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Cross Stitch Tips & News ~ February 2nd 2008
Patterns Patch Cross Stitch Club:
Cross Stitch Tips & News
Saturday, February 2nd 2008 |
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Subject: Extra Goodies For ALL...
Hi [firstname] A very warm welcome to you and all our readers, we hope you enjoy this letter. Do please take the time to let us know what you like or dislike about "Cross Stitch Tips & News". We value all your emails and rely on them to move us forward in our strive for perfection.
*~~*
In the last issue of this letter we informed you about a new department we'd be opening, listing the emotive power point presentations we ran last year. You came up with several suggestions on a name for the new department, and after much deliberation Leni, Julia and I are deadlocked over two of them: Inspirations and Curiosity.
So! We decided to let you tell us which name you prefer. If you'd like to vote, please go here and enter the name you prefer in the 'Message Subject' line. Then hit Send Message and your vote will be recorded.
The new department is already in place, you'll find it on the Home page under Resources and called: What's In Here? (we'll rename it when we have a clear winner).
If you'd like to see these heart-warming presentations again (or for the first time), just go to: What's In Here?.
*~~* Although not advertized we've added a second new department this week. This is the result of regular ongoing requests for Leni to create personal patterns for cross stitch lovers. We'd love to do this for fr&e for all our members and readers of this letter, but it just isn't practical to do so.
SIDEBAR: There's a lot of work goes into the creation of a good pattern. A future project will be to make a video for our members showing Leni creating a pattern from concept to completion. Watch out for this in the coming months.
We can certainly create some cross stitch patterns for fr*e, but not all. So how do we overcome this dilemma? We feel the answer lies in the strength of cross stitch itself, since cross stitch is very much a "sharing" craft; that's what we've decided to do. If you want a pattern creating that we think will be enjoyed by our members, and you're willing to share it with them, then you can have it for precisely nothing! nix! nowt! zilch! - in other words fre* of charge.
However, if you'd rather not share, that's your right and of course it's fine with us, but there will be a charge for the pattern. To read the full details of this new service, go to: Make A Pattern For Me.
*~~*
Just before Christmas, we told you about the impending launch of a new website belonging to one of our writers, Patricia. Here's a taster of what the site is 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!" Everything on Patricia's site is fr*e, and she adds two Cross Stitch patterns every month ~ one easy, the second more challenging. Go take a look! *~~*
Next out from the wee book "A Woman's Work is Never Done" by Rowan B. Murphy: "A Guy is a lump, like a donut. So first you gotta get rid of all the stuff his Mom did to him. And then you gotta get rid of all that macho crap they pick up from beer commercials. And then there's my favorite... the male ego!" ~ Roseann Barr.
*~~*
Membership For Fr^e
If you'd like to win, Three months full membership to Patterns Patch for Free, why not take a look, it's really easy to enter.
Don't forget to search for the mystery word in this letter ~ Good Luck!
The latest winner of our draw for Three-months membership to Patterns Patch for Free is:
*~* Lavonne Weathermon *~*
"Well done Lavonne, you're nearly there! All you have to do is email us to Accept and Activate your prize!"
We had a record number entries this time, so quite a number of you are building up credits and enhancing your chances of being a future winner.
Commiserations to those who didn't win this week. But hey, perseverance is a virtue; try again next time ~ it could be YOU!
And for those of you who didn't enter, why not? Don't you want this valuable gift? (Please remember! Only one entry per person, per issue.).
You've got to be in it TO WIN IT!
*~~*
As always, you are encouraged to contact me with any questions or entries for future newsletters. You can do that here.
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This Issue's Tip:
Hands hurting when stitching? Here's how to combat hand problems We've had several posts recently where members have been reporting various forms of discomfort in their hands during or after a stitching session.
So, if this applies to you, why not look into using a pair of stitcher's or craft gloves (or just use a single glove if only one hand is affected).
These gloves are very useful for all stitchers, but especially if you have any of these conditions:
- carpal tunnel syndrome,
- hand fatigue,
- Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI),
- arthritis,
- poor circulation,
- tendonitis,
- or any stress related injuries.
You can find craft gloves at most craft stores and online. Brands such as "Handeze Therapeutic Gloves" are very popular with stitchers.
Because of their construction, these specialist gloves: cover, give support and massage your wrists and palms, but leave your fingers free so you can stitch. Although the gloves on their own aren't a cure, they'll certainly help you minimize the pain you experience while carrying out the repetitive motions of stitching.
When selecting craft gloves, it's obviously important that you choose the correct size. For that reason, if you can't try the gloves on, speak to a customer service representative about determining the correct size.
Fortunately, there's a guide on the Internet that shows you a simple way to measure your hands. By using the guide you can order from an online supplier with confidence, knowing you're ordering the correct size of gloves. Whether buying on or off line, find out about the return policy in case the gloves don't work for you.
If you're like too many stitchers who suffer from hand problems, give craft gloves a try and you'll find out why so many fellow stitchers swear by them. Soon you too can rediscover the joy of pain-free cross stitching.
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Recent ArticlesThese articles are amongst those we've recently added to the cross stitch articles library:
Symbolism in Native American counted cross stitch
An ever popular subject, Native American counted cross stitch designs depict not only the people themselves, but items and animals important to their traditions and spirituality. These indigenous people had - and still have - a huge respect for the animals and plants living alongside them. Specific animals have powers and legends associated with them, through which run the themes of bravery, generosity and . . . keep reading
Cross stitch Forums Make the World a Smaller Place
Learning a new hobby isn't easy. There are confusing directions, unexpected mistakes and no idea of how to fix them, and just frustrations over mastering the techniques of a new craft. Sometimes, it just helps to have someone to talk to, ask those questions, a nd someone to encourage you in your new needlecraft. Cross stitch forums are all over the Internet and you can find one to give you the support and help that you need . . . keep reading
Free Counted Cross Stitch Patterns
It used to be that if you visited your local needlework shop you may have found a few sheets on the counter from the big manufacturers containing some free counted cross stitch patterns. Now with the internet, it is much easier for both the designer and the stitcher to find each other . . . keep reading
This is just a small sample of the more than 200 cross stitch articles enjoyed by our members. If you'd like to read more, you can join here right now.
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New Cross Stitch PatternsWe're giving EVERYONE who reads this letter a FREE Bonus cross stitch pattern.
Follow the download instructions carefully and Contact me if you have any problems.
Some of our more experienced members have asked us to consider providing the occasional design that's a little more "challenging". We've listened and will be listing at least one pattern with embellishments, such as: beads, knots, backstitching, and so on.
Here you can view The latest FREE downloads (for members):
You'll find additional information and can also leave comments and rank (from 1 to 5) each download, if you so wish.
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.
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 a quick email to Contact us.
To view this week's gallery, here's the link again to view the latest FREE downloads.
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Cross Stitch Forum Posts
The Cross Stitch forum has continued to post many interesting threads. Three of the most recent are shown below:
If you haven't taken part yet, why not take a look and maybe join in. Hey! You might even enjoy it.
| What is Everyone Currently Working On? |
Posted by
slckstitcher
Jan 12,2008
8:38 AM |
I've been getting away from this with the Holiday Madness and all...so here's our first one for the New Year:
What is everyone currently working on??
I have a RR piece that's on it's way to me on which I will be stitching an EMS Stitching Devils design... It's of a little baby dressed in a devil costume holding some flosses
I also have one more model guest towel to stitch a quote on for my friend
I have a secret model for the owner of another MB I visit. People have unfortunately been stealing her ideas before she has a chance to get them up and running on her site, so this one is top secret for now
I am also starting A Year Full Of Happy by Sam Sarah Design tomorrow. |
Posted by
XSaddict
Jan 12,2008
11:50 AM |
My current project is a small needlepoint owl for my daughter-in-law that was started on Tuesday; that one should be completed in a couple more days. My next project is a Nativity banner for a dear friend who also happens to be married to one of my brothers and whose collection of Nativity scenes numbers several hundred.
If you'd like to try and win a fr*e membership, reply to Membership for fr*e with the word 'crystal' in your email subject line (only one entry per reader please).
I also have a model to stitch for a designer; it is kitted and ready to go as soon as we resolve a couple of color/shade issues. After that I'll continue the process of making sure that everyone in my family has at least one piece stitched by me.
Members! Read the rest of this, and other, threads here |
| Hand Advice? |
Posted by
Roguegal
Jan 18,2008
11:35 PM |
Do anybody's hands cramp up when they are stitching? What do you do for this cramping? My doctor says I need to drink more water. I know this is true if you have leg cramps, but I never heard of it for hand cramps. |
Posted by
JTinBC
Jan 19,2008
7:55 PM |
I too have had trouble with my "holding" hand cramping - I've solved my problem though!!! I purchase a flexible double clamp (it is a metal flex with large clamps on both sides, about 16 inches long, is very very sturdy, made by Daylight co.), and it is now priceless to me! I use it at work, on the plane, in waiting rooms, in the car, etc.
It clamps to anything, and the other clamp will hole a spring ring hoop, wood scrolls, or Q-snaps. It is about 25.00 (U.S.) and will conveniently fit in your stitching tote bag. The best part about it, is it gives you 2 stitching hands back, one in front, one in back! Hope this helps!
Members! Read the rest of this, and other, threads here
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| Evenweave? |
Posted by
hislamb
Jan 25,2008
3:47 AM |
So what is the significance of evenweave. I just assumed that it meant the weave was consistant throughout...is there more to it? |
Posted by
Roguegal
Jan 26,2008
5:40 AM |
It has has the same number of threads from left to right as from top to bottom. Linen is one type of evenweave fabric.
Aida fabric is also good because groups of threads that form squares that make stitch placement and counting much easier. Aida fabric is an openweave or blockweave fabric which has the same number of thread groupings horizontally and vertically.
Members! Read the rest of this, and other, threads here
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... And Finally When the membership of Patterns Patch 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 to encourage your stitching friends to join Patterns Patch.
Forward this email newsletter to them so that they can subscribe to (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 Contact us.
... and finally, if you have children, give them a hug and a kiss, and tell them you love them.
Sincerely,
PS If you're not already a member, why not? You're missing out on so much! Why not join now
Joining is easy!
Your next "Cross Stitch Tips & News" letter will appear on SATURDAY February 16th 2008.
Until next time, Missed an issue of our "Cross Stitch Tips & News" letter? Find them all here:
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