The Needle Bug wrap up

Hi Everybody... Robin here... back home in Memphis.

I had the best time teaching the Columbus Heart (#150G from NeedleDeeva) at
The Needle Bug. It was a nice class size, the women were eager to learn, and their hospitality exceeded my expectations. I showed them some interesting techniques which will be handy for future canvases, too.

Here are some photos from Leigh Miller, the owner of The Needle Bug.

After teaching on Saturday, on the way home, Leigh decided to stop and let me feed the deer which live next to her. (We had some apple slices left over from lunch.) Leigh was out of the car first; I was still fumbling with my seatbelt. I heard a "yelp" and I thought, "Oh, so that's how you call the deer."

I came around to the driver's side of the car and Leigh was holding her hand. In her most delicate Southern drawl she said, "Looks like we will be going to the Emergency Room after you feed the deer." I looked at her hand which was gushing blood. She had slammed her finger in the car door!

Ouch!  Yikes!!!  We found some paper napkins and applied pressure while I fed the deer. (Note: she really did want me to feed the deer!)

Back home and after Leigh's finger was cleaned up, she decided to not go to the Emergency Room. We all watched the Auburn vs. University of Mississippi football game. Love the SEC spirit. The next day I flew home to Memphis. Her finger was still hurting so Leigh did get her finger checked out. The email was waiting for me: Broken!!!!

What an unfortunate ending to a wonderful time. But wait!!! There's more. The flight from Montgomery to Atlanta had engine trouble; luckily, it was discovered while still on the tarmac. (The left engine wasn't working!) We went back to the gate, got off the plane, and stood in line to book another flight to Atlanta.

Delta Airlines had a wonderful Plan B: they hired a convoy of shuttle vans (7) to drive us to Atlanta. According to Google Maps, Montgomery to Atlanta is 151 miles; 2 hours 26 minutes. We made it in great time. Delta upgraded my ticket to First Class (sweet!), and the flight home was smooth and fast. Seems like you do get there quicker when you fly First Class.

The Original RedNek™ Wine Glass

What a wonderful time teaching in Montgomery! Adventure. Drama. Sports. New Friends. Great Food. Great Drinks. Speaking of which... look at the awesome gift I received from Leigh and her family. What can I say? I think they get me. Love the Mason jar lid, too. You never know when you might need a To-Go cup. LOL.

Well, that's all for now. Glad to be home. Looking forward to my next teaching opportunity. If you would like me to teach at your needlepoint shop, give me a call. I know we will have a good time.

Until the next time... Thanks, Robin

Alabama... here I come.

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

At the end of this month, I will be teaching at The Needle Bug. How exciting it that!

The Needle Bug is located in Montgomery, Alabama, and is owned by Leigh Miller. They have a strong presence on the website, too. Here's their link: http://theneedlebug.com/

I met Leigh at the Columbus / TNNA market this past June. She had heard about me; I had heard about her. When we met, it was like old home week. We were in the NeedleDeeva booth, admiring the Creepy Characters. Leigh said she wanted me to come teach at her shop in October. I showed her the finished Columbus Heart (ND 150G; named because it debuted at the Columbus market) and she loved it.

It is a good teaching piece. Crescent Roses. Ribbon Mums. Beading. Getting comfortable about stitching over the painted canvas in order to layer the design. These techniques can build confidence and inspiration for other projects, too.

I will be there for 2 days, October 28 and 29, 2011. If you are in the area, or want to take the class long-distance, give Leigh a call. The Needle Bug has true southern charm.

You can read the previous blog postings about the Columbus Heart located in the topic bar as well as clicking on this link: NeedleDeeva Heart #150G. The design measures 3.75" W x 6.25" H on 18 mesh, and comes with my stitch guide.

Look how you can finish this canvas.  Michele Herron from the Bristly Thistle was in my TNNA class, and her piece was finished with "Welcome" added at the bottom. I LOVE this idea. Thanks for sharing, Michele.

