Get out your 10 inch stretcher bars and all that stash – we are going to stitch a pumpkin ! This month’s meeting had lots of lovely and varied show and share. We always enjoy seeing the work of others. never hesitate to send in pictures of your finishes or even WIP’s to Noelle – we can’t get enough. We also got a start on the pumpkin with Jacqui C. Let’s see how far everyone gets for the next meeting. The members of the Queen Charlotte Chapter of ANG also would like pictures of what ever we create. They are amazed at how many variations there have been so far.

Next month is the Board meeting on July 10th at 6 pm. Since COVID things have changed and we are moving the board meeting to a week night so as not to interfere with members weekend plans. This will be the test meeting and hopefully will work out to everyone’s benefit. All are welcome to attend. Contact either Sharon or Noelle if you want the zoom link.

Chilly Hollow has BREAKING NEWS !!! Kreinik 8 and 16 braids are being made again. Thank Goodness – the machines are all set up and working again after the move to California. Inventory sheets are being redone, shelving for new stock are in place and even some new machines are on order so that all those wonderful colors will be on store shelves again. Can not imagine stitching without Kreinik !! Kreinik Manufacturing > Kreinik Needlework And Fly Fishing

New New New New New New New

One of everyone’s favorite designers Kathy Rees has some new designs ! She is traveling and teaching like crazy but has created 4 new designs for Seasonal Delights. Only 2 are being released for now, Spring and Summer with Autumn and Winter coming later in the year. She is also putting out what she says is the final of the Holiday Delights which is Mardi Gras. Then there are the new Christmas rounds – does this woman ever sleep???? https://needledelights.com/product-category/coming-soon/

Also New – Gone Stitching has a new class for those who are ready to tackle charted designs. Coming in August they will be doing Ripple Rotation on 13 count canvas with rich colored overdyed silk threads. This is a full day class and includes all your materials, lunch and snacks. Email them at office@gonestitching.net to sign up or for more information.

Also New – Rittenhouse Needlepoint is having a retreat August 16th – 18th. It is going to be held in The Deacon – an historic former First African Baptist Church built in 1906. They renovated it in 2019 and it’s now used for weddings, parties etc along with hotel stays. The Deacon (thedeaconphl.com) Delicious lunch and dinner with wine and beer. Plus, coffee and beverages are available all day in the space. There is also a gift bag, a group beading class, a finishing consultant from the store for questions and a shuttle bus to and from the shop in case you need a thread or 2 or 6…. Contact the store for more information rittenhouseneedlepoint.com .

If that is not enough NEW then check this out – Rittenhouse will have a pop up of Penny Linn Designs at the retreat BUT – Penny Linn also has a brand new line of clutch handbags. They can be used as a cross body bag and even better, they are self finishing. Penny Linn partnered with LIKHA (which means – to create). All of their products are sustainably-sourced, ethically-made pieces ranging from home décor to fashion accessories. They are so pretty and you pick the canvas to go into them ! Penny Linn x LIKHÂ Bag Launch – Penny Linn Designs

I found 2 new clubs ! Village Needleworks has something unique – Beginning July 1 each month for 6 months they are doing Czechoslovakian Christmas Trees. The designs are based on vintage trees. The canvases are 13 mesh and come with threads, stitch guide and a “special gift”. Village Needleworks Omaha’s full-service needlepoint shop

The 2nd club is a rerun – The Needlepointer’s “Pride Flag” was so popular it is being brought back. You will learn 12 different stitches over 6 months. It’s available in either 13 or 18 count. A portion of the proceeds from this club will be donated to The Trevor Project*. Founded in 1998, The Trevor Project is a nonprofit U.S. organization committed to suicide prevention efforts in the LGBTQ+ youth community. The club will start in Sept/Oct https://www.theneedlepointer.com/pride-flag-clubdiv-idclubsubtitleopen-enrollmentdiv/p8514177?cse=nl060824&goal=0_3621358244-de033aa778-69343533&mc_cid=de033aa778&mc_eid=2e6039e84f

And just for giggles !!!! How about canvases of “Retro TV’s” – can’t make that stuff up ! Rabbit Ears and all – check out Chaparral in Dallas TX for these throw back TV canvases. They are 5 X 5 on 18 count canvas and are different sports. Don’t we all remember when you had to get up to change the channel???? https://ndlpt.com/products/retro-tv-football-era?syclid=cpn4oicom04s739u56f0&utm_campaign=emailmarketing_134348767371&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email

Are you suffering from S.A.B.L.E. ?? Stash Accumulation Beyond Life Expectancy. Check out Ellen Johnson’s blog post as each week she is going to clean out her stash and detail how she is doing it. She will give you hints on how to work thru your WIP’s, how to get your MOJO going, tips on organizing and more. She is also doing a class called “Summer Stitch Camp”. She promises a fun and productive summer !! https://www.serendipityneedleworks.com/needlepoint-ufos/

Tips and Tricks You want to try and do a self finishing item but you might think about changing the canvas out at another time ! Needlepoint .com has a great solution – check out their blog post and go to the video tape (the retro tv’s made me do it). They put interfacing on the back of the canvas to make it easier to put a canvas in and out of self finishing items – genius ! https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/interfacing-the-perfect-way-to-switch-out-self-finishing

Who was that Famous Stitcher? That is Julia Snyder. She has written many needlepoint books on different subjects along with doing beautiful embellishment classes at numerous stores.

Do you know who this famous stitcher is?

IT’S SUMMER – ALREADY !! It came entirely too fast. We are ordering the pumpkin project and with any luck we will all have it stitched for the fall ! Start trawling your stash for your favorite color pumpkin. Keep in mind those wonderful looking Kate Dickerson Funky Pumpkins – there is no limit to the imagination ! The directions give you a large variety of stitches to do both on and around the pumpkin so there should be no way to be bored !

