Just a Quick Note: September Blog will publish on 9/7/14
AUGUST 2014 BLOG
Come on In and Stay Awhile!If this is your first time visiting us you will discover we offer a 20% discount for any book you order from this blog, past blogs, or any book you want to order. All you need to do is find the discount code somewhere in this blog and when you order just give it to me with your order.
With that said, scroll down this blog or any of the earlier ones you want to visit. Thanks for coming.
If you visited my house you would see I really believe that. My daughter, Donna, always quips, "My mother's way of decorating is to add another book shelf." I plead guilty. I don't know how people can go through life without opening a cover of a book. I can't get through a single day without reading a few chapters in at least one book, sometimes I pick up two or three. Books are a passion I like to share. It thrills me to have a "book friend" (I hate the word customer) call and tell me about a book they loved or that they read a book I had in my blog and wanted to talk about it. That's the best reward I can think of. Knowing my love for books, my friend Bonnie, about ten years ago, gave me a tee shirt with the above picture and saying on it. I double loved it being I'm an Edward Gorey fan. His drawings start off Mystery Theatre on PBS. You know, the young woman bent backwards on a tomb stone and her one hand to her forehead. I have mugs with Edward Gorey's illustrations on them. 
Books have been my friends since I was a little girl. My parent's made sure all us children had at least one book for Christmas and I always begged for a book for my birthday. As long as I'm surrounded my books I have this safe, comfortable feeling nothing can happen I can't handle. I have books for all kinds of moods, interests and situations. Somehow I can't imagine having the same feelings for books on a machine. I like to give books away to veterans, friends and hospitals. I can't do that with a book on a machine. So I will dust my many shelves and be content pulling an old friend off a shelf and reading some of my favorite parts in it. My love of books includes fiction, non-fiction, children's books and of course needlework books. Speaking of needlework books it is about time I stop reminiscing and share some new and older titles with you. I hope you find something for your shelves.NEEDLEPOINT BOOK BULLETIN - A CLASSIC REDONE
I can't imagine anyone who needlepoints that hasn't at least read the classic, The Needlepoint Book by Jo Ippolito Christensen, fondly referred to as "the black bible". This book is so beloved it has been through two revised editions and now a new third revision will be available for a eagerly waiting needlepoint public. I've been informed of two different release dates - one this October - the other this November. As those dates get closer I will let you know the final word. Meanwhile you are welcome to preorder now. And don't forget use this discount code: (Leo19) for our 20% discount. $35.00ANOTHER NEEDLEPOINT BULLETIN -
Ruth Schmuff has redone her three stitch books into a new 5x7 format with a great spiral binding for easy use when stitching. The larger format was spiral bound but the old books were twice the size of the new ones. This new format is great for carrying with you in a vehicle, using at a needlework group, or seminar. Each volume covers diagonal stitches, straight stitches, crossed and tied stitches, eyelet stitches and decorative stitches but volume 3 adds laid fillings, blackwork patterns, decorative stitches. Each book is over 300 pages filled with great stitch graphs with a wonderful stitch guide in the back done in alphabetical order. $49.95 a volume.
PUT SOME WOW IN YOUR NEEDLEWORK
If you watch the many award shows on television you can't help but notice the amount of bling shown off whether as accessories or on the clothes. Lots of glitz and glitter to let us know we are in the presence of stars. Of course decorating clothing with jewels, beads, or sequins is nothing new. Think of Queen Elizabeth I's gorgeous gowns bedecked with great embroidery and jewels. Her gowns, of course, had real gems and pearls sewn on, while today, we don't. Oh well, what we do add is just as beautiful and we can feel like queens in gorgeous beaded clothing.
If you know me, you know I am mostly "bedecked" in jeans and a blouse or top. But when my niece, Lindsay, got married in Tampa, Florida I went out an bought a new outfit for the formal occasion. Without thinking about bling I reached for a sequined (very sophisticated) two piece dress without ever having considered a sequined outfit. That was a lesson in how glitter catches the eye!
Today we can add our own bling to any outfit, embroidery piece, or quilt. In fact, it is soooo much fun to learn this skill.
Add a little glamour to your life, your embroidery, your needlepoint, lace or quilts
If you great the urge to create your own bling I've included a great list of books to teach you how.
