One of the finishing methods we’ll learn in the Bookmarks 101: Simple, Smart, and Swanky Finishes class at The Stitchers’ Village, beginning November 16. This is the deliberately “messy” version of the method. There is a “neat” alternative. What can I say? I like the scrunches.

The Monday “What have you done lately?” accountability post, where I announce my Needle and Thread: Stitching for Literacy program promotion goal for the week and fess up on last week’s goal.

Last week, my goal was to write a press release about the EGA embracing the Bookmark Challenge as part of their national outreach program.

I just sent it to Colleen, who is helping to organize the EGA program, for proofing. So, almost done.

Also this week, the first 2010 Bookmark Challenge contest was announced by The Stitchers’ Village. It’s introduced on the last page of the current Stitchers Voice newsletter. That link to the contest details won’t work after the new issue comes out Nov. 1, but you can find the info again in the mid-October 2009 newsletter in the archives.

To enter the contest, send a hand-stitched bookmark (or three or twenty-seven) to The Stitchers’ Village by May 6, 2010. Every bookmark you submit earns one entry into a random drawing, so the more you stitch and donate, the more chances to win. The grand prize is a complete set of Dinky Dyes silk embroidery thread in a Stitching for Literacy zippered tote bag. I am not making this up–a complete set of Dinky Dyes silks! Have you seen the colors? Have you touched the silk? Mmmmmm-mm! Oh–and the tote’s pretty cool, too. And exclusive. Right now, Becca and I are the only people in the whole world to have one.

Five runners up will receive their choice of 25 Dinky Dyes silks (choose Luna Park, choose Lunk Park!) and a Cat’s Whiskers Design Studio chart or kit.

You can start right now. Send a bookmark to Jo before the New Year and be ready for other contests when they start during the Challenge. Since you’re reading this now, I’m going to give you a heads up about another contest and give you a hint how you can get double the mileage out of a single bookmark.

Shhh!

Before you send your bookmark to Jo at The Stitchers’ Village, take a picture of yourself with it. I’ve heard a rumor that someone will be holding a contest in which you get an entry by submitting a photo of yourself with a completed hand-stitched bookmark that you’re donating to the Challenge. Not keen to have your photo taken? Creative shots allowed, I hear. For instance, a close-up of the bookmark by your face an one of your eyes, masks, the bookmark in a book with the book in front of your face…. Note: The photos you submit to this contest will be posted on the Web. Details to come. Just remember to take a picture of yourself with your bookmarks before you ship them off.

Okay. My goal this week is to talk with Sherry, the TNNA marketing consultant, about better involving the TNNA Counted Thread and Needlepoint groups.