M and the DMC Memory Thread

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

I've made more progress on the Mewtopia donation item. I have taken photos of how I formed the M... thought you might like to see how EASY it is to work with the DMC Memory Thread.

I pre-cut the various segments of DMC Memory Thread to make the M. You can see I have 6 segments cut. Later I realized I still needed one more, but the photo was already taken. Oops... sorry. The DMC Memory Thread is a thin, thread-wrapped copper wire; you will still want to use Utility Scissors for cutting... not your good needlepoint scissors. I also used a Trolly Needle as well as Tweezers for poking and plunging through the canvas.

The next photos are showing the sequence for making the M. I started close to the E, and worked towards the Left which gave me a relative perspective for spacing. Each of these segments are still loose. I haven't secured any of the letters yet.  It is easy to remove and re-space, if needed.

 

I will check & double check (with fresh eyes) before I begin securing the DMC Memory Thread to the canvas. First, I will couch them in place using 1 strand DMC Floss 310; then I will secure the ends to the back of the canvas. Again, this is a real fun technique to do. Have you thought about adding some DMC Memory Thread to your needlepoint?

The DMC Memory Thread comes in 18 colors. I found a nice PDF chart from DMC showing their colors and the best matching DMC Floss. Here's the link.

Next time I should be wrapping up this Mewtopia Wine and Whiskers Silent Auction donation item.  It has been fun to share my experience with the Needlepoint Study Hall viewers. Thanks, Robin

Here comes the bride/Green bottom border

I started on the bride today.  The bottom border with the skulls/bridesmaids is the first item to be stitched.  I had a little trouble with the compensation.  After examining the stitch for a while, I decided to do the top row of little stitches to make sure I got to the other edge ok.  If you get to the end of the border and are compensating the small stitch, you are off .  It should count out even.

Then I worked each area between the bridesmaids.

I wasn't sure about the compensation around the rat, so I did what looked positive and left the other areas open.  I would rather go back and fill in than go back and take out.

As I saw how the charted rat was going to fill in, I could go back and fill areas I wasn't sure of.

There we are.  No, I haven't done the bullion knots for his tail and ears yet.  Still practicing!

I had hoped to finish skulls, but I can't find the thread for the eyes, nose and mouth in my Halloweenies threads.  Of all the thread I have in this house, where could it be.   Well, I know where I can get some more!

Happy Weekend

Hi guys. I want to direct you to a website/blog with a great article on storing our toys: Plays With Needles. Look at her post for May 26th. See how she stores her stuff. Very organized. And great looking stuff.

I saw Robin's MEOW cat in person today. It really looks great. I wish you could see the DMC Memory thread in person. It is just terrific.

I haven't stitched in a couple of days. I plan to work a little on this basketweave project this weekend before I start on the Bride.

Have a great long weekend.

EOW ?

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Well, you know how it goes... my kingdom for 8 more inches. What?!!

You can see I was able to form the E-O-W of the MEOW. So far, so good. I have them loose for positioning. I have not couched them down, yet.

And then... I ran out of the DMC Memory Thread... just when I was needing to create the M. No problem... I purchased more. Yes, the DMC Memory Thread is available at your LNS.

So for those of you following along, I suggest you have 2 of the DMC Memory Thread Black 6020 on hand for this project. Just in case. OK. That's all for now...

For you Halloweenies... embrace the Bullion Knots... embrace the Raised Stem. They are wonderful techniques, and Amy's DVDs will unlock the mystery. Thanks, Robin

Celtic Cross and Needlepoint Now

On the second story of the Haunted House you will find this area Amy's is calling a Celtic Cross, (see page 6 of the guide for the second part of the house). It will eventually have three layers of stitches on top, with the first layer being 4 Way Continental. I stitched the 4 Way over the whole area instead of compensating around the middle area. Amy confirmed that this will work just fine as you can still see the canvas so you can do the next layer. So just stitch over the whole thing!

The needlepoint magazine, Needlepoint Now has become a wonderful magazine in the recent past. The current issue has a helpful article about stretcher bars. I will use some of their tips when trying to explain the value of using bars to stitchers who want hold the canvas in hand. Good instructions for tacking your canvas to the bars is included in the article. If you don't subscribe, you local shop may sell it.

I have just learned that I have been putting Evertites together the wrong way ever since I started using them. So Bride Z. Illa will be the first canvas mounted correctly. So far I haven't had any big problems as a result of poor mounting. What was I doing wrong? See the picture below. The frame on the left is correct. The bars are flush on the ends. The one on the right I pushed in too far. Now, I always made sure the frame was square. But if you put them together with the ends flush, you can be sure the frame is square. I tightened the screws just till they pushed against the wood on each bar. Remember to tighten each and every bar the same number of turns each time you need to tighten the canvas.

Happy Stitching!

Tying Up Loose Ends

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

I'm tying up loose ends tonight. What?!! I have added the DMC Memory Thread to the Cat Face. Come look at my madness.

I wanted to share with you my "organized" chaos. I have poked and put in place the Memory Thread for the Cat's Whiskers, Nose and Mouth. The DMC Memory Thread is so dreamy to work with; just have a Laying Tool or a Trolley Needle close by to give you some "pass through" room. Also, have your trusty 1-strand of DMC Floss pre-anchored; ready to couch in place. I did leave them loose so I could bend, tweak or remove as needed for symmetry.

It is my plan and intention to confirm them on the front and secure them on the back. You are seeing the "before" view. Isn't this blogging FUN? Trust me, it looks so CUTE! I will show you the Front Side after I do the MEOW.

Remember, I am on a deadline: the Mewtopia Silent Auction Wine & Whiskers is June 12... the same day I will be teaching Needle Deeva's Heart at Columbus TNNA Summer Market.

OK, back to couching. I will post more progress soon. Thanks, Robin

The end of May

Can you believe another month has passed.  I am still working on the bricks of the Haunted House.  I hope to finish them by the end of the week.  Then all I will have to do to catch up is the raised stem areas.  And there are a lot of them.   But again, no guilt.  I am thrilled I got so much done.  Because, ready or not, the Bride is on her way.  And she is a real beauty.   I have looked over the guide, and Amy's finished product, (pictured below), and I think she will be a tad easier for us to stitch.  She is just as great as Stirha and Frank, but doesn't look as difficult.  So this will be one that we can actually finish in a month...except for when you go on vacation, or to your nephew's wedding, or whatever.  Again, we will do what we can and move on.  These are going to be the best cast of spooky guys you will ever see or have the privilege to stitch.  Just like the Nativity series, it is a classic one-of-a-kind collection!

Whew!  I got carried away.

So, may I introduce you to Bride Z. Illa.

She is half human, half bones but doesn't seem to let that bother her.  She is anticipating a wonderful June wedding.  I love the double wedding ring background.  And see her lovely brides maids at the bottom of the canvas.  They don't have to worry about getting the perfect dress!

So just do a little more work on the Haunted House this week and then enjoy the wedding!