This is our newsletter page.  If you meant to GO SHOPPING just use this link!

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Hello Stitchers!

Debbie of Debbee's Designs has sent me pictures of two new needlepoint chart designs she's releasing at the Columbus Market.  I can take pre-orders and order it there for you.  I'd love to be able to go to market with orders for her so I'll show you the pictures and information here and let me know if you're interested BEFORE I leave next week. 

The first one is called Tropical Punch and measures a nice 14" square.  The threads used include Rainbow Gallery, Kreinik, Caron Collection, Presencia pearl cottons and new for some of us to try, Treenway Silks.  I can kit this for you or you can raid your stash and change your colors.  Normally $20.50 IF YOU PRE-ORDER THIS FROM ME BY WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, I'LL PRICE IT AT $17.50.  This is not a discount from Debbie, it's from me. 

Tropical PUnch

The second is called Garden of Silken Delights and measures 8" square.  This is worked in all Treenway Silks.  Again, I can kit this for you, just let me know!  The chart is normally $20.50 BUT PRE-ORDER IT FROM ME BY WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19 AND I'LL PRICE IT AT $17.50. 

Garden of Silken Delights

Order either of these by calling me or using our online SECURE server.  I must have your payment by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19 to place your pre-order with Debbee's Designs at the lower price.  After that time the price will increase to the normal price of $20.50.  Thanks for understanding.

Next, Zecca has a new website.  Check it out!  You can order any of these canvases or buttons from me and some canvases I even have in stock!  I love her bright and whimsical designs.  It's at http://zecca.net/needlepoint/ .

Of COURSE I'm happy to take any of your orders with me to Market so if you have anything you want or have been wanting to order, please just ask.  I can look for it for you, get a price, or tell you what options you have.  I already have a list going - just ask me to add you!  Browse our Designer Links (see the button on the left of our website) and let me know what you'd like me to order for you. 

Don't forget we've got THREE Mini Trunk Shows here for you to see and you don't want to miss them!  Perfect for Summer Travel Projects there are the Sekas fobs and biscornus, the Whimsy and Grace ornaments and the Rebecca Woods Fairy Tale pieces.  June will be over before you know it so come on in!

REMINDER!  I'll be open on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 18 and 19 and then closed for Market until Tuesday, June 25.  I'll return with Market information, new finds from Sample-It night, catalog pages, three class pieces and all kinds of information crowding my head!  Of course I'm here tomorrow too (Saturday) so just email, call or drop by.   See you soon!

Theresa

Homestead Needle Arts

Grand Blanc, MI

810-694-3040, 888-694-3040

www.homesteadneedlearts.com

shop@homesteadneedlearts.com

 

 

 

June 7, 2013

Did you want to sign up for our Seasonal Sampler Club?  Hurry!  I'm ordering the canvases this week!  Remember, you can order 4 or 6, with or without the threads!  See them on our Newsletter page.  Just $80 for canvas and stitch guide and you WON'T get one every month.  Now that's a Club we can all keep up with!  More details follow. 

SEASONAL SAMPLER CLUB - NEW CLUB MEMBER PRICING - SIGN UP!

Here's a club you WON'T find offered at other shops!

This darling Seasonal Sampler Club has FOUR or SIX pieces in it. You decide. Yes, you can even opt for FIVE! The pieces are: Heart for Spring, Star for Summer, Pumpkin for Fall, Acorn for Fall, Pineapple for Winter  and Ornament for Winter.   Not all the threads needed for the kit are included on our website picture.   There are lots of fun threads and colors used in the kit.  Each large item in the sampler is done with a variety of stitches.  The canvases measure (painted area) approximately 3-3/4 x 9-3/4. Each comes with a stitch guide.

WINTER             star

Each canvas retails for $80 for CLUB MEMBERS ONLY!   If you want to purchase an individual canvas they are $92.   The thread kits are approximately $50, $55, $65, $55, $60 and $85 (following the list above). Sign up for at least FOUR and you'll receive a handy kit keeper with your first canvas free! Sign up starts NOW and you'll receive the STAR canvas in late July/early August. You must call, come in or sign up online to participate. I'm looking forward to stitching these along with you and celebrating our love of the seasons. 

NOTE: Your credit card will only be billed for the month's canvas and threads and shipping AS THEY ARE SHIPPED. However, placing this order, does commit you to purchase the Club. PLEASE SPECIFY IN THE COMMENTS SECTION IF YOU WANT ALL SIX CANVASES or which you would prefer AND IF YOU WANT THREADS OR NOT.  If you want JUST ONE canvas and thread kit, the price for the canvas is $92 and threads will be sent only if you ask for them.  Thank you!   Questions?  Use our toll free number 888-694-3040.

SMATHERS AND BRANSON STOP CANVAS PRODUCTION

Smathers and Branson has notified me that they will no longer be making their canvases available for us to stitch.  They will still be carrying their lines of already finished key fobs, belts, wallets, coin purses, etc.  If you wanted to stitch one of these yourself OR STILL HAVE AN UNFINISHED CANVAS don't worry!  They will continue to do our finishing.  However, if you WANT to purchase one of these canvases, what I have left is the end of it!  In key fobs I have one each of  footballs, fish, martinis, palm tree, flags, and dogs.  In coin purses I have one each of black labs and black/white houndstooth and in wallets I have yellow labs, fish and fly, and ship flags spelling out Got Rum.  All of these are on our website and available at excellent prices.

RESERVE A COPY OF STITCHES THREE BY RUTH SCHMUFF

Ruth Schmuff has just announced that Stitches Three is at the publishers and will be available shortly!  There are  over 280 stitches including  Diagonal Stitches, Straight Stitches, Crossed and Tied Stitches, Eye Stitches, Darning Patterns, Laid Fillings, Blackwork Patterns and Decorative Stitches.  There is also an alphabetical index of all stitches for easy reference.  I have to presume the price will be $50 like her last two Stitches Books.  Let me know if I should put you on a waiting list as it will be approximately a month until they're here in the shop.  As they weigh a hefty 3 lbs. keep in mind that I can ship these Media Mail to you if all you're ordering is books, thereby keeping your shipping price LOW!  I have added this to our website but keep in mind that they are NOT IN THE SHOP YET.  Thanks for understanding.

Theresa

Homestead Needle Arts LLC

Grand Blanc, MI

810-694-3040, 888-694-3040

www.homesteadneedlearts.com

email:  shop@homesteadneedlearts.com

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June 6, 2013

How many of you watch Grimm or Once Upon A Time?  These prime-time shows are based on fairy tales but neither are actually for children!  It seems the fairy tale is making a comeback!  We all know the stories and Rebecca Wood has brought them back in her newest canvases called the "Once Upon a Time" series!  Representations of the stories of Jack and the Bean Stalk, the Old Woman who Lived in a Shoe, Snow White, Hansel and Gretel,  The Princess and the Pea, Little Red Riding Hood, The Wizard of Oz , Peter Pan and the classic tales of Treasure Island and The Sword and the Stone are here at Homestead Needle Arts!  These ten wonderful canvases can go home with you today!  Each has a border including a story detail.  For example my favorite is Jack and the Bean Stalk where the border corners say "Fee, Fi, Fo Fum!"    If you don't want a border, I can order a canvas for you without it.  Painted on 18 ct, these treasures measure 6-1/2 x 8" and can be yours for just $150 during the Trunk Show. 

Jack and the Bean Stalk  Shoe  Snow White

Hansel  Princess  Little Red

Wizard of Oz Peter Pan  Treasure Island

Sword in the Stone

Don't forget we also have the fantastic ornaments from Whimsy and Grace!  These are so simple to take on vacation that you can have several done in time for our usual finishing deadline of October 1!   At just $44 each you'll want several AND they come with darling hanging hooks.  Check them out here:  www.whimsyandgrace.com.   While you're looking at her website, if you see something else you like, just shoot me an email and I'll send you a price! 

Whimsy Ornaments

 

But wait!  What about the scissor fobs and biscornus from Sekas and Co.?  Those all come with stitch guides AND finishing instructions so you can finish them yourself!  And the fobs don't HAVE to be fobs.  Sue Sekas suggests you use them for ceiling fan pulls, ornaments, wreath decorations, plant pokes, and gift decorations.  At just $15 for the fob canvases  and $25 for the biscornus, all with stitch guides, you can't go wrong!  The ones in stock are all on 18 ct. but if you want a larger canvas size, just ask and I'll order it for you.  You can see them all here at  http://www.sekas-and-co.com. 

Fobs   Biscornus

If you're one of our online friends call me at the toll free number below or use the secure ordering system at www.homesteadneedlearts.com!  Push the Go Shopping button and put one "Special Order" in your cart.  Then let me know what you want when you get to the Comments Section of your order form. 

Happy Shopping!

Theresa

Homestead Needle Arts, LLC

Grand Blanc, MI

810-694-3040, 888-694-3040

www.homesteadneedlearts.com

email:  shop@homesteadneedlearts.com

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May 30, 2013

Hello again!

I'm ALREADY looking forward to June Market in Columbus.  I love this market because it's close enough to DRIVE to!  That means I can easily take classes and pack my favorite stitching tools without worrying about flying with them!  Stretcher bars, scissors, projects to stitch on at night...NO PROBLEM!  Into the tote bag they all go.  In fact, I actually bring the largest spare tote bag I own for shopping at Sample It night.  Sample It is traditionally held Friday night and lining up for it begins at least an hour and a half beforehand!  The vendors bring something they think will interest the shopkeepers enough to purchase and bring back for YOU to peruse.  At an "order only" market, this keeps a number of us very happy!

I think you'll enjoy seeing some of the items that I can order on the Market floor.  Let me know right away if you're interested and I'll make a note to order them for you.  You will NOT find these on our website because we don't have them yet!  Call or email me with ANY questions you have about any of these items. 

Elizabeth Bradley has carded up their wool into 10 yard cards and they also have it available in 60 yard skeins.  I plan on purchasing a color card of it at this market.  The large kits that Elizabeth Bradley carries include printed canvas, wool, chart of the canvas also, needles and instructions.  The kit includes background wool and you can choose your favorite background color from 17 options.  There are many new kits that work up into a 16" square design on 10 mesh interlock.  There are several mini kits and I think that the Rose and Bee mini kit and Poppy and Butterfly mini kit featuring 6 x 6 designs are adorable!  You can see their whole line at www.elizabethbradley.com and then let me know if you want me to order any of them for you.  The large kits were running $230 last June and the 6 x 6 were $84. 

mini rose and bee kit                          Poppy and Butterfly                         Strelitzia

Rose and Bee Mini Kit                                Poppy and Butterfly Mini Kit                         Strelitzia Large Kit

 

From Traditional to Funky - This is Red Chix and has a stitch guide available using beading and silk ribbon.  It's new!  I can order it! 

Red Chix

 

What about these GREAT geometric boxes?  These come with stitch guides too!  These four are available NOW!  The stitch guides use beads and Memory thread.  Don't know how to use it?  Ask for a class or mini-class to learn!  I'd be happy to show you how. 

 

box 1    box 2   box 3   box 4   box 5

 

Have you worked a Jean Smith lately?  Always on 13 mesh, bright flowers and happy designs are Jean's trademark.  AND she's from Michigan!  What could be better?  Check out two of her latest and email me for prices!

Floral                    floral 2

                                         Large Tropical Garden                            Cosmos Beauties

Need a much smaller project?  We've already got the new Kreinik pens in!  Fireflies Stitch-A-Pen uses Glow in the Dark threads and if you love summer, you'll love the new Strawberries Stitch-A-Pen.  Just $13.25 each! 

firefly pattern      strawberry pen

 

Chart lovers, don't despair!  Brenda Kocher brings us Celebration of Majors and Masters, Handblessings has Cubistic Color Wheel and releasing at the June Market, Debbee's Designs offers Garden of Silken Delights.

Majors and Masters                         cubistic color wheel                       Garden of Silken Delights

Celebration of Majors & Masters                               Cubistic Color Wheel                                  Garden of Silken Delights

 

That's it for eye candy for today.  Enjoy and email or call if you have questions on any of this.  Most items I don't have prices on yet but if you're interested I will get them for you. 

