Thea's July - August  Newsletter!
[contents]

Hello Stitchers..! Outside the weather is bright, sunny and warm at a comfortable 23C (73F), and it's obvious that our Victoria summer has really started. On most days I'm wearing my shorts I wore on the trip to Florida, and even brought out all the oscillating fans for various rooms in the office and upstairs! Here in Victoria we usually have no need of air conditioning like so many of you do, but a fan is always appreciated during some of the warmer days. I send greetings specially to our stitchers in Oz and NZ... as you start your winter season. I'm sure you're all enjoying some cooler weather after your hot and dry summer months! Some of you may even be a bit too cool, as I think you heat your homes!   

May and June have been a whirlwind of activity for me! At the beginning of May, I started regular golf ladies-only classes with my friend Miriam. I had not played golf for quite a while so wasn't expecting much from myself, but on the practice range at least, I was more successful than I feared! This is probably more due to our Golf Pro Jamie's acumen than my somewhat erratic swing. He is so positive, and so natural... all of us women simply adore his style, and he makes each of us feel like winners before we even start playing. It's been wonderful to be able to relax and learn with so many interesting women..  fun and excercise!  

Mom's been doing very well, although she had another fall back in April, due to what we now feel was vertigo. She was as suprised as anyone that she found herself on the floor!  She unfortunately had two compression fractures in her spine, and a fractured pelvis, so her pain levels were pretty high at times. We had 24/7 care brought in and all the gear that it takes to keep someone at home recovering. Anyway, long difficult story made short, she is now healing at home and we are all just grateful that she is still managing on her own. We have had her name in with a retirement place for about 6 months now, and so we're hoping that a 1 bedroom apartment will be found for her there soon. She misses company now that she's so much less mobile. I'm in awe of her indomitable spirit and hope I can have even half that much when the time comes.

I've spent some wonderful quality times with both daughters over the past few months. Dori, my eldest who lives here in Victoria, has found another apartment, so she'll be moving very soon now. She is doing very well, and I'm so proud of her...! Petra, who lives in Vancouver with her partner, has been doing some work for VS.. editing the videos, doing the graphics for the cover. She's been doing well also, is wearing her new glasses part of the time, and is especially thrilled also that her health has improved since last year..! 

At the beginning of June, I taught at a simply fabulous Retreat in Florida! When I arrived in Orlando airport, I realized how different the weather was from Victoria... The warmth and humidity was obvious right from the start, and it was obvious even the middle of the night when I arrived! Peggy and Terry picked me up from the airport, and allowed me to sleep in their comfortable guest wing.. such gracious hosts ! They were celebrating their 50th anniversary that weekend, and seemed to me to be the souls of patience and kindness. As you can see from their photo, they have a wonderful lifestyle in Florida, and are very active in their community as well. We ended up having fruit and salad lunch together on our way to the Retreat center! Sooo good!

When we arrived, I was shown my own palatial Bishops' Suite in one of the guest complexes, and after meeting the more than 35 participants, and checking out the projector and the DVD player, I enjoyed a good rest in my cool hideaway.

Then back out into the muggy afternoon for a walk under the Live Oaks to the dining hall for dinner and back to the classroom for an introductory pajama party. What fun..! Some of the ladies went all out, as you can see in these cute pictures!
 
Everyone had a terrific sense of humour.. you simply had to be there to hear all the jokes and laughter..! I helped with the judging of the pj looks, but truly they all deserved a pajama prize in my opinion! 

Afterwards, everyone sat down to do some more pre-stitching.. and I looked at all their pre-work!  Some of the ladies  had done so much it was astonishing! Many were new to Hardanger, so I was doubly glad I had brought my new stitch videos to Florida with me. 

The next two days went by in a happy blur of stitching, eating, laughing, talking, teaching and learning... The ladies were all so very nice to be around, everyone taking their time appreciating all the good parts of the experience! I think the heat must have made all of us move a little slower, and when you slow down, you can't help but relax a bit more. There was no hurry in our lives and for 2 glorious days we just enjoyed each other and our stitching! 

