Friday, December 04, 2009

Brazilian Embroidery Kit Winner! And Some Comments...

A very lucky person has won the Brazilian Embroidery Kit and the instructional book called Apples to Zinnias, all provided by Threads in Bloom! In this post, you'll find the winner announced, a wee bit of commentary on Brazilian Embroidery, and some answers to questions posed in the comments on the original post.

The Brazilian embroidery kit is titled Kalmya, and you can find it on the Threads in Bloom website. You'll also find the book, Apples to Zinnias, listed there. So if you aren't the winner and you're set on having this kit or the book (or both!), stop by Threads in Bloom. Remember that the Edmar threads are sold separately from the kit - and if you need needles, invest in a package or two of milliners needles, which are always nice to have on hand!

Now, for the winner!

I drew by number, after "mixing up" all the names (kind of like shuffling a deck of cards, only I use a spreadsheet!). Using a random number generator, I was given the number 62, which, on my mixed up list, is Ellen F. in Nebraska! So, Ellen, please contact me with a mailing address, and I will send this off to you as soon as possible (sometimes, it takes a while, as I have difficulties getting the post office during business hours, but I'll definitely make sure you have it before Christmas!).

Thanks, all, for your enthusiastic participation in the give-away, and thanks again to Sharon of Threads in Bloom for supplying the loot!

I think this every time I do a give-away: I'd love to be able to send you each something, but since it's impossible, the best I can do is promise future give-aways of delectable needlework stuff, so that you have another chance to win!

Comments and Answers....

Trigger Cloth

One reader asked about the cloth used for Brazilian embroidery. It is called "trigger cloth," or Blazer poplin, and you can find it on Threads in Bloom, as well as through other needlework suppliers, like Nordic Needle.

Copyright Issues

One reader suggested that whoever wins could scan the book and the pattern and share them with everyone else. This surprised me, but I realize it may have been said in jest, or it may simply be a matter of not realizing the repercussions of copyright violation for artists and designers. It's important to understand that reproducing and sharing books and patterns that are the personal property of another and not in the public domain is a violation of copyright. Not only is this a violation of a law, but it is simply not fair to the designer and the author, who rely upon their art and expertise for income. It is a serious injustice. I don't support such ideas and I do not frequent or support websites that feature violated copyright materials. I hope this is clearly understood. I apologize for the "rant," but copyright issues are important in this community, as many needle artists and designers rely heavily upon their copyrighted work for their livelihood. Thanks for understanding!

Coming Up on Needle 'n Thread

Coming up this weekend on Needle 'n Thread: more monogram patterns in the latest series of hand embroidery monograms; some Bee-Yoo-Tee-Ful needlework from a reader (really, an unbelievable christening gown set - it's stunning, and worth seeing!); and hopefully, by early next week (I'm shooting for Monday) the embroidery will be complete on my needlebook, so I should be able to show you progress on that. I'll be continuing with the lettering sampler next week, as well, and coming up with a few more tidbits on needlework in general!

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Monday, November 30, 2009

Give-Away! Brazilian Embroidery Kit!

Thanks to Sharon of Threads in Bloom, I've got a beautiful Brazilian embroidery kit - including EdMar threads, full instructions, and printed fabric, along with a mesh bag to store it all in - and a book that I'm going to give away to a lucky reader this week!

If you haven't tried Brazilian embroidery yet or aren't familiar with it, you might want to check out the Brazilian Dimensional Embroidery guild website, where you'll find lots of information on the technique. Essentially, Brazilian embroidery combines regular surface embroidery stitches with dimensional stitches, to create a highly textured embroidery design. The threads normally used in Brazilian embroidery are twisted rayon (Edmar Threads are commonly used), so the overall effect of the style is colorful and textured, with a high sheen.

Threads in Bloom is an online shop specializing in Brazilian embroidery kits and supplies. Sharon offers many Brazilian embroidery kits that she has designed herself, and some of them are really beautiful! She sent this kit to me for a give-away, along with the threads to complete it and a mesh bag to store it in. So - here it is:

Brazilian Embroidery Kit Give-Away


For this give-away, you'll get everything you see in the photo above - the kit, the threads, the mesh bag. Oh - and needles - milliners needles in different sizes. I forgot to include those in the photo!

Brazilian Embroidery Kit Give-Away


Inside the kit, you'll find the design pre-printed on trigger cloth, which is traditionally used for Brazilian embroidery, a set of printed instructions that include diagrams of the various stitches, and the beads required for finishing the piece.

Brazilian Embroidery Kit Give-Away


The threads are beautiful, aren't they?

Brazilian Embroidery Kit Give-Away


In addition to the kit and bag, you'll also receive this book, Apples to Zinnias: A Dimensional Embroidery Project Book, which details how to make the alphabet sampler on the front cover of the book.

Brazilian Embroidery Kit Give-Away


Inside the book, you'll find diagram instructions on how to complete the various stitches and combinations used in Brazilian embroidery.

So if you've been hankering to try Brazilian embroidery - or if you've been wanting to practice dimensional stitches - here's your opportunity to try it for free!

To join the give-away, please follow these instructions:

1. Leave a comment below (on this article on the website - not via e-mail or on another post).

2. In your comment, answer the following question: What do you like best about Brazilian embroidery - the colors, the texture, the threads, the dimensional stitching, or....? and why? If you haven't done any Brazilian embroidery, what intrigues you about it?

3. Make sure you sign some kind of name to your comment, if you post anonymously.

4. I'll draw a winner on Friday, December 4th at 5:00 am CST, so leave your comment before then! Check back on Friday to see if you've won, and then, if you did, follow the instructions in the winner post!

That's all - not too complicated, I don't think. I hope not, anyway!

By the way, even if you don't do Brazilian embroidery, this little package would make a great Christmas gift for a stitching friend!

Best of luck!

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Saturday, August 15, 2009

Historical Needlework Give Away Winner!

Earlier in the week, I posted a give away featuring embroidery items related to different eras of needlework history. And since I know you're just absolutely dying to know just Who Won, here's the winner...

The winner of the historical needlework give away is:

(drumroll)....

Annie in hotter 'n heck Michigan!

The problem is, if it isn't hotter than heck in Michigan right now, do you still win?

Contact me, Annie, with your mailing address, and I'll get that out to you soon. First, I'm going to copy that linen - I meant to do that last week, but just haven't quite gotten to it!

Thanks, all, for participating! We'll do it again soon!

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Monday, August 10, 2009

Historical Needlework in Give-Away Form!

 
Here's a little give-away that spans a few historical styles of needlework. It's not a huge, multi-item give-away, but in itself, it's rather meaty. We've got 17th century embroidery, 18th - 19th century Quaker-style sampler needlework, and finally, surface embroidery from the 19th / early 20th century - all in one give-away!. Hey, what more could you want??! (Rhetorical question!)

I thought it would be fun to group together some embroidery items by era and style and give them away to someone interested in all kinds of embroidery! And, if you're only interested in one thing represented here, I suppose the rest would make good gifts to other needleworking friends.

Historical Needlework Give-Away on needlenthread.com


It's an odd mix of needlework-related goods, actually...

Historical Needlework Give-Away on needlenthread.com


First, representing the 17th century, I've selected four blank cards from the Plimoth Plantation Jacket notecards. These are nice cards, printed on quality paper, and featuring up-close photos of motifs embroidered on the Plimoth Jacket. The four cards each feature a different motif, so you'll probably have a hard time deciding which to keep and which to give away! They'd make great birthday cards, thank you notes, or what-have-you for anyone interested in textiles. You can view the designs on all the cards on Thistle Threads. 10% of each purchase of the box of cards goes to the support of the Jacket Project.

Historical Needlework Give-Away on needlenthread.com


Representing the late 18th and early 19th centuries, in the style of Quaker samplers, here's the Ackworth school memory book. This is a nifty little book where you can record your stitching. It has a zipper pocket in it, and various sleeves and pages for affixing stitch samples and so forth, as well as areas for writing commentary, some card threadwinders to cut out and use, some postcards that can be cut out and sent through the mail, and even little stitch diagrams for Quaker motifs. Neat little book! You can see inside the memory book on Needleprint, which is the publisher of the book. I happened upon a special on these not a year ago, so I picked a couple up, thinking they'd make good gifts.

Historical Needlework Give-Away on needlenthread.com


And, moving into the late 19th and early 20th centuries, we've got a pre-printed vintage linen (in fairly good shape). These are from the box of linens and threads I wrote about the other day.

Historical Needlework Give-Away on needlenthread.com


And two skeins of M. Heminway & Sons silk. If you've been itching to see this silk up close, here's your opportunity to get your hands on some!

Historical Needlework Give-Away on needlenthread.com


The skeins are in fairly good shape - still braided with tags - but you can see that the pink is having a bad hair day. Still, it's usable, and it's beautiful!

Needlework Giveaway Participation Guidelines


To participate in the giveaway, please leave a comment below this post on the website. If you're reading this in your feedreader or in the e-mail newsletter, just click on the title of the article, and that will take you straight to the website!

In your comment, please leave a name. If you comment annonymously, please make sure you sign a name inside the comment box before you submit it!

In your comment, please answer the following question:

What's your favorite style and / or era of embroidery and why?

I'll draw for a winner on August 14th at the end o' the day, and I'll let you know on the 15th who won. The winner will then need to contact me with a postal address. If for some reason contact isn't made, I'll re-draw for a new winner.

Thanks for participating!

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Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Needlework Give-Away Winners Announced!

 
For this give-away, which I announced Monday to celebrate Needle 'n Thread's 3rd Anniversary, I've selected three winners, who will receive a nice little package of needlework supplies!

Each package will contain a selection of embroidery threads, some accessories, and a few little embellishments. I'm pretty sure the winners will like them!

Each winner needs to contact me with a mailing address, so that I can put the goods in the mail. However, since I'm going out of town tomorrow for vacation, the packages probably will not be mailed until I return. (Sorry!)

Without further ado, the winners of the Needle 'n Thread Third Anniversary Give-Away are:

Pierette (Love to Stitch 99)

Agne (who I believe is in Lithuania!)

Haley Shurtleff (which works out well, because she's a college student, and we all know what college students' budgets look like...!)

Congratulations, you winners, you! Please don't forget to contact me with your mailing address!

Now, for the nitty-gritty! Tomorrow, I'm off! But don't forget to check the website each day for several interesting articles that are coming up - among them, an aquatic sampler that will have you just bedazzled by the colors and stitching, a hand-embroidered coif (for you historical embroidery buffs), some first-hand discussion on stitching your way into a successful Etsy shop experience, a tutorial on a form of Indian embroidery, a beautiful quilt made by a grandmother and featuring one of the patterns here on Needle 'n Thread, a tutorial (from me) on mitering corners for finish work, several really nice free online book links, a new silk resource, finished photos of the pall, a review of a goldwork kit perfect for beginners (yes, well... I couldn't resist buying it, so I thought I better show it to you), and ... well, I'm HOPING to give you some updates of my journey and any stitchery shops along the way, but that depends a lot on hotel internet connections!

So, see, I won't be abandoning you! I'll do my best to keep comments moderated, but chances are, I won't be able to answer too much e-mail!

Wishing you the best in the next couple weeks! Keep stitching!

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Monday, June 15, 2009

Blog Anniversary! Three Years?!?

 
Today is the Three Year Anniversary of Needle 'n Thread! Three years seems like a long time ago, doesn't it? But I don't feel like I've been doing this for three years.... Anyway, how about we do something SPECIAL for the day?

First, I'm going to gush. Bear with it! (You can always scroll to the end if you think I'm going Overboard!) I get so many kind e-mails and comments from readers who are always expressing their gratitude for my website, but do you know how much that is reciprocated on my part? I have, I think, the Best Bunch of Blog-Reading People in the Whole Blog Universe, right here on Needle 'n Thread. I'm sure there are bigger and better blogs out there, but I can't imagine that they have as much fun, or learn as much, or get such enjoyment from their readers as I do from you all. I just love keeping this blog up, and I love doing it, because of you, the audience.

It's a weird thing, you know. When I first started this website, I had no idea what kind of interest it would evoke, and it was a tentative, shaky start, as I had never done anything quite like blogging before.

I'm happy with the way it has grown, and I love the constant challenge of keeping up with it and trying to focus and fine-tune it. I love the possibilities my blog is always presenting to me - I think I'm a better embroiderer because of my website. I try harder and I try things I wouldn't necessarily ever try, if it weren't for the website. And that keeps my needlework life pretty exciting.

And... I only do all that because I have a great audience!

So, to celebrate - oh, let's - let's have a give-away! Let's have a 3-person give-away!

But, this is the hitch! I'm leaving Thursday, so it has to be a quick give-away. Besides, instead of having it published all over the web, where droppers-by jump in and sign up and we never hear from them again, I'd rather keep it among us - a quiet, closer-knit give-away. The only way to do that, methinks, is to make it a quick turn-around on the drawing...

So, with that in mind, three lucky readers will be drawn for this year's anniversary give-away, and I am going to send you a selection of nice threads, some thread rings and accessories, some embellishments, and whatever other neat things pop into my head. And I'd show you a picture of the goods, but... drat... I left my camera at my sister's house and won't be getting it until late Monday or early Tuesday (I'm typing this on Sunday!). Tuesday, if I can, I'll post a picture. Anyway, the point is to get the give-away started, and you'll just have to trust me on the loot!

My Great Three Year Anniversary Give-away ends on Wednesday morning, June 16th, at 5:00 am, at which time I will announce the winners. If I hear from the winners before the end of the day Wednesday, I can get the packages in the mail before I leave for vacation on Thursday morning. If not, they'll be mailed as soon as I get back!

To enter, answer the following question in the comments section on the website under this post only:

What feature do you like best on Needle 'n Thread, and what would you like to see more of? Your answer will help me improve the site and keep it interesting for you!

Thank you for a fun three years!!

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Monday, June 08, 2009

Trish Burr Embroidery Kit Winner!

 
Last week, I announced this give-away of a Trish Burr Embroidery Kit, and today, I'm going to announce the winner!

Perhaps I haven't mentioned this before, but for those of you who read my website pretty regularly, you know I'm a fan of Trish's. So I was really excited when Trish finished them and released them! It's a huge undertaking, to prepare enough kits to be able to "go public" with them in the retail world. Trish said that her mom and dad and her own kids and their college friends helped her with the packaging. Can you imagine snipping all the thread, bundling the colors together correctly, making sure everything is in the right little bag, labeling everything correctly, and all the work it must take to package up embroidery kits? All done at home?! Just the instructions alone - making sure that all the colors are labeled, there are no glitches in the instructions with misnumbered colors, corresponding the instructions with the supply lists, with the pictures, and all that - I would imagine this is a painstaking, concentrated effort!

Why am I saying all this? I suppose so that we can better appreciate these kits. They aren't commercially produced by some large company like Dimensions or Leisure Arts. They're produced at home, with the help of family and friends, under the meticulous direction of one person overseeing, directing, working... all to achieve the goal of producing a kit for ... you. That's right! Yes, there's a small profit involved, but compared to to work that goes into the production, the profit is really minimal. Those who have ever set up kits for embroidery classes - or who have ever bought the supplies for a finished project - understand this.

The more I look over the kits, anticipating the moment when I can actually launch in, the more I am struck by the careful attention to detail and all the hard work that must go into making them! Thanks, Trish!

Now, on to the WINNER.

Triah asked if she could pick the winner, and I was ready to let her. I explained the process I use for selecting the winner, and she agreed rather to let me do it! It would be nice to be able to pick a winner on the merit of one's answer, but the fact is, so many answers are similar, so there's no real way to distinguish merit objectively! So the Random Selection Approach seems to be the only fair way to go about it.

This is what I do: I keep an ever-developing list of names of those who leave a comment that fulfills the directions of the contest. I fill out this list on a spreadsheet as I moderate the comments. I found it's a lot easier to make up the list as the comments are moderated than to have to go back at the end of the contest and grab all the names off the website!

I eliminate duplicates, and I don't include comments left on other posts or sent via e-mail. I'm sorry to have to be so "mean" on this point, but it's already a ton of work to run the contest fairly; I can't gather names from everywhere. Besides, it's in the directions!

Then, once I've moderated the stragglers - those are the comments that came in under the wire the morning of drawing - I mix up the names on the spread sheet. This is, in fact, kind of an electronic shaking-of-the-hat before drawing the name.

Then I use a random number generator and it gives me the number corresponding to the winner.

So, you see, there's a complicated process here, but I try to keep it entirely objective, strictly according to the rules, and completely based on chance. (I would prefer, I think, to do things based on merit, but I don't know how to accomplish that in these types of contests! Any suggestions?!?!?!)

OK - SORRY - I'm really gabbing a lot. Here it is. The random number was 84, and it corresponded, on the "mixed up" spreadsheet, with Clare-Anne from Wieser, Oregon, who answered the question thus:

What would I do with this? Why, frame it of course! I can't imagine needleworking something like this and putting it in a situation that it could get ruined in! I would frame it behind glass and hang it on the wall.

I'm 17, but I hope I am still eligible.


Apparently, you are still eligible! Congratulations! Please drop me an e-mail by Wednesday morning, Clare, with your mailing address so I can get this off to you as soon as possible.

Now, if you didn't win, and are dying to have one of Trish's kits, you can still purchase them via her website. While postage seems a bit high (it's been slightly reduced since the kits were first made available), keep in mind that they are coming insured airmail, and that you can order two kits for the same postage. Perhaps you can split the postage with a stitching buddy who wants to go in with you and get a kit, too.

Once more, Congratulations, Clare! I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Do keep an eye out, everyone! I'll be running a June stash contest later in the month!

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Sunday, June 07, 2009

Last Change to Sign Up for Embroidery Kit Give-Away!

 
Tonight (Sunday, June 7th) is your last chance to sign up for my give-away - a beautiful embroidery kit from Trish Burr! If you haven't already done so, read the give-away post and follow the directions for the give-away. The winner will be drawn Monday morning, June 8th, at 5:00 am CST, so you still have a bit of time to sign up!

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Wednesday, June 03, 2009

I'm Giving Away a Trish Burr Embroidery Kit!

 
Here 'tis, then - the give-away I mentioned early, when I spoke of Trish Burr's kits that arrived last week! Trish very generously sent along one that could be used as a give-away to my readers! If you've been wanting to try thread painting techniques, this is a great way to learn!

The embroidery kit that I'm giving away is the one titled "Flowers in Bloom," designed for beginner "plus" stitchers.

Trish Burr Embroidery Kit: Flowers in Bloom


This project is suitable for anyone beginning needle painting, who has some knowledge of stitching in general. I think, given the clear and detailed instructions, a flat-out beginner who is interested could definitely work this project.

Trish Burr Embroidery Kit: Flowers in Bloom


Here's a list of the kit contents...

Trish Burr Embroidery Kit: Flowers in Bloom


The instructions include clear diagrams, written instructions, and step-by-step photos of the project as it is worked, to help guide the stitcher to a beautiful finished product.

Trish Burr Embroidery Kit: Flowers in Bloom


The linen comes with the design pre-printed on it, so you don't have to transfer your pattern - in other words, you can launch right into the fun part, which is stitching!

Trish Burr Embroidery Kit: Flowers in Bloom


There's even a nice practice cloth, so you can play with the different types of elements in the design before stitching them on the finished piece.

Trish Burr Embroidery Kit: Flowers in Bloom


And, as a full kit, it comes with all the threads, clearly labeled, as well as two needles. All you need is your own hoop or frame and scissors, and you're ready to start stitching!

If you'd like a chance to win this kit, these are the instructions to join the give-away:

1. Leave a comment below, on this blog post (not via e-mail, or on any other post).

2. In your comment, answer the following question: Once you finish stitching this piece, what do you think you'd do with the finished embroidery?

3. Comments must be received by 5:00 am CST, Monday, June 8th. I'll announce the contest winner on Monday. Whoever wins must then contact me with a mailing address within 48 hours. If I do not hear from the first winner, I'll draw another name! Instructions for contacting me will be on the post announcing the winner!

Thanks for joining in! And thanks, Trish, for the extra kit!

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Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Needlework Stash Give-Away Winner!

 
Well, here 'tis - the winner of the May Needlework Stash Give-Away here on Needle 'n Thread!

It was a long, laborious process this morning, arriving at the name of the winner of this package of embroidery threads and Other Various Good Things. Normally, I try to keep up with my "method" of picking the winners as the comments come in, each day adding the new names to an ever-growing list, which I finally number, then randomly sort. Then, I have the computer pick a random number, and there's the winner.

Well, it sure beats writing the names on paper, cutting it up, and drawing from hat, which is what I used to do when I first started doing little give-aways.

But with 155 comments, and not having kept up with them as I normally do, it took me quite a bit of time to manage the whole thing this morning! Top that with an 8:15 meeting at school, and there you have my excuse for the late announcement of...

THE WINNER!

Who happens to be....

Magpie's Mumblings! Magpie answered the question about thread organization thus:

To answer your storage question...my embroidery flosses are all wound on cardboard bobbins; my spools of pearl cotton are stored in a plastic container with a lid; and my silk ribbons are also in a plastic container. The containers I use are all the same and stack nicely on my shelves. Pretty much all my smaller needleworking supplies are stored that way.

When I begin a project I go through and pull out any threads I feel I might use and they, in turn, go into another plastic container or, if it's a smaller project, they go into a ziploc bag.


Hm. She sounds a lot like me! I had great fun reading all the comments and seeing how people organize their threads and projects differently. If you're feeling frustrated with your present organizational methods (or lack thereof!), take a look at the comments on the original post for the May give-away. You might find a technique that suits you and is easy and feasible to use!

Magpie, please contact me with your mailing address and I'll get this off to you in the next week! I'll be throwing in a couple little extras, which I hope you enjoy!

You know, each time I do this, I see many, many familiar names! I wish I could send you all a little something, but as a consolation, just know that we will be doing it again. In fact (oooooohhhhh....), I've got a good one coming up. Remember that I mentioned Trish Burr's new embroidery kits? I do believe I shall be giving one of those away soon! So... keep an eye out!

Thanks, everyone, for participating, and for all your helpful information on how you organize your thread stash!

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Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Hand Embroidery Stash Give-away Reminder!

 
Just a quick note to remind you that tomorrow morning (Wednesday, May 20) at 5:00 a.m. CST, my May Stash Give-Away comes to an end! If you haven't had a chance to enter, please feel free to check out the original post, read the question posed at the end of the post, and answer the question in the comment section on the original post. As I mentioned in yesterday's article, I'll be including a few more goodies in the stash package that aren't shown there, including some silk threads and a nice piece of linen, thanks to BJ!

Do sign up if you haven't already done so!

Good luck!

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Monday, May 18, 2009

Stash Building with Online Friends!

 
Since I started blogging here on Needle 'n Thread (almost three years ago!), I've come into contact with some great and generous online stitching friends! I'm pretty convinced that one of the special marks of the needleworker is generosity. From hundreds of needlework bloggers that generously share their tips online, to the needleworkers who swap magnificent hand-made treasures, to the needleworkers who share their interest by sending bits and pieces of stash hither and thither to friends - needleworkers tend to be generous.

This weekend, the Theory of Needleworker Generosity was once again made manifest in my life by a package I received in the post on Saturday.

Embroidery Stash Additions from a Friend


You know what it's like to receive a delightful and unexpected package in the mail that contains Just the Stuff you like? Well, that was me on Saturday - and it was such fun to open this package! In addition to the above items were two other yellow and white tea towels that match the yellow waffle-weave towel on the left - but they're out in the studio awaiting ideas already!

Embroidery Stash Additions from a Friend


There were three beautiful tea towels in sunny yellow and yellow and white, three very nice-sized pieces of linen, one of which is the dyed linen in the background of the photo above, and a good sized piece of Aida cloth... as well as coton a broder in size 20...

Embroidery Stash Additions from a Friend


...a goodly selection of Kreinik's silk mori, which I have never actually stitched with, but which I've wanted to try...

Embroidery Stash Additions from a Friend


... some Gentle Art embroidery cotton, along with Anchor and DMC rayon...

Embroidery Stash Additions from a Friend


... and a length of pearl purl!

Now, is that not all the stuff that I just love? Have you ever seen a package that hit the nail on the head so well?

There are a couple reasons I'm sharing this with you in such a public way, by the way! No... I'm not hinting for everyone reading to send me stuff! No... I'm not bragging... "Na na na - look what I got!" ... First, to thank BJ for her kind package, and second, to tell you that one of the reasons she sent it was a kind of "pay it forward" notion, in relation to my stash give-aways. So... some of this will be coming to you, too! That way, we can all be recipients of BJ's generosity!

I have to admit, though.... heh heh. I've been wanting to try out some hand embroidery on waffle-weave towels, so I have a feeling the sunny yellow towel will probably stay with me, at least for a bit. Once I stitch on it, I'll pass it on as a gift. And the tiny yellow and white check towel is going to get used, too, I'm afraid - I'm going to test a drawn thread theory on it!

So keep your eyes out for upcoming stash give-aways that will feature some of the goodies from BJ!

I'm also going to add a couple fibers and a piece of linen to the May give-away, which I posted this past Saturday. If you haven't signed up for it yet, please do by reading the original post and leaving a comment on the original post (answer the question posed in the give-away!).

A great big THANK YOU to BJ for the goodies and for the opportunity to pass them on to others!

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Saturday, May 16, 2009

May Needlework Stash Give-Away!

 
Ah, for the month of May, I'm giving away a nice collection of fun threads, along with a couple little needlework extras...

I've mentioned a few times that I'm got this fiber infatuation thing going - I just love embroidery threads! Part of the fun of these stash give-aways is that you get the opportunity to perhaps try out some threads you've never used before. So I've put together a little collection of different threads here, hoping there's something new in the batch for your own needlework experimentation!

Needlework Give Away for May, 2009, on Needle 'n Thread


For threads, you'll find (left to right) two skeins of Silk 'n Colors by Thread Gatherer, Gloriana silk, Dinky Dyes silk,and two variegated cottons from Weeks Dye Works.

Needlework Give Away for May, 2009, on Needle 'n Thread


Two cards of Rainbow Gallery threads are also included.

Needlework Give Away for May, 2009, on Needle 'n Thread


And, for those who like storage solutions for beads or for needles, how about some needle tubes? These are sold as needle tubes, but I find them equally handy for seed beads. I've also used them for non-needlework-related stuff, like a small quantity of balm and olive oil mixed together. No leakage - perfect little tube for traveling.

Needlework Give Away for May, 2009, on Needle 'n Thread


There's the whole collection. You'll also notice a mesh zipper bag in the background, which is great for holding threads for a project. These mesh bags are sturdy, they don't snag on the threads, they actually have a real zipper (not ziplock), and they breathe.

Needlework Give Away for May, 2009, on Needle 'n Thread


That's the give-away for May!

To enter, leave a comment below (on this post on the website, not via e-mail), and in your comment, answer the following the question:

How do you store / arrange your threads for projects? Do you use little bags? Thread rings? Do you wind them on bobbins or cards? Do you loop them through holes on thread cards? What's your solution for keeping your threads together when you start a project?

If you comment anonymously, please make sure you sign a name to your comment!

I'll draw a winner Wednesday, May 20th, at 5:00 am CST, so get your comment in by then! The winner will also be announced on Wednesday - please make sure you check back to see if it is you!

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Tuesday, April 14, 2009

And the Winner Is....

 
I'm very happy and excited to announce the winner of my Birthday Give-Away.

The lucky winner is going to receive a nice little bundle of needlework and embroidery items, along with a few other pretty tidbits - and I'm dying to show you the collection, but that would ruin the surprise, wouldn't it?! I have to wait until she gets the box! I had fun putting it together!

Thank you all so much for the happy birthday wishes! I had so much fun reading your comments as they came in! Your views on gifts seem to fall into several categories, but most seem to focus around a few notable ideas: that it's often more fun to give than to receive; that the thought is what counts, more than the gift; and that some gifts are not "purchasable," but rather given from the heart - not necessarily things, if you get my drift.

Anyway, it was fun to read your comments! I wish I could send everyone a little package! I was actually wondering what it would be like to organize a large "little something" mailing, but I couldn't do it - it would break the bank! Never fear - there will be future opportunities to win other give-aways! Thank you for participating!

Without further ado, the winner is:

Emily B. from New Mexico...

Congratulations, Emily! Please contact me with your mailing address, and I'll get your little box of goodies on its way!

Today, I'm heading out to the studio to do some straightening and organizing, so that I can launch into the several things that I must do this week! Wish me luck!

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Monday, April 13, 2009

Monday Morning Post Holiday Delay!

 
Just a quick note to let you all know that the birthday give-away announcement will be a leeeeetle delayed! I'm off to a slow start after a weekend of company and family obligations! (Holiday weekends always end up this way....)

This week, I've got some neat stuff to show you - some birthday presents (!) that are needlework related and Really Exciting (I'm excited, anyway!) and photos of the spring gardern corner on the towel, which I did finally finish on Easter Sunday afternoon, just before giving it to my sister as a gift!

By the way, don't forget that the French Needle is giving a 10% discount to readers of Needle 'n Thread through April. To find out how to get 10% off your order, read my original post on The French Needle! I bring it up because (guess what??!), I got a pretty cool birthday present from there. It's nice when family members do actually read my website!

My needle and thread related work this week includes working on videos, studio organization, setting up a commissioned project that's due in June, and setting up a sampler with my niece. Those are the things I must get done - I have a whole list of things I want to get done, too, but we'll see! I'll let you know how I progress!

I hope everyone had a terrific weekend! I'll announce the give-away winner tomorrow, then, first thing. If you haven't had a chance to sign up, the deadline's extended to tomorrow morning at 5:00 am CST (Tuesday, April 14)!

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Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Happy Birthday to Me Give-Away!

 
Sounds a bit self-centered, doesn't it - a "Happy Birthday to Me" give-away? I guess as long as I'm giving away the gift, I can get away with the title within the bounds of decent etiquette!

I've been chuckling over this give-away idea for a few days, wondering just how people would react to it. I realize I may get very little participation! But I can't help it - my curiosity has the better of me, and now that I'm locked in on this idea, I feel compelled to try it! Besides, it's my party, and I'll try if I want to!

Oh, gosh. I'm cracking up!

What is she babbling on so about, you ask?? Well, read on....

Here is my Happy Birthday to Me Give-Away:

The charm of birthday gifts is the surprise. What's the fun in telling your family or friends, "This is what I want for my birthday," and then getting it? Oh, there might be a mercenary comfort in doing that (we don't have to pay for something we want, and no one wastes money on something we don't want), but where's the delight and unexpected pleasure? Where's that tickling anticipation as the gift is opened up? In short, there's no surprise! The best gifts are the ones you don't expect, after all!

So, for my birthday give-away, I'm going to send a surprise gift to someone!

In the past, I've had some pretty good give-aways:

Embroidery Stash Give-aways on Needle 'n Thread


They often include some fibrous, thready assortment...

Embroidery Stash Give-aways on Needle 'n Thread


... and sometimes they include embellishments.

Embroidery Stash Give-aways on Needle 'n Thread


Sometimes, they have nice needlework accessories in them!

Embroidery Stash Give-aways on Needle 'n Thread


Sometimes, books...

Embroidery Stash Give-aways on Needle 'n Thread


... of various kinds.

Embroidery Stash Give-aways on Needle 'n Thread


Sometimes, they are rather elaborate...

Embroidery Stash Give-aways on Needle 'n Thread


...and other times, they are very simple.

Whatever the case, you can be assured that the package will contain enticing stuff for the needleworker, and a few little extras!

To enter the give-away, please do the following:

1. Here, at the bottom of this post (on the website, not in the e-mail newsletter, not by return e-mail, or not on another post), leave a comment answering the following question:

2. What's your notion of the best gift?

3. If you use the "anonymous" posting feature, please make sure to include a name on the post itself.

4. Check back Monday, April 13th, for the winner. The contest ends Monday, April 13th, at 5:00 am CST. If you win, you'll need to contact me by Wednesday, April 15, with mailing information. I'll post instructions on the winner's post on Monday.

Well, what do you think? Are you game to trust my taste in gifts?

Have a terrific day!

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Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Embroidery Stash Give-away Winner Announced...

 
Ah, here 'tis, Wednesday morning, and time to announce this month's stash winner...

Someone out there is going to get this very nice collection of 12 different types of embroidery thread...

February Embroidery Stash Give Away!


Did the usual - filtered the names into a numbered list (making sure there were no duplicates and that everyone had followed the directions!), scrambled the list, and drew a random number....

Speaking of the directions, I was struck by the number of repetition in everyone's favorite books. I didn't keep exact numbers, but the Country Bumpkin publications really seemed to have the lead, it seems. I saw a lot of you like Trish Burr, and then there's a lot of mention of Mary Thomas's dictionary, Therese Dillmont's Encyclopedia, and the Reader's Digest Guide to Needlework. There are some books on the list that were new to me, so I'll probably check some of them out! Thanks!!

Ok, the winner is ....

Ruth M., who signed her post "rut" - She has quite a few faves, but often turns to the basics, so she put "The Complete Illustrated Stitch Encyclopedia" (Crafter's Choice Publication) as her favorite.

Congratulations, Ruth! Please send me your mailing address through the contact form, and I'll send the loot out to you as soon as possible!

Thank you all very much for participating. I'm always sorry when it's over, because I enjoy reading everyone's comments, and of course, it would be nice if everyone could win something!

Never fear - there's always a chance next month!

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Saturday, February 21, 2009

Give-Away: Embroidery Threads by the Dozen

 
This month's stash give-away is really perfect for building your embroidery stash - and the perfect opportunity to try a variety of needlework fibers! I'm giving away a dozen embroidery threads, each a different type.

All twelve threads are full skeins, never used before. They're new! And they're fun!

February Embroidery Stash Give-away: a dozen different embroidery threads


Here's the whole give-away....

February Embroidery Stash Give-away: a dozen different embroidery threads


Half the give-away is comprised of silk. There's Gloriana, Dinky-Dyes, Silk 'n Colors from Thread Gatherer, Needlepoint Inc Silk, Empress Silk, and a whole spool of Japanese Silk from the Japanese Embroidery Center.

February Embroidery Stash Give-away: a dozen different embroidery threads


The other half of the give-away is made up of synthetics, cotton, wool, and soy.

There's Needle Necessities Cotton, Overdyed Rachel, Charleston (the sparkly stuff), and wool, plus a skein of Soy Luster, and a skein of Caron Watercolors.

February Embroidery Stash Give-away: a dozen different embroidery threads


The hues in this half of the stash are pretty much purples and pinks.

So, if you're a fiber fanatic or a thread junkie, you might enjoy picking up 12 new skeins of a variety of threads, to dabble with! If you're new to the whole needlework field, this is the perfect opportunity to give some different threads a try, for the fun of it. If you're a crazy quilter - well! What couldn't you do with these threads? And maybe there's just one thread in there you're dying to try - if that's the case, go for it! You can always pass the rest on to someone else to play with! And, if nothing else, this would make a nice little package for you to share with another needlework friend - you can always make a little gift out of parts of it (or all of it!).

Now, the fine print - the contest rules:

1. Leave a comment on this post. To do so, you must be reading this post on the website. If you're reading the e-mail newsletter, just click the title in the newsletter to go to the website. Scroll down to the end of the text here (on the website) and find the line that begins "Posted by." Right underneath the date, you'll see a link that reads "Click to Comment." Click that link and leave a comment. You can comment without signing in by clicking "anonymous."

2. Answer the following question:

What's your all-time favorite embroidery book? (If you don't have one, tell us what embroidery book you'd like to have... If you don't know what's out there, you can browse books under my needlework book reviews or in my bookstore...)

3. Make sure you sign your name to the comment!

4. Check back on Wednesday, February 25th, when I post the winner, which is drawn by random number. If it's you, you'll need to contact me with your address.

The contest ends Wendesday, Feb. 25th, at 5:00 am CST. International readers are welcome to comment, too. I'll ship the package via the least expensive air-mail option, should an international reader win it.

Feel free to let your stitching friends know about the give-away, too!

Good luck!

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Wednesday, February 04, 2009

Embroidery Stash Winner Announced...

 
Well - here's the winner of last month's stash give-away....

The give-away includes several nice threads to play with and Helen Stevens's book, Embroidered Gardens.

To select a winner, I transfer the names to a spread sheet and mix them up, then use a random number generator to pick a number. The name corresponding to the number is the winner.

And the lucky winner is..... (I'm trying to build suspense, but I know it isn't working)...

Melissa with the Mr. and Mrs. pillowcases. This is her story, in response to the question posed.

Question: Do you have a needlework project that you pine over, that you don't have anymore, for whatever reason (you gave it away, it got lost in a move, it got damaged, etc.)? And if so, what was the project and why do you wish you still had it?

Melissa's Answer: Hmm this one is a difficult question because in some ways every project I give away I wish I could keep. I think it's because I pour so much of myself into them which makes me want to keep it but at the same time it's what makes it a gift worth giving. I recently found out that a pillowcase set I gave as a gift isn't used and loved and that really made me wish I had kept them since I loved the set it was a Mr & Mrs set, but most of the time if someone really really loves the gift then I'm happy they have it.

Congratulations, Melissa! Please contact me with your shipping address and I'll get that little package off to you as soon as possible!

Now, to play fair, I'll answer the question, too...

Like Melissa, I find the question difficult. When we pour so much effort into a project and finally see the finished result and like it, well... I find it hard to part with. But gift-giving is gift-giving. And that's the whole point. What's the "merit" in giving a gift away that I don't like?? "Eeew. This turned out yucky. I think I'll give it to my sister..." We don't really do it that way, do we? If it turns out yucky, normally we don't give it away. (I generally hide the things that turn out below expectations!) Still, I do find it hard to part with my needlework, but the payoff is seeing the pleasure it gives others. It would hurt pretty badly if the piece were neglected or disliked (and my heart goes out to those of you who have had that experience!). All that being said, I really hated parting with the Golden Pomegranate I recently finished for a niece's wedding gift. If I ever find out that she doesn't really like it, or that she hasn't bothered to hang it in her new house, I might have to hit her over the head with it - right before I take it back home! Heh heh... kidding, kidding....

(Sort of...)

Do stick around for the next give-away, which will be some time in February. I'll try to make it worth the wait!

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Saturday, January 31, 2009

Give-Away: Helen Stevens Embroidered Gardens and Some Great Needlework Threads!

 
Here's this month's embroidery stash give-away! Last year (January of 2008), I began doing these monthly give-aways. I've tried to include in them fibers or embellishments (beads, buttons, charms, etc.) that would enhance your stash and perhaps give you something new to try in the realm of surface embroidery. I also tried to keep them varied enough each month to make them interesting (I may have failed a wee bit in that regard...)

Mostly, the items included in these little give-aways come from my own needlework stash or my own library. Sometimes, though, I include a neat little something I've picked up new that I thought would be a fun addition to the give-aways. And, in today's case, part of the give-away comes from someone else! A very generous reader wrote to me to say she had an extra copy of the book featured today and of one of Trish Burr's books. Would I like to have them? I could pass them on to someone else, if I wanted. And of course I said, "Yes, please!" (THANK YOU!)

Well, let me get on with it, then. This is this month's loot, up for grabs!

Hand Embroidery Items: Book by Helen Stevens and various fibers and embellishments


A nice little stack!

Hand Embroidery Items: Book by Helen Stevens and various fibers and embellishments


The book is Helen M. Stevens' Embroidered Gardens (this will take you to a more detailed description of the book at Amazon). It's a fantastic and beautiful hard bound book that's part of the Helen Stevens "Masterclass Series."

Hand Embroidery Items: Book by Helen Stevens and various fibers and embellishments


To go along with the book, some fibers and embellishments - and not just any fibers! Some really nice ones! Gloriana Ribbon, Baroque Silk, Charon Watercolors, Silk 'n Ivory, and a spool of TESS - the silk that Helen Stevens uses in her embroidery. Also, there's a little package of frosted glass Mill Hill beads, and a little heart charm.

Just think, all of this wonderful stuff could be yours! Just leave a comment below, answering the following question:

Do you have a needlework project that you pine over, that you don't have anymore, for whatever reason (you gave it away, it got lost in a move, it got damaged, etc.)? And if so, what was the project and why do you wish you still had it?

You can thank Laura Bullinger for that question! I pulled it off the comments on the August stash give-away, where I asked people to submit questions that I could use for stash contests.

Make certain you leave a name with your comment! If you post "anonymously," sign the comment with a name.

NOTE: Please leave your comment on this post on the website. You need to be actually on the website, not in the e-mail newsletter. Below, you will see a link that says "Click to comment." It's right under the text of this article, under the "Posted by Mary Corbet" line. Click on that link, and you'll be able to leave a comment.

The contest ends Wednesday, February 4th, at 5:00 am CST. I'll post the winner on Wednesday, and the winner will need to contact me with a shipping address. The contest is open to anyone, anywhere.

Good luck!

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Friday, January 30, 2009

January Embroidery Stash Give Away?? I almost forgot...

 
I can't believe it's almost the end of January! and we're about 1/12th of the way through 2009! Before the month officially ends, I wanted to let you know that I am still doing the stash give-aways this year. Last year, they were fairly successful! I think the people who won enjoyed receiving their packages, and I think (?) that everyone enjoyed at least having the opportunity to win some threads, needlework books, embellishments, and so forth!

Tomorrow, I'll announce the January give-away. (Sorry - seems cheap to title the post that and then not announce it now...) But I wanted to let you know before the weekend, so that you are sure to check back.

The stash contest will include a beautiful embroidery book from one of the UK's top designers, as well as some nice threads, and whatever else I can gather together this evening that will make a good, interesting, and coherent package. After all, we may as well kick off the new year with a good one!

For those of you new to Needle'nThread lately, do check out my past embroidery stash contests, so you can see what kind of stash items I give away each month. I've also given away several nice embroidery books over the past year.

Don't forget to take the opportunity to check back in over the weekend to see what I'll be giving away to a lucky winner!

Have a great weekend!

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Wednesday, December 10, 2008

December Embroidery Stash Winner!

 
This month's embroidery stash contest is officially over... and the winner is drawn...

It was kind of hard at first to commit to giving away the two spools of Gilt Sylke Twist in this month's give-away! I admit it!! Deep down, there was this nagging voice saying, "If you're going to give them away, you should give them to a friend - to someone you know." But then this other nagging voice said, "It doesn't matter. Someone, somewhere, will surely be really happy to win this...." and then there was this other nagging voice...

... but I better not mention what that one said, because it would probably ruin my image! I try to ignore it, but it does creep in now and then! >:-)

ANYWAY, I'm glad I committed to the give-away, as I hope it does make someone, somewhere pretty happy, in a stitchy sorta way! And heck, detachment is a good thing!

I know, I know. On with the winner. Cut the babble and get on with it!

I did the whole draw thing, like I've done for the past however many months, so I'll skip the explanation.... and the winner is....

Heidi in MN!

Do contact me, Heidi, by Friday, with a mailing address!

Thank you all for participating! I enjoyed reading your comments, and for those of you with the real "itch" for this thread, I wish I could afford to send some world-wide to you! That's actually the hardest part about a give-away: not being able to give away to more people who I know are really, sincerely longing to win!

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Friday, December 05, 2008

December Embroidery Stash Give-Away: My Favorite Things

 
I've been doing this monthly embroidery stash give-away for 12 months now, and it's kind of fun - I'm thinking about making it a regular feature, rather than a yearly resolution! On top of the monthly stash give-aways, I've sent out many books this year to stitchers and crafters around the globe. Now, I'm giving away two of my favorite things. Perhaps to some of you, this will seem rather limited, in comparison to previous stash contests --- I assure, it's not! The pain of separation is already acute!

The month's give-away is geared towards those who love embroidery, whether you're at the beginner, intermediate, or advanced level. For the beginner, though, the prize requires you to take your embroidery to another level. That is, go beyond "craft." Move towards art. If you have fallen in love with embroidery, then you probably want to take your needlework a bit beyond basic. To do this, materials make all the difference. And, in embroidery, the primary material used is thread.

So I'm giving you some thread in this give-away, but not just any thread.

Gilt Sylke Twist is a relatively "new" thread on the market, brought about by the folks at Plimoth Plantation who are recreating a 17th-century embroidered lady's jacket. If you haven't read about this project, you may wish to visit the Plimoth Plantation blog, The Embroiderers' Story, to see what's going on there. It's fascinating.

Gilt Sylke Twist is a unique thread in today's thread market. It's made up of a core of flat silk wound with a real gold wire. It's a very fine and tiny thread. And it's beautiful! It is suitable for all kinds of embroidery applications. I've worked chain stitch, satin stitch, buttonhole stitch, and others with it, and it's worked fine. So whether you are interested in historical embroidery, crazy quilting, or just regular decorative surface embroidery, you will find this thread versatile enough to suit your style of stitching.

In case you haven't seen it in use, here's my Gilt Sylke Twist Strawberry, which was my practice piece when the thread first came out:

Gilt Sylke Twist Thread: Strawberry Practice Piece


(I blogged about this piece in detail - you can read about it, and the different uses of Gilt Sylke Twist in it - on the Completed Gilt Sylke Twist Embroidery Sample post.)

It's also rather dear, ranging in price from just short of $20 / spool (35 meteres) to about $22 / spool, depending on who's selling it. The cost of the thread may well prohibit some who would like to play with it from giving it a try. The cost certainly limits most stitchers from building a stash of this gorgeous thread.

So whether you've tried Gilt Sylke Twist and just want more, whether you've wanted to try it and simply haven't had the opportunity to purchase any, or whether you have never heard of it, but are a serious budding embroiderer, this stash give-away is for you.

I'm giving away two spools in red and green. Both are the original "redde" and green that came out when the thread first went public. This is the forest green, not the Lincoln Greene available now. I don't know if this green is available anymore. I had heard that it isn't, but that's "needlework gossip," and it may not be accurate.

Gilt Sylke Twist: Hand Embroidery Thread in Silk and Gold


In addition to these two spools, which are the feature elements of the give-away, I'll include a few other little things, typical of previous give-aways.

But I'm not going to show them to you!

Gilt Sylke Twist: Hand Embroidery Thread in Silk and Gold


Do you know why?

Gilt Sylke Twist: Hand Embroidery Thread in Silk and Gold


Because next to this thread, most other embroidery supplies look pretty mundane!