Smyrna safely!

Theresa

Homestead Needle Arts

Grand Blanc, Michigan

810-694-3040, 888-694-3040

www.homesteadneedlearts.com

email:  shop@homesteadneedlearts.com

 

 

 

        May 22, 2013

 

The May/June issue of Needlepoint Now contains our advertisement for the Seasonal Sampler Club.  Did you see it?  If you did but wonder what the pieces looked like stitched, here's an idea of two of the pieces, the Star for Summer and the Ornament for Winter.  I'm nearly finished with the star but here's the ornament, completely finished by one of our FAMOUS FINISHERS!  It's beautiful!  The Club will start in July 2013.  You can do 4 pieces or all 6!  Want to join our club?  For more information on it, just Click here!

                            star for summer                      WINTER

 

 

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May 7 , 2013

In Other News:

 

   HP Designs has notified me that they are Going Out of Business and are offering their last lacquer boxes for sale.  This will be a first-come-first-served kind of deal.  If there is a box you've always wanted OR you know that you have a piece that will look smashing in one of their boxes YOU HAD BETTER GET IT NOW!  There will be NO MORE produced and what he has in stock is IT.  The list is too long to print here but there are many squares with 5 x 5 openings, 6 x 6 openings, 4 x 4 openings and a few with 8 x 8, 9 x 9, 7 x 7, and 10 x 10.  There are a few red and black rounds with 5" and 4" openings, red and blue card boxes with 3 x 5 openings, many with 8 x 4 openings and some stationary boxes with 6 x 9 openings.  ALSO, their entire line of canvases are available.  Please visit their website at http://www.hpneedlepoint.com and write down the numbers of those you want to check price and availability on.  I'm very sad to see Frank close his business as HP has beautiful canvases and as we know, outstanding boxes. 

I'm taking pre-orders for this Mackinac Island box which will be available after June 30th, 2013.  The price is $128.00 and includes the hardware for assembly.  Our finishers actually make it into an oval shaped box for you.  Give me a call if you have any questions on this or an HP Designs order! 

                                box

Happy Stitching!

    Theresa

 

NEW FROM DALLAS  AND NOT ON THE WEBSITE YET!!!

MAY 1, 2013

I'm BACK from Dallas...and boy, did I get some deals for you!  I also picked up or ordered some NEW STUFF. 

Some of the most exciting finds include:

Mindy's newest Cat Clock...it's the buttons that really make it.

MINDY CLOCK     CLOSE UP

I think you'll find these little owls ADORABLE like I did. 

AQUA OWLORANGE OWLRED IWK

BABY OWL

This is the LAST CHANCE for this Country Village because the Anne Tavoletti designs are going out of Maggie's line. 

COUNTRY VILLAGE

 

This SWEET Teddy Bear is waiting for his MATCHING FRAME to come in.  How cool to have a matching frame for your perfect needlepoint!  Call me to put this ON HOLD for you!

TEDDY BEAR

I have magnets I've never seen before, all NEW COLORS of threads from Rainbow Gallery, two new colors of Zwiegart canvas...you'll think the only clothing I took to Dallas was what was on my back!

 

MAGNETS RG THREADS

I'd suggest if you live in the area you come in and SNATCH UP the sale items, otherwise I'll just start putting them on the website.  Happy browsing!   Theresa

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April 18, 2013

Hello again stitchers!

I just received another shipment of Shaded Petite Very Velvet for the Stitching Challenge!  Basically you just have to purchase the 10 x 10" 18 count white canvas with a sweater shape drawn on it from Homestead Needle Arts, at least one Shaded Petite Very Velvet and one Petite Silk Lame'.  You must use those in your design.  Here are all the colors of the Shaded Petite Very Velvet.  Aren't they inspiring?

                                          Shaded Very Velvet

The deadline for purchasing your supplies is May 18th.  The deadline for returning your submission is June 29th.  The judging will be held on July 2 through July 13 and tallied after July 15th.  The prizes include a $200 gift certificate to Homestead Needle Arts, a $75 gift certificate to Homestead Needle Arts and one of each color of Petite Shaded Very Velvet. 

The detailed Rules are posted on the  Homestead website on the Newsletter page so you have something to refer to.  It also tells you how to enter if you don't live in this area!  I really hope you challenge yourself and try these two threads!

This next picture is a raven in a cage that was shown at the last Market.  Customer Pat ordered this and it just came in.  Of course I took a picture in case you want me to order one for you!  Isn't the cage a delightful finishing idea?  Yes!  The cage comes with the canvas! 

                                                        raven in cage

Our April Showers Bring May Flowers SALE ENDS TOMORROW.  Any painted canvas with a flower on it is 20% off through April 26.  I took a picture of the wall so you can see SOME of what I have in stock.  I only wish I could show you ALL of the canvases but you can find most of them on the website. 

                                        flower canvases

The next item is one of the canvases from our Seasonal Sampler Club that starts in June of this year.  I wanted everyone to know that the "sampler" portion is stitched on the painted star in this case...I've been able to use a variety of yellow threads and stitches on the star including Wildflowers, ThreadworX pearl, Neon Rays Plus, Splendor, Kreinik AND thanks heavens, I received the yellow Petite Very Velvet so I can work on those areas!  The stitches include staggered cross, horizontal and vertical Corduroy, Serendipity, Byzantine with Smyrna, Diagonal Scotch with Tent, Scotch, Elongated Cross nad more.  I love the way it looks and can't wait to do the others...especially the pumpkin!  If you want to see the canvases, just visit the newsletter page on our website and scroll down a bit.  You can sign up for four or 6 canvases - the Club starts in June.  There will be an ad in the next Needlepoint Now magazine but you can sign up now and tell your friends you did !

                                                     Star canvas

Remember, I'm going to a Cash and Carry show on Saturday, so if you want a specific canvas, please email NOW and I'll pick it up for you!  Until we meet again, HAPPY STITCHING! 

Theresa

www.homesteadneedlearts.com

810-694-3040, 888-694-3040

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HOMESTEAD NEEDLE ARTS STITCHING CHALLENGE!
This time I'm going to challenge you to use both Shaded Petite Very Velvet and Petite Silk Lame'. I want MORE of you to try both of these threads. The Shaded Petite Very Velvet is just awesome fun to use. There are 17 colors of it and I'm sure you'll love at LEASE one of them. I'm using it on a bluebird on one of my canvases and I love how it looks. I can't believe more people aren't using it.

Testers using Petite Silk Lame' are surprised at this thread's versatility. You can double it for use on 18 ct. OR use it for light stitching or top stitching. It comes in 98 colors and I want to carry all of them but I need more people to try it.

Here are the Rules of the Challenge.

1. The shape of this challenge is a sweater, drawn on white 18 ct. mono canvas here at Homestead Needle Arts. It is approximately 4-1/2" x 5" in size. The sweater MUST be stitched with at least ONE color of Rainbow Gallery's Shaded Petite Very Velvet AND at least ONE color of Rainbow Gallery's Petite Silk Lame'. You may use any other threads, beads, buttons, attachments, etc. that you desire.

2. The drawn canvas, Velvet and Silk Lame' MUST be purchased here at Homestead Needle Arts between the dates of April 3, 2013 and May 18, 2013 (this date may be extended if there are too few entries). When you purchase it, we will sign you up for the Challenge. We will require your name, address, phone number and email address if you have one.

3. You may NOT sign up your friends. Please have them visit to sign up. This contest is also open to our long distance or disabled friends who can sign up on our website! Just search Sweater Challenge!

4. You may purchase as many drawn canvases as you like. If you will be purchasing more than two, PLEASE call in advance so that I will have them ready for you. The piece of canvas is 10 x 10" in size as everybody has that in stretcher bars. If you do not have them, we will make every effort to have that size of stretcher bars in stock for you.

5. Your completed stitched canvas must be returned for judging to Homestead Needle Arts by Saturday, June 29, 2013. IT MUST BE OFF THE STRETCHER BARS. It does not need to be made into a finished article BUT THE STITCHING of the sweater area (not the background) MUST BE COMPLETED. You must have used one of our drawn canvases and you must have used at least one of the Shaded Very Velvet and one of the Petite Silk Lame' colors that you purchased here. You MAY use more than one of each color but you MUST use at least one of each.

6. The following changes are acceptable to the sweater - you may change it from a crew-neck to a V-neck. You may change it from a pullover to a cardigan. You may lengthen or shorten the arm length of the sweater arms! In other words, you may change the design minimally but the body shape of the sweater must remain the same.

7. The sweater will be judged by the people, by the Judge(s) and by those who want to wear that sweater! Keep that in mind as you stitch towards your prize!

8. The Judging will be held July 2 through July 13. Your sweater will be hung at Homestead Needle Arts and will not display your name. Visitors will be allowed to vote one time per visit (per day) for their favorites during that time period. (Please note we will be closed on July 4th.) The votes will be tallied after July 15 and the winners will be announced via newsletter.

8. There are THREE categories you can win in:

a. People's Choice - winner receives ONE of every Petite Shaded Very Velvet Color -that's a $59.50 value!

b. I Would Wear That - the sweater that we wish existed and that we would all buy in our size, receives a $75 gift certificate to Homestead Needle Arts!

c. Judge's Choice - chosen by the Judge(s) for design and execution - receives a $200 gift certificate to Homestead Needle Arts!!!

In the case of a tie in any of these categories a drawing will be held. PLEASE NOTE: If fewer than 25 entries are received, the gift certificates may be reduced by no more than half.

 

How to Enter the Challenge Long Distance


You obviously have a computer so -

1. Choose your color of Silk Lame'. The easiest way to do that is to visit www.rainbowgallery.com. There you can see the colors. At the top of the screen find "color cards" and click on that. Then look for Silk Lame Braid #18 Color Card and Silk Lame Braid #18 Color Cards 5-8. You can find them here http://www.rainbowgallery.com/detail.cfm?ID=1149 and here http://www.rainbowgallery.com/detail.cfm?ID=1278 if you prefer to cut and paste those in your browser. NOTE: PETITE SILK LAME COLORS AVAILABLE ARE SP01 THROUGH SP95 AND SP105, SP113 AND SP118 ONLY. Colors 96 through 119 ARE NOT ALL AVAILABLE. If you choose a color that is NOT available, I will choose the closest one for you!

2. Choose your color of Petite Shaded Very Velvet. Again using www.rainbowgallery.com go to their color cards and find the one called Shaded Very Velvet Screen View which is here http://www.rainbowgallery.com/detail.cfm?ID=1251. There are seventeen to choose from.

3. You've now written down the two or more colors you want to work with. Go to www.homesteadneedlearts.com and on the left push the Go Shopping button. Browse away to your heart's content! When you're doing making a huge list of all the other things you think you want me to mail to you (snicker) type Challenge in the Search box and the Sweater Challenge will pop up! Add one to your cart.

4. If you're finished shopping, push the "I Am Ready to Checkout Now" button. The website (a secure server!) will likely ask you if you want to set up an account or checkout as a guest. Fill in the forms as requested. Don't be afraid to FILL IN YOUR CREDIT CARD NUMBER. This is a secure server which means that your information is PROTECTED. I pay a LOT every month for this secure server. Do NOT email me your credit card numbers! That is NOT a secure server. Only my website has the secure server! There will be a COMMENTS section on the order form and you MUST fill in the color numbers that you want here for the Petite Silk Lame and the Petite Shaded Very Velvet.

5. The price will show in your cart. If you're purchasing one canvas and two threads and are in the continental USA the shipping cost will be about $3 as I will send it to you in a padded envelope.

6. Stitch your piece.

7. Ship it back to me to arrive BEFORE THE DEADLINE of June 29, 2013. First Class Mail is the most reasonable. Include your email address if you want me to tell you I've received it and ask me to tell you! :-) Let me know in a note inside if you want it shipped back to you and enclose $3 for return shipping in a check.

