Dyeing to Tell You

I can’t believe that it is almost Thanksgiving already. Where did the Fall go? We have lots of fun things coming up in the next few weeks to wind down 2008–stay tuned so you don’t miss a thing!

This weekend Dyeing to Stitch is turning three years old. I can’t believe it. Time has gone by so fast. We are so grateful to all of you for your support and friendship. Please come by Saturday, November 8th and receive a ‘Thank You’ gift with your purchase.

Sunday, November 9th, we are hosting Tracy Riffle of Hands to Work, as she teaches stitchers how to make the most adorable little acorn. It has two colors of linen, wool and a tin tip. This will be great! Tracy is so much fun–we can’t wait for her to arrive!

We have a new picture on the front page of our website, of “And a Forest Grew”. This piece is incredibly special to me–Pat arranged for all the Thursday Night Group plus friends and my two wonderful daughters to stitch this piece for me for my 55th birthday. It took a year for everyone to work on it, but it is completed and framed. I am so blessed to have all of these terrific people in my life–really, I am overwhelmed by all of your generosity and touched that you would each take the time to work on this piece. Thank you so much. I love all of you!

We are busy working on plans for our retreat next fall. The dates are set, the hotel is selected and the teachers are almost confirmed. We are really excited about this. We have an oceanfront hotel–each room has a balcony that overlooks the ocean. Wow! This is going to be great! We will keep posting updates to the website, and begin sign-ups by January 1st.

I hope each of you keep a journal and record all of your stitching projects. It is a great way to keep track of what you are stitching and for whom. I have 10 years of lists now, and I enjoy looking back and seeing what I have done and how many I have completed. I love to hear everyone discussing what number they have finished on Thursday nights. You know how competitive stitchers are! If you have never done this–ask for a Journal for Christmas and get started in 2009. I’m not sure how, but I have stitched more this year than ever before. Of course, I will never stitch as much as ’some people’ we know but for me I have done a lot (45 so far).

I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday season. I am excited that one of my daughters is coming home with her family for Christmas. It will be a really fun time for all of us! Happy Holidays!

My name is Maggee, and I am the Webmistress for Dyeing to Stitch. It is such fun to be the one that helps the website evolve! There is so much ‘out there’ to keep our interest. My personal stash has increased tenfold, along with a new interest in overdyed threads and fabrics, silk threads and all the GREAT designers! I have only stitched for a few years now, and the last two years with the Thursday Night Stitching Group. My interests in patterns varies a bit from the average stitcher. I am not afraid to do something entirely different from everyone else. So far, it is working for me. When I am not stitching in my spare time (I work at an attorney firm full time) , I am using the computer. I love the fact that I can get instant answers to any questions I may have. Of course, I must always consider the source, but I think I have that under control. As I surf stitcher’s blogs and message boards, and they mention a chart, a finish or a designer, I can see what they are talking about in a flash! Love it! I recently finished Rosemarkie by Long Dog Samplers, a  long project for me. I saw the chart online, ordered it through Dyeing to Stitch, and had the pleasure of consulting with Pat as to colors… All I knew was I wanted to do it in purple! When it was completed, I could not decide on a frame, so after consulting with Patti and Pat, we sent it to Jill Rensel. It came back last week, and WOW! She did a fantastic job (it can now be viewed on the Thursday Night Group page)! Like most everyone else, I am not from Virginia. I was born and raised in San Francisco, CA. Came to this area as a Navy wife, and stayed. I have 3 children–2 daughters and a son; and 3 granddaughters. All perfect, of course! Thanks for visiting, and come back again. We are always adding to the website! If you have any questions about the website, feel free to email me at maggee@dyeing2stitch.com

Thanks for clicking on Dyeing To Tell You. I’d like to introduce myself, my name is Wendy (Woo to all at the shop) and if you ever come into the shop on Wednesday or Friday you likely have met me. I’m originally from Buffalo New York. We moved here in 1979 and I have actually been here longer than in my hometown.  I’m married and live in Chesapeake with my husband Joe.  We have two daughters, Renee’ who lives in Oklahoma, and Amanda, who lives here. They are both married, and have been kind enough to bless us with three wonderful grandchildren.  Our oldest, Michael, 10, belongs to my oldest Renee’.  Then we have Julie 5, and Nicholas 2, who belong to my Amanda.  All are darling and perfect, just ask me!!  I was lucky enough two years ago to be in the shop, just shopping when Ann out of the blue asked me if I would like to come and work for them — I was shocked and thrilled…I must tell you what a wonderful job I have.  These are the best people in the world, I couldn’t have asked for more wonderful people to work for or with, I am truly a lucky girl!! This is a dream job for anyone who stitches.  I’ve been stitching for 30 years.  I stitched models, for a while, for Stoney Creek Magazine, it’s challenging but affords you very little time to stitch for yourself.  I’ve done secretarial work, daycare, and started off as a bookkeeper, but by far this is the BEST job, one that you truly look forward to going to every day.  I haven’t had so much fun or had so many wonderful girl friends since I was in grade school. 

STOP THE PRESSES……This was written some time ago and several things have happened in the interim. One–our daughter Renee’ and her family have returned here to VA and are now living again in Chesapeake, and Two I am happy to tell anyone who wants to listen that I will be going to Shepherds Bush for their retreat this September. This has been on the top of my “Bucket List” for years, along with the wish that the Buffalo Bills, will once again go to and finally win a Super Bowl, sort of a BIG wish, but you never know!!  What a great couple of years this has been!!Well that’s all for this time, I’m sure to have plenty of new things to tell you the next time around.  See you soon……Woo

     Hi, my name is Robin Francazio. I moved to Virginia Beach over 16 years ago when my husband Brian was given orders to a submarine stationed in Norfolk. He retired here after 22 years of service. I have been married for over 25 years and have 2 sons ages 11 and 7. They keep me busy with sports and creative interests which will soon include cross stitch as they are both anxious to try their hands at it.

