The Dyed & Gone to Heaven Online Magazine is produced monthly. Throughout the year many issues have had special themes. Browse below for links to the features you may have missed.

Christmas in July

Tribute to the UK Designers

Bags, Purses, Clutches and More...

Holiday Extravaganza

Stitching Sailors and Other Nautical Themes

Back to School Special

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Christmas in July
When better to begin contemplating ornaments, stockings and other holiday decorations than now. Meet our numerous guest stitchers, teachers and designers whose works capture the magical spirit of this most festive of Holiday Seasons.

FEATURE COLUMN - Travel with us as we explore the Christmas needlework traditions in various countries and cultures around the world. Discover how stitchers have created holiday decorations with their needlework projects traditionally and which techniques, themes, motifs and decorative touches are more contemporary adaptations.

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT - on Libby Sturdy, acclaimed for her customized Santas. Libby incorporates into each Santa individual characteristics of the guild, area, profession or any other element specified. If you're looking for a Santa with real style and personality, look no further! We gleefully present a free pattern for the newest addition to her collection, "Snowflake Santa," for our web visitors to make and enjoy.

GALLERY - Featuring socks and stockings of every "stripe," but not the kind you wear. Whether a stocking to hang on the mantle or a sock ornament to adorn your tree, we present a group of designers, who are in a class by themselves, acclaimed for the innovative and distinctive combination of motifs, patterns, stitches, techniques, colors and styles they apply to creating Christmas sock and stocking designs.

ON-LINE CLASS - Carolyn Mitchell, proprietress of a shop with the curious name of "Mrs. Twitchett's Eye," complements our Yuletide theme by teaching a new Christmas tree ornament design. Carolyn's expertise ranges a gamut of techniques, with embroidery education as her main focus. For this project, the fibers used, Waterlilies "Holiday" and "Snow" have provided the inspiration to name this decoration: "Holiday Snow."

SHOP FOCUS -  At Pocket Full of Stitches, whose name was inspired by a nursery rhyme, they stitch Christmas year-round. Rhea Irish and Nancy Harmon, real life sisters-in-law and business partners, have created a series of specialty products which stem from their Christmas Clubs. Four of these are now in progress, each featuring an ornament-sized hand painted canvas to fit a specific Christmas theme. And every summer, the blowout "Christmas in July" show and sale is the event to watch for.

KID'S CORNER - From Lois Caron "Fun with the Leaf Stitch" a class for kids and adventurous adults. Experiment, explore, and improvise. You'll be amazed at what you can create and how much fun you can have.

 

 

 

Special tribute to UK Designers

A special tribute to the UK with designers, a magazine "freebie", shops and even a stunning Palace Guardsman Kid's Project!

FEATURE COLUMN - on Mary Hickmott. Her career has taken her to frontiers where few stitchers have dared to tread. A trail blazer at each step, Mary progressed from hobby stitcher to serious embroidery student, to dedicated teacher, to needlework designer, to innovative kit producer, to publisher of one of the first cross stitch magazines in the UK and now a second. This month we're pleased to feature this talented UK designer. (Be sure to look for her design featured in our Magazine Freebie this month.)

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT - on Carol Tinson, an up and coming new designer in the UK. In contrast to her ebullient and outspoken persona, Carol's designs are mostly romantic in content and sentiment, harmonious in texture and composition and subtle in tone, employing primarily pastel colors. Most of her designs are executed with the Caron threads which are just her "cup of tea." Be sure to print out Carol's free pattern too!

GALLERY - Voirrey Embroidery Centre. It includes retail shop space, a gallery exhibition loft, classroom area, Patchwork and Quilting Department, offices and storage facilities. Exhibitions at the Voirrey Embroidery Centre are among the most inspired and inspiring to be found anywhere. Themes are diverse, always provocative and displayed to the highest standards. Voirrey provides true inspiration for others around the world to follow!

ON-LINE CLASS - for a Hyacinth Hearts Brooch.Teaching our Online Class is Susan Albury, owner of Hanging By A Thread, a specialty mail order business, established in 1996 and based in London, England. In recognition of her achievements, "The Best New Business" award was presented to Susan by Needleworker Magazine. And we're honored to feature her this month. Visitors will be delighted with this impressive class project.

SHOP FOCUS -  we visit the Country Cross-Stitcher in the Georgian village of Woburn, Bedfordshire, UK. For their series of workshops, The Woburn School of Needlework was established in a cottage directly opposite the shop last fall. Classes taught cover all levels of skill and strong emphasis is placed on the pleasure of stitching as well as technique. Rosemary, the owner , stresses: "Our aim...is to let our students learn what a joy it is to create something that one day will be an heirloom." The teaching staff, headed by Stephanie Burnham, offered 79 different workshops for the Autumn season alone. Guest teachers are frequent contributors and Rosemary extends an open invitation to all interested needlework instructors.

KID'S CORNER - Get into the spirit of the UK by making your very own Buckingham Palace Guardsman, our featured kid's project this month. Fully illustrated and with complete instructions so it's a fun and easy thing to do with the kids.

NEW PATTERNS- Tshmona, the third design booklet in our NEW International Style Designs series. Take a glance at this exciting new collection with a look and style all its own. Each figure is designed to be customized and styled with hair color, skin tone and accessories to create your own very unique figure. We're also now distributing the Mary Jane Collection with a preview included.

MAGAZINE FREEBIES - Our special thanks to New Stitches magazine for this month's fabulous "freebie', Delicate Essentials, a Hardanger Design by Mary Hickmott. Treat yourself to a new sewing set or embroider the perfect gift for a stitching friend with these Hardanger needlecases and pincushions. Choose either traditional white on white or use shaded Caron threads for subtle colour tones; both will brighten up your workbox.

 

 

 

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Bags, Purses, Clutches and More...

"Bags" ­ Evening Bags, Handbags, Clutches and Carpetbags. From a historical perspective to the modern day fashion accessory with three great FREE "bag" designs and full instructions.

FEATURE COLUMN - A visual and historical perspective on "Purses," the ever adaptable fashion accessory. Reticule, etui, chatelaine, gipser, minaudier, necessaire, porte-monnaie: by whatever name, the purse is in modern times typically considered a feminine object and this month we delve into its origins, pay tribute to the innovative designs of the past and view some modern day adaptations of the "handbag".

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT on Julie Pischke, one of the most creative and eccentric design talents on the needlework scene today. Her designs embody bright color, bold shapes, funky flair and luscious sensuality. She is best known for her carpetbags and we're delighted to spotlight her "bags" and other needlework.

GALLERY - We present four designs by Susan Kerndt, of Stitching Kreations, now distributed by The CARON Collection. Her expertise lies in canvas work. Though an accomplished stitcher, renowned designer and acclaimed teacher, Sue enjoys playing the role of student, reveling in the endless learning experience. Stitchers will love her new teaching pieces for 1999, too!

ON-LINE CLASS - Amy's Recipe for a Garden Maze Bag. Amy Bunger, of Amy's Golden Strand (our Shop Focus this month), instructs our visitors on how to make a stunning purse with a combination of stitches and loops. It's a delightful use of texture with needlepoint and a great complement to our bag theme this month.

KID'S CORNER - Our very "cool" Key West Sunset Bag is designed by Zoe Pischke the daughter of this month's featured designer, Julie Pischke. Our younger visitors will love this beautiful adaptation of a tropical scene in this easy to stitch kid's "purse" project.

 

 

 

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Holiday Extravaganza

FEATURE COLUMN - Developing Your Creative "Side" Part II of our series by Lois Caron. Creativity involves a process, one which can be learned. Follow Lois' process and you may find you are much more creative than you thought. You may no longer be afraid to try new patterns, threads or color combinations once you learn how to go about it by just following some thought provoking steps.

