Needle Nicely has a computer inventory program from Data Pro. Every May/June, I have to pay a yearly fee to renew the program. If I don't pay, I'm locked out. I don't have the computer hooked up to the internet so it's a real pain to update the program. Data Pro sends me a disc and then a technician walks me through the update over the telephone. Even though I do this every year, it's like a new adventure every time. I really sympathize with the technician who gets stuck with dealing with me. Today, the process seemed to take forever, but it was really only about 25 minutes. (I might add that if you know what you are doing, the whole process takes about two minutes---I'm not saying I'm slow, but....I'm slow.)
My shop stitching has disappeared into my ipad. I seem to be playing games when there are no customers, rather than working on several projects I have. That's really why the inventory computer isn't hooked up to the internet--so me or my employees can't goof off and also so a virus couldn't infect the inventory. I bought the shop an ipad and put in wifi so I could access needlepoint designers' websites to show designs to customers. It has already paid for itself in that respect, but I've got no one working with me in the summer to shame me into not goofing off.
New canvases are trickling in from some special orders I made for customers or new designs at the Columbus market. This is about 8x8 or so and is the smallest of two Florida designs by Alice Peterson. I've put the larger version on stretcher bars while I wait for my stitching mojo to come back.
Associated Talents introduced these small rabbits at the winter Phoenix market. Then at Columbus market they introduced similar mice canvases. I'll probably pick up some of them in Dallas. And yes, I have put one of the rabbits on stretcher bars in anticipation.
This should be a best seller among the beach and boating community. It's by Associated Talents.
Stay tuned for the continuing soap opera of Mary Agnes and her stitching ennui.
