Robin's teaching and travels to CA, MD and NY

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Yes, I have been AWOL from the blog, but really... it has been busy... crazy (!) on my end of things.

Let's catch up...

Teaching at Needle in a Haystack - Montrose, CA

February 5, 2013

Jody Budman, owner of Needle in a Haystack, invited me to teach at her shop while I was on the west coast attending TNNA's Winter Market. Montrose, CA is a manageable distance from Long Beach.  Google says it is about 37 miles. 

From Long Beach, CA to Montrose, CA

Needle in a Haystack is a lovely combo store: both Needlepoint and Knitting. I am a wanna-be knitter; truly admire the talents of those who can knit.

Needle in a Haystack
2262 Honolulu Avenue
Montrose, CA 91020

The class was Sunflower and Berries (ND 309) by NeedleDeeva. Stitch Guide by Robin King.

Learning Stumpwork at Needle in a Haystack

The ladies learned Stumpwork, Ribbon Embroidery, Stacked Beads and some fun composite stitches. Thanks to Jody and her wonderful customers who made me feel at home. I enjoyed my visit and look forward to seeing all again.

It was time to head home to Memphis. After all, I had been gone almost a week for the TNNA Market.

Here's a view of the Mississippi River seen from the airplane window as we approached Memphis.

Mississippi River near Memphis, TN

I had a nice welcoming from Pat and the Mews. Seeing this card really warmed my heart.

Greetings from Pat is so much better than Hallmark.

I was home for a few weeks. Working on projects and deadlines. But, soon, it was time to pack and teach again.  Where to you might ask?

Teaching at Needles and Threads of Ruxton, Baltimore, MD

February 23 & 24, 2013

Judy Greer, owner of Needles and Threads of Ruxton, invited me to teach the Flowers in a Vase (ND 311) by NeedleDeeva at her shop. (Also, big thanks to Kristine Kingston for all of her planning preparations.) 

Needles and Threads of Ruxton
7701 Bellona Avenue
Baltimore, MD  21204

Needles and Threads of Ruxton has so many threads! Judy really knows how to utilize the vertical space in her shop. Look how the Threads were mounted to the wall. Easy to view and select.

An excellent use of vertical space.

The class was held in a large conference room located above the shop. Talk about convenience. Comfy chairs. Excellent lighting. Plenty of space to spread out and stitch!

Judy made special gifts for each attendee: Flower Magnets. Look how creative she was... my kind of lady! 

Love the Flower Magnets made by Judy Greer.
•••
Flowers in a Vase (ND 311) by NeedleDeeva
Stitch Guide by Robin King

Dining, laughing, stitching and girl talk. What a fun time I had. Looking forward to my next visit with Judy and her wonderful customers.

Soon it was time to get back on the plane and head home. I had just enough time to do laundry and then it was time to go out of town, again. 

Teaching at Stitch by Stitch, Larchmont, NY 

March 3 & 4, 2013

Betty Scanlon and Madalena Bruno are the two owners of Stitch by Stitch in Larchmont, NY. Several of my "stitching friends" live in the NY area and are customers of this wonderful shop. They had "lobbied" for me to come teach, and Betty and Madalena took a chance.  I am so thankful for the opportunity. (Hello to Linda, Denise, and Karen.)

Stitch by Stitch
1971 Palmer Avenue
Larchmont, NY 10538

Stitch by Stitch offers many classes and stitching opportunities for their customers. When I arrived the "Saturday" stitchers were there. They have two large tables set up to come in and stitch awhile. Each lady was working on her own project. Stitching. Talking. Laughing. I joined them and did some stitching myself. It felt good.

As I travel, I enjoy noting the various nuances of each shop. Betty and Madalena are very proud of their customers stitching, and showcase the finished pieces on the walls and shelves. This time, they were collecting new pieces to display... all Charley Harper canvases. What a treat to see. And, what a great way to announce their Charley Harper Trunk Show during the month of March. Stitch by Stitch really is a Needlepoint Gallery.

The first teaching day was the Flowers in a Vase (ND 311) by NeedleDeeva. There were 12 ladies in attendance. Each learned the Stumpwork, Messy Beading, Loopy Turkey Work, Ribbon Work, and the many fun composite stitches. I received many compliments about how much they enjoyed the class. The pleasure was all mine!

The second teaching day was a Canvas Enhancement class. Each customer has selected a canvas and I gave them stitch and thread suggestions. Because of my traveling schedule, I had asked Betty and Madalena to send me color copies of each canvas ahead of time so I could "ponder" at my convenience.

These are the canvases which were sent to me.

There are now Stitch Guides for each of these canvases. 

Here are some of their canvases with the suggested threads pulled.

And One to Grow On by Charley Harper • Treglown Designs

May Banner by Rebecca Wood

Orange Seahorse by Dream House Ventures

Red Soldier Nutcracker by JB Designs

Snowman Snow Globe by David McCaskill

Christina liked my suggestions for the Orange Seahorse so much she sent me a photo. Don't you love it?!

Orange Seahorse
Stitched by Christina / Stitch by Stitch • Larchmont, NY

I had a lovely time at Stitch by Stitch. I am looking forward to returning. There are still many restaurants to visit and cocktails to explore. LOL. I also want to especially thank Kathy for her fabulous hosting. Very good for the soul.
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So now, I am home. Back in Memphis. Working in front of the computer. Writing stitch guides. Stitching models. Making preparations for my next out of town teaching jobs. Busy, busy. Fun, fun, fun.

Thanks for checking back with me.  I really appreciate all of the blog readers, and hope to do better staying in touch. You have all been on my mind...

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin