The first meeting of the year is now in the books and we are off to a big start with Tumbling Stripes. I am looking forward to seeing what colorways everyone has chosen. This project will be the topic for the next 3 months and you will see – it will stitch up quickly. Next project on the agenda will be the Jelly Fish (Sea Jelly) – the one I am waiting for !!! Such a great looking small project. This year has so much more packed into it as we go thru the months – all the more reason to send in your dues or even join in the fun and become a member. Just an FYI – the library had booked another event on the night of our usual evening meeting in February so our mtg will be held on the 4th Wed of the month Feb 28th.

The Needlepointers magazine has finally arrived in the mail box and it is packed with so many things to see. The cow face, the woman in the yellow hat, the mermaid AND THAT SLICE OF CHOCOLATE CAKE !!! WOW ! It also came with the Registration Brochure for this years seminar in Kansas City. Just another item to sit with your favorite beverage and page thru slowly. So much to read and look at. Both items you can go back and look a 2nd or 3rd time and find you missed something as there is so much.

ANG has also announced their Winter Online Auction. Mark your calendars for Feb 15th thru the 18th for all the hidden treasures you can bid on.

A legend in the world of Needle Point has passed – Carole Lake. She was such an accomplished stitcher with numerous books and patterns she created along with her collaborative efforts with Michael Boren. She has been given so many awards they are too numerous to list. She started out by getting a BA from Rice University in Houston TX in Foreign Languages but her real forte was with a needle and thread. Many of her books and patterns are still available on her web site. StitchPlay Designs She made doing a Double Fan Doubled a doable stitch with her wonderful directions – she will be greatly missed.

Another legend in the world of needlepoint has just decided to retire – David McCaskill. After designing and teaching for more than 30 years he has decided to take it easy. He has designed some of the most well known designs such as the Background Sampler and then version #2. His playful designs of ghosts peaking out of windows or a 3d house, each side a different season or beautiful Christmas tree toppers and candles of all sorts make his kits small treasures. Since he personally painted or line drew everything you will be lucky to find someone that is giving up their kit. Wishing him a much needed rest in his retirement but we will all miss his unique designs.

In case you did not know – the Winter Virtual Market just finished and yes – I know – you don’t need another canvas BUT it’s still fun to look !! Stitch By Stitch in NY has a part of their web site dedicated to what they bought and can order. (you never know what you might find – sorry – might want, as it’s not about need !) Check out their photos of which I have some below to entice you with – LOL !! Winter Virtual Market 2024 – Stitch by Stitch (stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com)

Hold on to your wallets – the next big market comes in March !!! Yes, another one ! Needle Orts is putting on FaceBook, Instagram and their web site previews daily so they can bring back what you want. There are limited edition items and show specials that you can take advantage of by using their web site early before they are gone. They also ask that you let them know in advance what your favorite designers are so they can make the most of the show for what you want to see. Sounds like a clear plan to me. Go ahead and look – it doesn’t hurt ! LOL https://www.needleorts.com/shop/Cross-Stitch/Nashville-Previews-and-Wish-List.htm

While your on the Needle Orts site you might want to look at their new possible club – The 13 Days of Halloween. It will not start until later this year and go into 2025. They are looking for interest right now for ordering purposes. They are cute though ! Email the store at : shop@needleorts.com

The Needlepointer is also starting a new club to hurry summer – Popsicles of the Month. They expect it to start in May and run for 12 months. The canvases are by A. Bradley Needlearts and the stitch guide is by Cynthia Thomas. Each month you get the canvas, threads, stitch guide and a popsicle stick for finishing. https://www.theneedlepointer.com/popsicles-of-the-month-clubdiv-idclubsubtitleopen-enrollmentdiv/p8506161?cse=nl012724&goal=0_3621358244-5b7a239938-69343533&mc_cid=5b7a239938&mc_eid=2e6039e84f

The Needlepoint Club House has a new feature you can sign up for – The Weekend Stitch. They show you a new stitch each time in a BIG picture. They explain where to use it along with tips on thread to use, canvas size and color plus suggestions of canvases you can try it out on. It’s a nice way to get a suggestion when your trying to decide on a stitch for a specific place. The Needlepoint Clubhouse

The Wool & Willow Needlepoint have some different key fobs – Champagne Bottles ! It even comes with the insert for $43 – a steal ! So different. https://www.woolandwillow.com/search?q=champagne+bottle+key+fob&_pos=4&_psq=key+fob&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Louise’s Needlepoint has a great gift item – an Emergency Stitch Kit. For $25 you get a magnet, a pair of Super Snips, a needle threader, a mini porcupine laying tool, two vials of
needles (size 20 and 22), and they come all in a little plastic box – how great is that !?!?! Louise’s Needlework – Home (louisesneedlework.com)

Tips and Tricks : The Colonial Needle Company has a new product to make creating your own ornaments (and other uses) easier. They are selling a Temporary Adhesive Spray by Roxanne. It’s a fine mist of adhesive that is clear, odorless, acid and solvent free. Over time it evaporates. This allows you to reposition a stitched piece without using pins when your trying your hand at finishing. You can buy it from Colonial Needle or a craft store. https://colonialneedle.com/products/rx-tas72?mc_cid=7859c186b7&mc_eid=5e97334b5b

One more tip – Now don’t ask me why but when my dishwasher broke I took out the silverware basket before they took away the machine. I actually thought my husband would re-purpose it but – no I pressed it into service and can tell you it works great. I had a lot of smaller stretcher bars and the drawer I had them in was getting overwhelmed. Yup – it works like a charm !! Even has a handle to carry it easily! LOL For now it does the job.

Who was that Famous Stitcher? That was non other than Kelly Clark. She has been doing needle work since she was 5 years old. She has a degree in Interior Design and Textiles. After becoming a mom she started her own business in 2005 and hasn’t stopped since !!

Do you know who this famous stitcher is?