A Needle Pulling Thread Issue 47 Sampler by A Needle Pulling Thread

A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD

QUILT SEW KNIT CROCHET CROSS STITCH EMBROIDER HOOK RUGS

The

Beauty

16 30

TSurface e xHoneycomb t u rStitch e E x p l o r in g painting &

needlework

Thoughtful Soles Wiggle Room socks

Artist Reviews with

Lise Belanger Claire Haillot

MakeBe H

appy!

Buy this issue

ditor's letter

It took me several decades to fully grasp the concept of going with the flow. I was so tired of swimming against the current, that I had no other choice than to let go.

You want to meditate while you stitch? The two are so very closely connected and maybe the same. Dawn Liu-Smyth says hooking rugs is a meditative craft, and Ruth I. Forbes and Iryna Varabei, although they crochet and embroider, would say the same of their craft too. Needlework enables the maker to be in the zone when creating and making.

How does one go with the flow? Let it be. (The Beatles knew what they were singing about.) No matter the situation, the moment, let it be, in love and compassion. Letting it be allows me to stay focussed in the moment and continue to be tapped into my creativity. This issue is dedicated to the very broad topic of discovering our best self in our soul-searching journey. And what better way to express it than in the needles arts?

Liana Kirkey of That Sewing Place invites you to explore and play with the built-in stitches on your sewing machine, while Annette Janca shows what you can achieve with a circular attachment. There’s also a mandala made up using paper-piecing, by Cathy McClean.

Make

It's not that I'm lost in the woods, but several times in my life I have felt metaphorically, like I was lost in the woods. Life, in all its glory, has taught me much about myself, particularly how to accept everything about myself and everything life brings. In accepting everything, the good, the great, the bad and the uncomfortable, means I go with the flow.

Be Happy

Finally Finding Yourself

Join us. Make something today that really calls out to your creative self and let all other issues fall away.

Cheerfully,

In this issue, designers let their stitches express their creative nature. You’ll find several mandalas, meditative and purposeful stitches. Mandalas are the most versatile design with endless possibilities in form and colour, with no right or wrong way of creating one and ever so mesmerizing. Denise Powell suggests a mandala that has a three-dimensional flower, while the crocheted mandala by Cristina Mershon flaunts textured rings. Every mandala in this issue is done using different techniques.

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issue 47

38 24

CONTENTS

8 Cathy McClean

sewing Hawaiian Napkin Baskets

16 Clodagh Coker

in every issue

quilting The Rainbow Within Banner

3 6 6 59

quilting Finally Finding Yourself Banner

98 Business Directory

quilting Flying Elephant Banner

18 Christine Baker 24 Annette Janca

Editor’s Letter Mark Your Calendars! Advertiser Index Knitting Standard Abbreviations & Terms

30 Elaine Theriault quilting Sunburst Quilt

Special Feature

34 That Sewing Place, Liana Kirkey

92 The Beauty of Texture Part 2

machine embroidery The Stupendous Stitching Clutch Purse

Judith Marquis

38 Édith Choinière

quilting Throat Chakra Mandala Cushion Cover

44 Donna Funnell quilting

Autumn Splendor Sampler

52 46

48 Cynthia MacDougall

knit together Meditation Cushion Picking Up Stitches, Evenly!

