UNTITLED----- SO FAR-

     Generally speaking, the week after the big
January Trade Show is a quiet one.  The vendors
have to pack up their displays and arrange for
it to be shipped back to their home base, and then
squirrel themselves away for a few days to process
all the orders they have taken.  The next step for them 
is to get an order off to their painting service.  It's a
bit of a mad dash.
    The shops and owners that went to the show seem to
have all sorts of different methods.   Some will place
orders at the show.  Some spend the first two days looking
at the various designs and then return to order.  And
then some of them make notes about what they like,
go back to their shop, and then make their decision on 
what to purchase.
     The trick to a successful buying expedition is knowing 
the kind of designs that you customers are looking for.
The whole emphasis being all of these shows is "what is new".
It is unfortunate that the costs for printing any sort of 
catalog is going up all the time.  Especially photographs.
When I wandered around at the show, I didn't see a lot
of catalogs, and I was only offered one fiber sample.
    This is one of the major reasons that we put the catalog
online. Everyone can view it.  The shops, the stitchers,
the curious, etc.  Anyone interested in one of these designs
can simply call a local needlepoint shop, give them a stock
number, and the shop can order it for them.  The catalog is pretty
big, and it's going to get bigger.   Anyone that wants to know
the name of a shop near them can always contact us and I
will find them a shop near them that we have dealt with.
    This lull is temporary, of course.  Jan. is one of those months 
that puts people in a limbo mode.  Valentine's Day is your
next holiday, so perk up.
     We did finish the last DVD of "Boardwalk Empire" last
night.  So really good extras, too.   It is amazing what they
can create, based on old photographs.  The period costumes,
the creation of the boardwalk, and you get a chance to
hear the actors talk about their characters, and all the 
historical tidbits.
     One thing I will tell you.  The actor that plays "Chalky 
White" in this show, is the same man that played "Omar"
in " THE WIRE".  Michael Kenneth Williams is his name.
A very charismatic character.
    If you are thinking of watching this, you might want to
steer clear of these sites where people give away all
sorts of plot details.  Spoilers, I believe they are called.
It is the correct term, of course, because it does tend
to spoil the experience for the first time viewer if you
know what is coming nest.  Way too many self appointed 
critics.  You either like, or you don't. Why dissect it 
and ruin the experience for others?  But that's just
my take on the whole thing.
 Breakfast time .  EDit later Ken