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Part II: Model Stitching for Your Local Needlework Shop

© Lori J. Seaborg

Last week I discussed my personal experience with model stitching. This week I will give you suggestions about model stitching for your local needlework shop (LNS), and the final article, a week from now, will be about stitching for designers and publishers. The reason I had to separate model stitching into two categories: designers/publishers and the LNS, is because the two pay drastically different. Usually you will receive payment in the form of a check from designers and publishers, while most LNS only pay with non-monetary means.

Most LNS "pay" you for your stitching in supplies and store credit. You are given all of the supplies needed to stitch the requested piece, as you would expect. Then you are offered a store credit or store gift certificate in a set amount as payment for the stitching. You need to be diligent to discuss who gets to keep the design. Of course, the store will be using the design as a model for quite some time (often a year), but then you are often able to keep it. If you are able to negotiate keeping the design, it would make all of your stitching worthwhile. If you are only stitching for a store credit, it may not be worth your time. Right now it probably sounds wonderful to you to get free stitching supplies, but if you are busy stitching for someone else, when will you get to use those supplies on your own project?

If you have decided that you would like to stitch for a LNS, here are a few suggestions:

1. Find a LNS that needs model stitchers:

*Call the local needlework shops in your area.

*Call the large chain stores if you have noticed models hanging in their stores.

*Look on the Internet for shops across America. I stitched for a LNS in Nebraska, even though I live in Florida. Look at this site to locate shops: http://www.hoffmandis.com/mainmap.htm

*Pay attention to the newsgroup, r.c.t.n. at http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&lr... Sometimes designers request model stitchers from this group.

2. Once you have located a shop, call the LNS owner or manager:

* Introduce yourself as a model stitcher (be confident!)

* Ask if they need model stitchers

* Ask if you could meet them in person at an appointed time, or, if they are far from you, ask if you could mail a sample of your work to them.

3.Prepare some of your best work to show off.