52 Charles Voth

knitting Design your own knitted lace tank top

56 Lorraine Thompson

knitting Thoughtful Soles Series Wiggle Room

60 Jacqueline Grice knitting Solar Plexus Vest

64 Denise Powell

knitting Garden Mandala Cushion Cover

68 Red Heart, Cristina Mershon

Artist Review 46 Lise Belanger

knitting Mandala With Love Table Mat

Colourful Dream 37 Claire Haillot Dancing Diamonds

72 Ruth I. Forbes

crochet Nocturne Afghan

74 Jo Gatenby

cross stitch The Dragonfly Purse

78 Maria E. Gollek

cross stitch I am therefore I create

80 Iryna Varabei

cross stitch Hramnicy Candle Talisman

84 Kim Beamish cross stitch Vishuddha

88 Dawn Liu-Smyth

rug hooking The Silk Lotus Flower

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS! To list your event in this space call 1.866.969.2678. July 18 - 22, 2018 Embroiderers’ Association of Canada Seminar & Exhibition BRIDGING STITCHES Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island Registration closes March 1, 2018. 25+ classes, challenges, exhibition, prizes, shopping, banquet & more! Join us, the Members' Exhibition is open to the public. Details: eac.ca/seminar2018 Contact: seminar2018@eac.ca September 28-30, 2018 Fall Knitting Retreat St. Peter’s Abbey, Muenster, Saskatchewan Imagine being able to knit without interruption? Share the enthusiasm with other knitters, be inspired, discover new techniques, get fresh ideas and knit, knit, and knit some more! Forms and details at www.hausofstitches.ca or call 1.800.344.6024. Saturday October 13, 2018, 9am to 5pm Woodstock Fleece Festival! The Woodstock Fairgrounds, 875 Nellis St, Woodstock, Ontario N4S 4C6 This is the 10th year for the festival and we are inviting everyone who enjoys all fibre products to come check us out! This festival incorporates over 90 vendors who sell everything from raw fibre to quality finished products, workshops and demonstrations. We showcase dyeing, felting, knitting, rug hooking, spinning and weaving. Workshops are by pre-registration on the website, www.fleecefestival.com, as well as a vendor profile on all vendors are listed on the website. Admission: Adults $8, 12 & under Free. For more info visit the website, email: fleecefestival@gmail.com or Jane Elliott at 519-437-1644. Creativ Festival Since 1988, Creativ Festival is Canada’s largest diy consumer show dedicated to the creative arts of sewing, knitting, beading, spinning, weaving, felting, quilting, crocheting, stitching, scrapbooking, crafting & other fibre, textile, needle & paper arts. Offering up-close-and-personal hands-on instruction

* projects * techniques * product reviews

at conference classes and an exhibit hall bursting with creativity. Whether newbie or seasoned pro, join others who share your creative passions at this exceptional interactive experience like no other where you can discover, learn, try and buy! Edmonton: Sep 7-8, 2018, Millennium Place, Sherwood Park Calgary: Sep 21-22, 2018, Spruce Meadows Equiplex Toronto: Oct 11-13, 2018, The International Centre Victoria: March 8-9, 2019 Abbotsford: Mar 22-23, 2019, TRADEX More info: www.creativfestival.ca or 1.855.723.1156. April 13-14, 2019 Reflections of Georgian Bay Quilt Show Presented by Georgian Bay Quilters Guild (Midland ON) Tiny Township Community Centre 91 Concession Rd East, Tiny, Ontario L0L 2J0 Sat: 10am-5pm and Sun: 10am-4pm. Admission $5.00 and men $2.00. Quilted exhibits, tea room, vendors, door prizes, demonstrations. Plenty of free parking, Handicapped access. The location will be well signed. For more information email us at GeorgianBayQuiltersGuild@gmail.com or online at www.gbqg.ca or on Facebook. May 30 - June 8, 2019 Saskatchewan Stitches Conference St. Peter’s Abbey, Muenster, Saskatchewan The Saskatchewan Stitches Conference offers creative classes with renowned fibre and needle work artists and attracts participants from across Canada who love to sew, knit, quilt and rughook. Forms and details at www.saskstitches.ca or call 1.800.344.6024. Show Guide Unlimited, the 2018 edition of the Ontario Show Directory is now available! An extensive listing of the years best shows including art and craft (juried and non-juried), needlework, woodworking, festivals and bazaars throughout Ontario; also craft show tips, etiquette and useful planning calendar; available at $24.99 plus $5.00 S&H. For more info or to order online visit www.ontarioshowguide.com, or call 1.800.671.2272.



GRAPHICS ASSISTANT Sondra Armas

Website : www.ANPTmag.com Toll Free: 1.866.969.2678 SUBSCRIPTIONS

Facebook: ANPTmag Ravelry: ANPTmag

SOCIAL MEDIA Alessia De Fusco I.T./Web ASSISTANT Alejandro Araujo

A Needle Pulling Thread (ISSN 1715-4650) is a quarterly publication. Subscribe online, by phone, or by mail. In the USA: In Canada: A Needle Pulling Thread A Needle Pulling Thread Subscriber Services Subscriber Services PO Box 197 1025 Rouge Valley Dr Niagara Falls, NY 14304-0197 Pickering, ON L1V 4N8 Subscription rates for 4 quarterly issues: PRINT: Canada: CAD$29.95/year USA: USD$29.95/year. DIGITAL: Canada: CAD$19.95/year USA: USD$16.95/year. PRINT + DIGITAL: Canada: CAD$35.90/year USA: USD$35.90/year. Applicable taxes extra. For back issues please visit our web site or call us for availability. Also available on iTunes and Google Play.

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If you are interested in carrying A Needle Pulling Thread in your store, please call 1.866.969.2678 or email john@ANPTmag.com. Also visit www.CRAFTalytics.com to find out about our new digital marketing services specially designed for craft retailers.

