Filed under: ANG Needle Pointer's Article, Sunflower Heart by Judyann Designs
For the flower and stem in Sunflower Heart by Judyann Needle Art Canvas Design, I had Treenway Silks 7 mm Yellow 201, River Silks 7 mm yellow variegated 260, and River Silks 7 mm green variegated 265 in my stash (different but similar from what Ginny Stapleton used in her stitch guide from the July/August 2025 issue).
I found Splendor Lite Golden Brown S902 and used 6 strands for the French Knots and beads of 2 sizes of the same color (unmarked) but only used the large ones for the loft.
I couldn’t be happier!
So, “finishing” this may actually be a reward for stitching the next 6 pairs of strands onto Nautilus. I wouldn’t have said that a year ago!
Filed under: ANG Needle Pointer's Article, Sunflower Heart by Judyann Designs
Sunflower Heart by Judyann Needle Art Canvas Design was one of six painted canvases featured by Needle Pointers, ANG’s magazine. The stitch guides were created by Ginny Stapleton.
Since I knew which six were being featured, I ordered my favorite one early (in time for Christmas last year) but hadn’t gotten to it.
Needing a break from Nautilus, I decided to work on this heart from the July/August 2025 issue of NeedlePointers.
My stash had different threads that worked out well including Watercolours Golden Grains 176, Silk Lame Braid Petite Dark Avocado SP37, and Wildflowers Elderberry Wine 192 (just enough left in the skein without using the purple parts except on the top edges that will not be seen anyway). Here’s Ginny’s stitches with my threads.
Adding the flower will be a reward for working on Nautilus for awhile!
Filed under: ANG Needle Pointer's Article, ANG Needle Pointer's Timeless Treasures From the Archives
Pat Mazu offered Needle Pointers (NP) a stocking design done with her take on Trianglepoint after rereading Sherlee Lantz’s book of the same name. It’s in the November/December issue along with an article by Patty W, the editor of NP reviewing the book and a pattern I stitched from the book.
I selected Persian Carpets Knots because of the 3D effect it creates and it was described as a “mysteriously interesting pattern”. It was a bit challenging especially the compensation. This grid helped keep me on track.
Here is is stitched.
And, placed onto a tissue box for the bathroom (with a vinyl cover held in place by double stitch tape).
Luckily, there was one article/project in a past issue featuring Trianglepoint by Nancy Perry that allowed me to include that. So, it makes for a lovely, coordinated splash on Trianglepoint in this issue of Needle Pointers!
You are missing out on some great information if you’re not a member of ANG, the American Needlepoint Guild (needlepoint.org). It’s easy to join. There are many free designs exclusively available to members.
Filed under: ANG Needle Pointer's Article, ANG Needle Pointer's Timeless Treasures From the Archives
In the July/August issue of Needle Pointers in the Timeless Treasures from the Archives article, currently available online, I present hearts from the 1990s, three of the eight heart projects were finished into an octagon, diamond, and rectangle.
In one of the eight projects discussed in the article, you can learn about making thread cards and how to finish a piece into a frame weight, ornament, or needlebook.
I stitched one of the heart shaped designs, Diaper Crazy Heart by Kandace Merric, in one of my favorite monochromatic colorways. I’ll be sending this to support Hearts for Hospice.
Get access to all ANG has to offer for only $60/year (that’s just $10/ issue) plus other free designs exclusively available to members. If you are 35 or younger, ANG offers a 50% discount to new members when they join ANG for online access to all digital issues (no physical magazine is mailed). This is a great opportunity for younger stitchers to join the ANG community of needlepointers! I have alerted ANG that the discounted rate is not mentioned at https://www.needlepoint.org/page/MembershipOverview. Hopefully, once you get past that page, the option to join at that rate becomes apparent. Since I am already a member, I can’t view the registration steps.
