Hi Happy Stitchers!

What do you think you'll get for Valentine's Day this year? Flowers? Chocolates? Jewelry? Or are you one of the lucky ones who will get a little red box tied with a green bow that has a Canvasback Gift Certificate inside?

Maybe your cupid just needs a gentle hint that we have gift certificates. We even wrap them! They come in any amount, can be used for any purchase, and last for years!

New From the Needlepoint Market Sally went to the The National Needle Arts (TNNA) Market in January and felt it was an unusually good show. Lots of fresh and different canvas designs...not just more of the same-old same-old in different wrappers. There was more color, more imagination, more creativity than she's seen in a long time. And of course! she ordered the most exciting, inspiring and beautiful of all on display. There were several very talented new designers, new leather goods and shoes, and great new fibers. CANVASES New designs from your favorite artists are arriving daily. There are lots of different takes on florals, geometrics and whimsical themes. There are many new belts, stockings, purses and ornaments. Stop by to check out all the exciting new canvases! FIBERS Caron has added colors to their Impressions line. Rainbow Gallery has added more colors in Neon Rays+, Panache, Fyre Werks and Silk Lame'. They've also come out with Silk Lame' for 13 mesh. We now carry the complete line of Planet Earth silk -- an absolute dream to stitch with on 13 mesh. The colors are amazing! This 100% silk perle has become a favorite with several members of our staff. We can also special order it in a stranded version for 18 mesh. MISCELLANEOUS New accessories, tools and books have come in too, and more are on their way! You won't want to miss June McKnight's new "Christmas Bargello" or Suzy Murphy's great new book "Suzy's Small Stitches". There are lovely new leather purses, shoulder bags and totes in beautiful colors for canvas inserts. A new shoe style too. In response to customer requests, Sudbury has reintroduced demitasse tables! They have a beautiful finish and glass insert to showcase your stitching. They have also added items to their line of lovely presentation boxes.

Maggie and Company Trunk Show Through February 14, we're hosting a trunk show from Maggie and Company. Actually it's more than a trunk show: Maggie sent everything that was in her booth at the TNNA market! Maggie's designs are full of wit and whimsy. The line includes the works of Frank Bielec, Our Faithful Friends, Sharon Bloom and other well known artists. You'll also find some wonderful geometrics. Be sure to see this unique collection of bright, contemporary art. Then take one home and have fun stitching it!

Classes with Linda Corirossi Linda is so lucky! She goes to Arizona in the winter where it's warm and sunny, while we stay here in Chicago (WHY do we do that???) to enjoy snow, ice, and 35 below wind chill. We're very jealous, but are glad she's back in town to teach this week and the first week of March. There's still space available in the following classes: Backgrounds - 2/6 9:00-12:00 and 3/4 9:00-12:00 Beards and Fur 3/6 9:00-12:00 Embellishment - 2/5 1:00-3:00 There are also spaces in all of her March embellishment classes. Check our website for dates and times. Call us at 847-446-4244 to sign up. Hurry, space is limited!

Happy Valentines Day and Happy Stitching Too! We hope you'll visit us soon to see all the great new things arriving daily. Sally and The Canvasback Staff