Answer To What Do Women REALLY Want + BONUS Pattern...
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"Cross Stitch Tips and News"
Brought to you by Patterns Patch Publishing
June 2nd 2007

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Hi {!firstname_fix}

CONTENTS:

- What Do Women REALLY Want? (Part 2 of 2), BONUS pattern +
- A Top Tip for Cross Stitch Heaven... An alternative way to
anchor your thread.
- Recent articles posted at PatternsPatch.com
- Cross Stitch Patterns Uploaded Since The Last Issue
- Recent "Tips & Techniques" Forum Posts

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Subject: What Do Women REALLY Want?

We had part one of our story last week... with the final part this
week. However, since we've had a record number of sign-ups to this
letter in the last 10 days, we're repeating part one with
apologies to those of you who read it two weeks ago.

Our short story is set in ancient times but with an ultra modern
theme that's haunted men since Adam was little more than a lad...

In the days of old when knights were bold, or so the tale usually
starts, young King Arthur was ambushed and imprisoned by the
monarch of a neighboring kingdom. Now the monarch could have
killed him but was moved by Arthur's youthful exuberance.

So the monarch offered him freedom if he could answer a very
difficult question. Arthur would have a year to figure out the
answer. If he still had no answer after a year ~ he would be
killed. The question was (as we already know) what do women really
want?

Such a question would have perplexed even the most knowledgeable
of men (and still does, believe me! ~ I haven't read the answer
yet) and, to young Arthur, it seemed an impossible query. Since it
was better than death, however, he accepted the monarch's
proposition to have an answer by the year's end.

Arthur returned to his kingdom and began to poll everybody: the
princesses, the prostitutes, priests, the wise men, and the court
jester. In all he spoke to everyone but no one could give him a
satisfactory answer.

What most people did tell him was to consult the old witch, as
only she would know the answer. The price would be high though
because the witch was famous for the exorbitant prices she
charged.

The last day of the year arrived and Arthur had no alternative but
to talk to the witch. She agreed to answer his question but he'd
have to accept her price; the old witch wanted to marry Gawain,
the most noble of the knights of the Round Table and Arthur's
closest friend!

Young Arthur was horrified, she was hunchbacked and truly hideous,
had only one tooth, smelled like a sewer and often made obscene
noises. He had never before come across such a repugnant creature.
He refused to force his friend to marry her and to have to endure
such a burden.

Gawain upon learning of the proposal pleaded with Arthur, he told
him that nothing was too big a sacrifice compared to Arthur's life
and the preservation of the Round Table (boy weren't men noble in
those good old days?). Hence the wedding was proclaimed and the
witch answered Arthur's question...

She replied that What a woman really wants is to be... then leant
closer and continued by whispering in Arthur's ear (patience now!
All will be revealed shortly). Arthur repeated the witch's words
out loud in astonishment. Everyone instantly knew that the witch
had uttered a great truth and that Arthur's life would be spared.
And so it went. The neighboring monarch spared Arthur's life and
granted him total freedom.

What a wedding Gawain and the witch had! Arthur was torn between
grief and anguish. Gawain was proper as always, gentle and
courteous. The old witch put her worst manners on display. She ate
with her hands, belched and f^rted and made everyone
uncomfortable. The wedding night approached: Gawain steeling
himself for a horrific night, entered the bedroom. What a sight
awaited! The most beautiful woman he'd ever seen lay before him.

Gawain was astounded and asked what had happened.
The beauty replied that since he had been so kind to her when
she'd been a witch, half the time she'd be her horrible deformed
self. And the other half, she would be her beautiful maiden self.
Which would he want her to be during the day and which during the
night? What a cruel question! Gawain began to think of his
predicament.

During the day a beautiful woman to show off to his friends. But
at night, in the privacy of his home, an old spooky witch? Or
would he prefer having by day a hideous witch but by night a
beautiful woman to enjoy many intimate moments with. What would
you do? What Gawain chose follows below, but don't read on until
you've made your own choice...

Noble Gawain replied that he would let her choose for herself (now
today, such a man would be considered either sensible or a guy who
couldn't make a decision, while back in the good old days he was
truly noble ~ how times change). Upon hearing this she announced
she would be beautiful all of the time because he'd respected her
and let her "be in charge of her own life".

What is the moral of the story? The moral is that it doesn't
matter if a woman is pretty or ugly, smart or dumb. Underneath it
all she's still... you decide!

The best three answers of no more than 20 words will win a nice
prize. Answers to john@patternspatch.com

We'll announce the three prize winners, and their entries, in the
next issue of your Cross Stitch Tips & News letter.
     
   ~X~

Following the success of the Fr^e bonus Cross Stitch pattern in
the last issue, we've decided to make this a permanent feature. So
from now on you will receive one high quality fr^e cross stitch
pattern with each issue for as long as you remain a subscriber of
this letter.

   ~X~

The Members' Handbook has finally been written and contains pretty
well what you'd expect in a handbook ~ how to find your way around
the various nooks and crannys on the site and what to do if you
get lost or have any problems.

Feel fr^e to download a copy as follows:

1. Login to Patterns Patch as normal.
2. Go to the ABOUT US section near the top left corner of the
page.
3. Click on Members' Handbook and the download page will open.
4. Follow the instructions to download a copy of the handbook.

Periodically the handbook will be updated and we'll let you know
when this occurs through this letter.

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A Top Tip for Cross Stitch Heaven...

An Alternative Way to Anchor Your Thread

One way to anchor your thread when you begin stitching is by using
the loop method. This method works particularly well when you are
stitching with two strands.

Start by measuring out twice as much thread as usual. Then, fold
the thread in half and put both ends through the eye of your
needle. You'll keep the loose ends near the head of the needle.

From below, push the needle through at the spot where you want to
anchor the thread, but only pull most of the thread through the
hole. Leave a 2-3" (5-8cm) loop on the underside of your fabric.

Complete your stitch as usual by pushing the needle back through
to the underside.

Next, put the needle through the loop, and pull the thread so the
loop closes. You now have anchored your thread.

One thing to keep in mind when you use this method is it works
best with single-color thread rather than variegated.

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Recent articles posted at PatternsPatch.com:
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How to Win a Cross Stitch Competition.

Cross stitch has become such a popular hobby these days; in fact
cross stitch's standing has become so high that there are now
competitions for those who want to enjoy a different element of
cross stitching. These competitions can be found in any state,
country, and almost always at county or state fairs...

Read the full article by going here:
< http://www.patternspatch.com/public/156.cfm >

   ~X~

Beginners: We'll Have You Cross Stitching in No Time!

When you first start out with a new hobby the tendency is to run
before you can walk and cross stitch is no exception. I remember
my first attempt, it was a large wall hanging of some mice with a
grandfather clock and although it was a complete kit, I still
hadn't got a clue what I was doing! There were around 30 different
colors and millions of stitches to do but I wanted something
impressive. Needless to say it didn't take me long to give up on
that particular design!...

Read the full article by going here:
< http://www.patternspatch.com/public/155.cfm >

   ~X~

An African Expression of Cross-Stitch Communication

The designs of Africa have a totally unique look about them, and
are not typical of other designs. Their material is not simply
"another piece of material with art designed on it", but are made
and designed with the love of Africa always in mind. The people of
Africa trust in their inner knowledge and fundamental beliefs, and
their history is never forgotten, as is clearly shown by their
fabulous designs...

Read the full article by going here:
< http://www.patternspatch.com/public/115.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 Since The Last Issue
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We're giving EVERYONE who reads this letter a FR^E Bonus cross
stitch pattern ~ Follow the download instructions carefully
and email me john@patternspatch.com if you have any problems.

To view full-sized illustrations of this week's FREE downloads
(for members, go here:

< http://www.PatternsPatch.com/public/252.cfm >

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

   ~X~

 ** Downloads For Members Only **

- "Wahine from the Sea" by Warren Rapazo

- "Sacred Chief" by M Caroselli

- "Reaching for Gold" by Clement Marcelli
 
- "Pretty Maiden" by Pam McCabe

- "Mountain Retreat" by Thomas Kinkade

 ** BONUS Download for ALL Readers **

- "Pasta and Bottles" by Edgecombe

The download page for your bonus pattern is here:
< http://www.PatternsPatch.com/public/262.cfm >

Please note that you have until the next issue of your
"Cross Stitch Tips & News" letter to download this pattern.
After then it will be available only to Members in the
Download Library.

   ~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/252.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.

We've repeated the posts from the last issue because we
understand there was a problem with broken links. Fingers crossed

they work properly this time.

   ~X~

Removing Rust Stains...

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

"I don't recall this being asked before, but I need help removing
rust where I left the needle in the fabric too long. Does anyone
have any ideas on how to get rid of it without ruining the whole
piece?"

Read the discussion here:
http://www.patternspatch.com/members/forum/openthread.cfm?forum=1&
ThreadID=168

   ~X~

Pricing Completed Cross Stitch Pieces.

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

"I don't know how many of you sell your work but what is a good
formula for pricing? "

Read the discussion here:
http://www.patternspatch.com/members/forum/openthread.cfm?forum=1&
ThreadID=162

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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'd
like.

... 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 June 16th 2007.

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Missed an issue of our Cross Stitch Tips & News letter?  Find them
all at
< http://www.patternspatch.com/public/department27.cfm >
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