NJNA Reports

NJNA's latest chapter newsletter is a fun one, with lots of news of clubs, sales, great Valentine canvases, news of a new designer and more.  Many of the photos have arrows at the side so you can see more images.  Don't overlook that.

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2023/01/14/whats-happening-at-njna-1-14-23/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 15, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Light Magnifier from VivaLux

According to the Needlework Retailer, VivaLux has a new rechargeable light/magnifier.

https://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2023/01/task-lamp.html

BeStitched seems to have them in stock.

https://bestitchedneedlepointshop.com/collections/new-from-market-2023/products/vivilux-rechargeable-task-lamp-w-wireless-charger-usb-port-magnifier?inf_contact_key=f6b5a970aed348e21a248722139aedf7

VivaLux has all sorts of lamps for all sorts of uses.  This one is called the ViviLux Rechargeable Cordless LED Task Lamp with Wireless Charger, USB and Magnifier.  It has a removable 3x magnifier that clips onto the light's main arm, bendable arms, is charged through a USB port or wall plug, has a built in Qi phone charger, and LED light.  There are three light levels and the magnifier is large at 4x6 inches.  I can't find out how much it weighs but it is described as "light weight."  Apparently it comes with an extra base so you can use just the magnifer without the light if you wish.

https://www.fatquartershop.com/vivilux-rechargeable-cordless-led-task-lamp-with-wireless-charger-usb-and-magnifier

There is also a version without the magnifier.

https://www.fatquartershop.com/vivilux-rechargeable-led-task-lamp-with-wireless-charger-and-usb

I think this is the no magnifier version.

https://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2023/03/large-clip-on-3x-magnifier-.html

You can also buy just the magnifier.

https://www.checkerdist.com/products/VLMLG01

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 13, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Kreinik Storage Idea from the Nashville Needlepointer

The Nashville Needlepointer has a great idea for storing Kreinik spools--use Candy Cubes from Sugarfina.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CnPWYhWvffs/

https://justpeachyblog.org/2015/10/sugarfina-candy-boutique-atlanta.html

Eat the candy first, guys.  LOL

P.S. Kreinik does sell storage boxes that are much, much larger.

https://www.kreinik.com/shops/9-x-13-Six-Compartment-Plastic-Storage-Box.html

This Kreinik storage tin appears to have been discontinued but you can still find them.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1228840781/kreinik-storage-tin-with-foam-insert-to

You can also buy foam liners for the Container Store's Bisley Drawer cabinets that are sized to hold Kreinik spools.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1228900429/kreinik-foam-insert-x1-for-bisley?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=kreinik+storage+foam&ref=sr_gallery-1-3&sts=1&organic_search_click=1

Who knew there were so many options?!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 12, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Self-Finishing Aid: The Cricut Spatula

The finishing reveal on Instagram that Needlepoint Clubhouse in the St. Louis area recommends the Cricut spatula tool (made for scrapbooking) for self-finishing items.  

https://www.craft-e-corner.com/collections/cricut-tool-sets/products/cricut-spatula-scraper

I use a butter knife because I'm cheap, but this is inexpensive and the bend means it's easy to use the tool to lift your leather edge and then push the raw edge of your canvas under that leather lip.  These appear to be sold in sets but if you have a scrapbooking buddy, see if you can borrow theirs to do your finishing. 

You can buy online or in the big box craft stores that sell the Cricut system and accessories.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 11, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: The Last Melissa Shirley In Person Trunk Shows

Family Arts is having a Melissa Shirley trunk show now and in their newsletter this week they state Melissa Shirley Needlepoint is ending in-person trunk shows.  They will be virtual in the future after the ones already scheduled in 2023.

Nothing beats seeing the canvases in person but then I don't have to pack, insure, ship these things, or unpack them at a shop and put them out for display, then pack, insure and return them.  I also don't have to worry about damaged or stolen canvases.  I can see why this is happening. 

But not being able to see great art in person is sad.  If you are a Melissa Shirley fan, hurry over to Family Arts in Phoenix to see her work in person while you still can.

https://familyartsneedlework.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 9, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.