"Our threads color our embroidery. Our embroidery colors our lives." Sandy Rodgers - #3 Needlework Tips for the Novice and Expert.
HELLO! HELLO!
Here we are rushing through a new year. I'm going to start this first blog of the new year first sharing the new books available and then going into the past with a selection of out-of-print books for you to peruse. I hope you enjoy both selections. Take time to stop, look and have a cup of tea!
DON'T FORGET TO FIND THE DISCOUNT CODE FOR 20% OFF THE NEW BOOKS INCLUDING MYSTERIES AND ANY NEW BOOK IN PAST BLOGS. HAVE FUN!!
Potpourri of New Books Before I get into the list of new books I'd like to introduce a special new book that comes all the way from Scotland: EMBROIDERED STORIES: SCOTTISH SAMPLERS by HELEN WYLD.
I loved that the distributor wrote this about not only about the book but about samplers in general: Samplers were embroidered pictures made by girls, And occasionally boys, as part of their education. Scottish samplers are unique with regard to the amount of information that can be gathered from them. They often include the initials of extended family members as well as details of buildings, places and events, leading to the identification of almost all of these young embroiderers. $25.95
Leslie Durst, an American with a passion for Scotland, has a collection of over 500 samplers dating from the early 18th to the late 19th century; a small section of them will be exhibited at the National Museum of Scotland until April 21 2019. This book showcases these and reveals the stories behind many of them - embroidered records of two centuries of Scottish social history. 70 samplers are in the book and exhibit.
Curator, Helen Wyld says, "This exhibition isn't just about needlework; it is about the fabric of life in 18th and 19th century Scotland. Made by girls often from fairly modest backgrounds, samplers give us an alternative view of Scottish history, one that does not appear in the history books."
The samplers come from all over Scotland, with examples on show from the main cities but also from the Western Highlands to the Orknewy Islands, and even an émigré Scots family in upstate New York. (discount code: heart19)
Other New Books
Bernstein, Alicia - 10 Easy Stitches: Embroider 30+ Unexpected Projects - Our author expands the boundaries of contemporary hand embroidery with super-fast stitches and ideas for the impatient sewist and dazzling motifs for slow stitchers. Learn how easy it is to stitch on unconventional materials like canvas tennis shoes, a denim skirt, or leather bracelets. Change up the patterns to fit your unique style and branch out to create your own custom designs. Master 10 simple, versatile hand embroidery stitches, each with clear instructions. $24.95
Hoey, Aneela - Sweet Stitches: 250+ Iron-on Embroidery Designs - No tracing or copying, just transfer and stitch! 250+ embroidery designs from popular designer Aneela Hoey are now available as iron-on transfers, to make applying and using her designs a breeze. Transfer and embroidery stylish designs from her newest book. She includes small to large designs, from florals to geometrics. You can transfer each image several times. $19.95
Kim, Minki - Diary in Stitches: 65 Charming Motifs - 6 Fabric and Thread Projects to Bring You Joy - Artist Minki Kim turns her own daily sketchbook challenge into 65 stitchable drawings to mix and match. Embroider and applique the whimsical, easy-going way with 6 useful projects to make and share, like a simple zipper pouch or the teacher, a cozy pillow for the handsome chair, or a wallhanging for your family room. She includes an extra gallery of small project ideas from coasters to wall art, a sewing machine cover, mini quilt, bookmarks and more. $25.95
Kim, Minki and Kristin Esser - Sew Illustrated: 35 Charming Fabric and Thread Designs - Fill your home with small works of art that embody the simple life. Start with 16 useful handmade gifts in the popular Zakka design style, then add adorable motifs pulled from everyday life. 35 charming designs are printed on iron-on transfer paper - have fun sketching them with bits of fabric and free-motion stitching. Customize a variety of bags, a fabric basket, a makeup roll, coasters and more. You can even use images pulled from a photograph, a rubber stamp, or child's drawing. $24.95
McCollin, Sally - Transfer and Stitch: Butterflies, Bees and Bugs - 32 pages of unique butterfly, bee and bug designs that can be transferred to fabric and stitches. Designs range from traditional, life-like insects to edgy modern steampunk designs. These intricate motifs can be rendered in metallic or variegated threads to give them a colorful, insect-like sheen. There are over fifty designs to choose from, starting from tiny ladybirds up to larger-scale grasshoppers, and each one comes with an iron-on transfer that can be applied directly to fabric. $21.95 
Multiple Contributors - Make Pincushions: 12 Darling Projects to Sew - Now these are cute! Treat yourself to a new pincushion that's sure to put a smile on your face. Sew twelve playful patterns from top designers: Alexia Abegg, Bari J. Ackerman, Jeni Baker, Leanne Beasley, Susan Maw & Sally Bell, Julie Creus, Jill Hamor, Aneela Hoey, Virginia Lindsay, Jessica Peck, Anne Sutton and Kajsa Wikman. Chose from 3D shapes to cute little critters. Try out a variety of techniques - like applique, embroidery, and piecing packed book. Perfect for swaps, gifts, and stocking stuffers, these charming pincushions are so quick to sew, you'll want to make them again and again. $12.85
Rennison, Carole - Yarn Hooking - Here we have 14 colorful, contemporary yarn hooking projects, complete with diagrams, yarn color charts and full-size templates. This book offers over a dozen colorful designs inspired by traditional rug hooking techniques for purses, pillows, pictures and gifts, as well as a traditional rug, inspired by folk art and primitive art. She also shows how easy yarn hooking is, providing hooking tips and advice on how to choose the right fabric, wool yarn and equipment. She also demonstrates how to plan and develop ideas, how to chose the right colors and how to complete the design with a professional finish. Also included is a thorough techniques sections that shows how to prepare for hooking, the basic hooking technique and how to finish off your work. Each project comes with diagrams, a full-color chart for simple yarn color reference and beautiful photos of the finished design that will be sure to inspire. In addition, a to-scale template sheet with all the essential motifs for the designs in included at the back of the book, so you can trace and start your creations right away. $18.95
Shore, Debbie - Debbie Shore's Sewing Room Secrets: Machine Sewing - Step into Debbie's sewing room, where she will share with you her expert tips, techniques and trade secrets for successful sewing. In this first book in her new Sewing Room Secrets series, Debbie walks you through every aspect of machine sewing, revealing her top tips and providing in-depth and helpful guidance every step of the way. She guides you around your sewing machine and explains all the tools and materials you might need, including wadding/batting, interfacing, fabrics and threads. There's handy troubleshooting section to reassure and guide you when you encounter problems. Debbie covers the key techniques you need to know, including inserting zips and piping, using shirring elastic, free-motion embroidery and . The ten beautiful projects help you learn the techniques as you progress through the book, beginning with a simple pincushion before moving on to a pillow cover; a table case, a drawstring bags, a sewing machine mat and more. $16.95
Witten, Katrina - Hand-stitched Landscapes and Flowers - Create beautiful landscapes and flowers using hand-stitching and layered organza. Katrina Witten uses no more than six simple stitches for each embroidery, plus delicate embellishments and an array of techniques and fabrics to portray pastoral scenes of fields, flowers and creatures with eye-catching three-dimensional effects. There are ten detailed projects to try, depicting, among other things, a hedgerow, a bluebell-emblazoned woodland, sunflowers, a poppy field and a summer scene of buddeia, butterflies and bees. She includes templates for each project. $26.95ON TO THE: OUT-OF-PRINT AND IN-
PRINT ON-SALE BOOKS
"The embroidery we stitch is a reflection of ourselves, our lives, the people and things we love." Sandy Rodgers - More Needlework Tips for the Novice and Expert
I hope you enjoy the selection of books. REMEMBER: FIRST COME FIRST SERVE! There are limited copies of each title, many times only one so please call me at: 1-602-943-0738.
NEW BOOKS FOR SALE
Twisty Stitches: String Art for Needlepoint - Carole Lake and Michael E. Boren - This book contains the Amadeus Stitch through the Jessica Stitch that are sometimes referred to as Jean Hilton Stitches. This curve stitching has been around for quite a while so if you haven't tried it here is your chance. Originally $52.00 now only $26.00 (3 copies).
Home Sweet Home: An Embroidered Workbox - Carolyn Pierce - I love this book! This charming English cottage, beautifully decorated with a garden of stitches, opens to reveal 9 gorgeous accessories and includes storage for all your notions. Full color photos and detailed instructions make this an irresistible book. Originally $34.95 now only $22.00 (2 copies).
Raised Embroidery: Techniques, Projects and Pure Inspiration - by Kelley Aldridge - From the Royal School of Needlework - This great guide combines traditional and technical expertise with contemporary designs. Book includes clear step-by-step photos and easy-to-follow expert guidance. Three beautiful projects showcase additional advanced techniques and provide an opportunity for the reader to create beautiful raised embroidery of their own. Originally $34.95 now only $20.00 (1 copy for sale).
