This month at our meeting we will have Dr. Pace give a 2 hour talk on Common Needlework Injuries. I am SURE, many of us have had to deal with one or two. (That floor stand gave my back many more years of stitching !!) This will be a Zoom only meeting. Get some popcorn, sit back and take notes.

Tomorrow is Super Bowl – and what are many stitchers doing??? Going to stitching Super Bowl party of course !!! Check your area, so many stores are having events and sales for the occasion. So many go to sports bars – We Buy Canvases.

If you haven’t’ heard yet, The Edwardian Needle is having a trunk show by Zecca. The other big news from the Edwardian is that Pam sightings have been occurring. She is doing much better but if you come to the store please have a mask as Pam is still in recovery !!

Did you get your Needle Pointers Magazine??? The seminar brochure was in with it and the list of classes is again a tough choice. All the big names are ready to teach such great looking projects. From Dawn Donnelly to Toni Gerdes to Kathy Rees….. Hard choices have to be made !!!

ANG is promoting the “Young Stitchers Membership” program. They too can go to the seminar and enjoy most of the benefits of being a part of ANG. The price is right so if you know any avid stitchers – let them know about the program.

If you know a new stitcher or someone that wants to learn then tell them about KC Needlepoint. They have 16 kits that don’t look like childish pictures. They also come with all you need to start, a stitch printed canvas, easy thread, instructions, a kit bag AND it all ships for free ! Not a bad deal. https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/collections/the-beginner-kit?omnisendContactID=61fc368aa1816e00226a532d&utm_campaign=campaign%3A+Beginner+Kits+%28678e3e72273dc70ff9d04192%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=omnisend

Get ready – it’s that time again – the Spring Markets !! The Nashville Needlework Market is from March 7-9. Everyone gets a quick breath and then the Orlando Needlepoint show comes on March 27 – 30th. Any day now the new designs should be flooding the web sites. Secure those credit cards !!!

One of our local and favorite stores was part of an accident. Damage was not as bad as the catering place next door. BUT – I am happy to say that Stitch By Stich is again open for business !! We all hope they had only minor repairs. https://stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/

Stitch Stash has news about their finishing – First the good news, their back log is catching up. The Not So Good News is – as of 1/1/25 finishing prices are going to increase BUT if you bought an ornament and have it finished by them you will receive a 10% discount. Deadlines for Christmas items and other things have various cut offs. Check with the store. https://stitch-stash.com/

Are you a fan of Kurdy Biggs?? She has a new web site – Threedles Needleart Design. It is only open a short time but you can buy some of her designs and she has videos showing difficult techniques. Good Luck with this new site ! https://threedles.com/

Family Arts Needlework in Arizona is very excited about lots of new threads coming to their store. From Boucle to Planet Earth they have a “crayon box” of new colors. They also LOVE the new way that Kreinik comes on the cards – so much so that they are having a sale on all Kreinik spools – ready?? – $1 a piece. Better hurry !! https://familyartsneedlework.com/

NJNA is thinking about doing a SOTM but the details are not yet in place. Let us know if you would be interested in joining in. In the mean time Evergreen Needlepoint in Greensboro NC is doing a “Stitch Along”. They just started to work on a small canvas of a European Market Christmas Stall that sells crepes. It’s an easy project and just adorable. See below for how this is run. The picture brings to mind a future village of these stalls. Contact the store for more information. https://www.evergreenneedlepoint.com/products/european-christmas-market-stall-crepes?se_activity_id=158344839407&syclid=cujq1hfq6hqc738e48gg&utm_campaign=Join+the+Crepes+Stall+Stitch-a-Long%21+_158344839407&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email

New needlepoint designers are showing up all over. Could this mean that younger people are becoming more and more interested in our favorite hobby?? Hope so ! Atlantic Blue is showcasing 6 new designers and they have a special sale to celebrate them. There were so many to look at I only showed you a few. Look at the web site for lots of choices. https://www.atlanticbluecanvas.com/collections/emerging-designer-showcase?_kx=_6T6ZEqw3FzRTyL6whjCxpBoWNmvx7M7ogeQHpVHlzk.SdsruM

Morgan Julia Designs is showcasing the owner of Iris + Marie Letterpress which is an art form for stationery. Shana Wanco is a brand new designer with lots of enthusiasm. Right now she has 13 canvas. She is also a lover of vintage needlework canvases. Check out the picture of her hallway – I never want to hear that someone doesn’t have enough wall space to hang their finishes !! LOL https://morganjuliadesigns.com/collections/iris-and-marie?_kx=rV4MBEfWGkwURglkyUXCLopGavY2DCJQzP6Y94aO8T4.RWeQns