Updated August 10, 2025: It was nice to hear from Joan K from Honolulu, HI who loved this heart and wanted to know what threads I used. Although I did not keep track, I was able to go to my stash and look at the photo since I already mailed it to ANG KC chapter. I finished this in May and am 99% sure I used:
Upper right: Vineyard Silk Classic C077 Aruba and C079 Reef Water
Middle right side, bottom left side, upper middle center: Impressions 8014 and 8092 and Treasure Braid TR277
Upper left side: Splendor S880 and S988
Thanks again Joan for reaching out. It’s great to know the articles in Needle Pointers are being read. Hope to see you in Denver next year.
Filed under: ANG Needle Pointer's Article, ANG Needle Pointer's Timeless Treasures From the Archives, Crescent Journey, Melita's Designs
The current issue of ANG Needle Pointers is chock full of good stuff, including an article in Timeless Treasures regarding a series, Design by Susan Dawson. She reviews principles of design and color over 5 issues.
I presented a Contrast Talk based on the original and several new Crescent Journeys colorways from ANG stitchers. Learn why this is the same design, but each one looks different. Practically an optical illusion! Several of the new ones and other Crescent Journey pieces will be on display at Woodlawn Needlework Exhibit in March.
And, saving the best for last. Meghan from my ANG Main Line Stitchers Chapter stitched and created an excellent stitch guide for a Mindy canvas, Folk Heart. I did the diagrams, and her notes made writing up the stitch guide a breeze. For a relatively new stitcher (3-4 years?), she really excels. She did the finishing herself too. Her first attempt at that! Amazing!!
Filed under: ANG Needle Pointer's Article, General comments, Sunflower Heart by Judyann Designs
It’s that time of year to thank you for your interest in my needlepoint journey, review what I accomplished over the year, and reflect on what’s ahead. Only 300 below 10,000 visits to my blog. That’s amazing.
I’ve gotten a lot of stitching done including:
- Tumbling Stripes by Marilyn Owen with the ANG New Jersey Needle Artists (NJNA) that I finished into an ornament.
- Amanda Crawford’s Christmas Angel (my first commissioned piece – not something that I will seek out again but I was glad I helped the woman).
- Blue Violet Name Tag by Lee designed exclusively for ANG Central Jersey Chapter (CJC). I joined them as they meet on Saturdays 10-3 and are a little over an hour away (I try to attend quarterly). I enjoy the people, seeing how another chapter operates, and being “just a member.” This group only meets in person and combines a meeting and stitch-in. There are a few programs you can sign up for (or not, but of course I did).
- Imperial Topaz by Sue Reed with ANG Main Line Stitchers (MLS). Gifted.
- Sashiko Mini Sampler by Miniature Rhino (a gift from CJC). Undecided about what to do with it.
- Stitches in Sterling by Nancy Cucci from a class in 2011 with the ANG DE Seashore Chapter has been finished and framed.
- All That Shimmers by Sundance with my ANG Main Line Stitchers (needs to be framed).
- Bookmark using one of many patterns from Ruby Razzle Dazzle by Ann Strite-Kurz.
- An overdyed thread experiment that I made into a coaster.
- A pointallism experiment that I made into a coaster.
- Medusa Sea Jelly by Kim of the Shoreline Stitchers that I finished as a stand-up ornament.
- Silken Sonata by Jim Wurth. Goal #1 for 2025; stitching is done, but I want to finish it into an ornament. DONE. See https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/04/01/silken-sonata-by-jim-wurth-finished/
- Tar River Trail by Gail Stafford from my second Seminar in 2012 has been finished and framed.
- Roman Ruins by Joan Rinehart, an EGA Petite Project and Casalguidid Flower by Becky Quine were both stitched so I could teach Casalguidi to my EGA Brandywine Chapter. I’m undecided about what to do with them.
- Fibonacci Swirls by Olivia Hartshorn with my ANG MLS Chapter. I did 2 colorways. I enjoyed doing them but am undecided about what to do with them.
