Besides being the last day of the first week of September (already? where does the time go?!), today’s the day we find out who wins a brand-spanking-new copy of Cheryl Fall’s Simply Samplers, which I reviewed a couple weeks ago.
A short recap of the book: Simply Samplers is a nice beginner’s embroidery book for both cross stitch and surface embroidery. It covers all the basics and makes a great starting point for folks, young or old or anywhere in between, interested in getting into stitchery for the first time.
The question I asked in last week’s give-away was What’s your favorite embroidery project that you’ve ever worked? I love asking questions like that! They always yield responses that are fun to read!
Many of you said you couldn’t pick just one. And many of you had one particular project immediately jump to mind.
I think I belong halfway in the former category – it’s hard to pick just one! – and halfway in the latter category – one project immediately sprang to mind.
Right now, I think my favorite embroidery project I’ve ever worked on is this one, which I wrote about earlier this week. But I feel like I’m cheating, because although it was one project, it was made up of many smaller ones. I like it because of the variety in it, because there were no real constraints while working on it, because I was using wonderful threads on wonderful fabric and lots of color.
But if I start to think about the question too hard, at least 10 other projects that would rank as favorites come to mind! So it was a tough question – but I’m not sorry I put it to you. Thanks for your fun responses!
Simply Samplers Winner
The winner for the give-away, drawn randomly as usual, is Marly K in Ontario who answered the question:
I’ve only completed a few projects because I’m new to embroidery. Everything I’ve learned, I’ve learned from you, Mary! My favorite things to do so far are towels because they are pretty simple and they’re usable when they’re finished. I’ve given a few as gifts. My favorite, or at the least the one I think came out best, was a group of pickles, some filled in with long and short stitch and French knots and some outlined. I did them on a linen kitchen towel that has green stripes on it. I might even do another one, it went over so well with the recipient and everyone comments on it! Thanks for everything you’ve taught me, Mary! I don’t know what I’d do with my down time, without you!
Awwww, shucks, Marly, thanks for your nice words. I always love hearing that Needle ‘n Thread actually works – that it helps people who want to learn embroidery, learn embroidery. Very motivating for me!
Just drop me a line with your shipping information and the book will be on its way to you as soon as possible.
Where to Find Simply Samplers
If you didn’t win the give-away but you’re keen to get your hands on your own copy of Simply Samplers, you can find the book through the following book affiliates:
In the US, you can find Simply Sampler through Amazon, available now.
And, worldwide, Simply Samplers is available through Book Depository with free shipping to most countries.
Congratulations, Marly!
Dear Mary
Congratulations to Mary K on winning the give away Simply Samplars I hope you enjoy the book and thanks Mary for giving away such a lovely book. I have to agree with Mary K that everything I’ve learnt is from you Mary and Needle ‘n Thread your dedication and enthusiasm in sharing your knowledge in all aspects of embroidery has helped me achieve projects that I would not otherwise attempt, so thanks for your dedication and love of this art.
Regards Anita Simmance
Good for you Marly….you are a lucky girl. That book seems priceless
Congratulations Marly!!
Mary, Marly really did hit the Nail on the Head, everything one needs to know about embroidery and needlework can be found right here on your Blog. You are just so kind to share it all with us. I want to do a Gingerbread House for the Holidays and I want it colorful, and full of stitched candy embellishments. Do you think I can find one like that anywhere? Nope. So from beginning to end I will be creating it myself, and right here on your Blog is where I’ll learn myself what to do. Your Instructions are just to good, and I haven’t found one book yet that compares to the content on your Blog!!
Have a Great Week end Mary!!
Huggs, Nancy
Thank you for your kind words, Nancy! I love your idea about a stitched gingerbread house – brilliant! Will it be made as a box of some sort? I could see using a concept similar to Carolyn Pearce’s house box in her Home Sweet Home book – that would be so much fun. However you do it, I hope we get to see the finished result – Send photos!
G’day Mary,
And a big ‘you beaut’ for you Marly! I’m so pleased you’ve won this book. You’ll enjoy and love it.
Have just ordered one for my Granddaughter, and am looking forward to getting enjoyment and ideas from it before she sets eyes on it!
Thank you again Mary and Stackpole Books,
Cheers, Kath.
Sounds like this book was definitely meant to go live with Marly! Congratulations!!
Congrats to Marly K. May she enjoy it. Many of us learn, learn from Mary and don’t thank her enough.
Dear Mary,
Thank you for the give-away. They are always fun for us too. Congratulations to lucky Marly.
There is no doubt that Needle ‘n Thread ‘actually’ works – in many ways. Not only do you help people learn embroidery to the utmost highest standard but much more; through your writing you bring joy and friendship.
Each year I make a gingerbread house for Christmas. An embroidered gingerbread house box that looks almost good enough to eat does sound brilliant!
Congratulations Marly!
Mary, NeedlenThread definitely “works”! I dabbled in embroidery now & then years ago and your site has given me a new enthusiasm. I’m doing a number of projects you’ve kindly given instructions for and I love looking at the beautiful photos. The information you share so generously is invaluable! So, thank you!!