EDITORIAL

Designers and other contributors who would like to be considered for future issues please email Carla with a brief description of your work and your proposed project for the magazine.

SPECIAL THANKS TO

All the contributors, The Foglia Family, Alessia and Adriano, and to our moms and dad. A Needle Pulling Thread® is a registered trademark. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

Made possible with the support of the Ontario Media Development Corporation.

.com

daily blog weekly giveaways monthly newsletter quarterly magazine fun Facebook page yummy Pinterest page app on iTunes/Google Play ALL of the above!

A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD

QUILTING CONTRIBUTOR Elaine Theriault KNITTING CONTRIBUTOR Cynthia MacDougall cynthia@ANPTmag.com

All designs, patterns, and information in this magazine are for private, non-commercial use only, and are copyrighted material owned by their respective creators or owners.

KNIT much and ALL

FREE!

visit www.KNITmuch.com and download a FREE ebook: Cynthia MacDougall’s K Tog: Knitting Essentials! 6

PUBLISHER, ADVERTISING SALES John De Fusco john@ANPTmag.com PHOTOGRAPHERS Carla A. Canonico, John De Fusco

Funded by the Government of Canada.

...to K, is to { { { { { { { { { { { { { { {{

PUBLISHER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, ART DIRECTOR Carla A. Canonico carla@ANPTmag.com

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Advertiser Index 15 43 99 98 59 13 29 15 87 13 100 15 83 43 39 06 64 55 83

BF Designs Brampton Sew N Serge Brother Business Directory Canadian Guild of Knitters Canadian Quilters' Association CreativFestival Crochet Designs by NanaRuth Embroidery Association of Canada EYHO Tours Gütermann Creativ Hardanger House Haus of Stitches Heartfelt Fibre Arts Kelly's Creative Sewing KNITmuch KnitSwiss Yarns KnittingTours.com Lowery Workstands

15 67 43 63 02 43 71 15 43 39 39 83 83 83 83 07 63 87

MarNic Designs Mary Maxim Needleworker's Delight Ontario Hooking Craft Guild PFAFF QUILTsocial Red Heart Rypan Designs Sandpiper Creations Sew Inspired Sew With Vision Spirit of Belarus That Sewing Place The Quilt Store The Yarn Guy Unique Knitting & Crochet Woodstock Fleece Festival X's & Oh's

Hawaiian Napkin Baskets I first saw a basket like this in a restaurant in Hawaii. I now have a couple of varied sizes for my jewelry, dinner rolls and of course one for napkins. I made a personalized basket for my granddaughter using my hoop embroidery machine to create the base. Combining foundation paper piecing and new products makes it easy to create lots of different sized baskets. Foundation Paper Piecing is a technique used for piecing projects that require smaller pieces to give a very detailed or fine look to quilt blocks. Have you ever been afraid of foundation paper piecing? Where to start, what to do, will I make a mistake? With this project you work through a simple block giving you confidence to try some more foundation paper piecing. I would also suggest going on YouTube to find the how-to video which will help you work through this technique. For this basket you’ll be constructing four sections and sewing them together to create the block for the bottom of the basket. Remember, foundation piecing allows you to do smaller and very precise work. – Cathy

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TEXTILE TOUR

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On a Tibetan Pond

winner of the Dorothy McMurdie Founders Award by Karen Brewer Chilliwack, BC

www.canadianquilter.com Canadian Quilters’ Association

Association canadienne de la courtepointe

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Brenda Franklin 519.638.9958 help@bfdesigns.on.ca

Rypan Designs 416.247.1993 www.rypandesigns.com NEW! Downloadable Patterns!

Brenda Franklin designs more than just realistic cross stitch. Also available are beaded knits, bead stitch, intarsia and needle felting. Check out www.bfdesigns.on.ca for the complete line of books, patterns and kits.

Maria Rypan is an international designer, researcher & instruction book publisher recognized for her ‘Gerdany’ beadwork and projects for many publications. Since 1995 Maria teaches, produces a kit line and presents on beading & global folk arts.

Hardanger House designs by Betty Stokoe

Crochet Designs by NanaRuth 416-754-0998 www.NanaRuth.com NEW! Downloadable Book! Main focus is traditional designs in crochet and knit for children. All garments are designed and/ or handmade with discerning attention to comfort and finishing. Baptismal sets, dresses, suits, blankets and shams, cardigans, hats and other items.

bettystokoe@gmail.com, 403-742-2749

Betty incorporates traditional hardanger embroidery in her contemporary designs. From small quick-to-stitch gift ideas to larger pieces for your home decor, you'll find lots of variety in the Hardanger House line of embroidery patterns & kits. View them all on Etsy: etsy.com/shop/HardangerHouse

MarNic Designs

Inspired by life as it unfolds around me. - Maria Gollek

Counted cross stitch patterns from the beginner to the advanced skill level xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

aspiring to inspire before I expire

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www.MarNicDesigns.com A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD

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The Rainbow Within banner

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Finally Finding Yourself

Ban ner

The theme of Finally Finding Yourself is expressed in this wallhanging by using a variety of fabrics, cotton, velvet, sheer etc., cut in different size circles. Shapes are cut out in the circles much like the paper snowflakes you probably made as a child. Just as no one snowflake is the same, every person is unique. The circles in the wallhanging represent the journey through life, starting from the bottom right trio of circles, the family nucleus. The circles in the middle represent the people in our life that have influenced who we are at any given time. The top left circle, and the more prominent one, represents the self having gone from the family nucleus, through many life experiences and ultimately the person shaped by the influences of the people in our life. The lines of yarn radiating from the top circle connecting to the rest of the circles represent the invisible threads that connects us to all the people in our life. When making this wallhanging create your own story and use various fabrics and shapes that best describe the people that have influenced who you are today. – Annette 24

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– with –

The Stupendous Stitching Clutch Purse

One set of handles–many purses! Embellish the main panel of fabric as you wish–it’s a great opportunity to try out all your decorative stitches, decorative threads, new techniques, and cool sewing machine accessories,

especially cording/couching feet or even your circular attachment! I used the Stupendous Stitching book by Carol Ann Waugh as inspiration for the embellishment on the body of the purse. – Liana

Quilted Cushion Cover

A beautiful quilted cushion for your meditation room This design is my rendition of the Throat Chakra. I added a fuchsia coloured lotus flower at the center with golden thread to represent the wealth of knowledge that is contained in the ether from where one can receive inspiration or answers when in tuned with the higher self. It also has 16 rays of sunshine on the outer border to represent the sun, giver of life. This is a very special chakra to me as it represents my journey to reconnect with my true self. I feel that through my art, drawing, quilting and writing, I become aware of who I am and what I want to accomplish, and my work reflects it.

“The Throat Chakra is the center of communication and purification. Balancing this chakra can help you reconnect with your true nature and make you feel safe enough to express it. A strong and balanced Fifth Chakra can also help you get in touch with your desires and feelings that have been suppressed or long forgotten about. The Throat Chakra is represented by a lotus with 16 petals. It’s also the first of the spiritual chakra. Its color is blue, and its element is ether. It’s also known as Akasha, meaning space or upper sky. In the physical body, this chakra is related to the thyroid gland. Its attributes are creativity and expression.” – Édith Source: color-meanings.com/throat-chakra-the-fifth-chakra/

Instruction photos by Édith Choinière A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD

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Photo by Édith Choinière

T hroat Chakra Mandala

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Indian Splendor

Indian Splendor has been one of my most popular fibre art quilts and recently published in Issue 46 of A Needle Pulling Thread magazine under Artist Review. This design is a sampler version and was inspired by a skein of Sari ribbon I purchased at Fibre Garden in Jordan, Ontario. The blocks are constructed by cutting up a block into squares and reassembling them into a new block design. 44

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This Indian Splendor Sampler can be sewn completely by hand or by machine to speed up the process. Also, this is a chance to try out a variety of embroidery stitches and use shiny rayon threads. Use your decorative piece in a frame, on a bag or purse, create a pin cushion or needle case, put it on a tea cosy, greeting card or book cover. – Donna

Knitting for the

Soul

What is it about knitting that feeds your soul? Is it the hypnotic rhythm of the yarn wrapping around the needle, forming each stitch? Is it the process of creating something from thin air or from a completely different form? Is it the simple pleasure that can come from “doodling with yarn?”

There’s a joy in acquiring quality tools to use in my creations and in spending a rainy afternoon leafing through knitting books or magazines, or even searching knitting-related patterns online.

I’m an avid knitter, so I love it all. Despite enjoying several crafts, knitting is my bliss.

There is something incredible that happens when I block a lace shawl and see it “bloom” into a lovely, ethereal piece that is both decorative and warm, whether it’s a warm shawl or something only just heavy enough to take the chill off a summer’s evening.

There is something soothing about the soft clicking of the needles as the tips form each new stitch. Equally soothing is the feel of the yarn as it slides across my fingers, yard after yard and meter after meter.

Knit Together

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There is something exciting about taking yarn in less-than-useful ball form and turning it into a very useful sweater.

