Merry Christmas - 2016

May you have the gift of 

FAITH

The blessing of 

HOPE

and the peace of His

LOVE

Merry Christmas!

Love,

Andy, Erin, Bronwyn, Nicholas and Rusty Raatjes

A Cross-Stitch Christmas - Yuletide Traditions

I know it's hard to imagine Christmas when the leaves haven't even started to change color, try thinking up a Christmas design in the spring a year before it's even ready for the world to see.  Not the easiest thing to do.  I was honored to be asked to be a part of "A Cross-Stitch Christmas - Yuletide Traditions" - a new book by Craftways.  This was one of the first patterns I designed where I did not see a stitched version before sending it to the publisher.  I had to wait over a year to see the finished stitched product - and how fun and whimsical it turned out to be.

These little critters are all hanging around the Christmas tree.  I love how they added buttons and some fun edging to the edge of the design.  How fun to be a part of this great book.

10 Years of Myrtle Grace Motifs

 10 years ago today - this wide eyed girl started her own company.  She placed a notice in the local newspaper for an assumed business name and hence Myrtle Grace Motifs was created.
Amazing what can happen in 10 years. What started in my bedroom of my childhood home had brought me two homes later, a husband, two kids, and one very happy hound.
We have 102 published patterns (almost double if you count cross stitch and punch needle separate), countless magazine publications, book publications, and special designs for shops.
We've been to many different markets, traveled all over the country, met so many amazing people and called so many dear ones friends.

Thank you!
Thank you to the punchers and to the stitchers.
thank you to the shops and to the other designers.
Thank you to the thread and fabric companies and to the magazines.
Thank you especially to my family, who has loved me and
Thank you all being willing to go on this adventure with me.
I can't wait to see what the future holds, with so many fun things in the works.  I hope it involves meeting more people and making more friends.  That by far has been the best part of this adventure!  Thank you friends!

10 years difference in pictures and I still wear the same earrings... at least I've upgraded my photographer... my 4 year old did a better job than I did. :)

Teaching Pumpkin Punching Near the Beach

On July 9 I had the pleasure of being asked to teach several punch needle classes at The Black Cat Stitchery in Winthrop Harbor, Illinois.  
When I looked at the map, I realized just how close the shop was to the shore of Lake Michigan, so how could I not go sneak a peek when I arrived a few minutes early?  Got a little sand between my toes and inhaled the fresh air.  Perfect start to the day.
The classes were wonderful – fast learners, lovely conversation, and lots of punching.  It was fun to see friends give each other a hard time and strangers become friends.  I designed a teaching piece just for the class called “Of Pumpkins and Meow” – it was in coordination with the ‘Collective Stitch’ pattern that I designed as well.
What a fun day with some lovely people.  Can’t wait to visit again and I might just sneak away to the beach again…

Myrtle Grace Motifs - Februrary 2016 Newsletter

Dear Friends of Myrtle Grace Motifs!

Happy Spring!  Can we say 'Happy Spring'?  If we say it, maybe the weather will start agreeing that we are in fact heading towards spring.
This issue is all about Nashville.  Entirely.  We are so excited.
Thursday morning March 3 we are kissing our kiddos and our pup goodbye and heading south to show off our wears and get some good ol' southern food.

New Releases
This year we are doing things a touch different, initially our patterns will only available from Myrtle Grace Motifs at Nashville and direct orders after the show.  Following Nashville Norden and Hoffman will carry patterns and kits but not our limited editions, special hoops or frames.

Sweet DreamsSweet Dreams is a sweet piece for a child's room or door knob.  It's a sweet owl on the moon wishing loved ones Sweet Dreams.  This design is entirely Weeks Dye Works from the wool, to the threads and the linen.  We are in love with these colors and the coziness of the wool.

Old GloryOld Glory is our first foray into Valdani fibers and we must say, we are hooked.  This design was a breeze to stitch and punch up with the gorgeous Valdani balls.

Mavis the Merry MooseWe couldn't come to Nashville without a friend in a mint tin, this trip is no different.  Mavis the Merry Moose is along for the ride.  Such a sweet face stitch and punched with Weeks Dye Works Fibers.