        When I was in grade school I was taught how to do latch hook and embroidery. I wasn’t taught how to cross stitch until many years later by a friend of mine. She showed me how to stitch on aida, but I have recently been stitching on linen too, including over one, which I find a fun and exciting change. I started coming to the shop for the Thursday night sit and stitch with a few friends and now I look forward to it every week! I have learned quite a few hints and helps for cross stitch and have learned how to do new stitches as well.

         I really enjoy working at Dyeing to Stitch and being able to connect with other people who enjoy stitching as much as I do.

My name is Pat Ryan and I am the third of the Dyeing to Stitch owners. I think the first contribution that I made that has impacted the shop the most is the great wall of fiber.

Picture hanging up all the DMC floss, perle and metallics, Needlepoint Silk, Crescent (yummie) Belle Soie and floss, Caron Collection, Gentle Art, Threadgatherer, Olde Willow and Weeks Dye Works floss. The pageant of color is a visual feast and makes many fingers itch to stitch. Our customers have learned to make good use of the wall to change colors and fibers to suit their whims and decor.

Secondly, but perhaps most importantly is the Thursday Night Group, which was my baby. We started out almost three years ago with one lone stitcher and have evolved into a family of 29, ranging in ages from their 20’s to their 80’s. Each person uniquely contributes to the group and each in their own ways fuel all the others’ passion, stitching. More importantly, we have all forged friendships that have seen us through family illnesses, personal illnesses, family deaths, weddings, children’s weddings and births. We as a group also socialize outside the shop, attending hockey games and next month–a baseball game, featuring the Paw Sox. We have many Red Sox fans in our midst. We have truly come together and care about each other in a way that gives us a sense of friendship and extended family. Thursday Nights have become a “Family Night” –one looked forward to eagerly by all.

Happy Stitching!

Pat

Patti Nicolosi is my name and custom framing is my game! I was born in Buffalo, New York and came to Virginia Beach over 30 years ago. I have been married for 8 years to my best friend, AJ. In addition to being the framer for DTS, I am also a stitcher, designer and teacher and I get to work Thursdays at DTS! I have been stitching in some form since the early 80’s, which may give my age away a little! When I was introduced to cross stitch I knew that I’d found what I had been looking for. Out of necessity, I started framing my own projects. It has been a constant learning experience. My customers’ satisfaction with their finished pieces is always my greatest reward.

Here are a few tips that will help you get your prized piece ready for the framer. Make sure that the ends are secured and clipped. Beads and charms should be firmly attached. Most framers will not fix these problems. Regular retail framers generally do not wash your work. As a stitcher myself, I understand the necessity of washing needlework and will wash pieces that are not stitched with overdyed linen or fibers. When I frame a piece of needlework, I treat each as if it were my own.

Think of framing like a beautiful accessory to your work. Come in and see me for all of your framing needs. I am here to make your needlework an heirloom of which to be proud. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at patti@dyeing2stitch.com.

At long last, here is the tomato soup recipe!

• Combine 4 cups crushed tomatoes and 4 cups tomato juice in stock pot.
• Simmer 30 minutes over low heat.
• Cool slightly and blend with immersion blender until smooth.
• Add 12-14 crushed and chopped fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 1 cup whipping cream.
• Stir over low heat until blended.
• Season to taste.

Enjoy!

My name is Debbie Trimble, and I work at the shop and also do finishing. I am a Military wife, and my husband and I are both from Wisconsin. My husband is now retired Air Force after 24 years of service. He retired at Langley Air Force Base, which is what brought me to Dyeing to Stitch, our local LNS. I am a self-taught stitcher. I began around the age of 13 and took any and all sewing and home economics classes they offered at school. That’s where I get my finishing skills! (Along with great tips from Bindy!) I also enjoy crocheting, quilting and stitching with beads. Shown are two examples of pieces that I have finished. Feel free to ask questions about finishing when you come visit the shop or you can email me at debbie@dyeing2stitch.com.

Hi! My name is Cindy Johnson, otherwise known as ‘Lou’ around the shop. I’m married (22 years) with two children (21 and 14 and they both stitch). I learned to stitch when I was eleven and bored one summer, and a cousin took pity on me and taught me. I have been addicted ever since. I work at the shop a couple of Saturdays a month. I also create the colorful project bags seen around the shop. They come in a variety of sizes from 20 inch to 7 inch (the zipper size limits the sizes I am able to make). Stitchers seem to have found many uses for the bags. Some use the larger ones for the entire project they are stitching, with the medium bag holding the floss and the smaller one holding scissors, needles and other tools, all inside the larger bag. I have even heard rumors of the bags being used in other ways, not related to stitching, such as for bills (uck), coupons and even makeup. I like to make project-specific or person-specific bags. I use mine with specific fabrics so I know what the project is simply by looking at the fabric. If it is fish fabric, the project is Fish City; if it is sampler fabric then it is Little House Spring Sampler; and if it is Blackbird fabric, then it is Loose Feathers. I have one set that is just for a special project that has VW bugs on it, because the fabric just said ‘me’. I can’t wait to meet all of you at the shop. Stop by and see me or you can email me with any questions about project bags at cindy@dyeing2stitch.com!