Jun27

What’s Happening at NJNA 6/27/28

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I hope you didn’t miss Jacqui’s last program on color where she tied it all together. If you couldn’t make it, it should be on the web site so you can catch it and realize how you have been picking colors rather blindly all these years. I believe we all have a much better understanding of color and it’s many variations along with how to use it to your advantage on your projects. The color wheel – never leave home without it !!!

Tick – Tock – the ANG Seminar is around the corner – do you have your needlepoint packed yet? July 18 – 23rd in Denver this year. At this point registration is closed and classes are full. So if you missed all the festivities ANG has something new that they just posted a few days ago – Fun Freebies. Go to ANG’s web site and under “Educational Offerings” you will find 11 small projects that are free for the taking. Many are beginner level but there are also several for the experienced stitcher. A great way to make an ornament, use up stash and learn some new stitches. https://www.needlepoint.org/page/fun-freebies?_zs=QhCog1&_zl=oGpoA

All you Bedecked and Bedazzled fans – Ruth has opened up her October Zoom-bellishment class. It will be given on October 17 – 18 from 11 – 4 est. She has 11 canvases, both old and new to choose from. Sign up quick before she runs out of the canvas you like. She has already had 34 people sign up before she announced the class or which canvases she is doing! Die hard fans! https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2026/06/october-zoom-bellishement-2026-is-open/

Stitch By Stitch’s Famous “Mohonk Mountain House Retreat” is coming again. No surprise that it is a lottery as there are so many that are dying to go. I don’t blame them – I went last year and it is an extraordinary event. You will be able to put your name into the lottery in August. The retreat will be from March 14 – 17, 2027 (It will be here in a Flash!).

Want to try a retreat but don’t want to go thru the hassle of a hotel and transportation?? Check out Lindy Stitches. They do a series of “Virtual Retreats”. Stitchers from around the world will be getting together on July 18 – 19 for the “Midsummer Stitch”. This is mostly a cross stitch event but they have classes, shopping opportunities and different rooms to join in stitching with people. At the end they have a session where everyone shows off what they have been stitching. For the price of the ticket it might be a fun thing to try. https://www.accelevents.com/e/midsummer-stitch-2026

Have you tried some of Tilli Thomas’s threads – Essential’s or Milan? Essentials has 243 colors and is so convenient to be able to buy them on the small cards for when you have a small area. Milan has 276 colors and so soft to work with. Now you can buy both, threads on cards AND in skeins. The skeins have 30 years compared to the cards with 10 yards. Stitch By Stitch in NY carries both but check out your LNS. https://stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/collections/planet-earth-essentials-1

Gone Stitching has a new book “Fine I’ll Do It Myself” This is in addition to their other witty titles and can now be preordered. This time the book includes canvas samples to stitch and the book has a storage pocket for what you have completed. They expect shipment soon. https://www.gonestitching.net/products/ill-do-it-myself

The rather new store Mrs. Meshugga closes tomorrow 6/28 at 4 pm – but it’s a good thing. They are in a small space that is part of a larger space with several vendors. They are now taking over the entire space and are closing for a short time to renovate. In the mean time they are having a Stitch & Swim event. When you pay the fee they give you the location to come to on LBI (for those non NJ people – Long Beach Island!) Of course there is a limited number of seats so don’t be disappointed if it’s sold out. We will have to watch for her Grand Reopening. https://www.mrsmeshugga.com/pages/our-story

New LNS Alert !! Lucy Lane Needlepoint is opening today 6/27/26 in New Providence NJ. From the few pictures on Instagram it looks like a big and bright space. Looking forward to see this new shop when they open the doors.

Needlepoint .com has a new “Stars & Stripes” collection just for the 250th celebration. There are 18 designs – all adorable. Check them out – there is always next year ! https://needlepoint.com/collections/two-sister-stars?_kx=SpNrwJYeSg8JHGV3vDRNkpeUD67Ddf2hdz1HBTATTO0.TxAVmM&utm_campaign=2026_06_25+July+4th&utm_klaviyo_id=01EY735XHE675Z0Z1C4Z7SB8DK&utm_medium=campaign&utm_source=Klaviyo

Tips & Tricks: Confess – how many needle minders do you really have??? And Then – where are they all ??? I know that I have them all over the place. They are in every WIP, on metal carts – every where but the refrigerator. A solution to the madness – no, not stop buying them – our favorite place to shop – Amazon. (17.7″ x 11.8″ 2 Pack Metal Magnetic Board – Magnet Bulletin Board to Display Magnetic Letters Numbers Animal, Poetry, Spice Jars, Notes, Photos, Suitable for Wall, Refrigerator, Cubicle, Cabinet) I leaned it on a stand to prop up a picture or frame and perfection ! Works great !!! (and I am glad you get 2 of them as there is overflow !)

Who was that Famous Stitcher? I am sure you all got this one correct – Brooke Shields. She says she “doesn’t leave home without her needlepoint”. She says it keeps her calm so she doesn’t spin out of control” I think we all do it partly for the same reason !!

Do you know who this Famous Stitcher is?

Everyone have a wonderful July 4th celebration – Happy Birthday USA !!

Jun13

What’s Happening at NJNA 6/13/26

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This is the last lecture this month on the Color Wheel with Jacqui !! This month is all about the names on the back that I never noticed before – Triad, Tetrad, Split Complementary and more. This has been a wonderful series – a big Thank You to Jacqui for opening our minds to so many ways to look at color !

One of the best parts of being a member of ANG is the Needle Pointers magazine. So many great articles but I am willing to bet that the first one everyone turns to is the Tale Of Two Stitchers. Always fascinating to see how a canvas can be interpreted so many different ways. They are in immediate need of stitchers for a particular canvas – “Woodland Fantasy” by Judi & Co. The canvas is 12 X 12 on 18 mesh canvas. They want to be sure there is enough time to stitch the canvas so they need volunteers very soon on this one. The stitched canvas must be turned in by January 5, 2027 as it will be featured in the May/June 2027 issue of the magazine. Anyone that would be interested in stitching this canvas and/or another one for the column should contact Linda M at TOTS@needlepoint.org and she will give you the information needed.

In looking at the new email from ANG – I never realized how many Certification Programs they offer all designed to help members expand their knowledge, skills, and expertise in needle arts. From Judging to apprising to teaching or becoming a Master / Senior Master Needle Pointer. So much to explore. https://www.needlepoint.org/general/custom.asp?page=CertificationPrograms

Do you love your System 4 equipment? Don’t look to your LNS for them any longer, though they might be selling what they have on a sale. System 4 is no longer selling to shops !! They are now selling directly to customers. I recently used their web site for a replacement part and a bag and it was easy to use. When I had a question I called and the lovely woman that answered the phone couldn’t be nicer or more helpful. They have other pieces besides the table and floor stand. They also still do repairs. https://www.needleworksystem4.com/

Stitch By Stitch in NY has a new program called “Needle Points”. Nothing complicated – starting June 1 for every $1 you spend they give you 1 point. For every 200 points you get $5 off your next purchase. If you refer a friend and they sign up you also get $5 off. They are also planning on having “Double Point Days” in the future. This store is way too easy to rack up many points !! https://stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/pages/needle-points-rewards

The Canvas Crawl is almost here !!! It starts June 18th thru the 21st. There are more than 30 stores participating this year. Many familiar names are on the list, check it out : https://www.canvascrawl.com/2026-participants Each store you go to you fill out a form for a raffle. They have 2 bags filled with “stuff” all from the participating stores. Also, check with the store your going to visit as they have trunk shows and specials etc.

The Fabulous Bedecked and Bedazzled has updated their APP for iStitches. Apparently the platform she used made major changes and so she needed to completely overhaul the app for the 5 books ! The stitches themselves haven’t changed. These are the same stitch collections found in the original iStitches apps and books. What has changed is the experience. You can now save favorite stitches in different folders. She has also included a “Where is that stitch? “Master Index so it’s easier to find. https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/istitches/

Are you ready to go on a retreat??? I have found 2 recently. Mrs. Meshugga is going to Cancun Mexico and wants you to come along. Jan 29 thru Feb 2 2027 at the Live Aqua Beach Resort. A total of 60 stitchers for 5 days and the resort is all inclusive including alcohol. There will be 2 classes by LeighAnne Tucci, Mahjong lessons and open play plus a swag bag. Reserve your spot here: https://www.mrsmeshugga.com/products/sunshine-stitches-retreat?omnisendContactID=68c4811d7570f9d21c5c1551&utm_campaign=campaign%3A+GENERAL+LIST+-+RETREAT+LAUNCH+%286a1dd21d497063d57ed301db%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=omnisend

The second retreat is a replay of the Fireside Spring Thaw Retreat on April 24th and 25th 2027. It will be held again at the Aronimink Gold Club. I heard only great things about the one they did earlier this year. Too soon to sign up right now but make a note to check back with them.

Gone Stitching in Bergenfield has a new class on Sunday August 23rd. Call the shop as it’s a first come first serve seating. The class comes complete with canvas, threads etc and even snacks and lunch! 201- 385- 2100 – Very cute canvas !!!

The Needlepointer has a new subscription for a quarterly box and it includes a small project, threads, guide, accessories, self finishing materials, tutorials and some “gifts”. Each box will be a surprise. You can choose from 18 count or 13 count and the next one comes out in August. https://theneedlepointer.com/products/quarterly-subscription-box?se_activity_id=173799145714&syclid=d8mtigof33bs73aot9mg&utm_campaign=Unbox%20Exciting%20New%20Projects%20at%20Your%20Door%20Each%20Quarter!_173799145714&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email&selling_plan=6009749746&variant=48586161651954

The Needle Pointer also has another 12 month Club called Ocean Dreams. Each month starting in August you get canvas, threads, guide and finishing instructions and in the final shipment your get the display frame to complete the mobile. https://theneedlepointer.com/products/ocean-dreams-mobile-a-journey-beneath-the-waves?se_activity_id=173982089458&syclid=d8mtl6gf33bs73aotda0&utm_campaign=Dive%20into%20Dreamland%20With%20Our%20Lastest%20Club!_173982089458&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email&selling_plan=6635782386&variant=49354705305842

It’s time to start those patriotic canvases, after all the nation doesn’t turn 250 every year !! Stitch By Stitch in NY is having 2 Patriotic Trunk Shows this month – Raymond Crawford’s Patriotic Collection and my favorite – Kangaroo Paw. Just love those stars in many patterns. https://stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/pages/trunk-show-schedule

Stitch Stash has something brand new – hand made Linen covered boxes by House of Cartonage. They come in several styles and colors with an opening to display your needlework. https://stitch-stash.com/collections/house-of-cartonnage-boxes

Tips & Tricks: Have you ever wanted to do your own matching cord for around your finished ornament and other projects? It’s not a hard thing but this makes it even easier !! It’s battery operated, no cranking. It gives you the ability to make 2, 3 or 4 ply cords along with fringe, tassels and way more than I will want to deal with! https://lacis.com/catalog/data/AC_CordAndRopeMaking.html

Who was that Famous Stitcher? That is Kate of Ivy Thread Needlepoint. For her, this is a side gig, she is a strategist from 9 to 5 and needlepoint is her creative outlet. She only started in 2021 and lives in Florida with her golden retriever. If you go to her web site you will not only see her adorable designs but she is also doing a “Tiny Animals” club. https://ivythreadneedlepoint.com/

Do you know who this Famous Stitcher is?

The weather is starting to get better – enjoy the sun and warmth.

May24

What’s Happening at NJNA 5/23/26

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Memorial Day Weekend and with weather like this it’s perfect to stitch the weekend away. I know we need the rain but it is soggy out there ! Thankfully this past week our meeting was all on Zoom and I believe they recorded it. It was another “you didn’t want to miss” program by Jacqui !!! So interesting and lots of questions as we went along. She was showing us that by taking a picture of your project in black and white how to tell if there was balance in the color choices. This opened a whole new avenue of understand on how to pick colors for your project OR how your framer can completely change the look of your project with the matting and frame. If you missed the program watch for it to be posted on our web site. Next month Jacqui will be talking about other parts of the color wheel – triads, tetrads, complements, etc. I had no idea there was so much information on a color wheel !! This will be the last of the series on color so don’t miss !!! Of course you need to be a member to enjoy all this – we love new members !!

If you have not heard about “America’s Tapestry” then check out their web site https://www.americastapestry.com/exhibitions In honor of our nation’s 250th anniversary you will be able to see this amazing collection of tapestries of the original 13 colonies starting in June. Virginia is the first that will be on display until September. In October New Jersey can be seen at the Passaic County Arts Center in Hawthorne NJ. Information with times and location are on the web site. This project is just amazing to see. I went to an event that had a piece of it there set up on a slate frame and anyone could stitch on it. I can’t wait to go see it finished. Below is the NJ piece called “Women on the home front”. On the web site below the picture is an audio description. Poke around the web site as there is a lot of interesting tidbit’s.

Women on the home front

Island House Needlepoint in Norwalk CT is having another retreat on July 10th and there may still be a seat or 2 left. Several of the NJNA members are going and having been to their first retreat I guarantee they will have a great time. The project that comes with the retreat is a 3D London Phone Booth. The class is being taught by Deb Bryan (who I see at more and more store events in other states). She has a certificate in Technical Hand Embroidery from the Royal School of Needlework among other things. If you can’t make the retreat look thru the web site. They are now selling the bag I received as part of the “swag” for going to the first retreat along with other really nice bags. She is selling more and more items so check back often. https://islandhouseneedlepoint.com/

Since we are all bag ladies to start with – KC Needlepoint has a new line of bags – Becco Bags! They come in an assortment of sizes and shapes and colors BUT they are also offering a neat new “Round Canvas Self Adhesive Patch”. You stitch a very small canvas (and yes they sell a bunch of them to fit) then insert the canvas in the “patch”. The patch sticks to the bag with Velcro. You can move them all around or swap them for an occasion. https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/collections/becco-bags?page=1&sort_by=price-ascending

Still need options? Look to Stitch Stash in Delaware – she has very cute Ric Rac bags in different versions. In expensive in case you need more than one !! (And you do!) https://stitch-stash.com/collections/ric-rac-bags

New Thread Alert: Vineyard Silk has a new product – Silk Thirteen. As the name implies it’s made with 13 count canvas in mind. Fireside Stitchery is carrying it and when they get the full line you will have 199 colors to choose from. It’s 100% Chinese Silk that they say feels buttery to the touch, has a beautiful sheen and great coverage. https://firesidestitchery.com/products/vineyard-silk-13-mesh-000-199

We have a relatively new needle point store called “Mrs. Meshugga” in our area. She has shared space in a place called The General Store in Maplewood NJ. The General Store is closing but the great news is that Mrs. Meshugga is taking over the entire space! Sometime in the summer the place will close and she will be renovating to have more canvases, threads etc. As she puts it ” Your WIP pile is about to get even more out of control” We wish her luck and success as there is nothing better than another destination to shop. https://www.mrsmeshugga.com/collections/great-for-beginners-1

I just passed around an email from Moore Stitching – they are having a BOGO 50% off sale for the holiday. Yes, we all have too much but they are so adorable and quick to stitch up ! Who can resist Lucy and Ina or Martha and all the others???? https://moorestitching.com/collections/modern-muses

I know, I know – I just tempted you again BUT – if you need to make room in your over flowing stash Rittenhouse Needlepoint has just started a destashing service ! You take a picture or 2, go to their web site and answer a few questions then up load the picture. It goes out to their platform where you can buy and or sell. You set the price and get 80% of the sale in cash OR you can choose store credit and get 110% of the sale price. They went live this past Thursday. I just looked and there were already 17 pages to look thru ! https://destash.rittenhouseneedlepoint.com/about/info?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=email&_kx=QNbnum1iUEN5weUC3DuK75aOlVx0Dud-BR0a603hRFw.TU8N4e

In honor of the holiday (or be a head of the game for July 4th) Old World Designs in CA is having a Hot Dog Party on June 27th. They will be having hot dogs for lunch and you can stitch with friends while working on your Hot Dog kit which comes with canvas, guide and threads. If that doesn’t make you smile ….. https://www.oldworlddesigns.com/module/class/637985/hot-dog-party

Tips & Tricks: You know supplies are getting tight when a store starts to create their own stretcher bars! The Needle Works in Austin TX is now selling 3D printed stretcher bars. They are compatible with the wood ones, you can use tacks or staples on them and soon they will come with the size printed on them. Call the store as I didn’t see them on the web site. (512) 451-6931 https://theneedleworks.com/

Who was that Famous Stitcher? This is Lucy Millet the owner and founder of Mopsey Designs. She started the company in Maine in 2020 and named it after her great – grandmother, Mopsey. She had plenty of inspiration from other women in her family and studied art therapy and print making.

Do you know who this Famous Stitcher is?

Happy Memorial Day

May9

What’s Happening at NJNA 5/9/26

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Another week and a half before we get the next part of Jacqui’s series of talks on color. I can’t wait to see how she is going to tie in all that she has covered so far. Plans are in the works for the second half of the year though there are so many holidays and seminars etc. let’s see what is coming.

The seminar in Denver is coming up fast. ANG sent out by email the forms to get merchandise ahead of time. They are offering 3 different Frame Weights and your supposed to ask about the names of them when your at the seminar ! All are very cute and I am sure they will go fast.

ANG is also doing a full day Stitch In on Sunday July 19th in the Aspin Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Denver. This room can accommodate between 400 and 800 so there should be plenty of room to spread out !! We all seem to like to spread out ! It runs from 11 am – 6 pm and includes “Needlepoint Goodies”, door prizes and access to the ANG Exhibit & Auction. You can register at: https://www.needlepoint.org/general/custom.asp?page=2026Stitch-In

I happen to love my Lowrey stand. They also have other pieces that make it very versatile to fit what ever you are stitching. They now have a new piece you can order. They call it a “Device Holder”. It attaches to your stand and supports your tablet or phone. This way you can look at your instructions, patterns, video’s or even TV while your stitching. I was at a stitch in recently and a woman had her laptop there on the table to view in large font what she was working on – this makes it easier! Lowrey also has a new color for their stands – called Verity – a shocking green! Check out their web site. They say that things on “Pre Order” take about 2 weeks to get – not bad. https://www.workstands.com/store#!/Device-Holder/p/804259886

Day Light has a new light called “DuoNeck Go”. It’s ergonomically designed to deliver effortless focus, exceptional comfort, and crystal-clear clarity. It is supposed to show “true to life color by being able to shift between color temperatures and from wide light to a focused beam. It’s hands free, lightweight with a neck rest and rechargeable. Now if it would make dinner …. wishful thinking! Check it out on their web site: https://daylightcompany.com/us/shop/?utm_source=brevo&utm_campaign=DuoNeck%20Go%20Launch%20US&utm_medium=email

Now that Spring Market is over the new threads are starting to hit the stores. Check out Stitch Stash to see the new Soie Tissee Metalic Threads. As of now there are 20 colors. You can also get a card with 3 of them in White, Patriotic and Christmas. Check out the colors online though there is nothing better than in person. Looking forward to my LNS getting in a shipment. https://stitch-stash.com/collections/metal-soie-tissee-with-a-metallic

Coco Frank, known for her playing cards, flower envelopes, travel round ornaments, dogs…. has been asked to many times about the fabric she uses to finish pieces. She decided to start selling them in sets of five patterns. The prints are small so they are a great size for an ornament so as not to overwhelm the backing compared to the piece. They come in 2 color ways both so sweet. https://cocofrankstudio.com/collections/finishing-fabric

Needlepoint. com has a new stash buster line. They are Nutcracker ornaments that come kitted with the canvas, stitch guide, embellishments and back ground thread. You use your stash for the rest. They use both silk and Radiance threads as part of these kits. Choose from Franz, Ludwig, Otto or Johann !!! https://needlepoint.com/collections/stash-busters?_kx=SpNrwJYeSg8JHGV3vDRNkpeUD67Ddf2hdz1HBTATTO0.TxAVmM&utm_campaign=2026_05_09+Nutcracker+Rounds&utm_klaviyo_id=01EY735XHE675Z0Z1C4Z7SB8DK&utm_medium=campaign&utm_source=Klaviyo

I love checking back every so often to see what new people Moore Stitching has and they never disappoint. There are various categories on the web site to see past favorites. See if you recognize these few: https://moorestitching.com/collections/new-arrivals

The Needlepoint Clubhouse has something really interesting – it’s a wooden frame that you attach your canvas to and then start to stitch. When your done stitching – your DONE ! It’s all finished. The frame is made of 1/2″ thick wood that you tack the canvas to and is decorative. They sell small wood stands separately. They also have a variety of bag tags. A very neat idea ! Perfect for a beginner stitcher to get use to using stretcher bars. Look for Fraymeworks frames. https://www.needlepointclubhouse.com/collections/fraymeworks-frames?_kx=di6BKbqlX0z0_r-FgYg7VgX_cnHap6E52Vd1c3YUq6g.W43bG6

The Needlepointer has a new club – Fortune Cookies ! It doesn’t start until about June and goes for 12 months. Each month you get the canvas (4×4) , stitch guide with different stitches for each cookie, thread pack and a self finishing kit. You also have access to a self finishing tutorial video. https://theneedlepointer.com/products/fortune-cookies?se_activity_id=172907692274&syclid=d7vrdtg1cj3s73bejv30&utm_campaign=Need%20Supplies%20for%20Self-Finishing%3F_172907692274&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email&selling_plan=6057001202&variant=48888798937330

Tips & Tricks: I recently made a quick trip (lol) to Stitch By Stitch in NY. So much to look at but I found on the wall something called “Corner Minders” by Elizabeth Brooke. I am sure you have seen the plastic corners that you tack to the inside of the stretchers bars to keep the frame square. These do the same thing but no tacks. They are only good on mini bars but I am “test driving” a set now and they are rather nice. You will have to call the store for them as they go out the door so fast they are not on the web site. https://stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooH6_X6wJCDBrOoWraDtc2co2C_Yr_6w_z-KYpYT5MboZbMw3ep

Who was that Famous Stitcher? I received several guesses as to who this is and they were all correct!! This is Ellen Johnson of Serendipity Needleworks. She started out as a First Grade school teacher then became a store owner and named the store after the famous ice cream shop in Manhattan. Now that she is grandmother she does her teaching online and has a weekly YouTube show. She has lots of avenues to learn with and her web site can keep you busy for hours. https://www.serendipityneedleworks.com/about/

Do you know who this Famous Stitcher is?

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to All !!
Apr25

What’ Happening at NJNA 4/25/26

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This past week was so interesting!! Jacqui did a talk about “Grey Scale”. The most helpful thing I can tell you is to learn how to make a picture on your phone Black and White! If I have this correct, by changing the picture to black and white you will immediately see if you have a balance of color. For example, if you are stitching a piece in a variety of threads in one color – the black and white photo will show everything either very dark or very white – no variation. The more balanced your color choices the more black and white areas will be seen in the picture. Of course you may be going for a monochromatic look, but if not this is really helpful. She went over many terms which in itself was an “Ah Ha” moment for me. But best of all – she is not done. She is going to go into the subject further next month !! Great job Jacqui !! Don’t miss the next installment !!

It looks like ANG is going to try something new. There will be more information to follow but they seem to be trying out a Stitch In. It will be during the seminar in Denver but this is separate. Registration opens in May. If it goes well maybe the will do them in many other places ! Let’s see what they say in their next eblast.

The new quarterly stitch is out and oh so pretty ! This one is by Patricia Hartman. The 4 way Bargello pattern is ready for down loading. I’ll bet it doesn’t matter what color way you do it in – it will look great !

Are you ready to get in trouble ?!?!?!?! So many new things so little stitching time ! Do you remember your Mom or Grandmother having a snap purse?? They are back !!!

It was dizzying going thru all the new items on Stitch By Stitch’s social media and web site. The new items from Elizabeth Crane Swartz – and no dots ! Unless of course you are looking for a Mah Jong mat and or bag – Oh My !

Here is just SOME of the new items – it can make your head spin: https://stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/collections/2026-spring-needlepoint-market-in-orlando

The Spring Market also brings us a new book from Mary Legallet – Mary’s Whimsical Stitches #5. This one is all background stitches !!!!! The Edwardian Needle is doing a Pre Order list if you need to have it – and we all NEED TO HAVE IT !

THREAD ALERT ! Silk Road Fibers brought you Soie Tissee in all those vibrant colors. You just want to walk up to the wall they are displayed on and touch them! Get ready folks – they are bringing out at the spring market Soie Tissee METALICS ! Can’t wait to see them when they hit the stores !! https://silkroadfiber.com/soi-tissee-metals/

Stitch Stash has beautiful wooden handle Bermuda Bags that are self finishing (and who doesn’t want that option these days). They are by Anne Kay Studio.  Each bag includes a one-piece stitched cover, along with a separate liner and wooden handle. Once your stitching is finished, simply assemble the liner and handle, attach the buttons, and your bag is ready to use—no additional finishing required. https://stitch-stash.com/collections/bermuda-bags-self-finishing

New from Penny Linn – Bag Charms ! Really neat the way you just wrap them around the handle of a bag. Gotta love the colors and beading. https://pennylinn.com/products/bow-basket-bag-charm?variant=45561229279289

Penny Linn has in the Spring Market what apparently many have been asking for – color acrylic items. As of now she has trays and frames with the scalloped edge. They come in 5 colors. If you have not bought any of her acrylic pieces – they are very well made and you can change the canvas you put in with no effort. They make great gifts and pieces for you home. https://pennylinn.com/collections/new-all?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=campaign&utm_campaign=4%2F25%20Colored%20Scallop%20Acrylic&_kx=95-hSwAYM_w1abxIXjXQMDX2ZPJpMD1KDiXnRxmVLaI.RspkHP

I also found a very handy thing that Penny Linn has – you may have seen those stencils to mark the canvas to the correct size to fit a box etc. I have always seen them individually. Penny Linn has a sheet with 6 sizes on it. No misplaceing them when you buy several sizes ! The sheet has 4″, 3″ and 2″ Squares and Circles. https://pennylinn.com/products/acrylic-stencil-sheet?variant=44809969008697

There is a new club out there from The Needlepointer. The Japanese Keepsake Club. This is a 12 month club inspired by Japanese folk art. Each month you get an 18 mesh canvas, stitch guide and thread pack. They also provide a self finishing kit with access to a tutorial video. https://theneedlepointer.com/products/japanese-keepsakes-club?se_activity_id=172817187058&syclid=d7lvnu9mhh6c73dnru3g&utm_campaign=%F0%9F%9A%A8%20Discover%20our%20Latest%20Club%F0%9F%9A%A8_172817187058&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email&selling_plan=6057001202&variant=49072431366386

Tips and Tricks: Is there a stain or mark or did you miss when painting something on your canvas and you need to get rid of it???? Hello Pentel – the company we all used to correct a mistake on your type written papers (WOW did I date myself there!) Pentel has something called “Presto” and it comes in a tube that you can draw with. It will cover whatever you don’t want to show. It dries in a short period of time so you can go on with your stitching.

Who was that Famous Stitcher? This is the famous artist Peter Ashe who passed away last year. He designed canvases for more than 50 years after getting his start in San Francisco. He is mostly known for his stockings and his southwest designs.

Do you know who this famous stitcher is?

Apr11

What’s Happening at NJNA 4/11/26

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All the holidays are done, the snow seems to finally have left us and the time change is giving us more sun in the day and better stitching weather !! Wa Hoo !! It couldn’t have come soon enough. This week is already the next NJNA meeting !! Jacqui will be doing a much anticipated presentation on gray scale. Understanding the contrast of blacks and whites makes picking thread colors easier. Kind of like putting white lettering on a black background reads easier than on a light grey background. I am sure she can explain it better than I can which is why this meeting will be so interesting. We also need to think about next years workshop as the Lorene Salt “Circle of Life” is in the history books now – all the ones I saw were stunning !! Amy is already talking to 2 designers for next year !!

Are you going to the ANG Seminar in Denver? If so, I hope you got your classes as there are already 14 that are sold out. Registration closes on April 17th so you need to hurry.

A big congratulations and Thank You to all the new ANG Board Members. They will be serving until 2027 and hopefully beyond.

ANG is keeping up with technology and now has media pages on 3 different platforms. Which ever way you like to view new needlepoint happenings, you can keep up with ANG also. You can find ANG now on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/angneedlepointcommunity?rdid=9LJWQpK3jLUtqlKE&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1Dw15a6LES%2F Instagram https://www.instagram.com/needlepointcommunity?igsh=bGp3bWl3cTV5bWht and Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@needlepointcommunity?_r=1&_t=ZT-946ePKuxGl3

You don’t need to be a “Bag Lady” to buy the new book by Meredith Willett. The owner and amazing stitcher of M’s Canvas house has a new book “Stitch Beautifully”. It has all the info you need to perfect your needlepoint techniques. https://www.mscanvashouse.com/shop/Books/p/Stitch-Beautifully-x99891509.htm

There is also another new publication from the editor of Needlepoint Now magazine. Stitch School Vol #1 – Background Stitches. The book is online only so you can take it any where on a device. It shows charts and photos of various back ground stitches with the ability to print them. Each stitch also has a video tutorial you can access. There is a promise for more books to come. https://www.amkpublications.com/product/stitch-school-background-stitches-volume-1/

Stitch Stash has introduced a new thread for needlepoint called Silky and it’s made by Moondrake Co. https://moondrakeco.com/collections/needlepoint. It’s made of 100% Grade A mulberry silk. Look at the Moondrake web site to see all the vibrant colors clearer – all 40 of them! Stitch Stash says the amazing ones are the neon colors. There are 26 yards to a skein and she says it’ so soft it glides thru the canvas ! https://stitch-stash.com/collections/silky-thread/products/moondrake-co-silky-aureate

New Stores are popping up or will be soon. In Hoboken The Little Stitchery has opened. 736 Washington St. https://www.thelittlestitcheryndlpt.com/about

Penny Linn is expanding into NYC. Look for a grand opening in the beginning of May in the Chelsea area of Manhattan. The space use to be the Heller Gallery on 10th between 27th and 28th St. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=928097639931512

This week Morgan Julia Designs is doing a Pop Up in Dallas and it’s all about denim – except the 3D Taco ! When they finished it they put it in a “Taco Bell” wrapper ! The other wow item is the fringe denim jacket. She used for the model beads for the fringe ! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kPxRLk0yIbV_4tcRH9mzljvUaWVaF83z/view?_kx=rV4MBEfWGkwURglkyUXCLopGavY2DCJQzP6Y94aO8T4.RWeQns

In case your wardrobe is a little short for spring check out KC Needlepoint for —- Needlepoint Socks! Just when you thought you saw everything. https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/products/needlepoint-socks?_pos=1&_sid=d945b5345&_ss=r&omnisendContactID=61fc368aa1816e00226a532d&utm_campaign=campaign%3A+Socks+%2868e7ab1e8af6c594e9219f25%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=omnisend

The Spring Market is next week and there are sneak peaks showing up ! Check out Stitch By Stitch in NY to get a glimpse. https://stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/collections/2026-spring-needlepoint-market-in-orlando

Tips and Tricks: After all that your going to need a Jelly Tote !! It’s a nice size tote bag but not overwhelming – nothing like the Hulken bags. It’s very spacious yet light weight and easy to clean. Extra wide straps for comfort and you can even see thru it (some what). It has a small pouch for your phone or small items that is attached to a key leash so you can’t lose it. Best part – it folds flat! Look on Bedecked and Bedazzled for the purple version though it comes in other colors on your favorite online store!! https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/purple-transparent-jelly-tote/

Who was that Famous Stitcher? That is Jeannette Tombaugh of Mountain Peaks Studio. She is the resident canvas expert at “A Stitching Shop” in Denver. She creates both counted and painted needlepoint canvases. You may have seen her classes thru EGA, Cyberpointers, ANG and NAN. She is known for her canvas “Beyond the Moon”. This canvas was inspired by a distant cousin of her husband who discovered the plant “Pluto” !

Do you know who this famous stitcher is?

Apr2

“Stitch By Stitch” Mohonk Retreat

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https://www.mohonk.com/?_gl=1*lg9438*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjwhLPOBhBiEiwA8_wJHCdaMYbZG2nVWoTglNWPNhtzBSknYx6oRRbrKCZHevheHxgmW2dq8BoCh4AQAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAADuKXbTFsbwNKGu9xnVWBFhLJROfD&nck=gbetri

Stitch By Stitch in Larchmont NY each year has a retreat that is hard to get into. I believe there were 80 seats and close to 600 people that wanted one of those seats !! You can enter their lottery either as an individual or as a “team”. I entered as a team with 3 other NJNA members. Stitch By Stitch does a Live Face Book drawing of the lucky winners and for the first time they pulled my name !! The “team” got in!

If you have read in prior blogs that I have done, Stitch By Stitch is always a favorite. The way they handled this retreat was with precision !! They pulled the names in September for an event held March 22 – 25th. You were informed all along the way what was coming next and what you had to do so that everything ran smoothly. If you had a question – they had the answer !! It was a pleasure going to an event that had it all covered.

The Mohonk Mountain House building is from the 1860’s and there is a glacial lake in front of it. The Smiley Family have owned the property for over 150 years. There is plenty to do at this place from riding to golf to the spa – and even dance lessons. The room was very comfy and had a balcony with a rocking chair and an amazing view. In fact there are little sitting areas and porches with rocking chairs all over.

Unfortunately we did not have the best weather (it even snowed one day) so we did not get to enjoy to much of the out doors but we were there to stitch ! The food in this place was not only delicious but plentiful. You ate in a beautiful room that had wood everywhere in the Craftsman style. We did have dinner 2 nights in the “Founder’s Room” – a private dining area. The interesting part was getting your dinner buffet style “In The Kitchen” ! A unique experience as you stood on line next to the organically growing herbs !

The stitching room was in a separate building that was filled with light. Eight people to a table and our table had women from Long Island. We couldn’t have asked for nicer women to sit with. Actually, all the attendees were very friendly and helpful. The 3 trunk shows in the stitching room – Elizabeth Crane Swartz, Gingham Stitchery and Plum Stitchery along with other items from Stitch By Stitch gave you plenty of shopping opportunities. Elaine Adonidis was also on hand for some short classes on embellishments.

You also did not want for snacks and drinks – they were plentiful all day every day. There were lovely raffle prizes, a pajama party and the topper of it all was the “Swag Bag”. What was at your seat as a gift was over the top. So many great items too numerous to list. I will tell you that when I got back and showed friends what we got – I believe some ordered a few of the items as they loved them and couldn’t not have them.

No matter where you walk there it is a distance. You were also so busy all the time that you were tired everyday. Turn down service even made your night a neat experience with a note and chocolate on your pillow. After a good nights rest we were all ready to go again !

There is so much more to do there that it makes a great get away place that is close to home yet far removed from daily life. It was a wonderful experience and a fun day every day because Betty, Susan, Linda, Catherine and Karen did such a good job of making sure you wanted for nothing ! Good luck to all who enter the lottery in the future. You will not be disappointed.

Mar21

What’s Happening at NJNA 3/21/26

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This week was our monthly meeting and the continuation of Jacqui C’s program about the color wheel. She finished the remaining colors and next month she will be showing us all about Grey Scale – a valuable tool (that I need to know more about!). I was taking a class in Black Work so I missed the meeting BUT – NJNA has been recording them. I can go back and watch what the remaining colors were and how they are used in picking out threads for your projects. Not all guilds do this! We try to be progressive so everyone can enjoy our programing. A thank you to Jacqui for her hard work and we are all looking forward to the next months meeting.

Registration for The 2026 ANG Seminar in Denver is open and as of today there are 10 classes that have already sold out. If you are planning on going you need to hurry to sign up for a class or 2. I looked at the catalogue and there are still some great looking classes but…..

National Office Elections are going on – make sure you vote. Great candidates are stepping up to bring a better ANG organization to us all. You can use the link in the email that came Friday or go to the ANG website.

Yikes – Spring Fling starts in April – another project on my plate !! Worth it though. Everyone should be hearing from Molly Boyne with instructions soon. Keep and eye out in your email.

Oh My !!The new Needle Pointers Magazine is on it’s way !! The cover is a math person’s dream! The back cover is so quirky that I had to read about it on the bottom of the contents page. Again, from the Shop Hop to the thread reviews to the other projects, many about Bargello – this issue is another winner. A Tale of Two Stitchers is adorable !! Check it out online if you can’t wait for the “Snail”.

April 1 – no fooling – there should be new online classes. ANG Independent Learning has a new offering that you should be able to register for. At this time the link is not available but the class, called Desert Rose will be taught by Jeanette Tombaugh. It comes in 2 color ways and believe it or not this is the same piece in the 2 color ways.

