Robin teaches at Canvas 2018 in Montgomery, AL

Hi Everybody. Robin here.

Wow, it's been 3 Sunday's since I've last blogged. Time sure does fly in the needlepoint world!

I've been gone to teach at the Canvas, a needlepoint adventure in Montgomery, AL. It was one week filled with fun; lead by Leigh Miller (owner of the Needle Bug) and her co-leader, Julia Snyder.

This was the first year for Canvas. For several years, Leigh Miller and the Needle Bug were the "on-site" needlepoint shop for Callaway Gardens. When Callaway closed their doors last year,  Leigh Miller took a leap of faith to create the next needlepoint adventure.

Leigh and Julia invited several national needlepoint teachers to offer 4-day and 2-day classes for the Canvas attendees. Tony Minieri, Barbara Elmore, Julia Snyder, Mary Legallet, Patricia Sone, Debra Rowley, and Robin King (hey! that's me 😊) were the teachers. There were 101 attendees from the US, Bermuda, Canada, and England. It was a slam-dunk home run needlepoint event at the Renaissance Hotel in Montgomery, AL.

Canvas began with the opening night meet-n-greet; there were 2 bus trips to the Needle Bug for shopping sprees and Bug Shots, and a special expedition to the Alabama Shakespeare Theater where the Carolyn Blount theater, prop and costume departments were explored. What a jewel for Montgomery and regional residents.

Katt Z. Witch (KCN 9125)
stitch guide by Robin King

For the 2-day class, I taught the Katt Z. Witch class. We learned the 3D Basket technique as well as the many stitches for this Halloween beauty. It was also the "magical" day when it snowed ❆ in Montgomery, AL. This is the view from our classroom looking out  to the street below...

Snow in Montgomery, AL.

 and towards the downtown and the Alabama River.

Canvas 2018 included a snow event.

For the 4-day class, it was a Charley Harper bonanza of canvases. I offered the over 45+  Charley Harper stitch guides for class selection. We had 18 students make 24 selections. We had attendees from all over. I brought the USA map to showcase where everyone came from.

Canvas 2018 participants for the Charley Harper class.

California, Dallas, St Louis area, southern Illinois area, Memphis (me!), Charlotte area, Atlanta area, costal Florida, costal North Carolina, Massachusetts, Canada, Bermuda, and England were ALL in the house! Talk about another feather in the ol' Canvas cap. 😊

As you can imagine, my Charley Harper class attendees received 2 well-deserved Travel Trophies.

Over sea and land Long Distance traveler, Ann Nobbs.

Ann Nobbs (from England) won the all over Travel Trophy.

All the way from California! Here's Jennifer Rhatigan. 

And, Jennifer Rhatigan (from California) received the North America continent Travel Trophy covering the contiguous US and Canada land mass.

What a fine selection of Charley Harper canvases!

It was a happy class (duly noted by Judy H, Atlanta, GA) and how could it not be? Charley Harper's art is very happy... and fun to stitch, too. Many thanks to all who attended my classes.

Canvas 2018 classes with Robin King

I am hoping to teach next year at Canvas 2019.

4 day class with Robin King
Winter-Christmas and/or Fall-Halloween... your choice

The 4-day class will be stitch guides offered on either Winter/Christmas or Fall/Halloween topics. Your choice! How fun is that?

2 day class with Robin King
Needlepoint Study Hall comes to you.

The 2-day class will be Needlepoint Study Hall... bring your canvas and threads from home (finally! your stash pays off), and let me show you techniques and stitches to get those projects finished.

Be sure to check out the Canvas website.
Here's the link...     https://www.canvasaneedlepointadventure.com

and follow them on Facebook.
Here's the link... https://www.facebook.com/canvasaneedlepointadventure/

Big thanks to the "behind the scenes" people who made Canvas a success: the staff and friends from the Needle Bug including Janet, Amber, Amy, Charlsie, Hammond, Heywood, Marsha, and Laurie as well as the staff/management from the Renaissance Hotel. You put on a hell of a party! Job well done.

