4 finished Sugar Skulls ready for TNNA/Long Beach

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

The Sugar Skulls came back from the finisher. Join me in doing my Happy Dance. Thanks to the entire team at Elizabeth Turner Collection; record speed and awesome results, indeed.

The Sugar Skulls (from NeedleDeeva) will be on display (Booths 1261/1360) during the TNNA Market in Long Beach, CA.

Each of the Skulls were finished on a stick with fun, decorative ribbons. I am using a clear vase with small clear glass marbles. Just stick in and enjoy.

Pink Sugar Skull (ND 453C)

Sunglasses Sugar Skull "Elton John" (ND 453D)

NeedleDeeva • Stitch Guides by Robin King

Blue Sugar Skull (ND 453A)

Star Sugar Skull (ND 453E)

NeedleDeeva • Stitch Guides by Robin King

We are ready for our close-ups...

Leo is on set supervising the photo shoot.

"OK, look at the camera and smile."

Someone is "mugging" for attention.

Sugar Skull photobomb

Market is in one week. Tomorrow I will make the thread kits for the two classes. There are still seats available for both classes. Come spend the morning 8AM - 10AM with me (Saturday/Sugar Skull and Sunday/Thistle).

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

A day of rest and reflection

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

I am enjoying this relaxing day: watching the Inauguration festivities and putting away some threads from recently completed projects.

Happy Inauguration / Martin Luther King Holiday.

Ribbons and Beads and Kreinik, oh my!

Soon, though, the frantic pace will be back, and I will be on to the next deadline: kitting the Thread Kits for the 2 TNNA classes.

After TNNA Market, I will also be teaching the Sunflower and Berries (ND 309) at Needle in a Haystack (Montrose, CA) on Tuesday, February 5th from 10AM - 4PM. Give Jody a call (818) 248-7686 to join in the fun.

Needle in a Haystack • Montrose, CA
www.needhay.com

Sunflower and Berries (ND 309) • NeedleDeeva
Canvas  comes with Stitch Guide by Robin King

There might be a nap in my future, too.  Leo is calling.

Leo, a good napping buddy.

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

Fab Firs Photo Shoot

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

The Fab Firs came to visit for their "official" photo shoot.

Fab Firs by NeedleDeeva (ND 1370A-i)
Each canvas comes with Stitch Guide by Vicky De Angelis

For new blog readers, the Fab Firs are a series/club/collection of Fir Trees by NeedleDeeva and stitched by Vicky De Angelis. Each canvas comes with a stitch guide. There are 9 designs in the series, on 18 mesh, and are 4.5" x 4.5" triangles. (They are the same size of the Creeps, if that gives you some perspective.)

The Fab Firs have their own Facebook page. They also have their own page on the NeedleDeeva website. Your Local Needlepoint Store can order them for you; either individually or collectively.  Four of the Fab Firs come with special Swarovski Crystals for that puff-fect touch.

NeedleDeeva's knowledge of Fir Trees is enlightening. Did you know she is from Colorado? Land of the Trees, for sure.

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Here are the Fab Firs by name and number:

• Scottish Pine (1370A)
• Norfolk Island Pine (1370B)
• Southern Yellow Pine (1370C)
• Blue Fir (1370D)
• Rocky Mountain Blue Spruce (1370E)
• White Pine (1370F)
• Gingerbread Spice Pine (1370G)
• Norway Pine (1370H)
• Jack Pinion Pine (1370i)

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In my world, no photo shoot is complete without a visit from a cat. This time it was Lana who graced us with her presence.

Enjoy these behind-the-scene photos:

Making sure every Fab Fir is seen.

The Talent has arrived on the set.

Lana checks out the props.

"Oooh... I love sparkly things."

Lana is off screen while set decoration continues.

♫ It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... ♬

Then, a little Photoshop magic occurred. 

Dramatic lighting.

Nice cropping for detailed viewing.

Two versions were created. Now, that's customer service.

Fab Firs finished by Barbara's Needlepoint, Sioux Falls, SD.

Official Fab Firs photo as seen on Facebook.

Big thanks to Barbara's Needlepoint in Sioux Falls, SD who did the finishing including the metal stands. They really make the Fab Firs outstanding in their field. LOL.

Until the next time... Hugs Robin

Hug Me Company and Miss Malibu

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

One of my favorite sayings is Hugs, but did you know there is a company based in New Orleans, LA called Hug Me Company?

Yes, there is. The owner is Amy Yuseph. The Hug Me Company makes elegant bags and accessory bags for needlepoint, knitting, travel and general use.

I first met Amy while attending the TNNA Market. Her booth was filled with her fabric bags. Beautifully made; workmanship in the USA. Fabrics to envy. Quality craftsmanship. I'm sure your favorite needlepoint shop carries the Hug Me Company line. Knitting Shops carry them, too.

Recently, Vicky De Angelis did a wonderful blog about the Hug Me Company. With her permission, here are some of her photos from the Mostly Needlepoint blog:

I also have a Hug Me Bag to show you... a new envelope shape; just purr-fect for smaller projects; like the size of the Fab Firs by NeedleDeeva, for example.

Look at the inside. Love the fabric. Notice how the design of the envelope flap aligns with the body. It measures 13" W  x 11.5" H and has a zippered pocket inside as well as a zippered closure. Nice.

(P.S. here's a peek of something I'm currently stitching for Ruth Schmuff. So cute. I will share it with you on another day.)

Here is the link for the Hug Me Company website: http://www.hugmeco.com/  There, you can see the styles and the fabrics available. Here are some screenshots from her website.

Which brings me to another, yet related, topic: the 2013 Miss Malibu contest. Question: What does the Hug Me Company and the 2013 Miss Malibu contest have in common? Answer: Arielle Yuseph, of course.

Arielle Yuseph is the daughter of Amy Yuseph. Arielle is a needlepointer and a knitter, and she is entering the 2013 Miss Malibu contest.  How cool is that?

And... Arielle needs our help.  This year, the 2013 Miss Malibu contest is noticing who get the most  "likes" on the Miss Malibu Facebook page; the results will be part of the selection process.

Here's the link:  https://www.facebook.com/miss.malibu  and scroll down until you find Arielle's entry. Then "Like" her photo as well as "Like" the Miss Malibu page.

The pageant takes place August 18, 2012 (which is this coming Saturday) so be sure to "Like" Arielle today and wish her the best success.

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

Flowers in a Vase • ND 311

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

It's time to start talking about my next teaching piece, Flowers in a Vase (ND 311) by NeedleDeeva.

Considering these threads for Flowers in Vase (ND 311)
Stitch Guide by Robin King

I will be teaching this piece at The Bristly Thistle in Amelia Island, FL on the second day of my two-day visit. I have never been to Michele Herron's shop and am looking forward to it. Come see me October 12 and 13, 2012, if you are in the area.

Flowers in a Vase is on 18 mesh and the canvas design measures 8" W x 8" H. For reference, it is the same size as Sunflower and Berries (ND309). It is my plan for this piece to have just as much fun: Silk Ribbon Embroidery, Stumpwork, Beads, composite stitches and Sparkles.

So, with the deadline clock ticking, it is time to begin my stitching journey. First, was the dark brown area. What to do?... Well, nothing says "dark brown background area/it's not an important area/need an easy stitch" like Skip Tent. And, that's what I did. Love it especially when jumping over and around the flowers... it is so easy to compensate.

Next was the Tan Border. Here's where I put my Photoshop skills to the test. What to do... what to do? First, I thought I might want a geometric/rounded design. I had seen this one, and laid it out as a second layer; keeping the original document in tact. It looked OK so I began stitching. After a few stitches, I realized I was traveling down the wrong path. Too similar to the vase and flowers. I needed something different.

I needed another stitch... something more linear. My inner voice was cheering me on. A linear design was certainly opposite to the geometric/rounded design. Again, in Photoshop, a new layer was selected and I began designing. (Oh, if only I could stitch as fast as I draw...) The white lines were selected to give me something to see, but actually the threads chosen do match the painted canvas.

I was liking it, and again, began stitching. It did look better than the first geometric/round stitch... BUT... something was just not right. The linear design was "too busy."  There was no place for my eyes to rest.

Enter Basketweave to the rescue. What?!! Yes, by alternating the linear design with a Basketweave section, my eyes were able to rest... which made me appreciate the linear design even more. Problem solved.

So, that's all to report as of now. Like I said, the deadline clock is ticking. Let me know what you think so far.

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

TNNA/Columbus 2012 - wrap up - part 2

Hi Everybody...  Robin here...

I have the Way-Back Machine waiting for you. Let's continue my story from TNNA/Columbus and go to What's The Point? Needlepoint, shall we?

I had been invited to teach the Sunflower and Berries canvas by NeedleDeeva (ND 309). Stumpwork, Beading, Silk Ribbon Embroidery, and composite stitches make this 8x8 design fun to stitch. And, don't forget, the canvas comes with my stitch guide.

