Books!

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Lately, I've been on a quest adding more Books to my Needlepoint library.

Some are new Market releases; others have been out and I am just now getting around to finding out about them. In no certain order or preference, here is what's new to me:

More Shadow Stitching aka dede says by dede Ogden

• Released in 2005, this dede Ogden book is a treasure. Spiral binding.

Stitches Ins & Outs  Interiors and Exteriors Plus by Little Shoppe Canvas Company, Inc.

• Released March 2013, hot off the presses from Little Shoppe Canvas Company... the same talents who brought us the Landscapes Book. I really liked how the diagrams were done. White section indicates Layer One. Gray section indicates Layer Two. Black section indicates Layer Three. Dark Gray section indicates Layer Four. (Note to self: this is a must do!) Spiral binding.

A Banner Year by Brenda Hart

• This book is a re-release (2013) of Brenda Hart's stitch guides for the Monthly Banners by Rebecca Wood. There are quite a few stitches new to me which is nice as I already have Brenda Hart's previous 4 books. Color photography of each of the Banners. Spiral Binding.

Noses, Roses and Other Fun Stuff by Cynthia Thomas

• Released March 2013, self-published by Cynthia Thomas. This is a nice techniques book showing different ways to enhance our needlepoint. Spiral binding.

The Humble Bag's Wonderful Stitches by Diane Schultz

• Released in 1990, this book has wonderful stitches, indeed. Comb binding.

Encyclopedia of Needlework by Donna Kooler

• Released in 2000, this Leisure Arts Publication covers Needlepoint, Embroidery, and Counted Thread including Bargello, Specialty Stitches, Crewel, Candlewicking, Cutwork, Shadow Work, Hardanger, Counted Cross Stitch, Silk Ribbon Embroidery, Blackwork, Swedish Weaving, and Pulled Thread.  The charted diagrams with their companion stitched diagrams are clear and inspiring. Soft Binding.

Needlepointing in Your Nest by Carolyn Hedge Baird

• Released in 2010, Carolyn Baird is most creative with her stitches and storytelling. Coil Binding.

Colorful Backgrounds by June McKnight

• Released in 2013, June McKnight's books are always a favorite. I have used many stitches from Colorful Backgrounds for some of the stitch guides I am writing. Coil Binding.

With the exception of Wonderful Stitches (out of print but still findable) all of these books are still available. Contact your Favorite Needlepoint Store to order. Enrich your library, why don't you. That stitch you've been looking for might be in these pages. I found mine in the Ins & Outs book, Fabric 38, page 31. Then, modified it for my needs.

A stitch for you.

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

"That's Not Needlepoint" book 2 by dede Ogden

Hi Everybody ... Robin here.

Recap of TNNA/Long Beach 2013 - part 5 continues... with a twist. I am sharing my news about a new book from dede Ogden which debuted at Market last week.

New book by dede Ogden... and I helped!

As usual, I have a story to tell...

Last summer, dede posted on Facebook a request for anyone who might help her do the charting for her new upcoming book,

"That's Not Needlepoint... It's Inspired Art Created With Your Needle"  

Shadow Stitches Accelerated • Series 2 by dede Ogden

I sent her a message and said, "I could help."

dede had stitched beautiful models of her new canvas designs, and needed someone to compile her notes into a Project book. The canvases were Butterfly Collection (ED-17016), Moonlight Dancing Witches (ED-18018), and Topiary Tree with Butterflies (ED-17029).

Butterfly Collection (ED-17016) by dede Ogden

Moonlight Dancing Witches (ED 18018) by dede Ogden

Topiary Tree with Butterflies (ED-17029) by dede Ogden

You can see more of dede's work on her website, Dede's Needleworks. Her canvases are also distributed by Fleur de Paris.

Do you know dede Ogden? In my humble opinion, she is Needlepoint's Grande Dame. Needlepoint Royalty, if you will. She has been the teacher/mentor to many of today's industry leaders. Canvas designer and book author, dede is also known for her inventive techniques and concepts include Shadow Stitching. Brilliant lady.

Here is some information dede shared with me about Shadow Stitching:

"Dede Ogden has developed the term Shadow Stitching to aid her students over the years to solve a problem of questions from that arise such as:

• Why should I cover up the beautiful hand painted canvas? 

• I can't shade with thread blending as well as I'd like and it is tiring. 

• I can't organize my threads.   

Is there another way to answer these questions? Hence, Shadow Stitching was created. 

Her technique isn't just stitches, but a concept of combining threads and painted canvas to create a new look. It is a way of incorporating the painted design on canvas for the needlepointer to have artistry to convey a more creative effect. By not always matching the colors to the original art work but picking a medium tone of the color and stitching over the whole shaded area with a thinner thread than would normally be used, some of the painting below the stitching will be shared. 

This process will still make a durable piece of needlework. The texture is made by the stitch selections, that are simple and generally larger and cover the canvas swiftly. By using shiny or dull threads create an additional "light reflection" over your needlework.  Dede brings her love and passion of needlework to show you these enhancements for your needlework."

Needless to say, I was thrilled and honored to join dede's production team.

My first task was to chart the 59 stitches which dede used in these three projects. Many of them were dede's unique creations. Here is an example. Just imagine the possibilities.

Once charted, I typed up each Stitch Guide with its corresponding Thread List. The stitched models were with me for reference, and I really got to know each canvases very well. Beautiful stitching. Inspiring concepts.

Each Stitch Guide has the Area, Thread Type, Stitch Name and corresponding Plate #.

On the Plates, if the diagram is specific to an area (for example, Butterfly #1 from the Butterfly Collection canvas), there is a corresponding Code drawing to help the reader identify the stitch location.

And remember, these stitches are not just limited to the projects in this book.

The book is soft cover with coil-spiral binding. The Butterflies on the front cover give a preview of what is inside. There is a nice clear protective cover.

dede has an Introduction with thanking credits to myself and Sharon Quick, the other charting contributor.

Then, the 59 Plates are listed. One per page; large so you can see all of the details.

Through out the book, each Project has the same format:

• Color photo of the finished piece
• Thread List
• Key Code
• Stitch Guide 

At the end of the book is Project Index list of the Plates. The Stitch Name, Plate # and Project Name are all referenced. It is a handy overview.

The last thing for me to do was to get all "pieces" ready for the Printer.

Sharon Quick charted three additional projects in the book: Candyland Cottage #17003; 3D Snowflake #18042, and Strawberries on a Tree #1330 A-L. Nice job, Sharon.

The book also has General Directions: Stretcher Bars, Tips before beginning, Threading the Needle, Beginning your thread, Ending your thread, "L" Securing Knot, Stripping and Laying your threads, Tension, Compensating Stitches, and Other tips. A gold mine of information in just those two pages!

"That's Not Needlepoint • Book 2" is now available from your Favorite Needlepoint Shop. I know you will enjoy having a copy in your needlepoint library.

dede Ogden gives us permission to think beyond any "normal" needlepoint. I am so glad to have had this opportunity to work with dede, and am looking forward to collaborating again on future projects.

Thanks for visiting the blog. There is more to come about my trip to TNNA/Long Beach 2013.

Until then... Hugs, Robin