First we all have to say welcome to our new member and old friend Vicky W. She has been helping all of those that frequent the Edwardian Needle for a long time. She has also been working on becoming a certified needlework teacher by NAN and we all are there to support that effort. We are so glad that she has decided to join in on the fun. We will also see her in October when she will be our guest speaker.

This month’s fun is a talk by Valerie McAleenan from Timeless NeedleArts Appraisals. She is a certified appraiser with ANG and others. This should be very interesting on how to appropriately value your needlework art. I am sure there are issues that we never would have thought of – can’t wait to listen to her talk.

If you have gotten your current issue of Needlepoint Now then you saw the article by one of our members, Melita Glavin. She used all stash threads and created wonderful patterns that can be used in all kinds of ways (I am thinking of those Turtle Bags !!) It was an interesting read with lots of stitches to try and ideas for other projects.

I heard that Needlefest this year was a big hit – even in a pandemic ! Next year will surely be sold out early. As a gift for coming you were given , among other things, a needle minder – I have FOMO ! Here is a quick video of what the event looked like. https://www.facebook.com/silkweaver/videos/374776037580610

Rain Rain go away !! We here in the northeast are soaked beyond reason and it seems that all this weather has brought on – ugh – cooler weather ! What happened to summer ?!?! Everywhere you turn the stores and web sites are showing Halloween/Fall/Christmas/winter canvases.

EyeCandy has some cute new items to get you in the mood !! EyeCandy Needleart Catalog Look in What’s New for some stunning Teal Pumpkins.

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There is a company that I have mentioned before that makes glass needleminders – Beau Verre Art. They too are getting into the season with some adorable needleminders – because you can’t have too many ! https://beauverre-art.com/

Seasonal Clubs are popping up and there is something for everyone. Bestitched has an assortment of clubs to sign up for and they even have Valentine’s Day – already ! Can’t start to early I guess. Then the Needlepointer has the most adorable tote bags as a club.

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The Rehoboth Beach Museum now knows just where the holes are in the roof after all that rain !! Unfortunately because of this they have cancelled the needlework exhibit for this year. If you already brought something to be shown you need to go pick it up. Hopefully they can hold this exhibit next year.

Have you seen the new self finishing from Patty Paints – Buttons !! So adorable, each canvas is a 3 inch button and comes with the base and directions on how to do it. So many great ways to use them, check out the web site. They have to be a quick stitch. https://www.thecollectiondesigns.com/patty-paints-diy-buttons.html

I just saw that Rainbow Gallery not only has great threads but they have an accessory – a Needle Tugger ! Who knew? Certainly a more interesting looking item then the cut off rubber finger that I have been using.

Merry L came out with those great needle minders several years ago that clean your needle. Now they have colorful ort holders that are reversible. They are made with felt which I would think would hold on to the orts – a good thing. Merry L Needlework Accessories – Home | Facebook

Needlepoint Now magazine has a very interesting article on QR Codes (Quick Response). The idea behind these designs is to get the attention of younger people to enjoy the craft we all enjoy. They are small and can be done fast but Island House Needlepoint had a great finishing idea. They made them into a frame weight with magnets inside and a packet of emery in the middle to clean your needle – what a great idea.

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If that’s not enough you can also get a matching needle minder all from Victoria Whitson Needlepoint. VW Magnetic Accessories | Victoria Whitson (victoriawhitsonneedlepoint.com)

On this day of remembrance, we all pay tribute to those who lost their lives on 9/11/01 in the best way we know how and for many of us it’s with needlepoint.

We want to say welcome to our new member Barbara E. Glad you have joined the party !

We were all captivated in our last meeting by our guest speaker David McCaskill. We had one of the biggest turn outs to date and everyone was so thrilled to hear his witty tips and tricks that before we knew it the talk was over. We are all hoping he will return soon. Thank you David – and we are anxiously waiting to see what new items you have !!!

Our September program will be all about Needlework Appraisals. Valerie McAleenan will be speaking and she is a certified needlework appraiser by ANG and other certifications. What we do is art and if you are going to insure it as part of your home insurance then you will need an appraisal for a proper value. Should be very interesting.

