Spring is a wonderful time to visit Williamsburg, Virginia  and when you can combine it with viewing spectacular needlework exhibits, it’s all the better!  Currently the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Art Museum is featuring is American Schoolgirl Needlework:  Records of Virtue.  This is a wonderful exploration into the art of samplers.

There are two other exhibits showing at the recently opened addition to the Arts Museum.  One is Flowers, Birds, and Baskets:  Patterns in 19th Century Bedcoverings which features 19th century quilts.  The second is In Memorium:  Mourning Art in Early America featuring needleart used in relation to mourning.

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Greetings fellow stitchers!  Is anyone out there ready to join the bookmark challenge?

I just sat down last night and started planning a needlepoint design in primary colors that will say *READ*.  Actually I’m going to get my husband to stitch it since he has been *slacking off* with his stitching.

 To get really fired up about the *Challenge*, take a look at Jen’s blog.  She really has some great things to say about the importance of reading. 

There is also a great post featuring Dena from Kreinik and photos of her prized bookmarks.

Another *cool* feature is that you’ll get to see photos of bookmarks as they are completed.  Take a look at  http://jenfunkweber.com

I’m hoping to collect bookmarks in a variety of needlework techniques which could be displayed for the students.  It would be fun to see how many techniques would be recognized.  I bet my Itching for Stitching club would pass with flying colors.

As far as collecting bookmarks for the shop, you don’t have to be a local customer.  Just stitch one up and mail it to the shop.  Just attach a card with your first name, the name of a favorite book, and what state you live in.

I think it would be fun to see how far away we could collect bookmarks.  Think about it– we now have a geography lesson going!

Looking forward to stitching. . .

Caroline

Greetings to All Stitchers!

Spring is really coming out in force in Ashland, VA!  My shop is located directly across from the Town Hall and daffodills and pansies and budding trees are all in bloom.  It is beautiful! 

Anyway, want to give everyone an up-date on the shop’s latest project.  It’s not just my shop’s project but a cool plan that Jen of Funk and Weber Designs came up with.

The program is called Needle and ThREAD:  Stitching for Literacy.  It’s a Bookmark Challenge and Jen has put out the challenge to independent shops to stitch bookmarks to be donated to a local school or library during Children’s Book Week.

 So here we go Stitchers!

Caroline’s ThREAD and Canvas is joining up with Gandy Elementary School here in Ashland where we’ve had our Itching for Stitching Club.  I met with their librarian last week, and she’s going to be working on a plan to challenge their students to read.

My challenge is to collect hand stitched bookmarks!

We’re thinking about a drawing or contest where students have to turn in answers about a book they’ve read.  Then during Children’s Book Week (CBW) a bookmark can be given out each day.

Depending on the number of bookmarks the shop receives, maybe Gandy can give out more than one a day! 

If you live in the area PLEASE consider donating a bookmark.  All you need to do is call the shop and sign up.  Then drop off your bookmark during the month of April so that we have time to present them to he school.

Please attach a gift type card to your bookmark recording *Stitched by  (first name)/date stitched/ and the name of a favorite book.* 

I was thinking that the name of a favorite child’s book would be fun!

Thinking of Stitching!

 Caroline