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.