Remember, my site is older than my business. Some of you may remember "Theresa Venette's Needlework Web Site" -- hey, some people tell it like it is. When I put my site up, it was very plain, and very small (like most new web sites). I put together my information online, because I saw a need for more practical information about the kinds of things I enjoyed working on: framing needlework, different kinds of fabrics and fibers, online stitching friends. At that time (this was four years ago), most needlework websites were merely lists of links to other needlework websites, which were lists of links to other needlework websites... Now, of course, there's an abundance of information online regarding needlework in every style and technique. Many designers are up online, as well as distributors, manufacturers, large and small businesses, you name it.

The past two years, I've been supplying you with fine needlework supplies; everything I stock and carry is something I enjoy myself. I don't sell things I don't like (how's that for stubborn?) I also work only with suppliers and designers I like and find easy to work with. That benefits you -- I am enthusiastic about what I sell, plus, I tend to use what I sell, making me a little more knowlegeable when it comes to handing out advice (for whatever that's worth - ha!)

And I hand out a lot of advice. Every week I answer an abundance of e-mail questions and messages, from as small as "Where can I find a pattern of an American flag" to as weighty as "How do I preserve my antique sampler?" Advice doesn't always get me a sale, and I don't expect it to. Sometimes, my answer is to point someone in the direction of another shop or online service. I want you to be able to find what you're looking for, and I can't provide absolutely every product on the market. (Not yet anyway, heh heh heh!)

As we've gotten to know each other, I've seen some of you really change in your stitching habits and abilities. Some of you have learned online with or from me (and some have taught me a thing or two.) As I've introduced new products, fabrics, fibers and designers, I've seen you branch out and try something new. My first year in business I sold A LOT of cream, white and antique white fabric. I have to admit, I sell very little of those basic colors anymore. Now you're buying Lavender Mist, Millenium Blue, Cognac, Summer Khaki, hand-dyed fabrics...pretty much anything BUT cream, white and antique white. Good for you! Some of you have gone from stitching only on Aida, to stitching only on linen. Wow!

You also have tried new fibers: Sampler Threads, Weeks Dye Works, silks, Caron fibers, Metallic Braids, Needle Necessities, Rayon Flosses, Perle Cottons...as I mentioned above, soon we'll be stitching with Eterna Silks and Thread Gatherer goodies. What else will be new this year? More and more, too, you're embellishing your needlework with buttons, beads, baubles and other goodies. Embellishments is getting to be a popular trend in needlework. The Just Another Button Company buttons (formerly Just My Imagination) lead the pack, but metal and jeweled charms have also been "hot."

I've also noticed a difference in the types of projects you're choosing. My first year in business, it seemed like I sold a lot of substantial projects -- large, more complicated charts. Now, I see that you're buying multiple small charts. You enjoy smaller projects which may encorporate fun fabrics, fibers, embellishments and stitches. And why not? We're all of us busy people, and being able to carry a project with us, or to finish something in the course of a weekend, gives us a sense of accomplishment. The designers, luckily, understand this need and are releasing patterns you can't get enough of. And I hear reports that you actually finish some of these projects. :D

Unfortunately, I also hear reports from you that more and more of your local shops are going out of business for various reasons. I really feel the industry is going to change drastically over the next few years. Those who don't get online may not survive these changes. Some distributors and designers are receptive to these changes, and some are fighting it as long as they can. More distributors and designers are willing to sell wholesale to me now. I think this is a bittersweet change -- good for me that online businesses are becoming more accepted, bad for the small shops who may not have the knowlege or resources to go online. Support your local shop if you have one -- you'll never know how much you love it until it isn't there anymore.

Recently I actually did some surfing around on the Internet, trying to come up with ideas for new designers to carry. I love the ones I have, but the more the merrier. Look for more designers this coming year. I'm also going to be carrying more specialty items from designers like their kits and charms.

I have some other dreams for my business. As you know, I stock quite a bit, but not absolutely everything. I'm working toward having even more products in stock, so I can ship more quickly (I know how you love to get your mitts on your new projects). I would like to offer more classes/online support groups. I'm also starting to kick around the idea of secure transactions and my own Domain Name -- anyone have a good idea?

This year will also be the beginning of my stitchers' getaways -- can anyone come up with a clever name for these weekends of sitting, stitching and relaxing with fellow fanatics? (I will start posting information about the stitching weekends soon. I will tell you that I have had such a large response, that there will be two weekends: one mid-June, one mid-July 2000. The June weekend will be a samplers weekend, and July will be Shepherd's Bush! The weekend, without transportation to Fargo, will be approximately $250-$300 which will include all meals, your lodging, $80 or so worth of needlework supplies/projects, and other surprises. If you'd like to get on the mailing list to hear more news as it comes out, drop me a line. The weekends will be filled with movies, chocolates, sight-seeing, stitching, laughing and having fun -- no grumpy Gus-es allowed!)

I've heard it said, that if a small business can make it two years, it has a very good chance of making it. I have no doubt that I'll be in business for a long time to come. I feel like I'm finally starting to really carry a nice selection of designs, materials, gadgets, fibers and other supplies. I pride myself on offering fine needlework supplies, and my customer service. Of course, I always listen to your advice. I work for you! So let me know how I can improve. As one good customer and friend said last year, as long as she has a job, and as long as I'm selling needlework supplies, we'll have a mutually-beneficial relationship! Ha ha!

Thanks for being my friends. I love to hear from you, whether it's every month like clockwork (you know who you are!) or even if it's just a few times a year. I feel we truly are "sisters in stitches."

© 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