8. Pieces will be judged and returned if requested - MAYBE WITH YOU AS THE WINNER!

9. Pieces not asking to be returned will become the property of Homestead Needle Arts.

Okay, I hope that doesn't seem complicated because it's not really! I've had a lot of compliments about my website and how easy it is to use so I hope that you enjoy shopping on it. Happy browsing!

Theresa

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Dear Stitchers,

Last week was "fraught with issues!"  I was on the phone with AT&T over internet and phone line, Consumers Power because my gas bill was non-existent and rejoicing that the electrician has finished.    I've updated my insurance (boring!), finished messing with the taxes (really boring!) and started filing my 2013 bills (ick!)  Now onto the FUN STUFF!

SALE!

I'm going to a cash and carry sale at the end of April!  I'd like to bring some new canvases back for you!  But they want cash!  So I guess it's time for a SALE!  NOW THROUGH FRIDAY, APRIL 26 - ALL FLORAL CANVASES ARE 20% OFF.  If it has a flower on it, it's 20% off.  If you can find a flower ANYWHERE on it, you can take 20% off any IN STOCK painted canvas!  We've got LOTS AND LOTS of canvas with flowers on them so rush in and choose!  Keytags can not be punched for sale canvases.  Get your Spring started right!  Does not apply to prior purchases, special orders or club pieces.  INTERNET ORDERS will not show the discount but I WILL deduct it for you. 

CLASS

Beginner's Class - The Emma Louise Sampler

Dates:  Saturday,  June 8 and June 22

Times:  10 - 2 p.m.

Materials:  $50 - includes all threads needed, canvas, stretcher bars, needles

Teaching Fee:  $30

sampler

This 6-1/2" square piece will teach you basketweave (continental will also be learned), Scotch stitch, Knitting stitch, Brick stitch, Cross stitch, Satin stitch, Oblique Gobelin and Reverse Scotch stitch.  Your piece can be finished into a wall hanging, a pillow, made into a tote or any other creative finishing idea you come up with!  Don't be shy!  Bring a friend or make a new one here at Homestead Needle Arts.

If these dates don't work for you but you really want to take this class, please call us at 810-694-3040 and we can work with your schedule.

NEW CLASS COMING IN NEXT NEWSLETTER - STUMPWORK TECHNIQUES!

NEW BOOKS ARE FLYING IN AND OUT!  If you ordered any of the three latest books - June McKnight's Colorful Backgrounds, Julia Snyder's Great Layers for Needlepoint and Little Shoppe of Canvas Ins and Outs, you should have them by now.  If you want one, please let me know.  I'm having a hard time keeping these titles in stock so I will either set one aside for you or order a copy for you!

ANOTHER NEW BOOK!  Dede Ogden has published her second That's Not Needlepoint (It's Inspired Art Created with your Needle) and this one is  Series 2 - Shadow Stitches Accelerated.    Shadow Stitching was developed to let the painted canvas show through the stitching.  Sometimes the canvas is just so beautifully painted that you don't want to cover it.  In this book are six canvases of Dede's - Moonlight Dancing Witches, Butterfly Collection, Topiary Butterfly Tree, Giant Strawberry Ornaments, Candyland Cottage and Dimensional Snowflakes.  Thread suggestions  and stitches for them are included but the way the book is laid out will inspire you for shadow stitching your own painted canvas!  $48, wirebound, 8-1/2 x 11", approx. 72 pages with including several color pages of the completed projects. 

That's it for now.  I hope this is the start of our warmer weather.  See you soon!

Theresa

Homestead Needle Arts LLC

Grand Ridge Galleria

Grand Blanc, MI

810-694-3040, 888-694-3040

www.homesteadneedlearts.com

email:  shop@homesteadneedlearts.com

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Tour of the New Shop!

sign  

Now isn't that a sign?  Fifteen feet across - you can find me!  It lights up at night too!

(Look at that, I have window displays!)

front door  

The front door - and whose little face is at the bottom waiting to greet you?  Hint:  It's not mine.

first view 

This is what you see when you first step in.  Unless of course, you've fainted because you can't take the full frontal assault of color on your senses.  The wall on your left is full of Rainbow Gallery threads.  Did they all fit?  No, that's why there are so many spinner racks in the center of the shop. 

The front

Still standing in the entryway, you look to your right.  What?  A comfy couch!  Perhaps you'd like to browse through a book or one of the many designer catalogs and choose your next project.  Have a seat.  Or maybe you want to go through that Trunk Show right in front of you.  Wow!  This shop ROCKS!

RIGHT

Getting up from the couch you get closer to that bank of drawers.  What's in there?  Why all the handpainted canvases that aren't hanging up on the walls already of course.  What?  Yes, there are billions and billions in there.  Okay, maybe not billions.  Hundreds?  Thousands?  I'll never tell.  Come and see.  This wall has skeined threads on it. 

classroom

Here's our classroom.  I made a little half wall to set it apart by using the DMC cabinets.  Look at all that space!  By the way, the carpet is NOT that yucky brown.  It's predominantly green with dots of color in it.  I don't know why it looks brown in the pictures.  We've discovered that you can drop a needle on it and never see it again.  Oops.  Don't worry though, I vacuum daily.

hallway

Down this hallway is the restroom, the office/shipping/storage area and to your left there's a closet for your coat in the winter.  To your left, not showing very much are the charted designs next to the Anchor floss cabinets. 

 

checkout

Ready to checkout?  Welcome to our all new checkout counter!  Come back soon! 

I hope you enjoyed your virtual tour and if you saw something you MUST have, let me know and I"ll send it to you!

March 18, 2013

Dear Stitchers,

Thanks to those of you that were able to attend our Open House on Saturday!  We had five hourly Door Prizes and one Grand Prize.  The happy winners were:

Jeannie M. who chose the Chart Lovers basket that included 3 charts and the canvas and threads for one of them;

Wendy M. who chose the Thread Lover's basket which included various threads, a Kreinik silk and pattern kit and scissors both donated by Kreinik;

Marion G. who chose the Christmas Lover's basket which included a painted canvas, a variety of threads and the Needle Tins donated by Access Commodities;

Norma C. who chose the Natural Color Lover's basket which included an Atenti Eyeglass case, Lee Leather change purse and various threads to design a canvas to match the eyeglass case;

Barb L. who chose the Flower Lover's basket which included a painted canvas, and various threads to match the canvas;

and Sally H. who won the Grand Prize of a Laurel Burch Tote Bag donated by Notions Marketing!

Thank you again to all of you that made the Open House a lively success.  I heard lots of positive comments about our new shop and I know that you love it as much as I do.  For those of you that can't come and visit, it's larger, brighter and SO MUCH EASIER to see all of our threads because of our increased wall space.  I'll be posting pictures later in the week for our online friends to see. 

LITTLE SHOPPE OF CANVAS TRUNK SHOW

This arrived in plenty of time for the Open House although it came in later than expected.  Although I KNEW the candles would be popular another item that flew out the door are all the shoes!  A darling high heeled pump has been the rage and you're going to want to order them for yourself or your favorite "shoe girl".  

                                        shoes and purses

Don't forget, this is also the artist that makes all the scrumptious looking cookies, pieces of cake and now a darling teacup and saucer.  Another fun item are the giant chocolate kisses that come with the little piece of "paper" with a phrase like "Kiss me I stitch" on them.  Come on in and see them for yourself or browse the pictures at www.littleshoppeofcanvas.com.   

Like the rest of you, my crocus, tulips and even iris bulbs have begun to sprout, only to have their little tips frozen by the recent snow and colder weather.  But we DO know that spring is on its way.  I have many of the floral canvases up on the wall to give us that "spring" feeling!  See you soon!

Theresa

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Dear Stitchers,

At last! The boxes are unpacked, the threads are hung, the table and chairs are placed, the window dressing has begun...it's time for our

GRAND OPENING!
Come visit! See our beautiful NEW shop, NEW walls filled with threads, NEW window display filled with ideas, and find yourself a NEW needlepoint treasure to take home!

I'm hosting an Open House on Saturday, March 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with light refreshments and door prizes. Drop in anytime that day and see our great new shop! Sign up for a class, pick up a new project or just come and share the needlepoint inspiration.

LITTLE SHOPPE OF CANVAS TRUNK SHOW
During the Open House, we're having a Trunk Show from Little Shoppe of Canvas which includes their new candle canvases - these are pillar candles that run with a battery operated light. They come in 4 x 4" or 4 x 6". Check them out here by cutting and pasting this in your browser window: http://www.littleshoppecanvascompany.com/candles.html Isn't that a great idea? Of course I also love their fantastic fruits http://www.littleshoppecanvascompany.com/fruitgroup.html and their new shells! http://www.littleshoppecanvascompany.com/shells.html
If they didn't send it in the trunk show, we can order it for you!

THE F WORD
Yes, it's that dirty word. How many of you have tossed that "F" word around in your mind? "I can't start another project," you whine to yourself. "I have to FINISH some!" I recently read an enlightening article on Knitting Daily where the author enjoined us to NOT feel guilty about having tons of projects going. When I change the word knitting to needlepoint, she essentially said just what I feel.

Don't feel guilty about starting a new project! Keep yourself going creatively with new ideas, new experiences, new threads and new stitches! You'll be re-energized and continue to love your hobby. Don't let it become a chore AND don't feel guilty if you no longer love an older project. If it sits for a few years and no longer calls to you, consider giving it away or consigning it to our July Garage Sale. Don't feel guilty about taking a class just to learn a new technique. Learn what you want to learn - and then let go of the project! I've done it and I don't have any lasting guilt. Let your needlepoint and your new "F" word be FUN.

CLASSES
Now that we're in our new location, I'm setting up our calendar with classes again. As always, if there's a canvas or a technique you and several friends are interested in learning, let me know and I can set up a class for you. (See pictures of these on our Classes pages of this website.)

Facets: A Monochromatic Square on Point
Taught by: Theresa Swiecicki
Dates: Tuesdays, April 2, 9, 16, 23
Times: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Teaching Fee: $40
Material Cost: $40

The colors can be changed in this simple piece to reflect your decor. When finished set it in a box or take it to your local framer (cost not included). You'll learn the Waffle stitch, Rice stitch, Diagonal stitch, Byzantine, Tent and Milanese. Great class to take with friends, please sign up early and choose your colors BEFORE class so they can be ordered if necessary.

Merry Cherry Santa
Taught by Theresa Swiecicki
Dates: Thursdays: May 2, 9, 23, 30
Times: 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Teaching Fee: $40
Material Cost: $75

Here comes Santa with a cheery cherry pie just for you! This is a perfect beginner's piece! It will teach you Smyrnas, Cashmere, slanted Gobelin, Rhodes, Mosaic, French Knots and Satin Stitch. Finishing costs are NOT included but directions to finish this piece are included in the written instructions or we can send it out for you. Please sign up as early as possible as KITS NEED TO BE ORDERED.

Canvas Embellishment
Taught by: Kathy Fenchel
Dates: Fridays, April 19, May 17, 2013
Times: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with break for lunch on your own
Teaching Fee: $80
Material Cost: Varies for each person

Pre-purchase any painted canvas or bring a painted canvas from your stash! Kathy is a thread and stitch connoisseur and she'll bring your years of talent to you and your canvas. Watch your canvas come to life under your fingers and her tutelage. You'll also gain knowledge by seeing what other students learn on their canvases! I've learned just by listening in! Be prepared to stitch!

Bargello - An Ornamental Odyssey
Taught by: Theresa Swiecicki
Dates: Saturday, March 30 and Saturday, April 13 (if needed)
Times: 10 a.m. to 12 noon
Teaching Fee: $10
Material Cost: $35.00

Great for beginners, this darling ornament will start you on your Bargello adventure. Learn how easy bargello is and how it encompasses more than just the "flame" stitch. Changing colors in this class IS allowed. You'll learn simple chart reading and dip your toe into the needlepoint waters. Material includes canvas, stretcher bars, threads, needles. Please bring small pair of scissors. Visit any day before class to choose your three colors.

Class coming soon - The ABC's of Needlepoint - a Beginner's Notebook Class - please let us know of your interest by email, phone or visit!

CLUBS!
SEASONAL SAMPLER CLUB!
Here's a club you WON'T find offered at other shops! However, because I'm stitching along with you, you also won't see a finished picture ahead of time. :-) I'll post the painted canvases online so you can decide before you buy of course! I'm not naming the designer so as to cut down on copycat shops - however, I will tell you that her work has been popular with you in the past.

This darling Seasonal Sampler Club has FOUR or SIX pieces in it. You decide. Yes, you can even opt for FIVE! The pieces are:

Heart for Spring
Star for Summer
Pumpkin for Fall
Acorn for Fall
Pineapple for Winter
Ornament for Winter

sampler club  white ornament

I included a closeup of the winter white ornament because it's hard to see in the picture.  NOT ALL THREADS INCLUDED ARE PICTURED HERE!  That would have been IMPOSSIBLE to fit in so I just gave you an idea of some of the threads and colors.  Lots of fun threads and colors! 

The canvases measure (painted area) approximately 3-3/4 x 9-3/4. Each comes with a stitch guide. Each canvas retails for $92. The thread kits are approximately $50, $55, $65, $55, $60 and $85 (following the list above). Sign up for at least FOUR and you'll receive a handy kit keeper with your first canvas free!  Sign up starts NOW and you'll receive the STAR canvas in June if you're signed up by the end of March.  You must call, come in or sign up online to participate.  I'm looking forward to stitching these along with you and celebrating our love of the seasons. 

SWEETHEART CUPCAKE CLUB
Melissa Shirley has TWO new clubs. Many of you have LOVED the cupcake I stitched a few months back and Melissa has an entire club with six tasty cupcakes in a variety of pinks and reds in a light lemon and white background. You can see the pictures of the finished pieces here: http://melissashirleydesigns.com/clubs/profile.cgi?index=1356989653_7384

Of course there are stitch guides for each one! I know your next question will be PRICE. If you want the canvases with stitch guides they are 90.00 each. If you want THREAD kits, the approximate average monthly price per kit NOT INCLUDING Swarovski crystals is $47.00. You will receive WHOLE cards or skeins for each canvas and you may be able to share between canvases. I do NOT break down skeins and divided them out between club participants as some shops do. What happens if you make a mistake and tear out? You don't have enough thread to complete your kit! Please note: I need a minimum of three participants in each Melissa Shirley Club so get your friends to join with you!

MELISSA SHIRLEY FANCY FOREST TOPIARY CLUB
Yes it's MORE TREES! These are cone shaped trees. These also have simpler stitches. There are five trees included and they all have stitch guides - please note that these are simpler designs so I don't want you to expect complicated stitch guides! Canvas with stitch guide only is $ 145 and if you want the THREAD KIT included the approximate average monthly price NOT INCLUDING Miyuki seed beads is $55.00 Again, there are a minimum of three participants required for this club so let me know if you're interested!

HOMESTEAD NEEDLE ARTS TRUNK SHOWS FOR 2013 - Things to look forward to!

March - Little Shoppe of Canvas
April - Shivering Sheep - this is a Great New Designer
May - Colors of Praise - wait until you see her designs!
June - Sekas and Company - perfect little pieces for summer stitching!
August - Melissa Prince - need an evening bag? Check this out!
September - Artist's Collection - we can NOT get enough of those Santas!
October - Ewe and Eye - whimsical, fun and always in season.

Do you have a favorite designer you haven't seen featured in a Homestead Needle Arts Trunk Show? Ask us! Our 2014 calendar is already filling up!

CAN YOU ORDER...I SAW IT SOME TIME AGO...I'VE ALWAYS WANTED...
Many of you know that Homestead Needle Arts will order that unusual thread for you, that hard to find design and anything else that we can find for you. With the recent increase in small parcel shipping fees, please note that we may need to pass those incoming shipping costs on to you. I do not mind special orders but on many occasions, the order of one thread will cost me more than the thread itself! Thank you for your understanding.

STITCH-A-LONGS
CHARLEY HARPER/MELISSA SHIRLEY STITCH-A-LONG
What's a stitch-a-long? Two years ago, I realized that if you wanted to stitch something large, you might need a constant source of inspiration to keep going. I know I do! So on the First Saturday Each Month, I schedule the classroom to accommodate that year's Stitch-A-Long. Last year it was the Sharon G Stitch-A-Long. I got to work on my Lavender Fields (finally). Sure it's not finished yet but it's a LOT CLOSER now! And when we started I didn't have a single stitch in it! :-)

This year we're going to have TWO designers. Many of you own a Charley Harper piece and many of you own a Melissa Shirley piece! These designers couldn't be more different in style but we'll divide you up so you can inspire each other! Starting in April, I'll host the first ever Charley Harper/Melissa Shirley Stitch-A-Long for 2013. Bring your project by one of these designers - or come in and purchase one from me! ( NOTE: Please be sure your project was purchased at Homestead Needle Arts. I appreciate your continued loyalty!)

For the April Stitch-A-Long, please email me by THURSDAY, APRIL 4 to reserve your seat. This helps me in planning the table and chair set up! After that you will sign up at each Saturday for the next Saturday. If you want to join us after April OR miss a Stitch-A-Long and need to sign up for the next one, PLEASE EMAIL ME WITH THE SUBJECT LINE BEING STITCH-A-LONG. Remember, I am the only one here so PLEASE DO NOT CALL IN CANCELLATIONS OR CALL ON THAT SATURDAY! Emails are fine! Thanks so much for your understanding!

Bring your threads and stitching tools. Books with stitches will be provided so you don't have to lug them in, unless you have one that I've never heard of! Join the camaraderie of other stitchers as you work on your project and get ideas from them AND their ongoing projects. My question is (if I have time to stitch,) do I work on my Melissa Shirley pears or my Charley Harper pheasant?

CHRISTMAS STOCKING STITCH-A-LONG
Many of us are also working towards finishing a full size Christmas stocking for a child, grandchild, niece, nephew or OURSELVES! Our Stocking Stitch-A-Long was formerly on Thursday evenings but will now be moved to coincide with the third Saturday of the month. Please remember, your stocking must have been purchased at Homestead Needle Arts at some point in the past (yes, it's okay if it's 30 years old!) Bring your threads, your stitching tools and again, books for inspiration are available in our "shop library." YOU NEED NOT EMAIL OR CALL for seating for this Stitch-A-Long.

GOING TO DALLAS!
I'll be attending the Dallas cash and carry Market in late April. Please let me know if there's something you'd like me to bring back for you.

Phew! If I thought moving kept me busy, this calendar of events means I better get some MORE things done around here.

See you soon! Theresa

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Dear Stitchers,

Today was the last day of the TNNA Market in California and I believe it JUST CLOSED!.  New items are already posted on websites!  I don't want you to go TOO crazy so I'm just going to list a few here today!

First though, I promised you an update on the new shop.  I traveled up to Grand Blanc this morning.  The first coat of paint is ON THE WALLS!  Hurray!  There's a couple of closets not done and there's a few trim pieces to be mounted and there's more lights to be installed but the covers are on back order...well you know how it goes.  The new sign is mounted on the building and if you happen to be driving by, take a look!  Sadly I checked the phone lines at the new place today and I have to call AT&T again. They don't work!  However, the good news is, that after a week of them trying, my business calls are finally forwarding to my cell phone. 

You can check out the following websites and then email me your orders or inquiries on the canvases you see. 

MELISSA SHIRLEY DESIGNS - Oh gosh, check out the Berry Basket first.  You'll want to get your hands on that canvas AND the stitch guide come April!  Put that on your must have list.  For you heart lovers, those little hearts are just the ticket for fast stitching on trips.  But what about the patterned cat shapes?  I think those would be ADORABLE grouped around your fireplace or on your couch.  For me?  I really want the Bird Stories just above the cats.  My hardest decision will be which one.  Just look at them!  Perfect for showing off stitches and purse shaped to boot!  Keep scrolling!  There's so much more!  The Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter words would look JUST GREAT in the new shop if any of you want to stitch it for me.  Start with the Autumn in case you run out of steam.  That one and the Winter one rate high of my list of Must Haves.  I'm trying NOT to look at the new Autumn Ornaments, and then that ADORABLE Easter House...then the HALLOWEEN witches, street scene, ornaments...ARGH, WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME!  Melissa is my downfall!  Keep looking, there is so much more!  The cats come in every season, there are so many ornaments to be drooled over and stitched, the new Christmas stockings call to me, the new Christmas ornaments make me yearn for the holiday we just had - and those BIRDHOUSES!  Just let me know what YOU want so I can order it while I decide what I MUST HAVE.  :-)

And for my stitchers that LOVE their clubs, Melissa has two to offer us starting this Spring but SIGN UP STARTS NOW.  The first is the Sweetheart Cupcake Club and the second is the Fancy Forest Topiary Club.  You can email me for prices.  There are six cupcakes and five trees.  You can do one or the other or both!  Each piece comes with a stitch guide.  We do love our stitch guides!   See the pictures of the Club pieces right here.

Maggie and Co. - Maggie's got lots of new canvases from this Market too.  One of the fun ones is called Mom Knows Best and is a list of rules that you ALWAYS heard from dear old Mom.  Remember?  Always wear clean underwear?  Maggie also has lots of crazy cats and some fun-loving dogs to stitch.  Her people are always fun and there are some new houses by Annie Catherine that were big hits at the last trunk show I had.  Also I love some of the new whimsical pieces like Fungi and Landscape with Birds.  My snowmen lovers better check out the last page of new items - lots of snowmen on stars you're going to want!

EWE AND EYE - I placed this link right on page 2 of their New Designs because I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Sunflower Farm so much!  My second favorite is March Winds with the birdhouses.  I saw a picture of this stitched - incredible!  There are lots of needlepoint samplers on page one, so be sure to check those out on their website if you like samplers.  Remember, I can order anything!  If you love this style, check their whole website!  I have their Trunk Show coming later in the year.

RAINBOW GALLERY'S NEW COLORS AND ITEMS - For all of you dying to see the new colors, NOT TO WORRY!  Here they are.  I told you about them the other day and here they are in vivid color!  Remember your computer screen may not show them in actual colors.  I WILL BE ORDERING the Neon Rays Plus, the Fyre Werks and the Silk Lame' Braid for 18 ct.  Please call me to special order the new Harlequin acrylic/wood laying tool, that very green Wisper (!),Petite Silk Lame' and Silk Lame' Braid for 13 ct.

rainbow new colors

 

Remember, call or email me to order anything.  Pricing questions will take time to answer as pricing lists are being mailed after market.  Hope to hear from you soon! 

 

Theresa

Homestead Needle Arts LLC

Grand Blanc, MI

810-694-3040, 888-694-3040

www.homesteadneedlearts.com

email:  shop@homesteadneedlearts.com

 

 

 

 

WINTER MARKET BEGINS THIS WEEKEND - NEW ITEMS

Many designers are giving us an early look at what they'll be showing this weekend.  Let me know if you have any interest in these designs.  I won't be able to get pricing for you until next week when the designers return from Market in Long Beach, California.  Please email me at shop@homesteadneedlearts.com with the name of the artist and the name or number of the canvas you're interested in and your question or order.  I'll need your telephone number to contact you for specifics.  Mosty of you know that I am not attending this Market. 

In alphabetical order-

Barbara Bergsten Designs has new PINK and green pumpkins, pieces for your favorite sorority sister, ornament vests, patterned ornament Santas and patterned mini socks. 

Beth Gantz has the cutest new bubble letters...wouldn't you love to do your grandchild's initial?

bubble letter c

Cooper Oaks brings us a sneak peek of wonderful new animals on canvas including a lion and lamb Christmas stocking. 

Check out new birdhouses from Melissa Prince Designs - push the New Canvases at the bottom and don't miss the "more" at the right so you can see all her new designs for this market!

Needle Deeva has some new cats, fanciful birds, winter and Christmas hearts, pumpkins, stocking cuffs and whirlygigs.

