Dear Friend,

It’s hard to “think spring” when it’s blowing snow and the temperature outside is below zero, but the season of renewal is fast approaching. The March/April 2005 issue of PieceWork is a homage to spring and contains a variety of articles and projects featuring flora and fauna motifs. To name a few: Linda Moore’s colorfully stitched Chinese rooster chases away the gloom of winter; Nancy Bush’s knitted bath mitts freshen up home décor; and an elegant, classic floral design stitched on a velveteen table runner, inspired by a Morris and Company design, will make dinner parties the talk of the town. And as always, there are Findings and Trimmings, and Book Marks, and more. PieceWork is sure to bring on spring needleart fever for your customers.

We are very pleased to announce the results of PieceWork’s Needleworker of the Year 2004 contest: The grand prize goes to Beverly Grace for Santa Fe Christmas, nominated by Needlework Unlimited, Minneapolis, Minnesota; first-place knitting prize to Marti Ranney for Afghan in Diamond Piecework, nominated by Great Yarns, Raleigh, North Carolina; first-place needlepoint prize to Barbara Bonner for Petit-Point Purse, nominated by Needlework Unlimited, Minneapolis, Minnesota; first-place quilting prize to Shirley Hansen for Crazy Quilt Handbag, nominated by Quilting Essentials, Stone Mountain, Georgia; first-place cross-stitch prize to Marguerite Rodgers for The Sanctuary Sampler, nominated by Stitchers Workshop, El Dorado, Arkansas; first-place crochet prize to Bonnie Pierce for Freeform Crochet Vest, nominated by Unraveled Fine Yarns, Vancouver, Washington; and first-place embroidery prize to Beatrice Maestas Sandoval for Las Margaritas Cholcha Embroidery, nominated by Española Valley Fiber Arts Center, Española, New Mexico. The winning pieces will be featured in the May/June issue. Thanks to all who entered and to our generous sponsors who provided terrific prizes.