Finished Piece

Nina is a really fast stitcher. She wanted to do something special for her husband's birthday so she stitched his initials. The monogram was designed to fit into this handsome Lee jewelry box. Several other customers are doing canvases that fit into this jewelry box. Either would make a lovely gift.

But there is a very limited supply of these jewelry boxes so if you want one, let us know immediately!

Learning to Post Pictures

I know you have seen the photo of the finished Valentine's Day Door but I am practicing how to post pictures myself. I do love this door and really fell in love with Silk Lame when I was stitching it.

Jane's Chair

You know how people often say that they would like to come back as another person's dog or child or something. Well, I want to come back as Jane's grandchild (either one of them). For her first grandchild, Jane did a lovely rocking chair with a Winnie the Pooh Design. For her grandaughter's first birthday, she has completed this lovely rocking chair with a Beatrix Potter figure. It is perfectly stitched and just lovely. Jane is an incredibly precise and fast stitcher. This is only one of the projects she has finished in the past year.

Blog Pictures

I realized that when I posted this picture, it wasn't small enough. I have been learning to post the pictures myself on the blog and it is definitely a learning process. I've decided that the Microsoft ads showing kids doing fantastic photo manipulations are aimed at the wrong audience. Instead, they should show a 58 1/2 year old woman easily posting pictures to her blog! Of course, I am still sorting through deciing what size they need to be!

Valentine's Day Door.

I am so excited. Last night I put the finishing touches on the Valentine's Day Door. The finished door is so vibrant and three dimensional! I loved using the new Silk Lame by Rainbow Gallery. It's part of the Door Club.

I plan to start working on the Spring door next unless the Patriotic Door takes hold of my imagination. To be honest, that's the one I want to work on next and then I want to do Autumn followed by Spring and Summer. Oh well, we'll see how disciplined I can be.

New Belts

Some great new canvases arrived today. We received a Happy Everything belt for the person who likes to celebrate every holiday! We all received a crew belt. It's perfect for the crew member in your house whether they are in high school, college or even a graduate. I know there are lots of crew people out there.

Chanukah Door

I am so excited! Tonight, I finished the Chanukah Door for the The Doors Club. Although there are dreidels in the door, I think it would also be a great winter door -- you would just have to stitch beyond the dreidel shape.

This is the second door that I have finished. I hope to finish the Valentine's Door tomorrow night. I'll then be 1/3 done. I plan to stitch the Spring or Patriotic Door next

Packing and Unpacking- Books & Canvases

We spend Tuesday and Wednesday packing up the Kathy Schenkel trunk show. It is a delightful show to have and many of you got some fabulous canvases to stitch.

The last two days we have spend unpacking all the boxes that arrived earlier in the week. We got our order of Stitches To Go plus two new books - Julia Snyder 's Categories for Needlepoint and
Suzy Murphy's Mini Stitches. Both books look great. I can't wait to sit down with each one.

We only received a couple of the new books but if we run out, we'll be glad to order more.

Then we unpacked lots of canvases. We got some new tallis bags, a wonderful lady drinking tea and a group of Lee canvases.

Finally, the new Wiltex wool threads arrived!

Black and White Hen

This is one of my favorite canvases. I ordered it at the show but it hasn't arrived yet. The hen has such character!

We have been receiving canvases from the show this past week. We've gotten in some wonderful tallis bags, ornaments and the wonderful Vogue Lady that Judy Hendrickson stitched. The picture is posted on a previous blog - Finishing January 11, 2009

Audrey Hepburn canvas

This remains one of my favorite canvases. It's by Shelley Tribbey and comes on #13 mesh and #18 mesh. I love it that although not a picture of Audrey Hepburn, it definitely seems like it is Audrey.

What do you think? Also, notice the fantastic finishing.

Another Chandelier

If the mermaid chandelier is just to big a project for you, consider this much smaller chandelier by Shelley Tribbey. It's a different pillow and the finishing makes all the difference.

I'm so excited. We just figured out how I can add pictures directly. It will mean that the blogs can have more pictures. I've been sending them to
our computer guy to upload. This is fantastic.

Mermaid Chandelier

It's always fun to open the packages that arrive at the store. Finishing is often the most exciting because you get to see how the piece actually turns out. But there are some canvases that just call you to pick beautiful threads and stitches.

One of those canvases arrived last week. Terri had ordered the Mermaid Chandelier about six months ago. It is actually hand-painted by the artist, Barbara Elmore. When it arrived this week, everyone was just taken away by how beautiful it is.



Gretchen and I have started to pull threads and to think about stitches. We will have it for another week or so while we create a suggested thread and stitch guide so try to come by to see it.

Easter Isn't Far Away

We aren't far away from Easter. This week at the store we received some adorable Easter eggs from Associated Talents. Suzanne scooped one up before it even got into the drawer!

In addition to eggs, we received some carrots. Of course, the stitching makes a difference but the finishing makes them to die for. Below I've posted a picture of three finished carrots.

Project Bags

The new project bags have almost flower out of the store. The large sacks are perfect for carrying your needlepoint project on stretcher bars. Other customers have also liked the smaller project bags for travel projects. Others have snapped up the gadget bags. Although I got them in red, blue and black, I can also get them in purple. Since I'm planning on ordering more in the next week, I'd be delighted to order the colors or styles that you would like.

In my original post, I forgot to mention that the bags are manufactured here in the United States. I believe they utilize disabled workers so there is an added benefit to these bags.

We will be ordering them again this week so if you have a particular preference, please let us know. We will be glad to accomodate you.

I'm Back from Tucson

I returned from Tucson late Friday night. I enjoyed the brief time away and got started on the Chanukah door for The Doors Club. It's coming along nicely. I do plan on taking pictures of that and the Valentine's Door to post on this blog before I get them off for finishing.

