April, 2026
Holy moly we’re past the middle of April already and this newsletter is still sitting here! Every day I think, today is the day, and yet here we are.
There’s so much to say and just not enough hours in the day to say it. lol
GLOBAL NEEDLEWORK COMMUNITY
Little Stitch Girl has stepped away from designing and is returning to the land of “just stitching.” We will continue to carry her designs until we can’t get them anymore. Her most popular design is this one –
Have ordered extra copies so get it while you can!
NEW DESIGNERS
Blue Moon Designs
Caterpillar Cross Stitch
House of Stitch and Stash LLC
Mulberry Stitches
Needle & Moss
Notforgotten Farm™
The CozyDH Shop
The Marigold Needle
The Stitchery Sisters
TopKnot Stitcher
Gentle Art is retiring some of their “less popular” colors. Listed below are the ones going away and the recommended substitutions from Gentle Art. We have these colors in stock for now, but once they’re gone, they’re gone. There are likely other colors that will work especially when you look at your project and see where the retired color falls in your project palate.
| Retiring Colors | Substitutions | |
| Autumn | Brandy | |
| Bluebell | Slate | |
| Cotton Candy | Porcelain | |
| Creekbed | Garden Gate | |
| Dragonfly | Moss | |
| Jasmine | Punchberry | |
| Kiwi | Spring Grass | |
| Lavender Potpourri | French Lilac | |
| Mint Jubilee | Sea Spray | |
| Pineapple Sherbet | Peach Ice Cream | |
| Rag Doll | Parchment | |
| Summer Meadow | Willow | |
| Summer Shower | Old Blue Paint | |
| Verdigris | Woodtrail |
Kreinik metallics remain an issue across the country. I went to Nashville with a list of at least 50 #4s thinking I’d bring home at least half. We were third in line so entered the room in the first wave. Split the list between Jim and I and we got nothing. Not because the two ahead of us took it all, but because they didn’t bring it. No gold, silver, pearl, red, etc. The only #4s that were there were ones not currently called for in charts. How do I know? Cuz I make a list of every thread being used so that I can get what you all need.
I share this with you so that you understand that the lack of availability isn’t for lack of trying. I just submitted another order of ONLY #4s. Let’s see what comes in. You’ll hear the shouting from the mountain top if and when they come in.
Rainbow Gallery Petite Treasures are an possible substitution. For me, they aren’t as good of a product as Kreinik; however, they aren’t bad. What’s the difference? HISTORY: Kreinik and Rainbow Gallery are the top two contenders in the ring. Kreinik being the favorite for ease in use. Kreinik #4s use four threads twisted together. Petite Treasures only use 3 so coverage is slightly less. However, on linens, evenweaves and smaller counts of Aida, they are fine. They do tend to fray if you use a too-long length.
If no #4s come in with the latest order, that will be my next option. Bringing in another thread line wasn’t on my initial 2026 plan, but not having #4s wasn’t either. So, we punt and go a different route. Don’t give up. The delay is on the manufacturing end. Can’t blame the distributors as they don’t have the product either.
EVENTS
SAL: American Flag Quilt Sampler by Rosewood Manor
Crazy to think we only have 3 more months, 2 gatherings before our 1 year is up for this SAL. Everyone is at different stages of progress with Linda likely to be the first one done. Me? Oh boy. I’m on pace to finish by June 30th. Probably 11:59PM, but I’m determined. 😀
Below is a quick pic of just a few of the pieces in the works.
Future Dates: Apr. 26, June 28 (final)
TRUNK SHOWS
April, 2026 – Frony Ritter Designs
July, 2026 – Flamingo Toes (needleminders)
September, 2026 – Lola Crow Cross Stitch
October, 2026 – The Stitch Crypt
November, 2026 – Lapin Loops fabrics
SUNDAY STITCH NITES
Next Stitch Nite is TONIGHT, Sunday, 4/19, 4:30-8PM. We booked up with a wait list, so if you’re previously registered and your plans have changed, please let me know sooner rather than later. It’s rainy, but what better place to be in rainy weather than with friends who LOVE stitching as much as you do! Can’t wait to see what you all are working on.
Wanna join going forward? Would LOVE for you to. It’s a great way to meet fellow stitchers, make new friends and surround yourself with goodness! You can register in advance. Just let me know to add you on which dates to make sure you have a seat at the table.
No fee, but registration is required so we ensure there are seats for all. We set up differently depending on how many are coming. There’s room at the table. Let me know if we’re setting a place for you. 🙂
2026 Future Dates – May 3, May 17, June 7, June 21, July 12 (one week later cuz of Fourth of July), July 19, Aug. 2, Aug. 16, Sept. 13 (one week later cuz of Labor Day), Sept. 20, Oct. 4, Oct. 18, Nov. 1, Nov. 15, Dec. 6 (final for 2026)
If there is a need to cancel, it will be posted online via Facebook and the website (threadedneedle.org).
CLUBS
Sampler Club: May 6, 6:30-8:30PM
Every 1st Wednesday of the month, is a time to gather with other sampler lovers. Only sampler stitching on this day. 😀 Registration required, but no fee. 🙂 As always, let me know if your plans change so I can reach out to those waiting. 2026 Dates: June 2, July 1, Aug. 4, Sept. 1, Oct. 6, Nov. 3, Dec. 1 (final for 2026)
Space is limited for each night, so registration is a must. Sampler Club night is truly so much fun! Great conversation. Small group. Wonderful friends.
MORE STUFF!
FUTURE CLOSINGS
Sun., May 24 (Memorial Day Weekend)
Sat., July 4 (Fourth of July)
Wed., Nov. 25 (Thanksgiving Eve)
Thu., Nov. 26 (Thanksgiving)
Thu., Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve)
Fri., Dec. 25 (Christmas)
Thu., Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve)
Fri., Jan. 1 (New Year’s Day)
April 2026
