Boy, I've got to get a handle on placing these pictures properly. They look one way when I preview my post but they somehow come out looking differently when you see it. But here's a picture of the APRIL SHOWERS

Hey, I'm back again. Just want to give you an update on the 2009 Blackbird Loose Feathers Club. Here's pictures of the first in this series - a peacock pinkeep done on overdyed 28 count gingham fabric and accompanying needlebook.

This year will have bonus patterns, once again. A theme of stitching accessories will be topped off in the 6th issue with a container to hold them.

And, here's a preview of the next pattern due out shortly. If you are not currently signed up to receive this year's series, just give us a call. We can supply you with chart and fabric and even add the fibers - just let us know what you want. We can even mail them to you. We will be carrying the walnut base from Milady's needle. A limited number will be available so reserve yours now. If we need to reorder, you'll need to wait, as they are hand turned.

Blackbird Designs new chart - APRIL SHOWERS - is the fourth in the series of 12 charts. Each chart offers three stockings for the month. Each stocking finishes about 5.5 inches long. Keep stitching them as they are released and you could have 36 for your tree come December.

Great finishing instructions are given to finish them by hand but I've one stitcher who pulled out her sewing machine and stitched them together in no time flat.

Forgot to show you this picture of a soon to be released chart I think is great! I will be starting this chart as soon as it arrives.

Hey! It's going to be a hot weekend! Maybe we should just stay inside and stitch or find a cool spot outside and stitch. BUT just remember to stitch! Just wanted to check in and let you know what's going on with Just Cross Stitch. I'm currently stitching Little House Needlework's LOVING AND FAITHFUL, the 3rd in the Little Women Virtues Series. You are provided an alphabet to personalize the chart with the name of a friend, mother, sister - anyone who fits the design. It's coming together quickly and easily as the chart provides Belle Soie silk floss with which to stitch. I've just finished IDA MAE CROW from Good Huswife and a friend stitched up Country Cottage Needleworks BAYSIDE RENTALS for me for a shop sample. I just need to add the buttons and get a frame and it will be finished.

Lots of new goodies have been arriving lately. Antique Sampler summer magazine issue has arrived early. Little House Needleworks

has two new designs out: ALPHABET RHYME and BEE SAMPLER. La De Da's DOWN BY THE BAY

Shakespeare's Peddler's new I LOVE THE BIRDS is on order

Here's some more picture of new charts to the

shop.

Right: Blackbird Design's new APRIL SHOWERS, #4 in the stocking series.

Most of the above are already in the shop and some are on order. Stay tuned for more new designs and come check us out. Don't forget to donate your unwanted stash for our Porch Sale on May 23, the proceeds from your donations will go to St Jude's Children's Hospital.

Keep Stitching....Carolyn (Boy, it sure is hard to put in pictures exactly where you want them!)

Hi! Happy Easter! Just wanted to check in and tell you about a few things happening in the shop this April and May. First, Don't forget the 14th of the month -our 'anniversary' celebration. If the 14th of the month falls on a day the shop is open, we will celebrate that day with 'something' on sale. Just remember to check us out.

If you have been a customer of mine for a while, you will remember we had Just Cross Stitch tote bags. Well, I hope you still have your bag, because, starting April 15th and going to May 22nd, IF you bring your bag IN with you , we will give you 10% off your purchases. We still have a few bags available for the purchase price of $5.00.

Next on my list of info, the Online Needlework Show will start Wednesday April 15th at 2P.M. and end at midnight on Monday April 20th. You can access the show at http://www.needleworkshow.com/ 24/7 during this time. View over 100 designers and a selection of their products and then place your order with us. Just be aware that some designers require minimum purchases, even through this venue and if we can't meet the minimum order, we will do our best to get the chart for you. We are listed in the shop section . I would prefer orders by phone at 610-409-9373 but I can accept them by email at justcrossstitch@rcn.com. I just always have the fear that an email may never reach me. Please place orders by Sunday the 19th, so I can place my orders on Monday the 20th. All orders must be accompanied by a credit card number.

Last on my list is to remind you that we are once again having our Memorial Day Porch Sale on Saturday May 23rd. Hours: 10-4. Come in and check out our shop specials for that day after you've browsed our porch sale items. For those of you who are new, the items on the porch are donations from fellow stitchers. Give a DONATION for the items you like and all proceeds from the porch sale will be given to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

So that means, I will start accepting donations on the 1st of May. Go through your stash! Donate what you no longer want! Remember, your unwanted stash could be someone else's treasure.