NEW 2014 Fall colors and threads from Rainbow Gallery

Hi Everybody... Robin here...

Have you seen the newest colors of your favorite threads from Rainbow Gallery? They were just released this past weekend at the Destination Dallas (a wonderful Cash & Carry needlepoint market), and will be coming to your local needlepoint store... soon.

Rainbow Gallery Fall 2014
Photography by Business Visuals

Look at the new ORANGES from Rainbow Gallery!  Research was done about what oranges were needed... and hit a home run! Petite Treasure Ribbon, Petite Treasure Braid, Treasure Braid size 12, Fyre Werks Soft Sheen and Petite Frosty Rays. Oh, be still my heart!

Look at the new NEON Florescent Colors in Fyre Werks Soft Sheen! I can't wait to stitch with them!

Rainbow Gallery Fall 2014
Photography by Business Visuals

Look at the new Petite Frosty Rays! Orange Pop, Awesome Gold, Aqua Splash, Orchid Ice, and Lavender Ice are my new BFF.

Look at the new COLORS of SILK LAME´ BRAID (for 13 and 18 count) and Petite SILK LAME´ BRAID. Love the new dreamy and creamy names: Pink Lady, Seafoam, Mellow Yellow, Lime Cream, Blue Bell, and Blue Fog. Want something with a bold pop of color? Check out Pansy, Periwinkle, Honey Gold and Coral. In the 18 count, there are the new colors: Persimmon, Cotton Candy, Lilac Chiffon, Hydrangea, Chateau Rose, Gray Stone, and Pavement. How fun.

Many thanks to Rainbow Gallery for giving us just the right color... just the right thread!

Lana (the cat) loves the new colors, too. She visited the photo shoot and volunteered to be in the picture. All we had to do was click the shutter. Purrfect!   >^••^<

Lana the cat LOVES the colors from Rainbow Gallery.
Photography by Business Visuals

Many thanks to Pat from Business Visuals for the photography... and, Lana, too.

Until the next time...  HUGS, Robin

The Thistle by Zecca (ZE 178) - part 1

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

The Thistle is the second class I am teaching at TNNA in Long Beach. The canvas is by Zecca (ZE 178), measures 3.5" x 5.5" on 18 mesh and comes with my Stitch Guide.

Another fun canvas to stitch by Zecca.

I had fun researching the Thistle: its origin, symbolism,  and botanical details. Just look at these inspirations from Google Images.

Screen shots of Thistles from Google Images 

Again, as a class piece, I was looking for the "teachable moments" and boy, did I find some!

Turkey Work and Appliqued Felt were the first things which came to mind. And, as it turned out, they were the Stars of the Show.

First order of business, though, was to figure out a Background Stitch. Initially, I thought about doing some kind of Celtic design. I was all over the place without much forward traction.

I asked Pat (my guy and owner of Business Visuals photography) what kind of background did he see for the Thistle? Have you ever done that? Asked a non-stitcher for their viewpoint? It can be very helpful.

Pat said, "What about a Grasses stitch... something to look like the Thistle is in a field?" Interesting. Then, I handed him a pad of paper, and asked him to draw it for me. A few pen strokes later...

Grasses Stitch by Pat Ryan

Grasses Stitch. My mind started thinking about the family of Fan Stitches also known as a Diamond Ray.  Kind of looks like Grass, right?

I have used it before (offset and slanted) for the Grass underneath the Shepherd in this endearing Frank Bielec canvas by Maggie Co. ("Watching" • M 1021).

I added the Eyes to the Sheep... brings out the personality.

But, for The Thistle, I wanted a "look" of Grass, but not so tightly covered. I wanted a more "open" look. So, for something more open, take the design element and start spreading it out.

Previewing the background stitch in Photoshop

I played around with it in Photoshop. (Truly a designer's best friend!) I repeated the Fans and filled in with Pyramids. I liked the look. Pat liked the look, too. Once stitched, we really liked the look.

So, I am naming the background stitch: Fans & Pyramids.

And, you can take it one step further by adding Beads: Fans & Pyramids with Beads.

