Tag Archives: cross-stitch

Aug9

What’s Happening at NJNA 8/9/25

Posted on by
Standard

Everyone should have a great time at seminar in “NOLA”. From looking at the booklet of class choices – a tough choice. There are so many great classes to take with so many wonderful teachers. This month we will not be having a meeting. Our normal meeting date occurs at the same time that the ANG seminar is happening. Meeting or no meeting NJNA is still running the Auction of donated canvases. Put in your bid before it’s too late !! We will see who the lucky winners are in the September meeting.

If you have not heard or read Face Book, one of our greatest teachers and friend of the Edwardian Needle shop – Tony Minieri is having health issues again. Both he and Luis ask for privacy at this time so he can concentrate on getting better. His remaining 2025 classes have to be rescheduled to next year and any stitch guides he has contracted to do will also have to wait until he is feeling much better. Best of luck with the up coming surgeries. Rest and recuperate should be the main goal. Update- there was a cancelation and he had the 1st surgery early – everything went well. Luis said the doctor even stitched him with a couple of oblique stitches !!

We are heading for the stride of summer and even though it’s been blazing hot at times let’s hold on for another month or 2 or 3…. Coco Frank and Inslee Fariss have put out a summer collection that makes you want to relax. The colors are soft and they included bugs, butterflies, shells and more. I loved the fish and shells but the butterflies are also very pretty. You decide: https://cocofrankstudio.com/collections/coco-frank-x-inslee-fariss?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&utm_campaign=Coco+Frank+x+Inslee+Fariss+Summer+Collection+Launch&utm_id=01K1CFZDQJNRK6SM3YAFV36RMS&_kx=AMZQYComXLrlPiMuvFdjhoml8t5fg3L7XzLWnq3B7hE.XYMb7E

I tempted myself by looking at one of the nicest stores in our area – Stitch By Stitch in NY (a dangerous place to shop!) They did not disappoint. Even though they already have many fall items they have some great things for summer. Try one of several Boat Totes on different subjects or the newest cups from Rachel Donley. Then Elizabeth Crane Swartz put out the inevitable frog ! Of course you can sit with a beverage and kill a couple of hours looking at their site for even more summer fun !! https://stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/collections/whats-new-2025

The Needlepointer has a new club of all Sea Creatures. Small and quick but oh so cute. There are 10 canvases and they come with stitch guide and thread. The club will not start until December so you can have summer all winter long. https://www.theneedlepointer.com/sea-creaturesdiv-idclubsubtitleopen-enrollmentdiv/p8516068?cse=nl080225&goal=0_3621358244-943772ea07-69343533&mc_cid=943772ea07&mc_eid=2e6039e84f

Another new club is one of those things many of us can’t resist – needle minders ! Morgan Julia just announced a limited edition needle minder club. You get one each month but you can’t buy them unless your in the club. They will not be restocked. The designs are done in a series over 4 months. The first series will be Fair Ground Favorites. You can cancel any time. You need to sign up by Aug 15th to receive the 1st one and they will ship about Sept 10th. https://morganjuliadesigns.com/products/needle-minder-club?_kx=rV4MBEfWGkwURglkyUXCLopGavY2DCJQzP6Y94aO8T4.RWeQns

Have you done a vacation travel round to remember a great time? Another way to finish it is in a Sudberry self finishing Octagon Box. Yes, they have them to fit the 4 inch travel rounds you get from Kirk & Bradley or Silver Needle. The box itself is six inches round and has a mirror inside. A nice gift for a fellow traveler ! https://www.sudberry.com/catalog/octagon.htm

It is great to stitch outside in the nice summer weather but you need a bag to bring it all with you !! Rittenhouse Needlepoint has some very interesting bags from a company in Australia. The bags are made of recycled plastic bottles and have the most colorful patterns. They say they are generous in size, water resistant and strong. Look at their web site as they have various sizes and patterns to pick from. https://rittenhouseneedlepoint.com/collections/new-arrivals-back-in-stock

Debbie’s Designs has released the last of her “Year of Color” series and they both remind me of ice cream colors. Both are now available but Summer Delights has a delay of getting threads. You can still order it but for now it only comes as a pdf download. Visit her site and store – lot’s to look at !! https://debbeesdesigns.com/store/

Thread Advisory: I read an email from Stitch Stash and other shops that Straw Silk thread is having a problem getting stock. The distributor doesn’t know when they can restock this lovely thread. It comes in 108 colors and if you like using it you may want to snag what you can at your LNS. https://stitch-stash.com/collections/silk-straw

Since we all know that Fall is inevitable – Stitch Stash has also announced that their big event, now in it’s 7th year, “25 Days of Needlepoint” has opened. A needlepoint themed advent calendar of 25 individually wrapped surprises. You open one each day from Dec1 thru Dec 25th. It is not Christmas themed however, just lots of needlepoint fun. The last one is a canvas and stitch guide. Choose between 13 and 18 mesh. https://stitch-stash.com/collections/25-days-of-needlepoint-signups

Fireside Stitchery has opened up their lottery for their First Frost Retreat. The cut off to enter is August 15th so you need to hurry. There are only 20 seats available. It’s held on October 12th from 9 to 4 PM. It includes lunch and refreshments, canvas, kit and class along with 20% off all the items they have to purchase. It’s being held at the Aronimink Clubhouse in Newtown Square PA. Good Luck getting a seat. https://firesidestitchery.com/products/retreat-lottery?se_activity_id=191308398891&syclid=d2bni83f2dis73fumnng&utm_campaign=Fireside+Stitchery%27s+First+Frost+Retreat_191308398891&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email

KC Needlepoint just announced a very cute “Almost Pumpkin Season” self finishing kit. Each one includes an adorable gingham pumpkin square on 13 mesh canvas, finishing materials and the acrylic box to put it in. https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/products/gingham-pumpkin-square-acrylic-box-kit?omnisendContactID=61fc368aa1816e00226a532d&utm_campaign=campaign%3A+Pumpkin+kit+%2868974208bb3f4d5925a440eb%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=omnisend

If you want to take it that one step too far then go to Needlepoint .com for the cutest mini Nutcrackers by Kirk & Bradley. They are also double sided !! They are a needle point to go kit that includes canvas, stitch guide, thread and embellishments. https://needlepoint.com/collections/double-sided-nutcracker-ornament-kits?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&utm_campaign=2025_07_31%20Double%20Sided%20Nutcrackers%2C%20London%20Storefronts&utm_klaviyo_id=01EY735XHE675Z0Z1C4Z7SB8DK&_kx=SpNrwJYeSg8JHGV3vDRNkpeUD67Ddf2hdz1HBTATTO0.TxAVmM

Tips & Tricks: Ellen Johnson of Serendipity Needle Point always has great tips. This one comes from her post about choosing threads for your project. She talks about different colors and textures and as we all know – these days there are more choices than ever. Here is her guide to finding the right size thread for the size canvas your stitching. https://serendipityneedleworksneedlepointdownloads.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/Threads_FunSheet.pdf?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=%F0%9F%98%89%F0%9F%A7%B5%20You%20don%20t%20need%20a%20PhD%20to%20choose%20beautiful%20threads&utm_campaign=%5BNeedleNotes%5D%20July%2020%2C%202025

Who was that Famous Stitcher?

This is Laura Rock, the founder of Stitch Rock Designs. She is from a family of stitchers so they have lots of pillows, ornaments, belts etc . She loved stitching but needed to be part of the creativity even more, so she started painting canvases in 2019 and has not stopped. https://stitchrockdesigns.com/

Do you know who this famous stitcher is?

Jun14

What’s Happening at NJNA 6/14/25

Posted on by
Standard

Even though our 35th Anniversary is officially in November all the members should have gotten that great little gift. A big Thank You to Jacqui C and Cathryn C. for all their work on that project. Nothing better to celebrate with than a new needlepoint tool !!

This coming week’s June meeting – yes, already – we will be hearing from Jacqui C. about finishing techniques and ideas. Always an interesting topic.

The count down is on – the seminar in August will be here before you know it. Though the seminar registration is now closed you have a little time left to register to exhibit some of your work. The deadline is June 27th. Share your work and vie for ribbons and awards. ANG has a brochure online with all the rules, categories etc. that you need to know.

ANG is starting a new Fundraising Campaign called Tapestry of Giving. This campaign is dedicated to raising funds that will help sustain and grow the programs and services they offer to members. Their goal is to raise $250,000 over the next 2 years. This effort will be done in phases and the first phase is for Lifetime Patrons. They will be getting email this coming week with details about the program. Eventually all members will be contacted. Hopefully they will be able to achive their goal and have ANG be viable for many years to come.

While we are at it – ANG is looking for 3 Board Member Positions, If you would like to be involved maybe VP of Operations, Membership or Administration positions would be of interest to you. ANG would love to hear from you. Contact Jennifer Holmes, secretary@needlepoint.org, for a job description and details to apply.

ANG has an interesting new way to get some help – they are going to have a Zoom session for everyone to ask questions. You can join in on June 29 at 10 AM PST and ask away. You can also stitch away and just listen – you might learn something you never thought of ! There is a Zoom link in the newsletter that comes to your email.

New Club Alert from The Needlepointer. Perfect for this time of year and they should be a quick stitch. They would look adorable as stand ups. It’s the Floral Fantasy Club and is 8 months long. Each month you get a design on 18 count, thread pack and stitch guide. When done you have a spring bouquet. https://www.theneedlepointer.com/floral-fantasydiv-idclubsubtitleopen-enrollmentdiv/p8515598?cse=nl060725&goal=0_3621358244-18dffa4619-69343533&mc_cid=18dffa4619&mc_eid=2e6039e84f

I don’t know about you but I have been a fan of The Barefoot Contessa for years. I have all of Ina Garten’s cookbooks and you can’t go wrong with any of her recipes. Guess what I found !! You bet and I can’t wait to stitch her !! Check out Moore Stitching – they also have some other cute items but – I could not resist ! https://moorestitching.com/products/just-that-easy?_pos=1&_sid=3ff2df6c0&_ss=r&mc_cid=8657e674e8&mc_eid=4429aac277

Wait till all of you “bag ladies” see these !!! 2’s Company in South Carolina have “Scout Bags”. They have a whole selection including an exclusive one with a South Carolina print. The brand has a lot of sizes and shapes plus – they are water proof! https://www.2sconeedlepoint.com/shop/Bags–Totes.htm

Like we didn’t have enough choice – there is a new thread out there – Firefly Burmilana. The Needleworks is carrying it for both retail and wholesale purchases. It’s a wool and acrylic single ply thread that comes in 40 yard skeins. It has a little sparkle in it !! Something to try. https://theneedleworks.com/product-category/fibers/

Do you send your finishing to Needlepoint.com – they do a beautiful job. Before you send anything make sure it’s going to the correct place. They are doing their finishing from a different address now. They feel this will streamline the process and who doesn’t want that with finishing such a long wait.

New Store Alert – and there are 2 of them!! The Stitch Katonah store is now open! Go visit with Margaret and Kristina and see what they have to offer. Right across from a Metro North station it should be easy to get to. I only see them on Instagram but the store looks very pretty !!

The second store is Island House Needlepoint. You know them from finishing and those wonderful laying tools, now they have opened their space in south Norwalk CT as a LNS with areas to sit and stitch. They are in the maritime building – 11 Day Street Norwalk, CT. Their finishing looks fantastic and I am sure they have lots of suggestions if your not sure how to have something finished. Their web site even gives you other things to do in the area!! You may want to check their calendar for up coming events. Looks like a neat place for a road trip!! https://islandhouseneedlepoint.com/

Now for a First – Fireside Stitchery is going to hold their first retreat and they are calling it the First Frost Retreat. They are doing it on Sunday October 12th and it’s a full day event. They have not opened it up yet but they say that there is going to be very limited seating. Watch their web site and emails for when they release more details ! https://firesidestitchery.com/pages/classes

Congrats to KC Needlepoint – they have hit the 10 year mark in business. Polly and Carol have worked hard and created not only a fabulous store but a wonderful wholesale line. To celebrate they are launching a collection of exclusive celebratory canvases, doing fun giveaways, and more surprises along the way – watch for their emails ! Also, read their story – wonderful how it all happened for them. https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/blogs/news/were-celebrating-ten-years-of-kc-needlepoint?omnisendContactID=61fc368aa1816e00226a532d&utm_campaign=campaign%3A+Blog%3A+10+years+%28682f27f17880ba789f548c4d%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=omnisend

Penny Linn has a wonderful clutch bag and now it comes in a new color – taupe !! They come with detachable chains and a Mother of Pearl closure. Each is individual as they are hand woven in the Philippines. https://pennylinn.com/products/penny-linn-x-shop-likha-hand-woven-rattan-fancy-clutch?variant=44593812799545&utm_source=Email&utm_medium=campaign&utm_campaign=Taupe+Fancy+Clutch&_kx=95-hSwAYM_w1abxIXjXQMDX2ZPJpMD1KDiXnRxmVLaI.RspkHP

We have all seen the acrylic square hand bags that your finish your self. Emily’s Stitchery has some different ones. They have a different shape acrylic bag and they have colored ones – check out the tortoise color one ! Thank you to Barbara L. for this ! https://www.emilysstitchery.com/products/colored-acrylic-self-finishing-purse?variant=43864130060322

Father’s Day is upon us but it’s never too late to buy a canvas for next year 🙂 ! Atlantic Blue has some different ones from fishing to cars to grilling…. https://www.atlanticbluecanvas.com/collections/shop-all-canvas

Tips and Tricks: An easy way to tell if your needle is the correct size for the canvas from Ellen Johnson of Serendipity Needlepoint:

Who was that Famous Stitcher? This is Joyce Petschek and she has a reputation as a “Bargello path finder”. She has a BA in Art History from Vassar and a master’s in Fine Arts from Harvard. You have seen her book from 1997 “Beautiful Bargello” – very popular. For Joyce, bargello is meditative and stimulates our creative ideas.

Do you know who this famous stitcher is?

Mar22

What’s Happening at NJNA 3/22/25

Posted on by
Standard

We had our March meeting this past week and if you missed it – you missed a lot ! First there was the show and tell with a design in 2 colorways. Side by side was an amazing difference. I think we could have talked about that all night! The main attraction was the presentation by Debbie Rowley. She did her talk called “Anchors Away”. Having taken a class with her I can tell you that she is the nicest and laid back person. When she was having technical trouble she just went with the flow, did not get rattled. We all learned that you can both start and end all your threads on the front of your canvas. She went over numerous ways to start and stop a thread. I think we all learned something. She also sent ahead of the meeting a hand out so you have something to refer to if you want to give a new way of starting and stopping a thread a try. AND, she also allowed NJNA to record her talk. It will be on our web site so you can go back and watch it again – BUT – you have to be a member to do that. Just another reason to join in on our fun and become a member of NJNA. You gotta be in it to watch it !!!

Jacqui C. is getting her ducks in a row for programs later this year. She sent out an email for those of you that want to participate in the October and November programs. October is the Medusa Sea Jelly (I can’t wait for this one). It would look great all year round in a coastal home and of course on a holiday tree. This is a fund raiser for another chapter so it’s $40 and comes as a pdf with a list of threads needed and instructions. The other program is with Toni Gerdes. She does a lecture and mini workshop on the Rhodes stitch. The $15 kit comes with the instructions and 8×8 canvas. She shows how to use the Rhodes stitch for several projects. Jacqui needs to order in advance to have all the materials in time. She needs payment by May and of course, if you have any questions, email her.

The 2025 seminar registration is now open to all and closes April 30. The seminar runs from August 19 – 24 at the New Orleans Sheraton Hotel. I am sure there are closed classes already. Hurry and make your pick if you are going. All the big name designers will be there with many interesting classes to take. https://www.needlepoint.org/page/2025Seminar

Just in case your not sure of the location of the seminar you just have to look at the cover of the March/April Needle Pointers magazine. If you go to the web site you can look at it online. Make sure you have time to spend as it is another packed issue. A review about Needle Point podcasts, a preview of a new book about to be released by an ANG member that is a novel about a needle point store. The Tale of 2 Stitchers will keep you looking at the stitched items for a long time, they are both so beautiful. Shop Hop, how to organize your projects, a thread reveal and more – and more – and more !! I may not be able to wait for the snail !!

Don’t Forget To Vote !!! The candidates this year are: President – Nancy Perry, VP of Education – Toni Gerdes, VP of Finance – Jan Woolsey.

It’s that time again – the Spring Online Auction. It runs from March 27 thru 30th. Lots to look at and hopefully win a new Spring project. Check out the items and make a list of what you want to bid on. https://ang.schoolauction.net/spring2025/catalog

As many of you know, Pam at Edwardian Needle has been thru a lot. Being a very strong person – she has posted her class schedule for the rest of 2025 – yes – you read that right ! Call the store and sign up for what ever makes you happy. There is certainly enough choices.

