Oct9

What’s Happening at NJNA 10/9/21

Posted on October 9, 2021 by lpleyer

It’s October which means we are lucky enough to have Vicky Wittershein giving this months talk about using Alcohol markers on canvases and ribbons. She is on a path to become certified by NAN and many of us know her from working at the Edwardian Needle. She has a wonderful sense of color and I was chatting with her about her up coming talk – this is going to be very interesting !! She is very easy going and would love everyone to join in and ask questions.

It’s that time again !!!! No – not Halloween – Virtual Needlepoint Market time ! Late in October is when it happens and that is when the new temptations will be coming out !

Of course if you stitch seasonally there is plenty out there to choose from:

**And even Strictly Christmas is in on the fun.**

Eye Candy has a free pattern and stitch guide on their web site. Bonus Charts (eyecandyneedleart.com)

M’s Canvas house has a bunch of adorable Halloween pumpkins as an online class. Meredith has such wonderful ideas. https://www.mscanvashouse.com/classes

You’ll be needing thread to stitch all these great canvases and DMC is having a sale – 38% off. https://www.dmc.com/us/thread-5000/

Abigail Cecile now has a class on how to finish your ornaments – I heard that groan !! You have access to the site forever and she helps you get thru making round ornaments. Shaped ornaments are coming soon. No eye rolling either !! https://www.abigailcecile.com/products/1521904

Turtle Bags are starting to come in again – and go right out the door. Snooze and you lose !! Now they have cross body bags and the opening is exactly the same as with the totes. Mindy has been modifying her designs to fit these bags and I am sure there will be lots of choices from other designers soon. Check out your LNS but you can also order from Turtle Bag themselves. Turtle Bags | Fashionable handbags with changeable patterns. (turtlebagsinc.com)

Do we all know who’s favorite color this is?

FOMO ALERT !!!! You HAVE to go look at this web site. It’s LOADED with amazing embellishments. Way too many to show you so I’m only giving you a peak. It’s the kind of site you can go thru for hours and not see it all. I am giving you a taste of the “Brads” to put on your canvas. https://www.eyeletoutlet.com/newbrads2021.html

**and yes – they have ice cream brads !**

A New Feature – Tips and Tricks

This comes from our own Sue C who learned this in a Toni Gerdes class while in Chicago.

Neon Rays and other threads can be tough to stitch with as they tend to fray easily. Place the end of the thread on top of a glue stick and swipe just then end across the glue. The glue will dry quickly. The end with the glue is the end that will go in the needle and stay close to the eye of the needle as you stitch. When you have finished with that thread, secured it, and cut it, the end with the glue is the small piece that you throw away. She reminded us that all glue sticks now are made acid free so that eliminates that worry.

Thank you Sue for the tip and suggestion for Tips and Tricks !! Anyone with a tip let me know !!

Just a reminder that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Too many stitcher’s have been stricken by this disease so we all need to do what we can to be checked and follow up for good health !!

Oct3

SOTM – October 2021

Posted on October 3, 2021 by lindam55

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We’re closing in on the final months of this year’s project – and progress is being made! I find it hard to believe that we are three-quarters of the way through 2021.

Our members who are stitching the ANG Stitch-of-the-Month project, Stratigraphy, have completed 26 layers using nine different stitches. A little birdie tells me that in October they will be stitching another seven layers of the project! We’re all looking forward to seeing the complete picture.

Brenda – coordinating with her newly remodeled guest bath

And a couple of us are finally completing our 2015 SOTM Ruby Razzle Dazzle.

Until next time…

Happy Stitching!

Linda

Sep25

What’s Happening at NJNA 9/25/21

Posted on September 25, 2021 by lpleyer

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This coming Wednesday we will be having Valerie McAleenan speak to us about Appraising Needlework. She holds an ANG certification for appraising needlework along with certifications from other affiliations. She will be speaking on the reasons for an appraisal and how she goes about coming to a value. Personal Property Appraiser – Timeless NeedleArts Appraisals, LLC

If you haven’t filled out the survey that Cathryn sent you via email then please do so. She is trying to gauge what the members would like to do over the coming year so she can plan accordingly !!

NJNA has decided to enter a tree display in the 43rd Annual Festival of Trees which is held by the Somerset County Park Commission. Everyone is encouraged to loan an ornament or two so we can have a well decorated tree for people to view.

FOMO ALERT !! A new store just opened in Tuckahoe NY – Bargello Needlepoint ! It’s owned by 2 women with financial backgrounds and 7 children between them – they needlepoint to relax ! A Road Trip is needed !! And what timing for the cover of the new issue of Needle Pointers Magazine ! http://www.myhometownbronxville.com/…/7255-new?fbclid=IwAR1F-_GUgfsp7eYHWlvHFsjQPYpR8VgiValF0dL3-aBvOyVvRdE5kidkMY8

It’s official- we are now in the Fall Season. Besides the new chill in the air and the leaves beginning to turn colors you can tell by every needlepoint email you get !! They are all packed with Halloween canvases, fall color threads and seasonal needleminders. You can’t not be put in the mood with this assault !

Light Switch Plates from Needlepoint For Fun Needlepoint For Fun (needlepoint-for-fun.com)

More Kangaroo Paw and I saw last week the “Batty” made into the most wonderful looking pillow !

Bestitched and they have many more to look at BeStitched – BeStitched Needlepoint (bestitchedneedlepointshop.com)

I always thought of canvases from Strictly Christmas as being santa’s and stockings. They have a designer, Ann Hartman, that just put out a new canvas of a rooster entitled “No One Takes Me Seriously” – I dare you to keep a straight face !! https://www.strictlychristmasetc.com/

From crazy to cute – Stitch Style has been coming out with her own creations and some are just to cute (check out the cheese bus on her site) https://www.stitch-style.com/pages/about

I love Gayla Elliot’s Stitching Girl canvases. I have one and can’t wait to stitch it for my laundry room. Stitch By Stitch in Larchmont has all of them together on their web site so you can have an even harder time trying to choose one. https://www.stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/ While your perusing their site check out an exclusive they have with Pepperberry. Six snow globe canvases and stitch guides entitled Christmas in NY. Six well known landmarks that can be stitched and finished in so many ways – let your imagination run wild.

The Needlepointer has an interesting project called Woven Ribbons. It comes in several color ways and includes a stitch guide. It was inspired by something a customer, who passed away several years ago, had created – it has lots of different stitches in it to try. https://www.theneedlepointer.com/

Who doesn’t love The Meredith Collection for her Needle Buddies ?!?! She has a collection of Charlie Harper needle minders that are just wonderful https://themeredithcollection.com/

You also can’t have enough totes for your stash – check out the Needlepointer to convey how your feeling that day !

System 4 has done a redesign !! Their table clamp will now accommodate a larger table to provide a firmer hold on your project. It now opens 4 3/4″ high and 3 3/8″ deep. A great item for travel or classes.

The Royal School of Needlework is launching a Stitch Bank. To celebrate the schools 150 years they are starting with 150 different stitches with more to come. Read their web site about what the future holds – very interesting !! https://rsnstitchbank.org/about

Choosing your background stitch – The Movie !! Melissa and Megan talk about everything you need to know about how to choose a background stitch in their pod cast. From color to open stitches or not, to shape to shading to color etc. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEr9kC4enFU

Thank you Jane !!

I found some interesting 3D finishing ! Needlepaint explains how to finish the canvas but I think most of us are sending ours out to the finisher. https://www.needlepaint.com/blog/2021/08/18/new-3-dimensional-needlepoint-kits/

Check out these and ones back from finishing on Absolutely Needlepoint:

I think many needle pointers are all of the same ilk ! We all seem to enjoy searching for new canvases, get excited by a magnet and can’t wait for Needlepoint Now to come out with their newest magazine – among other things in common !! NJNA also has many members born in the month of September (that may explain some things !!) A celebration was held in The Edwardian Needle’s parking lot for several of the September birthday’s – ice cream from Roy for everyone and a good time was had by all !!

Your never too old for a balloon !!

Sep23

“Almost” back to normal

Posted on September 23, 2021 by bglmom

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I finally took the plunge and took a needlework class, my first since Covid began. I held my breath (figuratively), masked up and went to Luv2Stitch in San Mateo, CA. Yes, yes, I know for me there is a lot more draw to CA than a needlework class! (Read that as time with the “little people”, aka grandchildren). However what could be better than combining one’s two loves?

The visiting nobility was Deborah Merrick-Wilson teaching two days of goldwork. The project is called “A Taste of Tudor”. With Deborah’s permission, I am publishing a photo of the finished project. The other photo is my attempt at goldwork. I made some progress, but with metal threads, it’s slower stitching than usual.

Deborah’s interest in gold work goes back to childhood when she fell in love with the “patch” of gold on an uncle’s blazer. She went on to become an expert in dimensional embroidery and traditional and interpretive goldwork. She has received numerous awards for her work. One can read more about Deborah’s numerous accomplishments on the EGA website under events (more about that later.)

Deborah’s style of teaching is what made me so excited. She breaks downs an area of the design into smaller chunks, so that the execution of that section of the design made total sense. Her pacing was spot on. We covered prep work, followed by execution of some of the stitches, but we did not rush. At the end of the second day, Deborah spent the last half hour going over the stitch guide and explaining in detail the areas of the design that had not been covered in class. I did not walk away thinking I will never be able to do this. Instead, I felt as if I had covered enough basics to help me through the remainder of the design. Of course, we shall see how I progress! One can’t leave a goldwork design to languish in the closet because the metals do start to change colors and one wants their piece to age at approximately the same rate.

So now on to why I mentioned EGA in an ANG sponsored blog. Deborah was in the process of retiring when the pandemic hit. This class was supposed to have been taught in 2020. Thankfully, Deborah did two make up sessions last week and this past weekend. That way the class was divided in half so that we had more room to social distance a bit. When Deborah was asked where else she might be teaching, she informed us that probably her last class taught would be as an extended study program for EGA early this spring. That event, which might be her last teaching gig, is to be held in March of 2022 in Alexandria, VA. One can find more information on that event on the EGA website.

So it is hard to tell whether all this excitement of mine is due to the fact that I was actually sitting in a classroom again. (I love, love taking classes) or because I was enthralled with the material. I suspect it is a little of both!

Sep11

What’s Happening at NJNA 9/11/21

Posted on September 11, 2021 by lpleyer

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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.

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.

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.

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.

Sep4

Seminar coming to our backyard in less than a year!

Posted on September 4, 2021 by suesci

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I have spent the last few days at the EGA Seminar in Chicago and I have seen the classes being offered next year up close and personal with my white gloves on! Broadway Bound, the EGA Seminar for 2022 has some stunning needlepoint pieces as well as such a wide variety of other embroidery techniques.

Broadway Bound runs from August 24-28, 2022, at the Marriott Marquis in New York City. There will be nine one day classes on Friday, 25 two day classes that run on Wednesday and Thursday and another 25 different two day classes offered on Saturday and Sunday. There are also 6 four day classes that are taught on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and one three day class on Appraising Needlework. The boutique will be run by a store we are very familiar with, Needleworker’s Delight! I cannot offer any photos but you will be able to see them soon.

The photos of all the classes will be posted on Sunday morning on the EGA website (egausa.org). You can find all the information about each class as well as the photos. The link for early registration will be operational as well. I am excited that this will be available so close to many of us offering an opportunity to take a class (or two or three!) from a national teacher. Plus it should fit the schedule of those who are working if you see and take a class offered on the weekend.

Take a look! I hope that you can join us there!

Sue

Aug28

What’s Happening at NJNA 8/28/21

Posted on August 28, 2021 by lpleyer

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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 !!!

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

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

Enjoy the long holiday weekend and keep New Orleans in our thoughts and prayers with the approaching hurricane.

Aug14

What’s Happening at NJNA 8/14/21

Posted on August 14, 2021 by lpleyer

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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.

Aug2

SOTM – July 2021

Posted on August 2, 2021 by lindam55

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July is now history and our group continues with our projects. We are now officially in the second half of the year! We are still meeting on Zoom but hope to begin in-person meetings soon.

Stratigraphy by Jennifer Riefenberg (ANG’s Stitch of the Month project)

Brenda is matching the color scheme in her guest bathroom.

Diane is using Jennifer’s suggested colors.

Rosie is using a USGS Stratigraphic Column.

Sue is picking colors as she stitches.

Other SOTM Projects

Tina is working on Feuilles d’Ananas by Susan Hoekstra, which was ANG’s and NJNA’s 2016 SOTM.

Melita completed her 8-Pointed Star by Kathy Rees, ANG’s and NJNA’s 2020 SOTM, in her own colorway.

Nancy is working on Ruby Razzle Dazzle, NJNA’s 2015 SOTM, in the sage green and purple colorway.

Linda is also working on Ruby Razzle Dazzle in the terra cotta and blue colorway.

Happy Stitching!

Linda

Jul31

What’s Happening at NJNA 7/31/21

Posted on July 31, 2021 by lpleyer

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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

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

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)