Well, that's all for now. I'm home from teaching at Quail Run Needlework, too. Next blog will catch up some of the fun stitches and pieces from the class.

Until then...  Hugs, Robin

Robin teaches at the Bristly Thistle, FL

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

I've traveled 2265.6 miles since I last blogged. First, I went to the Bristly Thistle on Amelia Island, FL.

1477.2 miles round trip

Then 5 days later, I went to The Nimble Needle in Sandy Springs (Atlanta), GA.

788.4 miles round trip

Thank you Delta airlines 🛩 for smooth, safe flights. It has been a fun couple of weeks. I'd like to share my journeys... let's begin at the Bristly Thistle.

Bristly Thistle
811 Beech Street
Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034
(904) 729-4020
www.BristlyThistle.com

The Bristly Thistle is on Amelia Island in the town of Fernandina Beach, just north of Jacksonville, FL. Michele Herron is the owner. Gracie and Max are the sweetest shop pups; Portuguese Waterdogs.

Bristly Thistle
Thread Room

Bristly Thistle
Thread Room and a visiting Trunk Show

Bristly Thistle
Gracie and Classroom

We had three days of canvas enhancement classes. New stitch guides were written; plus there were also help sessions. Lunches were delicious every day! And, did I mention the artisan Chocolate shop a few blocks away?!! Island life is good. 😊

Coffee Pot and Anemones • EW109
stitch guide by Robin King

Lemons  • AOG 106
stitch guide by Robin King

Loon • MSD 1827
stitch guide by Robin King

Mason Jars Christmas • ETC C-509
stitch guide by Robin King

Steampunk Owl • B-349
stitch guide by Robin King

Steampunk Witch • B-399
stitch guide by Robin King

Winter Sheep • DP-LS08
stitch guide by Robin King

Cat Carson Western Scout • HC-C21
stitch guide by Robin King

Melody's help session focused working on the Steampunk Mouse (B-347). We discussed the Pumpkin, Mouse, Background Sky and Umbrella.  We have a good game plan going.

Steampunk Mouse (B-347)

Linda worked on Sunflower Basket (MLT379) for her help session. We discussed the Basket, Sunflowers, Butterfly, Leaves, and the Background. Linda also learned the Stumpwork technique to make her first Flower Center. Big smiles! 😊

Sunflower Basket (MLT379)

Here's a fun stitch to try the next time you have a Border 3 threads tall.

a stitch for you!

I had a lovely time teaching at the Bristly Thistle and look forward to my return visit next year. 

Bristly Thistle 2017
Canvas Enhancement classes with Robin King

Give Michele a call to sign up for the 2018 canvas enhancement classes. Seats are limited. You will enjoy your time on the Island. 🌴 (904) 729-4020.

Must visit Pablo's when you are on the Island!
#bestChileRelleno  #deliciousMargaritas

Next blog we will visit The Nimble Needle in Sandy Springs (Atlanta), GA. 

Until then... Hugs, Robin

Charley Harper's Christmas Capers for the Mews

Hi everybody... Robin here...

I'm back from traveling/teaching at The Nimble Needle-Atlanta (Georgia) and Peacock Alley Needlepoint (Michigan). I am so lucky! meeting all of you and doing what I enjoy doing.

For those who know me... you know Cats are very near and dear to me. (Actually, I have had 3 Golden Retrievers in my life, but now it is all about the Mews.)

Last year, I met a wonderful person & stitcher from Arkansas. Her name is Lizette. She traveled to see me in Memphis at Stitchers Inc. for a Saturday class, and also attended last year's Canvas Enhancement class at Peacock Alley Needlepoint.

With several projects finished, Lizette was ready to stitch something with a Christmas theme: "Christmas Capers" by Charley Harper (Treglown Designs, HC-C165).

Christmas Capers
Treglown Designs • artist, Charley Harper • HC-C165

Lizette researched stitches, threads and beads, and after the usual auditioning, came up with the most clever tribute to Charley Harper's artistry. She really nailed it. The Popcorn is delicious looking. The Raccoons are endearing.

