Free Book ~ Testers Wanted...
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"Cross Stitch Tips and News"
Brought to you by Patterns Patch Publishing
March 24th 2007
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Hi {!firstname_fix}

Subject: Free Book ~ Testers Wanted.

We're just over the horizon (little more than one month away) from
releasing our first publication, "Cross-Stitch Made Easy: A Guide
For Beginners ~ Get It Right The First Time - Every Time". I'll
tell you more about the book's contents in the next letter, which
will be in two week's time.

Before we release this book we're looking for about 10 testers.

So! Any there any volunteers among you?  If you'd like to be one
of our testers, please send an email to john@patternspatch.com and
I'll reply letting you know what we need (it's easy) and what's in
it for you (I'm sure you won't be disappointed, a clue of part of
what you'll receive is given in the subject line above).

The book will be released in two formats: electronic download and
hard-copy. We haven't finalized the prices yet but can assure you
they'll be heavily discounted for club members.

   ~X~

As revealed last Saturday, we're changing the frequency of your
"Cross Stitch Tips & News" letter" to bi-weekly (every two weeks).
 Leni and I feel we aren't developing the content for the club
quickly enough and this is due mainly to the time we spend
producing the weekly letter.

When we've reached what we consider to be an acceptable level of
content (probably later this year), we may well go back to a
weekly issue. It will all depend on YOU, our members, and what
you tell us at that time. Should we need to inform you of anything
urgent during a non publication week, we will of course issue a
Members' Bulletin.

   ~X~

This week's top tip (below) has reminded us of a similar tip one
of our members submitted recently. And that is to overcome the
problem of the Aida fabric fraying on a small finished design that
will be part of a larger design, such as a 3-D project.

All you need is a similar sized piece of iron-on interfacing (from
your local craft store). Simply lay your design out face-down, and
iron the interfacing on top (make sure the glue side is face
down). Finally trim any excess from around your stitching with a
sharp pair of scissors leaving a border of 1/8" (3-4mm).

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A Top Tip for Cross Stitch Heaven...

Keep Your Metallic Thread from Fraying.

Metallic thread can be difficult to use, not only because it is
stiffer than traditional thread, but also because it frays easily.
To keep the thread from fraying, use short pieces and keep your
needle positioned fairly close to the end of the thread.  As soon
as you notice the end fraying, secure the piece of thread and
start with a new piece. Don't keep working because you'll quickly
find yourself with a mess.

Many stitchers have found a thread conditioner called Thread
Heaven to be a godsend when stitching with metallic threads.
Thanks, in the main, to its anti-static properties it is
particularly effective for taming hard-to-use threads like silk,
rayon, and metallic threads.

You also should consider dabbing a tiny dot of clear glue on the
ends of your metallic thread when you finish stitching. This glue
will help keep the thread from unraveling within your finished
project.

Finally, always use a needle with a large eye when working with
metallic thread. This type of needle imposes less drag on the
thread and therefore helps prevent unnecessary
wear, thereby reducing the likelihood of fraying significantly.

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Recent articles posted at PatternsPatch.com:
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A Stitch of Love:  Cross-Stitch for Charity.

Have you ever wondered what you can do with all those cross-stitch
patterns and projects that once completed you're not sure where to
hang them or who to give them to? You have! Well why not
cross-stitch for charity?  There are plenty of organizations that
can use your projects to donate to children, families, and senior
citizens around the world...

Read the full article by going here:
< http://www.patternspatch.com/public/133.cfm >

   ~X~

How Cross Stitch Helped Me Through a Time of Great Loss.

I have just completed a cross stitch project that has helped me to
come to terms with the loss of a dear friend who died just over a
year ago. Janet was so full of life and had so many exciting plans
for her future. And so when she suddenly died at the age of
thirty-eight, after a brain haemorrhage, those who knew her were
left feeling a mixture of feelings -- from anger and rage to
confusion, raw grief and deep sadness...

Read the full article by going here:
< http://www.patternspatch.com/public/98.cfm >

   ~X~

What Basic Equipment Do I Need For Cross Stitch?

Cross stitch, when compared with some other hobbies, is not an
expensive pastime. You only need a few basic pieces of equipment
to be able to start stitching your first project with
confidence...

Read the full article by going here:
< http://www.patternspatch.com/public/109.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 > joining is easy!

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Cross Stitch Patterns Uploaded This Week
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Leni's really surpassed herself this week with the most colorful
grouping she's created since we started Patterns Patch last
October. We considered calling one of this week's offerings "The
Challenge" because of its sheer size. Also I'm predicting that one
of the others will soon be challenging our no 1 download in a few
short weeks, because of its outstanding beauty.

To view full-sized illustrations of this week's FREE downloads,
Click Here < http://www.PatternsPatch.com/public/227.cfm >

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

   ~X~

- "Coco The Clown"

- "Hello Fairies"

- "Tender Moments" by Tessa

- "The Fluyder Children" by Sir Thomas Lawrence (1850)

- "We Can Do It"

   ~X~

We're trying to introduce as wide a range as possible in the

download library to cater for all tastes. So if there's a theme

we've missed that you'd like to see patterns for, then please
drop me a quick email to the address towards the bottom of this
letter.

To view this week's gallery, here's the link again
< http://www.PatternsPatch.com/public/227.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 time, 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 > joining is easy!

You next "Cross Stitch Tips & News" letter will appear on Saturday
April 7th 2007.
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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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