MAY, 2026

       May has arrived and the flowers are blooming. All we need is stable weather temperatures as one day it is hot and the next day cold here in PA. As I sit and write this newsletter today, I am battling a very bad head cold due to these up and down temps. Weather conditions this year have given a very different Spring with many farmers loosing their fruit crops, so I can only imagine what summer has to offer. 

       As many of us are getting older, life is full of changes. Recently I was notified by Just Nan that thy are downsizing their company with many patterns being discontinued. Also, Ruth Sparrow of Twisted Threads, Ewe & Eye & Friends, and Holiday Sparrow, as well as part of The Trilogy team has retired. We are sorry to see both of these companies making changes as their patterns were staples for many years. We have put counters on those discontinued items that will count down as they are sold. We wish them well and will miss their offerings.

    Other changes in our industry - Enriched Threads is now the owner of Caron Collection flosses. Lois Caron passed a few years ago, and we are glad that this company will continue to offer all the Caron Collection flosses for years to come. We wish them good luck with this new venture. Hello from Liz Mathrews has taken over Carriage House Samplings from her aunt and is reprinting many patterns as well as tweeking some others. Kathy Barrick has taken over all the Carriage House Stocking patterns. We are glad to see that all of the Carriage House Samplings will continue to be available for all to see. We have been updating as Liz sends us notifications. Also on the business front, nothing new with regards to Mill Hill's bead, and perforated issues. Same goes for Kreinik with supplying flosses timely. We are sending as their products arrive. For those who spread the rumor that Lakeside Linens retired, WRONG. We received a shipment two weeks ago. Pat has had medical issues, but she is still dying fabric and maybe a little slower shipping restocks. Don't spread a rumor -always check the facts first. Many times the delays are due to fabric shortages which has been on going since the tariffs, that are now illegal, were added causing higher shipping prices. Hopefully in the coming months, shipping will get back to normal. One last update - The Gentle Art is discontinuing 14 floss colors due to dye issues. We will be putting counters on those colors and giving alternate colors that can be used as a substitute.

      When we were faced with COVID and many people were sitting home, they needed something to do. Those of you who stopped stitching due to life changes, now had time to pick up the needle. Hence, they are back to stitching. Recently, many people think our craft was on the way out and now on a resurgent. That is not true. Counted Cross Stitch has been poplar with those who love the craft, just like knitting and crochet. Maybe you stopped, but others did not. Designs have changed over time due to new designers, but our craft is still going strong. Now we have patterns that are artwork reproductions to easy beginner patterns. There is something for everyone. As I tell those who re-started stitching again, pick a fabric that you can see, rather than what a pattern calls for. Eyes get old, and we only get one set of eyes. Don't try to stitch on a fabric that is hard to see, need double magnifiers to see, just because a pattern used that for a model. Counted Cross Stitch is a hobby not a job. When you stitch you should enjoy that you are working on - don't get aggravated. So what if it is a little bigger. Who cares. In our shop we have one wall all Aida projects, no one notices or cares. We have models from 10 Ct. to 36 Ct. on our other walls, and again no one cares. Stitch on what you can see and you will enjoy the project. Try it, you may like it and finish your project with ease.

     In ending, I want to wish all Mother's a Very Happy Mother's Day. Take time for yourself and enjoy your day.

     Now on to some of the new releases that arrived last month

(**signifies New Designer)

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IMAGINATING released AMERICA SEMI QUINCENTENNIAL, plus

Vintage American Flag 1776-2006, Liberty Garden, Liberty Street, Stars and Stripes Furr-ever, and Angels in America

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LET FREEDOM RING is by JUST ANOTHER BUTTON CO who also released Forever in Peace, Liberty Star, Home of the Free, Sam;s Salute, Freedom Is Not Free Pin Mini, Flag Solo Pin Mini, and Home of the Free Perforated Paper Kit

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SPRING SHEEP is from LES PETITIES CROIX DE LUCIE who also released Sweet Friendship, Bee Gnome, Horse Riding, Amalfi Coas Italy, and La Vita Al Lemon

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IT'S SEW EMMA released AMERICANA TRIO as well as Seed Pack - Zinnias, Scrappy Americana Flag, and The Quilting Bee Needle Minder

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SPRINGTIME FRIENDS BLESSINGS is by Is SISTER LOU STITCHES who also released Dog Paws, and Cat Paws

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THE STITCH CYRPT released SUMMER GOLDFINCH plus Deer in the Brambles, and Badger in the Barrow

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GOOSE TEA POT is presented by TINY MODERNIST who also released Cactus & Caravan Bell Pull, and Spring Bunny

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KITTY & ME DESIGNS released Colorful Mandalas Wind Flowers plus His Eye is on The Sparrow, Do Not Bother the Bee Sampler, Colorful Mandalas Fire Flowers, Colorful Mandalas Earth Flowers, and Colorful Cats - April and May

GLORIA by CROSS STITCHING ART who also released Mira, Priestess of Faith Aelwen, Laetitia, and Margot

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DON'T DREAM IT, BEE IT by VAL' STUFF who also released Won't You Bee My Honey

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