Handmade with Love : Christmas
Handmade with Love : SpringLimited Quantity Dandelyne hoops available in Nashville.
Not only are we so excited to show you our Handmade with Love Series, but we are so excited to bring with us to Nashville these adorable Dandelyne Miniature Embroidery Hoops - all the way from Melbourne, Australia.  We will have a limited quantity with us in Nashville, so please plan accordingly.

Oh You Pretty Things : Well Loved Wear
Oh You Pretty Things : Quilted LoveliesOh You Pretty Things - a new set from Myrtle Grace.  You get the pattern for the background and the clothes or quilts on the line all in one package. 
Limited Edition for Nashville only:  Oh You Pretty Things comes with clothespins and jute clothesline.  (When released through distribution - these items will not be included.)
Frames available via special order direct from Myrtle Grace Motifs.
See something that sparks your interest but you won’t be at Nashville?  Please let us know.  We will fulfil shop orders upon our arrival home.
Planning to shop in Nashville and would like to preorder?  Let us know and we’ll have it ready for easy shopping.

StitchopolyWe have teamed up with some other amazing designers and vendors to be able to offer a game we are calling Stitchopoly.  Visit all 11 rooms for your chance to win a $250 gift certificate at Norden.  The runners up prizes are pretty amazing too - a basket chock full of goodies from these designers.  Three runners up prizes will be awarded.
Be sure to get your gameboard at registration for the market.  Then look for Stitchopoly game pieces on the door signs to help find your way around the gameboard.

MyrtleGramWe are adding some social media fun to our booth in Nashville.  Our very own MyrtleGram.  Take your picture in the frame and post it on social media with the hashtag of #myrtlegram and you could win a Myrtle Grace Prize Pack.  We'll leave the frame out the whole time we are in Nashville - come visit any time - be sure to be creative to be chosen to win!

DistributorsWe are proud to be represented by these fine companies:
Hoffman Distributing Company - www.hoffmandis.com
Norden Crafts - www.nordencrafts.com

Merry Christmas!

A very Merry Christmas

from our home to yours.

Love,

Andy, Erin

Bronwyn, Nicholas

&

Rusty

Myrtle Grace Motifs - December 2015 Newsletter

Dear Friends of Myrtle Grace Motifs!

A Very Merry Christmas from Myrtle Grace Motifs!  What a wild year it has been, so hard to believe it’s almost over.
Some highlights from our family this year.
• In February we welcomed an amazing new member of our family – Nicholas Warren joined us and wow, we cannot fathom life without that smiling boy.  Bronwyn is in love with her brother.  Now that he’s 10 months (when did that happen?!) he’s even fun for her to play with.  Although sometimes we have to remind her to love him less with her hands.
• Some of you may or may not know, I do have a day job. If I could be Myrt full time, I would be, but somehow she doesn’t quite hold her weight or provide insurance or a 401K.  This year saw me entering a new job at a Ready-mix Concrete Company called Ozinga.  Mr Myrt (Andy) also changed jobs.  This has been a huge stress relief in our lives and such a blessing.
• Bronwyn is 3 ½ and reminds me daily that she’s one smart cookie.  Even when she calls me out on a stop sign I might have missed.  What a blessing to watch her mind absorb so much.
• This year we’ve been honored to participate in the Norden Online Fall Show and also the Harvest Market Hop.  Both of these online shows were a great new way to provide new patterns to the marketplace and we loved playing a part.
• We also were humbled to be asked to be a part of the first Annie’s Craft Festival.  What a wonderful show.  We had such a great time showing off punch needle and getting new punchers setup with tools.
• And now we are busy ordering buttons, fibers, and even specialty notions for shows in 2016.
We can’t wait for 2016 and look forward to seeing you more in it.

Nashville 2016While it may seem like we’ve been pretty quiet, that is not remotely the case.
We have been busy punching and stitching new designs for Nashville.  We are so excited to show you all the fun ways we have found to show off our stitches!  There might be some special edition kits!  Might be some special buttons only for Nashville shoppers.  There will be a fun game with prizes for all willing to have a bit of fun while shopping.
Watch for future newsletters and social media for what we have planned for you. 
Don’t get your bloomers in a bundle… we promise we’ll help you hang them on the line.  (That might be a hint… maybe.)
Trunk Show Schedule for 2016
Our trunk show calendar for 2016 is just getting started.  Want to get on the calendar?  Please let us know!  We’d love to work out a date.