Lizette posted her progress on Facebook and everyone wanted the stitch guide.  She asked me would I take her notes and write up the stitch guide; providing charted stitches and photos of the final piece. "Of course," I said... "it would be my honor."

We met in person at Stitchers Inc. and went over each area for accuracy. With notes in hand, I wrote up the stitch guide... which, by the way, is now available from me.

Soon, I had the most wonderful idea: to donate part of the Stitch Guide proceeds to my local cat/kitten no-kill shelter, The House of Mews in Memphis, TN.

Christmas Capers

Stitch guide by Robin King

Model stitched by Lizette Thomas, Little Rock, AR

I am collecting for an end-of-the-year donation to the The House of Mews. As of today, there have been 13 stitch guides sold. I think of it as a win-win.... for the Mews.

If you have the Christmas Capers canvas in your stash (CH-C165)... or plan to get this canvas... and want a nice stitch guide..., send me an email: creativecats@comcast.net.

OK.. back to guide writing. One of my September destinations is Needle Nook of La Jolla. How sweet is that!

Until then... Hugs, Robin

"Potluck" by Charley Harper and Penny B.

Hi Everybody... Robin here...

Penny Boswinkle was in my recent class at The Nimble Needle-Atlanta. It was good seeing her again.

We do have fun in class. Bouncing stitching ideas off each other. I can honestly say I learn from her, too.

Penny is also fearless; shutters from no stitch, thread, or canvas mesh... she even stitches on black.

In April 2014, Penny selected a Charley Harper canvas called "Potluck" for her canvas enhancement class. The canvas features an animal interested in some pottery... and lots of black for the night sky.

"Potluck" by Charley Harper
(CH-P102)

Here's what Charley Harper said about this canvas...

"Every meal is potluck for an animal in the wild. So when the Coatimundi eats out (as he always does), he'll try anything on the menu. If it creeps, crawls, hops, slithers, squirms, swims, flies, walks, runs or takes root, he'll sample it. Poke around the pueblo with your pliant proboscis, roll some rocks over with your powerful paws, and you'll uncover some esoteric edibles, and some mighty fast food. You know the kind -- grab a bite before it grabs you." –– Charley Harper

I wrote the stitch guide, and Penny took off like a trouper.

So in July 2014 (yes, last week), Penny brought in her finished (!) "Potluck" from the April 2014 class. That's 3 months, folks!

I am beyond thrilled with the results.

When I was writing the stitch guide, I had a "hmmm.... I wonder..." moment. I did some research to see what kind of animal the Coatimundi was. Thanks to the internet, I was able to find some information about the Coatimundi and noticed his foot prints.

Coatimundi

I thought to myself: they MUST be incorporated into the background. I found the perfect Brenda Hart background for visual interest. Doing the happy dance, I then charted the foot prints and included them in the instructions. Hopefully the stitcher would see my vision.

So, in the April class, it was Penny's turn for the stitch guide consultation. (I almost couldn't contain the secret.) Penny read through the guide. She stopped and looked at me. I looked at Penny. We both burst with glee! Beaded FOOTPRINTS! Oh, how fun.

To date, "Potluck" is one of my most favorite Charley Harper pieces. The man was brilliant.

So without any further fanfare... I present "Potluck" by Charley Harper (HC-P102); expertly stitched by Penny Boswinkle. Stitch guide available from Robin King.

"Potluck" by Charley Harper (HC-P102)
Model stitched by Penny Boswinkle
Stitch Guide by Robin King

Thanks for letting me share this story. Special moments, indeed.

Well that's it for now. I'm getting ready for another teaching destination: Peacock Alley Needlepoint in Ada, Michigan. See you there.

Until the next time... HUGS, Robin

more Charley Harper stitch guides

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Remember all of the fun canvases at the recent The Nimble Needle-Atlanta event?

