Sew Many Threads to Follow, One Monthly Newsletter

Thank you for subscribing and for all the positive feedback. I truly appreciate it!

** 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


April 10, 2008

Table of Contents

• Sewing Circle -- Embroidering Toys: Zoobies
• To the Point -- Sell Your Embroidery to Earn Money
• Words of Wisdom
• Find of the Month -- April Showers Pattern for Recycling Scraps

Sewing Circle
You've embroidered on shirts, jackets, jeans, and maybe even hats. Now get ready to embroider on Zoobies! The Zoobie pets are a combination of a stuffed animal, blanket, and pillow all rolled into one. I haven't seen any in person yet, but I hear they are easy to hoop and decorate with machine embroidery. Zoobies, first launched at the 2007 Toy Fair, are now being mass produced and some are available at FAO Schwartz, but the owners JC and Reid Smooth do not want to sell them through most large chain stores and prefer to work with locally owned businesses; however, they have been targeting places selling toys rather than needle shops.

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
With the rough economy, people are looking at ways to earn an extra income from home. If you have the talent and determination, you can try selling your own embroidery. I started at the nearby Saturday farmer's market, and then I started selling online. I now have a successful store and a couple of websites. People are always asking me how I did it. You can read a detailed account of my experience selling embroidery and advice on how to sell your own. The best advice I could possibly give is this: Start small and allow it grow at the right pace so that you make a profit. Don't spend more than you have. That advice works for your personal life, too.

Words of Wisdom
"Creativity is a highfalutin word for the work I have to do between now and Tuesday." Ray Kroc (MacDonald's founder)

Find of the Month
Remember that saying, "April showers bring May flowers"? Well, that's this month's free pattern! It's designed for cross stitch and can be finished fairly quickly. Choose 14, 16, or 18 count on whatever kind of fabric and thread colors you like. I will probably add lots of silk ribbon flowers. This is a great way to use up leftover linen and floss! Recycle scraps for Earth Day, April 22.

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!