Those Little Details

When reading a book, I find those little details the author has woven in essential to transporting me to that other world. It's never enough just to have a decent story line or interesting, developed characters.  Good authors thoroughly research their topics and sprinkle in enough authenticity to bring the reader along on their ride.

Many stitchers have run across books by author Monica Ferris, particularly her series of mysteries starting with Crewel World revolving around various forms of needlework in the clues and crimes.  Monica's latest book Theadbare hit the streets just before Christmas:

Turns out that Monica had visited Nordic Needle in Fargo as part of the research for this book. She just happened to spot the chart my Mum designed called Fjord Ponies during her visit.

And somehow, this happened...right there in black and white on page 247.

We didn't know ahead of time.  I think better than any surprise I could have arranged for Mum.  So, of course, I had to get a special copy for my Mum for Christmas.  Monica was so sweet to work with.  She autographed a copy for us. I know my Mum will treasure this forever. (It's her Andy Warhol moment.)

So pick up a copy and enjoy the mystery and all of its little details.

More horses to bet on

Hi Everybody!  Have you all met my Mum? (Cindy waves back to you all.) She has been busy designing fabulous Scandinavian-style sweaters, hats and mittens.  You can visit her site Norsk Needlework and see them all (and order pdfs for the knitting patterns), but I wanted to share her newest project with my stitching friends.

Her sweater (modeled by the lovely Patti): Wild Blue Horses

And the part you might like even better:

This is "Fjord Ponies" and she's allowed me to release it and sell it as part of the Ink Circles line.  It's cross stitch and back-stitching in seven shades of Vikki Clayton's HDF.  I'll be bringing both her and the model with me to the TNNA wholesale show in St. Charles next month for the official release party.

By the way, this will make three generations of Ink Circles designers. :o)