LOVE by Raymond Crawford (HO-207)

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

I finished writing the stitch guide LOVE by Raymond Crawford (HO-207) for a customer.

LOVE stitch guide by Robin King
Raymond Crawford • HO-207

I had so much fun selecting stitches and threads. Here's some beauty shots of the threads for each area.

Threads for L

Threads for O

Threads for V

Threads for E

Threads for Border and LOVE letters

Many of the stitches were inspired from June McKnight's new Colorful Backgrounds book.

Wonderful stitches in this little book from June McKnight.

Here is a stitch for you: Triple Windows.

Guess which Square and Thread had the Triple Window stitch, and I will give you a present from the prize closet. Get half the answer right? You'll still get a prize. Enter as many times as you like. Guess I'm feeling the love.

Just leave your answers in the Comment section. Those signing in as Anonymous, please give me a way to get in touch with you. Use the front cover of the guide to help you identify the Square location: i.e. E-3.

Anyone interested in this stitch guide for LOVE (HO-207) can contact me. Email me at creativecats@comcast.net.

Happy Mother's Day to all. Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

Wonderful Stitches by Diane Schultz

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

A follow up from our last segment on Books!

Remember I mentioned the book The Humble Bag's Wonderful Stitches by Diane Schultz? It was my out of print find.

1990 version

Little did I know, I already had that book in my Library. Silly me. In 2001, Diane reprinted The Humble Bag's Wonderful Stitches, and this newer edition has more photos of the stitches including many color plates. According to the distributor, the "new one" is also out of print, but might still be on the shelves of your Favorite Needlepoint Shop.

2001 version

Here's a photo of the first edition (1990) and the second edition (2001) showing the same stitch. It's almost like seeing the before and after thought process; hand drawn versus computer charting.

Same stitch.

Side note: My duplication reminded me of the time when my mom selected a new book to read (she loves mystery paperbacks) and halfway through the book realized she had already read the book; unknowingly the artwork on the cover had been updated.

I cherish both books. The stitches are truly wonderful.

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

Books!

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Lately, I've been on a quest adding more Books to my Needlepoint library.

Some are new Market releases; others have been out and I am just now getting around to finding out about them. In no certain order or preference, here is what's new to me:

More Shadow Stitching aka dede says by dede Ogden

• Released in 2005, this dede Ogden book is a treasure. Spiral binding.

Stitches Ins & Outs  Interiors and Exteriors Plus by Little Shoppe Canvas Company, Inc.

• Released March 2013, hot off the presses from Little Shoppe Canvas Company... the same talents who brought us the Landscapes Book. I really liked how the diagrams were done. White section indicates Layer One. Gray section indicates Layer Two. Black section indicates Layer Three. Dark Gray section indicates Layer Four. (Note to self: this is a must do!) Spiral binding.

A Banner Year by Brenda Hart

• This book is a re-release (2013) of Brenda Hart's stitch guides for the Monthly Banners by Rebecca Wood. There are quite a few stitches new to me which is nice as I already have Brenda Hart's previous 4 books. Color photography of each of the Banners. Spiral Binding.

Noses, Roses and Other Fun Stuff by Cynthia Thomas

• Released March 2013, self-published by Cynthia Thomas. This is a nice techniques book showing different ways to enhance our needlepoint. Spiral binding.

The Humble Bag's Wonderful Stitches by Diane Schultz

• Released in 1990, this book has wonderful stitches, indeed. Comb binding.

Encyclopedia of Needlework by Donna Kooler

• Released in 2000, this Leisure Arts Publication covers Needlepoint, Embroidery, and Counted Thread including Bargello, Specialty Stitches, Crewel, Candlewicking, Cutwork, Shadow Work, Hardanger, Counted Cross Stitch, Silk Ribbon Embroidery, Blackwork, Swedish Weaving, and Pulled Thread.  The charted diagrams with their companion stitched diagrams are clear and inspiring. Soft Binding.

Needlepointing in Your Nest by Carolyn Hedge Baird

• Released in 2010, Carolyn Baird is most creative with her stitches and storytelling. Coil Binding.

Colorful Backgrounds by June McKnight

• Released in 2013, June McKnight's books are always a favorite. I have used many stitches from Colorful Backgrounds for some of the stitch guides I am writing. Coil Binding.

With the exception of Wonderful Stitches (out of print but still findable) all of these books are still available. Contact your Favorite Needlepoint Store to order. Enrich your library, why don't you. That stitch you've been looking for might be in these pages. I found mine in the Ins & Outs book, Fabric 38, page 31. Then, modified it for my needs.

A stitch for you.

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

New Pumpkin Club at The Nimble Needle-Atlanta

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Have you seen the newest Club offered from The Nimble Needle in Sandy Springs, GA?

