Adrienne's Beginner Sampler

I'm always pleased to see a finished beginner sampler. Adrienne had her sampler finished into a very small box pillow so it can sit on her bed with an antique doll. She did a beautiful job on her canvas and is now working on the Coat Ladies.

For smaller pillows, we prefer to finish them as a box pillow.

The Royal Wedding

If you got up to view the Royal Wedding, I thought you might enjoy this knitted version.  For those of you who knit, you can actually create your own royal family -- corgis included!  It shows what creative beings stitchers are!

"I must be a Queen"

This needlepoint canvas is popular among our customers. They seem to get a kick out of it. But think about what a fantastic pillow this canvas would make. I would probably do a Nobuko sitthc for the background. I might use small cross-stitches for the lettering. And of course, I would have to bead the word Queen and the crowns.

It thought this canvas was perfect for the Royal wedding day.  Of course, it doesn't apply to Kate.

For the Spring baby

We just love this baby canvas from Mindy because of its flexibility (and of course, the clever us of buttons for the wheels). This delightful needlepoint canvas just screams Spring. (Here in New Jersey, we are desperately waiting for warmer weather. Today ir's grey and raining.) Think about doing a mix of Jessicas and Whipped Creme stitches for the dots.

Christmas Ornaments

We've just received some wonderful Christmas ornament canvases. It seems strange to be pushing Christmas when we just celebrated Easter, but the finishers need Christmas items in by September!

These are two of our new needlepoint canvases. I love the sweater and the hirl holding a Christmas bell. Both would be fun to stitch. The girl even comes with a stitch guide.

Tabasco Design

This canvas was my favorite from the January show. I just loved the colors and can envision it in a kitchen or in a family room. It's perfect for the person who loves spicy food or who is from Louisiana.

New Merino Wool Colors

We received approximately 35 new Merino wool colors this past week. The colors are just stunning. In addition, the colors added were important for the line. The range of blues is wonderful as are the pinks. We also loved the names: azalea, seaport etc.

Because they are mixed in with the previous colors, we can't just point them out to you. But you will notice them as you search for the perfect color.

Elaine and her second project

Elaine ordered this lovely canvas and then stitched it very quickly. It is her second project and she did a beautiful job. She bought the fabric and trim and brought it in for uf to finish. Her pillow is lovely.

Happy Easter!

Dottie has taken both her granddaughters to the store to stitch. Both have finished projects although Dottie admitted to me that she ends up doing the background. Yesterday, she picked up this wonderful bunny just in time for Easter!

Stand-up Christmas Trees

We just love these Standup Christmas trees.  Each tree is decorated with houses.  And of course, the colors of the houses vary depending upon the color of the Christmas Tree.  Think of how much fun you could have decorating each house!

Nancy and Her Wonderful Christmas House

Nancy brought this wonderful needlepoint canvas for us to have it finished.  It is a delightful 3-D house.  The house is absolutely charming.  Looking in from the outside, you can see the decorated Christmas tree.  The door has a wonderful wreath and has topiaries at teach side.  Look at the peppermint roofing.

!Nancy did an absolutely wonderful job selecting stitches and threads. And she has it back way before Christmas.  Remember that the finishers have started to require needlepoint canvases to be to them by early September so you need to be working on Christmas now.

Stitch and Chat

This past Saturday we had a great stitch and chat in the afternoon.  Although we don't have one every Saturday, we do have them frequently.  For those of you who live close by, it's a great way to get help and to get inspired.
We have another Saturday Stitch and Chat on Saturday, April 23.  Come join us.  We just like to know ahead that you are coming .

Stand-up Reindeer

This fabulous Reindeer came back last week from our fabulous finisher.  The reindeer looks like he is flying along.  This wonderful reindeer needlepoint canvas was one of a group from Painted Pony.  Marianne stitched this one and has several more to go.  Of course, after she saw it standing, she was anxious to get the others done.

Marianne's Purse

Marianne stitched this wonderful needlepoint canvas and had us put it into a Sterling Bag.  It is such a practical purse -- she'll use it often!

Helen's Lamb Brick Cover

Last week, the store employees seem to be on the receiving end.  Both Sally and Helen got finished items back.

Helen stitched this 3 d Brick cover of a lamb.  It is a fun canvas by Jane Nichols and comes with a fabulous stitch guide including finishing directions. Helen did a wonderful job stitching this brick cover.  Wouldn't you love to be taking it home!

Finished Ornaments

Both Mary Lynn and Mary Lee are way ahead of schedule for next Christmas.  Their ornaments are back already for Christmas 2011.  We all loved the canvas bag ornaments which can be finished either open or closed.
  Mary Lynn's taxi is just wonderful as is the shoe!

Sally and her Whimsy and Grace Bee

Sally's pillow came back last week.  She was so excited because she just loved the color of the piece.  Sally found her fringe and our finisher was able to find a beautiful fabric to go with it.

Sally used an open stitch on the background that really looks like a beehive!

Susan Roberts Brick Covers

This trunk show came with a great selection of brick covers.  Brick covers were traditionally used to keep a door shut or open.  But they also make great bookends and frame weights! There is a wide range of topics including an ambulance, bunnies, flowers etc.  They also come in #18 and #13 mesh.

The trunk show's last day is Saturday, April 16 since we have to pack it up on the 19th.  If you are interested in any of the canvases, please call us so we can help you.

Susan Roberts Quilt Designs

When I think of Susan Roberts, I automatically think of her wonderful needlepoint canvases based on quilt designs.  They come in a range of sizes from small 5" x 5" designs to 14" x14" designs.  Some of very sophisticated, almost modern designs while others have an almost country feel to them. 

If you have a thread stash (and who doesn't), you may find that these designs are perfect for utilizing up the threads in your stash.  The small quilt needlepoint patterns are particularly effective for stash reduction.

Baby Signs

In the store, we all loved this needlepoint canvas from Susan Roberts.. It may not be for the first time mother but it's a perfect gift for someone who has been through the experience. Of course, there are other needlepoint designs for the more sensitive.

More Judaic Designs from Susan Roberts

Susan Roberts has an incredible selection of Judaic canvases.  If you are looking at these pictures and questioning what they are, these needlepoint canvases are for dreidels.  They are finished with a plastic insert so they can actually spin,  We have had a few finished and they are quite attractive.  It shows that you can needlepoint almost anything.

Pat 's Frame

Pat's frame came back recently and it is beautiful.  She stitched it for her Florida home so she was excited to find something with the corals and turquoises.  I wonder whose picture she's going to put there.

A frame can also make a great wedding gift -- to hold either the couple's picture or their invitation!

More Judaic Designs

In addition to the Chagall inspired needlepoint canvases, Susan Roberts also has a challah cover and more traditionally themed tallis bags.  But she also carries a tallis bag for the boy (or man) who is a sports fanatic.
Of course, this needlepoint canvas would also make a great wall hanging or pillow for a boy's room.