Showing posts with label teaching opportunities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label teaching opportunities. Show all posts

Monday, July 23, 2012

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

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Alabama... here I come.

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

At the end of this month, I will be teaching at The Needle Bug. How exciting it that!


The Needle Bug is located in Montgomery, Alabama, and is owned by Leigh Miller. They have a strong presence on the website, too. Here's their link: http://theneedlebug.com/

I met Leigh at the Columbus / TNNA market this past June. She had heard about me; I had heard about her. When we met, it was like old home week. We were in the NeedleDeeva booth, admiring the Creepy Characters. Leigh said she wanted me to come teach at her shop in October. I showed her the finished Columbus Heart (ND 150G; named because it debuted at the Columbus market) and she loved it.


It is a good teaching piece. Crescent Roses. Ribbon Mums. Beading. Getting comfortable about stitching over the painted canvas in order to layer the design. These techniques can build confidence and inspiration for other projects, too.

I will be there for 2 days, October 28 and 29, 2011. If you are in the area, or want to take the class long-distance, give Leigh a call. The Needle Bug has true southern charm.

You can read the previous blog postings about the Columbus Heart located in the topic bar as well as clicking on this link: NeedleDeeva Heart #150G. The design measures 3.75" W x 6.25" H on 18 mesh, and comes with my stitch guide.


Look how you can finish this canvas.  Michele Herron from the Bristly Thistle was in my TNNA class, and her piece was finished with "Welcome" added at the bottom. I LOVE this idea. Thanks for sharing, Michele.

I'll be blogging more about my trip to The Needle Bug once I get there. I am so excited for this opportunity to travel, meet other stitchers, share information, and shop!

Until the next time...      Robin