MARCH/APRIL 2018 BLOG 
                             

 

                             Having a tough day?
                         Place your hand over your heart.
                          Feel that? It's called purpose.
                             Your alive for a reason.
                                 Don't give up.
                    (Found on the Web - No author listed.)

I read this saying on those days I just want to go back to bed and hopefully get up to a better day.  Then I remember what an old friend told me years ago - "always remember to do one good thing for yourself each day even if it is only having a stick of your favorite gum." So I place my hand over my heart, remember what I think I'm here for and decide on one good thing to do for myself that day.  I hope this works for you too.


LETS VISIT RITTENHOUSE NEEDLEWORK IN PHILADELPHIA, PA

"Borrowed" from their Website

The owners of this superb needlepoint shop are two extremely personable gentlemen; Stephen Janick and Russell Palmer who began this business ten years ago in a different location but as March of this year are now located at 1216 Arch Street - Suite 2A (2nd floor), Philadelphia, PA 19107, and as Russell puts it, "to multiply our foot print by almost 10 times."

Get the whole real deal on their Web

     It is now so large it can house all their divisions under one roof: Retail/Website - At this new store they have over 5000 canvases, Threads photographed with high def cameras and loaded on-line so you can actually see the grain of the thread; Finishing - customers can actually watch the finishers work; Painting Studio - there are seven eight painters who do custom work and new designs for their shop and wholesale; EducateNeedlepoint - Now they have wonderful classroom space for 10 participants and 20+ in lecture format; Retreats (locally) - they include field trips with stitching retreats of evening or day trips to the wonderful sites in the area; Wholesale and CharityNeedlepoint - 

CHARLEY HARPER CANVAS

These two business partners have a marvelous business vision and know how to plan for the future. I suggest you visit their site: rittenhouse needlepoint.com and take a tour of the shop and learn on-line how-to-do basketweaving stitch, and other things and learn how needlepoint helped heal Russell's "essential tremor". No wonder under Rittenhouse Needlepoint they include the words: creative, relaxing, and meditative.  By the way I am thrill to add they carry artist Charley Harper's art in needlepoint. Charley is still one of my favorite artists and in needlepoint his art is perfect.

If you need to call them their phone number is: 215-563-4566 or toll-free: 877-point80.



THE HISTORY OF THE HANDKERCHIEF IS NOTHING TO SNEEZE AT!  
   (This is an updated reprint of an article I wrote in the    Summer issue of my former Needle News newsletter of 2010) (discount code: Mary)

I must confess I never thought anything much about the handkerchief until I talked to Loris Klingbeil from New Mexico some eight years ago. Loris and I have discussed many interests over the years; we both share a great love of history among many other things. One day we got to collecting things. Since I've lived in Egypt - four wonderful trips to research my love of ancient Egypt and for my historical novel that takes place in 4th century AD in Egypt then under the control of the Roman Empire. I've got over 100 books on Egypt and I have a very large camel collection. Yes, camels, in honor of my camel rides across the southern desert in Egypt.

She told me she collected handkerchiefs. At that time I had no idea handkerchiefs were collected. In short order she filled me in on the amazing history of the hankie. The more she told me, and the more I researched handkerchiefs on my own, the more fascinated I became. This simple piece of cloth has been a sign of wealth and prestige, has been printed with ads or beautiful designs, was (and still is) a fashion symbol, was included in with greeting cards, been imprinted with states and presidents, and even created into what were called "flutters" - hankies with flowers or birds or butterflies in a corner made from a stiff, soft fabric so they actually fluttered. In fact, there are so many categories of hankies, if you decide to collect, Loris said, it might be helpful to pick a particular category to focus on.

Now before I give you a timeline on handkerchief history I have a little hankie story of my own. As I said Loris and I had this discussion eight years ago but she never forgot my love of Egypt. A short time ago when I brought in my mail, I noticed I had mail from Loris so I opened it up first thing. Inside was a folded hankie and this note,
     "Dear Ruth, Just this past weekend I was "gifted" with a multi-dozen handkerchief collection! While going through them all, one by one, I thought of you when I came across the enclosed hankie - a subject dear (or close) to your heart. It is clean, just washed and ironed. But it is old (has age spots and a bit faded). But note, it has the name of the silk screen artist. Pretty neat, eh? Enjoy! Sincerely, Loris"

Of course, I was thrilled. In fact, I am going to mat and frame it to hang in my Egypt room (my office where I write). And loving research, I had to investigate the silk screener, E. Leonard. Turns out he is very famous. I viewed some of his other work and was delighted to have not only a piece of Egypt but of his work as well.
     Thank you, thank you. Lores for such a special gift.

Now for the timeline of hankie history:

1000 BCE - The emperor and upper classes in China used rectangular pieces of cloth decorated with fringes.
50 BCE - Both the Greeks and Romans used handkerchiefs - at least the men. Women didn't use the hankie for another 100 years.
350-500 A.D. - With the decline of the Roman Empire handkerchief use fell as wll. During the dark ages (500-900 A.D) shirtsleeves were used for sweat and well, runny noses.
1000 A.D. - The handkerchief is now a gift of betrothal like we use the engagement ring.
1400 A.D. - By this time the handkerchief is used throughout Europe by both sexes and many classes. By 1500 A.D. the hankie is predominate in royal circles. In 1570 A.D. Queen Elizabeth I orders the sleeves of soldiers' uniforms to have buttons every few inches along the arms to discourage the use of the sleeve for "unfit" purposes.
1600 A.D. - Lace is used on the hankie to distinguish the hankies of the wealthy from those of the "less desirables".
1679 A.D. - zthe Milan Council decrees that Venetian needlepoint should be used ONLY for handkerchiefs. Why? Again, to distinguish the hankies of the rich from those of the poor.
1780 A.D.- In France Louis XVI decrees all handkerchiefs should be square but no one paid attention.
1785 A.D - Invention of the roller printer allows hankies to be printed with pictures, slogans, logs, maps, flags, and anything else that could be printed on paper.
1956 -65 A.D. - This is known as the Golden Age of Handkerchiefs. We all have them. In fact, the hankie was probably one of the most popular gift items during that time.
     During this time the tissue was growing in popularity and sounds a death knell for the popularity of the handkerchief. Yet in spite of pop-up boxes of tissue the hankie still has a place in the world.

Want to learn more about the handkerchief?  Here are some books for your perusal:




Kurella, Elizabeth: Whitework Embroidered Lace Handkerchiefs - This wonderful collection these handkerchiefs is shown in photo close-ups to show how to judge the merits or demerits of the work. This book also serves as a wonderful inspiration to enhance ideas on new hankies.  $18.00






Milhalick, Roseanna - Collecting Handkerchiefs (Revised) - Hundreds of handkerchiefs are featured in over 300 color photos, representing over 30 states, major cities, popular tourist destinations, and many continents. Examples date from the 1940's to the early 1960's and include handkerchiefs by designers Billie Kompa, Faith Austin, Tammis Keefe, Frederique, and others, lovely floral prints, holiday motifs, with hand-rolled or neatly machine-stitched scalloped edges, fine lace trim, and original paper labels or tags.  $24.95


Wilson, Betty - Printed and Lace Handkerchiefs: Interpreting a Popular 20th Century Collectible - This identification and price guide will be useful and fun for all vintage linen enthusiasts. Over 400 color photos and a lively and factual text presents hankies from both historical and design points of view. The examples are arranged by decades and by their geometric shapes. Helpful information about displaying your collection and general care are provided.  $29.95

And Two More Handkerchief Books for Fun and Interest:

Cooper, James Fenimore - Autobiography of a Pocket-Handkerchief - This satirical short novel displays a side of this famous author of the 19th century probably unfamiliar with modern readers. Set in Paris and New York in 1830 it is told from the point of view of an actual handkerchief; its origins in a French flax field, how it was passed around New York City society in the 1830's and its eventual return to its maker. In this story Cooper makes a point of looking down on Victorian materialism - which placed value on consumption, not production.  $6.99



Donadelle, Aubrey, et al - Santa's Lost Handkerchief - Everyone has childhood memories but sadly, they aren't always good ones. This book is the authors attempt to effect a good childhood experience.  In this era of blogging, tweeting and interactive gaming, the authors said why not interactive reading. Any child will be swept away as he/she follows Santa across the globe in preparing his big night. Then when it seems there will no Christmas, the reader has the special honor of being the ne to literally recover Santa's handkerchief and return it to the North Pole in time to save the day for everyone. This is a colorful and neat lesson in "no effort is too small, and anything is possible."  $12.95




POTPORRI OF NEW BOOKS




BOOK NAME ALERT!

For those of you who ordered the book, Stitch People by RSN trained, Jo Dixey, it's street date in the USA has been moved to September 2018 and even more importantly the title has been changed to: Creative Thread, but the price $19.95 and content is the same.  If you already pre-ordered it, this book will be shipped in September as soon as I received my copies.  Thanks.






CAROLE LAKE DOES IT AGAIN!

New book in the Take-along Series for needleworkers, Just in the Nick of Time: Dozens of Last Minute Stitch Ideas, is Carole without Michael Boren her partner for the first two books in the series: Desert Island Stitches volumes One and Two. All are small spiral-bound books that fit into a suitcase, tote, or large purse. 

In this new book Carole shares how to pick the stitch, the threads that works particularly well for a particular spot in a design and variations on that stitch that will make it very
special. Even if you are an expert stitcher Carole comes up with some great tips for you.  This book has gotten great reviews from stitchers.  $30.00 



In case you are familiar with her other books with her partner Michael Boren I've included them here:

Painted Canvas Embellishments - Carole and Michael compiled their ideas from their many years of teaching and put them in a great bestselling book.  They begin with your purchase of a painted canvas, to selecting fibers and the important role they play in the process of painted canvas embellishing. They also included  lots of stitches for various areas of all types of designs.  $35.00



Twisty Stitches: String Art for Needlepoint: Vol. 1: Amadeus - Jessica - They write that these stitches are often referred to as "Hilton stitches", referring to the talented designer and teacher Jean Hilton, who many people credit with creating these stitches. She is largely responsible for taking stitches from curve stitching, string art and macramé techniques and moving them to the needlepoint canvas.  This is certainly needlework at its most creative and fun aspects. I love the graphs are large and steps are numbered and each stitch is shown in color.  Have Fun! Book is 8 /1/2 x 11 and spiralbound for easy use.  $52.95

Twisty Stitches: String Art for Needlepoint: Vol. 2 - Mistake Stitch - Walneto - This book is in the same great format as the first book with a step-by-step stitch journey for each twisty stitch.  Again the book is 8 1/2 x 11 and spiralbound for easy use.  $52.95





Desert Island Stitches #1 - In this handy take along book, Michael and Carole include many wonderful ideas on the many different types of stitches suitable for small spaces. From the very basic to the more advanced stitches such as Oblique, Knitting and Wavy Stitches this is the book you would want if you were stranded on a Desert Island.  $29.95






Desert Island Stitches: #2: Creative Borders - This second volume of Michael and Carole's makes adding borders to enhance any needlepoint design fun and easy.  Learn how to make a border fit any size design, and indulge in a myriad of options!  As I mentioned above both of these book are small and compact for easy carrying and chock full of ideas. $29.95






AND SO DOES CAROLYN HEDGE BAIRD!

When I received an e-mail from Carolyn I was thrilled to learn she has a new book to ship out.  It seems just the other day when she published her: Field Guide for Birds - another of her bestselling titles - $54. 95.





And we can't forget another of her bestselling books: Teeny Tiny Stitches - $30.00. 






Now she has come out with her latest book: Needlepoint Stitchpirations, Inspiring Stitches for Inspired Stitchers - $54.95  She calls it, another BIG book with lots of information.  I have no picture of it yet but it is already selling!




NOW MORE GREAT BOOKS


Blomkamp, Hazel - Crewel Creatures - This is her third book in her successful series on crewel embroidery with the first two books: Crewel Intentions and Crewel Twists which introduced embroiderers to needle-lace and loom-weaving techniques in her designs. Animals and birds are popular subjects in crewel embroidery, and in this new book Hazel introduces needleworkers to the beautiful, exotic creatures found in the African wild. Using the Jacobean embroidery style she incorporates the subtle influence of the fractal designs found in zentangle art, Hazel also brings beads and other 3-D elements into her designs to capture the stunning and colorful art that is traditionally associated with Africa. Those new with her work will find the essential crewel stitches, needle-lace and needle-weaving techniques needed in an easy-to-follow how-to section and stitch gallery inside the books. With every project step-by-step instructions and gorgeous photos are included, along with a template of the design. all the projects are stitches and embellished on natural colored linen. She is amazingly original.  $24.95  Due in June but can be preordered now. 



Cartwright, Lynn - Lifelike Artist Dolls: How-To and Inspiration from Lynn Cartwright's Studio - Learn one-of-a-kind polymer clay-doll-making tips from an award-winning expert! Her amazingly realistic dolls celebrate diverse cultures and ethnicities, from Native American to African. Follow her step-by-step guidance through key parts of the process, from material choices to armatures to facial modeling to accuracy in costuming.  $24.99



Enginger, Veronique - Retro Cross Stitch: 500 Patterns, French Charm for Your Stitchwork - Enter this vintage universe and add a touch of nostalgia to your stitch work. Recreate designs from the1800s and 1900s fashion houses and milliners' catalogs, travel motifs like trunk labels of exotic destinations and railroad advertising posters. Other sections of patterns feature tea and coffee motifs, and daily life in vintage terms. Many of the designs include multiple scenes and motifs, offering you hundreds of components. Throughout, be inspired by completed motifs, along with photos of projects that will show off your creations.  Color images and patterns.  $29.99 



Enginger, Veronique - Fables and Fairy Tales to Cross Stitch: French Charm for Your Stitchwork - Create neat "once upon a time" keepsakes with these 44 cross stitch patterns, blending the traditional style of France with a contemporary simplicity. The designs ore eye-catching lovely with their subtle colors, gentle humor, and delicate lines. They're all here: wily foxes, big bad wolves, city mice and country mice not to mention princesses, enchanted worlds and fun rhymes. Many include multiple scenes and motifs, offering you dozens more components to use. Enjoy instructions for 22 projects to show off your stitchwork; luggage tags, mobiles, cookie tins, quilts, a cuddly toy with its own sleeping bag, and more.  Color images and patterns.  $24.99


Franziska Ebner and Romana Hasenohrl - Natural Dyeing with Plants: Glorious Colors From Roots, Leaves and Flowers - The luminosity of colors from plants can be easily transferred to wool, silk, or other materials at home. Necessary materials, picking, the preparation of fibers or substances, and different dying materials can be felted or turned into woolen pictures. The traditional coloring of Easter eggs with natural colors or the coloring of the sun is also explained. Last but not least, the authors deal with trendsetting ecoprinting.  $26.99  Due in May but can be preordered now.



Janas, Jan and Diane Tuckman - The Fine Art of Painting on Silk: Inspiring Methods and Techniques for Beginners and Expert-Level Artists - Painting on silk, in its millennia-old traditional form and also in contemporary form, has become increasingly popular. With this guide, be inspired by the nearly 500 images, the visual demos and more. Starting with the basic skills and techniques, this is a guidance on every element of this art, including setting up your studio space, painting on pre-constructed clothing, and framing your art. A special chapter, "Color: The Workshop Experience", offers exercises for harnessing the variety of silk dye hues. Complex layered looks, plein air painting and landscapes, critiquing, seeking authenticity, intuitive improvisation, and more. The authors are the founders of Silk Painters International.  $34.99


Olson, Lisa Marie -Felt Wonderland - Transfer wonderful wool fibers into 12 gorgeous felt items using easy-to-learn techniques. The author teaches us how to create beautiful felt items using the art of wet felting from basic flat-felting techniques through to using a resist and working around a 3D mold. She includes 12 great projects, ranging from decorative teacups, a teapot and a tea light holder to such items as a handbag, lampshade and cozy slippers all inspired by her love of fairy tales and fantasy stories including Alice in Wonderland. You can embellish these lovely felted items in many different ways and create your own fabulous works of art. She also includes other techniques such as needle felting, hand stitching, embroidery and applique to further embellish the projects. There are full-sixe templates provided on a separate, foldout sheet.  $14.95



Pile, Jessica Jane - Fashion Embroidery: Embroidery Techniques and Inspiration for Haute Couture Clothing - Add a unique touch to your clothes with this inspirational guide to fashion embroidery embellishment by Jessica Pile, the Production Director at Hand and Lock (the youngest director they ever had). This book features hand-drawn designs, catwalk photos and step-by-step-guides, along with stunning examples of embroideries and embellishments by major couturiers. She demonstrates the basics of goldwork, tambour beading, and decorative stitching, along with projects and advice on fabrics, tools, and terminology.   $34.95



Stanton, Andra F. - Dimensional Cloth: Sculpture by Contemporary Textile Artists - Sculpting in fabric is shown in ingenious detail here, with more than 350 lavish photos of 3-D cloth configurations along with insightful profiles of the 78 artists who created them. These works are approached through five themes: Investigating nature, capturing the ephemeral, playing with space, telling a story, and "Take Heed". In her forward, renowned fiber art expert Josephine Stealey helps us put this art form in context, from its origins in 1880 England's arts and crafts movement to today.  What a great book of inspiration!  $50.00
Due in June but can be preordered now.



Weillin, Yuan - Silk Ribbon Embroidery Chinese Style: An Illustrated Stitch Guide - This ribbon embroidery book breaks through the traditional style of western silk ribbon embroidery by incorporating traditional Chinese elements such as simple layout with liubai (leaving blank) as well as incorporating the contemporary Chinese art to create silk ribbon embroideries that are unique and ethereal. The book includes dozens of basic stitching techniques with detailed steps and illustrations that are ranging from small scales decoration on mirror and handheld fan to large scale stitch art. The patterns include flowers, trees, fishes, prawns, architectures and more. Among the different stitches, the prawns, peony and lotus leaf are originated by the author who has years of experience.  $24.95


MYSTERY CORNER

Adler, Rebecca - Cinco de Murder - Its fiesta time in  Broken Boot and lt; Texas, and tourists are pouring into town faster than free beer at a bull roping for the mouthwatering Cinco de  Mayo festivities. Tex-Mex waitress Josie Callahan, her feisty abuela, and even her spunky Chihuahua Lenny are polishing their folklorico dances for Saturday's big parade, while Uncle Eddie is adding his own spicy event to the fiesta menu: Broken Boot's First annual Charity Chili Cook Off.  But Uncle Eddie's hopes of impressing the town council cook go up in smoke when cantankerous chili cook Lucky Straw is found dead in his tent. Josie's uncle is accused of fatal negligence, she, Lenny, and Detective Lightfoot must uncover who ended the ambitious chilihead's life before another cook kicks the bucket.  $7.99

Chen, Vivien - Death by Dumpling: A Noodle Shop Myst #1 - The last place Lee thought she would ever end up is back at her family's restaurant,  But after a brutal break-up and a dramatic workplace wash-out, she figures that helping wait tables is her best option for putting her life back together. Even if she has to put up with her mother who is dead-set on finding her a husband. Then Mr. Feng turns up dead after a delivery of shrimp dumplings from Ho Lee. But how could of that happened when everyone on the staff knew of Mr. Feng's severe, life-threatening shellfish allergy? Now with the whole restaurant is under suspicion for murder and the local media is in a feeding frenzy it is up to Lana to find out who is behind Feng's killing order.  $7.99

Dyer-Seeley, Kate - Natural Thorn Killer (Rose City Mystery #1) - Brita Johnston might be a later bloomer, but after leaving her deadbeat husband anSinced dead-end job, she's finally pursuing her artistic passion at her aunt Elin's floral boutique, Blooma, in Portland, Oregon. It's on the banks of the Willamette, in a quaint district of cobblestone paths and cherry trees.  The wine bar featuring Pacific Northwest vintages, is a tasty bonus, offering another kind of bouquet to enjoy. But things aren't as peaceful as they look. For one thing, someone has been leaving dead roses around - and a sleazy real estate developer who wants the waterfront property has put a big-money offer on the table. Then after a contentious meeting of local business owners, he's found on the floor of the shop, with Elin's pruning shears planted in his chest. And before police decide to pin the crime on her beloved aunt, Britta will have to find out who arranged this murder.  $7.99 

Ehrhart, Peggy - Murder She Knit (Knit and Nibble Mystery #1) -  Since her only daughter left for college, widow Pamela Peterson has kept busy as associate editor of a craft magazine and founder of the Knit and Nibble Knitting Club in  quaint Arborville, New Jersey. Now she's trying a new hobby - solving murders!  Pamela is hosting the next Knit and Nibble meeting and can't wait to enliven up her otherwise empty house with colorful yarn, baking, and a little harmless gossip. She even recruits an old friend, Amy Morgan, an old friend who has recently moved to town, as the group's newest member. But that night Amy doesn't show - not until Pamela finds her friend outside with a knitting needle stabbed through her hand-knit sweater. Someone committed murder before running off with Amy's knitting bag, and Pamela realizes that only she can spot the deadly details hidden in mysterious skeins. But when another murder occurs, naming the culprit - and living to spin the tale - will be more difficult than Pamela ever imagined.  $7.99

Fee, Vickie - Til Death Do Us Part (Liv and Di in Dixie Mystery) - Las Vegas knows how to party, and for once, event planner Liv McKay won't be entirely behind the scenes. The Dixie gang is in Sin City to celebrate Mama and Earl's rockin' Elvis-themed wedding. And between juggling the botched bachelorette party and a problem-plagued soiree back home, Liv's ready to double down on some fun. When they get to the Burning Love Wedding Chapel the Elvis-impersonating minister has left the building permanently. And even worse, Liv's cousin, Little Junior, is suspected of his murder.  $7.99



Maron, Margaret - Take Out - From the N.Y. Times bestselling, award-winning author Margaret Maron - winner of the Edgar Award, Agatha Christie Award, Anthony Award, and Macavity Award for her classic mystery, The Bootlegger's Daughter - comes a stunning new mystery. NYPD Detective Sigrid Harald is still reeling from the untimely death of her lovers, acclaimed painter Oscar Nauman, when she is called to investigate the poisoning of two homeless men in the West Village. As she examines the mysterious deaths, Sigrid uncovers a grim neighborhood scandal surrounding two influential women; one a haughty mafia widow, the other a retired opera prima donna, both with dark secrets they've kept under wraps for decades. Was the poison really meant for the homeless men, or were they merely unintended victims as the decades-long feud between the two women comes to a head. And still, Sigrid can't stop wondering what brought her late lover so urgently across the country to the winding mountain road that took his life - until she meets a man who may hold the answers she seeks.  $7.99



Maron, Margaret - Bootlegger's Daughter: A Deborah Knott Mystery - #1) - I couldn't resist adding this to the list since it won so much praise and awards. Deborah was expected to be a conventional little girl then a conventional woman marrying a conventional husband. Instead, she became an attorney, infiltrating the old boy network that still rules the tobacco country of Colleton County, North Carolina. She knows that the power of the past - her family's long history in the area is a major asset in her campaign for district judge. Then again, as the strong-willed daughter of Kezzie Knott - notorious bootlegger, ex-con, and political string-puller -history is also one of her greatest problems. But it is an episode from the more recent past that threatens to derail her campaign. As a teen, Deborah used to babysit little Gayle Whitehead for her mother Janie. One rainy spring day eighteen years ago, both mother and daughter disappeared. When found three days later Gayle was dehydrated, dirty and hungry and Janie was dead. The unsolved murder became a local legend and an enigma that continues to haunt Gayle, who begs Deborah to investigate.  $14.95


McKinlay, Jenn - Wedding Cake Crumble (Cupcake Bakery Mystery) - For the Fairy Tale Cupcake crew, wedding bells turn to death knells. With Angie and Tate's wedding just around the corner, it's a happy time for Melanie Cooper and the bakery crew. Not only are they fine tuning the last minute details of the big day, but their bakery, has just been hired to bake cupcakes for the blockbuster book signing of a controversial author who wrote a steamy bestseller filled with juicy local gossip. But one by one, the people Angie has hired to work at the wedding begin turning up dead. As the body count rises, the bestselling author is the next to bite the dust. Mel quickly realizes she needs to figure out how the murders are connected and why - before the killer brings the entire cupcake crew crumbling down. After all, Angie and Tate deserve their sweet happily ever after.  $7.99

