Sew Many Threads to Follow, One Monthly Newsletter

Thank you for subscribing! Did you notice I give my website a face lift this month with the new side borders?

** If you like this e-zine, please do a friend and me a big favor and "pay it forward."

** If a friend DID forward this to you and if you like what you read, please subscribe by visiting the embroidery-methods.com website


June 10, 2009

Table of Contents

• Sewing Circle -- Cross Stitch Quilt Blocks
• To the Point -- Summer Crafts for Kids
• Words of Wisdom
• Find of the Month -- Stars and Stripes Patriotic Patchwork Pattern

Sewing Circle
I've been thinking about how I can "pay it forward" and use my website and newsletter to reach out and help others in need. I found an organization called Love Quilts. They put together cross stitch quilt blocks to make themed quilts for sick children. Handstitched items are a real comfort to these kids and their families because each stitch shows that someone cares. You can contribute for a pictured child by the given deadline, or you can sew a square on any theme for any child with no deadline. See the website for instructions about materials and block size. The main website is based in the United States, but there are other branches of the cross stitch charity in Germany, Brazil, Australia, and the UK. See the buttons on the left side of the page. Everyone can participate!

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
Now that school is out or nearly over for summer vacation, kids will start looking for something to do. Why don't you encourage them to do something educational and productive? Embroidery! Playing video games and watching TV are fun, but they don't have anything to show for it when it's over. Children improve their math and geometry skills by doing crafts like embroidery, cross stitch, or needlepoint. They also learn patience, endurance, and the satisfaction of working to produce something over time. Studies show that immediate gratification stifles brain development. They need to learn how to plan a project and follow-through.

Needlework crafts for kids who are trying it out for the first time should be very easy. For children under age 10 who have no experience, choose a project with plastic canvas or burlap cloth, yarn, and a large, blunt needle. You may want a needle threader to make that step easier. Show the child some stitches, and let him or her practice. See what designs you can come up with. Magnets or small pillows make nice projects. It's more satisfying for beginners (of any age, but especially children!) to complete a lot of small items than to work on one big project.

And after they develop enough fine motor skill to handle aida cloth, they can make some cross stitch quilt blocks to donate to sick kids through Love Quilts!

Words of Wisdom
Tell a child that there are over 400 trillion stars, and he'll believe you. Tell him a bench has wet paint, and he has to touch it.

Find of the Month
If we are planning ahead, now is the time to work on projects for the 4th of July. Here's the free pattern for a patriotic star needlepoint that looks like a patchwork quilt design. The stars and stripes style is so pleasing, I think it would look nice in other color combinations, too, if you want to make it to reflect another country, a family coat of arms, or whatever will match your living room.

For those of you who also do machine embroidery, here's a bonus US flag download from Singer available in PSW or XXX file formats.

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!