Tag Archives: crochet

Oct17

What’s Happening at NJNA 10/17/26

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This coming week will be our October meeting and it will be a stitch in. Next month will be a talk by Anne-Marie Anderson-Mayes of Beautiful Stitches. Having just come in from outside – it is the start of “Stitching Weather” Brrrrrrr ! The temperature dropped a bit quickly !! No matter, we all have plenty of stash !!

Change is coming to ANG national ! If you haven’t read your email – the management company ANG uses to coordinate all the workings of the national guild has terminated their contract as of the end of this year. “The ANG Board of Directors views this termination as an opportunity to “reset” ANG and re-focus our Guild for a productive and flourishing future. Please be assured that we will continue to have our Annual Seminars, Needle Pointers magazine, Independent Learning, and other features and events you love about ANG. However, after December 29th many of these will start to change for what we believe is for the better.” The first big change will be about the magazine. Unless you have a 2 year membership, as of January 1 there will be an additional charge of $30 to have the magazine mailed to you. You will still get the digital version. Membership renewals for 2027 are now open if you would like to get a jump on it.

The first in the next 3 free lectures by ANG will here shortly. Blink and November will be here !! You have until October 29th to register for the Zoom link. This lecture will also be recorded and you will have up to a month afterwards to listen to it again. https://www.needlepoint.org/page/WebinarLectures?_zs=QhCog1&_zl=O0cxA

Spring Fling Virtual Seminar Classes registration starts November 2nd and ends on November 30th. Classes are not held until April of 2027. They still have not published the classes they will be offering. Keep an eye out for a favorite class you were not able to take – this is a great way to do it and not be rushed.

Next Friday 10/23/26 is when the Online Auction begins! (Do they not know how big my stash is already?) You can’t resist checking it out – in case you see a “must have” LOL !!

The final Quarterly Stitch project has been released by ANG. They are very pretty button ornaments by Denise Beuseni. They look like they are quick and easy and great stash busters.

Are you following Morgan Julia Designs weekly “Road Trips” ? Her first stop was Maine (where she recently got married). She tells you about neat places to go and Needlepoint shops along the way along with a play list just for the trip ! Of course at the end she shows off her canvases apropos to the area (but who doesn’t mind looking ??). BUT – have you seen her new needle threaders? I was a sucker for the diet soda one a long time ago. Now she has a bunch of new ones. I count 21 to be exact – one for everyone’s taste. I have to admit, my diet soda has held up well !! Easy to grab because of it’s size. On another note – if your interested in one of her canvases, she has a neat thing where you scroll below the part of the web site where you would add the canvas to your cart and you will find a place that people can add a picture of how they have stitched that canvas. “Our Canvases, Your Stitches” – great for ideas!!https://morganjuliadesigns.com/collections/acrylic-needle-threaders?_kx=rV4MBEfWGkwURglkyUXCLopGavY2DCJQzP6Y94aO8T4.RWeQns

I happen to like stitching with the Thread Gatherer thread. They have some beautiful choices of thread along with other things on their web site. Right now they have some new limited edition sets for sale. Their big news though is they are now on Substack! You can read about various subjects they are posting about and don’t forget their blog. https://threadgatherer.com/

Are you a game player?? I know someone adventurous enough to be stitching a Monopoly Board right now !! The big thing though seems to be Mah Jong. So many needlepoint items for Mah Jong are out there to stitch. If you have made that BIG commitment then you need to take it to the finish line and get —- Needlepoint Tiles ! If you enjoy the game and are a collector of sets – check out St Clare Mahjong. They have the usual accessories along with the tiles. https://www.stclaremahjong.com/origins-collection/p/the-origins-collection

The other game needle pointer’s stitch is backgammon !! Such beautiful (and BIG) canvases are out there to stitch. After all that expense and effort you don’t want people putting dirty hands on the canvas to play the game so what do you do????? You talk to Stitch By Stitch as they are a retail partner for Darby House Designs who make heirloom quality acrylic sets. You have your stitching finished and slide it into the acrylic. They also make the pieces needed to play the game. These boards are beautiful and not the average plastic like holder. Go to their web site and look not only at their boards but the stitching they display them with – beautiful – they are Tina Griffin designs !!!!! https://darbyhousedesign.com/

As long as we are talking self finishing (sort of) The Needlepointer has Totes with changeable fronts ! They are made of felt and leather from Nepal. They have different pictures that you can put on or make your own. Easy on and off as they use buttons. They have several colors to choose from. https://theneedlepointer.com/products/felt-and-leather-tote-bag-with-buttons?se_activity_id=181500510450&syclid=db9u1ujodppc73atul4g&utm_campaign=Carry+Your+Creative+Side_181500510450&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email

An interesting self finishing item I found is all the way from Hawaii called Renni Collective. They have 2 different materials that you stitch an 11″ X 5″ insert and you put it into the opening (which has a sticky back). They also have canvases that fit that you can buy, many of which have a Hawaii theme. You will see them popping up in LNS !! https://rennicollective.com/collections/all

Have you heard about the new stretcher bars???? No staples or tacks ! They come with magnets that hold the canvas tight. They also have a bar that fits across the back to hold your threader and needle out of the way. The other unique thing about them is the way they fit together – like puzzle pieces. You buy them the same way as the wooden ones and they range in size from 5 to 12 inches. Look at the other things they have on their web site like a neat way to deal with beads called a bead nest. A magnetic corner that has a sticky portion to hold beads on your frame. https://mbstitchco.com/

One more new and nifty item – “Stretchy Bits” sort of sounds like a candy – lol. This will be interesting when they restock. They made the mistake of not only underestimating the response for this product but they did it just before a wedding ! Yikes ! They are one inch pieces that you put together to fit the size of the canvas your going to stitch. You can put tacks in them, they are light weight and come in colors! Think of them as “modular stretcher bars”. When your done stitching you can take them apart and build the size you need for the next canvas. They come 50 pieces to a set. (Thank you Cathryn). https://stretchybits.com/

Have a stitching friend that celebrates Christmas and you want a unique gift – check out Joli Point Needlepoint – beautiful items !! The one that stood out though was the tree ornaments made of blown glass. No one else will have these !! https://jolipoint.com/collections/shop

Tips and Tricks: Some friends of mine were having a discussion about needle minders and how to store them. (I think they multiply over night at times). One of them had a very interesting way to deal with storing them – a cookie sheet !! When you think about it – it’s a great idea !! (We all need just one more don’t we?)

Who is this Famous Stitchers? That is the self made newlywed herself Morgan Julia. She started out painting nautical preppy needlepoint canvases when she lived in Annapolis MD and put pictures up on Instagram. She got a lot of reaction so she set up a web site and was able to take the company full time within 6 months in 2021. She moved to St. Petersburg FL and ran a boutique store which has exploded to pop ups, retreats and 2 brick and mortar stores (for now). Always by her side is her CFO (Chief Fetching Officer) Goldendoodle “Captain”.

Do you know who this Famous Stitcher is ?

May24

What’s Happening at NJNA 5/23/26

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Memorial Day Weekend and with weather like this it’s perfect to stitch the weekend away. I know we need the rain but it is soggy out there ! Thankfully this past week our meeting was all on Zoom and I believe they recorded it. It was another “you didn’t want to miss” program by Jacqui !!! So interesting and lots of questions as we went along. She was showing us that by taking a picture of your project in black and white how to tell if there was balance in the color choices. This opened a whole new avenue of understand on how to pick colors for your project OR how your framer can completely change the look of your project with the matting and frame. If you missed the program watch for it to be posted on our web site. Next month Jacqui will be talking about other parts of the color wheel – triads, tetrads, complements, etc. I had no idea there was so much information on a color wheel !! This will be the last of the series on color so don’t miss !!! Of course you need to be a member to enjoy all this – we love new members !!

If you have not heard about “America’s Tapestry” then check out their web site https://www.americastapestry.com/exhibitions In honor of our nation’s 250th anniversary you will be able to see this amazing collection of tapestries of the original 13 colonies starting in June. Virginia is the first that will be on display until September. In October New Jersey can be seen at the Passaic County Arts Center in Hawthorne NJ. Information with times and location are on the web site. This project is just amazing to see. I went to an event that had a piece of it there set up on a slate frame and anyone could stitch on it. I can’t wait to go see it finished. Below is the NJ piece called “Women on the home front”. On the web site below the picture is an audio description. Poke around the web site as there is a lot of interesting tidbit’s.

Women on the home front

Island House Needlepoint in Norwalk CT is having another retreat on July 10th and there may still be a seat or 2 left. Several of the NJNA members are going and having been to their first retreat I guarantee they will have a great time. The project that comes with the retreat is a 3D London Phone Booth. The class is being taught by Deb Bryan (who I see at more and more store events in other states). She has a certificate in Technical Hand Embroidery from the Royal School of Needlework among other things. If you can’t make the retreat look thru the web site. They are now selling the bag I received as part of the “swag” for going to the first retreat along with other really nice bags. She is selling more and more items so check back often. https://islandhouseneedlepoint.com/

Since we are all bag ladies to start with – KC Needlepoint has a new line of bags – Becco Bags! They come in an assortment of sizes and shapes and colors BUT they are also offering a neat new “Round Canvas Self Adhesive Patch”. You stitch a very small canvas (and yes they sell a bunch of them to fit) then insert the canvas in the “patch”. The patch sticks to the bag with Velcro. You can move them all around or swap them for an occasion. https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/collections/becco-bags?page=1&sort_by=price-ascending

Still need options? Look to Stitch Stash in Delaware – she has very cute Ric Rac bags in different versions. In expensive in case you need more than one !! (And you do!) https://stitch-stash.com/collections/ric-rac-bags

New Thread Alert: Vineyard Silk has a new product – Silk Thirteen. As the name implies it’s made with 13 count canvas in mind. Fireside Stitchery is carrying it and when they get the full line you will have 199 colors to choose from. It’s 100% Chinese Silk that they say feels buttery to the touch, has a beautiful sheen and great coverage. https://firesidestitchery.com/products/vineyard-silk-13-mesh-000-199

We have a relatively new needle point store called “Mrs. Meshugga” in our area. She has shared space in a place called The General Store in Maplewood NJ. The General Store is closing but the great news is that Mrs. Meshugga is taking over the entire space! Sometime in the summer the place will close and she will be renovating to have more canvases, threads etc. As she puts it ” Your WIP pile is about to get even more out of control” We wish her luck and success as there is nothing better than another destination to shop. https://www.mrsmeshugga.com/collections/great-for-beginners-1

I just passed around an email from Moore Stitching – they are having a BOGO 50% off sale for the holiday. Yes, we all have too much but they are so adorable and quick to stitch up ! Who can resist Lucy and Ina or Martha and all the others???? https://moorestitching.com/collections/modern-muses

I know, I know – I just tempted you again BUT – if you need to make room in your over flowing stash Rittenhouse Needlepoint has just started a destashing service ! You take a picture or 2, go to their web site and answer a few questions then up load the picture. It goes out to their platform where you can buy and or sell. You set the price and get 80% of the sale in cash OR you can choose store credit and get 110% of the sale price. They went live this past Thursday. I just looked and there were already 17 pages to look thru ! https://destash.rittenhouseneedlepoint.com/about/info?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=email&_kx=QNbnum1iUEN5weUC3DuK75aOlVx0Dud-BR0a603hRFw.TU8N4e

In honor of the holiday (or be a head of the game for July 4th) Old World Designs in CA is having a Hot Dog Party on June 27th. They will be having hot dogs for lunch and you can stitch with friends while working on your Hot Dog kit which comes with canvas, guide and threads. If that doesn’t make you smile ….. https://www.oldworlddesigns.com/module/class/637985/hot-dog-party

Tips & Tricks: You know supplies are getting tight when a store starts to create their own stretcher bars! The Needle Works in Austin TX is now selling 3D printed stretcher bars. They are compatible with the wood ones, you can use tacks or staples on them and soon they will come with the size printed on them. Call the store as I didn’t see them on the web site. (512) 451-6931 https://theneedleworks.com/

Who was that Famous Stitcher? This is Lucy Millet the owner and founder of Mopsey Designs. She started the company in Maine in 2020 and named it after her great – grandmother, Mopsey. She had plenty of inspiration from other women in her family and studied art therapy and print making.

