A Needle Pulling Thread Issue 47 Sampler

A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
QUILT SEW KNIT CROCHET CROSS STITCH EMBROIDER HOOK RUGS
84
60
16
The Beauty of
Texture
Surface Honeycomb Stitch
30
Exploring
painting
&
needlework
Thoughtful Soles
Wiggle Room socks
Artist Reviews
with
Lise Belanger
Claire Haillot
Make
&
appy!
Be
H
Buy this issue

Editor's letter
Finally Finding Yourself
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
Join us. Make something today that really calls out to
your creative self and let all other issues fall away.
Cheerfully,
Make & Be Happy
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 47
3

FREE
64
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34
68
18 8
80 78
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issue 47
CONTENTS
56
88
4
72

8 Cathy McClean
sewing
Hawaiian Napkin Baskets
16 Clodagh Coker
quilting
Flying Elephant Banner
18 Christine Baker
quilting
The Rainbow Within Banner
24 Annette Janca
quilting
Finally Finding Yourself Banner
30 Elaine Theriault
quilting
Sunburst Quilt
34 That Sewing Place, Liana Kirkey
machine embroidery
The Stupendous Stitching Clutch Purse
38 Édith Choinière
quilting
Throat Chakra Mandala Cushion Cover
44 Donna Funnell
quilting
Autumn Splendor Sampler
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
knitting
Mandala With Love Table Mat
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
46
37
48
52
in
every
issue
3 Editor’s Letter
6 Mark Your Calendars!
6 Advertiser Index
59 Knitting
Standard Abbreviations
& Terms
98 Business Directory
Special Feature
92 The Beauty of Texture Part 2
Judith Marquis
92
44
Artist Review
46 Lise Belanger
Colourful Dream
37 Claire Haillot
Dancing Diamonds
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 47
5

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
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 10 th 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
◦
{ daily blog
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{ weekly giveaways
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ALL of the above!
visit
www.KNITmuch.com
and download a FREE ebook:
Cynthia MacDougall’s
K Tog: Knitting Essentials!
6 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
●
issue 47
To list your event in this space call 1.866.969.2678.
...to K, is to
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.
KNIT
much.com
and ALL
FREE!
PUBLISHER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, ART DIRECTOR
Carla A. Canonico
carla@ANPTmag.com
PUBLISHER, ADVERTISING SALES
John De Fusco
john@ANPTmag.com
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Carla A. Canonico, John De Fusco
QUILTING CONTRIBUTOR
Elaine Theriault
KNITTING CONTRIBUTOR
Cynthia MacDougall
cynthia@ANPTmag.com
Subscription rates for 4 quarterly issues:
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RETAILERS
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store, please call 1.866.969.2678 or email john@ANPTmag.com.
Also visit www.CRAFTalytics.com to find out about our new
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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.
©2018 A Needle Pulling Thread. All rights reserved. Issue 47.
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.
Made possible with the support of the Ontario Media Development
Corporation.
Advertiser Index
15 BF Designs
43 Brampton Sew N Serge
99 Brother
98 Business Directory
59 Canadian Guild of Knitters
13 Canadian Quilters' Association
29 CreativFestival
15 Crochet Designs by NanaRuth
87 Embroidery Association of Canada
13 EYHO Tours
100 Gütermann Creativ
15 Hardanger House
83 Haus of Stitches
43 Heartfelt Fibre Arts
39 Kelly's Creative Sewing
06 KNITmuch
64 KnitSwiss Yarns
55 KnittingTours.com
83 Lowery Workstands
GRAPHICS ASSISTANT
Sondra Armas
SOCIAL MEDIA
Alessia De Fusco
I.T./Web ASSISTANT
Alejandro Araujo
Website : www.ANPTmag.com Facebook: ANPTmag
Toll Free: 1.866.969.2678 Ravelry: ANPTmag
SUBSCRIPTIONS
A Needle Pulling Thread (ISSN 1715-4650) is a quarterly publication.
Subscribe online, by phone, or by mail.
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15 MarNic Designs
67 Mary Maxim
43 Needleworker's Delight
63 Ontario Hooking Craft Guild
02 PFAFF
43 QUILTsocial
71 Red Heart
15 Rypan Designs
43 Sandpiper Creations
39 Sew Inspired
39 Sew With Vision
83 Spirit of Belarus
83 That Sewing Place
83 The Quilt Store
83 The Yarn Guy
07 Unique Knitting & Crochet
63 Woodstock Fleece Festival
87 X's & Oh's

7

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
8 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
●
issue 47

TEXTILE
TOUR
gujarat-kutch-rajasthan
january 2019
workshops•demos•festivals
remote desert villages
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Visit Quilt Canada 2019!
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Quilts from
Around the World
June 12 to 15, 2019
EY Centre, Ottawa, ON
Quilting Goes Viral!
• National Juried Show • Merchant Mall
• Amazing Workshops & Lectures
• Multiple Quilt Shows • Evening Entertainment
www.canadianquilter.com
On a Tibetan Pond
winner of the
Dorothy McMurdie
Founders Award
by Karen Brewer
Chilliwack, BC
Canadian Quilters’
Association
Association canadienne
de la courtepointe
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 47 13