Next Friday is Valentine’s Day already !!! (Is this year flying by as fast as last year??) Depending on your idea of a Valentine canvas I saw on Needlepoint.com the prettiest heart canvases. They are designed by 2 Sisters and they come with a stitch guide. https://needlepoint.com/collections/at-ts-hearts?view=boost-pfs-original&utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&utm_campaign=2025_02_08%20Two%20Sisters%20Hearts&utm_klaviyo_id=01EY735XHE675Z0Z1C4Z7SB8DK&_kx=SpNrwJYeSg8JHGV3vDRNkpeUD67Ddf2hdz1HBTATTO0.TxAVmM

On a different tone for Valentine’s Day you can go with Morgan Julia’s Valentine’s Day bar cart. It’s small so it’s a quick stitch. If you choose to have them kit it then they send you: Pepper Pot Silk, a cut up skein of Essentials, Essentials Cards, Silk Lame Braid, and Petite Very Velvet.  https://morganjuliadesigns.com/collections/bar-carts/products/valentines-day-bar-cart-needlepoint-canvas?variant=42678915268806&_kx=rV4MBEfWGkwURglkyUXCLopGavY2DCJQzP6Y94aO8T4.RWeQns

If your looking for a fun gift for the holiday for a stitcher – go to Goodpoint Needlepoint in CT. They have the cutest ort containers that are hand made by Saville Needleworks. The fabric patterns are so rich looking. Hurry though, each time I look they have less and less. A good bet they will have to reorder soon as they must be flying out the door. https://goodpointneedlepoint.com/collections/accessories/products/mini-ort-bowl?variant=44629016084669

If you were not able to get in on the ort bowls then try the Needlepoint Clubhouse for Totes and Project bags for some great choices of bags. https://www.needlepointclubhouse.com/collections/totes-project-bags

Tips and Tricks: Gone Stitching is a local store and they posed the question “Which would you use?” To me the answer is clear but … what do you think? Take a look at the picture below. The top white rows were stitched in DMC #5 Blanc. The last row in DMC #3 Blanc. Even though the color is the same, the thicker thread appears whiter. Which thread would you use?

Who was that Famous Stitcher? That was Megan Holmes the owner of The Needlepoint Clubhouse. She bought the shop from the owners when they decided to retire. She then moved the shop and has been at it since 2017 in St. Louis MO. She also does a podcast on Youtube called “Pointing It Out” with Melissa MacLeod of The Wool and the Floss. https://www.needlepointclubhouse.com/

Do you know who this famous stitcher is?

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 ?!?!?!?

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/blogs/news/new-essentials-colors-are-here?omnisendContactID=61fc368aa1816e00226a532d&utm_campaign=campaign%3A+New+Essentials+Colors+%2867816e85ff61281c4293f0fb%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=omnisend

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?

Last Saturday was the NJNA Holiday Luncheon and did we have a good time !!!! In many ways we wished it lasted longer as we don’t see each other in person that often. We also had 2 great surprises – our President, Noelle, flew in from NC just for the lunch. She went from the restaurant back to the airport – that is dedication!! We are hoping that next year she comes again but stays to see friends and doesn’t have to run. We also had Tina F. visiting all the way from WI. If all that is not enough, Jacqui presented a list of all the 2025 programs as of now. We have a lot to look forward to starting with our first meeting of 2025 this coming week. she will be presenting a program on ribbons. She passed out the kits to those who asked for them so we should be all set for Wed evening. We also did a Show and tell that was so interesting. You could walk around and see them up close – from Jackie Kennedy to different versions of Melita’s STOM to Harriet’s amazing Llama and lots more. Always great to see the talent in this guild. I forgot – the food was great also !!!

ANG has many exciting things on tap for 2025 starting with the Jan-Feb edition of Needle Pointers magazine. The cover is a big winner at the 2024 seminar – an amazing piece !! The dog has a lot of personality !!! I looked thru the magazine online and it’s a great issue from cover to cover. Those bunnies in “A Tale of Two Stitchers” and all the ribbon pieces from the seminar and so much more to read !! One of their best issues yet. It’s got so much I will need 2 glasses of wine to read everything in this issue.

ANG also gave a picture of the 2025 Stitch Of The Month – Gift Boxes by Merrilyn Heazelwood. Something tells me this is not as simple as it may appear. A year of challenge with this project.

ANG also released their new Quarterly Stitch . An interesting small design but a great way to learn and practice some new stitches. The picture makes it look 3D. What a nice gift to give at the holidays. Check it out on the web site.

If you haven’t already then you need to do so quickly – pay your ANG dues online. It’s past the due date. While your at it, if you haven’t paid you NJNA dues – they are due to be paid before the end of the month. I’m just saying !