Country Bumpkin - A to Z of Bead Embroidery - With over 440 step-by-step photos this book brings bead embroidery within the reach of anyone who can thread a needle. Find out how to work tambur beading, beadpoint, padded beading, how to handle sequins and bugle beads, and more. Discover the best tools for the task and learn to identify different beads by their size, shape and finish. $39.95
Crabe, Genevive - How to Make 100 Bead Embroidery Motifs - This is a visual showcase of 100 different motifs, organized in sections by design category. This book is great for beginners and seasoned beaders both. $24.99
Endo, Yasuko and CRK Design - Bead Embroidery Stitch Samples - This has become a great favorite of needleworkers and a best seller. Great color photos and diagram for making each great bead sample. Great ideas and great instructions for great bling designs. $17.95
Endo, Yasuko and CRK Design - Bead Embroidery Stitch Samples: Motifs - Enjoy a collection of 123 embroidery motifs using beads in this book that goes beyond basic embroidery stitches to full-fashioned motifs. Motifs vary in range from adorable single motifs to complex border patterns, to charming crewel birds and floral designs. Along with basic embroidery information, step-buy-step instructions are accompanied by detailed diagrams for each motif. $17.95
Gourley, Elizabeth and Ellen Talbott - Beaded Adornments: Creating New Looks for Clothes and Accessories - This book presents the basic stitches and techniques and then provides terrific projects to practice on. Try your hand at tatting, bead loom work, bead embroidery, decorative edging, and fringe, all of which will beautifully enhance pants, scarves, dresses, purses, and other chic projects. Mix and match the designs on whatever garment or accessory you like. Color diagrams and photos ensure that it will be easy to make each beaded adornment. $17.95Gravelier, Roland & Mick Fouriscot - La Broderie de
Luneville - This book may be in French but it is beautifully illustrated and the designs laid out. Nothing like a French take on bling. $29.95
Hyde, Diane - Break the Rules Bead Embroidery - From quirky oddities to vintage objects, unexpected items learn to work creatively with bead embroidery. Diane presents her fanciful, fun projects with step-by-step instructions. There's the Hen and Chicks Bracelet which features toy figurines surrounded by "grass" made of fringes of seed beads, the Light It Up Earrings with their mini light bulbs haloed with floral-shaped beads and more. Learn to be daring, unconventional, experimental, ground breaking, and more! $24.95
Komurata, Noriko - Teeny Tiny Menagerie: 380 Whimsical and Wonderful Animal Embroidery Motifs - This book features 380 enchanting animal embroidery motids. Using tradional embroidery, cross stitch, and applique techniques, you can create motifs, borders, and alphabets unlike any you've seen before. Each stitched motif is accompanied by detailed instructions and fuss' free execution. It also includes an embroidery how to tutorial and photo gallery to inspire you. $21.95
Kummi, Heidi and Sherry Serafini - The Art of Beaded Embroidery - These two renowned embroidery artists share their secrets for creating beautiful beadwork. This is perfect for those who want to learn to create gorgeous jewelry and art pieces and those seeking design ideas. They discuss tools, adhesives, and materials and the book has an illustrated guide to favorite stitches, fringes, and finishing techniques. $21.95
McKnight, June - Bling, Glitz and Glamour for Needlepoint - Let June guide you through the art of adding glamour to your clothing. She describes different types of beads, how to shade with beads, stitching beneath the bead, the beading needle, attaching seed beads to a canvas, designs and more. She includes her research on the gowns of first ladies from Mamie Eisenhower to Michelle Obama. Learn the beading patterns on all their dresses. $39.95
Midori, Nishida - The Beaded Edge: Inspired Designs for Crocheted Edges and Trims - Add a personal touch with beautiful beaded trims. The author includes 18 designs that range from delicate and classic: to modern and old, all created with simple thread, a crochet hook, a beading needle, and inexpensive beads. Each trim is illustrated with clear stitch diagrams that demonstrate the patterns, and the detailed step-by-step instructions will teach you to combine basic crochet techniques with beadwork for gorgeous edges and embellishments. $17.95
