Shop Models and Some New Charts and Canvases

Happy Easter, all! The shop is closed today for the holiday, but we'll be open again tomorrow. I stopped by the shop yesterday to take a few photos to share with you.

Let's look first at our model wall: Top left is from Long Dog ("Hare Apparent"), top right is "Christmas at Hollyberry Farm" by Stacy Nash Primitives. You probably can't tell from the photo, but it's mounted in the best frame--warm wood with gold glints. Definitely will be on one of my next framed pieces. Bottom left and right are by Stitching Pretty--Remembering ByGone Stitches (Autumn and Spring Seasons Quakers).

"Barnwood Buttons" from Rosewood Manor. Candie stitched this lovely model. Candie is a wonder--when I stopped by the shop she was industriously stitching on a little snowman for the shop in between helping customers.

"ABCs and Christmas Trees" from JBW Designs.

Unfortunately, I did not jot down the name of this design (I'm always so distracted at the shop, looking here and there, and acquiring things for my own stash):

I've shown you this before, but here's a closeup: this fabric-painted and stitched work is going to offered as a class (not this particular design, although this chart--"Potomac River Needlework Map"will be part of the class kit)--by Catherine Jordan. The class is May 19--contact us at 703-360-4600 to see if there are seats available. You can buy the kit alone without the class, but I've looked at this close-up and I really want to know how to paint and dye and embellish without making a mess, so although my tendency is to prefer to teach myself, I really want to see how this is done because Catherine's pieces are so beautiful and impeccably designed and painted/stitched.

"After the Rain" by Filigram. Hard to show you the photo because it's so bitty--but what a sweet design (and it won't take forever to stitch).

"All Chicks Welcome," by Shepherd's Bush. Perfect for Easter, and also a quick stitch.

Prairie Moon's "You Forgot My Car Seat." What a hilarious little design--perfect for that Halloween Ornament Tree you're working on...

"Sampler for Baby" by Heartstring Samplery.

Pineberry Lane's "This Have I Done." A must-stitch for me.

We just goggle at the fabulous designs that arrive from France by GigiR. I've put them in order of stitching size, although heavens, I'd like to quit my job and just stay home and devote myself to GigiR's samplers. This is an "Adam & Eve by Elizabeth Anne Fuller 1854":

I purchased this yesterday for myself (don't worry, there are others): "Red Deer." Bet you can't tell why it's called Red Deer!

And the Saxony Sampler--so huge but so rewarding!

I don't show you nearly enough needlepoint--we have it in abundance, and I'm itching to learn (buying a canvas soon--will show you when I do). We have wonderfully competent/artistic needlepoint stitchers on our staff. This is Radonda's pumpkin (not sure of the designer, but if you want one, please ask call the shop and ask). It's not a quick stitch, but goodness, what a wonderful pillow or framed picture it will make. Cross stitchers, do yourself a favor and feed your needlework addiction by taking up needlepoint! (I am--it was my New Year's resolution...)

I'd like to buy this canvas, and he's next in line.

Our address is 8800-F Pear Tree Court in Alexandria, VA. For questions or to order, please call 703-360-4600. Our hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12:30-4:30 on the first Sunday of each month. Stitch Nights are the first and third Wednesdays of the month. Come join us this week (April 3) from 6 to 9 p.m.

Happy Stitching to all our peeps!

Nashville II

Here is the promised second post for the Nashville goods, although a few photos of non-Nashville new stuff have sneaked in, plus we are announcing a class.

First of all, here is the (mostly) full photo of our banner design snippet. Long Dog Samplers--we gathered around the table to admire it.

This is also by Long Dog--"Hare Apparent."

And a close-up.

We all love this new sampler by Shepherd's Bush: "Gratitude." It's hard to get a good photo of it, but the colors and the composition--so lovely. It comes as a kit.

Also by Shepherd's Bush, "My Stitching Bag." Darn it, I meant to load the photo of the bag (already) stitched by Karen. Next time! It's a quick stitch and just charming--a perfect gift for a stitching friend--stitched or unstitched.

This stitched (and I believe painted) map was exhibited at Woodlawn last year along with others by the designer--who is coming to In Stitches to offer a class. My understanding is that although this particular map is not taught in the class, the chart will be part of the class package. We will be stitching a needlebook. The class will be held on May 19, in the afternoon, and there are still some spots available (I think I was the first one to sign up). Come join us. Please call the shop for details; I am vague on things, because I jumped to sign up without caring about any of the details!

Here is a delightful little spiral bound notebook to tote along in your purse, or for jotting things down in your stitching room.

A new-to-me designer, Keslyn Designs, features some pretty, classic designs that don't take a year to stitch.

"Four Seasons Sampler," by Jeannette Douglas Designs.

"Old Windmill Village Sewing Box and Accessories" by Giulia Punti Antichi. It flew off the shelves immediately, and we're getting more in--you can see why!

And look at this guy--a beautifully made little sled, on which you mount the needlework (and there are a few different patterns to be had).

And these two sets of photos hardly scratch the surface! Give us a call to order, for questions, or if want some help locating a favorite design. Our phone number is 703-360-4600. We are open during the month of March every day--Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12:30 to 4:30. Stitch Nights are the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 6 to 9 p.m.

Happy Stitching!

Deluge

Happy Saturday, all! We have an absolute deluge of new designs, fabric, stitching products and fun gadgets, fresh from the Nashville Market. There are so many new things, that a dozen or so photos just aren't going to do it, so check back frequently and we'll update over the next couple of days and next weekend too!

