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Cross Stitch Tips & News ~ April 12th 2008

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Cross Stitch Tips & News

Saturday, April 12th 2008

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Would you prefer to read this letter online?

Subject: Do you ever actually READ a fr*e report?

Hi [firstname]

Our subject line poses an interesting question, with a purpose! I'll tell you a true story followed by the reason behind the question ... a little later.

Once more, welcome to all our readers, we hope the past two weeks have again been kind to you and you enjoy reading this issue of your Cross Stitch Tips & News letter.

*~~*

April 26th/27th is SAL weekend...

Our second Cross Stitch SAL (Stitch-ALong) will take place on April 26th & 27th, and will once again be hosted by Sandye.

... and if you are interested in taking part in our Stitch-ALong (SAL), or just want to know what it's all about, send me an email with "Upcoming SAL" in the Subject line and you'll receive full details, plus answers to any questions you might have.

The chat room will be available to any stitchers who want to use it to keep in touch with each other during the SAL.

*~~*

Future Cross Stitch Patterns ~ YOU Choose!

We've kept this entry over from the last issue because we discovered too late that the comments and ratings feature for each picture was broken, which meant members were unable to vote on their favorites. The feature is now mended, so go ahead and check out the pictures...

Leni has a constantly growing folder with more than 300 illustrations from which she chooses the majority of her future cross stitch patterns. We've randomly selected 20 of these illustrations for you to choose from and have added them to this photo gallery. If you take a look at them and let us know which ones you prefer, we'll create the patterns for you and add them to the Cross Stitch Library in the near future.

You'll be helping shape the type of patterns your fellow stitchers will be downloading in the future ... and we'll continue to add more illustrations to the photo gallery every two weeks, thereby giving you an ever larger selection from which to choose.

If you're not a member of Patterns Patch, but would still like to comment on the pictures, please email me.

*~~*

I've TWO gifts for you but you have to earn them...

Do you remember your first bicycle?

I do. And I took great care of that bike because I EARNED it.

I was brought up on a small hill farm and there wasn't much money. So my parents wouldn't just BUY me a bike - No way.

I had to WORK for it, by cleaning out farm sheds, feeding calves, sheep and chickens, clearing out hedgerows, cleaning machinery, collecting eggs (and the Sunday newspapers) ... you name it, I probably did it.

My spoiled cousin, on the other hand, got a brand new super-expensive bicycle simply by ASKING for it...

... and I learnt at that tender, young age that life can be a bi... bit unfair!

He didn't have to work for it or earn it... instead he just pleaded and sulked... until my Aunt gave in and bought it for him!

And there was I, slaving away, and still with not enough money to buy my bike.

But I worked and worked and eventually the day came when my Dad drove me to the bike shop. I poured my jars of coins and small bills onto the counter, and triumphantly rode my bike the full five miles home.

I was so proud! I loved that bike and unless I was sick or it was raining, I rode my bike EVERY DAY.

My cousin, on the other hand, rode his exactly TWICE.

The first time was to show it off to his friends.

The second time, he abandoned it behind a manure heap, of all places (he lived on a big farm.)

By the time he finally went back for it, the bike was covered with rust and didn't smell too good either.

My bike, however, lasted me for FIVE years.

In fact, I literally WORE IT OUT, I used it so much.

Do you know why?

Because it wasn't GIVEN to me ~ I EARNED it.

Do you see the difference?

When you work for something and earn it, its value becomes
that much greater than when someone just GIVES it to you.

That's why most people who win the lottery are broke within a year or two...

Because they didn't EARN the money...
...they don't VALUE the money...
...and so they just WASTE the money.

So, back to my question at the top of this letter, how many of these fr*e reports you collect do you actually READ from cover to cover??

And what's more, how often do you even BOTHER to download your free report and open it??

I'm ashamed to confess that my answers to those two questions are "not enough" and "too often"... (and I reckon that this could well apply to you too;-)

So where's all this heading you might ask?

Just bear with me for a fraction longer {!firstname_fix}:

Going back to the time when I got that first bike, I was also interested in jigsaw puzzles and like many other kids spent many happy evenings with my family solving our collection of well-worn puzzles.

Like millions of people world-wide we've retained that interest in puzzles over the years... and it set me wondering why it is that people of all ages and backgrounds like puzzles - especially good ones! Could it be because they are:

...fun ?
...challenging ?
...bring back fond childhood memories ?
...create suspense?

... all of these and more!!

Now! Surprise, suprise ... it just so happens that WE have an online jigsaw puzzle for YOU!

And this one is excellent.

It's double-sided, which on the one hand makes it a bit more challenging, but on the other gives you two chances to solve it...

... and don't worry. It is not too difficult to solve, just hard enough to make you feel that you have earned whatever it is we have waiting for you to find!

OK! When you've successfully put all the bits together correctly, you'll be taken to a page where you can download a rather neat gift - a controversial report, which might start you thinking in a slightly different way.

So! Why not go and see what it's all about:

Cats Galore

... and for every reader who can tell me the title of the report, I have a second mystery surprise for you.

Have fun!

*~~*

A Woman's Work is Never Done...

Next out from the wee book "A Woman's Work is Never Done" by Rowan B. Murphy:

If you'd like to try and win a fr*e membership, reply to Membership for fr*e with the word 'cricket' in your email subject line (only one entry per reader please).

"A mother who is going out rushes around getting everything ready for when the family comes home."
"When she gets back... she'll have to switch on the microwave before she gets her coat off" ~ Charlotte Gray.

*~~*

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:

*~* Jean Beachum *~*

"Well done Jean, 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 entered and 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!

Associate Membership

To overcome the problem of "spammers" accessing or new chat room, 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 a 20+% 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 enjoy access to the chat rooms and community forums, please join here. The subscription form is easy to use and only asks for: your name, email address, login name and passw*rd (you choose these last two yourself).

*~~*

Services

We have an ever growng list of services our members and subscribers can use and enjoy (mostly for fr*e), including:

Make A Pattern For Me:

Yes, we'll create a cross-stitch pattern for you, for fr^e. But there are a couple of conditions that you need to know about ~ go read the details.

Ask-the Expert:

Is there ANY aspect of cross stitch that's puzzling you? That you'd like a simple explanation or an opinion on? We are always interested in hearing your questions or comments.

Our policy is there are no silly questions. So don't be shy. Come forward and feel free to ask anything you like. Our friendly experts Beryl and Lizzie don't bite and will do their best to provide you with a full, easily understood answer.

Inspirations:

OK! Not exactly a service, but if you need a good dose of motivation or simply picking up, this is the place to go for a diverse range of vidoes and presentations that will both inspire and amuse you.

Go here to see the latest addition: This Is The Truth.

We regularly add to this department so make sure you pay a visit each time you read your Cross-Stitch Tips & News letter.

Cross-Stitch Tip:

Discover the Joy of Stitching on Jobelan Fabric

We had planned on starting a new series on recovering from disasters in this issue, but decided at the last minute to slip this article on Jobelan fabric instead. Our new series WILL start in the next issue.

What is Jobelan?

Jobelan fabrics are high-quality, easy-care evenweave textile materials that are

great to use on cross stitch projects where you want an old-fashioned or elegant appearance. Because of its evenweave construction, Jobelan has an even number of threads running both vertically and horizontally. One advantage to evenweave fabrics is that they are softer than Aida. In fact, Jobelan is smoother and softer than Aida and most linens, and is a pleasure to work with.

The Jobelan textile is made up of a mix of approximately 50% cotton and 50% of a man-made material, such as Rayon or Modal (a wood-pulp derative). It comes in a range of as many as 60 different colors and usually can be found in thread counts of 16, 19/20, 25, 28, and 32 (an example of a hand-dyed 32 count is shown above). Since the thread count refers to the number of threads per inch, a larger thread count means your fabric will be finer in texture. The 25 and 28 counts are very popular and are great to use with most cross stitch projects.

Where Should I use Jobelan?

16-count (16 threads per inch/2.5cm) Jobelan is ideal for stitching chunky cross-stitch

cushions, whereas the 19/20 count is great for Hardanger cross-stitch (shown on the left). 28-count is the most popular Jobelan fabric and it makes a terrific substitute for 14-count Aida. You can also source Jobelan fabrics which are a linen/cotton mix and up to 63in (160cm) wide, which, when combined with their excellent washing qualities, makes them ideal for tablecloths.

When stitching on Jobelan, you will want to stitch over two strands in most cases. Unlike Aida, Jobelan has no visible holes, so you need to count the threads. Because you stitch over two strands, in essence the thread count of the material is halved. By this I mean if you are stitching a design on 28-count Jobelan , the end result will be the same size as if you had stitched on 14-count Aida; which we touched on earlier.

You will find that Jobelan, like all evenweaves, makes it easy to stitch fractional cross stitches. Unlike Aida, where you make a fractional stitch by punching through a square, on Jobelan you simply stitch over one thread instead of two. You will find it simple to create fractional stitches (1/4, 1/2, and ¾) on Jobelan fabric.

Practical Tips

When you start stitching your project on Jobelan fabric, you should consider making your first stitch to the left of a vertical thread. This thread can serve as your marker, which will make it easy for you to count threads. Moreover, by having a marker, you will be able to see quickly if you ever make a mistake in counting.

Because the threads are close together in Jobelan fabric, some stitchers find it easier to work in very bright light or to use a magnifying lamp. Once you are used to stitching on this type of fabric, you may find you no longer need a magnifier or an extremely bright light and instead can see the threads clearly.

When it comes to the design, you may want to choose something that lends itself to the elegant nature of Jobelan fabric. Many stitchers find that complex, ornate designs look wonderful on this fabric. In addition, samplers have an authentic, old-world appearance when stitched on Jobelan.

Anything Else?

One other factor you should consider with Jobelan fabric is the size of the needle you plan to use. Since this fabric has a high thread count, you may want to use a smaller needle, such as a #26. The selection of a needle size is one of personal preference, but many stitchers find that with fine thread fabrics, a smaller needle makes it easier to stitch.

Generally, Jobelan fabric washes and irons well. As with all projects, though, you will want to make certain the thread is colorfast before washing a completed project. Many threads, such as silk, can bleed, so determine before washing if your thread is colorfast.

Finally, no matter what color of Jobelan you pick or what design you choose to stitch, you will find that this elegant, versatile fabric can help you create a cross stitch masterpiece you will treasure for years to come.

Now go stitch the perfect cross-stitch piece.

Starting in the next issue we'll run a series of tips on recovering from the most likely disasters that strike almost all stitchers from time to time. Look for the first tip in the next issue of Cross Stitch Tips & News on April 26th 2008.

Recent Articles

These articles are amongst those we've recently added to the cross stitch articles library:

Wedding Cross Stitch
Don't forget wedding cross stitch in your plans for that special day. Along with choosing the dress, deciding on flowers for the bouquet and writing the guest list, put some time aside for stitching invitations, place setting cards, wedding favours, a ring pillow or even a sampler . . . keep reading

How To Frame Your Favorite Cross Stitch Picture
Every cross stitcher who has purchased a book, chart, or kit probably has instructions for at least two or three framing methods. After trying your hand at framing a couple of completed projects, you probably prefer one method over any others. There is no shortage of framing instructions available so, for this article, we will concentrate on a framing method that yields good results and lasts for years. But first, let's consider the aesthetics of framing . . . keep reading

Hungarian Cross Stitch: A Timeless Tradition of Beauty
Increasingly of late there's been a growing interest in traditional Hungarian cross-stitch patterns, fostered in the main by the country's rich history of embroidery and cross-stitch. Adding to this rich tradition of Hungarian cross-stitch and embroidery is the tendency for the styles to vary considerably across the regions . . . 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.

New Cross Stitch Patterns

Following a number of requests and suggestions from readers over the past few months, we've decided to add one each of the more popular knitting and crochet patterns from our PatternsPatch eBay store. You'll find the first knitting and crochet patterns listed below.

We'd like to run with this for the next three issues of Cross Stitch Tips & News to give you time to let us know whether you like these alternative patterns, and partly because of Leni's wrists (mentioned above). We'll then decide how to continue with these bi-weekly patterns based upon YOUR feedback.

By that time we should also be introducing the first patterns chosen by our readers.

*~~*

We're giving EVERYONE who reads this letter a FREE Bonus cross stitch pattern.

Follow the download instructions carefully and Contact us 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 usually list at least one pattern with embellishments, such as: beads, knots, backstitching, and so on.

Here you can view The latest FREE downloads (for Standard members):

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

BONUS Pattern for ALL Readers
Patterns For Standard Members Only
#~ Blue Hibiscus Fairy ~#
#~ A Crocheted Wedding Gown ~# An easy crochet pattern for a stunning Wedding Gown. Every bride-to-be is looking, with stars in her eyes, for the wedding gown of her dreams.
#~ Aries: The Ram ~# We've a full series of Zodiak pictures that make brilliant cross stitched gifts when completed ~ here's the second in the series.
#~ Rug Knitted From Scraps of Fabric ~# This easy knitting pattern is worked in six panels. The border is made of two long and two short panels and is knitted in Garter stitch. The centre comprises two panels (one would be too wide to fit on the needles) and is knitted in Moss Stitch.
#~ Stepping Stone Cottage ~# Another masterpiece by Thomas Kinkade.
#~ Penny For Your Thoughts ~# Here is the download page for Your BONUS pattern.

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 Standard 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.

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.

Needles
Posted by Roguegal Mar 30,2008 2:53 AM	This question is mainly for all of you "expert" cross-stitchers. What size needle do you use? Is there any specific type of needle that you recommend? I asked these questions because I met a lady at the grocery store the other day who recommended using a curved needle. I've seen them, but I've never heard of anybody using them for cross-stitching.
Posted by Foxy Mar 30,2008 6:10 AM	I use the #24 for 14count fabric and #26 for the 16count.I find it easier to sometimes use the #26 needles for 14 count fabric.They seem to be easier to use when doing the quarter stitches and backstitching.A #28 needle seems to work best for me when I have to do couching as it is finer... Members! Read the rest of this and other threads here
Fabric Color?
Posted by hislamb Mar 28,2008 2:31 AM	What is your favorite color to use in cross stitching? I tend to use more ivory or cream...Of course there are times that the piece dictates the color!
Posted by slckstitcher Apr 05,2008 2:11 AM	I like the pastel hand-dyed pieces myself. I'm stitching my Year Full of Happy on "evergreen" from Enchanted Fabrics and I love it. I've also been anxious to start a project on a piece of aida that's dyed to look like a pale blue sky with white clouds in it! I think those colors are so pretty! Members! Read the rest of this and other threads here

... And Finally

As always, you are encouraged to contact me with any questions or entries for future newsletters. You can do that here.

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 April 26th 2008.

Until next time,

Missed an issue of our "Cross Stitch Tips & News" letter? Find them all here: