem around all the edges. Consider what motifs to stitch. For a winter theme, you could choose Christmas trees or snowflakes. Small motifs are easy to find in stitching magazines and books. Fold the table runner in half, both horizontally and vertically and then start stitching your first motif in the middle. Stitch each motif separately; map out where they are to be placed before you start stitching. As the runner may be larger and heavier to control than your usual projects, you may find it helpful to keep your fabric taut by using a wooden hoop, even if you usually prefer not to use one. This will also help to section off the area of fabric where you're working at any particular time. Recent Articles Here is a taster of some of our most recent Cross Stitch articles. There's a further selection of articles in our "Sample Articles" section and many more under "Feature Articles". The Most Difficult Cross-Stitch Design I Tracked Down! I track things down on the Internet... that is just the way it is in today's times.  I search and surf to my heart's content, finding what I need to know or do...eventually... Keep Reading -XXX- Cross Stitching and Quilting Come Together. Cross-stitch was often used together with other stitches for quilt making, needlepoint, and crewel embroidery.  But quilting was a thing of necessity during the pioneer days clear back to the medieval period... Keep Reading -XXX- The New Sewing Fads of The Pioneer Women. When the early pioneer women came out West in America, they took as many necessities as they could fit into their covered wagons.  The popular wagon at the time, the "Conestoga" could have carried more of their belongings, but it was just too big and cumbersome, killing the team of oxen before the journey was two-thirds over... Keep Reading  Extracts From Our Forums Here's a couple of popular discussion threads from our Tips & Techniques forum: What is Most Popular Now? Member trick-r-treat started this interesting thread recently: "I know that most crafts make a come-back - what is everybody cross-stitching now? Are pillow shams still the most popular item?" An inadvertent twist in the middle sent it off in a different direction and provoked further comments... Read the discussion here -XXX- Hoops and Frames Member Melos sparked off an thoughtful exchange of ideas with this question: "Hello - I'm new here with a question... I have always used embroidery hoops to make the cross-stitch fabric taught, but am having trouble with my hand due to holding it tightly at the edge. I am interested in getting a different type of frame to do my needlework with. Do they have rectangular scroll frames for small projects? And has anyone ever used a 'hands-free' frame with a stand? Any recommendations?". Melos soon learned she wasn't alone with this common problem, and in addition to sympathy, learned a whole lot more... Read the discussion here -XXX- To view the range of discussions and topics in the Tips & Techniques Forum: Scroll to the left nav panel and find the Community Forums section.  In the "Search Discussion" box, enter a Cross Stitch term of your choice, such as french knot, and click on the Search button. The Search Discussion Forums page will appear. In the "Enter Phrase to search for:" box, again enter the Cross Stitch term of your choice and click on the Start Search button. The system will list the results of your search. In the search results, click on any of the blue links to read the discussion.  Cross Stitch Patterns Added This Week  To view larger-sized illustrations of this week's FREE downloads Click Here. You'll find additional information and can also leave comments and rank (from 1 to 5) each download, if you wish. -XXX- * Fantasy Fairy * Pattern Size: Measurements: 13.9" x 16.3" (35.2cm x 41.4cm) No. of Stitches: 194 x 228. -XXX- * An Arch With A View by Loran Speck * Pattern Size: Measurements: 17.7" x 23.1" (45.0cm x 58.6cm) No. of Stitches: 248 x 343. -XXX- * Princess Diana In A Lilac Evening Gown * Pattern Size: Measurements: 13.9" x 18.9" (35.4cm x 47.9cm) No. of Stitches: 195 x 264. -XXX- * Lord Jesus, The Child Whisperer * Pattern Size: Measurements: 11.4" x 13.5" (29.0cm x 34.3cm) No. of Stitches: 160 x 189. -XXX- * Two Bengal Tigers * Pattern Size: Measurements: 21.3" x 16.0" (54.1cm x 40.6cm) No. of Stitches: 298 x 224. -XXX- * Cute White Kitten by Nanae * Pattern Size: Measurements: 11.5" x 8.6" (29.2cm x 21.8cm) No. of Stitches: 161 x 120. -XXX- Here's the link to view this week's FREE patterns. You'll find additional information, plus you can also leave  comments and rank how well you like each pattern's picture.  -XXX- To view the range of FREE patterns in the Download Library: Scroll up to the menu bar and click on "Download Library", a new window will open. Scroll down the page a little to the table with three columns. In the left-hand column (entitled "All Categories" ), click on Cross Stitch Charts to open the library. Browse through the download library.  ... and Finally  Do you have any views or opinions you would like to see included in tip of the week? If so, send me an email at john@patternspatch.com ... and finally, if you have children, give them a hug and a kiss, and tell them you love them. Until next week, stay safe and be happy.