From the Editor

We are happy to present new features in this issue. Reflections will be a glimpse of some of the places I have visited in the last few years in the name of needlework. What an experience it has been to travel around the country and spend time with the nicest and most sharing people on earth. We will run this feature occasionally, as space permits.

The second new feature is one that you have been asking us to do since the magazine started. The Finishing Touch and will give you clear instruction on various ways to complete your stitchery. We begin with an informative article by Kathy Klinko of Lakewood, Washington. She is the professional finisher of Pamela Harding's Patriotic Ornaments and we are delighted that she is sharing this critical information. Kathy promises us several installments on finishing techniques for the future.

Our third new feature is called The Finish Line, and, may I say, that you have crossed it beautifully! We believe in sharing accomplishments. Stitchers can feel justifiable pride in seeing the fruit of hours of labor and the viewer can not only enjoy the beauty, but also get ideas and motivation. Little did we realize how much we would be touched by your creative interpretations of the designs we present. We will run this feature as time and space allow.

Harbor Town has been one of my favorite needlepoint designs since I started in this profession! How fitting that we can feature Jody Adams' work on both of our covers! Gail Sirna writes about Jody's contributions in her "Art and Inspiration" column, so we show several of Jody's projects. I really want to stitch Harbor Town so that I can look at it any time I choose. If time ever allows, I will stitch some of the shops to reflect those on the Outer Banks of North Carolina (which is my special place for relaxation and inspiration.)

We have a lot of fun things for you to stitch. Fiber Optic Earrings by Jane Nichols are pert and saucy and great for summer fashions. I want a pair in every color! The Humbugs for Christmas by Pat Morse show a unique manner of finishing these little ornaments. Our continuing projects remain popular and we appreciate your warm response. New installments are given for Contemporary Bargello, A Mystery Sampler and Ornaments of the United States.

I enjoyed listening to Paul Harvey tell "the rest of the story" on the radio. Here now is the "rest of the story" about My Family from Orna Willis. In her sixth installment titled The Future, Orna stated "We have decided to adopt a baby. In the next few months we hope to be traveling to Cambodia to bring home a new member of our family." She closed: "We imagine the connection between this child and Shiri, the twenty-one year older sister. We imagine how the union of our grandparents in Europe at the beginning of the 20th century has led to this strange and wonderful family here today at the beginning of the 21st century. And it goes on." Please meet Nina Koun Nga Willis, held by Shiri.

In Ornament Adaptations from our last issue, we did not give the correct name of Sandy Higgins' book. It is Sandy's Finishing Touches, A Step-by Step Guide to Finishing Needlework.

We hope you have a glorious summer and get to enjoy some of the things you like the most. We are hard at work on many exciting future presentations that you are going to love. We have buildings, figures, geometrics and all manner of wonderful things just waiting to be printed. However, I, too, plan to stick a toe in the salt water and "worship the sun" at some point. Have fun!

Joyce Lukomski

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Last Updated November 24, 2004