I'll be blogging more about my trip to The Needle Bug once I get there. I am so excited for this opportunity to travel, meet other stitchers, share information, and shop!

Until the next time...      Robin

Art Projects are Fun

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Wasn't it great to hear from Peggy. So glad things are settling down for her.

I wanted to share with you the next event towards my out of town teaching: making my Master Book.  I decided to do this for my first teaching endeavor, Katt Z. Witch, and have done it ever since.

I found a neat 3-ring Poly View Binder and created the artwork of the finished stitching into the Front Cover as well as the Binder Edge. Then I use the Sheet Protectors and sleeve up the finished Stitch Guide, Teaching Notes, and other related items.

You can see I now have added my two newest Master Books:

• Harvest Fairy • Melissa Shirley Designs • MSD DM-09
• Bird & Worm • Zecca • ZE-107

This has been very helpful, indeed. My teaching notes are now organized and ready for easy reference. Since I am teaching at Needle in a Haystack/Montrose, CA right after Market, my NeedleDeeva Heart #150G Master Book will help me remember all of the nuances I did over a year ago.

Art Projects as an adult... gotta love it. Thanks, Robin

The Stocking Was Hung?

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Have you put out all of your wonderful needlepoint stitching for this Christmas season? Pat reminded me it's time to hang his stocking. Don't you love this subtle hint? Too funny.

Place Marker for the real Stocking

Today, I've been printing the Bird & Worm stitch guides as well as Harvest Fairy stitch guides and NeedleDeeva Heart stitch guides for the classes I will be teaching next month in California.

Also a few days ago, I received a phone call from Marlene Custom Pillows indicating both the Bird & Worm and Harvest Fairy are finished and are on their way to Memphis. Yippee.

I'll be back with some Christmas decorations and Stockings. I promise. Thanks, Robin

Have Stitch Guide, Will Travel • Tour 2011 begins

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

All systems are go for me to teach at the Long Beach January 2011 TNNA Market. Well, at this moment, it looks like my classes are going to make the selection cut. The TNNA stable of teachers received a friendly reminder from TNNA to publicize their classes; the intention was to remind Shop owners about the classes and to get folks to sign up.

So, if you are reading this blog... AND are a Shop Owner going to the January 2011 Market, I'd like to remind you of some deadlines. First of all, I believe the regular registration deadline for signing up for classes is fast approaching.  December 16, to be exact. After that is late registration with increased class fees.

I found out my 2 classes are on a good sign-up pace. Bird & Worm (ST109) has 1 seat remaining. (Yippee!) Harvest Fairy (NT109) has 5 seats remaining. (Woohoo!) How about that! So, this is a shout out to those who might want to take my classes at Market. Hope to see you in Long Beach.

Here's some more fun things to share with the Needlepoint Study Hall readers. After the Market, I am going to be teaching at TWO needlepoint shops in California. On Tuesday, January 11, 2011, I will be at Needle In A Haystack/Montrose, California teaching the NeedleDeeva Heart #150G. You can read previous NSH blog postings about the NeedleDeeva Heart by clicking on the Previous Topics on the right column of this page. Here's the finished model as a reminder:

Then on Wednesday, January  12, 2011, I will be at A Stitch In Time Needlework/ San Marino, California teaching both Bird & Worm (#ZE-107)  and Harvest Fairy (MSD DM-09). My traveling repertoire is expanding. So honored, indeed. So, if you are in the area of either of these shops, sign up! I'd love to meet you.

Speaking of the Bird & Worm, here's another fun thing to share: Zecca made some custom Feet for the finished model. How cool is that? I'm having it finished as a Stand Up. Then, I began thinking... Zecca  could make some awesome Fimo Clay Feet. After all, that's what she does! So I mentioned my request, and poof... cute FEET arrived in the mail. I will share the final photo with you, later... but for now, here's the Feet.

Well, that's all the news so far. I saw Peggy a few days ago. I know she misses everyone. She's being a good daughter, and that's the most important thing right now. It's my pleasure to keep you kids entertained until she returns to Needlepoint Study Hall. 