What's that you say? What about a little "bling?" What about a Sequin and a Bead? Now, you are thinking like me. LOL.

I'll be back with the finished Thistle in the next blog.

There are several seats still available for The Thistle class at TNNA on Sunday, February 3. Hope to see you there.

Until then... Hugs, Robin

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Just a quick note to wish everyone a Happy St. Patrick's Day.

Today is Pat's birthday, too. You remember him... my guy, owner of  Business Visuals Photography.

Yes, Pat was born on St. Patty's Day. (In fact, each of his siblings were born on holidays.)

I made these needlepoint belts: one for me and one for him, too. He can still wear his.

One year, I made him an ice cream birthday cake.  It looked a little wonky, but tasted very good.

Enjoy the day. Be sure to wear some green today. Or, for those needlepointers in the audience, let's stitch with some green.

Until then... Hugs, Robin.

Insomnia by Maggie Co and Jeanju Clifton

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Hope you are doing fine. I've been busy stitching the newest (#10) Creepy Character from NeedleDeeva for its debut at Ruth Schmuff's shop, Bedecked & Beadazzled, during my trip to Baltimore for TNNA Fall Market. His name is The Skeleton (ND 0467-J) and will be available from Ruth. You can take the class in person as well as mail order; just contact them for information.

Speaking of classes... there are 11 seats remaining for my Fraidy Cat class on Friday, August 12, 2011. Any Shop Owners attending the Baltimore/TNNA Fall Market with 3 hours to spare, come join me from 2PM-5PM. You get the canvas, stitch guide, threads and ME. I would love to see you.

OK... now to our topic, Insomnia. Luckily I don't have it, although if I did, I would make use of my time and get more stitching done. LOL. Here is a needlepoint titled, INSOMNIA, from artist Jeanju Clifton. I have a story about it (of course) so here goes.

Several years ago, Pat (my guy), photographer/owner of Business Visuals, photographed the original artwork for artist, Jeanju Clifton. The name of the piece was "Insomnia." When I saw the art, I said to myself, "This would be the best piece for needlepoint."

It took me several years but finally I got Jeanju and Maggie Co together to represent/sell the design. You can see it on the Maggie Co website (MAG 687) by clicking on this link: http://www.maggieco.com/html/drill.php?q=@Jeanju%20Clifton

I asked Amy Bunger to create a Custom Stitch Guide for Insomnia (she did) and I stitched it. It is one of my cherished pieces because I brought it to needlepoint life. I even learned how to knit. I went to my local knit shop in Memphis called Yarniverse, and told them I had specific needs to learn how to knit. I brought in the Insomnia canvas and showed them where the knitting was going.

I learned on "average" knitting needles with "no big deal" yarn. Then, I applied my new skills (LOL... I can't talk and knit at the same time!) to the stitch guide suggested thread: Poppies by Gumnut Yarns. I used 0000 Bamboo Knitting Needles for the best size/proportion. (ooohwee... they were tiny!) Then, I cut the Bamboo Knitting Needles in half, glued a wooden bead, knitted half onto each stick, and placed them within her wire-wrapped hands so that Insomnia would be actually knitting the scarf. You know me... if you're gonna do it... do it right!

Insomnia is wearing a Chenille robe made of Colonial Knots. Her curler cap was Gathered Flair, and I even found a tiny curler to add for realism. Notice the Pearl Earring? Our lady is styling. And, ... each cat is wearing a knitted sweater. OMG. So funny.

I entered Insomnia at the ANG in 2005. Didn't win any ribbons but did win the attention of Tony Minieri and Judy Souliotis; priceless. Here's the link to their comments: http://www.needlepoint.org/WhatIs/2005/conversation.php#502np

So, if you have insomnia, love cats, love to knit or just want to stitch some humor, check out INSOMNIA from Maggie Co (MAG 687) and the Amy Bunger Stitch Guide. It's tried and true.

Thanks, Robin

P.S. here's a quick photo of Leo and Lana, our new kittens. Sweet peas, indeed.

A. Bradley Needle Arts, Inc. has gone to the Dogs

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Tom Lee Park •  Memphis, TN

Hope you had a nice weekend. We are still having non-stop rain in Memphis. The Mississippi River is predicted to reach 48 feet (which is way over flood stage) in a few days. The all-time flood in 1937 was 48'7". Should be interesting. They closed all 9 Tunica, MS casinos along the Mississippi River due to the high water; they might be closed for 3-6 weeks. The Memphis in May BBQ festival will move away from Tom Lee Park area, again due to the high water... first time ever in its 34 year history. (This photo was taken by Pat Ryan with Business Visuals at Tom Lee Park during calmer times.)

Dog mini-socks by A. Bradley Needle Arts, Inc • 4 x 3 inches  • 18 mesh

Well, enough about that. Let me show you something fun. These are some of the new Dog Mini-Socks from A. Bradley Needle Arts, Inc. which will be debuted at the upcoming June 2011 Columbus/TNNA Market. Ashley is a very talented needlepoint designer. Here's her website: A. Bradley Needle Arts, Inc.  You can also follow Ashley on Twitter and on Facebook as those links are on the home page of her website.

Dalmatian mini-sock
by A. Bradley Needle Arts, Inc.

I met Ashley and her mom when I attended my first TNNA market. Her canvases are often taught at TNNA classes, and Cynthia Thomas has written many stitch guides for her canvases. As a "friend" through Facebook, I have been watching Ashley reveal these dogs. Every week she posts new breeds which were just finished. Sometimes she hints about the next dog.  Ashley is so talented. We are happy for her success. I asked Ashley if I could use the Needlepoint Study Hall as a platform to preview what's coming. She agreed and we are the lucky ones.

These stockings will be available from your local needlepoint shop. They are just the right size for a large Milk-Bone dog biscuit for your special canine friend. Well, that's all for now. Thanks, Robin

Merry Christmas!

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

I wanted to share with you the photo Pat (my guy) took on Beale Street in Memphis this year. He owns Business Visuals and has own his blog, Business Visuals Updates. Check him out when you can.

This photo was part of a composite photo for the 2011 City of Memphis Budget cover. What an honor. I accompanied him during this photo shoot. It was very exciting to watch him capture the "magic hour." You can see the final composite photo here.

Like the caption says, "Merry Christmas from Memphis" and warm hugs to all in Needlepoint Study Hall. Peggy and I appreciate you very much.

Thanks, Robin

Stitch Auditions

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Today I thought I would give you a glimpse into my afternoon doings.

I am auditioning a stitch for an area of one of the canvases for the January 2011 TNNA. (Sorry about all of the secrecy, but I am a lady of my word.) Sometimes you know just the right stitch: you pick up the thread & needle and plow ahead. Other times you put it in, take out, scream, and try again with your canvas looking like a slice of Swiss Cheese.

I decided to preview the stitch on the computer. You could do this in Photoshop, but today I did it in my CanvasX program. After I plotted the entire stitch, I was able to step back and look at the big picture. Love it.

This brilliant idea was from Pat Ryan, Photographer (Business Visuals) and Photoshop Expert. Often he would see me struggle... and would calmly say, "Why don't you preview it in Photoshop?" At first, I resisted that suggestion.

I should know the best stitch, right?  Well, almost ruining a canvas from the "Swiss Cheese Method of Stitching" made me appreciate his calm words... why don't you preview it in Photoshop?

So here's the preview. Hope this journey was enlightening. Now it's time to Stitch with Success. Thanks, Robin

Mr. Mummy goes to Nashville

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Welcome to "All Quiet on the Western Front/Needlepoint Study Hall" blog. Looks like Summertime has all of us pre-occupied. Or, are we still suffering from heat exhaustion? I had a wee bit o' excitement this past weekend.  Let me tell you about my recent road trip... and yes, there was some needlepoint involved.

