Cross Stitch Club: Just where has this year gone?...
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"Cross Stitch Tips and News" Brought to you by Patterns Patch
Publishing on December 18th 2007.

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CONTENTS:

- Just where has this year gone?...
- A Top Tip for Cross Stitch Heaven... Creating A Cross Stitch Journal
- Recent articles posted at PatternsPatch.com
- Cross Stitch Patterns Uploaded Since The Last Issue
- Recent "Cross Stitch" Forum Posts

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Subject: Just where has this year gone?... 

Hi [firstname]

... many readers of this news letter will agree that this year has simply sped by and will be wondering where it's gone, such is the pace of modern life. And there's no sign of this hectic pace easing up.

Traditionally, we take stock of our lives at this time of the yeas and resolve to do better, be more disciplined and focus on those areas we'd like to improve upon ~ and so we make "New year's resolutions"... and boy, what a waste of time that is! Because invariably they're consigned to history by the time the new year is a mere three days (or so) old.

So! Why do we do it, and more to the point! Why should we? Well perhaps the problem lies in we make too many of these resolutions to ourself, and just don't put the required effort into them, or maybe there's another... hmm...

...let me introduce you to an interesting website that was built on the premise, "A single resolution can positively and profoundly create lasting change in your life and help to make the world a better place.".

http://www.goalsguy.com/Events/n_facts.html

... can you make just ONE resolution that will improve your own life while benefiting others? Will you...?

        ~~XX~~
       
One of our star writers Patricia, is launching her own website about now. Make sure you visit www.faith-makeitreal.com and see what else is there for you in addition to the free, high quality cross-stitch patterns. Here's a taster of what the site's about:

    "Faith -- Make It Real at http://www.faith-makeitreal.com is dedicated to helping others build their faith and walk with God, by providing free faith-based tools. If you're looking for ways to build your faith -- this is the web site for YOU!
   
    We include faith building articles, prayers for different needs, practical ebooks download for personal use in your daily life (such as calendars, a wedding planner, and much more), God stories to inspire you to be a God seeker, and religious and secular cross-stitch charts for download. Faith, It's your life ... Make It Real!
   
    The premier of the web site is January 2008; however, bits and pieces will begin to appear in this month. At least two items will be added to each web page monthly. Check us out often!

        ~~XX~~
               
In the next week, we'll be sending ALL readers a valuable free gift, so keep an eye out for an email, beginning, "A Beautiful Cross Stitch gift from Patterns Patch is attached.".
               
        ~~XX~~               

To set the scene for many ladies in 2008, here's a set of 13 top tips to get the most sheer pleasure out of 2008 - enjoy!!               
               
http://www.patternspatch.com/public/345.cfm     
               
        ~~XX~~

And finally, here's a fable I like to share at this time of
year. Apologies if you've read this before. Although it is
essentially a Christian fable (it is Christmas after all!), you
don't have to be a religious or a Christian to appreciate its deep and life-affirming wisdom...

"Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods.
They were discussing their hopes and dreams when
the first tree said, 'Someday I hope to be a
treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and
precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate
carving and everyone would see the beauty.'

Then the second tree said, 'Someday I will be a
mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the
waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone
will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull.'

Finally the third tree said, 'I want to grow to be
the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People
will see me on top of the hill and look up to my
branches, and think of the heavens and God and
how close to them I am reaching. I will be the
greatest tree of all time and people will always
remember me.'

After a few years of praying that their dreams
would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon
the trees. When one came to the first tree he said,
'This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be
able to sell the wood to a carpenter' ... and he
began cutting it down. The tree was happy,
because he knew that the carpenter would make
him into a treasure chest.

At the second tree a woodsman said, 'This
looks like a strong tree, I should be able to
sell it to the shipyard.' The second tree was
happy because he knew he was on his way to
becoming a mighty ship.

When the woodsmen came upon the third tree,
the tree was frightened because he knew that if
they cut him down his dreams would not come true.
One of the woodsmen said, 'I don't need anything
special from my tree so I'll take this one', and he
cut it down.'

When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he
was made into a feed box for animals. He was
then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was
not at all what he had prayed for.