Although I don't have pictures, Rainbow Gallery is promising THREE new Neon Rays Plus in Gold Sparkle, Silver Sparkle and Orange Glow In The Dark.  They have SEVEN new Soft Sheen Fyre Werks coming out in Orchid, Inca Gold, Daiquiri Green, Burnt Orange, Chartreuse, Purple Rain and Azure Seas.  There are 22 new Petite Silk Lame' Braids promised, ELEVEN Silk Lame' Braids for 18 ct. and FOURTEEN Silk Lame' Braids for 13 ct.  There's also ONE new Wisper color in Pistachio Green.  The newest tool is the Acrylic Harlequin Laying tool.  It's a 6" laying tool that has an acrylic handle with a wooden end.  It's available in assorted colors and no, I don't get to choose!  I'm looking forward to ordering these brand new items and will stock the new shop with them so JUST ASK when we open. 

Ruth Schmuff has new canvases from EyeCandy NeedleArt and Diane Dirks.  Check them out here and you can click on each picture to make it bigger.  Which reminds me...no matter where you see a painted canvas, I can order it for you!  Your shop loyalty is VERY MUCH appreciated.

Lani Silver tempts us with SHOES, fairy dolls, African figures and collages, botanicals, koi and Geishas.  I think you'll love the shoes!

That's all the previews I have so far.  After the Market, more designers will let me know that their designs are online and I'll fill you in again.  Enjoy browsing!

Theresa

Homestead Needle Arts LLC

Grand Blanc, MI

shop@homesteadneedlearts.com

 

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Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Dear Stitchers and Friends,

Our shop at 12235 S. Saginaw Street, Grand Blanc is completely empty.  Our new shop at 8185 Holly Road, Suite 4, Grand Blanc is under reconstruction.  Yesterday, new ceiling tiles were being installed.  Ceiling lights have been ordered, the walls have been prepped for painting, the carpet has been ordered, the floor will be prepped after all other work is finished!  My target date is still February 15. 

Due to unanticipated telephone problems, you will need to leave a message on the voice mail machine.  I will be calling you back as soon as possible.  Thanks for your patience during this time.  Theresa

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Friday, January 18, 2013


Dear Stitchers,

This afternoon I was notified that my current landlord has decided that I can not stay in my present location through February 15th.  I'm writing to let you know that Homestead Needle Arts will close for three weeks.  Our last day of retail business at our current address of 12235 Saginaw Street will be on Thursday, January 24, 2013.  As discussed before, our target date to re-open at 8185 Holly Road, Suite #4, Grand Blanc, is February 15th.  This is just ¾ of a mile from our current location and I know you're going to love it as much as I do. 

The shop will be off-site - but not offline! - for THREE WEEKS.  The new suite will be ready February 15.  If you want something and I'm already closed, I can mail it to you. If you're going to visit by this Thursday, remember that right now, I have a GREAT Sale Table!  There are charts, painted canvases, Mill Hill beads, overstocked floss (10 for $1.00!), shop models and much more.    

Internet orders will still be taken during the three week closure.  Emails will be answered.  Mail will be picked up.  I will forward the Homestead phone calls to my cell phone.  I'll do everything to make this a smooth transition for you!  

I'm really looking forward to our new home and hope that you have patience and bear with me.  I really do welcome all of your orders during this time of transition.

If you wonder what I'll be doing, the first week will be all about packing, moving and storing the inventory and furniture, and cleaning and repairing the old suite.  The next  week will be used to do my 2012 taxes (ugh) and then I'll work on moving the stored inventory and furniture to the new shop!  Keep your fingers crossed for our target date of February 15th!  Of course I'll keep you up to date on our GRAND OPENING!!!

I appreciate all of the kind offers to help pack and move. I have everything all planned out at this time.  I've even hired a moving company.  After all, I'm not as young as I used to be!  

Hope to see you this week and as always, thank you for supporting me and Homestead Needle Arts!  

Theresa Swiecicki
Homestead Needle Arts
Grand Blanc, MI 48439
810-694-3040, 888-694-3040
www.homesteadneedlearts.com
email:  shop@homesteadneedlearts.com

        October 14, 2012

      

Dear Stitchers,

 

I have some GREAT updates for you.  First, I have a new Daylight magnifier/lamp in the shop.  This lamp and magnifier is light enough to take to classes but not TOO light to tip over.  The magnifier is 5” wide and is 2.0 magnification.  Doesn’t sound like a lot but it looks great for 18 ct. canvas, I checked!  It uses 21 LED lights so there’s no problem with a bulb that burns out and it’s low heat.  It easily changes from a floor lamp into a table lamp with the removal of just one piece AND it’s affordable at just $110!  Put that on your Christmas list but let us know NOW so that we have it in stock for Santa to pick up for you!

                    lamp            table lamp

We JUST received the Caron Collection’s newest colors that I ordered in June of Watercolors, Waterlilies and Wildflowers.  Since a picture is worth a thousand words here they all are!  I’ve already added them to the website so you can read more description there and decide if you want to add them to your stash or pick them up for a current project. 

watercolors    

                    Watercolors     

           waterlilies

                                Waterlilies                                                                       

                   wildflowers

                               Wildflowers

Tudor Silk from Gloriana Threads – I’m NOT planning on carrying this BUT I will special order this for you and I think you like to know what’s new out there.  Gloriana Threads has created Tudor Silk.  This is a much finer silk than their current silk floss. It was created for stitchers who like to stitch over one or two threads on high count linen and/or stitch over one on 32 to 40 count. It is also ideal for silk gauze.  However, you can also combine it with Gloriana silk floss if you need a titch more coverage.  Tudor Silk Floss is twelve strand silk floss manufactured in Switzerland. It is a 120/2 thread; most other silk flosses including Gloriana Silk Floss are 60/2. The first number is the size of the thread (the higher the number, the finer the thread) and the second number is the number of plies in each strand.  It retails for 5.50 for a 5 yard package.  Currently 19 colors are available.

 

Also new are two charts due to the collaboration of Suzanne Howren, Anthony Minieri, Beth Robertson and Meredith Willett.  Calling themselves Long and Short, they designed these charts amongst themselves.  I have not yet had the opportunity to review them but hear from designer Vicky DeAngelis that these are four step stitches and that “there is a design outline for each chart and suggestions as to how to select your own colorway. Great color pictures of each design and great stitch charts for each and every stitch. You could even stitch this on Congress Cloth with just a few thread changes.”  Each chart retails at $35.50.  

st leonards dance                        creek music

St. Leonard's Dance                                               Creek Music

Now the most exciting thing to me – because I figured out HOW to do it – is that I’ll be loading free charts onto our website for you.  Yes, it will start out slowly but I’m just learning more website stuff!  Click on the FREEBIES tab and you’ll see a BOO pillow perfect for Halloween.  Print it off and stitch away!  Check back often as I get this page up and running.  Tell your needlepoint friends and keep an eye out for more FREE fun stuff!

 

Only ONE MORE WEEK for our Princess and Me Trunk Show.  We won’t have this back for a few years so grab them now!  Remember, I actually discounted this Trunk Show and all in stock Princess and Me canvases are also 20% off their marked price.  These are great small pieces you can use up your sparkly threads on. Princess and Me - Just check them out from our designer's links. 

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       September 27, 2012

       Princess and Me Trunk Show

It's here!  You'll want to run in and be among the first to dig through the treasures of this trunk show!  The Princess sent just about every single one of her ornaments and I even have a few here that she didn't send.  That must be why it's called the Princess and ME!  Here are a few pictures to tempt you.  Now remember there are literally HUNDREDS of ornaments to choose from - these are just the stitched samples they sent.  I'm proud to say that in the second picture, the seven ornaments on the right from the golden retriever over are MINE - okay the shop's.  There are others in more of the pictures that are stand ups that belong to me - er - us.

      Princess and Me #1   Princess and Me #2

 

Princess and Me Nativity   Princess and Me Thanksgiving

This last picture reminds me of Baa Baa Black Sheep.  Instead you can sing "Baa Baa Theresa have you any ornaments?"  Yes ma'am, yes ma'am, three bins FULL!

                                      bins of ornaments

Come on in, grab a bin and sit down at the oak table.  Take your time and go through them and choose the ones you like best.  Each ornament or stand-up includes our favorite - A STITCH GUIDE!

Did I mention the 20% discount I'm giving you?  Not only does this apply to the Trunk Show items but also for any Princess and Me ornaments I have in stock!  And since I have THIRTY-NINE in stock, I think you can have a very nice time shopping!  Most of these ornaments will be around $53.40 AFTER your discount and even less for the ones I have in stock!  Loyalty keytags will NOT be punched because you're already receiving a discount. 

Our online friends should visit the Princess and Me website (just see our Designer Links page and go to it from there) and write down the numbers of the ornaments you like.  Return to our shopping website (the Go Shopping button), put a Special Order in your online cart and in the Comments section of your order form, note the numbers and short description of your ornaments.  I'll take care of the rest!  Happy browsing!

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September 23, 2012

Some New Items

There was a "Cash and Carry" market in September that I did NOT attend as I can only afford so many markets.  Otherwise I would be spending all my money on travel and not on the NEW for YOU!   Some of the new items introduced in Baltimore made a huge hit including these new crows by Leigh Designs. I LOVE them!  I plan on ordering at least two of these for the shop. Which ones can I order for you?

crow50crow 51 crow 52

crow 53 crow 54 crow 55

crow 56  crow 57

Rainbow Gallery introduced new colors of Neon Rays, Neon Rays Plus, one Silk Lame for 18 ct., Petite Silk Lame and Wisper.  I've ordered all except the Wisper - but of course I'll order it if you do!  See the great new colors right here!

Neon rays and plus silk lameWisper

Petite silk lame                   bella lusso

 

The last picture above are the newest colors of Bella Lusso wool.  This is your latest wool favorite!  Made of 100% merino wool, it's soft, wonderful to work with, and makes the most beautiful turkeywork you've ever seen.  Although there are 15 new colors, they've only sent me 14 as the 15th is on backorder still.  We've been waiting since June for these so I'm not going to complain with 14 new colors! 

NONE OF THESE ITEMS ARE ON OUR WEBSITE YET.  Please don't look for them there.  If you want to order any of them, just use the Special Order button and put in your comments which canvas or which threads you want to order.  I'll take care of it from there! 

Enjoy the rest of your weekend! 

 

 

July 15, 2012

Garage Sale Information

The World's Best Needlepoint Garage Sale begins on Thursday, July 19, 2012 and runs through Saturday, July 21.  It's open during our regular business hours which are Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Don't miss it!  This Garage Sale is always a success because of YOU our customers!  People just like yourself put their needlepoint treasures in, including hand painted canvases, threads, stretcher bars, lap stands, table stands, charts, unused blank canvas, scissors, books - YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU MIGHT FIND!  This year I've seen full size Christmas stockings by the likes of Melissa Shirley, Tapestry Tent, As You Like It and more!  Just a few of the names I've seen include Heartstrings, Lee Needle Arts, Leigh Designs, Tuoti, and Wee Needle.  Most canvases are unstitched, some are partially stitched.  Many include all the threads!  They are priced to sell! 

Please come prepared to buy.  Cash and checks are very much appreciated.  All sales of garage sale goods are final and no items can be returned as they do NOT belong to the store.  This year, I will be donating a portion of the funds made to the Livingston County Humane Society.  Many of you know that I live in Livingston County and since my own dog Star is very near and dear to my heart, this year I chose the LCHS to receive the donation.  Please come out and shop and share in the fun of needlepoint.  Feel free to call me at 810-694-3040 if you need directions or have more questions.

How can you say no to this face???Star

Successful Christmas in July Sale Ends

Our Christmas in July Sale ended Saturday.  Thank you to all of you who took some of our Christmas canvases home.  I really appreciate your continued patronage.

Market Purchases

Now that the Sale has ended and the Garage Sale check-in is closed, boxes from Market are being opened.  New canvases are being added to our website as we open the boxes.  I think you'll like what I chose at Market!  Remember though, I can always order anything you want. 

Clubs! 

You must sign up NOW for all clubs so that we can order your canvases and stitch guides before the Club starts.  You can always join later but it’s more fun to stitch along with your friends!  Call me at 810-694-3040 to sign up for any of these clubs.  We will need your full address and credit card number.  When signing up, remember, you must commit to the whole club as I sign a contract to purchase each piece from the designer.  Thank you for understanding. 

                   cracker

Melissa Shirley’s Cracker Club – starts NOW!

You’ve seen the ads on my website and in Needlepoint Now!  These gorgeous gold and white “crackers” are just waiting to be stitched by you.  The club starts in early August but sign up now and we’ll see how quickly we can add you!  The canvas and stitch guide per month is only $55.  If you want a thread kit they AVERAGE out to about $20 per month.  This is a 10 month club.  If you can’t pick it up, I will be happy to mail it to you.  Mailing will cost about $3 per month.  Don’t miss out on these pretty things.  You CAN get these done each month.  Specialty beads and other items are included with the canvases. 

                               fir trees

Needle Deeva’s Fab Fir Club – starts in September!

This Club starts in September and these are perfectly shaped for finishing!  You won’t have to worry about guessing at a background because it’s all designed for you!  The stitch guides are done by Vicky de Angelis who has made a great name for herself in the world of needlepoint.  She’s been featured in Needlepoint Now and she has her own blog if you want to see more of her work.  Check her out at http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/ . There are nine of these fabulous fir trees – just enough for a grouping on your mantel or side table.  There is a special 10th tree that you can order if you want it.  The price per month for the canvas and stitch guide is just $76 each.  If you want the specialty Austrian Swarovski Crystals and Crystal beads that come with five of the trees, let me know in advance, as there is an additional cost for these.  If you want the trees kitted with threads, I’ll be able to give you a price as soon as I get the thread lists but DO get your trees on order!  

caboosetrain car train

Raymond Crawford’s Three Piece Train starts in August!

If you’ve always wanted to do a train but want to start out slowly, try this!  A 3 month club, Raymond will provide you with three pieces to your train.  Here they are stitched!  There’s the engine with peppermint wheels and gumdrop details, a car with a decorated tree, a huge beribboned gift box, a gumdrop and icing cupcake, and a candy cane.  The caboose brings up the rear with pink, green and red striped peppermint sticks and button candies.  The best part is that Raymond says his other train pieces are the same size if you want to add more in the future!  These canvases are just $59.75 each and the stitch guide by Diane Bosworth is $25 and includes all 3 train pieces in the instructions.  Ask me to kit this with threads if you want them.

 

A Peek Ahead

More information and dates will be published in future newsletters.

August Trunk Show - Pat and Lee Designs

September Trunk Show - Rebecca Wood Designs

October Trunk Show - Princess and Me

 

See you soon!

Theresa

______________________________________________________________________________

Hello Happy Stitchers,

Columbus Market starts next weekend but I leave Wednesday so that I can take classes ahead of time including Holiday Card Box AND Polar Bear Snow Globe with Ruth Dilts and Joan Lohr of Rainbow Gallery and Harmony with Nandra and Cassandra of Sundance. I might have splurged on a knitting class for myself too but we won't go into that!  Store hours will be as follows: 

CLOSED:  WEDNESDAY, JUNE THROUGH FRIDAY JUNE 22

OPEN:  SATURDAY, JUNE 23 and OPEN FOR REGULAR BUSINESS TUESDAY, JUNE 26 BUT NO AFTERNOON CLASSES.

In the meantime, my email box is being bombarded by designers tempting me with new designs, promises of beautiful news designs on canvas, reminders to visit them and more interesting news. For example:

Needle Deeva has a new FAB FIR CLUB starting in September -The Fab Firs are on 18 mesh and measure 4½" x 4½". Sign up with us starts NOW.  Needle Deeva also shows us two more items of interest, Bones and Sunflowers and Cherries, both with stitch guides.  I will have prices for all these items after I return from Market.

fir trees bonessunflower

Next, River Silk Ribbons is having their 10th Birthday!  I LOVE these ribbons - woven on the bias, they NEVER fray or split.  That's something to be said when pulling them through canvas over and over.  They gave me the tiniest glimpse of a ribbon cake...but it was in a pdf file and wouldn't copy here.  :-(

 

Sekas and Co. returns with their fun, small scissor fobs and ornament sized canvases.  They now have biscornus too.  Those are eight-sided items - easier to show than describe.  Here's one of their six new Christmas Biscornus. 

                                                                  biscornu   

Cooper and Oaks sends us ideas for belts - instead of belts!  How long have I been saying BASKET BAND???  Here's one finished!  And how about that pillow idea?

                           basket         pillow

 

And DON'T forget the Melissa Shirley Christmas Cracker Club. - you need to sign up NOW so I can order your canvases!  You'll receive 10 canvases AND stitch guides over the next 10 months starting in August.  You may request thread kits if you like.  Canvas and stitch guides are only $55 each!  Just think of a miniature tree with these darling crackers on them!  Or start a new gold and white tree tradition!              

                                                     cracker

  That's it for now!  Don't forget my closing schedule and be sure to stop in Saturday and see the Hug Me Tote Bag Trunk Show, still  in the shop.  Remember too, start getting your Garage Sale items ready for next month.  Happy June!

  Theresa

 

  ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

   May 3, 2012

  REMINDER! 

  HOMESTEAD NEEDLE ARTS WILL BE CLOSED TUESDAY MAY 8 THROUGH FRIDAY MAY 11!  We will be open on Saturday May 12 so you can rush in and buy your Mom (or yourself!) a last minute Mother's Day gift.   Yes we have gift certificates  Our website is open and available for online shopping 24/7 and I check my emails quite often so feel free to email me at any time.  (I do sleep sometimes though.) 

JUST TO TEASE US! 

New Clubs are in the works!   Just this week I received a postcard from Melissa Shirley with some tantalizing "Golden Crackers" on it.  Her new stitching club will arrive in the shop during or after the last week of July 2012 and I will mail them to you in August.    As you know, Melissa's pieces are gorgeous.  The club will be ten months long (ten Crackers), includes a canvas, stitch guide by Robin King and any unusual embellishments you may need to complete the Cracker.  Yes!  We know where to send them so that you can attain the same beautiful finishing you see here!   The cost for the canvas and stitch guide is $55 per month.  At this time, we do NOT have a thread list, but when we do I will be able to give you thread information.  Just call, visit our shop or our website to sign up. 

crackers

 

Raymond Crawford has created a 3 piece Gingerbread Holiday Train to begin this summer.  That's right!  Just 3 months and you can have the holiday train you've always wanted.  Of course you can add to it later but take a look at this darling engine and two cars.  AND ONCE AGAIN, you'll have a stitch guide by Diana Bosworth! 

2nd car  1st car  engine

Each canvas is $59.75.  The stitch guide is $25 and includes all 3 parts of the train.  I won't know how much the threads are until I see the stitch guide.  Sign up starts NOW!  Please visit our website to sign up.  The item is listed as Gingerbread Holiday Train Club.  If you will pick up your monthly pieces, please state so in the comments and shipping will not be charged.  Actual shipping costs only are charged, not necessarily those quoted by the computer!

NOW IN THE SHOP:  Kurdy Biggs of Threedles designed another beautiful piece she calls Sands of Time.  This charted piece features Smyrnas, Rhodes, Eyelets, Star Jessicas, Diamond Jessicas, Plaited Rays, Crescents, Wrapped Sheaf, a padded and crossed Polygon, Sprats Head, Double Fan and variations on some of these.   The finished size is 11-1/4 x 13-1/2" on 18 ct. canvas.  There are three different colorways featured in the chart, and of course, you can always do it in your own choice of colors.  Her framer is in Louisville, Colorado and obviously loves a challenge!  Only the Calypso was actually framed, the others shown here are not framed - this is the WONDER of computers!  You'll have fun trying a variety of metallics and silks on any of these colorways. 

sandssandssands

                Calypso                                                            Kolam                                                     Mayan

Don't forget our Julie Mar Trunk Show is going on!  While I'm gone, feel free to browse the website or come in on Saturday to see the beautiful flowers and fun belts, scissor cases and smaller pieces.  Here's a picture of two of the walls of the shop. 

 

julie marjulie mar 2

I hope these pictures will keep you busy drooling while I'm away. 

Order all you want, the elves will paint more!

As always, thank you for shopping with Homestead Needle Arts.  Your support is appreciated!  Theresa

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

  March 30, 2012

 

  Spring Fever Owl - join the Hoot Hoot Owl Club!  Call us and ask about it! 

                                        spring fever owl

March 20, 2012

The Rainbow Gallery Tool Trunk Show arrived today and is already a big hit!  The items you see here may already be sold BUT I WILL BE HAPPY TO RE-ORDER FOR YOU!    Please keep this in mind.  We'll try to send something close to what you saw but pretty much have to send what Rainbow sends us!  ALL of their wooden and acrylic tools are beautiful so don't be hesitant.

bracelet laying tool

Bracelet laying tool (tip covered by safety plastic) - this is SO HANDY.  Just slip the bracelet on your laying tool wrist and it hangs freely.  Flip up the tool into your hand when you need it.  WOW!  I love it!  One of these has already sold, more can be ordered!  $46.25

Mini Laying Tool in Wood Case

Mini Laying Tool in Wooden Case - Gorgeous isn't it?  The laying tool is about 4-1/2" long.  It matches the case which has two golden ends.  The end that unscrews has the gold ring on it so you can hang it from a chatelaine if you want.  This one sold first thing but I can order more for you.  $57.25

Book rings to store threads

4", 8" 10" Book Rings - these rings are to store your Rainbow Gallery threads on.  You know that hole at the top that I hang them from on my walls and racks?  You can store all your Rainbow threads on these rings.  They are gigantic!  Imagine putting 50 or 60 cards on the large one and then hanging that on your stitching room wall!  4" - $5.00, 8" - $8.25, 10" - $10.45

Rainbow Gallery Laying Tool tool #2

Rainbow Gallery Laying Tool - Here are several choices of the beautiful wooden tools with inserted steel laying tool that Rainbow Gallery carries.  The unscrewed ones shows you how they come apart.  The sharp end is safe when you're not stitching with it.  Don't forget our acrylic one our website too!  The wooden one is $55.00.

Laying Tool Holderholder #2

Rainbow Gallery Laying Tool Holder - do you have a Best Laying Tool and don't have something to store it in?  This wooden case will hold it in style!  It screws shut in the middle as shown.  Reasonable price too!  $35.25  (The pink case is considered "wild colors" and the other two are exotic woods.)

Grime Stoppersgrime 2

Grime Stoppers - These covers fit over the EDGES of your piece whether you use stretcher bars or roller bars.  There is one pair per package.  They are white and come in five sizes.  Small fits up to 13", Medium fits up to 18", Large fits up to 20", X-Large fits up to 25" and Super fits up to 30".  They keep the edges of your piece clean as some people have a hard time keeping the edges clean where they hold their piece.  These were very popular today!  Small $7.25, Medium $9.25, Large $11.50, email for X-large and Super sizes.

