Any New Designs?

Yes, two new pieces are now available... PLEASE CLICK ON THE IMAGES FOR MORE INFORMATION

'BABY'S BEST FRIEND' is a sketchy, quick-to-stitch little Teddy. This fuzzy little bear is sewn in muted tones (over 2, on 32-count Jobelan) and has a border of 'stencilled' lettering.

"A Robin's Christmas"... this embroidered envelope/Christmas ornament is a new piece in the "Mail Art" collection. Two models of this little Robin will be raffled off this Christmas as part of two separate needlework charity events. One at Kelsey's Needle Krafts tree in Placerville, California and the other at my LNS, Thread & Eye in London, Ontario. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT "STITCHES OF HOPE", PLEASE READ LOWER ON THIS PAGE

A New Finishing Idea

PLEASE CLICK ON THE THUMBNAIL FOR A CLOSER VIEW

It seems that, as decorative stitchers, we're always looking for new and interesting ways to finish our pieces and Sandra at Loving Stitch in Surrey, BC sent me a photo of her beautiful and unique rendering of "Lake Louise".

Budding Stitchers?

Does your holiday gift list include any young, aspiring stitchers? If so, Carol Storie and the Embroiderer's Association of Canada have a wonderful stocking-stuffer.

The Association's 'Youth Embroiderers' membership offers young people between the ages of 9 and 17 some terrific treats. New members receive a kit from Coats & Clark Canada containing embroidery threads and a stitch book; a needlework notebook; a subscription, and 1 back issue, of Youth Embroiderers News (a newletter that's full of puzzles, contests, needlework information, patterns and projects that arrives 4 times a year with a 'goody'). Members may also participate in correspondence needlework courses for a nominal $5CAN fee that includes materials, pattern and a Certificate of Completion and are eligible for the Eleanor Thomas Youth Bursary.

Memberships cost $15/year ($20 for International members). The Youth Embroiderers web-site is devoted to club members and can provide you with all the details.

Shop News

Some have moved and some have recently chosen to offer my designs to their stitchers.

NEW CANADIAN SHOPS

THE CRAFT NOOK ... Alvinston, ON.

CANADIAN SHOP MOVES...

STITCHES AND STUFF (formerly of Toronto)... Vivienne's shop has relocated to Churchover, NOVA SCOTIA.

TRIMMINGS DRESSMAKER LTD. (formerly of Fredericton, NB)... now offers services online and at their Montreal, QUEBEC address.

NEW U.S. SHOPS...

STITCH TODAY KNOT TOMORROW ... Prince Frederick, MD.

PATRICIA'S CROSS STITCH SUPPLIES ... Talladega, AL.

WITH HEART AND SOUL ... Cumberland, RI.

NEEDLE DELIGHTS ... Pensacola, FL.

CROSS-STITCHER CORNER ... Baton Rouge, LA.

ROZ'S CROSS STITCH HAVEN ... Lakeland, FL.

OUTSIDE NORTH AMERICA

WYE NEEDLECRAFT OF BAKEWELL ... Bakewell, Derbyshire, ENGLAND.

HAPPY HOBBITS ... Eastwood, Nottinghamshire, ENGLAND.

AIGUILLE CREATIVE ... Saint Jorioz, FRANCE.

UNIVERS BRODERIE ... FRANCE.

OM HEMFLIT ... Karta, GERMANY.

Beautiful Art Glass

Just about any and all forms of art glass are a joy to behold! A few years ago, when Guy and I were visiting Quebec City, we stumbled upon a fantastic glass-blowing studio in the Old City. The studio sprawled up and down several floors of a beautiful old building but the sight that I remember most was of the blazing forge, viewed through a dramatic cascade of water.

LAMPWORK demands far less imposing equipment but the results are spectacular... British Lampwork.

On a Personal Note

I'm still having lots of fun splashing about with paints... and have uploaded some of my latest watercolours.

I always find it fascinating to read about other people's lives, but have been reluctant to introduce an "About Me"-type page... until now.

STITCHES OF HOPE

We've all been very happy with the generous response which Thread & Eye's first annual charity stitching event has received. Some incredibly beautiful pieces have been donated by a caring and very widespread stitching community, including several designers. This is a very worthy cause with all proceeds going to the London Abused Women's Centre. Please contact Kathy and Neale at threadneye@3web.net if you'd like to donate an ornament. Tickets are $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00 and the raffle winner will receive the entire collection of ornaments and a gift certificate for a live Christmas tree. They can be purchased at Thread & Eye, 699 Wilkins Street, London, Ontario and at the London Abused Women's Centre, 217 York Street (sorry, Ontario residents only). The winning ticket will be drawn at Thread & Eye at 12:00 Noon on December 3, 2005.