It's A Stitch of Charleston, SC Newsletter December 2010 Holiday Hours Closed Noon December 23 until December 28  December 28 - 31 Open from 10 AM - 5 PM Closed January 1 - 4 Dear      The month of December is always very busy with preparations for the Christmas season, and that season seems to arrive earlier and earlier each year. Maybe that's because we are bombarded as early as August with catalogs showcasing Christmas gift ideas. What could be better though, than the gift of something handmade? Knowing and appreciating that someone cares enough about you to spend hours either knitting something for you or stitching that special ornament for you, is a gift in and of itself.     We hope you have been able to complete all your projects, but there is still time to knit a few scarves, cowls, hats and other things for the people on your gift list. And, if you are still struggling for that perfect gift for the needlepointer or knitter in your life, what could be better than a Gift Certificate from It's A Stitch to let that person choose something special!     In this newsletter, you will see some of our customers' beautiful finished projects. Please note our December shop hours and news of our sales. Stop in and visit us. All of us at It's A Stitch of Charleston wish you and your families a wonderful holiday season.  Linda, Margot Jean, Pat, Lee, and Joan ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Just in Time for Christmas! Look at some of our customers' wonderful new pieces back from our expert finishers. Vicky Wile persevered, stitching one of Amanda Lawford's 30" stand-up Santas Linda's beaded pear ornament from Kelly Clark Designs Linda's "Alligator Purse"! Doesn't every girl deserve one? Great finishing idea from JP of Labors of Love Designs. "Chewy" is stuffed and finished with a faux clasp and gold chain purse handle. This canvas is available by itself, or as a kit with stitch guide and threads. In stock Drum ornament for Linda's grandson, Grant! Scottish Santa by Rebecca Wood Stitched by Linda from a Tony Minieri Stitch Guide Golfing Santa by Rebecca Wood Stitched by Ann Potter Picasso "Tartle" (...she is far too sophisticated to be called a mere turtle) Stitched by Glo Novello Stitch guide by Linda and Glo Baltimore Oriole from the Labors of Love Bird Collection Stitched by one of our newest and most enthusiastic stitchers, Lyn Powell. She did a great job! Featured Designer this month Marie Barber of Colors of Praise Designs Marie is an artist whose love of needlepoint led to her unique designs. She grew up in Sweden and studied fine art. She received a degree in visual art from The Art Institute of Atlanta. Her designs have appeared in Victoria, Paula Dean, Just Cross Stitch, Southern Lady and other publications. We knew instantly that we wanted to have some of her designs at It's A Stitch. They are beautifully painted with fresh designs and colors. Some examples in the shop are below: Picture Frame Picture Frame Lamp Shade Canvases (Shades are in stock) Wide Cross-over Belts or Camera Straps or for other imaginative ideas To view Colors of Praise designs: www.colorsofpraiseart.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ What Else Is New in Needlepoint? New From Sharon G If you have ever met Sharon, you know that she has a very wry sense of humor. She has named one of her canvases "Graphic Girls" (really horses' behinds, but she didn't name it as it could have been named!) Sharon has been traveling and teaching classes with this whimsical piece, but if you don't want to travel, and would like to venture out on your own, we have her great stitch guide for this canvas. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The second "horse" canvas is titled "Ho, Ho, Ho", and while we can tell this is a Christmas themed canvas, we know Sharon! Here are the girls: What's New In Knitting? Featured Yarn this month is "Savoy" from Tahki Yarns Savoy is a luxurious 52% silk/48% Merino wool yarn 108 Yards Size 8 Needles Gauge: 18 sts. and 24 rows = 4"Stitches This yarn is pure pleasure to knit Below is a lace pattern shawl made with Savoy in a gorgeous red Pattern from: "Modern Living" from S. Charles Collezione Fall Collection Required 10 balls Knit on Size 9 circular needles   Bring a smile to your wife, your husband, your friend with a Gift Certificate from It's A Stitch this holiday season, or any time of the year! Joy from us all...Linda, Margot, Jean, Pat, Lee, and Joan   Wow! Come in between December 28 and December 31 to see what we will have for our End of the Year Sale! Canvases, Yarns, and more!