ANG has released the new Quarterly Stitch. It’s by Marilyn Owen and it’s something everyone can use – a Key Fob ! Another stash buster of a project and they give you directions for 2 versions along with how to go about finishing it. Stay tuned – there will be another new project in 3 months. Keep in mind that each stitch guide will eventually be replaced and the previous pattern will go back into the vault. Be sure to access them before they’re gone.

Since we are getting into the fall mood with Pumpkins check out the new club at the Needlepointer “Spooktacular Ornaments”. There are a dozen 3 inch ornaments. Starting in October you get one per month along with a stitch guide and thread. They should be a quick stitch – an easy club to keep up with. https://www.theneedlepointer.com/spooktacular-ornamentsdiv-idclubsubtitleopen-enrollmentdiv/p8514176?cse=nl0529&goal=0_3621358244-1364d0d84f-69343533&mc_cid=1364d0d84f&mc_eid=2e6039e84f

Do you know what today is ??????? It’s National Bubbly Day (yes there is such a thing!) This holiday is celebrated the first Saturday of June each year. Of Course there are canvases! It’s all up to you to decide the kind of “Bubbly” you prefer ! Check out Stitch By Stitch for many versions of “Bubbly” . Find Your Focus | Stitch by Stitch Needlepoint

Morgan Julia has another way to express yourself – Tortured Hearts ! They are for single women, friends and those in relationships – in other words – all of us ! They are modern witty sayings that look like the sugary Valentine candy’s. The 8 canvases were designed in collaboration with Needle Nola in New Orleans and are only 3.5″ X 3.5″ They are bound to make you smile. (I had to look it up – DTR – Define The Relationship) https://morganjuliadesigns.com/collections/sweethearts?_kx=rV4MBEfWGkwURglkyUXCLopGavY2DCJQzP6Y94aO8T4.RWeQns

If you follow Ruth Schmuff – the wildly talented owner of Bedecked and Bedazzled aka The Bee Hive, then you may have seen the new thread she showed on top of a thistle in her project “Blue Cat in the Jungle” She shows how to use it in several ways and it just has to be a great addition on a canvas. It’s actually silk wrapped around a wire that has been coiled to form a tube. She shares several ways to use it but you can let your imagination go wild. Check out her web site for more information. https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/silk-wrapped-purl-sampler/

Have you ever done a Bullion Knot? Not an easy task even though they look great. According to Absolutely Needlepoint they tried out a “Bullion Needle” and they are just like the Goldilocks saying – They are not to short and not to long. The eye of the needle is the same width as the shaft so it pulls thru the wraps easily. Tulip is the brand that makes them so if you do them often they might be a great tool for your stitching tool box. Absolutely Needlepoint – Discover a world of needlepoint and everything that comes with it.

Tips and Tricks: This is a WONDERFUL item for figuring out how much thread you need for a project. No more guess work on how many skeins you need to cover an area. The Wool and the Floss has started up a division called “Tools of the Trade”. They have a see through grid that you put over the canvas to count the number of square inches for a particular color. On the bottom of this sheet it has the directions on how to calculate what you need. How great is that ?!?!?! Check out their web site for this and other imaginative things they seem to think of ! Thread Calculator by Tools of the Trade (woolfloss.com)

Who was that Famous Stitcher? I am sure most of you know who that is – it’s Tony Minieri. One of the most prolific and inventive designers in the needlepoint industry. If you have never taken a class with him – do not hesitate if given the chance. You will learn amazing things and let’s not forget about his sense of humor !! He recently had a medical scare but is on the mend. Best wishes for a speedy recovery and healthy future. Tony Minieri Designs

Do you know who this famous stitcher is?

Another meeting is in the books – can you believe it, the year is almost half over ! We had a guest at our meeting this month and hope that Beth C decides to join in on the fun. We had a little business to discuss and then on to Jacqui C for the finale of Tumbling Stripes. She also gave a quick summary about our next project – the pumpkin from stash ! Cathryn graciously detailed the type of threads that were used in the directions so you can look for similar threads in the colorway you choose either by buying threads or stash threads. The list will be sent out shortly. I can’t wait to see how many colorways there will be. Remember – it doesn’t have to be orange !!!

The new issue of Needle Pointers magazine has hit the mailboxes and it’s loaded with desert from the front cover to the back cover !! Hopefully no calories come with it !!! This issue is a bit special – NJNA is a big part of it. So many interesting things to read and 2 of the main articles are due to NJNA members. This is the first issue that our own Linda M is co-author with Maureen G. on the article everyone reads first – A tale of 2 Stitchers. I am sure she will do a great job. Then we also have Melita G. who started the column “Timeless Treasures” She brings back articles from past issues that many have forgotten about but are great projects for a come back ! Another must read is all about buying a Needlework Stand. They can be a real game changer. In fact the Edwardian Needle just decided to carry Lowrey stands – give it a test drive at the store and see how you like it. This issue is so full of things to read you will have a hard time putting it down.

The Kansas City Seminar registration is now closed !! Hope you took care of signing up if you were planning on going !!!! If you did sign up the question now is what do you bring with you?? I had a request from someone that is going but has not gone in a long time and needs some enabling for a light since you are no longer allowed to have a cord !!! What’s a girl to do?? Well – I have 3 options to suggest: From most expensive to least expensive and I have 2 pictures of each. The first is by a well known company – Daylight, look at the Halo series of lights which is in the range of $110. Second, look at Vivilux, it has the tiniest LED light that is on a flexible wire and the magnifier is bigger than many That tiny bulb gives out a LOT OF LIGHT. This item weighs next to nothing and is easy to pack. It should run around $70. The third light is an Amazon bargain for about $28. This light travels well and sits in a base but can be snapped out and it clamps on your stretcher bars. Of course there are others if you go to Amazon and you can find the Vivilux at a LNS – it’s all personal preference. Have a great time at the Seminar !

If you don’t have a needlework stand and just read the article in the magazine you will be running out to get one as they make stitching so much easier – BUT – what about the accessories? (of course there are !! Foolish if you thought there weren’t). Well, no matter if you like the Lowrey, K’s or the System 4 (and then there are those who have a variety of stands – no names being given!). Some have or you can buy trays for all the little items you use as you stitch. Some are also better than others! There is a company however, that makes beautiful wooden trays for all 3 brands and they are done with a lot of thought for how you use it. It’s called Rock A Way custom wood products (thank you Cathryn C.). The choice of wood alone is wonderful. It can be upgraded with different items so you can make it your own. Call or email them for a brochure(see pictures) – I love the idea of the wooden cup for orts !!!

Do you need a Get Away ??? The Stitching Fox Needlepoint Store is going to be a featured as part of the very first “Bestie Bus” experience at the Canyon Ranch Wellness Resort in Lenox Mass. The luxury bus departs NYC on June 20 and returns on the 23rd. A weekend to celebrate friendship, needlepoint, spa treatments, great food and relaxation. What more is there??? https://www.canyonranch.com/bestie-bus/

The Needlepointer .com has a new club that will span 12 months. This one is a little different – it’s one canvas and you receive the newest installments Bi-monthly. The fun will start around Aug/Sept. Your first shipment will be the canvas, part of the Kelly Clark stitch guide and thread. Along the way you will get more parts including embellishments. The neat extra is you will be invited to join a private Facebook group which will have video recordings to help you with the stitches. She is so cute and I will just bet a load of fun to stitch !! https://www.theneedlepointer.com/the-darling-dolphina-clubdiv-idclubsubtitleopen-enrollmentdiv/p8513591?Ce=nl051124&goal=0_3621358244-ad8075386e-69343533&mc_cid=ad8075386e&mc_eid=2e6039e84f

Morgan Julia Designs – the master of the “Bar Cart” canvases has hooked up with a company called “Packed Party” which has some of the most adorable items. https://www.packedparty.com/?_kx=rV4MBEfWGkwURglkyUXCLopGavY2DCJQzP6Y94aO8T4.RWeQns From bags to drinkware (you too can sip a favorite drink from a slice of birthday cake), to gifts and lots of other fun stuff. They have put together kits with everything you need to stitch each of the 2 designs – who doesn’t like bling!! You have a choice of Party Animal or Spring in Your Step. Both are small but so colorful. https://morganjuliadesigns.com/blogs/product-launches/introducing-mjd-x-packed-party-needlepoint-collaboration?_pos=1&_sid=ae9997eef&_ss=r&_kx=rV4MBEfWGkwURglkyUXCLopGavY2DCJQzP6Y94aO8T4.RWeQns and https://morganjuliadesigns.com/products/spring-in-your-step-mjd-x-packed-party-kit

What is it that we all can’t seem to resist no matter how many we have – magnets aka needleminders. Here is a new place to shop for them – Flamingo Toes Shop ! Not only do they have different ones but they also have a board you can buy to attache them to that is also a chalk board so you can be extra creative with your storage. Worth a look ! https://flamingotoesshop.com/collections/needle-minders

Tips and Tricks: Now that you are going to seminar with a nice new magnifier and or light the one thing that you don’t always get with it or if you do it’s a flimsy item – is a cover. I am sure you know how easy it is to scratch the lens. The solution to this problem turns out to be a cheap one !! Get yourself a few friends with the same problem and order from our favorite store – yes Amazon – and order some Velvet Drawstring Jewelry Bags !! They fit PERFECTLY !!! I bought smaller ones for my travel magnifier and larger ones for my floor version. The reason you need friends is because they come in packages of 20 or 25 depending on size. If you don’t have enough friends then you have extra but at 45 cents a piece or 87 cents for the bigger version – not a big deal !!

Who was that Famous Stitcher? That was the “Bar Cart” master herself Morgan Julia. She is one of the up and coming younger designers. She grew up in Annapolis Maryland and is now out of sunny Tampa Florida. You gotta love that she has a Goldendoodle named “Captain” and he is the “CFO” (Chief Fetching Officer) !! Morgan Julia Designs – Needlepoint Canvases

Do you know who this famous stitcher is?

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day.

May brings the end to our project Tumbling Stripes !! Many have already finished both with the border and without. A fun project to stitch between the little bit of glitz and so many layered stitches to learn. BUT – in June we will be looking towards the fall already ! Start sorting your stash for this very neat looking fund raiser for the Queen Charlotte ANG chapter – Jeanne’s Pumpkin. Let Jacqui know if you want to join in the fun. (I love the background stitch)

ANG has a new Workshop By Mail called “Fun With 4th of July”. It’s 5 ornaments all about 4″ x 4″ and can be made with stash though they give you suggested threads. Everything is in a patriotic theme. Registration is now open.

Calling all Volunteers – ANG needs a good person to be the Eastern Area Representative. Here is how they define the position and where you can ask questions or just jump right in !!

Today is the 150th Kentucky Derby run for the roses. Do you have your dress and hat at the ready?? Maybe a mint julep would be better – if so Morgan Julia has all kinds of “Bar Carts” one of course being for the Kentucky Derby. She now has at least 17 and counting, not to mention needle minder’s to go with them. Check out her web site as she has many cute canvases – yikes – the cinnamon rolls !!!! Bar Carts– Morgan Julia Designs Mystik Dan in a photo finish!

