Tag Archives: fashion

Jan24

What’s Happening at NJNA 1/24/26

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This past week we had our first meeting of they year. So good to see so many on Zoom. After a short business meeting Jacqui C gave us the beginnings of “The Year of Color”. A color wheel was sent out to everyone if you didn’t get it at the lunch. She explained how useful the color wheel can be when picking threads for a project. Next month’s meeting should be quite worth your time. Jacqui will be explaining more of the color wheel and how to use it along with a discussion on a specific color. Each new meeting will be about a specific color and as we all know from Jacqui – everyone needs a little yellow in their life !!

Have you looked at the brochure for the seminar in Denver?? Some very neat looking projects. With this storm coming, get yourself something to drink and peruse the classes being offered. https://online.fliphtml5.com/bjsk/orfy/#p=1

ANG has just revealed the NEW Distance Learning offerings. They are now offering distance classes in 2 categories. Either with a teacher or on your own. What they show on the web site is one of each. Read more about them including the cost on the ANG website under Education.

All you Edwardian Needle fans – Pam is having a big sale. All canvases are 25% off ! It can be a deep dive in some of those drawers but many hidden gems are there waiting to be found. As I sifted a bit I found several Charlie Harpers, Melissa Shirley and several that have been featured in older Needlepoint Now magazines. She is also having a Super Bowl party that you have to sign up for at the front desk.

With the storm coming for the next few days and Mother Nature taking her anger out on us all with that frigid air maybe it’s not a bad idea to think about a class at the beach – IN JUNE !! Stitch Stash is having a 2 day class on turkey work, beads and ribbons. Audra Daughtry is teaching the classes. https://stitch-stash.com/collections/audra-daughtry-2-day-class-focusing-on-turkey-work-beading-and-ribbons?customer_posted=true#feedback-bar–newsletter

For those that love the new food trend of having a Charcuterie Board (shaar·koo·tr·ee) for company can now have a stitched one. Needlepoint Obsession in Maine has an exclusive canvas that would make a great tray for drinks with your array of meats and cheeses. They are also putting the finishing touches on a stitch guide for it including embellishments. To Pre Order: https://www.needlepointobsession.com/product-page/charcuterie-board?utm_campaign=2fb0a866-88f2-4316-b2a4-d790172637f9&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail&cid=26af9709-65a8-4538-b992-dbcd68f4683e

The Needlepointer has a very interesting new club. It’s expected to start in April and runs for 12 months. It’s called the Kaleidoscope of Color. Each month you get a variety of threads to experiment with and explore. To go with them you get a small painted canvas and a stitch guide. If that is not enough they also include a key fob so you can finish the canvas and use what you stitched. Sounds like a deal !!! https://theneedlepointer.com/products/kaleidoscope-kolours-2026?se_activity_id=170322231538&syclid=d5qjsvk843hs73d28gs0&utm_campaign=Join%20the%20Excitement%20Today%E2%80%94New%20Club%20Awaits!_170322231538&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email&selling_plan=6057001202&variant=48678444204274

Needlepoint has exploded into a trend that is being embraced by many younger people – a great thing. Do you know anyone new to it or wanting to try it out. Needlepoint.com has an interesting offer. Refer a Friend and both you and the friend get $15 off a purchase. What a nice incentive for both. Goodness knows their web site can keep you busy just looking at all they have to offer. I understand the store is amazing (dangerous) to go in person. https://needlepoint.com/pages/rewards?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&utm_campaign=2026_01_24%20Referral%2C%20Nutcrackers&utm_klaviyo_id=01EY735XHE675Z0Z1C4Z7SB8DK&_kx=SpNrwJYeSg8JHGV3vDRNkpeUD67Ddf2hdz1HBTATTO0.TxAVmM

DMC has a new offer. They have a nice looking tote bag from their Eco Vita collection. It looks roomy yet not over bearing to make you feel like a pack animal. It comes with 12 skeins of Eco Vita Naturally Dyed Organic Wool Thread, and the Eco Vita Wooden Project Box with 24 Bobbins. https://www.dmc.com/US/en/products/eco-vita-tote-bobbin-box-bundle?taxon_id=244

Coco Frank recently had a baby – can you tell by her newest canvas????? Actually it works for many situations not just for babies. Would be very cute as a pillow in a guest room. Great colors and only 7.5 X 3.5 on 13 mesh – a quick stitch as a gift. Just pretty ! https://cocofrankstudio.com/products/floral-sweet-dreams?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&utm_campaign=Sweet+Dreams+Launch+Wednesday&utm_id=01KFDXC6MS76W5XZ2NTGJPY82G&_kx=AMZQYComXLrlPiMuvFdjhoml8t5fg3L7XzLWnq3B7hE.XYMb7E

The only thing that this frigid weather reminds me of (in a positive way) is the Winter Olympics. If your a fan then you might want to check out the new piece by Hedgehog Needlepoint. You can pre order the new 2026 Winter Olympics Mitten. She expects it to ship on Feb 3 and how great a way to celebrate the games but to stitch while watching ! https://hedgehogneedlepoint.com/products/2026-winter-games-mitten-needlepoint-canvas

If your a fan of Color Compliments then go check out their new colors. They are all limited editions and there are more to come next month. She has started with 3 randomly dyed color combinations. She is also adding 2 new colors of size 12 perle cotton samplers in addition to the blue one released in late 2025. Interesting and soft looking colors. https://colourcomplements.com/product-category/limited-edition-embroidery-threads The 12 Perle Cottons are on sale. https://colourcomplements.com/product-category/sale

Tips and Tricks: If you haven’t seen these go get some – they can be a wonderful third hand ! They come in a number of names and you can get them by the ton on Amazon – look up Wonder Clips. I have used them to hold threads out of the way until I am ready to go back to a color and they are the best tool if you do your own finishing. Be aware that you can get them in different sizes. Always keep them in your bag of tricks.

Who was that Famous Stitcher? Bet you knew this one – she is Megan Holmes the owner of The Gingham Stitchery in St. Louis MO and Susan Roberts. Megan and Melisa McCloud of The Wool and the Floss use to do a podcast called Pointing it Out which you can still see on YouTube.

Do you know who this famous stitcher is?

Everyone hunker down and stay warm in the storm – perfect time to stitch !!

Dec27

What’s Happening at NJNA 12/27/25

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The December meeting is now in the archives for NJNA. Even though I was not able to attend this meeting I understand “Needlepoint Bingo” was a big hit. Congrats to the winners ! Hopefully we will see a repeat performance of it !! The slate of officers and the budget were all voted on and approved so we are ready to head into 2026 with more interesting topics to come. 2026 will be the Year of Color !! Each month there will be a discussion about a different color based on the color wheel and the DMC color chart – I can’t wait for blue !

Just a reminder – our holiday lunch is on Saturday January 10th at the Grain House. Last I heard there was still 3 seats left. Contact Cathryn C. – come join a fun afternoon will fellow stitchers !! Don’t forget to bring a stitched piece.

As VP of Membership, I have to thank all those people that were so quick to renew their membership for 2026. You actually have until the end of January to send in your dues. You also have to remember to first renew your ANG membership which is due by Dec 31 !!!! ANG sent out an email on 12/24 with details on the various ways to renew. They also allow you to renew for 2 years ! You must renew ANG to be a member of NJNA. You can use this link to go to ANG’s membership renewal page. https://www.needlepoint.org/general/custom.asp?page=Membership&_zs=QhCog1&_zl=JHaVA

ANG has made it official the 2026 seminar is in Denver Colorado AND 2027 is now going to be held in Nashville TN. October 21 – 24, 2027. In the mean time, you can view the classes being offered in Colorado on You Tube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=di8wwUp8ZTk

Such exciting news from one of our favorite local needlepoint stores !! Stitch By Stitch is moving. If you have been to their store you know that it is very long and narrow. Barely room for a class. I have to say, they have made the most of their space over the years. Very difficult to not fall in love with numerous items at every turn. (I made the mistake of using the bathroom and left the store with a canvas that was on the wall in there !!) They will be opening on Jan 17th only one block away on the same street but in a much bigger space. Yikes – I can’t wait ! https://stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooH6_X6wJCDBrOoWraDtc2co2C_Yr_6w_z-KYpYT5MboZbMw3ep

We have a new LNS here in Northern NJ – Morgan Julia Designs has officially opened her new brick and mortar store – 278 Monmouth St. Jersey City NJ. From what I read the grand opening was a big success. Good luck to them – the store looks very nice in the pictures.

