Elliot Stitch

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

I have the printer revving at high RPMs; printing the Creepy Characters stitch guides. I am bringing them with me to Baltimore for the TNNA Fall Market Cash & Carry. The Shop Owners are anxious to get the Creeps in their hands for their customers.

As I was reviewing each stitch guide, I came across the Elliot Stitch. Needlepoint Study Hall readers encouraged me to name a stitch after Elliot; this is the one I chose. It is on the light purple background for the Spider Queen (ND 0467-D). It is a nice stitch to use when there are dots with 2 canvas intersections between them.

Elliot Stitch - step 1

Elliot Stitch - step 2

Elliot Stitch - step 3

I'll be posting some of the "behind the scenes" stitching photos of each Creepy Character... beginning with The Pumpkin. And, did you know the Creepy Characters have their own Facebook page? Here's the link... Like them, won't you?  Creepy Characters 2011 by NeedleDeeva

The Creepy Characters are being offered as a monthly series but they can also be purchased individually. Once you stitch one... you just can't stop. I know I had the best time.

Speaking of The Pumpkin (ND 0467-A), NeedleDeeva will begin shipping August 15 the first wave of Creepy Characters to the Participating Retailers. Time to reload the printer and check on the ink levels. I'll be back soon.

Thanks, Robin

The Photographer's Best Friend

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

It's the 300th blog posting for Needlepoint Study Hall blog. Who knew Peggy and I had so much to talk about?

I wear many hats: designing and managing websites, writing stitch guides, teaching and photography. Through all of those tasks, I had a constant companion... Elliot, the Cat.

Elliot loved to be in the spot light; the center of attention. So, when there was a needlepoint canvas or needlepoint model to be photographed, Elliot was right there. He liked the lights, the camera, and the action.

Here are some photos of Elliot's best work.

Elliot will be missed. He was the photographer's best friend. Thanks, Robin

Does Artistry mimic Reality?

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Tonight's topic: does Artistry mimic Reality?  If the Court allows... I give you Exhibit A: a wonderful design from Ruth Schmuff, Cat with Tulips.

Cat with Tulips by Ruth Schmuff

And, I would like to introduce Exhibit B: Elliot smelling new Tulips. 

Elliot smelling Tulips

So... if it pleases the court... I would like to ask: does Artistry mimic Reality? I think, YES. I rest my case. Thanks, Robin

a word from Elliot, the Cat

Hi Everybody... Elliot here.

Robin's getting ready for her appointment with her CPA.  I'll be glad when April 15th is over. When she's doing her taxes, she doesn't have much time for me. My solution is to curl up on her paperwork.

She said she will be back to the blog shortly. Until then... keep on purring. Elliot

Cat Walk

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Geez Louise, would somebody please slow down this madness? Here it is... already the 20th of October. I feel like such a Halloween Non-Posting Slacker.

So, to brighten up my spirits, I am posting a photo of Cat Walk (ST H206) by Shelly Tribbey. I stitched this from a Cook Up A Canvas with Amy Bunger stitch guide.

Cat Walk by Shelly Tribbey (ST H206)
 Stitch Guide by Amy Bunger

Nothing makes me happier than Halloween and a Cat. Speaking of cats... here's a latest photo of Bailey and Elliot. You might say it looks like Elliot's patience is being tried by little Bailey... and you would be correct.

Bailey and Elliot

If you would indulge me one more moment... I'd like to share a little video of Bailey and Elliot.

(Remember, no kitten was harmed... only scolded by the elder cat.) And, yes, that's me chuckling towards the end. I got tickled at Bailey's persistence and Elliot's tolerance.

Now, I feel better. Thanks, Robin

Measure Twice... Stitch Once

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

What's that saying? Measure twice ... cut once? Well, it applies to Needlepoint, too.

The Canvas Tote called for a 5" x 5" insert area, and I designed the Cat Face & MEOW accordingly. Then I printed a paper pattern as a preview. OOPS, was I off.

You can see the Cat face was too close to the bottom Blue Border. I'd like a little more breathing room. Good thing I checked and double checked before stitching. Today I resized the Cat Face a wee-bit smaller, but I kept the MEOW in the same location.

I took the photo on the deck. Today was a perfect day in Memphis: moderate temperatures in the 70's. Elliot heard I was stitching for Mewtopia's Wine and Whiskers Silent Auction. He posed for a photo.

Well, next time I will show how I transfered the design. Thanks, Robin

One Mewtopia donation: coming up!

Hi Everybody ... Robin here.

I received my letter in the mail yesterday from Mewtopia.
What's Mewtopia you might ask?

"Mewtopia Cat Rescue is a Tennessee non-profit corporation established in May 2000. We provided a sanctuary for homeless, abused, abandoned or owner-relinquished cats and kittens until they can be placed in a secure, loving environment.... On Saturday, June 12 2010, we will be hosing the 9th annual Wine and Whiskers silent auction on the grounds of Mewtopia at 734 Mt. Moriah, Memphis, TN 38117. We would greatly appreciate your participation in our event. Your donated item or gift certificate would be a wonderful addition to our auction items, and no gift is too small... Thank you for your support and consideration. If you have any questions, please contact us at (901) 387-1464 or visit our website at www.mewtopia.org."

I have been gifting my crafted services to this cause over the past few years. For those of you who don't know, my first passion was Stained Glass. I taught for years at a local Stained Glass store, and have made windows, lamps, picture frames, kaleidescopes, stepping stones, yard art... you name it. Here's a photo of the Stained Glass Votive Candle Holder and Stained Glass Picture Frame Holder I made for one of their Silent Auction event.

This year I wanted to make a needlepoint item. I've had an idea in the back of my head, and now I've given myself permission to make it with their June 12th deadline. Remember, I am the kid who had to get the chores done before playing.

I am going to purchase one of the Canvas Totes from Amy's. I know you've seen them... the canvas kind with colorful trim. I'm going to select the size for a 5" x 5" insert. Here's the photo.

Then, on 13 mesh canvas, I am going to stitch this design. Pat Ryan, my guy (cat lover, owner of Business Visuals Photography and 1/3 owner of Pet Project Video, LLC) designed the cat, and I added the stitch concept in the CanvasX stitch program.

Here's the preview of the diagram. I am planning on using the DMC Memory Thread for the MEOW words as well as the Cat Face outline.

We have adopted 2 cats from Mewtopia: Elliot and Jules. They are the best cats, ever!

It is my honor to stitch an item for the Mewtopia Silent Auction. I will blog about its progress, and the finished results. Here's a photo of Elliot and Jules. Thanks, Robin