Sennefelder, Debra - The Uninvited Corpse - Leaving behind a failed career as a magazine editor and an embarrassing stint on a reality baking show, newly divorced lifestyle entrepreneur Hope Early thought things were finally on the upswing - until she comes faces-to-face with a murderer. Hope's schedule is already jam packed with recipe testing and shameless plugs for her food blog as she rushes off to attend a spring garden tour in the charming town of Jefferson, Connecticut. Unfortunately, it isn't the perfectly arranged potted plants that grab her attention - it's the bloody body of a reviled real estate agent Peaches McCoy.  $7.99






Swanson, Denise - Tart of Darkness (Chef-To-Go Mystery #1) This best-selling author brings us a new series and once again delivers murder, intrigue, and romance as she introduces us to Dani Sloan and a lively cast of supporting character. Just when Dani thinks she's hit a dead-end in her career, she unexpectedly inherits an enormous old house in a quaint college town. This gives her the perfect opportunity to pursue her true passion - cooking and opens up Chef-to-Go and takes in boarders to fund this business. But when one of her boarders, but when one of them is murdered and she becomes the prime suspect, she must serve up  the real killer to clear her name and save her business. $7.99

Thanks For Visiting Ruth Kern Books

I hope your visit was a pleasant one. If this is your first visit I'd like to introduce you to our business of over 25 years. We have set up book shops for the ANG, EGA, and a variety of other needlework organizations and have this on-line blog.

Can't find a certain book? Give us a call whether the title you want is in or out-of-print.

Give us a call Monday through Saturday at 602-943-738 If the phone is on message please don't be shy about leaving a message. I'll be back to you ASAP! Or you can send me an e-mail at 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 any blog.

NEW BLOG WILL POST 4/18/2018 EVENING - SEE YOU THEN!


               JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

Do You Know About The San Francisco School of Needlework and Design?

FROM SNAD NEWSLETTER

If not, let me introduce you. This wonderful embroidery organization located at 360 Post Street, Ste. 604, San Francisco, CA 94108 known as SNAD. They are open Monday thru Saturday 9:30-4:30. If you are in the neighborhood stop by and see their great library, exhibits and talk to one of the staff.  SNAD's mission: to teach, promote and preserve hand embroidery and from what I've read on their site and in their newsletters and from the classes and lectures and other programs they are doing just that. Their organization continues to grow each year. But why am I writing about them when you can pop on-line and visit their website: sfneedleworkanddesign.org

I've included a book one of their needleworkers has written that came out in the fall of last year:      
Mornu, Nathalie - Embroider Your Life: Simple Techniques and 150 Stylish Motifs to Embroider Your World - These motifs have been designed by 20 of today's most popular embroidery artists. Learn the simplest embroidery stitches and techniques, and see how these can be used to personalize your wearables, accessories, and items for your home. Explore color, stitch variations, fabric grounds, thread types, scale, fills, and more. These stitch motifs are contemporary and modern, with a graphic aesthetic - not retro, kitschy, sentimental, or old-fashioned. The book is good not only for beginners but for the more advanced stitchers.  $16.95





     QUILLING BY ITS OTHER NAMES IS

                 STILL AS GORGEOUS

I'm in love! I was at a friend's house and she showed me a greeting card she received. The cover was a beautiful 3-D peacock I discovered was quilled. I vaguely knew what quilling was - the art of thin strips of rolled paper made into 3-D designs but I didn't know how gorgeous it truly was. I had to know more about this wonderful art that is known by many names: paper-rolling, paper-scrolling, filigree, and mosaic as well as quilling.  Quilling stuck more than the other names since this name came from the use of the quill - one of the large stiff feathers of birds - to coil paper upon. Well, that answered my curiosity about why it was called quilling but I didn't really care what they called it.  Whatever this art was called it had burrowed into my brain and I needed to know more.

I was surprised to learn quilling has been has been thought by some historians to be around since ancient Egypt since they had a filigree type art that might have been the inspiration of more modern quilling. This paper art was extremely popular in the 16th and 17th centuries where work of high quality was reached by genteel ladies and nuns in Europe who had time for such art. No working class woman during that time period had time for artwork. Eventually, quilling reached the North American shores and caught on here. Today this paper art is resurfacing again as a very accessible, affordable way to create beautiful designs.

I began my search for more information quilling by visiting the card company that created the beautiful peacock card I saw at my friend's house. Their motto is "don't just send a card, send art!' I've included here some examples of their beautiful cards, paper jewelry, and kits found on their site: www.quillingcard.com. Enjoy!

quilled earrings


 

                           Quilling Kit for Flowers


Next I discovered a great website: AllThingsPaper.net,  on paper crafts such as quilling created by Ann Martin, who has been quilling since 2002 when she was instantly captivated by a magazine article about the beautiful art of paper rolling. her work and tutorials have appeared on television, in books, including her own: All Things Paper, Creative Paper Quilling, as well as in craft, card making, and handmade jewelry magazines. Her blog features her designs and the work of other remarkable paper artists from around the world.  In the list of quilling books below I've included two of hers.