- Rainbow Butterfly by Danji. Goal #2 for 2025; stitching is done except for the background and once that is done I will have it finished into a stand up or flat for hanging. I have to shop for the background thread. The one I had selected has been discontinued, and I am afraid I will run out. DONE & I did the finishing too: https://melitastitches4fun.com/category/ang-main-line-stitchers-chapter/laurel-burch-rainbow-butterfly-by-danji/
- Two small metal frames with a Christmas Day Plaid (1 2 2 5) and a Christmas Tree with lights. They were part of the display at the Festival of Trees on the ANG NJNA tree.
- Three Ribbon Candy Ornaments with ANG NJNA.
- My Needlework and Textile Guild of Media continues to meet and we take turns sharing an in depth discussion of our various crafts. I completed a felt purse with beaded edges that now holds another a beading project that was inspired by seeing Jan Huling’s beaded pieces at a museum (google her) and qualifies as Goal #3 for 2025.
Teaching opportunities included:
- A Spring Sampler in fall colors and not as wide as my original design as I led my EGA Brandywine Chapter through the design during several workshops. I finished mine onto the front of a purse.
- A Stash Sampler for the ANG Cyberpointers May meeting program. It was a mini band sampler that gave the stitchers different options each day. I made 5 of them them into bookmarks and/or small framed pieces. I particularly enjoyed seeing Jennie W enlarge hers and make it into a snap tray. Gifted two of the framed ones.
- Crewel Wreath by Lucy Edmison is an EGA Petite Project that I led for my EGA Brandywine Chapter.
- Cardinal Felt Ornament by Liz Kisielewski for my EGA Brandywine Chapter. I had taken Liz’s class at an EGA Mid-Atlantic Regional Meeting.
I exhibited my Fireside Sampler at ANG’s Seminar (no ribbon) and at Woodlawn (3rd place ribbon). I am pleased to say it is on display now at Fireside Stitchery.
Besides shopping at my local needlepoint stores (Fireside Stitchery, Nimble Needle in NJ, and Rittenhouse Needlepoint-listed in alphabetical order), I also enjoyed my visits to Ye Olde Cross Stitchery in Bristol, PA, Edwardian Needle in Fairfield, NJ, and the Valley Forge Quilt Show.
Classes were great and always a good learning experience. They included:
- Landscape Features: A Notebook Class with Gail Stafford (online) with ANG Cyberpointers (going through that gave me the added confidence to tackle and finish Tar River Trail).
- Explore and Design with Debbie Rowley (online). I created Diamonds, Triangles, and More to test various stitches from Debbie’s booklet. I have yet to start the garden path, Flowers Along a Rhode, that I designed during class. Goal #4 for 2025. DONE & I won the ANG Creative Inspiration Award! See https://melitastitches4fun.com/category/melitas-designs/flowers-along-a-rhode/
- From Summer Stitch Camp with Ellen Johnson of Serendipity, I took the 16 stitches she taught and made 2 coasters and a mini framed piece.
- From the Compensation Class with Ellen Johnson of Serendipity, I took 7 stitches and placed them into a 3.5″ round that I finished into coaster.
- At ANG’s Seminar in Kansas City, I took 3 classes including:
- Byzantium with Lorene Salt; Goal #5 for 2025 is to finish stitching for my cousin, Kathy. DONE. See https://melitastitches4fun.com/category/ang-seminar-2024/byzantium-lorene-salt/.
