Monthly Archives: November 2013

The Good News!

My Needle's Song - Neulani laulu

There will not be a postal strike… they managed to settle on a contract so things are going to go back to normal here very quickly. Maybe it is because I had a game plan already in place just in case?

Of course, Good News always has Bad News paired with it. In this case, it is mixed news. We do have a postal increase coming on January 1st. I am going to do my best to keep my postage and handling the same. It’s about a 10% increase, which is pretty hefty.  Still, I am going to put off raising any of my pricing and fees until I absolutely have to.

Christmas is winding down as far as the shop goes. I will not be introducing anything else new this year – there simply isn’t the time to do it right. Have no fears – the shops will be there year round. For next year, you can count on far more variety than I had this year, and I will start listing the new stock as I complete it. Watch this blog or my Facebook Page for notices of releases.

So.. like our happy little elf here… it’s time for me to skedaddle…

elf

Until next time, Happy Stitching!

Threat of a Postal Strike

My Needle's Song - Neulani laulu

This isn’t good news. The Finnish postal service has been in negotiations recently and said if they did not reach an agreement today, then they would stage wildcat strikes intermittently. Several cities will not have services on Friday, the 29th of November.  There is also a threat of a national strike beginning on December 9th. IF this happens, this could seriously delay any shipments sent out after that date. They do pick a great time, eh? As it is, the suggested last day to send anything outside of Finland for Christmas delivery is December 13th (regular mail).

My suggestion.. If you plan to place an order, please do so early. I would hate to see an order placed that I cannot get delivered to you before the holidays. IF there is a national strike, I will place the shops in Vacation mode. This means you will not be able to place an order UNLESS you email me first.

I will keep you updated on this development. Just don’t panic if you see the stores in Vacation or Closed mode. I am not closing shop or going anywhere. It is just the postal strike.

Where Does Time Go?

My Needle's Song - Neulani laulu

Hard to believe this is already mid-November! No snow yet here in Western Finland, but it won’t be too much longer. Yes, I know, I have been too quiet lately. That just means I am getting some things done.

feliz

The shops have had new ornaments added since the last posting. My collection of Christmas greetings is growing – Finnish, Swedish/Norwegian, Italian, French, Spanish. I still have more to stitch. If the collection isn’t done this year, it may be done for next! Ornaments will be available year round at the Headquarters, Galleria, and Showcase shops. You are always welcome to message me and request something special for next year. I already had one smart shopper do just that, and her custom ornament is already on its way to her.

One huge note — the last recommended day to order if you are in the US or Canada is DECEMBER 13th! Because most of my items can be shipped as letters, you have just a few extra days to order. You can still place your order after that date of course, but I cannot guarantee delivery before Christmas. 

The shop also has a new mascot — that pretty silvery reindeer. We have named him Perttu mainly because when anything happens around the house, my husband always says that Perttu did it. You will see him holding my ornaments in the latest pictures.  The reindeer is almost a national symbol here in Finland as we have so many in Lapland. You will see a lot more of Perttu in the months to come. And yes, he is not just a holiday decoration here either!

So… stay warm and dry. Get your shopping done early… and until next time,

HAPPY STITCHING!