Happy Halloween!

Trick or Treat?  A trick for them and a treat for us.  I have previously posted all the Halloween products available so here's a treat

3 Sheep - 2011

        

3 Vampires - 2010

2009
MJ - Cat in the Hat
Piglet - Thing 1
Blu - Thing 2

In Halloween's Past...  There has been a Tinkerbell, Belly & Spanish Dancers, a Pumpkin, a Bumble Bee, Angels and a Devil...

Final Fall Magnet

finally...it is a few weeks past due but beautiful!

Mag Friends - Acorn

I designed this Acorn as one of the "Fall" magnets and many others over the summer for this season.  The Pears, a couple Halloween and Breast Cancer Awareness pieces all made it in. Other Halloween, November and Thanksgiving specific designs just did not come to fruition.  Next year for sure! Another learning experience for me.  However, I did get to slide this little pumpkin in.  I came across it at a local store. There were not many of them and they all went (but 1 - for me) to Amy's Golden Strand.  

Amy's Pumpkin

After seeing all the snow out West and the first Nor'easter this year, Fall is almost over for those of you who get it.  The pictures on Vicky De Angelis' blog, Mostly Needlepoint yesterday were spectacular!  We do not get anything like that in South Florida.  It is gorgeous here, don't get me wrong, but totally different!

Thanksgiving is around the corner and I have seen many new classes and clubs coming that the Mag Friends Acorn will be perfect for.  Either the canvas or your outfit.  I thought of both the Melissa Shirley piece for Aristeia's retreat and Kelly Clark's "An Elegant Thanksgiving" at The Needleworks.   

Decisions, decisions...

Baking was a hobby before I started stitching and I have always wanted to make a gingerbread house.  I thought stitching a gingerbread house was a better idea since it will last longer.  Besides, it has less calories and it will not end up in the garbage after the holidays.  I bought this canvas several years ago as a souvenir after the ANG seminar at Indian Wells.  I beboped around San Francisco for the day going to different destinations and needlepoint shops.  

Susan Roberts canvas from Needlepoint Inc.

This year I thought about going to Needlepoint.com's  Gingerbread retreat in Asheville, NC.  However, I have another huge commitment for November and December plus the Holidays. So yet another year it comes out of the stash to be worked on.

Candy Cane Collection

Gingerbread Collection

Now to decide on the accoutrement.  I will probably have both magnets and more on there.  One or two magnets on a project does not work for me.  I usually have them in all four corners and sometimes the sides too. Either of these collections or a mix will go nicely with many of your projects and the upcoming holidays.  The magnets make great pins and presents.

Stitcherie has a challenge starting November 1st to the end of January.  "House" by Dan DiPaolo through Kelly Clark Designs.  Kelly Clark and Ruth Schmuff  have given ideas for threads, stitches and techniques to complete the piece.

Marsha's birthday cake

Last week I did whip up 2 halves of a foe gingerbread halloween cake for a friends birthday with chocolate graham crackers and store bought items.  The second floor and roof were too top heavy to put on since it was in pieces. We decided this was an abandoned haunted house after a hurricane.

All Things New

So much going on so fast and all new things!  I started writing this post over a month ago and have not had the time to take accompanying pictures.  Even more new things have been happening since. 

I have plenty new projects in the works and lots of inspiration.  

Jane Nicholas

Fob Friends Ladybug

At EGA seminar I took Wild Pea and Longhorn Moth Medieval Panel by Jane Nicholas.  It has a "ladybird" or ladybug as we know it.  I just LOVE IT!   

Crocus, Clover & Jewel Beetle

The following week Jane came to Miami and we did a Beetle.  Needless to say my project is on the right.  The left is the photograph of the finished piece.

A couple weeks after that, the Sew Much Fun! Christmas Trees class at Absolutely Needlepoint in Miami.  This has been a popular class at many shops this year.

Mag Friends Limited Edition Large Christmas Tree 
(a few on hand and more coming in the next couple weeks)

In the meantime a couple creeps showed-up.  Here is one of them.

      Fob Friends Crystal Skull with

Bedecked & Beadazzled's Exclusive canvas

I am President of our local ANG chapter, Royal Palm and a Life member of ANG.  I have volunteered to stitch on the Blair Chair.  That is what I will be focusing on the rest of the year.

Lastly, "my friends" and I signed up for a Susan Portra class at Needlepoint in Paradise. (but that is not until February - that is so next year)  Sorry, no picture or accompanying accoutrement -yet.

Saturday's shipment

Saturday I received a few new items.  For the Glamorous Collection:

Yellow Flower Heart

New Larger Dolphin and
Small Dolphin from previous sample order

For the Classic Collection: Valentines-
I can see one of these with the Love Letters Series at Chaparral

Pink Valentine

White Valentine

The last shipment I was expecting has not gone out yet but I hope to get it soon.

I have included a few pictures of some other samples I have.

Classic: White Puppy (Also available in Brown)

Glamorous Collection:

Dalmatian Pup

Crystal Cross

Music Note

Candy Canes, Crowns and more

The first shipment of 3 that I am expecting in the next week came this morning.  Candy Canes are finally here!  It has been a 3 month ordeal. But they are great!  There are 3 new items, a Paw Print, Heart and Star.  As well as a replenishment of Crowns. All are about 1 inch size.

I do not intended on reordering many items, if any.  I may have samples or small batches to see if I like the quality, sizing or interest in a particular design. I prefer to keep things new and fresh. I have so many designs that I would still like to do.  I hope to offer around 15 different styles at any one time but always changing.

                        The Crown magnets are in the gold boxes with C & W on the cake plate 

with crowns for us. Complete with Wedding Cake, Flowers and Champagne.

My original order of Crowns was for a party we were having for Catherine and William's Wedding last April.  I could not find what I was looking for with other brands.  I found about 6 items for various projects, trips and holidays late last year.  I did not know what I was going to do with the bulk.  I needn't worry.  They were so popular among friends Mag Friends was created.

Going Stitching and chance to win...

Today I will be a guest speaker on Gone Stitching, Blog Talk Radio with Renee Seidman at 2pm EST.  If you have not listen to the show before listen to a podcast or tune in. It is a fun and informative show.  She has had many wonderful guest speakers in the past - designers, teachers, thread manufacturers and more.  Hint: There is a contest at the end of each show.  I am donating a fob and a magnet. You will have to listen to find out the "magic word" and what to do to participate.

Trunk Show at PFOS

A Fob Friends Holiday Trunk Show went out this morning to Pocket Full of Stitches. Be sure to look them up or give them a call.   They will be happy to take your order or send you your favorite holiday fob.  More holidays and other popular charms are available.  Continue to check back as new additions are being added all the time.   


As a local needlepoint shop (LNS) if you are interested in having a Fob Friends Trunk show contact sales@accoutrementdesigns.com

Some new items can be customized with your own pictures.

Setting the Tone for Halloween

I think I have more Halloween stitched then any other holiday. 

New Fob Friends for Halloween. (special order)
Just in time for the Halloweenies Exclusive from
Bedecked and Beadazzled that arrived yesterday.


It would go nicely with the new mystery at Bedecked & Beadazzled too.
See Ruth's blog - Sept 18th post

Fob Friends Halloween Spider
creeping into the Halloween House
from David McCaskill