MARCH BLOG WILL PUBLISH MONDAY, MARCH 21st 2016. 



     NEEDLE NEWS AND BOOK REVIEWS

                   FEBRUARY 2016 BLOG
                                     

I guess I should be writing good-bye February since this blog is so late due to my right should fracture and being hacked but I've managed to reconstruct it from scratch! (Hope you don't see any sweat, blood, or tears on this page!)  Glad to get it back.

Anyhow,  I went to the web, dictionary, etc. and could not find out how February got its name.  Poor February!  It also was given only 28 days except for Leap Year every four years.  And lucky us this is a Leap Year.  Hoorah! Aren't we always looking for more time?  Well, here it is.  Put this extra day to good use.  I know I need it badly after my accident and hacking.  Have fun with yours. What a great time to get more needlework done. 

The gemstone and color for February is amethyst.  I think most of us think red because Valentine's day is in February so we see red everywhere for the first half of this month.  But no, we need to think purple.  Amethyst is believed to protect the wearer from evil and harm. I guess I should have been wearing this gem!  Whatever the meaning, it is a beautiful stone and look good in needlework. 

I hope your year is humming along and you are enjoying stitching!    Ruth



A ROOM OF ONE'S OWN (AND HOW TO KEEP IT ORGANIZED)

As a child I shared a bedroom with my sister.  We were two different people with different interests and friends.  We also had different ideas on organizing it and who stuff should be where.  We worked most of it out between us but I (am I'm sure she did as well) dreamed of a room of my own.  Then I got married and had two children and there was no spare room for me though each child had a room of their own.  Today, years later, I have a room of my own to write, read, or stitch, or whatever I want to do (even daydream).  I hope you have a room (or special space) for your needlework or other interests.

Some years ago I saw a televised, one-woman play about Virginia Woolf that featured this famous author giving her famous lecture,  A Room of One's Own, at a woman's college back in her day when women still had a problem getting a college  education, a job, and even entering into university libraries.  She was to speak on writing for women but took her audience back in history to describe the condition for 14th, 16th, and even 19th century women as being under the thumb of a man ruled society and not allowed to grow or decide anything for herself without male approval.  In fact, she described these poor women as being locked up, beaten, and flung around the room.  If you watch the news, local and international you've seen what can still happen to women who decide to rebel that male authority.  Virginia

Woolf's lecture was to encourage women to write but first she said, "you need a room of your own AND money." Her point was women need get their own space to create and money to keep them independent, in other-words, respect for what they are doing whether it be writing or designing, or stitching.  I wonder if the women in Ireland who, during the potato famine, worked lace to save their families from starvation, got respect and credit? I hope so.

If you'd like to read her whole lecture copies of A Room of One's Own is still available.  $8.00

The second part of having a room of one's own is organizing it so it is pleasant to work in (I have a large floor to ceiling window in mine that looks out onto the backyard.) and keeping papers, materials, etc. in order for easy use.  Nothing is more frustrating than the "missing paper hunt" and wasting the allotted time for your project on searching for it.  Same goes for tools and threads, books, etc.  I've been there and done that and I learned the hard way to find better ways to keep things in order but I think no matter how good we are a few fresh ideas don't hurt. 

Below I've included some neat books on organizing so we can get a fresh prospective on keeping the myriad of things we must deal with in good order. 

Clement, Christopher - It's All About Work: Organizing Your Company to Get Work Done - This is an eye-opening book how to attack these challenges from a sound base that is both practical and realistic. Five simple principles are demonstrated and shown how you can put them to work in your company. $19.95

Hallock, Lois - Creating Your Perfect Quilting Space: Sewing Room Makeovers for Any Space and Any Budget - This book explains how to transform a cluttered, makeshift space into a functional, beautiful and well-organized home quilting studio, as a guide that offers dozens of helpful ideas, and tips, an innovative selection of practical storage solution, and before and after photos of real-life makeovers for different sized spaces and a range of budgets.  $34.95



Maggio, Rosalie - The Art of Organizing Anything: Simple Procedures for Organizing Your Home, Your Office, and Your Life - The disorder in your life may be keeping you from accomplishing your goals. This book helps you streamline your life at home and at work, reduce stress, be more efficient and locate all those misplaced items. This best-selling author introduces an organizing principles you can tailor to meet your own needs. You'll learn how to put 10 essential organizing principles into practice. This book is packed with lists, tips, shortcuts, advice, and inexpensive solutions.  $20.00



Silber, Lee - Organizing from the Right Side of the Brain: A Creative Approach to Getting Organized - Almost all organizing books are for left-brainers - people who are generally disciplined, neat, and analytical. But for those who are more creative and spontaneous rather than logical and detail oriented, help is on the way! The author turns organizing advice on its head and offers unique solutions that complement the unorthodox lifestyle of the creative "right-brainers".  $18.99



Thomas, Geralin - Decluttering Your Home: Tips, Techniques and Trade Secrets - The author has been a professional decorator since 2002. The book is full of bite-sized information and suggestions for every area of the house. She offers specific suggestions on decluttering, as well as fantastic organizing  and storage tips. What's great she gives advice on backsliding.  $19.95




       CRAZY ABOUT CRAZY QUILTING

                 "Crazy Quilts are to patchwork quilts what jazz is to symphony. Jazz is improvisational but works within a structure. The final result is most noticeable for the individual touches the artist brings to the underlying foundation of the melody, rhythm, and key. "  Nancy Kirk, Crazy Quilt Society

Crazy quilting is an American as American Pie. It became a craze in this country in the 1880-s and within a few years you could find these "crazies" in rooms of most houses in this country. Why did these crazy quilts become popular then? Probably because more was good. This quilt style was non-functional embellished mementos to the dead, events, holidays, and even weddings. Each one was a unique remembrance.

