Memphis Needlepointers - part 2

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Let's continue meeting some nice Needlepointers from Memphis.

Laura Bruhns is one of the newest to the stitching group which meets at Stitchers Inc. Laura is a cat person and had selected Julep Coaster #2610 from Leigh Designs. This was Laura's first canvas at my Canvas Enhancement classes. She did a really good job. Those cat eyes draw you in, right?

Julep Cat stitched by Laura Bruhns

Currently, Laura is working on two cats designed by Shelly Tribbey. It will be fun to share her progress with you.

Several years ago, Georgette Carpenter and I planned her son's Nativity Stocking. She finished it and now it is an heirloom to cherish. (Interested in this or any stitch guide?  You can email me at creativecats@comcast.net)

Nativity Stocking stitched by Georgette Carpenter

Recently, Georgette as been working on another Chris Roberts-Antieau canvas called Mermaid Migration. This has been fun designing each Mermaid's outfit (?). Next is their purple shimmering hair, then the makeup. Waterproof, of course.

Mermaid Migration
Stitched by Georgette Carpenter

Benita Kichler finished her Clown. It is massive and Penelope canvas all at the same time. It was fun working with Benita, and I look forward to her next project.

Clown
Stitched by Benita Kichler

Marlene Siegel stitches so many things on her own. It's just an honor for her to come in and visit.  Here are recent canvases Marlene stitched in recent Saturday classes:  a Maggie Co. canvas (Big Hair and Blooms) and a Barbara Elmore canvas (Some Days). She also just finished Mama Said (another Barbara Elmore canvas). Lucky us.

Big Hair and Blooms stitched by Marlene Siegel

Barbara Elmore canvases are so fun to stitch.

Barbara Elmore canvases are so fun to stitch.

Next time we will have show 'n tell with Michelle, Linda, Jamie and Karen.

Until then... Hugs, Robin

Memphis Needlepointers - part 1

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

One enjoyment about teaching needlepoint is seeing the final results. I might nudge them in a certain direction with stitch suggestions, but it is the stitcher who holds the needle. Their flair and interpretation makes each finished piece unique and wonderful.

There are some delightful ladies who join me for Saturday canvas enhancements in Memphis. Originally, we began stitching at Amy's Golden Strand. Currently, we are at Stitchers Inc. owned by Jan Wentz.

Vicky Rimstidt has been with me the longest. Her range of canvases keeps me on my toes. You might remember some of these stitched by Vicky: Jungle Friends by Jean Smith, and Cat Walk and Dog Walk by Sharon G.

Recently, Vicky finished Blaze (Leigh Deigns #5800). We had the best time on this project. The Leigh Designs canvas was so beautifully painted, so Vicky was game for some open canvas stitches.

One of my most favorite stitches is from Brenda Hart called Diamonds and Pearls. Often I might suggest it as a background stitch, but this time we stitched it for the Horse's body. Love the look.

Another Memphis stitcher is Maelyse Webb. Perhaps you remember the Thanksgiving Group stitched by Maelyse during my Saturday canvas enhancement classes?

Thanksgiving Group by Rebecca Wood
Stitched by Maelyse Webb

Maelyse just finished another beauty: Doggie Day Care by Chris Roberts-Antieau (formerly by Maggie Co.) We had the best time. You can see, right? Who doesn't love a 13 mesh canvas.

These dogs are having too much fun.

Nell Harris travels to Memphis from Little Rock, AR. That's about a 125 mile journey (one way). What an honor. Last year we worked on this Snowy Santa Claus Stocking for her grandson.

Snowy Santa Claus Stocking
Mary Lake Thompson (MLT 01-A)
Melissa Shirley Designs
Stitched by Nell Harris • Stitch Guide by Robin King

Recently Nell finished the Chair. Again, there is a lot to be said about letting the painted canvas show through your stitching.

Open canvas work and Basketweave.

Fran Tylavsky (Research Dr. and Confectioner genius behind Frantic Chocolates) stitches with advanced spirit and speed.

Fran's first piece was the Alexa Stocking. Not only did she stitch it in only a few months, she finished it as well for her daughter-in-law.

Alexa Stocking #7228
Stitched by Fran Tylavsky
Stitch suggestions from Robin King

Recently, Fran stitched the Comedy Tragedy Masks for her daughter. Again, we both loved working on the 13 mesh canvases.

Michelle, Marlene, Benita, Georgette, Linda, Jamie, Laura, and Karen have been busy stitching, too. I will share their progress and accomplishments with you next time.

Until then... Hugs, Robin

Teaching (again) at The Nimble Needle - Atlanta

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Back from recent travels to The Nimble Needle - Atlanta.  What a fun time. Stacy Brown is a lovely shop owner. I was so pleased to be asked to return to her shop for another teaching engagement.

Teaching at The Nimble Needle - Atlanta

I taught the Thistle to an eager crowd of 10 plus ghosts. Inventive Turkey Work, Felt Applique, and fun composite stitch techniques were shared.

Inventive Turkey Work creates a fun Thistle

Everyone had a good time and really enjoyed the size of the canvas: 3.5" x 5.5" on 18 mesh by Zecca. If we had another day together, they would have totally finished the entire project. Sweet.

Want to stitch your own Thistle? Just ask your Favorite Needlepoint Shop to order it from Zecca. My stitch guide comes with the canvas.

Saturday and Sunday were Canvas Enhancement days at The Nimble Needle. Each person (8 per day) pre-selected a canvas for me to "zhuzh" up. What a fun selection, don't you think?

Day One Canvas Enhancement at The Nimble Needle - Atlanta

Day Two Canvas Enhancement at The Nimble Needle - Atlanta

Here are some of the canvases from Saturday with thread selections...

Christmas Fairies Stocking
Susan Roberts - TTAXS336

Daffodils Watercolors
Marcy Covington - 1212

Hooter Baby Owl C
dede Ogden - ED 17081 C

Peacock - Red Leaves
Maggie Co. - 1599

Here are some of the canvases from Sunday with thread selections...

Birch Bark and Birds
Treglown Designs - HC B186

Blue Bird
Maggie Co. - 1488 

Hibiscus in Pot
Melissa Shirley Designs - 867-A

Mom Knows Best
Maggie Co. - 1587

NOEL Acorns
Melissa Shirley Designs - 1515

Owl
DC Designs - 8116

Sunflower Rooster
Alice Peterson Co. - 2314

Three Striped Pots
Maggie Co. - 1457

Aren't beauty shots fun? I do believe everyone enjoyed themselves. I can't wait to see their stitching progress.

If you have these canvases and are interested in my stitch guides... just let me know. Email me: creativecats@comcast.net

I've been home a week, and have been working on other projects: writing stitch guides, stitching models, and answering emails. Oh, and giving many hugs to the Mews. Now, that's a full time job. LOL.

Leo says "Keep Calm and Take a Nap." Smart cat.

Thanks for visiting the blog. Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

Robin's teaching and travels to CA, MD and NY

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Yes, I have been AWOL from the blog, but really... it has been busy... crazy (!) on my end of things.

Let's catch up...

Teaching at Needle in a Haystack - Montrose, CA

February 5, 2013

Jody Budman, owner of Needle in a Haystack, invited me to teach at her shop while I was on the west coast attending TNNA's Winter Market. Montrose, CA is a manageable distance from Long Beach.  Google says it is about 37 miles. 

From Long Beach, CA to Montrose, CA

Needle in a Haystack is a lovely combo store: both Needlepoint and Knitting. I am a wanna-be knitter; truly admire the talents of those who can knit.

Needle in a Haystack
2262 Honolulu Avenue
Montrose, CA 91020

The class was Sunflower and Berries (ND 309) by NeedleDeeva. Stitch Guide by Robin King.

Learning Stumpwork at Needle in a Haystack

The ladies learned Stumpwork, Ribbon Embroidery, Stacked Beads and some fun composite stitches. Thanks to Jody and her wonderful customers who made me feel at home. I enjoyed my visit and look forward to seeing all again.

It was time to head home to Memphis. After all, I had been gone almost a week for the TNNA Market.

Here's a view of the Mississippi River seen from the airplane window as we approached Memphis.

Mississippi River near Memphis, TN

I had a nice welcoming from Pat and the Mews. Seeing this card really warmed my heart.

Greetings from Pat is so much better than Hallmark.