I'm gearing this give-away to stitchers who would actually use this thread seriously - who have a keen interest in embroidery as an art, and who have developed or are developing their skills beyond the basics. That's not to say that beginners can't participate! Sure you can! But if you're really not interested in this type of thread, then do leave the drawing for those who really are, so they have a better chance of winning. Thanks!

This is what you have to do to enter:

Leave a comment on THIS post (on the website, not through the e-mail newsletter), answering the following questions:

Why do you want to win this giveaway? Do you have specific plans for the thread?

PS - (added Friday Evening!) Please be sure to leave your name if you post anonymously!! Thanks!

I'll select the winner on Wednesday, December 10th, at 5:00 am CST, and announce the winner that morning here on Needle 'n Thread. The winner must then contact me to give me a mailing address. If I don't hear from the winner before Friday morning, I'll draw a new winner on Friday.

Participants are welcome from all over the globe - I don't mind international mail!

Thanks for participating!

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Tuesday, November 18, 2008

November Embroidery Stash Winner Announced!

 
Wow. This month's embroidery stash give-away drew a larger response than usual - 167 comments altogether at the time of the deadline! I'm ultra curious to know what the draw was that encouraged people to leave a comment. I suspect it was the Sublime Stitching book, but perhaps it was the threads... I'll have to ponder that one.

This is how I went about drawing a winner for the embroidery stash:

First, I filtered all the comments into a table. This sounds like a pain, but it's really not that big of a deal usually - I just add the names as they come in. If the names are something that might be duplicated (for example, the post is signed with a common first name), I'll add with the name a salient word or two from the comment. This step was a little more time consuming this time, given the number of entries, but worth it still!

Then, I mix up the order of the cells.

Then I go fetch a random number from random.org.

And, finally, I match the random number to the number on the table, and there's the winner!

I'm always surprised at the winner, for some reason. I don't know why that is...

Anyway, to get on with it, this winner has something in common with me (if you stitch, of course, you all have something in common with me!) - but this one hits a bit close to home! That's because she is close to home, relatively speaking, I suppose!

The number that I drew was....

157 ....

and #157 was next to the name....

Maria in Kansas! Strange to think there are people in Kansas who read my website!

So, Maria, please contact me and let me know where to send your new stash stuff! Maria says she's embroidering two dresser scarves for her daughters and doing some needle painting, and looks forward to trying goldwork and whitework some day. Well, now she has some dish towels to add to her to-do list, and, with the new fibers, some other stuff to concoct. I hope she enjoys it!

Thanks to all for participating in this month's embroidery stash contest! I've got something a little special planned for the December give-away, so keep an eye out for that next month!

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Wednesday, November 12, 2008

November Embroidery Stash Give-Away... Another Good One!

 
Ok, here's the Embroidery Stash Give-Away for November! I included plenty of embroidery threads of different types, a few embellishments, a couple embroidery blanks (kitchen towels), and a large book. Take a look!

This month's embroidery stash contest has something in it for everyone, basically. It's kind of a hodge-podge collection, with a little bit of a theme, but not much of one!

November Embroidery Stash Give-away: Plenty of embroidery threads, an embroidery book, some embroidery blanks, and other stuff!


First, the embroidery threads:

November Embroidery Stash Give-away: Plenty of embroidery threads, an embroidery book, some embroidery blanks, and other stuff!


There are two skeins of Caron Collections threads - Watercolors and Wildflowers. Both are cotton threads in different sizes, and both are overdyed. They're in kind-of autumn-ish colors.

November Embroidery Stash Give-away: Plenty of embroidery threads, an embroidery book, some embroidery blanks, and other stuff!


You'll find three skeins of silk in this contest: one Dinky-Dyes and two Needlepoint Inc Silk.

November Embroidery Stash Give-away: Plenty of embroidery threads, an embroidery book, some embroidery blanks, and other stuff!


There are 2 skeins of DMC perle #5, one autumn-ish and the other will get you ready for the holidays.

November Embroidery Stash Give-away: Plenty of embroidery threads, an embroidery book, some embroidery blanks, and other stuff!


There are two blank cotton kitchen towels. These are long, narrow towels with a looser weave, good for using with perle cottons or three strands of DMC stranded cotton.

November Embroidery Stash Give-away: Plenty of embroidery threads, an embroidery book, some embroidery blanks, and other stuff!


And some embellishments: a piece of tiny red and green ric-rac (perfect for a Christmas ornament, perhaps), as well as ---

November Embroidery Stash Give-away: Plenty of embroidery threads, an embroidery book, some embroidery blanks, and other stuff!


... gold colored ribbon floss...

November Embroidery Stash Give-away: Plenty of embroidery threads, an embroidery book, some embroidery blanks, and other stuff!


... a pretty little snowflake charm...

November Embroidery Stash Give-away: Plenty of embroidery threads, an embroidery book, some embroidery blanks, and other stuff!


... and some icy-sparkly antique glass beads from Mill Hill.

November Embroidery Stash Give-away: Plenty of embroidery threads, an embroidery book, some embroidery blanks, and other stuff!


The book is one of Jenny Hart's Sublime Stitching books - a compilation of iron-on transfers in simple "hip" designs. If it doesn't suit your style of stitching, it would make a great Christmas gift for an up-and-coming embroiderer. The book includes information on tools, threads, stitch directions, etc. - all the basics to get started embroidering. To read a more thorough description, you can read Amazon's description here, and even look inside the book: Sublime Stitching: Hundreds of Hip Embroidery Patterns and How-To

So, in order to be included in this stash give-away, all you need to do is the following:

1. At the end of this post (underneat the "posted by" information) you'll see a little link that says "click to comment." Click to comment! (You have to be on the website - not reading the e-mail newsletter!)

2. In your comment, answer the following question:
"What type of needlework do you currently do, and what type would you like to try?" (Thanks, Jo! That was one of your questions in the August stash give-away!)

3. Check back on Tuesday to see who won - and if You happen to be the winner, you must contact me with a shipping address within two days.

The contest deadline is Tuesday, November 18, at 5:00 am CST. I'll announce the winner on Tuesday. Anyone may enter, from anywhere. I'll ship the package the least expensive way.

Don't be shy, now! Even if you've entered (or even won) another, you can still enter again. And please do feel free to spread the word about the contest among your stitching buddies! The more the merrier (though I realize it reduces the odds...)

I'll be doing this again in December, by the way, with a very special package which I picked out the same time I put this one together! When I finally made up my mind to part with the December goods, I got pretty excited about it... so that's something to look forward to!

One more bit of website information: my feed account was recently migrated by Google, so if I'm not showing up in your feedreader or in your inbox (for e-mail subscribers), do let me know by using the contact us form. It'll take a few days for my feed stats to get back to normal, apparently. I'm hoping 1,000 readers haven't abandoned me in one day...!

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