Thank you!
Lastly – we want to say thank you!  We couldn’t do what we do without.  We appreciate your kind words and we love hearing from you.  Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to see what we are up to.

DistributorsWe are proud to be represented by these fine companies:
Hoffman Distributing Company - www.hoffmandis.com
Norden Crafts - www.nordencrafts.com

Ipema Family Canning Exchange 2015

It was once again time for our family canning exchange.  I might change it to jar exchange - because we had such a variety of different items in jars this time.  hot cocoa mix, dried basil, bacon jam, pickles, pickled beats, hot stuff (yep that's what it's called), bread mix, potato soup mix, peach butter, berry rhubarb jam, and some nutjob brought mint extract.  (I'm the nut job - more on that mint extract later....)
It's a fun fall night to get together, talk and laugh.  The stories are always my favorite part.  We even commented on it that the stories are great.  We sample each item one at a time, let the maker tell their story and tell us their adventure in canning. 
I always invite all the ladies in our family to join in the fun, but I think some are intimidated by the idea of canning, but honestly - if I can bring mint scented vodka to the party - I think anything is a go.
Thanks ladies for making the night wonderful and full of great fellowship.  Let's do it again next year!

Running and no one is chasing me...

I accomplished something last month I never even considered I might do... I ran a 5K Race.  Now mind you I was not running to win anything, it was actually a fund raiser for a food bank in Illinois (one our church works with).
This crazy running started back in July but it goes back further than that.  When I got pregnant with my son I realized I didn't actually lose the weight from my daughter - two years prior.  Getting off the floor pregnant or not was not pretty.  Fast forward to March - 6 weeks after my son was  born, pounds were coming off - yay!  Off they came, then they stopped.  I realized I was going to have to do something about it.  A year before our office had done a weight loss challenge and had started using MyFitnessPal and oddly enough it was still on my phone.  So, tracked my food for a week, lost weight.  It was amazing.
In May we had a step competition between Andy, My sister-in-law Allison, and our friend Dawn.  Who could take the most amount of steps in the month.  The day before it ended Al and I called a tie - we were both tired and said enough was enough.  More than 10K steps a day, that got the weight moving off too.
Well July came.  My brain was cooking up an idea of doing a couch to 5K program.  Andy said he'd do it too.  We'd end it with running a 5K.  We even went out together and bought running shoes!  That first Monday morning at 5AM on our $15 Goodwill treadmill was about as close to hell as I think running should come.  What did I do Wednesday?  Got up and did it all over again.  Some how in the last 3 months I worked up to running for 30 minutes.  I've had a few setback, killed a few bugs in the dark morning basement, gotten quite the startle by a very small mouse, but almost 28 pounds since I started in March, I can run for 3 miles and not die.
What's next?  I'm thinking I'll try to keep running - especially since Allison and I have another 5K in November.  I have a goal for March - but we'll see if that happens... I'm not saying what it is, that way if I don't make it - no one will know...
Oh and Andy?  He never did do the training program.  Those nice new shoes?  He ran in them for the first time on Saturday at the 5K.  Yes folks, me 9 weeks of training, Andy tosses shoes on and runs 3 miles.  He probably could have run it twice.  Oh well, I was thankful to have someone by my side supporting me as he always does.

New Pattern Release - Happy Halloween

 

We have a new pattern we've released!  It's called Happy Halloween. You may even see a cat sneaking behind.
I took the photo for this at our local cemetery, they just had their fence reconditioned and it felt like the perfect fit.  I know it's not Halloween yet, but have a Happy one!

Home Stitcher?  Contact your local needlework shop to be sure to get a copy!
Shops?  Be sure to contact Norden Crafts or Hoffman Distributing to stock up!

Myrtle Grace Motifs - September 2015 Newsletter

Dear Friends of Myrtle Grace Motifs!
Happy September!  We hope you’ve had a wonderful summer, fall is just around the corner.  Cool nights of stitching by the fire, snuggled under a quilt.  We’ve been busy design and finishing.  We are working on getting designs ready for the coming year.  Sometimes it’s hard to think that far ahead, but we are so very excited to show you our new ideas.  Keep up with us on social media as we give sneak peeks along the way.  Keeping secrets isn’t one of our skills.

