In July I went to Penzie’s Spice in Summit to pick up some spices and browse in one of my favorite shops. Since I was in Summit, I de died to check out the relatively new shop, Wool and Grace, a knitting and needlepoint shop. The shop is attractive when you walk in with a variety of yarns on display. When I asked to see the needlepoint, I was led to a smaller alcove with a few canvases (maybe 25-30) and an even smaller collection of ornament canvases. The needlepoint threads were limited to DMC perle cotton skeins. I was disappointed.

But not disappointed with my visit to Summit! There are a variety of inviting shops from clothing to toys to home accessories and the spice shop. There are two shoe stores that were there when I graduated from college many years ago! There is even a parking lot where the first hour is free. So I recommend a stop in Summit but not to Wool and Grace for needlepoint.

Sue

Hi, Everyone —

I promise to stop posting my boring travel photos, but since we have had “Organizing our Stashes” as a topic this year, I just had to share a few more pictures. I had to conclude that needlepoint was big in royal circles — they had the most beautiful and practical storage for stashes!

I'll store my Silk and Ivory Here!

Perhaps this will work for my silks?

Kreinik and Other Specials?

Paternayan?

DMC!

Seriously, some of these were three to a room….

You can see at least two here!

I don't think anyone would miss these pieces, do you? I think even I could be persuaded to organize with these cabinets as incentive! How about you?

Don't you wonder what they needed all of these for (if NOT needlepoint stashes?)?

Cheers!

Rosie

Hi, Everyone —

I thought I would take advantage of this rainy afternoon to show you some of my “needlepoint research” from Scandinavia!

So, my tour group probably thought I was nuts because I kept snapping pictures of ceilings and floors — but seriously these were awesome ideas for needlepoint. You can see if you agree!

A ceiling in Sweden

Another Ceiling in Sweden

This Ceiling was in Denmark!

Another one in Denmark!

Wouldn’t this make a beautiful canvas?

Love this Window in Edvard Greig’s Home

How about this Viking Prow?

Another Beautiful Ceiling

An Inlaid Table Top

Even More Ornate!

A Potential for Or Nue!

I have tons more, but you get the idea!

Cheers! Rosie

Hi, Everyone —

I've been trying to find the time to write a few needlepoint-related posts from my recent trip to Scandinavia. We had a fabulous time and I met another stitcher in our tour group! We compared notes on stitching shops or museums that we found.

We saw some fabulous tapestries, beautiful ceiling designs, and furniture — all inspirational for things needlepoint!

I thought I would share with you my only needlepoint-related purchase (for which I got great grief from my husband.) I know that I have shared on several times, Debbie Stiehler's great idea about using a hammer to obviate the need for Evertite bars. So I've been on the lookout for a small hammer that I could keep clean for use with my needlepoint.

Beautiful Hammer from Bergen, Norway

So, while I was doing some last minute shopping in Bergen, Norway, I came across this beautiful painted hammer and knew that it was exactly what I needed. So I bought it! Harold really didn't understand this obsession, so I didn't tell him that I snuck it into his suitcase for the flight home! (My bag was overweight to begin with.)

In any event, I used it for the first time at the SOTM meeting last Saturday and it worked like a charm!

Cheers!

Rosie

I was about 24 inches short of the Kreinik for the wedding sampler so I called around and found that The Gazebo in New Hope had a spool.  A quick trip over there was an experience.  The place is hard to find the first time as it is in the back of an odd shaped outdoor mall with several buildings.

They are both needlepoint and knitting.  They have tons of fibers, canvases, and charts.  Fortunately I was on a mission so I couldn’t spend a lot of time because I would have spent a lot of money!!  Gwen had mentioned how good it was and I would totally agree.  The place is small but well organized to show all the fibers, canvases, charts, and supplies.

Definitely worth the initial trip and many future trips!!!

I was in Philadelphia Thursday evening and knew I needed a few fibers for my SOTM and another project I’m doing as well as a few other items like magnets.  Since I was right around the corner from Rittenhouse Needlepoint and had about 1/2 hour free, I just needed to stop in.  What a great experience.

The shop is on the 2nd floor and you must ring a bell to be admitted to the building.  The space is packed with tons of fibers, canvases, and ideas for finishing projects.   I was immediately greeted by one of the shopkeepers whose name I didn’t get and Russell, one of the owners.  The woman helped me find the fibers I needed and offered to order what they didn’t have.  Meanwhile she encouraged me to spend time and just look around; she was leaving but Russell was there if I had any questions. Russell then gave me a “back room” tour where they do custom finishing on-site and custom painting of canvases.  While not large, they have made wonderful use of the space they have.

For finishing, they have lots of ideas and you can either take your piece in to be finished or send it to them.  They make custom wood trays that are gorgeous.  If finishing with fabric, they have lots of fabrics to choose from.  If you take the piece in, they will work with you testing out different fabrics, cording, etc.  If you send it in, they will select some ideas and email you photos so you can decide what you really want.

They have a lot of canvases and I did not have time to really look although I did pick a few I’m really interested in doing – next time I’ll be sure to allow more time!   They have a stitch notebook with samples they let you peruse if looking for ideas.

Their website (http://rittenhouseneedlepoint.com)  is wonderful; their canvases are grouped by type rather than by designer.

I could have spent  a lot more time (and money!) if I hadn’t had another commitment.  It was definitely worth the stop and I know I’ll be going back!