Find the Needlework Supplies you want and need!

Needlework Forever    Come find the needlework supplies that you want and need!

Let me help you discover the joys of knitting, crochet, cross stitch, embroidery, punch needle, needlepoint, and more!

See you there!

Terri

Saint Clare, Patron Saint of Needleworkers (1193-1253)

Clare di Faverone was born into Nobility to a family of the town of Assisi. She was educated accordingly.
Assisi was known for its fine embroidery and, as part of her education, Clare would have learned how to demonstrate the most intricate patterns and stitches of that time.

Clare met Francis di Bernadone (Saint Francis of Assisi) and became a follower of his teachings. At eighteen, she discarded the privileges of her birthright to live the cloistered life of a nun.

Many years later, Clare became ill, and she spent the next 30 years as an invalid. In spite of her illness, she tried to be of service in whatever way she could. She turned to needlework. Accounts from that time tell that Clare was never idle, even in illness, and had herself propped up in bed so that she could stitch.

It is known that Clare spun flax into thread, and after the linen was woven, she made altar linens for many of the churches around Assisi.

The Feast of St. Clare is celebrated on August 11. 

SASHKA CO Bracelet Review and Giveaway, ends 8/3/15

When I first discovered the gorgeous hand-crafted bracelets from Sashka Co I knew I had to introduce them to you!

Sashka Co. glass beaded bracelets are handcrafted by artisans in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal with love. Our bracelets roll over any hand and are crocheted with the world's finest glass beads. 

Proceeds from your purchase empower Nepalese artisans to rise above poverty through fair trade. Each bracelet is carefully handmade bead by bead. Skill, passion, and some of the world's finest glass and sterling silver beads go into each one. 

They really have such depth of colour and truly deep meaning.  The women artisans of Nepal put their heart and soul into creating these wearable works of art. For some, it is their only means of support.

I fell in love with this gorgeous aqua bracelet: it reminds me of the ocean -- a place dear to my heart and soul:

The bracelets are hand-beaded by method of crochet.  For those of us who crochet or cross stitch, we know just how intricate beading and stitching can be. It's time-consuming, delicate work. Each bead must be placed correctly for the complete piece to be perfect.

Each bracelet will fit every hand.  Just roll it gently over the hand down to your wrist and remove it the same way. Treat it with care and it will last a very long time.  When you wear these bracelets, you will remember with much pleasure the support you're giving to the artisans who created them.  It's a great feeling!

The folks at Sashka Co would love to connect with you! You may visit them on their website and social media pages:

Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and @sashkaco on Twitter.

The folks at Sashka Co have generously offered TWO of my readers the chance to win a bracelet for their own!

To enter, just follow the instructions below.

Open to USA, 16+, No PO Boxes, Please.

Entry-Form

DISCLOSURE:

I received these bracelets for the purpose of this review. I received no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the items.

WINNERS of the Athena's Elements Giveaway!

And the winners of the Athenas Elements Crochet Hooks are...

Athena's Elements Crochet Hooks, three winners

Entries: 853
This giveaway has ended.
lisa b. is a winner!
Marilyn N. is a winner!
Tammy W. is a winner!

Terms & Conditions

By submitting an entry to this giveaway you agree to the following Terms & Conditions:
Sponsored by Athena's ElementsContest open to USA, 18+, and will close on June 25, 2015.Prize will be mailed to winner by Athena's Elements. Gathering My Roses is not responsible for unclaimed prizes or prize fulfillment.
You also agree to the Giveaway Tools' Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Congratulations!  I've emailed you!

Thank you to everyone that participated! I appreciate your kind and continued support.

Have a great weekend!  We have more great reviews and giveaways coming soon.

Terri  

Athena's Elements Review and #Giveaway, ends TONIGHT!

HURRY! ENDS TONIGHT!

My Nanie taught me to crochet when I was a little girl -- about 4 years old.  I made chain after chain after chain.  From there, we moved on to Granny Squares.

Sadly, after a time, the "new" wore off for me and I didn't pick up a hook again for a very long time.

Nanie, however, found great solace in her hooks and yarn and created beautiful hats (for me and my cousins in Florida), afghans, ponchos, doilys, and antimacassars.   I have several afghans and her old hooks.

She had terrible arthritis -- how her fingers and hands must've hurt as she spent hours crocheting.

I wish she had been able to use the wonderful new hooks that I have now.  From Athena's Elements come these beautiful, ergonomic Crochet Hooks.

Aren't they lovely? Nine of then are enveloped in an ergonomically correct, non-slip, silicone grip. It's non-slip feature helps you hold the hook easily but still control the tension of your stitches.

The sizes range from 2mm (smaller than a US Size B) up to 6mm (J).  Also included, but not with the silicone grip, is a size 6.5mm (K), which is perfect for rugs, large bags, etc.

Each of the hooks is engraved with it's size for easy identification and each hook has a different coloured handle.  I love this feature.  Right now, I am using the dark purple hook for a piece I'm crocheting.  I don't have to worry that I've picked up the wrong needle.