When I returned to the store, I found out that an article had been published about me in the Ridgewood News. I'm trying to get a way to have it posted on our web site.
It includes a picture of me stitching the Rockefeller Center Christmas Stocking. People at the store and at the bank had seen it before I did! If I can get it on the website, I'll announce it on the blog.

Ridgewood News- Keeping 'em in stiches

I returned from Tucson late Friday night. I enjoyed the brief time away and got started on the Chanukah door for The Doors Club. It's coming along nicely. I do plan on taking pictures of that and the Valentine's Door to post on this blog before I get them off for finishing.

When I returned to the store, I found out that an article had been published about me in the Ridgewood News. I'm trying to get a way to have it posted on our web site.
It includes a picture of me stitching the Rockefeller Center Christmas Stocking. People at the store and at the bank had seen it before I did! If I can get it on the website, I'll announce it on the blog.

International Santas, Golfer and Boarders

I'm leaving for Tucson today at noon but I wanted to let you see a few of the finished Kathy Schenkel Santas.

Kathy has a delightful series of International Santas. There are about twenty Santas that include some cities (Venice, Paris, New York, London) and some countries (Australia, Spain). Below, I have posted a picture of three of the Santas. Gretchen did two of these.



Then, for the sporting people in your life, Kathy has a large Golfing Santa. It's terrific.


Finally, she has smaller stand-ups for the boarders in your life. Helen did these for her sons. One is a surfer and the other is a snowboarder.

New Project Bags

At the show we found these great new project bags. The flat sacks were designed to carry needlepoint canvases on frames. They come in three colors (red, blue and black) and two sizes (large and medium). Perfect to carry your larger projects.

We also bought some project bags to put your threads in and some smaller bags for your needlepoint tools. Suzanne and Helen both thought the bags were great when we opened them today.

Looking forward to warm weather

Maureen has a new house at the beach and she has been stitching for it. This lovely group of umbrellas really came out great. She used different threads and stitches.

Can't you imagine how great it will look at a beach house?

Kathy Schenkel Designs Trunk Show

Yesterday and today we checked in the Kathy Schenkel trunk show. Her line has a very wide range of subjects although the majority of items are smaller -- think ornament size. But she also has a great series of lighthouses.

Kathy has many designs that are finished as 3-D ornaments. In addition, there is a wide price range.

I must say that I really enjoyed checking this trunk show in. I loved the Thanksgiving scene. Today, I fell in love with the 12 Dogs of Christmas and Meow Christmas. Either set would be lovely for the dog or cat lover in your life.

Kathy's designs are easy to stitch since they are stitch-painted.

You Tube Fans

One of the most popular You Tube videos is of the Bulgarian Idol singer with her interpretation of the Mariah Carey song. There is a small needlepoint canvas immortalizing her singing. It's a hoot for You Tube Fans.

New Items Are coming in

We've started to receive the first items from the show. The fabulous watchbands from L'Esprit de France have arrived. In addition, we have some lovely provence inspired canvases from them. Come to see them soon since one or two have already sold!

We also have Lee's ID tags, two black jewelry cases (either one would be a great gift for a man). You could just add initials and you'd have a great gift. We also got the yellow and cranberry gift boxes from Lee that go perfectly with two Lani designs. Either one would make a great gift and are quick projects.

For the cat lover, we have a Barbara Russell Maine Coon Cat who is sitting up on a quilt. Even though I've ordered these, it's always a treat to get the new things.

Spring Classes

I just wanted to let you know that I am also working on the email newsletter concerning classes. We are just trying to tie down all the classes, costs and dates so we can provide the classes that are wanted. If you are interested in our classes, please let us know which ones you particularly want to take.

Because classes take so much planning and coordination (we need 6 weeks to let the distributor know that we need the canvas etc.), we are also trying to be proactive about our summer and fall classes. This winter just seemed too brutal to attempt classes. We thought we would end up cancelling them. But we are ready to start in March.

If you are not already on our email list, you should sign up so you will get our class notice.

A Snowy Day

New Jersey has been closed down by the most recent storm or so it seems. It snowed early this morning; it is now sleeting and the roads are treacherous.

Our policy is to close down when the Ridgewood Schools close down. So we are closed today. I am working on my Valentine's Door. I just love the way the pink Silk Lame looks on the canvas. It really reminds me of a pink cake. I haven't taken a picture yet but will soon.

Back from TNNA

I came back from TNNA early on Tuesday morning so it's taken me a while to get back in the swing of things. But the canvases have already started to arrive!

Given all the excitement over the inauguration this week, I couldn't resist the picture of the Washingon Monument, the reflecting pool and fireworks by Needlepoint Broad. It's a fantastic canvas. I hope to add a picture soon.

The Kelly Clark designs from Sample It are lovely; Suzanne already bought the mitten to stitch for her tree.

Customers have loved the Canvas bag ornaments that look like LL Bean bags. I loved Dede's Santa face with its wonderful beard and All about Stitching's Easter bunny. Come and see before they are sold.

The TNNA Show

Today, I continued to take classes and to walk the show. I think I walked 5 miles yesterday and today inside the convention center. TNNA has done a breast cancer walk the past few years. This year they let us just sign up at the beginning of the show and we were given pedometers.

Of course, in addition to the fun of shopping, there is the fun of seeing the various designers. I had dinner with Dale of DJ Designs and Emily of Chandall Needlepoint in Houston.

It's fun to see how some of the designers pull their booths together. Hyla Hurley's The Point of It All has fabulous red walls which set off her fun canvases. Shelly Tribbey's canvases are beautifully finished with lots of whimisical women.

