The July meeting is this coming week – have you started your pumpkin yet? Me either ! I have picked out some threads but not started. I know someone that did start and the very middle of the pumpkin has a great layered stitch. I can’t wait to do it now. This meeting will be more information on this project so I am looking forward to what is yet to come. I can’t wait to get to the stem and see how that is done !!!

This years Seminar in Kansas City is ready to rock and roll. Teacher letters have gone out and everyone is getting excited about their choices. If you are going to seminar, please contact Linda M. as she is putting together a list of everyone going from the chapter. She will share the information so you can get together while out there. It will be a wonderful time with lots to see and do. We are all looking forward to hearing about everyone’s experience when they return. If you have never been to a seminar you should go at least once – it is a great time.

Just a quick shout out to our new member here at NJNA. Welcome aboard Pat C. of CO. Glad you decided to join in on our fun. We are always open to suggestions and that brings me to something that is coming up. Cathryn C. is getting together a survey of what you would like to see us doing in the coming year. Make a list and check it twice so you can put it down on the survey when it comes out. You never know – you might make a suggestion that someone had never thought of but would enjoy trying.

I just realized that I had not looked at a bunch of emails on google. I missed a great idea !! Ridgewood Needlepoint will get you a custom painted canvas that can be made into the top of a box to hold all your holiday ornaments !! The canvas is 18 count and measures 6 X 14. What you could do with this canvas is limitless. Ridgewood has all the details about the finishing and of course will give you suggestions for threads and stitches. A great idea. Ridgewood Needlepoint

Ridgewood Needlepoint is also having their Annual Customer Stash Sale. This event runs for the month of August. Stitchers bring in to the shop canvases they no longer want to stitch. The canvases will be displayed in the store and the price is set by the owner. RN takes a percentage and the rest is paid to the owner of the canvas. Bargains can be had !! Contact the store if you have something to put in the sale at: stitches@ridgewoodneedlepoint.com Better yet go check out the stash early for the best choices.

The last item I missed from Ridgewood Needlepoint – they have the Wheelhaus Needlepoint collection of Garden State Parkway exits. If your not from NJ you need to know that everyone asks what exit you are from on the GSP !! It’s a NJ thing! Like pork roll or Taylor ham !! Wheelhaus has other different canvases you might want to check out along with accessories (and don’t we love those!). Wheelhaus Needlepoint — Needlepoint designs for the grand millennial (wheelhausndlpt.com)

The Needlepointer had so much success with it’s Box of Chocolates club that they brought it back with a twist. This time you get 4 canvases from the original box and the rest (20) are new, not to mention you get the box to go with it. Each month you get 2 canvases along with the thread and stitch guide. It begins in October so you will not make it for Valentines Day but what a unique item to have when it’s finished !! https://www.theneedlepointer.com/box-of-love-chocolates-wave-2div-idclubsubtitleopen-enrollmentdiv/p8514178?cse=nl071024&goal=0_3621358244-25e857fc6e-69343533&mc_cid=25e857fc6e&mc_eid=2e6039e84f

Morgan Julia Designs has revealed the 2nd canvas in her “Bar Cart Club” and it’s all about camping! From S’mores ingredients to a camp fire this canvas has it all. You also get a wooden needle tube, a duffel bag, friendship bracelet needleminder and a wooden frame. Let’s not forget the threads. I believe the club has been so popular that their is now a wait list !! The previous 2 sold out in a matter of hours. If you want to get in on this fun then hit this link and good luck !! https://morganjuliadesigns.com/collections/?_kx=rV4MBEfWGkwURglkyUXCLopGavY2DCJQzP6Y94aO8T4.RWeQns#bcc_new

While your at Morgan Julia’s web site check out her food canvases – they are terrific. She makes food whimsical and fun. So many to choose from and they make you hungry !! Some are small – great for a quick stitch or for travel. Food– Morgan Julia Designs

Have you seen some of the matching and gorgeous ribbons used on a Zecca canvas for finishing? They bring the canvas to a new level. Renaissance Ribbons has interesting new ribbons with whimsy that reminded me of the Zecca ones. What a great way to finish off a canvas as a pillow with a special ribbon – no one would have the same thing. One of the designers is the famous Kaffe Fassett who is the designer for many Ehrman needlepoint kits.https://renaissanceribbons.com/collections/just-added-new-ribbons

Tips & Tricks: I think Morgan Julia Designs has the right idea – don’t just stuff your WIP’s in a box or corner some place – show off the journey !! Try a Lucite Shelf and prop your canvas on it to show your progress. Another way is to put your WIP on a decorative Artist’s Easel. You can display it in a book shelf on a table etc. Perhaps a big cork board might work better and then you can add inspirational items around it. Show people what your grand scheme is for this piece. There is also nothing wrong with a basket either so your project is easy to grab and start stitching.

Who was that Famous Stitcher? That is Ann-Marie Anderson-Mayes from Australia. Her company is known as Beautiful Stitches. Her creations are amazingly intricate with very vibrant hand dyed threads. She will be teaching a 3 day class at Seminar this year. When she is done she will be coming to visit many of the guilds – including NJNA !!!! We are so excited ! MyBeautifulStitches – Etsy

Do you know who this famous stitcher is?

It’s too hot outside – stay in and stitch !!