From the Editor

It doesn't get any better than this ... summertime, vacations and stitching, too! This has always been my favorite season. I am so exhilarated by the entire ocean scene-the salty air, the invigorating wind, the miracle of the tides, the warm, jewel-like sand ... and then, the vastness of the sea. When I slip away in the early morning to the shore and watch the dolphins at play as the sun comes up, everything falls into place for me. I realize that the sea is so vast and I must be very small, and my problems even smaller in the whole scheme of things. I gain my perspective by the sea, so, of course, I love it. When selecting a project for the front cover of our summer issue, I just couldn't get "Ye Whales and All That Move in the Waters" out of my mind. I have seen this piece hanging in several major needlework exhibits. It always makes such a strong statement and continually wins very special awards. This enormously creative work by Sharon Barrea is truly a motivation for us. Not only does this beautiful piece speak of the ocean, it also shows us what can be achieved when you combine hours of stitching with creativity and love of the art.

I hope some of the "adventurous stitchers" will try marbling on canvas. Peg Laflam has given us some general information on this technique and has suggestions for books with complete instructions. I am especially glad to be able to introduce you to this multitalented artist, designer, teacher and friend. Peg has lived all over the world, speaks many languages and moves comfortably in varied and different arenas. She has a unique way to make the subject come to life when she teaches color and design, and is always eager to try the unusual. Her sense of humor is infectious and I know that my life is richer because our paths happened to cross so many years ago.

Jim Wurth is a wonderful new artist on the needlework scene, and we feel so honored to be one of the first to showcase his inspiring work. Jim's handsome "Safari" is not only a powerful piece of stitchery, but also a versatile one. "Safari" makes us feet the continent of Africa, but, we also feel a strong touch of the southwestern United States. This project is not for the beginner stitcher. If you are just starting needlework, but love this piece and are "on fire" to stitch it, hold on to the instructions. Put them away in a safe place, and come back to stitch the project when you feel comfortable with basic needlepoint techniques.

Debbie Steihler continues her "Heart of the Home" series with the Flower Basket ornament, Marion Scoular gives us good information on the stitching thread, floche, and then uses it to create a bargello design for a box top. Ro Pace shares her delightful sachet bag in openwork. Two informative new features debut in this issue. Tony Minieri shares ideas on how to make a painted canvas come to life with his column, "Adventures in Embellishment."

We have been so happy to hear from many of you and we are glad that you are enjoying our regular features "Stitchers' Lemonade," "Noteworthy and New," Jody's Needlepoint Excitement" and "From the Bookshelf." We do appreciate your letters, telephone calls and e-mails and ask you to please continue. Your suggestions are important for our future growth.

We hope that you have a great summer and enjoy this issue. Just wait until you see what we have in store for you for the rest of the year-beautiful angels, a whimsical Santa, a colorful sampler and the most adorable witch.

Keep stitching.
Joyce

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Last Updated November 24, 2004