This week we had our monthly meeting. There was a rather full house for the Zoom presentation given by Casandra Prescott and her daughter Nandra, owners of Sundance Beads. They have been in business since 1979 and are still creating amazing beads and embellishments. They now offer over 400 different color seed beads never mind all the shapes and sizes. On the call were also designers Jill Rigoli and Barbara Elmore to show how many options these beads offer to enhance your canvases. After that presentation I think the number of options is only limited by your imagination !! I never knew they had all the other enhancements never mind how to use them. Just another reason to join in our fun here at NJNA ! Sundance Designs Online

Get ready for next month’s meeting – it’s a “Stash Buster” ! The meeting will be all about PLAID ! I noticed that wine colors are coming in for the fall (You remember them from the 80’s) so we at NJNA are bringing back plaid !! I did not mean to date us but… Plaid can be a tricky thing to do but so rewarding especially if the pattern is related to your birth date. You will also be able to use this nifty skill for the Nov meeting when we will be doing a name tag. Now that is subtle personalization !

ANG has 2 announcements – The BAD is that the Sept/Oct issue of Needlepointers magazine is delayed. The GOOD is that the Auction raised an incredible amount. They wish to thank everyone involved !!

A New Store Opened! Penny Linn started out in 2020 in a one bedroom apartment in Manhattan NY and has now opened a store in Westport CT. I have shown you her adorable designs, magnets, bags etc. before. Now you can go see it in person – just another reason for a road trip ! She has lots of small canvases and something for every level of stitching. https://pennylinndesigns.com/collections/all

And ANOTHER New Store! This one is located in Locust Valley on the North Shore of Long Island NY. “The Red Thread Atelier” is having The Grand Opening on September 27th. They will be having weekly evening stitching on Tuesdays. Good Luck to both stores ! Collections – The Red Thread Atelier

Stitch By Stitch in NY has been at it again – they have the redecorating fever. Having been to the store – it’s all for the good !! They have now put in new flooring this time – a big difference. They have also launched the new web site which is much more user friendly. They are have a big retreat coming in Feb 2024, a new club coming, and an exclusive Raymond Crawford NYC wreath… They always work hard to have something new going on there. Jane of Chilly Hollow is correct – it’s a dangerous store $ – but so worth the trip !! Find Your Focus | Stitch by Stitch Needlepoint

So many people were affected by the tragedy in Maui HI that Needle Paint is looking to help. Thru the end of this year they will be donating 20% of the proceeds of their Hawaii themed canvases to the Maui Food Bank. They have lovely colorful ornaments to choose from if you would like to help. https://www.needlepaint.com/maui-needlepoint

Ridgewood Needlepoint has an interesting exclusive by VNG canvases. They have several deals involved with this offer. If you buy the canvas and threads they will give you the stitch guide for free. You can buy it all separately plus they are going to have 2 class sessions (Jan and Feb) if you would like to stitch the canvas that way. No matter what you choose Stephanie is there to help. Home (ridgewoodneedlepoint.com)

There is new basics class being given by BeStitched and it will be done in 3 sessions. The canvas being used is by Gayla Elliot !!!! The classes involve not only stitches but basic beading and ribbon work. The dates are 11/11, 12/16 and 1/6 for your “Burro Basics !” It has to be a fun class with all that opportunity for embellishment.! https://bestitchedneedlepointshop.com/collections/online-classes/products/burro-basics

There are 2 new clubs about to start. The Needlepointer has an interesting Zodiac canvas. They expect to start in November and it goes for 7 months. Each month you will get a stitch guide and thread packet. I can hear the 5th Dimension’s song playing in the background !! https://www.theneedlepointer.com/zodiac-wheeldiv-idclubsubtitleopen-enrollmentdiv/p8503668?cse=nl0923?cse=nl0923&goal=0_3621358244-174b96f46b-69343533&mc_cid=174b96f46b&mc_eid=2e6039e84f

Bestitched has an unusual Halloween club starting in October. There will be 4 canvases from Spellbound Stitchery and the stitch guides were done by Lauren Kessler. It’s called “Pretty in Witchy Pink” Great for a beginner! https://bestitchedneedlepointshop.com/products/pretty-in-witchy-pink-club

Atlantic Blue Canvases have such a cute new line of “Hobby Santas”. They have more than 30 different hobbies along with some stitch guides. They remind me of the ever popular gnomes you see by many designers !! Since there are 105 days left until this Xmas it’s time to snap them up – for NEXT YEAR !! LOL

Hobby Santas

NEWS FLASH – DMC Threads posted on Linkedin that they have bought Anchor thread !!!! The two lines will continue to be separate as DMC says it will take a year to transition Anchor into their line up. The previous owner will stay on to help with the transition and manage the brand. DMC wants to be the #1 needlecraft brand. DMC

Now for some sad passing’s in the needlepoint industry – Lois Caron has passed away. She is the founder and President of the Caron Collection. She created beautiful hand dyed threads for several thread lines and distributes them all over the world. She will be greatly missed but the family intends to keep the company running. About The CARON Collection (caron-net.com)

The second passing is Liz Goodrick – Dillon. She was well known for her elaborate Christmas Stockings. A lover of nature explains all the backgrounds on her designs. She was also a designer of scenes on puzzles, fabric and greeting cards. She too will be missed.

TIPS AND TRICKS I have 2 – the first is from our own Melita G.- if you use Evertite Stretcher Bars you are well aware of the tool you need to tighten them. Melita is right – I would not want to go past the TSA in the airport with that tool. She has an inexpensive work around – use a 3/32″ Hex Dogging Key – ugh – why didn’t we all think of that?? Did you even know what that was? – I didn’t ! They come in a pack of 10 from, where else but Amazon for $9. Melita keeps them where ever she thinks she will need them. It’s smaller so it’s easier to carry in your bag of tools. Thank you Melita !

The 2nd one is from KC Needlepoint – do you have an “Un-Stitcher” ? No – it’s not a seem ripper. It’s actually a quilting tool that works well when you are trying to rip out a section you have stitched without cutting the canvas. Looks like another handy dandy tool to have ! Aren’t we all about our tools??? https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/products/the-un-stitcher?_pos=1&_sid=564cf2108&_ss=r

Who was that Famous Stitcher? That was Kelly Starke. From what I read she is everywhere these days doing her classes on how to finish ornaments. The pandemic created such a backlog for finishers she is easing their burden. Of course she is about much more than that, just look at her web site. Home (starkeartdesigns.com)

Do You Know Who This Famous Stitcher Is ?