Wow – it’s June already !! Time flies when you enjoy our favorite pass time – stitching. This months meeting will be about making the cording everyone puts around their ornaments. Something we all have put on but take for granted. You will now appreciate that extra edging after learning how it’s made.

The new Needlepointers Magazine will be in your mail soon. You can check it out online in the mean time. Wait until you see the Tale of 2 Stitchers – such a difference between them. The back page is again a head turner. It must have inspired so many stores to be giving classes in ribbon work!!

The last day to register for the 2023 Seminar in Atlanta is June 6 – no time left for procrastinating! You can also buy some Seminar Swag from the Atlanta Chapter but quantities are limited. Here is the form to make your purchases: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.needlepoint.org/resource/resmgr/forms/seminar/atlanta_chapter_merchandise_.pdf

As for locally – The Framed Image is having his annual sale. He is and expert in framing needlework and after 28 years in business – I think he’s got it down pat! He’s giving 15% off one custom framing along with other deals. A portion of all sales goes to support Artworks to help enhance the lives of children and young adults with chronic illnesses. Framed Image – Home (theframedimage.com)

Have nothing to frame??? The Edwardian Needle is having the first trunk show in quite a while. She just got in piles of canvases from Alice Peterson including the popular “Stitching Girls”. Children’s items, A Woman’s View and so many more. One is better than the next. Also, the cover of the new Needlepoint Now does no justice to the actual piece that was stitched by Jen, who works at the Edwardian Needle. The piece is in the store so while your there ask to see it – amazing!! Call the store for details at 973-743-9833

Stitch By Stitch is having a trunk show of Sew Much Fun – who could resist those adorable stuffed animals?!?!? Ny Needlepoint | Stitch By Stitch Larchmont, NY | United States (stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com)

Ridgewood Needlepoint has a Funda Scully trunk show this month with 20% off your purchase. The store will be closed on June 24th as they are having Julia Snyder do an embellishment class , AND – if your birthday is in June you will get 15% off one in stock canvas – nice gift ! Home (ridgewoodneedlepoint.com)

Then there is Gone Stitching – (we are so lucky to have so many brick and mortar stores in our area) They are giving a one day class on Sunday July 9th to do a Shibori Ribbon Mezzuzah. They are SO pretty! Gone Stitching

New Clubs to join – yes – the creativity never ends! The first is from Old World Designs Needlepoint. They knew right where to get our attention – does Yukon Cornelius ring a bell from your childhood??? They have a club with all the characters from that Christmas show from 1964. I can still hear Burl Ives singing ! https://www.oldworlddesigns.com/classes-at-owd.htm

The 2nd new club is thru the Needlepointer. This “Christmas Lights” club will run 12 months and start in August. These bulbs are also very retro in appearance except you don’t have to worry about one going out and killing the entire string. https://www.theneedlepointer.com/christmas-lightsdiv-idclubsubtitleopen-enrollmentdiv/p8502994?cse=nl0527&goal=0_3621358244-9e8c9712fc-69343533&mc_cid=9e8c9712fc&mc_eid=2e6039e84f

Fireside Stitchery now has a new owner, Lynn Upchurch and she is making the place her own. She has plans to move the store, put in an updated web site, bring in lots of new threads, new notions, canvases and extend the store hours. Ambitious ! Besides having a Pippin Trunk show she is starting off with a really big bang by giving 20% off everything in the store with select canvases at 50% off. Might be worth a road trip to Malvern PA. Good luck to Lynn ! About — Fireside Stitchery

Planet Earth has a new thread – Milan – it’s a 50/50 blend of silk and merino wool. It comes in 30 yard skeins and is a single strand thread. It is a bit thicker so it covers on both 18 and 13 count. They say it’s luxuriously soft to stitch with. KC Needlepoint is carrying the entire line and it’s in stock. https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/collections/milan?page=1

Tips and Tricks How do we protect and store our “small” stash of canvases until we use them – I had a hard time with that word small ! LOL According to Diversions Needlepoint –

 let’s consider what we are trying to protect when storing needlepoint canvases. Of course, we need to protect the painted design, but an equally important consideration is the protection of the canvas sizing. Sizing is what keeps canvases firm. The better the condition of sizing at the end of a project, the better the finished product will be. This is why we recommend using stretcher bars, by the way! Quite right, Willie! Any dampness or creases will break down canvas sizing, much to the detriment of the piece.

Here is what we paws to consider when storing our needlepoint stash:

Environment: Temperate, dry, away from direct light, No attics or damp basements. No smokey or smelly hidey holes.

Canvas Form: Rolled or flat, NEVER FOLDED. Folds will break down the sizing and show up in the finished piece.

Container: Waterproof plastic bins or cloth sacks (old pillow cases?) stored on elevated shelves away from water sources. Never airtight containers: a canvas needs to breathe so that mold can’t develop.

Preventative measures: Silica gel packs. These are the annoying little desiccant packets that have fallen out of every Amazon package ever opened. 

Who was that Famous Stitcher? That was Brenda Hart. She passed away in December. She was an award winning needlework artist, teacher and author of 6 books. She was a master artist in the needlework community and always contributing to the betterment of the art form.

Do You Know Who This Famous Stitcher Is ?

All of our condolences and prayers go to Mark Craddock and his family – the beloved teacher at Nimble Needle in Atlanta. He passed away yesterday of an aggressive form of cancer.

This past meeting was full of information. Sue C. spoke about her out reach event in Bridgewater. She said it went so well that another wellness center has asked her to do a repeat performance. Not only that, the facility she was at decided to start up a “craft afternoon”. Inspiration comes from many places !