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT - Catherine Reurs inspires, awes, amazes and delights lovers of needlework with her distinctive style. Her use of color and form is phenomenal. Her needlepoint use and adaptations of art, motifs, patterns and designs makes us all look at needlepoint in a whole new way. Join us as we take a peek at some of her art.

GALLERY - It's a Christmas Sock extravaganza with the winners of our latest contest. Creativity has no boundaries as this very varied, elegant group of entries bears witness to.The motif was a plain stocking outline. The results were anything but ordinary.

ON-LINE CLASS - A Six-Pointed Star may seem like a rather simple design element to work with but Lois Caron's Online Class will show you some of the endless and striking possibilities.This month's class is a perfect accompaniment to our Feature Story; both will put you on the right track to getting on a creative path.

SHOP FOCUS - We bring you to Needle in a Haystack in historic Alameda, California which, before the turn of the century, was a popular retreat for the well to do. Remnants of this lifestyle are evident in the many graciously preserved Victorian homes and it is in this unique setting that "Needle in a Haystack." makes its home. Though the shop has been open for only 8 months, Cathe Ray, the proprietress of this marvelous needlework venue, has made it look and feel like it's been there for ages.

KID'S CORNER - Take the color wheel and a six pointed star and what do you get? This month's project. It makes a great Holiday ornament, framed piece or gift for Grandma.There's a great little technical lesson included on the two techniques for drawing a six pointed star from scratch too!

MAGAZINE FREEBIES - Bargello Candles Christmas Sock ­ a design by Lois Caron and previously published in McCalls Needlework. This Victorian inspired design is sure to provide an elegant touch to your Christmas tree. So print out the instructions and charts and get started.

 

 

 

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All in the Family

Mothers and sons, sisters, brothers ­ family collaboration and business enterprises are thriving in the needlework field and we're delighted to be able to profile a few for you. ebr

FEATURE COLUMN - behind the scenes at Sudberry House. As a leading supplier of over 250 needlework products and charted designs to the trade, their name is a household word and they are a favorite source for wood accessories for needleworkers everywhere. Join us as we take an in-depth look at this successful family enterprise.

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT - The impact of cross stitch on Charland Garvin's life is staggering and proof positive is evident all around her everyday: needles in the couch, threads on the floor, meals left uncooked. And Charland, as designer and teacher, is ever eager to impart the "itch to stitch" to others. We're delighted to spotlight her life and to present her work.

GALLERY - It's "All in the Family" with Charland's sister, Barbara Greenberg, an accomplished sculptor, textile artist and weaver featured this month. Barbara's charms or "tokens" have become a trademark of Charland's designs adding a unique finishing touch to needlework that you may be enticed to try as well.

ON-LINE CLASS - Part II of Giulia Manfredini's award winning Christmas Sampler design. It's easy with step-by-step illustrated instructions for her fabulous class in the final installment of this special project.

SHOP FOCUS - Tri Thy Needlecraft Centre is located in the very picturesque and idylic setting of North Wales in the U.K. Tri Thy is another example of a thriving family enterprise which has much to offer the needleworker from near and far and is a model for other entrepreneurs to learn from. Planning a trip? It is a great destination for the needleworker and traveler.

 

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Around the World

GALLERY - presenting the work of Marjo Timmers of The Netherlands. Her lacework creations are so detailed, meticulous and extraordinarily unique one must just marvel at their appearance and execution. Her work is amazingly delicate!

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT - Across the Atlantic to Germany we meet up with Martina Weber our Designer for this month. Her style is both unique and varied and visitors are sure to find inspiration in her many beautiful designs that we showcase. Martina treats you to to a very impressive FREE pattern, too. So don't miss it!

ON-LINE CLASS - In April of this year, Giulia Manfredini, from Massa Italy, won our design contest with her stunning entry. This month, she's been gracious enough to share her design with our visitors and provides you with step-by-step illustrated instructions for her fabulous holiday sampler.