If this has whetted your appetite more on quilling take a look at the selection of books on this craft I've included below.  (discount code: luv18)
 
 
 




Neals, Cindy - Quilling for Beginners: How to Get Started with Stylish Paper Quilling Techniques, Tips and Projects - No experience with quilling? No worries! This book is suited to the absolute beginner that's looking to get started with quilling. It includes an intro to quilling, quilling history, the importance of Quilling paper selection, techniques, simple quilling projects and much, much more. $9.95







Liquin, Zhu and Paper Arts Museum - Paper Quilling Chinese Style - Sure to delight the myriad of diverse group of crafters who have fallen in love with quilling, this lovely book uses traditional Chinese arts to crate an array of paper quilling projects with a distinctly Chinese design. A flexible and limitless art form, paper
quilling allows so much individual expression that it has attracted fans around the world. By showcasing the bold and inventive use of color, composition and traditional symbols, this book is sure to bring a new level of depth and beauty to your work. With simple tools and materials easily found at most craft stores, you will be able to explore the boundaries of Western handicraft and traditional  Chinese cultures and your own creativity!  $25.95

Liquin, Zhu and Paper Arts Museum - Paper Quilling Four Season Chinese Style - Quilling, the art of coiling and shaping narrow paper strips into 3-D designs, has been popular with crafters for a long time. Paper has a flexibility and elasticity that gives it endless possibilities. All you need to get started is strips of paper, glue and a tool to roll the paper. You can use what you already have: recycled paper and a bamboo skewer or toothpick work well or get a quilling kit at a craft shop. This guide offers examples of various forms of Chinese art for inspiration, different modes of composition with each season is depicted in all its distinct color and beauty through the unique art of paper quilling.  $24.95



Louie, Cevelia - Pretty Quilled Cards - From a thank-you note to a cheery holiday message, here's a quilled card for every occasion. It's easy! Just lay your paper strips on top of the full-size illustrations accompanying each project, and mark the length and folds as indicated. Plus, this collection contains printed backgrounds to photocopy and use.  Make cards, gift tags, cupcake toppers, and more. $17.95




Louie, Cecelia - Quilling Creations: Flora and Fauna: Craft Ten Charming Paper Art Vignettes - This book includes all you need to know to get started. This inspirational kit gives you ten elegant projects and the ability to fold, roll, and create bright flowers, spectacular birds, and other woodland creatures. Plenty of the basic techniques for rolled paper art, step-by-step  photographic instructions and also ideas for designing and creating your own unique pieces. This kit comes with everything you need to get started, including a rolling tool, ready-to-go paper strips in multiple colors, and a thorough guidebook.  $18.99


Martin, Ann - The Art of Quilling Paper Jewelry: Techniques and Projects for Metallic Earrings and Pendants - Ann Martin shows how to create exquisite paper jewelry with the look of copper, silver, and gold by using metallic-edged papers that are very sturdy. Pairing step-by-step illustrations with detailed tutorials on rolling coils, scrolls, and other unique shapes, this book shows you how to create twenty eye-catching designs with Ann's expert guidance and a few minimal tools and supplies. $22.99



Martin, Ann - Creative Paper Quilling: Wall Art, Jewelry, Cards and More - This accomplished quilling artist with other quillers takes you on a true creative adventure as they share expert technique information, helpful tips and eye-catching designs. With projects for beginners as well as experienced artists enjoy creating unique wall art, handmade greeting cards, stylish pendants and earrings and festive holiday ornaments.  $14.95 



Runa, Sena - Quilling Art - Turkish paper artist Sena Runa gives this time-honored craft, a stylish and contemporary update sure to appeal to the 21st- century artist. The twenty great projects include a guitar, apple, owl, butterfly, cloud, heart, and other popular designs and motifs. Pairing elaborate design with a clever use of color crates exciting effects in the projects, which vary in complexity to appeal to quillers of all skill levels. Each project features easy-to-follow instructions with step-by-step photos and templates that take guess work out of the quilling process. It also includes tips that will help you develop skills and techniques that will allow you to create your own show-stopping designs.  $19.95

This is a small selection of beautiful quilling art:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

POTPOURRI OF NEW BOOKS







Amor, Shelagh - Crewel Embroidery: A Practical Guide -  I am so happy to see this book back in print. Master an expert instructor's special techniques, starting with the simplest stitches, including stem, chain, split, long and short, French knot, and trellis filling. Our author lives in Australia, has coordinated classes for the Embroiderer's Guild, has taught embroidery techniques for over 20 years and has a reputation for meticulous attention to detail and finish. In this book she covers the entire stitching process from selecting and transferring patterns to framing and finishing. Put it all together with ten original floral projects you can use for clothing, soft furnishings, and framed wall hangings. $19.95



Boggon, Sharon - The Visual Guide to Crazy Quilting Design - Embrace crazy quilting with 35 must-know stitches and endless variations, shown in clear step-by-step photos for both right and left-handed stitchers. This talented quilt artist reveals design fundamentals to guide you in your process. Learn the theory and process behind this fascinating art, how to choose fabrics, piece stitch and flip blocks and embellish seams with embroidery, beads, buttons and charms.  $29.95


Draper, Jean - Stitch and Pattern: Design and Technique for Pattern Textile Art -  As she did with her best-selling Stitch and Structure, Jean guides textile artists through some of the most creative ways of working up patterns, and harnessing our love for rhythm and repeat in fabric. She discusses the nature of pattern and its language, and explains grids, symmetry, and the positive and negative in design. Detailed studies explore patterns from other cultures, including  Banjara; in plants and flowers; and on the human body. Throughout, Draper carefully teaches a variety of techniques, from putting stitches together, to exaggerating and overlapping stitches, to using just one type of stitch.  $29.95

Envoldsen-Harris, Carina - Mandalas to Embroider - This exceptional Danish embroiderer who lives in the UK brings us vibrant and contemporary patterns, varying from the traditional to the unusual - from floral designs and calligraphy, through to intricate portraits of Frieda Kahlo and the colorful Day of the Dead skulls. She has given the traditional madala an update and twist by incorporating her almost-trademarked sytle of boldness mixed with femininity. Calming and meditation doesn't mean boring, and stitched mandalas aren't just for working and popping into frames - show them off in a necklace, brooch or on your shoes!  24 beautiful, meditative mandalas for you to embroider. Only 10 stitches used to make all the motifs, explained and accompanied by clear, step-by-step diagrams.   $13.95



Kaprow, Erica - Everything's Blooming - This author has always enjoyed sewing. She now combines her love for wool dyeing, quiltmaking , and embroidery to make rich wool applique quilts. 12 page booklet plus pattern sheets. $19.95