Serafini, Sherry - Sherry Serafini's Sensational Bead Embroidery - Our author's wonderful pieces have won admirers including many celebrities - for their lavish beaded surfaces. She explains the fundamentals behind her work, from stitches to color theory, and lays out 25 beautifully textured projects that feature fabulous focal-point beads. $24.95
Sweet-McNamara, Amee, - Soutache and Bead Embroidery - Her secret ingredient in making great designs is soutache, a type of colourful cord that she winds, binds, and stitches into place. The first section of this book focuses on learning the technique, while the second section teaches readers how to incorporate these techniques into beautiful soutache projects. With photos and illustrations taking the reader every step of the way, beginners will start with small earrings and work up to necklaces, cuffs, and pendants, while experienced stitchers can dive right into the new design ideas. $21.99Van Horn, Larkin Jean - Beading on Fabric: Encyclopedia of Bead Stitch Techiniques - This is a comprehensive look at tools
WELCOME BACK TO MICHAEL and KAY DENNIS
Years ago this husband and wife duo brought stumpwork to the needlework world through three wonderful books that became instant classics in the field: Beginner's Guide to Stumpwork, Stumpwork Seasons, and Stumpwork. The only book left in print today is their Beginner's Guide to Stumpwork. I am so thrilled they are back with a new book that will be available in November of this year, Stumpwork Embroidery: A Practical Guide to Creating Stumpwork: Plants, Animals and Figures - $25.95. This volume brings all three of their previous books into one with clear step-by-step photography and expert instruction ensures you can crate wonderful stumpwork and needlelace pieces with ease.
Kay is a professional embroiderer and a former Chairman ofthe Guild of Needlelace in England. She has been teaching both needlelace and stumpwork for many years and has written articles for a leading needlecraft magazine and has lectured and demonstrated these arts. Michael, now retired, maintains her website, photographs Kay's work, helps with stitch diagrams and helps Kay at classes and has learned how to do needlelace. Gee, I wonder who taught him? Lucky guy, got learn from the expert he resides with. Their website is gorgeous. There is so much to see and order I lost track of time perusing it. Get a cup of tea, pull up a chair and visit with Kay and Michael Dennis for awhile at: www.kaydennis.co.uk.
We are taking pre-orders so you are able to order this book now.
MYSTERY CORNER
Bowen, Rhys - Heirs and Graces: A Royal Spyness Mystery - Lady Georgianna Rannoch is tasked by the queen to groom a newly discovered royal heir from the Australian Outback for his life as a future duke. When the young man's hunting knife is found planted in the back of the reigning duke. Georgiana thinks there is a deeper mystery to the murder. $7.99
Chase, Erika - Book Fair and Foul: An Ashton Corners Book Club Mystery - After an actual murder occurs during the Mystery Book Fair, the members of the Ashton Corners Book Club rally to clear the name of one of their own. $7.99
Coyle, Cleo - Billionaire Blend: A Coffeehouse Mystery - After a car bomb nearly kills tech whiz Eric Thorner, Clare comes to his aid. The billionaire soon hires her to create the world's most expensive coffee blend. Clair soon learns Eric has rivalries that could easily have turned deadly. But is this charming young CEO the one making a killing? Includes recipes. $7.99
Craig, Elizabeth - Shear Trouble: A Southern Quilting Mystery - As the leaves begin to fall in idyllic Dappled Hills, North Carolina, someone puts too fine a point on a local ladies' man - a pair of shears through the chest. Fortunately, the detective skills of quilter Beatrice Coleman are a cut above the rest. $7.99
Fluke, Joanne - The Other Child - Before this author created her blockbuster Hannah Swenson mystery series she produced spine-tingling suspense novels, now in repackaged editions. In this one, an old Victorian mansion menaces its new owners - and soon reveals its chilling secrets. $7.99
Moran, Terrie Farley - Well Read, Then Dead: A Read 'Em and Eat Mystery - First is a new series. Fort Myers Beach, FLorida, is home to Mary "Sassy" Cabot and Bridget Mayfield - owners of the bookstore café, Read 'Em and Eat. But when they're not dishing about books or serving up scones, Sassy and Bridgy are keeping tabs on hard-boiled murder. Includes recipes. $7.99