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

The second tree was cut and made into a small
fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship
and carrying kings had come to an end.

The third tree was cut into large pieces and left
alone in the dark.

The years went by, and the trees forgot about their
dreams. Then one day, a man and woman came
to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the
baby in the hay in the feed box that was made
from the first tree. The man wished that he could
have made a crib for the baby, but this manger
would have to do. The tree could feel the
importance of this event and knew that it had
held the greatest treasure of all time.

 Years later, a group of men got in the fishing
boat made from the second tree. One of them
was tired and went to sleep. While they were
out on the water, a great storm arose and the
tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep
the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man,
and he stood and said 'Peace' and the storm
stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had
carried the King of Kings in its boat.

Finally, someone came and got the third tree.
It was carried through the streets as the people
mocked the man who was carrying it. When they
came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree
and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill.
When Sunday came, the tree came to realize
that it was strong enough to stand at the top
of the hill and be as close to God as was possible,
because Jesus had been crucified on it.

The moral of this story is that when things
don't seem to be going your way, always know
that God has a plan for you. If you place your
trust in Him, He will give you great gifts. Each
of the trees got what they wanted, just not in
the way they had imagined. We don't always
know what God's plans are for us. We just know
that His ways are not our ways, but His ways
are always best."

        ~~XX~~

*~*  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:

*~*  Iris Tilson  *~*

Congratulations to Iris 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!

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A TOP TIP FOR CROSS STITCH HEAVEN...
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   Creating a Cross Stitch Journal

Traditionally, lots of people receive a diary for the new year about now and come January 1st, start the new year with good intentions, resolve to keep it up to date, which is rather hard to do. Have you ever considered starting a variation of this - a cross stitch journal - which is much easier to keep up to date since you'll probably only make a few entries each year.

Many of us spend a lot of time working on cross stitch projects, and a wonderful way to remember what you've done is to write a small journal entry for each one. These entries also can be a very nice addition when you give your cross stitch projects to family and friends.

What you include in the entry is up to you. Some stitchers create notebooks with plastic sleeves where they can include a copy of the chart along with a photo of the finished piece. They also include a little write-up about their experience creating the project.

For instance, you could record in your entry why you chose a particular design. You also could note if you made changes and why. Finally, you could mention any special things that happened in your life while you were working on this project.

A variation on this is to create a memento for projects you are giving to family and friends. For instance, if you cross stitch a project for someone who is expecting, you can write a note about all the dreams you have for the baby. Later in life, the child not only will have the wonderful cross stitch project to treasure, but also the note from you.

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RECENT ARTICLES POSTED AT PATTERNS PATCH:
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1. Charting Your Cross Stitch Course: How to Read a Cross Stitch Pattern.

To the beginner, a cross-stitch chart may seem like a lot of mumbo-jumbo.  Yet they are a road map to creating a beautiful design.  Gaining an understanding of how to read cross-stitch charts and knowing how to work with them will allow you to create almost anything you set...

Read the full article by going here: <
http://www.patternspatch.com/public/145.cfm >

   ~X~

2. Cross Stitch Presents for a New Mother and Baby.

The art of cross stitch is a fantastic way to create an original gift for anyone in your life, but can especially celebrate the miracle of motherhood and a new baby's life.  Some of the most adorable and special patterns and designs that you can find in the world of cross stitch are those that celebrate new motherhood and new life. 

There are so many unique and original cross stitch designs that there is one to suit any and all personalities from designs for new mothers to designs that celebrate the life of a new child being...

Read the full article by going here: <
http://www.patternspatch.com/public/223.cfm  >

   ~X~

3. First Steps in Machine Cross Stitching.

Learning to cross stitch on an embroidery machine can be confusing and frustrating if you haven't received the right instruction or what can be some very helpful hints and tips.  There are so many things that can go wrong if you don't take the right approach to...

Read the full article by going here: <
http://www.patternspatch.com/public/158.cfm >

   ~X~

This is just a small sample of the more than 180 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!

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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 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/344.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 Group of African Elephants"

- "Clarisa and Petey" by Judith Bolerino

- "Harry Potter - The Flying Lesson"

- "The Baby Sitting Santa Claus"

- "The Three Kings"

 ** BONUS Download for ALL Readers **

- "Entrance to The Tree Farm"

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 the BONUS pattern. After
then it will be available only to Members in the Cross Stitch
Library.

   ~X~

We're trying to introduce as wide a range as possible in the
cross stitch 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/344.cfm >

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RECENT "CROSS STITCH FORUM" POSTS
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The 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. TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Member "slckstitcher" recently posted this delightful poem, which we've repeated here in its entirety ~ enjoy!

Twas the Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas, and, oh, I was weary.
My stitching unfinished, my eyes getting bleary.
The stockings weren't finished, the chimney was bare.
And I knew that morning soon would be there.

My children and husband were tucked in their beds,
But visions of backstitches ran through my head.
I'd stitched ornaments and presents and gifts by the ton,
And now, I was finally, almost, almost done.

As I poised my needle for one more backstitch,
I heard something outside that made my hand twitch.
I jumped up from my stitching, and flew to the door,
Pressed my eye to the peephole, tip-toed off the floor.

My stitching forgotten, I peered into the night.
When suddenly, I got a terrible fright.
On my porch appeared Santa, holding his sack.
He knocked softly, and I took a giant step back.

I unlocked the deadbolt, and let Santa in,
He entered and gave a mischievous grin.
"Hope you don't mind if I come in the door?"
"Coming down the chimney can be quite a chore."

He said, "You're up late. Still working I see."
"Do you know how tired you're going to be?"
"I know, Santa," I said, with a sigh,
"But I'm still backstitching the stars in the sky,"

"And the fields on that stocking look blobby you know,
I need to backstitch the drifts in the snow.
I've been stitching and stitching and stitching, no rest.
I just tried to finish stitching too much, I guess."

"I know what you mean," he said with a smile.
"This is my busiest time of the year, by a mile."
He stooped down by the tree, and he opened his sack,
And began to pull presents out of his pack.

"I've got some things here I think you might like,
An oak stitching frame, and a brand new Ott-Light.
A bundle of floss, and a great big mat cutter,"
I smiled and felt my heart go a-flutter.

He put down gifts for us all, then he waved his right hand.
"Go to bed," he said, glancing at my floor stand.
He gave me a wink, and stepped out the door.
I just stood there a moment, glued to the floor.

After he'd left, I turned back to my chair,
Picked up the stockings, and started to stare.
The backstitching was done! The stars lit the sky!
And on my son's stocking angels sung on high.

I ran to thank Santa for this final gift,
And watched as his sleigh started to lift.
I heard him exclaim as he pulled out of sight,
"Merry stitching to all, and to all a good night!"

Author Unknown

    ~X~  

2. WHICH SMALL CROSS STITCH GIFT FOR CHRISTMAS?

Member "muffin" recently posted this highly topical query:

"Hi all, I was wondering what my fellow members would buy for each other for Christmas if they had the opportunity."

"I am torn between two really useful, but very different, items. The first is a small clip-on light, which would be very helpful for the stitcher who enjoys stitching while on the move."

"Now don't laugh, but the second item would be a tub of "Udder Cream", which was originally developed to stop Cow's teats from drying out and becoming chapped in the Winter. Fellow stitchers, who are in the know, swear by this product, which has a pleasant smell, is not greasy, and will not leave marks on your fabric."

"I'd love to hear what YOU would give, or perhaps like to receive."

Here's a link to a most useful and interesting article on "Small Gifts For Stitchers":

http://www.patternspatch.com/snip/164.htm

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When our membership grows to a certain level we'll be able to
approach major suppliers and manufacturers and negotiate
discounts for our members. So please make sure your stitching
friends know about Patterns Patch.

Forward this email newsletter to them so that they can subscribe
(www.patternspatch.com) and receive future copies directly to
their own mailbox.

Please do not reply to this email. It was sent to you by our
computer, which is splendid at sending emails but absolutely
useless at reading them! To get in touch with us, please send a
short email to john@patternspatch.com.

... 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! 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 January 5th 2008... and expect to see a lot more color in 2008.

If you celebrate Christmas, we sincerely hope you enjoy the festivities. If Christmas isn't your thing, we hope you too get in abundance what it is you wish for at this time of the year.

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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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