From the Editor

I t is always so exciting to introduce a new contributor to our readers. I “found” Margaret Bendig on a teaching trip to Southern California and was thrilled and inspired by the beauty of her work and her willingness to share her talent with us. Margaret’s work has a fresh and uncluttered approach to design and a lovely, gentle way with color. Her Southwest Sampler is a beautiful beginning to showcase her talent. I know you will enjoy stitching the first installment of this beautiful project and will enjoy many more of her beautiful designs that we will feature during the year.

Barbara Richardson is one talented and busy lady! She has been known to design and stitch needlework, teach needlework, belong to several needlework guilds, serve on the national board of the American Needlepoint Guild...whew! As if this is not enough, she also is willing to share her beautiful work with others. Her gentle and graceful heart, shown on our back cover, will be delightful to stitch and own or give as a cherished item.

We complete Joan Thomasson’s popular Frostfire in this issue. We are happy that you are enjoying working on this innovative stitchery and thank you for your letters.

Pat Mazu just has a wonderful way with “soft color”and I am such a fan of her lovely work. Sunset Over Snow and Ice exemplifies her color harmony and would be great stitching on a winter’s day. Liz Morrow helps us celebrate the season with the first project from her collection of charming valentine designs. In this issue we will feature her “Cupid Valentine.”

It is always inspiring to read how a group of dedicated stitchers can accomplish miracles. Not only did I read about it, but I was lucky enough to actually see the wonderful accomplishments of this outstanding group. What began as an idea in 1991 took root. One million, five hundred thousand stitches and seven thousand, five hundred work hours later, the finished kneelers were dedicated on April 23, 2006. Be sure to read about the The Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Vancouver, Washington.

Stitchers around the globe enjoy sharing needlework information, perfecting techniques with classes and programs and the fellowship of spending time with “kindred spirits.” In many countries there are national guilds with local chapters in various cities. In our country we especially enjoy The Embroiderers’ Guild of America and The American Needlepoint Guild. The Embroiderer’s Guild will celebrate 50 years at the 2008 National Seminar to be held in Louisville, Kentucky, August 30 to September 5. The Australian Embroiderers’ Guild Qld.Inc in Brisbane, will celebrate 40 years from May 31 to June 7, 2008. Congratulations to both of these exceptional organizations. We appreciate all that you do for our art and wish you many more happy and successful years in the future.

Another “Institution” in our stitching world is the Callaway Gardens School of Needle Arts located in Pine Mountain, Georgia. This annual two-week seminar is held every year during the doldrums of January and helps us all to look forward to a time of inspiration, learning more about stitching and renewing friendships. Dear friend and exceptional teacher, Jody Adams, has been the Director of the School for three decades and is much loved and respected by the teaching staff and the student body. Jody will retire at the end of the last session of the school this January. We will miss her and wish her well.

At the beginning of the new year we seem to review the past year of our lives. Every year there are many things that I consider and would like to do better. However, I have chosen one aspiration for this new year. I have heard it said that a negative person is “an energy vampire.” I hope that I can be as positive as possible about life in every situation that arises. I love this quote from the great editor, Michael Gartner. "Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right. Forget about those who don't. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would most likely be worth it."

– Joyce Lukomski

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Last Updated April 23, 2008