What's cross stitch got to do with the public domain... ================================================================ "Cross Stitch Tips and News" Brought to you by Patterns Patch Publishing February 24th 2007 ================================================================

Subject: What's cross stitch got to do with the public domain...

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By the time you read this I'll be sitting in a classroom (actually it's the annexe belonging to quite a nice hotel:0) learning how to identify products and material that either isn't copyrighted or the copyright has expired... and once identified as such, what to do with it next. So those of you who like vintage patterns will be in for a treat in a few short weeks (I'll reveal more details nearer the time).

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For the past month, Leni has been introducing a number of smaller patterns that will be much quicker to stitch. If you haven't looked in the Download Library (left nav panel under Resources) recently, why not tale a look and see if there's anything you fancy.

You know none of the patterns in the Download Library are particularly difficult; they're generally full cross stitches only. We shan't be introducing pattens with fractional stitches, beads and French knots until the appropriate tutorials are in place.

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Has anybody noticed we're introducing a new article in the article library every four days? Look out for "Cross Stitching and Quilting Come Together" and "A Stitch of Love: Cross-Stitch for Charity".

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This week's tip of the week describes how to stitch the French knot, which coincidentally, just happens to be the first of thetutorials we introduced for members last weekened. You'll find the tutorial section in the left nav panel under Resources.

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We've reached a stumbling block with the Cross Stitch materials supplier we mentioned in last week's letter. His minimum order of 50 kits (of any one pattern) at a time is simply too large for us to carry at present. The club needs to carry on growing for a while yet.

On a more positive footing, yesterday we made contact with another supplier whose minimum order is much smaller, so watch this space.

================================================================ A Top Tip for Cross Stitch Heaven...

What's the Fuss about French Knots! These are often considered to be difficult, but once you get the hang of them, they are easy to do -- and bring an excellent effect to your project. They are especially useful for details like eyes and the centres of flowers.Here's how to do a French Knot: 1. Make sure you use a sharp embroidery needle to ensure that the fabric will be pierced effectively. Bring the needle up at the starting point; wrap the thread once round the needle. If you want to create a large French Knot, add another strand of thread. 2. Hold the thread firmly and take the needle down, halfway through the fabric, making sure that the strands of the fabric are separated as you go. This prevents the knot from escaping down the same hole and will secure the knot.

3. Carefully slide the twisted thread down the needle so that it is rested on the surface, and feed the needle through the fabric completely. Make sure the twisted thread is as tight as possible -- to prevent it from becoming tangled and knotted. 4. Gently pull the thread through to make the knot taut, so that it sits neatly on the surface of the fabric. If you tighten the knot too much, it may disappear completely, so practise carefully on a piece of spare fabric until you feel that you have mastered the skill.

The French Knot is further illustrated in our "Tutorials" department, if you're still unclear, you can learn more about it there. ================================================================ Recent articles posted at PatternsPatch.com: ================================================================ Encouraging A Young Person's Growing Interest in Cross-Stitch.

Cross-stitch embroidery historically was taught to young girls. Jane Bostoke, a young English girl, created the earliest surviving dated sampler over 400 years ago in 1598. Since the alphabet in those days did not include the letters J, U, and Z, they're obviously missing from her floral and animal patterns. This ancient sampler was evidence that she had access to an early pattern book to follow. Today, we have many sampler books and classes to teach our children the art of cross-stitching...

Read the full article by going here: < http://www.patternspatch.com/public/99.cfm >

---------------------------------------------------------------- Why A Little Discipline Can Be Good For You: Three Habits of the Best Stitchers.

The following good habits will not guarantee you a wonderful masterpiece, but if you bear them in mind, you're unlikely to be disappointed by the appearance of your finished project...

Read the full article by going here: < http://www.patternspatch.com/public/89.cfm >

---------------------------------------------------------------- Fractional Stitches: Friends or Foes?

Fractional stitches are basically half stitches, quarter stitches, and three-quarter stitches. They get the name "fractional stitches," because they break up a normal cross-stitch into its parts. They each have a purpose, whether it is to soften a background or create a more subtle curve in a design. As you become more advanced you will need to know how to use them effectively in your projects...

Read the full article by going here: < http://www.patternspatch.com/public/170.cfm >

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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 >

================================================================ Cross Stitch Patterns Uploaded This Week ================================================================

To view full-sized illustrations of this week's FREE downloads, Click Here < http://www.PatternsPatch.com/public/207.cfm >

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

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- "American Liberty Cigarettes"

- "Foxy Fairy"

- "Harbour Scene", by Arthur Welsley (1904)

- "One of Life's Priorities"

- "Tropical Birds" ~X~

To view this week's gallery, here's the link again < http://www.PatternsPatch.com/public/207.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 what 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 PS If you're not already a member, why not? You're missing out on so much! click here to join now < https://www.patternspatch.com/public/5.cfm > ================================================================ Missed a tip of the week? Find them all at < http://www.patternspatch.com/public/department27.cfm > ================================================================