SHOP FOCUS - Sauntering along place d'Austerlitz in Strasbourg, France, one's attention is drawn to and immediately riveted by the tiny shop window of "Fils Du Temps"(Threads of the Times). The alluring display is a feast for the eyes in which each component is a treasure that speaks right to the heart! Be sure to feast your eyes on this quaint shop's wares as we visit them.

 

 

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Back to School Special

Learn how to use a computer for charts. Learn new skills in a class about instant texture too! Visit with our featured designer and shop. And for kids there's even a great back to school project.

FEATURE COLUMN - All about needlework and Computers in a special feature by Ann and Kaz Caswell. Computers are great tools in producing cross stitch charts, stitch diagrams, and digital needlepoint canvas. They're great for the designing process, too. However, no single computer program is meant to accomplish all these tasks. Learn what they can and can't do for you.

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT - From the Southwest...meet Cassandra Prescott of Sundance Designs. Cassie's personal design inspirations come from her affinity for the regional historical buildings and architectural elements specific to the Southwest. See examples of her unique style and her great way with color. Be sure to print out her beautiful FREE pattern, too!

MAGAZINE FREEBIES - The NeedleWorker magazine has adapted one of their past featured designs just for our web visitors. This "SPRING IN THE GARDEN" design is sure to be a big hit so be sure to check it out. Or check our Archives for the other FREE magazine designs we featured.

ON-LINE CLASS - Ann Caswell is back again to teach our class and we're thrilled! Learn about instant texture with the "Double Straight Cross Stitch". One of Ann's favorite stitches because it offers so many options and it provides instant texture. It also provides a nice diagonal edge due to the diamond shape. Learn a new skill and try out this informative class.

KID'S CORNER - Our very easy, very fancy Pencil Holder is a quick and fun project to do with the kids, or for that girl or boy scout den meeting. Illustrations and complete instructions are provided so, print it out and get the troops together!

 

 

 

 

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Stitching Sailors and Other Nautical Themes

FEATURE COLUMN - Needlework, knots and other crafts on the high seas. You may be intrigued to find out what sailors did to while away their long hours at sea. Our historical perspective gives you a glimpse into the kinds of handicraft and knotwork sailors made. Interestingly they were as adept at decorative as well as utilitarian crafts.

GALLERY - Nautical Contest entries and winner. One simple nautical motif yielded a bounty of designs and surprising interpretations from the participants in our Design Contest #4. Check out the winner and the other great designs in this Gallery showing.

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT - on Claudia Dutcher, of Dutch Treat Designs and owner of Dutch Treat Needlecraft. Her immensely popular tabletopper designs are a big hit with both beginners and more advanced stitchers. The nautical motifs she often uses in her designs are a perfect compliment to our nautical theme this month, too. And you won't want to miss her FREE design for a Sailboat Doily!

ON-LINE CLASS - Taught by Marcia Brown. Marcia's Online Class for a Beachcombers Tassel takes you step-by step in making this nautical shell-adorned tassel (an exclusive for our website). Marcia is also contributing editor for Fine Lines the newsletter magazine for the Historic Needlework Guild. Don't miss this class!

SHOP FOCUS - Island Needlework in Key West, Florida. Island Needlework is where "Sip and Stitch" is a weekly tradition and formal teas are a special treat throughout the year. Locals and visitors can browse through an abundant array of supplies with many displays to spur your creativity and inspire you. And it is a great vacation destination if you want to combine needlework and R&R!

KID'S CORNER - 3-D Sailboat string art project. Kids can get into a nautical mood, too, We made it easy with a pattern to print out and illustrated instructions from start to finish to complete this project with ease. It's a great way to get kids into some form of needlework.

 

 

 

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Quilting Special

Feature Story ­The History of Crazy Quilts, Part I & II
Written by Betty Pillsbury, a foremost historian, teacher, creator and writer about Crazy Quilts in collaboration with Rita Vainius. Learn some of the fascinating details of when this art form was all the rage and see wonderful examples of quilts from that period!