This was the first time we had a meeting with an “Owl” – what an interesting innovation to the zoom part of the meeting. The library allowed us to use their “Owl” which is a device that is hooked up to your computer with zoom and gives you a 365 degree view of the room on the top of your screen and a picture of all the participants in the rest of the screen. It moves to show the speaker and hear them better at the same time so you feel more a part of the meeting rather than being a fly on the wall. The next meeting you want to pin that picture and it’s like your in the room with everyone, give it a try.

Melita G. recently received her EGA Master Craftsman Certificate. She spoke about her journey thru the program. What she would do differently and what she was more than happy with. She even made the cover of Needle Pointers Magazine in March with her design called “Tahitian Treat”. Well done Melita !!

There are several great things coming up at NJNA. June will have a lesson by Jacqui in cording, a Woodlawn review in the summer, Sept will be a zoom only meeting as we will be having a talk by Sundance Beads. Oct/Nov will have a lesson in how to do a plaid and create a Name Tag. Keep in mind that Jan will be the holiday luncheon again since it was such a hit. Jacqui is also working on getting a guest speaker for next year – a favorite designer of many NJNA members – no names but she does “Beautiful Stitches” ! Our membership has grown but there is always room for more. You have to be in it to enjoy it!!

NJNA is coming up to it’s 35 year Anniversary. It was started in November 1989. Put your thinking caps on as to how we can celebrate this milestone. Did you know that NJNA has 5 elected positions? We are mostly aware of the committees dealing with programs and workshops to stimulate our creativity but there are other necessary positions. It takes a village to make NJNA run. Now having all learned so much about Zoom from living thru a pandemic we have a need for a Technology volunteer along with other open positions. Even if you join us remotely please consider participating in the running of NJNA and contact Linda M or anyone on the Board. We have so much more that we can learn and enjoy together.

Store News Alert – Fireside Stitchery has been sold ! After 27 years in business it seems it is time to retire ! Maria and Judy (and Tony – in spirit) have sold the store – so watch out to see what changes are coming !!

Flash Sale !!!! This weekend only – 20% off Kreinik Fine #8 Braid – all colors thru SJ Designs. It seems like we are always hunting Kreinik – time to stock up. https://sj-designs.net/product/kreinik-8-fine-braid-metallic-thread/

It sounds so 1950’s/1960’s but the season is changing so it just might be time to change your handbag. Look at Stitch By Stitch in NY for some of the most amazing beaded handbags. They are not going to last long!! Accessories | Stitch By Stitch Larchmont, Ny | United States (stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com)

Now that your changing your handbag – maybe you need a fun case for your sun glasses !! Gone Stitching has some adorable versions that make a quick stitch and they have a great selection of threads to stitch them with. Check out their web site or call the store. https://gonestitching.net

New Books coming – Mary’s Whimsical Small Stitches – her 4th and newest in her series will start shipping in June. Inspired By Threads is out with a 3rd revision of the original Threads book. A 157 page reference book detailing who makes each thread, what it is made of, how you should use it and tips about stitching with it. There are also ideas and details on how much thread you need for a project. You can get this book thru Homestead Needle Arts https://www.homesteadneedlearts.com/catalog/books-charts-cds-magazines/inspired-by-threads-revised-3rd-edition-of-threads-a-needle-necessity-book/ and Mary’s Small Stitches can only be purchased at your LNS.

Summer is about to start so we need a great new adventure – how about the East Coast Canvas Crawl. It will begin June 19th – 25th. Each store will have a sign in sheet giving you a chance to win one of 2 Raffle Bags containing something from each participating store. Visit the web site for a list of participating stores and grab your wallet. https://www.canvascrawl.com/

If you want to go in a different direction try 2’s Company Needlepoint in SC – they are having their first Anniversary along with a Needlepoint Getaway in Asheville NC. Several classes to choose from, swag bag, breakfast and lunches and more are included in this event. You can register online or call the store to sign up. https://www.2sconeedlepoint.com/module/class/492636/an-asheville-needlepoint-getaway—retreat-registration

If your more of the city type then maybe you would be interested in a Retreat in NYC. Patricia Sone has designed 2 canvases just for this event. She will be teaching one at the famous Rita’s Needlepoint and the other one at the just as famous Annie & Company. You will not be stopped from shopping in these famous stores while you are there ! The fun begins August 17 and 18 and you have to contact the coordinator – Mary Meier-Evans for more information. marythecuriouscowgirl@gmail.com

Now I know that we are not all neat and tidy with the back of our creations – part of the creative process??? I think knot ! (couldn’t resist!) For those of us that could use some help to “clean up our backs” The Enriched Stitch of CT is having a Zoom class on May 23rd at 1PM. You can sign up on her web site and she is also going to record it so you can watch it again later. https://enrichedstitch.myshopify.com/products/tidy-backs-zoom-class

The Needlepointer has an interesting new club and they are expecting it to start in September. Over 6 months you stitch 6 fall leaves. Each leaf is finished as a small stand up with a metal plate in the bottom. You also get a Train Set and each car has a magnet so the stand up stays attached. Let’s not forget the threads and stitch guides. They also have plans for more seasons in the future. https://www.theneedlepointer.com/fall-train-setdiv-idclubsubtitleopen-enrollmentdiv/p8502961?cse=nl0513&goal=0_3621358244-2b8d760bf4-69343533&mc_cid=2b8d760bf4&mc_eid=2e6039e84f

KC Needlepoint is again doing “Hearts for Hospice”. Since 2017 over 3,000 hearts have been donated to the program. You can order a canvas thru them or do your own thing and send it to them and they will finish it. https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/blogs/news/stitch-to-support-hearts-for-hospice?_pos=2&_sid=038461dab&_ss=r&utm_campaign=campaign%3A+Hearts+for+Hospice+%2864619cf4fe8b5e4835603fa8%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=omnisend&omnisendContactID=61fc368aa1816e00226a532d

Good luck if you haven’t started stitching ornaments for this Christmas – on the other hand – maybe not so bad as Kate Dickerson has some really cute new ones out. Check out her web site to look at them all as there were way to many to show you here. Kate Dickerson (KSH) hand painted needlepoint ornament designs

Tips N Tricks: This tip is from Ellen of Serendipity Needlepoint – Hand Care for Needlepointers. https://www.serendipityneedleworks.com/loving-your-hands-hand-care-for-needlepointers/ Her blog has exercises, hand creams and suggestions if you have arthritis. Maybe she has something you hadn’t thought of !

