Cross Stitch Club: Where are my local cross stitch suppliers?
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"Cross Stitch Tips and News"
Brought to you by Patterns Patch Publishing
September 22nd 2007

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CONTENTS:

- Where are my local cross stitch suppliers?
- A Top Tip for Cross Stitch Heaven... Forget sleeping pills, ...
- Recent articles posted at PatternsPatch.com
- Cross Stitch Patterns Uploaded Since The Last Issue
- Recent "Cross Stitch" Forum Posts

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Subject: Where are my Local Cross Stitch Suppliers?

Hi [firstname]

I've noticed in the Cross Stitch forum that one of the regular
'beefs' from our members concerns the difficulty of finding cross
stitch supplies locally. The Internet is great for lots of things
and undoubtedly makes our lives easier in many ways, but one area
where it falls down is you cannot actually handle goods before
purchase.

Whilst doing some research for our new blog yesterday (coming
soon), I stumbled upon a service that looks set fair to solve the
problem for some if not all of our members. Naturally it's Internet
based, and also free (there's our favorite price again), and comes
courtesy of our good friend Google.

To use "Google Maps", you need an account with Google (those of you
with gmail or googlemail are already one up here, or who followed
our advice on Google Notebook a couple of Issues back).

When you enter:

http://maps.google.com/

... a map of the USA appears. Don't worry if you don't live there,
it's easy to navigate to your own country. Simply go the small map
in the bottom right-hand corner, click on the blue square and drag
it over your country. Release the blue square and your country will
replace the USA.

I spent a good 90 minutes 'playing' with Google maps and, among
other things, searched on the phrase "needlework" (including the
speech marks). Searches on Chicago (IL) and Nashville (TN) revealed
648 and 97 suppliers respectively. Clicking on the label for any of
the suppliers listed: address, phone, and internet details together
with highly detailed maps... and don't forget many of these
suppliers have mail-order catalogues too.

I found Google Maps a little quirky to use in that when
refreshing/resizing the page it didn't always show what I expected
(such as another part of the country). But it could certainly be
useful to track down all sorts of products.

Google Maps appears to be a fully working service in North America,
Western Europe and Australasia, but less so in other parts of the
world. A deficiency that hopefully Google will rectify before too
much time passes.

To sum up, Google Maps is good fun and looks to be a useful
extension to Yellow pages ~ give it a try and see for yourself at:

http://maps.google.com/

        ~X~

Came across this interesting snippet a week ago and wonder if this
is just a one-off, or are other professional sports organizations
getting "in on the act"?. If any reader knows of other similar
events, please let us know and we'll run it in the next issue of
Cross Stitch Tips & News.

Stitch N' Pitch
Sunday, September 16, 2007 vs. Texas Rangers
1:05 PM McAfee Coliseum
 
The Oakland Athletics and TNNA invite you to McAfee Coliseum for
its inaugural Stitch N' Pitch event. Cheer on the A's while you
knit, crochet, embroider, cross-stitch or needlepoint.

All participants will receive a Plaza Level seat ($17) and a
special A's Stitch N' Pitch gift.

Bring out your family, friends, and/or significant others.

For more information and tickets, visit the A's web site.

The A's even had a special logo designed for the occasion, you can
see it here:

http://www.PatternsPatch.com/snip/144.htm

Did any member or subscriber attend ~ we'd love to share your story
if you did.
 
        ~X~

A friend sent me this quite remarkable animation sequence this
week, which I want to share with you. Click on this URL and enjoy
the show (do NOT miss the sound effects):

http://www.PatternsPatch.com/snip/143.htm

TIP: When you get to "THE END" wait for a few seconds ~ there's more.

        ~X~

You can expect to see an additional range of patterns appearing in
the download library shortly, courtesy of "Just Imagine Cross Stitch"

If you'd like a preview of these patterns go to:

http://www.PatternsPatch.com/snip/145.htm

and look in Galleries 1 thru 6.

        ~X~

*~*  MEMBERSHIP FOR FR^E  *~*

If you'd like to win a "Three months membership to Patterns Patch
for Free", go here and take a look (it's really easy to enter):

http://www.patternspatch.com/public/231.cfm

Don't forget to search for the mystery word in this letter. When
you've found the word, just put it in the subject line and email it
to me john@patternspatch.com ~ Good Luck!

The latest winner of our draw for "Three-months membership to
Patterns Patch for Free" is:

*~*  Hartati Santoso  *~*

Congratulations to Hartati and commiserations to those who didn't
win this week. But hey, perseverance is a virtue; try again next
week ~ it could be YOU!

And for those of you who didn't enter, why not? Don't you want this
valuable gift?

You've got to be in it TO WIN IT!
 
================================================================
A TOP TIP FOR CROSS STITCH HEAVEN...
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  Forget sleeping pills, to de-stress take up cross stitch

Your doctor may advise you to do all you can to lower your stress
levels, or it might lead to your health declining. So, perhaps you
go in for meditation, yoga and aerobics. But that isn't enough,
even if they show results. 

You need to go out and release all your pent up emotions and
energy. One proven way of doing this is to take up a craft like
pottery, knitting, cooking, or better still, "cross stitch". Before
you decide what to do and how it might impact on those around you,
try discussing this with your support group--members of your family
or friends or a confidante.

By doing cross stitch, not only do you create something out of
nothing, but you also relax your mind, and according to
researchers, help your brain release endorphins, the good hormones
that boost imagination and creativity.

Besides, since doing such embroidery is time-consuming, it teaches
you to be patient; after all, no problem is solved overnight. And
lastly, since it involves so many color variations that indicate so
many more details, it teaches you to pay attention to the finer
details of life so that the end product is beautiful.

So, don't wait any longer. Pick up your needle and thread and
get started on that cross stitch project.

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RECENT ARTICLES POSTED AT PATTERNS PATCH:
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1. How to Use Frames, Qsnaps and Hoops.

Lovers of counted cross stitch soon find their own use for the wide
range of cross stitch accessories. This article concentrates on
those items used to support your cross stitch piece, namely the
scroll frame, hoop and qsnap...

Read the full article by going here:
< http://www.patternspatch.com/public/238.cfm >

   ~X~

2. The New Sewing Fads of The Pioneer Women.

When the early pioneer women went out West in America, they took as
many necessities as they could fit into their covered wagons.  The
popular wagon at the time, the "Conestoga" could have carried more
of their belongings, but it was just too big and cumbersome,
killing the team of oxen before the journey was two-thirds over.
So! A more practical vehicle...

Read the full article by going here:
< http://www.patternspatch.com/public/126.cfm  >

   ~X~

3. Using a Magnifying Lamp for Cross Stitch

One reason many people love to cross stitch is because it is so
very relaxing. If, however, you are working in a dimly lit area,
you are almost certain to end up with eye strain, and the
subsequent headaches. One way to prevent these problems is to
invest in a good magnifying lamp. These lamps not only make it
easier to see the fine details of your project, they also
illuminate the area thereby reducing the likelihood of eye strain...

Read the full article by going here:
< http://www.patternspatch.com/public/239.cfm >

   ~X~

This is just a small sample of the more than 140 cross stitch
articles enjoyed by our members. If you'd like to read more,
go 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 FREE 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/308.cfm >

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

   ~X~

 ** Patterns For Members Only **

- "A Cheetah's Mask"

- "The Daisy Fairy"
 
- "Our Daily Bread"

- "Jesus Walking on Water"

- "The Strolling Mr. Frog"

 ** BONUS Download for ALL Readers **

- "The Pink Roses Palette"

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

If you'd like to try and win a fr*e membership, reply to
john@patternspatch.com with the word 'Boxer' in your email subject
line.

Please note that you have until the next issue of your
"Cross Stitch Tips & News" letter to download the BONUS 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/308.cfm >

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RECENT "CROSS STITCH FORUM" POSTS
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The newly renamed Cross Stitch 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. Cross Stitch Supplies.
   
