The temperature is starting to make that turn to Fall. Activities with friends are about to retreat inside. Hopefully you are stitching not only at a friends home but at a local LNS, library, Panera Bread or other convenient place to get together. Since we have the opportunity to meet new people when we head inside what is the perfect thing to have already stitched ????? Yes – you got it – A Name Tag !! And this is why we become members of NJNA – our October and November program will deal with stitching a plaid and then creating a name tag !!!

Coming soon to your mailbox is the new issue of Needlepointers Magazine. You can read it online of course but last I looked they had not put it up. Your email allows you to look at the magazine and how appropriate – they have an article on “Plaid” – no we didn’t coordinate with the magazine ! It’s a real tease from the cover and the color of the threads puts you in the mood for fall. It’s another jam packed issue.

Even though we are just starting fall ANG is trying to get you excited about Spring. (Not a bad thing !) This is when they are going to do a virtual seminar called “Spring Fling”. The seminar will feature five of the most popular wait list classes from previous seminars. You should be hearing more VERY shortly as registration is from November 1 – 30, 2023. The seminar is held during the month of April 2024. If you had wanted to attend any of these classes I am sure it will be easier with a Zoom class but sign up early – just look at your choices – all great !!

FOMO ALERT ! My emails are quiet because next week is the Dallas Market. Next week we should start to see all that is new and interesting in the needlepoint world. Stitch By Stitch had a preview and the variety is amazing. From something really different, a red flower from Zecca to designer pumpkins by Judy Tash to a Halloween scene that you will be seeing as a class given by national instructors. There is always something interesting and new from the show and I can’t wait to see more ! Find Your Focus | Stitch by Stitch Needlepoint

Stitch By Stitch also has a new and interesting handbag – or should I say Bucket Bag. They are by Art Needlepoint and they have a large selection to choose from. There are also 3 different color leathers and silver or gold hardware. “Have It Your Way ” ! https://stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/collections/art-needlepoint-bucket-bags?_kx=6D5Y7Jiene-hlgseirQx1RFyVxGMpjd5qfVYcayxxNM%3D.SwCMrn

KC Needlepoint has a new book, well, not quite – It’s called “A Modern Stitch Directory”. It’s actually a deck of 50 cards. Each card shows the finished stitch along with detailed instructions on how to do it. A great item for a beginner. https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/products/needlepoint-a-modern-stitch-directory-in-50-cards?_pos=2&_sid=8c6bb3a6c&_ss=r&omnisendContactID=61fc368aa1816e00226a532d&utm_campaign=campaign%3A+Stitch+Cards+%26+Super+Snips+%2864fe2979f0040c47c3e2f0fa%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=omnisend

The Enriched Stitch in CT is offering a new kit to benefit a local Breast Cancer charity. 50% of the proceeds will go to “Pink Aid” which helps families going thru cancer treatment. The kit includes canvas, threads and stitch guide. https://enrichedstitch.myshopify.com/products/tote-of-hope

SJ Designs just announced that the price of beads is going up. Much of the blame is on the cost of packaging. She also has a new color Zweigart 18 count mono canvas coming – Dusty Rose and it’s a match to DMC floss color 151 pink. Check out the web site though. If you enjoy samplers, antique books, tools etc. there is plenty to look thru. You gotta love the 19th century tape measure that looks like a walnut. And do you remember this as a child??? Shop | SJ Designs (sj-designs.net)

Want to do a quick club – check out Chapparal’s new Winter Animal club – there are only 3 canvases to it ! The first kit goes out at the end of November and includes canvas, threads, embellishments and a stitch guide. In the first one only they also throw in a project bag and scissors – a nice touch ! Parker the Polar Bear, Petter the penguin and Willa the walrus are just too cute !! https://ndlpt.com/collections/winter-animal-club/products/winter-animal-club

I missed this next club thru Needle Bug but was asked about an adorable canvas by Sue and found that it’s part of a club (thanks Sue). The canvas is an ornament round of a football stadium but the other canvases all by Stitch Style are all fall related and iconic. My favorite is roasting marshmallows! There are 5 canvases and you get the canvas, threads and stitch guide. In a twist they also give you the stretcher bars and tacks !!! It says it started in September but you can see if they will let you jump in late. https://theneedlebug.com/products/fall-favorites-club-preorder?_pos=1&_psq=fall%20favorites%20club&_ss=e&_v=1.0&variant=43419851948199

Be Stitched has 2 interesting classes and both are via zoom. The first is “Floral Tea Please”. You have a choice between 2 Alice Peterson canvases. The class is over 3 days starting in November and ending in January so you have time to stitch what you learned. A manageable size of 9 x9 but know they are on 13 count. So pretty though !! Floral Tea, Please! Three Class Series – BeStitched Needlepoint (bestitchedneedlepointshop.com)

The other class they are giving virtually is advanced thread painting techniques. You have a choice between 2 Melissa Shirley canvases which are smaller than the ones above but are on 18 count. This is a one day class on Saturday Dec. 2nd. https://bestitchedneedlepointshop.com/collections/online-classes/products/wild-brushstrokes-advanced-animal-thread-painting

Tips and Tricks: Think outside of the box – anything can become a tooth fairy pillow ! A customer at Absolutely Needlepoint made one out of a bean bag !! What ever fits the person receiving it !!

Who was that Famous Stitcher? That was Kathy Rees of Needle Delights. She has some of the most colorful designs and so many to pick from !! Recently married but that hasn’t slowed her down as she has added several new designs. Needle Delights Originals – Needle Delights Originals

Do You Know Who This Famous Stitcher Is ?

Don’t forget Saturday October 21 is Local Needlepoint Shop Day – Buy a Canvas, threads etc and show your support for your brick and mortar stores. Where would we be without them ?!?!