New Cross Stitch Book Features Celtic Patterns
Here’s an example of niche marketing taken to the extreme: “Celtic Cross Stitch,” a new book by Reader’s Digest.
The 128-page, hardcover book by embroiderer Gail Lawther covers patterns from fifth- through ninthcentury Ireland converted to cross stitch. The 30 projects include knotwork, key and spiral designs; animals and people; and A-to-Z lettering. The new book is $24.95; the ISBN: 0-89577-859-9.
Mark your calendar
The third annual Friends of Manito Olmsted Series will focus on feng shui.
The daylong seminar is April 19, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Mukogawa Fort Wright Institute Commons Room, and the $60 fee includes a continental breakfast, buffet lunch, afternoon coffee and workshop materials.
The workshop will be given by Shan-Tung Hsu, who will give a broad overview of the history, philosophy, fundamental concepts and basic elements of feng shui.
Preregistration is required, and the deadline is April 16. Call 456-8038.
Repairs getting you down?
Sometimes the hurdle to doing home repairs is lack of expertise. The solution? Take a workshop.
A series of free workshops continues this weekend at HomeBase stores.
Saturday’s schedule: Landscape lighting at 10 a.m.; installing a skylight at 11 a.m.; all about lawn mowers at noon; and outdoor wiring at 1 p.m.
Sunday’s schedule: Installing chain-link fences at 10 a.m.; installing an entry door at 11 a.m.; choosing fertilizer at noon; and installing a door lock and deadbolt at 1 p.m.
Be patient
In a recent column we offered the toll-free number for the Hardwood Manufacturers Association Helpline. That phone number doesn’t reliably work from the Spokane area. The HMA called to report they are working on the problem and to apologize to those who need help from the group. When the phone number is again reliable, we’ll offer it here. In the meantime, those desperate for information about hardwood floors and furniture can call HMA at (412) 323-9320.
Just a thought
HGTV has rung in with yet another set of helpful household hints:
When storing gardening tools, place them blade-down in a bucket of sand. The sand will protect the tools and prevent rust.
To safeguard the edges of saw blades, cut a length of old garden hose, slit the hose and wrap it around the blade. Secure it with duct tape or rubber bands.
To kill bacteria on kitchen sponges and dish towels, just microwave them. Place the damp items in the microwave and cook on high for a couple of minutes. However, let them cool before removing them to avoid a steam burn.
Before a painting project, just rub a dab of cooking oil all over your hands and the paint will just peel away. Hence there will be no need to scrub your skin with paint thinner.
Doing a load of greasy dishes? Add vinegar to the dishwater, and it will make the dish detergent more effective in cutting the grease.
, DataTimes