Who knew there were that many more ways to use your needlepoint?!?!?! This weeks meeting Cathryn finished up her presentation on “Ideas For Finishing Needlepoint”. I was surprised at how many she still had left to show us. She also had a discussion on Bargello to kick off the chapter Bargello project. This project has the biggest turn out for a chapter project – ever! She showed pictures of many of the pieces that people wanted to stitch which showed just how diverse the choices were. In June we will return to the project and see how everyone is coming along. Next month we are having Laura Smith. She will be talking about Seven Ways of Color Contrast. Come join NJNA – you just can’t imagine the fun we are having and you too can be a part of it all.

Last call to see the Woodlawn Needlework Show. It is now available virtually and your ticket purchase allows you to go in any time thru May 31, 2022 You are also given access to the recordings of the other 3 programs they had. http://www.woodlawnpopeleighey.org/2022-virtual-needlework-tickets

Are you a lover of Kathy Rees designs??? Poppypoint in Charlottsville VA is going to do a stitch a long this summer and the piece they will be doing is Kathy Rees – Zig Zag. https://poppypointe.com/collections/classes

If you are already familiar with Kathy Rees and Toni Gerdes among others then you may want to join in on their new Stitch and Cruise to Hawaii. It takes place starting September 22nd from Vancouver BC https://www.rgetravels.com/…/Dual092222CelEclipseHawaii…

They have some great looking classes you can sign up for – what could be bad???? https://www.rgetravels.com/…/HawaiiClassInfoSheet.pdf

Third Coast Stitches is a store that was opened by 2 young women in Chicago. Nice to see a younger generation furthering the craft we all love. They have some very cute small canvases called city mini’s – a very quick stitch ! https://thirdcoaststitches.com/pages/contact-us

They are also into Needlepoint Swag – Hurry up before they are gone !!!

I know the latest thing is not to match but I just couldn’t resist – look what you can purchase on Etsy !! There are several merchants that can sell you a pair so you can be style’n !!!

Southern Living Magazine says that Needlepoint Pillows are all the rage. There is an article in the newest edition and it says that our craft is “Trending” !! https://www.southernliving.com/home/needlepoint-pillows-are-trending

That time is coming around again – Graduation !! Beehive Needle Arts in Pittsburgh is hosting a local designer trunk show – Lauren Bloch. Check out her web site, she has some different canvases to choose from. She also does custom work – be it your favorite dogs picture or a mortar board remembrance. https://www.laurenblochdesigns.com/

Serendipity Needlepoint is having a Needlepoint Treasure Hunt !! Everything happens in a pop – up Facebook Group over 5 days and it’s all about “How To Make All Your Needlepoint Projects Look Fabulous” There are prizes and giveaways – all you do is sign up and check it out and as she says ” The best part?! It’s F R E E! ” https://resources.serendipityneedleworks.com/treasure-hunt?vgo_ee=988itnAVlr4aYWcMGa2yeA%3D%3D

The Wool and The Floss have some beautiful cedar and leather valet tray’s. All are hand crafted in Paraguay and each sale supports a student in grades 7 – 12. The inside of the box is approx. 8.5 X 7 so you can put a piece of needlework in and add glass or acrylic to protect it. They come in several buttery colors. Accessories (thewoolandthefloss.net)

All you Laura Perin fans – It’s BACK !!! Petite Arabesque as a Cyber Class !! There are 4 color ways to choose from if you buy the Full Kit. http://www.laurajperindesigns.net/ljp-cyber-classes.html

Colour Complements has a new heart on their blog done in their rich color threads. Very interesting to read how it was stitched: https://colourcomplements.com/2022/03/squares-and-crosses-pattern-for-hearts-for-hospice.html

Check out a new way to use your needlepoint – ON Christmas Balls !! Cathryn, you can add this to the list ! Starke Art has released a series of ornament wrappers. Stitch By Stitch in NY is selling them and when you are done stitching they will send them back to Starke Art for finishing which includes the glass ball. starke art – Stitch by Stitch (stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com)

Starke Art also has the most adorable Lobster Trap’s that are sold thru CBK Needlepoint. What a great item to stitch while on vacation in Maine. Starke Art Designs (cbkneedlepoint.com)

Tips and Tricks:

UGH – have you ever gotten “something” on your canvas while your working on it? Good habits to get into: Wash your hands before you start to stitch – keep wet wipes nearby and make sure your hands are dry before you start again – no eating when your stitching – keep your white threads bagged and separate from all other threads – always stitch white threads first – always store your project in a project bag/tote/light colored pillow case to keep it clean between stitching sessions.

Who was this Famous Stitcher???? This is Iris Apfel. She is a successful businesswoman, interior designer, fashion icon and fascinating women. Check out her life.

Do you know who this is????