If you missed Chris Loudon’s talk on Bargello you missed a wonderful presentation. She incorporated several of the projects NJNA members stitched into her talk and she had lots more information she spoke about. If you belong to other guild’s she will be doing it again so you have another chance to hear her. I have to say, it was one of the best programs this year AND we have lots more to come. Another reason to become a member of NJNA. (I can’t wait for the sea jelly quick project) In November we are having Toni Gerdes talking about Rhodes Stitches. Lot’s of other things as well to look forward to.

ANG seminar will be here before you know it. Registration is closed now as the festivities start on August 19 thru the 24th. You still have time to sign up to exhibit one of your finishes ! The deadline is June 27th. For $25 you can also have your piece critiqued with a written assessment. There will be ribbons and awards for a variety of categories. There is a link to do this in the Needle Pointers Newsletter.

Morgan Julia Designs and Penny Linn have some great destination canvases that are new. The Napa Valley, Paris, Tucson, Crab and Lobster Schack’s etc. A great place to stitch one of these cuties is during their Nantucket Needlepoint Weekend. The plan is for Thurs July 24th thru Sunday July 27th they will be stitching at various spots across the island. It’s free to attend but you have to make your own accommodation plans. Check out Morgan Julia’s new items while you look for a destination canvas – she has pretty new picture frames that look like bamboo. They are matted with a 4.5 X 4.5 opening – the perfect size for one of her bar carts. https://morganjuliadesigns.com/collections/retail-only

Penny Linn has now collaborated with MacKenzie Childs and is having a launch party at the MacKenzie Childs Soho location on June 5th. You need a ticket to the event but she will put all the new items on her web site at noon on June 6th. The tease is a courtly check tea kettle with matching needle minder as just some of the new items they will be carrying. Save the date if you a MacKenzie Childs fan !

Morgan Julia Designs has decided to start a rewards program. She named it after her dog “Captain” so you will be earning “Captain Cash” after you sign up for the program. She says there are many more surprises to come. They are also celebrating 6 years in business – Congrats and we look forward to seeing MJD flourish for many more years to come. https://morganjuliadesigns.com/pages/captainscash?_kx=rV4MBEfWGkwURglkyUXCLopGavY2DCJQzP6Y94aO8T4.RWeQns

Have you ever stitched a small canvas for the Lee tissue box?? If so you know they only come in 2 colors, beige and a light blue green – until now ! They have finally added 2 new colors – Navy and green. Easy and quick for a gift as it is self finishing and honestly, I use mine all the time. Check out their other self finishing products, so well made. https://colonialneedle.com/products/bag79?variant=50027041915168

I am seeing more and more coasters to stitch. Really great patterns and designs are popping up. Sudberry House has so many great items to finish your projects with. Don’t we all have at least one tray ?!?!?!? They also make coasters to put your canvases in. Check out their web site as they have more than you may have known them for. A nice way to protect yet use your stitching. https://www.sudberry.com/

Speaking of trays – KC Needlepoint now has a variety of acrylic trays in different shapes and colors. They will finish your piece for you and put it in the tray of your choice. If you want handles on your tray they suggest you send them with your piece so you get the handles you like. (Too many choices for them to carry handles). So pretty with vibrant colors instead of the wood or clear versions you mostly see. It’s all a matter of taste ! https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/blogs/news/brand-new-tray-finishing-you-wont-want-to-miss?omnisendContactID=61fc368aa1816e00226a532d&utm_campaign=campaign%3A+Acrylic+finishing+%28682e10cdcbc76c5b2fd00094%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=omnisend

Do you have a “Needle Garage” ? What a cute small project from Color Compliments. They collaborated with Kam Wenzloff on the design and the finished item measures 8.5 X 4.5 on 18 count with 25 different stitches in the PDF. There are 8 different color ways and each kit has enough thread to do a 2nd one. https://colourcomplements.com/product/needle-garage-diy-needlecase

I noticed a newer designer called “Sisters” needlepoint on Third Coast Stitches email. What caught my eye was Girl Scout Cookies ! What a great item to stitch. I looked at “Sisters” web site and they have several neat items from conversation hearts to great looking liquor bottles to sweaters and more. Something new and different not to mention small ! A good size for a self finishing item. Try Third Coast stitching https://thirdcoaststitches.com/collections/new-arrivals and if you face a “sold out” box try going directly to Sisters Needlepoint. https://sistersneedlepoint.com/collections

Lot’s going on at Gone Stitching for the month of June. They moved their summer sale up to June this year so all in stock canvases are 20% off. They also have a new class for the summer. A Frame Weight or Frog Bean Bag class which will be held on August 24th from 10 am to 3 pm. The class includes one kit with stitch guide bars and threads along with snacks and lunch. All canvases are 13 count. When you sign up just let them know which canvas you want to stitch. Please call the shop at 201-385-2100 or email them at office @gonestitching.net to secure your spot.

Tips and Tricks: I was taking a class with Dawn Donnelly and she had a wonderful tip when your working with Neon Rays. We all know how that fiber can shred/fray on the ends. Before you start to use it, put the end flat on top of a glue stick and hold down with your finger or a small piece of paper on top and pull it off. The end of the fiber now has a small amount of glue that will dry quickly. Once dry you can stitch with the glued end by the needle – it’s going to get cut off at the end. Sue C said in that class that she regularly glues the end before putting the card away so she is ready for the next time she uses it. Good tip from both Dawn and Sue C.

Who was that Famous Stitcher? That was everyone’s favorite Debbie Rowley. I’m sure you get her emails from her company DebBee’s Designs. She is always at seminar and has done at least one program for NJNA in the past. Look at her web site, she has lots of free designs, video classes, charts and more. https://debbeesdesigns.com/

Do you know who this famous stitcher is?