Holiday Dog Walker

During the DJ trunk show, I just couldn't resist the holiday dog walker. I had just finished my Rockefeller Center Christmas stocking and was looking for a simple, whimsical needlepoint. Of course, once I bought the canvas, I then had to complicate it!

I had always planned to use different black threads for the dogs coats. I wanted the one on the far left to look like a Kerry Blue Terrier so it is a slight bluer black. The poodle was done in boucle and the Afghan was done in Peluche. I used Silk & ivory for the woman's coat and I'm waiting for White Arctic Rays for the trim on her hat.

But I realized that the way the canvas was painted, the woman and the dogs were floating in the air. I stitched a ground with Silk Lame. I used Open Criss-Cross Hungarian but I was really stymied by the background. I thought seriously about adding buildings behind the woman but decided that it was really making the canvas too serious. I looked through lots of books and finally found the stitch in one of Brenda Hart's books. Although I hate counting, the zig zag lines were a great addition.

And then I was able to do free form eyelet stitches to mimic snow. As soon as stitch the hat's trim, it's off to the finisher. I think it will be a great holiday pillow although I am also thinking of a stand up.

Finished Beginner's Samplers

We are starting to see the finished results of the Beginner's Class. This past week, Cathy B's pillow came back from the finisher as a delightful small box pillow.

The week before we saw Faye's finished pillow. She hasn't decided what to do with it yet.  Notice all the stitches worked on the side. We used the extra wide area around the design as a doodle space.

We are starting our next round of Beginner Classes in May. The dates and price are posted on our website.  So if you have been thinking of signing up, don't delay..

I have finally gotten to work on the Advanced Beginner Class. I've actually finished four sections so I will post the result in the next few days.  So for those who completed the first class, there will definitely be a follow-up class soon.

Closet Archaelogy - Exhibit at the Hermitage

I've heard from a couple of people that they have really enjoyed the current exhibit at the Hermitage in Ho-Ho-Kus, N.  Closet Archaeology is open from  1 PM - 4 PM Wednesdays through Sundays. The exhibit runs until September 26 so there is time to get there.

  The exhibit features the work of fiber artist, Diane Savona who uses found pieces of material and objects in her art (such as lace and clothes pins).  This exhibit displays the artist's work in conjunction with the collection of the Hermitage. 

Gail's Noah's Ark

Gail's been away for most of the winter. When she returns, she'll be able to pick up her finished Noah's ark. Unfortunately, these delightful china boxes are no longer available. We just have a few left --a pink and a blue tooth fairy box and perhaps one or two more.

Fortunately, the boxes that are completely stitched (ie no china box) are still available.

Betsy and Her Finished Project

Betsy was delighted when she picked up her finished needlepoint this week. Betsy is an avid stitcher who often stitches items for her children and grandchildren. I'm not sure if this is for a grandchild but I think it is.

It seems to capture the joy of the event.

Angel Topper

We just received a new order of toppers from The Studio and we were delighted to see that the Angel topper now has wings! Aren't they fabulous? Toppers make such great ornaments. They are on #13 mesh and are quick to do. There are ones for everyone on your gift lift- the Eagle Scout, the Girl Scout, the princess lover, the anglophile, the shopper etc.

And since spring is only a day away, Christmas finishing deadlines will be here before you know it.

Sally C.'s canvas

Sally stitched this lovely canvas of the Jefferson Memorial for a friend who was engaged at the site. It was such a lovely idea. Notice that Sally used the Nobuko stitch to make her background move quickly.

Faye's Sampler

Faye and her mother Julia both took our Beginner's Needlepoint Class and they each finished the canvas. Faye did a lovely job. Students used area beyond the design to learn the stitchers. It also gave them a model to use for their actual sampler.

We will be teaching this class again beginning in May. This time we will complete the class in 6-7 weeks. If you are interested, contact the store.

Our Spring class newsletter will be going out soon.

Josephine's Bunny

Josephine stitched her adorable bunny that was designed by The Collection (I think). Our wonderful finisher completed the job. I just love the way that this bunny sits up and looks. I also think her ears are terrific. I wish it was decorating my home.

Of course, Josephine had the right idea and stitched the canvas last year so it could be finished in time to decorate her home for Easter.

Sally V.'s Purse

Sally picked up her purse last week but I was unable to post until today. Isn't it lovely?

Sally followed the stitch guide and used lots of spider webs to give the purse depth. Her stitching is lovely.

Sometimes, Sally's comes to us before she is off to lunch or to play bridge. We often admire her coats and outfits.  This purse will be a great addition for them.

Carrots for Easter

We received our new order of carrots for Easter this past week. I love the way they look finished and the colors are so spring like. After a long and bleak winter, and 3 days of no electricity at home, spring colors are so seductive! I happen to love the jelly beans in carrot shaped bags but just think how much nicer these are. Each person could identify their basket each year by the carrot that was in it. And for those of us who are always dieting, it is so much more healthful.

We only have these four so call (201-612-7770) or email us if you want one. Since today is St.Patrick's Day, Easter is only 2 1/2 weeks away.

How did they do it?

At home, we've been without power since late Saturday afternoon.  At first, I thought at least we would have heat - then my husband explained that the thermostat runs on electricity.  I don't know how people did needlepoint without electricity.  Even during the day, the light at home leaves a lot to be desired.  At night, I can only read by candlelight.

It's amazing how dependent we are dependent on electricity.  It's weird not to have electricity.  I can't wait for the electricity to come back home so I can get back to stitching at home.  I also miss the heat!

Carrots for Easter

I had planned on posting these wonderful carrots a week ago but we sold them all on the first day. We received a second order of these wonderful canvases yesterday. They are just adorable and so much better for your figure then chocolate filled carrots!

So come in and make your pick as quickly as possible.

New book for Left-Handers

Are you left-handed? Have you ever tried to teach someone to stitch who is left-handed? Then this book is for you or the person you were trying to teach. We share many stitches with Embroiderer's. This book has stitches charted for needlepoint in addition to stitches considered "embroidery."

We placed an initial order and haven't received them yet. But we thought you should know that this book will be available at our store any day now. Let us know if you are interested. You can email us.

Gretchen's Heart & Cupid Pillow

This delightful pillow is the first item on Gretchen's resolution stitching list. She finished it pretty early in the year -- just in time for St. Patrick's Day! But she will be able to put it out for next Valentine's Day.

The pillow is done with two coordinating fabrics. And I just love the ruffle!

Look at the detail of cupid's hair. And it looks like she used candlelight for the wings. With this wonderful thread, the painted canvas shades the thread. It is just wonderful.

My Name is ...

This is one of my favorite canvases. I can see it with an apricot standard poodle!

Betsy D. has done a couple of great dog pillows. Most have been pretty realistic canvases of the breed. But this one appeals to every dog owner -- or at least those of us who have a dog that consistently misbehaves!

Inspired by the Olympics

I was so inspired by the Winter Olympics. Tthese wonderful but small sports figures would be a great gift for the hopeful Olympian in your life. We have a skier, a snowboarder and a hockey player. You can stitch them as you return to regular TV to remind yourself of the challenge of winter sports!

Julius's Stocking

Joan stitched this wonderful stocking for her grandson. She did a lovely job. We also loved the plaid lining which just finishes it off beautifully.

Although it's very early to be thinking about Christmas, it's great to have your ornaments and stockings finished early. Remember that the October 1 finishing deadlines are only seven months away.

New Canvas

We just received this lovely canvas from Princely. It is an Asian nativity scene. I love all that patterns in the clothing. It would be fun to use lots of different threads and stitches on the clothing. You could even do or nue on some of the designs.

We also received a large kimono and several bookmarks.

Close-up of Cathryn's Chair

I thought you would enjoy seeing the canvas close-up. Cathryn and David worked on the

Cathryn's Chairs

Cathryn took the canvas embellishment class with David McCaskill last year. She had him help her with these caribbean beach chairs. They both did a lovely job.

David will be returning to Ridgewood Needlepoint Saturday - Monday, May 22 through 24. Class size is limited. I send out the sign-up email first to those who have either taken his class before or indicated an interest.