New Brick Covers

It's always great when a customer has seen something I don't know about. It's an opportunity for a search.

Last week, a new customer asked about a log or lake house brick cover. Although I couldn't find one while she was in the store, I managed to find it.

There are several of these wonderful brick covers! There's a great one of a New Orleans House and a lake house. I can't wait to see them in person.

Hydrangea Sampler Class

On Sunday, the current Hydrangea Sampler Class met for the last time. It was great to see again how just changing the colors change how a piece looks. Nancy was particularly brave -- she even changed the mesh size. I'm including a copy of the works in progress. Only Mary's is missing.

This was a great class. Helen will be repeating it soon.

Snow Day

Today was the perfect day to stay home and stitch. I'd like to tell you that was what I did but unfortunately, I'm still putting the last minute touches on my requirements for the National Academy of Needle Arts. The assembly meets a week from Wednesday and I need to send out my design books etc. But I am planning on stitching tonight and tomorrow!

Last night I did finish the August outfit for the Paper doll. It does look great and involves a slightly different thread and stitch.

I haven't been able to stitch on Rockefeller Center in a while. But I'm planning on it tonight.

I leave on Tuesday for Tucson and have to make sure I have enough stitching to do. I'm planning on taking the Ridgewood Exclusive outfit for the Paper Doll Club and also the Old World Stitching Santa. It would be great to have something almost done.

Old World Santa

I got my Old World Santa this week. I can't wait to start stitching him.

I don't always like to use someone else's stitch guide but this one is just fabulous. I'm including a picture since the painted canvas pales in comparison. We have ordered all the threads so you can replicate it exactly.

Old World Stitching Santa & Classic Stitching Santa

We just received the fabulous stitch guide from Kelly Clark for her Old World Stitching Santa! What a great piece and what wonderful stitches. I've ordered one for me and hope to teach it as a class this summer. The picture is just of the canvas. The finished piece has a three dimensional plaid cape and a three dimensional basket.


There is also a new Stitching Santa called Classic Stitching Santa. Obviously, this Santa has been to some of our stashes. He's carrying lots of either finished or unfinished canvases.


I may have to have both. Check out the pictures!

Westminister Dog Show

Do you have a favorite breed? I am partial to several and love to see them at the Westminster Dog Show.

But if the Standard Poodle who won the Best of Breed last night wins, his owner will be wearing a custom Poodle Cumberbund. It was fabulous looking but I forgot to take a picture. But if you're watching, look for someone wearing a poodle cumberbund.

Stitcher's Purse

Cathryn has confirmed that the first Stitcher's Purse class will be held one Sunday morning a month. The dates are Sunday April 13th, May 18 and June 8th. The kit will cost $90 which includes the canvas, the threads and stretcher bars. The three classes will be $100. (In the event that a fourth class is needed, there would be an additional charge of $25.) The purse can be stitched with two different overdyes -either a rose or a turquoise.

We will need a minimum of 5 students to hold the class. We need to have your commitment no later than the end of February in order to get the canvases.

Cooper Oaks Trunk Show

Helen managed to hang most of the Cooper Oaks Trunk show today. I haven't seen it all together for a while. In looking at the canvas, it's remarkable how many are a manageable travel size. For those of you going away in February, you might be able to find the perfect travel project.

They have some great designs. There is a new series of letters that are just charming. They belong in a child's room but aren't babyish.

I had forgotten that Cooper Oaks also has some fun signs. One group of canvases is obviously influenced by country french patterns and themes.

Although many of the beach scenes are on 18 mesh, most of the flowers, signs etc are on 13 mesh.

Come see them soon. As always, there is 10% off on Cooper Oak during the trunk show. It will be up the whole month.

Cooper Oaks Trunk Show

I don't know if the groundhog saw its shadow but with the lovely weather this weekend, the beach is calling me. Come see the Cooper Oaks Trunk Show at the store. This wonderful company has some fabulous beach scenes --in fact, beach scenes from all seasons. I love the flowers in the bag canvas bags and the dogs looking at the waves. In the past, we've been able to modify the canvas so the dogs can look like various breeds.

A Busy Week

Sometimes, we just don't get the things done we have meant to do. I had great plans for this past week but it just didn't happen. So many tasks to finish! I'm almost finished with the August Paper Doll outfit and just have to put the finishing touches on the May outfit. It should go out this week!

I did manage to get my NAN Teacher Preparation Project in and on time this week.

Our class schedule is still being worked on. The stadium class will be starting on April 13th.

Cathryn Curia will be starting The Stitcher's Purse on Sunday, March 9. The costs and specific times and dates are coming soon.

Judaic Trunk

We are still in the process of setting up the Judaic Trunk show for March. Fleur de Paris has a new designer that will be included in the show. I'm looking forward to having designs from Julia's, S & S, Susan Roberts, Rishfield Designs, Fleur de Paris (the new designer plus Once in a Blue Moon), Lani, Aviva and hopefully some others. It should be a great opportunity to see what's out there!

Superbowl Sunday & Beyond

We will be having a Superbowl Sunday Stitch & Chat this Sunday. I'm looking forward to just stitching. It's been a busy week and I haven't stitched enough.

Come join us on Sunday from 1pm to who knows when. I'll have coffee and some snacks.

It should be relaxing.