Needlepoint Now (We've come a long way!)

I'm still in the process of going through boxes in the garage, trying to find things from the big move - and dug out my Madeline's needlework bag I had given her several years ago. As she was the daughter of two lawyers, she actually had a will at the age of 13, and left me this lovely bag and its contents.

Now that it's been a little over two years since we lost her, I could go through it without shattering into pieces - and found the very first issue of Needlepoint Now that I wrote my article for. It was May/June of 2007. Funny thing - Carole Lake was my neighbor, but we never had time to meet for coffee at the neighborhood coffee place for a good giggle and gossip session.

Anyway, writing for this magazine has been a life-line that has held me together, as I told Elizabeth Bozievich not long ago - it's what has kept me going for the last few years, as it came at a time when great stress and crisis were beginning, and I was just recovering from a near fatal episode of heart disease - things like a son going to Iraq, and my children deciding I needed to move out of my house and into my daughter's guest quarters to be sure I had proper care. (I was not nice about that one!!)

To back up a bit, I think I was primed and ready for it when Joyce Lukomski asked me to do it, as I had spent recovery time playing with my new toy - the computer my son gave me. I was given two or three months time left on this planet, but put off exiting, as I found the art crazy quilters, and the wonderful world of blogs, and new inspiration for needlepoint design just everywhere I looked, as well as wonderful friends I never knew were "out there." - so had to put it off a while. (That was 4 1/2 years ago).


Then just when I was facing the big move 3 1/2 years ago, Joyce contacted me - and it has given me a continuity of purpose and the next deadline to meet, and the next project to work on - something organized and necessary on which to focus!! I'm ever so grateful this opportunity came along.

I lost my beloved granddaughter two years ago, and without the article to think about, I would probably by this time have fallen into a heap of useless rubble on the floor.

I was in my replications of crazy quilts phase in this first article, and Allison Aller, who had become my dearest internet friend (Allie's in Stitches) pieced a special square for me to use - but in the final proofing, the un-embellished one was shown. Oh well. It's a beauty even without embroidery.

I didn't realize until tonight, looking through the magazine, that Liz Morrow (Lizart) had a nice spread in that one. At the time, I had no idea who she was - this one is called "Flowers of Color," which surprises me, as Liz is normally thought of as the best of the bargello ladies. I do enjoy communicating with her by e-mail. (Love this internet thing)

The ads are different in the 2007 issue from the way it looks in this current issue - I think ornament designs are more plentiful and more vibrant, or something. (Elizabeth is doing a great job, as is the "ad lady" Sarah!)

Also, I was amused by this Kreinik ad, as it touts the "gourmet" metallics as the newest thing. How far they've come now with the Holographic series - and gourmet, yummy as it is, is old hat.

A Lighthouse on Lake Michigan (in needlepoint)

Anne Stradal (The Cape Stitcher) has a new lighthouse on her blog, which she'll begin stitching soon - so be sure to see it. These are always enlightening as well as very entertaining, and I look forward to them, myself. This pretty one is "White River" - located on Lake Michigan, and complete with history, as always.

Also, don't miss my article in the current Needlepoint Now about her and her work, and how she started designing the painted canvas - she wrote most of it for me, as she tells the story so well.

Needlepoint Now: A New Issue, a New Look

I received my advance copy of the magazine today (my birthday), and was so excited when I took it out of the envelope, I had to e-mail Elizabeth (the new owner/editor) immediately to tell her how gorgeous and classy the cover is - and then it was off to the 'frig for cheese cake to enjoy while looking inside.

After looking at every page and every ad, I'll have to say it's the best issue I've seen in the two years + I've been writing for it. Even my article was decent, and it usually bores me - she and her editors made it look good!

Of course Liz Morrow's gorgeous bargello was wonderful, as was Rosalyn's "Joy of the Painted Canvas" - and Ann Blalock is back with her wit and humor to make us laugh at ourselves.

I will say that if you have let your subscription lapse or haven't bought Needlepoint Now in a while - do take another look. I'm excited about this and future issues, and will try harder, also, to make my contribution more interesting.

Needlepoint Now

A grand announcement - It's O.K., I'm told, as it was announced at Callaway Gardens a while back. I have had some e-mails from people wondering why the magazine is a bit late this time. It is because it is back on the original schedule of being mailed out on the 6th day of every odd numbered month.

Our beloved Joyce Lukomski has sold it to Elizabeth Bozievich, and is very very pleased with this arrangement, as she will keep a finger in the pie, but be relieved of the enormous responsibility of editing and publishing a magazine, and can enjoy her family and continue teaching with more leisure. She will be still on board to help out and advise - and is delighted with the whole thing.

Both ladies were gracious enough to call me (actually on the telephone!!) several weeks ago to tell me this news. I was so pleased to chat with Elizabeth, who has grand plans to continue to make the magazine great, as Joyce envisions, herself. This has been "in the mill" for several years, as they have been working together to prepare for it - so everyone is pleased! We will all support and encourage Elizabeth, I'm sure.