Harvest Market Hop – September 10-13
Are you signed up for the Harvest Market Hop?  www.HarvestMarketHop.wordpress.com    
Like the Facebook page to get the sneak peeks from a wonderful group of designers.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Harvest-Market-Hop-Needlearts-Tradeshow/848096145281400?fref=ts
We have a fun new fall pattern we are releasing just for the occasion.  Want to see it?  You'll have to come visit the show online.

New Release: Happy Halloween 

Oh – you want to see it?  Join the Harvest Market Hop and be the first to get your hands on our newest design.

New Releases available to all:
Our new patterns are now available from all our distributors and direct from us.

Heritage Barn Quilt

Playing Peek-a-boo with Petunia

Each is available in cross stitch and punch needle.

Annie’s Craft Festival- October 30 – November 1 
We will be making our way to Fort Wayne, Indiana to participate in the first Annie’s Craft Festival.  They are expecting over 1,000 craft consumers.  We’ll be bringing our punch needle with and sending people to local needlework shops to buy their fibers.  We are excited at a consumer show – something that is new for us, and thankful it’s only a few hours away.

Nashville 2016
We are so excited we heard recently that we are officially heading to Nashville!  So much fun to be had there.  We are already starting to plan.  Can’t wait for March to come!  Wait, that means I better get going on patterns!!

Distributors
We are proud to be represented by these fine companies:
Hoffman Distributing Company - www.hoffmandis.com
Norden Crafts - www.nordencrafts.com 

New Pattern: Playing Peek-a-boo with Petunia

Introducing - Playing Peek-a-boo with Petunia.

We are very excited to let you know we are participating in the Norden Online Needlework Show!

The 10 day wholesale only online show will being starting August 10th and will run through the 19th.  

If you are a shop - please be sure to check out this show!

If you are a home stitcher/puncher - be sure to let your local shop know you want them to participate in the show to get this great new pattern first.

Want more info on the show?

Click Here to visit the website

Click Here to check out the Show Facebook Page 

Click Here to visit our the Show Blog!

Myrtle Grace Motifs - August 2015 Newsletter

Dear Friends of Myrtle Grace Motifs!

Happy August!  It's hard to believe it's already August and equally hard to believe that Myrtle Grace Motifs just had our 9^th anniversary. 

Two months ago we were at the TNNA summer market in Columbus, Ohio.  Trade shows are always a learning experience and it was a learning experience for us.  We were able to make some great connections and get some awesome ideas for future patterns and shows.  We also found some truly awful food in Columbus, somehow we are really good at finding the yuck.

2015 Fall Norden Crafts Needlework Show

We are excited to participate in Norden Crafts' first ever online show – the 2015 Fall Norden Crafts Needlework Show.  We have two brand new patterns we are releasing for just this event.  Get in on the excitement and check out this new show. http://nordencrafts.com/C-1418/Norden-Fall-Show-2015.aspx

New Releases:

Our new patterns are only available from Norden until August 20. 

After, they will be available from us directly and also our distributors.

Heritage Barn Quilt

Playing Peek-a-boo with Petunia

Both are available in cross stitch and punch needle.

Harvest Market Hop

Have you heard about the Harvest Market Hop?  www.HarvestMarketHop.wordpress.com     
We have a fun new fall pattern we are releasing just for the occasion.  Want to see it?  You'll have to come visit the show online.

Publications

If you've seen the A Cross Stitch Christmas – Handcrafted Moments or the Punch Needle & Primitive Stitcher Magazine, you may have noticed a familiar name.  We've been busy showing off our work and we are excited to share patterns with new audiences. 

Nashville 2016

Is it too early to start preparing for Nashville?  We don't think so.  Oh do we have some beautiful designs in the works for you!  Some fun new finishing ideas too.

We are working on a game too!  Anyone remember Candyville?  Something equally as fun and plenty of prizes to win.

Distributors

We are proud to be represented by these fine companies:
Hoffman Distributing Company - www.hoffmandis.com
Norden Crafts - www.nordencrafts.com

New Pattern: Heritage Barn Quilt

Introducing - Heritage Barn Quilt.

We are very excited to let you know we are participating in the Norden Online Needlework Show!

The 10 day wholesale only online show will being starting August 10th and will run through the 19th.  

If you are a shop - please be sure to check out this show!

If you are a home stitcher/puncher - be sure to let your local shop know you want them to participate in the show to get this great new pattern first.

Want more info on the show?

Click Here to visit the website

Click Here to check out the Show Facebook Page 

Click Here to visit our the Show Blog!

Nicholas' Special Day and Tie

It’s been a month already since this little guy was baptized.  We are so blessed to have so many family and friends in our lives to surround our family and support us at his baptism. 

Another bonus of a house with grass and a deck?  We got to use it to have a big ol’ brunch to help celebrate.  What fun it was to have so many people we care so deeply about all in one place.

Nicholas had a very special tie for the day – it was made by his Grandma Dekker out of my wedding dress.  He didn’t wear it for an extended amount of time – he likes to chew on things and drool.

We thank God for this little guy – he makes life so interesting.

A window into my kitchen

Recently I had someone tell me, wow you actually make things you see on Pinterest?  Is that weird?  I pin recipes - I try them, I pin crafts - I make them, I pin fonts - I download far too many of them, and so on.  Pinterest?  Love it.
We had this wall in our kitchen, it needed something.  I wasn't quite sure what it needed, but something.  I tried a tall frame, wow it was lost in the abyss of that wall.  While I was at our local consignment shop, I saw they had old windows.  Oh!  They are big enough to fill a void on that wall!  But what could I do with that old window?  Pinterest to the rescue.  I searched old window and up popped hundreds of ideas.  As soon as I saw one with canning jars, I was sold.  I went and bought the window and explained my idea to my dad.  Always one for a challenge and also to make a better product - he created an amazing shelf on this window out of old barn board.  He also made two inserts for the bottom windows with closers so I could put things in there.  I antiqued the frame a bit more with a sander and some stain.  He made a hanger for it and there it is... our beautiful window.  One of the inserts I covered with chalkboard vinyl and the other is fabric.  I plan to change out the chalkboard side with seasonal printable chalkboard images from where?  Pinterest.  The other side I will continue to add fun pictures of our family.
On the shelf is a fun basket with bottles from Michaels and also some old ball jars.  Don't tell my mom - she's getting one of the darker bottles for her birthday.  She also is a jar junkie.
Now, on to my next Pinterest project - a new wreath for the front door.  What?  don't you have a to do list that has fun projects on it?

Punch Needle & Primitive Stitcher Magazine

Punch Needle & Primitive Stitcher Magazine is a new publication for all things punch and primitive.  We were asked to design a piece for the premier issue – this is it.  Heart at Home combines Primitive and Punch together.
Want a copy?  Contact your local needlework store or sign up for a subscription at http://pnpsmagazine.com/
Check out the Christmas issue – we should have another design ready to show off.

Sneak Peek - One Winter's Night

Sneak Peek - One Winter's Night

New Punch Needle and Cross Stitch from 

Myrtle Grace Motifs 

debuting May 30 - June 1, 2015 

at 

The Needle Arts Trade Show 

in 

Columbus, OH.

Home Stitcher?  Contact your local needlework shop to be sure to get a copy!

Shops?  Be sure to contact Norden Crafts or Hoffman Distributing to stock up!

Sneak Peek - EverJoy

Sneak Peek - EverJoy

New Punch Needle and Cross Stitch from 

Myrtle Grace Motifs 

debuting May 30 - June 1, 2015 

at 

The Needle Arts Trade Show 

in 

Columbus, OH.

Home Stitcher?  Contact your local needlework shop to be sure to get a copy!

Shops?  Be sure to contact Norden Crafts or Hoffman Distributing to stock up!

Sneak Peek - Hitchin' a Ride

Sneak Peek - Hitchin' a Ride

New Punch Needle and Cross Stitch from 

Myrtle Grace Motifs 

debuting May 30 - June 1, 2015 

at 

The Needle Arts Trade Show 

in 

Columbus, OH.

Home Stitcher?  Contact your local needlework shop to be sure to get a copy!

Shops?  Be sure to contact Norden Crafts or Hoffman Distributing to stock up!