Karol's Korner

 

February 19, 2010 - I am sad because I am not headed to Nashville for the upcoming market this weekend. I am too chicken to drive all that way in the month of February. It works really good to drive to St. Charles in the fall and then I have lots of space to  bring back things in my Flex. When you go to a cash and carry market you have to have lots of room to bring things home that's for sure. We have not yet gotten our SYHO #1 pattern from Hoffman. I called today and was told that they didn't have the patterns in time to send them with the February automatic, which I thought was the reason to be on automatic that you got things as soon as they were released. So - we will get #1 and #2 with the March mailing, although I just ordered a few extra today that should be here by the first of next week. I have not yet gotten the fabric in for the first one but if you just need the pattern, let me know and I will get one right out to you. Of course the first designer would have to use something besides good old natural linen. I now have the ingredient list for all 12 designs so should be on time with the rest of the supplies. I am ordering 16 count Aida as well as the 32 count fabrics so if you don't choose to work over two threads you can still stitch these quick, easy patterns.

Pillow count is almost up to 700 turned in - keep them coming!

A HUGE thank you to all who have picked up pillow kits. Remember to get them turned in by the end of May so we have time to make them into pillows and get them to the soliders' families before they leave in August. We have over 500 turned back in to date and over 800 more out being stitched. We couldn't have done it without you!

February 2, 2010 - Happy New Year! Have you made a resolution to stitch more this year or finish at least one old project before you start something new? Lots of new stuff should be coming out in a couple of weeks after the Nashville market.

The next fun event coming up is our Super Sunday Sale on Feb 7th. The shop will be open from 12:00 - 4:00 with 15% off of regular priced items. If you order on the web site or email an order you will get 10% off even if you can't make it in. Hopefully the weather will be cooperating and not dump more snow on us that day.

We will be participating in SYHO (Stitch Your Heart Out) Encyclopedia. There will be 12 monthly kits that you may sign up with us on an automatic or order separately. Designers will include Glendon Place, Rosewood Manor, Homespun Elegance, Ink Circles, La D Da, Blue Ribbon Designs, CherryWood Design Studio, Monsterbubbles, Country Garden Stitchery, Trail Creek Farms, Myrtle Grace Motifs, and one more I can't remember right now. Each one has done a design that is 50 x 50 stitches and is representative of their style. If you get all 12 designs you will receive free finishing instructions and a cover design. I don't have an exact price yet, but I am anticipating they not go over $20.00 each. Kit will include pattern, fabric, threads and embellishments. The first one will be from Glendon Place and is worked on 32 count Vintage Autumn Blush Lugana with DMC floss, Caron Waterlilies silk and Kreinik #4 braid accented with Mill Hill seed beads. You can also just stitch these for small projects without putting them in a book if you prefer. Let me know right away if you'd like to get signed up for this at info@myfiberworks.com or call 1-800-307-4103 or locally 319-352-5464.

Keep Stitchin' !

kissing pillow article - click here!

                                   Front row L-R:  Alan, Arend (Jennifer's Husband), Jennifer

Back row L-R: Rachel, Chris (Rachel's Husband)

This picture is from the annual miniature golf game that the siblings have. Chris the sports fanatic won. This was their first venture out to Lost Island Park. I understand one ball disappeared completely down a waterfall or something.

Waverly celebrated 150 years old this summer during their Heritage Days Parade. Fiberworks joined the fun with Ken driving our new Ford Flex appropriately decorated. Notice the quilting fat quarters hanging out the windows.

This is Karol in her purple S.W.A.N. (Society of Women Addicted to Needlework) shirt walking alongside and handing out DMC floss skeins. The signs on the sides of the car were different techniques that we support with supplies in the store.

I was assisted in passing out the floss by son Alan the one that just bought a house, niece Katie from Indiana, sister-in-law Ellen from California (not in picture) and daughter Jennifer (taking the picture). Here we were almost to the end of the route and with so much help we had passed everything out. These two decided to ride in the tailgate seats the rest of the way.

 

December 15, 2009 - Yeah! The corn was out and before the snow came. It seemed like forever on the harvest this year.

The Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier did an article on the kissing pillows last week (click on the link above to read it) and we have had an excellent response. I have given out all the kits I had made up and have fabric and floss ordered to make some more. Wait until after Christmas to come in and get some or give us a call and leave your phone number and I will call you when they are ready. We have 214 turned in so far and have a lot more out in progress.

We were closed on Wednesday because of snow. Please be sure if the weather is questionable that you call before you come to make sure someone is here. We live out in the country and if the road drifts shut I won't get here. If the weather is bad enough I can't get here, you shouldn't be out either - stay safe at home.

As for what's new - Prairie Grove Peddler has several cute candle mat designs. Jeanne stitched one for a model with cardinals and I am waiting for some Weeks Dye Works wool to come so I can finish the back. We have more styles of Laurel Burch cat bags in. Trilogy Summer Trios joins Spring and from Heart in Hand we have small kits called Snow Gazer and Soulmates. Nora Corbett's Christmas Tree for 2009 is here done in red tones. Lizzie Kate's newest giggle boxer says "Today was a complete waste of makeup". From Victoria Sampler we have basic Hardanger kits that have no cutting and so make a good beginner piece. Threaded Needle has some lovely beaded Christmas ball covers done in monthly birthstone colors. Gee's Bend quilt kits are available in three designs - very modern looking. Canvas patterns from Carolyn Mitchell include Golden Reminiscence, Autumn Glory and In My Wildest Dreams. Galaxy looks to be an interesting one from Needle Delights.

Remember we have gift certificates in any amount for your holiday gift giving for stitching relatives and friends. We also have a wish list file if you are a stitcher and want certain stash items, let us know so when the shoppers come in we can tell them what you really want!

Have a safe and happy holiday season. Knowing my record of writing, I'll be back at you next year....

Happy Stitching until then!

November 5th - once again time has flown since I last wrote here. Rachel and I have been to market and back. She has taken an almost full time subsitute teaching position for St. Paul's Lutheran School pre school teacher who has had a lengthy hospital stay. Today she starts a series of 50 parent-teacher conferences. I miss her help here at the shop!

Welcome to all who are visiting the on-line needlework retail show that is going on for a few days. It starts today at 12:00 EST and goes through the 8th. We have a "booth" there - take a look and let us know what you think of the idea.

Thank you to all who took our quilting Fall Fabric Tour in October. The grand prize winner of the $500.00 shopping spree was Kathy Platts - congrats. As soon as Rachel gets a chance we will have the Spring Shop Hop information up on the page. It will be April 8-10, 2010. Watch for more details after the first of the year.

Alan got moved into his house since last report. He has his kitchen designed but won't be able to get the cupboards made until January. It's a tiny galley kitchen and for someone who likes to cook, it's a bit of a disappointment that he can't get it ready now. He's had fun putting up new ceiling fans and light fixtures. He's ready to put the stripes up on the living room wall. His help, translated Mom and Dad, have had other things to do like pick soybeans and corn, although the weather hasn't been cooperating. Hopefully Ken will get back in the field today. Enough about us - let's get to the new stuff!

Bent Creek has the next piece to their Round Round Big Zipper out. Just got in the newest snapper series for Christmas called The Branch - the first part has a tree with a squirrel sitting outside his door on a branch that is decorated with a candle and ornament. Inside you can see a decorated (with snaps) Christmas tree. Another Bent Creek is Uber Turkey that says Count Your Blessings.

