Checkity check it -- through the miracle of blogger and a rusty knowledge of HTML, I somehow miraculously transformed this page into an actual blog powered by blogger. Miracles happen! I'll probably start posting here in June. For now, I'm taking a brain vacation. Lots of good stuff coming up soon!

ONE winner still has not responded to my email 'o good news, but here are FOUR of the FIVE people who won the free book drawing! Congratulations ALL!!!
ROBIN from Rhode Island! wooooo!!
RACHAEL from Georgia! yeaahhhhh!
KERRY from Jersey! hooooooooT!
TAMI from Oregon! hiYAAAAHHH!
And one other person who doesn't know yet --- !!! THE SUSPENSE IS KILLING ME!! Tell us who you are!

May 11, 2006: You May Already Be A Wiener!*

I have the results of our enews-subscriber-only contest! Five subscribers were chosen at random and each of those five will receive a free copy of the Subversive Cross Stitch book! I'll post winner names when I have them all - I sent emails to the winners this morning, so check your mail!

BUT -- even if you didn't win a book, I still have some goodies in store for those of you who took the time to complete the survey. I'll send out an email about that later today. And THANKS to everyone who answered the questions - I got some very valuable information and there's gonna be some changes around here, Lucy! Because of your responses, now I have some solid ideas of how to improve things, which you'll see implemented over the next couple of months.

For starters, look for several new patterns in June (I know, I've been lagging on that end of things but I've finally come up for air). And, from this day forward, I swear I will never be hungry again! Oh no, wait, that's Scarlett O'Hara... from this day forward, no plastic hoops EVER! I'll be changing to wooden hoops immediately. If you still want plastic, just ask me -- I'll keep some around for those of you who prefer them. AND, very soon, I'll start offering patterns only. I know, I know. I heard your plaintive mews, kittens! ;) I'm also trying to find a source for the signature Subversive gold frames so I can offer frames for sale as well. Plus some other stuff...

Again, thanks SO much for taking the survey. I have the super-nicest customers and I consider myself very lucky. So I MUST keep you happy. Please feel free to drop me a note anytime, you're why I'm here! T-H-A-N-K-S!!!

If you have no idea what I'm talking about, you probably aren't on my enews list! For shame!! Skitter on down to the bottom of any page on this site and sign yerself up, hon'! Then you'll be the first to know about everything Subversive!

(*this line is from one of my favorite cartoons: it's a hot dog opening an envelope at his mailbox, and the letter inside says "you may already be a wiener!" Yeah, I know, you had to be there. Oh well.

May 9, 2006: Our Lady of Insanity, Betty Hutton



I'm a big fan of Betty Hutton, she is the original Dorkstress. I can always count on Betty to liven up my day and get me inspired. Here's a little ditty of hers for your enjoyment. The Sewing Machine (mp3). She's NUTS!

May 8, 2006: Silly Stats

I just noticed this on Amazon, on the page where the book is listed. There's a visual of the top 100 words in the book, and some other odd stuff. But the funny thing is this:
Words per dollar: 88
Words per ounce: 75
Not very wordy, huh? Mostly pictures - heh!

May 3, 2006: Wi Fi Crafty

The books are everywhere, and hopefully in a store near you! Urban Outfitters is also carrying the books and the card sets -- a friend in Evanston, IL said that she saw a "huge basket of cards" at her local Urban store. They were in the bedding department, in a bedroom setting (imagine lazing about addressing Subversive greeting cards all day - ha!)

I'm trying to keep the Press page updated. The latest entry is a mention in Blueprint magazine, which is the new venture of Martha Stewart Living. It's a magazine aimed at a younger audience, kind of interesting.

AND - don't miss Leah Kramer of craftster.com's new book - it's SO cool!! It's full of all those kooky vintage projects you remember from your grandmother or strange aunt. Super dorky fun!

Also, trot on over to the Customer Gallery -- you'll find a few new inspirations there!

p.s. I was out in East Texas this weekend -- did you know that Dairy Queen (this one was in a small town with no traffic light) is a WI FI HOT SPOT?? Apparently it goes well with Flamekickin' Beltbusters. Who knew?!



April 11, 2006: How Do We Rate?

Hey - Amazon reviews are up as of today! That means that you should dash on over and leave one if you haven't already. My publisher says it's good for business, I'm not just asking you to stroke my ego! So skitter on over there on your Patti Page legs and write me a love letter, you! LINK

Also, this means you can buy the book on Amazon now if you'd like. I'll probably stop selling them here eventually, unless anyone wants a signed one to give as a gift or something. See The Book! page for more info. So many more treats in store, stay tuned. And sign up for the newsletter, I'm planning to start having giveaways for subscribers soon...

April 4, 2006: TEASE is out TODAY!



Inspired T-Shirt Transformations by Superstars of Art, Craft and Design -- the subtitle pretty much sums it up! This is a great book by the super-savvy Sarah Sockit, chock full of great ideas of what to do with your favorite old tees. Projects by Amy Sedaris, Todd Oldham, Debbie Stoller and even one by that Subversive Cross Stitch
chick (ol' what's-her-name)!

April 3, 2006: Hurricane Dooce!




I am totally humbled and mightily excited that the fabulous dooce (aka Heather Armstrong) has allowed me the honor of being her site header for April. See dooce.com if you haven't read her site -- well, seriously, what am I saying? Everyone has read her site.

Welcome, citizens of dooceville! And a big thanks to dooce for creating the artwork above out of some elements from my patterns. Rah!