"Potluck" by Charley Harper and Penny B.

Hi Everybody... Robin here...

Penny Boswinkle was in my recent class at The Nimble Needle-Atlanta. It was good seeing her again.

We do have fun in class. Bouncing stitching ideas off each other. I can honestly say I learn from her, too.

Penny is also fearless; shutters from no stitch, thread, or canvas mesh... she even stitches on black.

In April 2014, Penny selected a Charley Harper canvas called "Potluck" for her canvas enhancement class. The canvas features an animal interested in some pottery... and lots of black for the night sky.

"Potluck" by Charley Harper
(CH-P102)

Here's what Charley Harper said about this canvas...

"Every meal is potluck for an animal in the wild. So when the Coatimundi eats out (as he always does), he'll try anything on the menu. If it creeps, crawls, hops, slithers, squirms, swims, flies, walks, runs or takes root, he'll sample it. Poke around the pueblo with your pliant proboscis, roll some rocks over with your powerful paws, and you'll uncover some esoteric edibles, and some mighty fast food. You know the kind -- grab a bite before it grabs you." –– Charley Harper

I wrote the stitch guide, and Penny took off like a trouper.

So in July 2014 (yes, last week), Penny brought in her finished (!) "Potluck" from the April 2014 class. That's 3 months, folks!

I am beyond thrilled with the results.

When I was writing the stitch guide, I had a "hmmm.... I wonder..." moment. I did some research to see what kind of animal the Coatimundi was. Thanks to the internet, I was able to find some information about the Coatimundi and noticed his foot prints.

Coatimundi

I thought to myself: they MUST be incorporated into the background. I found the perfect Brenda Hart background for visual interest. Doing the happy dance, I then charted the foot prints and included them in the instructions. Hopefully the stitcher would see my vision.

So, in the April class, it was Penny's turn for the stitch guide consultation. (I almost couldn't contain the secret.) Penny read through the guide. She stopped and looked at me. I looked at Penny. We both burst with glee! Beaded FOOTPRINTS! Oh, how fun.

To date, "Potluck" is one of my most favorite Charley Harper pieces. The man was brilliant.

So without any further fanfare... I present "Potluck" by Charley Harper (HC-P102); expertly stitched by Penny Boswinkle. Stitch guide available from Robin King.

"Potluck" by Charley Harper (HC-P102)
Model stitched by Penny Boswinkle
Stitch Guide by Robin King

Thanks for letting me share this story. Special moments, indeed.

Well that's it for now. I'm getting ready for another teaching destination: Peacock Alley Needlepoint in Ada, Michigan. See you there.

Until the next time... HUGS, Robin

The Nimble Needle-Atlanta - part 3

Hi Everybody... Robin here...

I'd like you to meet Penny Boswinkle. She's one of the talented stitchers from The Nimble Needle - Atlanta.

Penny attended the April 2013 canvas enhancement class and selected the Blue Bird (canvas by Maggie Co. M-1488).

Blue Bird • Maggie Co. • M-1488

I was smitten with this canvas when I saw it at the TNNA Market, and was pleased to give some stitch suggestions for it.

I've asked Penny to tell us about her class experience:

Little did I know when I signed up for Robin King’s April 7^th Canvas Enhancement Class at The Nimble Needle in Atlanta what a fun journey with an exciting end I was about to start.  I picked Maggie Co’s Blue Bird for my first Robin stitch guide.

Before the class we had to get two color copies of our piece – one for Stacy Brown (the shop owner) to send to Robin and the second one for us to use for notes during class.  Stacy had set the class up so that each of us had our own time with Robin.  Class started at 9am and my time was 11am.  Not wanting to miss a thing I was there at 9 to find my stitch guide waiting so that I could pick threads before I talked with Robin.  When it was time, we discussed each section and the suggested threads – most of the areas stayed the same as her original idea, but we did change a few.  

Stacy provided a wonderful lunch and then back to work we went.  As soon as Robin had given everyone their assigned time, she was around the room answering questions and giving advice.  We even had a cupcake break!  All in all it was a wonderful class and day!

I was really thrilled with my stitch guide and couldn’t seem to put the piece down at home.  As the piece progressed there were a few places I made some changes, but not many.  Packed outline for the tree; lazy daisy stitch with a center straight stitch for the flowers; padded satin for the bird’s wing with clear star beads scattered on it;  bullions for the bird’s feet;  stump work for the center of the largest flower – no wonder I couldn’t quit stitching.

When I finished, my framer suggested a plain copper tone frame that blended with the trees.  I was thrill with the way it turned out; so decided to enter it in the ANG National Seminar Exhibit in Anaheim.  Imagine how thrilled I was when the Exhibit opened and I found my piece had won an honorable mention ribbon!  I’ve won ribbons before, but don’t think any piece had been stitched with such a fun journey!

If any of you get the chance to take a class with Robin, DO IT!  In fact, I will be in Robin’s next class at The Nimble Needle and can’t wait to see what happens with that piece!

What nice words. Thanks, Penny.

Here is the Blue Bird all finished and framed. Such a sweet piece. Great job, Penny.

Blue Bird • Maggie Co. • M-1488
Stitched by Penny Boswinkle
Stitch Guide by Robin King

In October 2013, I returned to The Nimble Needle - Atlanta for another group of canvas enhancement classes. Penny returned, too... this time with Approaching the Skies by Quail Run Designs (QR-020A).

Approaching the Skies • Quail Run Designs  • QR-020A
Stitch Guide by Robin King

When I was coming up with stitches, I was feeling a decorative, light approach to the different color blocks. I shared my thoughts with Penny and she was on board with the plan.

Here is one of the stitches we used. Isn't it pretty?

As you might have guessed, Penny has already finished stitching this piece! I know what you are thinking... she is a stitching machine. Penny sent me a photo, and said it will be framed by the next time I'm in ATL... which is next weekend. I can't wait to see it, and Penny, too.

Approaching the Skies • Quail Run Designs  • QR-020A
Stitched by Penny Boswinkle
Stitch Guide by Robin King

Like clockwork, I am returning to The Nimble Needle - Atlanta for another session of canvas enhancement classes. Penny will be there, too.

Here's what she has selected: Because You're Mine I Walk the Line. Canvas by Quail Run Designs, artist Nancy Coffelt (NC112).  Two cats and one dog amongst a scene of laundry. How cute is this canvas!!!

Because You're Mine I Walk the Line
Quail Run Designs, artist Nancy Coffelt • NC112
Stitch Guide by Robin King

Next blog... I will showcase the canvases selected for the upcoming Enhancement classes at The Nimble Needle - Atlanta... a delightful assortment of designs.

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin