12 new stitch guides from Robin King

Hi Everybody.... Robin here.

I have finally emerged from the Cone of Silence! So sorry to have been away so long. Nothing going on but teaching, traveling, taxes, and writing stitch guides.

I'm traveling back tomorrow to The Nimble Needle - Atlanta for another weekend of Canvas Enhancement classes. Lucky me.

Here are the 12 new stitch guides for their class featuring designers including Charley Harper, Susan Roberts/Liz Tapestry Tent, Labors of Love, Melissa Shirley Designs, Devon Nicholson Designs, The Collection Designs, Maggie Co, Ewe and Eye & Friends, Sandra Gilmore, Lani Needlepoint Designs, and Janis Mattox/CBK Collections. If that's not eclectic... I don't know what is!!! 😊

new Robin King stitch guides

new Robin King stitch guides

Ever need a stitch to drift and show movement? Try the Movement Stitch. I have it charted with each row separated by 1 canvas thread.

Movement Stitch
charted by Robin King

I've found another good Instant Pot recipe: Cheeseburger Pasta. Be sure to check out the "365 days of Slow Cooking + Pressure Cooker" website for daily do-able tasty recipes.

Here's the link: https://www.365daysofcrockpot.com

Well, time to finish packing. Thanks for visiting the blog. I promise I won't be gone so long.

Until the next time... HUGS!  Robin

Robin, new stitch guides and 365 Days of Recipes

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

I'm packing my books, stitch guides, pens, paper, readers/magnifying glasses to teach Canvas Enhancement classes at The Nimble Needle in Sandy Springs, GA this weekend.

new Robin King stitch guides

So, no blogging for me on Sunday. I will catch up with you when I get home. 😊

But, I did want to mention a nice blog compliment I received when I was teaching at Canvas, a needlepoint adventure in Montgomery, AL last month.

It was at the Meet 'n Greet and a lady came up to me and said, "Your blog has been very helpful for me." I humbly said, "Thank you." She then said, "The needlepoint content is nice, but your discussion about the Instant Pot was life changing."  I smiled and said, "I know, right!" ... I was so pleased to find another fan of the Instant Pot.

Instant Pot... a stitcher's best friend.

So all of this to say... I found a fabulous website to follow. It is called "365 Days of Slow Cooking + pressure cooking."

Here's the link: https://www.365daysofcrockpot.com 

The recipes are wonderful and Karen (the blogger) offers both Slow Cooker/Crock Pot and Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker versions of the same recipe. Brilliant!

Wonderful recipes!

You can sign up to get daily emails. Recent offerings include Instant Pot Chicken Margherita Pasta... Sausage Pepperoni Spinach Ravioli... Broccoli Cheddar Soup reminiscent of Panera Bread's broccoli cheddar soup. YUM! Her recipe library is inspiring with easy to follow recipes. Great photos, too.

If you want to review my previous Instant Pot writing, click here.

Here's a stitch for you, too.  Happy Valentines Day to all.

Well, until the next time... HUGS!  Robin

Happy New Year from Robin

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Happy New Year from me to all of you.

2017 has been a good year. I made it thru the traveling/teaching schedule, and wrote 115 new stitch guides.

In 2017, I traveled to Scottsdale, AZ (2) (Quail Run Needlework); Sandy Springs, GA (3) (The Nimble Needle-Atlanta); Montgomery, AL (2) (The Needle Bug); Everett, WA (The Needlepointer); Northbook, IL (North Shore Needleworks); and Amelia Island, FL (The Bristly Thistle).

Robin King
2017 Teaching Destinations

I have proudly maintained my Delta Miles ✈ Silver Medallion status.  😊

I saw old friends and met new friends at each teaching location.

In 2018, I will return to those destinations and add a few more. Gulp! Time to get busy!!

Robin King
2018 Teaching Destinations

New to the list for 2018 and returning to the schedule: Montgomery, AL (CANVAS: a Needlepoint Adventure); Smokey Mountains, TN (Stitch with a View); and Ada, MI (Peacock Alley Needlepoint).