Next weekend is – OMG !! – Labor Day Weekend. The unofficial end of summer – yikes !! Where did it go?? Maybe because we were inside with all that rain it slipped by ?!?!? Time to get our last licks in !!

Look on Etsy – My Pink Sugar Life – they have so many cute 8 X 8 canvases for a quick stitch in a wide variety of subjects but for now let’s just look at summer !!!

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https://www.etsy.com/shop/mypinksugarlife/?fbclid=IwAR043df_W5e3g_qiBNA0HHOJR7YQunYUVT-ePRmOZdnI3teFDrRy0-g5K-g&page=6#items

Check out Stitch By Stitch in NY – they are closed right now as they are renovating the store. While that is happening they have been working on their web site. They have been putting in loads of pictures of the canvases they are selling – Finished !! Nothing better then more ideas on how to use what you have stitched. Also check out the new Kate Dickerson Rainbow collection – it will cool you right off !!! https://www.stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/

The Needlepointer is doing a 4 day event in April of 2022 called Tip Toe Through the Tulips and the instruction will be with Mary Legallet of Mary’s Whimsical Stitches books #1 and #2. Let the natural beauty of the world-renowned Skagit Valley Tulip fields spark passion & creativity during this exclusive inspirational stitching excursion. This is the excuse you’ve been waiting for to visit Washington State. https://www.theneedlepointer.com/product/tiptoe-through-the-tulips-2022-mary-legallet/?goal=0_3621358244-5e31d46330-69343533&mc_cid=5e31d46330&mc_eid=2e6039e84f

• Three days of instruction with the incredibly talented and creative Mary Legallet – author of Mary’s Whimsical Stitches Vol 1 & 2.
• One day excursion to the Skagit Tulip fields during their annual tulip festival.

Bestitched has so many wonderful clubs to pick from to keep you in that summer mood ! They fill up quick and the one I was going to show you is now sold out BUT you can always check out these: https://bestitchedneedlepointshop.com/collections/clubs-series-1

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Do you enjoy collecting shells at the beach?? How about needlepoint shells? Check out Kaffe Fassett’s shop and let him do the work !! (I could not bring myself to step on the carpet or sit in the chair!) http://www.kaffefassett.com/gallery/shop/

The Enriched Stitch in CT is having a Zoom Class in September on this cute summery straw basket by Sara Fitz https://enrichedstitch.myshopify.com/products/straw-basket-kit-and-class?_pos=1&_sid=fabcb772d&_ss=r

The Needlepointer is now featuring the artist Julia Briggs from Birds of a Feather. She had a studio in Brooklyn and her art was showcased in the windows of Bergdorf Goodman. I don’t know about you but that Cosmo looks like a wonderful summer drink to me with all my friends around (Very Sex in the City) !!

,How many of you have watched Martha Stewart with her chickens, in her garden and folding fitted sheets…. and then she goes to her craft room (and we all want one of those). Check out her web site as she has instructions for needlepoint and mentions how it’s a therapeutic hobby – we all know that one ! She mentions Needlepoint Supplies – right up our ally !! After reading that part I think we could give HER lessons and FOMO !! It was an interesting read if you want to take a few minutes https://www.marthastewart.com/7841582/needlepoint-guide-beginners?goal=0_3621358244-b15c891cb7-69343533&mc_cid=b15c891cb7&mc_eid=2e6039e84f:

The dates for the 10th Annual Rehoboth Beach Museum Needlework Exhibition. A nice way to spent the Labor Day weekend – http://rehobothbeachmuseum.org/images/Documents/2021%20Needlework%20Exhibition%20Application.pdf

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Everyone at NJNA can’t be more excited and thrilled at hearing that Mally Becker’s book “The Turncoat’s Widow” was put on the Chanticleer 2021 short list for the Mystery & Mayhem book awards. This award is to recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in the fiction genre. Congratulations Mally !!! Good Luck, we are all routing for you to win ! Here is the entire list up for the awards: The 2021 Mystery & Mayhem Long List | Chanticleer Book Reviews (chantireviews.com)

We have another 2 new members of NJNA – Robin and Patricia – Welcome to the fun !!