Heart in Hand is doing Halloween Markings similar to the Christmas Markings where you can do each little square design individually or in a series. Jeanne has finished both of these if you 'd like to see it done, stop in - just don't ask if it is in the frame yet.

Mill Hill kits from Jim Shore have a choice of 4 different Santas or Snowmen. These work up pretty fast. Also from Jim Shore is a fabric grouping that includes a 2010 calendar panel. This would make a quick easy gift for friends - just add a border or two and you're done.

Just Nan has her third statuette with a needlework piece inside - this one a berry pin cushion. The bird "box" joins her previous ladybug and bee. Her newest thing is a humbug. The first one is an owl. A couple of new charm pins - the owl to go with the humbug and Carlota the spider with her web.

If you'd like a cool etui to keep your needles and thimble in, look at Charland's Gingerbread and Haunted Houses.

Prairie Moon has paper mache boxes that hold a pin cushion with either a snowflake/Joy design in a Santa box or a snowman in a snowman box. The pictures on the outside are sort of "old world" style.

Heartstrings Limited Edition Santa for 2009 is here. It is called Reach for the Stars and Santa in his sleigh is being pulled along over the house tops by stars instead of reindeers. Remember this is available to order only until the end of December.

For the quilters we are doing a monthly Snap Sack. The first one is three pinwheel designs making a small wallhanging 12" x26". It comes in two color choices: red, white and blue, and hot pink and orange. It includes pattern and fabric for front, back and binding.

Jeffrey is the newest stocking pattern out from Shepherd's Bush, as well as, Holy Night, Thankful Heart, Hallween Grins.

Erica Michaels has more 40 ct gauze offerings in Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and Kris Kringle Bits. These are fun to do - I am working on one of her early patterns with sewing stuff.

Twisted Oaks newest is Mollie's Prism of Posies Etui which is triangular. It comes with some pretty mother of pearl heart and flower pins.

Stoney Creek brings us Cozy Cats, Hanging Around for Christmas (kitties and puppies hanging in stockings), and Christmas Delights - ornament size designs.

Carriage House Samplings adds to the Hawk Run Hollow group with Christmas at H.R.H. Other new designs from Imaginating, Sue Hillis, Ink Circles, Sam Sarah and Waxing Moon just arrived yesterday. Newsletter with titles should be coming out within the week.

So far we have 62 kissing pillows turned in. So we are on our way to the goal of 1000. If you can stitch a few or a lot, please join us to try to help comfort the families of troops while they are overseas.

 

September 16th - Well, since the last edition we have been painting the house. I think eventually we will have painted every surface in the whole house except the ceilings and floors, or at least it seems that way. The hole in the wall to the bathroom is cut and awaiting the new door. The hole from the bedroom into the bathroom is closed up. Next project will be cutting moulding for around the windows and doors in this bedroom. Then ordering a few cabinets for the tiny kitchen is next.

Just got in some kits from Stoney Creek today that are calendar covers that you carry in your purse. Keep your daily agenda in style. Just Cross Stitch Ornament magazines are in for 2009. The Trilogy - Tiny Trios Summer, part two of Bent Creek Big Round Zipper - HomeTown Dream, Snapper Branch - the squirrel and Photo Booth Frank N Boo, Just Nan L.E. Over the Top Tin Spooky Witch Hat (this one is sooo cute!) and Counting Bats pattern, Stoney Creek Santa Plate for 2009, Cross-eyed Cricket 4 fall or Halloween patterns, Lizzie Kate's Merry Christmas by the Letters final two patterns, Thimbleberries Harvest Wreath pattern, Needle Delights' Christmas Ornament Tree, Jeannette Douglas' Take Time to Scrapbook, Prairie Schooler Santa 2009 and four other new patterns are all here.

IMPORTANT: I just heard that an army national guard unit from our area will be deployed overseas sometime before next August. We would like to give the children of these soldiers kissing pillows to help keep their parent close while they are away. These little pillows work up in a

jiffy. The soldier leaving kisses the pillow and the child gets to have this 4" x 4" reminder of their love. Cool, huh! If you would like to stitch one, let me know. It only takes a 6" x 6" piece of 14 count white aida and red, blue and white floss. One skein will do several. I am willing to finish the stitched pieces into a pillow and see that they get delivered to the unit in Waterloo. Our EGA group will also be involved in this but there may be close to 250 people leaving so we have lots to do. If you are close enough to pick up a kit, I will be cutting up squares and getting floss together with the pattern. Come and get several. If you'd like to do one but can't get in, let me know and I will email you the pattern. Let's show our appreciation for those protecting our opportunity to live in a free country. If we would get enough pillows done we could also give one to the soldiers to take with them while they are overseas!

Thursday, September 3, 2009 - Here I am back! Does anybody else have a problem with gnats? I left a banana peel in my wastebasket and now even though that is in the garbage can the gnats have remained to drive me crazy. If anyone has a cure - left me know, please.

Since we invested in the new Flex vehicle, we decided to do the Waverly Heritage Days parade celebrating 150 year anniversary of being a town. It was lots of fun and as soon as the camera person downloads the pictures of that day, we will put them here as the wedding, no matter how wonderful, is old news. I'll have to take pictures of Alan's house, too. We cleaned up all the brush that we had cut out on Sunday last night and I continued washing walls. Then he decided he would like a door from the living room into the bathroom and proceeded to knock a hole in the wall. There was dry wall on the bathroom side but the living wall looks like it is masonite. Then the rinky-dink plastic moulding around doors and windows in one of the bedrooms came off. I stopped washing then as there will be air born residue from these two project I am sure. Enough about that for now.

New stuff - today we got in some lovely brights to give your quilts some pizazz - stars, stripes, dots and little squares. I may have to do the newest Lizzie Kate "giggle boxer". It says "You can touch the dust but please don't write in it", not that I would have any dust anywhere....

The Puffin Perch is not only practical but cute. If you haven't seen the Puffin strand separator, well, stop in for a demo. It gets those floss strands apart without tangles for sure. The perch has a place to hang the separator when you are not using it plus two magnets to park needles or threads, or the matching Puffin needle magnet, a pin cushion area to put the marking pins we gave out a couple of anniversaries ago, and plastic lined holes to put embroidery scissors, punch needle or laying tools. What a nice way to keep all of your tools at your work area at hand. Oops a gnat almost went up my nose - ick. Mill Hill has four Jim Shore Santa designs in the beaded and buttoned series that just arrived. You have plenty of time to whip them out before Christmas for decor or gifts.

Speaking of Christmas, if you need any finishing done for Christmas, don't forget to plan ahead so you can get on the list or if we are framing, get the frames ordered in plenty of time. Already I have 9 stockings, a stand-up and an ornament in the works.

Check out the newsletter page if you don't get it by email or snail mail for many other new items. The last two weeks of our Economic Stimulus Sale is on in stock frames. Take a peek in the framing room and in the kit area for just the one you need at 15% off.

16th Anniversary Celebration starts Sept 22nd! Come in for savings on all your purchases and we always have a little favor for you, too.

Passports (with $ saving coupons) are out and on sale for $2.00 for the Fall Foliage Fabric Tour that takes place the whole month of October. Get it stamped at all seven stores to be entered in a chance to win a $500.00 shopping spree. WOW, I'd go if I could

Wednesday, September 2, 2009- My, doesn't time fly! Here school has started once again already. My honey and I are once again empty nesters. Rachel and Chris and the four children have moved into the grandparent's house. It is pretty quiet around our place, but they keep coming back to get more of their stuff. And they are only about a mile and a half away so we can still visit or be visited often.

Rachel and I will be going to cross stitch/needlepoint market in about 3 weeks in St. Charles, MO. It is a cash and carry market so we should have some fun new things coming home with us. I like this one as it is close enough to drive and now that I have a Ford Flex (seats 7) we should have plenty of room to bring things back to the shop.

What's new in the shop? Just Nan has the cutest tin for Halloween in her limited edition series that has a stitched witches hat that sits on top.  Oops gotta go - washing walls tonight in my son's "new" fixer upper house so they can paint this weekend. I promise more tomorrow!

Thursday, July 2, 2009 - I know it's been forever since I have written.  My daughter keeps reminding me and even leaving it open ready to go on my computer and I keep finding other things to do first.  So I should have lots to write about in the TWO months I haven't shared anything.   I can't even blame my absence on anything - like being flooded - thank goodness. So here goes... (She actually even started writing the preceding part but wouldn't finish it.)

First - we will be closed on Saturday, July 4th for the holiday.

Next check out the current newsletter page for a link to the calendar inserts which show our Economic Stimulus sales. Every two weeks the items that are on sale for 15% off change. We started with knit/crochet, then beads, and are now on quilting supplies. Threads, cross stitch kits, notions, frames, cross stitch patterns and material will follow. If you order on line, just note economic stimulus sale in the comment section and that will remind us to take off 15% before running your credit card.

On July 11th from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, downtown Waverly will have its annual sidewalk sale. We are still celebrating 150 years of being a town this year as the Heritage Days event is coming soon. Our sale will include many closeout books for 150 cents each. We will still be open until 5:00 but will probably move the things inside that were on the sidewalk after 4:00. In case of rain, the bargains will be inside.

Mark September 22 - 30 as the our 16th anniversary celebration. We will again have our goodie tree so you can draw a sucker and get 10, 15, or 20% off all regular priced purchases depending on your luck.

Now for some new stuff - just in today the new Big Round Zipper from Bent Creek. This one is a serial project with the first part being "Go with all your heart". It is worked on 18 count linen using pearl cottons - easy to see.

Shepherd's Bush kits Wave and Home are here with Finch Song and Remember and the other new ones coming in about 10 days.

The Trilogy brings us Tiny Trios - Spring.

Lizzie Kate has a new flipit series of patterns that uses a letter of Merry Christmas as the beginning of each row which can be worked individually or all together. Also from LK is the next Giggle kit which says "If you want breakfast in bed, sleep in the kitchen."

Sweetheart Tree has been busy designing three more months in her birthstone sampler series, Q is for Queen, two more biscornus, a Christmas ornament Joy and a full size sampler kit.

For little quickies, Mill Hill has put out the Winter and Autumn Ornament beaded kits that can also be made into seasonal pins to wear.

For the quilters we have Debbie Mumm's Christmas Basket, Art To Heart's I Believe and Granola Girl's Tracking White Tail Deer flannel fabrics. Quiltopoly joins Stitchopoly for the times you want to relax and play games. If you are wanting to join in the effort to create prayer shawls for people going through tough times but don't knit or crochet, we now have a pattern for quilted prayer shawls. We have gotten in some quilt hanger bars in a variety of lengths and finishes.

For the cat lovers we have bags in from Laurel Burch with brightly colored felines on them. If you are familiar with the mesh zipper bags that are nice to keep projects in, there is now a version with black strap handles and a zipper pocket on the outside.

We are offering another monthly quilt item called the Snap Sack. These will include pattern and fabric for the front, back and binding for small projects that can be sewn up in a hurry. Here is almost instant gratification for you. Look for the paper sacks with the window. Example of finished size is 12" x 26" or 20" x 20" (the first two).

Just got the cover of the Just Cross Stitch Ornament magazine in an email today. It should be here in September - if you would like to reserve a copy - let me know right away. Looks like some fun ornaments in this issue.

Rachel and I will be going to St. Charles, MO for a market the last part of September so if there is anything you are looking for but haven't found let us know and we will look there for you.

Well, that should be enough to get me out of hot water with my daughter and hopefully not put you to sleep already. If there is anything we can help you with, we are but a call away. Happy Stitching!

Tuesday, April 28, 2009 -   The Needlework OnLine Show is over and the packages are arriving daily. Come in and see what's new! We've already gotten patterns in from Sweetheart Tree, Ink Circles, A Kitty Kat Originals, Whispered By the Wind, Scarlet Quince and Keslyn's to mention a few. Scissors and new mother of pearl thread winders or keepers from Kelmscott. If you haven't seen her letter needle minders, they are cool and would make a great gift for a stitching friend.

Tax season is over - Yea - so I get to see more of the DH. The weather has finally started to warm up - now if it would just stop raining so my sweet farmer can finish planting his crops.

Thank you to all of you who participated in the Spring Love to Shop Hop Trail. I think most people who "hopped" to every store got a door prize. In October we will do our month long Fall Fabric Tour again. The grand prize will be a shopping spree $$$ that can be spent at any one or several of the shops on the tour.

The Red Barn Collection of punch needle designs will be put up on Friday and be here most of May. Remember, the designer Carrie Beenken will be teaching her red barn design on Saturday morning, May 9th. Call to register now so you are sure to get a seat at the table.

We have some cool floral rotary cutters and a "Mother's Day" special that if you buy one you get a free PURPLE cutting mat. How could anyone pass that up - I'd buy it just because it was purple, at least that's what the farmer would say.

New fabric includes sports patterns: basketballs, baseballs, footballs, car racing, bowling, multi-sport balls; trains, fish, turtles, whales, dolphins, musical notes.

Just Nan lovers note the Over The Top Grow tin is here which includes the matching pin cushion.

Another toy - we got in some cool thread unwinders. Clip the heart dangle on the end of your thread and the weight helps you ply your threads without getting all tangled up. Ask for a demo when you stop in.

Well, time to pack up and go clean out my aunt's storage shed. Somehow Rachel and family have lots of boxes in there as well. How's the back feeling - ask me tomorrow?

Thursday, March 26, 2009-I think spring is finally on the way. we've actually had some days where the temperature was approaching 60 degrees! We are in the middle of Sesqui Spring-tennial Celebration on Main Street in Waverly. Two more days of the Waverly Sales Co Horse Auction and we are offering 20% off quilting fabric and selected frames and Periwinkle Promise kits in stock. If you want to order on line in the through Sat and want any of these just put 150 years in the comment section and we will give you 20% off, too. 

Next weekend starting on Thursday is our annual spring shop hop for quilters and fabric collectors. There are seven of us participating shops - see details on the hop page.

If you'd like to get the newsletter and don't just call or send me an email and I will add you on. If you get the newsletter by mail and would like to go from purple to green send me your email address.

We will have another trunk show beside the Victoria Sampler one in April. Come in May and see punch needle models from the Red Barn Collection. The designer is Carrie Beenken and lives not too far from Waverly. Punching is easy and you don't need to count or see the tiny holes to sew in - maybe it's just the thing for you. New quilting fabric collections include a Kylie Kreations Button Up Bears with a baby panel and accompaning pieces. Also from Red Rooster - A's, Bees and Dandelion Seeds with a cute alphabet theme. There is even a free pattern for a wall hanging you can have with purchase of the material. From Avlyn we have some astronomy material with planets that glow in the dark. Granola Girl has Tracking the White Tail Deer in flannel that makes a great northwoods look.