Want to join the Pumpkin Club?
The Nimble Needle - Atlanta

It is the Pumpkin Club by Labors of Love featuring the Small, Medium, and Large Pumpkins; stitched by Stacy Brown (owner of The Nimble Needle-Atlanta).

Stacy has offered many clubs through out the years. You can see them on here website by clicking on Previous Monthly Clubs as well as their Current Monthly Clubs.

The Pumpkin Club is delivered bi-Monthly: April, June, and August 2013. The Small Pumpkin is going out now; the Medium Pumpkin is going out in June, and the Large Pumpkin is going out in August.

As a Pumpkin Club member you get the Canvas, Stitch Guide, Threads and Embellishments. Here are the details. Tax/shipping charges applied.

• Small Pumpkin measures 9" x 4". Club Cost is $95. Starts April 2013.
• Medium Pumpkin measures 10" x 5½". Club Cost in $105. Starts June 2013.
• Large Pumpkin measures 12" x 7". Club Cost is $115. Starts August 2013.

Canvas, Threads and Stitch Guide... oh, my!
The Nimble Needle - Atlanta

Here's a twist about the Pumpkin Club: Want to work with the threads and beads in your stash? You can still do the Pumpkin Club.

• Small Pumpkin canvas $49 plus $10 guide.
• Medium Pumpkin canvas $54 plus $10 guide.
• Large Pumpkin canvas $58 plus $10 guide.

How cool is that?  Stacy is very generous. She just wants everyone to have a good time stitching.

Now, let's talk about the Stitch Guide. Stacy asked me if I would do the charting from her diagrams. How quick do you think I said yes? Of course, I would LOVE to do the charts. Stacy's research of stitches, usage of threads, and surprise elements along the way made for a fun stitch guide. I learned so many new stitches from her. Stacy Brown is quite the creative lady.

Screen Shot of the Stitch Guide layout
The Nimble Needle - Atlanta

Call The Nimble Needle - Atlanta to join their Labors of Love Pumpkin Club (404) 843-8687. The three kits are affordable, clever and everyone knows a display of three looks great. Plus, Halloween is six months away. Boo!

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

Halloween Hooter Owl by Tapestry Fair

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

I am in love... with Halloween Hooter Owl.

Halloween Hooter Owl
Tapestry Fair • #833
Stitch Guide from Tapestry Fair

He is from Tapestry Fair • #833, and was designed & stitched by Peggi Hageman/owner of Tapestry Fair, Phoenix, AZ.

A few months ago, Peggi gave me another charting assignment: to chart her diagrams and stitches used in Halloween Hooter Owl. What an honor.

First, let's set the scene. Halloween Hooter Owl is a 3-D canvas, and is on 18 mesh. He stands about 10" tall. He is a multiple-canvas project as there is a Head, Front Body, Back Body, Right Wing, Left Wing, and two Feet to be stitched. 11 canvas pieces in total.

The Halloween Hooter Owl canvas comes with Stitch Guide. He would make a great Club or stitching series, don't you think?

Peggi has written a lovely stitch guide. She sent her stitch drawings, and I charted them in the computer.

For example: this is what I was given (love to see original art from artists)...

Wound Spider drawn by Peggi Hageman/Tapestry Fair
Halloween Hooter Owl stitch guide

... and this is my charted interpretation for the Stitch Guide.

Wound Spider charted by Robin King
from Halloween Hooter Owl stitch guide
Tapestry Fair,  Phoenix, Arizona

Oh, the things I learned!

Peggi's stitch selections are the best. Because Halloween Hooter is an Owl, she gave wonderful "feather stitches" looking straight on to the viewer, diagonal, and oblique; right side and left side, too... just as feathers would in real life. So valuable.

So, what if you are saying... I love the 3-D Owl, but I'm not too crazy about Halloween? Picking myself up off the floor as I typed that sentence...  not to worry, Peggi has thought about that, too.

Tapestry Fair has a non-Hallowen 3-D Hooter Owl version with only the feathers painted, leaving the rest of the designs up to the stitcher -- can be filled in with school logos, holiday graphics or just different stitches.

Owl for All Seasons
Tapestry Fair • #834

His name and number is Owl for All Seasons #834. Again, on 18 mesh and 10" tall.

You can order your favorite version of this cute Owl from your Favorite Needlepoint Shop.

Thanks, also to Carolyn Hedge Baird who took photos of Halloween Hooter Owl while at the TNNA Long Beach Market. I really appreciate you being everywhere I wasn't able to be.