Whitework with Colour - Trish Burr - This amazing embroiderer taught herself and went on to become known worldwide for her embroidery and her wonderful books. This book of seventeen projects inspired by freshness and elegance of the French style of whitework embroidery but with some colour added. The projects range from complete beginner to more advanced. Trish uses a lot of raised and padded satin stitch in conjunction with stitches such as dot stitch and eyelets to create different textures. Trish understands the need to present instructions in an easy-to-follow manner. Each project includes a list of the threads used, a detailed diagram which shows which colours are used where, and comprehensive step-by-step instructions accompanied by photos. Originally $34.95 and now only $20.00 (2 copies for sale). 
Hand Stitched Crazy Patchwork - Hazel Blomkamp - Here is another amazing stitcher who has brought us a number of books on crewel work and now brings us patchwork taken to an extraordinary level through a fabulous mix of embroidery techniques and bead embellishments. She explains more than 160 techniques for bead embroidery, silk ribbon embroidery, needleweaving and tatting as well as free-hand quilting and working from paper templates. There are five projects included, so you can make your own beautiful finished pieces. Originally $29.95 and now only $14.00. (3 Copies for sale). 
Painted Canvas Embellishment: An Idea Book - Carole H. Lake and Michael E. Boren - I don't think I have to introduce these authors and teachers to you and you've probably heard of this book that covers ideas for threads, ideas for stitches for various parts of a painted canvas like hair and fur, faces, leaves, wings, motifs and much more for small, large, very large areas, that makes us stop and really look at what we are doing. Originally $34.95 and now only $18.00. (1 copy for sale)
Stitched in Adversity: Samplers of the Poor - Witney Antiques - I'm a fan of anything Witney puts out on samplers and this book is especially interesting since it brings us insight into how poor children, many in institutions, learned to embroidery samplers. The full-color plates are wonderful as usual. If you are into samplers and their history this is fascinating. Originally was $34.95 now is only $17.00. (1 copy for sale).
It's About Darn Time! - Sharon G. - Nice to have a book about darning. Sharon's book includes over 125 beautiful darning stitches and hints. As she says, "Darning stitches have always been a favorite style of stitching. I love open backgrounds and open stitches allowing the artist's paint to show through the applied threads. Some canvases cry out for a single strand of thread, a simple elegant pattern and a relaxing stitch. Many of her stitches are over one thread that can be substituted with a bead or sequins held in place by a bead. Make a stitch of your own. Experiment and have some fun." Large, clear graphs with stitch direction. Originally was $39.95 now only $20.00. (1 copy for sale).Next is a great lady, still with us, thank goodness! Ann Strite Kurz is well-known for her teaching, books and designs. I'm not sure if her books are out-of-print but I wanted to give stitchers the opportunity to get these at a sale price.
Potpourri of Pattern Encore - This is her collection of previously unpublished patterns for canvas and counted thread use. She presents new patterns with recommended step-by-step sequences for executing them, hoping to inspire others to think outside the box and develop similar creative approaches to their own work. She uses open networks or patterns to allow the canvas to show between the stitched areas. Open networks also call for different priorities in charting the stitch sequences in order to execute spread-out elements properly and to conceal the traveling threads. By enabling the negative space of the exposed painted or dyed ground to become an integral part of the pattern, one is no longer limited to designs with complete canvas coverage. Gorgeous color pictures show how this works and the graphs are large and she includes plenty of information. Originally was $39.95 now only $20.00 (1 copy for sale).
Creative Canvas Couching - This Ann calls a study of contemporary uses of couching techniques in twentieth century (and beyond!) American embroidery along with a collection of laid fillings from the author's work and that of many of the featured artists. She includes a disk that uses Adobe Acrobat Reader for PC or Mac. The title was chosen because of laid threads in canvas embroidery offers an endless opportunity to be imaginative and inventive with one's stitch treatments. She includes everything you need to know to do accomplish this technique and she even includes a historical background. Originally 39.95 now only $20.00OUT-OF-PRINT BOOKS ON SALE
Sometimes a book goes out-of-print not because it is a poor seller but for a more personal reason, such as the author has passed away. This is the case with Sandy Rodgers books. Fortunately, I had a stock of her titles so she is still with us in print. The following titles are available on this sale:
Art of Teaching Embroidery - She has included all you need to know to become a professional needlework teacher. Sandy taught for years, lectured, designed and judged so she has the expertise to write this useful book. She includes the types of embroidery teaching, creating teaching vehicles, pricing materials, instruction booklets, lesson plans, visual aids, finances, copyrights, proposals and portfolios, biographies and resumes, personal contracts, the teacher as a professional and appendix with forms or examples for resumes, biography, invoice, judging contract and invoice, and more. Originally, $39.95 now only $20.00. (4 copies for sale).