Gallery - "Raging Light" and "The Life Quilt for Breast Cancer". Our special feature on two breast cancer quilt projects and examples of the exquisite artistry of these quilt squares and the personal stories behind them.

Designer Spotlight ­

Judi Kauffman ­ Designer and recent newcomer to crazy quilting. Judi currently designs for numerous magazines and manufacturers and has written three books and produced two videos on stitching techniques and silk ribbon embroidery.

Leslie Levison ­ Crazy quilter extraordinaire! She delighted and inspired our visitors with her Online Class. Now we showcase Leslie and her work which will surely inspire you all over again to take up crazy quilting if you haven't already.

Online Class ­ Leslie Levison's Crazy Quilting Class in 2 parts. It's sure to inspire stitchers to take up this exciting form of needlework. Leslie has provided great insturctions and diagrams for the even the beginner to get started.

Shop Focus ­

Evening Star Designs, mail order specializing in Quilting supplies. Though they are small, or maybe because of it, their reputation for quality, consistency, order turn-around and customer satisfaction rivals many larger competitors. Orders can be placed by e mail, phone, fax, voice mail or regular US mail. Packages are shipped USPS and usually arrive at their destination within a few days, for a modest shipping fee.

The Summer House Needleworks, Oley Valley of Pennsylvania
Quilter's will love their "Block of the Month" program and visitors are sure to love all the great samples they have to show them

Kids Project ­ Crazy Quilt Hearts Project (necklace,pin & sachet). A project inspired by the Victorian crazy quilts, but simplified so that kids can complete the project easily.

 

Engineers do it, because they love the geometric order of the designs. Surgeons to it because it keeps their fingers nimble. Sailors did it for years to pass the long boring hours at sea. And by golly, Rosy Greer even does just for the sheer pleasure of it. Needlearts have so much to offer, and far more men than most people imagine have taken up needle and thread and are loving it. This is our special tribute to all the "mMen Who Stitch." We present some of the many men who do it all so well from designers and teachers, and an artist who paints with threads to a 10 yar old boy who stitches. There's a great historical perspective too on men involved in fiber arts!

Feature Story - Men in the Fiber Arts
A historical perspective from the Renaissance to the Industrial Revolution. Contrary to the contemporary association of women with neeedlewok the sumptuous embroidery, magnificent Medieval and Renaissance tapestries, weaving, stitchery and embroidery were primarily the domain of men during the Middle Ages. What you learn may surprise you!

Designer Spotlight - David McCaskill, of Club Stitch
Little did David know that the needlepoint project he bought and completed as a gift for his daughter would be the start a life long love afair with needlepoint and eventually help him launch a new career. Learn all about this army veteran and former motivational speaker in our interview with David. There's even his FREE pattern for a pretty scissor case.

Online Class - Taught by Anthony Minieri
This class, designed for the experienced stitcher is based on the needlepoint design of an antique perfume bottle with atomizer, coupled with the beauty of silks and metallics and wonderfully textured stitches and techniques. Beautifully executed with the subtle shades of CARON threads it is one of our most popular classes. Autumn Scentiment is presented in 3 parts with complete diagrams and instructions provided to print out. Part I / Part II / Part III

Gallery of Innovation - Yarn Painting by Artist Robert Forman
Stunning, is just one word you might use when describing Roberts unique yarn painting technique. As painterly as the finest oil paintings hanging on museum walls, in fact, his yarn paintings do hang on museum walls, too. Browse through our gallery featuring his art and be inspired by the his unique art and his innovative use of CARON threads.

Kid's Project - "Alien Creature with Flower Eye Stalks"
This Cross Stitch pattern by 10 year old David Huber is proof that needlepoint knows no boundaries. It's fun and rewarding for people of all ages and sexes. Break those strereotypes and get those boys stitching. You''ll help develop their motor skills, improve their dexterity and boost their self esteem in the process.

