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

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 !!