Lubin, Clementine - A Beginner's Guide to Dyeing and Sewing - This author lives in Paris, France and is in love with sewing.  This is not her first book on the subject. In this book learn how to refresh, transform or personalize clothing, soft furnishings or fabric accessories, or to dye fabric to create brand-new items. She shows us how to create 12 dazzling dye effect - from tie-dyeing and dip-dyeing to creating checks, lines, droplets and bubbles - then shows us how to put this into practice to create  21 gorgeous sewn projects, ranging from bags and pillows to towels, scarves and clothing. She offers advice on dyeing printed fabrics and working with a base colour, as wells as guidance on washing and maintaining dyed fabric. The dyeing techniques are created either in the washing machine, by hand or in the microwave, and clear instructions are included for each method. This book focuses on readily-available chemical dyes, but the dye effects could transfer to natural types as well. All the sewing steps are explained clearly, with handy illustrations to provide clarity where necessary.  $19.95


Legenhausen, Courtney - Fashion Jewelry: A Beginner's Guide to Jewelry Making - Bead stringing. Wire wrapping. Pearl knotting. This great guide teaches all the basics of fashioning fun and attractive bracelets, rings, necklaces, and earrings. Detailed instructions and easy-to-follow, step-by-step photos lay out the techniques including jewelry stamping and applying hammered textures and 17 projects. Even novices can make chandelier earrings, a pearl bracelet, a stone pendant, and more. This is a thoughtful, effective and detailed instructional guide.  $21.95



Lubin, Clementine - A Beginner's Guide to Overlockers, Sergers and Coverlockers: 50 Lessons and 15 projects to get you started - Learn how to get the most out of your machine with this comprehensive and easy-to-follow guide. Full of practical advice to help you master all the features and applications of your overlocker (serger)  and coverlocker, you will learn how to handle your machine using its more complex features and will soon be finishing hems like a professional sewer. There are 50 great photographed step-by-step lessons to guide you through all the skills you need to get started, and 15 neat projects to make, to apply your knowledge and help you realize your sewing goals. This book includes full-size, fold-out patterns and is the essential guide for all aspiring sewers. It is a fantastic resource for those new to machine sewing and a great source of inspiration and ideas for the most experienced sewers.  $19.95





Martingale - Stitches from the Harvest hand Embroidery - This hand embroidery is inspired by autumn and brings you 15 all-new embroidery projects. Stitch jaunty squirrels, whimsical birds, and a bevy of fall fruit and leaves to bedeck elegant little projects, including pillow, tote bag, table runner, needle book, pincushions and more. Clear instructions, helpful tips and beautiful original artwork makes this book a source of inspiration.  $24.99




Ray, Aimee - Embroidered Woodland Creatures - This bestselling author offers a new selection of delightful woodland-themed transfers - over fifty designs that range from complex mandalas to simple critters, like frogs, turtles, deer, and owls. These designs are printed on reusable transfer paper - just tear out the pages, iron the pattern onto your fabric and start stitching. There is a handy pocket in back of book to store your cutout transfers. Aimee Ray provides a complete introduction to embroidery as well as a fully illustrated stitch library.  $14.95



Schluz, Carolyn - Jewelry School Bead Stringing - Create beautiful jewelry on single or multiple threads, following Carolyn's, concise instructions complete with diagrams and full-colour photos. This book features twelve projects and variations that use an array of stunning beads and pearls for necklaces and bracelets that can be worn daily or on a special night out.  $12.95



Spargo, Sue - Creative Stitching: Second Edition - This book is based on years of experience teaching thousands of students of all skill levels. It is designed to help you quickly and easily learn dozens of stitches that can be immediately applied to any project. This new revised edition includes over 20 new stitches. Highly detailed illustrations and photos updated. $32.00






Van Baarle, Els and Cherilyn - Interpreting Themes in Textile Art - Two textile artists. Two personal interpretations of the same creative theme. Even though they both have individual approaches to shape, form, color, and technique, their shared interest in the same topics has united them for 25 years. And, often, they inspire each other. These two talented creators start from the same point, but then draw on their own experiences.  They have chosen six themes to explore: memory; graven (cemetery) images and idols; books as objects; Pompeii and archeological excavations; walls; and everyday items. $29.95



MYSTERY CORNER  






PLEASE MEET KELLY LANE - A FASCINATING WOMAN

               AND A TALENTED MYSTERY WRITER

 

Ah! I love reading about a woman who puts her interests before housework.  In fact, Kelly calls herself an anti-housekeeper. This makes me feel less guilty about my giving my house, "a lick and a promise" much of the time. She lives and writes in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. She's had many careers and has now added mystery writer to her past work as a journalist, copywriter, editor, PR consultant for Fortune 500 companies. Before moving to Virginia she had participated in competitive sailing and had one of New England's best equestrian facilities. She calls herself a garden junkie, recipe lover, animal hoarder, farm gal, a family person and is an award-winning photographer.  Holey Moley!  She says she has a soft spot for toll-house cookies and milk, coffee yogurt (hmm, I need to look for this!), wooded boats and old-fashioned roses.

Somehow I picture her jumping out of bed before dawn and getting her day moving. I bet she does her writing first.  She reads "oodles" of books, is a member of Sisters in Crime, has attended writing workshops and has a major goal in her mystery writing,  "If you take the time to read one of my stories, my goal is to entertain and always leaves a smile on your face."

I hope you take time to read one of her books in her Olive Grove Mystery series I've introduced below. 

