***Note: The Help! feature is no longer on my site.***

I have added a new feature to my website, called, simply HELP! (http://www.shakespearespeddler.com/help.html). I often am asked to help people find out of print, discontinued, or out of stock patterns and kits. Most of the time, it's impossible for me to get these, but I know they're out there somewhere. This page will allow my readers and customers to post requests for items they're looking for. Each posting will stay up for 2 months. Other readers may come across these requests and organize a swap, loan or sale of the item.

If I hear of photocopying and sending of patterns, guilty parties will be banned from posting on the Help! page. Photocopying copyrighted material is illegal, and hurts our designer friends.

If you're looking for other ways to find patterns and kits, there are a few other routes you can take. First, check major distributors. Sometimes, that difficult-to-find item is actually still available. You can have a shop look for you, or simply go to the website of a distributor, like Hoffman Distributing (http://www.hoffmandis.com/keysearch.cfm).

You might also try contacting the designer to see if there are copies left, or how it might be possible to get one. I know a few years ago when Just Nan had the popular Lady Scarlet series, John and Nan were keeping track of who had copies of chart one, which sold out before the other two.

You may also try looking on eBay or other auction websites. You may even end up getting a really good deal on that item. Remember that if you're posting bids on something, you need to check back frequently, to see if your bid is still number one. Set a limit on what you're willing to spend, though, or you may end up getting caught up in that auction frenzy.

E-mail shops on the Internet. Someone is bound to have a copy of what you're looking for stashed in the back corner of the store somewhere. And even if that shop can't help you out, it's possible they might be able to direct you to someone who is more likely to have it.

You can also phone shops directly. Shop listings can often be found in the back of needlework magazines. Hoffman Distributing also has a shop locator, divided by state, which will give you contact information for shops in your area. Or, start at Alabama, and end with West Virginia.

My advice, though, has always been: if you see a chart you love, BUY IT. You never know when it won't be available anymore.

© 2007 Theresa Venette. Articles on this site may be reproduced in needlework group newsletters or other handouts with permission of author and proper attribution. Send questions, comments and suggestions to: xspeddler@yahoo.com