- Who Else Would Like FREE Membership?...
- A Top Tip for Cross Stitch Heaven... What to Do When the Dye
- Recent articles posted at PatternsPatch.com
- Cross Stitch Patterns Uploaded Since The Last Issue
- Recent "Tips & Techniques" Forum Posts
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Subject: Who Else Would Like FREE Membership?...
We were hoping to be waxing lyrical about our new store in this issue, but, as they say... the best laid plans of mice and men!
When we planned on launching the store this week what we didn't know was our security gateway provider was making major changes to their servers which involves much re-configuring and testing.
They are obliged to do this in order to comply with a raft of new regulations concerning the checking of credit cards. In effect this adds more layers of protection to any transactions carried out on our site, which means your credit card details are MUCH safer, and that can only be good for us all.
Now then... onto the hint about membership for free (our favorite price). I'm sure you understand we cannot offer free membership for all ~ the site couldn't run without members' subscriptions. However, what we will do is give three months free membership to the first email address drawn from those who request it... and this is open to both members and subscribers to the news letter.
If the winner's a member, then we'll refund you three month's subscriptions. Obviously, if the winner's a non-member then the prize is free access to the complete community for 3 months.
IF there are sufficient requests we'll draw a second, and possibly third prize of two and one month's memberships respectively.
So! If you'd like to be in with a chance of winning three-month's free membership, just ask me: john@patternspatch.com and put 'Yes Please' in the subject line ~ please don't write anything else, I'll understand what it means.
Results will be announced in the next issue.
~X~
About a month ago we gave you the link to a powerpoint presentation "The Tears Of A Woman". Some of you certainly enjoyed the presentation, and told us so ~ thank you to those readers who emailed us with their thoughts.
Those remembering "Tears of A Woman" can perhaps recall some of the questions that were asked ~ well the answers are here!
You'll need Microsoft Office PowerPoint on you computer to be able to view the presentation and it takes a while to open. I promise those of you who DO open it WILL absolutely adore what awaits.
When you've opened it, wait for three or four seconds then click
anywhere on your screen to move to the next page ~ enjoy!
2. If you have PowerPoint on your PC, a window will open giving you the choice of opening the presentation now or saving it to disc (i.e, your hard drive).
3. Choose Open (Run) - you can always Save it to disc later and prepare to be "entranced".
4. Don't forget to click on each page to get to the next screen.
5. To switch the presentation off, right-click anywhere on the screen and select End Show.
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A TOP TIP FOR CROSS STITCH HEAVEN...
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What to Do When the Dye Lots Don't Match
We all know how important it is to buy enough thread in the same dye lot to complete our project. Sadly, sometimes disaster strikes, and you need to buy more thread. If luck isn't on your side, you may have to buy thread from a different dye lot.
So how do you handle this color difference without ruining your cross stitch project? First, before you go to the craft store, decide what you will do if the dye lots don't match.
* Is the area you've stitched small? Often the best approach is to remove the stitches and start over.
* Is the pattern so colorful that adding another color won't disrupt the design? If your design has many colors, consider just adding another one to the project.
* Can you change the design? If you are stitching a large area of one color, changing the dye lot may be noticeable. Examine your pattern and see if there is a way to alter the design so that you won't need additional thread.
* Can the new thread be blended (merged) with the existing thread? Sometimes if the new dye lot is very close to the old one, you can merge the two. If you have been stitching with three strands, merge the colors by stitching first with two strands of the old thread and one strand of the new thread. Then switch to one strand of the old thread and two strands of the new thread. Finally, switch to all three strands of the new thread.
If you are stitching with two strands, stitch with one of each thread for a while and then switch to two strands of the new thread.
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RECENT ARTICLES POSTED AT PATTERNS PATCH:
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1. Tracking that Elusive Cross Stitch Design
How do you locate the difficult to find cross stitch design, pattern or chart?
Most cross stitchers, at the beginning of their hobby are completely content cross stitching the various patterns and designs found in local hobby stores. However, there are only so many of these cutesy, kitschy designs that one's home can handle.
Many cross stitchers eventually find themselves searching out hard to find designs, patterns they know will accent their homes or gifts that will suit a loved one perfectly.
You might be interested to know there are several ways to expand your search that can make this much more successful...
Most beginners of cross stitch start with cross stitching kits, which is a very smart and convenient thing to do when trying this new hobby.
The reason that cross stitch kits can be so convenient is they come with most of the supplies you need, aside from a good pair of scissors and possibly a hoop.
But someday after doing several kits, many cross stitchers find themselves seeking more of a challenge, as the average kit is really aimed at beginners and those slightly more advanced...
3. Disney in Cross Stitch: Much More than Just a Mouse
"To think, it all started with a mouse." -- Walt Disney
It can be overwhelming to consider the size of the Disney Empire. From theme parks to cross stitch, Disney is everywhere.
Many crafters find that their projects are for children, and what better way to make children happy than by giving them a Disney cross-stitch project with a picture of their favorite...
This is just a small sample of the more than 130 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 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.
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.
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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~
1. Dark Background...
Member "hislamb" posted this query, which, so far has
attracted 22 replies.
"I think we have talked about this before but could not find the topic listed... The kitties got me to thinking... when working on a dark background, does it help to have light underneath your work so the spaces in the material will show up better or would this not be feasible?"
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"Hislamb, when stitching on black, navy, or dark green it DOES help to have a something light underneath. Personally I have a white hand towel that is "dedicated" to stitching; when stitching on dark fabric it is placed on my lap so that it reflects light up through the spaces in the fabric. "
"I try to put something under the dark aida as well when stitching my kitties. It DOES help. I've heard of people putting small flashlights between their knees to shine up through the fabric from underneath. This to me would get really uncomfortable after a few minutes..."
"... I have a daylight lap light that is especially made for stitching on dark fabric. It really makes a difference in your ability to see the holes. Before I got it, my eyes would really strain when I worked with dark fabric. You can find them in craft magazines or at http://www.daylightlamps.com/. I hope this helps."
Read the rest of the discussion here:
http://www.PatternsPatch.com/snip/126.htm
~X~
2. Stitching Retreat
Member "Muffin" posted this query, which, so far has
attracted 26 replies.
"I've been invited to a stitching retreat and don't know what to expect. Has any of you been to a stitching retreat and if so, what was it like?"
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"I've never been to a stitching retreat myself...I've heard tons of stories of others who have gone on them."
"From what I understand it can go one of two ways....either several stitchers get-together at a restaurant to eat together and talk, or you go to someone's house and actually stitch together for a while, have some snacks, maybe lunch or dinner and just enjoy stitching together while exchanging tips and stories, etc."
"I've heard they were lots of fun!! Usually it's not just getting together at a restaurant...most of the time it's getting together at someone's house to stitch with other people that enjoy the craft. It's a great way to make new stitching friends!! I'd take a little extra money (just in case you do go out for a meal when you take a break from stitching), and maybe offer to bring a snack or dessert, something like that."
"Good luck and enjoy yourself! We look forward to hearing all about it when you get back!!
"Oh, I wanna go - I wanna go! Sounds like a lot of fun. I have never heard of anything like that, but I think it's a great idea!"
This Tips & News letter 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:
You next "Cross Stitch Tips & News" letter will appear on
Saturday August 11th 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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Cross Stitch Library
