Have you had a chance to check out the new website for Needlepoint Now? I am hoping too by now that this newest magazine has been arriving in your mailboxes! It is a wonderful issue, packed full to a whopping 64 pages with the most amazing painted canvases designs, articles and charted work…including this beautiful goldwork Fleur de Lis piece designed and stitched by my sister in black cats, Meredith Willett. See at one time we both had 3 black cats, but now I don’t have 3 anymore. Maybe it is time to add another kitty to the household? Not sure that AlleyCat will approve of that idea.

I understand so much more of the goings on, the hard work and the diligence that the girls put in at the Needlepoint Now Studios to bring you an amazing magazine. I got to meet Sherrie, our newest team member who guides the advertisers through designing their eye catching ads with the latest technology. She was giving me a few pointers on PhotoShop, soon of which I will be attempting to learn. Elizabeth taught me so many new tricks with Illustrator, of which I hope that I will remember as I finish up the charting for the next issue. Jaime and Laura who handle the office so efficiently, answering the phones and so many other little details. Of course we can’t forget Shawnee and Regie, “The Poodles” who are the official greeters and at times work so hard when there are lots of visitors to greet at The Studios.

Another road trip that is always a must when I visit up north, is a visit to Mindy’s shop. You know Mindy as her canvases are so recognizable. “Mindy’s Needlepoint Factory, located in Eugene’s 5th Street Public Market, is a unique store for needlework enthusiasts.  Started over 35 years ago, MNF is one of the best known west coast stores with the most extensive selection of materials.” Mindy was sitting behind the counter dressed to the nines as she always is, just painting away on new designs. One hand the canvas and one hand the paint brush and an assortment of paints spread out in the palette close by. So I ask Mindy “do you sketch out first? do you design on the computer?” She answers me “No I just paint right to the canvas…and I just keep painting till I like it!” Wow such talent and there probably isn’t one of Mindy’s canvases that I wouldn’t want to stitch for myself. No time to do that, but it’s the thought that counts.

Another special treat for me is a trip to King Estate’s Winery where we enjoyed great food, good wine and even better company. It was a wonderful trip and I could have easily stayed longer, but my children were awaiting my return.

I worked hard yesterday as I added the finishing touches to my parts of The Spring Crazy Quilt for the magazine, worked on a few of my stitch guides, printed stitch guides for the Easter Egg House for NeedleDeeva, made a little stash run for more stretcher bars and a little research into an upcoming article for the magazine. Finished up the evening with my ANG meeting and back home to stitch…whew!

Sylvester is enjoying the tissue paper from a flower arrangement that just came home with me from Adelaide’s. I think that shade of green is a good color for him, don’t you?

AlleyCat as always has to park herself on something! This is a bag of threads that came for my class at the Dallas market. and until next time…keep on stitching