IMPORTANT breaking news...
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February 10th 2007
Brought to you by Patterns Patch Publishing
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Subject: IMPORTANT Breaking News

We've received several emails from members recently asking for
advice on finding threads for the various fr.ee download patterns.

A common query has been something like, "I only need 12" (30cm) of
DMC thread #700, but a skein of the floss is 8.7 yards (8m) long.
I don't want to buy that much, can I get only the length I need or
 maybe use a different color".

Using a different color thread could spoil your pattern and we
don't know where you could easily buy a short length of a
particular floss. So! Here's what we're going to do...

We'll shortly be offering you the choice of buying the kit to go
along with any of the cross stitch patterns you've downloaded. The
price of the kit will be shown with each pattern.

The kit will contain: the fabric, a tapestry needle, and most
importantly the right length of each floss pre-mounted on a thread
organizer for you.

You certainly don't have to order the kit, but the option is there
if you need it... and the best part is each kit will be heavily
discounted for members.

Non-members too will be able to order the kits (including
patterns), but they will pay a LOT more.

   ~X~

Look out too for a Members' Handbook, coming shortly.

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A Top Tip for Cross Stitch Heaven...

 Using a Waste Knot to Start Your Project
 
Why use a waste knot to start my project, you might ask? Well,
it's a temporary means of anchoring your thread when you start,
thereby ensuring your early stitches aren't too slack... and in
any case you remove the waste knot long before the end of the
project.

In order to make a waste knot, you'll need to knot one end of your
thread and take it downward through the aida, about 2 cm from the
starting point.

Next, bring it back to the surface (starting  point) to start your
stitching. Then work a diagonal stitch - a half cross stitch. This
should be placed from bottom left to the top right over a single
aida block /////. Continue working in the direction of your knot.

Now work back along this row with your second diagonal stitch
\\\\\. These stitches must appear directly on top of the first row
to complete the cross of the cross stitch.

The idea behind using a waste knot is that your starting thread
stitches will be fully secured on the reverse of your project.
As soon as you feel that the thread has been fully secured, the
knot can be simply snipped off.
 
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Recent articles posted at PatternsPatch.com:
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How To Enjoy Your Stitching Projects - Forever

I wonder how many of you reflect on a certain project that you
completed, and gave away as a present to someone special. What a
shame you can't hold onto a part of that gift for yourself as well
-- to remember and celebrate the hours of stitching that you did
in order to complete that gift...

Read the full article by going here:
< http://www.patternspatch.com/public/86.cfm >

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My Worst Cross Stitch Nightmare: A Cautionary Tale

I began enthusiastically enough. I had planned to stitch a picture
of a greyhound, as a birthday gift for a friend. Even before I
unpacked the kit, I was already imagining her cry of surprise and
delight as she opened the gift wrapping to see the picture I had
stitched for her...

Read the full article by going here:
< http://www.patternspatch.com/public/88.cfm >

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Why IS Cross Stitch Such A Fascinating Hobby?

There are a whole host of reasons why people of all ages take up
cross stitch and other forms of needlework as a hobby; these
include: Relaxation, and Variety, and...

Read the full article by going here:
< http://www.patternspatch.com/public/108.cfm >

   ~X~

This is just a small sample of the more than 100 cross stitch
articles enjoyed by our members. If you'd like to read more, click
here to become a member <
https://www.patternspatch.com/public/5.cfm >

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Cross Stitch Patterns Uploaded This Week
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To view full size illustrations of this week's FREE downloads
Click Here < http://www.PatternsPatch.com/public/203.cfm >

You'll find additional information and can also leave comments and
rank (from 1 to 5) each download, if you wish.

   ~X~

- "Aah! That's Better", by Riaan (A Powerful Bull Elephant Cooling
Down)

- "Apple Blossom Fairies", by Cicely Barker

- "Lady Diana in Red"

- "Rose Bouquet"

- "The Tiger Cub Trio"

   ~X~

To view this week's gallery, here's the link again
< http://www.PatternsPatch.com/public/203.cfm >

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This newsletter is still being developed and will be shaped
according to the wishes of its readers. If there's anything you do
or don't like (or missing), from the newsletter, please send a
short email to john@patternspatch.com telling me want you want.

... 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.

John Wigham
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Missed a tip of the week?  Find them all at
< http://www.patternspatch.com/public/department27.cfm >
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