In Colonial times patchwork quilts weren't a decorative fad but born out of necessity, since small pieces of cloth could be pieced together with a foundation to create one-of-a-kind fabric that had a purpose. Why waste good leftover fabric then or now?

This was not the first time crazy-style worked fabric actually reared its head but for clothing not bedding. Think of the Harlequins, those wonderful, magical characters that probably originated in the 12th century Venice carnival. The costume is considered the earliest crazy patchwork style. In the 16th century Japanese nobility at times wore kimono garments of crazy-style patchwork joined in stripes. What's that old saying: what goes around comes around?  Nothing stays out-of-style forever. The rage for crazy quilting died back as fads have a way of doing but today they are once again very popular and show no sign of fading away.

What makes them so popular? I think it's the 'do your own thing attitude' The more you add, the better the quilt. Whether ribbon, buttons, beads, pictures, handkerchiefs, trade cards or you name it, are added to the 'crazie' the better it becomes. It is you own design, reflecting your own ideas. When I look at these marvels of imagination Picasso jumps into my mind. Did he get his inspiration for his art from these quilts? I tested my theory on my husband, Mark, asking him to look at a number of crazy quit pictures. "Who do you think of when you see these quilts. His reply (without prompting) came fast. "Picasso"

Naturally I had to investigate further and went on the web to see what I could find out about Picasso. Guess what? His period of Analytic Cubism (1909-1912) certainly reminds me of crazy patchwork only, at times, he inserts people. His Synthetic Cubism period (1912 -1919) was a further development of this genre in which cut pieces of paper (newspaper or wallpaper,

etc.) were pasted into compositions, which heralded the first use of college in art. I still can't say whether crazy quilting gave Picasso a new direction in his art but I am of a mind these patterns might have stirred his creativity. What do you think?

Although crazy quilt teachers will tell you there are no real rules in design, stitching is another matter. It must be good. There are lots of decorative embroidery stitches to chose from and the following books can take you deep into the ins and outs of this marvelous art so your quilt could become a family heirloom.  (discount code: hrt16)


Brick, Cindy - Crazy Quilts: History, techniques, Embroidered Motifs - An exquisitely illustrated history of the crazy quilt from colonial days to ours, with expert instructions for planning, piecing, and embroidering or embellishing your own 'crazy'.  $29.95




Clouston, Jennifer - Foolproof Crazy-Quilt Projects: 10 Projects, Seam-By-Seam Stitch Maps, Stitch Dictionary, Full-Size Patterns - Embrace the versatility of crazy quilting with quick-to-sew projects! This best-selling author shares 10 small, useful items from a tablet purse to summer slippers, each will full-size patterns. Mix cotton, wool, linen, and silk for eclectic fabric pairings to complement each project. Beginning and experienced crazy quilters will love the dictionary of 60 embroidery and beading stitches, foundation piecing primer, plus stitch mapes for all seam treatments and embellishments.  $26.00


Montano, Judith Baker - Embroidery and  Crazy Quilt Stitch Tool - This handy, spiral-bound book brings us 180 stitches and combinations, tips for needles, thread, ribbon, fabric illustrations for left-handed and right-handing stitching.  $22.95

Montano, Judith Baker - The Crazy Quilt Handbook - This classic guide has been updated in full color. New projects, new photos, and up-to-the-minute techniques make the process more user-friendly. Includes seven designs for a total of 12 beautiful projects to get you started including wallhangings, jewelry, and on an evening bag.  $19.95



Pan, Gail - Patchwork Loves Embroidery: Hand stitches, pretty projects - From Australia this author brings us 15 patchwork and hand-embroidery projects including wall hangings, table runners, totes and fabric covers for books or folders. Learn the basic of hand embroidery; using the correct needle, choosing threads and fabrics, and transferring the designs.  $24.99




Shaw, Kathy Seaman - Embellishing Crazy Quilts: For Beginners - Even beginners can create beautiful crazy quilts with this book to guide your stitching. Template patterns will help you keep seams straight and net... and give you great variety. 150 combinations seams are charted so you can see exactly how to stitch them...and they are easy! Use simple embroidery stitches to create these...straight stitch, lazy daisy, French knot...Plus 104 different monogram designs and over 60 embroidery motifs are charted...to include flowers, baskets, birds, teapots, hearts, and more! A great addition to your crazy quilt library .. even if you are not a beginner!  $29.95

Shaw, Kathy Seaman - Crazy Quilting Volume I: Beyond the Basics - The basics and more are covered in this first volume. Topics include: How to apply the principles of Design to guarantee balanced results. Take the guess work out of selecting colors of fabrics and embellishment supplies. Dye your own ribbons, lace and fabric. Stitch fancy seams that are easy, always beautiful, uniformly spaced and balanced. Use diagrams of the surface embroidery, silk ribbon embroidery, and surface beading stitches to help you create these perfectly every time. Plus 94 seam designs, template patterns, and eight full sixe block patterns are inside. This is a great book for the novice crazy quilter or even stitchers that have never done a crazy quilt, embroidery of any kind, but want to learn create beautiful embellished crazy quilt projects.  $34.95


