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 ???