Welcome to 2024 at NJNA and it looks like it’s going to be a promising year ahead. Earlier in the month we had our Holiday Luncheon at The Grain House and again it was a lovely event. Thank you Cathryn with help from Jacqui along with that neat little treat at each seat. We all enjoyed our meals but mostly the company and lets not forget the Show and Share. There were some really amazing pieces that our members stitched this past year. Several people also brought their 2023 Stitch of the Month which was fun to see the different colorways. The new chapter project was debuted – Marilyn Owens “Tumbling Stripes”. Seeing all the colorways makes you want to stitch this piece. With this and much more in the coming months you want to join NJNA now so you don’t miss out on any of the fun we have.

Have you renewed your ANG membership?? You can’t belong to NJNA unless you have done so. It’s easy to do, just go online though there are other options. While your in their web site check out some of those fund raiser projects – a little something for everyone and the money goes to support the programs that ANG does, not to mention it’s tax deductible. ANG has also announced the 2024 Stitch of the Month – Purple Passion by Linda LaChance.

Needlepointers Magazine seems to have had it’s share of problems but you can now see it online and I would imagine it will be in your mail box soon. If your a dog lover your going to love the “Tale of Two Stitchers” article. They also have an article on laying tools which I am looking forward to reading. As you page thru it there is a lot to enjoy in this issue.

The time has come – the holidays are over and we have that laborious job of putting it all away for next years festivities. Some shops offer various bags and boxes for acid free storage. Of course there is the old fall back these days – Amazon. You all worked so hard on these items and you want them to last for generations – they need to be stored the best way possible.

Now it’s time for you – how about a get away ??? KC Needlepoint is doing a “Needlepoint Artist Weekend” get away in April. It’s being held at a brand new hotel and they have a shuttle service that will take you to the store. There are classes you can sign up for and many designers will be there like Thorn Alexander, Stitch Style, SCT Designs, Ziggy Stitches and more. https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/products/kc-needlepoint-artist-retreat-april-12-14-2024

The Stitching Fox in South Carolina has an interesting idea. Their store has an apartment above it and they rent it out thru AirBnB. It accommodates 4 with a big bright open area along with access to an outside deck and yard. You and friends can make your own retreat. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1052832804980878404?adults=1&s=42&unique_share_id=BFC21E53-669A-404A-AF46-D85E66F1769F&_branch_match_id=1271287442617985531&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXT0zKS9LLTdXPKslzzjZ1qwx1SwIAVUF3gRsAAAA%3D&source_impression_id=p3_1704336772_D%2Ftx9hxgzlSfzk3i

Poppypointe in Virginia is going to have a stitch in with Doug Kreinik on February 11 & 12. The first day will be a stitch in but the 2nd day will be a thread class and tour of the factory with Doug and his team. That has to be interesting ! https://poppypointe.com/products/kreinik-road-trip-feb-11-12

Now that we are in the start of 2024 it’s time for the KC Needlepoint Annual Project. It’s called 24 in 2024. You stitch 4 coasters using 24 different colors. It starts in February so if your a threadaholic this is the club for you. https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/products/2024-coaster-kit?omnisendContactID=61fc368aa1816e00226a532d&utm_campaign=campaign%3A+24+in+24+%28659edebe143b3087cdb3237f%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=omnisend

M’s Canvas House has an adorable club featuring Flamingo’s !! There are 6 in total and you need to contact the store to join in the fun. 859-253.-1302  https://www.mscanvashouse.com/

BeStitched in Arizona is going to have 4 Masterclasses for this beautiful canvas by Love You More Designs. The classes will focus on three dimensional techniques to make the Pomegranates come to life.  Weaving/Basket techniques and beading. https://bestitchedneedlepointshop.com/products/pomegranate-passion-a-bestitched-masterclass

New – New – New from Kathy Rees. She is doing a new Mystery class thru the Shining Needle Society called Ups and Downs as that is how her 2023 went ! I think we can all relate. She also has 3 new projects on her web site. Rainbow Square, Lovestruck and Christmas Rounds #9. Check it out. https://needledelights.com/product-category/coming-soon/

Now that we over bought with all the sales and the Winter Virtual Market is Jan 20 and 21 so we will be having green eyes again it might be a good time to mark how much stitching time you actually do (to catch up with all those projects !). Trish Vine our friendly Canvas Keeper Maker and all around great person posted on her Face Book page a way to keep track of how many days you stitch! Adult coloring at it’s finest !! Color each section date if you stitched that day. Come on, let’s try to color the entire thing in !!!!

Tips and Tricks: If you bead on projects, particularly doing “messy beading” have I got an interesting item – a “Speedle Needle” by Bead Smith. This needle not only has a way to hold on to the thread AND a big eye to be able to thread it easily (and not throw it across the room) but on the end it has a barb. You simply push the needle into the tube of beads over and over and watch the beads rise up along the needle so you can push them on the thread. Look at this video by the Beadaholique – it’s amazing! Bing Videos

You can also get carried away and try a “Mini Spin & String” by Beadsmith which is amazing to watch. How to Use the Beadsmith Spin and String (youtube.com)

Who was that Famous Stitcher? That is one of our favorite and quirky designers Karen Hennessy aka Zecca ! She has been “making stuff” since she was a child. All sorts of things from jewelry to greeting cards to pots, ceramics and the list goes on. She attended school in Philadelphia, Boston, Oakland and Rome. After working for what she calls “A sleazy fashion company” on 7th Ave. she decided to earn a living her own way and that is when Zecca was born.

Do you know who this famous stitcher is?