POTPOURRI OF NEW BOOKS
                  
Bernard, Wendy - The Knitting All Around Stitch Dictionary - This is the follow-up to the very popular Up, Down, All-Round Stitch Dictionary - $29.95.  This book  includes 150 new stitch patterns to knit top down, bottom up, back and forth, and in the round. The stitch patterns are organized by type - knit and purl, textured stitches, ribs, lace, and cables - plus a chapter on mosaic knitting.  $29.95


Eckert, Monika and Stephanie van der Linden - Romantic Lace Knitting - In this beautiful book you will find 20 gorgeous lace knitting designs. While away magical hours knitting with delicate yarn and bright colours to create shawls and scarves to take with you wherever you go. The authors lead you through the essential techniques of increasing, decreasing, casting off, checking tension and adding beads, along with step-by-step illustrations and helpful hints and tips for selecting yarn and troubleshooting.  $19.95  Due in May.

Gompertz, Will - Think Like an Artist: And Lead a More Creative, Productive Life - How do artists think? Where does their creativity originate? This author seeks answers to these questions in his exuberant, intelligent, witty, and thought-provoking style. From Caravaggio to Warhol, from Da Vinci to Ai Wei Wei, this book identifies 10 key lessons we can learn from the greatest artists throughout history, and collects ideas from leading contemporary figures in the arts who are creatively forging new paths.  $22.95 Due in April.


Jain, Rabul - Textiles and Costumes At Royal Court of Jaipur - The textiles of the Kachwaha Raipur maharajas of Amber-Jaipur were among the finest ever produced in India. This book offers tribute to that remarkable artistic and material legacy, and is the first comprehensive overview of the court textiles of any princely Indian state.  $130.00




Kapolos, Janet, Shelley Selim, et.al - What if Textiles: the Art of Gerhardt Knodel - This book gives us a one-of-a-kind look at all aspects of the work of internationally renowned contemporary textile artist, Gerhardt Knodel. Including over 400 images, it documents the development of Knodel's art from 1969 through 2014. He became widely known for creating huge "environments of cloth" like Panel Channel, a corridor of china silk panels through which viewers walk. Knodel has transformed our view of textiles during the past 40 years.  In this book he describes his goals as well as his interest in the complex language of historic textiles as a stimulus to new work in the fiber medium.



Livingstone, Karen - C.F.A. Voysey: Arts and Crafts Designer - C.F.A. Voysey (1857-1941) advocated honest and thoughtful design, believed in high standards of craftsmanship and encouraged the use of only the finest materials. his simple, elegant work - often enhanced y highly symbolic decoration - was considered revolutionary in his time and continues to enchant today. This definitive volume on Voysey's design life focuses on the English architect as a designer of furniture, metalwork, and textiles, providing a new analysis of his characteristic motifs. It offers a complete and full6y illustrated account of both his output and his vision for domestic life at the turn of the 20th century. $65.00

Owen, Cheryl - Quilting for the Absolute Beginner - This clear and easy-to-follow guide is the ideal tool for the complete beginner to quilting. It is packed with expert crafter Cheryl Owen's helpful advice and exciting projects, and guides readers from the basic stitches right through to more complex quilting techniques. $21.95




Parker, Clara - Knitlandia: A Knitter See the World - Over the last decade, the author, has clocked so many travel miles that she's essentially taken off from or landed in a new city every two weeks. In this book she takes us along on 17 of her most memorable voyages, big and small from the fjords of Iceland to a cozy yarn shop in Paris's 13th arrondissement, fro a noisy spinning mill in Taos to a fledgling festival in Edinburgh. With her usual mix of warmth and humor she weaves a masterful narrative that is both personal and universal, touching the heart of what it means to be a knitter.  $19.95


Smith, Caroline - Sewing for the Absolute Beginner - This clear, easy to follow guide is the ideal tool to get beginners started sewing. It is packed with expert, helpful and exciting projects, and guides the reader from the basic stitches right through to more complex techniques. Step-by-step instructions and the spiral, hands free format enable you to practice and master each technique more easily. The author covers all the tools, equipment, terminology and techniques, and includes a selection of attractive simple projects specially designed for the beginner.  $21.95

Suttey, Lee - Sketching Type - A Guided Sketchbook for Creative Hand Lettering - In this book you'll find more than 50 inspirational exercises and creative prompts divided by type style-retro, futurists, ornamental exercises and fun - to help generate ideas, encourage experimentation, and make practicing enjoyable. Each exercise is introduced with whimisical visuals and followed by three pages (some blank, some with templates where you can practice and try out your own ideas.  $19.95


Van Den Hoek, Judith - How to Wear Jewelry - From wearing a classic strand of pearls to stacking an eclectic set of bangles, this book offers 55 creative ways to accessorize and style your bijoux. Covering a variety of materials, iconic designs, and trendsetting looks, the beautifully illustrated guide is a must-have guide for anyone who loves jewelry.  $12.95


FOLLOW THE CLUES TO A GOOD MYSTERY





Abbott, Victoria - The Marsh Madness (Book Collecting Mystery #4) - This national bestselling author brings us another spine-tingling mysteryfeaturing rare book collector Jordan Bingham and some Ngaio Marsh first editions worth killing for. Jordan works hard to improve Vera Van Aist's collection of classic detective stories. So when Chadwick Kauffman heir to the Kauffman fortune offers a very good price on a fine  collection of Ngaio Marsh first editions owned by his recently deceased stepfather, she is thrilled to meet with him at his fabled summer estate, Summerlea. The next day, Jordan and Vera are shocked to read that Chadwick has died in a fall from the grand staircase at Summerlea. Bur when the picture in the paper is of a different man, it becomes clear that the ladies are victims of a scam. And they'll have to unmask the killer the imposter because someone is trying to frame them for murder.  $7.99



