Teaching at In Stitches - Atlanta

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Usually when I am "off the blog radar" it is because the blinders have been put on and I am focused on deadlines. This was yet, true again. So sorry!

I'd like to conclude my visit to In Stitches for you. Here goes...

The flight from MEM to ATL was easy breezy. Just the way I like it, right? I continued to work on pending stitch guides while at the airport.

Another Stitch Guide in the works
Nutcracker Soldier & Mouse King Cuff  •  Rebecca Wood 1433 

Once on the plane we had a slight delay due to weather in Atlanta so they had us wait on the Memphis tarmac. Oh, the advantages of a window seat. Look who else was waiting.

Sharing the road with FedEx

Finally we took off...

Somewhere between MEM and ATL

... and landed in ATL. Comfortable weather 67 degrees. Can you believe this was August in the south?

Chamber of Commerce weather package

I've had lovely opportunities teaching at In Stitches, and this time it was at their "new" location. Right across the street from their former location; a jewel to behold.

Summertime view
In Stitches - Atlanta

Jeanene Weiner, the new owner of In Stitches, was able to create (from a blank canvas) a wonderful shop. The light fixtures were like jewelry.

Comfortable seating in the class room
In Stitches - Atlanta

The Halloween Room
In Stitches - Atlanta

The bathroom was like a spa experience. I love this wallpaper.

Pretty wallpaper
In Stitches - Atlanta

The threads are arranged by color... so easy for selecting what you need.

The Rainbow Gallery room
In Stitches - Atlanta

The Flowers in a Vase class was taught to a full house. They learned Stumpwork, Ribbon Work, various Beading techniques and decorative composite stitches.

Flowers in a Vase (ND 311)
Stitch Guide by Robin King

I also gave other demonstrations, too.

French Knots, Colonial Knots and Ribbon Flowers

Our hostess, Emeline Loughlin (manager of the newest In Stitches located in Newnan, GA) was the pure essence of southern hospitality. She treated everyone to a southern delicacy: Cheese Straws crackers.

She sent a box of Cheese Straws home for me. They were hand-carried... protected like the precious cargo they were.

Bringing some Georgia memories home with me.
Thanks, Emeline!

Cheese Straws and Wine
Great ending to a great trip

My time at In Stitches was so much fun. Good for the soul, too. I look forward to returning again.

I'm getting ready for another stitching destination. Will talk about it in the next blog.

Until then... Hugs, Robin

Teaching Flowers in a Vase at In Stitches-Atlanta

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

I am getting ready to go to Atlanta... to teach at In Stitches-Atlanta. I am most anxious to see their new store (conveniently located right across the street from their former location).

You might ask: "What are you going to teach, Robin?"
"Thank you for asking," I would reply.

Flowers in a Vase for a 2-day class. Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18. The pace will be comfortable and thorough.

Flowers in a Vase by NeedleDeeva (ND 311)
Stitch Guide available from Robin King

I will demonstrate the Stumpwork, Ribbon techniques, Raised Fishbone, Messy Beading, Sparkles... and anything which might be fun for the class.  I will also share my secrets for successful beading. You know me... I'm the See One, Do One, Teach One gal.

And, there will be lots of stitching done, too. How fun is that?!

I am most appreciative to return to In Stitches-Atlanta. Very charming and friendly. Just what every needlepoint teacher would hope for. Looking forward to seeing their new owner, Jeanene.

I'll have my camera ready to take photos of their new place. Wonder what kind of stash enhancement I will do? Threads? Accessories? Canvases? Oh, can't wait. Love flying to ATL. From Memphis: wheels up to wheels down is about 57 minutes. It's my home-away-from-home.

Recently, I was sent a photo of a finished Flowers in a Vase by Kathy Hix who was in my class held at Stitch by Stitch in Larchmont, NY. Look at the wonderful embellishments.

Begin with the stitch guide and then make it your own.
Stitched by Kathy Hix

Kathy is an excellent stitcher and I am honored to see her variation. Makes me proud. (Note to self: Always be on the lookout for buttons and baubles!)

Well, that's it for now. Time to gather and pack... all while not disturbing Max the Cat. He is so comfortable.

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.
                         ___________________________________________________

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

The Nimble Needle in Atlanta

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Back home in Memphis. In front of the computer. Watching the Weather Channel and the Superstorm  Sandy storm coverage. Amazing. Terrifying. My thoughts are with all who were in her path.

I was able to get out of Atlanta before the storm. Not that Sandy was coming to Atlanta, but flights out of ATL were getting delayed all around.

A warm welcome from The Nimble Needle.

