Greetings to you from a windy and chilly Cape Town. Soon, the seasons will change - our trees are in blossom, the new leaves are shining and Sunbirds are busy,
busy in the garden. I love this time of the year: not too hot, not too cold – perfect hiking weather! Somehow it’s always at this time that I feel the most
creative too. I am busy with beautiful new designs which will be released in a few months’ time.
I would love to know what you think of these whimsical designs by Cori Dantini from the USA. I am using layers of organza, silk and bamboo fibre for a stylish and
graceful effect. I am busy embroidering Olive, he makes me smile every time!
I love the vibrant simplicity of Cori’s work and I thank her for the honour of turning her images into embroidered pieces that I know will be loved by many.
I would be interested to know which of the four you like best in order of:
1 - not so good and
5 - I love it.
Could you do this for me? Email me your answers that I know which one to make next! Thank you :)
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We have added new stockists to our list and we welcome them on board. Welcome to:
- Little Einstein from Namibia,
- Sharon Hatchuel from Israel,
- Atelier Passions from France and
- The Naked Sheep from Nelspruit, South Africa.
We will hopefully have an agent in Vietnam soon — good news for the Vietnamese embroiderers :)
I would like to thank every one of our stockists for all their hard work and dedication to needlecrafts – I know how much work it requires to keep
everything running smoothly.
To see the list of our stockists, you are welcome to click here.
There is a search facility on the page for you to
find your nearest store or teacher.
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All the prizes are on the way to the winners of the
SRE competition.
Congratulations, once again, to the winners! I will be introducing the beautiful pieces, that were entered by everyone, on my blog.
Do check my
blog
every so often or 
me on Facebook to keep in touch with the latest adds and news updates.
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I must tell you about Lynton Grandison: Head Graphic designer for Country Bumpkin Publications. He made the most beautiful spread for me which
appeared in the latest Inspirations issue 71.
Lynton has been with the company for approximately 10 years and is well versed in the design aesthetic of the needlework culture. Lynton’s innate sense of style
and natural grace is an integral part of the success of the many Country Bumpkin publications. He is one of only two men that work for Country Bumpkin and Lynton can
often be found working at his Apple Mac computer with headphones on. They have all wondered what he listens to but it is a secret that he will not give up lightly
and remains a mystery. Whatever it is, it works, as Lynton never fails to deliver the stunning graphics that have delighted readers and advertisers for years.
Thank you Lynton! Don’t miss Inspirations
issue #71
– there are some spectacular projects featured.
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Good news
From my gifted publisher Wilsia Metz of Metz Press
is: "We have sold rights of the Roses book to Search Press (English worldwide),
Kontent in Russia and now recently to Tuttu Frutti in France. So this is good news for our Russian and French embroiders."
Metz Press will be at the Frankfurt Book Fair in a month's time, so things must be quite crazy for them at this time!
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What's new?
I have added five new kits on my website, which will make a super gift for someone special or for that most special one of all: you!
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BATB in April 2011: Workshop 11 Silk ribbon - Romantic Roses
As my hubby Andre is not well, I have had to shorten my trip to
BATB
in April 2012. I will be teaching the one workshop: number 11. Silk ribbon - Romantic Roses
on 19th and 20th April (Thursday and Friday).
The two roses which I will teach in this workshop are: the Rose Gaujard (page 43 of my Roses book) and Konigen van Danemark Roses (page 107)
Note: Hazel Blomkamp will be teaching her own workshops: 9. Silk ribbon pomander and 10. Beaded Jacobean embroidery on 15, 16 and 17 April.
I have an assistant, Carol, who will fly to Adelaide with me. She will be there to help anyone who needs assistance while I teach. I am so looking forward to
meeting you all! We have already started with the preparation for this workshop: making some of the stumpwork leaves and the stems for you, which will save
time in the workshop. I will also bring our own anti-fray with for making the rose petals. See you soon!
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I would like to thank everyone who has sent emails and messages about my new Roses book. I am so pleased you like the book and I wish you many happy hours
embroidering the beautiful rose sampler.
I saw this review on Myshelf.com and if you are interested in the review, you are welcome to have a look
here.
Note: In the workshops at Koala Conventions in Brisbane, I noticed that their anti-fray agent was very
thick and it made the petals of the roses too stiff. The anti-fray agent that we use is water-based, whereas theirs was solvent-based.
Do look out for the water-based item which has the same likeness to water. Along with the Bonus Hamper, Renn is including a bottle of anti-fray
with every order for the
Roses kit.
If you are having trouble finding a water-based anti-fray
agent, you are welcome to order it
here.
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This month's specials
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A Free design for you
With every order that you place on my website you will receive a link to download this lovely design to use as you like. Enjoy!
Bonus Hamper
Our Bonus Hamper is very popular and we have extended the hamper with all the useful sewing tools. Do have a look
here
to read more about it.
With every order over R700 (about 100 US$) you will receive the bonus hamper to the value of 10% of your order. Enjoy!
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Box Full of Lessons number 7
The Garden Pond kit
One of our best-selling kits is on extra special this month. With this order, you will receive an extra 10% Bonus Hamper. This means you will
receive a Bonus Hamper for a total of 20% of the value of this beautiful kit. It is a perfect gift for a special embroiderer and is ideal for
both the beginner and the advanced embroiderer. To read more about it,
click here
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Events and news from our stockists
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From Piecemakers
Linda from Piecemakers wrote to me:
"Remember the feeling that we all shared in the good old days when we gathered for church suppers
quilting bees and other community affairs?
Monday Labor Day September 5th, from 11 am to 2 pm Piecemakers features tables laden with an array of food to satisfy every appetite.
Choose from an assortment of delectable dishes, and a new feature this year, our root beer booth...with old fashioned Root beer floats,
Root beer cupcakes and other fun concoction. Float down Root Beer River with us!"
Wish we could be there! For more information call:
Piecemakers, 1720 Adams Avenue, Costa Mesa, California - Tel. 714-641-3112,
e mail or click here.
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From Spinnerin
Spinnerin is having an exhibition of their student`s work: quilting and embroidery from Wednesday 21st to Saturday 24 SEPT. From 9AM TO 4PM.
There is NO ENTRY FEE. Refreshments are for sale and there is ample parking.
Contact Spinnerin, Brentwood Park, Benoni, South Africa - Tel. 011 967 2355 or email Diana Van Der Walt if you have any queries.
Enjoy!
e mail or click here.
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From Australianneedlearts.com
After Koala Conventions in Brisbane, I left a few kits with Australian Needle Arts. If you are interested in the kits (which all contain the
free gifts which were packed for the convention) you are welcome to email Wendy or
call: 61(0)7 4093 9474.
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Note: The kits that Wendy has in Australia are:
Remember
these kits are already in Australia and include the shipping from Cape Town – so this is a good opportunity for Australian embroiderers to save!
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From Tombolo & Disegni, GRADO, ITALIA.
Gianfranca wrote to say:
"I will be to the Valtopina Fair on 2-3-4- September 2011. This is a show for all fans of embroidery, bobbin and needle lace and weaving.
Will have all your silk ribbons, printed panels, books (including the new Rose book) and DVDs at the show."
For more information you can
e mail Gianfranca or call: 0431 878027. Website: www.tombolodisegni.it
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We were sad to see hurricane Irene's terrible destruction in the north-eastern US states and we are thinking of you at this dreadful time. I hope you have not
been too badly affected and send you our love and best wishes.
Until next time, have a grand September and enjoy your embroidery!
Warmest regards
and the Crafts Unlimited team in Newlands, Cape Town
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