Lane, Kelly - One Foot in the Grove (Olive Grove Mystery #1) - In the sweet Southern town of Abundance, Georgia, home of the Knox family's olive farm, gossip isn't the only thing that can kill you. After leaving a man at the altar for the second time in her life, Eva Knox, decides to head home to her family's plantation to regroup and soak in some Southern charm. But hiding from her woes is a slipperier proposition than Eva imagined. For one thing, most people in town sill haven't forgiven her for leaving local boy Buck Tanner at the altar and hightailing it up north eighteen years ago. For another, a death on her family's farm soon makes her the leading suspect in a murder case.. and the sheriff investigating is none other than Eva's old flame Buck.  $7.99


Cold Pressed Murder - (Olive Grove Mystery #2) - Eva and the residents of Knox Plantation are oozing with excitement over the activities planned for the Farm Family Fare. The weekend event consists of two days of tours, exhibitions, music, tasting, and. more importantly, cooking demonstrations with celebrity chefs from the Chow Network. The enthusiasm, however, begins to dribble away after one of the star chefs goes missing.. and is later found dead in the back of a refrigerated truck.  $7.99




Dipped to Death (Olive Grove Mystery #3) - On a sizzling-hot September day, Eva Knox's ex-boyfriend, Dudley Dexter Codman the Third, along with a bunch of his corporate cronies from Boston, arrive a Eva's family's guest in and olive farm, Knox Plantation. Maps and binoculars in had, the New Englanders claim they're on a bird-watching holiday. Only Eva knows that her ex doesn't know a thing about birds. Eva can't fathom why he'd show up after all these years in her off-the-beaten-path hometown - nearly 1,200 miles from Boston. But when Dudley is found drowned in the pond. Eva starts fishing for answers. But she doesn't have much time after authorities determine that her ex was poisoned by one of Eva's family's olive oils. She'll have to find the real killer before her family is caught for murder.  $7.99





Flower, Amanda - (Amish Candy Shop Mystery #1) - Assaulted Carmel - Assistant chocolatier Bailey King leaves New York City for Harvest, Ohio to help out in her grandparents' Amish candy shop when her grandfather's heart condition worsens. His health is better than she feared, but the police suspect him of murdering a local developer found dead in the candy shop kitchen. Bailey determines to clear her grandfather but finds herself in a batch of trouble. $7.99




Flower, Amanda - Lethal Licorice (Amish Candy Shop Mystery #2) - Now while caring for her widowed grandmother, she plans to honor her grandfather's memory by entering the annual Amish Confectionery Competition. But between lavender blueberry fudge and chocolate cherry ganache truffles, Bailey may have bitten off more than she can chew when the search for a missing pit-bellied pig turns up a body suffering from sugar overload ...the fatal kind from an allergy to an essential licorice ingredient. The suspects include: Josephine's niece, a young woman going through her rumspringa, or running around time, and Bailey herself. Now it falls to Bailey, who's sweet on the local sheriff's deputy, to clear their names and entice a killer with a cast-iron stomach for cold-blooded murder.  $7.99 




Harris, Sherry - I Know What You Bid Last Summer ( A Garage Sale Mystery) - Sherry started bargain hunting in second grade at her best friend's yard sale. She honed her bartering skills as she moved around the country while her husband served in the Air Force. Sherry combined her love of garage sales, her life as an Air Force spouse, and her time living in Massachusetts as inspiration skills for this series. In this mystery her heroine, Sarah Winston believes in doing her homework. She also believes in giving back. But when she agrees to manage an athletic equipment swap, she doesn't bargain on an uncharitable killer. The day of the event, the school superintendent is found dead in the gymnasium. In between tagging and haggling, Sarah studies the clues to see who wanted to teach the superintendent a lesson. But as she closes in on the truth, the killer intends to give her a crash course on minding her own business. $7.99



Kashian, Tina - Hummus and Homicide (Kebab Kitchen Mystery #1) - When Lucy Berberian quits her Philadelphia law firm and heads home to Ocean Crest, she knows wheat she's getting - the scent of funnel cake, the sight of the wooden roller coaster and the tastes of her family's Mediterranean restaurant. But murder wasn't on the menu.  Things are slow in the off-season in this Jersey Shore town, but Lucy doesn't mind. She doesn't even mind waitressing at the Kebab Kitchen. Her parents have put in a new hummus bar, with every flavor from lemon to roast red pepper. Lucy could do without Heather Banks, though, the ex-cheerleader is still as nasty as she was back in high school and unfortunately, she's just taken over as the local health inspector. Just minutes after eating at the Kebab Kitchen - where she's tallied up a list of bogus violations - she falls down dead in the street. Work on the grapevine is it's homicide, and Lucy's the number one suspect.  $7.99



Wiken, Linda - Toasting Up Trouble - Event planner Jennifer "J.J." Tanner has a full plate, but that's the way she likes it. First, it's her turn to choose the recipe for the next meeting of the Culinary Capers Dinner Club, a gathering of foodie friends who experiment with the entrees for their creative and gastronomical pleasure. Second, she's organizing an Italian princess party for the twenty-one year old daughter of a high-tech millionaire. But one thing J.J. didn't plan on is that the caterer for the event - hotshot chef Antonio Marcotti - would end up murdered the night of the party. Or that she'd end up being a prime suspect after having had a heated argument with the unscrupulous chef. Now it's up to J.J. with help from her fellow Club members and a handsome if mysterious private eye - to turn the tables on the real killer.  $7.99



Wiken, Linda - Roux the Day (Dinner Club Mystery) - Event planner J.J. Tanner is planning a cruise ship casino night - and she is really going overboard. She even arranged for radio DJ Connor Mac and TV personality Miranda Myers to help the good times roll. But the party comes to screeching halt when Miranda is found dead on the main deck. With a boatload of suspects, the police focus in on J.J., who, though recently linked with Connor, never knew he was once engaged - to Miranda. J.J. turns to her dinner club members to help fish for clues and keep herself out of hot water.  $7.99

Wiken, Linda - Marinating in Murder (Dinner Club Mystery) -  #3) The Culinary Capers Dinner Club is planning a fall picnic for their next meeting. What could be better than sharing delicious food with friends under a beautiful autumn sky? But when club member Alison Maikovich opens the back of her SUV to load the picnic supplies, she finds a dead body - that of her ex-husband, and now she's the prime suspect. Because Alison is a police officer, she is suspended and warned not to do any investigating of her own. That's not about to stop J.J. and the Culinary Capers gang though. They know Alison is innocent.  $7.99


THANKS FOR VISITING RUTH KERN BOOKS


I hoped your visit was a pleasant one.  If this is your first visit I'd like to introduce you to our business of over 25 years.  We have set up book shops for the ANG,  EGA, and a variety of other needlework organizations and have a presence on-line.

Can't find a certain book? Give us a call whether the title you want is in or out-of-print.

Give us a call Monday through Saturday.  If the phone is on message please don't be shy about leaving a message. I'll be back to you ASAP.   OR you can leave me an e-mail at: 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.