Athena's Elements offers two fantastic carrying cases:

This is the smart little Wrap Organizer.  It measures 6 1/2 by 3 inches. Compact and lightweight, you can tuck it into your purse or needlework bag and take it with you anywhere. (Addendum: before you take crochet hooks on to an airplane, check to be sure that it's allowed with carry-on luggage.)

Each hook has it's own protective slot and there is a clear plastic cover that folds down over the hooks to keep them safe in place. Just roll the case and secure with the velcro tab and you are on your way!

Above is the larger Deluxe Ergonomic Crochet Kit .  This kit has it all! It comes with the same nine crochet hooks as the smaller case, but in addition contains: scissors, measuring tape, plastic needles (for attaching),
two aluminum pins, Knitting Needle Gauge & Ruler, Row Counter and Case Organizer.

I love this case. The colour is a beautiful, bright rose pink. It's a hard case, made of PU Leather.  Sturdy construction will ensure a long life for this case and it's contents. The mesh bag holding the other items is removable for easy access when you're stitching.

Aren't they beautiful? When the hooks are this lovely, who can resist?

I kept the larger case for myself -- It went right into my stitching bag!  But my Mom has the smaller wrap case.

My Mom loves to crochet, but has terrible pain in her hands and fingers from arthritis.  I gave a set to her and she loves them.  She's told me that she can crochet for a couple of hours with these hooks without getting hand cramps.



Mom is impressed!

So am I!  It's such a relief to hold a crochet hook that isn't so narrow that your cramps just thinking about it.

I am also impressed by the depth of the hook and the rounded tip (no more splitting the yarn). There are no burrs or sharp edges.  The size array is lovely -- a hook for every project! This case hold everything a crocheter will ever need.



You can purchase these amazing hooks and cases on amazon.com!

The wonderful folks at Athena's Elements have very generously offered THREE of my readers a chance to own a set of hooks and a case for their own!

Just follow the entry instructions below for your chance to enter to win.

Open to USA, 18+, No PO Boxes. All entries are verified. Giveaway ends at 11:59 p.m. on June 25, 2015. Three winners will be chosen:  One winner will receive the DELUXE Kit and two winners will receive the fabric wrap case.

DISCLOSURE:
I received a Deluxe and Wrap kit from Athena's Elements to facilitate this review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the items.

Entry-Form

#EpicBelle Crochet Hooks Review and Giveaway, Three Winners! Ends April 27, 2015

I've been crocheting since I was a little girl. My Nanie taught me how to make chains by the time I was five. She ALWAYS had a hook in her hand.

I stopped crocheting for quite a long time after she died, but I've picked it up again.

A few weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to test out some new, ergonomic crochet hooks and I was delighted to accept!

These are hooks from Epic Belle.  I love them!

 Ergonomic padded handles, bright colours, smooth, clean hooks (No burrs to snag the yarn).  The sizes run from 2.0 mm (Size A) to 6.0 mm (Size J). This range should meet all of your crochet hook needs.

After using them for a couple of weeks, I can tell you that I've noticed a marked improvement in crocheting. The comfort grip handles conform nicely to your fingers and help prevent hand-cramps. For me, this allows me to hold the hook more firmly, therefore my stitches appear more even and the tension is much more uniform.

I am very pleased with the Epic Belle Hooks and will be using them for a very long time.

How about a demonstration from yours truly?  *DO NOT LAUGH! ;) *




You may purchase the 9-Piece Epic Belle Crochet Hook Set at Amazon.com at the low price of just $14.99!

You may connect with Epic Belle on their website and social media pages:
Facebook and Pinterest.

The lovely folks at Epic Belle have generously offered one of my readers the chance to own this amazing set!  Just follow the entry instructions below for your chance to enter to win!

Open to USA, 18+, No PO Boxes. Three Winners. Giveaway ends 4/27/2015. ALL entries are verified.

DISCLOSURE:
I received a set of #EpicBelle Crochet Hooks for the purpose of this review. I received no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the item.

Entry-Form

Sashka Co Review and Giveaway, Ends April 6, 2015.

Hello. I'm Terri and I'm addicted to bracelets. 

But you knew that already, didn't you? :)  Yes... you did!

When I discovered the gorgeous hand-crafted bracelets from Sashka Co I knew I had to introduce them to you!

Sashka Co. glass beaded bracelets are handcrafted by artisans in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal with love. Our bracelets roll over any hand and are crocheted with the world's finest glass beads. 

Proceeds from your purchase empower Nepalese artisans to rise above poverty through fair trade. Each bracelet is carefully handmade bead by bead. Skill, passion, and some of the world's finest glass and sterling silver beads go into each one. 

Isn't that bracelet just  stunning?  Varied shades of purple just gleam in the light. I love it!

I received three absolutely lovely bracelets:

I love them! Of course, Morgan grabbed one right away! (I knew she would).

They really have such depth of colour and truly deep meaning.  The women artisans of Nepal put their heart and soul into creating these wearable works of art. For some, it is their only means of support.

The bracelets are hand-beaded by method of crochet.  For those of us who crochet or cross stitch, we know just how intricate beading and stitching can be. It's time-consuming, delicate work. Each bead must be placed correctly for the complete piece to be perfect.

Each bracelet will fit every hand.  Just roll it gently over the hand down to your wrist and remove it the same way. Treat it with care and it will last a very long time.  When you wear these bracelets, you will remember with much pleasure the support you're giving to the artisans who created them.  It's a great feeling!

After receiving my bracelets, I knew I wanted to share with my readers, so I am giving one of them to one you!

The bracelet below is a lovely pink, purple, dark bead mix.

The photo does NOT do this beauty justice.

The folks at Sashka Co would love to connect with you! You may visit them on their website and social media pages:
Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and @sashkaco on Twitter.

To enter, just follow the instructions below.

Open to USA, 13+, No PO Boxes, Please.

DISCLOSURE:
I received these bracelets for the purpose of this review. I received no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the items.

Entry-Form

The Sak Indio Crochet Tote -- Review & Giveaway, CLOSED!

CLOSED!


It's no secret that Liz and I love our handbags. Where that obsession... er... passion came from, I can't say. It just sort of took hold of us! ;)

We do, however, demand stylish, well-crafted, thoughtful bags -- no cheap throw-togethers for us.

That's why we love bags from The Sak! I'm sure you've their ads here and elsewhere.

Recently, I was sent an absolutely gorgeous Drawstring Tote in a deep Forest Green and Chocolate Brown.

I loved it the moment I saw it. It's crocheted! Isn't that fantastic? The workmanship is stunning. I envy the talent of the needleworker! The hand-crocheted handbag uses a yarn made of 50% Bamboo fibre, bio-degradable and very eco-friendly.

That's another thing about The Sak that impresses me no end -- they don't just say that they care about the planet, they MEAN it. They employ bio-degradable, not-polluting elements into their bags whenever possible.

Now, back to the bag!
As I said, the body is a deep, forest green and the drawstring and handle are a rich chocolate brown. The 100% cotton muslin interior lining is a lighter army green. There are two open pockets and one zip pocket inside -- plenty of room to carry everything you need.

This is no "feather-weight" handbag, either. It's actually a bit on the heavy side and that's something I like, too. Flimsy is NOT my style!

Features include:
•Special web pricing, regular price $59
•10"L x 7"W x 11.5"H Drop: 14.5"
•Exterior: 100% Polypropylene
•Interior: 100% Cotton
•Drawstring Closure with Magnetic
•Lining features two multi function pockets and a zippered backwall pocket
•Hand wash with mild detergent and lay flat to dry.

Another new handbag that caught my attention is the Indio Crochet Tote.

This hand-crocheted tote is beautiful, colourful, and stylish as well as functional.

It features:
•13" Length, 6" Width, 9.5" Height, 10.5" Strap Drop
•Exterior: 50% Bamboo / 50% Polypropelene
•Interior: 100% recycled cotton •Button closure
•Features coin mandala made traditionally in an old-world charm workshop making each bag special and unique.
•Lining features two multi function pockets and a zippered backwall pocket
•Spot Clean with barely damp rag and mild detergent such as Woolite

The wonderful folks at The Sak have generously offered one of our lucky followers the chance to win an Indio Crochet Tote of their very own!

Just follow the instructions below for your chance to enter to win!

Open to USA Only, please.

***NOTICE: You MUST leave your email address in the body of your comment or make your email address visible in your profile. If I cannot contact you -- you can't win!***

Please leave a separate comment for EACH entry!

MANDATORY ENTRY: Visit The Sak and tell me another Handbag that you'd like to have, please leave a link to that item.

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:

1. Follow The Sak on Facebook and post on their Wall -- tell them Terri & Liz from Gathering My Roses sent you!

2. Sign up for The Sak's Free Newsletter on their website's main page.

3. Follow @Sakster on Twitter

4. Follow @GeorgiaMist on Twitter

5. Follow Gathering My Roses PUBLICLY via Google Friend Connect (Located on the sidebar)

6. Follow Gathering My Roses via Facebook Networked Blogs (Located on sidebar)

7. Become a fan of Gathering My Roses on Facebook (link on Sidebar!)

8. Tweet about this contest (no more than twice daily, please!)
Win an Indio Crochet Tote from The Sak & Gathering My Roses @GeorgiaMist! Ends 7/21/10 http://bit.ly/dCNuXK

9. Grab our button and post it on your sidebar or favourite's page! Leave the link so we can find it!

10. Enter another contest on our blog and then come back and tell us which one.

This contest will be open from Wednesday, July 7th until Wednesday, July 21st.
Winner will be announced on Thursday, July 22nd.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary Drawstring Tote for the purpose of review. I was under no obligation to review this item. I did not receive any monetary compensation. The opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own personal use of and experience with the item.