From the Editor

When Susan Kerndt develops a project she leaves no stone unturned! I know you will enjoy stitching her elegant Jewel Fantasy that graces our front cover. But, the stitching is only one aspect of this beautiful presentation! Susan has shared her wealth of knowledge about the techniques used to accomplish this stunning project. There is a plethora of good information on Florentine Embroidery as well as Laid Fillings. An editor’s job is just as you would guess - to edit the text before printing. I found so much good and timely information attached to this article that I could not bear to bring out the blue pen (I know - I know. “Blue pen” is a term from the past and to be more contemporary I should say “the delete button.” ) Enjoy this lovely piece.

The needlework world inspires wonderful friendships and associations in the strangest manner. June Moes lives across the entire country from me and the chances of our meeting were almost zero - except for needlework! Many years ago we both taught at the same seminar and were paired as roommates. That was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. I was thrilled recently when June could spend a few days on this coast with me both “at work” and “at home.” What fun we had! We even made time for a fast trip to Williamsburg and an afternoon in the office where we discussed her beautiful heart project that we planned to use for this issue. June remembered that a mutual friend, Jane Farber, had been a student in this class and finished her heart in a unique and beautiful manner. One quick phone call and Jane graciously sent us her lovely handbag to show on our back cover. Many thanks to June and Jane for helping us show how versatile this project can be.

Other projects in this issue include the colorful Bargello Landscape designed by Liz Morrow and Donna DiMarco’s Three Hearts Pillow. Don’t miss The Stonington Stairs! This inspiring article shows how needlepoint can help to chronicle history.

Our features continue to be the backbone of this publication. We so appreciate all of your comments on these outstanding articles. We are grateful to Robin Berry, Ann Blalock, Elizabeth Bozievich, Amy Bunger, Suzanne Howren and Jody Valentine. We hope to resume Tony Minieri’s feature in the next issue. Our features help us to grow and to learn more about needlepoint.

One of the features has become a favorite and we don’t do it as often as I would like. However, this time we are running The Finish Line which showcases the innovative work of our readers. Congratulations to the winners of our Fibonacci Contest. We are grateful to Gay Ann Rogers for her suggestion about the contest and for serving as chairman of the judging panel.

I recently taught at the EGA National Seminar which was held in Richmond, Virginia. There I met some of the gracious ladies of the Women of Hope Project and was much impressed. This is a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring hope and dignity to Afghan women and children. To this end they have introduced “A Garden of Hope.” These microgardens use simple, readily available materials such as sand, hulls, gravel and water instead of soil. The only energy requirements are natural sunlight and two hours of human labor per day. A woman can start a garden and grow enough food (about four pounds a day) in just 60 days to feed a family of six to eight. To learn more about this worthy project or to make a donation contact Women of Hope Project, 4876-118 Princess Anne Road #203, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 or call 757-570-0866. On the web: www.womenofhopeproject.org or Info@womenofhopeproject.org.

“Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt and dance like nobody's watching” is a familiar quote that crossed my desk recently. For some reason it has stayed on my mind. I guess I think it is pretty good advice for beginning a brand new year. “Enthusiasm is never taught - it is always caught.” I hope 2007 is great for you!

– Joyce Lukomski

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Last Updated January 31, 2006