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!