In Cross Stiich from Just Nan we have her Harmony sampler (four seasons piece) and tin that matches that is a limited edition so order yours now. New ones from Praiseworthy Stitches and Rosewood Manor are in the sampler vein. The Petit Sampling Etui that is a collaboration between several designers is here. Nora Corbett has Rudolph for the last reindeer and Santa's sleigh to go with the other reindeer, plus letters K, L, & M. Under the Mirabilia label design #100 is called Winter White Santa - a cool Christmas piece. Blue Ribbon Designs has three of four new ones. Shepherd's Bush continues the "Scatter" series with Luck and Snowflakes. Dinky-Dyes has two more pin cushions - Celtic Tuffet and Pansy Biscornu. (If you haven't tried a biscornu yet, you should, they are so much fun and simple to put together.) A couple of new Hardanger designs from Looplou called Summer Breeze and Memory Lane. That's all I have time to tell you about for now. Take care and happy stitching!

 

Thursday, February 26, 2009- [I had to make a few editorial comments about the pictures Rachel put up above - just a mother thing.]

Reminder of upcoming dates to note: Love to Hop Hop Trail will begin on Thursday, April 2 and run through Saturday, April 4th. The same seven shops will participate in the hop and there will be a mystery pattern, so be sure to visit each store to get the fabric to make it and get in the door prize drawings.

We will host a trunk show from The Victoria Sampler - a Canadian designer that does elegant sampler pieces. We will have over 40 models of her pieces displayed in the shop for your viewing pleasure from April 2-27th. It is always inspiring to see a stitched piece in person as even a color photo on the pattern cover seldom does it justice.

The online needlework show starts on the afternoon of April 15th until the 20th. This is your chance to visit "booths" of many designers, fabric and thread dyers to see what they have to offer. You can then let us know what you NEED (don't tell me you don't need anything, I know how it is) and we can order for you.

Just got in some new batting from Quilter's Dream. It is a 70/30 blend of cotton and polyester made especially for machine quilters. Also I have a sample of "green" batting that they make. Not only is it a pale green color, it is earth friendly "green". It is a soft polyester batting made of 100% recycled plastic bottles. It comes in craft, crib, throw, twin, double, queen, super queen and king sizes. Recycled bottles are cut into chips, washed, melted and extruded into fine polyester fibers. Each pound of Dream Green keeps 10 plastic bottles out of our landfills. If you are interested in trying this I will be glad to order some for you. I have a sample you can feel and look at in the store.

Speaking of batting and quilts, those who have heard the saga of the baby endangered animal cross stitch project for Jennifer, the newly wed, will be glad to hear she got the pieced top for Christmas and the long arm quilter picked it up today. Hey, you didn't think I was going to do it myself and take another 10 years to finish. Boy, is that a monkey off my back ;).

One of my customers told me she is working on one of the sewing caskets (see the new one from Drawn Thread) and told me she is actually going to be creamated and use the box for her urn. I don't know if she was serious or not but what an appropriate way for a die-hard stitcher to rest in peace surrounded by her own work! We've added some additional colors of Dinky Dyes and Needlepoint silks for these designs. Check out the newest Victoria Sampler - Christmas Hearts, Forever and Always , Mystic Needlework Smalls, Heirloom Stitching Sampler, Christmas Treasures Collection, U, V, W in her alphabet series. These have thread/embellishment packs to go with the patterns. My Big Toe has another building block, Reign, and Be Not Forgetful, Hope in the Lord, A Quaker Prayer and Quaker Harmony. I also got in some lovely new scissor fobs from her with the classy Swarovski crystals ( I may not be able to say it but I can spell it right)

If you like canvas work, DebBee's Designs is doing a Glitz and Glamour series in gemstone colors. So far we have ruby, sapphire, peridot, amethyst, diamond, pearl - if you like sparkle, these are for you. Laura Perin's new patterns are Ribbons of Hope done in pinks for breast cancer research, Box of Ornaments, and Indian Summer.

Hardanger's newest is Mary's Hardanger Fancies and a Fanciful Fob kit (comes with matching scissors and a Mary Englebreit storage tin) from Meier and Watnemo, Violet Fantasy from Judy Dixon, and Quick Bookmarks by Satin Stitches.

Waverly will be celebrating its 150th birthday this year. The merchants are having a Sesqui Spring-tennial event on March 26th - 28th. Watch for bargains in many downtown stores. We plan to offer quilting fabric , select kits and frames at 20% off regular price. Join us.

Until next time keep stitching. It's good for the soul in these trying times.

 

Friday, Feburary 6, 2009 -

WE ARE STILL ALIVE AND KICKING! Sorry to be so long in adding to my page. None of the eight of us living together has threatened to kill one another from being together in one house, so that was not the cause. 2008 will be a year that we don't want to repeat ever. After the flood in June and my husband's mother dying in July, his father also passed away the end of September. Then Jeanne's sister, Marge passed away the middle of January. We are getting to be funeral arranging experts. Not having any children of her own, it has been my priviledge to take care of her in the nursing home and now her estate. Add to that some computer virus that kept adding malicous code to my web site when I would do some editing, this page was not at the top of my priority list. We did have a lovely wedding for our daughter Jennifer and her honey, Arend. All went well except for the terrible weather on the day, but she was beautiful, he was handsome, the pastor did her job and the food was delicious and music was mostly oldies from my generation!   So the year ended on a happier note. Now that I have finally found the program disk for the software to write on these pages and reinstalled it, I hope to be more regular in writing.

If anyone needs eight foot flourescent light fixtures, I have a bunch that you can have for free - they even come with the 8" tube bulbs. We have installed more energy efficient electronic ballast lights with the smaller diameter tubes in daylight light so you should have true color when trying to match colors in the shop.

Enough about my life - what's new besides lights? We just got in four new patterns from The Drawn Thread: Moonlight Garden, Morning Glory Sampler, Ci Ci's Sewing Box and the Language of Love. New alphabet needle minders from Kelmscott adorn our counter. They are a lovely ivory swirled letter of the alphabet on black - an elegant way to hold your needle on your fabric when you are not using it. Lizzie Kate has started a new boxer series called "Giggles". The first one says "Did you ever stop to think & forget to start again?" Their newest double flip  it series is just the "funnest" Halloween piece I've seen for a long time. Two words come in each pattern accompanied by the appropriate charm. The first three are out now and the last three will be coming. These may be done individually or in one long piece similar to the previous double flip-its. Bent Creek's new kit series is Rowz. The first one is Frowzen Men - snowmen of course - and it complements their new chart First Fall of Snow. Their Snapperbets alphabet patterns are now all available and it is cute to be sure. Nora Corbet is up to the letter K in her alphabet series with little fairies on each one. It must be the year of the alphabet because SamSarah is doing baubles for each letter - up to d already. For you cat lovers, be sure to check on Twisted Threads newest pattern called Trixie and Treat, a cat pin cushion with a mouse scissor holder on the what's new page. If you have missed getting the online magazine, The Gift of Stitching, the years 2006 and 2007 back issues are available on CDs. This is a magazine that has lots of great patterns and you can selectively print off the ones you want so you don't fill up your files with patterns you'll never do or advertising pages. You can order a card from us. When you access their web page and type in the number off your card, your subscription starts.

Upcoming dates to note: Love to Hop Hop Trail will begin on Thursday, April 2 and run through Saturday, April 4th. The same seven shops will participate in the hop and there will be a mystery pattern, so be sure to visit each store to get the fabric to make it and get in the door prize drawings.

We will host a trunk show from The Victoria Sampler - a Canadian designer that does elegant sampler pieces. We will have over 40 models of her pieces displayed in the shop for your viewing pleasure from April 2-27th. It is always inspiring to see a stitched piece in person as even a color photo on the pattern cover seldom does it justice.

The online needlework show starts on the afternoon of April 15th until the 20th. This is your chance to visit "booths" of many designers, fabric and thread dyers to see what they have to offer. You can then let us know what you NEED (don't tell me you don't need anything, I know how it is) and we can order for you.

There is still time to join us in piecing STARS AROUND THE GARDEN quilt pattern. Rachel has picked some good combinations for a tea dyed colorway or a brighter, more vibrant colorway. Give us a call - these can be mailed to you!

Well, that's probably enough for now. Happy Stitching till next time.

P.S. - when Rachel gets in again I will have her put up new pictures of the wedding, etc.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008 -

It is almost time to go to market - September 13th. Rachel and I will be going to St. Charles, MO. for an order or cash and carry show. Lots of cross stitch vendors should be there. Watch for all the new things in a couple of weeks.

We have been offering a biscornu of the month club starting in May of this year. Each month we will have one of these cute little cushions for you - some in kit form, others just patterns depending on fabric and threads used. So far we have the following designers represented: The Sweetheart Tree, Just Nan, Tam's Creations, Barbara Ana, Sampler Cove and Whispered by the Wind. If you'd like to join this club just let us know.

Our 15th anniversary celebration starts on Sept 2 thru the 13th. We will have a goodie tree to select a "pop" and see if you get 10% , 15% or 20% off your regular priced purchases. If you order on line or by phone, we will draw and put one in your package for you. Also birthday favors will be given. Don't miss the Thimbleberries Trunk Show that will be on display during our celebration. The pieces we will have are easy to do. Prairie Schooler Santa is here - order your copy now.

We've gotten some cute quilting fabric in for Halloween from South Seas.

The Drawn Thread has the last of her alphabet series sampler with Y - Z. I have seen this one in progress - very nice.

Mark your calendars for October's Fall Foliage Fabric tour. Passports should be on sale ($2.00) by September 1st. You have the whole month of October to visit the seven stores participating and when you buy a minimum of $5.00 you will get your stamp and entered into that store's gift basket drawing. Turn in your card at the end and have a chance to win a Pfaff classic quilt sewing machine worth $899.00. How exciting! If anyone lost their needlepoint canvas in this spring's storm or flood let me know. We have a shop that has some painted canvases to give to those whose work was destroyed.

The next newsletter should be on-line in a couple of days. It is almost ready to be sent out. Check that for more new patterns.

On a more personal note, we were saddened by the death of my husband's mother at the end of July. And then his father's leg broke just below where he had a hip fixed earlier this year, so we have been spending many hours sitting with him in the hospital. Since he will be in traction for at least six weeks, I offered to teach him how to knit or do something, but he wasn't keen on that idea.

Thursday, July 24, 2008- Wow, has it been that long since I visited with you - lots of water under the bridge, literally! We are BACK and open for business after being closed for 3 weeks to replace the carpet and a little drywall after the Cedar River overflowed it's banks and seeped onto our carpet - what nerve! Our hearts and prayers go out to all the folks who were affected by high waters and tornadoes this spring. There is the cutest barnyard animal prints that go with a panel that makes a soft book for learning to count. We have some interesting fabric with tree silhouettes in pink/rose/ecru and brown. New kits in from Pine Mountain - cross stitch with a pre finished pillow or wrap for a pillow. In fact one of them matches perfectly the tree fabric in colors. From Just Nan we have the limited edition dragonfly scissor purse and fob and the next Over the Top tin, Sizzle, and matching fob - get yours before they are gone. Notice in the current newsletter I mentioned some of the limited edition kits or patterns that we still have a few left, but when they are gone, they are gone. The 2008 Prairie Schooler Santa should be out in August. It is at the printers as I write this update. Mill Hill has some cute pins or ornament kits for Christmas and 6 bead and button kits that are based on Christmas songs plus their three new Santas - this year Rocky Mountain Santas. They also have Quilted Cats designed by Jim Shores - just the think for you cat lovers. Like to play games as well as stitch, try Stitchopoly, a take off on Monopoly. For the hardanger lovers, the Award Winning Designs are out for 2008 from Meier and Watnemo. Beaders, we have in the newest from Jill Oxton, our "down under" friend, with Cross Stitch and Beading magazine #75 and her book Beautiful Jewellery.

On a more personal note, we finally have the wedding dress picked out. Our middle child is getting married on December 27th. Now if she would just decide on the bridesmaid dresses and reception place we'd be moving forward. I told her the machine shed might be a tad cold for a reception in December, even with space heaters. Looked at some photography sites yesterday - e ba dee - can't believe the prices for a wedding package. They've gone up a lot since that last child got married! Anybody out there have a camera???

Thank you to all who have been in or ordered on line after we re-opened. We really appreciate your patronage! Happy Stitching and more later.

Thursday, May 15, 2008 - Although it hasn't warmed up much yet, it must be spring. Today is a beautiful sun-shiny day with NO rain. The DH farmer is out in the field planting corn at long last.

What's new? The Drawn Thread has VWX Sampler, Toccata Four (three parts), Flower Boxes. Heart in Hand has started a new series called Monthly Markings that can be worked on one piece of fabric with a border similar to previous ones. She also has Winter Fling out which is a limited edition kit. Lizzie Kate's double flip-it series for this year is complete. In the quilting fabric we have from RJR Rose Cottage - lavender blooms, of course; Surrey Footpaths, which are sort of ink splotch designs only in color. From Art to Heart is 12 Days of Christmas with a panel and accompaning pieces. The pattern book should be here by the end of the month. A tree skirt panel from a Thomas Kinkade design of welcoming winter houses with a horse drawn sleigh and skaters is here. For those new babies, a cute flannel grouping with a panel of a hot air balloon floating in the sky is ready to stitch up for a blanket or wall hanging.

There is a new market being held this year in St. Charles, MO in September. We have decided to attend that one since it is close enough to drive in a few hours. The Columbus market in June, which is predominately needlepoint and yarns is the one we have attended the last couple of years, but it looks like a majority of the cross stitch vendors who have participated previously have not elected to show there.

Thursday, April 17, 2008 - A big THANK YOU for all of the fabric lovers that participated in our Love to Show Hop Trail two weeks ago. I think  almost everyone that shopped at all seven shops won a door prize. Watch for the Fall Fabric Tour the month of October.

The show is on NOW! www.needleworkshow.com go and see lots of cool stuff. Let me know what you want by Monday noon.

We actually had a great day yesterday - sun shining and in the high 60's. I think spring had finally come to Iowa although it is rainy again today. Now that tax season is over, the DH will be getting into his planting mode. So that will mean long days when the weather cooperates. I always hope it rains on my birthday, which is in a couple of weeks, so I can go out to dinner without having a guilty conscience that I am keeping him from his work.

I am participating in a group course through the on-line ANG group from Gay Ann Rogers. I have always admired her designs but have not yet done one. This is one of her mystery pieces that you don't know what the total design looks like until you are done. We don't have an ANG chapter close to Waverly so I am a member at large and have been watching the efforts to establish an on-line chapter with great interest. If you have an ANG or EGA group close to you be sure to join and take advantage of the education opportunities they offer. 

What's new - Just Nan's new limited edition tins should be in tomorrow. Bent Creek had finished up their Red Thread series so if you need anything for that we have all the patterns and finally the embellishments for the border if you are stitching it in one piece. Also new from them is another section of the Big Zipper called The Big Tree and a "Ewe" kit Life is Good. Lizzie Kate has Jr. Boxer Cupcake. From My Big Toe we have some lovely new scissor fobs and patterns 10 Commandments, For This Child, Mercy (building block), New Creation. Other new ones include: Wild Flower - Sparky & Friend, Snow Sisters; M Designs - Checkered Hearts; Passione Ricamo - Circe the Sorceress; With My Needle - Kind & True; Stoney Creek - Dragons & Wizards, Welcome Baby; Donna Kooler - Ulitmate Stocking Collection; Mill Hill Welcome Home series Peace to All; Trilogy kits Secret Crush and Secret Shamrock; Jill Oxton's Cross Stitch & Beading #74.

Five new Gentle Art Sampler threads in beautiful pastels arrived yesterday.

We have started (April) a biscornu of the month club. We will try to pick a different designer each month who has offered a pattern for one of these cute pin cushions. The first two are from Just Nan and Sweetheart Tree. If you'd like to join in, just give me a call or email and we will send you a kit monthly for these.

If there is anything you need for us to look for or send you, don't be shy. Have fun stitching till next time!

March 19, 2008 -

The on-line Needlework show dates are April 16-21. Go to www.needleworkshow.com and take a peek at what they have to order. There are door prize drawings you can sign up for as well as making a list of what you want me to order for you. I need to have that information by 12:00 on the 21st so I will have time to place orders.

Here is my sweetie Sydney, honorary shop employee, at 13 months. She must be giving her mom a loving raspberry. On Tuesdays and Thursdays she'll give you a smile if you come in to see us.

Another personal note, daughter Jennifer is now engaged and we will be planning a wedding for December 27th. We get to go dress looking next week. What fun!

New cross stitch patterns include Shepherd's Bush Scatter Eggs and Scatter Hearts; Rosewood Manor Read, Learn, Dream Bookmarks, Good Night, Seasons of the Trees; Vals' Stuff Feline Seasons, SamSarah Twenty Five Days, Baubles March April, Doubles Hip Hop Hare. the Doubles can be done as either cross stitch or wool applique. The Victoria Sampler brings us Welcome Hearts Sampler, Desert Garden Sampler, Where Stitchers Gather, R is for Runner and S is for  - what else would S be but Stitcher. Some of these patterns have a touch of Hardanger in them as do Patricia Ann's Friendship Sampler and Loopylou's Destiny. Nora Corbett - Mirabilia is doing a series of Santa's reindeer. Lizzie Kate continues the double flip it series with Believe, Care, Learn, Listen. Lavender and Lace have a lovely little girl called Isabella's Garden. Blue Ribbon Designs offers Bunnies and Blooms, Letters, Leprechauns and Luck, Small Token of Affection and Black Velvet Inscription Sampler. She does beautiful work and so she why are we surprised since she is an Iowan! Drawn Thread continues theie sampler series with STU and also 26 letters. Just Nan has come out with Barnabee the bee in a great enameled needle roll holder similar to the previous red lady bug, as well as patterns Mitten Men, Florentine Floral, Memories, When Barnabee met Bella - a biscornu.

In quilting some new Thimbleberries patterns and in paper punch some new greeting card pattern books are here, plus a book of quick to stitch prayer shawls from Annie's Attic and crochet dishcloths.

It is time for another newsletter so I will close and get to work on it. Check it out for more new things.

Remember the Love to Shop Hop Trail runs April 3-5. Join us for a chance at gift certificates and door prizes and mystery pattern.

February 7, 2008- We wish all our customers a Happy Valentine's Day with love from Karol, Jeanne, Rachel and Sydney! We are doing some remodeling in the framing area of the store. After we had an energy audit done by the gas company, the plan was to put insulation board on the outside wall of what was our recycle/storage room which just had concrete blocks between us and the outside. It was cool enough to store beverage cans and not have to use ice or refrigerate it before drinking in the winter. With the search for more display space in the show area, I decided we could recycle and store in two smaller areas that used to be a men's restroom when this building was a bar in a former life and the electrical box room. Hence, the recycle/storage will become the framing room. We have framed inside walls with 2 x 4's with insulation in between them so it is beginning to warm up already. The pegboard and dry wall is leaning against one wall awaiting the next work session - hopefully the last weekend of February. My brother is doing most of the work and he has commitments showing at the home shows in Waterloo and Cedar Rapids the next two weeks. (He does closets, if anyone needs organization in theirs) We are still counting stuff. The quilting fabric is usually the last to get done.

I mentioned the Love to Shop Hop Trail that will be on April 3,4,5. Also mark your calendars for the next on-line needlework show in April. I will confirm the dates and let you know in the next chat.

Tuesday,  January 22, 2008 -  The newsletter is almost done. If there are classes you would like to take, please let us know what technique and when is the best time for you. If you get 3 or more people together that want to learn the same thing, we will schedule a special time and customize the class just for you.

There has not been quite as much new product this month as most of the cross stitch designers are waiting until the Nashville market to release their new things - that will be in the first part of February.

We celebrated "baby" Sydney's, as her brothers call her", 1st birthday on Sunday. It is hard to believe she is that old already. She is taking her first steps. She is much more inventive than the boys were when they were little at getting into trouble at Grammie's "house". They must think I live here. She opens the floss drawers to look at all the pretty colors as well as pulling the ones off the bottom hooks. Maybe I should put her to work helping us count for inventory. Ick -we are at it again and are slowly making progress.

Both Zweigart and DMC have announced a price increase - so be forwarned. We will try to update prices in the web catalog as needed efficently. Pearl cotton in skeins will be $1.40 and in balls $2.40. Floss will be 50 cents a skein. I haven't seen the fabric price list yet, so that remains to be determined.

We've been having lots of snow here - hope things are nicer where you live!

Friday, January 4, 2008 - Whoa - it's been almost a month since I last wrote to you. I guess Christmas and New Year's fit in there somewhere. Hope everyone's holidays were safe and happy. If you are a Pat Thode's Heartstrings canvas lover, here is some news for you. She is doing a reissue of the limited edition Santas 2003-2007 only until March 15, 2008. These will be delivered in May. So, if you missed out on one of these years and need to fill in let me know. We have room in the block of the month offerings for 2008 - see below for pictures - sign up NOW so you won't miss out. It's time for the dreaded inventory so I won't have to count sheep at night - I'll be all counted out. Stop in to see what old friends have jumped onto the bargain table as this is when I move things that have been counted too many times. Mark your calendar for Super Bowl Sunday, February 3rd, we will have our annual 15% off sale from 12:00-4:00. Four hours of frantic frenzy and fun. You may not get your usual attention on this day, but the bargains are fantastic. Another date to note is Follow the Love to Shop Hop Trail coming April 3-4-5, 2008. Thank you to all who made the Fall Fabric Tour a hit. Watch for that to be repeated in this fall. With the advent of snowy weather, remember to call ahead if it is storming to make sure I made it into the shop. We do live a ways out in the country and sometimes the roads are a challenge.

Thursday, December 6, 2007 - It is time to sign up for a block/row of the month quilt project. We are doing two for 2008. The Lodge Big Quilt from Thimbleberries will be one opportunity. Lynette's instructions are very good so even if you are a novice quilter, you can do this one. The membership fee is $20.00 and the monthly block will be $18.50. This includes the big club quilt pattern, all the fabric for the front plus binding, monthly newsletters, special club only patterns and 10% off of all Thimbleberries fabrics for the whole year. Click on this link to sign up  for the Thimbleberries.  link to The Lodge Big Quilt     The second quilt is called Seasons in a Row designed by Quilt Country. Those kits will include fabric for each monthly themed row plus borders and sashing for $18.00 per month. January is snowmen, February is hearts, March is kites, etc. Click on this link to sign up for the Seasons in a Row.  link to Seasons in a Row    We will have a meeting on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 6:00-8:00 for demos, tips, treats and any help you might need to complete the project. If you cannot attend this meeting or want to do either by mail-order, the kits will be mailed out the day after this meeting.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007 - Happy Thanksgiving! It is time for Waverly's Christmas Open House coming this Sunday, November 18th from 12:00-4:00. We will serve hot cider and goodies. Come and visit!

Just a word about postage rates...when the postage went up this summer it also changed the size and shape that packages/envelopes could be sent. Before the increase there was no size or thickness limitations on first class, everything was by weight. Now a first class envelope cannot be thicker than 1/4" and it has to be of uniform thickness. A large envelope first class is a new category that can be up to 3/4" thick but again needs to be uniform in thickness. One ounce goes for 80 cents. The third classification in first class is parcel which is what we have to use if packages are lumpy - with a bead pack, pearl cotton or a reel of Kreinik for example. One ounce goes for $1.13. As long as we are 13 ounces or less, the lumpies can use this rate. There are no zones for first class. When we go to parcel post then the farther away you are from point of origination, the more it costs. We try to send everything by the least costly method, but sometimes the post office employee and Fiberworks doesn't agree on the rate, and you can guess who wins! Sometimes our electronic scale and theirs doesn't weight quite the same or it depends on which person helps us at the counter. (Even they admit to being confused about where packages fit sometimes.) We don't charge you any handling fees for cost of packing, tape, labels, etc. So if we don't get the postage quite right and are off by say 23 cents, please forgive us. We try our best to be accurate.

Thursday, November 1, 2007 - Doesn't time fly! Halloween is over and Thanksgiving will be here before we know it. The Rosewood Trunk show has gone on its merry way, but if you look at the pictures and see a pattern you want, we still have stock available. We probably won't be having classes during November and December since people are busy with the holidays. If there is some technique or project you want to learn or work on, let me know and I can set up a time for you. A group of 2-4 would be nice. I have been a member at large in ANG (American Needlepoint Guild) for many years but there has not been a chapter close enough for me to attend meetings. There is now a group of members who are organizing a cyber chapter. If you are interested in being a part of this, contact me and I will give you the information to participate. EGA (Embroiders Guild of America) also has an online group called Cyber Stitchers. I belong to the Prairie Rose Chapter which meets in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area. If you are close enough to this area and would like to visit, let me know and I'll pick  you up or meet you somewhere to take you with. You can gain a lot of helpful tips, new techniques, and new friends who share your interest in stitching by attending a national organization's guild!

Thursday, October 11, 2007 - The Fall Fabric Tour is underway! Stop in and get your passport today. The pictures of the Rosewood Trunk show are up on the web site. Just click on the ornament above to see these lovely pieces. It is almost time for the Needlework Show On-line. The show opens at 2 pm EST on Wednesday, October 17th and goes through Monday, October 22nd. There are over 100 vendors that will have their items for you to view. It is almost like going along with me to market. There will be cross stitch, canvas (needlepoint), punch needle and beading designers, plus threads, accessories and fabrics to preview. If you would like to order anything from these vendors, please let me know by noon on Monday so I have time to order things before the show closes. You cannot order directly as purchasing is for retailers, but you are encouraged to take a look, and there are usually some doorprizes you can sign up for, too.

http://www.needleworkshow.com/cgi-bin/2007.pl this is the link to see who will be at the show. You can call, leave a message on the answering machine if we're not here, or email or fax anytime.

We have information on the 2008 Thimbleberries Block of the Month. If you are interested in participating, give me a call. We will be doing the Lodge Big Quilt in the traditional Thimbleberries color pallete.

Tuesday, September 25, 2007 - We have had models from Handblessings in the shop for 10 days. To see them click on the Each Grandchild is a Blessing picture above. We do have some stock left if you see something you'd like to have just give us a call. Now hanging is the trunk show from Rosewood Manor. Many of these are beautiful sampler type projects that will take more than a couple of evenings to complete. Karen has shared a small bonus pattern for those who purchase one of her other patterns during the trunk show. These are truly heirloom designs. We will have pictures up later this week. It is almost time for our Fall Fabric Tour to begin. All of the month of October you have the opportunity to use coupons at the seven stores on the tour. Buy your passport for $2.00 at any of the participating shops (coupons are included in the packet.) With a $5.00 purchase, you can have your passport stamped and sign up at each store for a chance to win a lovely gift basket. Turn in your passport with all seven stamps by October 31st and you will be entered into a drawing for a Pfaff sewing machine. No rushing around in a couple of days - travel at your leisure. Coupons are only good for passport holders, so get yours today.

 

Tuesday, September 11, 2007 - The Just Cross Stitch ornament magazine issue arrived today. There are lots of neat ornaments to make to decorate your tree. Order on the what's new page. New Shepherd's Bush kits are here just in time for Halloween: Pumpkin Hill, Happy Haunting, Happy Halloween Fob with orange scissors, and Family Sampler. The first three are in the pear shaped figure style and the last one is in the more angular style that they have used in the last couple of years. Pictures are up on the new page. Other new kits from The Sweetheart Tree are Blackberry Heart and continuing the alphabet series is I for Ivy and J for Jack-o-lantern. Thimbleberries fabrics in the Christmas Street line are finally coming in. We've had the patterns for these pieces since June. We now have caught up with the electronic newsletter capability. If you would like to receive your newsletter by email, please let me know. Then you can read what you like and print off anything you want to save. We do not share emails with anyone else - only to send you newsletters or updates about the shop. You can also read the newsletter by going to the newsletter tab from the home page of this web site. Help us save a tree. Mark your calendar for October 17th - 22nd for the on-line needlework show. While you can't buy yourself, this is your opportunity to see what many designers have to offer and let your LNS know what you would like to have. Currently there are 122 vendors listed for the upcoming show at http://needleshow.com/cgi-bin/2007.pl

Tuesday, August 21, 2007 - Have you heard of the Gift of Stitching magazine? It is a monthly on-line publication written in Australia. You purchase a card with a subscription number on it and then you have access to the web site each month to look at and download whatever pages you want to save. This way you only have to store the patterns or articles that you are interested in keeping. Your subscription begins whenever you activate the card which is renewable at the end of your 12 months. Obviously you have to have access to the internet to get to the web site. The August issue includes an interview with Gloria Moore from Milady's Needle and one of her designs done especially for the Gift of Stitching. A mystery sampler from Follow the Leader, patterns from Debbie Draper, Helga Mandl, Jacinta Lodge and a blackwork design from Lynne Herzberg are also included.  Look on the new page for this item if you'd like to order it.

Lizzie Kate has now released the last two Flip It Bits for the year, November and December, and also the kit, Winter Banner, joins the other seasons. New fabric from Butterflies and Flowers collection and Finger Paints by Camelot Cottons has arrived. Also the beginning of an autumn group from Thimbleberries is here. These will be up on the catalog as soon as we get fat quarters cut.

Thursday, August 2, 2007 - While Ridculous Days is over in Waverly, we still have lots of $1.00 cross stitch patterns in the sale boxes. Come in and look! Lots of kits are marked way below cost as well. Several new patterns came today on our Hoffman automatic. To see pictures of these click on the Hoffman link and choose new book listing on our catalog page. Many have a fall or Halloween theme: Glendon Place has Mr. Bone Jangles, Franky the Thinker, Whooo's There, and Vinny the Vampire. Imaginating: Tiny Treasures, Wacky Words. Kustom Krafts: Miracle (horses). The Primitive Needle: Kindred Spirits, Blue Ribbon Designs: In The Pumpkin Patch, Pumpkins and Poltergeists. SamSarah: Rise & Shine (doubles - done in x stitch or wool applique) . Rosewood Manor: Shakespeare Wedding Sampler, Good Foundations ( watch for her models coming to our store in October!) . Plum Street Samplers: Quaker Calendar VI, Bugs & Hisses. The Prairie Schooler: Thanksgiving Comes Again. Elizabeth's Designs: Happy Halloween. Val's Stitchin' Stuff: Boo. The Silver Lining: A Bed of Roses - The Velvet. Diane Braebner Designs: Faith, Hope & Charity. Little House Needleworks: Fruit Game Boards, Two White Houses, Captain's Inn. Country Cottage Needleworks: Home Sweet Home; Prairie Grove Peddler: Shades of Brown, Singing Winter's Song. By the Bay Needleart: Box of Winter. Son Alan has a job and has moved in with his middle sister in Waterloo - only 20 minutes from home. He's working for their local paper the Courier as a copy editor. Who knows, maybe someday the editor of the New York Times!

Tuesday, July 24, 2007 - For all you Prairie Schooler fans, the new Santa is here - he's a knitter for 2007. We also have the limited edition Santa canvas in from Heartstrings. This is only available during the current year so be sure to get yours while you still can. We have the new velvet finish knitting needles in from Clover. These are really smooth - you'll want to pet your needles like the back of a cat. Be sure to look at out automatic page. If you have a favorite designer or thread maker or fabric weaver and would like new items as they are released, just let us know. We have grouped some items already, like Bent Creek zippers and Lizzie Kate Flip-Its . If there is something you'd like that is not on our page already, let us know and we will customize an auto just for you. If you like Weeks Dye Works floss and wool, maybe you'd like to try some hand dyed 30 count linen. To begin, it will be offered in 24 colors dyed to match their floss. It will be a good price for a hand dyed product at about 4 cents per square inch. If you would like a fat quarter (approx. 18" x 27") each month, we will offer 10% off - $17.50 instead of $19.45. A different color will be available each month.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007 - Hope everyone had a safe 4th of July and celebrated our historical independence. We salute each and every person that has helped to keep our nation free. We pray for those serving in our armed forces here and abroad. We are ready to send out the mext installment of the Thimbleberries block of the month. If you'd like to join us, it's not too late to jump in. I still have fabric to cut a few more kits. House and Garden is the project in the warm and cozy version.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007- Things are starting to arrive! The new Sampler Threads are Blackboard, School Yard, School House Red, Chalk, Uniform Blue, Autumn, Bubblegum, Tutti Fruitti, Kiwi, Orange Marmalade, Punchberry, Lemon Drops, and Huckleberry. The first colors of Simply Wool from Gentle Art are Dungarees, Dried Thyme, Black Raspberry Jam, Cranberry, Copper, Maple Syrup and Brandy. Dinky Dyes pattern Life is A Dance with the silks for it and silk threads for The Peacock Stitching Chair from The Cat's Whiskers are here. I just have to stitch one of these it is so unique and done in purples & blue. Look for their Summer Breeze tuffet in our class listings. It will teach you to sequence threads and construct this adorable little cushion.

Thursday, June 7, 2007 - Wow! So much to see and so little time. I'm back from Columbus with order slips in hand. Punch needle was still very strong with needle felting and wool applique are making definite statements. Look for a class on needle felting  and wool applique in the next class series. Just a few items will I mention here - Just Nan has her Queen's Bluebird Box in the Queen of the Needle series (limited edition) and the 3rd sampler in the house and garden series will be out mid June. Sweetheart Tree has two more letters kits - G for Grapes and H for Hearts plus Pirouette in Purple kit. She is starting on a series of Teenie Tweenie for the 12 Days of Christmas - the first four are available now. A needlepoint angel ornament for each month from Fern Ridge Collections as well as a couple of new beaded scissor fob/needlecases are on order. New floss colors in Sampler Threads from Gentle Art and Weeks Dye Works floss. Gentle Art is now dyeing a crewel weight wool. New Mill Hill ornaments and Santas on perforated paper plus mini bell pull nutcrackers and snowmen. Several new kits from Shepherd's Bush will be arriving in June and more in late August. Sign up now for the Just Cross Stitch magazine Christmas ornament issue - see the color cover in the shop. Bent Creek's Big Zipper is the beginning of the zipper series for this year - love that 18 count linen - easy on the eyes. For those of you who work on 14 count Aida we have some lovely overdyed fabric in now - Babbling Brook Blue, Queen Anne's Lace for example. Also 3 new solid colors of 28 count linen from Wichelt. Some neat counted canvas pieces from Kick Back and Stitch will be coming in soon, too. Three new porcelain needle magnets - halloween, statue of liberty and dragonflies are here - also mother of pearl thread winder, thread rings and thread holder. We have subscription cards for The Gift of Stitching on-line magazine. You can read on the internet and then download and print off whichever pages you want to keep and file. Enough for now - gotta run to the post office. Stop in often to see what's new!

Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - Hope you all had a pleasant holiday weekend. We got child #3 graduated from Wartburg College - the last! Alan is looking for a job in computer science/business management. If you know of any great places to work let me know and I'll pass it along to him.

We leave for Columbus on Thursday. Busy doing a last minute check of what staples I'm missing on the shelf. And then the big decision of which project to take along to work on on the trip. I'd work on Sydney's birth sampler, but I need to order one more thread - and you thought I just did it to you guys so you would have to come back again. The next newsletter for the Thimbleberries Club and the Blizzard Bunch block of the month will be ready on Friday - either to pick up or mail out. If you'd like to join either club, there is still materials available. The Thimbleberries project is the warm and cozy version of the House and Garden Quilt and the Blizzard Bunch is a flannel quilt with cute snowmen. We welcome Sydney's mom, Rachel, as an assissant at the shop a couple of days a week. She will be glad to help you with any of your stitching needs and is updating the web site regularly.

May 17, 2007 - Jennifer and I are getting ready to go to market the end of the month. If there is anything you want me to look for while I am there, give me a call and I will add it to my list. The 2007 Limited Edition Santa "Christmas in the Woods" needlepoint canvas from Pat Thode - Heartstrings will be available in June. We have picture on the new page if you'd like to preview and pre-order it. It is a handpainted canvas with an excellent stitch guide and embellishments .

May 15, 2007 - Check out our new tabs!  One for viewing the newsletter online and one for our new Absolutely Automatic program!

Click on the grandchild piece below for pictures of the Handblessings trunk show.

Click on the ornament for more pictures from the Rosewood Manor trunk show!

(This is an exclusive pattern designed for Fiberworks by Handblessings.)

(This ornament from Rosewood Manor is in the Just Cross Stitch Ornament magazine.) 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiberworks
108 E. Bremer Ave.
Waverly, Iowa 50677
Phone: 319-352-5464
Toll Free: 1-800-307-4103
Email: info@myfiberworks.com