Store Focus - Hook-n-Needle, Westport, Connecticut
Located in the historic Sasco Mill where shop owners Marcel Bloch and James Henry have created a dazzling paradise for devotees of the needlearts (since 1971). Enjoy a great day's outing with a visit to this shop and the fine dining and shopping in the area.

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Halloween

From the history of Halloween to a great craft project to do with the kids, to shop in the Halloween capitol of the world we celebrate this fun holiday in this special issue.

Feature Story - The Early Beginnings of Halloween
Children trick or treating with jack-o-lanterns swinging and ghosts and goblins billowing in the wind are all part of a holiday that has become part of American culture. To many needlepoint and cross stitch designers Halloween has become a popular theme. But few of us know the origins are not American at all but rather can be traced to the ancient times of the Celts where it had a very spiritual begining. We present a historical look at Halloween and needlework.

Kid's Project - Spider Web Wall Hanging
A Halloween craft project to do with the kids where they weave their own fancy web. Print out our scary spider to complete this neat wall hanging and get into the hoilday spirit in the process.

Shop Focus - It's A Crewel World
From the Haloween capitol of the world we take you on a visit to a needlework shop in Salem, Massachusetts. There is lots of halloween themed needlework on display too. If you visit the shop in Historic Salem during the last 2 weeks of October, the city hosts "Haunted Happenings" with daily and hourly seasonal events including haunted house and cemetery tours, ghost walks and, of course, encounters with this city's renowned witches.

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Feature Story - Samplers Through the Ages
A look at the ever popular samplers and how they evolved through time. Join us as we take a look a visual and historical look.

Designer Focus - Dawn Lewis, of the Needle's Work
Dawn's journey into the the world of needleart began when she discovered a book of samplers in a local Venture shop. Samplers were to become and remain to this day her magnificent obsession. See Dawn's work and learn more about this talented designer in this story. Check out Dawn's FREE pattern, too!

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Virginia Is for Stitchers

Virginia isn't just for lovers. It's for stitchers, too. And we have proof of it with our Feature Story on a local chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild, to our Designer Focus on a resident designer, and our visit to a shop in historic Williamsburg Virginia.

Designer Focus - Sue Kerndt, of Stitching Creations
Her passion for designing and charting needlework took on new dimensions when Sue became not just computer literate, but proficient, as a result of a job teaching and evaluating software for the public school system. This acquired facility brought about the "perfect mix" of Sue's skills, talents and interests: needlework, computers and teaching. Learn more about this talented resident Virginian and be sure to print out her FREE needlepoint case design.

Innovation Gallery - Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild
Gracing the "walls" of our on-line Gallery this month, is a select collection of needlework stitched by members of the Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild. Artistic styles range from representational to abstract, simple to complex, subtle to stark , serious to fanciful. Guild members meet on the second Monday of each month at The Hermitage in Alexandria, Va. These chapter gatherings usually consist of a short business meeting, followed by a program on canvas embroidery, which is frequently a hands-on workshop. Week after week, a similar scenario is replicated in 151 other ANG chapters all over the U.S. and Canada.If there isn't a chapter in your area you may just want to start one after reading this.

Shop Focus - Haus Tirol in Williamsburg, Virginia
The first weekend in December heralds the Grand Illumination festivities in the colonial village, which is just 3 miles from the quaint shopping center, where the the store is located. The chill in the air just serves to intensify the atmosphere of excitement in the town, which will entice thousands of visitors to witness the lighting of the yule log, the playing of the Fife and Drum Corps, the caroling of the Colonial Costumed Troops, the lighting of the beeswax candles, decorating the windows of all the restored colonial homes and buildings, and the extravagant display of fireworks over the Colonial Governor's Palace. But, the shop is well worth the visit during anytime of year as the needleworker will find much to choose from at this great shop.