ROAD TRIP – ROAD TRIP – ROAD TRIP – ROAD TRIP – ROAD TRIP – ROAD TRIP

For those of you here on the East Coast (aka the Right Coast not the Left!) start planning now. Penny Linn has a video of her new Flagship Store on Tik Tok. She will take you on a tour of the retail area all the way to the basement for Wholesale, storage and shipping. There is no opening date yet and the video shows no furniture – yet ! The store is in Rowayton CT on the water – how much fun has that place got to be?!?!?!? Her store will be showing all the designer’s she represents along with a big stock of her wonderful acrylic boxes with the magnets. Can’t wait for the opening.

Something else new for 2025 is “A Stitch at a Time – The Joy of Needlepoint” book by Stefanie Chase. Stitch By Stitch in Larchmont is carrying it (a dangerous but fun store!) The book shows over 100 step-by-step stitch diagrams, colorful stitch samples showcasing a variety of threads, and dedicated stitch tutorials. Go to the Stitch By Stitch web site to pre order the book as they have already sold out their first shipment ! How bad can it be with a Gayla Elliot canvas on the cover ??

Another NEW for 2025 – Atlantic Blue Canvas is now in their new space in GA and ready to rock and roll !! The owner, Caroline, is a military wife and has been moved several times. She now has a new space and will be shipping canvases quickly. Caroline also says there is lots of interesting things coming for this year so we need to watch for her announcements. In the mean time she has some neat new things already on her web site: https://www.atlanticbluecanvas.com/collections/new-arrivals-1

There is also a new club from the Needlepointer – Whimsical Round Ornaments ! This club will start in May/June and goes for 8 months. Each month you get a 4 inch round ornament on 18 count along with threads and a stitch guide. They remind me of my mother’s glass ornaments from the 40’s and 50’s ! https://www.theneedlepointer.com/whimsical-round-ornamentsdiv-idclubsubtitleopen-enrollmentdiv/p8514405?cse=nl011124&goal=0_3621358244-ff736abe21-69343533&mc_cid=ff736abe21&mc_eid=2e6039e84f

The next New for 2025 – The Needlepoint Clubhouse, owned by Megan Holmes in Missouri is having a last retreat in March because they too are moving to a new place. They opened the lottery for only 3 days and it is now closed. Winners will hear if they made it in or not this coming week. They are moving in March about 2 miles east of where they are now. Good Luck – can’t wait to hear about your new store ! https://www.needlepointclubhouse.com/

The Needlepointer has a new and interesting canvas – a Haunted House! But not just any haunted house – this one by Kirk & Bradley has all the ghosts and ghouls you would expect but you make it your own! It’s a 12 X 14 house on 13 count and comes with 10 windows on 18 count that you can put where ever you want them to be. A great item to hand down in a family for a spooky holiday. https://needlepoint.com/products/halloween-series-haunted-house-windows-kit?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&utm_campaign=2025_01_07%20Haunted%20Halloween%20House&utm_klaviyo_id=01EY735XHE675Z0Z1C4Z7SB8DK&_kx=SpNrwJYeSg8JHGV3vDRNkpeUD67Ddf2hdz1HBTATTO0.TxAVmM

A new class at Stitch Stash in Darien features a Tic Tac Toe sampler board designed by Elizabeth Crane Swartz (the woman who made dots colorful) AND it’s being taught by Joann, the owner of Island House Needlepoint. She sells a terrific laying tool which you receive as part of the class. The canvas is 8 X 8 on 13 count and the class is given over 2 days with lunch included. Sounds like a fun time all the way around. https://stitch-stash.com/collections/tic-tac-toe-2-day-class

Tips and Tricks: WOW – I understand this tool sold out faster than you can blink after being shown as a video on how to use it. The tool is know as a needle threader BUT it’s a miracle worker for short threads. The Wool and the Floss sells these (actually very pretty) wooden handled threaders. To fully understand how it works you need to go to the Video Tape – oops, dating myself! You need to watch the tutorial on their web site or on You Tube. It’s easier to watch than have me explain but it will get you out of a tough spot with a short thread – we have all been there !! They sell them in 7 different colors. https://woolfloss.com/blogs/tutorials/the-easiest-way-to-fix-a-mistake-on-a-needlepoint-project-pulling-out-stitches-securing-thread?se_activity_id=157509255388&syclid=cu1groh2bcns73fln5m0&utm_campaign=The+easiest+way+to+fix+a+stitching+mistake+%F0%9F%AA%A1+_157509255388&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email

Who was that Famous Stitcher? That was Sara Trucksess, she is the creative genius behind SCT Designs. She is from Kansas City and has spent the earlier part of her career in museums and galleries. She has a series of alphabet chart’s for different monograms and you will find her simplistic designs under KC Needlepoint. https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/collections/sct-designs

Do you know who this famous stitcher is?