Thanks, Robin

News and Mower News

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Hope everyone's Halloween was their best, ever.

Looks like Melinda's Bride Z. Illa and Zomme B. Groom came back from the finisher. Awesome! You can see them on her blog as well as the group shot (including Stirha and Frank) on her mantle. Great job, Melinda.

My head has been down; blinders on... stitching on the Harvest Fairy. Deadlines, I tell you... deadlines. But... I am so pleased to say... she's DONE. Tonight I will begin writing her Stitch Guide. She's a cutie, if I say so, myself. I do hope her handlers (Melissa Shirley and Debbie Mumm) are equally pleased. Fingers crossed.

The TNNA website has posted the two classes I will be teaching at the Long Beach 2011 Winter Market.  Here's the link to the Zecca/Bird & Worm class (8AM - 10AM, Saturday, January 8, 2011).  Here's the link to the Melissa Shirley/Debbie Mumm/Harvest Fairy class (8AM - 10AM, Sunday, January 9, 2011).

(If you click on the links you can see a preview of the canvases... I'm not saying... I'm just saying!)

Each class has limited seats of 20; open to the Needlepoint Shop owners attending the Market. So, if you know someone who will be attending the Market... give them the heads-up about my classes. Regular Registration for TNNA members is now open thru December 16, 2010... then the price goes up. It's an affordable class and it comes with an awesome Thread Kit.

My Stitch Guides will be available from Zecca and Melissa Shirley Designs... talk about your powerhouses! It is really an honor to stitch their designs. Here's an excerpt from one of the stitch guides: the Oak Leaf. I thought, being that it is November 02... it would be a fun thing to share with you in the Needlepoint Study Hall. Enjoy!

Here's some more news... the day after the Market, I will be traveling to Needle In A Haystack (Montrose, CA) to teach a one-day class, NeedleDeeva's Heart #150G. How exciting is that! Here's their website so you can see the announcement of my class. Jody, the owner, is a wonderful lady, and I am most excited for this opportunity. For those of you within the sound of this blog, come join me at the Needle In a Haystack (Montrose, CA), Tuesday, January 11, 2011.

Have you noticed the title of this blog entry: News and Mower News... I'll explain. This summer, during grass cutting season, Pat went to get some Mower gas. He also got some gasoline for his car. There were 2 same-day credit card charges reflecting these transactions. Everything was fine. The next day, he got a courtesy phone call from the Credit Card company; they noticed the transactions. They asked him, "Were you shopping at the QuickMart?" "Yes," he replied. "I got Gas." They said, "and then..." He said, "I got Mower Gas." The Credit Card person thought he was being a smart-a##... but actually, it was a case of mistaken "Southern Drawl." He said Mower Gas.... their heard More Gas. We laugh about it, even today... bwahahhahaha.

Well, we will try to not be such strangers this month. Peggy says things are getting better and thanks for all of your thoughts.  Best news, ever. Thanks, Robin

NeedleDeeva Heart #150G/Robin King Stitch Guide is now available

Hi Everybody ... Robin here.

Just wanted to let you know... the NeedleDeeva Heart (#150G) is now available with my Stitch Guide. How cool is that! Your LNS can order it directly from NeedleDeeva.

So, this is my second Commercial Stitch Guide. Woohoo!  To refresh your memory, my first Commercial Stitch Guide was Katt Z. Witch (KCN 9125) from Kelly Clark Needlepoint. Again, your LNS can order it directly from Kelly Clark Needlepoint; you can also order it from me. Just email me creativecats@comcast.net.

Seeing Peggy's recent posting about her love for Bargello reminded me of our conversation in Columbus. Peggy had met June McKnight, and was thrilled because of her knowledge of Bargello. Peggy indicated her needlework journey began by first learning Bargello, then Counted Cross Stitch, then Needlepoint. You can see Peggy is an accomplished stitcher.

