Peggy McGowan

Hi Everybody... Robin here...

It's a sad day today on the Needlepoint Study Hall blog. I heard that Peggy McGowan and her sister were killed in a car accident yesterday. Her niece is in critical condition. So sad for the family's loss. Sad for our loss, too.

It was Peggy who created the Needlepoint Study Hall blog. She was stitching the Halloweenies at the time, and wanted to create to a Study Hall format for others who were stitching the same epic series.

Peggy had asked me to join as a co-writer to the blog. Anyone who writes a blog knows life can get between you and the keyboard; soon one day passes to a week(s) without any blog entries. Having a co-writer helps to keep the readers entertained.

I was thrilled to be asked and have enjoyed contributing to the blog. A few years ago, Peggy got sick with cancer and told me wouldn't be blogging because she needed to focus on getting better. I told her the blog door would always be open for her return. Peggy did get better and overcame cancer!

Soon after Peggy's good health news, her husband Rob got bad news: non-Hodgkins lymphoma. The tumor kept growing and on November 2012, Peggy lost her soul mate.

I recently saw Peggy at Stitchers Inc. She was picking up some threads for a needlepoint project. She was looking good. She had regained that twinkle in her eyes. Today's news is a kick in the gut and lets us know how temporary life really is.

So in this tribute to Peggy, I would like to shine a light on some of the other phases of her life. There are two wonderful links with interviews from Peggy and Rob.

Robert McGowan

Peggy McGowan

Peggy's early career was one of the first camerawomen in the Television industry. Award winner, even. Yes, Peggy won an Emmy award for "Best Camera Operator" on Dick Clark's Live Wednesday in 1978. Peggy was the first woman to win the award.  I saw it in her house displayed under her husband's ceramic artwork. She had many nominations, too. Oh, the stories she would tell.

Peggy McGowan accepting her Emmy Award.

A very talented couple: Rob and Peggy McGowan

I met Peggy during her needlepoint phase of her life. She worked at Stitchers Inc and then at Amy's Golden Strand. Her passion for stitching was pure. She would often remark, "Oh, those threads are so yummy!"

Peggy was a quilter, a cat lover, and enjoyed Halloween. She loved Daffodils. Peggy was a gentle soul. I am so glad to have met her. I thank her each day for this blogging opportunity.

If you would like to read any/all of Peggy's blog entires, you can see her name on the Right Column of the blog under Previous Topics. Click on her name and all entires are bundled together.

Hugs to all of you, and Peggy, too...   Robin

Teaching at Pocket Full of Stitches - part 1

Hi Everybody... Robin here...

Getting ready to pack and head to Lubbock, Texas.

What? Why? Where?... When?

Earlier this year I had been contacted by Megan Lewis (owner of Pocket Full of Stitches) and was asked if I would be their Teacher for the Stitcher's Retreat 2013.

September 27-29, 2013
How cool is this!

What an honor and what an undertaking! Twenty one (21) canvases -- all of a Halloween/Fall/Harvest/Autumn theme -- were sent for me to write stitch guides and create thread lists.

In the meantime, I also wrote 10 Stitch Guides and taught two classes at The Needle Bug; wrote 12 Stitch Guides and taught at Peacock Alley Needlepoint, and taught the Flowers in a Vase class at In Stitches.

You might say I've been a wee-bit busy! (Maybe a reason for spotty blogging, too?)

But, I am happy to say, I got it done... and am looking forward to traveling to Pocket Full of Stitches in Lubbock, TX.

From Memphis, TN to Lubbock, TX
Home of Pocket Full of Stitches

The Meet & Greet begins on Thursday, September 26, and the classes are Friday, Saturday and Sunday. All events are going to be off-site at the Overton Hotel & Conference Center. How fun is that!

new Stitch Guides by Robin King

new Stitch Guides by Robin King

I've poured my creative energies into these canvases. Can't wait to see the stitching. Pictures will be taken so I will report back to you when I return home.

If anyone is interested in these stitch guides, just let me know.  Email me at creativecats@comcast.net.

If any stores are interested in me teaching at their location, let me know, too. Same email. My 2014 calendar is kind of open.

OK, will see you after Texas. Until then... Hugs, Robin

Teaching at In Stitches - Atlanta

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Usually when I am "off the blog radar" it is because the blinders have been put on and I am focused on deadlines. This was yet, true again. So sorry!

I'd like to conclude my visit to In Stitches for you. Here goes...

The flight from MEM to ATL was easy breezy. Just the way I like it, right? I continued to work on pending stitch guides while at the airport.

Another Stitch Guide in the works
Nutcracker Soldier & Mouse King Cuff  •  Rebecca Wood 1433 

Once on the plane we had a slight delay due to weather in Atlanta so they had us wait on the Memphis tarmac. Oh, the advantages of a window seat. Look who else was waiting.

Sharing the road with FedEx

Finally we took off...

Somewhere between MEM and ATL

... and landed in ATL. Comfortable weather 67 degrees. Can you believe this was August in the south?

Chamber of Commerce weather package

I've had lovely opportunities teaching at In Stitches, and this time it was at their "new" location. Right across the street from their former location; a jewel to behold.

Summertime view
In Stitches - Atlanta

Jeanene Weiner, the new owner of In Stitches, was able to create (from a blank canvas) a wonderful shop. The light fixtures were like jewelry.

Comfortable seating in the class room
In Stitches - Atlanta

The Halloween Room
In Stitches - Atlanta

The bathroom was like a spa experience. I love this wallpaper.

Pretty wallpaper
In Stitches - Atlanta

The threads are arranged by color... so easy for selecting what you need.

The Rainbow Gallery room
In Stitches - Atlanta

The Flowers in a Vase class was taught to a full house. They learned Stumpwork, Ribbon Work, various Beading techniques and decorative composite stitches.

Flowers in a Vase (ND 311)
Stitch Guide by Robin King

I also gave other demonstrations, too.

French Knots, Colonial Knots and Ribbon Flowers

Our hostess, Emeline Loughlin (manager of the newest In Stitches located in Newnan, GA) was the pure essence of southern hospitality. She treated everyone to a southern delicacy: Cheese Straws crackers.

She sent a box of Cheese Straws home for me. They were hand-carried... protected like the precious cargo they were.

Bringing some Georgia memories home with me.
Thanks, Emeline!

Cheese Straws and Wine
Great ending to a great trip

My time at In Stitches was so much fun. Good for the soul, too. I look forward to returning again.

I'm getting ready for another stitching destination. Will talk about it in the next blog.

Until then... Hugs, Robin

Love those Dogs!

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

It's always fun to see the finished stitching from my canvas enhancement classes.

Here are a few canvases with a common theme... DOGS.

Two of the dogs are from artist Paper Russell who is represented by DJ Designs.

Black Lab • PR658 • DJ Designs

Stitch Guide available from Robin King

Marlene Siegel stitched this Black Lab for a friend. She wanted to personalize it further, and the DMC Memory Thread was suggested to spell out Mabel's name. Nice job, Marlene.

Another dog by artist Paper Russell was the Black Poodle.

Black Poodle • PR639 • DJ Designs
Stitch Guide available from Robin King

Caryn Scheidt had a Standard Poodle and wanted to bring this canvas to life. I showed her how to do the Gathered Stitch to achieve that the look of those ears. Caryn was most pleased. Me, too!

The last two dogs are from Maggie Co. and were both stitched by Robin Blitz in Montgomery, AL.

Robin is a dog lover and Schnauzer owner. Our first collaboration was this Schnauzer by artist Charlotte Holder.

Schnauzer • M-510 • Maggie Co.
Stitch Guide available from Robin King

I designed a special stitch which was perfect for the Schnauzer's fur. Happy dog and Happy Robin x 2.

And, our most recent collaboration from artist Frank Bielec (represented by Maggie Co.) was during a canvas enhancement class at The Needle Bug in Montgomery, AL.

Robin selected this whimsical canvas, "Fetch It Yourself."

Fetch It Yourself • M-1472 • Maggie Co.

Stitch Guide available from Robin King

Guess what?! She is already finished stitching it. Go, Robin, go! Look at the fun frame Robin selected... by Jim & Lisa Krause available from your favorite needlepoint shop.

Here's a frame preview with the help from Photoshop.

As always, my stitch guides are available. Just email me at creativecats@comcast.net for information. Shop Owner inquires welcomed, too.

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

Teaching Flowers in a Vase at In Stitches-Atlanta

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

I am getting ready to go to Atlanta... to teach at In Stitches-Atlanta. I am most anxious to see their new store (conveniently located right across the street from their former location).

You might ask: "What are you going to teach, Robin?"
"Thank you for asking," I would reply.

Flowers in a Vase for a 2-day class. Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18. The pace will be comfortable and thorough.

Flowers in a Vase by NeedleDeeva (ND 311)
Stitch Guide available from Robin King

I will demonstrate the Stumpwork, Ribbon techniques, Raised Fishbone, Messy Beading, Sparkles... and anything which might be fun for the class.  I will also share my secrets for successful beading. You know me... I'm the See One, Do One, Teach One gal.

And, there will be lots of stitching done, too. How fun is that?!

I am most appreciative to return to In Stitches-Atlanta. Very charming and friendly. Just what every needlepoint teacher would hope for. Looking forward to seeing their new owner, Jeanene.

I'll have my camera ready to take photos of their new place. Wonder what kind of stash enhancement I will do? Threads? Accessories? Canvases? Oh, can't wait. Love flying to ATL. From Memphis: wheels up to wheels down is about 57 minutes. It's my home-away-from-home.

Recently, I was sent a photo of a finished Flowers in a Vase by Kathy Hix who was in my class held at Stitch by Stitch in Larchmont, NY. Look at the wonderful embellishments.

Begin with the stitch guide and then make it your own.
Stitched by Kathy Hix

Kathy is an excellent stitcher and I am honored to see her variation. Makes me proud. (Note to self: Always be on the lookout for buttons and baubles!)

Well, that's it for now. Time to gather and pack... all while not disturbing Max the Cat. He is so comfortable.

Until the next time.... Hugs, Robin

Teaching at Peacock Alley Needlepoint 2013

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Back home from teaching at Peacock Alley Needlepoint in Ada, Michigan. Oh, what a fun time. Let me share with you...

Welcome Sign
Artfully drawn by designer, Machelle Somerville.

Thursday evening was the Meet & Greet. There were 12 women in attendance for my Canvas Enhancement class: one from the Chicago area, two from Cleveland Ohio, many from Michigan (both local and hours away), and one from Memphis. It was the first time to be in Sandy's shop for many of us. We made good use of the available time and began pulling threads for the canvases.

I can not think of one thread line not represented at Peacock Alley Needlepoint... what a joy!

Friday morning the class began. To our excitement, we each had a wonderful gift from Peacock Alley: a heavy duty canvas tote with our name embroidered on it.

Here's my bag.

But, wait... look at the reverse side. Sweet!

Awesome way to remember an event.
Thanks to all at Peacock Alley Needlepoint.

Here are some of the canvases with their thread layouts:

Sailboats • SharonG • SCT-24
Stitch Guide by Robin King

Summer Tree • Machelle Somerville • MS-23
Stitch Guide by Robin King

Sunny Side Up! • Kelly Clark & Dan DiPaolo • KDP 11-18
Stitch Guide by Robin King

Girls at Beach • TS Designs • 6161
Stitch Guide by Robin King

Halloween March • Susan Roberts • TTAL108
Stitch Guide by Robin King

We laughed and shared stories. Some stitching even was done. It is always nice to see the plan come to life...

Stitched by Cheryl.

Stitched by Jamie.

Stitched by Teri.

Stitched by Jeannine.

Stitched by Anne.

Everyone received a Peacock Alley Needlepoint graph paper note pad. It was most handy for me to use as I further explained the stitch guide directions. (You should see me play a game of Pictionary. LOL.)

A picture is worth a thousand words.

We received more gifts through out the event. Everyone received a Peacock Alley Needlepoint beaded scissor fobs (in Peacock colors). Note the pretty Peacock charm.

Peacock Alley Needlepoint scissors fob.

There were also Cookies! 

Peacock Alley Needlepoint cookie.

 Locally baked and decorated with the Peacock Alley logo. So tasty!

Yes. They were that good.

During class, I showed technique demonstrations related to someone's stitch guide: Colonial Knot, Colonial Running Rose, Twisted Lazy Daisy, Gathered Flair, and how to make a Kreinik Twisted Cord.

We received a wonderful lesson from Judy: how to use a discard thread when stitching the background. Judy was stitching the background of the Charley Harper piece, Cardinals Consorting (HC-C172). 

Stitched by Judy.

Note the discard thread Judy used to work the background stitch through the Cardinal. Once she made it to the other side, she will continue again with the pretty overdyed thread. Then, the discard thread will be pulled out and thrown away. It's always fun to witness an "ahh-ha" moment.

Our lunches were catered by the class angel, Laurie. She is the best!

There were good eats at Peacock Alley Needlepoint.

I had the best time teaching at Peacock Alley Needlepoint. I believe everyone had a good time, too. Hopefully they will send me photos of their progress.

Anne working on the Haunted House Banner.

Canvas Enhancement Class with Robin King August 2013
A good time was had by all.

Well, time to get ready for my next travel and deadlines. Until then... Hugs!  Robin