October 1, 2007 marked the opening of the first Needle and Thread: Stitching for LiteracyBookmark Challenge . Participating independent needlework shops across the country hosted special events and collected hand-stitched bookmarks. Bookmarks were donated to local libraries and schools during Children’s Book Week, Nov. 12-18, to encourage and reward children for reading accomplishments.
Thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of stitchers across the country and worldwide, we collected and donated to libraries, schools, and literacy programs ~ 1,023 hand-stitched bookmarks.
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Techniques included cross stitch, Hardanger, paper embroidery, blackwork, canvas work, needlepoint, pulled and drawn thread, bobbin lace, tatting, crochet, knitting, machine embroidery, peyote beading, Bargello, Schwalm, and crewel, to name a few.
To download the free SYHO Bookmark chart click here . For each bookmark stitched, you will be entered to win over $500 in stash. How cool is that?
Independent designers donate to literacy projects at least 10% of profits from specially-designed bookmark patterns bearing a Needle and Thread: Stitching for Literacy logo. When you purchase these patterns, you, too, are supporting literacy.