I am so glad to hear that another 2 stores have moved and into much bigger space. This just tells me that this hobby we all love is growing in popularity which means we all benefit !! This time it’s The Needle Point Club House. https://www.needlepointclubhouse.com/ and The Village Needleworks https://www.villageneedleworks.com/ Good luck to everyone !

On a sad note – Madalena Bruno is leaving Stitch By Stitch after 20 years of sharing ownership with Betty Scanlon. Betty and her fabulous team will be there keeping this fabulous store on the cutting edge of the industry. We all wish Madalena only the best !!

Speaking of the cutting edge – it’s the beginning of Spring Market and of course like any good secret – there are leaks !! Many designers have posted some of their new canvases in advance because – they want you to tell your LNS to buy what you want when they come !!! Stitch By stitch has lots to sneak a peak of (check out the tote bag and lamps): https://stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooH6_X6wJCDBrOoWraDtc2co2C_Yr_6w_z-KYpYT5MboZbMw3ep

Morgan Julia and Penny Linn also have been showing the new canvases they have for Spring – choices, choices, choices !! https://pennylinn.com/collections/new-all https://morganjuliadesigns.com/collections/retail-only

Everyone’s favorite – PLD has some great looking new items for spring. https://pldneedlepointdesigns.com/

Stitch Stash has such a cute new canvas for her “12 Months of Pink” series. Rachel Donley designed this one and (of course) it fits into either her Everyday Clutch or Everyday Wallet. A win – win – win no matter which way you go. 18 count canvas measures 6×3 and you can buy with threads or without. This is part of Patti’s effort to raise money for Breast Cancer research and she has already been able to donate $2,000 ! You go girl !!! https://stitch-stash.com/collections/pink-march

How does a weekend get a way with stitching friends sound?? Stitch Stash’s Rehoboth Beach store is having several dates for just such a fun time. Everything is planned for the “off season” so making reservations should be easier. If you want to arrange a different date for a private group she will do that too !! Better decide quickly as 4 of the dates are already sold out !!! https://stitch-stash.com/collections/retreat-2021

Atlantic Blue showcases several different designers and Rooney and Stitch are the ones with the dog cameos and the keys from famous hotels. They also have some new designs !! https://www.atlanticbluecanvas.com/collections/rooney-stitch

Thanks to Cathryn C for a look at a new stand for needlework – yes you can have more than one!! This one is a bit different as it is very small – great for travel. It’s also made of wood so it is much lighter than some of the items we all carry around. The “left field” part to this is that it is manufactured by a Ukrainian company called Velke Potoky. When folded it’s 11 inches long and 5 inches wide with a weight of under 2 lbs. Sounds perfect for a seminar or travel. It comes with a bag to travel with to keep it clean and safe. Now – it’s not meant for some of those giant projects we work on but it can accommodate bars up to about 14 inches. Now for the down side (there is always one !) the cost is $360 ! If you would like to read more of a review, go to “Needle N Thread” and read Mary Corbet’s view’s on it. She liked it so much that she plans of getting some for her store. https://www.needlenthread.com/2025/03/modern-needlework-stand-potoky.html#more-64298

Morgan Julia Designs came up with some “Stitcher-stitions” (say that twice !! LOL) Whether you believe or not one thing is for sure – they have some great canvases. Happy stitching. https://morganjuliadesigns.com/collections/retail-only

Tips & Tricks: Ellen from Serendipity Needlepoint has “Eight Tips for Getting Your Needle Point Stash Under Control” to start your Spring Cleaning (giggle! – inventory !!) She makes a lot of sense – read her blog and see what you think. https://www.serendipityneedleworks.com/de-stashing-needlepoint/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=%F0%9F%AA%A1%20Get%20Your%20Needlepoint%20Stash%20Under%20Control%20With%20These%208%20Awesome%20Tips%21&utm_campaign=%5BNeedleNotes%5D%20March%209%2C%202025&vgo_ee=r0Nlma7d18KMN9Q2xBxmrhrfeWzw9dEBrTSfBCr7Hw%3D%3D%3AK9ykGnHEYlmDZ35b%2F7jOvmez1q1i511R

Who was that Famous Stitcher? That was Hannah Bass. She lives in England and does some of the most vibrant canvases. She is well known for her maps of many big cities around the world. She was an interior designer and went on a vacation with a tapestry kit and caught the bug ! She has been designing ever since. She is a lover of bright bold colors. Check out her web site. https://hannahbass.com/

Do you know who this famous stitcher is?