Who was that Famous Stitcher? That was Grace Anna Goodhue Coolidge – the wife of Calvin Coolidge. A few weeks after their honeymoon Calvin came to her with a leather bag filled with 52 socks that needed repair ! This request was a far cry from her training. She received her BA from University of Vermont in 1902 with a degree in teaching. She joined the Clarke School for Hearing and Speech in Northampton MA and taught deaf children to communicate by reading lips instead of signing.

Do You Know Who This Famous Stitcher Is ?

Just a reminder – this week is the pop up for Trish Vine at The Edwardian Needle. Tuesday from 12 to 3.

This months meeting is going to be busy. The business of forming a nominating committee for the election of officers is on the agenda. If you would like to stand up and play a part in our organization, please let Linda M know. This is Linda M’s last term as President and there are other open positions as well – most probably can be done remotely.

Please respond to the email sent out by Linda M about the class being held on How To Finish An Ornament with Kelly Starke. A head count is needed to make the arrangements.

Jacqui C. will be teaching us how to make cording. One of those items everyone admires on a finished ornament. And there will be more discussion on how to make thread choices for the ornaments. Don’t forget to send in your Show and Tell to Noelle at her new email address – she does such a great job making everyone envious of so many wonderful finishes.

NEWS FLASH !!! Everyone’s favorite – Trish Vine Designs is going to do a Pop Up at the Edwardian Needle on TUESDAY May 23rd from Noon to 3 PM. The Edwardian is not usually open on Tuesday but Pam is making an exception. Be there early as many of us have encountered the Trish Vine Swarm of followers. Just in case you don’t know about Trish – she is one of the hardest working woman in the Needlepoint World. Everything she does makes us happy! To name a few of her products: Canvas Keepers, Thread Keepers, Project Bags, Ort Holders, Snap Trays, Needle Books and so much more. If she doesn’t have what you need she will make it for you. Don’t be late !!

Classes – Retreats – Classes – Retreats – Lots to choose from !!! Serendipity is having a Virtual Retreat on July 28th and 29th. Ellen has lots of things planned that you will participate in from the comfort of your own home. Check it out: https://www.serendipityneedleworks.com/2023-girlfriends-getaway/

The Enriched Stitch is having a Zoom class on this patriotic canvas on May 20th from 1- 3 PM. Something to do on the beach over the holiday weekend. https://enrichedstitch.myshopify.com/products/usa-complete-kit-and-zoom-class

The Enriched Stitch is also having a summer Stitch In on June 17th. A fun thing to do and better yet – make it a weekend !! https://enrichedstitch.myshopify.com/products/summer-stitch-in

If you want to be closer to home, Pam of Edwardian Needle is giving a class in beginner ribbon work. She creates some of the prettiest things. A nice spring project to learn with. Call the shop to sign up 973-743-9833

Stitched Up Needleworks has a new monthly club – ready for it? – Gnomes Looking for Homes ! It runs for 12 months and starts in June. Call the store or email them.

Today is Coronation Day – King Charles III was crowned today so of course there are canvases to commemorate the event! Wool and Willow have a category on their web site called “All Things British” – some great selections !! https://www.woolandwillow.com/product-category/all-things-british/

Pippin also has a great canvas for the occasion called Gowns and Crowns – for the younger set ! They also have some great new canvases for both summer and winter.

It’s almost here – next weekend is Mother’s Day. What is one of the first thing’s you think of for that holiday ??? Flowers ! You can’t get more variety of flowers than by Jean Smith – here are some of her newest canvases. https://www.jeansmithdesigns.com/copy-of-new-designs-2022

KC Needlepoint has an interesting offer along with a new kit. While it lasts – if you purchase a $75 gift card they will send you a free pair of pretty scissors.https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/products/mothers-day-gift-card-with-scissors?_pos=2&_sid=745e2ff55&_ss=r&utm_campaign=campaign%3A+Get+mom+what+she+wants+for+Mothers+Day+%286451ba7dfce7b514010acc88%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=omnisend&omnisendContactID=61fc368aa1816e00226a532d

The new kit is a Spring Bouquet of flowers. There are 5 different flowers and they come with the canvases, threads, stitch guides and free shipping until May 15th. https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/products/needlepoint-spring-bouquet?_pos=10&_sid=f02789c86&_ss=r&utm_campaign=campaign%3A+Flower+Kit+%286449501455bcab52f31dc1be%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=omnisend&omnisendContactID=61fc368aa1816e00226a532d

To overwhelm you even further with flowers, Needlepoint for Fun is having a sale until May 10th on all flower kits and canvases, 20% off using the code MOTHERSDAY20 at check out. https://needlepoint-for-fun.com/collections/florals

NEWS FLASH Associated Talents along with 2 Sisters have been acquired by Kirk & Bradley. These 2 wonderful companies along with Needlepoint To Go, Kirk & Bradley and Burnett & Bradley will be known as Bradley Needlepoint Company. https://bradleyneedlepoint.com/

TIPS & TRICKS: So your stitching on your deck or in the parking lot and you love using Perle 8. It has a tendency to roll and it gets away from you once to often – do not be frustrated any longer ! You need a “String Thing” !! This handy little can has a magnet on the top so you can park a needle there if need be or it attaches to the can while you put your thread thru the hole in the lid. Now that your Perle 8 is in the can it will not wander away. This nifty company has several size containers including one for a skein of knitting yarn. Check out their web site as they have other items. Gotta love their logo !! Scarlet Today™ — Redwork Plus/Scarlet Today

Who Was That Famous Stitcher? That was Janet Burnett from the famed Burnett & Bradley. She had her own needlepoint shop for 6 years. When it was sold she went on to start her own hand painted needlepoint design and wholesale business. She designed over 3,000 canvases.