My time spent teaching Flowers in a Vase (ND 311) at The Nimble Needle in Sandy Springs, GA (Atlanta area) was delightful. Shop owner, Stacy Brown, has a decorator's eye for arranging the canvases on the wall by themes.

The Nimble Needle
Sandy Springs, Georgia (Atlanta area)

Halloween, Animals, Geometrics, Christmas, Judaic, Flowers, Sayings, Baby/Children... so easy to see all at one glance.

The Threads are arranged by color families and clearly labeled. Very nice for the customer when making color selections.

Her stitched models are stunningly fabulous. Stitch guides by Stacy Brown are available, too.

Pumpkin under Glass.
Stitched by Stacy Brown/The Nimble Needle

Halloween Bottles by Kirk & Hamilton.
Stitched by Stacy Brown/The Nimble Needle.

Beautiful Judaic needlepoint with Swarovski Crystals.
Stitch guides by Stacy Brown/The Nimble Needle.

Each Pumpkin has a story to tell.
Stitch guides by Stacy Brown/ The Nimble Needle.

There were 14 women in the class. The Atlanta ANG chapter was in attendance, too. Two days was perfect for covering each of the design areas: Stumpwork, Ribbon Embroidery, Turkey Work, Composite Stitches, and Messy Beading. Everyone liked the look of the Raised Fishbone stitch. They made me feel very welcome.

Not only is Stacy a wonderful shop owner,
she can grow Orchids, too.

Speaking of which... it was very relaxing atmosphere at The Nimble Needle. Comfy chairs. Nice lighting. Customers came in to sit & stitch; select their newest projects or turn in their most recent ones to be finished. It was the place to be.

There was a cool Ribbon/Button/Adornment shop called "Nicholas Kniel: Fine Ribbon & Embellishments"; located right above The Nimble Needle. I took a visit. Look their Halloween Ribbons. (The arrangement made me smile.) Cool Buttons. And, the Flowers... oh, my! The ladies at The Nimble Needle are looking into taking a gift wrapping class from Nicholas Kniel. Wouldn't that be fun. Be sure and tell me all about it, OK?

Nicholas Kniel right above The Nimble Needle

Ribbons

Buttons

Fun things which sparkle.

Flowers

Atlanta has awesome restaurants. Stacy and I had our celebratory meal at
The Spence. Ever watch Top Chef All-Stars on Bravo? Richard Blais was their most recent winner, and The Spence is his newest restaurant. Techno-chic. Innovative food combinations and presentations. Stacy and I throughly enjoyed the evening. Richard Blais was in the house, too. Sweet.

Want to know one of my guilty pleasures? Noting the signage on the Women and Men bathroom doors at restaurants. I have seen some cute ones in my days: the Cowgirl and Cowboy; the Tomato and Cucumber; the Purse and the Briefcase; Gulls and Buoys; Olivia Newton-John and Elton John.  Look at these from The Spence. Brilliant.

So, Robin's October-Month-On-Tour is now concluded. I welcome the chance to be home in front of the computer and/or my frame stand. After all, there are still deadlines looming: stitch guides to write, model stitching to do, and get ready to teach 2 classes at TNNA/February 2013 in Long Beach, CA.

Plus, in a month, I will be back on the plane heading to teach at The Enriched Stitch in Wilton, CT. It will be a one-day Flowers in a Vase (ND 311) class (November 30th) and a one-day Canvas Enhancement class (December 1st). Give Suzie Vallerie a call to join in the fun... (203) 210-5107.

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

Observing Brenda Hart

Hi everybody... Robin here.

Back at the Memphis airport. Heading to The Bristly Thistle to teach my two latest pieces: Sunflower and Berries (ND 309) AND Flowers in a Vase (ND 311). I am thrilled for this opportunity.

I still want to show you a few photos from my Brenda Hart class last week.

This canvas was being stitched by an attendee (Sue). The canvas is by The Point of It All Designs. It has an Art Deco vibe with a stylized Blue Heron.

I was so impressed with Brenda's stitch/thread choice for the flowers. Alternating long stripes of Petite Very Velvet with either Neon Rays+ or Neon Rays.

Now why didn't I think of that?

Love the look. Try it for clothes, witch hat, top hat, or foliage.

Brenda also demonstrated her beading Lasso technique; using a trolley needle as the separator... allowing the threads to divide and hug the bead.

I haven't had a chance to continue stitching my "Gift Rapt" by Charley Harper. Not because of want or desire, but rather because of working/stitching /stitch guide writing deadlines.

Like I said... The needlepoint world travels at warp speed.

Well, I plan/hope to blog from Florida. Until then... Hugs, Robin