The Needle and ThREAD: Stitching for Literacy 2008 Bookmark Challenge ended with 638 hand-stitched bookmarks donated to libraries and schools during Children's Book Week, May 12-18.

Responses to the program were fantastic. Stitchers generously crafted bookmarks that demonstrated a wide range of needlework techniques (cross stitch, Hardanger, blackwork, bargello, and tatting, to name a few) and themes (sports, animals, books, fairy tales, the outdoors, etc.).

Kids who received the bookmarks were thrilled. This year, one shop donated bookmarks to a class of second graders who had learned to cross stitch earlier in the year. That stitching background allowed them to understand how much time, effort, and skill went into each bookmark, and they were both amazed and appreciative. The teacher scheduled the event for the end of the school day, anticipating students' excitement. Kids asked all sorts of questions about their bookmarks: How long did it take to make this? What is this kind of needlework called? What is this thread? I really get to keep this?

Dates for the 2009 Bookmark Challenge are set (March 19-May 7) and plans are underway. Stitchers can visit the Needle and ThREAD Web site and blog (www.JenFunkWeber.com) for more information. There are many ways to participate: stitching bookmarks, organizing collection and distribution, participating in reading and stitching outreach events, and purchasing Needle and ThREAD bookmark patterns to contribute financially to literacy programs.

I look forward to getting more shops, libraries, schools, groups, and individuals on board and further developing fun programs. Anyone anywhere can participate. Organized craft groups and stitch-alongs are springing up everywhere, online and in person. Book clubs are booming, too. I'd love to see Needle and ThREAD clubs where members stitch while discussing books.

Literacy is an important and worthwhile cause. To be able to support literacy while sharing the joy of needlework is having our cake and eating it, too.

Reading and stitching make the world a better place.

Many thanks,

Jen Funk Weber