- Treasures of the Great Lakes with Dawn Donnelly; Goal #6 for 2025 is to finish stitching for me. DONE. See https://melitastitches4fun.com/category/ang-seminar-2024/treasures-from-the-great-lakes-dawn-donnelly/
- Heart Swirls with Janet Zickler Casey; Goal #7 for 2025 stitching is done, and I will finish it into an ornament. DONE. See https://melitastitches4fun.com/category/ang-seminar-2024/heart-swirls-janet-zickler-casey/
The two new techniques I learned in classes with Katie Kriner from The Bee and The Bear were Punch needle and rug hooking. Goals #8 and #9 for 2025 are to finish them. Goal #8 DONE. See https://melitastitches4fun.com/category/general-comments/punch-needle/
There are 2 more projects I’ve barely begun:
- Summer Fireworks by Ann-Marie Anderson-Mayes with CJC; Goal #10 for 2025 is to complete the stitching. DONE. See https://melitastitches4fun.com/category/ang-central-jersey-chapter/summer-fireworks-by-ann-marie-anderson-mayes/
- Ort Box with a Twist by Marilyn Owen; Goal #11 for 2025 is to lead this for my ANG MLS Chapter. I have the basting done (took me 3 tries to get it correct). DONE. See https://melitastitches4fun.com/category/ang-main-line-stitchers-chapter/ort-box/
Goal #12 for 2025 is to complete the succulent from Scarlett’s Stitch Gothica’s Skull & Succulent piece. This is considered stumpwork and I need to practice this technique.
Goal #13 for 2025 is to stitch a pair of earrings. My design is ready! DONE. See https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/03/16/2025-national-academy-of-needlearts-nan-assembly-opening-banquet-the-exemplary-and-the-needleworks/ and https://melitastitches4fun.com/category/jewelry/gemstone-earrings/
Sixteen books were described and added to “Books in My Library”. Goal #14 for 2025 is to continue to go through my library of stitch books and post about them. I got 2 booklets for Christmas. DONE. Search Books in My Library for 22 books added.
I’ve really been enjoying reading the archived issues of the ANG Needle Pointers magazine and writing articles about various topics. Goal #15 for 2025 is to continue the articles and, of course, continue to write up projects provided by various authors and format them for the magazine. I am particularly excited for the Jan/Feb issue to be released since Meghan M from my ANG MLS chapter contributed an excellent stitch guide for Folk Heart, a painted canvas by Mindy. She really did an excellent job. Her notes were great and easy to follow. And, there is an article about Crescent Journey with several more colorways discussed. DONE. See
* https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/02/07/design-by-susan-dawson-contrast-talk-and-folk-heart-by-meghan-in-jan-feb-2025-issue-of-needle-pointers-magazine/
* https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/03/31/hearts-of-ang-in-timeless-treasures-from-the-archives-in-the-mar-apr-2025-issue-of-needle-pointers-magazine/
* https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/05/10/hearts-from-1980s-in-timeless-treasures-from-the-archives-in-the-may-june-2025-issue-of-needle-pointers-magazine/
Goal #16 for 2025 is to stitch Sunflower Heart, a Judyann Needle Art Canvas Design. It is my favorite of the 6 designs that will have stitch guides provided in Needle Pointers this year. This was a Christmas gift as well. If you’re not a member of ANG, it’s a great magazine and guild.
Goals #17-21 for 2025 will be to finish 2 classes I will take at National Academy of Needlearts in March and 3 classes at ANG’s Seminar in New Orleans in August.
- Flowering Maple with Celeste Chalasani at NAN 2025. Goal #17 is DONE. See https://melitastitches4fun.com/category/national-academy-of-needlearts-nan/2025/flowering-maple-with-celeste-chalasani/
- Project Runway with Dawn Donnelly at NAN 2025. Goal #18
- Walk in the Woods with Deborah Mitek at ANG 2025 Seminar. Goal #19
- Nautilus with Kay Stanis at ANG 2025 Seminar. Goal #20
- Nights in White Satin with Jennifer Reifenberg at ANG 2025 Seminar. Goal #21 DONE. See https://melitastitches4fun.com/category/ang-seminar-2025/nights-in-white-satin-by-jennifer-riefenberg/
Goals #22-29 for 2025 is to kit the eight pieces in The Cabochons series by Susan Portra that I have acquired and at least get started stitching them (to make this a realistic goal). DONE: See
* Love – https://melitastitches4fun.com/category/other-peoples-designs/susan-portra-the-cabochons-love/
* Joy – https://melitastitches4fun.com/category/other-peoples-designs/susan-portra-the-cabochons-joy/
* Charity – https://melitastitches4fun.com/category/other-peoples-designs/susan-portra-the-cabochons-charity/
All the Rhapsody threads have been acquired plus a few extras in case I find #11 and #12 in the series.
Final Goal #30: Don’t get any more goals!! Wasn’t possible. See https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/02/13/the-cabochons-series-by-susan-portra/
Good luck with your goals and Happy New Year!
Filed under: ANG Needle Pointer's Article, ANG Needle Pointer's Timeless Treasures From the Archives, Medusa Sea Jelly by Kim Griffin, Needle Artists by the Sea
My experiment with optical color mixing or pointallism that was discussed previously in a post and in Needle Pointers (https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/09/21/timeless-treasures-from-the-archives-covers-optical-color-mixing-and-more-in-september-october-issue-of-ang-needle-pointers-magazine/) has been finished into a coaster.
I wanted to practice before tackling the Medusa Sea Jelly.
I cut a round piece of Craftex, glued the canvas tabs to it, and placed it on the sticky side of a piece of cork. By making the circle smaller, I was able to cover the side and I only needed one length of Watercolours as it comes off the skein to placi in the slight space between the top and cork bottom. I didn’t bother sewing the 3 strand cording into place. It’ll stay taut with the ends tucked in.
The Medusa Sea Jelly was designed by Kim from the Needle Artists by the Sea Chapter to support an exhibit, Shoreline Stitchers Showcase.
I had stitched extra rows around the design because a few of the sequins went up close to the edge. Again, I cut the Craftex small enough to cover the edges. For this one, I tacked the Craftex into place on the back of the stitching so that I could lace the tabs to the Craftex to avoid glue. It really worked out great.
I placed the backing fabric on magazine board and glued it on. I love this fabric.
I placed a piece of felt between the front and back, thinking it would puff it up some, but it didn’t do much. Then, I used invisible Sulky thread to attach the two sides, leaving an opening at the bottom so I could slide an acrylic clear stand inside. The Sea Jelly is at a slight angle to give the impression of it swimming. I didn’t add any cord around the edge because the front and back cinched up close enough. I love it!!
Two finishes in one day! I did take breaks throughout the afternoon and evening. It is definitely easier, quicker, and less stressful than it used to be.
Filed under: ANG Main Line Stitchers Chapter, ANG Needle Pointer's Article, Five Vases with Curly Bamboo, Vases with Curly Bamboo by Sharon G
I can’t find what should have been my final post about Vases with Curly Bamboo by Sharon G showing mine framed and letting you know that Linda M, Beth T, and I from ANG Main Line Stitchers submitted our canvases to Needle Pointers for The Tale of Two Stitchers (in this case three) series of articles.
The article discusses the roundness and light reflection. During our meeting discussions, we focused more on the degree of coverage based on a stitch guide and threads from Sharon G (my canvas) and Amy Bunger (Linda). Beth used a combination of those stitches or selected her own stitches after hearing and seeing the discussion.
From class notes and Sharon G’s stitch guide, it was clear that Sharon wanted the canvas to show through. In fact, Sharon G gave 2 Diamond Ray options for the Green vase. I did not use the alternative option with an even more open lacy look. The Burgundy and Blue vases both used single strands of silk floss in between the canvas threads which allows the coloring of the canvas to show through. The Gold vase has the fullest coverage and is the only one of the 5 vases to use 2 colors of thread to enhance the shading. The Cinnamon vase uses the most multi-step composite stitch pattern of the five vases.
When Linda asked Amy Bunger about her approach to this canvas, said, “My approach to designing a stitch guide for any canvas is to attempt to keep the mood, depth and flow of the original design. This design shows a more formal mood in the vases and border with just a touch of whimsy in the curly bamboo. It was easy to determine which areas of design should come forward versus recede and where I should keep a balanced upright appearance versus a slanted or diamond pattern.” Amy’s stitch guide allowed even more of the shading of the vases to show through especially on three of the vases (Green, Burgundy, and Gold). The composite stitch used on the Blue vase was more open than the Cinnamon vase composite stitch which has the fullest coverage.
From the unstitched canvas, you see the light source coming from the upper left corner. The T stitch and the very light blue silk floss for the background selected by Sharon G reinforces the issue of the light source. She said, “I chose a very delicate almost invisible stitch for the background. I thought of a few others, but did not want to detract from the vases. In my mind, simple equals elegant. I think the very light blue can represent the vases resting on a window ledge.”
For the border, Sharon G introduced black within her multiple rows. From the ANG Stitch of the Month 2005 – October, we know Sharon G’s view on borders, “I love to contain my designs in an elegant border made up of a combination of stitches. This allows a bit of containment for the design. For framed pieces, a border allows the eye to be drawn to the needlework, rather than to the frame.” Beth and Linda followed the coloring of the painting. However, Beth selected a more textured look with all threads and while Linda used beads and thread to complete the border.
If you are a member of ANG, you can see the other 2 canvases in the article published in the Needle Pointers Jan/Feb 2021 issue. Better late than never – right!
If you’re not a member of ANG, you should be – go to needlepoint.org and join. Then, join a local chapter (find one listed by state under Chapters), Cyberpointers (Cyberpointers.org), or both.
Beginning on May 2 for 5 days, I am leading the Cyberpointers meeting program, A Stash Sampler. Hope you join us for the program, discussions, or both.
Filed under: ANG Needle Pointer's Article, ANG Needle Pointer's Timeless Treasures From the Archives
It’s rare for me to have worked on the diagrams for a piece in the ANG Needle Pointers magazine and still have the stitched model (unless it’s my design). But, my Needle Pointers magazine arrived today, and I still have it.
At some point, the stitched piece went from Ginny, the stitch guide writer and stitcher, to Maureen, the editor in Maine, who took it to Seminar in Atlanta, gave it to Kristen who I know flew with it back north to the Philadelphia area, and finally gave it to me. I am waiting for the shipping address to return it to Ginny. I wonder home many miles this has traveled! Hopefully, it will go home before the next Seminar!
As you can see, there is usually plenty of time to get photos, diagram, and put the stitch guide writer’s text into the format for the magazine. Consider:
- volunteering your time to help with articles. Staff does need to rotate periodically.
- offering your painted canvas stitch guide for an upcoming magazine. Keep track of threads and stitches used, and we can turn it into a lovely stitching project like this one.
And, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Timeless Treasures From the Archives. I love reading the old issues. This month takes us all over the internet and back to various alphabet diagrams that never go out of style.
Past and present issues are available online to all ANG members (needlepoint.org).
Filed under: ANG Needle Pointer's Article, ANG Needle Pointer's Timeless Treasures From the Archives, Diamond Bargello Flags
It’s always a thrill to see my designs on the cover! Sometimes I just feel like playing with patterns on my computer. This particular time I was exploring the movement of Bargello patterns which is the focus of this small stitching project, Diamond Bargello Flags. I did the finishing myself. Even if you don’t stitch the project, there are also tips from Liz Morrow, thanks to Rinda Just who keeps her designs available online.
You can also see that Timeless Treasures From the Archives is a feature article in this issue. It launches a series of articles that I will continue in upcoming issues. I look through the archived issues focusing on educational articles that stand the test of time. This issue finds Nanette Costa reviewing the basics of needlepoint in a series of articles. Hopefully, members of ANG enjoy and learn from our past members.
Melitastitches4fun's Blog 