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2008 January/February

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Editor's Column

It is unusual to have two projects by the same designer running in the same issue of the magazine. This is a first for us, but I think the work of Margaret Bending deserves to “break the old rules.” When I saw the four-piece collection of “Seasons of the Kimono” I just squealed: “My, how our readers would love to stitch this entire set!” We begin with the Springtime version and give you a glimpse of the other three versions which we have muted and made smaller in the background of our front cover. All four of the kimono are exactly the same size and shape - only the threads, colors and stitches are different. You can stitch one that is a favorite or stitch the complete collection. These charmers would be great to use for ornaments - also as a grouping of designs to brighten any spot. They would make wonderful gifts. Enjoy working this one and know that the other three designs will be offered during the year.

Liz Morrow, a popular favorite with our readers, hits the jackpot again with her flair for designing projects worked in bargello. The beautiful landscape was inspired by a photograph of an actual place aglow with the bounty of nature. How nice to be able to capture that same glory on needlepoint canvas!

We hear you! Oh, my! We thank you for the many letters and emails concerning our Southwest Sampler and we are so happy that you are enjoying this piece. You asked for more and we have listened. So, in this issue, we give you the information and charts for almost all of the rest of the blocks. I hope this enough to keep you busy for a while and we will complete this wonderful project in our next issue.

Our feature articles are filled with worthwhile information. Elizabeth Bozievich writes about Melissa Shirley, the talented canvas designer. Judy Harper inspires us with her study of small, geometric diaper patterns and Amy Bunger treats us to the intriguing art of four-way bargello. Jody Valentine features the art of one of our long-time subscribers, Geo Carl Kaplan. Suzanne Howren critics more interesting books and our wonderful “fool” keeps us laughing.

How grand it is to be able to share with you the the fun - the beauty - and the wonders of that very special place, Callaway Gardens, located in Pine Mountain, Georgia. I have been teaching at the “Callaway Gardens School of Needle Arts” there for the past (too many to name) years and it is a spot where I become energized and inspired. The students and teachers come from all over this country (and other countries, too.) It is a place to renew inspiration, technical expertise and warm friendships. The two sessions are open to everyone who enjoys stitching. Check the information on page 35.

Located on the beautiful and vast resort of Callaway Gardens is a magnificent “Butterfly House” which has become our inspiration. So, here is another first for this magazine - needlepoint now is sponsoring our very first contest of stitching projects. In this issue we give you a page of butterflies and ask that you do something wonderful with them so that we can exhibit them and have them judged by professionals at the 2009 Callaway Gardens School of Needle Arts. We will be offering help (articles about the use of color and design) during this year and the contest will be in early January of 2009.

A prize will be awarded in three categories. Be sure to read the information on the “Butterfly Challenge” as stated on page 37.

Spring is generally recognized as the time of rebirth. The cold goes away and the sun feels warmer. The days are longer and there is a renewed vitality in nature. A few days ago, as I was dressing for work, I had on my television set. I wasn’t paying much attention until I heard these three words: “attitude, gratitude and forgiveness.” I don’t remember who was doing the talking, but somehow those words rang in my head all day long. In fact, they still do. I have thought about it since that early morning and have decided that each of those words has great importance in our lives and in our quest for happiness and success. Jennifer James said: Success is every minute you live. It's the process of living. It's stopping for the moments of beauty, of pleasure, the moments of peace. Success is not a destination that you ever reach. Success is the quality of the journey.

– Joyce Lukomski

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