Have you been to What's the Point? Needlepoint in downtown historic Dublin, Ohio? Located just outside of Columbus, their shop is filled with canvases, threads, accessories, and wonderment. Quaint, charming, and magical are the best words I can describe. Lynn and Becky (owners) have a jewel of a needlepoint shop. They even have a nice employee named Kitty. Too cute!

What's The Point? Needlepoint
Dublin, OH • www.whatsthepoint.biz

Class was held right across the street in the Dublin Chamber of Commerce conference room. Spacious, great lighting, comfortable chairs and a place to spread out... what else could you ask for? 

Most of the women attending the class were local to the Columbus area, but there were two ladies who drove down from Cleveland to take the class. Too cool.

The morning session covered the Stumpwork portion of the canvas. Look at these Strawberries. Everyone did really good. What a success!

Lunch was served back over at the shop and we ate outside under the shaded trees.  I believe Lynn & Becky had even ordered the Chamber of Commerce Weather Package; it was 83 degrees with a gentle breeze. Purr-fect.

The afternoon session focused on the rest of the stitch guide. Every detail was discussed. I believe I left them in good standing for what to do next.

I traveled back home the next day... to Memphis. 

Jim Neely's Interstate Bar-B-Que
Convenient locations including the Memphis International Airport

Home of BBQ, the Blues, Elvis and the HEAT. I know most of you are experiencing this heat, too. Crazy!

Best take a cue from Leo... and stay cool.

Glad to be home... I missed my mews. Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

TNNA/Columbus 2012 - wrap up - part 1

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Back home from an exciting TNNA/Columbus Market and teaching at
What's The Point? Needlepoint in Dublin, OH.

Step with me into the Way-Back Machine as I recap this wonderful experience...

Most of my time was spent working in the NeedleDeeva booth. Here is what the
Fab Firs looked like all together. The 6-foot Fab Firs banner was a nice beacon to draw people towards them.

Join the next Retailer's Club by NeedleDeeva
Fab Firs • Stitch Guides by Vicky De Angelis

The new NeedleDeeva designs were well received, too:  13 Christmas Cupcakes,
3 Cats and the Sugar Skulls that I am stitching (stitch guides available).

Can you guess which Skull goes with this preview? They are so much fun to stitch. Bring on the bling!

NeedleDeeva
0453-C • Stitch Guide by Robin King

I finally took the time to walk the floor and visit friends/designers. How exciting is it to call them by their first names... and, for them to know mine! Here are some of the new canvases which caught my eye at the Maggie Co / Ewe & Eye booths. I love anything mid-century modern so these really spoke to me.

Maggie Co
Blue Bird •  M-1488
In the Pink •  M-1487

Maggie Co
Mod Holiday Dove • M-1597

You know I had to include a cat canvas...

Ewe & Eye
EWE 391KB • Brown Cat

and my usual and customary fondness for anything Santa...

Ewe & Eye
EWE 390KB • Fat Santa

and Pumpkins, too...

Ewe & Eye
EWE 373KB • Pumpkin in Vase

I really enjoyed seeing the artwork by Lisa Krause from Deuxbijouxbijoux. Lisa lives in Arkansas with her husband, Jim, and designs hand-painted frames to coordinate with the Maggie Co and Ewe & Eye canvases. Just look at this frame for Sheep Quilt. I love it. Your local needlepoint shop can order these.

Hand-painted Frame by Lisa Krause
EWE-359 • Sheep Quilt

The class I taught at TNNA (Lotus Squared • ZE 134 by Zecca) for the shop owners was a success. Originally, I was told there were 10 who signed up... and then 14... and finally 15. How exciting to see all of their faces. Shop owners from Alabama, Ohio, Tennessee, Minnesota, Baltimore, Arizona, Indiana, Texas, Pittsburgh, and Hawaii were in attendance.

One of those dry eraser boards was brought in for my demonstrations and illustrations. A picture is worth 1,000 words, right?

Early plans were also made with some designers and shop owners for future stitching and teaching events. I will keep you in the loop as those materialize. Perhaps you could join me? Here's the schedule for the next upcoming markets. Whew! Who knew the needlepoint industry worked at such a fast pace?

On Monday afternoon, the Market came to an end... and it was time to pack up the NeedleDeeva booth. Soon after that, I was whisked away for my teaching of the Sunflower and Berries (ND 309) canvas at What's The Point? Needlepoint.

Sounds like a good stopping point for now. Next time we will pick up from here...  Until then...

Hugs, Robin