You can always check my Teaching Schedule by visiting this tab on the blog: Robin's Teaching Schedule.

Wishing us peace and all creative talents for this new year!

Masterfully stitched by Susan Brimmer
Enhancement classes at The Nimble Needle-Atlanta

"Angel playing Flageolet "stitch guide by Robin King

Until the next time... HUGS, Robin

Robin and the Winter/Christmas stitch guides

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

For those of us in the northern hemisphere: Happy Winter Solstice! And, in keeping with tomorrow: wishing you the best Christmas Joy.

I was visiting my family (Mom, 2 sisters, 2 brothers-in-law, 3 cats) last weekend; thus the reason for no blog. (Did you miss me? 😊) On Sunday, I was back at the LEX airport waiting for a plane that never arrived from ATL due to their untimely mess. All was good with me. I called my family and they gave me another night's stay. My Memphis departure was 6:25AM Monday, this time thru LaGuardia. Talk about a Manhattan Transfer! I made it home on Monday afternoon. All was good.

I have compiled a list of my Winter/Christmas 🎄 themed stitch guides. Aren't they festive?

Robin King stitch guides - Winter/Christmas
Melissa Shirley Designs

Robin King stitch guides - Winter/Christmas
Kelly Clark, Zecca, Burnett & Bradley,
Alexa, Amanda Lawford, Associated Talents,
Anne Brinkley, Annie Lane

Robin King stitch guides - Winter/Christmas
CBK Needlepoint, Chris Roberts-Antieau,
dede Ogden, Eye Candy Needleart,
Kirk & Bradley, Labors of Love Needlepoint

Robin King stitch guides - Winter/Christmas
Labors of Love Needlepoint,
Maggie Co, Melissa Prince Designs,
The Meredith Collection, Painted Pony Designs,
Raymond Crawford, Rebecca Wood Designs

Robin King stitch guides - Winter/Christmas
Rebecca Wood Designs,
Rishfeld  Designs, Sandra Gilmore,
Machelle Somerville

Robin King stitch guides - Winter/Christmas
Susan Roberts/Tapestry Tent

Robin King stitch guides - Winter/Christmas
Susan Roberts/Tapestry Tent,
Strictly Christmas

Robin King stitch guides - Winter/Christmas
Shelly Tribbey, Brenda Stofft,
Julie Mar & Friends, Sew Much Fun

If you are interested in any of my stitch guides, you can email me at creativecats@comcast.net.

While visiting my family, I took a photo of Midge's tree. It is very beautiful and is a resplendent showcase for all of the needlepoint ornaments she stitched over the years.

Needlepoint ornaments from top to bottom.

Here is a closeup so you could see an example of her finished Light Bulb ornament. Very clever.

The finished Light Bulb ornament is all its glory.

The Willow Stitch Variation (\) could be a nice Light Bulb ornament stitch. Just turn the diagram so it runs north-south.

Here's a stitch for you!

Another fun Light Bulb ornament stitch would be from the Byzantine family. Imagine how clever you will be when you use only threads from your stash!

Here's a stitch for you!

My Christmas to-do list is just about finished; a wee bit of baking and then I will be done.  😊😋

Until the next time... HUGS!  Robin

Robin teaches at The Needle Bug - November 2017

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Hope each and everyone of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

I missed this past Sunday's blogging date because I was wrapping up my last teaching destination for 2017. I was at The Needle Bug. I'd like to share my experiences.

The Needle Bug is owned by Leigh Miller. As a life long Montgomery, AL resident, she knows everybody. Or, at least it seems like it. So when you go to The Needle Bug, you feel welcomed immediately. #SouthernHospitality

The Needle Bug
7012 Vaughn Road
Montgomery, AL 36116
(334) 270-0064

The Needle Bug is a full-service needlepoint shop: threads, canvases, books, accessories. They have it all... which makes for a nice teaching experience.

The Needle Bug's classroom
Waiting for the students to arrive.

The classroom is very comfortable with good lighting and comfy chairs. The shop is brimming with enticing canvases and gadgets to enhance your stitching needs.