There is something playful about taking a stitch pattern and tweaking it to fit into my dishcloth or adapting it to

scale it to my need. There’s something playful about sitting down with graph paper or a computer spreadsheet or designing software and spending hours tinkering – whether or not it ever comes to anything. There is gratification in getting something done while watching television! There is something challenging about creating a new design that will fit several different body types. Knitting has so much to offer our soul! It is soothing, joyful, exciting, incredible, playful, gratifying, challenging. What do you find in your knitting that feeds your soul?

9 Night South of Ireland Knitting & Craft Tour 2019 2019 Tour Dates: • 07 Apr • 22 Sep • 19 May • 13 Oct • 14 Jul

Join us on one of our most popular Knitting Tours of Ireland! Discover Dublin, Connemara, The Aran Islands, Galway & The Ring of Kerry, knitting as you travel.

Workshops with Carol Feller, Liz Spillane, Anne O Maille & More! Also Includes: Quality Hotels, Transport, Sightseeing Tours, Entrance Fees, Meals, Craft Demonstrations & Tour Guide for Duration

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Check out our website for more tours! KnittingTours.com is part of the Irish Tourism Group, Trusted tour operator, members of ACTA, ASTA & ETOA

Thoughtful Soles Series Welcome to Thoughtful Soles Series by Lorraine Thompson, a zany collection of knitted sock patterns to tickle your funny bone every time you wear them. Wiggle Room is the second sock pattern in this series. You can get the first sock pattern (photo left), Dark Mushrooms, featured in ANPTmag Issue 46.

Wiggle Room

Sock 1 Free Your Mind Sock 2 Free Your Toes These socks have a striped cuff, no toes and an afterthought heel. I saw a photograph of a woman in a yoga pose wearing socks with no toes or heels and thought they would be a novel knitting project. I made socks with not toes but I had to put in a heel to give the socks some structure – hence the afterthought heel. Also, without the heel it just looked like I was being lazy. – Lorraine

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Ottawa Valley Authorized Dealer Sewing, Knitting & Having a Good Time Arnprior Shopping Centre 375 Daniel St S, Arnprior, ON K7S 3K6 613-623-0500 www.sewinspired.ca info@sewinspired.ca

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4 issues of A Needle Pulling Thread magazine entries into Random Acts of Knitting draws access to the Knitting Accreditation Program PO Box 20262 Barrie, Ontario L4M 6E9 www.cgknitters.ca A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD

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10th Annual Woodstock Fleece Festival Saturday October 13th 2018

Workshops Demonstrations Food

dyeing felting knitting rug hooking spinning weaving

www.fleecefestival.com

Woodstock Fairgrounds 875 Nellis Street Woodstock, Ontario

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When I think of meditation, many things come to mind: mandalas, lotus flowers, sevenfold symmetry, nature, chakras and rainbows. They are all here in this cushion cover. You could also use the design on a bag, as in a workout or yoga bag, or simply framed and hung on a wall. The knitted mandala has an appliquéd flower in the center and is itself appliquéd to a cushion cover. – Denise

Mandala Garden Pillow 64

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Call today for your complimentary catalogue Please quote CODE 121

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Table Mat

100% merino wool

Available in 24 happy colors Feather Chic Sweater & Removable Cowl LW5907

Discover more free patterns available at redheart.com/chicsheep

Nocturne Afghan This time of year, wool is my choice of yarn for handmade garments and covers. This soft, cozy afghan was such a pleasure to create in Universal Yarn Deluxe Worsted Superwash wool and a delight to bundle up in. – Ruth

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Dragonfly Purse 74

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skill level intermediate stitch count 79w x 75h design size 5½” x 5¼” [14 x 13.3cm] materials fabric • 9½” x 9¼” [24 x 23.3cm] 28ct antique white threads • See colour key for threads used. Notes: 1. These stitching methods do not need to be followed but will give a wonderful unique look to your piece. 2. Symbol ‘B, !, H” use the Hildebrandt method of stitching for variegated, over-dyed, hand-dyed thread. Stitch along the outside of the area (diagram 1), (perimeter) and then keep stitching (diagram 2), in an ever-smaller pattern until the space is completed (diagram 3). This will give each piece a unique and organic look. *The symbol (k) found in the example below may vary from your pattern symbol, as this is a generic example only.

Designed with artists in mind, here's the perfect project for your stitching space to remind you that you're at your best when creating something. Nothing matters when you're in the zone.

I am therefore I create 78

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Maria E. Gollek

www.marnicdesigns.com

Aspiring to inspire before I expire

Hramnicy Candle Talisman

This design is dedicated to Hramnicy holiday that is celebrated in Belarus. Hramnicy can be akin in some way to western European Candlemas Day and Imbolc holidays.

Mother Nature) the same way we take wax from bees. We grow our souls during our lifetime the same way as we grow flax, weave linen and twist a wick with our own hands.

One of the characters worshiped and featured on this holy day is a holy candle. Its traditional symbol is in the center of my design.

The Hramnicy candle recalls the great opportunities and latent energy of life in man. Like fire, the energy of the soul can be destructive. And it can also warm up, heal, illuminate and guide.

People light up their blessed Hramnicy candles during the church service and carry them home in the hopes the candles wouldn’t go out, so it can bring goodness to their homes. From a Belarusan perspective, the Hramnicy candle symbolises the dual nature of humans. The candle corpus made of wax given by the nature represents a human body; and the wick made of handmade linen fabric represents a human soul. It is believed that humans receive our bodies from God (or

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The tamed fire of the soul can be called a will. A man with an awakened will is able to maintain and revive the culture and way of life. It’s possible to light up a Hramnicy candle blessed at the Hramnicy service at any time of the year and pray for wishes. We can pray while stitching as well, according to Belarusan beliefs, since stitching is a magical action and connects the stitcher to the spiritual world.

– Ir yna

Saskatchewan Saskatchewan

Lowery Workstands

Stitches Stitches Conference

The Strong Steel Workstands from England

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Available in Canada from Tygarth Enterprises at 519-956-9632 or email to: tygarth@cogeco.ca

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May 30 - June 8, 2019 St. Peter’s Abbey, Muenster for more information call

1-800-344-6024

626 Main Street 626 Main Street Humboldt Humboldt 306-682-0772 306-682-0772

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Fabric and yarn you won’t find just anywhere!

AuthorizedDealer DealerFor For Authorized

905-715-7725 www.thatsewingplace.ca

SPECIALIZING IN SEWING MACHINE SALES/SERVICE/CLASSES AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR

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Membership gives you:

Embroiderers’ Association of Canada, Inc.

Annual Seminar with National and International Teachers Embroidery Canada Magazine published quarterly Correspondence Courses at all Levels Chapter Programmes Extensive Library

Check us out at www.eac.ca Join Us: membership@eac.ca You’ll be glad you did.

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The Silk Lotus Flower Rug Hooking can be an almost meditative activity. One falls into a meditative rhythm pulling the loops up through the backing, watching as a beautiful design evolves. What better way to further the connection between our artistic process and our spirituality than by hooking a beautiful lotus flower? Long a symbol of spiritual enlightenment, the lotus flower is a unique blossom. Its roots grow in mud and it retreats every night into murky river water. However, every day it miraculously rises from the muck and re-blooms with clean, fresh petals. In the same way, we can collect simple, natural fibres like silk, raffia and linen and in hooking them, watch a colourful masterpiece emerge. provides the perfect raw material for this project. Available in a wide range of colours, it hooks beautifully.

Sari Silk Ribbon from Heartfelt Fibre Arts

– Dawn

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

To list your business in this space please call 1.866.969.2678.

Brenda Franklin Designs 7570 Mapleton SR 18 RR 1, Alma, ON N0B 1A0  519.638.9958  bfdesigns.on.ca  help@bfdesigns.on.ca More than 500 charts available for counted needlework, latch hook rugs, beadwork, beaded knits and knitting patterns. Mail/fax order or ask for our products at your local shop. Contact us for custom designs or needle felted sculpture.

Impressions Embroidery & Engraving #8-449 Mayor Magrath Dr S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 3L8  403.942.3934  impressionslethbridge.ca  impressions22@shaw.ca Our shop does embroidery and laser engraving. Laser engraving is a beautiful process for fabric, as nothing cuts cleaner and more precisely than a laser. We now carry a nice array of fabric as well to compliment the abilities of the laser.

Brampton Sew & Serge 289 Rutherford Rd S, Unit 7, Brampton, ON L6W 3R9  905.874.1564  sewnserge.com  monique@bramptonsewnserge.com Welcome to Your One Stop Sewing Centre! We are authorized dealers of Baby Lock, Husqvarna Viking, and Singer sewing machines and sergers. We also offer a full schedule of sewing classes for everyone.

Kelly's Creative Sewing 804 Main St, Dartmouth, NS B2W 3V1  902.435.7380  kellyscreativesewing.ca  kellyscreativesewing@gmail.com We offer sales and on-site service of high-end domestic embroidery, sewing machines and sergers, as well as a variety of educational programs.

Bytowne Threads - Ottawa, ON  1.888.831.4095  bytownethreads.com  mlj@bytownethreads.com Featuring Aurifil thread from Italy. Long staple Egyptian cotton threads - 270 colours in 12, 28, 40 and 50 wt; 88 colours in 80 wt. Polyester Aurilux 240 high sheen colours. Wool threads - 192 colours. Many kits available. Check our website! Canadian National Fabric - Melancthon, ON  https://canadiannationalfabric.com/  info@canadiannationalfabric.com We are an online fabric shoppe offering a wide variety of fabrics, patterns, books and notions for all your sewing needs. Flat rate Canada wide shipping of $5 with FREE SHIPPING for orders over $75. Shop in person available by appointment! Country Concessions 1 Dufferin St, Cookstown, ON L0L 1L0  705.458.4546 or toll-free 1.888.834.4407  countryconcessions.com  info@countryconcessions.com Visit our lovely and unique quilt shop in the quaint village of Cookstown. We have over 7000 bolts of cotton fabrics plus a wide selection of patterns, books & notions. You will be so glad you came for a visit. Gitta's 271 Lakeshore Rd E, Mississauga, ON L5G 1G8  905.274.7198  gittas.com  questions@gittas.com Gitta's, named after owner Gitta Al-Basi, nestled in the east village of Port Credit, is the place where stitchers meet with their stitching friends, shop for stitching supplies and see the new stitching designs from Europe and the United States. Hardanger House, designs by Betty Stokoe PO Box 1223, Stettler, AB T0C 2L0  403.742.2749  bettystokoe@gmail.com  tnplisting.com/hardanger-house.html Hardanger embroidery charts and kits. Designs feature contemporary adaptations of this traditional cutwork embroidery from Norway. Shop online at etsy.com/shop/HardangerHouse. Some digital downloads available. Haus of Stitches 626 Main Street, Humboldt, SK S0K 2A0  306.682.0772 or toll-free 1.800.344.6024  hausofstitches.ca Our one of a kind store offers everything you need for sewing, quilting, knitting, rug hooking and needlework. Authorized dealers for Janome and Elna. Heartfelt Fibre Arts 42 Industrial St, Toronto, ON M4G 1Y9  647.920.3616  heartfeltfibrearts.com  info@hearftfeltfibrearts.com Canadian Fibre Arts supply store specializing in high-quality, unique fibre and tools for all of your knitting, felting, rug hooking and stitching needs.

A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD

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issue 47

Needles & Knits 15040 Yonge St, Aurora, ON L4G 1M4  905.713.2066  needlesandknits.com Fabulous selection of yarns. Extremely knowledgable and expert help. Cozy and friendly atmosphere. Classes. Guild night every first Tuesday of the month. Tea with Tove, the owner, every Thursday from 6-8pm. Needleworker's Delight / Silkweaver Fabrics Plaza K 181 Route 1 South, Metuchen, NJ 08840  732-388-4545  needleworkersdelight.com  info@needleworkersdelight.com Standard & specialty Zweigart Fabrics & canvas, hand-dyed fabrics, floss, fibers, towels, tableware, leaflets/designs, painted canvases, notions, tools, baby items, home decor, and so much more! Pine Ridge Knit & Sew 17477 Hwy 2 PO Box 68, Trenton, ON K8V 5R1  613.392.1422  pineridgeknitsew.com  yvette@pineridgeknitsew.com We have knitting machines by Artisan and Silver Reed, embroidery machines by Husqvarna/Viking & White. Sewing notions and supplies, books and software. Hands-on lessons and classes. Wide variety of yarns, threads, dress and pant zippers. Ruby Pearl Quilts 500 King St W, Suite 8, Oshawa, ON L1J 2K9  905.436.3535  rubypearlquilts.com  joy@rubypearlquilts.com We are your full service source of professional quilting equipment, products, & courses. Led by 44 years of sewing experience & more than 20 years of quilting experience, we have the experience necessary to help you push your hobby to the next level! Serenity Knits 525 Brooker Ridge #102, Newmarket, ON L3X 2M2  905.710.3283  serenityknits.ca  info@serenityknits.ca We offer a wide selection of high quality yarns as well as needles, hooks, patterns and notions. We also offer a large variety of classes from beginner to the more advanced. Sew Fancy Inc. Guelph, ON  519.824.4127  sewfancy.com  sales@sewfancy.com Your Premier Canadian Source for Specialty Sewing Supplies including Smocking, Heirloom Sewing, Goldwork, Silk Ribbon Embroidery, Needle Tatting, Swarovski Crystals, Sashiko, Quilting and more. Visit the website for the latest in sewing supplies. Sew Inspired 375 Daniel St S, Arnprior, ON K7S 3K6  613.623.0500  sewinspired.ca  info@sewinspired.ca Your Ottawa Valley PFAFF® Authorized Dealer. We have a large supply of quilting & sewing supplies, knitting supplies, as well as in stock PFAFF® sewing machines. We also have a listing of sewing and quilting classes.

Sew With Vision 480 Parkland Dr, Halifax, NS B3S 1P9  902.479.2227  sewwithvision.net Authorized PFAFF, HUSQVARNA VIKING, and SINGER dealer and service provider offering an extensive line of sewing, embroidery and serger machines, as well as long-arm quilting systems. That Sewing Place 16610 Bayview Ave #10, Newmarket, ON L3X 1X3  905.715.7725  thatsewingplace.ca  jaret&liana@thatsewingplace.ca Introducing That Sewing Place as your sewing source and Authorized Dealers for Bernina and Brother machines. Jaret & Liana focus on placing your sewing needs first, providing outstanding support, service, and training. The Quilt Store / Evelyn's Sewing Centre 17817 Leslie St, Unit 40, Newmarket, ON L3Y 8C6  905.853.7001 or toll-free 1.888.853.7001 The Quilt Store West 695 Plains Rd E, Unit 6, Burlington, ON L7T 2E8  905.631.0894 or toll-free 1.877.367.7070  thequiltstore.ca Now with 2 locations to serve you, we are your Quilt Store Destination! The staff here at The Quilt Store is always on hand to provide Quilt Wisdom, Quilt Inspiration and most of all we pride ourselves as the place to make... All Your Quilt Dreams Come True! The Stitcher's Muse 99 Commercial Street, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5G3  250.591.6873  thestitchersmuse.com  info@thestitchersmuse.com A divine little shop with supplies for all your hand stitching needs! Friendly, knowledgeable, helpful staff. Cross stitch, canvaswork, needlepoint, embroidery, counted thread, lace making and more. Books, patterns, fabric, threads, tools. The Yarn Guy 15 Gower St, Toronto, ON M4B 1E3  416.752.1828 or toll-free 1.800.836.6536  theyarnguy.com  info@sewknit.ca See us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter! Knitting machines, sewing machines, repairs, parts for Passap, Studio, Singer, Silver Reed, Superba, White. Sewing notions and supplies, books, ball yarns, coned yarns, TAMM yarns, Paton's yarns, Bernat yarns, Phentex yarns, Bernat kits & crafts. Ultimate Sewing Centre 191 Bloor St East, Oshawa, ON L1H 3M3  905.436.9193  ultimatesewing.com  ultimatesewing@bellnet.ca For all your sewing needs be sure to call Durham’s largest one stop shop: Janome and Elna Sewing Machines, Sergers, & Embroidery machines, over 3000 bolts of first quality cottons, Floriani Embroidery supplies, the latest notions, books, & patterns, year round classes, and so much more! Upper Canada Quiltworks PO Box 64, Brockville, ON K6V 5T7  613.345.3956 Fax: 613.342.3327  uppercanadaquiltworks.com Visit us online for a wide selection quilt patterns and books. Techniques include felted wool, fusible appliqué, punchneedle, rag quilting and printing photos on fabric.

THE DREAM MACHINE 2

Luxury in every detail Loaded with enhanced features, this machine lets you dream big. The perfect pick for true enthusiasts, it delivers an incomparable sewing, embroidery and quilting experience.

Exclusive

Industry Firsts

Innoveye® 2 technology For precise positioning. It’s like having a built-in camera and scanner.

Enhanced My Design Center Easy-to-use design capabilities make your projects unique, all without a PC.

Large LCD screen 10.1” built-in high definition LCD screen with intuitive user interface.

Disney is in our DNA Only THE Dream Machine 2 has the magic of 166 Disney embroidery designs built right in.

Visit your Brother authorized dealer, or go to brother.ca to discover more.

Photos are for illustration purposes only. The XV8550D shown in this ad has been manufactured by Brother Industries, Ltd., under a licensing agreement with Disney Enterprise Inc., through which Brother has permission to use the Disney images. The embroidery designs built into the embroidery machine are for personal use within the home only and may not be used for business or industrial purposes. Brother and its logo are trademarks of Brother Industries, Ltd., Japan. All specifications are subject to change without notice. All registered trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective companies. The Best Buy Seal and other licensed materials are registered certification marks and trademarks of Consumers Digest Communications, LLC, used under license. For award information visit ConsumersDigest.com. ©2018 Brother International Corporation (Canada) Ltd. 1, rue Hôtel de Ville, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Québec, H9B 3H6. ©Disney 04/2018_18-0034