Stitch Palettes is no longer offering their photo converter service for free as of 8/1. You can pay for the service once a month or annually. Their web site still had plenty to take advantage of if you chose not to be a member. https://stitchpalettes.com/about/

New Shops Opening !!! In case your in the area Creative Needle Arts is in Gulf Shores Alabama, Forest Acres is in Columbia SC and if your going to the EGA 2021 seminar, just outside of north Chicago is the Little Stitch Shop in Libertyville IL. and in Chicago is Third Coast Stitches. Let us all know how they are if you have time to pop in.

Treenway Silks has some limited edition ribbon colors for sale – their 65 Roses collection. Each 5 yard skein of 3.5 mm ribbon is $9.95 and at least 10% of that is donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to help find a cure. The reason the collection is called 65 Roses is because young children use this term to remember easily how to pronounce the disease they have.

Have you seen the new club at the Needlepointer?? A box of chocolates and no calories !!! Each piece is just to pretty and when you put them in the heart shape box (that comes with the class) it’s just stunning to look at. It’s no wonder as it’s a Melissa Shirley design. It doesn’t start until February 2022 – how appropriate !! https://www.theneedlepointer.com/product/club-a-box-of-chocolates/?goal=0_3621358244-b0adce5d43-69343533&mc_cid=b0adce5d43&mc_eid=2e6039e84f

Poppypointe has an interesting new service in their store that they are trying out. With the thread shortage going on they are creating a “Thread Bank” If you need a thread, take one and leave one. All threads need to be from a smoke free environment and in individual zip lock bags labeled with all the information about what you are leaving. they are looking at it as good karma to the next stitcher !

Did you catch the crazy hair on the LEE woman’s face canvas on Needlepoint Nation? She used Haute Fur knitting yarn from Yarn Bee for the spiky hair ! It looks great !! You also have to love the canvas and everyone knows someone that looks similar to it – right !! She did a great job !!

It may be steamy and hot enough to melt your shoes on the pavement but when you see that the store “The West” in Tucson AZ is giving a class to stitch “Larry The Turkey” – you know fall is around the corner !! Of course their class on Larry doesn’t start until Jan 2022 but summer is flying by and the urge to stitch a fall item is going to be calling very soon!!

Ugh – Too early for Fall – let’s get back to summer !! Painted Pony Designs has a new Retro Girls design by Lori Seibert in her Ice Cream Girls series – this is #10 !! So much you can do with this canvas and it makes your mouth water for a cone or a spiffy hat !!

New Gadget FOMO !!! Dritz has an all in one tool that covers many bases. It’s a seam ripper, and an awl (for those pesky knots) plus the top is rubbery so it can help get out those tiny threads that stick in the canvas when you have to rip out a section. It seems to do everything but make a cup of coffee !!

If your floor frame has a tendency to slid on non carpeted flooring – try Gorilla Pads by Slipstick. They are made for furniture and have 2 layers of rubber to keep anything from slipping and sliding as you work. The package has plenty in it to share with friends and they come in several sizes. Look in your hardware stores for it.

Have you seen the interesting way to hold your stitching items ?? The Needlepointer has 2 fashionable options – First is a crystal bangle. You can hang any number of items at your wrist for those times you only have one hand available !!

The 2nd one is for all you seamstress wannabe’s – This wrist needleminder looks convenient and it comes in 5 colors. If you wear the “I Watch” I think there would be no completion – the watch will win out every time.

House cleaning is what’s happening !! Look for some changes to the web site as Diane and Jill are “dusting and cleaning” ! The web site should be a bit more organized when they are done.

Ellen is polling for opinions on workshops for the next year. If you haven’t answered her email please do so, she needs to book these future events based on the interest that comes back to her. Cathryn will also be sending out a survey in the near future. She is looking for ideas for next years programs, keep an eye out for that in your emails.

