The Thread

Hello, This month I have added the block of the month pattern set Green Farm Village designed by Liz Stanway of Teddlywinks, as well as designer Cori Blunt of Chitter Chatter Designs range of patterns to the store. Other new additions have also been added to the pattern pages of Bronwyn Hayes, The Janelle Wind Collection, Cinderberry Stitches, Desiree Simpson and Melly & Me. The other exciting development is the pre-release of two new books from Natalie Ross In Stitches and The Janelle Wind Collection - these books contain numerous stitching projects and are great value for money. I am taking orders now and they will be available to send out in the next week or so. Have a peek at the pictures below and use the links to find out more information about all these delightful new additions to my store. The quick links are provided for those of you in a hurry.

This 10 pattern block of the month quilt features Liz's trademark bears busily going about life in Green Farm Village ... The techniques required are simple stitchery, appliqué, and machine or hand quilting. A free stitchery design is included with the last block. A plastic folder is sent out with the first block design to store your pattern sheets in when you join one of the block of the month programmes. If you purchase the complete pattern set you will qualify for the free postage offer available to customers worldwide.

Bronwyn Hayes Bronwyn Hayes has delivered another gorgeous bag featuring my all time favourite girls. Thanks to a good friend I recently took my first ever ride on the back of a Vespa scooter down to the local shops to pick up fish and chips for the children before the adults headed out to dinner - the best part was zooming up onto the pavement to park outside a packed restaurant and going into the fish and chip shop with my helmet on - is that legal! I have been progressing well with my Gingham Girls quilt by Bronwyn Hayes and have now updated both my blog and the Gingham Girls Stitchers group in Flickr with photos of my work. I have sold so many of these pattern sets that it has to be my most popular block of the month quilt ever. Have a look and see what you think ... of course if it's not really your thing then keep your eyes peeled on my blog because there is a new Bronwyn Hayes block of the month quilt being released shortly called Sweet Summer that you won't want to miss. - More -

The Janelle Wind Collection I have added a Christmas gift bag, a table runner and accessories, and a Robot pattern to Janelle's pages this month. The Robot pattern compliments her recently added R is for Robot pattern, so now you can create a really awesome Robot themed bedroom for a young boy. Janelle's first book called Pieces of Me is an exciting addition to the store this month. View a picture of the front cover at the top of the newsletter. For less than the cost of two patterns you have access to 16 different projects when you purchase one of these delightful books. To get the best value for money add another pattern from one of our designers and you will qualify for free postage too. Janelle has a real talent for photography which is evident in her book and as anyone who has one of her patterns knows she writes wonderfully comprehensive instructions. Janelle also writes a great blog which is worth popping into every now and again to see what she's up to. - More -

Natalie Ross In Stitches Natalie's new book Get Red Red Ready for Christmas is full of fun and quirky projects for all to enjoy over the silly season. There are 12 main projects plus a bonus project. I really like how Natalie has structured the book around creating two projects a month from July through to December making it easier for you to pace yourself and be totally organised come Christmas time this year. Now is time to put your order in so you can get your first two projects started in July. This is a great value for money option for anyone who is a fan of Natalie's designs. - More -

I Come in Peace Melly & Me

Gardener's Retreat Desiree Simpson

Gadget Bags Cinderberry Stitches

Bronwyn Hayes' new block of the month quilt Sweet Summer promises to be available very soon. If you scroll through her blog you will find a picture of it. I will also be stocking books and patterns by Australian designer Anni Downs of Hatched and Patched fame on demand and intend bringing you more designs from the talented Natalie Bird of The Birdhouse - including the cute little stitchery quilt pattern I have been working on myself for friends expecting their first baby in August. I have posted pictures on my blog for you to view. Please know I am happy to take requests for any patterns by one of my designers that I might not currently advertise on their pattern pages. I am able to take the order by email and send through a secure link for you to provide your payment details on. I am also interested in receiving suggestions of designers whose patterns you think I should sell in my online store.

I have been working on making up samples for the next Great Global Christmas Swap from stitchery patterns contributed by Bronwyn Hayes. Designers Natalie Ross In Stitches and Jackie Nicholls of House on the Hill are also putting together patterns for this year's swap that will be opening for registrations in August. This year I have decided to tighten the rules and give you all more direction in the nature of the gift you are required to create. You will be asked to choose one of the patterns provided to create a small gift bag and to put a fat quarter of your choice inside. This could be a locally inspired fabric you have purchased specifically or simply a fat quarter from your stash. I hope you like the idea, if you get on really well with your partner then obviously you can go on to making bigger and more involved gifts for each other in the future. Next month I will be heading along to Leanne Beasley's and Rosalie Quinlan's workshops in Christchurch - I can't wait! If you are interested in finding out more about these contact Lesley at forgetmeknotsnz@hotmail.com. I am not sure if there are any places left but you could always put your name on her mailing list so you know what's coming up in the future.

Have a fantastic month and make every stitch count!

Fiona Marie Clark