Sunday is Mother's Day and we would like to send our best wishes and warmest regards to each and every Mother on the planet. We trust you will enjoy any and all festivities planned in your honor by family and friends on this very special day.

Consider this a special Mother's Day card from us to you.

Below is a complete list of prize winners in our 3rd Anniversary Embroidery Sweepstakes.

Grand Prize: Hoop Mate System

Winners have been notified by email. Any winner not receiving their notice should contact us immediately. Winners have until June 3, 2007 to verify their address and claim their prize.

Congratulations to all ten lucky winners and our sincere thanks to everyone that entered. Next year we'll try to come up with something even better. It was fun!

Everyone that has seen this sets thinks these guys are simply adorable. We think you'll agree. Complete set of 10 designs for the 4 x 4 hoop.

Can't Resist Introductory Special - 40% Off!

Don't wait! Get 'em while they are on sale.

Take me to the dogs...

Recently I was reading an article about Free-Motion embroidery that got me wondering. With computerized machines and digitized designs leading the way in today's embroidery world, how many embroiderers have been brave enough to venture into this world?

While it does sound like fun, and a way to really show off your creativity, it may not be for everyone. My guess would be it takes a long time to master the necessary skills to create a free-motion design you would be proud to show off to family and friends.

One good thing about free-motion embroidery is you do not need one of those expensive computerized embroidery machines. Just about any sewing machine that runs well and sews good will work, so this could be an option for anyone on a really tight budget. That old Singer stashed away in the attic might do just fine.

I have seen some pretty incredible free-motion designs. I can also see where you could even combine free-motion embroidery with digitized designs for adding your own personal touches. After all, isn't that what embroidery is all about - being creative?

If you too are intrigued and want to learn more, a simple web search will locate several good sites that offer a great deal of information. There are many books available too. I found the book shown above at Amazon.com (where else) that appears to be a good place to start if you are considering trying your hand at free-motion embroidery. It's titled "Coloring With Thread" by Ann Fahl.

I can't say I will try this myself (where would I find the time), but I must admit the entire concept is intriguing. It might really be fun.

In part, the origin of "Mother's Day" in the United States is thought to be linked to a proclamation written by Julia Ward Howe in 1870. As we prepare to celebrate Mother's Day 2007, I thought you might enjoy reading it.

Arise, then, women of this day!
Arise, all women who have hearts,
Whether our baptism be of water or of tears!

Say firmly:
"We will not have great questions decided by irrelevant agencies,
Our husbands will not come to us, reeking with carnage, for caresses and applause.
Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn
All that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and patience.
We, the women of one country, will be too tender of those of another country
To allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs."

From the bosom of the devastated Earth a voice goes up with our own.
It says: "Disarm! Disarm! The sword of murder is not the balance of justice."
Blood does not wipe out dishonor, nor violence indicate possession.
As men have often forsaken the plough and the anvil at the summons of war,
Let women now leave all that may be left of home for a great and earnest day of counsel.

Let them meet first, as women, to bewail and commemorate the dead.
Let them solemnly take counsel with each other as to the means
Whereby the great human family can live in peace,
Each bearing after his own time the sacred impress, not of Caesar,
But of God.

In the name of womanhood and humanity, I earnestly ask
That a general congress of women without limit of nationality
May be appointed and held at someplace deemed most convenient
And at the earliest period consistent with its objects,
To promote the alliance of the different nationalities,
The amicable settlement of international questions,
The great and general interests of peace.

Julie Ward Howe

Our thanks to Pamela Follett for submitting this helpful embroidery tip:

My tip is keep your bobbins in a Mini M&M candy tube. You can use the colored ones for different color thread to match the tube. You can label them with sticky labels ,or if you are lucky enough to find a few clear ones no label is needed. They come in the regular four inch size tube. Also in the super size M&Ms tube which is about six inches long. You also gt to eat lots of M&Ms.

Want to win FREE designs? Submit your tip or trick to us. If we publish your tip you will win your choice of any downloadable design or design set we offer for sale on our web site.

• Embroidery Extravaganza - May 18-19 Pittsburgh, PA
• Martha's Sewing Market - June 14-16 Arlington, TX
• Sew & Quilt Embroidery Festival - June 28-30 Cincinnati, OH
• Embroidery Extravaganza - June 29-30 Louisville, KY

I have discussed this topic before and with summer right around the corner there is no better time to send out a reminder. Summer is the time of year when we see more lightning storms than ever, particularly in our area. We just happen to live in the lightning capital of the Northern Hemisphere.

Most of us know we should protect our computer equipment with a high quality surge protector or UPS. But don't forget power surges and high voltage spikes can wreak havoc on any of your sensitive electronic equipment, not just your computer.

No doubt your embroidery machine was a rather larger investment. Protecting it from power surges is a very good idea. When you weigh the cost of your machine against the cost of a good surge protector or UPS, the cost of protection is insignificant. The benefits, however, are huge.

Some power companies offer surge protection for your entire home by installing a device near your electric meter. While this may be a good option, it could be a bit more costly.

Without some sort of protection your machine is at risk. The only thing you can do to be safe is pull the plug whenever a storm approaches. Nothing wrong with that, but can you be sure you will be home at the right time? If you are home will you remember?

Now even more chances to win! We are drawing the names of 2 lucky winners in every isssue.

Today's lucky winners are:

If your email address is shown above, you have won a complete set of our Floral Corners designs. Please contact us within 5 days to claim your prize.

Others interested in this set can see it here.

We are sending roses to honor all mothers on Mother's Day. Please enjoy them with our compliments and have a wonderful Mother's Day.

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