The Needle Bug
Needlepoint and so much more!

The first day of classes were hourly help sessions; Leigh calls them "Rounds with Robin." 😊 The other 3 days were canvas enhancement classes where I had written stitch guides for 13 canvases.

Here are the new stitch guides and a few photos taken during class:

6 Whimsical Dogs • LUDW 8103
stitch guide by Robin King

Animal House Stocking Cuff • Sew Much Fun
stitch guide by Robin King

Christmas for Boy Stocking • Alexa CS 7308
stitch guide by Robin King
Congratulation to Kathy C. for her new grandson.

Dog Gone Good • A-352
stitch guide by Robin King

Donkey • C-450v
stitch guide by Robin King

Ouch! • LL351
stitch guide by Robin King

Santa Baby • HO-183
stitch guide by Robin King

Schnauzer House Blend • TC-SF-108
stitch guide by Robin King

Tiny Town • EML104
stitch guide by Robin King

Trio Birds • KL-140
stitch guide  by Robin King

Who Ate the Party Favors? • VS-180
stitch guide by Robin King

Winter Hare • B-243D
stitch guide by Robin King

Wiseman #3 • HO-1222
stitch guide by Robin King

We had designers from Julie Mar & Friends; Sew Much Fun; Alexa Needlepoint; JP Needlepoint; The Meredith Collection; Labors of Love; Raymond Crawford; Tango and Chocolate; Melissa Shirley Designs; and Brenda Stofft. The allstars were in the house!

Meri M.'s alligator is starting to come alive thru the magic from Gloriana Threads!

Ouch! • LL351
stitch guide by Robin King

Donna W. is stitching the Trio Birds. She also won the Travel Trophy... she lives in NC.

Trio Birds • KL-140
stitch guide by Robin King

Glenda E. is having too much fun with this Dog Gone Good canvas. Glenda also works at the Montgomery Humane Society. She has a good heart! 💝 🐶 🐱💗

Dog Gone Good • A-352
stitch guide by Robin King

Corrina W. is the new mayor of Tiny Town.

Tiny Town • EML 104
stitch guide by Robin King

Robin B. is already having fun with these 6 Whimsical Dogs by Julie Mar & Friends. 13 mesh is the way to go! 😊

6 Whimsical Dogs • LUDW 8103
stitch guide by Robin King

Any and all of these new stitch guides are now available. Email me for the info: creativecats@comcast.net.

Leigh Miller also is an extraordinary event planner. One evening after class, we boarded a travel van/bus to Brundidge, Alabama to watch "Come Home, It's Suppertime!" presented by the Brundidge Historical Society. It was a dinner theater experience complete with singing. Dinner was tasty! Fried Chicken, Turnip Greens, Black Eyed Peas, Sweet Potatoes, and Hoe Cakes. YUM.

down home good cooking!

The play told stories about life in the South. We met one of the actors before the show began. I nicknamed him the George Clooney of Brundidge. 😊

 one of the stars of the Show!

We had a good time. Thanks, Leigh for the memories! I will be returning to The Needle Bug in 2018: March and November. Look forward to seeing you there.

a stitch for you.

I already have next week's blog topic in mind. In my class at The Needle Bug was a young lady who is a new up-and-coming needlepoint designer. Her name is Amy Poore and her company is A Poore Girl Paints Needlepoint Designs. Can't wait to tell you about her!

Until then... HUGS!  Robin

Robin teaches at The Nimble Needle-Atlanta Oct 2017

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Today's time change has given me an extra hour to resume blogging about my teaching travels. 😊

From wheels up to wheels down... a quick 50-minute trip.
Thank you Delta airlines.

Follow me to The Nimble Needle in Sandy Springs (Atlanta), GA to see my most recent canvas enhancement adventure.

The Nimble Needle
214 Johnson Ferry Road NE
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
(404) 843-8687

The Nimble Needle is owned by Stacy Brown. You won't find a more gracious, talented owner. Her love for needlepoint is reflected in every inch of the store.

