Greetings from HON – OUR HAPPY PLACE HAS BEEN BUZZING!
Between project drop offs, especially ornaments, stockings, pillows and customers buying gift certificates or self-finishing projects for their moms, grandmothers and graduates, we’ve been busy! Ornaments and pillows turned in for finishing in 2020 (even some from 2021) are coming back. We’re continuing to work hard to get finishing and new canvases in as we know everything has taken so much longer during the pandemic. Thanks to all who have been patient with us!
TIP OF THE MONTH
TRY A WASTE KNOT
Not long ago a new”ish” stitcher was in and asked whether I used a “waste knot” or just held the tail underneath as I stitched over my first few stitches of a new thread to anchor my thread. “Which was best”? she asked. Having rarely used the waste knot method I decided to try it on a new project. I like the way it works. Basically you knot your thread at one end and pull it through the canvas from the front to the back, as seen in the left and right pictures below. Then you pull the thread along the back of the canvas, in a straight line, to where you will be starting. As you stitch the first few rows your stitches will cover this thread in the back. When you feel it’s secure enough you snip the knot on the front. To watch a video tutorial click here. Please note, if you watch this video it is shown on an Elizabeth Bradley piece where each stitch is worked as a cross stitch but it works perfectly for a half a diagonal stitch used in traditional needlepoint as well.
Basketweave Front View
Mouse House
Another Custom painted stocking canvas of “Her Favorite Things”
FINISHED PROJECTS OF THE MONTH
Super Fun Patio Pillow
Kirk and Bradley squares were appliqued on a bright orange duck cloth. Each canvas is welted with a custom fiber twist and the piece is edged in a multi colored pompom trim!
This gorgeous floral was stitched for a ring bearer pillow. Notice the center bow with 2 faux rings attached. These can easily be removed, post ceremony, and the couple has a beautiful pillow keepsake. Using a stock canvas is a great alternative to having a canvas designed. It will save time and money. The wedding date details can be embroidered on the back during finishing.
STITCH OF THE MONTH
This adorable Kathy Schenkel Baby Sleeping sign recently came in for finishing. We chose an adorable blue gingham for the back. The background is simple but so effective giving a shadowy stripe effect.
The background stripes are worked over five holes worked vertically as a stripe. One stripe is worked in Basketweave and the other is Interlocking Goebling.
MOTHER’S DAY, FATHER’S DAY AND GRADUATION
Every Mom deserves a new needlepoint canvas. Colors of Praise Canvas ~ part of the trunk show
REMIND YOUR HUSBAND and Children that a HON Gift Certificate is the PERFECT Mother’s Day present . Have them stop in or call – we are happy to mail it!
SELF-FINISHING GIFTS
We have lots of projects that stitch up quickly and can be put into jewelry boxes, cosmetic bags, luggage tags, wallets, credit card holders, purses and snap trays (for coins, cufflinks, trinkets). There is something for everyone on your Graduation, Mother’s Day/Father’s Day gift list!
NEW CONTEST
Pop into HON* to pick up your blank canvas for our next DIY contest. Completed canvases are due SATURDAY, JUNE 19TH *We are happy to mail canvases too. Call us at 203-655-9112
NEW ARRIVALS
It’s never too early to start your ornaments for 2022. With no finishing deadlines, the earlier the better!
BEVY of BUOYS
Stitch a bunch and make a fun summer wreath or have a boating theme tree. Put initials on them for members of your family or use one for a scissor fob or boat keychain.
HON’S COVID PROTOCOLS CONTINUE
Our Covid Protocols have not changed at HON except we will now allow a total of 6 people (up from 5) in the shop at once. This includes staff. We still ask you to wear a mask, sanitize your hands (we have sanitizer outside and inside) and sign into (name and phone #) our notebook on the front table. In addition we appreciate people remaining outside the chairs and floor tape surrounding our checkout desk as best you can. We are still happy to do curbside pick up or mail orders if you prefer. THANK YOU!
-Wear a MASK
-SANITIZE your hands
-SIGN-IN
