The Thread

Hello,

This month I have added over 30 new patterns from 7 designers, including patterns from designer Natalie Lymer, creator of Cinderberry Stitches, to our pattern pages. Make sure you have a look at the amazing new block of the month quilt Playing with Angels from Kookaburra Cottage featured below - it is truly delightful. Also included in this months newsletter is an update on The Gingham Girls stitchers group and news on the 2009 Great Global Christmas Swap.

I am having a fantastic time Blogging and welcome visitors to Fionamarie's Daily Thread to share all my stitching news, look at what I'm creating, get previews of new patterns, and more.

Read on to find out more or visit the quick links below.

August's Featured Block of the Month Quilt Playing with Angels by Kookaburra Cottage
	This pretty nine pattern block of the month quilt would be the perfect gift for your favourite little girl. Just imagine the squeals of delight! I am also selling the patterns separately so you can choose your favourite to make up a small wall hanging or cushion cover creating a special and heartfelt Christmas gift. A variety of purchasing options are available. Click here to view the complete quilt.

	Bronwyn Hayes Three gorgeous new patterns designed by Bronwyn Hayes are hot off the press. They all have a Christmas flavour and are beautifully put together. Christmas Buckets and Jingle Cones are both designed to carry sweet treats for friends and family at Christmas time, and the Hot Pad Shuffle pattern offers inspiration for novel gifts to stitch. All the patterns include a number of Bronwyn's fabulous stitchery and appliqué designs as well as comprehensive stitching instructions. - More -
	Gingham Girls news The Gingham Girls stitchers group now has 41 members who are either stitching the Gingham Girls BOM quilt or simply love all things Bronwyn Hayes and enjoy following what others are doing and viewing photos of their work. I have started to write a number of posts for each block as I proceed to stitch the quilt and I hope the information is a useful resource for anyone currently working on the blocks, or about to start. Join us today and become a Gingham Girl, or just take a look to see what all the fuss is about. - More -

Cinderberry Stitches A selection of Natalie Lymer patterns are now available in the fionamarie.com store. The patterns have been broken into three categories: Quilts, Bags and Christmas. Natalie's patterns incorporate stylised stitchery designs into fresh and pretty patchwork settings. I love the cute little wall hanging A Mother's Pockets, the wonderfully shabby chic look of Fresh Breeze, and the redwork stitchery design Twelve Red Robins. - More -

	Lynette Anderson Designs I have added four of Lynette Anderson's gorgeous quilt patterns to her range this month. The quilts Muddy Garden, Angel Garden, Woof, and The Butterfly Collection are all patterns that have continued to be popular with stitchers around the world for some time. Lynette's eye for colour and how she incorporates it into her designs make these quilts show stoppers. - More -

Coming soon! The Designers Profile for August will feature the wonderfully talented New Zealand designer Desiree Simpson. Unfortunately I was not able to bring this to you in July as originally planned but it will be sent out on the 20th of August instead. Desiree has designed a few flower appliqués for our free pattern page and we will also be giving away a couple of patterns in a prize draw.

The Great Global Christmas Swap 2009

I have given the swap a lot of thought over the past couple of months and have come to the conclusion it would be best remaining as a once a year event between the months of September to December with the purpose of connecting stitchers from different countries to exchange a gift in the spirit of Christmas and friendship.

The swap will start on the 17th September but you are able to pre-register here. There is a small registration fee to cover administration costs of $NZ15 ($US10/€7). From the 17th September you will be sent out the contact details of your swap partner and a link to download five patterns designed by some of our most popular designers to use as inspiration for your swap gift. (Note: You do not have to use one of these patterns and there are no rules regarding your gift. The patterns are simply ideas for a swap gift and a present to you for participating).

The Great Global Christmas Swap 2009 will again support Camp Quality, an organisation that takes children living with cancer away each year for a week of fun and laughter, with $NZ1 from every registration donated.

Help us make this a truly remarkable event by telling all your stitching buddies to sign up now so they will be part of the fun come September, and print off the newsletter to take along to your next guild meeting, or stitching group gathering. More is definitely merrier!

Make every stitch count!

Fiona Marie Clark