This week was the last meeting of this year. When the clock strikes Midnight on Dec 31 some how we will have made it to 2024 – WOW ! Did you ever think?? What this really means is a new year of fun and interesting new projects to explore. We are all looking forward to the luncheon on Saturday January 6th. Not only will it give us a chance to see people in person that we haven’t seen possibly since last years luncheon BUT we also get to see up coming programs, new board members and best of all – show and tell. I know, what people talk about most after a wedding or in this case a lunch is the food – well – it was really good last year so I can only assume it will be the topper on another great occasion for NJNA. Who cares how old we all are or how far the date has come, let’s get to the good stuff – new and interesting needlepoint !

We elected a new board at the meeting. We hate to say goodbye to Linda M after all she has done for the chapter along with Cathryn C. but we are also happy to say good luck to Noelle D as the new President. We have a new VP of Programs – Jacqui C. who has been involved this past year with many of the the things we have done (she has wonderful ideas). And let’s not forget those doing the nuts and bolts – Barbara L., Sharon B., Rosie L. and Linda P. !

On a separate note – make sure you pay your dues to ANG National. I have heard they are quite strict these days about payment and will take you off the roster faster than you can blink on 1/1/24. You can’t be a member of NJNA unless you are a member of ANG National and after rumors that I have heard about what we are doing this coming year, you want to be paid up to enjoy all the fun coming up.

NJNA is again participating in the Festival of Trees at the Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge NJ. You can see the trees thru December 28th with the exception of the 22nd, 24th and 25th. Melita G. had some pictures of the event on her blog and there is certainly plenty to go see. Festival of Trees | Visit Somerset County NJ (visitsomersetnj.org)

Some of the pictures above were from our member Melita G.’s blog. Both she and another member, Brenda C. have wonderful blogs that you can sign up for. They do all kinds of different projects and have many tips. You can read about other guilds they are involved in and their adventures in needlepoint as well as other types of needlework. Always interesting !! Melita’s blog is: Melitastitches4fun’s Blog | A place to share my needlepoint and connect with other stitchers. and Brenda’s blog is: Brenda’s Needlepoint Studio (brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com) Follow them both and enjoy all that they do and share.

ANG has announced that they are having problems with getting the magazine “The Needle Pointer” out again. Don’t expect to see it until January. The issue will include the brochure for the 2024 Kansas City Seminar. Check out the brochure online.

DMC has a new thread out – Eco Vita Naturally Dyed Organic Wool Thread. There are 60 shades and all kinds accessories to go with this new launch. Check out the mini loom they have. Can’t you see scarves on a canvas with fringe hanging down using this new item ? Explore their site as there are many interesting ways to use this thread. https://www.dmc.com/US/en/new/eco-vita-collection?products_en_production%5Bquery%5D=

One of the more unusual grouping of canvases that I have found is by Atlantic Blue. They have an array of coasters that are easy and quick to stitch and each one is a “stain” yup – you read that right !! Coffee, beer, wine and lipstick ! They have a sense of humor !! https://www.atlanticbluecanvas.com/products/drink-ring-coasters-set-of-4?_pos=1&_sid=44b5ca5d7&_ss=r

If you like sea creatures then you have to look at Needlepoint ,com – they are so adorable. They are based on a book by Julia Donaldson’s “The Snail and the Whale” and they are all celebrating Christmas. A cute gift for a grandchild ! They have numerous ones to choose from, not just the ones below and they come with stitch guides and can also come kitted. https://needlepoint.com/collections/festive-sea-friends?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&utm_campaign=2023_12_09%20Festive%20Sea%20Friends&utm_klaviyo_id=01EY735XHE675Z0Z1C4Z7SB8DK&_kx=SpNrwJYeSg8JHGV3vDRNkpeUD67Ddf2hdz1HBTATTO0%3D.TxAVmM

2’s Company has a neat looking exclusive called Mollies Trees. Mollie Peterson has designed 3 trees so far for beginners to learn new stitches. Each kit comes with 18 count canvas, fibers and stitch guide. Displayed as a stand up all 3 are lovely and look great together. They are also having a last minute “Flash Sale” on System 4 stands and accessories ! They never go on sale !! https://www.2sconeedlepoint.com/shop/Kits.htm

Village Needleworks in Omaha has an interesting sale that ends today. When you go to the check out you choose an ornament and smash it !! Inside is your discount amount for regularly priced items, anywhere from 20% to 50%. If you shop online, just call the shop and they will smash an ornament for you. If that isn’t enough – your name will go into a drawing for a System 4 table stand and clamp. Village Needleworks Omaha’s full-service needlepoint shop

Colors of Praise is known for their beautifully intricate and colorful canvases. They now have something new called an Anna clutch bag. They are hand made of designer fabrics both inside and out. They look fabulous with a piece of needlepoint attached to them. According to Absolutely Needlepoint in Miami, you will be lucky to score one, they sell out in under an hour when they come in. I looked at the web site for COP but didn’t see anything. Try contacting Absolutely Needlepoint for more information. Absolutely Needlepoint – Discover a world of needlepoint and everything that comes with it. I happen to see them in Stitch By Stitch in NY today and they are bigger and softer than I expected – just beautiful! She only has 2 in the store right now as they fly out the door. Find Your Focus | Stitch by Stitch Needlepoint

Ridgewood Needlepoint has a new exclusive canvas. This summer canvas is all about Ice Cream from the Salty Stitcher. There are various ways to purchase it but – come on – how cute is that !?!?!? They also published some little charts of Hanukkah symbols that can be used in various other projects! Contact the store for more information. Ridgewood Needlepoint

The last blog I told you about the new canvases from Morgan Julia Designs. Greystone Needlepoint in Bryn Mawr is doing an exclusive Bundle for their 2024 Stitch Along. Below shows a list of all you get. The savings is approx $50 !! https://www.greystoneneedlepoint.com/products/gn-x-mjd-2024-stitch-along-bundle

So we all know the best thing we can do is stitch next years holidays starting now for less stress (ROFL). Bestitched in AZ is starting a new club in February called the 13 Days of Halloween. The canvases are by The Meredith Collection and come one a month with the stitch guide and threads. Great looking ornaments for a Halloween tree.  https://bestitchedneedlepointshop.com/products/13-days-of-halloween-club

I am seeing more and more people finally feeling comfy enough to stitch in person again. They are doing it in so many varied ways and places and they are inviting new stitchers to come join the fun that we all know and love. Watch both local shops and retreats, they are being advertised more and more and join in or better yet bring a friend along – here are a few that I have seen lately 1. Find Your Focus | Stitch by Stitch Needlepoint 2. Needlepoint Canvas, Threads and Accessories– KC Needlepoint 3. Little Stitch Shop 4. https://needlepointwithlaurataylor.com/stitch-and-sightsee-revised/

The Needlepoint Clubhouse in Saint Louis MO has a charity event called “Charts for Charity”. I am sure you will all relate to this years chart (below).  The proceeds from this chart will go to The Burundi Miracle Project which supports children in Africa. They also have a 2nd charity and the proceeds from “Maddie Sweet Designs will be donated to “Scholarship America” which helps students pursue higher education. https://www.needlepointclubhouse.com/products/charts-for-charity-2023?syclid=cluh4am5ji7s73cir9l0&utm_campaign=emailmarketing_125582868613&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email

Tips and Tricks: Have you been “Frogging” again ??? You can’t fool us, we can tell by the little threads on your canvas. You either didn’t use your “Boo Boo Brush” or had trouble even finding one to buy. Amazon to the rescue – disposable eyelash brushes. You get 100 for $5 (no one frogs that much!) Amazon.com: Elisel 100pcs Disposable Mascara Brushes with Container, Mascara Wands Makeup Brushes Applicators Kits for Eyelash Extensions and Eyebrow Brush (Crystal Pink) : Beauty & Personal Care

Who was that famous stitcher: That was Kate S. H. Dickerson. She has been in business for 51 years and going strong. She has everything from game boards to patriotic to shoes to Judaica to Funky Pumpkins and anything else you can think of in between. Kate Dickerson (KSH) Needlepoint finished pieces

Do You Know Who This Famous Stitcher Is ?

Everyone have a wonderful Christmas holiday and a Happy New Year !