updated July 15, 2008 The word here is "HOT." It's been in the 90's forever, and won't be cooling off any time soon. Hot weather means lots of time sitting inside with the air conditioner and stitching. Just put up a new batch of goodies today in Theresa's Basket. Go take a peek! Do you love old samplers? Take part in a new group -- you'll get free registration through the end of July at www.samplerconsortium.com. AND...if that weren't enough, here's ANOTHER Double-Flip series for 2008 from Lizzie Kate. I will be getting these soon from Lizzie Kate, but if you'd like to sign up for the auto, let me know. If you get all 6 charts (each one has two words), at the end, you'll get a Lizzie Kate Snippet Chart from me as a Thank You. The banner with the entire series is stitched on 32 ct. Light Mocha Belfast linen. The stitch count for the series, including border, is 77W x 346H. The large project is stitched on 32 ct. light mocha Belfast linen. The thread list is as follows, with one skein for each color unless otherwise indicated. Sampler Threads Green Apple; Weeks Dye Works Whitewash (2), emerald (2), Louisiana Hot Sauce, Hunter, Garnet (2), Peony, Pecan, Holly; DMC: 950, 310. Take a peek at my Autos 2008 Page for some clubs you can sign up for this year.

The Kit of the Month is Scatter Freedom by Shepherd's Bush. This one is so quick to stitch, and I've got a little change for those of you who are up for something fun and different! You can choose the linen as called for (19 count Summer Khaki Cork linen) or 19 count Ice Blue Cork! One of my local customers has done it on the Ice Blue, and it turns out SO CUTE that way! A little cheerier/brighter. The Summer Khaki gives a more muted and folksy appearance. Anyhoo, with the kit you get: Graph ICE BLUE or SUMMER KHAKI 19 count cork linen (if you do not specify, you will get the Summer Khaki linen) Button Pack by Just Another Button Company Six skeins of Crescent Colours One skein of Sampler Threads You will also need DMC 611 for backstitching -- this is not included. No frame for this one -- it's finished as a pillow. If you already have the graph, you can buy the kit without the graph. Sale price this month is $35.50!

The Fabric of the Month is CHERRY VANILLA by Weeks Dye Works. This 30 count NEW COLOR is a beautiful summery shade. Quarters are $17.00 this month, halves are $34.00.

Free Chart of the Month: The Free Graph of the Month is another teapot -- a lighthouse version. The graph comes free with any order during July. If you'd like to stitch it, you'll need: 30 count Sky Linen (Weeks Dye Works) cut 11 by 11 $8.67 Button Pack $10.00 Weeks Dye Works Honeysuckle, Linen, Oak $2.00 each Sampler Threads Antique Rose, Black Raspberry Jam, Blackboard $1.90 each Total kit price: $30.37. If you'd like past months' charts and supplies, I still have them here. If you are going to request a past graph, though, you will need to purchase at least one item needed to complete that design (like the button pack or the fabric), as the charts are handed out free one per month. Get on the auto -- again, this is something I can wrap you around on if you haven't joined yet.

© 2008 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