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.  $35.00


ANOTHER 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.  $17.95

Gravelier, 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.  $21.99

Van Horn, Larkin Jean - Beading on Fabric: Encyclopedia of Bead Stitch Techiniques - This is a comprehensive look at tools

and materials, covering all types of fabrics, threads, needles, gules, and stabilizers. She then shares her knowledge on beads commonly used in embroidery and tips for wearability, washability, and caring for beaded fabrics.  Move on to learning the basic stitches, incorporating beads into your stitches, creating edges and fringe, and beading around cabochons. She includes lots of tips and tricks to make your work easier. Included are illustrations, photos of stitched samples, and examples of completed work.  $21.95


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.  $7.99




A 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.  $29.95


Ordering 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.

MY AUGUST BLOG WITH BE A FEW DAYS LATE -  I've been super busy with shipping book to four EGA seminars and now will be shipping books next week to the ANG National Seminar so I fell a little behind. Usually I publish on the 5th of each month but my August blog will be up by this weekend.  Sorry for the delay.  Ruth  Ruth Kern Books






                           JULY 2014 BLOG

      Welcome to My July Blog!  Come on In and Stay Awhile!

                 "A thoughtful life is one in which one might read
             and creep into the hearts of books as they can only be
             crept into when the wheels of daily life are grinding
             soft and low."  - Olive Schreiner - 1855 -1920


Don't forget to find the "secret code" in one of the articles and get a 20% discount on any book you order including books from past blogs and books you've heard about. Information for ordering at the end of this blog.  Enjoy!


Chinese Embroidery Books Alert!

I love it when it doesn't just rain books it pours!  I've been waiting many months for the The Art of Chinese Embroidery: Foundation Level by Margaret Lee when up pops another book on Chinese embroidery, Chinese Embroidery: An Illustrated Stitch Guide by Shao Xianocheng.  Since books on this embroidery are nil at the moment I welcomed both titles with open arms.  Let me tell you about each book.

Lee, Margaret - The Art of Chinese Embroidery - Known around the world for her Chinese embroidery, Margaret has made it her passion to share the secrets of this unique stitching style. Equipment and materials are described in detail and the twenty-five core stitch techniques are fully explained providing the embroiderer with a strong and solid foundation. Seven beautiful projects are included, designed to allow a steady progression and a thorough understanding of the concepts and practices of this elegant style of embroidery.  Patterns are included.  Color throughout.  I loved reading the history and the plates are beautiful in this large soft cover book.  116 pages.  $44.95

Xiaocheng, Shao - Chinese Embroidery: An Illustrated Stitch Guide -The author is a Chinese embroidery artist and the director of the Beijing Shao Xiaocheng Embroidery Research Institute and a senior national master of arts and crafts.  Her research covers embroidery varieties on the verge of decline and those that have diaappeared since ancient times. She has also succeeded in practicing and summing up complicated techniques of repairing and duplicating those embroidered pieces.  She includes 40 projects and analyzes twenty-five kinds of needlework techniques.  Color throughout.  168 pages. $27.95.

Hill, Elaine - Chinese Designs - If you fall in love with Chinese embroidery and need more designs this Search Press book will be important in your library.  This is a photocopiable collection of decorative Chinese  patterns and motifs - flowers, plants, birds, fish, animals, figures and more.  Great for needleworkers.   $9.95



Please meet Pat Mazu needlework designer, teacher and author  


I met Pat in August of 1995 when she was first releasing her wonderful book, Finishing 101: A Workbook of Techniques and Encouragement.  I had ordered "lots" of this title for the ANG National Seminar as I was doing the bookstore.  "Your book will be a great hit. I predict a best seller."  She laughed and looked at me, "Are you sure?"  "Absolutely", I replied.  I had perused her book and my bookseller's goosebumps and prickles at the back of my neck informed me this book was going
to be a classic.  I loved Pat's generosity in encouraging the new finisher to look at other finishing books listed in her extensive bibliography.  She also encouraged us to read her text before diving into a finishing project.  No rushing ahead with the information needed to succeed.  But the most telling thing about the kind of person she is, Pat includes her phone number and her e-mail so you can reach her with your questions on finishing.  Who doesn't need a mentor when doing something new? She is generous with her time, patient with her students and is famous for her miniature Christmas Stockings. 