Alan, Isabelle - Murder Plainly Read (Amish Quilt Shop Mystery #4) - In this latest book from Isabelle Alan an Amish man checks out permanently, but quilt shop owner Angie Braddock's got this mystery covered.  $7.99




Allen, Beverly - Floral Depravity (Bridal Bouquet Shop Mystery (Center Point) #3 - As the co-owner of the Rose in Bloom Flower Shop, Audrey knows how to put together unique wedding bouquets, but this one takes the cake. The daughter of a local historian is getting married in a medieval-themed, hand-fasting ceremony, and Audrey is responsible for providing period-accurate blooms. But making sure she gets her roses right turns out to be the least of Audrey's problems. Shortly after the vows are exchanged, the father of the groom suddenly drops dead. When Audrey discovers the man's death stems from monkshood poisoning, it's a clear case of murder. Now, faced with a suspect list that rivals the guest list, Audrey needs to root out the toxic killer.  $7.99


Budewitz, Leslie Ann - Guilty as Cinnamon: A Spice Shop Mystery (Spice Shop Mystery #2) - This bestselling author brings us a tantalizing mystery starring Pepper and her crew in Seattle. She brings us a smart blend of zesty characters, piquant spices, and scrumptious food. $7.99





Cochran, Peg - Berried Secrets: A Cranberry Cove Mystery #1) -This bestselling author brings us a new series set on a cranberry farm set on Lake Michigan where it is cranberry picking time.  Monica Albertson comes to Cranberry Cove to help her half-brother Jeff for the harvest. What she least expects to see is a dead body.  Includes delicious cranberry recipes.  $7.99




Erickson, Alex - Death By Coffee -(Bookstore Café Mysteries #1) - When Krissy Hancock and her best friend Vicki decide to open a bookstore café in their new town of Pine Hills, the decide to call it "Death by Coffee" after Krissy's father's most famous mystery novel. Little do they know how well the name fits. On their very first day of business, Brandon Lawyer huffily takes his coffee .. to the grave. It seems he had a peanut allergy but how could nuts be in his coffee? And who stole his emergency medication?  $7.99



Erickson, Alex - Death By Tea - (Bookstore Café Mysteries #2) - Mystery lovers have descended on Pine Hills for this year's book club competition, to be held at Krissy Hancock's Death by Coffee,  a book store café. But the killer in their midst seems determined to outwit all the armchair sleuths and send Krissy to the remainder bin forever.  $7.99






Flowers, Jean - Death Takes Priority: A Postmistress Mystery #1) - After caring for her dying aunt and being dumped by her fiancé, Cassie Miller decides to return to her small hometown in the Berkshires to lick her wounds and live in the house where she was raised. Leaving behind her managerial position in the Boston main postal office, Cassie for the job of Postmaster of North Ashcot, Massachusetts. Everything is business as usual until Cassie arrives at work one day to find the post office has been broken into. The only items stolen: stacks of telephone books. Who steals phone books? Two days later, the body of an unidentified man is found in the woods. And when the handsome antiques dealer she just had lunch with is taken into custody, Cassie is suddenly drawn into the case.  $7.99

Hyzy, Julie - Grace Cries Uncle (Manor House Mystery #6) - When Grace's estranged sister Liza shows up on her doorstep, the timing couldn't be worse. Grace's beloved boss and benefactor, Bennett Marshfield, has finally gotten her to agree to a DNA test to establish if he is, in fact, her uncle. If so, Grace would move from being the trusted curator and manager of Marshfield Manor to Bennett's heir. And her duplicitous sister would be right behind her in the line of inheritance. Liza is not the only mysterious visitor to arrive in town. A man claiming to be an FBI agent has shown up, and a swarm of avaricious antique collectors have descended on Emberstowne for a prestigious convention. When Bennett reveal he's in  mind to acquire a secret antique and the FBI agent turns up dead, the plot thickens. Is Liza at the center of it all?   $7.99

Tremel, Joyce - To Brew or Not to Brew ( Brewing Trouble Mystery #1) - The Allegheny Brew House is a dream come true to Maxine Max O'Hara, who went all the way to Germany for her brewmaster certification, and is now preparing to open her own craft brew pub in a newly revitalized section of Pittsburgh. But before she can start pouring stouts and lagers to thirst throngs, there is trouble on tap. Suspicious acts of sabotage culminate in Max finding her assistant brewmaster and chef Kurt Schmidt strangled in one of the vats.  $7.99


WELCOME TO RUTH KERN BOOKS

I hope you enjoyed your visit. If you hadn't heard of us before I'd like to introduce you to our business. We've been in business for over 21 years we set up book shops at both the ANG and EGA nationals and regionals and for other needlework organizations.

Can't find a certain book? Give us a call whether the title is in or out-of-print. We have a website as well as this blog. It is ruthkernbooks.com. It is being worked on but still usable.

Questions? Give us a call Monday through Saturday at 602-943-0738 between 9am and 6pm Arizona time. (Yes we are the people who never change their clocks forward or backward.) If I don't answer I'm probably in the middle of helping Mark, my husband with M.S. or on an errand so please leave a message and I will return your call ASAP. Or you can e-mail us at: rkern3@mindspring.com or rkernbooks@gmail.com. To reach us by mail: Ruth Kern Books  7235 N. 9th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85021.

