Week in the WIP // 2.4.25
Random musings and needlepoint notables
Since the start of the new year, I’ve been stitching and finishing projects much faster than usual. Which either means I was in a stitching rut or I had simply forgotten what 13 mesh feels like. Without sounding dramatic, I think my next post might be a love letter to 13 mesh. Alright, that totally sounded dramatic. Week in the WIP is getting a refresh! It occurred to me that all I ever talk about is needlepoint—shockingly, I do have a handful of other things to say. Whether their worth saying is still up for debate.
Random Musings
One of my (very random) resolutions for the new year is to experiment more with cheese in my personal life. Recently, I’ve been branching out from my usual Goat and Parmesan and trying different varietals. Most recently, I’ve been snacking on Neal’s Yard blue cheese—specifically, Colston Bassett Stilton. Another standout has been Aged Mimolette, which is the color of a perfectly ripe cantaloupe.
And since we’re on the topic of cheese, I have to mention some incredible crackers I recently discovered: Firehook Baked Crackers. They’re organic and free of preservatives (don’t forget, I’m a California hippie at heart).
Would we be interested in adding a wine section to Week in the WIP? If so, I will politely ask Mr. Mans for his pairing advice for the canvases I’m currently stitching.
This past weekend, we attended the wedding of my dear friend @newyorkneedlepointer, and I still can’t get over how stunning the venue and florals were.
I have so much respect for audiobook stitchers. Personally, I plant myself firmly on the couch in front of the TV. Mr. Mans and I have been watching a few shows I’ve really enjoyed. I know I’m always late to these things, so apologies if these aren’t groundbreaking, but I just finished the first seasons of The Gentleman and Nobody Wants This.
The Gentleman is an aristocratic British crime show.
Nobody Wants This is a lighthearted rom-com about a podcast host and a hot rabbi (it was filmed in LA, so it’s fun spotting places I recognize).
If you’re looking for something fresh, both are worth a trailer watch. I’d also love recommendations—just nothing scary, no jump scares, and nothing with intense family drama. I like happy shows. Alright, hit me with your best suggestions before I make Mr. Mans watch Gilmore Girls again.
And, just because I know someone will ask, I found a really cute athleisure set from Spanx. I got it in aubergine after seeing Calder wear it in Charleston. Linking top and bottom here. I sized down in the top for a more flattering fit and took my regular size in the bottoms. Let me influence you!!!!
WIPS
Lately, I’ve been feeling an overwhelming sense of excitement about all my WIPs. I’m currently juggling a plethora of projects. Ellen McD joked in Charleston that she never sees me with the same WIP twice, and honestly, I should trademark that because it is so accurate. I actually just checked my spreadsheet (yes, there’s a spreadsheet). I have eight WIPs: five I’ve worked on in the past week and three in true WIP purgatory (no new stitches in over three months).
Goals for this week
Start beading on the purple hearts for the heart shaped canvas
Finish the RTA x Stitch it Angel
Decide what I am going to take to Three Needles Stitch Away
(Non-needlepoint related) but go to sleep earlier
Palisades Fire Relief
My heart goes out to all the families affected by the recent Los Angeles County fires. We are so grateful to be safe, but so many others are not. My LNS in LA has put together a collection of canvases to support victims of the Palisades Fires, specifically children whose school has been displaced. The canvases are $68, with 100% of going to the victims and the canvases are tax free. I love the design—I’m already stitching mine as seen above!
Another way to help is through Needlepoint Angels, a new needlepoint-related 501(c)(3) that is currently organizing relief efforts for California wildfire victims and preparing to assist the community when future disasters strike (praying nothing happens, obviously). If you’re not following them yet, you should be! They’ll be hosting a de-stashing for charity in the coming months.
If you have needlepoint supplies you don’t love and would be willing to donate for a cause so close to our hearts, please consider it.
If you know a stitcher affected by the LA fires, fill out this Google Form.
If you’d like to volunteer your time, resources, or stitching abilities, fill out this Google Form.
Sneak Peek: Claire O’Brien x Lycette
My friend Claire O’Brien is launching her first collection with Lycette this Friday (2/7) at 9 AM ET! She kindly shared some beautiful photos of her collection for my Substack subscribers to get a first look.
I think my favorite is Love is Kind, but I could also just be on a secondhand high from this weekend’s wedding festivities.
I’d love to know what your goals are for the month. Sending love from Los Angeles.
See you in my next one,