Do you know who this Famous Stitcher is?

Happy Memorial Day

May9

What’s Happening at NJNA 5/9/26

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Another week and a half before we get the next part of Jacqui’s series of talks on color. I can’t wait to see how she is going to tie in all that she has covered so far. Plans are in the works for the second half of the year though there are so many holidays and seminars etc. let’s see what is coming.

The seminar in Denver is coming up fast. ANG sent out by email the forms to get merchandise ahead of time. They are offering 3 different Frame Weights and your supposed to ask about the names of them when your at the seminar ! All are very cute and I am sure they will go fast.

ANG is also doing a full day Stitch In on Sunday July 19th in the Aspin Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Denver. This room can accommodate between 400 and 800 so there should be plenty of room to spread out !! We all seem to like to spread out ! It runs from 11 am – 6 pm and includes “Needlepoint Goodies”, door prizes and access to the ANG Exhibit & Auction. You can register at: https://www.needlepoint.org/general/custom.asp?page=2026Stitch-In

I happen to love my Lowrey stand. They also have other pieces that make it very versatile to fit what ever you are stitching. They now have a new piece you can order. They call it a “Device Holder”. It attaches to your stand and supports your tablet or phone. This way you can look at your instructions, patterns, video’s or even TV while your stitching. I was at a stitch in recently and a woman had her laptop there on the table to view in large font what she was working on – this makes it easier! Lowrey also has a new color for their stands – called Verity – a shocking green! Check out their web site. They say that things on “Pre Order” take about 2 weeks to get – not bad. https://www.workstands.com/store#!/Device-Holder/p/804259886

Day Light has a new light called “DuoNeck Go”. It’s ergonomically designed to deliver effortless focus, exceptional comfort, and crystal-clear clarity. It is supposed to show “true to life color by being able to shift between color temperatures and from wide light to a focused beam. It’s hands free, lightweight with a neck rest and rechargeable. Now if it would make dinner …. wishful thinking! Check it out on their web site: https://daylightcompany.com/us/shop/?utm_source=brevo&utm_campaign=DuoNeck%20Go%20Launch%20US&utm_medium=email

Now that Spring Market is over the new threads are starting to hit the stores. Check out Stitch Stash to see the new Soie Tissee Metalic Threads. As of now there are 20 colors. You can also get a card with 3 of them in White, Patriotic and Christmas. Check out the colors online though there is nothing better than in person. Looking forward to my LNS getting in a shipment. https://stitch-stash.com/collections/metal-soie-tissee-with-a-metallic

Coco Frank, known for her playing cards, flower envelopes, travel round ornaments, dogs…. has been asked to many times about the fabric she uses to finish pieces. She decided to start selling them in sets of five patterns. The prints are small so they are a great size for an ornament so as not to overwhelm the backing compared to the piece. They come in 2 color ways both so sweet. https://cocofrankstudio.com/collections/finishing-fabric

Needlepoint. com has a new stash buster line. They are Nutcracker ornaments that come kitted with the canvas, stitch guide, embellishments and back ground thread. You use your stash for the rest. They use both silk and Radiance threads as part of these kits. Choose from Franz, Ludwig, Otto or Johann !!! https://needlepoint.com/collections/stash-busters?_kx=SpNrwJYeSg8JHGV3vDRNkpeUD67Ddf2hdz1HBTATTO0.TxAVmM&utm_campaign=2026_05_09+Nutcracker+Rounds&utm_klaviyo_id=01EY735XHE675Z0Z1C4Z7SB8DK&utm_medium=campaign&utm_source=Klaviyo

I love checking back every so often to see what new people Moore Stitching has and they never disappoint. There are various categories on the web site to see past favorites. See if you recognize these few: https://moorestitching.com/collections/new-arrivals

The Needlepoint Clubhouse has something really interesting – it’s a wooden frame that you attach your canvas to and then start to stitch. When your done stitching – your DONE ! It’s all finished. The frame is made of 1/2″ thick wood that you tack the canvas to and is decorative. They sell small wood stands separately. They also have a variety of bag tags. A very neat idea ! Perfect for a beginner stitcher to get use to using stretcher bars. Look for Fraymeworks frames. https://www.needlepointclubhouse.com/collections/fraymeworks-frames?_kx=di6BKbqlX0z0_r-FgYg7VgX_cnHap6E52Vd1c3YUq6g.W43bG6

The Needlepointer has a new club – Fortune Cookies ! It doesn’t start until about June and goes for 12 months. Each month you get the canvas (4×4) , stitch guide with different stitches for each cookie, thread pack and a self finishing kit. You also have access to a self finishing tutorial video. https://theneedlepointer.com/products/fortune-cookies?se_activity_id=172907692274&syclid=d7vrdtg1cj3s73bejv30&utm_campaign=Need%20Supplies%20for%20Self-Finishing%3F_172907692274&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email&selling_plan=6057001202&variant=48888798937330

Tips & Tricks: I recently made a quick trip (lol) to Stitch By Stitch in NY. So much to look at but I found on the wall something called “Corner Minders” by Elizabeth Brooke. I am sure you have seen the plastic corners that you tack to the inside of the stretchers bars to keep the frame square. These do the same thing but no tacks. They are only good on mini bars but I am “test driving” a set now and they are rather nice. You will have to call the store for them as they go out the door so fast they are not on the web site. https://stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooH6_X6wJCDBrOoWraDtc2co2C_Yr_6w_z-KYpYT5MboZbMw3ep

Who was that Famous Stitcher? I received several guesses as to who this is and they were all correct!! This is Ellen Johnson of Serendipity Needleworks. She started out as a First Grade school teacher then became a store owner and named the store after the famous ice cream shop in Manhattan. Now that she is grandmother she does her teaching online and has a weekly YouTube show. She has lots of avenues to learn with and her web site can keep you busy for hours. https://www.serendipityneedleworks.com/about/

Do you know who this Famous Stitcher is?

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to All !!
Feb7

What’s Happening at NJNA 2/7/26

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Yikes is that cold out there !! That ground hog saw his shadow so we have another 6 weeks of winter to look forward too. Makes you glad that NJNA does meetings via Zoom as well as in person. Another week and a half until we see the next phase of Jacqui C’s year of color ! (I hope it warms up a bit !)

My Needle Pointers magazine just got to my house. ANG just let us all know in their email that the printer is having mechanical problems. Your next issue of the magazine will most likely be a few weeks later also. Good thing this Jan/Feb issue is so packed with articles and ideas to savor, it may take me awhile to get thru.

There are new reasons to stitch (like we needed a reason) – Valentines Day – the Olympics – Spring ! The Needlepointer has a “Mystery Stitch to Finish Box” offer that sounds interesting. Sign up for the box and it should come before February 14th. The box includes a lot ! 2 Valentine canvases, threads, stitch guide, finishing guide and their finishing kit to turn 2 canvases into ornaments. It doesn’t stop there – you also get a bonus pack of threads (for extra creativity) and a set of tools. https://theneedlepointer.com/collections/printed-canvas

With this cold artic blast The Village Needle Works came up with a unique idea – stitching and a movie ! They are having a special event in Omaha NE on Feb 12th. You buy a ticket and show up at their local movie theatre. Doors open at 6 pm and the movie “You’ve Got Mail” starts at 6:30. You also receive a “Valentine’s treat bag”. Bring your stitching as they will be having the theatre lights partially up but they suggest you also bring a clip on light. What a fun idea !! NE is a bit far away but check out Stitch Stash in DE – they are doing the same thing on March 29th only the movie is “Legally Blonde”. https://stitch-stash.com/products/%F0%9F%8E%AC-lights-stitching-action-registration?contact%5Btags%5D=newsletter&form_type=customer#feedback-bar–newsletter

New – New – New – New – New Kathy Rees of Needle Delights announced that Caron Collection has new Water Color shades. She is offering them at a sale price until Feb 15th. She says she is already using then in some of her new designs. 12 beautiful new shades – I think I may need them ! LOL https://needledelights.com/product/new-watercolours-12-skeins/

On another note – Kathy Rees has been having problems getting white canvas, seems to be in very short supply. She also let everyone know that lead times to order supplies are starting to increase again – shades of the Covid times. If that is not enough she was also told that suppliers will be increasing prices in March. She has been gearing up for new mystery class and says she is very frustrated – aren’t we all.

