How fast was that – it’s seminar time in NOLA !! Melita has been blogging about her experiences and hopefully she has gotten some sleep (those partying in the streets can be heard on the upper floors!). She showed us what she got in her welcome bag – very nice. But, the exciting part is the awards she won ! At the welcome Banquet she was given the “Creative Inspiration Award” for her “Flowers Along A Rhode” AND she won a 2nd Place Ribbon as an original design-Professional. She is right – what an honor !!! Hope everyone else is enjoying the seminar – a wonderful thing to do if you have never gone. I had the best time when I went and there is so much to do and see.

Our Linda M. reminded us – EARLY – that Woodlawn will be here before you know it. Thank you Linda for lighting that fire to finish our WIP’s !!

Are you hurrying to get items in for finishing this year?? Don’t !! Unless you are doing it yourself or you know your LNS can get it finished in time – most of the major stores are all putting out notices that they can no longer take in anything for finishing this year. This just says that our hobby has become so popular we either have to stitch faster or a year in advance ! (I am stitching as fast as I can!)

NEW – NEW – NEW – NEW Check out Penny Linn – just when you think she has it all – she has new acrylic boxes that have a scalloped edge ! So Pretty !! She also has a scalloped frame. Easier to see on her web site OR there can always be a road trip to the store !!! I’m just saying.. https://pennylinn.com/collections/acrylic?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=campaign&utm_campaign=8%2F22%20New%20Acrylic&_kx=95-hSwAYM_w1abxIXjXQMDX2ZPJpMD1KDiXnRxmVLaI.RspkHP

Also NEW – Treenway Silk Ribbons has a bunch of new colors. The last time they added new solid colors to their line was 2022. They only add colors when they have multiple requests. By the end of 2025 they expect to have even more – stay tuned. Wow – I just read they have been in business for 48 years – staying power! Great product, it’s no wonder. https://www.treenwaysilks.com/productlist.php?category=1

Something else – soon to be new – Coco Frank is going to give birth in September ! As of now any order placed will not be shipped until early October. Her newest canvas is an adorable rocking horse – bet there will be more cute baby canvases to come ! https://cocofrankstudio.com/products/rocking-horse

There is a new club at the Needlepointer – Peppermint Candies – in lots of colors ! It doesn’t start until Dec/Jan and includes the canvas, stitch guide and thread. It’s a 12 month club and when your finished you will have mastered 12 different stitches, one for each candy. https://www.theneedlepointer.com/candies-peppermintsdiv-idclubsubtitleopen-enrollmentdiv/p8516094?cse=nl081625&goal=0_3621358244-bdbe38c6e2-69343533&mc_cid=bdbe38c6e2&mc_eid=2e6039e84f

Also NEW – Morgan Julia Designs had such success with her Nutcracker last year she designed one for every month and a few extra ! These are small quick stitches and are sold individually kitted with Milan thread on cards or with no thread. The collection is a collaboration with Greystone Needlepoint. https://morganjuliadesigns.com/collections/nutcrackers?_kx=rV4MBEfWGkwURglkyUXCLopGavY2DCJQzP6Y94aO8T4.RWeQns

Now for some not so good news ! One of our favorite designs, Kathy Rees, has announced that due to rising costs she has to raise the price of her kits starting Sept 1. Depending on the kit the increase could be as high as 15%. If you were on the fence, now is the time to buy. So not everything is bad news – she is also having a sale on 2 Christmas patterns. She has so many great patterns check out her web site and take advantage. https://needledelights.com/

I just read about SJ Designs (those little round containers with the white paper in the middle containing all sizes and colors of beads). Apparently there have been many upheavals in the industry. First Swarovski stopped supplying the craft industry. Preciosa took over and now – they have discontinued over 90% of their pearl bead colors. SJ Designs has decided to replace their entire line of Glass Pearls with stock from a different factory. This will result in more colors and more consistent dye lots. If you are doing a large project make sure you have enough of what you need. https://sj-designs.net/shop/

The current President of our guild found something very interesting – Stitching Cards. Such a simple way to make a hand stitched greeting card. All the instructions are on the web site and with the down load. You print the pattern on card stock and they give you how to do the stitches to make the patterns. This company covers all varieties of occasions and age groups. Some thread and something to punch the hole and your off !! The more advanced have Jean Hilton stitches ! Some also have beads – LOL! Check it out on their web site – a neat gift ! Thank you Noelle! https://www.stitchingcards.com/info/tutorials/how-to-make-stitching-cards/

Even though one of the nicest LNS’s is on vacation (and deservedly !) Stitch By Stich in NY will be closed from now thru Sept 1 – BUT – that didn’t stop them from showing off lots of new releases and sneak peaks coming in the Autumn Needlepoint Reunion this October (Yes- Already!) From bag charms to new Mah Jong bag designs, snow globes, cosmetic bags and way more. Time to take a break, get a glass of a favorite beverage and wander thru their web site. https://stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/collections/whats-new-2025

Tips and Tricks: Missed a stitch? You think so but can’t find it?? Get a “Domed Magnifier” aka a Bug Eye. I have had one for years BUT KC Needlepoint now has 2 sizes ! A 3 inch – for larger projects and a 2 inch for smaller canvases. Not that I am suggesting your missing stitches mind you – it’s a good way to check before you have something framed or finished so as not to find a missing stich after it’s too late. https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/blogs/news/missed-a-stitch-weve-got-you-covered?omnisendContactID=61fc368aa1816e00226a532d&utm_campaign=campaign%3A+Domes+%2868842f0ee966661261b4484f%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=omnisend

Who was that Famous Stitcher? That is Melissa MacLeod – the owner of the Wool and the Floss in MI. She has been stitching since the age of 7. She learned in the same shop she eventually taught in and then bought in 2017. If you have never watched an “Unboxing Party” (born out of COVID) you are missing a fun event. She does them once a week and the finishing she shows along with new items for the store will definitely keep your attention. Very creative store ! https://woolfloss.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoo5B64x1BaZRIVYYWmL92xsJEXne9L2i56e4MMIP2-ImGBnMY9W

Do you know who this famous stitcher is?