IMPORTANT! Don't forget to find the discount code in this blog that gives you a 20% discount on any book you order.

Have a great 2016!  Remember to keep plenty of time available for stitching and reading.

I was hacked as I was finishing this blog and the entire blog was erased! My computer person is working on it today, Sunday Feb. 21st.  Stay tuned!  What a mess!  For those who asked: My fractured right arm is healing but it is still telling me what to do. OUCH! I'm limited but I can now use a paper and pen! Progress.  See You then.

JANUARY 2016 BLOG

         

Happy New Year!!

"Oh! For a book and a cozy nook! And Oh! For a quiet hour!" 

       -Anonymous- 

Hope you all had a great holiday season. Now we are on to the new year.  Did you make resolutions for 2016?  I did. January was named for the Roman god Janus. Janus had two faces, one in the past, and one in the future that reminds us though we need to move ahead we should always remember what we accomplished (or didn't) in the past. I took time on New Year's eve to remind myself of what I managed to do in 2015 and what I still need to do in 2016. (Janus16)

When I go back into 2015 I remember all the great customers I spoke with and the new books that arrived. How I love books!  But my happiness moment of the year came in the fourth quarter when I brought my husband home from assisted living. Because of MS this past year he stopped walking and it was suggested he go into a nursing home. But I didn't want that. I decided I could take care of him myself so I took refresher courses in medical work, home care, CPR, first aid, etc. With my confidence up I moved him home near the end of September. That was a hard move and stole some of my time from my business. Is everything perfect? No, because of his MS it will never be perfect. But both of us are much happier and that's all that matters.

Now looking ahead to 2016 I've decided to continue my  business of selling books and since I've studied my past year I am going to correct any mistakes I've made. And there will be no moving to contend with!  Life is good and I plan on celebrating that this new year. Of course I didn't count on catching my foot in a rear wheel of Mark's transporter and going down like a dead weight on my left shoulder and fracturing the head of the upper arm bone and getting extensive tissue damage - fortunately all healable. Luckily, I didn't hit my head, damage my glasses or knock some teeth out. So I count myself lucky.  The hardest part has been the awful pain when I type and not driving. My tenant has been wonderful in getting me to food stores, post office, etc.  The good news is the orthopedic doctor/surgeon said all should heal as good as new.  What more can you ask for??

What are in your plans for 2016?  I hope doing more reading and needleart are on your list.  Perhaps a good way to get the New Year started would to be to get the old inspiration going.

So what is the key to your creativity?  We'll explore ways to get that in high gear.

WHAT'S THE KEY TO YOUR CREATIVITY

Remember when keys looked like this?

No longer. Today keys are slim. In fact, at hotels they look like credit cards not like keys at all. I stumbled on to some pictures of ancient keys in a history book and was amazed at what keys looked like back then - big, important, many of them masterpieces of art.

     When I was a girl our backdoor key was kept under the milkbox. (Who reading this remembers the milkman?) I can well imagine how many keys these early morning delivery men found! Keys were also kept under welcome mats, on door ledges, under a stone, and other equally easy to figure out places but I never remember hearing about a robbery or burglary. Keys were different then and so was life.

     I have the old key to our backdoor hanging up on the wall of office. My father had painted it white to distinguish it from other keys. This key has come to symbolize more than my childhood home. When I tutored student in writing it reminded me I needed to find the "key" to turn students on to writing. When I face a tough problem it reminds me there is a "key" to resolving it.  Now the key is my symbol for writing this blog - a key to inspiration and creativity; a key to help unlock the door to that mysterious room in your brain that is full of ideas you never knew existed.

     Of course, there is no one way to be creative - that's the glory in it - the imagination can take wing in any direction it wants. But what better way to begin the search for the key to inspiration than through books or visiting artisans and learn how they stumbled upon the key for themselves.

     Years ago when I was in Denver setting up a bookshop for an EGA National Mark and I got an extra bonus when Caela Tyler, a certified needlework teacher, met us at the Tattered Cover Bookstore and gave us a tour of that immense bookstore.  As we approached each other I noted she carried a book I recognized immediately: The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use it for Life by Twyla Tharp, one of America's greatest choreographers. I can't tell you how long we discussed that book. It is still in print and is timeless.  Both Caela and I recommend it to students and friends. $17.00. 

     While browsing each floor of the bookstore Caela discovered a wonderful alphabet book, City Alphabet ($6.99). Each page is a different letter of the alphabet the author discovered hidden in plain sight on the walls of building, vehicles, pipes, and other right-in-front-of-you places and photographed them. What genius! How did the author tap into that? I guess when we take time to really see what we're looking at, really seeing becomes an important key to creativity.  The author, Stephan Johnson, has done a second book, Alphabet School where he explores the alphabet in everyday objects found at school.  $17.99

So in 2016 lets practice really looking for ideas to stitch and of course reading books on the creative process.  I've included a number of recommended books below:

Crutchley, Lee - How To Be Happy (or at Least Less Sad); A Creative Workbook - Through a series of supportive, surprising, and engaging prompts, this book sees things in a new light, and rediscover simple pleasures and everyday joy .. or a least a little less sad. By turns a workbook, trusted friend, creative outlet, security blanket, and diary, the pages of this book will offer solace, distraction, engagement, a fresh perspective, and hopeful new beginnings for readers of all ages and walks of life.  $14.95