Check this out all you handbag lovers !! Rachel Barri Designs has new colors of her clutch bags – Green Croc and Chrome. She also has a deal right now on her web site – buy a clutch canvas insert and get 15% off any clutch bag ! https://rachelbarridesigns.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorR14h6S4ue2uFhgxA_FN3ezNG_uxDSNVRGrTdM6zj5V2Oh6nEk

Penny Linn just came out with an entire line of items on the theme of Eloise ! The 6 year old troublemaker that lives in the Plaza Hotel. From canvases to needle minders, project bags, tote bags, scissors, key chains – if you can think of it she has it and in PINK! Just adorable !! https://pennylinn.com/collections/eloise?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=campaign&utm_campaign=3%2F20%20Eloise%20Launch&_kx=95-hSwAYM_w1abxIXjXQMDX2ZPJpMD1KDiXnRxmVLaI.RspkHP

Morgan Julia is about to launch a new club – a Garden Club. All canvases are 4 X 4 on 13 mesh and each one will be a different flower. She is using a variety of threads and it comes with stitch suggestions. She has to finalize details but expects to ship in April and it will be a monthly club under $100 per month ! Sounds like a great club for newer stitchers that want to move on from the continental stitch. No pictures yet. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVRmP5Yksxz/

Have you checked out Stitch Stash in DE lately? She has started her “Sunday Sale”. Each Sunday she sends out an email with three canvases along with threads and they are 20% off. When they go – that’s it. I have seen it 2 or 3 times and she puts up some interesting choices. The threads a very nice choices, one was a sunshine all done in Radiance. Get on her email list to see what new selections she has. https://stitch-stash.com/search?type=product&q=Sunday%20Sales*

On a similar note KC Needlepoint each week on Friday has “Happy Hour”. From the time the email comes out until midnight they have a 20% off sale on the “Theme ” of the week. It was all floral canvases this past week. Keep an eye out, they may have something you were looking for !!! https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooHnUjALQL5AZLRnPXk_nieRR5gmlEgm2M9GrDygZuvqOGbrf4a

Tips and Tricks: No matter how often you bead on your canvas you need something to corral the beads so they are not “every where” !!! I recently was introduced to the EZ-Beader by The Collection Designs. What a wonderful item. It’s a small piece of wood with a magnet on the back and sticky material on the top. No beads are falling off that !! Someone showed me that you can take the back of the magnet off, keep the wood in the plastic box and THEN put it on your canvas. This way if something does slip off it lands in the plastic box ! Genius !

Who was that Famous Stitcher? This is the most energetic woman in the needlepoint industry, Suzie Vallerie. She is the owner of The Enriched Stitch in Wilton CT, VNG, a company that represents various artists including Amanda Lawford, Enriched Threads – formerly The Caron Collection AND she now owns Needlepoint in Paradise in FL. Watch for what she does next as I am sure she is not done ! Good Luck to her as she turns the needlepoint industry in new directions.

Do you know who this famous stitcher is?

Mar7

What’s Hapening at NJNA 3/7/26

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Happy “Almost Spring” everyone ! After this winter we need some spring. Thankfully tonight is Day Light Savings – put those clocks ahead an hour before you go to bed!

March also means that Woodlawn is in full swing. It runs thru March 30th and is closed on Tuesdays. NJNA sent about 25 entries in this year and we have winners !! Let’s all congratulate Noelle D, Diane B, Melita G, Rosie L and Linda M. They all received an award – or two! If you go, check out all the entries from NJNA as they are all winners in their own right – and don’t forget the ginger snaps at the end ! Here is the total list of winners this year: https://www.woodlawnpopeleighey.org/2026-award-winners

ANG Seminar registration is open and closes on April 17 ! Better hurry – 5 classes are already closed. Also – don’t forget to vote for the 3 new positions that are open. I am sure they will all do a great job. AND – we have a new Eastern Area Rep – Pat Thompson. She has been with ANG for over 25 years and held several positions. She is also involved with EGA and NAN and currently going for a certificate in Hand Embroidery thru the Royal School of Needlework. Welcome Pat !

Did you miss the 2 new Independent Learning projects ? Never fear – there are more new offers coming on 4/1/26 – no fooling !

These projects are closed.

We still have a month and a half until the Spring needlepoint trade show in Orland but that has not stopped new designs from popping up now. KC Needle Point has some adorable Spring/Easter canvases. Makes you forget about that remaining dirty snow outside. https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/collections/easter-needlepoint?omnisendContactID=61fc368aa1816e00226a532d&sort_by=created-descending&utm_campaign=campaign%3A+New+easter+%2869a901cde65441f60395bcf8%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=omnisend

Another almost Spring event is Chinese New Year. This is the year of the Fire Horse ! The Needlepointer has new kits for 3 designs of their Fire Crackers. Each one comes with everything you need to stitch it and finish it yourself. They say no additional tools are needed – it comes complete. They also have a video you can follow along with for the finishing. They are pretty ! https://theneedlepointer.com/products/firecracker-ornament-kit?se_activity_id=171591237874&syclid=d6m5378h2fls738ob2qg&utm_campaign=Firecracker+Stitch-To-Finish+Kits+Just+Dropped%21_171591237874&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email

Ready to snap back to reality – Homestead Needle Arts has let everyone know that the dates for finishing this year are rapidly approaching. Check with your local LNS for their dates as it’s getting to the point where you need to plan a year ahead. Yikes. https://www.homesteadneedlearts.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooSIWUGHaMUpgKaAv5FBH79vtTbVihFXCpGtWKfHQDemBaMjzA0

On a more fun note – Stitch By Stitch (as usual) has some neat new items. The one that caught my eye was by a company called Threaded and Tipsy. They have some interesting self finishing items and canvases to choose from to insert. They have something called a “Catch All”. You need a 4X4 canvas to finish with and at first I thought – napkin holder – I was short sighted !! The 2 inch opening can also be used for: Books, planners, project bags, extra canvases (and who doesn’t have those), on a desk, shelf…. It is NOT leather but an affordable alternative. Look at Stitch By Stitch’s web site for their other products https://stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/collections/vendors?q=Threaded%20and%20Tipsy (Hoping they bring some to Mohonk!)

–Stitched Up Needle Works – on the Left Coast ! is looking to celebrate our nation’s 250th Birthday. They have commemorative canvas ornament kits you can order that include: canvas, stitch guide, threads and embellishments. The kits are $145 and you need to order by April 10th. They are going to have a Stitch In on June 6th from 10 am to 4 pm to help with your kits and they even hint that there might be cake !! You can call the store at 669-258-5027.

I was reading an email from Stitch Stash and she was talking about new things in her shop. One of them was a thread line I had not heard of – Razzle Dazzle Threads. From the picture it’s hard to see but the colors look nice and bright. Go to her web site to see them individually and bigger and they look almost like Trebizond Silk Thread. Many are sold out on her web site so they might be worth giving a try. https://stitch-stash.com/collections/razzle-dazzle-threads

Big changes for River Silks. The owner, Jean Krynicki is retiring after 22 years. Her daughters Lynn, Jill and Beth are stepping into her roll to keep this fabulous ribbon company going. That’s not all ! They are moving their operations across country from Washington State to Virginia !! To make this move they will be closed for several months and stopped taking orders on Jan 22nd. We wish them a lot of luck in the move. Check out their web site for tutorials on using their ribbons. https://www.riversilks.com/

I know someone stitching both a checker board and a Monopoly game. Both canvases are BIG! Morgan Julia Designs has come up with an nice alternative. She has made a smaller version of a Backgammon board (and they have personality!). Her new designs are not a life long project and you have choices of background design. She designed it specifically to use and display. The entire canvas is 15 X 19 making the actual board 11 X 15, a little smaller than a traditional size. The back drops are either ski slopes with giant trees, garden rows with trellises and few bunnies or a garden gate surrounded by hydrangeas. All really pretty and a nice way to play the game. https://morganjuliadesigns.com/collections/backgammon-boards?_kx=rV4MBEfWGkwURglkyUXCLopGavY2DCJQzP6Y94aO8T4.RWeQns

Tips and Tricks: Another magic tool to think about owning !! Have you ever used a “Bunka Brush”? They are very handy to bring the fuzzies / nap up on your stitching to make beards or fur seem more realistic. The Bunka Brush can be a bit big in smaller areas and tough on delicate areas. When you need the same solution but a bit smaller scale you need “The Fiber Finisher” by Rainbow Gallery. It’s a wire fan about a half inch across – perfect for smaller areas ! I found it at KC Needlepoint. https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/collections/ornaments/products/fiber-finisher-brush

Who was that Famous Stitcher? That is Diane, the owner of Pepperberry Designs. With a degree in Fine Arts she spent most of her career as package designer until she opened Pepperberry in 2013. She is an avid gardener and loves making wreaths using – yup – Pepperberries !!

Do you know who this famous stitcher is?

I was reading my emails from Ellen Johnson’s Serendipity Needleworks and what she said just struck me as so true. Our needlepoint community is more than stitching – here is how she put it:

It’s time to put the boots, hats and scarfs away – it’s enough for one season!
Feb21

What’s Happening at NJNA 2/21/26

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Hopefully you attended our meeting on Wednesday – it was great. Jacqui was very interesting about the color yellow and orange and how to use the color wheel. I think many are looking forward to the next meeting to continue with the next set of colors. Many are also interested in when she does the grey scale !! That has to be so interesting. So much you can learn. We also had some great show and tell at the end of the program with Noelle promising there is more to come at the next meeting.

Did you sign up for the ANG Spring Fling? I did and this morning I got several emails regarding it. Everything is going thru “Groups.io” and you should see something from Molly Boyne with instructions and information. Like everything else – the time is flying and classes start in April – ALREADY !

ANG has a new Quarterly Stitch Project. It’s a folding Ort Box by Marilyn Owen. The stitch guide is available for download now. I can just see unending combinations of colors for this project. Looks like it might be a good stash buster !!

If you go to an LNS – have you noticed a lot of new faces lately??? Younger faces ?? Needlepoint is beyond hot with younger people looking to learn how to stitch and about threads etc. Sitting in Edwardian Needle we are seeing it more and more. Pam is great with new stitchers (not to mention older ones too!). A friend told several of us about a recent article in Vogue Magazine. What a great read so I have attached it here. Enjoy how what we all know and love is being passed along to new generations, though I am not keen on it being called “Grandma Hobbies” !!

Today’s Needlepoint https://www.vogue.com/article/needlepoint-revival-trend

New Threads Alert ! Several of us went to a retreat in CT a few weeks back and since we were passing Stitch By Stitch and they have a new store – well… who could resist?!?! Not us !! They have always been a great store but they are amazing now. So much bigger and brighter and only a few doors from the old store. As we savored the new store we all saw the wall with the new thread from Silk Road Fibers. They are the people that made Silk Straw. Their newest fiber is called Soie Tissee. Let’s just say we kind of decimated their stock. You have to see the colors in person, very vibrant and it is very soft and flat – good for padding !! (the picture below does no justice) I bought some for my new project and can’t wait to stitch with it. https://stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooH6_X6wJCDBrOoWraDtc2co2C_Yr_6w_z-KYpYT5MboZbMw3ep

The Edwardian Needle just got a new line of threads in called Valdani. She has several drawers of these new Pearl 8 threads and the colors are beautiful. It looked like most were variegated. The thread feels softer than the DMC version. I don’t think these are going to last long in the shop. Check them out soon. The Edwardian is open Wed thru Sat and if you have a question, please call the store.

Needlepoint.com is a great web site (as I am sure you all know) and some day I will get to their stores in North Carolina. For now I use their web site to see all the latest and greatest items. They have a “needle points” program where you earn as you buy and then can redeem later. Check out how to get and redeem points on their web site. I understand they do wonderful finishing and now you can redeem your points on finishing also ! https://needlepoint.com/pages/rewards

The retreat several of us went to (after we tore ourselves out of Stitch By Stitch) was in South Norwalk CT. The place we went to was actually a finisher of needlepoint. It’s called Island House Needlepoint. By the end of the retreat we all couldn’t say enough wonderful things about JoAnn and her staff. So warm and gracious to everyone. This was their first retreat and they did a spectacular job ! Jinny McAuliffe was there (Stitch Style) and had a canvas just for the occasion along with her stitch guide, threads and teaching each day. Our gift as part of the retreat was like none I have seen before. It is a heavy canvas bag with handles and a pocket inside that she embroidered with the name of the retreat. I can’t wait to finish Jinny’s canvas to have it put on the bag. They also did a bang up job with lunch’s and snacks – we wanted for nothing. I have to tell you though – one of the most unexpected parts of the retreat was to see the finishing that they do. They have some unique ideas and it was interesting to see the actual finishing area with the bolts of material and equipment. She has a great system that gets your finishing back in 2 months !!!! I know someone that had something finished there and she was very happy !! On a side note – they also sell one of the best laying tools I own !!! https://islandhouseneedlepoint.com/

Tips and Tricks: Are you a “Frogger”???? I hate ripping stitches out !! I was in a needlepoint store and saw this seam ripper. Very colorful and seemed easy to handle. Fast forward many years and I am still using the same one!! (thankfully not often!). They are available in many places but this brand – did it for me!

Who was that Famous Stitcher? This is Susan Byrne, one of the owners of Blueberry Point Needlepoint. She has a BFA in graphic design and has been stitching for over 40 years. They have some of the sweetest designs. She only sells wholesale but if you check her web site to see the shops she sells to in your area. https://blueberrypointneedlepoint.com/

Do you know who this famous stitcher is?

SNOW AGAIN !!! Everyone stay warm and safe and stitch a lot !!