NM Needle Arts

In the midst of one of the snowiest winters I can remember, I need to think of spring and summer. NM Needle Arts is one of my favorite designers. Her designs have a folk quality to them which I really like.

NM needle arts has wonderful large canvases perfect for a footstool. We have two of them in the store. I love the harbor scene but I'm equally attracted to the farm scene. Each would look great on a footstool, as a large pillow or as a wall hanging. Her colors are so vibrant.
The last picture is one of a series of indoor designs. These canvases come on #18 or #13 mesh. I chose this one because I am so sick of snow. I need to believe that there will be a spring. In spite of the photos, don't be fooled. The indoor series are much smaller canvases.

Happy to Be Back Home

I returned from Tucson this past Saturday.  It was quite cold here -- quite a departure from the delightful Tucson weather.  This morning, we had snow and more is predicted for tomorrow afternoon into Thursday.

I was delighted to see that the items I ordered at the show have started to come in.  We have several new shades of  Very Velvet and Petite Very Velvet, including some lovely variegated ones.  I did not pick all the variegated ones but did get the blues and green ones.  I've also added to the colors we carry for Silk Lame braid.  We were able to increase the colors for #18 mesh canvases plus add the same colors for the larger thread.

  In addition, the new High Cotton arrived while I was away. This new thread does not need to be plied for #13 or #14 mesh canvas; for #18 mesh, you can use fewer plies.  There are some really sumptuous colors.

Of course, this means that we had to make room for new threads.  Our sale spinner is chocked full of threads including some Fyre Werks, Wonder Twist, Elegance, Sparkle Rays and Petite Sparkle Rays.  We still have a few colors left of Anchor Pearl Cotton #3.

And the new canvases have started to come in, too.  We got new McKenzie Childs ornaments that are just beautiful.  We also received the wonderful Thailand child from Hp

Shelly Tribbey

This fabulous canvas is just wonderful. It's quite large, and could be painted on either #13 or #18 mesh. I imagine the flowers being done in silk ribbon and the dress being done in silk. I would do a light stitch for the background.


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Zecca's canvas

This lovely needlepoint canvas was designed by Zecca. Robin King taught the class to a sold out group at TNNA. I was so disappointed that I couldn't get in.

But I've ordered the canvas and the stitch guide. I just thing it would be fun to stitch it. It seems so spring like -- something we need in the snowy East.

More TNNA Photos

I am still in Tucson so I have not seen the newly finished items at the store. But I still have great photos from the show. Although I saw those two Barbara Elmore designs last year, I just love them. They are so whimsical! I think they would like in a girl's room. Of course since I have a strong preference for red/orange colors, my favorite is the first one. Each one comes with a stitch guide.


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More from TNNA

Originally, I was supposed to be back in NJ by now. But due to unforeseen circumstances, I remain in Arizona until Saturday. I do have some other pictures to share with you.
The last day of the TNNA show is much quieter. MAny of the stores have left but the designers/vendors must stay until three o'clock when there is a mad rush to get everything down.
Because it is quieter, the designers have time to leave their booths and catch up. I found Dale of DJ Designs catching up with Raymond of Raymond Crawford designs. In addition, I got a shot of Raymond standing in front of hi beautiful NOEL rug.

Great New Masks from Whimsy & Grace

Whimsy & Grace has added a series of masks to it's line. some were finished to wear to a masquerade ball. But Iloved the ones that were finished as sleep masks. They looked so elegant.





Of course, Toni added some great new brick covers and purses; she also has her wonderful bees.

Colors of Praise

You may remember that we hosted the Colors of Praise trunk show in November. Marie, the designer has added many new canvases -- once again, most on #13 mesh. The picture below is of Marie at her booth.



I particularly like the Asian lady and the Harlequin figure.

Cooper Oaks at TNNA

Some stitchers make sure they stitch something for every holiday. (Gretchen at our store has stitched Valentine's Day, Easter, July 4th, Halloween and Thanksgiving I addition to many Kathy Schenkel Santas.) Cooper Oaks has a wonderful turkey if you are looking for a Thanksgiving item and a great new chicken. I'm thinking of doing a blog just on great Thanksgiving pieces.

But my favorite canvases were the six inch and twelve inch rulers. I would definitely use some metallic threads on these canvases. And there are acrylic holders for the finished pieces.



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More on TNNA

Jude Designs is a new needlepoint line whose designs reflect Louisiana. I just loved the canvas pictured below with Tabasco and oysters. Of course, it's primay colors are among my favorites - rust and yellow. But I can picture the finished canvas in one of my kitchens.



Here's the designer in her TNNA booth.


Needlepoint Now also featured her Tabasco bottle canvas in this past summer's issue. I also liked the canvas rendering of the McILHENNY logo. I think anyone would add some spice to a kitchen or casual eating area.

TNNA Day III

The show is over but I probably won't get to post this blog until tomorrow. Several new needlepoint books were introduced at the show. Suzy Murphy has a Suzy's Portable Stitches II. It's the same size as her first portable volume.

Sharon G also has a new needlepoint book coming out -Sharon G's stitches (I think). Her book includes stitches with written suggestions on where to use them. Her diagrams are nicely sized. It will also be the same size as Suzy's.

June McKnight has a new book called "Spooky Stitches." Ttue to its title, it has great suggestions for Halloween canvases. The book includes color pictures and nice sized diagrams. June and her book were dressed for the occasion.


The Little Shop of Canvases was displaying their first book which focuses on stitches for landscapes. Again, it will be a very portable size.

Julia Snyder has two books. One book is on blackwork stitches for needlepoint. The other is a travel and project book for you to use to diagram stitches.

Barbara elm ore has a cute project book so you can keep a record of your stitching projects. The cover is a picture of one of her Threadhead canvases!


I apologize for the sideway image, but my ipad skills are still in development.
My plane is about to board so more tomorrow.
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Location:LAX

TNNA - HP Designs

Frank at HP designs has taken pity on those who are having trouble seeing
#18 mesh. He's taken many of those designs and converted tomthem to #13 mesh. A canvas that is 5" x 5" on 18 mesh will be 8" x 8" on #13 mesh. And we will be able to use Hyla's high Cotton for these designs!


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Location:Long Beach Designs

TNNA, Day Two Continued-Dj Designs, Melissa Prince etc.

Melissa price is a new designer with some great designs on #13 and #14 mesh canvas. I loved the ones based on tiles.

Needlepoint is a very small community. I was placing my order at Ruth Schmuff's booth. Missy and I were talking. Missy is a good friend of Ruth's who attends all the show for Ruth. It turns out that Missy and Susan B converse regularly on line.

Finally, Dale is the owner of DJ Designs. He is the designer of the Rockefeller Center stocking and carries the Holiday Dog Walker. He is standing in front of his magnificent rug.









13 and 14 mesh canvas.
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Location:Long Beach, CA

TNNA, DAY Two-BB Designs and Associated Talents

I met several new designers at this show. Below is a picture of Sally of BB Designs at her booth. I loved her kiwi and peas canvases.



Both canvases below  are from BB Designs.








Of course, most of our time is spent with designers we know. We exchange information about our families and businesses and place our orders.

Sometimes, the designer has gone in a new direction. other times, new items are worked off old ones. At Associated talents, we love their carrots for Easter. This year, they added carrots for the reindeer!  Below is the finished carrot for Rudolph.

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Location:Long Beach

TNNA show: Day two

Fortunately, today all my technology was charged so I was able to take pictures. I've included pictures of canvases, finished items plus some designers and their booths.

First, I want to share Leigh Designs' Temple of a Thousand Cranes. Leigh had Jane of Chilly Hollow's partially stitched canvas on display. (Jane will have a stitch guide available.) I heard from excellent authority that Jane stitched the canvas with the new thread, Hyla's High Cotton.


It's interesting to seen what items the designers love. Leigh loves the new microfiber bag from Colonial Needle/lee needle arts.




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Location:Long Beach! CA

THe National Needlework Association Show- Day 1

First, let me say that although technology is a wonderful thing. In order for my phone and camera to work, I need to charge them. Last night, I had both devices charging but somehow, neither charge took. So today's pictures are very limited.

I do have one picture of the early stage of set-up and then a picture of a new company with two of it's artists. What a difference a day makes. Yesterday, most retailers aren't allowed on the show floor. But because my sister owns Needlepoint Broad, I get to see the booths being set up.

The show actually opened today at 10 AM after a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Then all the retailers line up to get inside the show room. Of course, we are all looking for new products (canvases, threads, accessories). But we are also looking forward to seeing old and new designers and vendors. I'm always curious to see which vendors returned. What do other stores like.

I like to walk the entire show on day one before I do any ordering. I look for canvases that will appeal to specific customers. What item am I still thinking about at the end of the day? Tonight, I am thinking about canvases featuring Tabasco sauce, two cute signs, a new cotton thread and several stockings with wonderful Santas. Leigh Designs has an absolutely stunning canvas of a Pagoda - temple of a thousand cranes stocked by Jane of Chilly Hollow. It was stocked with the new cotton thread. It is fabulous.

Tonight, my one goal is to make sure all my devices are charged!





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Location:Long Beach, CA

Wonderful classes

Today, I took several classes including two on threads that wire in them. One has a matte finish and is by DMC. Think of it as being similar to floral wire or wired ribbon. The other one is by Kreinik and has wire run through #16 braid.

In the one class, we actually tried to run the wire through the braid. Boy is the pre-wired stuff easy. It means you can embellish your threads with dimensional items.

In another class, the finisher showed us different uses for belt canvases. Of course, I love the Eliza B flip flops but there were other great ideas.

I also took a class on using twitter. I haven't started to do that yet but it could be fun. But I will need to set up an account first.

The last class I took was with Susan Portra. It was an excellent class based on her tag line - bring your canvas to life. It was wonderful and I learned some great techniques. Below is a picture of that class.







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Location:TNNA at Long Beach

My kumihimo bracelet

When we did the braiding, we added beads to two of the eight threads. I took a picture of the bracelet I made. It's not as fine as the authentic Japanese braids, but it was fun and very doable.


