The December meeting is now in the archives for NJNA. Even though I was not able to attend this meeting I understand “Needlepoint Bingo” was a big hit. Congrats to the winners ! Hopefully we will see a repeat performance of it !! The slate of officers and the budget were all voted on and approved so we are ready to head into 2026 with more interesting topics to come. 2026 will be the Year of Color !! Each month there will be a discussion about a different color based on the color wheel and the DMC color chart – I can’t wait for blue !

Just a reminder – our holiday lunch is on Saturday January 10th at the Grain House. Last I heard there was still 3 seats left. Contact Cathryn C. – come join a fun afternoon will fellow stitchers !! Don’t forget to bring a stitched piece.

As VP of Membership, I have to thank all those people that were so quick to renew their membership for 2026. You actually have until the end of January to send in your dues. You also have to remember to first renew your ANG membership which is due by Dec 31 !!!! ANG sent out an email on 12/24 with details on the various ways to renew. They also allow you to renew for 2 years ! You must renew ANG to be a member of NJNA. You can use this link to go to ANG’s membership renewal page. https://www.needlepoint.org/general/custom.asp?page=Membership&_zs=QhCog1&_zl=JHaVA

ANG has made it official the 2026 seminar is in Denver Colorado AND 2027 is now going to be held in Nashville TN. October 21 – 24, 2027. In the mean time, you can view the classes being offered in Colorado on You Tube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=di8wwUp8ZTk

Such exciting news from one of our favorite local needlepoint stores !! Stitch By Stitch is moving. If you have been to their store you know that it is very long and narrow. Barely room for a class. I have to say, they have made the most of their space over the years. Very difficult to not fall in love with numerous items at every turn. (I made the mistake of using the bathroom and left the store with a canvas that was on the wall in there !!) They will be opening on Jan 17th only one block away on the same street but in a much bigger space. Yikes – I can’t wait ! https://stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooH6_X6wJCDBrOoWraDtc2co2C_Yr_6w_z-KYpYT5MboZbMw3ep

We have a new LNS here in Northern NJ – Morgan Julia Designs has officially opened her new brick and mortar store – 278 Monmouth St. Jersey City NJ. From what I read the grand opening was a big success. Good luck to them – the store looks very nice in the pictures.

If you have been to The Edwardian Needle you will notice on the wall a fabulous piece of black work stitching by Marion Scoular called “The Princess and the Pea”. She has decided to retire and is downsizing her “stash” !! She lives in GA and a sale of her things is being arranged at a church in Peachtree Corners, GA. The sale is scheduled for Sat Feb 28, 2026. If you would like to know more, here is a link. https://egausa.org/marionscoular/?inf_contact_key=977581ccf15901ac24902f4399b93e28680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1

So – I have one word – MIRANEKS ! Friends saw this at a new LNS recently. Versatile and light weight. Lots of thought went into it’s design. I am talking about a new stand for stitching ! I have seen it in 2 colors (but there are several), and for the price on our “Go To” Amazon – it might be worth a try. Endless adjustments but the biggest feature is the weight – at 1.3 pounds it’s easy to take with you. Watch a video or two so as to see it in action. https://www.instagram.com/miraneks_llc/

If you enjoy ribbon work then check out the link I have attached. Piece Work Magazine has a downloadable e book for free with 4 flower sprays that have been featured in the magazine. Denna Hall West is the designer and one is prettier than the next. A great way to learn also ! https://mailchi.mp/treenwaysilks/i-love-tr-free-embroidery-ebook-from-piecework-magazine?e=911356268a

After that snow fall last night – I feel cold !!! I need to look at KC Needlepoint as they now have Needlepoint sweaters and sweatshirts or my favorite, a scarf. All subdued in their message but the scarf is very colorful. https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/collections/ornaments?omnisendContactID=61fc368aa1816e00226a532d&sort_by=created-descending&utm_campaign=campaign%3A+Swag+%28694597e20c2253f3b3b23f21%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=omnisend

Who doesn’t love Ann-Marie Anderson’s designs ?!?!? She was wonderful when NJNA had her come for a workshop. Her threads and colors were eye popping and the nicest person you want to meet. Get ready – she has some new designs out ! She calls them Braids and Blackwork for her 2026 Block of the month. It will be done in 5 lessons – a release on the 2nd Sat of the month from March thru July 2026. https://beautifulstitches.thinkific.com/courses/braids-and-blackwork

For all those club lovers – The Needlepointer has a new one. The Gnome of the Month !! This is a 12 month club that starts about March 2026. You get the canvas, stitch guide, threads AND a self-finishing kit with a video tutorial. https://theneedlepointer.com/products/gnome-of-the-month-club?se_activity_id=169458008306&syclid=d584fp8oouqc73aj2ct0&utm_campaign=Don%27t%20Miss%20Out%20on%20This%20Exciting%20Club%20Offer!_169458008306&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email&selling_plan=6057001202&variant=48591517516018

TIPS AND TRICKS: If you do stitch guides or complicated charts and graphs you know how easy it is to lose your place ! Try using “highlighter tape” to easily find where you are working. The Needlepoint Clubhouse has an array of colors though I bet you can get it in Staples. I have used it and it’s a wonderful thing – less frustration !

Who was that Famous Stitcher? This is NJNA’s own Melita Glavin. She is a life long stitcher and writes a column for each issue of ANG’s The Needle Pointer Magazine. She has been very involved with the ANG Main Line Stitchers chapter, chosen for the 2023 ANG Stitch of the Month – Crescent Journey and has won numerous awards. Check out her blog (melitastitches4fun) she is always doing something interesting.

Do you know who this famous stitcher is?

Wishing everyone a safe, healthy and Happy New Year.