A postcard from the US

Hi Folks!

A couple of days ago, we received a very nice e-card from a brand that - for the all of us here at Casa Cenina - is much more than a mere supplier: Lizzie Kate!

Linda, the designer and founder of this brand, and her husband Alan - her tireless right-hand man - have sent it to us,
downloadable here to print and use it as we like!

It's a very welcome thought, for at least two reasons: first of all, it's going to help us keep alive the atmosphere of Xmas, just a few weeks after the most beloved Holiday time of the year, and keep just a bit of its magic with us throughout the year secondly, since the mirthful e-card unveils the latest project of this worldwide renowned, American designer!

And - guess what? - Linda has decided it's not too early to think about Christmas 2013! And, very honestly, we definitely agree, for stitchers well know it's never too late to move forward with their stitchery and with any other kind of craft For example, yesterday we received a phone call from a customer, who needed advice to select some Xmas quilting fabrics, since she's planning to craft 150 balls for her 2013 Xmas tree, covering them with these fabrics

So, even more, we believe moving forward with stitching is important, as - it goes without saying - stitching takes time! Well, we must admit that Linda's linear - though strongly personal and unmistakable - style helps a lot: her charts are always, delightfully, simple... Nevertheless, they all have that magical touch, mixing few colors but turning them into well-proportioned rainbows and little subjects into great stitched pieces, suitable for the most different applications

So, we're pleased to announce - simultaneously with their launch in the United States - the brand new Flip-it series for 2013: Jingles!!!

A group of 12, tempting Christmas ornaments that we're going to upload very soon in our website and that you can start sneaking a peak in the picture here! You can hang or frame them, you can use them as precious package tie-ons, but even as a starting basis to craft little cushions and other ornaments. Absolutely new, this time the Flip-it series includes charts all in different sizes and shapes this time "Just to change things up and keep you guessin'!", Linda and Alan have said

On the other hand, the well-known Flip-it tradition is kept in the possibility of fitting all the 12 designs together, into a single, big and amazing Christmas stitchery, thanks also to the template and border that Lizzie Kate is going to provide for free, along with some extra graphed elements to fill in the gaps and further embellish your "sampler"!

The first three Jingles will be released by the end of January and, just like all the following ones, they're coming with some lovely embellishments - either a tiny red button, or a crystal-clear snowflake button, or some white beads - as Lizzie Kate has made a tradition of, with all her Flip-its. Linda recommends stitching them on a 30ct natural linen - just like those pictured here - but, if you prefer aida, be sure the end result will be fantastic anyway

Last but not least, if you're already planning of creating a single sampler with your Jingles, choose a 32ct linen (or a 16ct aida) and stay tuned... For - again, for the very first time!!! - an American, talented finisher will post free instructions on a special finishing blog for this series and, of course, Casa Cenina is following her for you, step by step

Speak to you soon and... XoXoXo