June's Sampler of the Month...... is "June Morning" from the recent publication, "The Goode Huswife's Book of Designs, Volume I." This bright and cheery design has been in my overflowing and ever-growing to-do basket for many years and would rise to the top and then get set aside again when another June passed and I didn't get it started. But when I saw it republished as part of Anne Brown's compilation of ten of her outof-print designs, I decided this was the perfect opportunity to stitch it as our June Sampler of the Month. Attic customer Sheila Donnelly has been stitching it off and on for a while, and when she saw me gathering the supplies and working with the linen and silk colors, she pulled out her beautiful project and started working on it again. Hers is being stitched as charted, with DMC on 32c Black Belfast, pictured on the left, and, on the right, mine on 40c Green Slate (double-dyed by Lakeside's experts to get that deep, rich color) from Lakeside Linens with, what else, Belle Soie. I wish somehow the scan could reproduce for you the glorious glow of the Belle Soie on the linen. Those silks are so aptly named. The chart legend calls for 37 DMC colors, but I'm having a wonderful time with the shadings available in the Belle Soie and am using less than half that number of colors. Obviously Sheila starts in the upper left corner and I start in the upper right.
Here's an opportunity during June to save 15% on the linen ($17 for the 40c Green Slate; $12 for the 32c Black Belfast), the threads, your choice, AND this wonderful compendium of out-of-print charts that include some that have individually sold on E-bay for more than twice the price of this volume ($80). Here are some of the others that are included in Volume I (and I love the sound of that because I infer that there will be a Volume II sometime soon):
June's Attic Addict Specials During the entire month members of our Attic Addict Club can save 15% on their purchase of: All silk threads Little House Needleworks threadpacks (except Attic Needlework ) Hand-dyed linens by Weeks or Colorscapes Summer Happenings at The Attic Design Your Own French Alphabet Sampler Instructor: Jean Class 2 of Three 2-Hr. Classes Tomorrow, Saturday, June 14, 10:30-12:30 p.m. Fee: $30 for 3 If you've been in any of the previous offerings of this class series, please join us on Saturday morning so that you can finish the journey. As you can see from the "L" sampler pictured above, I am still on the journey and will continue holding this class until it is completed. This is such a fun project and a very rewarding stitch as the beautiful letters unfold before you. New students are welcome to join us as well and be inspired to create your own sampler as you see others' beautiful creations. This is a GREAT summertime project. Beading a Fob Class Instructor: Debra Fee: $25 Saturday, June 21, 1-4 p.m. Choose from one of these charming fob kits from Fern Ridge Collections (and there are others) for your project, and Debra will show you how very quick and easy these are to create, with the tips and tricks she learned in a class she took from the designers ~ as she
you how very quick and easy these are to create, with the tips and tricks she learned in a class she took from the designers ~ as she says, she was previously frustrated with beading to the point of not finishing her first project, and then she learned from the experts. Included in your class fee is a bead mat, wire threader, and long needle. Bring magnification if needed and any other of your favorite beading tools, like a Tacky Bob if you have it. If not, we will have some in the shop. June's Sunday Sampler Instructor: Jean Sunday, June 22, 1:00-4:00 p.m. Fee: $10 Usually scheduled for the third Sunday of each month, because of Father's Day we always meet on the fourth Sunday in June, and we hope you will plan to join us. Bring your sampler in progress and others for show and tell ~ and spend your Sunday afternoon under the fans in our classroom with a group of sampler lovers. We'll enjoy some refreshments and the topic of the day will be the Golden Age of Embroidery as reflected in the new exhibition catalogue from Witney Antiques. Please call to register JULY 4TH ~ CLOSED ~ TO HONOR AMERICA! Beginning Linen Instructor: Linda One 2-Hr. Class Saturday, July 5, 10:30-12:30 Fee: $30 (includes all materials) I know, it's a holiday weekend, but in case you're saving on gas and staying in town, It's the first Saturday of the month and that means there's another opportunity for you to perfect your needlework skills in this class with Linda. The beautiful geranium bookmark is the class project, with the classic book "Linen Stitches" as the text. You will learn basic techniques and a wonderful edge finishing stitch, the nun's stitch, as well as stitching with overdyed threads and many tips and techniques from Linda's vast needlework experience Semi-Annual Framing Frenzy Saturday, July 19, 10-5 p.m. It's time once again for this twice-yearly opportunity for you to save 20% on the custom-frame costs for framing your needlework heirlooms. Bring in your stitched piece(s), give Sandy your budget parameters and a brief idea of your likes and dislikes, and Sandy will do the rest. A $20 deposit (plus tax) is required. Many of you have come to know Sandy's eye for selecting exactly the right frame for your needlework piece. This 20% discount applies to custom frames only, as opposed to ready-mades, and includes the frame and any mats or fillets. It does not include the labor charge, which is never discounted, nor ready-made frames. No orders will be
accepted with a deadline. Depending on the number of orders taken and the materials selected, turn-around time can be several months. It should also be noted that any non-promotional framing orders written at our regular framing rates will take precedence over the FF orders. This very special semi-annual event is open to away customers as well. Send your finished piece in and include the above information. July's Sunday Sampler Instructor: Jean Sunday, July 20, 1:00-4:00 p.m. Fee: $10 I don't know the topic yet, but I do know that we will be gathering this day, the third Sunday of the month, to share our love of samplermaking. Bring your sampler in progress and others for show and tell ~ and spend your Sunday afternoon with a group of sampler lovers. Please call to register. Betsy's Retirement Bash Sunday, July 20, 4:00 p.m. till???? After over 18 years as an integral part of The Attic's staff, Betsy is retiring~ and we know that many of you will want to join us in this recognition reception to honor Betsy and her many years as an Attic staffer. She will be here for many Attic events down the road so you're not saying good-bye, but we know you will want to join us in saying THANK YOU, BETSY for your cheerful and most able assistance with so many projects over the years. We will have FOOD, so bring your appetites with you! Please call to register so that we can plan. New in the Shop...... and more will be arriving each week from orders placed at last weekend's TNNA Columbus Needlework Market ~ some coming soon, others a bit later, but believe me when I say that it will be worth the wait! It is a personal privilege and one of the highlights of being a needlework shop owner to meet the talented and wonderful people who make this business what it is ~ and to see it IN PERSON! It is trite, I know, but the truth: The photographs, whether on paper or on the computer screen, just can't convey the beauty of this artform, and it is such a treat to see these beautiful things in person. But here's something that I didn't have to travel to Columbus to see ~ because it was designed by our very own Linda Vinson/Needlemade Designs, and we have the models on display in the shop. Linda calls these "Ackworth Variations" because she has used motifs from Jacqueline Holdsworth's book, Ackworth School Pattern Book, ~ and it's Part 1 because there's more to come ~ scissors pockets, two sizes to accommodate your petite scissors and your 4-inchers, and scissors fobs and??? Linda stitched her models on 40c V. Green Slate from Lakeside Linens using Windwhistle Cottage Silk 'n Colors from the Thread Gatherer, a color Cici retired but has now agreed to dye again with Linda's new design in mind. The Part 1 chartpack is $19 and includes complete finishing instructions for both the needle pocket and thimble shoe.
Linda has also made available a very complete finishing kit that includes the gorgeous silk fabirc that she used for finishing both pieces, a hand-felted needle page, antique shoe button, and the necessary interfacing for $30. Now, on to the Columbus market goodies, and I'll begin with two of my favorites: Shipping in July, and we can't wait, a very charming design from Gloria Moore/Milady's Needle that she has named "Cottage Charm Stitcher's Pocket" ($25 for the complete kit) ~ stitched on 40c Pear from Lakeside Linens with Belle Soie's Tortoise Shell, a beauuuuuuuuutiful combination of silk and linen, I must say, coordinating perfectly with the Moda alphabet fabric that is used for the pocket. Gloria did not advertise these as limited, but they are...because the finishing fabric is ~ she's searching the world for more and has purchased what she could find, but unless/until she finds more, these kits are definitely limited. They were also a show exclusive, available only to the shops attending the needlework market(s), a very special treat and thank-you to those of us who were there. We are taking reservations now, to ship in July when we receive it. I tried to enlarge both pieces a bit for you so that you can see the beautiful work Gloria did in replicating the fabric in her design. Can you tell I LOVE this piece? And I don't even like finishing, but I can't wait for this one!
And from Karen Kluba/Rosewood Manor an exquisitely beautiful sequel piece to her "And A Forest Grew," only this time it's a lovely garden with all kinds of floral and animals everywhere, with the fox, the hedgehog, and the red birds my favorites. The chart ($22) is beautifully presented in easy-to-read graphs, with several smaller projects also included using motifs from the main design. There is NO way to possibly appreciate this design unless you see it in person. Someone mentioned it being pink, and in my mind's eye I see the model in Karen's booth, and it's not pink. It's stitched on 32c Ale (as you know, ale is not pink) from Colorscapes with DMC. I've ordered the fabric in 32, 36, and 40 ~ it's a lovely ale color, that's all I can say. You may choose to stitch it on a different fabric, but it needs to be dark enough to show off the lovely floral arch that surrounds the verse at the bottom center of the design. Alice, whose "And A Forest Grew" model was on display in the shop for a while, is chomping at the bit to start this one. And so are many more of us anxious! It's so funny, like none of us have anything else in our stitching baskets!
Not new from the market, but a "gift" from the UPS man, "Blessings & Kind Wishes," Loose Feathers #31 from Barb & Alma/Blackbird Designs ~ and included in this leaflet is the beginning of their gift to all Loose Feathers members this year, Parts 1 and 2 to their Mystery Bonus Sampler. They're stitching it on different shades of 30c linen to be joined together. If you wish to stitch it on 40c, the finished design will measure approximately 6 x 17 1/2., a horizontal design. We're waiting for our Sampler Threads shipment to complete your "kits" for any of you ordering the cotton threads ~ for those of you in our 40c Club division, more 40c fabric is arriving tomorrow ~ and then yours will be ready as well. We're already gotten the Belle Soie here for you! More coming from Milady's Needle: "Peacocks Rule" ($7) ~ the charts and rules are on their way soon. Debra loves peacocks and can't wait to stitch this ~ she'll use the single chart we picked up at the Sample-It night at the market to begin our model. Gloria's model is done in Crescent Colours cotton floss on 40c Lakeside Tundra ~ below is a scan of the cotton threads on 40c Vintage Tundra and the Belle Soie on the same fabric.
And beautiful as well as useful "Quaker Pin Cushions" ($12) ~ the turned wood pieces ($22 - $26 each) are made by Gloria's husband, Rick, in different heights and woods: walnut, cherry, honey locust, birch, and sugar maple. "Regal Sampler" ($12) stitched on Lakeside's 36c Vintage Magnolia with NPI silks and "Le Jardin" ($9)shown on a Sudberry Black Betsy box.
And more from Rosewood Manor: "Something Old, Something New" ($24). a 10th Anniversary Book of Celebration, with a note from Karen: "Thank you for all your encouragement over these past 10 years!" This is a wonderful group of designs that can be stitched separately, or some in groupings. The mini samplers were originally designed as complimentary gifts for Rosewood Manor trunk shows over the past 10 years. Some designs were originally published in magazines. And then, of course, there are some new designs never before published ~ thus the name for this great compilation! And, last but not least, "Flowers In the Crannied Wall" ($23 w/charmpack) with Alfred Lord Tennyson's perspective on nature serving as the inspiration for this sampler: "Flower in the crannied wall, I pluck you out of the crannies; hold you here, root and all, in my hand, little flower ~ but if I could understand what you are, root and all, and all in all, I should know what God and man is."
Some other special things from the show, two kits from two of your favorites: The Prairie Schooler "2008 Limited Edition Santa" kit ($30) and Bent Creek's "Americana Angel" kit ($28) Some fabulous new things coming from Tina+Terri/Shepherd's Bush: First, the kits, coming to us in late June but you may reserve yours now if you'd like: "Sail Away" $60), a beautiful sampler that evokes images of the sea and home: "Sail away my dear one upon a lapis sea ~ but if the winds be restless come back again to me" ~ stitched on 32c hand-dyed linen with silk floss. "Into the Night" ($30), with a bewitching sheep atop a charming band sampler stitched on 32c hand-dyed fabric with autumn silk threads
"Queen" ($16), latest in their "sheep" kits, this one is stitched with silk floss on 32c hand-dyed linen, finished off with a handmade clay crown button! "Mermaid Sampler ($20), stitched on a sea-blue linen with silk threads. "Happy Pumpkin Roll" ($14), a charming companion to last year's Happy Pumpkin fob, stitched on lime linen with cotton floss with hand-dyed ribbon included. "Sam" & "Miss Liberty" ($14 each) ~ these fun patriotic designs are stitched on 10c Tula with overdyed + plain cotton floss ~ each kit comes with a special button.
And the booklets ~ and all of the Sterling Silver charms and JABCO buttonpacks have also been ordered ~ prices for those will have to come later ~ I don't have them at my fingertips at the moment: "She Tends" ($6) ~ adorable as single ornaments but absolutely stunning matted and framed ~ this has to be one of the most charming mats that Jill has ever done. "In A Stable" ($6) ~ again, adorable ornaments, but so very beautiful framed "Scatter Freedom" ($5), made even more charming with the patriotic buttons "Scatter Sunshine" ($5), words to live by for sure, adorned with the cutest buttons ever
Well, it's time to say good-bye for today, not because I've come to the end of what I want to show you ~ but because this is already WAY too large! Oh, how very frustrating ~ but the rest will just have to wait till next time! There are many reasons going to a needlework market are very special, not the least of which is spending time with some of my very favorite people. Here's five of us enjoying a relaxing dinner together after shopping till we dropped: From left to right, Jeannine from Portland, Oregon's Acorns & Threads, Roz, former owner of Acorns & Threads, Deb of Stitchville, USA in Minnetonka, Minnesota ~ and on the right, Cathe Ray of Needle in a Haystack, Alameda, California. This great photo was taken by Cathe's manager, Deb. Thanks, Deb, for a great photo, which will help me to remember the fun times with these fabulous women! One of the BEST parts of being involved in the needlework business is enjoying the friendship of these great ladies ~ I think it's obvious that we always have a great time together! There's nothing like fabulous female friends, especially when they stitch also! For all of you in our great USA, don't forget that tomorrow is FLAG DAY! H4re's to the Red, White, and Blue! Jean Lea Attic Needlework & Collectibles 106 East McKellips Road, Suite 111 Mesa, Arizona 85201 480.898.1838 ~ FAX: 480.898.0332 Toll-Free: 1.888.94-ATTIC www.atticneedlework.com/