I've also shown them hand-dyed fabrics, different colors of linen, interesting over-dyed fibers, and fun embellishments. They get so excited when they come in, and say, "Every time I'm here, I see something new."

I think sometimes it's easy to get in a rut with our hobbies. You stitch a lot of one or two designers, using the same couple of brands of fibers, always the same count and type of fabric. But it's fun to branch out now and again, go to a new shop when you're on vacation, visit some on-line shops you haven't seen before, even check out your local crafting stores to see what they've got. You'll be surprised by how much is out there.

And for as much as the cross stitch industry was in a tail spin this winter, I've seen a complete about-face this year. People are stitching again. I know, because I'm seeing it, framing it, and hearing about it. New designers are showing up, and coming up with some really neat ideas. There are a few new thread companies, new types and colors of fabrics. "The New Stuff," as I often call it here, is what makes summer so much fun. It's not nearly fall, but we all start hoarding this time of year. I start really stitching in June, since I have extra time every day (I'm not driving kids to and from school in the summer, which gives me an extra 1 1/2 hours in my day.)

I hope you find an extra hour or two here and there. Spend it doing something you love. The laundry, I've learned, can wait.

© 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