Speaking of colors – check out Color Compliments new penguin design “Waddle”, sure to make you smile. You have to love the color combinations and the face just melts you. They have 2 kits that allow you to stitch 3 penguins. The design of the penguin is the same and the only difference between the kits is the color combo’s. https://colourcomplements.com/product-category/custom-thread-kits?utm_source=Colour+Complements+News+%26+Updates&utm_campaign=f314da55db-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_02_05_08_22&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-f314da55db-285058737&mc_cid=f314da55db&mc_eid=a82e51f2f8

Perfect for the holiday – Blue Dogwood has a new kit featuring 3 hearts in a garnet colorway. The kit includes a stitch painted 18 ct canvas, Weeks Dye Works threads, a white frame with a mat and glass. They also have a teal twilight colorway. A quick yet very pretty stitch. https://bluedogwooddesigns.com/product/3-hearts-garnet/

Do you or friends play canasta? It has become very popular these days. Coco Frank has some new canvases that would make a neat gift. Playing cards and of course, a needle minder to match. Did you doubt it? https://cocofrankstudio.com/collections/playing-cards

She is at it again – Morgan Julia Designs is having another “Pop Up”, this time in Dallas TX. She has again rented a store space from April 17 – 19 and like her NYC pop up will have a limited edition canvas collection, some special releases and a few surprises. For someone about to get married she is a very busy woman. You can read about her new event on her web site. Ye Ha ! https://morganjuliadesigns.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooF16N0vgknVTgRM_y2VuYQr6VfSGDpsn-YEEezbYOh_BV9Rc_S

Tips and Tricks: Never be without the necessities again ! Atlantic Blue Canvas has this Snip and Stitch keychain and it’s a big seller. You need to put in your email to be told when it’s back in stock ! https://www.atlanticbluecanvas.com/products/snip-stitch-keychain

Who was that Famous Stitcher? This is Vernon Kirk. He has been a long time designer of Elizabeth Bradley Designs and is one half of the familiar Kirk and Bradley destination rounds. He studied his BA in the UK for fashion and print design. In his 20’s he was working for a fashion textile house in London and was approached to do some freelance work designing needlepoint.

Do you know who this famous stitcher is?

Jan10

What’s Happening at NJNA 1/10/26

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Today was the NJNA Holiday Lunch at The Grain House in Basking Ridge NJ. Always a nice time. So great to see people in person and chat. The food never disappoints but the real draw is to see everyone’s stitching that they bring to show. Jacqui and Cathryn also told us about this year being the year of color. We all got a color wheel, ring for our up coming threads, a colorful magnet courtesy of Linda M and a pen !! LOL The pen was for a fun circle a word while we were waiting for our desert ! We were also surprised with our President Noelle D. having flown in for the occasion. There was an amazing amount of talent in the room was on display for all to see. Here are some pictures of projects and “The Year of Color”.

Have you renewed your National ANG dues yet?? If not just know that some are having trouble with the web site. You can call them directly to see how to pay until they get their web site fixed. Their number is 856-380-6911.

Oh My ! The new Needle Pointers magazine is on it’s way and it never disappoints. The cover is great the back cover is spectacular! What is in between will keep you turning pages for quite a while. Our own Melita G is in for her wins at seminar not to mention her column – Timeless Treasures From The Archives. I found lots of surprises and then I got to the Tale of Two Stitchers – I can’t wait to read it in hand to see more details. In just looking thru the digital copy – how creative a group are we ! Amazing pieces that seem to only get better and better.

ANG now has something new called Independent Learning. This is Correspondence Courses, CyberWorkshop, and Workshop by Mail all rolled into one. Two ways to learn and a simplified registration process all to make it easier to enjoy a class. Check it out on the web site (after they fix it) and there should be 2 courses you can already choose from.

ANG also announced the new Stitch of the Month – or should I say “Beard of the Month” VERY different! Each month is a new pattern to create a different looking beard. All of the designs are by Janet Zickler Casey. Not just for Santa or a Nutcracker, they can be used on any canvas needing a beard or maybe some interesting hair !?!?!?!

