From the Editor

What a wonderful season is unfolding and how nice it is to to be a part of the holiday fun! Stitchers seem to love this time of the year, and we found ourselves with so much material that we are considering adding a holiday column. The Santa pillow on the front cover and the baroque angel on the back, the whimsical "Jody Bear" and the lovely angel in the centerfold all herald this happy time and are waiting to be stitched. In my case, they would have to wait until sometime next year, but isn’t it great that everything will hold and we can keep building our "want to stitch pile" higher and higher?

Our regular features are the backbone of the publication and educate us in the art of needlepoint. We learn about books of interest to us, what is new and "must have" in the market, problems and solutions handled in the classroom, lessons in embellishing the painted canvas and, from time to time, about shops and designers who inspire us. In "Art and Inspiration," Gail Sirna discusses Frank Lloyd Wright and his contribution to our art. One of our most popular features, "Stitcher’s Lemonade" is missing from this issue. Addie Busch is nursing a sick husband, but will be back next time. We are glad that you enjoy our continuing projects and that so many are working along with us. We know that a legion is working "Pieces of Eight" because you called, wrote and e-mailed us, and rightfully so. We did not discover the numbering error in the charts for the first three octagons until we were printed. The charts are repeated in this issue and this time the numbering is correct. Large groups of stitchers are working together on Debbie Steihler’s "Heart of the Home"ornaments, and we are happy to announce an addition to our continuing projects... "One Stitch Wonders". The first project, The Leaf Christmas Stocking, is so lovely and so right for this issue.

Nasty little noids seem to be determined to give us a real workout. "Last issue" should not have been printed on the mailing labels for October/November and caused confusion. When it is time for renewal, you can be sure that we will contact you with a letter. Even with all of the challenges to overcome, we must be doing something right because we continue to be amazed (and grateful) at the warm response you have given us. Our subscription base is still growing, both at home and abroad, and more and more shops carry needlepoint now . We have added new features, new employees and a monstrous new system that will allow us to interface easily with our printing company. Even our mailing status is no longer "pending" as we now have our postage permit for periodicals.

As this year draws to a close, we realize that it is more than just the end of a year and even more than just the end of the century. How exciting to be alive in the millennium year! These last thousand years came in with ox carts, horses and primitive ideas and will go out with jets, lasers and computer chips. Sure,modern conveniences make our lives easier, but most of us still spend our time balancing jobs, deadlines, family obligations, and budgets, so what have we leaned? What is it that makes life worth living? For me it is the strength and love of family, the warmth of friendship, the beauty of God’s world, and the ability and opportunity to do the work I love. Thank you for providing that opportunity. At the start of a new millennium, I hope we can learn to appreciate the dignity of all mankind and dwell on that which unites, rather than separates us. I wish you a wonderful 2000 and a holiday season filled with love, laughter, health and peace.

Joyce Lukomski

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Last Updated November 24, 2004