Winter 2001

Angel featuring Joan Thomasson
January	February	March	April	May
June	Many of us are familiar with Joan Thomasson’s amazing angel designs. They have been seen in shops all over the world. Recently, Joan has announced that she is retiring her graceful angels, and closing her painted canvas business, in order to concentrate on another love ~ needlework designing and teaching. We will all miss her wonderful angels, but we congratulate Joan on her exciting new venture. Joan has agreed to allow us to offer you the opportunity to stitch a few angels before they are gone. We have chosen eleven angels to feature in our Angel Club. In addition, we are thrilled to announce that Joan is designing a brand new Fireside Angel especially for our club members. This is a last chance to make these memorable designs a part of your needlework collection. Once these special angels are gone there will be no more. Sign up for individual months, or collect all 12 designs. Don’t miss this final opportunity to collect these wonderful angels.			July
August	September	October	November	December Fireside Angel Designed by Joan Thomasson especially for Fireside Stitchery

Angel kits are available in two choices:

    Choice 1 ~ $45.00 + $3.95 shipping. Each kit includes color photo of finished angel, hand-painted canvas, stitch guide, embellishments (where called for), threads, and finishing supplies (gold edging and velvet backing).

    Choice 2 ~ $28.00 + $3.95 shipping. Each kit includes color photo of the finished angel, hand-painted canvas, stitch guide and embellishments (where called for). Does not include threads or finishing supplies.

Sign up for all 12 months and receive Free Shipping.

Sign up Deadline:  December 31, 2001

So many threads, so much to stitch!  How often do we see a new thread, fall in love, and then wonder ... ‘but where can I use it?’ and ‘can you really stitch with that?’

Fireside Stitchery is overflowing with a phenomenal selection of threads, and of course, new threads are arriving all the time. We want you to try them all, so we invite you to join in our year-long event ...

In the coming year, Ann Caswell will lead an exciting voyage of discovery through the growing world of needlework threads. Learn how to handle all the different threads in the shop, and how to choose stitches and motifs to show them off at their best.

Ann will generously share thread information and experience while teaching interesting stitches and combinations of stitches. With her expert guidance, students will compile a notebook of examples and ideas to be used as a reference for future needlework projects including painted canvases. Ann will encourage stitchers to build their thread "vocabulary." Through hands-on experimentation, stitchers will gain knowledge and confidence in choosing threads, colors and stitches.

Ann Caswell is a nationally recognized teacher and has taught for needlework shops, companies and guilds in the United States, England and Canada. Her specialty is threads, and in needlework circles she is fondly known as “the Thread Mavin.” From 1994 to 1996, she served as the American Needlepoint Guild National President. Most recently, she was the project designer for Stitching a Legacy, a book just published by Interweave Press. She will appear on “Sew Much More,” a Home And Garden TV program on November 28th. We are so fortunate to have Ann here at Fireside Stitchery. Join us on our Thread Odyssey for answers, examples, samples and inspiration.

We had intended to begin this series in November, but because some people wanted weekend classes, and others preferred weekdays, we have reworked the schedule to accommodate both groups. You can choose to attend a two-day class on either a Thursday/Friday or on a Saturday/Sunday.

Part I	The Wooly Wonders	Jan 24, 25 or Jan 26, 27
Part II	Cavorting with Cottons	Apr 4, 5 or Apr 6, 7
Part III	A King’s Ransom In Silks	May 30, 31 or June 1, 2
Part IV	The Glamour Threads ~ Metallics	Aug 1, 2 or Aug 3, 4
Part V	Last But Definitely Not Least ~ Rayons, Nylons and Blends, Oh My!	Oct 10, 11 or Oct 12, 13

Cost: $64.00 per 2-day class.

Materials include an instruction manual, threads, needles and canvas.

Stitchers should bring: two pair of stretcher bars in size 10" and two pair of stretcher bars in size 12", tacks, the usual stitching supplies including scissors, laying tool, extra needles, and magnification, if necessary.

Sign-up Deadline: Monday, December 31, 2001

Thinking of joining us from out of town? Why not treat yourself to an enjoyable get away with stitching friends. Call us for information on local hotels. Special room rates are available.

New Threads and Thread Colors:

Annabelle’s Playhouse -- 100% worsted wool This soft wool thread is created by combining several colors of wool twisted together for very subtle, heathered appearance that remains consistent throughout the skein. Available in 14 colors.

Newport Harbor -- 70% Merino wool / 30% Alpaca Beautiful colors from nature are represented in this new thread. Newport Harbor was created to be a “blender thread” perfect for combining with Felicity’s Garden (silk/wool thread). Each color of Newport (except white, black and navy) is made up of five colors of dyed thread spun and twisted together. The shading possibilities when combined with Felicity’s Garden are exceptional.

Burmilana -- This very popular thread just added 42 wonderful new colors. This is a great time to join the Burmilana Thread Collector Club!

Curved Scissors -- These sleek curved black scissors are perfect for cutting waste knots close to the canvas or linen. The curve lets you hold up the waste knot and cut at the level of the canvas without worrying about cutting the canvas. These scissors make a great addition to every stitcher’s accessory bag.

Gingher ‘Cheetah Print’ Designer Scissors
Calling all cat lovers, you do not want to miss this great pair of designer scissors from Gingher. These 4" embroidery scissors have a handle that is decorated with a spotted Cheetah print. They come packaged in an attractive gift box with a fitted leather sheath. These are limited edition scissors, so order yours soon.

Hand-made Sweet Grass Coil Baskets
We had these beautiful Sweet Grass Coil Baskets made for us by an artisan from South Carolina. They were made using the centuries old African tradition handed down from mother to daughter. Use them to hold your thread orts as you stitch, or store your favorite needlework treasures in them. Larger sewing baskets are available by special order.

New Full Spectrum Light Bulbs for Dazor
Dazor introduces a new line of full spectrum lighting designed to replicate natural sunlight. Some of the benefits of full spectrum lighting include reduced glare (which reduces eye strain), low heat, and a better ability to see color correctly. New full spectrum bulbs are available for the Dazor Magnifier Flex Light, the Hi-Lighting Magnifier, the Stretch View Magnifier and the Circline Magnifier. Breathe new “light” into your favorite Dazor lamp.

Local stitchers, be sure to stop by and pick up your copy. Out of town stitchers, if you have not received your copy in the mail, give us a call.

Thread Collector Clubs

So many stitchers tell us how much they love stitching with different types of threads, and how they wish they could have one of every color. Here is an opportunity to do just that. Imagine having in your own stash, one of every color of all your favorite threads. You will find yourself looking at them for inspiration and using them to enhance your latest stitching designs. See lower right for Thread Storage Options. This is a great opportunity to collect the following exceptional threads (refer to our new catalog for detailed thread descriptions):

Sampler Thread Club
Each month receive 11 skeins of Sampler Thread multicolored 6-strand cotton floss.
Club price: $16.00 + shipping (retail value - $19.25)

Weeks Dye Works Club
Each month receive 10 skeins of Weeks Dye Works multicolored 6-strand cotton floss.
Club Price: $17.00 + shipping (retail value - $20.00)

Burmilana Club
Each month receive 10 skeins of Burmilana, a soft fine wool/synthetic blend.
Club Price: $17.00 + shipping (retail value - $20.00)

Impressions Club
Each month receive 7 skeins of Impressions, a soft wool/silk blend.
Club Price: $22.00 + shipping (retail value - $25.90)

Watercolors Club
Each month receive 8 skeins of Watercolors 3-strand multicolored cotton.
Club Price: $18.00 + shipping (retail value - $21.60)

Wildflowers Club
Each month receive 8 skeins of Wildflowers, a fine multicolored cotton.
Club Price: $17.00 + shipping (retail value - $20.00)

Waterlilies Club
Each month receive 5 skeins of Waterlilies, a 12-strand multicolored spun silk.
Club Price $22.00 + shipping (retail value - $25.50)

Needle Necessities Floss Overdyed Club
Each month receive 8 skeins of 6-strand Needle Necessities Floss Overdyed.
Club Price: $22.00 + shipping (retail value - $25.60)

Silk and Ivory Club
Each month receive 5 skeins of Silk and Ivory, a soft silk/wool blend.
Club Price: $19.00 + shipping (retail value - $22.00)

Trebizond Club
Each month receive 8 spools of Trebizond twisted filament silk.
Club Price: $22.00 + shipping (retail value - $25.60)

Silk Serica Club
Each month receive 8 spools of Silk Serica, a twisted filament silk.
Club Price: $19.00 + shipping (retail value - $22.00)

Kreinik #8 Fine Braid Club
Each month receive 8 spools of Kreinik #8 Fine Braid metallic thread.
Club Price: $20.00 + shipping (retail value - $23.20)

Silk Mori Club
Each month receive 8 skeins of Silk Mori, a 6-strand spun silk floss.
Club Price: $18.00 + shipping (retail value - $20.80)

Soie D’Alger Club
Each month receive 10 skeins of Soie d’Alger, a 7-strand spun silk floss.
Club Price: $28.50 + shipping (retail value - $33.50)

Petite Peluche Club
Each month receive 8 cards of Petite Peluche, a fine fuzzy thread.
Club Price: $17.00 + shipping (retail value - $20.00)

Frosty Rays Club
Each month receive 8 cards of Frosty Rays, a great sparkle thread. Frosty Rays is made with a nylon tube threaded with a metallic thread.
Club Price: $17.00 + shipping (retail value - $20.00)

Splendor Club
Each month receive 8 cards of Splendor 12-strand spun silk floss.
Club Price: $17.00 + shipping (retail value - $23.60)

Thread of the Month

There are so many threads available to today’s stitcher. Here in the shop we have over 135 thread families on display with more new lines coming in. A great way to get to know these threads is to try them out by joining Thread of the Month Club. Every month, club members receive 2 different threads plus a doodle canvas for test stitching. Also included is descriptive information about each thread and stitch suggestions. The starter kit includes a binder and introductory materials to create a great thread notebook. This is a perfect way to gain experience with a large variety of threads while building a valuable reference book to help with future projects. Although this is an ongoing club, you can jump in at any time. Thread packs from past months are always available for purchase.

Starter Kit -- $40.00 + shipping

Includes:
3-ring binder with tabbed dividers
Plastic sheet protectors
6x6 piece of mono canvas with 6x6 mini stretcher bars
Tacks
Tapestry needles (1 each of 6 sizes)
1 skein each of the following embroidery flosses: DMC, Anchor, Madeira and Eva Rosenstand

Monthly Thread Pack -- $18.00/month + shipping

Includes:
Two different threads — 2 full skeins or cards of each
Descriptive information sheets for each thread
Stitch suggestion and color list for each thread
6x6 piece of mono canvas

Thread Collector Club

Storage Options

Storage Boxes
These boxes come from Kreinik and are chemical free. They come with a mylar insert sheet for labeling. The threads that come in smaller skeins and smaller spools fit nicely in the 12 compartment boxes. The larger skein threads and spools fit in the 6 compartment boxes. When joining a club, please ask and we will be happy to recommend the box that will work best with your threads.
6 Compartment - 9"x 13"x 2" -- $14.95 each (retail $20.00)
12 Compartment - 9"x 13"x 2" -- $14.95 each (retail $20.00)

Storage Sleeves
These plastic sleeves have 6 slots and will fit in a 3-ring binder or in the Quilted Floral Bag described below. They are perfect for storing the threads on cards. Each slot will hold 2 cards.
$1.25 per sleeve (retail value - $1.50)

Quilted Floral Bag - choose either burgundy or navy
This quilted fabric bag is designed to hold the 12 Storage Sleeves (above). It has a zipper that runs along three sides so that it can be opened flat. The sheets fit on 3 rings inside the bag for easy storage and display of your collection.
$25.00 per bag (retail value - $30.00)

In addition to our Angel Club, we have a number of other exciting canvas clubs planned throughout this coming year.

The Friendly Beasts Nativity
A collection of the gentle Nativity animals. The series will include 6 adorable small creatures, plus the manger and a palm tree. The pieces are finished as stand-ups.
Begins in March.

A Collection of Halloween Bears
A collection of mini trick-or-treat bears in Halloween costumes, and a Halloween pumpkin house. They will be finished as stand-ups.
Begins in April.

3-Dimensional Music Boxes by David McCaskill Choose either the Halloween Music Box or the Christmas Music Box. When you see them you will want to stitch both. Each month, stitch one side of these spectacular whimsical boxes so that, by the time the holidays are here, they will be complete. The Halloween box plays the tune “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead.” The Christmas Box plays “Frosty the Snowman.”
Begins in April.

We also have a few other surprises up our sleeves. Watch for details about all of our Canvas Clubs in our next newsletter.

Stitching A Legacy - American Needlework Projects and Stories
Piecework Magazine in association with the Peabody Essex Museum

This elegant book features a collection of needlework projects based on four centuries of American embroidery. Nationally known designer Ann Caswell has taken motifs from pieces in the Peabody Essex Museum embroidery collection and translated them into stitched fashion and home accessories and heirloom keepsakes. The contemporary projects are accompanied by step-by-step instructions and stunning photographs. Readers will enjoy the poignant stories documenting the historical items from the Peabody upon which the project pieces are based.