Towne Square Club by Ruth Schmuff & Robin King

Hi Everybody... Robin here...

The "Cone of Silence" has been lifted. The models have been stitched. The stitch guides have been written. I am pleased to let the Blog readers know the Towne Square Club is ready for its reveal. This is a collaborative effort by Ruth Schmuff from Bedecked & Beadazzled with stitch guides by Robin King.

Town Square Club from Bedecked & Beadazzled
Designs by Ruth Schmuff
Stitch Guides by Robin King

Cue the dreamy way-back music...

A long time ago... the youthful "Ruthie" asked Robin to stitch models and write the stitch guides for her latest project: a needlepoint village. Robin was honored to be asked, took on the task, and entered the "Cone of Silence."

But then, Robin got busy. Her stitching on the village continued, but also taught at TNNA, edited/produced DVDs for Tony Minieri & Amy Bunger, began traveling and teaching at needlepoint stores, began writing stitch guides for customers, and tended to her cats.

The months turned into years. Ruthie was very, very patient. Finally, the last stitch was made. The last word was typed. Robin stepped out of the "Cone of Silence." The Towne Square Club is ready.

Here are some photos of the finished pieces as seen on Ruth's blog, It's not your Grandmother's Needlepoint along with her commentary... and some of mine.

Love the tiny details. The roof on the book store is an open book.
The gallery is lined with colored pencils.

There is a shoe store and a handbag store.
Note: the clever laces made from silk ribbon on the shoe store.

The wine shop and the flower shop.
You know we need a good bottle of wine, and flowers, beautiful flowers.
Note: the grapes were so easy and 3D with "messy" beading.

Do you need a snack?
Ice cream and chocolate should be close at hand.

What about knitting and quilting, can't leave those out.
Note: look at the real knitting needles.
Also, the tomato pin cushion was felted.

Of course, no home is complete without a pet; nor is an village.
Kittens and puppies and bunnies, oh my!

The needlepoint store is the heart of the village.
Your address can be added here, too.

The Towne Square Club begins shipping in October 2014. There are 12 shipments, and on the 6th and 12th months, you will get a second shop at half price. Give Ruth a call. Everyone loves to receive a package in the mail... especially from Bedecked & Beadazzled.

Well, that's about it for now. Need to check on the other projects which need tending... and the cats, too.

Until the next time... HUGS, Robin

Teaching at Bedecked and Beadazzled 2012

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

When last we spoke, I was only 3 hours into describing the last day of TNNA Fall Needlecraft Show. Let's pick up from there...

Approaching the noon hour, my chariot arrived; taking me to the land of Bedecked and Beadazzled. (Big thanks to Missy and Francis.)

It is certainly a magical place. Full of wonderment. And needlepoint, too. I had been invited to teach the Lotus Squared canvas by Zecca (ZE 134) to a full house. Seeing friends from Facebook was fun. I even met Ruth's mother, Bessie. What a jewel.

As with any Ruth Schmuff event, presentation is everything. Look at those awesome gift bags.

Before class, I took some photos of her shop. 

Look at all of those threads!

Yes, the rumors are correct: Lime Green walls and Leopard carpeting adorn her shop. There is even a black Chandelier, too.

Ruth has the most awesome finished models on display.

And, new canvases, too.

If you are into Pinterest, here is your Ruth Schmuff/Bedecked and Beadazzled board... just add lime green and leopard. 

The class was scheduled from 1PM - 4PM. Everyone completed the first stitched Lotus. From there, all they need to do is the Background stitch (Skip Tent), repeat 3 more Lotus designs, and call this project done. Did I mention it is on 13 mesh? Love it.

Ruth also took photos during the class. You can see them on her blog, It's Not Your Grandmother's Needlepoint.

I was also a customer at Bedecked and Beadazzled. What can I say? The lady has good stuff...

Here's some of the new things I brought home:

Snap Trays. I had some but they were already full. Now,  I have more. Gotta love the Snap Trays. (Thanks for the awesome design, Carol.)

Brads. Can't wait to add these to a canvas. So cute. Halloween and Snowflakes. I am an equal holiday fanatic.

More Accoutrement Magnets. All from Ruth's shop. The Bedecked and Beadazzled magnet is nice. Love the Hello Kitty, Elegant Kitty and the Butterfly, too.

Sequins from The Collection. I hadn't seen these, and let me tell you, when you need a little bling, these are good to have on hand. Need to enhance your stash? Just give Ruth/Bedecked and Beadazzled a call.

After class, it was my last supper of Baltimore Crab Cakes. OMG, are they so good! (And, having picked hard-shelled crabs the night before, I really appreciate them now.) But actually, it is also the company which brings them to the next level of superb-ness. New word? Go ahead and use it. 

I had the best time during these 4 days in Baltimore. Hope it isn't my last visit. 

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin