Two exciting announcements today!
The first announcement – registration is now open for the Vintage Strawberries online needlepainting class. The class is now sold out! (Had no idea that many spots would go that quickly! Thanks to all who jumped aboard!)
And the second announcement? Five winners of these great little “Stitch Beautifully” zipper bags!
The Vintage Strawberries is now sold out.
I’m looking forward to seeing you in the classroom! While I’m not teaching the class, I do hover in and out a bit, to make sure there are no technical disruptions. It’s fun to read along with your discussions and see your progress, too.
Stitch Beautifully Winners
There are six winners for Monday’s Stitch Beautifully Give-Away.
Each winner will receive the Stitch Beautifully zipper bag, with a full spool of beautiful silk thread and a little notepad tucked inside.
Here’s the list of winners:
Donna D – whose favorite stitch is the lazy daisy (detached chain stitch) at the moment.
Diane Ditzler – French Knot was her stitch of choice
Kathy in Kenai – She had a lot of fun with chain stitch, making a three-dimensional strawberry
Heather M. – She voted for French knots, too
Anne with an “e” from Houston – Woven Picot!
Brynn – who guessed the right stitches on last Saturday’s lattice stitch article.
Thanks to all for participating! Ladies, please drop me a line with your mailing addresses and I’ll get those little treats in the mail to you next week!
Coming Up on Needle ‘n Thread
We’re going to explore some more stitch variations in Stitch Fun, and I’ll show you my lattice conglomeration progress. I’m filling up shapes in a strange design with all kinds of lattice variations, just to work out the stitches. I’ll show you that.
We’ll also look at some technical stitchy stuff and chat about different types of lacing and whipping stitches.
I’ve been reading a “scholarly” embroidery book, and I’ll share that with you. It’s true – sometimes, it’s more than just the pictures that attract me to an embroidery book! But this one – this one is the best of both worlds!
To feed all you Tool & Accessory Lovers (among which, I am one), we’ll look at some tools of the trade, too.
Do you want a Trish Burr embroidery kit? I’m giving away three!
And I’ve actually made some progress on the Hungarian Runner – you’ll see me inching towards the halfway point.
Bye-bye, Kansas! Hello, Minnesota!
In a few days, I’m meandering northwards for a big wedding in Minnesota. Yes, I’m surprised, too! I never knew people got married in Minnesota in January! Despite this arctic expedition to witness some chilly nuptials, things will chug along pretty much as normal here on Needle ‘n Thread. Ah, technology – I’ll be taking you along with me, and the Hungarian Redwork Runner.
Do you ever accomplish much embroidery while traveling? I rarely do, but I always set out with high hopes!
G’day there Mary,
I’ve paid for the class but I’m a bit confused about the registration. I’ve never done anything like this before. I expected to fill out a form with my name etc but is only the payment to do. Is that right? Our paypal account is in my husband’ name. Makes no difference I suppose if it’s in his name but I’m the class participent? Sorry to be so ignorant about all this. Does the paypal info give you all that’s needed re name etc? Like, how do you know it’s me?!
Cheers, Kath
Hi, Kath –
The email correspondence with information about the class will probably come to your husband’s email account then, but you ‘ll be able to write to Margaret from there to let her know to change that email address for you. You’ll get a Paypal confirmation in your husband’s email account, and that will be your initial confirmation that the class is paid for and the spot is held. The kit materials will be mailed to the address in the Paypal account….
The class doesn’t start until Feb 14, so you’ll receive your kit before then, and all information about accessing the classroom will come via emails.
-MC
Hearty congratulations to all the winners. I so love little packets of thoughtful items that are just especially for me and I’m sure you all do too. Enjoy every experience of pleasant creativity while using these beautiful and practical items.
Warm wishes for the chilly nuptials you’re heading off to. Is it ‘Happy the Bride the snow falls on’ ? Would love to see some pics later.
Even if you don’t get any Redwork done it will be keeping good company. Good luck with it but all up have an extra special time, and safe journeying.
Cheers, Kath.
Ohh, yes, all that will gel nicely, thanking you so so much.
Was a worry for 15 mins. Trouble with internet connection, it conked out 15 mins before 1 a.m. (Rego time here). Phew, what a relief when it reconnected with 4 mins to spare. Ok, now I can relax and it’s bed with a big ‘B’! Or big ‘ZZZs’
Thanks again Mary. Cheers Kath.
Thanks Kath! I had the exact same questions–registration was different than expected and my husband certainly isn’t interested in the class even though his paypal account paid for it!
I’m really looking forward to it!
Hi Mary,
Have a wonderful time in MN – my homestate. Even in the winter, MN delights me!
I always take along stitching when I travel. Perfect for long waits in the airport and it helps pass the time while flying. Though I can’t imagine your flight will be along one from KS.
Looking forward to the book review and the Trish Burr giveaways.
Happy Travels!
Hi Mary,
Welcome to Minnesota!! 🙂
I am travelling by air in a few days too and I was wondering if we were allowed to take scissors and needles on board the aircraft? Will you be checking in your luggage? Do you know if we are allowed to take it on carry on?
I have a pretty long flight and wish I could stitch while on the plane.
Hi, Geetha – I’m actually driving up. To fly would require a 2.5 hour drive to an airport, an hour waiting, a 1.5 hour flight, and a 2 hour drive to my destination. The drive will only take about 8 or 9 hours, will cost less, and will give me some wiggle room for stopping at places along the way and the way back, if I want. Plus, no hassle at the airport!
I’m not really sure what you can get away with on flights anymore, as far stitching tools go. I don’t fly much, and it’s been about 10 or 12 years since I’ve been on an airplane! But hopefully someone else out there can answer the question better.
I do know that I gave a friend of mine a tiny pair of the “airline safe” scissors a couple years ago, that have something like less than half an inch blade, because he flies all the time and likes to take his stuff with him. They were confiscated, so even those apparently aren’t “airline safe”…
~MC
Geetha–I’ve gotten away with taking embroidery scissors with blades less than 1.5 inches and 2 needles on a flight, however my sister had an antique ladies’ pocket/penknife with a blade of less than .5 inches (on her keyring) taken away from her. So it seems, as usual, to depend on the luck of the draw of your TSA agents. *shrug*
I’ve heard of people using (brand new, clean) fingernail clippers or cuticle scissors in lieu of embroidery scissors for flights bc the TSA is much more likely to let those go through. Hope that helps! 🙂
Mary–If you take 35 N, wave hello at Mason City, IA, as you go by! 🙂
Will do! 🙂
Thanks Mary and Jenny.
Nailclippers is a great idea! I will try it 🙂 Thanks Jenny.
Don’t try to take any valuable scissors on the plane! I always use a Clover thread cutter, which I wear on a ribbon around my neck once I get through security.
Hey Monica,
Thanks, I ordered mine from amazon a few days back. 🙂 Its coming today, I can’t wait to get my hands on the clover thread cutter. Now, I can breathe peacefully and do some fabric and thread shopping for the trip. I was holding off on those, in case I dont get to take them on-board, not any more.
I won!! Thanks so much, Mary. I’m looking forward to it arriving. And to the lattice stitch variations.
I think you’ll love the little bag, Heather!
Welcome to Minnesota, Mary! We’re glad you’re visiting us. Which part of the state will you be in?
We’ve got several good needlework stores in the Twin Cities–just yell if you need some recommendations.
Carol S.
Hi, Carol! Thanks! I’ll be in St. Cloud. Any recommendations in the area would be great, though I don’t think I’ll have time to go exploring, as things are looking right now. But… but… that doesn’t stop me from trying to squeeze in the important things, you know! 🙂
Carol – I stay in the Twin Cities as well and I have been looking for some good needlework stores. I usually go to the nearest Micheals, but I would love to explore more options.
I am really interested to know if you have any recommendations as well. 🙂
Living in Alaska makes it impossible to get in on your classes. I am really disappointed. I even set my alarm to get up in time and still didn’t make it. Is there a kit I could purchase and work on my own?
Hi, Karen – the kits are not available outside the class at this time. Sorry you didn’t make it in, but we may run the class again in the future. I’ll definitely be running some other classes this year, too, in other embroidery techniques. And I’ll try to vary the sign in times. The poor Aussies had to get up in the wee hours, so I’m planning to vary the sign in times on future classes… MC
Hi mary,
Congrats to all the winners. Have a safe journey and take care.
I actually always do needlework while traveling but much of that is because of my choice of travel companions. Most vacations were taken with my mother and aunt who both stitched. Our vacations were also more of stay-cations with the difference being we were staying with friends in another state so there was no work and no worrying about that project in the house to do. We’d do a bit of sightseeing and hit all the LNS’s in the area for new stash.
Dear Mary & Winners
Congrats to the winners hope you all enjoy your gifts. I hope you have a great time in Minnesota Mary and enjoy the break even though it sounds like it will be busy. I was unable to participate in the Vintage Strawberry online course as I’m busy with other embroidery commitments but it looks good. Can’t wait Mary for your future online courses and I hope I’m one of the lucky ones to participate as I really enjoyed The Nesting Place course in 2011.