Gilbert, Elizabeth - Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear - This author digs DEEP into her own generative process to share her wisdom and unique perspective about creativity. She offers potent insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration and asks us to embrace our curiosity and let go of needless suffering. She shows us how to tackle what we most love, and how to face down what we most fear. She discusses the attitudes, approaches, and habits we need in order to live our most creative lives.  $24.95

Grazer, Brian and Charles Fishman - A Curious Mind: The Secret to a Bigger Life - This book is a homage to the power of inquisitiveness and the ways in which it deepens and improves us. Whether you're looking to improve your management style at work or you want to become a better partner this book looks to get you moving.  The authors Brian Grazer is an Academy Award-nominated producer and acclaimed business journalist Charles Fishman bring us a peek into the weekly "curiosity conversations" that have inspired Grazer to create his wonderful movies. He schedules weekly "curiosity conversations"with an accomplished stranger - from scientists to spies, to adventurers to business leaders with the purpose of stirring his pot of creativity.  What a great idea!  With all the time we spend gabbing on the phone maybe those little gab fests could go a big step further.  $25.99

Johnson, Steven - Where Good Ideas Come From - This is a sweeping study of the history of innovation that breaks out the seven patterns of innovation like "the slow hunch" and "serendipity". It debunks the myth of the lone genius and presents the real-world dynamics and context that enable innovation.

Pressfield, Steven - Do the Work: Overcome Resistance and Get Out of Your Own Way - Could you be getting in your way of producing great work? Have you started a project but never finished? Would you like to do work that matters but don't know where to start? If so, this book is your answer and a weapon against Resistance - a tool that will help you take action and successfully ship projects out the door. It doesn't matter what the project this author identifies the predictable Resistance Points along the way and walks you through each of them.  $9.99

Rogge, Robie and Dian G. Smith - Do One Thing Every Day That Inspires You - Every day is an opportunity to engage your persistence, patience, imagination, and daring as you stretch the boundaries of your creativity. Daily doses of wisdom and encouragement from famous artists, writers, architects, musicians, chefs, dancers, photographers, designers, and other creative. With space to doodle and to record personal epiphanies, watch creativity transcend borders, and prepare yourself to make that leap, too. At the end you will have built a portfolio that showcases your most inspired year ever.   $12.95

NOW I'LL INTRODUCE A REAL EMBROIDERY INSPIRATION: Merrilyn Heazlewood

Merrilyn lives what we Americans refer to as "down under", now in Northern Tasmania having returned to her childhood home.  Since the age of five she has been stitching including sewing her own doll clothes. All her needlepoint and embroidery are designed as she stitches and no computer is ever used.  In fact, she is so familiar with her beloved fabric, threads and needles, Merrilyn very rarely uses a diagram or draws out a plan and only uses a colour pallet of threads, the fabric or canvas to begin her stitching.

Although stitching is her first love always, in Tasmania Merrilyn has taken interest in farm life, especially lambing time, cooking, preserving and more. In spite of all her activities she has managed to teach needlework and writing articles for Needle Pointers magazine and Needlepoint Now both here in the USA. 

She has nine other books published in the 1990's besides the new ones I listed below.  If you get hooked on her designs I'll be happy to supply you the titles of her older books, still available.

Happy Stitching!

Begonias and Snowdrops: Silk Ribbon Needlepoint - Silk ribbon, needlepoint, ruffles and textures are used here. Enjoy stitching the elegant Begonias or delicate Snowdrops using silk ribbon, wool embroidery, cotton and silk threads are combined into her wide range of needlepoint subjects.  $32.00

Camellias: Silk Ribbon Needlepoint - Soft delicate Camellias are created with silk ribbon. This is Merrilyn's latest design is of counted needlepoint, silk ribbon, creative embroidery with silk, cotton and wool are all needlepoint formats that Merrilyn delights in designing and sharing.  $32.00

Ooooooh, So Cute - Fushsias, Irises, Daffodils - Needlepoint, silk ribbon, embroidery to create your own gifts. Share you love of needlework with those you love. Make a needlepoint book for your own needlework basket or give it as a gift. Also make pincushions and more.  $32.00

Splendor and Sparkle: Counted Needlepoint - Counted needlepoint book with over 12 various techniques to create this wonderful design.  $32.00

Stitches for Sarah - Formal Gardens and needlepoint are a great marriage. Inspired by formal gardens these three designs are easy to stitch and look great when finished. Enjoy Merrilyn delights in sharing her original needlepoint, silk ribbon so you can create her original needlepoint, silk ribbon and create embroidery designs.  $32.00

Tudor Garden: Counted Needlepoint - This book incorporates over 14 needlepoint stitches. Easy to follow. Plenty of graphs and photos to support the text. Sections of this design can be used on smaller items.  $32.00

Since silk ribbon is part of these needlepoint techniques I've included two classic silk ribbon books for those who need a refresher course or who are learning for the first time. 

Cox, Ann - Silk Ribbon Embroidery Designs and Techniques - Learn how to create beautiful flowers and how to colour ribbons, paint backgrounds, add depth to garden scenes and enhance still-life arrangements.  $17.95

Van Niekerk, Di and Marina Zherdeva - Little Flowers in silk and organza ribbon - All completed projects are smaller than A4 size and templates of all the original designs are included, with easy-to-follow instructions on how to layer the embroidery and stumpwork to achieve the exquisite 3-D effect. using a combination of thread, ribbon embroidery, stumpwork and other techniques you can produce strawberry blossoms, daffodils, ring of daisies, wild roses, chamomiles and poppies in #D, with butterflies and ladybirds, and much more.  $24.95

POTPOURRI OF NEW BOOKS

TWO GREAT NEW NEEDLEPOINT BOOKS BY TWO GREAT AUTHORS

Oliverio, Elaine - Stitch Winter - This a first of her new Stitch Seasons Series that will be followed by the other seasons.  This book is set up in the same format as her first two best sellers with a spiral format. She includes angels, bells, bows, candy canes, holly, Judaica, holiday lights, ornaments, presents, Santa Hats, snowflakes and trees.  $39.95

   

        Her first two books are: Stitch Ins and Outs: Interiors and Exteriors Plus - All kinds of great architectural stuff including barns, baskets, bricks, buildings, chimneys, fabrics, floors, houses and molding, patios, pavement, roof, rugs, trims and borders, walls and wallpaper, windows. As always great graphs.  $39.95

                                      

       Stitch Landscape - This book covers: clouds, flowers, grass, mountains, sand, shrubbery, sky snow, soil, stones, trees, water.  Great graphs.  $39.95

      

Another Great Needlepoint Book by Julie Synder

I'm sure most needlepointers are familiar with Julie Synder as a teacher and as a great writer of needlepoint books.  For newcomers to her great series of books meandering through the alphabet.  Now she is up to K - with the latest just released this month,  Key to Canvas Embellishment. $39.95   As with all her previous books this book is 8 1/2 inches tall and about 5 1/2 inches wide with a spiral binding.  She explains each stitch and has clear graphs with directions noted for each stitch. At the moment I have no photo available.

If you don't have her others in this series I am happy to list them here.

176 Amazing Stitches - $36.95

Backgrounds and Such - $37.95

Categories for Needlepoint Stitches - $38.95

Darn Fillings - $38.95

Everything Blackwork is New Again - $38.95

First Stitch First - $34.95

Great Layers for Needlepoint - $38.95

Just Stitches I Use - $39.95

HOLD THE PRESSES!

Carole Lake and Michael Boren bring us two new books:

Desert Island Stitches Vol. II - This is the follow-up to their very popular Desert Island Stitches Vol. I ($25.00)- both are in a

convenient small size about 5"x7" and spiral-bound for easy use when learning the stitches.  This new book covers ideas for creative borders. $30.00

Their second new book is: TWISTY STITCHES: String Art for Needlepoint - This larger book is an entire study on Amadeus through Jessica Stitches

with step-by-step photos. Since this is A -J - we stitchers have another volume to look forward to.  $58.00

OTHER BOOKS TO DROOL OVER!

Pearle II - Butterflies of North America - American artist and naturalist Peale II (1700-1885) - had a passion for butterflies and throughout his long life he wrote and illustrated an ambitious and comprehensive manuscript that was never published. Now his color plates are published for the first time in this beautiful volume.  $40.00

Sader, Desiree - Inside Haute Couture -With exclusive photos this book offers a private tour of 10 meccas of French fashion. From the splendor of the VIP reception rooms to the privacy of sewing ateliers, the daily lives of the most renowned figures in haute couture are showcased along side the skilled artisans and their stunning creations. This is a unprecedented journey into the secret world of French haute couture.  $50.00  Due in March.

Wilks, Mike - The Ultimate Alphabet: Complete Edition - In the 1980's the author set out to depict as many words as possible in 26 images corresponding to the alphabet. Each image contains hundreds of items, all starting with the same letter.  $50.00

DESTINATION - A GOOD MYSTERY

Adams, Ellery - Murder in the Mystery Suite (Book Retreat Mysteries) - First in a series - Tucked away in the rolling hills of rural western Virginia is the storybook resort of Storyton Hall, catering to book lovers who want to get away from it all. To increase her number of bookings, resort manager Jane Steward has decided to host a Murder and Mayhem week so that fans of the mystery genre can gather together for some role-playing and fantasy crime solving. But when the winner of the scavenger hunt, Felix Hampden, is found dead in the mystery Suite, and the valuable book he won is missing, Jane realizes one of her guests is an actual murderer. Amid a resort full of fake detectives, Jane is bound and determined to find a real-life killer. $7.99

Adams, Ellery - Murder in the Paperback Parlor (Book Retreat Mystery #2) - With Valentine's Day around the corner, Jane Steward is organizing a week of activities for fans of love stories at her book-themed resort. But her Regency readers barely have time to brush up on their Jane Austen before tragedy strikes Storyton Hall. Rosamund York, one of the most celebrated authors in attendance, is killed. Rosamund had as many enemies as she did admirers, including envious fellow novelists. It's up to Jane with the help of her book club, the Cover Girls, to catalogue the list of suspects and find a heartless killer before the murderer writes someone else off.  $7.99

Alexander, Ellie - On Thin Icing: A Bakeshop Mystery - Welcome to Torte - a small town family bakeshop where the treats are killer good. It's the dead of winter in the sleepy town of Ashland, which means no tourists and fewer customers for Jules Capshaw and her bakery. But when she's asked to cater an off-season retreat for the directors of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, business starts heating up ...until Jules finds a dead body in the freezer. First in a series.  $7.99