Member "gelay0316" posted this query, which, so far has
attracted 26 replies.
   
"I live in Florida, and I can't find a nice store to buy stuff for
my cros stitch, I usually get all the things I need online, but
shipping is sometimes very expensive. I found a site called
Cecilia's Sampler's, I never tried it before, does anyone know
anything about them, I found that their prices are quite
reasonable. Has anyone tried to buy from them?"...

 ------------------------------------

"We find that for many people eBay is as cheap as anywhere. But you
do have to be a little careful. When using a new supplier, check
their feedback first and if it's good (at least 98%) and you're
happy with it, then place a "small" order (do watch their mailing
charges though). That way if anything goes wrong you'll only lose a
few dollars."

"If the transaction goes well (and by far the majority of them do),
you can spend a little more with them next time as you gradually
build your trust in the supplier."

"Most suppliers on eBay are honest. They want your business and so
will work hard to keep you happy"
   
"Most of my eBay purchases have been for fabrics and there has
never been a problem; each piece has been exactly as described,
well protected for shipping, and has arrived exactly when
promised..."

"You might look at JoAnn's online store:

http://www.joann.com/joann/

They have a good selection of items, usually..."

"... I would check out ebay. Just be sure to check the shipping
because sometimes that can be higher than what you are
getting...JoAnn's is a good one too:)"

"Gelay, it just occurred to me that no one suggested that you might
find a cross stitch store in your area through the Internet. Some
of the suppliers websites have a search function for that ~~ at
least the one that support local needlework shops..."

"There are times when purchases almost have to be made online but
my personal preference is to be able to touch and feel before
buying. :-)"

"If you're looking to buy stash online, my own personal preference
is to go to: www.123stitch.com first to see if she has what I'm
looking for. Her prices are usually the lowest. Her shipping is
reasonable. I've never had a bad experience with that site, unless
you count spending way too much money - LOL"
   
Read the rest of the discussion here:
http://www.PatternsPatch.com/snip/141.htm  
 
    ~X~  

2. Happy Dance Finish.

Member "slckstitcher" posted this thread, which, so far has
attracted 55 replies.

"I wanted to celebrate with you all!! I finished my Pooh Charity
Square either late last night or early this morning, depending on
how you look at it...

Here's the link to the picture if you want to check it out! Let me
know what you think!!!!

http://www.PatternsPatch.com/snip/140.htm"

------------------------------------

"...that is awesome slckstitcher...I would be doing the happy dance
too...it looks like you put lots of hard work and love in it and it
will be a great addition to the quilt! Thanks so much for sharing
it with us:)"

"What an awesome job! You did great. I'll bet some little kid is
going to love it. :) You should be very proud of your
accomplishment..."

"This is amazing!!!!! SO much work...but it will be a precious
treasure for someone!!!!"

"I would love to see the faces on the people that receive them. I
bet that would be heart-warming and make it all worth while"

"Great job, Slckstitcher! Some child is going to be thrilled with
Pooh and friends..."  

"There are 6 kitties total with a little bit of the barn around
them...I've gotten the left side of the barn done completely. I've
gotten 1 cat stitched completely and have the 2nd one almost
completely done...once I finish stitching the 2nd one I can
complete the backstitching on the 1st one... they overlap so I
can't do the bs on one without stitching the one beside it first. I
also have part of the barn at the bottom of the design done as
well. I've got a long way to go so I haven't really planned my next
project. I have to see what I'm in the mood to do once this one is
done."

"I can't even imagine working in all darker tones. It would drive
my eyes batty!! Bless you, bless you!"

"I can't wait to see pictures of both projects when you're done."

Read the rest of the discussion here:
http://www.PatternsPatch.com/snip/142.htm  

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Sincerely,

John Wigham

PS If you're not already a member, why not? You're missing out
on so much! go here to join now:

< https://www.patternspatch.com/public/5.cfm > joining is easy!

Your next "Cross Stitch Tips & News" letter will appear on
Saturday October 6th 2007.
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