 From
the Editor
The new year is a perfect time for new beginnings. It sometimes feels
like the page has been turned over to a crisp, new one and we can write on
it whatever we choose. I guess that is why we make resolutions and silent
vows that we will be better, kinder, faster (or slower), thinner (or gain
that weight we need) and that we will do things a little better. It is a
good thing to take stock and determine a needed direction in our lives. It
is also a good time to start a wonderful new stitching project!
How thrilled we are to present the first installment of Serendipity
Sampler needlepoint design. Just like the renowned Pieces of
Eight, this wonderful stitchery promises to be a winner and one that
you will probably want to use as a springboard for your own favorite
colors, threads and stitch variations. Gayle Bicknell did the original
design and gave it to us for publication when this magazine first started.
We needed to have it stitched, charted and described in record time to
have it included in this issue. In true form, Jennifer Taylor agreed to
spearhead this project. First, she gave it to a very special lady who not
only is an avid and wonderful stitcher, but also a very active supporter
of needlepoint now. Nancy Rosenblum of Lakeland, Florida put her
life "on hold" to get this project stitched for the cover, Beth
Robertson created clear and easy to read charts and Jennifer Taylor did
her usual expert professional job of photography. Well done, team! Your
effort is much appreciated and we look forward to the actual stitching.
What can be a brighter spot for the winter's chill than fresh flowers
that bloom on our back cover. Patricia Moore is a new contributor for us
and we know that you, too, will enjoy her delicate project and her
non-threatening introduction to painting on canvas and then stitching the
flowers.
And, don't you love a mystery? "Mystery samplers" seem to be
the popular thing to do in needlepoint circles, so we offer a fun one for
you not only to stitch, but also enjoy the story line. You see, our
sampler has a "love story" that will accompany each installment.
Our popular "Family" series by Orna Willis concludes with
this issue. In the finishing, Orna put all the pieces together to look
like a house which is so appropriate for this series. Our thanks to Orna
for sharing her creativity with all of us.
Our grateful thanks also go to Joan Reardon, proofreader par
excellence. Joan has worked with us since our very beginning and her keen
eye and sharp blue pencil have guided us on our "road to
perfection."
It is always difficult to say goodbye to a friend. Mary Dick Digges
passed away on November 23, 2001. She was well known in the needlework
world, especially in the field of Japanese Embroidery. She helped
establish the Japanese Embroidery Center in Atlanta, was a certified
teacher, co-author of Lady Evelyn's Needlework Collection, owner
and publisher of Embroidery Research Press and a positive force for
education in needlework. I first met Mary Dick in the early 1970's. She
lived near me and we belonged to the same guilds and stitching groups. I
was privileged to teach in her wonderful needlework shop.She was always
serious about her stitching, but possessed a warm and fun-loving spirit
and enjoyed a good story. Her command of the "King's English"
was one of the best I have ever known (and her French wasn't bad, either.)
Mary Dick had a warm and generous spirit and quietly did many good works.
She has most assuredly left her mark on the needlework of our age and will
be sorely missed.
Joyce Lukomski
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