A Needle Pulling Thread Issue 70 Sampler

As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of A Needle Pulling Thread, I find myself filled with gratitude, wonder, and deep reflection. It’s hard to believe that two decades have passed since we launched this magazine with the simple intention of honouring all forms of needlework. What began as a seasonal publication has evolved into a richly themed exploration of creativity and craftsmanship—thanks to you, our loyal readers.

To our readers, whether you've been with us since Issue 1 or just discovered us recently, thank you. You are the heartbeat of ANPTmag. Your enthusiasm, feedback, and continued support have sustained and inspired us every step of the way.

I’m also deeply grateful to the many brilliant designers who’ve contributed their time, artistry, and expertise. Designers like Annette Janca, Margaret Sweete, Elaine Theriault, Paul Léger, Olesya Lebedenko, Ana Buzzalino, Julie Plotniko, Heather McArthur, Cynthia MacDougall, Nancy Lekx, Ruth I. Forbes, Jo Gatenby, Kim Beamish, Judith Marquis, Iryna Varabei, and Lorraine Thompson have helped shape the voice and vision of the magazine. Their loyalty has been a godsend, and our creative exchanges have brought immeasurable joy over the years.

To our advertisers—especially Husqvarna VIKING and PFAFF, who’ve been with us since the very beginning, and H.A. Kidd and Company Limited—thank you for believing in our mission and supporting the community we serve.

Eletter

ditor's

To my incredible team: Sondra Armas, Maria Corina Guillen, Joaquin Rojas, and my dear husband John De Fusco—you are the quiet force behind every issue. Your creativity, patience, and unwavering support and work have made so many things possible.

I’m also deeply grateful to my biggest cheerleaders—my children, Alessia and Adriano De Fusco—whose love has meant the world to me throughout this journey.

Over the years, the magazine has grown in exciting ways. From our early days of celebrating the seasons to embracing expansive, theme-based issues, we’ve continuously sought new ways to engage and inspire. Along the way, we introduced digital editions, launched companion blogs and online magazines—QUILTsocial in 2014 and KNITmuch in 2015—and embraced new platforms to reach our audience.

This 20th Anniversary Issue is a celebration of both past and present, with a playful nod to the number 20. You’ll find projects incorporating 20 stitches, 20 blocks, 20 methods—and a wealth of inspiration from our contributors who share 20 creative tips and lessons learned over their needlework journeys.

How do I express in a single letter the joys and challenges of publishing for 20 years? It’s difficult. But I can say that this journey has taught me much—about business, resilience, people, and my own capacity to adapt and grow. One of the greatest joys has been fostering a creative space where designers and readers can connect, share, and flourish.

And yes, there have been challenges—keeping pace with the social media revolution, the fastchanging digital landscape, and now artificial intelligence. Yet through it all, the heart of this magazine has remained constant: a genuine, thoughtful, creative connection.

Thank you for being part of this extraordinary journey.

With heartfelt appreciation,

20 years creative stitches of

Plotniko

Janca

Devine

Olesya Lebedenko quilting

20 Faces of Whiskers Quilt Block Sampler

Nancy Lekx

Madeira Cascade Wrap 60 Lorraine Thompson

Yikes! A Moth Socks 66 Ruth I. Forbes

Dance of the Rainforest Lap Rug 74 Jo Gatenby embroidery

20-Part Harmony Sampler 80 Iryna Varabei cross stitch Mokash Goddess A Cross Stitched Hanging Talisman 84 Kim Beamish embroidery Pulled Thread Embroidery: 20th Anniversary Mat 88 Judith Marquis smocking

Sampler Fan in Stitches: A Smocked Celebration of 20 Years

Julie Plotniko

Stitches and Stories with Julie 20th anniversary gifts, symbolism, and a bit of history 23 Carla A. Canonico

20th Anniversary Special: Contributors 24 Elaine Theriault

20 things I Wish I Knew Before Quilting Took Over My Life 42 Ana Buzzalino

In The Studio with Ana Buzzalino

Stitching Wisdom:

20 Gentle Reminders for Every Fibre Artist’s Journey 46 Elizabeth Okeyele-Olatunji Artist Review

The Niginarian Community Quilt | Keep Telling Your Story, Elizabeth! 50 Cynthia MacDougall Knit Together

20 Sound Knitting Tips

Cynthia’s Tried-and-True Advice for Every Knitter 70 Jill Wolcott

Accessible

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Fall | September 26-29, 2025

Spring | April 10-12, 2026

Haus of Stitches Knitting Retreat

St. Peter’s Abbey, Muenster, Saskatchewan

Imagine being able to knit without interruption?

