Hope you've had a good Christmas & haven't broken your New Years Resolutions just yet! You've probably guessed what my Resolution is for 2009 - 'to send out a regular newsletter!'. If you've not visited us for a while you are going to see some big changes in our site, so check out the links above -
after you've read my letter of course!

This year instead of giving all your hard work away we are suggesting you stitch a sampler 'Just for Yourself' ' & incorporate your favorite hobby - Cross stitching! We have also had a couple of unusual requests which we thought you might like to see ('Robert' & 'JIM').

I have included our planned new designs for 2009 - (Joy's New Years resolution!), plus some of your delightful comments. It really is lovely to be back writing these letters again as it gives both of us time to reflect. Today (1st Jan) is also 'Cottage Needlecrafts' 4th birthday - we first started trading in January 2005, although we had a sticky start & we're now in the middle of a recession business is booming, this year has been are best ever and from your comments 2009 is looking good too - so keep stitching!!!!!!!

Keep on trucking!

Susan Sessford - Cumbria asked us to design a sampler for coach driver 'Robert' so passengers would know his name. We can change the colour of the coach, so don't forget your coach driving friends!

	The next day we received an order from Debbie Barnes - Perthshire asking us to design a lorry so presumably 'JIM' can hang the sampler up in his cab - again colours of lorry can be changed. We both thought what lovely ideas and unusall gifts these make.

The samplers above made me think of other places our customers might like to hang our samplers. With summer knocking at the door why not stitch a sampler for your caravan or campervan & let everyone know your names when you arrive on site. You wouldn't need to frame it just back with plain cream fabric, insert a rod top & bottom &

a piece of cord to hang the sampler up, it can then be rolled up whilst traveling.

	We don't have a caravan in our bank of images at the moment but Joy does enjoy a challenge. So no doubt one will be on it's way!

A Sampler - 'Just 4 U'

We are always giving away all our hardwork so we thought it would be nice to design a sampler for you. Our lady cross stitcher can be in the house or garden & don't forget to include your faithful furry companions

You can of course stitch one for a cross stitching friend, as I'm sure they will appreciate your hardwork and such a unique personalised gift.

What we have planned for 2009 - Angel Samplers
In the early half of 2009 we will be introducing a series of Guardian/Archangel Angel Name Samplers with empowering messages & affirmations - for example you have a friend who is suffering from depression or has suffered loss we would design an image to represent Archangel Micheal with his Dark Blue Cloak & sword of protection on 'Your Friends Name' with the message underneath 'I have the courage & strength to succeed'. Cross stitching is very therapeutic anyway but we are hoping to bring it to a whole new level.

People say the nicest things -
One of the last orders we received in 2008 was from Claire Bloomfield, Morecambe, Lancs. she finished off her e-mail saying 'Anyway I've ordered from you before and have been really pleased with the results so I know whatever you design will be great'. Thanks Claire