I was saddened to learn that Gene Plummer of HP Designs had died in August. I may not see these people often but I do look forward to seeing them at the shows.

The National Needlework Show-Day Three - Class and Show

Today, the actual show opened at 10 am. But first, I took a class with June McKnight. She is the author of all those small books (sort of index card size) with spiral bindings. The books are great but the class was fabulous! It was on borders.

The book is organized by the size of the border you need to stitch. June's sample is a belt sized canvas with a sample of each of the borders in the book. It's a wonderful reference and done on #13 mesh. I'm looking forward to teaching this class so let me know if you are interested.

I then went to the show itself. On the first day, I try to walk the entire show. I didn't quite make it but I only missed a couple of vendors. They are first on my list for tomorrow. The Point of It All has a wonderful London needlepoint belt. Rebecca Wood has a football canvas similar to her Baseball canvas. I also loved Treglown's Football play. It would be a great pillow for the football player in your life.

Treglown also had a purse used belts as the purse's strap -- a very clever idea. I also found another vendor for project bags.

I also got some wonderful stitched samples from The Princess and Me. I loved the graduation snowman -- easy to personalize for the graduate in your life.

I'm still sorting through everything I saw.

Tomorrow I'm taking another class from June McKnight on shading. We all know that it's not my favorite but still important to do.

The National Needlework Show-Day Two of Classes

I arrived in San Diego yesterday. Today, I took a great class with Amy Bunger on Melissa Shirley's Pretty Peasant Dress. Amy had us do lots of stitches including a colonial knot rose! Wait until you see that technique! We also did lots of Jessicas. The class was fun and also reminds me of how much slower I stitch when I'm in class.

At the National Needlework Association (TNNA), we have to order items. But there is a Sample It! event the night before the show opens. It means that I get to come home with a few canvases. Lani had two lovely canvases for the Lee jewelry case. A couple of the vendors had new Christmas ornaments. Kelly Clark had some new socks and mittens plus a new Santa. I was able to get those in #18 and #13 mesh. There is a new designer who had canvas bag ornaments. I have six of those. Another vendor had Christmas ornaments in the shape of old fashioned lights and a happy birthday sign. I was also able to get 6 new kids kits.

Tomorrow, I take a class from June McKnight on Borders. Then, it's on to the show and all the new designs.

Finishing

It's so satisfying to finish a piece. Just before Christmas, a couple of customers came in with their finished and framed pieces.

Judy worked with David McCaskill (remember he's coming back April 18-20th) to develop stitches for this lovely Victorian lady. She also decided to make some thread changes as she worked. This picture just doesn't do the piece justice but it's a start.

To Market, TO Market

I leave a week from Thursday for The National Needlework Association trade show in San Diego. First, I must admit that I particularly love the market when it's in San Diego. There is something wonderful about leaving cold and grey New Jersey and arriving in beautiful and normally sunny San Diego. The reality is that once I'm there, I don't get out much except walking back and forth from the hotel to the convention center. But it's just the idea that I'm there!

I always take classes. I'm very excited since I am taking Amy's Bunger's class on Melissa Shirley's Pretty Peasant Dress. It's bright and fun and Amy is a great teacher.

Of course, I'm there for the show, too. SO if there is anything in particular you are looking for, please let me know. I always go with a shopping list.

And in order to accomodate the news threads and designs, we have lots of canvases and threads on sale at the store. They are going fast so hurry!

I'm still a little behind

I promised that I would have the email out and the information on the The Doors up in early January. I have started to work on the email which will then go up on the site but I still have to take one more picture. I went to take the picture and one of my children borrowed my Nikon battery! So the picture will have to wait.

Of course, when I get the battery, I might also take a picture of the Christmas door "in progress."
It's really coming along quite nicely if I say so myself. Although I had hoped to finish it this week, I think I will be able to get it done by next week and then start the Chanukah door. So for those of you who are wondering, the first door in the series will be the holiday door. (You can choose Christmas or Chanukah or both).

I am enjoying the Christmas door a lot. It's been fun to figure out how to get more depth through stitches and threads.

Happy New Year

I forgot to wish you all a Happy and Healthy New Year. Remember that stitching helps to reduce stress!
Eileen

The End of 2008

I just realized that I haven't posted a blog in over two weeks. I have been busy with the store and of course, celebrating the holidays with my family. Somehow, it always seems that I'm in a crunch just before Christmas-so much shopping to do and cards to write etc.

In case you don't know, we have started our January Sale early. Relatively new canvases are 20% off while the older canvases are 40% off; sale canvases are 75% off the original price. In addition, since Anchor has discontinued its pearl cotton #3, we are selling it for a $1. a skein. In addition, in order to make room for new threads, we have reduced some threads to $2. a skein (Trio, Elegance, Shepherd's Silk, Ty-Di Threads). There are some other threads on sale too - sparkle braid, felicity's garden etc.

We are very excited about this new wool that is coming in from Wiltex threads. I love their Vineyard Silk so I was very excited to sample the new wool. It's lovely. Suzanne loved it too and she loved Medici!

It's snowing here in Ridgewood. In fact, although Sally and I made it in the roads were terrible. So we closed at noon and went home. It's a very pretty snow but tough to drive in.

I'm busy working on the Christmas door for our Door series. I am also working on the email announcement so please be patient!

Audubon Pictures

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of working with a customer as we kitted her beautiful canvases. The design was originally an Everglades bench (think birds) by Ann Cram. Carol loved the piece but wanted two needlepoints for her Florida home. Ann painted the design to meet Carol's needs.

The birds are lovely (and as some of you may know, since I am a birder, I am particularly fussy about my birds). Carol is going to do the pieces in basketweave. We spent some time choosing the perfect colors from The Caron Collection's Impressions.

It was fun to pick out the beautiful colors. I can't wait to see the finished project.

Evelyn's Pillows

Evelyn has been working on this collection of animals for about two years. She carefully chose the individuals in her menagerie. I think they are wonderful.

We don't usually get to see a customer's work all together so we really appreciated that she brought them in back in for us to see!

Christmas Ornaments/House Tour

Although it's rainy outside, I must say that I particularly look forward to coming into the store during the season. Everyday we get to open boxes from the different finishers. Our customers have done beautiful ornaments, stand-ups and other things this year.

Below I have posted pictures of some.

We have these wonderful Santa's and Snowmen that can be personalized with a school's colors and name. Below I have posted two of Mary's - Elon and Davidson Santas.


Sports Fans really like to have their teams represented, too. Below is a Mets Jersey.



The beautiful Melissa Shirley angel was stitched by Chris. It's on display at the Ho-Ho-Kus Auxiliary's House Tour that benefits Valley Hospital.


Chris put her beautiful angel on top of her living room Christmas Tree. I was lucky enough to see all of Chris's ornaments displayed as she got ready for the tour.
The stitched ornaments and holiday treasures really make her house an absolute treat.

What Should You Get For a Stitcher

We have lots of things for stitches in a wide range of prices. We even have a book that can be bought in chapters so your children can get what you want! We have a fabulous collection of books, DVDs and CDs. We can keep a wish list for you, too.

We have quilted bags for projects in addition to our clear vinyl bags. There's also a stash bag that will hold threads and your tools for that project.

Of course, needlepoint involves lots of gadgets. Amy put together a little stitcher's kit with a scissors, laying tool, needles and the new bling magnets. We also have some wonderful decorative magnets.

Of course, you can buy a gift certificate so the person can choose herself (or himself) or you can suggest one as a gift for you.

Come search for the stitcher in your life (or for yourself).

It's Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas

At the store, Helen started decorating. The garlands are up, wreaths are on the door and the Christmas window is half done. We've started our daily holiday drawing and have already had three winners. Two have already picked up their gifts. In order to be in the drawing, you have to make a purchase. At the end of the day, we cut up our copy of the receipts and draw a name. So the more you come, the more likely you are to win!

Christmas finishing continues to pour in. It's like Christmas every day as we get to see the finished canvases. I know I promised to post pictures. I hope to do that later this weekend.

Come to the store to get a respite from the holiday craziness. Join us for a Stitch & Chat!

The Weekend After

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We had a small group for dinner but it was very enjoyable. We even got to sit by the fire for a while. We've used some of the Thanksgiving leftovers recipes that we have traditionally used. In addition, when making the Thanksgiving stuffing, I found that turkey sausage is moister so you need much less water.

Of course, as a retailer, I can help but read the stories about Black Friday and the hordes going to the mall. At Ridgewood Needlepoint, we had a lovely day with our customers who came in for stitch and chat. Kappy came in to pick up a delightful pillow. I promised to post that picture with some other finished items later in the week.

This week, we expect the Christmas finishing to really start coming in. I know that we will be receiving two tree toppers and three Old World Santas this week. I can't wait to see them.

Thanksgiving Joke

I've never posted a joke before but I just love this one. So rather than emailing it to everyone I know, I thought it would be appropriate for the blog.

I do wish you all a lovely Thanksgiving!

Eileen Aird

A young man named John received a parrot as a gift. The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every word out of the bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity. John tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else he could think of to "clean up" the bird's vocabulary. Finally, John was fed up and he yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled back. John shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and even ruder. John, in desperation, threw up his hand, grabbed the bird and put him in the freezer. For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed. Then suddenly there was total quiet. Not a peep was heard for over a minute. Fearing that he'd hurt the parrot, John quickly open the door to the freezer, the parrot calmly stepped out onto John's outstretched arms and said, "I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I'm sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable behavior." John was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude. As he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behavior, the bird continued, "May I ask what the turkey did?" HAPPY THANKSGIVING! J

The Armchair Chef Rides Again

Tonight, I went through my Thanksgiving list of items to do. I know I need to go food shopping and thought the stores might be less crowded tonight. Consequently, I am trying to decide what we really will have for dinner. Alison is making pumpkin pie. I am going to have her check out the recipes at www.TheArmchairchef.com. The had a whole lot of pumpkin pie recipes to celebrate pumpkin pie day which was November 21st.

Tink will also have celebrity chefs for Thanksgiving leftover ideas. I know I will be checking it for ideas. I often make turkey soup and turkey salad but it's nice to have new ideas.

Sandra Gilmore & More Trunk Show

Last week, we kept waiting for the Sandra Gilmore trunk show to arrive. It turns out that it was sent out late so we didn't receive it until Tuesday.

It's now hanging up and it is lovely. We have her lovely room scenes, her beautiful flower scenes plus some of her large figures. There is a sweet child dressed for Halloween and a wonderful Santa.

We also have a number of judaic designs from Sandra and another artist in the Fleur de Paris line.

We requested the Trubey NewYork City BellPull. Come see the trunk show. Also, remember that we will be closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

Holiday card for Soldiers

At the holiday season, we often think of those less fortunate than ourselves or those who are far away from home. Last year, the Saturday stitch and chat ladies were motivated by Judy who collected items for a particular unit. They sent cd's, gloves, puzzles and other items.

I've read at least one blog where there were suggestions about sending holiday cards to soldiers. From the back and forth exchanges, it seems that there is a protocol that you must follow. Below I have inserted the link to the Red Cross which is jointly working with Pitney Bowes to provide cards to service men.

http://www.redcross.org/holidaymail

There is even a way to utilize their cards! Given how much time we spend on computers, this seems like a worthwhile use of our time.

Finished Stitching

We've been treated to lots of finished stitching recently. Of course, we have had the benefit of the beautifully stitched Deborah Wilson designs these past two weeks. The stitching is absolutely exquisite.

In addition, we have received Nancy's Halloween Bunny. It's actually one of my favorite canvases. I can't wait to see what she does with the rest of the canvases in the series.

Then, Karen brought in her wonderful Fifi's grooming salon. It is delightful and since I love poodles, I am particulary enamored of the standard poodle in the front. (Ignore the reflection of the glass)


Finally, Cathryn has completed a flower canvas she got in the spring. It is already framed and on her wall in Bermuda. (Again you need to ignore the reflection of the glass.

Whew! Halloween is over and the Holidays are almost here.

I can't believe it's almost Thanksgiving and then Christmas follows! At the store, we are beginning to get finished Christmas items back.

It seems too early to think about Thanksgiving and what to do about the leftovers. But at The Armchair chef (www.thearmchairchef.com) there will be recipes for what to do with your Thanksgiving leftovers! At home, we will be having a small Thanksgiving dinner so we will need to find things to do with all that turkey. I will be checking it to see what they suggest. Last year, I submitted my recipe for stuffing but somehow it got lost. I'm hoping that Tink will post it this year.

Unannounced Trunk Show-Deborah Wilson

The Melissa Shirley Trunk Show is off the walls and being sent back tomorrow. So if you were first to order a canvas, you can come to pick it up. Orders will be placed tomorrow when two people wanted the same canvas.

It was a beautiful show.

Because Deborah Wilson is returning to teach November 9 and November 10th, she has sent many of her beautifully stitched samples. We can take orders on those so stop by to see her incredible work. In addition, we do have the sample for the Gilded Jacobean Fruits and Flowers. It is gorgeous. It includes some unusual stitches and some goldwork. The background isn't stitched since it is on gilded ecru canvas.

Deborah Wilson Class

We had a great class on Sunday and Monday. Deborah Wilson taught her fabulous Tussie Mussie. She is coming back on Sunday November 9th and 10th to teach Gilded Jacobean Fruits and Flowers. It is a beautiful piece with a little goldwork and fabulous stitches. The sample arrived at the store on Monday. You have to see it in person -- once again, the photo does not do it justice.

We still have some openings so let us know if you are interested!

Melissa Shirley Trunk Show

We have spend the last two days checking in and hanging the Melissa Shirley Trunk Show. It is gorgeous. The designers represented are wonderful -- and distinctive.

One of the things I like best about this line is that there is such an incredible range of canvases. There are charming Christmas ornaments and scenes including a lovely pink and white gingerbread house. We are alway selecting our favorite stocking.

Then, there are beautiful birds. Some of the canvases are of the birds alone. Others include the birds with beautiful floral arrangements. There is a spectacular large canvas of egrets in a swampy area. IT is stunning. There are fabulous shore birds and shells and a to die for black and white chicken.

Again, the line has an enormous range of color from more muted tones to vibrantly colored canvases.

We have the show until Sunday, October 26th so there's just a week to select your canvas. IT's hard to choose just one!

The Armchair Chef Continued/ Serious Stitching

I keep checking the Armchair Chef (www.thearmchairchef.com) to see if my recipe has been posted yet. Today, a cross-stitch designer posted her recipe for apple pie. I also went back through other posting and was intrigued by a recipe for beet bread. I'm tempted to try it just because it sounds different.

My daughter Alison shared her favorite recipe for Halloween cookies with me so I might share that, too.

Oh well, onto Needlepoint. I am now working on my Intermediate submission for my NAN certification. So far, it looks pretty good and I should be able to get some serious stitching in tonight during the debate. I'm hoping to either finish the windows of the building or the stucco wall -- but it's unlikely I'll get to both.

C-up Bra Canvas

Helen has been working on C-cups while Donna was doing hers. Helen finished first and is letting us keep hers on display.

Helen's bra is one of a series of bra and panties from Sharon G. They're are all types of themes including Halloween, Las Vegas, Martinis, hearts etc. Framed the bras and panties make great decorations for your bedroom, bathroom or dressing room. I've also seen them finished as a purse!

Helen used a darning pattern for the background.

Karen's Been Busy

I know sometimes it feels like we never finish anything. And then suddenly, several pieces are finished at the same time. In the last few weeks, Karen has finished three things.

First, we saw her lovely hydrangea purse. The flowers were beautifully stitched.

Then, this week we saw her charming English cottage and the Fifi's Grooming Salon. Of course, it should really be called Monty's Grooming Salon.

I alway think it fabulous that one person can do such different pieces. Karen is an eclectic stitcher.

Halloween Hat

This painted canvas is one of my favorites since I love Halloween. I love fall colors and it is such a happy holiday.

Marianne finished her delightful hat in time to showcase it for Halloween. I'm so envious.

Raymond Crawford has at least one other hat design. It's not too early to start for next year! We have one in stock.

The Armchair Chef

I just checked out www.thearmchairchef.com for Halloween Recipes. In fact, many needlework people will be participating in this annual event. The most recent posting is for a tomato pie that uses the last tomatoes from the garden. It sounds great.

Since I love the fall, I'll be looking often. I particularly love plum cake or plum torte. I always cut those recipes out so I'm thinking of posting that recipe.

Tussie Mussie Sample Has Arrived!

If you haven't been in the shop the past few days, you've missed the incredibly beautiful Tussie Mussie by Deborah Wilson. The picture on our website just doesn't do it justice. The flowers are just beautful. I particularly loved the inside portions of the flowers. I can see lots of applications.

There are still a few openings, so call as soon as you can.

Books

Everyone once in a while, someone asks a question that I should know the answer to but can't remember which of the two choices is the better one. (Right now, I'm talking about stitching but it happens other times, too.)

As some of you know, I love owning books and I own a lot. But as a storeowner, I think it's my responsibility to suggest books that you will find really valuable. Thus, I often special order books but keep in inventory a relatively small selection. My recommendations also depend on what level stitcher you are. For example, I think established stitchers should have The Needlepoint Book, Stitches for Effect, More Stitches for Effect, and Even More Stitches for Effect and the Stitches To Go books. My favorite book is Amy Bunger's 3 volume Amy'sCookbook for Stitchers. But I do recognize that it is more of an investment.

I also discovered that what you like depends on where you are in your stitching. I really like Linda Corriosis Stitch Embellishment Books (two volumes) now and Susie Murphy'ss books but didn't depend upon them as much when I was new. The books mentioned are my daily tools but I also use other books regularly. And now I have found two more.

Recently, I purchased two small books on needlepoint, both by Susan Sturgeon Roberts.
The first one, The Thread, Canvas & Needle Handbook for Needlepoint is truly a Reference book. It suggests needle size and appropriate threads and number of strands for different size canvases. Of course, if you are a very tight or very loose stitcher, it may not be right for you. But it is a good starting point. And very easy to use.

The second book should be in everyone's library. Tips & Techniques for Needlepoint. I may not follow everything, but I should. And if I don't agree, there are just differences of technique.Susan Sturgeon Roberts answers many questions. I'm going to order more for the store so let me know if you are interested.

By the way, Susan Sturgeon Roberts is also the author of a very good stitch book called The Complete Needlepoint Guide. We are sold out of that book but I can certainly get more.

Happy New Year

I just wanted to wish many of our customers A Happy New Year.

I Just Finished!

It's beena momentous week for me. I finally finished my jean jacket and dropped it off to have a lining put in. In addition, I finished Kelly Clark's Old World Stitching Santa and will be sending it off today to the finisher. I just made the deadline.

For those of you who are busy stitching away, we can still take ornaments through Tuesday, October 7 but that's the final date. Full-size stockings can come in as late as the end of October.

I know this means that many of you will be stitching away in the next few days.

Have fun.

Old World Stitching Santa

We finally had our class on the basket and scarf on Kelly Clark's Old World Stitching Santa. Several people wanted to have their canvas in before the finishing deadline of October 1. Hopefully, they will make it. (I know Judy will because she decided to just do a three-dimensional basket and isn't going to do the three-dimensional scarf).

I have finished most of mine except for a few colonial knots and the candy canes so I may be able to enjoy mine at Christmas too.

Actually, the weaving technique looks more complicated than it is. It's mostly in the set-up.

My New Bag

My finished Elizabeth Turner satchel came in just before I left for ANG seminar. I left it with the matching shoes for all to admire at the store but in case you haven't been in, here's a picture.

It's the perfect project when you just want to stitch without thinking.

I can't wait to start using it!

Fall Classes

Our Stars Class started on Sunday and we finished the City Snow/Coat Ladies Class. We are now taking sign-ups for the Potting Shed, The Background Sampler and City Snow. In addition, there are still openings for Deborah Wilson's Tussie Mussie and Jacobean Fruits and Flowers. Both classes should be lots of fun.

This Sunday, the Old World Santa class will be meeting to do the scarf and the basket.

ANG Auction

I forgot to write about the ANG live auction. As always, there were some beautifully stitched and finished items. I particularly loved an Easter egg finished like one of the old fashioned sugar eggs where you could peek inside the egg. Unfortunately, it was auctioned off before I arrived.

The Mr. and Mrs. Claus stitched by the Tucson chapter were fabulous.

I particularly loved a beautiful tote bag that was finished by Pat Mazu. The bag was just stunning.

Finally, there was an American Flag stitched by the Houston Chapter that generated the highest bid. I've ordered the book by Michelle Roberts for the store. It was lovely!

American Needlepoint Guild

I had planned on reporting back frequently from the ANG seminar. But somehow the time slipped by me. Getting here was a nightmare - Cathryn and I arrived approximately 10 hours after we were originally scheduled to get here. Then our bags didn't arrived for another 24 hours!

But my classes have been great. I took two of three days of Lois Kershner's Stitching for Perspective. It's a notebook class and I learned a lot. I plan to finish the notebook so I can use it in the store; it's a great reference.

Then, I went on to a color class taught by Janet Mitchell Fishel. We've been tinting and shading colors for two days and creating a color book. Both Amy and I have enjoyed it a lot and also learned a lot.

Expo night was fun last night. I enjoyed seeing people from last year and other times, too.

The exhibit is wonderful. I am always amazed at how incredibly talented people are. I'm also excited about classes for next year. I'll be waiting for the sign up!

Some of our classmates are from Texas and are of course, concerned about their families and homes -- and how they will get home. I hope that the hurricane does as little damage as possible. It also means that getting out of here may be more difficult due to messed up airline schedules.

Stitch & Chat Thursday Night

It was a small group of stitchers on Thursday. But it gave me a chance to get to know Merry Sue and to catch up with Nancy and Helen. The latter has just returned from her sojourn at the beach and her 10 day hike of the Appalachian trail. While at the beach, she finished David McCaskill's Potting Shed. It looks great and she can't wait to teach it.

Helen and Nancy were admiring two new Asian Designs that just came in from Danji. Jill of Danji rewrote the stitch guides for these two beautiful pieces by Janice. They are line-drawn canvases of a fan and kimono. They will make absolutely stunning pieces!