Share the enthusiasm with other knitters, be inspired, discover new techniques, get fresh ideas and knit, knit, and knit some more! Forms and details at www.hausofstitches.ca or call

1.800.344.6024

May 29 - June 4, 2026

Saskatchewan Stitches Conference

St. Peter’s Abbey, Muenster, Saskatchewan

The Saskatchewan Stitches Conference offers creative classes with renowned fibre and needle work artists and attracts participants from across Canada who love to sew, knit, quilt and rughook. Forms and details at www.saskstitches.ca or call 1.800.344.6024

15 Bohin 99 Business Directory 73 Canadian Quilters' Association 99 Crochet Designs by NanaRuth

48 Embroiderers' Association of Canada 55 Fabrikisto Stitching Frame Stand 55, 73 Gütermann Creativ 62 Haus of Stitches 27 Husqvarna Viking

PUBLISHER,

Carla A. Canonico carla@ANPTmag.com

PUBLISHER, ADVERTISING SALES

John De Fusco john@ANPTmag.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Carla A. Canonico, John De Fusco, Alessia Pelletier

QUILTING CONTRIBUTORS

Julie Plotniko juliesquiltclass@gmail.com

Elaine Theriault elainetheriault@gmail.com

Paul Léger paullegerquilts@gmail.com

KNITTING CONTRIBUTOR

Cynthia MacDougall cynthia@ANPTmag.com

Website : www.ANPTmag.com

Toll Free: 1.866.969.2678

SUBSCRIPTIONS

804 Main Street

Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2W 3V1 kellyscreativesewing@gmail.com

Specialize in Sewing, Embroidery machines, Sergers and Long arm Quilting Systems

Facebook: ANPTmag

Ravelry: ANPTmag

A Needle Pulling Thread (ISSN 1715-4650) is published three times per year. Subscribe online, by phone, or by mail.

Mailing Address: A Needle Pulling Thread

Subscriber Services 1025 Rouge Valley Dr Pickering, ON L1V 4N8

Pay-as-you-go subscription rates:

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DIGITAL: Canada: CAD$11.95/issue USA : USD$8.95/issue.

Applicable taxes extra. For back issues please visit our web site or call us for availability. Also available on iTunes and Google Play.

RETAILERS

If you are interested in carrying A Needle Pulling Thread in your store, please call 1.866.969.2678 or email john@ANPTmag.com

Also visit www.CRAFTalytics.com to find out about our new digital marketing services specially designed for craft retailers.

EDITORIAL

Designers and other contributors who would like to be considered for future issues please email Carla with a brief description of your work and your proposed project for the magazine.

SPECIAL THANKS TO

All the contributors, Omolara Keye, Alessia, Adriano, and to our mom.

A Needle Pulling Thread® is a registered trademark. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

©2025 A Needle Pulling Thread. All rights reserved. Issue 70.

All designs, patterns, and information in this magazine are for private, non-commercial use only, and are copyrighted material owned by their respective creators or owners.

A needle pulling thread

Eternal Love

A Gem-Inspired Quilt for All Occasions

Circles Galore Wall Art Quilt

Some of the many brilliant collaborators and designers I've had the privilege to work with over the years...

Hands & Heart

Quilted Tote

Faces of Whiskers

Quilt Block Sampler

Stitching Wisdom

20 Gentle Reminders for Every Fibre Artist’s Journey

If I could sit down with my younger self – the one just starting out, elbows deep in fabric and ideas – I’d have a few things to say. It is not about techniques or tools (though those are important) but about the mindset, patience, and joy this path requires.

Back then, I often sought permission from others, compared my beginnings to someone else’s middle, and rushed toward finished pieces instead of enjoying the process. Over time, with stitches and many creative detours, I’ve learned to listen more closely – to my materials, my intuition, and the quiet voice that says, “this might be something.”

If I could sit down with my younger self, here are 20 things I’d whisper, gently and often. Whether you’re just beginning or deep into your fibre art practice, I hope something here resonates, reassures, or reignites a creative spark.

May 5-10, 2026

Richmond, British Columbia

Pacific Dreams/Rêves du Pacifique

National Seminar

Registration opens September 1, 2025

EAC/ACB’s seminar features classes, an exhibition, prizes, stitchers’ boutique, a banquet and so much more!

Internationally renowned instructors include:

• Natalie Dupuis, CA

• Terri Bay, US

• Emma Boughton, UK

• Stephanie Bonneau, UK

• Wendy Innes, CA

• Heather Lewis, UK

• Kim Beamish, CA

More than 30 in-person and virtual classes to choose from!

Techniques include:

• box making

• goldwork

• boutis

• stumpwork

• canvas work

• punto-in-aria

• silk ribbon

• white work

• beading

21! Make a photo journal of your work

Five years from now, let alone 20 years from now, there will be wonderful things you’ve created that might be lost to the unpredictability of human memory. Even a poor photo can act as a “memory jog” years later. While we’re discussing photos, with today’s digital tools, it’s very easy to keep backup copies of our photos–and I’m also referring to our treasured memories as well as our crafting records. I have arranged to back up my photo memories onto a secure device like a memory card or USB drive and exchange it with someone I trust so we can safeguard each other’s memories. With the increasing frequency of natural disasters, having copies of our memories stored in a secure location outside our homes is a wise precaution.

You don’t need to use all 21 of these tips, but if you do, your knitting will benefit.

Cynthia MacDougall Knit Together Design Studio

Orillia, Ontario

ktogdesign@gmail.com

ravelry name: macknitnow

Improve your stitching experience with a Fabrikisto Stitching Frame Stand.

A versatile, well-made open-sided or two-sided stand and support to hold your stitching project while you work hands-free!

With a large stable base, this stand will stay in place while you work. You can use a single straight arm or the two provided arms to place your work just where you want it.

A large single-knob clamp will accommodate a wide variety of frames, hoops, or stretcher bars.

Buy direct at https://stitchingstands.com Email: contact@stitchingstands.com

Made in Canada.

Cascade Wrap Madeira

Yikes!

A Moth Socks

APPLYING a SENSE of HUMOUR to THE ART OF KNITTING SOCKS

Thoughtful Soles

Lorraine Thompson

Rainforest of the Dance

20-PartHarmony Sampler

Mokash Goddess

A Cross Stitched Hanging Talisman

by

Pulled Thread Embroidery 20th Anniversary Mat

Sampler Fan in Stitches: 20

A Smocked

Celebration of

Years

To list your business please email john@aneedlepullingthread.com

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Nestled in the east village of Port Credit, Gitta's is the place where stitchers meet with their stitching friends, shop for stitching supplies and see the new stitching designs from Europe and the United States.

Haus of Stitches

626 Main Street, Humboldt, SK S0K 2A0

 306.682.0772 or toll-free 1.800.344.6024

 hausofstitches.ca

Our one of a kind store offers everything you need for sewing, quilting, knitting, rug hooking and needlework.

Authorized dealers for Janome and Elna.

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 kellyscreativesewing@gmail.com

We offer sales and on-site service of high-end domestic embroidery, sewing machines and sergers, as well as a variety of educational programs.

Ottawa Sewing Centre

1390 Clyde Ave, #107, Ottawa, ON K2G 3H9  613.695.1386  ottawasewing.com

 ottawasewing@gmail.com

Authorized Dealers for Brother, BabyLock, Elna, Q'nique & Grace quilting frames. Specialize in sales, parts & servicing for all makes & models of quilting/ embroidery/sewing/serger/overlock machines & cabinets by Sylvia Design.

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 519.853.0007  sewproductive.ca

 melinda@sewproductive.ca

Classes, clubs, fabric, thread, notions, crafting. Certified sales, service, and repair for Husqvarna VIKING®, PFAFF®, Singer®, and HandiQuilter®.

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 905.853.7001 or toll-free 1.888.853.7001

The Quilt Store West 695 Plains Rd E, Unit 6, Burlington, ON L7T 2E8

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Now with 2 locations to serve you, we are your Quilt Store Destination! The staff here at The Quilt Store is always on hand to provide Quilt Wisdom, Quilt Inspiration and most of all we pride ourselves as the place to make... All Your Quilt Dreams Come True!

The Stitcher's Muse Needleart #101 - 890 Crace St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 2T3  250.591.6873  thestitchersmuse.com

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A divine little shop with supplies for all your hand stitching needs! Friendly, knowledgeable, helpful staff. Cross stitch, canvaswork, needlepoint, embroidery, counted thread, lace making & more. Books, patterns, fabric, threads, tools.

The Yarn Guy

15 Gower St, Toronto, ON M4B 1E3

 416.752.1828 or toll-free 1.800.836.6536

 theyarnguy.com  info@sewknit.ca

See us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter! Knitting machines, sewing machines, repairs, parts for Passap, Studio, Singer, Silver Reed, Superba, White. Sewing notions and supplies, books, ball yarns, coned yarns, TAMM yarns, Paton's yarns, Bernat yarns, Phentex yarns, Bernat kits & crafts.

Upper Canada Quiltworks – Quiltworks Studio PO Box 64, Brockville, ON K6V 5T7  613.865.7299  uppercanadaquiltworks.com

 uppercanadaquiltworksstudio@gmail.com

Quilt patterns and books, fabric and notions, felted wool, wool kits, punchneedle patterns and supplies and Valdani embroidery floss. Workshops in quilting, punchneedle, wool applique, rughooking, sewing, sign painting & more!

Crochet Designs by NanaRuth 416-754-0998 www.NanaRuth.com

NEW! Downloadable Book!

Main focus is traditional designs in crochet and knit for children. All garments are designed and/ or handmade with discerning attention to comfort and finishing. Baptismal sets, dresses, suits, blankets and shams, cardigans, hats and other items.

Rypan Designs 416.247.1993

www.rypandesigns.com

NEW! Downloadable Patterns!

Maria Rypan is an international designer, researcher & instruction book publisher recognized for her ‘Gerdany’ beadwork and projects for many publications. Since 1995 Maria teaches, produces a kit line and presents on beading & global folk arts.