Who Else Would Love A Bargain...
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"Cross Stitch Tips and News"
Brought to you by Patterns Patch Publishing
April 7th 2007
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Subject: Who Else Would Love A Bargain?

Leni and I were discussing the growth of our Cross-Stitch club the
other day and were wondering at what stage of growth we could say
Patterns Patch has definitely "arrived".

Leni suggested that when we're able to negotiate large discounts
for our members on their cross-stitch purchases, then we'll
certainly be a "player". Now in order to do that our membership
needs to be in the high four figures, maybe even five figures,
rather than the three figures it is now.

So negotiating 50% off DMC threads is a little way off yet.

That same day I stumbled across an article that me realize, "We
can give the members something... and right now too!".

Now in all walks of life we just love a bargain, it makes us feel
good about ourselves, "Hey! look at this brilliant deal I just
did." I'm sure you're with me here.
 
One of the first things we learn about money is that it's an awful
lot easier to spend than it is to earn. And the ability to throw
it away comes naturally to one and all. For that reason it pays to
wise-up and find ways to make the dollars you spend go further.

One way to do this, is to take advantage of the special deals
that manufacturers offer when either introducing or closing out
products - sometimes offering discounts of up to 90%.

For example, I recently needed a 2 Gig SD memory card for my
digital camera. It just so happened that Costco had these in stock
for $49 - and that's a pretty good deal.

But on a secret 'deal of the day' web site, I found the exact
same brand and model for just $7 - with free shipping!  That's
like finding a 90% off sale! Now that's a REALLY good deal.

You can find the same kinds of discounts on many items by
visiting a site such as:

http://www.dealcatcher.com

With a site like this (and there are quite a few), it is easy to
find 50% to 90% off on the kinds of items you use everyday. Mind
you do need to visit often because many of the best deals are only
available for a day or two at most.

For all I know, Dealcatcher might only trade in the US and so for
all those non-US nationals out there you might feel, "So what?
This isn't for me!".

Not True!

If enough people email and ask me to, I'll write a report and
publish it in the Public sector of Patterns Patch that shows you
step-by-step how, with a little bit of one-time effort on your
part, you can enjoy exactly the same benefits for years to come.  

So! Like we said at the top... Who else would love a bargain? 

   ~X~

Last week the Gods were definitely looking down on us but whether
it was with laughter or crying we know not.

On Monday we lost our Internet broadband connection and we didn't
manage to find it again until Friday. Had we been committed to
producing a "Cross Stitch Tips & News" letter" last week (the
first non-production week), we'd have failed miserably.

   ~X~

Now for something a little more light-hearted. Have you ever
wondered which word, phrase or expression is more popular in
Google? You have? Well now you can find out by going to... I kid
you not... Google Fight!

At Google Fight, you can type in two competing key phrases and see
which one is listed more often in the Google database. Have fun!

http://www.googlefight.com

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A Top Tip for Cross Stitch Heaven...

When All Else Fails, Hide a Stain or Flaw

As careful as you may try to be, sometimes a disaster will strike
your project. If you've tried washing and a stain still persists,
don't throw away all of your hard work. Instead, examine your
stitching options.

For instance, where does the stain fall in the design? What
appears near the stain? Can you extend an area to cover the stain?
Can you add something to the design to hide the problem?

Another idea that frequently works is to add a border or increase
the size of an existing border. Also, depending on the location of
the stain, you may be able to place your signature over it. Simply
stitch your name and the date in colors that hide the stain.

Finally, consider if you can hide the stain behind the matting
when you're framing. Matting is a great way to cover stains that
fall outside the basic design.

When all else has failed, take a look at this outstanding site
with an excellent article on stain removal:

http://www.yarntree.com/081washing.htm

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Recent articles posted at PatternsPatch.com:
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Five Years and Five Continents: Completed at Last!

"Never again," I said to myself over and over. I must have
been out of my mind when I chose Majestic Magnolia, a
gorgeous design I simply couldn't resist. It didn't matter
to me that I was still a beginner and I had never stitched
on linen. I thought I could tackle any project. Today, it's
my crowning achievement, one that would take five long
years and several trips around the globe to complete...

Read the full article by going here:
< http://www.patternspatch.com/public/96.cfm >

   ~X~

Stitching Retreats: Rest, Relaxation, and Stitching Galore!

Sometimes we long to stitch, but we find that all the pressures of
our daily life get in the way of those relaxing moments with your
needle and thread.  If you are feeling the pressures of kids,
family, work, and more, maybe you need to consider getting away to
a stitcher's retreat...

Read the full article by going here:
< http://www.patternspatch.com/public/149.cfm >

   ~X~

Cross Stitch Patterns of Roses -- A Great Way To Send A Message To
A Special Person.

If you ask people to name their favourite flowers, it is likely
that they will place roses high on their list. Roses are very
popular, and have been named the Queen of flowers, possibly
because of their beauty -- creating a wide expanse of color in the
garden, and valued for their heady fragrance too. There are
thousands of varieties that differ in shape of blooms, size,
fragrance and some even lack thorns...

Read the full article by going here:
< http://www.patternspatch.com/public/106.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!

===============================================================
Cross Stitch Patterns Uploaded This Week
===============================================================
To view full-sized illustrations of this week's FREE downloads,
Click Here < http://www.PatternsPatch.com/public/228.cfm >

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

   ~X~

- "Country Cow" by Charles Viola

- "Heart and Soul" by Steve Butler

- "His Station and Four Aces" by C.M. Coolidge
 
- "How Many Easter Bunnies?" by Nanae

- "Wings of Love" by Steve Pearson

   ~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/228.cfm >

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Recent "Tips & Techniques" Forum Posts
==============================================================
The Tips and Techniques forum has continued to post many
interesting threads. If you haven't taken part yet, why not take a
look and maybe join in. Hey! You might even enjoy it.

   ~X~

How Much Time Spent Cross-Stitching?

Member "Lorna" posted this question, which so far has attracted
17 replies.

"How much time do you spend cross stitching each week? I can only
put in a couple of hours because of work commitments
(unfortunately the bills have to be paid!) but I wish I could do
more.

I'm not very quick at stitching and so even small designs seem to
take forever but they look so pretty when they are finished, it's
worth the wait. How quickly do you guys work?" Read the discussion
here:

http://www.patternspatch.com/members/forum/openthread.cfm?forum=1&;ThreadID=147

   ~X~

Best Way to Clean a Project?

Member "Mamab" posted this question, which so far has attracted 18
replies.

"When you get finished with a cross stitch project, do you wash it
before framing it? If so, what's the best way to clean it? I've
heard you should wash the thread before starting so it doesn't
bleed, but have never really heard about what to do with a
finished project. I'm sure you'd have to iron it, as well.".
Read the discussion here:

http://www.patternspatch.com/members/forum/openthread.cfm?forum=1&;ThreadID=135

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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... and whether or not you
celebrate Easter, we hope you have a wonderful weekend.

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 21st 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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