Be sure to first Meet and Greet your Framer

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Finally! The Flowers in a Vase (ND 311) is finished; my newest teaching piece for these needlepoint shops:

• The Bristly Thistle, Amelia Island, FL (Oct 13, 2012)
• The Nimble Needle, Atlanta, GA (Oct 26/27, 2012)
• Serendipity Needleworks, Tuscaloosa, AL (July 18/19, 2013)

Hopefully, for more shops, too, as there are many "teachable" moments on this canvas. I embraced new techniques, and, if it is new to me... it might be new to you, too.

Any Needlepoint Shops or ANG groups interested? Just let me know...

Flowers in a Vase • ND 311 • NeedleDeeva
Canvas comes with Stitch Guide by Robin King

On September 15, I brought the finished piece in for a consultation with my framer. No frame selections were made. Instead, I checked with him to see how much "extra" needed to be stitch; for the frame to sit optimally onto the canvas.

Note this: I prefer to frame my needlepoint without any glass. My framer will mount and stretch the piece. I like the look of the "liners" so I follow the recommendation from my framer. Please, do what is best for your comfort zone. Discuss your preferences with "your" framer, OK?

The framer calculated an extra 3/8" (6 canvas threads on an 18 mesh canvas) needed to be stitched on all sides. If your design is close to the edge of the canvas, this is a must thing to do!!!

I am so glad we had our "meet and greet" because this knowledge prevented any encroachment of the frame into the design area.

In times past, the extra 6 canvas threads were stitched in Basketweave, but lately, I have done a diagonal Satin Stitch (/). Still full coverage, yet, less time involved.

A little breathing room is a good thing.

On September 22, I returned to my framer, T. Clifton Art (Memphis, TN). My mind was blank with expectations and demands. I bowed to his instincts... his experience... his artful wisdom. There were only 2 requests: 

• for me to pick up this framed piece on October 9th.
• for the framed piece to fit in my suitcase box which is what Sunflowers and Berries (ND 309) currently travel in.

(It is probably silly, but that box can make/break my travel accommodations. LOL.)

Here is a preview of my selected frame. Can not wait to pick it up! 

Frame selection by T. Clifton Art, Memphis TN
Flowers in a Vase by NeedleDeeva (ND 311)
Canvas comes with stitch guide by Robin King
Design area 8" x 8" on 18 mesh

Also, look at the amount of undercut the liner has (about 3/8")... 

Frame respects the design area.

... and how, if not considered, the frame can encroach into the design area.

No respect for the design area.

One last suggestion... don't take your canvas off the stretcher bars until your "meet and greet" with the framer. It is most likely you still have some stitching to do. LOL.

Well, there is still much to do between now and traveling to The Bristly Thistle.  Time to make my Teaching Manual as well a long list of other things. Don't worry... I'll be back soon.

Until then... Hugs, Robin