Do you know who this famous stitcher is?

It’s an official day – REALLY – and it falls on May 6th:

This weeks meeting was all about choosing stitches and we definitely need to give a shout out to the Potomac Chapter of ANG out of Virginia for their help. They did this same project and gave us suggestions and pictures so we could all see how different one stitch can look from another in the same space. The ideas and hints were great for any project. Everyone participating will be getting in the mail a list of everything we went over during the meeting. Should be interesting to see the stitch choices everyone makes on these small pretty ornaments as the stitching of them progresses.

We are up to 61 members and counting! Welcome to the new and soon to be new members. Come get in on our fun and join NJNA – we love what we do and encourage everyone to come be a part of this organization – the more the merrier !!

ANG national raised over $17,000 with the Spring 2023 Auction. The new software was a much more user friendly experience and made it easier to buy those donated items. Let’s see what the next auction brings !

The Needlepoint Now Magazine’s year long project “Layers of Leaves” seems to have swept the nation along with Melita G’s Stitch Of The Month. The difference between the 2 is – there is a LOT OF FINISHING with the Leaves project. With 10 different leaf patterns in each magazine you need to start now. Many shops are giving finishing classes so you can keep up with making all those leaves into the wreath. I am sure most if not all shops dread the thought of people giving all these leaves in to finish – sort of like trying to rake a forest!! The newer California store Stitched Up Needlework’s has a finishing kit you can purchase. The kit gets you thru the first 10 leaves and by that time you will be a pro. Their web site doesn’t seem to be working yet – give the store a call at 669-258-5027

Have you been toying with buying a needlepoint book and the price made you hesitate??? Check out The Needlepointer – they are having 20% off on all books – a bargain!! Stitch N Save: needlepoint, needlepoint canvases, needlepoint canvas gallery, canvas gallery, needlepoint threads, needlepoint fiber | theneedlepointer.com

The new clubs keep coming!! While your on The Needlepointer’s web site check out their new club for Halloween – or should I say “Sparkleween”. Doesn’t everyone need to add some sparkle to their Halloween?? https://www.theneedlepointer.com/sparkleween-clubdiv-idclubsubtitleopen-enrollmentdiv/p8502581

If this is overwhelming then try their other new club of mini’s. They expect to start in June and be over in November. The items are all self finishing – great for gifts ! https://www.theneedlepointer.com/mini-monogramsdiv-idclubsubtitleopen-enrollmentdiv/p8502673?cse=nl0415&goal=0_3621358244-e2d4ccd72c-69343533&mc_cid=e2d4ccd72c&mc_eid=2e6039e84f

Stitched Up Needleworks has a great suggestion for the next 2 holidays – you guessed it – Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Not a lot of time left so their idea is a key fob, pretty, quick and easy. They have numerous canvases for any taste and if you have time they also have belts – all from the Susan Robert’s Trunk Show.

FOMO ALERT! Stitch By Stitch in NY has a great looking magnifier and light. The magnifier is a big square so it gives you plenty to viewing area and the light is a tiny pin point LED light that illuminates a large area of your canvas. Best of all – it’s cordless !! What more does one need???? ViviLux Bright Flexible Light and Magnifier with Clip for Frame | 1_Stitch by Stitch (stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com)

The canvas on the stand above is also one of 2 new classes at Stitch By Stitch. The hearts by Eye Candy begins in June and is 4 sessions. The other class doesn’t start until September but is so pretty it should be a sell out. EVENTS | 1_Stitch by Stitch (stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com)

It’s Baa accckk – The Great Southern Needlepoint Shop Tour. Get your passport and start traveling and shopping. The “Tour” or should we say contest, runs from May 25 until September 8th. The Grand Prize is a basket worth $1,250. You can get details at the Stitching Fox Stitching Fox Clubs, Classes, and Retreats!

If your not looking to go from store to store then try a Weekend Retreat in California at Stitched Up Needleworks. As Jane from Chilly Hollow says – they get the Smart Cookie Award – They have negotiated a special rate with the Courtyard by Marriott which is 3 blocks away for the up coming Susan Portra classes. This way you can make it a weekend event !

RUMOR MILL: A designer has received a “cease and desist” letter from Chanel about using their copyrighted Logo ! Be careful what you buy. Thanks Jane !

Congratulations to Kreinik – They were named the Small Business Administration’s Exporter of the year award for West Virginia and the Mid Atlantic area. They will be recognized at a luncheon May 3rd for the wonderful products they make – but we knew that all along !! U.S. Small Business Administration Announces National 2023 Exporter of the Year (wvbusinesslink.com)

Tips & Tricks: This great idea comes from Stitch Stash

Who Was That Famous Stitcher? That is Lucy – the owner and designer of Mopsey Designs. She started out as an art therapist and when she discovered needlepoint she found the process gave her all the things she believes in – reflection, mindfulness, connection and communication.

Do you know who this famous stitcher is?

Happy Earth Day !!

PS A very big thank you to the owner and staff of Ridgewood Needlepoint for the donation of canvases to the ladies group from the hospital that are learning to needlepoint. AND for thinking of us when someone had a lot of items that they didn’t know what to do with. It is greatly appreciated.

For several years now NJNA members have participated in the Festival of Trees out at the Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge NJ. We have put up a tree and decorated it with needlepoint ornaments, a different theme each year. We have received many compliments for the appearance of our tree and were even asked if any of the ornaments were for sale. We also made Needlepointer’s Magazine in 2022

Soon we will be making a presentation at the Somerset County Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater. Someone picked up our business card during the Festival of Trees and called to see if some of us would give a talk on the art of needlepoint. One of the main talking points will be that this hobby does not have to be learned thru your grandmother. You can learn needlepoint at any age. Sue C and others will be aiming for an entertaining presentation and as part of it she is going to share stories from the members of NJNA on how they got started stitching.

Another out reach program is being held in conjunction with Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck. Thru their Cancer Support Program run by Courtney L., Program Director, lessons are being given on how to needlepoint. The ladies participating in the program had never done it before or had just started to stitch a project on her own and came to see if she was doing it correctly.

They all went from zero to 60 within a few sessions. With the help of Pam at the Edwardian Needle donating what ever is needed, stash donations from various members of NJNA, help from Sew Much Fun in kitting one of their canvases along with supplying a stitch guide and Linda M’s husband is very happy to have donated an entire bag of stretcher bars to the cause. All of these donations have made a big difference to these women to broaden their ability to needlepoint, relax, enjoy the company of others and more. Research shows that social and emotional support plays a powerful role in well-being, particularly throughout the cancer journey. I think this is true even if you have not been stricken with cancer.

Anyone that would like to drop by to stitch with us, we are in a Hackensack office bldg. most Tuesday afternoons. Here is a few of the projects the ladies are working on or have completed.

We are always on the look out for more out reach programs. If you have a suggestion we would love to hear about it.

The Spring Holidays are here and hopefully everyone is enjoying family & friends !

This month will be exciting at the NJNA meeting, the canvases from Blue Ridge Stitchery will be distributed to those that ordered them. There will also be a discussion on the kind of stitches that will fit the areas Cathryn and Jacqui spoke about last time. Don’t forget to bring your homework to the mtg – no one is going to believe that the dog ate it if you don’t have it. If you decided not to do that project you are encouraged to stitch on your current project like the original idea of a counted piece. And how many counted pieces are you doing????? Or – how many did you plan to do – no pressure !! LOL

The ANG magazine is out for March/April and the Tale of Two Stitcher’s just makes me want to try messy beading. There is another article on the differences between stem stitch and outline stitch.

There is also shown in the magazine two new correspondence courses – one by the amazing Toni Gerdes and the other by the equally talented Janet Zickler Casey. You would have to do both because you can’t pick one over the other. I included the explanations because they explained them best. Both amazing projects.

Spring but for new beginnings and also for new needlepoint clubs. Name a store and they have a new club starting during the year (no, I didn’t let you miss any of them!) BeStitched is starting classes on that beautiful new canvas by Melissa Shirley – The Snowy Day Lady. The first of 3 classes starts the end of July. Such a pretty canvas. https://bestitchedneedlepointshop.com/products/snowy-day-lady-class

The Needlepointer has a new class that has to be fun – Exotic Fans. This 12 month club will start in June. Look as closely as you can, each fan is very different from the others – it has to be a fun project. https://www.theneedlepointer.com/exotic-fansdiv-idclubsubtitleopen-enrollmentdiv/p8502582?cse=nl0401&goal=0_3621358244-8e09974d7a-69343533&mc_cid=8e09974d7a&mc_eid=2e6039e84f

The Needlepointer also has a new club called Slice of Life. This is a 4 or 5 month club – your choice. The 5th month is a tote bag you can attach the other 4 months to. Each part is also a self finishing item and there is a pre-recorded class video you can upload. https://www.theneedlepointer.com/slice-of-life-clubdiv-idclubsubtitleopen-enrollmentdiv/p8502640?cse=nl0408&goal=0_3621358244-d29d7be06c-69343533&mc_cid=d29d7be06c&mc_eid=2e6039e84f

The Stitching Fox has a very appropriate club – The Vixen Club by Danji. Twelve months of Fox canvas ornaments exclusive to The Stitching Fox. https://www.stitchingfox.com/products/12-month-stitch-club-foxes

The Stitching Fox also is showing an array of new notions from Market. From Zip and Stitch to scissors to great new needle minders you have to give them a look !! https://www.stitchingfox.com/collections/notions?sort_by=created-descending

While your perusing notions, check out Chaparral for some interesting new needle minders ! You can never have enough ! https://ndlpt.com/collections/needleminders?page=1

It’s a little late now but…. there is always next year !!! KC Needlepoint has the cutest Easter Basket Name Tags !! What a great idea. A small project, colorful and lasts a life time. Besides, the Bunny wants equal time with the guy in the red suit! https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/collections/easter-needlepoint?sort_by=created-descending&utm_campaign=campaign%3A+Easter+name+tags+%28641c9d5a255b91001b24cc01%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=omnisend&omnisendContactID=61fc368aa1816e00226a532d

The news is everywhere – the iconic Rittenhouse Needlepoint is for SALE !! Russell and Stephen want to move on and are looking for a buyer or buyers. If you have never been it’s an eye full to walk around that store in Philadelphia. They want all offers by 6/15/23. The future will be interesting. My Needlepoint

A new store has opened called Needlepoint Obsession in MA out on Cape Cod. I guess Osterville Needlepoint will have some competition. Needlepoint | Needlepoint Obsession | Mashpee

New – New – New KC Needlepoint just showed that you can now get Pepper Pot silk in 10 yard cards !! Great for smaller projects like the Blue Ridge Stitchery ornaments we are about to start stitching !!! https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/collections/pepper-pot-silk-card?&utm_campaign=campaign%3A+Pepper+Pot+Silk+Cards+%28642740d97793b80014eded7a%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=omnisend&omnisendContactID=61fc368aa1816e00226a532d

Tips and Tricks !!