I was so happy to see that the videos I brought augmented their own work, and many of my students asked me to please make the videos available to them for home study! Well, as you can see below in this newsletter, I've done it, girls! The video contains all of the clips you saw in the 'Count Your Blessings' class on our 2 meter tall projection screen. It may not be as big when you view them in your own homes, but depending on your tv screen they could be planty big enough to learn from! :)  Thank you all for your encouragement, for your excellent stitching and for making my time soo wonderful! I won't forget Stitching Under The Oaks with you!

As a bonus, after teaching I was lucky enough to meet up with Lynn and Cathy from Needlecraft World in Orlando. We met after I  arrived at my airport hotel on Sunday evening and drove to a fabulous seafood place. Fabulous company, delicious food, what better ending to a delightful weekend!       

Well.. no matter how much fun I had, I still was rather glad to get home to my little corner of the world. It's the best thing about travelling, arriving at your own nest, and lying in your own little bed. :)  My Rhodos had been out in full bloom in May which is when I took these pictures of my garden. Do you remember the original landscaping pictures I took only 2 years ago? The place is starting to look very lived in, and the garden is starting to mature. I love my pots outside! 

Well, as usual, I go on.. so that's enough about my last few months. I hope that your lives are as busy and happy as mine have been!  I send you greetings from Victoria... blessings to you all! Now for the rest of my VS news, starting with the studio! - Thea

• From the Studio..   NEW
• New! Fall 2010 VS Retreat - registration open now!
• New! Thea's "Count Your Blessings" and Cyberclass !
• New! Thea's "Beautiful Finishing - 3 Biscornus" !
• New! Cathy's Jean's "Honeysuckle Hill Sampler"! 
• New! Enjoy our Free Patterns NEW
• New! Cyberclasses - new starts July 22nd or Sept 09, 2010!
• Alphabet Sampler Wallhanging News.
• Letters from our readers...
• Updated Trunk Show and Teaching Schedule

FROM THE STUDIO ...   
                    
The 'Christmas in July' Humbug Ornament  Contest has begun and will end on September 1st, lots of time to enter - by stitching it in your own colours, finishing it how you like, and posting your photos in the Christmas Humbug Contest album! Just join our VS Yahoo group, and download the free pattern in the files, your own colourways and embellishments.. perhaps you'll win the prize! However, even if you don't enter the contest, do join and please come and print the free pattern! :) We look forward to your entries!
  
Meanwhile, the studio is still brimming with new designs, and I'm here to give you a small taste of what's in store..! Cathy's created a rich tapestry of autumn colours in her newest sampler, "A Time to Give Thanks"...to be released in September..  the colours and verse are just perfect for our Autumn  time of year!

We've both finished some extra special designs for the upcoming seasons. Some will be available to you in magazines... like the Tudor Tassel and Christmas Robin, which will be coming out in the Christmas Ornament issue from Just Cross Stitch in September. Cathy's cute cute Hallowe'en Ornament called 'Boo Bunny' will also be out in the October Hallowe'en issue! Look for the Tiny Packs for these designs in your local needlework shops, or online here as usual.

  I'm really looking forward to showing you my two brand new designs coming out this coming September! One is a long sampler called Santa's Village, snow all around, and reindeer waiting and eating their supper before pulling Santa on his Christmas Eve journey to every good little girl and boy! The other is called Fabulous Tassels.. and is a collaboration with Lisa, the unsung heroine of all my beautifully finished items. In this leaflet you will have many coloured photos showing you how to finish each tassel expertly and oh, so beautifully! There even 3 new tassel designs to tempt you!  

Finally, as I've mentioned in a previous newsletter, I designed a piece for an Australian Quilt magazine for their August 2010 edition. It will be published in August and we will have Tiny Packs available for this design.. so if you are a quilter, have a look at their issue! 

Now on to our JULY celebrations, Canada Day here in Canada and Independence Day in the USA... new releases..new VS projects, news below. - Thea :)

NEW! FALL VS Retreat  Oct 2010!
The VS Retreat is NOW open for registration! Our project this fall is "Gingerbread Tree Etui" to go with your Gingerbread House.  Click here to see what's in store for you when you sign up! The dates are October 21-24, and you will have this ready  in time for Christmas! 

Honeysuckle Hill...  by Cathy Jean!
 
"Every vine climbing and blossoming... tells of love and joy.”

Cathy’s gorgeous new summer sampler design is so warm, colourful and beautiful!  A  delightful white farmhouse sits atop a hill of sampler bands. The specialty stitches are interspersed with summer motifs; a bluebird of happiness, a bunny,some white sheep in the meadow, and a sprinkling of letters and numbers. Cathy has made a sweet little verse to celebrate the season. Stitched with gentle overdyed cottons and many different silks in soft shades. Victoria Sampler provides a ‘Snowdrop Hill’ Accessory Pack which contains all the overdyed silk, butterfly charms and cotton threads you need for this design. - Cathy Jean

NEW! Free Patterns !
We have two new winners! Linda R and Vladka's finished entries are showcased in our Free Pattern section now! Check out the "Summer, Fall, Winter and the new Spring Biscornus just waiting for you.  Look for other newer ones like the "Teacup Pincushion", or "Jazz Biscornu", or last year's "Cupid's Heart"!  We have many quick Christmas Ornaments free on our website. Check menu to find the free patterns as well as other features like  Stitch Animations and Search Features.  

NEW! CYBERCLASSES
Our next Cyberclasses start on July 22 or September 9, 2010!  Come and stitch, laugh and chat with us. You now can register for NEW!  "Count Your Blessings" or other  Original Cyberclasses , which are based on our published designs! Look for our famous "Bumblebee Lace",  "Butterfly Lace" and "Dragonfly Lace", with stumpwork insects set amidst flowers and drawn thread or Hardanger cutwork! Other designs like "Heirloom Christmas", or "Heirloom Wedding", "Heirloom Anniversary Sampler", "Noel Bellpull", "Christmas Wreath", Gazebo Roses", "Green Earth", "Cottage Garden" or "Heart to Heart". Join now, or give a friend a class, and spend some time stitching together! Cyberclasses are wonderful gifts to give to yourself or your stitching friend! :)

A few letters from our readers.

I would like to thank all of our readers, as well as our many shopowners, and stitchers for the hundreds of positive messages that we get via email, cards and letters. Our Stitching world is filled with soo many kind and thoughtful people! I also want to remind you to re-register and update your email addresses in our mailing list. - Thanks!

Last Cyberclasses Comments...

Hi Angels, I finished Birds of a Feather and enjoyed stitching it very much. I am going to make it into a bellpull. Thank you for the detailed instructions. I had a lot of fun learning new stitches. I am almost finished the biscornu. I would have finished sooner but miscounted on the Smyrna Cross Stich border and had to rip 1/3 of it out. The lesson I learned was to check and recheck counting my stitches (of course, it is not the first time that I have miscounted on a project - will I ever learn). Again, thank you for your excellent instructions. - Lily

Hello all.... just uploaded a picture of my class finish 'Hands to Work' .....this was fun to do, I really enjoyed it...I've been stitching forever.... I live in Live Oak, FL with my DH, Chip.... we are both retired and lovin' it.... I have done quite a few pieces by Thea, but wanted to do a cyberclass just to see how they are and how they work.... I am in the 'Hands to Work' class.... just fell in love with the design and had to do it. I don't use Linen very often, but this did come out ok.... glad to have participated in the class..... take care, Claire

I've finally started my Butterfly Lace project. Some of the fibres were missing from the kit I bought and they arrived while I was on vacation. I found a wonderful LNS in Nelson while we were there. 1 more reason to move to the Kootenays. I'm back to work and school but I'll try to get a bit done each week. - Cheryl K

Heirloom Christmas Progress Hi, ladies, I'm a tad behind and have a burst of energy now. I think my goal of finishing by the end of the month is reasonable. I'm excited to (finally) be doing another cyberclass. Thea's designs are so beautiful. I wish I could just stitch them all day long. Looking forward to class. Enjoy, Samantha 

Dear angels and fellow classmates, I'm just a little, recently hached sea-turtle making its way to the sea. I can hear the mermaid singing and the sounds of the water on the fresh sand. I've just received all my supplies and this weekend I'll start my serious stitching. Thank you for the suggestions to practice on a doodle piece before the real material arrived. I know I'm behind, but it doesn't worry me. The Mermaid Song piece is so gorgeous!!! I was having so much motivation with the gorgeous silks and colors! Wow, this Gloriana silk is a wonderful stuff to work with. Well, I guess I'll be stitching along. The thought of connecting with other students after the class is over; crossed my mind. Is this ok to do so? Is anybody interested to keep connected after the class is closed? This is purely to continue with the project since I'm sure many will have some sections unfinished. I know I will! Anyway, please let me know, Hugs from tulip blooming Ottawa, my garden is so colourful! Liliana

Twelve Days Just wanted to thank you for the lovely Twelve Days design. I haven't been able to keep up my stitching with each installment this time, but certainly am still working at my "own pace" and hope to have it finished soon. Again, thanks for all your lovely designs. Like you said - we will encourage each other. We CAN do it!!!!! The cyberclasses are really great. I took Cottage Garden last year and really enjoyed it. Was able to keep my stitching up with the installments and finished it soon after receiving the last installment. The Angels are great if you have questions or comments. Enjoy - you will do great. See you in the next class. Maggie C

 Hi Angels I have done installments 1 & 3 of Green Earth Sampler - number two is the hardanger filling and I'll leave it until last. I love all the different fibres and can't wait until it's time to put the beads on :) Thanks for the class. I'm sure to be visiting there for advice when I get to do Crimson Fire but I've learned a lot from the other 3 elements cyberclasses.

Christmas Wreath: Wow great progress! I have been working a lot the last couple of weeks so its slow going. Hopefully a little more tonight and this weekend. I have only worked with ribbon embroidery a couple of times so I am also a little nervous. But it does turn out beautiful in the end. Have fun! - Pam

Christmas Wreath:I just finished the eyelets around the edge. I would have been done sooner if I had read correctly. I stitched full eyelets (one stitch in each hole all around) rather than Algerian eyelets (one stitch in every other hole). Any way, I like the way it looks. I plan on cutting early in the morning. I don't know if I'll have the wrapping, dove's eyes, and Greek Crosses finished before Thursday's installment is released. If not, I'll be on my way. I'm a bit nervous over the ribbon embroidery on the wreath. I've never done much with this technique. I'm hoping there are some good hints in part 2's instructions. Happy stitching all! Elizabeth

Gingerbread Tree Etui ..

Thea, I love the "Gingerbread Tree Etui" and I want to stitch it. It is so clever and wonderful. I'd like to be with you folks in person but the work schedule won't permit it at this time. I am going to register for the online class, etc, so I can have the kit and stitch it. I'm not sure how much I will be using the online class as my computer has no sound but I can't pass up the etui so I will do it with no sound. Keep designing like you do. I want to do all of your pieces - at least once. Take care, Kenne Jean

Dear Thea: Very interested in your gingerbread etui. I live in Western Australia and was wondering if you planned on releasing the pattern and kit after your retreat as I have made 2 gingerbread houses and would love to someday stitch the etui. Love getting you newsletters and have been stitching Victoria Sampler “stuff” starting with the Love Sampler back in ’92. I do enjoy your attention to detail and mixing of stitches and can always tell if a pattern is a Victoria Sampler. Jenny Kent

Thea, I have just received and reviewed your recent email. I spotted the new Gingerbread Tree Etui and think it would be a wonderful piece to stitich. I also noted that it is for an October (2010?) class. Unfortunately, I will be away from all computers at that time and wonder if it will be offered as a "regular" piece to purchase and stitch. I,too, have stitched the Christmas Village sampler, and am quite pleased with the completed piece. I chose to frame it a bit differently -- I put the frame right up to the edge of the stitches so the trees at either side appear to be growing out of the frame. I don't know that I would repeat that approach again, but it makes the sampler look very different from the traditional 1" between stitch and frame. Also, please note the following change in my email address so I may continue to receive your emails. Many thanks and much appreciation. Deborah

IThanks so much for your compliments, Deborah, Kenne and Jenny!  I'm so glad you like my Gingerbread 'stuff'. :) Our Webcast of the October retreat project is now closed for registrations. However, the October Retreat is still OPEN for registration!  Sorry, I am not sure if or when the Gingerbread Tree Etui design will be published in future. I really like the way you tell me you framed my Christmas Village Sampler! - Thea

Heirloom Wedding Treasures Pillow in colour!

Hi Thea, I used your Wedding Pillow from Heirloom Wedding Treasures design to do the ring bearer pillow for my son's upcoming wedding. He wanted the colors to match their wedding colors. I changed a few things, but not many... I just can't do bullion stitches!!!!! And the ribbon work scares me!! I thought you would like to see the outcome. I hope the pictures came out for you... if not, I'll send them a different way. Thank you for providing such a beautiful pattern... my son and future daughter-in-law are very happy with the results. After the wedding, they will have it framed!!!! Vonnie

Wow, I'm impressed, Vonnie. What a wonderful present for the happy couple.. using their colours is such a lovely idea.. Well done! - Thea

 Hands to Work Farm!

Dear Thea; Hope you are doing well, your picture looks very nice and happy I am Maria Kellner, and in awe of your needlework, as usual. I particularly like the new Hands to Work Farm with all the "veggies", so dear. I am going to order some things later, ( a compulsion). Of course my stitching keeps me going and to enjoy your Newsletter and dream.. and dream.. of someday to go to Canada and join one, just one of your classes, would be a dream come true. I have an e-mail friend in Canada, Janie, we are cross-stitchers and admirers of your work, she stitched the Gingerbread house and came out just gorgeous according to the pictures she sent me. She lives in Ontario. We love each other like sisters, and e-mail frequently. I wait for your newsletter anxiously. Good health and Life is good. Maria

Thanks for your happy note, Maria.. how fortunate you are that you are healthy and that you are able to stitch! I'll keep designing if you will keep stitching! - Thea

Computer help to find Angel Patterns!

Hi Thea, Many thanks for your advice regarding my problem, I only needed to try your first suggestion of trying a different browser and it worked, so again many thanks. I have only just started using a laptop (the old tower gave up on us) and am still trying out various programes etc. which I find is much different from the antique we had before!! Also I must compliment you on your designs, and I look forward to working one or two especially the small angels which are so apt for a special friend of mine. Also they are just the right size for me to work while in Spain for the winter!! Once again many thanks for everything. Gill.

Woohoo! IT WORKED:) It's funny, I just knew it was Mac/PC issue and I even looked at that little box and wondered.....so thanks a bunch and I'll be sending in an order later today:)  I love getting your newsletters and emails even though I haven't gotten away to any sort of stitching treats these last few years:( . As usual your designs are just wonderful and I especially love Babe's Honey Farm; I'm planning on my own set of hives once in CO!!! So keep up the great work! When I'm stitching your projects, or handing them over as gifts I think how wonderful you and your abilities are!! And I'm always trying to get in another retreat - it's way overdue...have not been to anything "stitchy" since the last time I saw you in Victoria. I do hope you are doing very well - I love all your information in your newsletters to keep us up to date on the latest. My last set of gifties stitched to give to my family were: Desert Garden to my sister in Las Vegas, R is for Runner to my sister who does incredible 24 hr and more races, T is for teacher for my LV sister who finally achieved her Masters degree last year, and P is for Princess for my sweet little niece (although in honesty, sweet sometimes gets mixed up:)!  I just love the alphabet series-they are set up to stitch fast! I'm going to keep October stitchy retreat firmly in mind-I'd love to see the "gang" again and I know a getaway will be needed. Take care of yourself, and your mom!!!  Sabrina

Our website was set up to accomodate most, but not all of your different computer users.  Using a different browser may help when you try to order or access our catalogue.  Also, there are Mac users out there who might want to check the box next to the words "Site Map" at the bottom of the website menu. This will allow you entry into all our pages in the online catalogue ! - Thea

Cathy Jean's Windows of my Heart Pillow!

Hello Cathy Jean at VS! My finisher just brought back a wee bit of stitchery Lyn lovingly made for the shop for me, I picked out some fabric and Janice Lancaster finished it for me I was soooooo thrilled I wanted to email you straight away!! So Proud!!! Windows of My Heart is a FAB Design. Fab stitched. Fab Finishing! I don't deserve the three of ya. Cathy at Needlecraft World

Cathy.. I do love Cathy Jean's beautiful design, and your finishing has made it extra special! Thanks for sharing your pillow photo with us!  - Thea 

Gold Tassel in the JCS pre-ornament issue!

LOVE IT!!!! Just ordered it. Now if I can find the JCS magazine(s) the design is in I'll be a happy camper. They're a little difficult to find here in central New York. I get 'excited' over little things. I love it when something I start to do comes out right. Maybe pleased or happy would be better words. Sometime I'll mail you a piece of stitchery that describes my life to a 'T'. I should probably 'copyright' it. Plus I think credit for things should go to the proper person. Makes me happy to think I was a part of that process. Happy stitching....well...designing!!! Love that little Gold Tassel!!!

Thanks so much for getting so excited, and so happy you like the Gold Tassel ! - Thea

Alphabet Sampler Fun!

Hi: I’ve just started the Heirloom Christmas Sampler—admittedly I’ve had the pattern and accessory pack for quite some time. I’ve done the tree and the first row of lettering and thought I could just carry on with the medium blue-green. Yes, it has been awhile, but I was busy doing the Christmas Village, Renaissance Lace and several other wonderful V.S. creations…along with the knitting, quilting and gardening…how much fun can one person have!!! 

I’ve attached a photo of an embroidery I stitched for my daughter and granddaughter. You may be able to see I took the liberty of stitching A for Ashley (granddaughter) and C for Carolyn (daughter). The dancer became a blond as Ashley is blond and a ballerina. Thanks again…I enjoy reading your newsletter…happy stitching!!! Thanks, Edwina

 I love your beautiful framed piece with the three Alphabet samplers.. wow, what a wonderful way to celebrate your grandaughters all together.. thanks for sharing, Edwina ! - Thea

Biscornu Contest Fun!

Just a note to thank you for the free patterns of the biscornu (on your website). You had me intrigued as to what they were. I had my embroidery friends intrigued as to what it was and how it was constructed. I used your pattern but added a few of my own ideas. I have encouraged them to explore you web site. I thought you might like to see my attempt at a biscornu. Regards Susan K

Glad you are now able to make some biscornu, Susan! Now on to learning about the fifteen sided biscornu out this month! - Thea

Hearts of Canada, USA, and International Hearts!

Thea I am from Denver, Colorado but was in Victoria just today and sailed back to Whidbey Island from Sidney this evening. I purchased about 7-8 of your International Hearts ( counted cross stitch) through the mail a few months ago. I would like to do a quilted wall hanging of all the countries I have visited. My favorite countries to visit are Austria and Switzerland, but there are no hearts designed for those countries.Would you be willing to design hearts from those countries and I would certainly purchase them. They are pretty and fun to do! Sincerely, Linda

Thanks, Linda, and I'll try to get those done. However, I really am so busy with all the other new things I'm doing, please don't wait for me. Design Austria and Switzerland for yourself ! - Thea

Trunk Shows are wonderful!

I really enjoyed your trunk show at our local needlework shop, Two The Point! All of your designs are so beautiful and I am looking forward to stitching the other projects that I have of yours! Wishing you a wonderful summer! Thanks again! I think the trunk shows are very helpful. Actually, I bought the Tea Party chart there after seeing it up close! All your projects are absolutely beautiful and I understand that the trunk show was quite a success and they sold a lot! I wish more designers would do them! The pictures on the chart are fine, but they don't do justice to how wonderful the pieces really are! There's nothing like seeing them stitched and finished! Meredith 

We are so grateful to our Needlework Shops for bringing you our Trunk Shows. They spend time and money on our trunk, and setting up as well.. but it's worth it. Many shops could never have so many models stitched otherwise. There's simply nothing like seeing the 'real' thing is there?! - Thea

Heirloom Wedding Sampler!

Dear Thea, Wow! Thank you for your wonderfully fast response! I am guaranteed to enjoy my package when it arrives - I love love love your designs. I am just finishing the Heirloom Wedding Sampler, and I have done quite a few of your other pieces. Thank you for your beautiful designs and your great website. Joyce

Happy Hearts from April VS Retreat 2010!

 Hi Thea, Lisa and Cathy! Greetings from Perth in OZ!  I can’t believe that it is 2 months since we were at the VS Retreat. So much has happened since then - my trip across Canada to visit family, working full time for 2 ½ weeks when I got back instead of the usual one day per week, a visit to Sydney for my sister-in-law’s 70th birthday and the usual bits and pieces that need attending to when you’ve been away. However in all the busyness, I do take time to remember the wonderful experience I had in Victoria. One of the bonuses for me was mastering hemstitch. Therefore when I got home I thought I’d do the last bit of Harbour Village which included the 2 hemstitch panels along with the last few stitches in the bottom panel – or so I thought! I then discovered that I had not done the trees in panel 11 but that was quickly fixed except for the “Apple Tree beside red house”. Then I can get on with the hemstitch and have the finished product framed. After that's done, I can get back to the Retreat Happy Hearts project and doing the finishing. I think everything is stitched except the ribbon flowers but I suspect that will not take too long. All the best to all of you along with my sincere thanks for a wonderful time in Victoria.  - Lorraine 

How very very nice to hear about your trip home, and all the wonderful things you were able to do while visiting Canada, Lorraine I loved meeting you, and your friend Cheryl too. Already looking forward to seeing you again one day! - Thea

Just wanted to say hello to you all. While reading the deadline for the Stitcherama webcast I couldn't help but recall how exciting it was to see the first one from Victoria in April. I am also excited to already be registered for October. It has to be the next best thing to being there. I don't guess anything could equal actually being there with you all and my dear friends, but it sure is great when I'm not able to go to Victoria. Thea, I hope your mother is much improved by now. Love and hugs all around the studio. viv

I'm so glad you're signed up for our VSretreat webcast in October, so you can stitch the Gingerbread Tree Etui at home with us Viv! Remember that we will be happy to convert your Stitcherama dollars directly to the VSRetreat, should you be able to join us in person after all.  :)

Hi All, I just posted some new pictures in my photo album here on this site under Barb's Stitching. With just a few minor changes, I turned Thea's Heirloom Wedding Sampler into a 50th anniversary sampler for my parents. I gave it to them this past weekend, so I can post the pictures now. I had posted an earlier one of it this spring while still in progress, but then I deleted it out of my album in case my mom joined this group and would happen to see it. Courtesy of Linda's idea a while back, I turned scraps of the fabric into scissor fobs for various family members/friends who helped us with the 50th party. I used threads from the project as well so that everyone got a little piece of the picture in their lives. I just loved stitching this piece, and while it was a major undertaking and one of the most challenging hardanger pieces I have ever done, I would enjoy stitching it again....maybe the smaller version for myself or other family members....some day. Barb DeVillez


Oh, I love the idea of blending the Anniversary theme with my Heirloom Wedding Sampler, Barb! The gold numbers and the lovely gold touches really make such an elegant statement. Beautifully thought out. I also absolutely adore Linda R's idea for fob favours! Soo cute! ! :) xoxoThea


Article on Flosses by Marietta - our VS Angel!  

Nap: There is a great debate on whether DMC or Anchor floss has a directionality. Some insist that it does, others not. You should pull each strand individually from your cut length and put the required number of them back together in the same direction. But really it doesn't matter which end you start with. some of the DMC skeins have a little arrow or a hand with a finger pointing to tell you which end of the skein to pull from. Not all of them have this. Supposedly if you pull from that end you won't have any knots. I'm not convinced!

Silk is a different story. If you are using more than 1 strand of floss you really should be using a laying tool or trolley needle. In a pinch, your needle or fingernail will do. If the strands lay side by side the shine will be better. There is another way of insuring that the strands lay side by side, if you are using 2 strands. That is called railroading. You bring your needle to the front as usual to start your cross stitch. When you bring the needle down through the fabric you insert your needle between the 2 strands. The 2 strands should now be laying side by side.

Caron products... Waterlilies is a strandable silk with 12 plies. I don't find any directionality except when you ply the floss you must keep all the strands you put back together in the same direction. Do not reassemble your floss haphazardly. Wildflowers and Watercolours are twisted like perle coton. You do not ply Wildflowers. It is equivalent to perle coton 12. Watercolours has 3 plies and should be stranded. The caron products all come in uncut hanks. Most of the time I cut them in half and use the length for my stitching.

Now the big deal in my world is shininess. The perles, Wildflowers, and Watercolours have a twist and that twist becomes untwisted as you stitch. When you take a stitch and come up on top of the fabric you might want to twist the thread to keep the twist in the thread. There will always be a point when the thread is quite untwisted. It is before then when the shine of the stitches will start to look dull. Do not continue to use dull thread! Start a new thread! This dulling of thread happens with the flosses too whether or not they are silk or cotton. This may happen if you use too long a strand. It is better to use shorter lengths in order to preserve the shine of the thread which gets worn each time you go through the fabric. Hugs, AngelMarietta 

Thank you sooo much for your thorough explanation of our threads, and how to work with the various different ones, Marietta!  -  Thea 

Trunk Show Schedule .... 

NEW! There is a new Cathy Jean Trunk Show, and Thea's got a NEW Trunk Show as well! :) Just click on the Trunk Show link in the menu at left. Take a moment and visit your Local Needlework Shop when they are hosting one of our trunk shows to see good close-up views of our stitched and finished models! Thanks in advance for your letters telling us how much you enjoy seeing all the models - thanks to all our wonderful VS Stitchers, and to our kind and supportive participating Shopowners and staff!

Teaching Schedule for 2010 

Come and join me...
...at the next Victoria Sampler VSretreat! I just know you will have a marvelous time meeting new people and learning new stitches with us here in Victoria! We are passionate about stitching and about having fun... so you know that you will have a quality experience, with prizes, laughter and most of all, STITCHING!!! I am always looking forward to meeting old and new friends... :)  
Check below for all my Retreat and Teaching events, and check for availability with the organizers.    - Thea :)

Future Stitching Retreats with Thea

New England Stitcher's Retreat
To be held on October 8 - 11, 2010  - open!
Enfield, NH  USA
More http://stitchingretreat.com
Email Kathy at kbroseen@yahoo.com

Victoria Sampler Fall VS Retreat - Oct 2010
To be held on October 21 - 24, 2010  -  open!
Victoria B.C. Canada
More information: VS Retreat Website  
Email Lisa at LisaA@victoriasampler.com

NEW - Victoria Sampler Spring VS Retreat !
To be held April, 2011 Registration open soon !
Victoria B.C. Canada
More Info: VS Retreat Website
LisaA@victoriasampler.com

NEW - Stitcher's Hideaway Retreat !
To be held July, 2011 Registration open soon !
Sturbridge, Massachusets.
More Info: Stitchers Hideaway Website
Email Sue at StitchersHideaway@cox.net