Ok crafty ladies. I’ve heard that Lewiscraft is closing down. All of them. Out of business. This means they are having huge sales! Get down to your local Lewiscraft today! (and pick me up some Patons Classic Merino, will ya? lol I don’t know when I’ll get to go! But enjoy!

Ukrainian Style Egg No. 1

Ukrainian Style Egg No. 2

Ukrainian Egg Trio

Shamrock Egg

Have you ever knit or crocheted an item that took a long time, an item that was very intricate in design, an item that was complex and required deep concentration? Have you ever created or worked a piece as a gift that you were very, very proud of? Well I have. On quite a few occasions actually. Sometimes, its as simple as baby booties, a hat and mitts with your own spin on them that makes them so special to you, the creator - the innovator - the most cleverest of all knitters or crocheters in the land… Have you waited expectantly, your heart pounding with anticipation for that lucky recipient to open their gift that you so lovingly created just especially for them? And have you ever felt that stab of disappointment as you look over the piles of the torn-to-shreds gift wrap and gift boxes looking frantically for that treasured gift and asking everyone in the room if it had been forgotten.. only to hear “Oh  yeah, I got that. Thanks. It’s great.” That great big bubble of excitement that has been building for months explodes in a huge popping sound inside of you and disappointment rains down over you. You expected to hear cheers and oohs and aahs and bells or …something. But it doesn’t come. And the gift gets tossed aside with the store-bought socks and books and gadgets in order to get to the next gift….

I tend to get a little angry with the recipient as my disappointment weighs heavy in my heart and brings me down. I feel underwhelmed. I feel like the recipient should know how momentous this occasion is and should share my feelings of joy, excitement and accomplishment. They should  understand the many hours spent working on this project and the 200 times I had to rip it out and start over, or the little extra touches that I added on my own.

I read an article in Knitty today that spoke of those feelings of disappointment and I kept saying, “EXACTLY!” as I read it. She believes that to achieve the reaction you seek, it’s all in the presentation. If you’ve ever eaten a fancy dinner at our house, you’ll know that hubby puts his all into the presentation of his dishes. He recognizes that this is the key and he often gets the oohs and aahs and recognition he rightly deserves. Cooking is hubby’s creative outlet. Now if I apply his theory to my own craft, might I also receive the recognition I am craving?

Thanks Tara Kimura for shedding light on this and letting me know that I need to approach presentation of these hand-made treasures with the thoughtfulness and care they deserve. Tara has shared some wonderful wrapping techniques to get the cheering and the fireworks you deserve!

CyberStitchers.com has loads of free patterns available for download in PC Stitch format. They have a downloadable reader link on the site. How exciting! Patterns, conversion charts and calculators and more. Check them out!

Ok, now I need PC Stitch.Check out the free stuff on Buzz Tools.

Bonnie’s Cross Stitch Zone is a Canadian store and you can order online. She is in B.C. She has a big selection of goodies for your stitchy self and be sure to check out her Tips page because I’ve found a couple of handy dandy tips for myself.