Halloween Hooter Owl - front side
Tapestry Fair • #833
Photo by Carolyn Hedge Baird

Halloween Hooter Owl - back side and right wing
Tapestry Fair • #833
Photo by Carolyn Hedge Baird

Halloween Hooter Owl - back side and left wing
Tapestry Fair • #833
Photo by Carolyn Hedge Baird

Well... that's it for now.  Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

Memphis Needlepointers - part 4

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Wrapping up our feature on Memphis Needlepointers.

I'd like to now introduce Susan Brimmer; former Memphian who now lives in Georgia; a prolific stitcher, indeed.

During her time in Memphis, Susan was nicknamed the Stocking Queen... well, at least in our canvas enhancement group. LOL.

Susan's mission was to make a LARGE stocking for each of her many grandchildren as well as her children and their spouses. Oh, yes, and her husband, too.

When Susan began attending my class, the Eagle Stocking was our first stocking to do together. Now, here's the cool story about that stocking. (You know me... I always have a story to tell.)

My sister, Midge, was most instrumental in getting the Eagle Stocking designed by Tapestry Tent. Midge used to work on Saturdays at M's Canvashouse in Lexington, and sometimes attended the Columbus Market shopping for their store. Midge had been stitching stockings for my other sister and brother-in-law. Both stockings featured animals, and Midge wanted the same idea for our nephew.

At Market (in the Tapestry Tent booth) she discussed her dream of seeing an Eagle on the stocking, in a nature setting. The design was made and one can now order it from Susan Roberts Needlepoint Co. And, if you are interested in the Eagle Stocking stitch guide, just let me know... email: creativecats@comcast.net.

Then, I entered the picture: to stitch this canvas during my canvas enhancement classes with Amy Bunger. Soon, the Eagle Stocking was done and I sent it to Midge for finishing. All of the stockings were hung, and the family was pleased.

Stockings stitched by Midge King and Robin King

So, when Susan Brimmer said she wanted to do the Eagle Stocking, I got out my notes and away we went. Susan's husband is one lucky man.

Eagle Stocking
Susan Roberts Needlepoint - TTAXS379

Next up on Susan's Stocking To Do List was one for her Daughter-in-Law. Susan selected the Nativity II (jewel tones) Stocking by Susan Roberts (TTAXS375). This was fortunate for me as I had recently completed Nativity I (blue tones) Stocking by Susan Roberts (TTAXS 296) with Georgette Carpenter. Even though they were the same characters, I did my best to not duplicate the stocking...  stitch for stitch. Some items were the same (Stumpwork for the Middle Wiseman's Turban), but many areas were different. Different stitchers and different times of inspiration for the teacher, too.

Nativity II Stocking
Susan Roberts Needlepoint - TTAXS375

The next stocking was the Enchanted Angel. She was quite a beauty. Susan hit her stride for understanding Random Long & Short, as well as Packed Outline/Stem Stitch.

Enchanted Angel Stocking
Susan Roberts Needlepoint - TTAXS307

Which was good because her next stocking was the Camels. Just look at those beauties. You can see them breathing, right?

Camels Stocking
Susan Roberts Needlepoint - TTAXS236

The next Stocking was the Southern Santa Stocking. I really like all of the detail. The little desert animals are so cute. Again, Susan's grasp of realism is brilliant.

Southern Santa Stocking
Susan Roberts Needlepoint - TTAXS302

So, guess what stocking is next on Susan's To Do List? Peace Stocking aka Angel, Lion, Lamb Stocking. It is the same stocking my sister Midge stitched for my sister, Kathy. Small world.

I began the Thread Hunt for the Peace Stocking and started with the Lion. Burmilana was the choice of thread, don't you think? Look at all of those lovely colors.

Peace Stocking
Susan Roberts Needlepoint - TTAXS270

I'll be putting pen to paper for the rest of the Peace Stocking Stitch Guide. Susan is going to have so much fun. And as she is the prolific stitcher, we will all enjoy seeing the finished results.

Hope you enjoyed meeting the Memphis Needlepointers. We are always looking for more to join our group. You know we have fun!

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

Memphis Needlepointers - part 3

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

I have more Memphis stitchers to show off... Let's continue.

Michelle Harkavy delicately balances work and family, and still finds time to needlepoint and knit. Amazing. One of the projects Michelle is working on is the Perfume Vendor by Labors of Love; stitch guide by Amy Bunger. I get to interpret those written words and watch Michelle's beautiful stitching come to life. #luckyme

Perfume Vendor • Labors of Love
Stitching by Michelle Harkavy

Linda Boyle is a stitching phenom. She just finished Melissa Shirley's Lilluokalani (from the Wild Women series, 1189-C). I gave her the Buttonhole suggestion for the Purple Flowers and the Hair suggestion. It was an honor.

Linda Boyle embraces her inner Hula lady.

