Don’t feel bad you are not alone – many forgot that this months meeting is actually next week! We will have the next part of Tumbling Stripes on the 28th. I have seen some that are being worked on and the color combos are wonderful. I am sure we will see more during the meeting. Also, just a quick shout out to Janet K for her generous donation towards the new member gifts, thank you again.

Nothing says Spring like birds in birdhouses which is what the new cover of the Needle Pointers Magazine looks like. They are catching up with some of their publishing issues and said the magazine will be in your hands in the next 1 to 2 weeks. For now though, you can look at it online and it again looks like a great read. I was looking quickly at it and then came to the back cover – WOW. To make that outstanding, you need to enjoy beading – but worth the effort !!

ANG has a new program that is just starting called The Quarterly Stitch. Each quarter, you’ll gain access to a downloadable stitch guide, packed with unique patterns and tips. That’s not all! They will be bringing you fresh patterns regularly, straight from a previous Chapter Project Book—now available to ALL ANG members! The first project is called “I Love America”. The one thing you have to remember though, you must download the project during that quarter because once the next quarterly project is available the last one goes away and is not accessible any longer. Snooze and you loose. Check it out on the ANG web site. https://www.needlepoint.org

ANG wants to thank everyone for making the Winter Auction a success. Can’t wait to see what the next auction brings !

So what is March 1st??? Besides the weather coming in like a lamb here in northern New Jersey it’s the Nashville Needlework Market !!! March 1-3 which means – NEW STUFF !!! Some are just starting to appear on web sites like Stitch By Stitch in NY. Kate Dickerson must have done very well with the snow globe ornaments as there are a bunch of new ones coming out. Naturally you can’t do without a “Swiftie” canvas and you gotta love the Tiffany building. I am sure there will be lots more coming – stay tuned ! 2024 Spring Market – Charlotte – Stitch by Stitch (stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com)

If you need your coffee first thing in the morning – check out the new Zoom class done thru Gone Stitching in Bergenfield NJ. So many things you can do with this canvas – looks like a fun stitch. Gone Stitching

This new class should give you a Spring Feeling – Eggs !!! So cute – 3 Easter Eggs by KC Needlepoint. Since this is just 3 canvases everything you need for all 3 will be shipped together including the stitch guide by Jenny McAuliffe, canvases and fibers. Definitely a quick stitch !https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/products/polka-dot-easter-vignette-basket-kit?_pos=4&_sid=d3bdee167&_ss=r&omnisendContactID=61fc368aa1816e00226a532d&utm_campaign=campaign%3A+Egg+Club+%2865c1241fcfeec4d49b2834b7%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=omnisend

Do you know someone that would like to try needle pointing? The Needlepointer has a new club that might be just the right thing. Stitching 101: A Beginner’s guide to Needlepoint should begin in June and gives you everything you need to create a reference guide and practice various stitches. It comes with a binder, bars, canvas, tacks fibers……. Worth the price of $39 per month. https://www.theneedlepointer.com/stitching-101-a-beginners-guide-to-needlepointdiv-idclubsubtitleopen-enrollmentdiv/p8511188?cse=nl022423&goal=0_3621358244-56310f6688-69343533&mc_cid=56310f6688&mc_eid=2e6039e84f

Needlepoint .com has a new stitch along that is just starting. You need to do this thru Instagram – every Sunday a new part of the stitch guide will be posted for Pepperberry’s Santa Teddy Bear’s. Pick a bear and it comes with the canvas, threads and a needle. https://needlepoint.com/collections/teddy-bears-sunday-stitch-along?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&utm_campaign=2024_02_17%20Stitch%20Along&utm_klaviyo_id=01EY735XHE675Z0Z1C4Z7SB8DK&_kx=SpNrwJYeSg8JHGV3vDRNkpeUD67Ddf2hdz1HBTATTO0.TxAVmM

Rittenhouse has something different – sort of like adult coloring – just with thread. They have different drawn canvases that you fill in the colors and stitches of your choice. A great stash buster or try some of their Thread Party Packs. So much creativity to this !! https://rittenhouseneedlepoint.com/products/rittenhouse-needlepoint-moorish-tile-pattern-2-needlepoint-canvas?_pos=1&_sid=f3b96cfb4&_ss=r&utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&_kx=QNbnum1iUEN5weUC3DuK75aOlVx0Dud-BR0a603hRFw.TU8N4e

How cute are these baskets from Sew Much Fun???? You want one of each ! Contact Absolutely Needlepoint for information. https://absolutelyneedlepoint.com/

If you need a small project to take with you on a trip, KC Needlepoint has a good one – they have kits for self finishing leather eyeglass cases that come with threads and they will personalize 3 block letters for a monogram on the 13 count canvas. There are 5 colors to choose from – bet they go fast !! https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/products/monogram-eyeglass-case-kit?omnisendContactID=61fc368aa1816e00226a532d&utm_campaign=campaign%3A+Self+Finishing+eyeglass-+monogram+%2865d35347d1cdcc64e272089a%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=omnisend

Moore Stitching has reminded us – in their own little way – that this is a Leap Year. Since Leap Year happens every 4 years – get into it while you can! Moore Stitching is the one that gave us the pictures of Queen Elizabeth with the giant hat on her head while demurely holding her purse. They have so many cute canvases to celebrate Leap Year with . https://moorestitching.com/collections/new-arrivals

Tips and Tricks: Women are know for “chatting” but honestly it’s a valuable tool which we have mastered! I was chatting with Joan G about how I used the silverware holder from the defunct dishwasher to hold unused stretcher bars and she had a great idea – she uses a basket with the dividers from a wine box to sort all that lumber we acquire !! How clever is that one?? You can buy dividers on Amazon (of course) or you can go to a Storage Place and purchase a box that has dividers for glassware. It might be more fun though to go to a place like Total Wine and do a little shopping to get it free !!! LOL

Who was that Famous Stitcher? That was Toni Gerdes. You name it – Toni has done it ! She has taught for NAN, EGA, ANG, guilds and shops. Her designs are beautiful and ask anyone, her stitch guides are superb. If you go to her web site you will see that her teaching dance card is FULL !! Toni Gerdes Needlearts – Teaching Schedule

Do you know who this famous stitcher is?