What’s new at NJNA – we have 3 new members !!! We all want to welcome Charlotte, Eileen and Patricia – hoping you have as much fun as we all do here at NJNA. This month we will be continuing with our Tumbling Stripes program. Now that everyone has basted (yech!) it’s time to get to the good stuff – stitching the stripes. Soon we will see those color combinations come alive. We are also trying something new with this class. As a member of NJNA you got an email letting you know that the classes held at the meeting have been recorded. We all know that life can get in the way of our stitching at times so if you couldn’t make the meeting or want to see something for clarification you can see what went on in the mtg all over again. The videos are on our web site under “Chapter Programs”. Contact Jacqui C. if you would like to jump in late.

One of the most interesting instructors that ANG uses is Gail Stafford. She has completed her Master Craftsman certification from EGA and has created a broad range of subjects to stitch. She is known for taking a Gazebo and not only stitching it from many angles but different seasons. She then goes in a whole other directions and does wild bargello patterns. I have taken a class with her and she was great but sadly she is going to retire. We all wish her well and hope that she pops back in now and again with something new for us to stitch. Enjoy your retirement Ms Stafford – we all enjoyed your classes.

It’s that time of year again – February 8th is Broken Needle Day. This is a 400 year old Japanese, Buddhist and Shinto Festival. On this day, the seamstresses take a holiday and bring their old and broken needles to the temple to stick them in a piece of tofu in a spirit of tenderness and gratitude for their service over the past year. They also take the opportunity to pray for improved skills. Even if you don’t celebrate it on the 8th make sure you get rid of any worn out needles and have a sweet treat to celebrate.

Now for some important information – The Edwardian Needle is going to be giving classes again. As you know, those classes fill up quickly so call the store for more information and to get your name on the list of participants. (973) 743-9833. We will also be in the company of Tony Minieri. He will be at the Edwardian to teach his creation “Mystere” in June. He will then be back in September for his famous Canvas Embellishment classes. And if that is not enough – there is also going to be a “Pop Up” of our favorite maker of all things dealing with storing your canvas and tools. Trish Vine Designs is coming with all her colorful creations Tuesday May 21st. Normally the store is closed but Pam will be open for everyone to shop until they drop !

It’s almost here again – The ANG Winter Online Auction. It will be open from Feb 15th thru the 18th. You never know what you need to have !! Go to the web site: http://www.needlepoint.org and hit the events tab to find your way to something new and unexpected.

ANG has a new Workshop By Mail called “Everyday’s a Holiday” It’s by pdf only but how cute is that. You have until the end of April to get the instructions. https://www.needlepoint.org/page/Every_Days_a_holiday

Galentines Day is February 13th (though people celebrate any day between Feb 1 and 14th). I can think of a thousand and one ideas for a gift for your BFF. Needlepoint Clubhouse had some excellent ideas but also think about the ANG 50 for 50 Fundraiser project “Heartstrings” by Toni Gerdes. That’s a 2 for1 bang – ANG and your BFF !!! The Needlepoint Clubhouse

New Club starting !! Stitch Stash has a sweet looking Nutcracker series that will go for 4 months starting in March. They are 4 inch rounds and on 13 count – a breeze to finish !!! Each kit is the canvas, stitch guide and thread. https://stitch-stash.com/collections/nutcracker-club/products/nutcracker-club-4-in-the-series

A club like that puts you in the mood for the Christmas season and what do you think of most when it comes to stitching those holiday items but —- Beards !!! Needlepoint .com has an online class to show you many techniques for stitching beards and mustaches. They send you a blank canvas with faces to practice on along with a stitch guide, thread pack and access to on-demand video instruction. Of course this is only Part 1 so there must be more on the way. https://needlepoint.com/products/santas-beard-mustache-part-i-online-needlepoint-class?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&utm_campaign=2024_01_30%20Santa%20Star&utm_klaviyo_id=01EY735XHE675Z0Z1C4Z7SB8DK&_kx=SpNrwJYeSg8JHGV3vDRNkpeUD67Ddf2hdz1HBTATTO0%3D.TxAVmM

I happen to be nosy yesterday and was looking at Amy B’s laying tool as she was showing it to someone. It was metal and was nicely balanced. It also did not have a point on it that could be used to chip ice with. She told me the brand name and I had to look it up. What an interesting web site – maybe a bit nerdy but aren’t we all that do this craft ? The owner is a long time stitcher but use to be an engineer for medical equipment and uses her skills to create not only laying tools but acrylic finishing for needlework – and more. Island House Needlepoint – Needlepoint Finishing This laying tool happens to be magnetic so it stays put on your canvas or stand – no rolling away. She also has some other accessory items and needlepoint kits. Check out her web site – it was not only interesting it was relaxing to look at.

Oh No – Ruth Schmuff is doing a ZECCA RETREAT !!!! She and Karen Hennessy have been doing this for 10 years. She will be teaching Sat and Sun March 16 and 17 on Zoom from 11 AM to 1:30 PM. The skeleton is 6 inches by 24 inches on 18 count canvas. https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2024/02/zecca-retreat-2024/?utm_source=mailpoet&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=the-last-newslettertotal-posts-from-our-blog-1

Tips and Tricks: Ruth Schmuff has a very interesting tip for figuring out how to count a pattern that has a lot of compensation. (She is so clever). If you are to stitch a square and eyelet pattern on the dog but not where the flowers and leaves are she says to use your laying tool to enlarge the hole a bit in the pattern – see 2nd picture. How much easier in the long run is that?? Read her tip to get the nitty gritty – worth it !! https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2024/02/counting-tip/

Who was that Famous Stitcher? That is the infamous Amy Bunger. Her store – Amy’s Golden Strand was known to all until she closed it. Her stitch guides are sought after for her innovative creations.

Do you know who this famous stitcher is?

Everyone enjoy stitching during the Super Bowl !