Regards Anita Simmance
I like to stitch while I travel as well and although they’re not as good as having actual scissors, I’ve found that the Clover Thread Cutter pendant works well. I have flown with it and TSA has never said a word. The blades are encased in a metal disc.
Check them out if you’ve never heard of them. http://www.amazon.com/Clover-Thread-Cutter-Pendant-Antique/dp/B001DEJM8I
But when traveling by any method other than air, I still prefer a good pair of scissors.
Happy Travels!
Barb A.
I’m sad. I was unable to register for the strawberries class until just now, and I find it is already sold out. 🙁
Mary, will you be close to Fargo, ND? If you are, don´t forget to go to Nordic Needle!!!
Be prepared for cold weather…
Have a wonderful time at the wedding.
Marva
Hi, Marva! Ah, I did that a couple years ago when I went up to MN. It was definitely worth the extra four hour drive north! Not enough time for it this trip, though. It’s feeling like spring here in Kansas – but I’ll remember to bring along Many Layers! I saw some negatives for the highs this coming week. Chilly!!
I missed a spot in the registration! Is there an opportunity to purchase the kit and just not get in on the classes?
Hi, Gaye – Thanks for your question! At this time, the kit is not for sale outside the class. But we’ll other opportunities for this or similar classes in the future… ~MC
I’m sure there are several of us Minnesotan’s who would love to take you out for tea or coffee. Jeepers! you could have made this trip financially profitable by conducting a class!
I live an hour away from St. Cloud. My go to store is in Minnetonka, MN Stitchville USA.
You should consider stopping by the Minnesota EGA chapter in St Paul ,MN we meet on Jan.21,2013 at 7pm.
http://www.orgsites.com/mn/stpaulneedleworkers/
Wendi
Hi, Wendi! Thanks for the invitation! Not quite enough time to squeeze in a class, I’m afraid! I’ve wanted to stop at Stitchville USA forever. I usually go to MN once a year, in the summer (uh… never been in the winter!), and this place is always on my list, but ever elusive due to travel plans, schedules, and so forth. Maybe this will be my lucky trip! Your guild chapter meeting would be fun, but (lots of buts here) I’ll still be in KS on the 21st. I’ll be there later in the week, and through the weekend. My family will be with me, too, so there are a bunch of scheduling obligations to juggle, not to mention that whole wedding thing going on. I was kind of thinking I could get stuck in a hotel during a snowstorm and actually work the whole time, in peace and quiet, but it looks like your weather is not going to cooperate with me. Or rather, it is cooperating – with the bride and groom and everyone else! Shame on selfish me! 🙂 Lately, everywhere I’ve gone has been in quick dashes, and I think this will be a quick dash trip, too. But squeezing in a shop might just happen, if I can sucker everyone else into believing we’re stopping for a meal or something…!
Congratulations to all the winners.
I always think I’m going to accomplish SO MUCH needlework on vacation and I hardly ever do. I had one small “Just Nan” scarecrow kit that travelled everywhere with me and never got opened. I wish it could have collected separate frequent flier miles, it would have enough for a first class ticker.
Take care,
Susan in Texas
Dear Mary
I would have loved to have done your on-line strawberries class but, unbelievably, an Aussi bushfire got in the way! (I was assisting in a work situation, not home, thankfully.) Temps were still hovering around 40 Celsius when the “southerly buster” came through around 7pm dropping the temp by 20 degrees. Doesn’t it happen that life gets in the way when you really want to do some stitching!
You have all my sympathy Catherine, and my eternal gratitude. The fires indirectly affected my getting into the class too: while the wind is blowing around as it does I have trouble getting connected to the internet. I don’t know why, I don’t understand these things at all but it’s the way it happens.
I didn’t see the sign up time or even that the class was coming. Ah well, c’est la vie.
Mary, perhaps we could be first on next year’s list? Please??
Wait a minute! What were the correct stitches on the lattice piece? Inquiring minds want to know. Maybe it is buried in the comments?
Hi, Margo – that was on Monday’s article! You can find it here:
https://needlenthread.wpengine.com/2013/01/stitch-beautifully-give-away.html
Thank you! I missed that.
Welcome to the North, Mary! There really is beauty in the cold of winter up here. There’s a very special quality to the air when the temperature is below zero. Just dress in layers and you’ll be fine.
St. Cloud is really a lovely area. I don’t know of any shops in the area that really cater to stitchers. There’s a place called Crafts Direct, but even though the store has to be ten acres, it had maybe an aisle and a half of needlework supplies. Oh well, I’m just thankful for the internet.
When I travel, I bring a small piece, and sometimes make some headway. Never as much as I think I’m going to, but some anyway.
Safe travels, Mary.