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 send individual emails to past participants to see who’s on board for the 2011 Bookmark Challenge.

Done. And this post helped–I finished minutes ago.

Now get this: I also managed to present a plan to the PBI (pretty much the same as a PTA) this week, and the ball is now in their court. Wooooooot!

I accomplished a few other things, as well, but I’m not talking about those yet. They’re mostly speculative; I’m throwing things at the wall to see what sticks. Fingers crossed that people say “yes.”

And speaking of saying “yes”…I want to introduce to you today someone who did, indeed, say “yes.” Do you remember the It-Takes-Just-One series of blog posts during the 2010 Bookmark Challenge? They were profiles of individuals–like our good friend, Bev–who single-handedly supported a class or library or outreach program by stitching and/or teaching others to stitch. Well, we have a Needle and Thread: Stitching for Literacy 2011 Bookmark Challenge It-Takes-Just-One Super Model.

Don’t even think of shortening that title. We already have the sash made. It works for our event and a Halloween mummy costume.

Everyone, meet Maureen:

From now through the Challenge and summer and perhaps through the year, we’re going to follow Maureen on her Stitching for Literacy adventure to see how she does what she does and, I hope, think of ways we might participate ourselves.

I’ve been in touch with Maureen for a while, but I asked her some questions so you can get to know her, too.

How did you learn about Stitching for Literacy, and what made you want to get involved?
I learned about Stitching for Literacy from the Stitchers’ Village website. I wanted to get involved because I have a child learning to read. It is wonderful to be able to encourage kids to read. Last year I made bookmarks and I sent them to The Stitchers’ Village for distribution. This year I wanted to do something locally and hope I can carry it on from year to year.

You are, more or less, single-handedly stitching a significant collection for your local library. What made you decide to do this?
I wanted to do something good for my community and make people aware of Stitching for Literacy. I just keep making bookmarks. They are so fun to make and the possibilities are endless. It’s great to reward children for their accomplishments. I’d like to teach adults and children to stitch to get others involved. I was hoping for a little more help with making bookmarks. I gave out several letters to stitchers I know. I received one bookmark from a friend to donate. I know of a few in the works, but I may have to use those for next year. I hope to get more help and double the amount in the future as I make people more familiar with Stitching for Literacy.

Maureen’s collection, so far.

How did you arrange to do this with your chosen library, and what was their reaction to your proposal?
I have a letter ready to go to the library. I haven’t actually taken it there yet. I intend to get there very soon, and I don’t foresee a problem. They do a summer reading program that my daughter participated in last year, and I am sure they will be a welcome addition to that. I will make sure to post their reaction. It will be soon.

Do you ever listen to audio books while you stitch?
I usually listen to music while I stitch. Being a new year and wanting to try new things, listening to an audio book while I stitch is top on my list.

What kinds of books do you like? Any favorite titles or authors?
I like true stories and mysteries. I don’t have any favorite titles or authors. It just has to be a really good book to capture my attention. If after the first couple of pages I am bored then I know it’s not for me.

What’s your favorite kind of embroidery?
My favorite kind of embroidery is by far cross-stitch. I love what it can become. I do want to learn how to do punchneedle. That is also on my list for this year.

How do you feel about pioneering the role of Needle and Thread: Stitching for Literacy 2011 Bookmark Challenge It-Takes-Just-One Super Model?
I am up for the challenge. It will be a lot of fun, and I can’t wait to share all of my ideas. Believe me when I say I have a lot of them. I hope I can encourage others to get involved by making bookmarks, learning to stitch, reading, etc.

What message would you like to bring to the Stitching for Literacy platform?
I think kids and adults today spend a lot of time on cellphones, playing video games, watching T.V, etc. I say shut everything off and pick up a book once in while. Have a family reading night. Maybe take turns reading to each other or read your own book individually. Whatever the case, it makes more quality family time. I think quality family time is lacking these days with everyone’s busy lives.

My daughter reads every day; for her required time for school and extra because she loves to read. I love being able to encourage that. Sometimes she reads to herself and sometimes she reads aloud. She is such a great reader at 7 years old. It’s a wonderful thing. I challenge everyone to one night a week with nothing but books and stitching. Stitch a bookmark, and if you don’t stitch then read a book.

Family Reading Night—or family read-and-stitch night. I’m in. Mike and I are currently reading the March S4L Book Club book, The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, by Alexander McCall Smith.

Who else will join the Family Reading Night effort?

My goal this week is to iron out some plans with Super Model Maureen. And I’m not going to wait until next Monday to do it. Ahem.