Everyone loves puzzles of some sort. They can be both challenging and relaxing. Since we all need time relax now and then, we wanted to come up with a way to help you relax and we think we found one.

We have added a brand new feature to our web site, a puzzle page. There you will find various types of puzzles that will help you unwind and have fun. Initially we will have primarily jigsaw puzzles and crossword puzzles, but we do plan to add additional types in the near future. Most will be related to embroidery or computers in some way, so you may even learn a few things along the way.

All of our puzzles are absolutely free and can be played online. Just go to our puzzle page, click on a puzzle and play. It's that simple! We will continue to add new puzzles regularly, so be sure to stop back often.

We hope you enjoy this new feature. If there is a particular type of puzzle you like let us know. We'll see what we can do.

No matter what software you use to open and review you designs, chances are they never look quite right. Colors seem a bit off or not right at all.

There are two very good reasons for this. The first has to do with your monitor directly. Every monitor is different. Unless it has been calibrated using special software and hardware devices, there is a good chance it will not display colors exactly right. Normally they are close enough, so we don't worry about slight color variations.

The second big reason has to do with your software. Every thread, no matter what palette, has an RGB value. These values represent a combination of red, green and blue that result in a unique color for each thread. Every thread manufacturer has specific RGB values for each color they offer and they seem somewhat reluctant to share this information.

In order for the color to look right on your screen, these values must be accurate. Embroidery software companies build these values into their programs using the best available data. If this data is inaccurate, then the colors you see will be incorrect.

To prove this, try opening the same design in two different programs. Chances are the design will not look the same in both. There will be color variations between the two programs that may or may not be easily recognized.

Do we really care about all this? Perhaps not since we have the thread we are going to use in hand and know what the colors look like. It's just something to keep in mind when viewing your designs on screen.

Here's a question submitted to Ask Mary! from an embroiderer asking about digitizing with Embird.

Question:  I would like to learn to digitize, but it is so confusing getting started. I believe Embird will be my choice, but am not sure about which element to purchase. What is the advantage of having all of them? What are the best tutorial videos to purchase? Thanking you in advance.

Answer:  To be able to digitize with Embird you need only two things. You need the basic Embird program and the Embird Studio plug-in module. I would also recommend Embird Iconizer although it is not required. All of the other modules are optional and not required for digitizing.

If you need video tutorial CDs to help you learn Embird, we have a great set available. We teach you the basics through advanced editing techniques.

Review our Embird video CDs here

If you need video tutorials CDs to help you learn digitizing in Embird Studio, we do plan to publish Embird Studio tutorials in the near future.

Good luck with your projects and learning to digitize. I'm sure you will enjoy it.

Hook up the sleigh and get ready to help Santa deliver presents to all the good little boys and girls around the world. Seven adorable reindeer for the 4 x 4 hoop.

See Santa's reindeer here.

Get ready for a Meowy Christmas with this brand new set of designs. Seven (7) adorable Christmas Stick Kitties plus four (4) bonus designs for the 4 x 4 hoop.

Meet all the Christmas Kitties here.

Designed to get you in & out of the kitchen fast and back to your embroidery machine.

Recipe Name:  Cabbage and sausage stir fry

Prep Time: 10-15 minutes

Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes

Ingredients:
Cabbage-1/2 head
Smoked sausage--1/2 package to 1 package
8oz. frozen carrots
1 medium size squash
1 medium onion

Directions: I use a large skillet and put a small amount of oil in it. I cut up the cabbage and start it to cooking. I slice the onion in thin slices along with the squash.(I cut them both in half and slice). Then add the carrots and sliced smoked sausage. Stir fry it until it is the texture that you like. I fix a small pan of corn bread. This makes a quick and easy meal.

Submitted by: Vickie C.

A collection of ten (10) different holiday greetings. We've included a 4 x 4 and 5 x 7 version of each design for a total of twenty (20) designs.

See all the greetings here.

You've heard of them, but what are they really? Are they necessary for some types of embroidery? Do certain machines require them? Are they really that much better than regular needles?

The truth is, titanium needles are regular needles on the inside. The difference lies on the outside. They are coated with a special titanium nitride (ceramic) coating that helps reduce heat and friction while sewing out your designs. As a result, you may experience fewer thread breaks and your needles will stay sharp longer.

Titanium needles are no stronger than regular needles, so the chances of a needle breaking are the same. After all, they are actually the same needle. The thin coating of Titanium Nitride, only microns thick, does not add strength.

No machine or embroidery design requires the use of titanium needles. Given their high cost, the decision whether or not to use them is yours alone. If cost is a factor, you might want to stick with regular needles and change them a bit more often. After all, how long does it take to change a needle?

Our thanks to Linda Butterfield for submitting this helpful embroidery tip:

When stitching a design that has lots of little areas [dots / face parts etc.] that require trimming jump stitches, I slip in a piece of vilene and stitch over it. I can then trim the stitches without worring about nicking other threads. Works great for me.

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 from our online catalog.

• No major shows scheduled through the holiday season

The co-sponsor in our recent Ghosts & Goblins Giveaway, A & A Crossroads Sewing Center, is having a Holiday Open House.

Event details:

What:
Refreshments, door prizes (every hour), ideas for gifts you can make for family and friends. $1.00 fat quarters and 15% off all notions and sewing machine feet.

When:
December 1, 2007 12:00 noon to 6:00 P.M.
December 2, 2007 12:00 noon to 4:00 P.M.

Where:
A&A Crossroads Sewing Center
5208H 66th St. N (T&T Plaza)
St. Petersburg, FL 33709

If you are in the St. Petersburg, FL area be sure to stop by to say hello.

Two (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 extremely popular Monogram Coasters design set. Please contact us by email within 5 days to claim your prize. Be sure to let us know what format you need so we can get the designs on their way to you.

Others interested in this very popular set can see it here.

A collection of four simple one and two color Christmas designs that are sure to help you quickly finish up some holiday projects. Perfect for enhancing your holiday table linens. Please enjoy them with our compliments. Happy Holidays!

For the 4 x 4 hoop

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