Brenda Franklin
519.638.9958
help@bfdesigns.on.ca
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.
Rypan Designs
416.247.1993
www.rypandesigns.com
NEW! Downloadable Patterns!
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
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
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.
Inspired by life as it
unfolds around me.
- Maria Gollek
MarNic Designs
Counted cross stitch patterns from the
beginner to the advanced skill level
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxaspiring to inspire before I expire
www.MarNicDesigns.com
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A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 47 15

The Rainbow Within
banner
18 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD issue 47
●

Finally Finding Yourself
Banner
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 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
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issue 47

– with –
29

The Stupendous Stitching Clutch Purse
The Stupendous Stitching Clutch Purse
34
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

Throat Chakra Mandala
A beautiful quilted cushion for your meditation room
Quilted Cushion Cover
Photo by Édith Choinière
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.
38 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
●
issue 47
“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

Supplies & Classes
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Toronto, On
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UILTsocial
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.com
Sandpiper
Creations Canada
1-800-671-2272
QUILT MAGIC
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So much fun and EASY to do!!!
◦
{ daily blog
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{ weekly giveaways
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{ fun Facebook page
◦
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◦
{ app on iTunes/Google Play
◦{
ALL of the above!
* projects
* techniques
* product reviews
and ALL
FREE!
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and download a FREE ebook:
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Quilt Magic is just
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Order Securely On-line at:
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A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 47
43

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.
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
44 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
●
issue 47

Knitting
for the
Soul
Knit Together
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?”
I’m an avid knitter, so I love it all.
Despite enjoying several crafts, knitting
is my bliss.
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.
48 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
●
issue 47
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.
There is something exciting about taking
yarn in less-than-useful ball form and
turning it into a very useful sweater.
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 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
• 19 May
• 14 Jul
• 22 Sep
• 13 Oct
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
www.KnittingTours.com
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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
55

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
56 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
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issue 47
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

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
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Kelly’s Creative Sewing
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902-435-7380
www.kellyscreativesewing.ca
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kellyscreativesewing@gmail.com
Specialize in Sewing, Embroidery machines,
Sergers and Long arm Quilting Systems
www.sewwithvision.net
902-479-2227
480 Parkland Dr,
Halifax, NS B3S 1P9, Canada
Your Authorized Dealer for:
Are you a Canadian knitter?
read about knitting
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join Canada’s knitting community
When you join, receive
» 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 ● issue 47
59

10 th Annual Woodstock Fleece Festival
Saturday
October 13 th
2018
dyeing
felting
knitting
rug hooking
spinning
weaving
www.fleecefestival.com
Workshops
Demonstrations
Food
Woodstock Fairgrounds
875 Nellis Street
Woodstock, Ontario
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 47
63

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 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
●
issue 47

Call today for your
complimentary
catalogue
Please quote
CODE 121
Making
Friends
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(97589)
Yarn Mary’s Home Solutions Creative Projects Colouring Books
Quilting Needlework Gifts Puzzles Diamond Dotz and More!
67

Mandala
with Love
Table Mat
FREE
68 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
●
issue 47

100%
merino wool
Available in
24 happy colors
Feather Chic Sweater &
Removable Cowl
LW5907
Discover more free patterns
available at redheart.com/chicsheep
18-007 © 2018 Coats & Clark. All rights reserved. Coats & Clark is a registered trademark.
71

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
72 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
●
issue 47

Dragonfly Purse
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issue 47

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
Maria E. Gollek
www.marnicdesigns.com
Aspiring
to inspire
before
I expire
78 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
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issue 47

Hramnicy Candle Talisman
80
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.
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.
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
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
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issue 47
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.
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.
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.
– Iryna

Lowery Workstands
The Strong Steel Workstands from England
www.workstands.com
Available in
Canada from
Tygarth
Enterprises at
519-956-9632 or
email to:
tygarth@cogeco.ca
626 Main Street
626 Main Street
Humboldt
Humboldt
306-682-0772
Saskatchewan
Stitches
Conference
Proud
Proud
Sponsors
Sponsors
&&
May 30 - June 8, 2019
St. Peter’s Abbey, Muenster
for more information call
1-800-344-6024
www.saskstitches.ca
S W I S S D E S I G N
S W I S S D E S I G N
306-682-0772
Fabric and yarn you won’t find just anywhere!
Authorized Dealer For For
905-715-7725
www.thatsewingplace.ca
SPECIALIZING IN SEWING MACHINE
SALES/SERVICE/CLASSES
AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 47
83

Embroiderers’
Association of
Canada, Inc.
Check us out at
www.eac.ca
Join Us: membership@eac.ca
You’ll be glad you did.
Membership gives you:
Annual Seminar with National
and International Teachers
Embroidery Canada Magazine
published quarterly
Correspondence Courses at all
Levels
Chapter Programmes
Extensive Library
A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 47
87

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.
Sari Silk Ribbon from Heartfelt Fibre Arts provides
the perfect raw material for this
project. Available in a wide range of
colours, it hooks beautifully.
– Dawn
88 A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD ● issue 47

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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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It’s like having a built-in
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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