Needlework Market- New 2014

And here we are another market done, what a treat it is, I love going.

I will go through and list out the new product - fun right!

As I mentioned last week, it is JDD 15th Anniversary and to that we have a special treat. A new updated Take Time to Stitch a la 2014 - shops check out the special on the other Take time patterns in the series. In addition to a new Take Time to Stitch, there is Take Time for Love. I had wanted to get it out in January but it just got pushed into Nashville with the timing.  These as always have a thread pack and are such a quick stitch, nice addtion to your stitch room/area.

The Common Thread Sampler - many of you will recognize this beauty if I came to your city in the last 5 years to teach it! I loved this sampler and felt that it really needed to come off my shelf and get 'out there'. It has some lovely different stitches in it, from Ukranian White Work to Bargello and beyond. Again there is a thread pack which includes beads and charms like The Four Seasons Sampler. I had such fun with it that I made a lovely needlebook -Stitcher's Needlebook- using some of my favourite items from the  sampler for it. On the inside I used lovely Weeks Dye Works wool and did some free embroidery on the wool to embellish it. It also has a thread pack available. These will both be available at the distributor, the wool pack is only available through JDD  as this is a separate item and done especially for this pattern.

Some cute additions to the 'A most suitable Name Series' in Button Betty, Humble Hilda and Wool Willi. My sisters name is Willi and she is named after our grandmother on my mother's side with that very dutch name of Wilhelmina, Willi is much easier to say and spell. I am stitching Nimble Netty (which is me from my grandmother on my father's side) on 40 ct and loving the colours and detail.

Then we have some just through JDD items - they will be available through Jeannette Douglas Designs, but not at the distributor. First - Patterned Pretties - this is a set of 6 patterned pyn pillows that were an absolute blast to stitch, I didn't want to stop once I started, my tenacity even surprised me. You may purchase or all six, each one is a different pattern, and a different stitch and different colours. The pattern comes with thread and the piece of wool backing to match. Second -Gift Tags - this is also 6 different patterns with different sayings to put on a gift tag; each with the threads to stitch it and the button in the pattern- a brown wood board from Images Stitchery Designs- I used nun's stitching for the edge, then trimmed and put iron on interfacing on the back, and with double sided tape placed it on  the board- simple and easy. Third -Waist Bags- this is a set of three patterns in the Numero style - it includes one handmade bag in with the pattern. Fourth -Covered Buttons -these are 3 patterns in one leaflet for a button form, I have been wanting to do something with the button form for ages.... I just love the idea I guess. This was a fun little project and I have to thank Cathe Ray at Needle in a Haystack in Alameda, CA for helping me decide which size buttons etc. Thanks Cathe! The covered buttons will be a limited number- the Waist bags may have a wait time to get a reorder on the hand made bags.

And that would be it! Enjoy!

Ready for market!

I'm excited to show you the new designs but it will have to wait a few days just yet! I just hope the weather cooperates.... it's been quite cold this past week in Calgary but the good - over freezing temps- start tomorrow so it is looking good for flying to Nashville Needlework market early Thursday morning. My daughter is coming over to take care of our aging Cleo. She turned 14 in Dec. and still on our walk her little head bobs like crazy she loves those walks, me not so much, when it is -20C. I don't mind anything above -5C. but once it goes below that I am not in, but out we go for the dog!  Now that she has lost her hearing it is imperative to sniff every spot on Coach Bluff Cres. to check out the new dogs that moved in a few doors down! I will have some pretty fun things for you  to enjoy, hope you check it out come Monday or Tuesday when I post them once I return from Nashville. Mind you the shops that come are pretty awesome about posting new and getting that info to you. I love surprises so it is great to have the market venue to do the WOW surprise to shop owners, it makes such an impact when you have the model there to see 'for real' and then see the product- the leaflet, the threads and baubles etc.

There will be a special for this year as it is JDD's 15th Anniversary. Can you believe it! I actually produced the first sampler in 1998 but did not sell it till 1999 so that is the year I am going with! I can hardly imagine that I would be at this position 15 years later. Thank you to the industry for your support and enthusiasm in my designs and I hope to continue to share my passion of counted thread needlework.

In just under month I will be in Florida at Needlecraft World for a lovely weekend event. It's been fun working in a very different colour palette for me! I think she is almost full but check with www.needlecraftworld.net .  When it has been so cold this past week and I sat here at the computer doing all the deatils for Nashville.... with my heavy wool socks on, my little scarf that my friend knitted for me just for those really cold days.... the trip to somewhere sunny and south was a warming thought. Looking forward to seeing all you ladies!! Bring your favourite needles and scissors and stretcher bars, Qsnaps etc. and lighting, and you are set! We will supply the rest.

Then as I still haven't updated the events page.... yes, I am doing the event at Nashua, NH -Celebrations and will have a booth and will be doing 2 classes there! Check it out, it is an awesome event if you've never been, do try it. It is exciting and so inspiring! www.celebrationofnw.com

So that brings me to go draft up the new post for next week..... come back and check out the Nashville new!

As ever, Jeannette

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2014!

Ahh... 'twas the week before Christmas and all through the house..... well I'd like to say I'm prepared but we have had so much snow since late November that I keep saying " oh, I'll do it tomorrow when it's not snowing...." and that day never seems to come, so today I have to go out in the snow and do things! Hope you have had a fine Christmas season and are enjoying some of your traditions that make it Christmas for you. I have done some stitching and happy for that and I have done alot of my preparation for the Nashville Needlework show, so that is great too. Often at this time of year we look back at the year it was and look forward to the year it might be. If I look back I am amazed, amazed at being able to meet you all... enjoy with you- your little spot in the world, our shared passion for stitching and all threads and fabrics that are so fun. I am humbled by the lovely work you all do and the creativity that you all in some sort possess! I am challenged by seeing your works and your enthusiasm and look forward so much to meeting you again and continuing to share our lives. It has certainly enriched mine!

When I look forward; I see new horizons and new challenges and of course some comfy repeats that I love to do. I must go add things on the Events page, but I will be in Florida in March at Needlecraft World, check with Cathy for info. I will be at Celebration of Needlework in New Hampshire in the end of April -beginning of May. In the fall in October I will be at Acorns and Threads in Portland and also one other place. Look for that to come. New for Nashville? well there will be lots, so I will keep you posted here what to look for! But we have lots of kits and samplers coming - look forward to sharing them with you.

In this holiday season, I wish you the very best. Enjoy your family and friends. Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

Be Merry and Bright, Jeannette

PS the Joy banner will be released Sept 2014, I just get to put it up this year!