Finishing 101 is spiral-bound so it can be laid flat when open.  140 pages.  $39.95

As a designer her needlepoint creations are tops.  Her mini stocking designs have earned her the title of the "Christmas Stocking Queen".  Her heart designs reflect her heart- felt passion for her art.  But she designs more than stockings and
hearts.  I've included some samples of her designs here but to see all her designs just google in Pat Mazu designs and all her creations will pop up.  Meanwhile take a look at these designs I'd like to show off.  But I can get whatever pops your buttons. 





Gold and Silver Times Three: Three Petite Stockings - All Pat's designs come in clear packets and include a large color cover page of the finished projects inside.  She carefully describes what materials are needed, the finished size, in this case, the stockings are 4 1/2"  high and 3 3/8" wide if worked on #18 count canvas.  Pat includes great directions and neat graphs so each project will be totally enjoyable.  $15.00

Jeannie's Hearts: Three Heart Ornaments - Pat has designed some wonderful heart ornaments and like her stocking ornaments she includes wonderful information on the materials
needed, graphs, and precise instructions to complete these designs: Hearts and Florentine, Chevrons in a Heart,  and Hearts in a Stripe.  Use your stitching skills and learn new ones.  $15.00

Checquered Chic: Four Square Ornaments - Pat has come up

with four wonderful design to get you stitching.  What wonderful ornaments to use your stitching skills but with all
these ornament patterns to test your finishing skills as well.  Don't worry Pat will always be there with you as you read her great design directions and her finishing techniques.  $15.00


 
Untangling the Zentangle   

  
"Anything is possible - one stroke at a time."

 

Several years ago a needleworker called me looking for a book on Zentangle.  Having never heard of this I told her I'd see what I could discover.  Eventually I found the book but I still didn't know what I had discovered so I did more investigating.  This art process was fascinating and simple to learn with lots of pluses for the artist.  What I liked best about Zentangle was it was non-technical, no technology needed format. Even I could manage paper, pens, and paper!  Nothing is pre-programmed.  Just relax and let the creativity you didn't even know you had come through on paper.  Although there are specified steps and directions in learning this process you will be surprised to see where you will end up - original art.  But that's not all.  When you practice the Zentangle Method you will discover new levels of relaxation, improved sleep, more self-esteem, increased attention span, better problem solving, design inspiration,  improved eye/hand coordination as well as beautiful art.  

Yes, I've tried it and enjoyed it.  I'm only a beginner but enjoy the idea that a non-artistic person like me can create art.  I like to use it for getting me into a story writing mode.  If you would like to experiment with Zentangle I've included a list of books to get you started.  Have fun!  You'll discover that this art is connected to stitching.

McNeil, Susanne - Zentangle Basics - This book helps you get started. It features step-by-step illustrations for 25 tangles. Also included are tips on how to relate Zentangle to learning spelling, math, social studies, geometry and art. As artist Davilla Harding said, "Seeing the book is what inspired me to buy so many.. I just fell in love with all of the variety of tangles and just wanted them all!"  $8.99

Peter Pauper Press - Let's Tangle! the Art of Zentangle - Welcome to the wonderful and intriguing world of Zentagle! All you need to get started is a pencil, pen, and paper, or paper tiles and this book. Have you been intimidated by the beautiful Zentangle designs you've seen? This book will take you step-by-step through this simple but elegant art form. Learn how to create official tangles, your own tangles, and ZIA (Zentangle Inspired Art projects). You can complete a piece of art in one 15 -minute seeion and dozens are included.  $17.99

Design Originals - Joy of Zentangle: Drawing Your Way to Increased Creativity, Focus, and Well-Being - Zentangle is an
easy-to-learn method of pattern drawing that reduces stress while promoting creativity. This book will introduce readers to the basic theory of Zentangle and provide instructions for drawing over 100 tangle patterns. This book is filled with examples of Zentangle drawings as well as other art projects and compelling stories from those who have improved their well-being through Zentangle.  $24.99

Design Originals - Zentangle 2, Expanded Workbook Edition: Featuring  Ideas for Scrapbooks and Journals (revised) - In this inspiring book the authors offer more than 40 new tangle patterns and border designs to use in embellishing scrapbooks, sketchbooks, journals, cards, paintings, quilts, and more.  $8.99


