From the Editor

We all know how difficult it is to come up with a brand new concept in art, but Amy Wolfson has done just that. We applaud Amy for the courage to try to put her inspiration into actual stitches and the fortitude to work until it was right. We are pleased to introduce her innovative "Optical One" on our front cover and hope that you, too, are inspired. We realize that you can't possibly stitch every project we show (unless you have found the secret to 36-hour days), but we also know that they will "keep" and stay nice and ready-to-work within the pages of your magazine.

Our wonderful series, "Heart of the Home" concludes in this issue. For two years Debbie Stiehler has treated us to these beautiful ornaments that will surely become family heirlooms. I know how many of you are working on this project because I see your stitchery when I travel around the country.

During my travels I have also seen so many of your finished "Pieces Of Eight" stitcheries that we ran for six issues. We will feature a gallery of your work in the July/August 2001 issues. Please send us your photographs and a little information by April 15 so that you can be included in this presentation. You may never realize how much your work inspires others and provides a motivation to stitch.

Anna Marie Winter of Canada shares with us one of her exquisitely beautiful kimono designs and also gives us basic information on working with silk and metal threads. Gay Foster creates an adorable bunny for the season. This project will delight the children in your life.

I am always so happy to write an editorial for the spring issue because springtime is such a wonderful season. It is a welcome sight for so many of us after a long winter. This year I am more excited than ever and can hardly wait because I have a new toy...my very first convertible. I am eagerly anticipating the feel of the wind in my hair and smelling the salt water at the beach when I can take the top down. Mid-life crisis? Perhaps, but oh, what fun!

In the springtime we think of life renewing and the tender young greenery that brightens our landscapes. It leads us into thoughts of life in general. How precious life is and every day that we have! Our offices are located in a building on a corner of cross streets. I love to watch the happenings of the area during those times when I am walking around the office trying to decide on a cover or a new feature or any of the other exciting decisions that need to be made. Across one street is a large office building that houses several businesses including the Small Business Development Center. Diagonally across is a large bank and across the other street is a local dancing school. Wasn't it just yesterday when I chauffeured my oldest daughter to and from this very same school four times a week for dancing lessons? You see, she was really into dancing and wanted to study it all. I love to watch the children and am refreshed by their joy and innocence. Life is good and fairly calm in this neighborhood, but this week we all experienced a dreadful fear. There was an armed robbery, fleeing suspects who held a hostage, a helicopter, dozens of police cars and many brave young men. I watched the swat team get prepared to storm the building, organize into a wedge formation and fortify themselves with bullet-proof gear and shields held in front. I thought of the legions of Rome and their famous attack mode. I found myself being afraid for these young men who were going into battle, for the hostage and the suspects hiding inside the building. We were lucky here as it all ended without shots being fired. I was once again reminded about the precious quality of life and vowed to appreciate every day and to tell friends and family that I love them.

Joyce Lukomski

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Last Updated November 24, 2004