If you have been to The Edwardian Needle you will notice on the wall a fabulous piece of black work stitching by Marion Scoular called “The Princess and the Pea”. She has decided to retire and is downsizing her “stash” !! She lives in GA and a sale of her things is being arranged at a church in Peachtree Corners, GA. The sale is scheduled for Sat Feb 28, 2026. If you would like to know more, here is a link. https://egausa.org/marionscoular/?inf_contact_key=977581ccf15901ac24902f4399b93e28680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1

So – I have one word – MIRANEKS ! Friends saw this at a new LNS recently. Versatile and light weight. Lots of thought went into it’s design. I am talking about a new stand for stitching ! I have seen it in 2 colors (but there are several), and for the price on our “Go To” Amazon – it might be worth a try. Endless adjustments but the biggest feature is the weight – at 1.3 pounds it’s easy to take with you. Watch a video or two so as to see it in action. https://www.instagram.com/miraneks_llc/

If you enjoy ribbon work then check out the link I have attached. Piece Work Magazine has a downloadable e book for free with 4 flower sprays that have been featured in the magazine. Denna Hall West is the designer and one is prettier than the next. A great way to learn also ! https://mailchi.mp/treenwaysilks/i-love-tr-free-embroidery-ebook-from-piecework-magazine?e=911356268a

After that snow fall last night – I feel cold !!! I need to look at KC Needlepoint as they now have Needlepoint sweaters and sweatshirts or my favorite, a scarf. All subdued in their message but the scarf is very colorful. https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/collections/ornaments?omnisendContactID=61fc368aa1816e00226a532d&sort_by=created-descending&utm_campaign=campaign%3A+Swag+%28694597e20c2253f3b3b23f21%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=omnisend

Who doesn’t love Ann-Marie Anderson’s designs ?!?!? She was wonderful when NJNA had her come for a workshop. Her threads and colors were eye popping and the nicest person you want to meet. Get ready – she has some new designs out ! She calls them Braids and Blackwork for her 2026 Block of the month. It will be done in 5 lessons – a release on the 2nd Sat of the month from March thru July 2026. https://beautifulstitches.thinkific.com/courses/braids-and-blackwork

For all those club lovers – The Needlepointer has a new one. The Gnome of the Month !! This is a 12 month club that starts about March 2026. You get the canvas, stitch guide, threads AND a self-finishing kit with a video tutorial. https://theneedlepointer.com/products/gnome-of-the-month-club?se_activity_id=169458008306&syclid=d584fp8oouqc73aj2ct0&utm_campaign=Don%27t%20Miss%20Out%20on%20This%20Exciting%20Club%20Offer!_169458008306&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email&selling_plan=6057001202&variant=48591517516018

TIPS AND TRICKS: If you do stitch guides or complicated charts and graphs you know how easy it is to lose your place ! Try using “highlighter tape” to easily find where you are working. The Needlepoint Clubhouse has an array of colors though I bet you can get it in Staples. I have used it and it’s a wonderful thing – less frustration !

Who was that Famous Stitcher? This is NJNA’s own Melita Glavin. She is a life long stitcher and writes a column for each issue of ANG’s The Needle Pointer Magazine. She has been very involved with the ANG Main Line Stitchers chapter, chosen for the 2023 ANG Stitch of the Month – Crescent Journey and has won numerous awards. Check out her blog (melitastitches4fun) she is always doing something interesting.

Do you know who this famous stitcher is?

Kirk & Bradley – Happy New Year Ornament

Wishing everyone a safe, healthy and Happy New Year.

Aug9

What’s Happening at NJNA 8/9/25

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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?