Wall to wall canvases and a trunk show.
The Nimble Needle-Atlanta

Threads and more threads.
The Nimble Needle-Atlanta

There's a seat waiting for you.
The Nimble Needle-Atlanta

The shop models are very inspiring!!!

The Nimble Needle-Atlanta

Halloween Village (MSD 1627C)
I had the best time stitching this.
Stitch Guide by Robin King

Many of the shop models are Clubs. You can select one or select the entire group. Your choice. 😊

Snowman Club • The Nimble Needle-Atlanta

Haunted Windows Club • The Nimble Needle-Atlanta

There were 3 days of canvas enhancement classes for my classes. Each day had 6 students. There were 15 new stitch guides written. Everybody was given the same time of attention thanks to my trusty timer. Look at the fun stitch guides written for the group:

new Robin King stitch guides

We had 3 Brenda Stofft canvases making for a festive Halloween theme. 🎃 There were 2 Charley Harper canvases; who doesn't love Charley Harper? There was a Painted Pony Designs featuring Diane Pederson's primitive-folksy art. 🐑 Cute sheep. "Blue Tarpon" by Purple Palm Designs was in the class; we had fun with those fish scales 🐟. There was a custom Labors of Love Needlepoint featuring the Three Wise Dogs 😊. You could hear that Tiger purr... one regal "Vintage Tiger" from Colors of Praise. The "Abstract Leaves" by Treglown Designs were reminiscent of times spent in one's cabin in the woods. 🍃 We had the ever popular Penny MacLeod Design; "Happy Flowers" by JP Needlepoint; Melissa Shirley Designs featuring Vicky Sawyer's "Hummers"; and a classic "Dog Walker" by Maggie Co.

Day 1 at The Nimble Needle was great. In addition to going thru the stitch guides, we planned the custom canvas of Susan's dog, Brandy; a second custom painting by Labors of Love Needlepoint. We also created a game plan for Laura's Tropical Santa stocking by Tapestry Tent.

Day 1
The Nimble Needle-Atlanta

I had a lovely dinner at a Portuguese restaurant called Emidio's Restaurant. The long-distance stitching travelers joined me (Marilyn, Terrie, Katie and Alice). Good find and what a good time!

Tropical Sangria at Emidio's Restaurant
Sandy Springs, GA

Day 2 at The Nimble Needle was just as delightful as Day 1. One of my favorite stitches, which I call 3-2-3 Units, turned out to be a good background stitch for the Abstract Leaves.

Abstract Leaves by Treglown Designs
stitch guide by Robin King

a very useful stitch, indeed!

Day 2
The Nimble Needle-Atlanta

Best way to end the day. Dinner with friends. Dessert, too. 4 spoons, please. And a coffee. Yes, the chocolate bag holding the dessert was TOTALLY edible. 😊

Delicious dessert to share with friends.
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks

Day 3 at The Nimble Needle was the complete trifecta. It was good seeing my friends on this trip. Judy worked her magic on the Dragonfly's wing. Cheri's Kite will soon be ready for its maiden voyage. Jean's Hummingbird is going to look snazzy with a Cast-on Bullion Flower Hat.

Applique Flair is a very important technique to know.
Stitch guide by Robin King

Kites by Jane Nichols • 911 on 13 mesh
Stitch Guide by Robin King

Cast-on Bullions give that extra dimensional pizzazz.
Stitch guide by Robin King

Day 3
The Nimble Needle-Atlanta

Months of preparation over in an instant. I couldn't have done it without all of the wonderful staff at The Nimble Needle. Stacy Brown, you have a fabulous team. Vance, Linda, Mark, Jan, Jenne, and Charlsie... you are the best! 💜

I will be returning to The Nimble Needle three times in 2018: February 11-12; April 21-23, and October 20-22. Call the shop to reserve your seat for either a help session or a stitch guide session. Seats are limited. (404) 843-8687. Would love to see you.

My next/last teaching destination for this year is at the The Needle Bug in Montgomery, AL. Lots to do between now and then before the next airplane goes wheels up. 😊

Have stitch guide... will travel. 🛧🛩

Until the next time...  Hugs, Robin