"Frog eat Frog" by Charley Harper

and... Charlsie W. selected the Charley Harper canvas, Frog eat Frog.

Here's the "beauty shot" with all of the threads. Won't this be fun to stitch?

"Frog eat Frog"
Charley Harper (HC-F140) from Treglown Designs
Stitch guide available from Robin King

We have plans for Beads and Swarovski crystals, too.

Charlsie just recently finished stitching another Charley Harper called Pelican Pantry. The whimsical titles are brilliant.

"Pelican Pantry" by Charley Harper

 She used my stitch guide, too.

"Pelican Pantry"
Charley Harper (CH-P034) from Treglown Designs
Stitch guide available from Robin King

What a wonderful job! Thanks for sharing, Charlsie.

Here's an "open" stitch to have in your arsenal.

I call it Bubble & Grid. Guess my titles aren't very Charley Harper-esque. LOL.

Well, the next blog is about my upcoming teaching/travel destination: Creative Stitches and Gifts in Dallas, TX with lots of new stitch guides.

Until then... HUGS, Robin

Man! oh Man! oh Manatee!

Hi Everybody... Robin here...

It's amazing how this blog can reach so many readers. I am very thankful.

In February 2014,  I wrote a stitch guide for the Charley Harper canvas, "Manatee in a Mangrove" (Treglown Designs • CH-M062).

another great Charley Harper design

Last month I received an email from the director of the Sun Region, EGA in Florida. Their region is holding their retreat May 4 & 5, 2014 at Crystal River; the wintering location for manatees.

Crystal ... such a sweet manatee

Jan C. wrote... "Our theme is Crystal River Stitching, and Crystal, the manatee, is our mascot. We will be holding a fund raising activity and would love to include the Charley Harper manatee canvas and your stitch guide. The canvas is perfect for our event. Thanks so much for posting it on your blog."

The canvas & threads were gathered and sent from The Nimble Needle-Atlanta. My stitch guide was sent, too.

Manatee in a Mangrove
Charley Harper • CH-M062 • Treglown Designs
Stitch Guide by Robin King

What a brilliant pairing.

The Sun Region, EGA has a Facebook presence: Sun & Sea Embroiderers.
Here's the link: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sun-Sea-Embroiderers/333104789412

You can read more about them on their website: http://www.sunregionega.org/

Here are the details for the Crystal River Stitching Retreat: http://www.sunregionega.org/seminars-retreats-etc/crs-2014/

Thanks to Jan C. and all at the Sun Region, EGA (The Embroiderers Guild of America in Florida & Bermuda). And, thanks to Miss Crystal, too. She's a wonderful hostess.

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

Brenda & Charley & me

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Why is the needlepoint world in the fastest Time Warp?

Delta.com sent me my reminder to "check in"... what?? Really? I just started stitching! What do you mean I have to leave?

As you can imagine... This has been a fun day.

First, I selected my canvas. After all, it was a canvas embellishment class with Brenda Hart. (Come on Robin, get with it!)

Luckily, In Stitches has an awesome selection of canvases. So many... Wait. What do I see?

A Charley Harper? OMG. Be still my heart. Bam pulled it off the wall, taped it, attached it stretcher bars... And then it was my turn. Gulp. #bucketmoment

Enter Stage right: HC-G164... Gift Rapt.

Don't you love the name?

My turn with Brenda. She discusses the raccoons. Then, she begins the borders. I am taking furious notes. I pull her suggested threads Wow. Love the look.

Many of her inspirations came from her books. You have them, don't you.  If not, order them from your LNS.  Here are the titles:

• Favorite Stitches  by Brenda Hart
• Favorite Stitches II by Brenda Hart
• Stitches for the Millennium by Brenda Hart

After lunch were more packages stitches. I am now looking at her books in a whole new light.

Also want a fun stitch? Check out F-106 in Jo Christensen's book.

Class was over. Purchases were made. I reviewed my notes and my new stash. Can't wait to stitch again.

Tomorrow is my last day. Until then... Robin