Sunday, November 18, 2012

The Stars are Out Tonight

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Well, once again Mary Corbet's Needle 'n Thread.com website posted a wonderful stitch. One I hadn't seen before, and can't wait to give it a try.

What's the stitch?  Mary outdid herself: The 6-point Star and the 8-point Star. So creative. So many possibilities. Stars. Snowflakes. Wonderment. Here's the link.

Wonderful Stars by Mary Corbet.
Needle 'n Thread.com

Over the years, I have stitched and charted quite a few Stars. Here are some of my favorites:


Mary's Gown is stitched with Sirna Stars.
Stitch Guide by Robin King

Need to regain the crisp edge of the star?
Do it with Fly Stitches.

Make a 5-point Star and make it an eyelet, too.

Anything by Brenda Hart is always a favorite.
Stitches for the Millennium is in my library. Is it in yours?
Nice little geometric background with a "star" feel.

There are other Stars out there, too.

Check out all of the Ruth Schmuff publications (books, CDs, APPs). Also, the Sandra Arthur books and APPs. Steph's Stitching blog did a recent posting about stars as she works the Betsy Ross canvas.

Thanks, ladies for doing the heavy lifting for us.

Hope everyone has a nice Thanksgiving. Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Fab Firs Photo Shoot

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

The Fab Firs came to visit for their "official" photo shoot.

Fab Firs by NeedleDeeva (ND 1370A-i)
Each canvas comes with Stitch Guide by Vicky De Angelis

For new blog readers, the Fab Firs are a series/club/collection of Fir Trees by NeedleDeeva and stitched by Vicky De Angelis. Each canvas comes with a stitch guide. There are 9 designs in the series, on 18 mesh, and are 4.5" x 4.5" triangles. (They are the same size of the Creeps, if that gives you some perspective.)

The Fab Firs have their own Facebook page. They also have their own page on the NeedleDeeva website. Your Local Needlepoint Store can order them for you; either individually or collectively.  Four of the Fab Firs come with special Swarovski Crystals for that puff-fect touch.

NeedleDeeva's knowledge of Fir Trees is enlightening. Did you know she is from Colorado? Land of the Trees, for sure.


Here are the Fab Firs by name and number:
  • Scottish Pine (1370A)
  • Norfolk Island Pine (1370B)
  • Southern Yellow Pine (1370C)
  • Blue Fir (1370D)
  • Rocky Mountain Blue Spruce (1370E)
  • White Pine (1370F)
  • Gingerbread Spice Pine (1370G)
  • Norway Pine (1370H)
  • Jack Pinion Pine (1370i)

In my world, no photo shoot is complete without a visit from a cat. This time it was Lana who graced us with her presence.

Enjoy these behind-the-scene photos:

Making sure every Fab Fir is seen.

The Talent has arrived on the set.

Lana checks out the props.

"Oooh... I love sparkly things."

Lana is off screen while set decoration continues.

♫ It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... ♬

Then, a little Photoshop magic occurred. 

Dramatic lighting.

Nice cropping for detailed viewing.

Two versions were created. Now, that's customer service.

Fab Firs finished by Barbara's Needlepoint, Sioux Falls, SD.

Official Fab Firs photo as seen on Facebook.

Big thanks to Barbara's Needlepoint in Sioux Falls, SD who did the finishing including the metal stands. They really make the Fab Firs outstanding in their field. LOL.

Until the next time... Hugs Robin