Sewing Compendium

Sewing Compendium - Many of you have seen this in my shop.  This is a darling little piece to collect.  I love blue glass.  You can take this apart.  The lid is actually a thimble, and there is a "bobbin" to wind thread on inside.  You can store needles in it too.  It's just too cute!  A lovely gift for a friend or yourself!  $49.50

Pewter Laying Tool

Elizabethan Laying Tool - this is a pretty Elizabethan pattern laying tool.  You can also use this at your sewing machine to guide fabric through when sewing.  $22.00  

Slim Line Laying Tool

Slim Laying Tool - Another pretty pewter laying tool.  Just pick the pattern you like best!  $22.00

Tail Catcher Tool

Tail Catcher Tool - It's hard to see in this picture, but each of these pewter pieces has a tool on the end - one has a hook and one has a wire loop.  You use the two ends to catch your too short threads on the back of your work.  It's also a pretty tool!  $33.00

Best Laying Tool

Best Laying Tool - You probably already own this one - but if you don't, now is a good time to get it.  The standard laying tool as introduced by Shay Pendray.  $18.75

Mellore

Mellore - Gold Work Tool - I have ONE of the gold plated mellores in stock.  The one on the left is gold plated, the one on the right is stainless steel.  If you do gold work, then you know that this is useful in laying different gold threads.  (I don't do gold work, so please don't ask for clarification!)  Silver $17.50 Gold - this is ONLY for the one I have in stock as the gold is flaking off was $29.50, now $22.00

Hermit Crab Magnet

Magnetic Needle Holder Pewter Hermit Crab with Sea Shell - Yes I know he's adorable!  There's a magnet somewhere inside that shell so you can lay your needle on him and he'll hold it for you.  Just set him on your stitching table and let him collect your needles and pins.  I always imagine his name is Herman the Hermit Crab.  Sometimes I think working alone is bad!  :-)  $22.00 - only one left

Ribbon tool

Ribbon Laying Tool - this laying tool has a blunt end and is best used for ribbon type threads only as you can not get your floss type threads to lay well with this.  However the price is right!  $19.75

Tweezers

Gold Work Tweezers, Clover Tweezers - both have very sharp tips as you can see.  The gold ones are for gold work but also think about them for placing gemstones, etc. on your work.   I always have a pair in my sewing kit - you can use them for anything!  Gold Work $17.50, Clover $7.25

Thread Cutter Pendant, Heart-shaped Threader

Thread Cutter Pendant, Heart-shaped Threader - I was using the Thread Cutter Pendant on airplanes long before they stopped letting us bring scissors just because it was so handy.  Just hang it on a chain and it's handy.  You're not likely to leave it behind if you're wearing it!  $8.00

The threader is not only pretty, it's useful!  The top of the heart has the hardware necessary to thread your needle.  $8.00

Awl

Clover Awl -How many times have you heard "just open up the canvas hole a little bigger with your awl?"  Do you actually have one?  You can now!  This tapered awl will help you open your canvas to thread through larger threads, DMC Memory Thread and ribbons.  $5.50

nap brush

Bunka Brush/Nap Brush - This tool has been called many things.  It looks like a porcupine from the side!  :-)  If you have turkey work that needs some serious brushing, this is the tool for it.  These wire bristles can be very tough on fibers so I recommend that it be used on wool, linen and other thick fibers that really need brushing when doing turkey work.   Not as large as shown here. $8.00

 

metallic scissors

Metallic Task Scissors - specifically used for cutting metallics.  Don't use your best scissors for metallics as it will dull them more quickly!  One edge is serrated for cutting your metallic threads.  $19.25

cissors 2

Victorian Large Bow Scissors - if you have arthritis or larger fingers, these are the scissors for you!  $18.75

task scissors

Turkey Tufting Scissors - these are perfect for turkey work as they have a slight bend to them at the end, making it easier to cut your turkey work.  $17.50

emb scissors

Silver Etui Scissors - these are tiny, tiny and oh so very cute!  If you happen to also do hardanger, these would come in very handy for cutting!  $17.50

scissors                      black scissors

Gold or Black Toledo Scissors - Another pair of attractive scissors, these are Italian scissors with a very fine point.  $19.75 each

black scissors 2

Waste Knot Scissors - these scissors are curved so you can clip off your waste knot.  They're also black so they look sharp! I would use these for turkey work too!  $19.75

s     

Black Roman Scissors - Italian scissors in a style known as Roman, this style is classic.  $19.75

Stork scissors

Stork Scissors - the classic stork in gold, these scissors are a long time favorite of stitchers everywhere.  $18.25

needle tugger

Needle Tugger - we've long had these at the shop - not as large as shown.  If you're having problems grabbing your needle, just fit the plastic tubing around it and grab and pull.  The large lobster clasp makes it easy to attach this to your scissors or chatelaine.  $8.25

floor frame  frame #2

Shay's Floor Frame - here are two views of the floor frame.  Obviously wooden, you can stain it if you prefer.  The floor frame will hold scroll frames of any size from 12 up to 45" across which is handy when stitching a rug!  The bottom bar easily slides to become much larger.  You can also move the arms up and down and of course the clamps are easily moved too.  SORRY, the adorable dog is not included.   Scroll frame parts are easily purchased from us also - we can order sizes from 12" to 45" "tape" bars and side bars of 9", 12" or 18" or complete frames if you like.  I'll even assemble the frame for you!  During the Rainbow Gallery Tool Trunk Show ONLY I'm discounting the floor frame 15%!  Normally $197.75, just $168 during the Trunk Show.  Hurry or call to let me know you want one!

 

February 19, 2012

New Rainbow Gallery Threads

In an effort to keep us stitching happily John at Rainbow Gallery created TWENTY-TWO new Petite Silk Lame’ colors.  Petite Silk Lame’ gives you light coverage on 18 ct. canvas, is fine enough for Congress Cloth and can even be used for cross stitching.  I’ll just name the colors and not the numbers here.  Ecru, Gold, Pink, Blue, Rose Pink, Garnet, Burgundy, Lemon, Pewter, Deep Rose, China Blue, Pumpkin, Christmas Green, Dark Christmas Green, Lilac, Camel, Dark Sand Gold, Emerald, Medium Avocado, Royal Blue, Tangerine and True Gold.  $3.25 each, get all 22 new colors for $71.50.  That'll keep you stitching for a while!

                                                              petite silk lame

Silk Lame’ Braid for 13 ct. has 14 colors added to the color line including Crimson, Ruby Red, Pale Antique Blue, Classic Blue, Sand, Honey Bronze, Warm Brown, Olive, Wine, Dark Denim, Deep Cobalt, Soft Pink, Medium Raspberry and Dark Violet.  Add one of each card to your collection now for just $52.50 or pick and choose at $3.75 each. 

                                                          silk lame 13 ct

Silk Lame’ Braid for 18 ct., my favorite, and apparently yours as that is what has been requested most for our NEW Silk Lame’ Club, has 9 new colors.  They are Chardonnay -with a gold running through it, Spring Green – very Easter-y, Dark Lagoon – ooh mysterious blue, Lite Pumpkin – yes it’s perfect for pumpkins and use the Red Orange for the pumpkin separations, Medium Violet – we love our purples!, Dark Violet, Sea Spray – definitely named this one right and Blue Sapphire – yummy for a dark dark night sky.  It’s not too late to join our Silk Lame’ Club.  You’ll receive 10 cards a month for $37.50 (or the current price) and in the 12th month, your ten cards are FREE!  If you’d rather just purchase these colors, get all 9 for just $33.75 or pick your favorites for $3.75 per card.  One of my customers suggested that I send this club out in color families.  Not a bad idea!

                                                      silk lame' 18 ct

Neon Rays + - remember these match the Neon Rays but have a glimpse of metallic in them, making them even easier to stitch with.  The new colors include Sun Gold, Lime Sherbet, Elephant Gray, Orchid and Pansy.  We loved the one Glow in the Dark color so much that John gives us four more.  The new Glow in the Dark colors include Violet, Yellow, Chartreuse and Orange.  The colors are great FUN for Halloween and any other canvases that you want to add a little mystery too.  All nine colors can join your stash for $38.25 or pick and choose your favorites at just $4.25 each.

                                                              neon rays plus

Neon Rays now has 5 new colors including Sun Gold, Lime Sherbet, Elephant Gray, Orchid and Pansy.  These are all available for $20.00 or for $4.00 per card. 

                                                     neon rays

There’s a new Gold Rush 14 in Emerald which I will be happy to order for you if you find that you need that color. 

One of the prettiest tools at the Rainbow Gallery booth was the new Acrylic Rainbow Laying tool.  These beautiful laying tools are encased in two-tone acrylic and each one is unique.  The feeling when you hold them is wonderful and of course they warm up immediately in your hand.  See the picture on our website.  I saw them in dark blue, purple, red and green.  I have red and purple in the shop right now but we don’t get a choice when we order them so please understand if we can’t get the color you want.  At $65, all colors are artwork that you’ll love to stitch with.     

                             laying tool

CLUBS, CLUBS, CLUBS

Clubs are all the rage now.  And why not?  What’s more fun than receiving a canvas and a stitch guide every month? 

Raymond Crawford has an adorable SANTA club.  These 2-1/2 x 5” canvases are full of color and threads and stitches!  Each is surrounded by a candy cane border that screams Christmas.  This club starts in mid-March so you must sign up NOW!  You’ll receive one stitch guide for all five pieces with your first piece.  At only $43.75 per month, plus $15 for the stitch guide, you’ll be loving SANTA!   We'll be happy to kit up threads for you also - just let me know. 

                      Santa Club

Kelly Clark is offering Tremendous Trees.  These little beauties arrive for 12 months, and you receive the canvas and stitch guide for $52.50 each.  This club starts in April, but please sign up NOW so I can get the canvases and threads ordered. 

                                   trees

Eye Candy Needleart is offering Hoot Hoot – a set of  6 darling owls with stitch guides.  Again, you’ll receive this monthly and this club starts in April.  Sign up NOW so I can order your supplies.  The owls with stitch guides are approximately $70 per month and again, thread kits are extra. 

                                   owl club

Rebecca Woods has the Goofy Ghouls Club with six silly Halloween characters.  They include a witch, an owl, a mummy, a cat in a costume, a skeleton and a vampire.  The stitch guides are by Cynthia Thomas and look like a lot of fun.  Please call for more information on this club as I don't have all the info yet. 

                       ghouls club

THE LATEST, GREATEST TOOL

I bought a dozen of these at market and have re-ordered already - you can now have a clip on magnifier with a built-in light for your needlepoint!  This slick idea is just like your regular clip on magnifier but there is a small light right on the magnifier powered by 3 watch batteries.  For just $27.50 for the small clip-on magnifier, you can see your piece again!

                                             magnifier

Check our website to order any of the above items or to sign up for a club.  Hope to see you soon!

_______________________________________________________________

October 2, 2011

pumpkin

OCTOBER HAPPENINGS:      

I promised you a FUN TIME in October which will start TUESDAY, October 4 with an unheard of Buy One Get One Discount on PAINTED CANVAS.   Details follow…be sure to note that the longer you wait to come in…the lower the discount!  Plus if you’ve had your eye on a canvas or two, they might be gone if you wait to long!      

pumpkinThis is a great time to remind you about our Loyal Canvas Customer Key Tag program.  You purchase our key tag for $2 and every time you purchase a regularly priced canvas (in stock OR special order) we punch your tag for the appropriate amount.  When your tag is fully punched, you receive $50 in free merchandise!  It’s like getting 10% off all the time.  Internet/phone customers, we’re happy to keep the key tag on file for you!  PLUS as you’ll notice below, for being a loyal canvas customer, you often get extra benefits!

 

Week 1 – Tuesday, October 4 through Saturday, October 8

Buy any in-stock painted canvas at regular price and get another one at 50% off!  ALSO for this week ONLY your Loyal Canvas Customer Key tag will be punched for the price spent on all your canvases INCLUDING the sale pieces!  You can BUY AS MANY CANVASES AS YOU WANT!   You’ll also receive a little something extra in your bag when you leave! 

What a great time to stock up for:

  1. Winter.
  2. Gifts for “stitchy” friends for the holidays – who doesn’t love a new painted canvas?
  3. Canvases you always wanted but were afraid to buy – at these prices, you can have them!

Week 2 – Tuesday, October 11 through Saturday, October 15

Buy any in stock painted canvas at regular price and get another one at 40% off!  Your key tag will be punched for the regularly priced canvas only.  ALL SCISSOR FOBS ARE 25% OFF THIS WEEK ONLY!

Week 3 – Tuesday, October 18 through Saturday, October 22

Buy any in stock painted canvas at regular price and get another at 30% off.  Your key tag will be punched for the regularly priced canvas only.  ALL MILL HILL BEADS AND DMC FLOSS ARE 15% OFF THIS WEEK ONLY!

Week 4 – Tuesday, October 25 through Saturday, October 29

Buy any in stock painted canvas at regular price and get another at 25% off.  Your key tag will be punched for the regularly priced canvas only.  ALL PERLE COTTON, ALL SIZES ARE 15% OFF THIS WEEK ONLY!

 

Rules and disclaimers on Buy One Get One Painted Canvas Sale:

1. Does not apply to Class Canvases, Sock Club and Creepy Character Club canvases.

2.  Will not apply to Christmas Corvette canvas expected to arrive mid-October.

3.  Sorry!  Previously ordered or held canvases do not apply to this Sale Event. 

4. Highest priced canvas will be rung at regular price for each sale.  You may purchase as many canvases as wanted.

5.  Canvases marked as “sale” will be considered to be regularly priced canvases and can be purchased as such (That means MORE GREAT DEALS for you.)6. Please note:  I’ll make my best attempt to keep painted canvas stock updated on my website but I must remind my internet customers that not all items shown are in stock and there are canvases in stock that are not yet shown. 

7.  When placing an order online DO NOT USE EMAIL PLEASE!  I need you to use the online ordering system via the website.  The website is www.homesteadneedlearts.com and then push the Go Shopping button and use the shopping cart.  That is a secure server.  Regular email is NOT secure.  Orders placed beginning Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time will obtain the sale pricing. 

 

NEW CAR EXPECTED AT HOMESTEAD NEEDLE ARTS

 

You KNOW you’ve always wanted a little red Corvette.  Now you can have the car of your dreams at a price you can afford!  No leases!  No long loan paperwork, worries about licenses or titles – we take the worry out of canvas ownership for you. 

corvette

Thanks to Sally H. of Brighton, MI, we were able to obtain an exclusive deal for you!  The new Christmas Corvette is expected to drive into our shop in mid-October!  And just think – YOU can be on the dealer waiting list!  A beautiful red Christmas Corvette will be painted for you - there’s a Christmas tree and gifts included in the back seat of every Corvette!  Options include stitch guide, stretcher bars and threads.  Be the first in your neighborhood with a shiny new Corvette on your stretcher bars!     Just call your local Christmas Corvette dealer, Homestead Needle Arts at 810-694-3040 or 888-694-3040. 

 

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September 14, 2011

Dear Stitchers,

The kids are back in school...what are YOU doing to expand your needlepoint knowledge?

NEW BOOKS

The new Sandy Arthur book is finally here.  It's called Shapes of Needlepoint Series II and I had a chance to look through it last night.  This book features Diamonds, Hearts, Octagons and Stars.  I don't know about you, but sometimes I think stars can be a real pain.  You want them to be fun and perfect but you're tired of your same old tried and true stitches.  This book has some pretty good ideas for stars and  hearts.  I don't stitch a lot of stop signs (octagons) but if I did a lot of designing myself, I can see that this would be a handy reference.  The diamond shapes are great too.  I can see using these as a filler, a border, or even in some larger painted areas.  Like her last book, these are indexed both as shapes and by the size of the canvas threads they cover.  HANDY!  Spiral bound (in purple so as not to be mixed up with #1 in red), 117 pages with SUPER LARGE graphs, you're sure to want this in your library at $44.95.  I also purchased more copies of Series I, Circles, Squares, Triangles, Rectangles ($34.95) in case you want to get them both together.  Sandy is already working on two more books in this series so make room on that shelf!

Hyla Hurley brings us a GREAT tiny book called My Favorite Stitches, Quick Reference Guide for Needlepoint Stitches.  At 7 x 4-1/4" this is a definitely "easy to tuck" into your stitching bag kind of book.  Hyla covers left and right handed Continental stitch, right and left hand Basketweave, Double Basketweave, Slanted Gobelin, Encroaching Gobelin, Vertical Brick, Horizontal Brick, Parisian Embroidery, Hungarian Embroidery, Mosaic, Diagonal Mosaic, Scotch and two variations, Cashmere, Diagonal Cashmere, Milanese, Byzantine, Jacquard, Diagonal Scotch, Knitting, Long-Armed Cross, French Knot, Dotted Swiss, Hyla's Turkey, Everybody' Else's Turkey, Fern, Lattice Jacquard, Darmstadt and Satin.  This book spiral bound with large easy to see graphs and retails for just $12.  Don't forget our new Homestead Needle Arts Quick Stitch Reference Guide at just $15 that I told you about in our last newsletter.  Check our website forthese new offerings!

                                           book

Our classes this Fall include new offerings and some favorites.  Many of you have requested a simple Beginners Needlepoint Class for younger people and  interested friends or family.  I've created a simple four square pattern done on blank canvas that can easily be put into an acrylic coaster or a boxtop.  You can also take just one of the patterns and put it into a Sudberry mini box OR make into a tiny ornament using one of our finishing forms! 

CLASSES

How do you sign up? Call me at 694-3040 or come in. You must pay the teaching fee at sign-up. Bring basic stitching supplies to all classes – embroidery scissors, needles, magnifier and light if needed, pencil and paper for notes, laying tool, stretcher bars, tacks, etc.

New Beginner's Class - Patterned Squares

full piece                      square in a box

 

This class is PERFECT for the beginner who wants to learn needlepoint because we have some simple finishing ideas in mind for you! The class includes canvas, stretcher bars, threads, How to Needlepoint booklet, needles and instruction. You bring your own embroidery scissors (and pair of sharp scissors with shorter than 4" blades) and get ready to learn to needlepoint! 

You'll learn Tent stitch, Scotch stitch, Straight Gobelin, Brick stitch, Slanted Gobelin and the Hungarian Diamond stitch. You'll use Perle Cotton, Silk and Ivory, Watercolors and a metallic ribbon floss. You'll have the instructions necessary to make four different 1-3/4" squares. YOU DECIDE if you want them altogether on your canvas OR if you want them to be separate because when you're finished, you can make them into individual ornaments OR place them in a tiny boxtop OR put them in a larger boxtop or even a 4" acrylic coaster. Don't stress! We'll help you along the way. Needlepoint is meant to be FUN! (Note: Colors shown are not necessarily those you'll use and finishing items mentioned are not included in cost.) PLEASE CALL 810-694-3040 OR VISIT TO SCHEDULE YOUR SEAT IN THE CLASS! 

Dates: Tentatively Scheduled for the Following Dates:

Saturday, October 8, 1:00 - 3:00 

Tuesday, October 11 10:30 - 12:30

Thursday, October 13, 1:00 - 3:00

Thursday, October 27, 1:00 - 3:00

Saturday, November 12, 10:30 - 12:30

Teaching fee: $10

Kit Fee: 38.50 includes canvas, stretcher bars, thread kit, needle threader, How to Needlepoint booklet, needles

 

Happy Yellow Bird (Zecca Canvas)

small bird

Taught by Theresa Swiecicki

This so very cute piece teaches you new techniques and introduces you to new threads including DMC Memory and Kreinik holographic thread. The canvas has a happy yellow, orange and black bird talking to a worm while a dragonfly listens and carefree flowers dot the background. You'll learn to lay threads, pad stitches, the wrapped backstitch, ruffle and couch Frosty Rays and other fun techniques. The design area is 6 x 3-1/4" so you'll stitch this quickly. SIGN UP EARLY so we can order your canvas. Student provides or purchases stretcher bars and scissors.

Dates: Saturdays, October 22, 2011, 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. AND November 12, 1:30 to 4:00

LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE! CALL NOW TO SIGN UP!

Teaching Fee: $40

Kit Fee: 104.25 includes painted canvas, thread kit, stitch guide including color copies.

 

Beaded Heart NEW CLASS

heart

 

Husband off hunting for Bambi? Why not book a little fun for yourself? You're going to love this exciting new way to bead! You'll bead this pretty heart in yellow, peach, pink and red (green heart shown just for size) and learn shading with beads at the same time. Don't be afraid - WE'LL HELP YOU THREAD YOUR NEEDLE! :-) Have fun and make a beautiful beaded heart ornament. Student should bring or purchase 6 x 6 stretcher bars, embroidery scissors, frame weight OR stand. PLEASE NOTE! Bead containers may not be as large as shown! PLEASE SIGN UP BY OCTOBER 21 SO WE CAN HAVE YOUR KIT READY FOR YOU!

Date: Friday, November 18, 2:00 to 4:00

Teaching Fee: $25

Kit Fee: $23 includes painted canvas, 4 containers of beads, beading thread, needle

 

Sampler of Stitches 

unstitched sampler     sampler

Taught by Theresa Swiecicki

Dates: Scheduled when two or more people are interested in the class.

Cost: $30 plus supplies ($30 for 4 hours of instruction - two 2 hour classes). Additional help available afterwards.

Kit Fee $78.25 for painted canvas, stretcher bars, threads, needles, stitch guide.

This hand-painted sampler eases you into doing painted canvas. Areas are painted in stitch types and you just follow the stitch guide and canvas. You can fill the center with your initial, a baby's birth information or even wedding initials - or finish as a frame or a mirror! Students must bring or purchase embroidery scissors. The painted area of this piece measures 5-1/2” square. You'll learn 12 new stitches in your needlepoint journey.

 

Plaid Star Ornament or Tree Topper

star

Taught by Theresa Swiecicki

Dates: September 24, 2011, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Cost: $20 plus supplies (approximately $60 for blank canvas, threads, stretcher bars)

Continue on your journey into needlepoint with the continental stitch but learn to read a slightly more complicated chart while making a plaid pattern. This plaid star measures approximately 7” x 8” when finished. Ours was stuffed and made into a tree topper with a corded edge. So cute, you must see it! Kits are available for those not wanting to take the class.

Barred Owl by Charley Harper, Stitches by Kathy Fenchel

owl

Taught by Kathy Fenchel

Date:  Saturday, November 19, 2011 from 10:00 to 4:00 p.m. with a short break for lunch on your own.

Fees:  $65 teaching fee plus 15 page printed stitch guide

Kit Fee:  $90 for painted canvas, all threads for owl, branch and moon (background thread not included-see note below), stretcher bars

(Save!  Bring your own stretcher bars!  Size will be available closer to class)

What a beautiful owl!  This wonderful piece is being taught right here at Homestead Needle Arts by the illustrious Kathy Fenchel!  She's talented and it shows in this wonderful interpretation of a Charley Harper canvas.  Your kit will include full skeins of all threads needed to re-create your own owl except for the white background.  Your stitch guide includes two background options each using two different threads.  Of course we'll be happy to supply either set of background threads you desire at class time! 

SIGN UP BY OCTOBER 7 IF POSSIBLE SO WE CAN ORDER YOUR PAINTED CANVAS!

Canvas Embellishment with Kathy Fenchel

Wednesday, November 30, 2011 class has openings so far but hurry!  This class will fill when the October's class is held and the students book their next class.

Cost $75 all day class, $45 half day (10-1 or 2-5)

WE CAN ALSO book her if you have a group of 4 to 6 stitching friends that want to get together for an all day class. Just ask!

For those unfamiliar with her classes, you bring any painted canvas and Kathy will suggest the right stitches and threads to bring your canvas to life. She’s got a fun, unique style and lots of needlepoint fans across the United States! I've taken several classes with Kathy and suggest that you try her class to see if you'll love her ideas like I do!

Drop- In Tuesdays with Theresa

Dates/times: Tuesdays from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Fee: $10 a week, paid at class time.

Project: Work on your current project and get help with anything you need. Meet other needlepointers and relax with friends for 2 hours. If this is your first time, please call otherwise, just drop in! We have fun AND get our projects finished! Here's a sample of something you could get help on!

 

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Homestead Needle Arts
is now located at

8185 Holly Road, Suite 4
Grand Blanc, MI


Phone: 810-694-3040
888-694-3040
Fax: 810-694-0370
Email:

Homestead Needle Arts' Shop Policies are listed on this website on the About Us page

All images and information depicted on this site are protected under copyright laws.  Do not duplicate, use, reproduce, display or transmit any design or information without the express written consent of Theresa Swiecicki, Homestead Needle Arts. 

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