Hi again! 
There’s a new background stitches book that you’ll want for your Needlepoint Library. It’s called We Have Your Back, Ground Stitches by Timmy Schultz and Jan Dederick. This handy book will give you lots of ideas for how to handle the background on any canvas.
There are 145 pages but at least half of those are graph paper so you can doodle your ideas next to the stitch – try colored pencils for multiple colors in one stitch. There are over 65 stitches with ideas for how to handle each one, for example using different colored threads or what size of thread to use. Just 7 x 4″ with wire binding, this will fit easily into your stitching bag and become a resource you’ll use on every canvas! $40, not on the website yet, please email or call me to reserve a copy for you. I will be placing a second order by Friday so come in and see the shop copy or just order it sight unseen!
Chart-It, A Monogrammer’s Companion Booklet COMING SOON, PRE-ORDER NOW
Are you a stitcher who is looking for creative solutions to make your hobby more accessible? Or do you have a stash of needlework canvases that you want to monogram in style? Then this book is for you! Featuring 26 original art charts alongside a full alphabet of shadow-lettering, this pocket-sized guide will fit perfectly in any project bag. Create your own personalized crests and monogram your heirlooms to be passed down for generations. This essential collection includes a how-to guide to get you started, suggested colors and uses, and charted designs appropriate for holidays, classic decor, coastal lifestyle and a range of other celebratory occasions. 34 pages, $25. Not on the website, please call or email me to pre-order this book. Due in 4-10 weeks.
Colonial Persian Yarn
For those of you that love the look and feel of Persian Wool, I now have a color card from Colonial Needle. This wool can be ordered in 8 yard cards or 1/4 lb. hanks and there are 283 colors. This is the 3 strand wool formerly known as Paternayan. If purchasing the 8 yard cards, there may be a minimum number of cards per color required to be ordered. Let me know if you’d like to see the color cards and order any wool. As always, order enough to finish your project as these do have dye lots.
Thread Color Club and Other Clubs
I now have openings in the Thread Color Club. This is a fun “club” where every month you receive a variety of different threads with the same color theme. It’s a great way to enhance your thread stash and be sure that you always have the color of thread you want. Monthly cost is never higher than $35 plus shipping of $6 within the USA. Regular DMC floss and perle are never included. If you’re in the area, you can pick it up each month and save the shipping cost.
Other Clubs you can join include Au ver a Soie – Soie d’Alger, Vineyard Silk, Splendor, Silk Lame’, Watercolors and Planet Earth Wool. Email or call me for information on any of these other clubs as they are all separately priced.
New Canvases
New canvases are always being added to my website. The two above are recent additions! Just use this link for the latest additions to the Homestead Needle Arts website. That emerald green one really called out to me and the dragon is perfect for any fantasy lore lover.
Classes
Wednesday classes continue every other week in the summer months. Call me at 810-694-3040 for the schedule and to sign up. You can work on any canvas and stitch with other needlepoint lovers for just $15. Time is 2-3:30 p.m.
SATURDAY CLASS ALERT: I’m planning on Saturday classes this fall but you MUST call or email me and let me know of your interest. I just need your name, phone number and whether you prefer morning or afternoon for a class. Right now I’m thinking just one Saturday a month but if I get enough people I will gladly expand that. This is for all you working women! So many times I hear that you can’t attend during the week so now is your chance to take a canvas embellishment class.
Support your Local Needlepoint Shop – Homestead Needle Arts!
That being said, please support me with your canvas purchases! See it online? Call and tell me about it as I can order nearly every canvas you see on line. If I’m not able to because the seller doesn’t wholesale, I’ll be happy to pass that information on to you. Many of you do support me but many don’t seem to recognize the fact that we all buy from the same designers so just ask me!
That’s all the news for this week. Stitch faster, stitch happy and enjoy life like the freshly groomed girl in the picture below. Theresa
