December 09

I know I go on every month about how quickly the year is going, but is it really December? The first frost of the year on the first of December reminded me that winter had arrived and I hadn't sent you this month's newsletter.....or even written it yet! So here we are, better late than never. I promise my new year's resolution will definitely be to get every single newsletter out on time.

I've finished the stitching of my 3 Harley Davidson artwork designs now, I had a bumper October for stitching, although November was not so good. December is quite good for me stitching-wise and a lot of you out there, although I know many people are busy preparing for Christmas. Don't forget that many people are lonely over Christmas and find stitching to be a fantastic way to pass what can otherwise be a rather tedious holiday. So, perhaps it's time to order a new kit and treat yourself to some relaxing winter stitching. After all, in January it would be lovely to have achieved a completed design that wasn't Christmas related - trust me, you will be sick of Christmas by then!

If, however, if you are busy running after the kids / grandkids / big kids (you know who you are!), then make a bit of time for yourself over the holiday season. Sit down, put your feet up, get someone else on the washing up (or put the dishwasher on) and stitch for all you're worth. Ask someone special to buy you a kit for yourself, not to stitch for a friend but one for your own wall. You deserve it.

This month's newsletter is another countdown newsletter. We're counting down our most popular design series, our transport caricatures. The range numbers around 100 and covers a massive selection of transport designs, with a couple of famous racing stars thrown in. Planes, trains and automobiles are all covered, and don't forget the QE2, a few diggers and other construction vehicles. We even have a refuse truck! All the designs are available as kits or charts. The charts are all priced at £10.95 and kits range from £22.95 to £33.95. Have a look at http://www.stitchtastic.com/catalog/caricature-kits.aspx .

In at number 10 in our countdown of the top ten best selling caricature designs is a very popular car in real life as well as in stitches, the Porsche 911 GT. It's available in red and grey.

Number 9 is a vehicle from one of my favourite 80s TV shows, the A Team van. You'd be a crazy fool not to have a go at stitching this one!

In at number 8, one of my favourite designs that I stitched last year, the Union Jack Roof Mini Cooper, available in blue, green, grey, red and pink.

Number 7 is another TV show based vehicle which always raises a laugh at stitching shows, it's Del Boy's Reliant Robin. By the way, purists never call it a Robin Reliant, the Reliant is the brand, not the model!

Number 6 was featured in last month's newsletter, Valentino Rossi pictured on his championship winning motorbike. Good luck for next season Valentino.

TV makes another appearance at number 5 but this time it's a popular cartoon series from most of our childhoods, Scooby Doo's mystery machine.

You'll have seen the real version of number 4 on the motorway (if you're in the UK), it's the famous Eddie Stobart lorry.

Tractor fans will love the John Deere tractor design at number 3, he obviously comes in green.

Number 2 is part of our most popular range, it's a VW design (more of those in the new year). The 'splitty' camper van comes in blue, green and orange (blue's my favourite).

In at number 1, and hopefully number 1 in the next F1 season, is Lewis Hamilton in his McLaren Mercedes F1 car. He's very distinctive in his yellow helmet, and I can't wait to see him racing again in March with Jensen Button as his team mate. In the meantime, why not stitch him?

Our PETZ range of animal caricatures is always a great seller at the stitching shows we attend. If you can make it to Stitch and Craft 2010 in March, come and have a look at the kooky cats, crazy dogs and fitness-mad hamsters, to name but a few! The best seller in this range has to be our scuba diving goldfish. It's been stitched by some scuba divers already, but not by any goldfish.......... Also watch out for the bright and colourful chameleon and the karaoke cockatoo.

January is VW month. We showcase many of our VW range (and there are a lot), both standard and caricature designs.

A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our readers.