Currently, Linda is working on dede Ogden's Large Fish. We are working on the "backside" of the fish right now with some scallop stitches. For the front side of the Fish, I will have fun suggesting stitches as well as cyphering notes from dede's Project Book, "That's Not Needlepoint" Book 1. Oh, the things we are going to learn.

Large Fish by dede Ogden
Stitching by Linda Boyle

Jamie Celmer is another new stitcher to the Saturday canvas enhancement group. She is having a fun time learning new stitches and threads. Jamie has finished her first piece under my direction. Congratulations.

Jamie enjoyed learning new stitches.

Want to know what's next from Jamie? This Charley Harper canvas, Cardinals Consorting (HC-C172), from Treglown Designs. Oh, the fun we are going to have!

Cardinals Consorting by Charley Harper
Treglown Designs - HC-C172
Soon to be stitched by Jamie Celmer.
Stitch Guide by Robin King.

Last, but not least, is Karen Jetton. Karen has been attending the Saturday classes and we enjoy her company. Last year, she traveled to Colorado to visit her daughter, and while there took a Tony Minieri canvas embellishment class. Lucky us, we watched her stitching progress and saw An Angel Playing a Flageolet in its finished state.

I've asked Karen to give us synopsis about her Angel canvas journey. Here are her words...

I had been searching for the “perfect” canvas.  It had to represent who I am and what I love.  In the art world I would call myself a “Renaissance Woman."  I love the rich copper, gold, blues and salmon color ways.  I have great passion for Angels.  Usually, the ones with soft wings and flowing hair catch my eye.  Statues of angels (usually found in cemeteries) mean the most to me.  In my quest I really wanted to find the perfect Angel that spoke to me in a warm and loving way.

With the search engines and scope of ways to search online I ran across the website artneedlepoint.com.  I highly recommend this site for unusual and fascinating pieces.  It has so many canvas copies from original art work.  After searching the website for angels I found “An Angel Playing A Flageolet” by Edward Burne-Jones.  One thing you might want to note regarding this particular site is the fact that the canvases are screen painted.  But the prices are reasonable and I had no trouble working on the screen painted canvas. 

Finally, it came time to go out to Colorado for Tony’s class.  Thank goodness I had taken a counted-work class with him before.  I knew before going that I had so much to look forward to in the class.  I knew Tony would bowl me over with the stitch design, the colors and fiber selections.  He is a Master Teacher.  There is no doubt about it.  I was amazed by his selection.  My only fear was whether I could do the canvas justice.  In the two day class I asked Tony a million questions and felt pretty comfortable by the end of the two days.  (*Note to self – Don’t EVER think you are comfortable with any project.) Beside I knew I had two experts at home in Amy Bunger and Robin King to help me out if I got into trouble.

After the two day class I had a great three week visit with my daughter and son-in-law and believe it or not I was able to get a lot of the Angel finished.  By the time I left Colorado I had the brown frame around the window and most of the sleeves, halo and dress done.  I thought I could get the hair and wings done in no time.  Wrong!!!   Wrong!!!! Wrong!!!!

I struggled and struggled with the weight of the wings and the design of the wings and where the wings and dress stopped and started.  I had the colors Tony selected and then I came home bought, revised and remixed colors and texture.  Robin helped me.  Amy helped me.  It went back and forth for a time until it finally clicked. I saw the wings.  I stitched and re-stitched until I had it to my liking.  Then it came to the beautiful ribbon Tony selected for the dress.  I remembered he said to just let it flow from the waist.  I don’t know if his interpretation of flow and mine or the same, but again with Robin’s help it flows.

It took a dream and village to complete this piece.  One thing I remember Robin told me when I was in the middle of stitching stockings and dreaming of the perfect canvas was that I needed to do a piece for “me.”  She noted I had done so many pieces for others but I hadn’t taken the time for a piece just for me.  Well, now, Robin I have done the perfect piece for me.  It is off at the framer and will be ready soon.  The next problem will be….where should I hang it in MY home. 

“An Angel Playing A Flageolet” is a dream fulfilled.  I know there will be other pieces in my future.  Those pieces will be fun to do and they will find a special home.  And I might eat my words with this final remark.  But I truly believe I finished my dream canvas.  Dreams are grand.  And the best dreams are the ones that are fulfilled.

Do you have a dream canvas?  Have you found it?  If not, don’t worry you will!!       -- Karen Jetton

So, now presenting... An Angel Playing A Flageolet, stitched by Karen Jetton. Brilliant.

Beautiful stitching by Karen Jetton
Stitch Guide by Tony Minieri

An Angel Playing a Flageolet
Stitched by Karen Jetton
Beautiful framing, too.

I am most fortunate to have these ladies attend my classes. Friendships abound. Honored, indeed.

Next time, I'll share some stitching from former Memphian / now Georgia resident, Susan Brimmer.

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin