This coming week we are going to be lucky enough to have a talk with Susan Hoekstra on color theory. She is an ANG Certified Senior Master Teacher and a member of the National Embroidery Teachers Association. If that is not enough she can even speak to you in German and Dutch !! She has had her own business for more than 24 years and it will be a pleasure to have her speak to our guild. You can join in the fun by joining NJNA so as not to miss out on events like this.

Coming in Feb we will be hearing from some of our members discussing their participation in “A Tale of Two Stitchers” in the ANG magazine “Needle Pointers”. I am sure they have plenty of insights to share with us about their experiences.

A reminder that this coming Friday, the 21st, Linda M will be at the Edwardian Needle to collect Woodlawn submissions.

The Jan/Feb issue of Needle Pointers is online and will soon be in your mailbox !! Having seen the cover I can’t wait to see what is inside !

I don’t know about you but it’s that time of year – time to organize your “stuff” !! Many clean out closets and cabinets etc. because after all, not only do we need to make room for “new stuff” but we are stuck inside by snow and cold weather so what better time ?!?!?

Does your stitching room/area look like you live in the Container Store ?? Or does it look a bit more like this:

After talking with numerous friends over the past week or so – here are some ideas to get a handle on your needlepoint “stuff”.

One of our favorite threads is Kreinik – anything !! Those little spools can be difficult to store but a nifty container has been found and you want to act fast ! They are having a sale at Michael’s Craft Stores on storage items and they have a wonderful lucite box with 3 drawers that holds those little spools quite nicely. They also have a wider version should that suit your needs better.

You will also notice those colorful rubbery rounds in the middle of the table – they are great for keeping spools from unwinding. They are called “Peels” by Smartneedle. They work really well on the larger spools. Peels Spool Huggers – Smart Needle

While shopping I found a 3 tiered metal cart. It is a perfect height for when your sitting in a chair to contain the many items you use while stitching. Even better it has wheels so you can easily move it out of the way. They also make several organizers that fit in or on this cart like the lucite one in the top tier which is slanted like stadium seating so you can see everything better. These items were also in Michael’s Craft Stores in many colors.

You may have noticed in the top tier is a silicone tray to hold your tools. They come in 2 different sizes and several colors. Of course they are on Amazon but a savy shopper I spoke to found them in the Beauty Aisle of Walmart – intended as a Makeup Brush Holder !!

I know how much everyone loves to bead ! Do you have lots of colors of beading thread?? Try using a box made for sewing machine bobbins – they fit perfectly !

I love yogurt and this one brand in particular comes in a small glass jar. At times they even paint them with different flowers. They are so handy for many things – orts, tools, etc. If you go on their web site you will find that you can purchase lids for them !! You may also recognize the little plastic pieces in and next to the jar – they are the items the dry cleaner holds down the collar of a man’s shirt with. Those freebies are great to keep the River Silks ribbons from unwinding off the paddle !! Plastic Lids – Custom Made to Fit Oui Glass Pots – Oui by Yoplait

I also have a “Frog” which is an old fashioned item that was put in the bottom of a vase to arrange flower stems. They may be considered antiques now a days but they make great tool holders !!

FOMO Alert !! Thread Cutterz – What a nifty gadget – thank you Cathryn! They actually have several versions of this. It was originally made for cutting fishing line when his wife had an idea, check out their story on the web site. Our Story – Thread Cutterz

Our Tip this time is about extending the life of your stretcher bars and it comes from our own Melita G (Thank You)! She found this on the Nashville Needleworks Blog. She tried it and it works great though not on Evertite Bars (they may rust).

Who would have thought !!

The famous stitchers from the last blog were Henery Fonda and the beloved Betty White. Can you guess who these 2 are???

Wow – we made it !!! For all the upheaval in 2021 there were many wonderful things that happened. We had fantastic meetings on zoom with many interesting guest speakers (thank you Cathryn). The Festival of Trees was a big success and we look forward to doing it again. Our showing at Woodlawn was again a great turnout. There were not only many other great things that happened but going forward there is going to be another year of things to look forward to. This month we will be treated to a talk by Susan Hoekstra all about color – not to be missed. Of course you have to start the year right and join NJNA to be a part of another year of projects, exhibits, talks etc. Come join the fun !

Our own Brenda C. did her year in review on her blog – she has been busy. Check out all her finishes for the year along with items from other years that she had finished in 2021. Brenda’s Needlepoint Studio: 2021 (brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com)

Woodlawn’s 59th Annual Needlework Show is much earlier this year. The theme is “Common Threads” and will be open during the month of March. If you plan on submitting then you need to sign up ASAP. 2022 Annual Needlework Show Information 2022 — Woodlawn & Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House (woodlawnpopeleighey.org)

If you didn’t see the news item on CBS about the Needlepoint Exhibit in the PS Bus Terminal then check it out on this attached link. This just shows how popular our craft is becoming. It’s called “Sew Much To Say” and the artist is Kevin Lustik. He has a very different interpretation on this art form and what he is trying to express. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAcSObQ-ex0

A wonderful way to start the new year is to make a contribution to Habitat for Humanity thru The Needlepoint Clubhouse in St. Louis MO. They have created canvases of Foo Dogs’s and the sales will benefit this charity. You need to call their store to order (314) 432-2555

If you are an Amy Bunger fan then you will want to look into her 2022 Home Study projects that are being offered thru Needle Works in Austin TX. Check out the web site, they have several beautiful clubs you can join in on and that will be where Amy Bunger’s classes can be found when they are ready with the details. https://theneedleworks.com/clubs/

Have you ever tried stitching a “Random Splash Pattern”? Very interesting look when it’s finished not to mention it can be a “stash buster”. Carol Curtis Needlepoint Designs gives you step by step instructions on how to go about doing it. She shows how it’s done using her canvases – so pretty. https://carolcurtisneedlepointdesign.com/

Looking for something quick to stitch then check out Canvas and Thread. They have adorable key fobs to stitch along with other beautiful canvases of the national parks. These key fobs are different and should take no time to do. Look under their “Just For Fun” category. https://www.canvasandthread.com/shop

Have you made your New Year’s resolutions? I have a way to deal with that diet resolution – no calorie deserts !! Check out The Needlepointer for ice cream and cheesecake by Petite Sweets. Sinful !!! Petite Sweets Archives – The Needlepointer

ROAD TRIP !!!! Are you ready to bust out and go on a trip ?? I heard all those yeses !!!! Then try going to Two’s Company Needlepoint in South Carolina. They have a lovely looking shop in a house that they moved to from NEXT DOOR ! They still own the first location and they rent it out ! https://www.twoscompanyneedlepoint.com/?utm_campaign=2ea2cb0b-85f2-4902-9276-81d44cd40ca1&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail&cid=c2308e18-5215-4556-86ec-fe269d388407

The Tip I have for this time comes from Rittenhouse Needlepoint. It is that time of year that the holidays are over and it’s time to put all of our ornaments, stockings and special holiday pieces away until next year.

Famous Stitchers from last time were – Joan Crawford and Rosie Grier

Do you know who these 2 stitchers are?????

A new year means time to throw out your orts and start again !!

This week we had our first hybrid meeting !! There may have been a few glitches and a learning curve but over all it worked. Now you can come join our group in the way that suits you best – you have to be in it to enjoy it so we would love to have some new members. This meeting was also our end of year party. Though a bit different from other years we still had the “Yankee Swap” – too much fun was had by the people that participated. All the gifts were definitely unique and well thought out – no one went home disappointed.

As part of the meeting we also got a quick glimpse into the line up of activities for next year – you will want to join us !!! The first meeting in January will be via zoom and Susan Hoekstra will be speaking on color theory. She is always an interesting person to have as a guest and a wonderful national teacher. A can’t miss evening.

Cathryn C. is also looking for information from those planning to join us for the Bargello project. She needs to know the dimensions of canvas you need if NJNA is providing that for you. She is also keeping track of who is doing what Bargello project so drop her a quick email. This is going to be so interesting to watch the progress of so many different patterns.

January will also be the start for all those that signed up for “A Dusting of Snow” by Gail Stafford. Materials will be arriving shortly after Christmas.

We are a busy group !!

So the anticipation is mounting as it is now a week from Santa’s arrival. Will you get what you were hoping for??? The best gift of all! – a gift certificate to your favorite LNS !!!! Who knows best what you really need or want – but you. Here are a few items to think about:

Kreinik makes something called “Iron On Thread”. You use a craft iron or your regular iron with a cloth in between and the thread will adhere to the material. http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Iron-On-Thread-c-501/

Kreinik also makes something called a “Komas”, it’s like having a third hand. It holds your thread while your trying to couch it down. Being square they stay in place as you work. https://www.kreinik.com/shops/Japanese-Komas.html

Are you one of those unfortunate people that find themselves ripping out stitches often??? It’s a job ! Here is something to help make it easier – Dental Tools !! For under $10 you can get a 6 pack kit of dental tools from Amazon. They have to be helpful when the stitch is tightly on that canvas. Even my dentist agreed with me !!

From Stitch By Stitch – an excellent idea – an acrylic napkin holder. An easy stitch on a 5 inch canvas and you have a wonderful hostess gift or for your own table. https://www.stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/so/daNrxaZcZ?languageTag=en&cid=68c6d8c4-6311-4db7-a6af-6c56ebef78b3#/main

If you have and love the System 4 – anything – then check out the “Pointing It Out” Podcast with Melissa of The Wool and the Floss as she talks with Jennifer from System 4. I not only learned several things but she goes into new items they are working on. Thank you Jane of Chilly Hollow !! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEn2uLbrnKg

The Flying Needles shop is having a Monthly Club you can sign up for – Dianne’s Seaside Series which is put out by The Plum Stitchery. So cute !! theflyingneedles.com

Check out Needlepoint.com for new Pepperberry kits. They just make you smile! https://needlepoint.com/collections/needlepoint-kits

Seaside Needlepoint is having their Annual Pillow Talk Contest – send in a saying to put on a pillow and the winner gets a painted canvas with the saying and $100 – what would you say on a pillow???? Seaside Needlepoint

Kathy Rees Fans – There will be no mystery design for 2022 ! For many reasons she is taking a break and hopes to do another mystery class in 2023 -BUT- she is having a sale on all 10 past mystery projects with 15% off any of them thru 1/1/2022. Use coupon code “mystery” when you check out on her web site. https://needledelights.com/product-category/former-mysteries/

This week’s tip comes from Kreinik:

Famous Needlepoint Stitchers:

Last time I am willing to bet most of you knew the 2 people pictured – Burt Reynolds (and he wasn’t even wearing panty hose for that picture) and Grace Kelly !!

This time the 2 famous stitcher’s might be a challenge – do you know who they are ???

How much fun the Festival of Trees has turned out to be. This is our first time exhibiting a tree at the Environmental Center in Basking Ridge and I think the ladies did a wonderful job. A big thank you to all the members that loaned ornaments for the occasion as we barely got all 50 + on the tree. If you have a chance visit the Environmental Education Center at 190 Lord Stirling Rd. Basking Ridge NJ. It’s open 7 days a week until Dec 29 from 9 AM to 4:30 PM except for Dec 24 & 25. The suggested donation of $5 helps the center and they have a cafe for a hot beverage or sweet treat along with live music on the weekends. Come out and see our tree !! http://www.somersetcountyparks.org/

It’s December and you know what that means – It’s Time to PARTY !! The holiday party this year is going to be a combination of in person at the library for the first time in many months along with zoom. Several members went to the library to try out using the equipment to bring the party to those on zoom and incorporate those that can come in person. They had success !! Now whether you participate in the Yankee Swap at the library or watch on zoom with your favorite food/cocktail we can party together. Remember, you have to join to participate in the fun and we encourage everyone to come join us for next year’s exciting line up of projects and talks. Yankee Swap – Rules and Gift Ideas

Today is National Cookie Day !!! Who ever thought that up is genius ! What better way to celebrate than with a new canvas !! My Pink Sugar Life on Etsy has some small but cute ideas, after all, with the holidays everyone is rushing and there is little time to stitch. NO – I did not say that ! It just feels that way – sorry !!

And So – What do you want for the holiday??????? Ready for some FOMO?

Fireside Stitchery is having a sale – One Week Only (thru 12/10) on South Beach Buttons & Needleminders (can’t have enough) http://www.firesidestitchery.com/fs/accessories/index.cfm?fuseaction=getAccessoriesList&CategoryId=147&utm_source=BenchmarkEmail&utm_campaign=Dec_3_2021_Email&utm_medium=email

Try some new threads in your favorite color – the Needlepointer has a Winter Thread Pack with several colors to choose from and each comes in a matching zipper bag Winter Thread Packs – Assorted Colors – (theneedlepointer.com)

Maybe a new way to store your floss, check out The Fox Collection for this beautiful cabinet https://foxcollection.innovations.co.nz/p/accessories/organisers/31980-crafters-6-drawer-thread-cabinet?fbclid=IwAR2s-clUPg44sG1pxS2BESh4y0K1rYiCQL2OqoSE4mS8BaqrMtNS4zpSHsQ

Maybe you would like to try sharpening your scissors, this same company has an easy gadget by Fiskars to get that job done. https://foxcollection.innovations.co.nz/search.aspx?w=scissor%20scharpener

If you travel with your project (who would leave it behind?) this item is a magnetic keeper from Etsy FiveNineteenFinds and it keeps you from being stabbed Cross stitch supplies by FiveNineteenFinds on Etsy

They also have the cutest small scissors

If you want a quick gift then Poppy Monk has an array of self finishing belt buckles for the Howard Wolowitz in your life https://poppymonkneedlepointkits.com/collections/needlepoint-belt-buckle-kits

If you have a K’s Creation stand they now have an attachment that holds your tablet https://www.theneedlepointer.com/product/ks-creation-tablet-adapter/

Do you have a darling Doodle Dog or even a Demon Dog?? Check out Canvas & Thread – they have dog canvases , national parks, birds and lots of different choices to look at https://www.canvasandthread.com/

Tips and Tricks

Famous Needlepoint Stitchers:

The last blog I gave 2 famous stitchers and I’m sure many of you got Lucille Ball but the other one was difficult – he is Kaffe Fassett, a designer for Ehrman needlepoint but he has a fascinating career – read more about him: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaffe_Fassett

Can you guess these 2 Famous Stitchers ??

After a one-year hiatus due to COVID, the Somerset County Parks Commission is once again hosting the Festival of Trees at the Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge. This event is an indoor exhibit of trees decorated by various community organizations as well as individuals.

NJNA is participating in this event for the first time this year. Our tree, entitled Stitching In The Holidays, is decorated with more than 50 needlework ornaments by our Chapter members. Thank you to those members who lent ornaments to the NJNA tree – Sylvia, Ellen, Nancy B, Diane, Sue C, Jacqui, Cathryn, Melita, Linda M, Janet, Linda P, Meredith, and Nancy W.

Nancy B, Cathryn, Janet, and Linda M all had fun decorating the tree!

Get in the holiday spirit and visit the Festival of Trees at the Environmental Education Center starting Friday, December 3, through Wednesday, December 29!

Happy Stitching and Happy Holidays!

Linda

This months meeting was all about the submissions to Woodlawn’s Annual Needlework Show. For one chapter we had quite a few submissions and along with that came quite a few ribbon winners. Due to the pandemic the show was much later than usual but the 2022 show will be from March 2nd thru the 31st. The theme will be “Common Threads – connecting people, families and communities, past and present” They explain on the web site the idea behind this theme. If you have a finished item for the up coming show make sure you enter it and be a part of the needlework community. 2022 Annual Needlework Show Information 2022 — Woodlawn & Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House (woodlawnpopeleighey.org)

We also got a tease as to what is coming up next year. This may be the year of Bargello stitching !! Have you always wanted to give it a try? Cathryn C is looking to make it part of the upcoming years program. January we will be listening to a wonderful National Teacher/Store Owner/Stitcher and woman of many talents – Susan Hoekstra, but more on that coming up. More important is December’s meeting as it’s time to party !!!

Ooops – wrong picture – they are wearing white after Labor day – Oh Well – time to party anyway. We will be doing a “Yankee Swap” and the gift is to be no more than $25. We will meet in the library like old times – open stitching but no food allowed. More details coming.

Our member, Brenda is doing a pilot program with of all people Susan Hokestra. She is a little more than half way thru the checkerboard and it has some great looking stitches with a boarder that has so much texture and panache. The interesting item is in the finishing. Look where she stores the checkers while not in use. Susan is teaching this piece at the 2022 seminar in Tucson AZ. http://frame.bloglovin.com/?post=8258860813&blog=8225413&frame_type=none

Our Brenda is a very busy person – she also has a new book out !! “Stitches with Hart”. It has barely hit the market place yet so you will have to request it from your LNS.

Correction – The author is not the same Brenda as our member – sorry for the error!

Thinking of a possible upcoming Bargello project – Eye Candy has lots of Bejeweled Bargello ornaments for a quick project or to learn with. So colorful and eye popping. What’s New (eyecandyneedleart.com)

Abigail Cecile has the cutest kits – winter hats. They are 3″ X 4.25″ and 18 mesh. The kit comes with everything you need including an alphabet to personalize it – you gotta love the pom pom. PREORDER Pink Pommed Winter Hat – Kit and Stitch Guide – Abigail Cecile

That time of year has come again – Black Friday ! Many stores are having sales. Needleworker’s Delight has 25% off everything, Turtle Bags are giving a nice discount on their totes and cross body bags, in fact most stores have some kind of sale. The following day 11/27 however is Small Business Saturday – please think of your LNS and shop with them so that they are there for us all in the future. www.needleworkersdelight.com –

TIPS AND TRICKS:

From Melita – While in the store “Needle Me” in Havertown PA, Melita found that the store no longer uses tape on the edge of a canvas !! They simply use a steam iron and iron back the edge. Good for a pinch but I am a fan of tape !!

When stitching a piece with an open background and you have random items to put in like stars in a sky etc. you can put a matching shade of batiste fabric across the back of your piece so you will not see the traveling thread !

And Now For Something New :

We all stitch and probably have for many years (I’m not saying we are old but.. yes we are). Along the way we have all heard of many famous people that also share our passion. For the next several blogs I will give you 2 pictures and see if you can name the famous stitchers. I will put their names in the following blog. Good luck some are not so easy !

This week is Thanksgiving already – everyone have a safe and happy holiday and yes have a slice of pie !

Amazing – the end of the year is in sight!! This months meeting will be a bit more casual as we ease into day light savings. We will be discussing this year’s Woodlawn Submissions and review pictures of all the entries. You are also invited to stitch while the discussion is going on. Next month – PARTY !! November 19th several of us will be at Edwardian Needle to collect ornaments for our tree entry in the Basking Ridge “Festival of Trees”. Stop by around 1 pm to help make our tree look festive !!

Let’s all rejoice as November 13th (next Saturday) is Local Needlepoint Store Day !! Another opportunity to add to your stash and keep your local brick and mortar store in business. Check what your store is doing as many are having give away’s, sales, designers stopping by etc. A fun day for all !!

If LNS Day is not enough – it’s also — Virtual Market and Destination Texas Market time !! Needlepoint nirvana !! This weekend all the shop owners are in Texas at the market and they are sending out sneak peaks via social media. From Zecca all the way back to Alice Peterson you will be seeing some very cute things coming up with more being shown everyday such as:

Stitch By Stitch in NY

Wait till you see what is new from Sew Much Fun – you can’t help but smile !!!! Absolutely Needlepoint in FL got so many requests after their customers saw the stitched display that they are now doing a class – meet Naomi and Normi Absolutley Needlepoint – Discover a world of needlepoint and everything that comes with it. (absolutelyneedlepoint.com)

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The Meredith Collection has an interesting new project – barrels !! Yup – it’s just what you think it is. From Bourbon to Monkeys :

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Speaking of Monkeys – Mary Legallet put out a stitch called “Monkey Business”. She has a 3rd book about to come out in Jan 2022 and she has loads of stitch guides you can purchase. Mary’s Whimsical Stitches — whimsicalstitch.com

Classes, Classes, Classes – everyone is doing new classes.

