Keeping You In Stitches ...

I've received a lot of e-mail from customers who were excited to find the specific type of needlework project they've been looking for. The comments usually start like this: "There used to be a little store nearby where I could find great kits..." Unfortunately, the little stores are often gone and the mega-stores don't usually offer the quality and variety that experienced needleworkers are looking for.

So if you're fortunate enough to have a locally-owned needlework store in your area, please support them with your business. But if you don't have access to quality needlework kits or supplies, we're here to help ... think of us as your little online sewing store!

Have a question? Need something we don't have in stock? Let us know. It's our job to keep you in stitches!

Terry C.

Product Reviews

Have you finished a project or kit you would like to recommend to your friends? Why not submit a review of it on our site!

Product reviews are a great way to let others know what designs are "must haves." They also help identify the easy ones from those that are a little more difficult. If you have a picture of your finished project, e-mail the photo and we will add it to your review! This is especially helpful if you have finished it in a way that is different from the package suggestion (such as making a pillow out of a kit instead of a picture).

Product reviews are easy to complete and are very helpful to others who are trying do decide which design(s) are right for them. Some ideas for your review might include how much time it took for you to complete the project, how well it was received if a gift, and what you liked best about completing it.

Any registered customer is eligible to post reviews. No purchase is necessary to register, and you can let us know if you want to subscribe to our newsletters when you sign up. All reviews go through an approval process after submission to prevent inappropriate language or content, and AllSeasonsSewing.com Staff may edit reviews as necessary.

Searching For the Perfect Project Bag

I carry one of my latest needlework projects wherever I go. It makes traveling and even waiting for appointments more enjoyable. By filling idle time with needlework, I am also able to get projects completed much sooner.

As a result, I've tried many different carrying bags over the years. Some worked better than others, but most were too large and flimsy. I wanted to find a simple bag big enough to hold one typical needlework project, yet small enough to take anywhere. It needed to be made of durable material and stand up on it's own without tipping over. A protective vinyl bottom, tough carrying straps, and a pocket or two would be a plus. But most of all, I didn't want to have to spend a small fortune on the bag ... it had to be affordable.

Finding that perfect bag wasn't easy. I went from store to store and sent for many different samples, before finding this great little purple tote! It fit the description of everything I wanted in a project bag. Small and mighty, this bag even has a couple of pockets to help keep track of those little needlework items like scissors and thimbles! I liked the bag so well, I had our logo put on the front and am offering it for sale through our store! So if you want a great little project tote bag for a very reasonable price ... follow the AllSeasonsSewing.com link on the right and go to "Needlework Supplies."

Why do we sew?

I didn't get any stitching done today, my grandbabies kept me pretty busy. Not that I mind. There'll be lots of time to pick up needle and thread. But giving my daughter and son-in-law a brief respite from a toddler and infant also gave me a wonderful opportunity to appreciate their little ones more closely!

Our day was uneventful (from the perspective of a two-year old, I'm sure). But for me, it was a day I'll remember for a very long time. Musical toys and "Ready-Set-Go-RUN!" A little blow-up pool on the deck and giggling, slippery boys snuggling into warm towels. How fantastic is childhood. Just as much - how wonderful to be a grandmother still young enough to keep up! I know I had days like this with my own children. But somehow the day-to-day routines of parenthood made it difficult to focus on the specialness of any one of them. Yet, grandparenthood allows it in marvelous ways I never before imagined!

So, tomorrow life will be back to normal and I'll pick up my needlework again. It's mostly for my family that I sew anyway. I'm looking at a cross stitch picture on the wall with verse about the importance of giving children roots and wings. I did that one shortly after my youngest was born. I've made Christmas stockings for my kids, and now, grandkids. Blankets, clothes, pictures ... watever I make ... It's like I feel the need to put a little extra love into the things I have around or give away.

That's why I sew ... how about you?

Terry C.

Owner, AllSeasonsSewing.com

In appreciation of needlework kits

There have been postings on various sites regarding the shortcomings of needlework kits. Without going into all of those arguments, I would like to dedicate my initial post to promoting the many benefits, especially to busy needleworkers like myself!

First of all, they are very convenient and save valuable time otherwise spent hunting for and assembling individual items. Projects from well-known manufacturers usually come complete with all materials such as fabric, thread/yarn, needle(s), charts and instructions. In just a few minutes you are ready to begin stitching!

Secondly, kits are economical. Compared to the overall cost of acquiring charts, materials, thread/yarn, and other embellishments; crafters who don't have a large supply of floss or yarn stashed away could find the costs extreme.

Other advantages of needleworking with kits include:

• There are Lots of wonderful projects and designs are available to choose from today.
• They are easily portable ... just pop a kit into your project bag and the next time you are stuck in a waiting room, you have something to keep yourself pleasantly occupied.
• Unopened kits make great gifts for any crafter on your list.
• Beginners kits are good ways to help the next generation develop a love of stitching.
• Most kits include clear diagrams and step-by-step instructions, making them wonderful ways to teach yourself a new type of stitching.

I'm sure there are lots of other thoughts in defense of needlework kits I haven't included here. Feel free to add your own comments, ideas or even disagreements if you like. I'd love to hear from you!

Terry C.
AllSeasonsSewing.com