To get back to in person meetings seems to be heading towards late in the year. The library is not open for group meetings yet and speakers are already booked for Zoom thru October. Noelle, however, has been researching what equipment would be needed to create a hybrid meeting and hopefully can take this knowledge to the library and see what they have planned.

Did you know that July 30 is World Embroidery Day? World Embroidery Day was set up in 2011 in Sweden by a passionate group of stitchers who felt that this wonderful art should be acknowledged and celebrated. Since then, people around the world have come up with all sorts of ways to celebrate on July 30th, from getting together with like-minded stitchers, to getting out and stitching in public. Just as good is taking a quiet hour out of one’s day to commune with your needle and favorite pastime. Mark your calendar for next year and clebrate with friends.

There is a new book just out “True Confessions of a Stocking Stitcher” by Maureen Guiffre. She has stitched 18 stockings over 9 years and felt she would share all of her tips based on experience. It’s 178 pages with lots of pictures and should be handy for other projects as well. https://www.thestockingstitcher.com/home/

FOMO Alert !! I just know you need another needle minder (it’s not about need !) Check this out – they are actually made for plants – yes you read that correctly !! These kooky magnets are sold to make your plants look like Audrey, your favorite desert or even a fruit but they can be used on your canvas as well. If nothing else they will make you smile ! Thank you Sue!! https://plantgoodvibes.com/collections/plant-pins

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Are you a fan of Amy Bunger? She may have closed her store but she is not sitting still. She will be teaching her “Home Study Classes” in conjunction with Needle Works in Austin TX to kit out the new Melissa Shirley Gardening Books. Though she is awaiting the canvases you can watch her web site for details. https://www.amysgoldenstrand.com/classeshomestudies.html

Kreinik Mfg Co. has brought back an optometrist’s plan for college tuition payments – 40 count pure silk gauze for stitching. Great for petit point, jewelry and doll house miniatures. It has a 1 foot to 1 inch scale. Yikes !

ThreadworX now has 272 colors in hand overdyed cotton floss. They come in 5 and 20 yard skeins. The colors are vivid in the picture – I can’t imagine in person.

One of the well known AZ needlepoint stores – Quail Run has their own designs and sends out trunk shows! Who knew !! Fireside Stitchery has a trunk show of their designs thru Aug 15th. They have a special code to order online or better yet contact the store. I never realized how varied their canvases are. http://www.firesidestitchery.com/fs/about/index.cfm

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Equal Time !! Last time I told you about a sale on the Lowery Stand – if that is not your style then maybe the “K” Stand is. The Needlepointer is having an Anniversary Special on this stand. Either way these stands make our craft so much more enjoyable to do.

Au Ver a soie puts out a multi pack of #12 braid metallic thread. Five of the colors in the pack are only available in this package. Needle in a Haystack has the set if you are having the urge to try. Needle In A Haystack – Purveyor of fine needlework supplies (needlestack.com)

This month’s meeting was so inspiring! Who knew yellow could be so complicated and happy at the same time !! Jacqui Clarkson spoke to us on “Why you need yellow in your life!” I think she made everyone think differently about that choice and what a difference it makes in your piece. Thank you Jacqui – it was inspiring!!

Next month we are all looking forward to having David McCaskill do a presentation on Overdyed Threads. I am sure we are in for an interesting lecture as David puts his spin on the subject. If you didn’t let Cathryn know that you want the accompanying booklet from David you need to hurry and let her know.

Please make sure to reply to Ellen’s survey regarding up coming programs. She needs your feed back in order to arrange everything that is of interest. The items she is asking about will not over lap in time periods so this will bring us into 2022. Some have minimums so your thoughts, suggestions and reply’s are needed.

We are now up to 51 members !! Wohoo ! Come join us and be # 52 and beyond !!!!

FOMO Alert !! If for some reason you have been on the fence about getting a Lowery stand – then here is your chance for a sale ! (Did you really need a reason?!?!?) For one week only Homestead Needle Arts in MI is having a sale. They need to have your order in by 7/31/21. The sale includes all those colors – a hard choice ! Homestead Needlearts | Your Home For Needlepoint or call the store to speak to a human 810-694-3040.

Threads – Threads – Threads

So many new threads coming on the market. I had never heard of Twinkle Thread but yes, there is such a thing. It’s made of a metallic rayon and should be used in short strands. Gone Stitching carry’s it and has just added seven new colors to their inventory giving you a choice of 54 colors to choose from. Gone Stitching

Treenway Silks has 7 new colors of Silk Eyelash. It’s great for French Knots or to use in long stitches. When you finish stitching they suggest you run the length of your needle over it and the thread will fluff up. Great for stitching fuzzy flower parts, puffs, downy feathers or use your imagination. Treenway Silks – Silk Threads and Yarns

Rainbow Gallery has some new Linen colors for summer. You gotta love the names – Pink Lady, Flamingo, Cameo Pink, Barely Blue, etc. Product Catalog – Rainbow Gallery

If you are going on vacation to Cape Cod you need to know the phrase “Call Me When You Get To The Bridge” (hopefully it’s a shorter ride for them than if your at the GWB!) Take a look at Frances Mary Needlepoint https://francesmaryneedlepoint.com/collections/all Great small pieces to stitch on vacation with beach and summer themes of New England.

All you Bargello lovers – Eye Candy is coming out with another series of “Bejeweled Bargello” in the fall. Ada says she will have 6 glittering Baubles and 6 sparkling gift boxes in 2 color schemes. Can’t wait to see what she comes up with ! She always has such eye catching color combinations.

Looking to introduce a new or “junior” stitcher to the art of needlepoint – check out Judy Tasch’s web site. There are 4 inch round sayings of I Love Nana/Grandpa/Gigi/Pop etc. They are a quick stitch on 13 mesh and would be a great fridge magnet. She is the one that had the cute and different needle minder’s on sale not that long ago. She has some new ones to look at not to mention some cute ones on sale. Judy Tasch Needlepoint

This coming week is the final class for David McCaskill’s Dolphin Topiary being taught by Marge in her own unique style !! I hear the class has been fun and this week should be no different. Come sign up for our future events and join in the fun.

Brenda has finished her project “Friendship Circles” and you have to marvel at the center, she did a wonderful job – it has to be even better in person. Great job Brenda !!

If you haven’t heard Needlefest is a go this year. Needleworker’s Delight has reserved the Embassy Suites in Berkeley Heights NJ for Saturday Aug 28th. They are still selling tickets though I am sure they will be a hot item, don’t wait. NJNA members have tickets from last year that will be honored this year. I hear the tables will be well spaced and there will be out door stitching weather permitting. It will be pure fun from 9:30 AM until 6 PM – hope to see you there !!! https://www.needleworkersdelight.com/NJNEEDLEFEST.html

All you soon to be Grandma’s need to check out Sandy Arthur’s Duo Designs web site for adorable baby mobiles to stitch with such cute items. Of course we are all so inventive that we can find a great place to put one of these in a beach house or sun room etc. Let your imagination run wild !! Duo Designs – Website for Sandy Arthur, Needlework Designer and certified Needlework teacher. (duodesignsinc.com) Checking to see if your paying attention!

Are you an Amy Bunger fan? Sad that she closed her brick and mortar store but she is still hard at work doing her Home Studies courses at The Needleworks in Austin TX. She is near the end of “Evil Queen” and about to start “Halloween Mosaic”. It’s a Kelly Clark canvas and will be taught over 3 sessions. Her web site has past Home Study classes with stitch guides you can purchase – some wonderful items including many Melissa Shirley canvases! Homestudies – Amy’s Golden Strand (amysgoldenstrand.com) For the “Halloween Mosaic” class you need to call the store. Call to sign up: (512) 451-6931 – I love the bats !!

The Meredith Collection has some new Big Buddies – I need another like a hole in the head ! But as I was reminded recently – it’s not about need !!!

If you like an all inclusive stitch kit then check out Stitch By Stitch in NY – they are having 20% off their “Grab And Go Bundles” So many choices – so little time !! https://www.stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/special-bundles-promotions?utm_campaign=05330611-83dd-4937-8fe5-ee9740c3b308&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail&cid=c0656ae4-d347-42f2-af6e-74d780447731

The Needlepointer has something new – every Friday they have a show on “The Week’s best in Needlepoint” We would see it at 12:30 ET – see what new things they have to share.