They both also admired my new satchel purse that just came back from Elizabeth Turner. IT's a gorgeous needlepointed purse of a jungle scene. I'm taking it to ANG.

Going to ANG Seminar

I'm in a panic since I leave on Sunday for the ANG seminar in Palm Desert, California. I'm still not packed and also have to pack the items I'm bringing for EXPO night. Ridgewood Needlepoint has a table where we will be selling: scissors fobs, chatelaines, bags and other accessories for stitchers.

My assignment for NAN is overdue. I've finished the first draft of the Student Booklet but I still have several hours to go on the piece itself. I had hoped to finish it before I left but it's looking doubtful.

We are waiting for the next shipment of paper dolls. I'm hoping that we will be shipping them the week of September 14th.

Dewey Beach

Nancy finished this piece in time for it to be enjoyed this summer. This fun piece was designed to be the base of a beach tag holder -- a very important item for Jersey beaches that require beach tags.


But this one is just a fabulous decoration for Nancy's sister.

Klimt Purse

Barbara has stitched and finished this beautiful purse. When it came in, a number of customers ooohed and ahhhh over it. I just wanted to share the finished product.

We will be placing an order for them in the next week. I know that Cathryn guided Barbara in her choice of threads so we can duplicate what she stitched.

September

I know it's not September yet but we are only two days away. If you go to an office supply store, it's packed these days because everyone is getting ready for school.

At the store, we are getting ready for the fall season. We have decorated the walls with wonderful canvases of fall subjects or colors. Gretchen and Gail worked all day doing this. It looks fantastic.

We are putting together our fall classes and I have to update the web site. Cathryn starts the next Section of Stars of the Millenium. Helen will be teaching David McCaskill's Potting Shed on four Sundays in October and November.

Gretchen is ready to start teaching Carole Lake's straight stitches (we're just putting together the details now.) The Background Sampler is being offered again and Sally is putting together on class on Bargello. And of course, Deborah Wilson will be teaching her Tussie Mussie in October and her Jacobean Fruits and Flowers in November.

We hope you will be in soon to see the new canvases or to take our classes.

New York City Scenes

Recently, we've had a lot of interest in New York City scenes. Today the large Amanda Lawford New York Scene (20"x20") arrived. As soon as we unrolled the canvas, we all stopped and stood around to admire this beautiful canvas. I would really love to do this as a canvas embellishment workshop over a period of time (the same way we did the Rockefeller Center Stocking). The canvas is just stunning with beautiful colors and incredible opportunities for great stitches. You can see this fabulous canvas by going to her web site. We'll try to get a picture up soon!

There is also a great Maggie New York City -- it's a little less traditional. Needlepoint Broad also has a wonderful canvas of the George Washington bridge with the cars going up toward it. And of course, there is the bell pull by Trubey and the Rockefeller Center Stocking and panel (also know as Midtown Manhattan stocking).

Labor Day Weekend

We will be open on saturday, August 31 from 10am to 4pm.

The End of Summer/Start of the the School Year

I can't believe that today is August 28th. I always know the summer is waning to an end when I see the farm stands advertising chrysanthmums at 4 for $10.99. But it you are in the mood for fall flowers, we have two beautiful Sunflowers to choose from. We also have some beautiful realistic flowers from Lani. Finally, we received some fun pink flowers from Fleur de Paris.

Lots of customers are back from vacation and getting their kids ready for school. It's fun to see people we haven't seen for a while. We do have lots of new things for you to look at.

I should be updating the web site this week. In the next few weeks, we will be finalizing our fall schedule. We have Deborah Wilson coming for two classes. Helen Haydon will be teaching. I'm ready to do another background sampler and Rockefeller Center Christmas Stocking.

Gretchen is ready to teach the Carole Lake Straight Stitch class.

New Canvases Arriving Daily

As many of you know, I've been away from the store a lot this summer. So it was a delight to come back and browse through the new drawer. (Alright, I know I ordered them but when you order so many, you forget what you ordered until they arrive.)

Some of my favorites is the Fenway Park Needlepoint Belt featuring the green wall. I also love Dede's Herb Garden and Maggie's canvas of a women's legs and her dog!

Ebbet's Field is going to be available in #13 mesh for those of you who asked.

The customers have reserved some lovely canvases from Canvasworks Traditions line. They are beautiful and traditional flowers that were designed by Betty Smith. I'll try to get some pictures for the web site.

Newsletter #1-Get to the Point

I have copied the text of our first newsletter. I'm not sure how to get the pictures in, too. But at least you can read it!

If we have your email, you should have received a newsletter by email. If you didn't get one, you can go to our website and sign up to be a subscriber. We plan to send our more timely information through email and newsletters now that we have an effective mechanism.

I want to thank Amy Burger for her excellent work on this project.
August 2008 Vol 1, Issue 1



...get to the point!





National Needlepoint Teachers Coming Soon


Deborah Wilson will be back- twice! October 19th & 20th "Summer Tussie Mussie", very colorful with a variety of stitching techniques and threads, including couching, padded satin stitches and Silken Ribbons. When she returns Nov. 9th and 10th, the project is "Jacobean Fruits and Flowers", which combines gold work with crewel stitches - quite elegant. Call the shop for more details , 201-612-7770.
David McAskill will be returning in the spring of 2009. Several people have already signed up for his class!
Keep checking for information on other national teachers.
In This Issue
National Needlepoint Teachers
Road Trip
Coming Soon...
Quick Links
our website
our blog
email us
Join our Mailing List!


Road Trip
ROAD TRIP!! On Saturday April 5th Eileen and Helen traveled 250 miles north to attend an Embroidery Guild of America workshop at Thistle Needleworks in Glastonbury, CT led by Carole Lake, the nationally known needlepoint artist and teacher. The topic was "How to Write Your Own Stitch Guide" and women from five states came together to learn from Carole during six hours of instruction and not a lick of stitching! Carole teaches other types of classes and continues to design new needlepoint projects. She is currently involved in the Shining Needle Society.com, a cyberspace interactive class that involves other national teachers and designers. Ridgewood Needlepoint customers are already benefiting from Eileen's and Helen's newly gained expertise.
Come September, Eileen and Amy will be attending the ANG National Seminar in Indian Wells, California.




Coming Soon

Beginners (and others who are interested) class for learning the basics of the continental and basket weave stitches, how to stitch "curved" lines and compensate, and how to stitch leftie.
And look for the Old World Santa class. Eileen fell in love with this Kelly Clark canvas and stitch guide. Check with us for further information.
Would you be interested in devoting a Stitch & Chat to a particular project/class you started and have not finished? We have several customers who are interested in a class for the Background Sampler. Any other suggestions?





Please note--
After September 1st, Ridgewood Needlepoint will no longer accept returns for threads.
Dye lots change for every thread. We have observed significant variations of the same colors with different dye lots. When we have threads returned from discontinued dye lots, customers will be unable to buy what they need.
This is even more of an issue with threads that have no dye lot printed on the label. When we intermingle new and returned threads, we are selling them from different dye lots.
We have also received threads that have been used and returned in poor condition.
We realize this is a change in policy so we want to give you as much notice as we can.

We hope you've enjoyed our first newsletter.

Eileen Aird
201-612-7770

Stitching Blogs

If you are a regular reader, you know that I'm not as consistent a blogger as some. It just takes more time than I think it will.

We are still working on our newsletter. We had technical difficulties. We created it in Publisher and then realized that many people don't have Publisher. But we are planning on sending it out this week with a new email program. So if we don't have your email or if you are not sure, please signup for now. Also, make sure your internet provider won't block emails from: stitches@ridgewoodneedlepoint.com

Occasionally, I take time to look at other people's blogs. Recently,two customers started their own blog. Check it out at:nystitchingsisters.blogspot.com.

Both Denise and Linda have already signed up for David McCaskill's class in April! There is a picture of the piece that Denise did with David.

The Dog Days of Summer

I've always thought it would be fun to have a window on the Dog Days of Summer. Of course, given the fact that I love dogs, I planned on having a window filled with dog canvases. Of course, another option would be to have a window filled with baseball canvases.

I didn't know where the saying came from. Today, I learned that the phrase comes from the ancient Romans who believed that the rising of Sirius, the Dog Star in Canis Major, contributed to the sun's heat, thus making the dogs hot and stagnant. It refers to the rising of Sirius, the Dog Star in Canis Major.
the rising of Sirius, the Dog Star in Canis Major. The Romans thought that
Sirius, the brightest star in the heavens, contributed to the suns heat
making the dog days hot and stagnant.

I've spent much of my time off working on stitch samples. I had planned to get much more stitching done but I have enjoyed my time off.

I'm back at the store full-time on Tuesday. I might still sneak two long weekends at Shelter Island but my summer is coming to an end.

Where Has the Summer Gone?

I can't believe it's July 29th! I thought I would get so much stitching done while I was away last week but sadly, my aunt died. I spent a lot of time traveling back and forth to the wake and the funeral and then I was too exhausted to stitch.

This week I should be able to stitch. I have my Rockefeller Center Stocking with me. (Yes, I will be ready to start a new class in the fall. I'm aiming for October since I'm at the ANG seminar for a week in September and then I have Parent's weekend at Alfred University.) I am also working on my Kansas Rooftops for my NAN certification class.

At the store, we are starting to plan for our fall classes. We have Deborah Wilson coming for two classes(Oct. 19-20th and again November 9th & 10th). Helen will be back from the shore and is ready to teach David McCaskill's Gardening Shed.

We have a group of small projects out if you need to find a perfect travel project. There is still time to get your canvases finished before the Christmas finishing deadlines.

Shea Stadium and Yankee Stadium

I spent last night with my cousins who are big Mets Fans. They travel all over to see the Mets play.

But they explained to me (a non Fan) that they follow baseball, not just a team. So if you have a baseball follower or have baseball follower's in your life, look at doing a stadium. We either have or can get you the stadium canvas for the following teams:
Orioles-Camden Yards, White Sox- Kominsky Park, Chicao Cubs - Wrigley Field, San Diego Padres-Petco Park, Red Sox -Fenway Park. For the baseball historians, there is also a canvas of Ebbetts Field, the Brooklyn Stadium that the Dodgers played in.

We also have some adorable ornaments for baseball teams.

Think about doing the Sehea the Shea Stadium or Yankee Stadium canvase in the Stadiums final seaons. The all-star game was played in Yankee Stadium this past week and Billy Joel gave the last concert at Shea Stadium.

New Threads

I promised I would be communicate more this month. But I just looked at my last blog, and it was over two weeks ago!

We just received our new silk threads - Baroque Silk. These are beautiful silk threads that are meant for #13 mesh although stranded down they can be sued for #18. Currently, there are 91 beautiful colors. I'm sure we will be using these threads.

Stitching Away

I've been away from the store for a week and have spent much of my downtime stitching. I am working on my Kansas City Rooftops which is part of my NAN Certification. I've learned some new stitches and also feel much more comfortable changing the design as I go along.

It's fun to see something you designed come together. Imagine how Melissa Shirley must feel with so many designs to her name!

I'll be at the store most of this week and hope to get more done on this project. Needless to say, part of the assignment is due July 15th - I need to have stitch samples done for all the stitches. I've only completed about half of those.

I promise to blog more this month!