Julia's Sampler

Julia took our Beginner Class this fall. She came in last week with her finished sampler. She did a great job.

I will be sending out an email in the next week to set up the next group of beginner classes.

Please let us know if you are interested in taking the class. I am also working on an advanced beginner class.

Joan's Shoes

Joan stitched these lovely shoes a while ago but unfortunately, the finishing was delayed. But she will have them for this spring and summer. Aren't they lovely?

The Art of Declaring a Snow Day

I've worked in industries where it was essential that people got into work. We prided ourselves on getting in. I was always amazed to see the orthopedic patients arrive for clinic day in spite of the snow!Later, when I worked in a clinical laboratory, I made sure I stayed late with the technicians who had to get the results out in spite of the fact that snow was falling.

Now as an owner of a retail store, I try to balance the customers' needs with the road conditions. Although getting one's needlepoint supplies (canvas, threads, help) etc is important, it's not a life or death situation. Of course, we don't want someone to brave the snow only to find out that we closed. So, I try to predict what will happen.

Today I made a mistake. I said we would be open until 5 pm but the snow is really coming down. Conditions had gotten significantly worse from the time I went out at 9 AM to when I returned at 9:45 AM. The Ridgewood Public Schools have now declared an early dismissal.

So we will close by noon. Stay safe.

Gina's Tallis Bags

Gina has just finished the tallis bags for her twin grandsons. Each was beautifully stitched. She also had each tallis bag inscribed with her grandson's name and the fact that it was made with love by her.

Tallis Bag

This week, we received several tallis bags back. They were beautifully stitched and then finished in time for the services.

Joice's Pillow

Joice is a relatively new stitchers. This is her second piece. But she learned several stitches and her finished piece will look great in her family room.

This week, I took my daughter to look at college's. I thought she should know how to fill a gas tank; also, since I did the driving, it was a good time for her to learn. She know understands the significance of this sign.

Wintermint

I've already posted a picture of this canvas once. But it's up at the store, and I've had more time to look at it. Although I thought it was a wedding canvas, I realize that the cake has a snowman on top. (Of course, we could easily change it to a bride and groom!) The Airdale has is paw on a ribbon that the cake has walked away with.

But the most interesting thing about this canvas is that it makes everyone want to tell a story. A customer today thought it must be a Christmas tea. Of course, she used to have wonderful mother daughter teas at Christmas.

So what does this canvas say to you?

Dog and Cake at Wedding

It was hard to decide how to categorize this canvas. Is it whimsical animals? Wedding? You could actually create a whole story around this canvas. Perhaps the wedding couple each comes with a pet. The cat and dog are going to have to get along! The dog is looking at the cat but is he really waiting to go for the cake?

Helen's Project

Helen took this class from Suzy Murphy at TNNA and just finished it. It's a wonderful project that uses fun stitches and DMC's new memory thread. Helen is planning on teaching it soon so let us know if you are interested. You can email us at: stitches@ridgewoodneedlepoint.com

Baby Signs & Pillows

Christine has been stitching these baby gifts. The baby sleeping one on the top is one of my favorites. I just love the way the letters look. Christine used an overdyed thread for her background. We've seen it stitched and finished many different ways; it's hard to pick our favorite.
She also stitched this fun duckling pillow.

Perfect kids project

We've ordered several of these dogs and a sailboat for kids to stitch. They are small and easily finished. It might make a perfect project to do this week when your kids might be off from school.

We are also expecting new kids kits any day now.

Easter Eggs

We love Danae's Easter eggs -- our favorite is probably the bunny one in all its spring colors. In addition, there are some lovely eggs on #13 mesh canvas for those of you who prefer your projects to be done quickly! Come in to get the best selection.

Suzanne's Egg

In the store, we've been stitching spring and summer items. Suzanne is working on this adorable duckling egg. She was thrilled with the way that the medici thread added a little fuzz to the duck. Wait until Suzanne hears that medici is back- it was one of her favorite threads!

Valentine's Day News

I can't believe it's Valentine's Day! I haven't posted in two weeks. I can't even explain what I've been doing.

Of course, we did have a major snowstorm and the store was closed for two days. Fortunately, this time it didn't affect any of our classes. Helen has taught two of her Flower Stall Classes and Gretchen has taught two of her Birds on a Cherry Tree Branch. I've taught Rockefeller Center and at least two, if not three , Beginner classes.

We are preparing for Carole Lake's two classes on April 10 and April 11. The email for those classes will go out later this week. I've now got to start working on the email describing out next group of classes taught by our talented staff.

Planet Earth Threads

This past week, we have spent a lot of time moving threads around so we could hang the Planet Earth Threads. These threads are 100% silk. There is a single strand weight that is perfect for 13 or 14 mono canvas. There is also a six strand thread. Three strands are needed for 18 mesh and 6 for 13 or 14 mesh.

The threads are wonderful to touch. And the colors are just superb. The single strand thread will augment the Silk & Ivory line beautifully. The colors seem deeper. And we found that when the Silk & Ivory colors weren't quite right, we were able to find them in the Planet Earth Line.

Of course, entering threads into the computer can be a boring task. But fortunately, there are lots of great names so it is almost enjoyable. Here is a sample of the names: calm, malta, malibu, pacific, mud etc.