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May 10, 2007

Table of Contents

• Sewing Circle -- New Floss Colors
• To the Point -- Make a Project Notebook
• Words of Wisdom
• Find of the Month -- Pansy Pattern

Sewing Circle
Our hot news for this month comes from DMC. They have released more Light Effects floss colors in packaged sets, including the Tropical Glow, Classical Blends, and Blended Favorites collections. As of June 1st, they will also release Pearl Cotton Variations, based on the popular floss Color Variations introduced last summer. These variegated fibers allow you to achieve some wonderful shading and multicolor effects. I'm looking forward to trying the Pearl Cotton Variations with huck weaving and punch needle!

Reminder: Subscribe to the Embroidery Blog for the most up to date news and website additions. www.embroidery-methods.com/sign-up

To the Point
There was a question on Yahoo Answers about how to keep a project journal. I shared with them what I'm about to share with you, and received the award for best answer! ...

I keep a "Completed Project Notebook." I photograph all of my finished projects with my digital camera, insert it into a Word document, and type my notes around it. The printed page goes into a page protector in a 3 ring binder after I glue fiber samples onto it. The samples make up for any color distortion in the photo. I note the floss number and color fabric, as well as the brands. I note changes I made to the pattern, things I want to try doing differently, and the dates it was started and completed. I also note who I gave it to if it was a gift for someone.

It's great to have a book like this, especially if you've given things away as gifts, because you can just pull one book out to show your friends what you've made. It's much easier than pulling things off walls and digging them out of the closet!

Visit this page on my website to get started with your own book: www.embroidery-methods.com/notebook

Words of Wisdom
A stitch in time saves nine.

Find of the Month
The special free pattern I found to share with you this month is a pansy from DMC. www.embroidery-methods.com/pansy I chose it because it reminds be of the beautiful pansies blooming out back right now, and because it gives an idea of how to use the Color Variations flosses. You can use the basic outline with any color flosses, solid or variegated. The pattern is designed for cross stitch, but you could easily adapt it to needlepoint, crewel, blackwork, or use the basic flower outline for punch needle. Just remember that the top 2 petals out of the 5 are typically a different color than the bottom 3. Enjoy!

You're Invited: Please share your stitching stories, ideas, words of wisdom, find of the month, or questions. Just reply to this newsletter and tell me what you think! I'd love to hear from you. The most interesting feedback will be shared in next month's issue!