Alexander, Ellie - A Batter of Life and Death: A Bakeshop Mystery - It's summer in Ashland, Oregon -'tis the season for a spiced hot apple cider with a serving of Torte's famous peach cobble. It's also the perfect time to promote her family's beloved bake shop by competing in the Pastry Channel's reality show, Take the Cake. The prize is $25,000. But as Jules quickly learns some people would kill for that kind of dough. Just as Jules dusts off her Bavarian Chocolate Cake recipe and cinches up her apron, the corpse of a fellow contestant is discovered - a death by buttercream. What began as fun has morphed into something of a true-crime detective show for Jules and the others on the set.  $7.99

Carmack, Amanda - Murder at Hatfield House (Elizabethan Mystery) - First in a new series. 1588, Kate Haywood, a simple musician in the employ of a princess, will find herself involved in games of crowns, as she sets out to solve the murder of the queen's envoy. England is in a tumult under the rule of Queen Mary and her Spanish husband. Confined to house arrest at Hatfield House, young Princess Elizabeth is the country's greatest hope. Kate proves herself most valuable when an envoy of the queen sent to flush out heretics in the princess's household is found dead on the grounds of Hatfield. Acting as Elizabeth's eyes and ears, Kate is sent out on the trail of a killer whose mission could destroy her family, friends and the future of England.  $7.99


Carmack, Amanda - Murder at Westminster Abbey - Life at the center of the new royal court is abuzz with ambition and gossip - very different from the quiet countryside where Kate served Elizabeth during her exile. Making her way among the courtiers who vie for the new queen's favor, Kate befriends Lady Mary Everley. Mary is very close to Elizabeth. With their red hair and pale skin, they even resemble each other - which

makes Mary's murder all the more chilling. The celebrations go on despite the pall cast over them. But when another redhead is murderd, Kate uncovers a deadly web of motives lurking just beneath the polite court banter, and follows the trail of a killer whose grievance can only be answered with royal blood.  $7.99

Carmack, Amanda - Murder in the Queen's Garden - 1559, Elizabeth has been on the throne for six months, and life in England seems newly golden. But for the Royal Court, murder and betrayal are foretold in the stars.. Kate Haywood, the queen's musician, has been keeping busy playing for a merry

round of summer parties, where famed astrologist Dr. John Dee and his fantastic horoscopes are all the rage. However, Elizabeth's favorite stargazer fails to predict the discovery of a skeleton in the queen's garden..and that the victim's identity will call his own innocence into question. When the doctor's pupil is the victim of a second murder, the concerned queen enlists her trusted Kate to clear the accused killer of wrongdoing. But will the stars align to light Kate's path through a tangled thicket of treachery to save Elizabeth's prized astrologer and protect the queen from those who threaten her reign?  $7.99

Carmack, Amanda - Murder at Whitehead - 1559.  The 12 Days of Christmas at Whitehall Palace will be celebrated as a grand affair. But there are those who wish to usher in the New Year by ending Queen Elizabeth's reign. The Queen receives an anonymous letter that threatens to reveal untoward advances

from her beloved Queen Catherine's last husband, Thomas Seymour. Kate has barely begun investigating when one of Spain's visiting lords is found murdered.  $7.99

Delany, Vicki - Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen: A Year -Round Christmas Mystery - As the owner of Mrs. Claus's Treasures, Merry Wilkinson knows how to decorate homes for the holidays. That's why she thinks her float in the semi-annual Santa Claus parade is a shoe-in for best in show. But when the tractor pulling Merry's float is sabotages, she has to face facts: there's a Scrooge in Christmas Town. When she stumbles upon the reporter's body and the police say he was poisoned by a gingerbread cookie made by her best friend, Vicky - Merry will have to figure out who's really been grinching about town.  $7.99

James, Miranda - Arsenic and Old Books (Cat in the Stacks Mystery) - Lucinda Beckwith Long, the mayor of Athena, Mississippi, has donated a set of Civil War Diaries to the achives of Athena College. She would like the librarian Charlie Harris to preserve and substantiate them as a part of the Long family legacy something that could benefit her son, Buck, as he prepares to campaign for the state senate. His biggest rival would love to get a look at the diaries in an attempt to expose the Long family's past sins. Meanwhile, a history professor is also determined to get her hands on the books in a last-ditch bid for tenure. But the interest suddenly turns deadly, leaving Charlie with a catalog of questions to answer. Together with his Maine Coon cat Diesel, Charlie must discover why the diaries were worth killing for.  $7.99

WELCOME TO RUTH KERN BOOKS!

I hope you enjoyed your visit. If you haven't heard of us before I'd like to introduce you to our business.  We've been in business for over 21 years we set up book shops at both the ANG and EGA Nationals and regionals and other needlework organizations.

Can't find a certain book? Give us a call whether the title is in or out-of-print. We have a website as well as this blog. It is ruthkernbooks.com.

Questions? Give us a call Monday - through Saturday:602-943-0738 between 9 am and 6 pm Arizona time. (Yes, we are the people who never change our clocks forwards or backwards.) If I don't answer I'm probably in the middle of helping Mark so please leave a message and I will return your call ASAP. To fax us: 602-944-4108. This is a new fax number. If you prefer you can e-mail me at: rkern3@mindspring.com or rkernbooks@gmail.com. To reach  us by mail: Ruth Kern Books 7235 N. 9th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85021.

IMPORTANT!! Don't forget to find the discount code in this blog that gives you a 20% discount on any book you order.

Have a great 2016!  Remember to keep plenty of time available for stitching and reading.

See you in February!