My New Hobby

Hello dear friends.  I hope y'all are enjoying your weekend.  Although the temperatures are crisp, the sun is bright with blue skies.

Remember my new bff, Anne?  Well, the last time we had lunch she mentioned that she belongs to group that meets monthly.  Anne says the ladies are all so lovely and warm.  She asked me if I would like to attend the next meeting with her.  I immediately said yes.  There was one caveat, though, the ladies all meet to work on their needlepoint projects.

Needlepoint projects?  One problem, Anne.  I don't needlepoint.  Anne told me that it was no problem - there is a shop in Hingham where I can buy my supplies as well as take a couple of lessons.

Last week, I visited Hingham Square Needlepoint Shop and chose my project under the advice of the owner, Joan, soon to be known as Saint Joan for reasons that will be revealed shortly. 

Where else would a preppy little needlepoint shop be located but over a J. McLaughlin shop?  

I was on pins and needles with anticipation as I climbed the stairs to  Hingham Square Needlepoint Shop.

I walked into the cute little shop and was overcome by all of the darling prospective projects!

Who needs Smathers and Branson when you have me behind the needle and thread!

The store was featuring a trunk show of Kate Dickerson designs.  What a talent - I wanted to make everything that she designed.

This is her collection of Herend style fishnet animals.  I wonder how many lessons I would need to tackle one of these projects.

This is Cheryl who ordered this beautiful purse.  She has been enjoying the craft of needle point for years. 

This is the owner, Joan, who is the guru of picking out the exact colored thread for the projects.

This is a finished project of Joan's that is on its way out to get framed for the shop.

This project is on its way soon to a lovely 80 year old woman who is going to turn this colorful flamingo into a  needlepoint chair. 

Maybe someday...

Joan helped me pick out my first project.  I told her that I needed the smallest project available with HUGE holes.  We decided on this Lilly dress ornament.

I thought of asking Joan if I could just buy this one and fake it with my new friends, but I didn't wanted her to think that I was a slacker.  

This is where Joan's canonization comes in.  I spent about 3 hours at the store with my mentor, teacher, and new found friend, Saint Joan.  I practiced threading the needle (FAIL!) and two basic stitches.  Let's just put it this way... no needle is sharp at both ends. I can't be a supermodel, trophy wife AND have sharp needling skills.   Through it all, Saint Joan displayed the patience of Job.  

This little square is my practice square.  I have a lot of practice to do before my next class with Saint Joan on Tuesday. 

If you live or visit the area, and are interested in needlepoint, stop into Hingham Square Needlepoint and say hello.  St. Joan and Linda are great ladies.   

Wish me luck.  I've got to be "needle ready" to meet my new friends on Friday.

Until next time...

My next project for you-know-who.