Happy Weekend!

Today, someone out there is going to be a very happy winner of a copy of the recently re-printed Home Sweet Home, a very popular needlework book featuring an embroidered workbox and all its accessories, offered by the kind folks at Wooly Thread.

In fact, speaking of book popularity, we’ll talk a little bit about that below, too – what makes the book so popular, and its previous and subsequent appearance, disappearance, reappearance, disappearance, reappearance…and disappearance!

If you’re curious about Home Sweet Home, you can find my in-depth review of the book here.

I think the appeal for this book is pretty obvious: the project in it is not only playfully beautiful, but it’s functional. It promises hours of engaging entertainment while creating the workbox and the accessories, and a lifetime of enjoying the use of a beautiful tool box.

But there’s more to it than that!

The books is a dream come true when it comes to learning finishing techniques. Often, we wonder just what to do with the needlework we make. Well, with a book like Home Sweet Home, you learn all kinds of ways you can finish small embroidery projects into useful, beautiful items. Once you know the techniques, you can apply them to your own original needlework.

So even if you’re not planning on embroidering the whole cottage, the book is jam-packed with practical instruction on finishing pieces of needlework into interesting things.

Home Sweet Home Winner!

Today’s winner, drawn randomly, is Chrissie Stewart, who answered my question, what’s your favorite needlework accessory or tool? thus:

Heavens to Mergatroid, it’s gotta be magnets. I used to lose needles, ’cause I can’t see the durn things in the carpet, chair, or on me, and pre-threading is MUCH more organized. For sheer ease of use and less egregious pokery, it’s gotta be the magnets.

I remember reading your review of Home Sweet Home, Mary, when you posted it back then. So beautiful! Thank you for hosting this giveaway.

Congratulations, Chrissie! Drop me a line with your mailing information so the book can wing its way to you!

It’s Disappearing Again

So, when Home Sweet Home first came out, it didn’t take long for its print run to run out. It sold fairly rapidly, and then it was hard to find.

When you could actually find it, the prices through third party used book sellers were seriously gouged. In fact, right now, there’s a ridiculously priced copy on Amazon for $480.

Do those copies ever sell at those prices? I don’t know. But I seriously doubt it. While I could imagine paying hundreds of dollars for a rare book that has some investment value – an antique that can no longer be found or had, the value of which increases over time, and the content of which is unique and can’t be had elsewhere – I can’t imagine paying gouged prices for a contemporary needlework project book.

As much as I love this book, I wouldn’t pay $500 for it! (No offense at all to the publishers or the author!) Eventually, excitement for the book will settle down, and you’ll see reasonably priced offerings out there again.

In any case, here we are, on the third printing of the book, I believe. The first two printings sold out rapidly, and lots of folks were waiting for this new edition.

As it happens, Home Sweet Home is getting scarce again. It’s sold out of some shops, it’s not available through common online book sellers, or through publishers like Search Press, where it’s listed as temporarily out of stock, too.

Where to Find It Now

If you’re keen to get the book right now, this is where you can find it, to my knowledge, today:

In the US, it’s still available through Stitching Shop in Denver, Colorado. They’re also the folks who offer the complete kit for making the workbox. You’ll find links to both the book and the kit on their home page.

Stitchology in Australia has it. They’re the original publishers. You’ll want to check exchange rates and international shipping, if you don’t live in Australia.

If you’re willing to wait, your best bet is to keep an eye on your favorite shops and your favorite book sellers to see if they re-stock it, and then snatch it up then.

But hey – if you can afford to buy the book for $500 – I’ll sell you my copy!

Just kidding!

Have a wondrous weekend!