Scarlet Quince News
March 2014

We have two recipients of pattern awards this month! The Alphonse Mucha Precious Stones series was the suggestion of Linda Toone, of Thurmont, Maryland, and she opted to receive Topaz and Amethyst. Esther Perry, from the Vancouver area of British Columbia, Canada suggested Canoe Manned by Voyageurs Passing a Waterfall - Frances Anne Hopkins, and we have sent her a copy of it. Thanks to both for excellent suggestions!

Mark your calendars now for the online Needlework Show in April (17-22). When the show opens, you can visit it here. While only needlework shops can buy at this show, it's still a great place for everyone to see what's new and maybe add a few things to your wish list!

In 2005, DMC "merged" some of their color numbers in Europe. Changes in their dye formulas caused by evolving regulations and restrictions on chemicals used in dying meant that 7 pairs of colors had become so close together as to be indistinguishable. For each pair of colors, they discontinued one of the numbers and printed both numbers on the label of the other. Up until now, all 14 separate color numbers have been available in the US, but now the new labeling is going into effect in the US. Here are the colors in question:

Here is an example of the new labeling.

At the moment, you may find 504 in the 504 bin, and both 3813 and 3813 (504) in the 3813 bin. If the stores are smart, they'll put some 3813 (504) in the 504 bin when all the old 504 is gone, but you may want to print this list and keep it in your wallet. We question how well the news will trickle down from DMC to local craft shops.

We will be revisiting our patterns that use any of these colors, but it may take a while. In the meantime, if your pattern calls for a discontinued color, don't hesitate to make the substitution.

Yay, Spring is here! And it's time for a sale! Now through the end of March, everything is 10% off!

Ruby
Alphonse Mucha

Amethyst
Alphonse Mucha

Canoe Manned by Voyageurs
Passing a Waterfall
Frances Anne Hopkins

Emerald
Alphonse Mucha

Topaz
Alphonse Mucha