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September 2008
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Cross Stitch Tips & News ~ March 1st 2008
Patterns Patch Cross Stitch Club:
Cross Stitch Tips & News
Saturday, March 1st 2008 |
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Subject: We've joined FaceBook and its many Friends...
Hi Again, welcome to all our readers, we hope the past two weeks have been kind to you and you enjoy reading this issue of your Cross Stitch Tips & News letter.
*~~*
Yes! Patterns Patch has joined FaceBook (FB) and we now have a sister Cross-Stitch group called "Cross Stitch with Patterns Patch". This group dovetails neatly with our own cross stitch forums, and all readers of this letter are invited to join!. (and it's our favorite price too ~ fr*e). Members share photographs, videos, notes, chat rooms, and messages while building up a large circle of friends.
If you know little about FaceBook, you're in for a pleasant surprise. FaceBook is massive, having some 60 million members worldwide and is currently growing at a mind-blowing rate of one million new members every single week!
You'll find FB is really good fun and there's lots to do, and lots of help in doing it as well. And don't imagine it's all kids either. All age groups are well represented with the biggest single age group being 40-49 year olds. Why not check our group out at:
http://www.patternspatch.com/snip/190.htm
When you get to the page, on the right below the logo you'll find the link "Join this Group". The group is new and therefore the number of members is small at present, but growing daily. Members of the group will get significant discounts from the Patterns Patch store.
We'll include regular updates in future editions of this news letter.
*~~*
Who Else Wants To Take Part in Our First Stitch-ALong (SAL)?
As mentioned in the previous edition of Cross Stitch Tips & News, we're holding a SAL next weekend (March 7 - 9), and several subscribers have asked to be included ~ there's room for up to 40 and there's still places left.
For anybody who wants to know more about this event, here's the description given by our SAL organizer Sandye, "The first weekend of every month is our UFO SAL. You choose an UnFinished Object you have that you want to try to get done.
You post which project you'll be working on and post a picture of what it looked like before the weekend. You stitch as much as you can on that particular project for the entire weekend (Friday morning to Sunday night). At the end of the weekend, we all post how much we've gotten done, post an updated pic so we can all see our own progress..."
"Anytime you get frustrated with the project, or just need a little kick in the rearend to get started on it again, the rest of the people in the same SAL with you are there to keep you on track!"
"It's been great! These SAL weekends really helped me stay motivated with my Kitties (a particularly large and difficult project) and now they're done!"
"These SALs are really great for motivating you and keeping you going on those tougher projects, or even the ones where you have deadlines to meet that just loom over you!"
"If anyone would like to join our online SAL here at the board I'd be more than happy to get one started! We could have sign-ups for those who want to join for the next couple of weeks and then the first one would be in March!"
So there you have it! Come on, get searching for those UFOs that haven't seen the light of day for ages and make some real progress with Sandye next weekend.
If you would like to take part, let me know here. We'll make you welcome and send you the details of how to sign up and where to post your pictures.".
*~~*
We now have Chat Rooms...
We've spent some considerable time searching for the right chat-room software and have come up with a program that seems to be perfect in every way but one. We can only host it from inside Patterns Patch, which leaves us with a problem!
The purpose of chat rooms is to allow all subscribers to exchange views, or just chatter and gossip whenever they wish to. However, as things stand only members of Patterns Patch can access the chat rooms, which excludes all subscribers who aren't signed-up members.
Leni, Julia and I have discussed this and come up with what we believe to be a reasonable compromise. We've created an Associate Membership, which is fr*e, but limits access to just the chat rooms and our community forums (the Cross Stitch forum and General forum). Associate members will also qualify for 28% discount on some of the patterns in our Cross Stitch Store.
(Note that only patterns that have been in our Cross Stitch Library for three months or more, will be offered for general sale in our store).
If you want to join Patterns Patch as an Associate member and have access to the chat rooms and community forums, email me here and we'll create a membership for you and send you login details to you asap. Should you have problems with any of this, please let me know here.
*~~*
I Bet I Can Guess Your Number: The Winners!
We don't have one winner of the first prize ~ we have TWO!
Several entrants got part of the solution correct, but two ladies came up with the right answer, and since we couldn't separate them it seemed only right and fair to award first prize to both ladies.
Our two first-prize winners are:
*~ Agnes Benceagi ~* & *~ Marie Claude Gagnon ~*
Well done Agnes and Marie.
