X-Stitch Xpress!

I'm pleased and proud to announce that I'm taking X-Stitch Xpress to the Humboldt County Fair this year! On August 13th, 18th, and 20th I'll be in Belotti Hall at the fairgrounds demonstrating the art and fun of counted cross stitch. Thanks so much to Janice Diller of Handmade Memories for urging me to do this!

Most of you know that my challenge has been reaching out to the needleworkers in our area to let them know that they now have a local needlework shop option, and that it's mobile. As I mentioned in a previous post I did get to attend an informal stitch-in of our local EGA; that was a wonderful introduction to "my community" here and I'm looking forward to more, but I know there have to be other stitchers out there too, sttichers like me who've for years tried to find other stitchers to hang out with. This year, I'm giving them as many opportunities to find me as I can possibly handle.

Also, free advertising doesn't hurt just now. If I can't find those who already stitch, I can certain introduce new folks to the fun.

In order to make the most of this opportunity I've decided to make my demonstrations "interactive." Rather than just yakking about cross stitch and fine needlework to anyone who'll hold still long enough to listen, I'm providing, free of charge, mini kits for them to give cross stitch a try for themselves. Three inch squares of 14 ct. Aida cloth,  some mini-motifs I designed with some wonderful suggestions from the cross stitch community on LiveJournal, some variegated flosses and needles and we're all set to provide a fun, quick, easy introduction to one of the oldest needle arts in the world.

I'll also have some of my finished works there and a couple of WIPs to keep me busy during the slow times. I'm taking a whole box of business cards, a stack of fliers, some signs for my table, basically anything and everything I can think of to help spread the word to my peeps here in Humboldt (and maybe even Del Norte) county.

A true cyberstitcher (though not of the website by that name) I'll be Twittering and Facebooking the highlights of my afternoon. You can follow me as @xxstitcher on Twittter, or friend me on Facebook as Alesia Matson.

Wish me luck!