Now that we are all stuffed with Turkey and needing a nap is over, it’s almost time for the last meeting of NJNA this year !! That certainly flew past. The December meeting is going to be an easy peasy stitch in along with a recap of all the counted pieces everyone has done this past year. Make sure you send a photo to Cathryn of each finish (or not) so we can all see what you have been busy stitching. Also, next years officers will be voted on during the meeting. You don’t want to miss this meeting.

It’s dues time again !! Make sure you pay your ANG dues before 12/31/23. I understand they are very strict about receiving them and will pull your membership very early in January if they are not paid. As for NJNA dues – we will wait for Rosie to send up the bat signal to say go ahead and pay them. We don’t want to mess with Rosie’s accounting for the chapter.

The ANG Spring Fling registration has closed and they have 100 people attending. Check out the new version of the Kansas City Seminar booklet as it’s been revised. Apparently ANG is having problems getting the Needle Pointers Magazine out. It is definitely going to be late but rest assured that it will be there soon.

Woodlawn’s deadline to register is the end of January. Make sure you let Linda M know if your sending a piece or 2 as she is coordinating the trailer load going down to be checked in. Her appointment for drop off is 1/25/24 so she will be looking for your pieces at the luncheon if possible. 2024 Annual Needlework Show — Woodlawn & Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House (woodlawnpopeleighey.org)

Needlepoint Now Magazine has revealed that they are going to have 2 – year long projects going for 2024. The newest one is a counted piece and you will get 16 different stitches per issue. You can make it what you like. Probably a great stash buster. They again are partnering with LNS to help keep the stores in business for everyone. Needlepoint Now – The #1 Consumer Magazine Committed to the Fine Art of Needlepoint

Are you all exhausted from sales, sales, sales ??? Did your email account start to smoke from all the activity? Is your credit card hot to the touch ??? Did you buy anything?? Of course I did !!! Foolish question. Whether you buy anything (notice I didn’t say want to) or not it’s always interesting to see new items so let’s start with clubs – always something new there.

The Needlepointer has 2 new clubs, the first is for those thread-aholics. Each month you get a package of threads that will take you on a journey of color and discovery of different fibers and how to use them to the best results. The second one is their box of chocolates again. This time around they only included 4 designs from the original club. There are 20 new designs with stitch guides and you receive 2 each month. Now for the interesting part – if you sign up for either of these 2 clubs, their National Parks club or their Exotic Birds club they will give you 12% off on the finishing ! https://www.theneedlepointer.com/needlepoint/clubs-open-enrollment?nav_id=701

Bestitched has an adorable new club if you want something smaller – how about 6 Danji Llama candy canes?? So cute, love their faces and they have to be quick stitches. https://bestitchedneedlepointshop.com/collections/clubs-series-1/products/llama-artistry-club

Bestitched also has a new club with canvases by Love You More – perfect for this year’s Plaid Theme !! Five small canvases and all the fun starts in January ! https://bestitchedneedlepointshop.com/products/christmas-plaids-club

This one is just too cute – Needlepoint Obsession has a shop exclusive – the Christmas Closet !It’s done in 4 parts and includes canvas, threads, stitch guide and embellishments. You need to call the store for this one.

Ridgewood Needlepoint also has an exclusive – a fall themed canvas by VNG. It comes in either 13 or 18 mesh. The class will be done in 2 sessions on Saturdays starting in January. Call the store for all the details at 201-612-7770 Ridgewood Needlepoint

The Wool and the Floss in Cleveland has some exclusive canvases from local artists that are fitting for the home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – guitars !!! Many to choose from and so colorful !! https://www.woolandwillow.com/products/yellow-star-guitar-guitar-series

Morgan Julia has 8 new canvases and they can be purchased individually or as a bundle which then gets you a neat looking canvas of a bow that can be turned into a box. They are also showing off their Ornament of the Year – rolled dough ! https://morganjuliadesigns.com/collections/gn-x-mjd-stitch-along

I had to show you new kits from Chaparrel in TX – Elves in Ugs !! They put together nice kits and these include the canvas, stitch guide, threads, scissor and a project bag. They have 3 set of feet – one cuter than the next. https://ndlpt.com/search?q=Elf+in+UG+kit&syclid=cllo2ru5ji7s739pmktg&type=product&utm_campaign=emailmarketing_130941321355&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email

Are you a Zecca fan?? Such interesting canvases with great characters – Bestitched is doing their Chameleon Cravings class via Zoom ! It’s the Zecca “Tasty Snack” canvas in your choice of 13 or 18 count. The zoom classes are once a month over 3 months and is for an intermediate to advanced stitcher as it will be more of a techniques class. https://bestitchedneedlepointshop.com/products/chameleon-cravings-class

Do you own a Lowery Stand – maybe 2 ?? They are marvelous – and Family Arts Needlework is having a raffle for a Hot Pink one !! The winner will be drawn this Tuesday 12/5 in the afternoon. How lucky do you feel ?? Tickets are $10 each or $50 for 6. https://familyartsneedlework.com/

Before you know it the holiday will be here. So, here are a couple of small items for stockings or just little gifts:

Rittenhouse Needlepoint has some great accessories from unusual needle threaders, floss bobbins and my favorite – rabbit scissors ! Go to their web site to see other things that make neat gifts. https://rittenhouseneedlepoint.com/collections/accessories

Next look at Stitching Fox – they have plenty of accessories to browse but one in particular caught my eye – turn an Altoid box into an organizer !! What will they think of next?? https://www.stitchingfox.com/collections/notions

Tips and Tricks: While we are talking about accessories how about Oli Magnets?!?! Available also by KC Needlepoint with their logo on. KC Needlepoint is correct about other uses for these nifty items other than as a magnetic paper clip. See below a few great ideas. https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/collections/magnets/products/magnetic-paper-clip and for more color and size options try Oli on Etsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/OLIBLOCK?ref=seller-platform-mcnav&mc_cid=92621cb63b&mc_eid=0087025bb4

Who was that famous stitcher: That is Julie Pischke – she grew up in her mother’s needlepoint store. When she and her husband moved to Key West she opened her first store and went on from there. She became very much in demand for her bag designs and tropical prints. Though she is now retired you can go to the web site and see some fabulous designs and where you can also buy them. Shop – Julie Pischke Designs

Do You Know Who This Famous Stitcher Is ?