What else is coming up but Mother’s Day – yes, already ! If you frequent the Nimble Needle in GA they are having a wonderful sale. If you buy a gift card they will add 20% to it from now thru May 11. https://www.atlantanimbleneedle.com/

A little closer to home, Stitch By Stitch in NY has a discount they will apply from now thru May 12th depending on how much you spend. I want everything in that store !!! Look at their web site and see if there is a must have and take advantage of the sale ! Find Your Focus | Stitch by Stitch Needlepoint

Debbie Rowley has an amazing new project she is offering called Gilded Cabochons. The design replicates the ceiling in the train station in Chicago. It has more than 40 different stitches to it and her color ways are dreamy. One is prettier than the next. https://debbeesdesigns.com/product/gilded-cabochons/

The Needlepointer has a new offering called an Artisan Box. Four times a year you will receive a canvas, thread pack and stitch guide by a different popular author and the first one will be by Tony Minieri. You have your choice of 18 mesh or 13 mesh and it will automatically renew. Spoiler alert – the 2nd one is by Meredith Willet !!https://www.theneedlepointer.com/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&sc=1&keyword=artisan+box

The Needlepoint Club House also has a new club called “My Favorite Things” (your lucky you can’t hear me singing that tune!) There are 12 canvases and you get the threads and stitch guide. Check out their 2 ways to pay for this and see if one is better for you than the other. They would make great ornaments. https://www.needlepointclubhouse.com/products/my-favorite-things-club-set-of-12?_pos=1&_sid=fe8e46fcf&_ss=r&_kx=di6BKbqlX0z0_r-FgYg7VgX_cnHap6E52Vd1c3YUq6g.W43bG6

Are you a lover of Maggie’s designs???? All those bright colors and odd shapes !!! Well, if you are in CA on July 1st you need to contact Old World Designs. Not only are they having a trunk show with 20% off her canvases but the show takes place in Maggie Thompson’s home !!! Yes you read that right! It is from 10 AM until 2 PM. Parking is limited and they suggest you car pool. There is a cover charge of $25 but I believe there is a bag lunch and beverage included – what more can you ask for?!?!? Call the store for more details and to sign up 650-321-3494 Old World Designs Needlepoint Menlo Park Bay Area

Tips and Tricks: If you do needle blending with floss I have something you will want to get !! Look at Lucky Jonquil – they have something called “Blender Chips”. They are clear acrylic chips that you can stitch 2 colors on and then stitch a section with the blend you choose. This way you can see what the color combo looks like and put it on the material or canvas and see it before you stitch in the margin. You can also use a permanent marker to write the color and numbers on it and when finished you can take alcohol to remove the marker and use it again. How cool is that ?!?!?! They have several really interesting items on their web site to look at. https://luckyjonquil.com/products/floss-blender-chips-clear?_pos=1&_sid=042bbcc0f&_ss=r

Who was that Famous Stitcher? I am sure you knew that was David McCaskill. He is a very talented designer and known for many familiar patterns such as his background samplers. He is also famous for his open water stitch. His designs are mostly line drawn giving the stitcher more flexibility in color choice. David is recovering from an accident and we all wish him well.

Do you know who this famous stitcher is?

Happy Mother’s Day to everyone !

This week was our meeting and it had several interesting happenings. First, we got to meet our 2 new members Kathy and Nancy. Kathy, we look forward to you retiring so we get to see you more often ! We also spoke about our next project as Tumbling Stripes is heading for the last instructions next month. Jacqui is having trouble getting a hold of the people that have the Jelly Fish project. Because of this she and Cathryn are shifting gears and we are going to do the Queen Charlotte Chapter fund raiser pumpkin instead. This is a “stash buster” and so adorable with great stitch combinations. Contact either Jacqui or Cathryn to put your name on the list so they can order the kits soon. The chapter is going to subsidize this project so that lots of our members can stitch it with us or even several times to make a colorful pumpkin patch !

We also spoke about our workshop later this year with Ann-Marie Anderson-Mayes of Beautiful Stitches fame. She will be coming to teach either of her design’s – Versailles or Grace’s Garden. Amy B needs a final number soon so she can tie up lose ends with Ann-Marie Anderson. If you are changing your colors from the picture then order them thru Ann-Marie as soon as possible so she can bring them with her. Finally, Ghosts are welcome!

A reminder that registration closes on the ANG Seminar in Kansas City May 17th. If you already registered, final payments are due May 3rd. The list of sold out classes grows! They are also offering the Annual Life Patron Seminar Luncheon. Holly Messinger McComas will be speaking about textile preservation at the Arabia Steamboat Museum on Sept. 4th. https://www.1856.com/ This seminar will be here before you know it !

Did I see the sun today????? Is it Spring???? I wore a rain jacket and sweater the last 2 or 3 days. I think we all need to get into the mood of Spring !! I can think of no better way than to check out Stitch by Stitch in NY for Spring Hand Bags !! They are showing lots of new things from market and hand bags were big ! From Rachel Barri to Morgan Julia, Voila and on and on… They not only have all kinds of bags but loads of inserts for them – just WOW ! Find Your Focus | Stitch by Stitch Needlepoint

All you grandmothers out there – Gayla Elliot has a new “Stitching Girl” (love her stuff). She also has expanded into round ornament size canvases. AND THEN you have by Mopsey Designs – the cutest crib mobile that takes 5 round designs. Stitch By Stitch can also get you the hardware for the mobile. Even Grandma’s stitch great stuff !!!

Stitch By Stich also showed something very different by Gayla Elliot – an incredible looking elephant. Thorn Alexander has a mesmerizing Blue Fox along with some other great looking items to peruse. I could spend hours never mind $’s on their web site. https://stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/

SO – how fast do you need a gift????? Moore stitching has a self finishing compact with many choices of canvases. Being a compact it’s inherently small so how long could it possibly take to stitch?? (LOL) They look like a fun gift to give. New Arrivals – Moore Stitching

KC Needlepoint is showing something I haven’t seen before – self finishing leather frame’s. They come in a large selection of colors and the opening is 4 1/2″ square. Something new and different ! Leather Self Finishing Frame | KC Needlepoint

Since it’s never too early for Xmas Cookies – Morgan Julia has something new and they are even “No Bake” ! Needlepoint .com sells them as a kit – no muss no fuss! https://needlepoint.com/collections/morgan-julia-designs-kits/products/slice-and-bake-christmas-cookies-kit

A New Club has started and if you were late signing up you can still do it. This club is like no other I have seen. It’s by Morgan Julia Designs and has so many things both stitching and non stitching related – all to go with the theme. Morgan Julia is known for her Bar Carts and the first one of the club was all about Spring. The Summer Bar Cart is about to be revealed so you need to be on the list to see what that one is all about. https://morganjuliadesigns.com/blogs/product-launches/mjd-bar-cart-club-box-1-reveal?_kx=rV4MBEfWGkwURglkyUXCLopGavY2DCJQzP6Y94aO8T4.RWeQns Here is what you get for the Spring Bar Cart along with a digital stitch guide. Must be some box – oh yes, and the packaging matches the theme – did they forget anything???

Tips and Tricks: There are many of you out there that are Left Handed Stitchers and friends have a horrible time trying to help you learn or show you a stitch ! Am I right?!?!?! Never fear – Needlepoint .com has a blog with everything you ever wanted to know about stitching left handed.Check out this link and hopefully you all have an “Ah Ha!” moment. Stitching for Left-Handers: Tips, Tricks, & Techniques – Needlepoint.Com

Who was that Famous Stitcher? That lovely young woman is Madeleine Elizabeth. She is either in her last year of college or has already graduated. She has been the CEO of her own company since 2019 and has many youthful and fresh ideas for canvases along with many witty sayings !

Do you know who this famous stitcher is?

Wishing everyone that celebrates – A Happy Passover with friends and family. And after the holiday is over –

It’s Spring !! Thank Goodness – did anyone tell the weather?? Stitching needs to remain an indoor sport and even an earthquake will not deter us ! This months meeting will be the next to last dealing with Tumbling stripes. More and more members could not put it down and are finishing it in different ways. Framed, in the top of a box, as an ornament, on the back of a jacket…. no limit to the imagination. Woodlawn is now over and our Amy B has just returned with our submissions. She emailed everyone that participated as to where you can collect your pieces.

The ANG elections are over and the votes have been tabulated. Congratulations to the 2024/2025 slate of officers. Have a successful and rewarding term in office.

No matter what they say about the earthquake – I think the real reason it happened was the amount of surprise that caught everyone when they found out that Kreinik thread has been sold to Rainbow Gallery, that the business including machinery is moving from West Virginia to Burbank CA (just think of all that can happen moving all that equipment) AND production has stopped causing a delay in shipments of six weeks. This is where everyone has to pack their patience . We wish Doug Kreinik and his wife a wonderful retirement after 41 years in the business. Hopefully Doug will pop up now and again at needlework events. On the other side of the coin, good luck with this big undertaking to Rainbow Gallery. Everyone looks forward to a new beginning!

So appropriate to this Kreinik transition – there is new additions to the delivery series of ornaments out by Vallerie Needlepoint Gallery. They come with a stitch guild and they are just too cute. Check them out at Needlepoint .com https://needlepoint.com/collections/delivery-truck-rounds?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&utm_campaign=2024_04_06%20Delivery%20Trucks&utm_klaviyo_id=01EY735XHE675Z0Z1C4Z7SB8DK&_kx=SpNrwJYeSg8JHGV3vDRNkpeUD67Ddf2hdz1HBTATTO0.TxAVmM

The Needlepointer has a new club – The Tiny Signs Club ! The canvases are by Kathy Schenkel and the club runs for 7 months. It will start about Aug/Sept and each month you get canvas, stitch guide and threads. Great item for someone starting out or that needs a small project for vaca !! https://www.theneedlepointer.com/tiny-signs-clubdiv-idclubsubtitleopen-enrollmentdiv/p8512527?cse=nl040524&goal=0_3621358244-73c3135fb5-69343533&mc_cid=73c3135fb5&mc_eid=2e6039e84f

Interested in learning more about needlepoint? Susan Hoekstra is doing a series of 3 lectures (April, May & June) via Zoom. The cost goes to benefit a non profit heating assistance program (HEAP). This is being done thru the Pine Tree Chapter of ANG. They pride themselves on being a group of civically minded stitchers. Contact them at pinetreechapter@gmail for more information or visit their Face Book page.

Tips & Tricks: Self Finishing items – the final frontier ! So far you have measured the opening and then secured the canvas threads for a successful insertion. Next is too interesting as to make it perfect. Measure your needlepoint piece to find dead center and push a pin thru. Next, pull off the paper from the sticky part of the item your putting your piece in. Now measure the opening where the sticky paper is and put a dot with a marker dead center. Using the pin to guide you, line up the centers and be sure the rows are square in the opening and press the canvas down on the sticky board. With your finger press out any wrinkles that may have happened. Now use a Popsicle stick or a dull butter knife to gently lift the edges to tuck the needlepoint under the edge of the opening. Moving carefully around the opening and tucking your canvas under should give you a perfect result ! I knew you could do it !!

Who was that Famous Stitcher? That is none other than Gail Stafford. She is well known for her landscape designs and her fabulous bargello patterns. She recently retired from being a mathematics teacher. She achieved her Master Craftsman Certification from EGA.

Do you know who this famous stitcher is?

This weeks meeting was another chapter in Tumbling Stripes – we are rounding the bend to the half way point of the project. There are two more months to go. Some have already finished and there are stunning combinations of color. Such a fun project to stitch, I think it’s a hit ! Coming in June and July will be the Jelly Fish Ornament – the one I have been waiting patiently for. Later this year our next big adventure is with Ann Marie Anderson of Beautiful Stitches fame. If you enjoy her creations then it’s time to become a member of NJNA as we are going to be having her – in person – to teach your choice of either Versailles or Grace’s Garden. She will be with us in September for this class so sign up’s are almost closed. Spoiler alert – next year we may be doing a Lorene Salt project !! We are definitely having fun at NJNA – come join the party.

ANG’s Seminar in Kansas City this year is off to a big start. There are already 5 classes that are full and I am sure after looking at the booklet many more are close to full. If you are going they are offering a neat item that can be ordered at the time of registration – a seminar tote bag with the logo – get them while they are hot !!

Also don’t forget the ANG 50 for 50 Fundraiser. Each project purchased is support for future programming and they are each by popular designers and seminar instructors. Check them out for a neat project to do and benefit the organization we all belong to.

The new Needle Pointers Magazine is viewable on the ANG web site and will arrive in your mail box in about 2 weeks. The cover is beautiful with lots to read inside as usual but the back cover AGAIN is a WOW !

OK – I know your dying to see some of the new items from Market and again – they did not disappoint !! How hard it must be to go to market and not take it all back with you !?!?! I see a few pieces here and there on emails but the easiest store to view most of them is Stitch By Stitch in NY – they really work at getting your juices flowing. Look at the ones below but their web site has many more. Find Your Focus | Stitch by Stitch Needlepoint First from Alice Petersen.

Here are some from CBK – Paticia Sone – Zecca – Kate Dickerson…..

Stitch By Stitch is also having a “Meet and Greet” along with 3 days of class with Kelly Clark. She loves to see how people have stitched her designs and would love if you brought them with you. Call the store for more information. 914-834-1886

Aside from the way the weather comes in and goes out in March or St. Patrick’s Day and we will not even go back to the Spring Market – what else is really big in the month of March??? Basket Ball – it’s March Madness time !! If you are routing for a particular college team you want to look at Hedge Hog Needlepoint. She has officially licensed canvases with the logo’s of the famous teams that are playing but now – she just added their Jersey’s ! What a great gift for a college student in one the schools. Seems she is always adding new items so you need to check her web site because if it’s not there – it will be soon. https://hedgehogneedlepoint.com/

Rittenhouse Needlepoint is starting up their own line of canvases. Many not surprisingly are Philadelphia related. They say it will be a few weeks before they are in the store, but go check out their line up – it might make you hungry. https://rittenhouseneedlepoint.com/collections/preview?page=1

Needlepoint .com has an interesting online course dealing with stitches for animals. The kit includes stitch guide, blank canvas, needle and specialty thread pack to practice these stitches over and over again. https://needlepoint.com/collections/online-classes-for-needlepoint/products/animal-kingdom-the-making-of-fur-and-feathers-online-technique-class?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&utm_campaign=2024_03_12%20Rainforest%20Birds&utm_klaviyo_id=01EY735XHE675Z0Z1C4Z7SB8DK&_kx=SpNrwJYeSg8JHGV3vDRNkpeUD67Ddf2hdz1HBTATTO0.TxAVmM

The Needlepointer is having a trunk show from an artist I have never seen before. He is Wyndell Gingoyon and the canvases are colorful and perfect for a beginner with blocks of color. By The Sea: needlepoint, needlepoint canvases, needlepoint canvas gallery, canvas gallery, needlepoint threads, needlepoint fiber | theneedlepointer.com

While your checking out the trunk show – The Needlepointer has a new club starting around July/August and it’s called “Christmas Block Tree Club”. It’s a 6 month club and comes with the usual canvas, stitch guide and threads but this has one more item – Lights ! Yes, when your done it lights up. Each block uses more than one fiber and there are lots of stitches to use and or learn. https://www.theneedlepointer.com/christmas-tree-block-clubdiv-idclubsubtitleopen-enrollmentdiv/p8512067?cse=nl032324&goal=0_3621358244-c47d0121c2-69343533&mc_cid=c47d0121c2&mc_eid=2e6039e84f

Tips and Tricks: Self Finishing Items- Part 2. Now that your sure your measured correctly and have stitched enough to cover the entire opening it’s time to make sure everything will get in that item without the canvas unraveling. Take some clear Tacky glue and run it over the three rows of canvas just outside your stitching. Run a bead of glue up to the stitched area but don’t get glue on the threads. This will hold the blank canvas together so it won’t unravel as you’re working to insert it. Let it dry completely then cut the canvas about 4 rows out from the stitched area. Next time we will finish this process up and in the end it will be worth the wait to have a nicely placed canvas in a self finished item. I want to thank Diversions Needlepoint for their tips on this subject – I learned a lot.

Who was that Famous Stitcher? That is Maggie Thompson of “Maggie and Co”. According to her web site she is not much of an artist but does have an eye for art work that translates into needlepoint. She then licenses artwork from the artist and turns it into the canvases we all enjoy. She has quite a lot of artists from all over the world. If you go to the web site you can see many of their individual web sites. About Maggie Co

Do you know who this famous stitcher is?

Hope you remembered to attend the meeting since it was on a different day this past month. June is the next time that our meeting will be on a different day of the month – I’ll remind you !! If you missed then you missed the next part to be stitched on Tumbling Stripes. Everyone is stitching the next four stripes and spoiler alert – the next 3 are the following month. You also missed the talk Jacqui C. gave on using a laying tool and the different kinds you can buy. Loved her description of how the threads should line up on the tool like they are the Rockette’s !! Yes – we actually have fun at our meetings!! You need to belong to join in the fun !

The results are in and NJNA members received 7 awards in the 61st Woodlawn Needlework Show. Congratulations to all the winners ! Amy B., Sue C. (2), Rosie L., Melita G. and Linda M (2)

Don’t forget that registration is now open for the Kansas City Seminar and in the blink of an eye – 3 classes are already filled. Wendy Moore is going to be tired, 2 of the 3 are her’s, Moon on the water and Pyramids at the Oasis. Toni Gerdes’s Zelda the patchwork Zebra is also filled. There are plenty of other great items in the line up but I think you need to be fast ! Go to the ANG web site and make a selections quickly if you plan on going.

Don’t forget to vote !!!! You should have gotten an email on 3/8 with a link to vote for the 2024 slate of nominees and the changes to the By-Laws. You can always log in on the ANG web site and vote.

A big thank you to Melita G – she got in touch with Gail Stafford and let me know that Gail is retiring but only from her “real life job as a math teacher at North Carolina Wesleyan College”. She will continue to teach and design needlework – thank goodness !!!! She has some of the most beautiful scenery one can stitch along with her bargello projects.

Spring Market items are still coming out even though it doesn’t start until March 22 – 24. Can you imagine what we will see then?? Love to look at the new stuff even if my wallet is shut tight – maybe. Here are some more sneak peaks from Voila, Wipstitch and Kate Dickerson but there are many more that you can look at in Stitch By Stitch’s web site 2024 Spring Market – Charlotte – Stitch by Stitch (stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com)

Maybe you want a smaller venue for a retreat, something not quite as big as Seminar? Take a look at Stitching Fox – they have 2 retreats later this year that you can sign up for. The first is with Debbie Stiehler for ” Zecca Butterflies”. This is being held 9/7-9. Then they have an embellishment class from 10/ 4-6 with Cynthia Thomas. They made arrangements for a place to stay with the Orchard Inn, which is a beautiful looking small B&B and spa. I feel relaxed just looking at the picture! They have also included places to go and things to do. Sounds like a fun event. https://www.stitchingfox.com/collections/events

KC Needlepoint is having a very exciting month – First, they have moved the store this week !! Maybe we will see pictures soon of their new space. Second, they are about to start their Annual Project. This year is all about trying new fibers. Each kit has 4 hand painted canvases from SCT Designs, stitch guides by Jenny Mcauliffe, 24 skeins of Plant Earth Milan, floss away bags and it’s all shipped for free. They are all the perfect size for coasters and look like a quick stitch. https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/products/2024-coaster-kit?_pos=1&_sid=b28ad0c2f&_ss=r&variant=44372035043502

You may remember this cute Summer Memories canvas by Pippin. The Needlepointer has now turned it into a club. Each month you get threads and a stitch guide for one of the sections so this is only a 6 month club. The guides are by various designers – Meredith Willett, Laura Taylor, David McCaskill, Jill Rigoli and Patricia Sone. Nothing says summer like mosquito’s and ice cream. https://www.theneedlepointer.com/summer-memoriesdiv-idclubsubtitleopen-enrollmentdiv/p8511321?cse=nl030924&goal=0_3621358244-4e44ba89f5-69343533&mc_cid=4e44ba89f5&mc_eid=2e6039e84f

The 20th is the first day of Spring and what a nice way to start the season, by thinking of going away. Hedgehog Needlepoint has brand new luggage tags in 5 colors but this time they are round ! They make a great way to display other stitched items – not just on luggage! They are also adding to the list of collegiate hearts that they have partnered with Kangaroo Paw on. Lot’s to see and I believe lot’s more to come in the future ! https://hedgehogneedlepoint.com/

Hmmmm, not sure how to approach this one – Are you short of time (yes, we all are) BUT Atlantic Blue Canvas has taken their top 5 ornaments – STITCHED THEM – FINISHED THEM and will sell them to you. You read that right – talk about a short cut !! Check out their web site – they have such cute things you may find something you want to stitch yourself !! LOL https://www.atlanticbluecanvas.com/collections/finished-ornaments-1?_kx=_6T6ZEqw3FzRTyL6whjCxpBoWNmvx7M7ogeQHpVHlzk.SdsruM

Tips and Tricks: I was reading about how to deal with the self finishing items they now have. I was stunned to read that “needlepoint stitches are longer horizontally than they are vertically!” This means that we were not crazy when things we stitched were not quite square !! Measuring for these items is very important as the painted area may be short of the opening and you need 2 rows to tuck under the edge. Next time I’ll have more tips on doing self finishing !

Who was that Famous Stitcher? That was Lois Caron, owner of The Caron Collection of threads. Lois started by designing and painting patterns on needlepoint canvas and selling them to stores. She then started to dye her own threads in her kitchen which has since moved to an 8,000 sq ft industrial space. She has 8 different thread lines and is distributed worldwide.

Do you know who this famous stitcher is?

Don’t feel bad you are not alone – many forgot that this months meeting is actually next week! We will have the next part of Tumbling Stripes on the 28th. I have seen some that are being worked on and the color combos are wonderful. I am sure we will see more during the meeting. Also, just a quick shout out to Janet K for her generous donation towards the new member gifts, thank you again.

Nothing says Spring like birds in birdhouses which is what the new cover of the Needle Pointers Magazine looks like. They are catching up with some of their publishing issues and said the magazine will be in your hands in the next 1 to 2 weeks. For now though, you can look at it online and it again looks like a great read. I was looking quickly at it and then came to the back cover – WOW. To make that outstanding, you need to enjoy beading – but worth the effort !!

ANG has a new program that is just starting called The Quarterly Stitch. Each quarter, you’ll gain access to a downloadable stitch guide, packed with unique patterns and tips. That’s not all! They will be bringing you fresh patterns regularly, straight from a previous Chapter Project Book—now available to ALL ANG members! The first project is called “I Love America”. The one thing you have to remember though, you must download the project during that quarter because once the next quarterly project is available the last one goes away and is not accessible any longer. Snooze and you loose. Check it out on the ANG web site. https://www.needlepoint.org

ANG wants to thank everyone for making the Winter Auction a success. Can’t wait to see what the next auction brings !

So what is March 1st??? Besides the weather coming in like a lamb here in northern New Jersey it’s the Nashville Needlework Market !!! March 1-3 which means – NEW STUFF !!! Some are just starting to appear on web sites like Stitch By Stitch in NY. Kate Dickerson must have done very well with the snow globe ornaments as there are a bunch of new ones coming out. Naturally you can’t do without a “Swiftie” canvas and you gotta love the Tiffany building. I am sure there will be lots more coming – stay tuned ! 2024 Spring Market – Charlotte – Stitch by Stitch (stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com)

If you need your coffee first thing in the morning – check out the new Zoom class done thru Gone Stitching in Bergenfield NJ. So many things you can do with this canvas – looks like a fun stitch. Gone Stitching

This new class should give you a Spring Feeling – Eggs !!! So cute – 3 Easter Eggs by KC Needlepoint. Since this is just 3 canvases everything you need for all 3 will be shipped together including the stitch guide by Jenny McAuliffe, canvases and fibers. Definitely a quick stitch !https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/products/polka-dot-easter-vignette-basket-kit?_pos=4&_sid=d3bdee167&_ss=r&omnisendContactID=61fc368aa1816e00226a532d&utm_campaign=campaign%3A+Egg+Club+%2865c1241fcfeec4d49b2834b7%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=omnisend

Do you know someone that would like to try needle pointing? The Needlepointer has a new club that might be just the right thing. Stitching 101: A Beginner’s guide to Needlepoint should begin in June and gives you everything you need to create a reference guide and practice various stitches. It comes with a binder, bars, canvas, tacks fibers……. Worth the price of $39 per month. https://www.theneedlepointer.com/stitching-101-a-beginners-guide-to-needlepointdiv-idclubsubtitleopen-enrollmentdiv/p8511188?cse=nl022423&goal=0_3621358244-56310f6688-69343533&mc_cid=56310f6688&mc_eid=2e6039e84f

Needlepoint .com has a new stitch along that is just starting. You need to do this thru Instagram – every Sunday a new part of the stitch guide will be posted for Pepperberry’s Santa Teddy Bear’s. Pick a bear and it comes with the canvas, threads and a needle. https://needlepoint.com/collections/teddy-bears-sunday-stitch-along?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&utm_campaign=2024_02_17%20Stitch%20Along&utm_klaviyo_id=01EY735XHE675Z0Z1C4Z7SB8DK&_kx=SpNrwJYeSg8JHGV3vDRNkpeUD67Ddf2hdz1HBTATTO0.TxAVmM

Rittenhouse has something different – sort of like adult coloring – just with thread. They have different drawn canvases that you fill in the colors and stitches of your choice. A great stash buster or try some of their Thread Party Packs. So much creativity to this !! https://rittenhouseneedlepoint.com/products/rittenhouse-needlepoint-moorish-tile-pattern-2-needlepoint-canvas?_pos=1&_sid=f3b96cfb4&_ss=r&utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&_kx=QNbnum1iUEN5weUC3DuK75aOlVx0Dud-BR0a603hRFw.TU8N4e

How cute are these baskets from Sew Much Fun???? You want one of each ! Contact Absolutely Needlepoint for information. https://absolutelyneedlepoint.com/

If you need a small project to take with you on a trip, KC Needlepoint has a good one – they have kits for self finishing leather eyeglass cases that come with threads and they will personalize 3 block letters for a monogram on the 13 count canvas. There are 5 colors to choose from – bet they go fast !! https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/products/monogram-eyeglass-case-kit?omnisendContactID=61fc368aa1816e00226a532d&utm_campaign=campaign%3A+Self+Finishing+eyeglass-+monogram+%2865d35347d1cdcc64e272089a%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=omnisend

Moore Stitching has reminded us – in their own little way – that this is a Leap Year. Since Leap Year happens every 4 years – get into it while you can! Moore Stitching is the one that gave us the pictures of Queen Elizabeth with the giant hat on her head while demurely holding her purse. They have so many cute canvases to celebrate Leap Year with . https://moorestitching.com/collections/new-arrivals

Tips and Tricks: Women are know for “chatting” but honestly it’s a valuable tool which we have mastered! I was chatting with Joan G about how I used the silverware holder from the defunct dishwasher to hold unused stretcher bars and she had a great idea – she uses a basket with the dividers from a wine box to sort all that lumber we acquire !! How clever is that one?? You can buy dividers on Amazon (of course) or you can go to a Storage Place and purchase a box that has dividers for glassware. It might be more fun though to go to a place like Total Wine and do a little shopping to get it free !!! LOL

Who was that Famous Stitcher? That was Toni Gerdes. You name it – Toni has done it ! She has taught for NAN, EGA, ANG, guilds and shops. Her designs are beautiful and ask anyone, her stitch guides are superb. If you go to her web site you will see that her teaching dance card is FULL !! Toni Gerdes Needlearts – Teaching Schedule

Do you know who this famous stitcher is?