This months meeting was all about Plaid, Chottie’s Plaid in particular. The combination of rows is based on a date, like your birthday. It comes out looking great and a perfect item for this time of year. Next month’s meeting incorporates your new found knowledge of stitching a plaid to make a name tag ! Cathryn has sent out information already and has canvas for those that requested. We have our first opportunity to use our name tags at the Holiday Luncheon in January – time to get stitching ! December Cathryn will be reviewing all the counted pieces everyone has been stitching this year. Make sure to send her a list of your accomplishments. Maybe we need a prize for the person that stitched the most ! A skein of DMC floss – your choice of color maybe ! LOL !

The Kelly Starke classes on how to finish your own ornaments were a resounding success. Jacqui did a wonderful job even when one of the venue’s cancelled and she had to scramble to find another place to hold the class. Everyone had a great time and learned either to do the finishing themselves like a pro and/or to appreciate the finishers we give our projects to !

It’s that time of year at NJNA – election time! Most importantly we are looking for someone to step into the shoes of Linda M, our President. She wishes to pass the torch so the search is in full swing. The position can be done as a shared position so if anyone would like to volunteer please contact Linda M or Carol K B and they can give you an idea of what the position entails.

ANG has announced that you can start to register for their “Spring Fling” Virtual Seminar starting November 1. They are going to send out more details very soon but mark your calendars as the items they have for class will fill faster than you can blink even though you have until the end of November to sign up. I can’t wait to see how many you can sign up for !

Wednesday November 15th is the ANG Annual Membership Meeting that is done virtually. It starts at 2 pm EST and they will be talking about everything ANG. Information about upcoming programs, events and updates from various departments/committees. There will be an email soon with a registration link.

ANG has extended the registration for a number of their correspondence courses. Check it out on their website where you can sign up.

Today is LNS Day – did you go support your brick and mortar store? We would all be lost without them ! So many had all kinds of sales and events to tempt you (not a hard sell). They all just got back from the new TX market and I have seen some stunning new canvases. I even heard a rumor that the painters are catching up so more things will be available quicker. The pandemic and resurgence in needlepoint really caused an unprecedented backlog. Let’s take a look at what is new out there.

Kate Dickerson had so many new items I needed a break ! One was better than the next and many had numerous color options. The most interesting was the Domed ornaments that also come with sparkle confetti – makes them look like a snow globe. Get a glass of what ever you enjoy drinking and settle in on her web site to view them all but here are a bunch to tempt you. Kate Dickerson Hand Painted Needlepoint canvases

Pippin had some new adorable items – I could be a sucker for the little dresses ! What’s New – View the latest Pippin Original hand-painted Canvas Designs (pippinstudio.com)

All you Zecca fans make room in your stash – just amazing ! Needlepoint – Zecca

If you have never seen Stitch Rock check them out. They have fun canvases and some of the new ones are just great. Stitch Rock Designs

NDLPT Designs has a bunch of series – from Champagne to Mixers – lot’s to choose from. NDLPT Designs: Wholesale Needlepoint Canvases and Accessories – NDLPT Designs

I could go on and on and on but here are a few more from Stitch By Stitch What’s New 2023 – Stitch by Stitch (stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com) The Wool and the Floss The Wool & The Floss (woolfloss.com) and Gingham Stitchery The Gingham Stitchery

If you didn’t get to take the ornament finishing class and need a quick project that is finished – take a look at Blue Dogwood. Very cute small canvases that come with a frame – quick easy and impressive !! Blue Dogwood Designs

There is going to be a new retreat happening March 7-10 2024 in Albuquerque NM. This is a canvas countess pilot retreat being held by Debbie Rowley and Kurdy Biggs. Each of them has 2 offerings and if you do it right you can do 3 of them while your there. Canvas Countess – A Pilot Class Retreat

Ridgewood Needlepoint has a new exclusive from The Salty Stitcher. When finished it will fit into a Sudberry box. If you purchase the canvas and threads you will be given Adrienne’s stitch guide free. Reserve your canvas soon as they are expected in the shop sometime in December. Home (ridgewoodneedlepoint.com) 201-612-7770

News Alert: Old World Designs Needlepoint has decided to sell. They are located in Meno Park CA and Linda Mendenhall has owned the store since 1991. We wish her well and hope she finds a buyer to keep this long loved store open for many more years. Old World Designs Needlepoint Menlo Park Bay Area

Tips and Tricks: I friend of mine emailed me today with a list if tips for when you (yikes) stitch dark colors on dark colored or dark painted canvas – thanks Moira. 1) Stitch in bright sunlight 2) Place a light under the canvas shining up 3) Stitch under very bright light shining directly on the canvas 4) Place a white or neon colored cloth under the canvas while your stitching 5) Lightly sprinkle baby powder on the area (Nope – I would not do that one !) 6) Lightly use a white pencil on the canvas (Not a fan of that either). It’s an eye killer no matter what – do what works best for you!

Who was that Famous Stitcher? If you follow the blog of Stitch By Stitch in NY you will know this is Elizabeth Crane Swartz – she spent the day there today in celebration of LNS day. She has recently joined forces with HedgeHog Needlepoint. Check out her new canvases. Hedgehog Needlepoint

Do You Know Who This Famous Stitcher Is ?