I accompanied Pat to his Business Visuals photo shoot in Nashville this weekend. For those of you without the convenience of having a GPS, the distance from Memphis to Nashville is about 200 miles. Should take under 4 hours to get there, right? Sure, unless there are traffic problems. Well, there was a terrible accident on I-40... at mile marker 60. It took us over 1 hour to go 12 miles. Pat said we were going 4 MPH in a 70 MPH zone. At times, all eastbound lanes were stopped... like a parking lot. Luckily, we made it, safely, to our destination... in 6 hours!

Knowing that Pat was driving, I brought needlepoint to occupy the time. Part of my travel packing sequence includes bringing the correct needlepoint for the trip. Yours too, right?  I looked for the best car project amongst my current Works in Progress: a canvas on 13 mesh. Have I told you my canvas stash is also extensive? Guess what... I found the best project... already kitted with a plan in place.

Meet Mr. Mummy and his friend, The Spider. It's a canvas from Kathy Schenkel: #CT 173, on 13 count, 4" x 4".  Like I said, they were the perfect traveling companion. The Sparkle Rays looks great for the Mummy's cloth wrap. I chose Sound Waves for the Background and used 1 strand Black Ty-Di Threads. I like how the roundness of the Sound Waves sets the tone for the round Spider's body. (I know it's hard to see the black-on-black... but, trust me, it looks good in person.)

You can see what I accomplished on the trip. I plan to bead the Star. The Spider's body will be made with Fuzzy Stuff. I might Bullion Knot the Legs, but I also found some Facets in my Stash which I could couch in place. We will see which is better.

Now here's the best part of the road trip. Before heading back to Memphis, we stopped at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts to see the Dale Chihuly blown glass exhibit. He is the best! I've seen his work in Memphis and Atlanta. My heart pounds each time I see his work. Awesome.

As we approached the entrance to the Frist Museum we noticed another exhibit also on display:  The Golden Age of Couture, Paris and London 1947-1957. OMG! What a wonderful surprise. There were 221 pieces of original couture dresses and garments from the famous design houses in London and Paris. They focused on Paris Dressmaking, Textiles, Embroidery, Cocktail and Early Evening, Evening and Ballgowns. Pinch me silly and call Rachel Zoe. I died.

Pat and I had the best time seeing both exhibits; a well-deserved reward after an intense photo job. So for anyone in the Nashville area within the sound of my keyboard, please treat yourself to a wonderful experience; the admission was only $10. Thanks, Robin

Merry Mobile, an Ice Cream Truck needlepoint project begins

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

I'd like to tell a little story about my next Needlepoint Study Hall blog topic. I got a wonderful suggestion from Jane/Chilly Hollow about what I might consider for my next stitching project. (She is such a gifted enabler!) With her innocent words: it's summer time... , I started to think about a project I had wanted to do for a long time. Here's some background first.

Pat (my guy!) is from Memphis. His childhood memories of summer included ice cream being served from the Merry Mobile -- a self-propelled carousel ice cream truck unique to Memphis, TN and Louisville, KY in the 1960s. Pat is a photographer and owns Business Visuals. A few years ago after completing a location photo shoot, he ran across an old discarded Merry Mobile in a salvage yard parking lot.

Well, Pat did what he had to do... he photographed the Merry Mobile. Listening to Pat's stories, I could only imagine what it looked like, but now with a photo, I could finally see it. Time had not been kind to the Merry Mobile. Thirty years had passed; it was rusted and faded. Pat showed me the photos and described (with enthusiasm) the former paint scheme, the shiny metal counters, and the jingle of the bells.  One of the first phrases Pat remembers saying was "a nickel and a penny" because that's how much his ice cream cost.

Besides being a talented photographer, Pat also excels at doing Photoshop. It upset him to see his childhood memory all in ruins. Pat decided to bring the Merry Mobile back to life... through Photoshop. On his blog you can read Pat's entry and see the Before & After photos.

OK, you're thinking... what does any of that have to do with needlepoint?

Well, I'm going to stitch the Merry Mobile. Working from Pat's design, I'm going to create a painted canvas. Then I'm going to stitch it. Who knows where this journey will take me? Hope you will join me for the ride.  Thanks, Robin