Lynnette Hanzal writes, “I wanted to send you a picture of my finished project, I purchased the patterns and fabric from Nordic Needle. I’m from Minneapolis, but was in Fargo in May 2010 for a college track meet, and Nordic Needle was my first stop when we got into town. I’ve ordered from you before, but have never been in the store. I had so much fun in there. I had never seen fractal patterns before, but loved the look of them and bought one bookmark booklet and another pattern.

Then, later on I returned and bought the other fractal bookmark booklet and another pattern. Overnight I came up with the idea for a project in which I could cross stitch all the bookmarks into a ‘sampler’, since I couldn’t decide which ones I liked best. So the next morning I was back again to buy fabric and another couple of other patterns. I can’t imagine how much more stuff I would have bought if we had been in town any longer. Anyway, this is stitched on 32 ct black lugana, 2 over 2, and took 14.5 months to make. One of the stitched bookmarks was a free download from xscollectibles that I substituted for one of the booklet patterns.

I’ve never entered anything in any fairs before, but I really wanted to show this off, as I thought it was rather unique–I ended up getting a second place ribbon for this, in this year’s Minnesota State Fair. Now, on to the rest of my patterns-I have enough to last for years!”

Written by: Ryan

Hi! I am Mila Ollenburg. I too, am an avid cross stitcher. Over the last 2 years I have completed nearly 15 projects, all different sizes and counts. About 7 years ago, I started working on a male and female cardinal. It was in the fall of 2005. My husband says, “You finish both of those by Christmas and I will have a surprise for you.” He wouldn’t tell me what! I finished both in 2 months. Attached is the photo of my Christmas gift. It is the most treasured piece in my home. Many have asked to buy it, with the work I did, and many ask if he will make them one.

It is 3 feet 10 inches wide by 2 feet 1 1/2 inches tall. The shelf is not included in that measurement. He special ordered the mirror and even bought me Ceramic Cardinals from Home interiors to place on the shelf. Since then, the birds have broken. This is a custom piece by far and probably will never be duplicated.

My husband has made furniture over the years. He is very particular and a perfectionist and very picky over the wood he uses.

Mila Ollenburg, Grand Marsh, Wisconsin

Written by: Ryan

Lisa works in retail store, assisting customers and filling orders.

• How long have you been with Nordic Needle?

  I have been here a year in March.

• Favorite needlework technique?

  Hardanger is my favorite needlework technique. My grandmother taught me over 30 years ago. I didn’t do much then but I am getting back into it now that I am working here.

• Favorite tool, gadget, thread, or other Nordic Needle item?

  My Ott lights are my favorite tool – I have 3 of them! The best light and one of mine has a magnifier on it so that’s the one I use the most. I couldn’t stitch without it.

Written by: Ryan

This week’s Stitcher’s Showcase features a piece from Trish Heath, of St. Joseph, Missouri. Trish says, “Hi Roz, here is my most prized piece, a Lavender and Lace design. I bought a late 1800′s frame and had it placed in it just before this last Christmas, it was the show piece of all my pieces but loved the old frame touch, thanks for letting us share.

Written by: Ryan

“I finished the Lavender and Lace (I believe the title is Lady of the Thread) in May and the other one title Flowers and Lace (this is a kit by Dimensions) was on display at the fair in August.”

Written by: Ryan

Judy works in the shipping department with primary responsibilities for customer service, rush and retail orders. She also handles wholesale shipments 2 days a week and is back up in the retail store.

• How long have you been with Nordic Needle?

  Since 2006.

• Favorite needlework technique?

  She enjoys cross stitch.

• Favorite tool, gadget, thread, or other Nordic Needle item?

  The magnifier lamp (6818D).

Written by: Ryan