This months meeting was quite interesting. The chapters theme for this year is all about techniques and we started off with ribbons! Jacqui C gave a presentation that came with “visual aids” !! It was an interesting discussion on the various types of ribbon and what to look for and expect when using them in your project. I also saw that Melita G. posted on her blog how she used her ribbons to try different stitches – you go girl !
Next month is a Zoom presentation on Common Needlework Injuries. I am sure most of us already know about some of those. Since it’s a zoom meeting you will need to be a member to get the zoom link. January is when the chapter dues need to be paid and there are many that still have not sent in the $30 yet. Let me know if you have any questions on how to do it as there are several ways. You don’t want to miss some of our upcoming programs with Debbie Rowley, Toni Gerdes and more. If your not a member – we would love for you to join and enjoy all our programs and fun !!
The ANG Stitch of the Month has started (SOTM) and several of the NJNA ladies are participating. You can do your own thing as far as using your stash. A new box comes out the first of each month. Send a picture of your project each month to Rosie and she will combine them all so we can see each others progress. It’s free to all just go on the ANG web site for each months new box. I understand someone (Sue C) is going to use her Ann Marie Anderson Mayes threads on it – has to be gorgeous when done !!
I had occasion to speak to our ANG area rep Allison L. and I found out that she is organizing a retreat !! If you want to go check it out the dates are April 11th – 13th in Charlottesville. She has all kinds of things planned and is excited about how well it is coming together. Maybe it will become an annual event !! https://www.charlottesvillespringfling.com/
In March the NJNA meeting will feature Debbie Rowley on Zoom. Debbie has some great designs and just released a new one called Autumn Splendor https://debbeesdesigns.com/product/year-of-color-autumn-splendor/ She is also doing a pilot retreat with Kurdy Biggs in New Mexico March 6-9 if you need a “get away”. https://www.canvascountess.com/ Sounds like we were lucky to get her for our March meeting.
It’s January, a new beginning and if you know of someone that wants to learn how to needlepoint- not only can they join ANG for a half price membership BUT send them to Morgan Julia Designs. She has an entire kit to get someone started with all you need in a neat looking container but she also has a PDF download for free on how to start. https://morganjuliadesigns.com/products/free-beginners-guide-to-needlepoint-pdf-download?_pos=1&_sid=2b0024ba5&_ss=r&_kx=rV4MBEfWGkwURglkyUXCLopGavY2DCJQzP6Y94aO8T4.RWeQns
For those more experienced Morgan Julia has come out with her newest Bar Cart. It comes with some great things like the sweater needle minder but if you live in or near New Jersey you will appreciate the hat she has included this time – yes – those are crossed stitching needles on it !! She has a sense of humor !! You can only get it when you order the club box and she has several ways of being a member. https://morganjuliadesigns.com/collections/bar-cart-club
A favorite designer Kathy Rees is a very busy person! Thru the Shining Needle Society she has offered not only her design of Bermuda Reef and Quiet Frost (don’t go by the picture- amazing in person) but now she has the 3rd in the series of 4 designs being offered, Blossom Time. Later in the year she will offer the last one Rustling Leaves. https://shining-needle-society.groups.io/g/HomeRoom She also has several pieces you can sign up for at this years seminar. If you visit her web site https://needledelights.com/ she has released 4 new designs AND IF ALL THAT IS NOT ENOUGH – pack your bags – she has accepted an offer to teach on a cruise from Amsterdam to Norway in early August 2026.
Stitch Stash has released her Jan canvas for her 12 months of Pink program. Just in time for Galentine’s day !! Her Breast Cancer Awareness series donates 10% of the proceeds. This months canvas is 6X6 on 13 count and was designed by Audra, formerly known as Nancy K. Designs. There are several ways to buy it so check her web site. https://stitch-stash.com/collections/pink-january
I am getting emails showing the 32 NEW colors that have come out by Tilli Thomas Essentials Threads. This new grouping is called Reflections. It’s a combination of metallic and silk – like using Pepper Pot with a sparkle. KC Needlepoint among others carries the entire line – can there ever be enough thread choices ?!?!?!?
NEW CLUBS !! Needlepoint.com has a new series of snowmen by “Two Sisters”. Each month there is a new design with a stitch guide. They sell thread packs separately. So cute ! https://needlepoint.com/collections/snowman-star-of-the-month?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&utm_campaign=2025_01_18%20Star-shaped%20Snowman&utm_klaviyo_id=01EY735XHE675Z0Z1C4Z7SB8DK&_kx=SpNrwJYeSg8JHGV3vDRNkpeUD67Ddf2hdz1HBTATTO0.TxAVmM
Nimble Needle of GA has “Conversation Hearts” that starts this month. It runs 7 months and you receive 14 hearts. Each heart has a different stitch and each package contains the canvas, thread and stitch guide. They ask that you call the store for details and to sign up – (404) 843 – 8687
Chaparral Needlework in Dallas TX has some very interesting accessories and you know how much we love accessories ! Check out their web site but look for the Felt Tote Bags – they look great and have a reasonable price !! They come in a bunch of colors and you can even put a canvas on them. A great project bag ! https://ndlpt.com/
I am SURE you are all aware of how long it can take to get finishing but – YIKES – The Wool and The Floss has been hit so hard that they have new rules about having things finished. First – unless you bought the canvas from them they will not do the finishing. The canvas must have their tape on it. They are starting to accept finishing again but with limits. They are no longer accepting Leather purses and suggest sending directly to finishers that deal in that type of an item. Go to their web site for details as it is extensive. https://woolfloss.com/pages/finishing?se_activity_id=157644456156&syclid=cuaifvjehqgc73asko3g&utm_campaign=Finishing+Update%3A+Slow+Re-opening%21_157644456156&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email I guess we are all very busy stitchers that actually finish canvases !!! We also want to wish the Wool and The Floss success in their new space. They are moving soon.
I always read Ellen Johnson’s Serendipity emails. She always has a happy way of making you want to stitch. This time she talked about how healthy needlepoint is for your brain ! She says it’s a mini work out – I think she is totally right about that. (Plus, it gives you a perfect excuse to start that new canvas you’ve been eyeing! 😉) She also gives you a cute darning pattern to help with that brain care. https://www.serendipityneedleworks.com/needlepoint-is-benefitting-your-brain/?utm_source=active-campaign&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=blog&vgo_ee=Ct2tibjILFPj4govM6bHaciZW7bBTp2eia0AjaW9Sg%3D%3D%3Ap203cdGOu7GjWB6mMRo9mx8lgNYQbWmL
Tips and Tricks: A friend could not find her glasses yesterday – she looked all over the store. She needed a “Weighted Catch All” from The Needlepoint Clubhouse. Good not only for your glasses/cheaters but your scissors or laying tool. Watch their web site for when they are back in stock ! https://www.needlepointclubhouse.com/products/weighted-catch-all?_pos=1&_sid=81ba2e3dc&_ss=r She did find them just before leaving – when she picked up her handbag !
Who was that Famous Stitcher? That was Cathy Rapoza the owner of Alice Peterson Company. She has been in the industry for more than 35 years. Her daughter is now involved in making this wonderful line of canvases even better. Last year the company celebrated 50 years in business !!! https://alicepetersoncompany.com/product-category/gayla-elliott/
Do you know who this famous stitcher is?
NJNA is Blogging! 
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