McNeil, Susanne and Cindy Shepard - The Beauty of Zentangle: Inspirational Examples from 137 Tangle Artists Worldwide - This book celebrates the worldwide Zentangle phenomenon with hundreds of sensational one-of-a-kind designs all done breakthrough artists and Certified Zentanlge Teachers.  $24.99




McNeill, Suzanne - Zentangle 8 -Monograms - Alphabets - Elegant letters are the perfect way to personalize a greeting card, stationary of a memorable gift. Turn mundane mail into envelopes that promise something really special. Send special tangled thank you notes and enclosure cards for showers, weddings and baby announcements. Using the relaxing process of Zentangle you can create unique letters with stunning details and sumptuous backgrounds - one tangle at a time. You will be amazed as delightful designs flow beautifully from your hand.  $8.,99

McNeill, Suzanne - Zentangle: Fabric Arts Quilting Embroidery - If you enjoy working with fabric, quilts and embroidery, you will be inspired with Zentangle. Begin by drawing simple tangles on fabric. Like needle and thread, Zentangle and fabric are meant to marry. You will love the calming process. Learn to use permanent fabric markers to add unique tangles onto quilt blocks, postcards, ATC's and wearables. Experiment with the decorative stitches on your machine as you stitch blocks with tangles. Turn your sewing machine loose and feel the zen of free-motion quilting on wall hangings or quilts.  $15.99

McNeil, Suzanne - Zen-Sational Stitches for Quilting: Inspired by Zentangle - Quilters around the world are discovering stitching with Zentangle inspired patterns. It is easy to apply patterns to their craft, creating beautiful quilts using repeated symbols called tangles. This book offers a variety of projects, so the busy sewer can explore this exciting trand. many projects - potholders, pillows and totes, for example, can be accomplished in about an hour, so they are perfect for sharing with groups.  $18.99



A Love of Tea and Tea Cozies
"You can't get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me"
                                        C.S. Lewis


Did you know that the drinking of tea instead of gin in 18th Century Britain life expectancy rose significantly? Did you know that tea was crucial in maintaining British morale in WWII?  Did you know that the tea bag was a mistake?  The silk bags were used for tea samples by a New York tea dealer and by accident the samples were infused with boiling water.  The rest was history.  These are just a few of the numerous historical trivia that surrounds the delightful drink of tea.

In the Tuscon area of Arizona an elementary teacher was clever enough to use tea as a teaching aid for her fifth graders. The girls wearing dresses and hats and the boys in ties walked into their school cafeteria and found the tables had clothes, flowers, and china cups.  For many it was there first cup  of tea that many students took with sugar.  Now this wonderful tea party is incorporated with a reading challenge.  Depending what the book is about a food from that novel is incorporated into the tea. For example, when reading, "Old Yeller," cornbread and molasses with honey that was spoke of often in the book was served. I bet at one of these events Alice's famed tea party was discussed. AIMS scores have risen and so has reading proficiency.  And I'd like to add so have good manners. This got me to thinking why couldn't a tea party be incorporated in book clubs and groups?  I can't think of anything better, myself.  Discount Code: DGJY

Today tea has gained in popularity in the United States though not overtaking coffee as yet.  When I go into Einsteins for a take out breakfast, tea definitely rates second as a hot beverage. In fact when I order tea (even at 6:30 am) I am invariably asked, "Ice tea?"  To make matters worse for tea lovers some of the staff sports shirts that say, "My perfect cup of tea is a great cup of coffee!"  Humph! A little gloom cloud forms over my head as I reach into a glass jar for a beautiful wrapped English breakfast tea bag.  But with a first sip of my tea my mood mellows and the day looks brighter.

At home I don't drink tea out of a paper cup and I mostly use loose tea.  I'm into Silver Needle tea at the moment.  This is the highest grade of white tea and one of the rarest teas in the world so savor it at special moments. Silver Needle is harvested only a few days each spring from the first tiny leaves that appear.  My morning tea is usually black, an Irish blend does nicely. I drink from a mug and not a tea cup as I need to carry it around with me as I work.  Lately I've been brewing in a teapot since I'm now in the habit of  drinking more than one large cup.