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Location:Long Beach

Kumihimo

Yesterday, I took a class in kumihimo, the traditional art of Japanese braiding. Originally, the samurai originally made their own braid to hold their sword. They used exquisite wooden stands and bobbins to make their braids. In the class we used these flexible disks. It was fun and soothing in a way. Of course, we did a very simple braid.



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Location:Long beach

Snow day for Ridgewoodneedlepoint needlepoint

Last night, I realized that there was a strong possibility that we might have to close for snow. My daughter's school announced that they would be closed at 10 PM last night. But I don't like to jump the gun. I thought I would have no problem sending out my email and making the web change using my new IPAD. But it turns out that one needs a full browser to easily make changes. Instead, I had to tell my husband how to do the letter and web changes from memory. But hopefully, the notices have gone out.

Needless to say I'm delighted to miss the snow! And I,m taking some fun technique classes today. I hope to get picture today of this show setting up to share with you.


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Ella Scissors by Gingher

These wonderful scissors from Gingher just came in. The scissors are the next design in their designer series. They are inspired by a zebra pattern but called Ella. What a great gift for the mother or grandmother (or even an actual Ella)!

Perhaps you didn't get the new pair of scissors you were hoping for. If not, then why not get a pair?

Federica's Pillow

Federica finished her beginner's sampler in time to give it to her daughter for Christmas. Federica did her sampler in a monochromatic scheme. It is stunning. She's a good stitch and we look forward to having her in our Advanced Beginner Class that start in March.

St. Basil's Cathedral

If you have been procrastinating about signing up for the St. Basil's classes, you need to decide quickly. The class requires 8-10 hours of pre-work and I know I need time to get that done.

This beautiful canvas is line-drawn. The stitches are fabulous. It has been an extremely popular class at seminars and at shops throughout the country.  I think it's the first time it's being done on the East Coast.  Carole committed to doing the class in three days if we only had ten participants.

We have two spots for the Friday, March 25 - March 27th section, and three for the Monday, March 28-Wednesday, March 30 sections. But once they are full, I can't add any one else.

If you are interested, get more details at our website.

Sale Threads

I've been doing inventory this past weekend and I leave for The National Needlework Association's Trade Show on Thursday. So I have to make room for new threads and new colors. So, reluctantly, I am putting the Vineyard Silk Shimmer (except for S-530 Night, S-537 Cloud, S-521 Kelly and S-504 Lollipop) on sale for $3.50. Of course the sale price only applies to in-stock items. I have also added about half of the Tone-on-Tone colors to the sale group.

I have loved using these threads but they don't seem to be the right colors for the canvases we carry. Anyway, take advantage of the sale. Of course, you can call (201-612-7770) or send us an email. But don't delay since I think they will go quickly at the sale price. When you call, ask about our other threads on sale.

Ambulance Door Stop

Carolyn owns Epiphany Cafe with her husband Rocco. We are delighted to have a place so close by where we can go to get coffee, drinks or lunch. Sometimes when I stop by, Carolyn is busy stitching away on her needlepoint. This year she stitched quite a few projects including this wonderful door stop for her son. He's an EMT.

Carolyn did the actual finishing herself, too. She's very talented.

Sally's topper

In my attempt to learn how to blog from my IPad, I have discovered that I needed an app. So I now have a photo and the app. If this works, I should be able to blog from TNNA.
Technology is wonderful except when it doesn't work.

Easter Egg

I fell in love with Ann Wheat Pace's eggs at an ANG seminar several years ago. Unfortunately, I missed the bidding on the open egg so I had to stitch my own.

I sent off the egg with most of the Christmas finishing and it came back just before Christmas. I just love the way the egg looks. It reminds me of the sugar eggs we used to get as kids. The really great part of this egg is that there is really very little stitching. I stitched the stripes and the flowers. Most of the effect comes from the finisher's art.

There is time to stitch one of these lovely eggs and to get it back before Easter.  Check out her open egg designs at her website.   The open eggs are 270 A to O. Ann visited the store last week while she was visiting her children -- she told me she had them in stock. 

A Beautiful Tallis Bag

Stephanie felt under the gun to get this finished in time for her son's bar mitzah. She did a beautiful job on this tallis bag.  The colors of this canvas were very traditional but the background was more contemporary.  We have discovered that a great stitch for the star is an Upright cross alternating with 2 x 2 crosses.

TNNA Starts Soon so It's Inventory Time

I usually like to post pictures but I left the newest pictures at home.  Today, I started doing the store's inventory so I have a sense of what to get at the TNNA market.  I am also planning on what to bring to the market and how I can keep you informed on the blog.  I now have an IPAD which means that I'll be lugging less.  And my Palm Pre phone takes fairly decent pictures in addition to my camera.  Now, I am trying to figure out how I can get the picture to the blog.  There is evidently mobile blogging but I just haven't delved into it yet.

So for the next few days, I will try to figure out how to keep you informed from Long Beach.  I must say that I am looking forward to warmer weather -- and no snow!  The snow on my deck has decreased quite a big - but there must still be a foot of snow on it.