HILLSIDE NEEDLEPOINT NEWSLETTER OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018
WELCOME FALL!
We are constantly seeking inspiration for our needlework. Dallas Market gave us the opportunity to meet new designers as well as those that we know. Designers are always interested in what our customers want. It also gives us an opportunity to meet and chat with the fiber folks who are always coming up with new and interesting fibers (that always makes Pat happy).

We have a lot of new canvases in the shop and a few new fiber s - with more on the way. We are planning to have a thread party to get all of you excited about threads and how to use them. We are also continuing our stitch technique classes because education is a valuable tool in approaching any project. 
On that note, this month we are attending needlework lectures and workshops at the Winterthur Museum - inspiration for us to share with you. 

And if that is not enough, please look at the November/December issue of Needlepoint Now to see Pat’s beautifully stitched Jacobean Pumpkin by Abigail Cecile.

Keep stitching and sharing - all of your projects are the ultimate inspiration to us.

Pat and Leslie
Hillside Needlepoint is located at
10437 Stevenson Road
Stevenson, MD 21153 443.548.3691

WHAT WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT



NEEDLEPOINT NOW MAGAZINE
The November/December issue of Needlepoint Now will have an article featuring Pat's stitch guide of Abigail Cecile's Jacobean Pumpkin.
DALLAS FINDS
During our Dallas jaunt we found a new fiber for our collection - Planet Earth Furr + Fuzz + Funn . This fiber is a mix of mohair and
silk which gives a wonderfully fuzzy effect and comes in 21 colors.
Also included in our finds were canvas designs by Griffith Designs, Oasis, Studio Midwest, Patti Mann, Melissa Prince and many more!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HILLSIDE NEEDLEPOINT!
We will be 2 years old in November! Please join us to celebrate on Saturday, November 3 . Everyone who stops by on the 3rd will be entered into a drawing to win one of 3 door prizes - a $50, $25, or $10 gift certificate!
CLASSES
FIBER FUN!
Come and play with some of our new threads and learn how and where to use them. This class will help you to select threads and stitches for your canvases and encourage you to try new threads for different effects.

Friday, October 26 11am - 1pm or
Saturday, October 27 11am - 1pm or
Wednesday, October 31 1pm - 3pm

Sign up for one of the three dates as the content covered in each will be the same.

Cost: $75, includes blank canvas, needles, lots of threads, and written materials about the threads and instructions.
THE STITCH NOTEBOOK
CLASS SERIES WITH PAT
CREATE A STITCH NOTEBOOK
Learn 5-6 new stitches by stitching small samples using
a variety of threads to create your own Stitch Notebook.
.
November's class will be BACKGROUND STITCHES

Friday, November 30th 11am - 1pm  or
Saturday, December 1st 11am - 1pm  or
Wednesday, December 5th 1pm - 3pm
Sign up for one of the three dates as the content covered in each will be the same.

Cost: $75, includes threads, canvas, and written instructions.
Sign up by emailing us here or calling the shop at 443.548.3691
and check our website for class updates.
EVENTS
NEW OPEN STITCH TIME
Beginning October 1st , Open Stitch Time will be every Thursday from
5pm - 7pm. This will replace the monthly Thursday Stitch Night. We will continue to have Open Stitch Time on Mondays 2pm - 4pm and Wednesdays 10am - 12pm.

REMINDER: FINISHING DEADLINE
Monday, October 8th is our deadline for December leather finishing.

USE OUR STITCH LOFT!
If you have a stitch group and are looking for a place to meet (for free), let us know! Call the shop to schedule at 443.548.3691.

HOUR CHANGES FOR OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER
CLOSED: Friday, October 19 and Saturday October 20 - Leslie and Pat will be going to a Winterthur for needlepoint classes
CLOSING EARLY : Wednesday, November 21 at 1pm
CLOSED : Thursday November 22 and Friday, November 23 for Thanksgiving
REOPEN : Saturday, November 24
TRUNK SHOWS
October - Associated Talents (until 10/8) and Kathy Schenkel
November - Machelle Somerville and Alexa Stockings
All Trunk Show canvases are discounted 20% off the retail price.
TIPS AND TECHNIQUE
Needles serve two purposes in needlepoint – carrying thread and opening the canvas holes. While there are no specific rules about what needle types or sizes to use, both purposes should be considered. You also want to be comfortable stitching and have a good-looking final product. Below are guidelines to use when choosing needles.
COMMON NEEDLE TYPES
Tapestry Needles are
the most common needle used in needle- point. They have a rounded tip and elongated eye, and range in size from 16 to 28. The higher the needle size, the thinner the needle and smaller the eye.
Chenille Needles have
a sharp, pointed tip and elongated eye, and range in size from 16 to 28. A Chenille Needle is used to pierce the canvas thread or ribbon, and when couching threads.
Beading Needles have
a pointed tip, small eye, and are very thin. They are used for attaching beads or other embellishments. Use a threader since the eye is so small.
Needle Size
To choose what size needle to use, consider the thread type , canvas mesh , and stitch type . 

Use a needle one size larger for horizontal or vertical straight stitches than for diagonal stitches. Because a larger needle widens a canvas’s hole, threads will lay straighter and smoother.

  • For 13 count canvas, use a size 20 or 22 needle for diagonal stitches and a size 20 needle for straight stitches.

  • For 18 count canvas, use a size 22 or 24 needle for diagonal stitches and a size 20 needle for straight stitches.

Use a large needle size with thicker thread. Larger needles open a canvas’s holes which limits the wear and fraying of the thread. Larger needles have larger eyes which decreases the abrasion of the thread in the eye of the needle.

Needle Brands
There are many different manufacturers of needles and stitchers usually have a favorite brand. When purchasing needles, consider the ease with which the needle goes through the canvas, the size of the eye, how quickly it tarnishes, and its strength. The shop currently carries Bohin, John James Needles, and Tulip Needles which are made in Japan.

Throwing Away Needles
Many stitchers are reluctant to throw away needles, but needles wear during stitching. Tips may roughen and snag threads, eyes begin to abrade, some tarnish, and thin needles may bend. Throw away your needle at the end of every project. Tape the tip or wrap in paper or cotton to safely dispose of the needle. At Hillside Needlepoint, we always provide a new needle with your new project - this should be your reminder to throw away old needles. 
SHARE A STITCH
VAN DYKE STITCH
The Van Dyke Stitch is a versatile stitch that creates a wonderful braided effect. It can be worked horizontally or vertically and over 1, 2, 3, or 4 threads. Because of the braided effect, it can be used for clothing or for rugs, and makes a great border.

The Van Dyke can be worked only in one direction. If you are working the stitch vertically, always start at the top of the row. When you reach the bottom of the row you must start back at the top of the row.
Van Dyke Stitch over 2 threads
SHOP GALLERY
CONNECT
Call: 443-548-3691