If your a beginner you might want to check out the Enriched Stitch in CT, they are starting in January “Needlepoint University” – everything from threading your needle to picking stitches and everything in between. https://enrichedstitch.myshopify.com/products/needlepoint-university

The Needlepointer is starting a club that will last an entire year and it’s all about color theory, history and expanding your thought process, vision and growth to look at fibers and color in new ways. It’s called “Kaleidoscope of Kolour” https://www.theneedlepointer.com/product/club-kaleidoscope-of-kolour-2022/?goal=0_3621358244-7ba381ff65-69343533&mc_cid=7ba381ff65&mc_eid=2e6039e84f

With the chill in the air these days maybe you want to take a trip to Seaside Needlepoint in Vero Beach FL – they are having a class in “Santa’s Beards”. They will be doing 6 different beards, from big and fuzzy to tame and textured !! Seaside Needlepoint

One of the new embellishments people are using on their canvases is Rick Rack. I have seen it on a Danji elephant canvas and it makes such a statement and changes the look. Here is a place to get a wide range of interesting trims, ribbons, rick rack etc. https://www.ladydotcreates.com/

Did you have to have that clear folding tote for all your needlepoint needs?? The people that brought you that had to have item now have something new – Sassy Clips !! A way to keep your drink off the table (as you should know to do when your stitching so disaster doesn’t happen)! They can also be used to keep notions and other things in close reach. Sullivans Sassy Clip – Clips to any table surface! – Moore’s Sewing (moores-sew.com)

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Sassy Clips

Are your scissors getting dull?? Jo-Ann Fabric has a service for sharpening many kinds of cutting instruments from pizza cutters to lawn mower blades. Worth it if you love a specific pair of scissors.

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A great tool to have when deciding on threads and colors for a project is a color card from some of the many thread companies. You have your choice thru Needlepoint Gallery and More. You can order cards with the “REAL THREAD” on them to have as a resource. https://www.theneedlepointgallery.com/cocaforthco.html

I recently saw a demonstration on using buttons to enhance your project. Very easy to do and Patty Paints has a detailed explanation on how to do it on their web site. https://www.thecollectiondesigns.com/patty-paints-diy-buttons.html

Have you thought about making a belt for someone? Do you know how it’s done and how long to make it? House of Needlepoint in CT has tips on what you need to know along with other tips to make your first belt project a success:

TRIVIA QUESTION !!!!! Can you guess what famous singer’s mother was a needlepointer?????

NOPE – Try Dolly Parton !! In Gatlinburg TN there is the “Chasing Rainbows Museum” which has an attraction called “Dolly’s Attic” and in there is her mother Avie Lee Parton’s handy work showing all her siblings names and birth dates on display. A piece of needlepoint history !!

This week we had our monthly meeting and our speaker was Vicky Wittershein. Her talk was on using Alcohol Markers with canvas and it was wonderful ! We had one of our biggest turn outs and for good reason. Vicky went thru how to use these markers and different situations that they can be used. Her use of video’s for demonstration were very well done and we were all glued to our screens ! Hope she will be back soon with another topic!!

Of course to get to be a part of these great programs you have to be a member ! Cathryn is already lining things up for next year – you have to be in it to enjoy it !! Come join the fun!

Wow – we are headed for November already!! Our next meeting will be a review of the chapter’s showing at the Annual Woodlawn Needlework Show along with a stitch in. Come join us and see the wonderful creations this chapter has stitched.

We are also going to be putting up an exhibit at the Festival of Trees this year in Basking Ridge. We should be hearing more information shortly. If you want to lend us some of your ornaments to go on our tree we will have drop off information shortly.

Can you feel the vibrations in the needlepoint world ??? This weekend is the Virtual Needlepoint Show !!! Yikes – New things to discover – many of which we will absolutely need to have !! Until all that unfolds :

Needlepoint For Fun has moved !! They have crossed the water and come to NJ ! For now they are by appointment only until they get themselves all set up in their new space so you will need to give them a call if you need something. The picture looks like things are now “Open Concept” spacing. Good luck to them !

Check out a site called Fiber Pharm – they have numerous selections of fibers that match to canvases. If you can’t get the threads for your project they sell them by the skein, by the collection or for a certain project which they refer to as a “Curated Collection”. If you wanted to do a Hedgehog Travel Tag you go to their site and they have a package made up of threads just for that project. No searching around ! If you want to peruse thru and find a project they also have links to the designer’s web site so you can buy the canvas. https://fiberpharmllc.com

Do you like stitching with Straw Silk? It has such a different look compared to other threads ! The Needlepointer now sells it in larger quantities called “Ponytails” The colors are so vibrant – https://www.theneedlepointer.com/product/straw-silk-ponytails/?goal=0_3621358244-752b059b85-69343533&mc_cid=752b059b85&mc_eid=2e6039e84f

FOMO ALERT !! Sandy Arthur has a new book out – “Tisket, Tasket, Lots and Lots of Baskets” 55 pages of woven stitches for baskets ! For now you can only buy the book at your LNS. She has an Etsy site if your interested in her other books – https://www.etsy.com/shop/DuoDesignsBySANDRA?ref=search_shop_redirect&section_id=25360469 She also has another book coming – you can pre- order it thru Stitch By Stitch in Larchmont NY

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Colour Compliments has a free download for a project called “Summer Sorbet” A good way to get your feet wet with a counted design. They also include individual stitch diagrams. Such fun colors ! Downloadable Summer Stitch Sampler Available | Needlepoint (colourcomplements.com)

Have you ever heard of the Diagonal Chop Sticks stitch ?? Me either ! Susan Roberts has it detailed in her Needlepoint Dictionary of Stitches (yes Amazon!) Needlepaint used it on a new stocking cuffs and it looks great on “Mr. Moose” https://www.needlepaint.com/blog/2021/09/02/needlepaints-new-stocking-cuffs/

https://www.needlepointteacher.com/books-by-susan/needlepoint-dictonary-of-stitches/

Something new from the Needlebug – magnetic Scissor ID Tags. Just insurance that you don’t use the wrong scissor for the job !! https://www.theneedlebug.com/shop/New-Arrivals/p/scissor-id-tags-3-pack-x56482054.htm

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Many new canvases not to mention canvases for the holidays would look great with a tassel as part of the embellishment. Here is a YouTube from Needlepoint.com that shows you how easy it is to do !! https://youtu.be/PevmZzyxTWg

Tips and Tricks – Want to store your left over thread back in the teeny tiny wrapper so you know what that color and or dye lot is?? Sarah Godfrey posted on Needlepoint Nation an interesting idea – a Bobby Pin !! The picture is worth a thousand words !!

Abigail Cecile has free classes to help new needlepointers (or old ones that need a brush up) how to do our craft. Younger people seem very at home with a computer and will probably appreciate this for help with questions. It’s called Needlepoint 101 https://abigailcecile.thinkific.com/courses/needlepoint101?mc_cid=1489cabdd1&mc_eid=2ba6f7d48a

The House of Neeedlepoint is having another contest – Design your own Key Fob – you have to be in it to win it !!

The House of Needlepoint also had a great tip for stitching a floral canvas in their current trunk show :

Another FOMO Alert !!! Planet Earth has come out with Eye Glass Cases. They take 2×3 inserts which Danji has many choices – what a quick and easy holiday gift !!! Planet Earth Eyeglass Case – Plum | Stitch by Stitch (stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com)

Like we couldn’t see THIS coming !!!! All you Turtle Bag lovers – new colors are coming soon !! They are also having a half price sale on their shell inserts for Halloween and Thanksgiving (in case you couldn’t stitch that fast !). In case you did not know, these bags donate part of their proceeds to the National Save The Turtle Foundation to help with awareness of Florida’s marine ecosystem.

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:

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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)

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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

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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 !!