This past week was so interesting!! Jacqui did a talk about “Grey Scale”. The most helpful thing I can tell you is to learn how to make a picture on your phone Black and White! If I have this correct, by changing the picture to black and white you will immediately see if you have a balance of color. For example, if you are stitching a piece in a variety of threads in one color – the black and white photo will show everything either very dark or very white – no variation. The more balanced your color choices the more black and white areas will be seen in the picture. Of course you may be going for a monochromatic look, but if not this is really helpful. She went over many terms which in itself was an “Ah Ha” moment for me. But best of all – she is not done. She is going to go into the subject further next month !! Great job Jacqui !! Don’t miss the next installment !!

It looks like ANG is going to try something new. There will be more information to follow but they seem to be trying out a Stitch In. It will be during the seminar in Denver but this is separate. Registration opens in May. If it goes well maybe the will do them in many other places ! Let’s see what they say in their next eblast.

The new quarterly stitch is out and oh so pretty ! This one is by Patricia Hartman. The 4 way Bargello pattern is ready for down loading. I’ll bet it doesn’t matter what color way you do it in – it will look great !

Are you ready to get in trouble ?!?!?!?! So many new things so little stitching time ! Do you remember your Mom or Grandmother having a snap purse?? They are back !!!

It was dizzying going thru all the new items on Stitch By Stitch’s social media and web site. The new items from Elizabeth Crane Swartz – and no dots ! Unless of course you are looking for a Mah Jong mat and or bag – Oh My !

Here is just SOME of the new items – it can make your head spin: https://stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/collections/2026-spring-needlepoint-market-in-orlando

The Spring Market also brings us a new book from Mary Legallet – Mary’s Whimsical Stitches #5. This one is all background stitches !!!!! The Edwardian Needle is doing a Pre Order list if you need to have it – and we all NEED TO HAVE IT !

THREAD ALERT ! Silk Road Fibers brought you Soie Tissee in all those vibrant colors. You just want to walk up to the wall they are displayed on and touch them! Get ready folks – they are bringing out at the spring market Soie Tissee METALICS ! Can’t wait to see them when they hit the stores !! https://silkroadfiber.com/soi-tissee-metals/

Stitch Stash has beautiful wooden handle Bermuda Bags that are self finishing (and who doesn’t want that option these days). They are by Anne Kay Studio.  Each bag includes a one-piece stitched cover, along with a separate liner and wooden handle. Once your stitching is finished, simply assemble the liner and handle, attach the buttons, and your bag is ready to use—no additional finishing required. https://stitch-stash.com/collections/bermuda-bags-self-finishing

New from Penny Linn – Bag Charms ! Really neat the way you just wrap them around the handle of a bag. Gotta love the colors and beading. https://pennylinn.com/products/bow-basket-bag-charm?variant=45561229279289

Penny Linn has in the Spring Market what apparently many have been asking for – color acrylic items. As of now she has trays and frames with the scalloped edge. They come in 5 colors. If you have not bought any of her acrylic pieces – they are very well made and you can change the canvas you put in with no effort. They make great gifts and pieces for you home. https://pennylinn.com/collections/new-all?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=campaign&utm_campaign=4%2F25%20Colored%20Scallop%20Acrylic&_kx=95-hSwAYM_w1abxIXjXQMDX2ZPJpMD1KDiXnRxmVLaI.RspkHP

I also found a very handy thing that Penny Linn has – you may have seen those stencils to mark the canvas to the correct size to fit a box etc. I have always seen them individually. Penny Linn has a sheet with 6 sizes on it. No misplaceing them when you buy several sizes ! The sheet has 4″, 3″ and 2″ Squares and Circles. https://pennylinn.com/products/acrylic-stencil-sheet?variant=44809969008697

There is a new club out there from The Needlepointer. The Japanese Keepsake Club. This is a 12 month club inspired by Japanese folk art. Each month you get an 18 mesh canvas, stitch guide and thread pack. They also provide a self finishing kit with access to a tutorial video. https://theneedlepointer.com/products/japanese-keepsakes-club?se_activity_id=172817187058&syclid=d7lvnu9mhh6c73dnru3g&utm_campaign=%F0%9F%9A%A8%20Discover%20our%20Latest%20Club%F0%9F%9A%A8_172817187058&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email&selling_plan=6057001202&variant=49072431366386

Tips and Tricks: Is there a stain or mark or did you miss when painting something on your canvas and you need to get rid of it???? Hello Pentel – the company we all used to correct a mistake on your type written papers (WOW did I date myself there!) Pentel has something called “Presto” and it comes in a tube that you can draw with. It will cover whatever you don’t want to show. It dries in a short period of time so you can go on with your stitching.

Who was that Famous Stitcher? This is the famous artist Peter Ashe who passed away last year. He designed canvases for more than 50 years after getting his start in San Francisco. He is mostly known for his stockings and his southwest designs.

Do you know who this famous stitcher is?