Special Library Sale

Will Focus On Needlework

Needleworkers who are sitting on pins and needles about what to do this winter will want to visit C.H. Booth Library on Sunday, January 21, between 1 and 5 that afternoon.

At that time, the Friends of Booth Library will present a special sale of quality books and sought-after charts and patterns on needlework, needlepoint, quilting, knitting, and other crafts. The one-day only sale is possible due to a donation to the Friends of Counted Embroidery, Laurel Chapter that arrived early this winter and has turned out to be a boon for the library, as well as those who love the art of needlework.

Patricia Marshall, president of the needlework group and a volunteer with Friends of the C.H. Booth Library, received a phone call in December from a Stratford man who, in cleaning out his late wife’s possessions, was left with a huge collection of quality needlework books, kits, charts, and patterns that he wished to give to an organization that could make use of them.

When he provided her with a list of the items, Ms Marshall realized two things: that there was far, far more to this generous donation than the small Counted Embroidery chapter could accommodate, and that there was a great deal of value to many of the charts and books.

Because the Friends of the C.H. Booth Library accepts donations year around for the annual July 4 weekend book sale, Ms Marshall suggested that she take the gift for the library book sale. When she went to Stratford to pick up the boxes of books and charts, though, she discovered an unexpected connection to Newtown.

“The man’s wife used to drive to Newtown to shop at The Common Thread, a retail needlework store owned by Betsy Evans, who has since moved to Colorado. And Ms Evans’s sister is Rae Iverson, a very well-known, nationally respected needlework instructor, who has published designs under the Moss Creek label. There are a number of Rae Iverson designs in the collection,” said Ms Marshall.

In reviewing the dozens of books and the more than 700 charts and patterns donated, all in excellent or new condition, it became apparent that there was more than enough stock to warrant a book sale dedicated solely to needlework.

People who are into needlework and quilting will recognize many of the names associated with the books and charts. Included are publishers Lavender & Lace, The Cricket Collection, Patrick’s Woods, Elizabeth’s Designs, Janice Love Hardanger Designs, Leon Conrad, Shepherd’s Bush, Moss Creek, Sue Reed Designs, Jean Hilton Designs, and Serendipity Designs.

The items will be offered at 50 percent or more off of original retail prices.

The January 21 sale offers needleworkers the opportunity to add to their own collections items that might otherwise be too expensive or unobtainable otherwise

“This sale should be really exciting to people who are involved in needlework. I think it’s a once in a lifetime sale,” said Ms Marshall.