If you drooled over the fabulous colors and designs of the 3 hearts in Needlepoint Now – like I did – they have something new – Owls and they are beyond cute !! Check out the “What a Hoot” kits. https://colourcomplements.com/product-category/what-a-hoot-kits-colour-complements?utm_source=Colour+Complements+News+%26+Updates&utm_campaign=7a3519d6e0-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2021_06_02_04_45&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_df3c6af38d-7a3519d6e0-285058737&mc_cid=7a3519d6e0&mc_eid=a82e51f2f8

June is the month of the topiary project finish. Marge will be finishing the class stitching David McCaskill’s Dolphin Topiary. I have seen a few of them in progress and they are interesting in how he creates images with his choice of stitches. If you have never done a David McCaskill project you are missing a challenge. David will be with us in August to talk about overdyed threads. Come join the chapter for a chance to meet David and hear his interesting views on needlework.

It’s that time of year !!! The Framed Image is having his annual sale. He is celebrating his 26th year in business and he is quick to say that we needlepointers are a big part of his success !! 15% off one framed item or photo restoration. His in stock artwork is 50% off and a portion of the proceeds supports Artworks – a charity that uses art to enhance the lives of children and young adults suffering from life-threatening and chronic illnesses. A good reason to go check out his stock !

Thread Thread Thread !

Rainbow Gallery has a new line of thread – Silk Lame Plus. It’s a combination of silk and metal braided together to create a flat ribbon thread. It’s made for 18 mesh and comes in 36 colors. SILK LAME PLUS FULL ASSORTMENT – Rainbow Gallery

A thread I have never heard of before – Elisa – it’s a 6 cord cordonnet that is 100% cotton and feels a bit softer. The size 10 is great for needlepoint and has 10 new colors. It’s made in Australia – check out the web site for Handy Hands for that and other interesting products. Elisa Size 10 Archives – Handy Hands (hhtatting.com)

Are you ready for Father’s Day – it’s in 2 weeks on the 20th !! If not then you can try for next year. Check out the Needlepointer’s web site for some great canvases celebrating the occasion. The Finest in Handpainted Needlepoint & Accessories – The Needlepointer

Today Only – June 5 Needlepoint.com has 20% off on select Father’s Day canvases with the code “Gift20” at checkout. https://needlepoint.com/collections/gifts-for-the-man-in-your-life

Everyone enjoys the Voila Bags with the straps that you can’t decide which one to stitch. Now there are more choices – they have 6 new bags with stripes, leather handles, horn button closure and a pocket inside. http://www.voilaneedlepoint.com/markettotes.html

Now you need a new wallet to go with the bag !! Check out Planet Earth’s new selection of leather wallets. Snap wallets in 4 colors that are self finishing – fuchsia, red, brown and aqua. They take a 2″ x 3″ canvas – a quick stitch and a great gift idea. Leather|| Self-Finishing (planetearthfiber.com)

Debbees Designs has released their June kit and it’s all about the sea !! Look close at the design the only thing not stitched is the pearl in the middle. This 8X8 aquamarine canvas has to be interesting to stitch those shells. She has a lot of things to see on her web site: DebBee’s Designs – DebBee’s Designs (debbeesdesigns.com)

Stitch By Stitch in NY is having a Painted Pony trunk show and so many caught my eye I had to share !

One of the goals of this organization is to pass along our love for this craft to people younger than us so that they too can enjoy what we find so satisfying, calming and rewarding. The Needlepoint Clubhouse in Saint Louis MO is doing just that. They are having a Needlepoint Summer Camp for kids. Near the end of July they will have a 4 day event for 3 hours each day to teach kids the basics of needlepoint. Each will complete a project and hopefully go on to enjoy this craft for many years to come as we do. Check out their web site and see their shop dog Rookie !! The Needlepoint Clubhouse — Rookie