Our two other prizewinners are Betty Stabler and Miriam Rautenbach.
Well done also to Betty and Miriam. We'll let you know in the next issue, which report each of the ladies chose. And now I think you'll want to know the solution to the little problem we set you.
If you recall (and you can test it further down this page), the problem was, you first selected any one of 25 numbers and I had to guess which number you chose.
Over to Agnes now and I'll let her give you the solution:
"When I first choose a number, and then click on the color at the foot of the page, there are now only five numbers left for you (or the program) to guess from. (This is because the 25 numbers are divided into five colored groups, with five numbers in each).
Then when I have to choose which house has the number, there are none of the numbers of the same color in that house - so these two clicks make it obvious. (Indeed they do).
I think that the other two parts: choosing a colour from the squares in the second screen, and choosing a chrystal ball - are just diversions, for creating the "magical" feeling. (Very true).
In the last part, I believe the program goes like this: the given number must be behind any of the door I click on first." (This part gave most people trouble, however Agnes and Marie both got this right in that the software driving the program always puts the given number behind whichever door you choose first).
"Am I right?" - Indeed you are!
And if you'd like to check it out, here's the link again:
Bet I Can Guess Your Number
Here's the three cross stitch reports again from which the winners will choose:
| Your Three Cross Stitch Reports |
#~ Finishing the Project ~#
One of the major topics frequently asked in the forums and message boards centers around framing and presenting a cross-stitch project when the stitching is complete.
This new report walks you through the stages of preparing your project for framing, as well as giving you lots of ideas and advice for mats and frames.
Topics covered include: stitched edgings and trims, washing and pressing your project, stretching & blocking, and mats & frames.
If you're one of the many stitchers who are unsure how best to complete a project this "how-to" report will answer all your questions.
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#~ Blackwork for Beginners ~#
This superb introduction to Blackwork has been lovingly written by an ex-national cross stitch magazine editor who clearly has a passion for her craft.
Carol begins by clearly explaining what blackwork is and how it fits into the cross stitch family. Other topics described include: threads, fabrics, needles, additional helpful tools, plus a blackwork pattern to get you started.
For those stitchers who'd like to expand their skills and knowledge, give blackwork a try ~ there's an excellent chance you'll love it! |
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#~ So You Want to Make Money From Cross Stitch ~#
Most cross stitch lovers will from time-to-time dream of making a living from their beloved hobby. But when reality kicks in, is such a dream practical?
This report written in late 2007, gives you the facts: from the list of considerations to bear in mind, to pricing your products and then selling & marketing them, plus essentials to setting up your own business, while not forgetting legal issues.
This brilliantly written, in-depth report is a must-read for anyone considering living their dream.
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*~~*
Next out from the wee book "A Woman's Work is Never Done" by Rowan B. Murphy: "Mothers never get their big night out.. Someone always comes out in spots ten minutes before they leave." ~ Pam Brown.
*~~*
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:
*~* Linda Wronski *~*
"Well done Linda, you're nearly there! All you have to do is email us to Accept and Activate your prize!"
The number of entries goes up each issue, so an increasing 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:
How To Choose the Right Fabric For Your Next Project ~ Part 1 (of 3)
Once you've chosen the cross-stitch pattern you'd like to stitch, the second and equally important step is deciding what type of cross-stitch fabric would suit that particular pattern. There are three main types of fabric used for cross-stitch; these being: aida cloth, evenweave, and linen. This article will show you exactly how these fabrics differ.
 Aida cloth is what most stitchers start out on when first learning this craft. It's the cloth that comes in most cross-stitch kits as well. It is a stiffer, heavier fabric than evenweave or linen. In my opinion it's the easiest fabric to learn on. It works extremely well in a hoop or frame. And aida cloth has a definite grid-like structure to it making it very easy to stitch on (this is 14-count Aida cloth).
 Evenweave fabric is softer and thinner than aida (the sample shown here is 25-count Jobelan evenweave fabric). It is called evenweave because it has the same number of threads woven from left to right, as it does from top to bottom. Generally on evenweave, you would stitch 1 over 2. This means you use one strand of floss only, and you skip over an empty hole when forming your crosses. In other words, you would bring your needle to the front of the fabric at the bottom left corner, then you would count the holes and place the needle back into the fabric when you've reached the second hole in the upper right corner. Essentially if done correctly, the center of your X will be over one empty hole.
 Linen is a particular type of evenweave fabric. It is probably the most challenging to stitch on because the placement of stitches isn't clearly defined as on other types of evenweave or aida. (the example alongside is 32-count Linen). You would generally use the 1 over 2 stitch method on this type of fabric as well. If you're not quite comfortable with the 1 over 2 method, you can use the 1 over 1 method more commonly used. This is simply going from one corner to the very next one without skipping over any holes. The stitches are very small, sometimes being referred to as "petite cross-stitch".
When looking at projects completed on the different types of fabric, a lot of times those stitched on evenweave or linen will look more like a photograph. While on aida, the crosses are more noticeable. On any type of fabric, your finished piece will be beautiful. It will be something to cherish for years to come. In part 2 of this series of articles, I'll discuss choosing the proper fabric measurement as well as choosing a fabric color for your finished cross-stitched piece.
Part 2 of this series will appear in the next issue of Cross Stitch Tips & News on March 16th 2008). |
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Recent ArticlesThese articles are amongst those we've recently added to the cross stitch articles library:
Why Is Counted Cross Stitch So Addictive?
Do you ever feel the urge to be creative? To make something special with your own two hands? Something you can proudly display? To be admired by all visitors into your home? If you do, then counted cross stitch is a great way to satisfy that urge! I guarantee that for the majority of you, if you try this craft, the creativity bug will bite; and you'll become a total cross-stitch addict - just like me! . . . keep reading
How to Avoid Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is thought to be caused by work tasks that are performed repeatedly, thereby causing muscular strain and eventually injury. RSI can be defined as inflammation of the tendons round a joint resulting from regular, repeated movements of that joint. And yes, you've guessed, poor posture, stress and overwork also contribute to the symptoms . . . keep reading
If you'd like to try and win a fr*e membership, reply to Membership for fr*e with the word 'myface' in your email subject line (only one entry per reader please).
Religious Cross Stitch Patterns May Help Your Faith
Among the subjects included in the work of almost every designer is that of religious cross stitch. One source attributes this to early examples of embroidery such as vestments worn by the clergy and royalty during religious ceremonies. Most artists consider their work to representation of life and religion has been an important influence in many cultures for centuries. Even people who claim not to be religious may still believe in the existence of the soul or spirit . . . 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. Samples 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.
| OK! I Have To Ask, What's Frogging? |
Posted by
JTinBC
Feb 19,2008
11:20 PM |
Ok.....I've seen it several times, and need to ask..... what is "frogging", or "frog-free"???? I know it stands for something regarding messing up.... which I do often, so what does it stand for??? (This post is part of the "Taking a trip" thread). |
Posted by
slckstitcher
Feb 20,2008
4:07 AM |
Frogging is what it's called when you mess up, you're right about that.
It's called "frogging" because you have "ribbit" out all the stitches that are wrong in order to correct the mistake!!
We stitchers have to blame it on something/someone, so the poor little frog takes the fall for us!!
Members! Read the rest of this, and other, threads here |
| If You Could Take only Two Projects With You, Which ones... |
Posted by
slckstitcher
Feb 15,2008
3:12 AM |
You're on a deserted island....you have enough food for the rest of your life.....your loved ones are with you.... you have whatever drinks you wanted....there's no hope of getting off of this island....you have all the modern conveniences.....no stores, no malls, no shopping centers....the only thing you can access online is this message board (which only connects you to the other board members who are isolated on their own islands same as you)....what 2 cross stitch projects would you want to have with you??
I would want to bring:
Going For a Ride (received in a contest from our own beloved John)
Dracs Leaf (from HAED) |
Posted by
XSaddict
Feb 20,2008
7:02 AM |
Oh dear! Only 2 projects? One of them would have to be a rather large sampler that I'm about to begin stitching for a designer. I'll just have to think of a way to get it off the island in order for her to post it on her website. LOL
The other project would need to be the largest one I can find ~ or perhaps I'll cheat a bit and start carrying a large tote around with as much of my stash as will fit just in case.
Do you get the idea that I'm VERY thankful to live in an area that has three really great needlework shops?
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.
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 as we strive for cross stitch perfection.
... 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 March 15th 2008.
Until next time, Missed an issue of our "Cross Stitch Tips & News" letter? Find them all here:
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