Hello again and a warm welcome to our December 2024 newsletter.
This time we're looking forward to Christmas. The weather here in Scotland is its usual terrible self and we're wrapped up nearly as well as the Christmas roast.
In this month's issue we have some good news from Rainbow Gallery and Kreinik, kits from Mill Hill, Heritage Crafts and (soon) Bothy Threads and patterns from Cottage Garden Samplings and Nora Corbett.
Black Water Sirens Stitch-Along
We now have the Embellishment Pack for the 12 month stitch-along from Bella Filipina.
Rainbow and Kreinik
Rainbow Gallery, who now own the Kreinik brand, have recently begun production of Kreinik braid no.4 and no.8 so far. The floss is now on cards similar to those used for petite treasure braid and the lengths for each gauge have remained the same. We have expanded our range of Petite Treasure braid and we'll be updating our stocks of Kreinik as time goes by.
Bothy Threads are planning to release their final collection of the year next week with more of their popular designs and we'll show it on our catalogues page as soon as we're allowed to.
Patterns
Cottage Garden Samplings have come to the final part of their popular Fabulous House series.
We reported last month on the continuing problems of exporting to EU customers but we think we've now found a new tax calculator to replace the one that's shutting down soon.
We expect to continue to provide a tax prepaid service so you don't have the delay of paying your country's customs charges before you receive your package. And we hope the transition will be seamless. (We rely on hope a lot here.)
EU customers can (and do!) still order from our website but some items are currently restricted - a situation we earnestly hope to remedy soon!
And Finally
Our title is from a poem by a Scottish poet whose books are still in print after over a century. Not bad for someone who has been described as 'the worst poet ever'!
We leave it to you to judge.
«Peggy, it is Christmas time,
So let us drive dull care away,
For we have got a Christmas goose,
So cook it well, I pray.» from The Christmas Goose by William McGonagall, Scottish Poet (1825-1902)
Read this short and poignant anecdote about the great man penned by a later writer who attended a lecture by McGonagall in 1897.
We hope that all your dull cares may be driven away and that your Christmas proves as joyful and exciting as you wish for.
Please note that we are not despatching orders today due to other commitments.
We will start despatching orders again on Monday, 22-Sep-2025.
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Please note that we are not despatching orders today due to other commitments.
We will start despatching orders again on Monday, 22-Sep-2025.
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Please note that we are not despatching orders today due to other commitments.
We will start despatching orders again on Monday, 22-Sep-2025.
Thank you for your patience.
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Telephone supportin UK: 0207-100-3509 in US/Canada: 206-886-0514 International: (+)44-207-100-3509
"I have received my chart I ordered yesterday ,what excellent service 24 hour from placing order to receiving the chart. I will certainly use your company again and pass your name on to like minded friends. Thank you" - VB, Yorks., United Kingdom
"Dear Arts and Designs, Just a note of thanks and to let you know the cross stitch arrived yesterday (Thursday). It was very well packed and in perfect condition and thank you so much for your prompt despatch. Yours sincerely" - DS, QLD, Australia
"Just wanted to say a big THANK YOU for the prompt manner in which you filled my order. I just ordered three more kits and I am sure this will not be my last order. Its refreshing to find a dealer that delivers exactly what is promised. Also the directions in the kit were very detailed and left nothing to guess work. Thanks again to my newly found friends across the pond." - MD, CA, United States
System Upgrade
The shop is shut for most of this week while we do a system upgrade.
Please accept our apologies for any disappointment.
