The biggest thing I have learnt is that you really must want to stitch the project. Unless your fingers are itching to pick up the stitching you might as well give it away, literally. Give it to the nearest thrift shop with all its instructions and let someone else who wants to complete it, get a bargain.

Many stitchers have numerous PHDs cluttering boxes and shelves. The projects have become a chore and something they really don't want to do.

Whatever we are doing with needle and thread must be enjoyable. We have fun gathering all the items needed for the project. Sometimes this takes a while but all the searching and selecting is half the fun.

My designs are published in Just Cross Stitch magazine in USA, and have been in Handmade in Australia and in the New Zealand Woman's Weekly. Kits are distributed through Craftco.co.nz.

Four pattern books were published by Reed Publishing and then life took a downward turn. When things improved I wrote about the experience and I am pleased to say that book continues to help others . I picked up the pencil again and started once again to design and stitch.

As Reed's books are now out of print in 2013 I self published Cherry Parker's New Zealand Cross Stitch. Following that came Cherry Parker's Cross Stitch Ball - New Zealand Flowers and last month Cherry Parker's Christmas Cross Stitch ball was released.

With every design I do I am always thinking of the next pattern or project and can't wait to finish the current stitching to start the next.
May it always be that way!

In case you are wondering PHDs are Projects Half Done.

Cherry