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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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