Since I've got a number of tea pots and have used them all I realized tea doesn't stay piping hot very long. A friend made me a tea cozy quilted in lovely colors.  That simple addition makes a big difference in my tea temperature.  Coffee pots are normally electric and the plate stays warm.  Who ever heard of a coffee cozy?  But tea cozies are fun to use and fun to make.  I've noticed that knitted cozies has become very popular.  I haven't knitted in years but I'm actually thinking of attempting a tea cozy this winter when all the needlework seminars are finished.  I've been perusing books on the subject so I've included some in case your great cup of tea is REALLY a cup of tea!!

GMC Publications - Tea Cozies - This is the first book in a very popular tea cozy series. I adore the sheep tea cozy, the fish cozy is great too as is the kitty and so are the sweater- looking cozies. $14.95





GMC Publications - Tea Cozies 3 - No matter the shape of your teapot this series can teach you how to make a "great teapot fit".  There is something to suit every personality or décor. This third edition pushes tea cozies to the max but there are tea cozies for the beginner.  From a froth of colorful butterflies, to lush grapevines on a trellis to a clever mermaid these patterns are fantastic.  $14.95

GMC Publications - Tea Cozies 4 -  This new addition to this beloved series arrived with this new year and features some of the most popular yarn craft experts including: Alison Howard, Emma Varnam and Sian Brown along designs by talented readers of "Knitting" magazine, each one chosen for their great design and color sense and of course knitting and crochet skill.  $14.95

Prior, Loani - Wild Tea Cosies - If you like lots of fun décor even in your tea cozies this book has 24 step-by-step patterns with straightforward  simple instructions.  Are you into chickens or frogs or perhaps sunflowers? There are patterns for those and many more designs.  Have fun! $21.95



Prior, Loani - How Tea Cosies Changed the World - 24 fun and fabulous designs that can change the conventional teapot into a knitted piece of art.  Designs include Lily of the Valley, Devilish, spotted Gourd, Forest Bloom and Starry Night among many others. All directions are easy to follow.  $19.95

And Tea Mysteries too! 
Since we are on the subject of tea, Laura Childs Tea Shop Mysteries popped into my head.  Here is a chance to read a good mystery and learn lots about tea at the same time. She has finished her 15th book in the series which tells us that her series is beloved by mystery readers and has been a N.Y. Times bestseller. 

If you want to start at the beginning you can get the first three titles in one book, Tea for Three.  $17.00.   In Death by Darjeeling, our tea shop owner, Theodosia Browning, is serving tea for two hundred or so at the annual historic homes garden party when one guest is found dead clutching a teacup. In Gunpowder Green Theo unveils her latest flavor of tea at a yacht race when she hears the crack of an antique gun and a member of the Charleston elite falls dead.  Shades of Earl Grey - Theo attends the engagement soiree of the season where a wedding ring- a family heirloom from Marie Antoinette's crown - goes missing. 

Below I've included the latest four in the series in paperback for those who have read others.  I can get the titles in-between - not a problem! 



Teabury Strangler #11 - Theo discovers the body of the local map store owner in an alley behind her tea shop, and is alarmed by Detective Tidwell's theory that she was the intended victim.  $7.99










Scones and Bones #12 - Theo is lured into attending the Heritage Society's 'Pirates and Plunder" soiree. But an antique diamond skull ring gets plundered by someone who murders a history intern in the process and Theo is on the hunt for a killer.  $7.99



Agony of the Leaves #13 - Theo finds herself in hot water at the grand opening of Charleston's Neptune Aquarium.  She's been hired to cater the event, and things are going swimmingly until she discovers the body of her former boyfriend. Includes recipes.  $7.99





Sweet Tea Revenge #14 - Theo's best friend has asked her to be a bridesmaid but when the wedding day arrives everything is going wrong. A massive storm is brewing over Charleston, the bride's sister is late and worst of all the groom is dead.  $7.99

Time for a cup of tea!











NEW NEEDLEWORK BOOKS FOR SUMMER STITCHING

Blomkamp, Hazel - Crewel Intentions: Fresh Ideas for Jacobean Embroidery - The author of the very popular Crewel Twists -$29.95- continues the concept of using non-traditional techniques and materials in crewel and Jacobean embroidery. She showcases four large projects, each with an accompanying small project similar in technique, and shows needle workers how to be creative with threads, alternative stitches and beads. Traditional techniques are explained but are extended with the use of bead embroidery, needlelace techniques, and stitches not normally used in crewel work. Many new needle lace and bead embroidery techniques are incorporated, and the book also explores weaving techniques used to create textures like twill and tartan and houndstooth check. Every project is clearly explained with step-by-step instructions and lots of photos and the completed embroideries are once again displayed in ways that are both decorative and functional in the home. Templates of the original design complete this great source for creative embroidery.  $29.95  Due in September.  (I couldn't wait to tell you!)

Fall, Cheryl - Simply Samplers: Easy Techniques for Hand Embroidery - A sampler is a project made from a "sampling" of different stitches or different motifs. This book covers samplers in several different styles: cross-stitch, counted thread, surface, and freestyle embroidery. The author shares creative uses for sampler art beyond the basic wall hanging; gift bags, ornaments, scarves, tote bags, and more. She includes a how-to section with step-by-step instructions for basic embroidery stitches and sewing skills. Enjoy the 16 projects for decorative sampler designs plus creative variations.  $19.95  Due in August.

Friedlander, Carolyn - Savor Each Stitch: Studio Quilting with Mindful Design - An explanation of how selecting different materials, textures, and substrates combined with playing with the design concepts of line, contrast, scale, emphasis, color, volume and texture can impact the end result of the design. 8 quilts each with a multitude of color way options, illustrate how each design decision can impact the direction of a quilt. Projects range from table runners to full sized quilts each encouraging readers to play with design possibilities to create unique quilts of their own.  $27.95

Interweave Press - Mollie Makes Embroidery: Adorable Stitched Projects Plus Tips and Tricks - Basic embroidery stitches are clearly explained with step-by-step illustrations. 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.  Due out in August.  $19.99

Learner, Michaela - Ready to Stitch: Borders and Motifs - This is a collection of designs with accompanying iron-on transfer sheets for embellishing, upcycling and revamping clothes and accessories. Simply chose a design from one of the 32 stitches samplers provided, transfer it to your item using the corresponding iron-on transfer sheet, and add hand stitching following the instructions. With just ten simple embroidery stitches to choose from, all with clear, step-by-step diagrams, even those new to stitching will be able to tackle all the designs provided. Or you can interpret and experiment with the designs and give them your unique style.  Information on DMC thread colors included.  The eighty designs include flowers, butterflies, hearts, and fairies and much more.  $24.95  Due in August.


Shaw, Mandy - Modern Redwork Embroidery: Quilt and Stitch Redwork and Embroidery Designs - This book shares modern ideas for an old-style embroidery.  $23.99






I couldn't leave this blog without adding a few more mysteries.

Logan, Kylie - Death by Devil's Breath: A Chili Cook-Off Mystery - Maxie Pierce and the Chili Showdown are in Las Vegas for a very heated contest devoted to judging the legendary and notorious Devil's Breath chili. The guest judges are five casino performers with a taste for chili and an eye for publicity. But one of them is going to get more than he bargained for. Includes recipes. $7.99



Pike, Penny - Death of a Crabby Cook: A Food Festival Mystery - First in a new series.  When Bay Area restaurant reviewer Darcy Burnett is let go, she joins her feisty aunt Abby's hip food truck. After a local chef turns up dead at the San Francisco Seafood Festival, and her aunt is framed for the murder, Darcy wonders if one of the other vendors did him in. Includes recipes. $7.99




Adams, Ellery - Murder in the Mystery Suite - First in a new series. Storyton Hall in rural western Virginia is a resort that caters to book lovers. Resort manager Jane Steward organizes a Murder and Mayhem week so mystery fans can gather together for some role-playing and fantasy crime solving. But one fan takes the game too far, and Jane is determined to find a real-life killer,  $7.99




Casey Elizabeth Lynn - Taken In: A Southern Sewing Circle Mystery - When a trip to the Big Apple ends in murder, members of the Sweet Briar Ladies Society Sewing Circle search for a killer who's rotten to the core. Includes a patern and sewing tips.  $7.99








UNTIL NEXT TIME HAPPY READING AND STITCHING!

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