From the Editor

It feels like you have wrapped us in a warm hug. Thank you for your beautiful response to our premier issue. We received hundreds of letters and messages - I wish we could share them all, but here are excerpts from just a few:

I received the premier issue in the mail today at lunchtime. I didn't have much time so I thought that I would just "flip through" the issue while going back later to read the articles. Boy, was that a mistake!!!!! I couldn't flip the page without reading the content. I ended up being late for work, but I enjoyed my lunch "hour" so much that I didn't even care. Even the ads look great. I have thoroughly read every page and will enjoy going back through and reading them again. Keep up the great work.

Beth Weld
Winston Salem, NC

My first issue of needlepoint now arrived today. What a superb, classy, quality publication. In a word, 'wow!' It was such a joy to see the first issue so professionally done with wonderful articles and crisp layouts-a very imaginative and creative presentation. I am so pleased that you have inaugurated needlepoint now and I am sure it will be extremely successful. I look forward to future issues.

Cornelia Bryant
Fredericksburg, VA

I have just received my premier issue of needlepoint now. Wow! What a magazine! It is really great and I wish you much success. I have devoured every article and am looking forward to future issues.

Martha Dedicos
Gulfport, MS

Remember Professor Higgins and Colonel Pickering after the ball in My Fair Lady? They were ecstatic, dancing around and shouting (singing) "You did it! You did it! You really, really did it!" To add to their sentiments ... You really, really did it!

My magazine was waiting when I got home from work last night. I sat down and read it cover to cover, without coming up for air. I can even tell you who your advertisers are! What a need you have filled. One thing I feel I must really comment on is the depth you provided when doing your interview with Tony Minieri. Please continue to do this with your interviews. In every other magazine I have received, these articles left you "up in the air." You were never quite satisfied that you had met the designer. This one was far from that. A question though-was the canvas size intentionally left out of the materials for Tony's piece?

You and your editorial consultants are to be congratulated for putting out a magazine that is on the cutting edge of our passionate form of art. Much success to you, keep up the good work!

Shari Jackson
Henderson, NV

I received my copy of needlepoint now yesterday and just wanted to drop you a note to tell you how pleased I am with the magazine. It's just wonderful! I want to stitch all of the projects right now-they are yummy. I just had a class with Tony and your article was right on-it captured him so well. My favorite though, was the article by Addie Busch. Her outlook is so positive and her luggage tag is a hoot! She is very much grounded in reality and I think we all need to sometimes have a "reality check."

I also liked all of the ads-everyone seems to have an email or website which is nice. Also, for people who travel, there are many states represented by needlepoint stores. Goody!!

Thank you so much for persevering and publishing this wonderful magazine. I'm looking forward to many future issues.

Sue Figg
Woodstock, GA

Many of you wrote with similar thoughts on Mamie Ritter's cover article. We heard from dozens of survivors of breast cancer who thanked us for having this lovely piece dedicated to them. Others wrote to tell us they were inspired by this project to work individual hearts as ornaments, suncatchers and pendants. The number of people who responded to "Stitcher's Lemonade" was astonishing and they let us know that we touched a chord with this series.

Through numerous letters, you thanked us for exciting projects to stitch and said how much you enjoyed "Jingle Bell Santa" by Libby Sturdy, "Berkeley" by Jean Hilton, and "Persian Tile" by Tony Mineiri. By the way, we know you will be happy to learn that Tony will soon begin a series featuring his innovative ideas of interpreting the painted canvas.

There was almost a "panic" around the country about receiving your copy of the premier issue and we shared your panic. The anticipation grew to fever pitch. Success is sweet, but sometimes overwhelming. It is wonderful to have a plethora of subscribers from all over the country, but the staff had to work 'round the clock to meet the challenge. We so appreciate your providing us with such an "opportunity. " Of course, there are some things over which we have no control, including magazine delivery, which is often "postally-challenged." We are working toward our target mailing time, but it may take several issues to reach this stage. Target mailing dates are January 10, March 10, May 10, July 10, September 10, and November 10. Our data base is operational and all of our systems are up and running. However, every printing company and mailing house has "resident noids" who love to make life interesting and we know that they rear their ugly heads occasionally. Please know that you can always count on us to handle these situations in a timely and friendly manner. We began this magazine with a vision to fill a great need. Our success depends on hearing feedback from our readers. Your input, suggestions and comments will be vital in helping us to grow and reach the heights that we envision. Thank you for joining us on this journey.

Joyce

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Last Updated November 24, 2004