Here's a snapshot of our new products for this week. Click an image to see more details and scroll through the entire update. Or click the "What's New" link to the left to view in list format.

Lil Flakes-Snowfall #4 by CM Designs Item: 12-1160	Hands & Hearts by Cross-Point Designs Item: 12-1158	Little Irish, A by Cross-Point Designs Item: 12-1159
Star Light Sampler Pincushion by Homespun Elegance Ltd Item: 12-1120	Needles And Pins Pincushion by Homespun Elegance Ltd Item: 12-1121	Heart Posies by Homespun Elegance Ltd Item: 12-1122

Gift Card Monsters from Basicygrey!

Don't hand over that gift card, iTunes card or cash in just any old envelope! Spruce things up with these pre-finished fabric envelopes! Each retails for only $5.00 and makes a great counter display! Click to view the selection.

       

Read more Q & A sessions with other top designers!

The Scarlett House Designer: Tanya Brockmeyer Location: Chandler, AZ

 

Would you give us a rundown on your stitching background?
My first attempt at making those little x's was in 7th grade Home-Ec class. We made gingham aprons with cross stitch designs across the bottom, and I've had a needle in my hand ever since. I didn't actually start cross stitching until a few years later. Embroidery was my thing, and I decorated everything in sight from jeans to pillowcases. While in my teens, I picked up a little scenery kit, and taught myself.

What is it about cross-stitching that you enjoy?
The short answer is everything, but I love the entire process of choosing a design, finding the perfect linen, pulling the threads, and turning a blank piece of fabric into a work of art. Spending time stitching is something I do every single day whether I'm home or away. It's just something I need to do like breath. I'm in my own little world, and it keeps me sane and nurtures my soul. While stitching itself is a solitary hobby, I enjoy the camaraderie of sharing that passion with others whether we're simply talking about it or enabling each other.

How did your design business come about?
I think it was always in the back of my mind that I would attempt designing one day. Once raising kids and a full-time job were behind me, it all fell into place. I'd been designing little things for myself like scissors fobs and small samplers for a long time. I guess it didn't occur to me that others would want to stitch my ideas until I showed them to friends, and they gave me the gentle push, okay it was more of a shove into starting my business.

Would you describe the process of taking a design idea and making it a completed stitched piece?
It all starts with inspiration, and that can come from a variety of places. The verse for my Maddie Button design came to me while I was in the shower. I had just had this long discussion with friends over the pro's and con's of being a vegetarian. (I'm not one, but I don't even like to think about the realities of eating meat.) I literally ran straight from the shower and wrote down the verse. Once I had a theme, I designed the pin keep pillow around that. The idea to combine my love of antique buttons came next, which led to the jar wrap.

Hannah Tingey 1823 The Scarlett House just released this beautiful 265w x 282h reproduction sampler. The model was stitched on 45ct vintage Buttercream from Lakeside Linens and have been told it's even more stunning in person. See more designs from Tanya in our Online Reference Catalogue.

Are there any aspects of stitching or designing that you find particularly challenging?
My true love and passion are for samplers. With the reproductions that I have done, I always debate with myself as to whether to do an exact reproduction that includes charting in the mistakes, borders that don't quite match up, and the occasional odd elements that aren't always pleasing to the eye on the original. While I do try to reproduce them as close to the original as possible, I have decided that it is okay to change a color or freshen up a motif. After all, with the variety of materials used today, no two finished pieces are exactly alike anyway.

What are some hobbies or interests you enjoy outside of needle and thread?
When I'm not stitching, I love all types of art. I used to carve out more time for painting, and paper crafts such as card making. My favorite things to make are collages using vintage photos or "instant relatives". It amuses me to use images of those solemn faced people in stiff looking clothes in my art. They have found their way on to the covers of some of my journals.

Searching for antiques and decorating our home with my finds is another thing I love to do. My perfect day would involve a flee market or an antique show.

Sports have always been a huge part of my life. While I don't participate in them other than bowling anymore, I love watching. I particularly love cheering from the sidelines for our grandchildren who play soccer, hockey, and do gymnastics.

Of course, whatever I'm doing is better if I'm surrounded by our three Boston Terriers, Ruby, Scarlett, and Henry Blue. They are my constant companions, and are affectionately known as the "squatters" ever since they moved into my craft room and refuse to leave.

Have you read any good books this year?
Oh, yes! I love to read and my favorites for the past year include everything by Jennifer Donnelly, especially the Tea Rose trilogy.

How long have you lived in Chandler and what are a few of your favorite things about living there?
I'm a Midwest transplant, and I've been here twenty four years. My favorite thing is the lack of snow and cold. The summers do wear me out, but there's a lot to be said for waking up to blue skies and sunshine every day. I love the fact that I can wear flip flops almost year round. My favorite outdoor activities include being planted on the patio with my stitching, while watching sports. Chandler is a great suburb of Phoenix. It's a decent size city with a small time mentality. Where I live, we still have dairy farms and horse properties nearby, and I love seeing the animals. Chandler also has miles of wonderful bike paths, which my husband and I enjoy.

What’s on your Santa list?
Wow, I really don't have a list. I honestly feel like I have everything I could ever want or need right now. I'd love to find a shiny red Mini-Cooper parked in my driveway on Christmas morning though. I have a charm of one on a bracelet, and my husband says it's as close as I'm getting to owning one, so that's not's likely to happen.

Do you plan on making any New Year’s resolutions?
Of course, the usual ones of losing weight, exercising more and eating better. It's not exactly a New Year's resolution, but I promised myself that I would get to the beach more often to recharge my batteries.

Enjoy our past Q & A sessions with dozens of the top designers in our industry!

10-2157 Sunflower Snow Woman by Sunflower Seed, The	10-2172 Snowman Ornaments by Prairie Grove Peddler, The	10-2099 Winter by Cross Eyed Cricket, Inc.
10-2101 Comfort And Snow by Ship's Manor	10-2063 My Buddy by Amy Bruecken Designs	10-1999 Frost Is On The Punkin by Vals Stuff