Who was that Famous Stitcher? That was Devon Nicholson of JP Needlepoint. She has been in the Needlepoint industry since 1985 in a host of jobs. Her creations are full of color and character. She has also written, illustrated and published 2 children’s books.

Do You Know Who This Famous Stitcher Is?

This month’s meeting started our journey into understanding how to pick the right stitch for various places on your painted canvas. Cathryn and Jacki discussed many of the books people buy to get ideas for stitches in various places in the picture painted on the canvas. We even have homework !!! Don’t forget to have ready 3 stitches for the sky area and 3 stitches for clouds. Next month the Blue Ridge canvases that were ordered will be distributed and the discussion on picking stitches as well as threads will continue.

Going along with the theme of choosing a painted canvas and picking stitches and threads, be sure to watch the Kelly Starke video on how to finish the piece when you are done. You can go to KellyStarkeDesigns.com and get lots of information. Later in the year Kelly Starke will be doing a class that you will be able to sign up for and attend. Give it a try – the wait time for finishing keeps getting longer and longer – you have nothing to loose.

Welcome to our happy group of stitcher’s Julianne – you are our 61st member. Hope you enjoy all the things we do together.

Our group again had a wonderful showing of talent at the 60th Annual Woodlawn Needlework Show. There were 699 pieces to compete with and our contribution was 31 pieces. Again our Barbara L got a top prize – the Judge’s Choice Award – First Place. Linda, Rosie, Diane and Melita all were winners as well. Everyone that submitted deserves recognition for such beautiful entries.

New Books !!! Whimsical Stitches Vol.4 is coming out in June. This book is all about small stitches. It’s perfect for a new stitcher who is looking to start out with ornaments and smaller canvases. (Hmmmm a theme is evolving) It has close to 200 stitches. It also has a section on planning and picking stitches for the small area. Also, Ruth Schmuff has revised the book “Threads, A Needle Necessity” for the 3rd time and it’s now called “Inspired by Threads”. It’s a reference of threads on the market right now. It’s packed with information on each thread and is in a handy 5.5 X 8.5 inch book – easy to take along in your bag. https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2023/03/coming-soon-2/?utm_source=mailpoet&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=the-last-newslettertotal-posts-from-our-blog-1

Are you a Trish Vine junkie??? I know a lot of people that can’t wait to see what new and different things she is stitching up these days. She will be doing a Pop Up Trunk Show at the Edwardian Needle on May 23rd from 12 to 3 pm. Mark your calendars and get there early before it’s all gone !

Are you having needlepoint friends over for a get together??? Everyone likes to be neat so look at these napkins from the Needlepoint Clubhouse. They have other fun items like note pads and tea towels – great for a gift !! https://www.needlepointclubhouse.com/products/stitching-cocktail-napkins?_pos=1&_psq=napkins&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Do you know about Oli Magnets? Great item to keep you needles on your canvas. They have previewed a new designer line and they come in several sizes. https://www.etsy.com/shop/oliblock/?etsrc=sdt

To get your finishing back these days you better be a young chippie because your going to have a long wait !! This means you need to find “self finishing” items to get things quickly. KC Needlepoint has a new one – cuff links ! What a great gift for a wedding party or for someone having a special occasion. https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/products/cufflinks?_pos=1&_sid=302d97207&_ss=r&utm_campaign=campaign%3A+Cufflinks+%28641279ce255b91001b24a129%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=omnisend&omnisendContactID=61fc368aa1816e00226a532d

While we are shopping KC Needlepoint, they also have easy to finish trays and napkin holders. So different yet easy to finish and adorably exotic looking. Wonderful house warming gift for a Floridian Friend. https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/search?type=product,article,page&q=tray%20kits*

Hedgehog Designs are those retro airport and destination tags and they have a new batch of them for the Spring Market. They also have partnered with Kangaroo Paw Designs LLC as they have the official licensing for the Greek Sororities and when you put it all together you now have Retro Greek Sorority Tags !! They have just released the first 6. Hedgehog Needlepoint

While we are talking about these colorful tags – I saw a great way of using them on the Absolutely Needlepoint email. Be it for yourself or as a gift it’s a great way to have a conversation starter about travel !! How cute is this bag???? Absolutely Needlepoint – Discover a world of needlepoint and everything that comes with it.

Ok – Ok, you can’t wait any longer for the new things from the Spring Market. Hold on to your wallets – so many wonderful new canvases that I can’t even think of showing them all to you. If there is a particular designer you enjoy working on then check out their web site because they were all VERY BUSY !! These items came from Stitch By Stitch in NY Ny Needlepoint | Stitch By Stitch Larchmont, NY | United States (stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com)

Old World Designs Needlepoint had a different flavor of new canvases – all striking !! Old World Designs Needlepoint Menlo Park Bay Area

Tips and Tricks: From Diversions Needlepoint in CO Diversions Needlepoint | Denver, CO 80113

Who was that Famous Stitcher? That was Melissa Prince. She had a career in media advertising and a friend saw some of her paintings and thought they would be great as needlepoint canvases. She painted a few and took them to a local shop where they all sold immediately – she has designed over 500 canvases and counting !

Do You Know Who This Famous Stitcher Is?

This chapter again has award winning members at the Woodlawn Needlework Show. This is their 60th year of presenting all different types of needlework and the theme is “Craft as Comfort: Joy in Needlework” – and don’t we all feel the same way. We again have to applaud Barbara L. for her Judge’s Choice Award for her “Cray Cray Bird” designed by Zecca.

Our other member, Melita G. was also awarded 2nd place for Original Design !! They have not released the entire list of award winners so we all have our fingers crossed that NJNA will have other members recognized for their talented works of art.

Hopefully you have gotten the new issue of Needlepoint Now. Another NJNA member – Holly G. was featured for her “Umbrella Girl” project from Painted Pony and stitch guide by Pam Miller of the Edwardian Needle. The beads on the umbrella alone are impressive. NJNA is a busy group !!! Needlepoint Now – The #1 Consumer Magazine Committed to the Fine Art of Needlepoint

It’s election time at ANG – your voice, your vote. I got an email on 3/9/23 giving you a link to cast your vote. The voting will be open until 3/31/23. Sign in to the ANG website and make your voice heard. American Needlepoint Guild, Inc.

One of the perks of being a member of ANG is their fabulous magazine. The new issue will be in your mail box soon. It’s available online now for those that can’t wait!!

It’s Auction Time !! ANG’s Spring Auction will be starting this Friday 3/17 at 8 AM. Watch your email for a link to their new system which is supposed to be much easier. They have 240 canvases, 20 finished items and 13 books. Good Luck to all the bidders.

Store News – The well known store Rittenhouse Needlepoint is for SALE!! Russell and Stephen feel it’s time to move on. If you have never been to their store it is an amazing space in a loft area of a warehouse. Wide open with enough threads to make your head spin. It’s a lot to take in but worth the trip. I am sure we all hope someone steps forward and buys it so it continues to give us lots of options along with a destination for a road trip !! Good luck to Russell and Stephen. My Needlepoint

Threads Too tried something very different for Super Bowl Sunday and it was a big hit – Mah Jong lessons !! They have opened their store to beginners for lessons, snacks and refreshments from 7 pm to 9:30 pm for $65. Of course they have a few canvases to go with the occasion! If your interested, the next night is this Wed. Call Diane: 908-489-8668 or Lauren: 917-744-7107 to see if there is still space left. Threads Too

Have you seen Au Ver A Soie has a metallic line of thread? It’s similar to our favorite Kreinik thread but it’s more loosely woven together and therefore a little softer. I spotted it on K C Needlepoint and with all the difficulty we seem to have getting many threads this may be a new alternative. https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/search?type=product,article,page&q=au%20ver%20a%20soie%20metalic*

Debbie Rowley has an interesting new offering called Circle Dance. What’s different about this is YOU paint your canvas before stitching the design on it. She explains the entire process but in the end if you are still not sure she will paint it for you. She uses 3 different colors of paint and it can be what ever color combo you would like it to be and she will help you with changing the threads. I can see how no 2 canvases would be alike. https://debbeesdesigns.com/product/circle-dance/

DebBee’s Designs also has a new feature to her web site – “On Demand Classes”. You can work at your own speed and access video stitch demonstrations. If your stuck, you can email Debbie herself. She also gives you the choice of a full kit, stitch guide and canvas or stitch guide alone. Her first offering is called Explorations and is a counted piece. I see a bunch of Jean Hilton stitches in this piece – way to much fun to do. https://debbeesdesigns.com/courses/explorations/

Stitch Stash has new Planet Earth kits on their web site. Everything to make a quick charm or key fob and it comes in a cute matching bag – an easy on the go project. Lot’s to choose from including other kits with those great red cups. https://stitch-stash.com/search?page=1&q=KIT%2A&type=product

No matter what kind of craft you are doing Snarky Crafter Deigns has something to make you smile and help with what your doing. From Needle Minders to knitting markers these people have a sense of humor. Collections – Snarky Crafter Designs

For all those dog and cat lovers you will want to check out DogGrin Design. These are self finishing collars for your pets along with a few other items ! They are made of leather and brass hardware with a window containing a hand painted 18 ct canvas. They paint them in a grey scale so you can use any color combo you like. Enjoy their web site & thank you Cathryn. https://www.doggrindesign.com

Needle Orts in Altamonte Springs FL has some really nice classes being given and the next best part is most are done both in person and on zoom! To catch Spring Fever they have a class called Hot Wheels Bunny. There are 2 sessions – one in April and one in May, which ever fits your schedule. When in their web site look ahead to future classes, some great choices. https://www.needleorts.com/

Diversions Needlepoint is having their annual Limerick Contest. Send in your entry and the ladies of the shop will make their determination on who did the best job. The winner gets a $25 gift certificate to the store. Extra consideration will be given to Limerick’s that mention them. http://www.diversionsneedlepoint.com/index.html They give this as an example:

Tips & Tricks: Do you know anything about Penelope Canvas? I knew it existed and that I mostly saw is used for old lady type pictures on a piano bench (age is relative these days). I discovered an article all about it and – how versatile ! The pillow from 1960 used the smaller holes for the ribbon and note and the larger holes for the background – all in the same canvas! The link will give you information about the history and usage of this mostly European used canvas. I was surprised to learn as much as I did. https://www.jenisandberg.com/blog/2021/11/20/a-beginners-guide-to-penelope-canvas-for-needlepoint?goal=0_94f8f95c9c-c6dc461640-471272985&mc_cid=c6dc461640&mc_eid=12872b76d6

Who was that Famous Stitcher? That beauty was Betsy Ross. Though there is no proof that she was the one that created the “Betsy Ross Flag” – No one can disprove the legend told by her family either. She died in 1836 at the age of 84, had 7 children and was married 3 times !!

Do You Know Who This Famous Stitcher Is?

We had an interesting meeting this month – so many things coming up! You need to be in it to enjoy it !! Come join us as the coming year should be very enjoyable. Those who were interested in learning some new stitches – you were heard. Cathryn and Jacqui put together and interesting project to satisfy your request. They selected 3 ornaments from Blue Ridge Stitchery that are in stock so there are no issues in getting them. You must let Cathryn know by the end of Feb so they can be ordered at a cost of approx $70. A program will be developed going over possible stitches for these canvases and Jacqui is working on a program about finishing an ornament. There you have it – the process from beginning to end ! I am sure it will be fun and dare I say – educational!! Below are the choices of ornaments. Make sure you let either Cathryn or Jacqui know your choice.

For the March meeting, come armed with all your questions on the SOTM. Melita G. will be on hand to answer all your concerns. You should also bring your collection of books on stitches as there will be a talk on small stitches in advance of receiving the above canvases. Cathryn will also have a video on finishing an ornament to get you ready for the workshop Jacqui is preparing for later in the year. We will all be very busy!!

It’s almost time to cast your votes for the 2023 ANG National Elections. Voting starts 3/1/23 and you should be getting an email shortly. If you don’t get the email, make sure you renewed your membership so you don’t miss out on all ANG has to offer over the next year.

The Spring Auction is going to be held from March 17 – 20 this year. It’s a bit late because there is no more Auction Frogs! They have pressed into service another piece of software that is supposed to be more user friendly. You will be getting and email with a link to “School Auction” which was developed especially for ANG. Can’t wait to see what is up for auction this time !!

Check out the ANG Distance Learning that is available. Two projects finish registration on Feb 28 so hurry to register. March 1 the Cyber Workshop has something new – Caribbean Sunset by Robin McVey – the picture is stunning and I’ll bet it’s a challenging project.

The February newsletter from our favorite magazine has announced that they are now offering “digital subscriptions” !! No more wondering if it got lost in the mail or a friend got their copy a week before me !!! A great idea. From the email, this second edition sounds like it’s packed with lot’s of interesting articles. You go girls !! https://www.needlepointnow.com/

The “Squad” is at it again – book #2 is about to hit the stores. M’s Canvas House is taking advance orders for “Master Stitches From The Squad” Vol #2. There is a $48 deposit but no final pricing as of yet. If you can’t live without the new book you can call M’s Canvas House to reserve your copy at 859-253-1302. If your in the area, M’s Canvas House has a few openings in some classes being given in April with Meredith, June for the Bernda Stofft Santa and in July with Tony Minieri.

For those looking to learn new stitches go to the web site for Stitch By Stitch in Larchmont NY. They are doing a decorative stitches class using a Penny Linn Designs canvas. The class filled so fast they are doing a 2nd one starting in Sept. Just love the threads alone !! Ny Needlepoint | Stitch By Stitch Larchmont, NY | United States (stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com)

Needlepoint .Com has a retreat coming up for the fall in South Carolina at Society Hall. Their newest store is in Charleston SC and their retreat is loaded with things to do. You can meet several designers, 6 trunk shows, a dozen classes, demonstrations and more. Check out the web site – https://needlepoint.com/pages/retreat

Bedecked and Bedazzled is also quite busy with a new 2023 Zecca Retreat – one of the all time favorite designers of Ruth Schmuff. This retreat however can be done from the comfort of your home as it will be over Zoom! This years piece is a moth and Ruth says she see’s lot’s of sparkle! https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/luna-moth/

Bedecked also has the cutest owl called Ladybug Friends – you just have to smile when you see it. She also has plans to write a guide for a companion piece later in the year – I can’t imagine !!! https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/ladybug-friends/

Closer to our area Suzie Vallerie of the Enriched Stitch is also having a retreat in April. It looks like an interesting event with lots to learn with a custom stitch guide for your piece. Retreat | The Enriched Stitch

I had a piece about a replacement for Evertites – well – The Needlepointer put out a notice that they just Restocked Evertite Stretcher Bars !! A must have when working on congress cloth. https://www.theneedlepointer.com/evertite-stretcher-bars/p8501039?cse=nl0219&goal=0_3621358244-3fc826d93a-69343533&mc_cid=3fc826d93a&mc_eid=2e6039e84f

Evertites tend to be heavy so if you are looking for less weight look to Hanna Bass – they have a version of Q Snaps that will hold the thicker canvas and are probably great for smaller projects. Check out their web site as they have lots of interesting items – I love the maps ! https://hannahbass.com/collections/accessories/products/11x-11-plastic-clip-frame

Family Arts Needlework is supporting one of their customers that is a breast cancer survivor. Her name is Jan Christiansen. She is a 32 year breast cancer survivor and she started an organization called “Pink Things” Their mission is to provide support and hope to cancer patients through their journey to survivorship. They provide one “pink hug” at a time by sending small packages of pink things to nominated patients. To nominate someone, please send and email with the persons name, phone number, address and your name to PinkThingsOrg@ gmail.com.

Stitch By Stitch never disappoints – here are some new canvases from the Atlanta Spring Market to look forward to. You can see more on their web site along with all the upcoming events (and there are many!) Ny Needlepoint | Stitch By Stitch Larchmont, NY | United States (stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com)

The last blog I mixed up Rachel’s and wrote the beautiful handbags were by Rachel Donley when they were actually by Rachel Barri !! Both have fabulous pieces to choose from – my apologies ! Here are some of Rachel Barri’s design :Rachel Barri Designs – Rachel Barri Designs Inc.

And here are some wonderful designs from Rachel Donley. You can’t lose no matter which Rachel you choose ! Rachel Donley Needlepoint Designs – stitch-painted canvases

Tips and Tricks: I was stitching the other day and no matter what I did – when I stranded my thread it looked like Albert Einstein’s hair !! The dry air has created so much static electricity it’s difficult to get your thread in place. I looked it up and found that a thread conditioner such as Thread Heaven is the answer. It’s a synthetic silastic polymer not wax based or petroleum based. These 2 items attract dirt and dust not to mention leaving a sticky coating on the thread. Read up more on this product before you try it. How to Use Thread Conditioners (thesprucecrafts.com)

Who was that Famous Stitcher? That was Chottie Alderson ! She was the author of a series of five needlework books “Stitchin With Chottie” She is very famous for Chottie’s Plaid. She taught for many years in America, Canada, England and Australia. Her motto was “If it isn’t fun, it isn’t needlepoint.”

Do You Know Who This Famous Stitcher Is?