Here are some odds and ends of tips I've had kicking around, that you might find useful... hope there's something you can use, LOL...

First of all, have you ever been working on a large piece and just feeling like you've stitched for hours and have made no progress? Someone mentioned this to me recently, and here's what I suggested... change the color of the hiliter you're marking your stitching copy with! It's a simple little trick that let's you see how much (or how little) you've accomplished during any given stitching session, and it only takes 2-3 colors to show you that yes, you really ARE making progress.

But perhaps you're having trouble following your rows... magnetic boards and strips are good for this, but for something easier, and cheaper, why not use POST-IT NOTES!! They are sticky, but moveable, and can be used to mark off areas as well as rows!

Next, if you're having trouble keeping track of beads or charms - maybe some left over from a past project, that you want to keep and use another time. I know we've talked about storage ideas before, but this is still my favorite for charms - tuck them into small containers (I like the metal EXCEL MINT tins, but film storage containers work well too). Tape or glue on of the charms to the outside of the container, and line them up on a shelf (or pack them away in a box, with the charm side up), and voila, no more misplaced charms! This works for beads too, though if you're using Mill Hill beads, I find their plastic packaging tucks quite nicely into empty DeRocher chocolate containers - what a great excuse to eat a dozen yummy goodies (wink).

But here's my favorite idea this month... pick up a little notebook at the dollar store (one that fits easily in your purse), and make a note of the title and designer of any designs or kits you'd love to have. Then, when friends or family ask you for ideas for Christmas (coming up soon!!), or birthdays, you'll be prepared!

Happy stitching, and I'll talk to you next month...