Expanded Edition: Silk and Metal Threads on Canvas: - This book is comprised of solid "what is it" and "how to I stitch it" information about both silks and metals as they are used on canvas. Both contemporary and traditional techniques are discussed. This material is designed to serve as both a source of knowledge for the beginner and a reference for one more experienced with silk and metal canvas embroidery. If you come across a term whose meaning you do not know, check the index. It is usually detailed. Originally $39.95 now only $20.00 (two copies for sale). 
More Needlework Tips for the Novice and Expert - She calls this book, "A manual of proven methods to improve your needlework." Because this book deals with so many different aspects of embroidery, the Index is unusually detailed. If you're looking for something special, it is likely that the term in question will be listed and you will be directed to any entry which will help you. Words such as "usually" and "generally" are used very often. This is because there are few absolutes in the world of needlework. Words similar to "always and "never" are used here very sparingly. Originally $39.95 now only $20.00 (three copies for sale). 
#3 Needlework Tips for the Novice and Expert - As Sandy says, "The tips came coming. Even more of those things which we all wish we had known when we began stitching." Everywhere she went to teach or lecture people would come up to her with another tip so she began arranging, editing, and rewriting, making order out of notes on scraps of paper and email print-outs which had caused my file cabinet to bulge. Again, if you can't find what you want check the Index. Originally $39.95 now only $20.00 (two copies for sale). Sadly, SuZy Murphy has retired from writing needlepoint books and teaching it I've been told. I have two of her great titles available on this sale:
SuZy's Small Stitches - Jean Hilton encouraged us stitchers to do two things with this book: read what Suzy has to say and experiment with the stitches. These two exercises will enable you to understand the personality of each stitch as well as how it looks in different threads. SuZy puts it this way, "feel the freedom and do the stitches your way!" The color models found in the back of the book were all stitched on 14 Mesh canvas, using Perle Cotton and SuZy included the size of the thread below each picture. She includes wonderfully large graphs with stitch direction and what each stitch can be used for. Originally $39.95 and now is only $22.00. These copies were never used but do have some shelf wear. On the web her books are selling for high prices but I want my customers to have a copy if so desired.
SuZy's Mini Stitches - In this delightful, informative book SuZy includes the color models of each stitch in the back. The series of stitches include: straight stitches, cross stitches, diagonal stitches, round and square and pattern. Each stitch includes what it can be used for and tips. Originally $39.95 now only $22.00.
MYSTERY CORNER
Beaton, M.C. - Death of an Honest Man - Sergeant Hamish Macbeth - Scotland's most quick-witted but unambitious policeman returns in this new mystery. Nobody loves an honest man, or that was what police sergeant Hamish Macbeth tried to tell newcomer Paul English. Paul had moved to a house in Cnothan, a sour village on Hamish's beat. He attended church in Locdubn. He told the minister, Mr. Wellington, that his sermons were boring. He told tweedy Mrs. Wellington that she was too fat and in these days of increasing obesity it was her duty to show a good example. Angela Brody was told her detective stories were pap for the masses and it was time she wrote literature instead. He accused Hamish of having dyed his fiery red hair. He told Jessie Currie - who repeated all the last words of her twin sister - that she needed psychiatric help. "I speak as I find," he bragged. Voices saying, " could kill that man," could be heard from Lochdubn to Cnothan. And someone did. Now Hamish is faced with a bewildering array of suspects. And he's lost the services of his clumsy policeman, Charlie, who resigned from the force after Chief Inspector Blair berated Charlie one too many times, and the policeman threw Blair into the loch. Can Hamish find the killer on his own? $7.99
Harris, Sherry - The Gun Also Rises - A wealthy widow has asked Sarah Winston to sell her massive collection of mysteries through her garage sale business. While sorting through piles of books stashed in the woman's attic, Sarah is amazed to discover a case of lost Hemingway stories, stolen from a train in Paris back in 1922. How did they end up in Belle Winthrop Granville's attic in Ellington, Massachusetts, almost one hundred years later? Before Sarah can get any answers, Belle is assaulted, the case is stolen, a maid is killed, and Sarah herself is dodging bullets. And when rumors spread that Belle has a limited edition of The Sun Also Rises in her house, Sarah is soon mixed up with a mobster, the fanatical League of Literary Treasure Hunters, and a hard-to-read rare book dealer. With someone willing to kill for the Hemingway, Sarah has to race to catch the culprit - or the bell may toll for her ... $7.99
Henry, Julia - Pruning the Dead - With hundreds flocking to her inaugural garden party, meticulous Lilly Jayne hasn't left a single petal out of place. But the picture-perfect gathering turns unruly upon the arrival of Merilee Frank, Lily's ex-husband's catty third wife. Merilee lives for trouble, so no one is surprised after she drinks too much, shoves a guest into the koi pond, and gets escorted off the property. The real surprise comes days later when Merilee is found dead in a pile of mulch. Lily wishes she could stick to pruning roses and forget about Merilee's murder until her best friend and ex become suspects in an overgrown homicide case. Now, aided by the Garden Squad, an unlikely group of amateur crime solvers with a knack for planting, Lily knows she has limited time to identify on the true culprit and restore order to Goosebush. Because if the murder's plot isn't nipped in the bud, another victim could be pushing up daisies! $7.99
Kelly, Diane - Dead as a Door Knocker: A House-Flipper Mystery - When Nashville property manager Whitney Whitaker attempts to flip her first house and instead finds a dead body, it seems everything goes wrong except for the renovations. The author, who by the way, is a former assistant attorney general and tax advisor, brings us a heroine, Whitney Whitaker, who is as good with a hammer as she is with a one-liner, Whitney and her adorable scaredy-cat Sawdust are a welcome addition to your home and bookshelf. This first in a new series has been called, smart and laugh-out-loud funny. $7.99
Morgan, Alexis - Death by Committee - This is the first in a new mystery series starring Abby McCree. After a rough divorce, Abby only wants to stitch up her life and move on. But other loose ends appear after her elderly Aunt Sybil passes away, leaving Abby to ten a rundown estate, complete with a slobbery Mastiff of questionable pedigree and a sexy tenant who growls more than the dog. As Abby gets drawn into a tight-knit quilting guild, she makes a twisted discovery - Aunt Sybil's only known rival is buried in her backyard! Despite what local detective say, Abby refuses to believe her beloved aunt had anything to do with the murder. While navigating a busy social calendar and rediscovering the art of quilting, she launches an investigation of her own to clear her Aunt's name and catch the true culprit. Incriminating clues roll in, yet Abby can't help but wonder - can she survive her new responsibilities in Snowberry Creek, Washington and still manage to patch together a killer's deadly pattern without becoming the next victim? $7.99
Mugavero, Liz - Murder, She Meowed - Stan and Jake's wedding will soon take place on the town green in Frog Ledge, Connecticut, followed by a reception at their beloved Irish Pub filled with friends, family, and their four favorite canine companions. Stan just has to endure the traditional girls' night out first. Male strippers jumping out of gigantic cakes aren't her preferred entertainment. But the hired hottie never gets around to taking it all off... because someone takes him out first with one of Stan's kitchen knives. A heartbroken Stan recognizes the victim as one of the delivery men from the local farm.. who must have been moonlighting for some extra cash. Now the guest list has turned into a suspect list .. and Stan's making a vow to find the killer. $7.99
O'Connor, Carlene - Murder in an Irish Churchyard - The O'Sullivan clan couldn't be prouder of Siobhan, but there's no time to celebrate as she's already on a case, summoned by the local priest to examine the appearance of a dead man in the church graveyard - aboveground. He's a stranger, but the priest has heard talk that an American tourist is in town, searching for his Irish ancestor. As Siobhan begins to dig for a motive along the gnarled roots of the victim's family tree, she will need to stay two steps ahead of the killer or end up with more than one foot in the grave. $7.99THANKS FOR VISITING US! GLAD YOU CAME!
I hope you enjoyed your visit. If this is your first visit I'd like to introduce you to our business of 26 years. We have set up bookshops for the ANG and EGA, and a variety of other needlework organizations as well as creating this blog and blog and website.
Can't find a certain book? Please give us a call whether the title you want is in or out-of-print.
Give us a call Monday through Saturday at: 602-943-0738. If the phone is on message please don't be shy about leaving a message. I'll get back to you ASAP! Or you can send an e-mail to: rkern3@mindspring.com. By mail: Ruth Kern Books 7235 N. 9th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85021.
MOST IMPORTANT! LOOK FOR THE DISCOUNT CODE HIDDEN SOMEWHERE IN THIS BLOG THAT GIVES YOU A 20% DISCOUNT ON ANY NEW BOOKS YOU ORDER FROM THIS BLOG OR THE PREVIOUS ONES.
THIS IS NOT GOOD-BYE JUST ALOHA! WE LOOK FORWARD TO HAVING YOU VISIT AGAIN! RUTH