First of all, our blog header is from Long Dog. We love the colors (overdyed cottons). Based on the Book of Kells, of course and cleverly called "Kell's Kritters." I particularly enjoy the whiskers on all the animals, and of course, the bunnies! Speaking of bunnies, we'll have another amazing Long Dog for you tomorrow with lots of rabbits....

Next, something tiny and amazing, as always from Blackberry Lane. "Stitching by the Sea." Several designs come in the chart pack.(The next four photos are models in the shop.)

Can you see the tiny beads around the base of the sand castle?

How fabulous is this little fish, mounted in a shell?

And the newest ornament in the series:

We have several new designs from Chessie & Me: Here, "Buzzing Around Ewe"

"Cheerful Spring."

"Grande Olde Flag Sampler." There are more, and of course, I want to stitch them all!

Old School Spools! Needle minders, or just plain old clever fridge magnets! I so love the idea of using the end of a spool to hold my needle! Lots of different colors.

"Winter Quakers," by Rosewood Manor. In this case, sold with a big package of Valdani threads, although you can also purchase the chart without them.

I bought one of these: although I had seen pictures of it around the 'net, the chart is even more compelling and pretty clutched in my hot little hand. "Mary McCallester" from Needlework Press. Recommended fibers are a combination of NPI and Belle Soie. Let us know if you'd like us to kit up this design for you--lots of hours of pleasure ahead!

Look at this darling pin pillow kit from Stacy Nash Primitives. The kit includes chart, linen, fabric for the back and floss.

I love this new design from the ladies at Blackbird designs, and I was happy to snap up one of these charts: "Honeybee Hill." Normally I don't bother with boxes and whatnot because I like to frame and hang my stitching, but just look at the next picture, and you'll see why I'm changing my mind.

Words do not describe how beautifully made this box is. It is a special order (so call the shop). And the Honeybee Hill design fits perfectly--this is not a tiny pin-pillow sized design, but a good-sized design set into the top of this very ample shaker-style box.

Remember that Woodlawn is continuing, just up the street, every day of the week but Tuesday. We're open every day during Woodlawn (March), including Tuesdays. We're open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12:30 to 4:30. Stitch Nights are the first and third Wednesday of the month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

To order or for questions, please call us at 703-360-4600. Check back often for more tempting photos!

Happy Stitching!

Temptations

Greetings, all! I dropped by the shop today on my way to view the Woodlawn Needlework Exhibition. I hadn't been expecting to see much new, as the Nashville market is going on today, and a contingent of our shop ladies is in Nashville, loading up the truck with all the wonderful new goodies they're buying for the shop. So I thought it was safe enough to stop by, get some floss and chew the fat with the remaining crew. No temptation, right?

Wrong. So, so wrong. Never mind that I got there just after the UPS man had dropped off a stack of Lakeside Linens in all my favorite counts and colors....

I didn't have the big camera with me, as I hadn't anticipated the pile of new stuff, the walls of tempation just beckoning. You can't photos at Woodlawn at all. So bear with the point-and-shoot photos here, and I'll try to get better ones when I go back on Stitch Night to shoot photos of all the new Nashville merchandise. First off, there are a few trunk shows going on in the shop; here's Black Branch Needlework's show. A few samplers here:

Some pin pillows in the case:

Another sampler model:

"Sarah Leigh." I am singing "Nobody doesn't like Sarah Leigh..."

"Susanah Raymert Learning."

"Margaret Morley." I aim to stitch Ms. Morley. We have all the charts, of course! Come visit Black Branch Needlework and our other trunk shows during Woodlawn!

Here's a newly finished and framed shop model of Samsarah Design Studio's "Daily Life" montage. It is precious (and so beautifully stitched by Candie). I love the blue fabric, the charming designs, the buttons, the composition--all of it. It came out on a monthly basis, and we have all the little individual designs. Stitch one, or stitch all of them like this. It's been a tough winter in many parts of the country--can you think of anything more cheerful than this hanging on your wall?

Here's the first of the series. Normally I am exclusively a repro sampler stitcher, but this appeals to me. (Photo borrowed from Samsarah's site).

For a bright and appealing stitch that's also a repro, you can't beat The Scarlett House's newest design: "Rachel Howells 1856." This photo doesn't do it justice--what wonderful shades of scarlet and green! I snapped up one of these, along with the NPI silks (also charted for DMC).

Other notable charts: Just Nan's "Spring in the Tulips" (Bunnies!):

"Abe and Mary Lincoln Quilt Sampler" by Rosewood Manor.

Lizzie Kate's "Spring String," a cute, colorful and quick stitch.

This is not our only new Prairie Schooler in the shop. Here, "Three Pigs."

"Farmstead Christmas" by Plum Street Samplers. What a great little pillow or ornament.

And in beautiful reds and greens (and something else I want to stitch), "Mary Edmondson 1812" reproduced by Pineberry Lane.

Check back often, as we'll show you some of the goodies that the ladies in Nashville bring back with them.

In the meantime, be sure to visit Woodlawn's 50th Annual Needlework Exhibition, which is practically across the street from the shop. It's open every day but Tuesday. During the month of March we're open 7 days a week: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Stitch Nights are the first and third Wednesdays of the Month, and this stitch night will feature the new merchandise from Nashville.

If you have questions or want to place an order, please call us at 703-360-4600. And a hint if you've never visited us before but plan to, especially before or after Woodlawn: from Woodlawn, head north on Route 1, go less than a mile. Look for the shopping center to the right of the MacDonalds on the right side of the road. We hope you can come visit!

Happy Stitching!