January 2019 New Website Launch!

2/20/2019 Needlepoint News

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January 2019 1. New Website Launch 2. From the Classroom 3. Kate Dickerson Trunk Show 4. All About Appliques 5. From the Painting Corner... 6. From the Sales Floor 7. Stitch of the Month - Outlined Scotch 8. My Life in Needlepoint

New Website Launch! We are inching ever closer to the launch of our new web site. We promise. The path has been far more difficult than we ever imagined. We are reasonably confident that the morning of 1/31/2019 will bring a brave new world for your shopping pleasure. Keep us in your thoughts, fingers crossed and such not that we don't hit anymore speed bumps.

PS - Did we tell you that you will be able to search by the color number for each fiber - very exciting! The site address will stay the same - myneedlepoint.com - and your login will stay the same as well. The headaches (hopefully) will all be on our end! (ed. note -- not likely!)

https://mailchi.mp/96ef092e0910/mb4rtzmzfk?e=[UNIQID] 1/11 2/20/2019 Needlepoint News

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From The Classroom

Sandra Arthur is coming!! She will be here for 3 days teaching 3 fabulous courses:

4/4/2019 Can Do Hair Do's - She is going to be teaching us her book – "Can Do Hair Do’s". So, come and learn how to "do hair" from the woman who wrote the book – literally!

4/5/2019 Beading in Needlepoint - If you’ve never incorporated beading into your needlework, I am afraid I am going to have to put my foot down and insist that you give it a try. I simply cannot do a needlepoint project lately without incorporating some beading. It’s just not possible. I love it so much. So come. Be like me. And get beading.

4/6/2019 Ribbon Embroidery - Ribbon Embroidery is one of those things that no matter how many classes you’ve taken you can always learn more. And it's also one of those techniques that separates the pros from the duffers.

$325 for each course Sign-up for all three classes get 15% off. Bring a friend and they will get 50% off.

Call the store to reserve your spot today!

https://mailchi.mp/96ef092e0910/mb4rtzmzfk?e=[UNIQID] 2/11 2/20/2019 Needlepoint News

Subscribe Past IssuesKate Dickerson Trunk Show Translate Wow! Over 1,000 Kate Dickerson canvases arrived this month for the trunk show to end all trunk shows. From small fobs to full rugs! They are all stunning and waiting just for you.

As always -- 10% off the canvas and 20% off canvas & threads if we pull for you.

Kate's designs run the gamet from preppy to tropical and includes lots of fun children's items. Here are couple of my favorites:

https://mailchi.mp/96ef092e0910/mb4rtzmzfk?e=[UNIQID] 3/11 2/20/2019 Needlepoint News

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https://mailchi.mp/96ef092e0910/mb4rtzmzfk?e=[UNIQID] 4/11 2/20/2019 Needlepoint News

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All About Appliques

Currently trending in our Finishing Department is the use of needlepoint as appliques. Pieces that might "normally" be turned into a "cookie" can instead be taken to the next level with this technique.

You might ask, "What is applique?" One definition would be when an ornamental piece (in this case needlework) gets sewn or adhered to a larger piece of fabric to form a picture. If you have a smaller sized canvas, especially an intricately shaped design or if you want a finished piece that is different or unexpected, our Finishing Department can give your smaller canvas a larger life with applique.

Below is an example of an appliqued patchwork whale. These unique shapes work well as appliques! By attaching the applique using a sewing machine and then hand-sewing the custom cording around the edge the finishers were able to maintain the unique shape of the needlework.

https://mailchi.mp/96ef092e0910/mb4rtzmzfk?e=[UNIQID] 5/11 2/20/2019 Needlepoint News

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The next piece was stitched by esteemed customer, Helen France. Dubbed “Tom Turkey,” Helen created a fantastic shape that allowed the Finishing Department to perfect the applique technique. Helen has submitted many beautifully stitched pieces for finishing over the years and each one surpasses the last for "Most Creative Design"!

Using Helen's work for inspiration, the Finishing Department has created several fun, conversational samples that needlepointers will love!

https://mailchi.mp/96ef092e0910/mb4rtzmzfk?e=[UNIQID] 6/11 2/20/2019 Needlepoint News

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From The Painting Corner...

This month in the Painting Department we want to talk about the various stitch painting techniques available to you. Our painting techniques are tailored to your experience/preference as a stitcher and/or your comfort level as regards budget. We understand that the differences between these techniques can be a bit confusing so we thought we'd take this opportunity to give an in-depth explanation of the techniques. We are also unveiling a new technique that will allow for even more control over your custom painting pricing!

"Just Outline It"

Our newest technique, it is simply a detailed pencil outline of the scene that you would like to stitch. Each mark will fall on a stitch and areas of color change will be outlined. This technique is perfect for names, graphics and the experienced, creative stitcher who just wants a guideline to go off of and doesn't mind making color decisions. This is the least expensive option so if you're looking for something custom that doesn't break the bank, this is it!

Technique 1

https://mailchi.mp/96ef092e0910/mb4rtzmzfk?e=[UNIQID] 7/11 2/20/2019 Needlepoint News

SubscribeAnotherPast choice Issues for those who are looking for an option that is easy on Ttheranslate wallet, Technique 1 is a great way to break into custom painting. In this technique paint is simply brushed on the canvas with no regard to the underlying canvas grid. Technique 1 features a lot of blending of colors and is great for experienced stitchers and those who like to get creative with specialty stitches. Give Technique 1 a try, you'll be surprised at what freedom it gives you in relation to stitch and thread choices!

Technique 2

The great in-between, Technique 2 is a wonderful compromise between Techniques 1 and 3. In this technique, "key areas" are stitch painted (things such as text, outlines and facial details). For those who don't know, "stitch painting" is when each individual canvas intersection is painted a specific color so that the stitcher knows exactly where each color is intended to go. There is no guessing about whether a particular intersection is one color or another. Technique 2 is good for those who'd like to try specialty stitches and appreciate some freedom, but who also like to have the important areas clearly articulated for them.

Technique 3

By far our most popular option, Technique 3 is the best choice for beginners and traditional stitchers ('basketweavers") as well as those who look at stitching as a more meditative craft. The entire piece is stitch painted. There is no guesswork as to where to "land" each color. This technique is for those who like clear, simple and strong guidance.

Technique 4

Technique 4 is for advanced stitchers who like to also use thread blending techniques. It is completely stitch painted and it takes blended colors to their peak! The end results are very beautiful and great for those who like to experiment with their thread. The customer can dictate where they'd like the extra blending for perfect gradients.

Stitch Of the Month https://mailchi.mp/96ef092e0910/mb4rtzmzfk?e=[UNIQID] 8/11 2/20/2019 Needlepoint News

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The Scotch stitch on the diagonal with a variation.Take one Backstitch for each Scotch stitch unit. Execute in horizontal rows. Repeat one so that each Scotch stitch will be completely outlined.

From the Sales Floor

This month we’re welcoming two new thread lines to the store!

Vineyard Jewels is Wiltex’s new line of metallic thread. The 100% polyester thread comes on 8yd cards. The colors are as bright as Vineyard silk but think metallic braid. The thread size is between a Kreinik #8 and #12 so one strand would be good on 18 count (but also lighter coverage on 14 count) canvas. We currently have the entire line available so make sure to add some "Jewels" to your stash!

https://mailchi.mp/96ef092e0910/mb4rtzmzfk?e=[UNIQID] 9/11 2/20/2019 Needlepoint News

Subscribe Past Issues Translate If you haven’t tried using 100% wool thread because you think the colors aren’t vibrant enough, I have two words for you -- "Colonial Persian". This is not your mother’s wool thread. We now carry the entire 258 colors in the line and they are gorgeous! The virgin wool combined with the experience and talent of the dyer equals colors that really pop! Each card is 8 yards but since it’s 3-ply you’re really getting 24 yards if you stitch on 18 mesh canvas. So check out this new line for belts or bags where its strength and durability will be especially useful!

My Life in Needlepoint

Hi! I am Marianne, the General Manager for Rittenhouse Needlepoint. I met Russell and Stephen shortly after they opened the store first as a customer and later as a friend. I have been with them now as an employee for more than two years. I wanted to take just a few moments for a "2018 Year in Review". Last year of course was the "Big Move" - we used over 250 large bins-on-wheels to get all the fibers, canvases and accessories to our new location.

At the time of the move, we thought we had a lot of thread but little did we know what was to come! Forty-five new thread lines were added in 2018 along with new lines of stretchers & stands as well as the jewel of all needles - Tulip Beading. Did I mention the more than 400+ canvases that Stephen came home with from Destination Dallas? Or the new security system? How about the new payroll system? Or all the trunk shows? The 41 employees receiving W2s? Or the new website coming soon? No wonder I am tired. These guys are exhausting.

What will 2019 bring? Stay tuned!

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