I was home for a few weeks. Working on projects and deadlines. But, soon, it was time to pack and teach again.  Where to you might ask?

Teaching at Needles and Threads of Ruxton, Baltimore, MD

February 23 & 24, 2013

Judy Greer, owner of Needles and Threads of Ruxton, invited me to teach the Flowers in a Vase (ND 311) by NeedleDeeva at her shop. (Also, big thanks to Kristine Kingston for all of her planning preparations.) 

Needles and Threads of Ruxton
7701 Bellona Avenue
Baltimore, MD  21204

Needles and Threads of Ruxton has so many threads! Judy really knows how to utilize the vertical space in her shop. Look how the Threads were mounted to the wall. Easy to view and select.

An excellent use of vertical space.

The class was held in a large conference room located above the shop. Talk about convenience. Comfy chairs. Excellent lighting. Plenty of space to spread out and stitch!

Judy made special gifts for each attendee: Flower Magnets. Look how creative she was... my kind of lady! 

Love the Flower Magnets made by Judy Greer.
•••
Flowers in a Vase (ND 311) by NeedleDeeva
Stitch Guide by Robin King

Dining, laughing, stitching and girl talk. What a fun time I had. Looking forward to my next visit with Judy and her wonderful customers.

Soon it was time to get back on the plane and head home. I had just enough time to do laundry and then it was time to go out of town, again. 

Teaching at Stitch by Stitch, Larchmont, NY 

March 3 & 4, 2013

Betty Scanlon and Madalena Bruno are the two owners of Stitch by Stitch in Larchmont, NY. Several of my "stitching friends" live in the NY area and are customers of this wonderful shop. They had "lobbied" for me to come teach, and Betty and Madalena took a chance.  I am so thankful for the opportunity. (Hello to Linda, Denise, and Karen.)

Stitch by Stitch
1971 Palmer Avenue
Larchmont, NY 10538

Stitch by Stitch offers many classes and stitching opportunities for their customers. When I arrived the "Saturday" stitchers were there. They have two large tables set up to come in and stitch awhile. Each lady was working on her own project. Stitching. Talking. Laughing. I joined them and did some stitching myself. It felt good.

As I travel, I enjoy noting the various nuances of each shop. Betty and Madalena are very proud of their customers stitching, and showcase the finished pieces on the walls and shelves. This time, they were collecting new pieces to display... all Charley Harper canvases. What a treat to see. And, what a great way to announce their Charley Harper Trunk Show during the month of March. Stitch by Stitch really is a Needlepoint Gallery.

The first teaching day was the Flowers in a Vase (ND 311) by NeedleDeeva. There were 12 ladies in attendance. Each learned the Stumpwork, Messy Beading, Loopy Turkey Work, Ribbon Work, and the many fun composite stitches. I received many compliments about how much they enjoyed the class. The pleasure was all mine!

The second teaching day was a Canvas Enhancement class. Each customer has selected a canvas and I gave them stitch and thread suggestions. Because of my traveling schedule, I had asked Betty and Madalena to send me color copies of each canvas ahead of time so I could "ponder" at my convenience.

These are the canvases which were sent to me.

There are now Stitch Guides for each of these canvases. 

Here are some of their canvases with the suggested threads pulled.

And One to Grow On by Charley Harper • Treglown Designs

May Banner by Rebecca Wood

Orange Seahorse by Dream House Ventures

Red Soldier Nutcracker by JB Designs

Snowman Snow Globe by David McCaskill

Christina liked my suggestions for the Orange Seahorse so much she sent me a photo. Don't you love it?!

Orange Seahorse
Stitched by Christina / Stitch by Stitch • Larchmont, NY

I had a lovely time at Stitch by Stitch. I am looking forward to returning. There are still many restaurants to visit and cocktails to explore. LOL. I also want to especially thank Kathy for her fabulous hosting. Very good for the soul.
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So now, I am home. Back in Memphis. Working in front of the computer. Writing stitch guides. Stitching models. Making preparations for my next out of town teaching jobs. Busy, busy. Fun, fun, fun.

Thanks for checking back with me.  I really appreciate all of the blog readers, and hope to do better staying in touch. You have all been on my mind...

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin