Could YOU Use The "Daffodil Principle"? + More Testers
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"Cross Stitch Tips and News"
Brought to you by Patterns Patch Publishing
May 5th 2007
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Subject: Could You Use The "Daffodil Principle"?

Once in a while I come across a really inspirational web page.
Two weeks ago, I found a blog posting which really got me
thinking. It might get you thinking, too, {!firstname_fix}. Have a
look at it here:

http://www.raamakants.com/2007/04/daffodil-principle.html

There's no sales pitch, no affiliate links in the article. Just
some inspiring words, and some beautiful photos illustrating the
results of the "Daffodil Principle". It really is a short but
good read, and you can leave a comment at the end, if you wish.

http://www.raamakants.com/2007/04/daffodil-principle.html

   ~X~

Recently we appealed for testers for our new book, "Cross-Stitch
Made Easy: A Guide For Beginners ~ Get It Right The First Time -
Every Time". A number of ...Tips & News letter readers
volunteered and we've already had some very good feedback.
Now, ideally before releasing the book we could do with a few
more testers.

So! Any there any more volunteers out there? 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 will
be pleased). 

   ~X~

In the last couple of issues we've talked about specialized
websites where you can enjoy fabulous discounts on many
household and general goods. One site we rate highly is
http://www.dealcatcher.com and by really digging around
inside this site, we found some terrific buys on cross-
stitch products. Here's just one example of what we found:

Go to http://www.dealcatcher.com and after you've browsed through
the home page, go down the left nav-panel to the "Browse Coupons"
category and select 'Books and Magazines'.

Browse down to, and double-click on, the BookCloseouts.com logo.
In the top-left hand field enter: Cross Stitch and select Go.

One of the first items we found was the book "500 Cross-Stitch
Blocks", 128 pages and reduced by 53%. This looks to be a
must-have book for those who like to experiment with their own
patterns.

Here's what the book's Overview says, "Bright, versatile, and
simple to sew, these 500 embroidered blocks fit together
beautifully to form a remarkable array of fabulous patterns.
Choose from a wide variety of popular themes - places, florals,
birds, geometrics from around the world, and colors - and then
have fun arranging them in any way you like. Some have beads and
sizzling colors.

Others are small and enchanting, perfect for giving novices enough
confidence to move on to more ambitious stitchery. And you can use
them on whatever you're sewing, be it a wall hanging, a
tablecloth, or a decorative piece of clothing.

Imagine cross-stitching a soft green grove with birds,
butterflies, and bees-or decorated alphabets, sweet angels,
colorful macaws, country churchyards, Islamic gardens, and
thoughtful sayings. The creative possibilities are limitless!"

There was a further 10 cross stitch books. I would guess most of
the other needlepoint crafts were equally covered too. And even if
you're not in the market for bargains right now, these sites are
an interesting browse.

OK! For the final time, here's the sites where you can get these
terrific deals:

http://www.dealcatcher.com
http://www.dealhack.com
http://www.techbargains(dot)com (Don't forget to remove (dot) and
replace it with a full stop when you enter this URL in your browser.

As we said earlier, with sites like these you really can find
some marvellous bargains with reductions of 50% to 90% on the
kinds of items you use everyday.

You do need to visit regularly if you want the really huge
discounts since these often last for less than 48 hours.

Mind you it's worth it because at the end of the day, don't we
all just love saving money, while bagging a bargain?

   - ~ -

A big thank you to member Melissa Sutton from Australia who shared
this nugget with us: "Hi John, Just thought I would let you know
that you can buy 50 DMC skeins (you choose the colors) for $30
dollars on ebay from a seller called WaterfordThreads. They also
sell 100 DMC skeins for $50 dollars. That is a big saving and is
at ebay.com.au. Thanks."

Nice one Mel.

Don't forget postage costs are falling all the time and floss is
light in weight, so even if you live a long way from Australia
it's still worth while checking out a source like Waterford
Threads. Hopefully other members will share any bargains they find
through these pages.
   - ~ -
 
Ten days ago we sent a small download to one of our members.
The download caused her to break down and cry. But these weren't
unhappy tears; oh no! Far from it. She contacted us before the day
was out, thanked us heartily and said what she'd received had
really made her birthday one to remember, and for a long time to
come.

We'd LOVE to do this for all our members and will do so. But
first we need a little bit of information from you. If you send
a simple email to john@patternspatch.com with just your ~ first
name, a month, and a day (such as: Julie, July, 18). Be prepared

to perhaps shed a tear on that special day. We don't want to know
anybody's age.
 
Besides! It's unlikely any of you were around when my first
lusty wail was heard, one fine Spring morning in 1870 (yes
you read that right;-) ~ a vintage day indeed.

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A Top Tip for Cross Stitch Heaven...

Why not take your cross stitch project on holiday with you?

So, you've decided to go on a holiday and take not just the
family but your friend and companion, your cross stitch project
too? And why not? It's portable and if you think you're going to
spare some time for it, you can take it along but remember there
are ways of looking after your cross stitch piece. Here's how:

- Before leaving on a holiday, check with the airline to see
what is allowed (or how to pack any sharp objects such as
needles and scissors), or you might have to check your project
bag in.

- Put your material in a plastic storage bag so that it doesn't
get damaged.

- While on holiday, don't complicate life by choosing a
difficult pattern. Instead, choose a simple pattern with very
few color variations.

- When you travel and have many color variations, you'll find
this irritating. Besides, everywhere you go, you may not find
lighting good enough to help you clearly distinguish between
colors, particularly at night.

- Before you leave on your holiday, cut your floss longer than
usual so that you don't have to search for scissors.

- Don't embroider a repetitive pattern when on holiday or you
won't find it creative and that will irritate you.

- Accept that you might lose the project while traveling, or
that it might get soiled.

Now go and have a fabulous holiday, you've earned it!

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Recent articles posted at PatternsPatch.com:
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The Cross Stitcher's Bible: A Beginner's Best Friend.

Every cross stitch library needs a good solid reference book,
one that you can turn to again and again. Despite all the
specialty guides on the market, nothing beats a basic,
straightforward manual, whether you're a novice or a
professional.  For years The Cross Stitcher's Bible by Jane
Greenoff has been my most valuable resource. Newcomers to cross
stitch will love this book as it transforms them into skilled
stitchers throughout the course of its pages...

Read the full article by going here:
< http://www.patternspatch.com/public/95.cfm >

   ~X~

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. 

A warm quilted blanket during the winter was always welcome,
made from little scraps of memories that had been either
outgrown or tossed into the ragbag. Nothing was wasted;
nothing was left over that didn't have a purpose...

Read the full article by going here:
< http://www.patternspatch.com/public/128.cfm >

   ~X~

Religious Counted Cross Stitch Patterns.

Religion is undoubtedly a major influence in the world
today and many cross stitchers will have considered
stitching a piece that symbolises their religion. Well,
just as with every other type of design that we
frequently get the urge to search for, there are
hundreds of beautiful patterns available...

Read the full article by going here:
< http://www.patternspatch.com/public/151.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
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This week's bunch are particularly colorful, and will all
prove to be a pleasure to stitch ~ enjoy!

To view full-sized illustrations of this week's FREE downloads,
Click Here < http://www.PatternsPatch.com/public/243.cfm >

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

   ~X~

- "Captured By Spring" by Zaskia Ganzeveldt

- "World Trade Center Collage" by Danny Hahilbohm

- "Angel's Spirit" by Dona Gelsinger
 
- "Animal and Maiden" by Pam McCabe

- "Anthuriums II" by Ted Mundorff

   ~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/243.cfm >

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Recent "Tips & Techniques" Forum Posts
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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~

Cross stitch on netting...

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

"I was watching a show on tv where this fellow had decorated
these chairs using tulle as the removable covers. That
started me thinking about veils and I wondered if cross
stitching could be used for embellishment on a veil.

It would need to be pretty fine and refined for a garment
because tulle and similar fabrics are usually used for dress
up occasions but I also remembered seeing aprons back in the
'50s with embellishments. Is it common to use cross stitch
on fancier fabrics these days, or has it become a lost art?"

Read the discussion here:

http://www.patternspatch.com/members/forum/openthread.cfm?forum=1&;Th
readID=164

   ~X~

28-count linen uses 3 strands of thread?

Member "Katherine" posted this question, which so far has
attracted 16 replies.

"Recently, I found a long-lost kit that I bought about 7 years
ago. I've decided to start the kit but the instructions puzzle me.

The kit calls for 3 strands of thread throughout whereas I'm
used to using 2. Part of the pattern calls for blending 1
strand of Emerald Green and 2 strands of Forest Green. I'm
left wondering why the pattern uses 3 strands throughout,
and whether it is really necessary. Can anyone help?"

Read the discussion here:
http://www.patternspatch.com/members/forum/openthread.cfm?forum=1&;Th
readID=159

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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.

Sincerely,

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 May 19th 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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