Was your interest tickled to hear what Pantone’s color of the year is for 2026? What were they thinking?? White ! They may call it “Cloud Dancer” and we know there are enough whites to make you dizzy but – it’s white ! They need to step up their game for next year !

The Needlepointer has something new – an ornament and as part of the kit you get everything needed to finish it. They also include access to one of their videos to get step by step visual instructions. A good way to learn finishing an ornament as it’s getting harder and harder to get things back. https://theneedlepointer.com/products/complete-ornament-stitch-amp-self-finishing-kit-with-tutorial-video?se_activity_id=169461580018&syclid=d5gpbou7kkjc73eemo8g&utm_campaign=Shop+This+Exciting+NEW+Arrival+Now%21_169461580018&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email

Stitch Stash has a new club that runs for 6 months starting in February. Each month you get an ornament designed by Elizabeth Crane Swartz (known for her dots). You have to commit to 3 months or go for all six. You receive the canvas, stitch guide done by Patti Hoffmann, thread kit and it all ships for free. These ornaments are ECS’s original artwork she used for her past Christmas cards. https://stitch-stash.com/products/the-card-art-club

Stitch Rock has a bunch of holiday canvases (for next year) on their web site – one cuter than the next! You have to love the “Pug in a Pumpkin” needle minder also. Check out her array of canvases from The Griswold Family Vacation, new stamps etc. Not small canvases but certainly not big – like Goldilocks – “Just Right”. https://stitchrockdesigns.com/

Tips & Tricks: Have you ever dropped your scissors – silly question. What happens to the point? Does it get damaged hitting the floor or worse hitting your foot. Protect the point with fun scissor protectors ! Check out Etsy for all of these to protect your 2nd most needed piece of equipment (needles first !)

Who was that Famous Stitcher? That is Maggie Boroujerdi – the founder of LOVE mhb Studio. A graphic designer right out of the Parsons School of Design. She worked at Martha Stewart Living and Conde Nast before venturing out on her own having been stitching for most of her life. When you look at her web site you will know many of her canvases. https://lovemhbstudio.com/

Do you know who this famous stitcher is?

May3

What’s Happening at NJNA 5/3/25

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Holiday’s along with fun Spring events have started. Now that we are past Easter and Passover we are headed for Mother’s Day and WOW – Memorial Day already !! ANG seminar is sneaking up there too. Registration is now closed for that. Don’t forget to order your NOLA Frame Weight !!! He is too cute !!

The talk Jacqui gave at last month’s meeting about beading made many fears and worries go away. Some of the horrors that we think about and dread she made simple to deal with. Makes you want to give it a go again. This month is about one of my favorites – Bargello. There are so many beautiful and intricate looking patterns you can make and it’s not as hard as it seems. Come join us for our talk by Chris Loudon on Bargello. Of course you need to be a member of NJNA so come join our group, we are always happy to see new members.

Congrats to ANG on their successful Spring Auction – makes everyone happy to get a new item and give a boost to ANG.

ANG has new Board Members !! Some faces you will know instantly but all worthy of congratulations. Good luck with your new positions!

Coming to your mail box soon is the new Needlepointers magazine for May/June. The cover pays homage to Jean Hilton and the back – they are right – it’s a WOW moment. Check out Carolyn Stolhand’s Grasshopper !!! Of course there is way more between the 2 covers. I can’t wait to read the column about different kinds of knots !!! Tale of 2 stitchers is mushrooms !!! Read “Swirls and Pearls” – it’s going to be showing up in a lot of places. There is plenty more to read and as a member you can look at it online now. Another winning issue.

The new Quarterly Stitch is out and even if you don’t want to do it – check out how it is done! I was taken back.

Since we are all really a bunch of bag ladies/gentleman – why not have some fun with it. I saw a friend with one of these bags – it was great !! (Good choice Eileen S) It’s called Blue Canary and they also have needlepoint canvases, the hats you needlepoint the top and other very neat items. I LOVE the bags ! They come in a variety of sizes. https://bluecanarycanvas.com/

Something else new and cool from those industrious people at the Wool & the Floss – is there no end to their creativity? Hand Made Self finishing tables!! They come in several sizes and colors. https://woolfloss.com/products/handmade-self-finishing-table-for-needlepoint-w-f-exclusive?se_activity_id=160843759836&syclid=d0b2koorjiic73fan4f0&utm_campaign=Susan+Battle+May+Trunk+Show+%F0%9F%AA%A1+_160843759836&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email

S&J Designs sent an email saying that Zweigart (the maker of our needlepoint canvas) has just raised the price by 10% to 15%. On top of that there is a 10% tariff now so be prepared to see the price of our supplies get more expensive. She says they are not increasing the price until the next shipment. Get it while it’s cheaper. (She is easier to get a hold of on FaceBook) https://sj-designs.net/

Do you tack down your canvas? Those tacks can be a pain to contain !! Look what Rainbow Gallery has put out – Japanese Brass Tacks. How great that the container not only holds the (50) tacks but has a way to easily remove them ?!?!? I found them for sale on The Needlepointer. https://www.theneedlepointer.com/japanese-brass-tacks/p8511187?cse=nl41625&goal=0_3621358244-28d1b2c5cc-69343533&mc_cid=28d1b2c5cc&mc_eid=2e6039e84f

Morgan Julia Design’s shows a Thread of the Month and this time it is a thread I have never noticed before but the results are so pretty. It’s called Bradley’s Balloons by ThreadworX #1154. It’s a hand dyed cotton floss with so many colors it looks like it vibrates in the skein but when stitched it’s just pretty !!! In the picture she did the skip tent stitch. She sells only a few threads on her site and this is one but you may want to look for it at your LNS. https://morganjuliadesigns.com/search?q=threadworx&_pos=3&_psq=threa&_ss=e&_v=1.0

New things are still coming out from the Spring Market. Stitch By Stitch has some new pouches from Rachel Barri. They come in several sizes and colors and you self finish it with a small canvas that tucks in the front. They also offer an envelope version. A great item for many things, not just needlepoint. https://stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/products/rachel-barri-pop-in-pouch-large-light-blue?_pos=5&_sid=dd6d8e135&_ss=r

How much do we all love needle minders?? With the warmer weather coming we need something to remind us of the beautiful weather but Victoria Whitson also has new elegant ones along with some that will just make you laugh. Which ever way you go take a minute and look at what she has online !! You know you need another one !! https://www.victoriawhitsonneedlepoint.com/shop-7

Just in time for the summer – Morgan Julia Designs has a new Bar Cart – Palm Royal Resort! It comes with a really pretty canvas, a cabana inspired project bag, shift dress needle minder, Floss Away bags, 4 palm leaf coasters and all the threads. If you want to get in line for this one: https://admirable-snowflake-808.myflodesk.com/sv8nz4etlv?_kx=rV4MBEfWGkwURglkyUXCLopGavY2DCJQzP6Y94aO8T4.RWeQns

While we are talking Morgan Julia – she has some Thoughts of Wisdom – decide for yourself !

TIPS and TRICKS: I was reading the latest “Needle Notes” from Ellen Johnson. She has a great way to know if your using the right size needle. Check out her web site – she has an interesting section on: “Choosing the Right Needle”. https://www.serendipityneedleworks.com/choosing-the-right-needle/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=A%20Little%20Thing%20That%20Makes%20a%20Big%20Difference&utm_campaign=%5BNeedleNotes%5D%20April%2027%2C%202025&vgo_ee=%2BSTJMJmiWstNrAZKxDGjgsQaahPCXAV2DrTkc9MGFg%3D%3D%3AKTKu6pcxLLpnJRbf86QV%2FlkGtAJQef2f

Who was that Famous Stitcher? That was Victoria Whitson !! Famous for some of the most beautiful needle minders, laying tools, Chatelaines and tassels for your scissors. She also has bought Tapestry Tent, Liz Goodrick-Dillon and Ashley Dillon-Davis lines. She has also partnered with Melissa Prince to present the Autumn Needlepoint Reunion – the largest wholesale needlework market in North America. Busy lady.

Do you know who this famous stitcher is?