ARTISTS COLLECTION: The Kringle Calendar is off to a great start -- I LOVE Pat's Santas. So far, January through April are available, although I am still waiting for March and April. The patterns and colors she uses are wonderful, and what a fun way to use Mill Hill Treasures. These are $2 each.
BENT CREEK: I haven't received the new new things yet, but I do have in hand Long Winter (boy, tell me about it!) and Winter Zipper, which features the FATTEST snowman I have ever seen. He's been the most popular in the Zipper series. Remember that this series expires soon. If there are some you've been wanting, get them now, as they'll start going out of print this month. The new kits for this year will be Cracker Kits -- available in February will be Easter Cracker and Patriotic Cracker. They also have a new design called "Summer House." You can see all of these on their site at http://www.bentcreek.com.
DRAWN THREAD: I have word that the new Drawn Thread pieces SHOULD be available the end of February. There are two large samplers (one is called The Checkerboard Sampler, and the other is a garden sampler) and possibly another smaller piece. I've heard they're GORGEOUS, and I know a lot of thought and work went into designing them. I will put them up as soon as they're here.
EWE & EYE & FRIENDS: The gals from Colorado have released a few appetizers before market. They tell me there will be lots of hearts coming in February, but now we have Pastel Basket Sampler, Silk Rose Scissor Companion, a new Black Sheep kit (a wacky wren!) and my favorite, the Spring Spot Sampler.
FANCI THAT: The sleeper hit of the winter is Snowcatchers. This chart was so popular immediately, that my one supplier for it has been out for a few weeks. I'm working on getting some more in stock, but look in my basket for a picture. I think this is her best work in a few years, and it's definitely a must-have for snowman lovers.
JUST NAN: Nan and John always do a great job getting the market goods out early. It really helps a lot to get these ahead of time, because there's always such interest in what Nan has been doing. You can reserve now your complete set of Barnabee's Quest, which will work just like Lady Scarlet's Journey from last year. This set of three charts and embellishment packs will run around $40 plus shipping, and involve the adventures of a bee. Last year's set about the ladybug is sold out nation-wide and is out of print. So don't miss out on this set. I also love the Winter Blues chart and Miss Kitty's Dragons.
LIZZIE KATE: My Lizzie Kate shipment came yesterday, and I'm thrilled. Any of you who purchased Clara and Henry O'Hare have another bunny to add to the family: Pansy O'Hare. She comes with a watering can and basket. I hate to pick favorites here, because they're all so good. But who can resist a big piece of chocolate cake for their birthday? The new Snippits chart Birthday Blessings is great. I also squealed when I saw Land That I Love -- a tall skinny house with long flag a flying and tiny sheep grazing on the lawn.
HEART IN HAND: Cecelia is really developing as a designer. I "oohed and aahed" over the new shipment that came in this week. If I HAVE to pick favorites, the Star Spangled Sampler has to be one. The poindexter buttons included with the kit are too cute, and I love the colors. I also really like Friends Forever, which comes with the neatest silver charm. The Alphabet Mania series has found its devotees already. They all will match, and can be stitched separately, as a sampler, or on an afghan.
THE HEART'S CONTENT: Maureen's goodies from last market have finally arrived, and they were worth the wait. There isn't anyone who doesn't gasp at Splendor II, a wonderful coverlet-inspired sampler. The new fob kits are great, too. I love the colors in the Bird of Paradise Fob. More new kits will come soon.
MARY BEALE: Pocketbook Needlework is here and is $36 for almost four dozen designs ranging from samplers to ornaments and even little booties. These great patterns can be worked in cross stitch or needlepoint.
PRAIRIE SCHOOLER: I have word from my distributors that Christmas Trees (the first one) is now out of print! Ack! I ordered in a bunch, so if you don't have this one yet, you better hurry up and get one.
SHEPHERD'S BUSH: Tina and Terri have released three new kits to shops. I should be getting mine any day (they are available as of Feb. 1st). You can see pictures of them on the Shepherd's Bush site at http://www.shepherdsbush.net. Their scans are a little difficult to see, but I will get some nifty scans up as soon as I have them in hand. Heart Treat Bag is another in the series of treat bags, is $16, and is stitched on Carnation Pink linen. Snow Hill, I've been told, is reminiscent of Shepherd's Hill, and features a snowman on hand-dyed linen. And for you fob-a-holics, there's a Snow Scissors Fob Kit for $28.
SISTERS AND BEST FRIENDS: A few pre-market goodies came my way in January from Sisters. Dear Son and Dear Daughter are a hoot, and I have already told my 4th grader that I'll be making these. Three fun signs for girls or boys say, "Because I Said So," "Is Your Homework Done?" and "Clean Your Room." Watch for more charts and kits from S&BF.
THE TRILOGY: Heart in Hand, Bent Creek and Twisted Threads have put out two new garden designs, Blossoms and Cottage in the Meadow. It's so wonderful to see designers working together to create great things for us to stitch.
TWISTED THREADS: Clever girl, Ruth. She came out with a new way to use those little over-one pieces we all love. The Tin Pin kits come with a little tin pin frame that you can wear on your jacket or lapel. I love the Tin Pin Flag (my husband did, too, if that tells you how great it is!) And everyone is enjoying her Bunny Scissor Weight chart for just $2.50.
VICTORIA SAMPLER: Sampler lovers are a-buzz about the Heirloom Wedding Sampler by Thea Dueck. This beautiful sampler done in creams could also be an anniversary gift, or commemoration of your own marriage. The lovebirds' names can also be left off entirely, to leave a verse about the virtues of love for any occasion. Her accessory packs are wonderful -- why buy full skeins of silks and other specialty fibers to use them for one project?
WEEKS DYE WORKS: Eight new colors are on their way, and a few of these are already popping up in new patterns. The new colors are: Tiger's Eye, Rum Raisin, Kudzu, Hazelnut, Crimson, Chesapeake, Teal Frost and Buttercup. These are $2 each, but a lot of my customers like to buy the new colors as they come out, so all eight would be $16. You can just tell me you'd like all of the new colors when you order (you don't have to tell me all eight color names.)
These of course are only a portion of new and wonderful things from Nashville Market 2001. Keep checking back. My scanner works hard in February. Oh, hey, before I forget, Happy Valentine's Day. Here's hoping there are lots of hearts in your mailbox on the 14th.
© 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