Shelton, Paige - If Catfish Had Nine Lives: A Country Cooking School Mystery - With Gram's Country Cooking School on spring break, Betts and Gram are taking part in the annual cowboy poetry convention, offering lessons on frying catfish over an open campfire. But when a staged gunfight ends in real death and her brother becomes a prime suspect, Betts set out to clear his name. $7.99A POTPOURRI OF NEW NEEDLEWORK BOOKS
Boutique-Sha - Decorative Knotting for Jewelry and Accessories - Over 70 decorative knots with step-by-step clear diagrams and the techniques for incorporating them into useful and practical projects. $20.00
Fall, Cheryl, Embroidery Basics - The basic 42 stitches for surface and canvas with the clearest diagrams ever and many projects. $20.00
Holzer, Elisbetta - Ricamo Estense - Canvas embroidery themes from Medieval artifacts highlights this book. Introduces a new vocabulary of stitches where surface stitches are combined with counted thread stitches to form striking decorative bands. Photos and diagrams. In Italian. $58.00
Jeannette Douglas Designs - Isle of Hope Sampler - I fell in love with this sampler. What a great idea to make a sampler out of the history of Ellis Island. Jeannette includes a short history of the immigrants arrival to the United States through Ellis Island. The sampler is clearly graphed and all materials are stated. $22.95
Kluba, Karen - Bargello Sampler - What a neat idea - a sampler of bargello stitches. This is not only a beautiful samplers but a great reference piece for many bargello stitches. $22.95
Marzorati, Laura and F. Stefania Bressan - Guida Al Ricamo Hedebo - The details and specifics of this whitework technique which combines cutwork, needle lace and surface embroidery resented through clear diagrams, step-by-step photos and projects for the home. $44.00
Mollie Makes - Mollie Makes Embroidery - Adorable Stitches Projects Plus Tips and Tricks - This book was created by the editors of Mollie Makes, one of the hottest crafting magazines when it was released in 2011. This book covers how to work from charted designs as well as following freeform or doodle stitching. There are also brief tutorials on crewel work, ribbon embroidery, bargello, cross-stitch, and even machine embroidery. More than 15 contemporary projects from an international range of embroidery experts will demonstrate the different ways in which the techniques and stitches can be used. $19.99
Morgan, Margaret - Netted Lace: Techniques and Patterns - Once used primarily for fishing, netting now works beautifully a base for filet lace. While many lacemakers use commercially available varieties, Margaret Morgan wanted unique sizes and colors. So she began to make her own. Here she explains the equipment she uses and the traditional techniques she's gathered from old source material, and provides 40 patterns with instrucitons for creating different shapes and edgings. Use the lace for scarves, shawls, place mats, dollies, and even miniature items for a doll's house. $19.95 Due out in September.
Tams, Jeanne - Avery Hill's The How-To Book of Hemstitching and Edging - Learn to finish their needleart project with a beautiful hem or edge. Use the edging for projects such as Hardanger, needle point , cross stitch, Swedish weaving, huck embroidery, punto Yugoslavo, crewel, embroidery, applque, beadwork, quilting, weaving, wool felting and sashiko. There is a list of materials to use varies with the project. $13.00 
Wolfrom, Joen - Color Play - 2nd edition - This classic has been expanded and updated with over 100 new quilts, transparency, luminosity, depth and more. This is a must-have color guide that includes swatches of tints, shades, and tones for all 24 colors in the Ives Color Wheel. Learn the emotional meanings of colors, their physical effects on people. This completely updated book makes it easier than ever to bring a design to life with well-chosen colors. Learn how to use nature's tricks to create an illusion of depth, reflections, shadows, or highlights. $29.95Ordering is easy! Call us at 1-800-429-5075 and use your Master Card, Visa, Discover or American Express. If you prefer to send a check: Ruth Kern Books 7235 N. 9th Avenue,
Phoenix, AZ 85021.
If you have questions just call us Monday thru Saturday between 9 am to 6 pm Arizona time. Three hours earlier than the East Coast - same time in the summer as the West Coast. We Arizonians don't do daylight savings time.
MOST IMPORTANTLY, FIND THE DISCOUNT CODE AND GET A 20% DISCOUNT ON ANY NEW BOOK YOU ORDER.
SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER.
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