A wonderful and exciting few days with Elizabeth in town! It was a whirlwind of a visit and all too short. Our local San Diego guild of the American Needlepoint Guild was thrilled and honored that Elizabeth could fit us into her busy schedule.

She was invited to be the star of our annual April Open House and she did not disappoint as she rocked the house! Members and many new faces came from near and far. I mean far too…as some traveled up to 100 miles to be there. I too was so was flattered to hear “I am here to meet Elizabeth because I read about it on your blog!” There was great local shop prescence from Needlepoint of La Jolla, Needlecraft Cottage and NeedleNook of La Jolla. Yes we are so lucky to have so many wonderful shops in our backyard!

This picture was shot as everyone was gathering and settling into their seats. A delectable array of snacks and sweets were presented for those that were hungry as they might have come right after work!

Elizabeth was charming, gracious and ooh so very entertaining as she talked about her background in publishing, graphic artistry and so much more that led her to follow her dream of publishing a needlepoint magazine.

(Notice the little black whale with the red mariachi hat on the counter behind Elizabeth…as I will tell you more about that later!)

She talked about what life was like when she first started the magazine, how the subscription base has almost doubled since she first bought the magazine 4 years ago, what a day is like in the life of a publishing a needlepoint magazine and what it is like walking to work every morning with her 4 standard poodles in tow. See the Needlepoint Now studios is just a 2 minute walk from her house, but walking with the poodles and especially 2 of them that are still puppies…make it very challenging!

Elizabeth talked about her work day and just how many hours that she works. See I know that as does her close circle of friends do, but many have no idea how hard she really works to put out a wonderful product that we all have grown to love. The photography, the layouts, the proofing, editing and ooh so much more.

She talked about the word that we all know so well “stash,” opened up the floor for questions and answers and came bearing gifts for all of us with the Needlepoint Now bags.

The frame weights that are always so popular at the ANG seminars made their debut! Aren’t they cute? Surfing, wearing shades, playing with a beach ball, ready to dig in the sand on the beach and wearing colorful sombrero’s rounded out the display. The guild gifted the one with red hat to Elizabeth as a little remembrance of her visit with us and as a little thank you too!

Elizabeth and I were able to squeeze some time in to shop for threads, shop for more threads and toys, dine at a few of my favorite spots and support the local economy with a trip to Warwicks in La Jolla.

She met the kids and they were both on their very best behavior! and until next time…keep on stitching

p.s. Elizabeth, please come back again and soon!