On the last day of Market we met Phillipa Turnbull (from England), and I told Peggy my needlework experience began with Crewel, then Embroidery. You can see I am comfortable with Crewel/Embroidery stitches; just look at the NeedleDeeva Heart (#150G). Needlepoint was much later (self-taught in the 1970s), and I began officially learning the correct techniques in 1990s. So Peggy and I met iconic industry leaders within a few days; exciting.

Well, that's all for now. The Floating Cat with Pumpkin Balloon is coming along good. The Cat Body is finished. Next I will begin stitching the eyes... and we know: it's all about the EYES.

Thanks, Robin

UPDATE: Thanks to Jane/Chilly Hollow who mentioned my Stitch Guides on her Needlepoint Stitch Guides blog. Jane, you are awesome.

Mariela Nielson Designs and Good Times in Columbus

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Well, this photo sums it all up. Take a look at this bottle of wine. Love the name of it: CANVAS. Is that not the most perfect wine to have after concluding the Columbus TNNA Market?  It was meant to be.

CANVAS • Merlot • 2008

And it was very tasty, too. For those wine connoisseurs... it also comes in a Chardonnay. I've got my eye on that next! 

Today was the last day of Market. Where did the time go? (Rhetorical answer: in front of this computer!) Today was tying up loose ends and saying good bye to the wonderful friends we met during this trip.

Speaking of meeting new friends, I did want to share with you the new designer I met at the Market: Mariela Nielson Designs. This market was her 1st time to exhibit at TNNA. Mariela used to paint for Rebecca Wood, and now has her own line of Needlepoint Designs. Mariela and her husband are from North Logan, Utah. Very nice couple!

Her canvases are beautifully painted. Great shading and detail.  Amy ordered some of her canvases. Here's a few of the designs on their way to Memphis. I wish the best for Mariela, and you can say you heard about her first in Needlepoint Study Hall.

Mariela Nielson Designs • 302-A • 4" x 4" • 18 mesh

Mariela Nielson Designs • 703-A • 4" x 4" • 18 mesh

Mariela Nielson Designs • 300-A • 4" x 4" • 18 mesh

Mariela Nielson Designs • 600-A • 12" x 12" • 13 mesh

If you get the chance to read the blog entry from Michele Herron at Bristly Thistle, she said some nice (and unsolicited) comments about the class that I taught on Saturday. Thanks, Michele. Here's the link.

I found some new threads to use for the next class I'm going to teach at the next TNNA. What? Did I just let that slip out?  Oops! Yes, I am submitting a proposal to teach another NEW canvas at the January 2011 TNNA Market in Long Beach, CA. This time it is a canvas from Zecca. Again, you heard it here first!

And... also, I am hoping to teach another class at the January 2011 TNNA Market with a new canvas from Melissa Shirley's newest designer. How cool is that! 

The threads are from Dream House Ventures called Empress. It is a single strand Ultra Fine Merino Wool, Cashmere, Silk blend.  It is so soft and yummy to touch. I can't wait to stitch with it. Dream House Ventures are the same people who bring us The Pure Palette's Soy Luster and Baroque Silk. The extent of their colors are fabulous. What a wonderful opportunity, indeed.

I wanted to show some images from the NeedleDeeva booth. I photographed the booth showing the Columbus Heart #150G canvas on display. Can you see it? I was so pleased to see it say "Stitch Guide by Robin King." Judee has been a sweet-heart for this entire journey.

This photos shows the Heart #150G on display in booth.

NeedleDeeva Heart #150G & the Robin King Stitch Guide.

We visited designers and thread companies for early planning stages about DVD #9. Can you believe it?  This evening we are winding down, and will have an early departure back to Memphis. Then, life, as we know it, will resume to normal. I am ready to hug Pat and our cats, and then begin working on the July e-newsletter, new website stuff, stitch guides, etc...

CANVAS • Chardonnay • 2008

It was a wonderful market with Peggy, Amy, and our hotel roommates, Colleen and Lisa. Glad you came along for the ride. Cheers, Robin.

NeedleDeeva Heart #150G is ready to travel

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

I've been packing my bags for tomorrow's Columbus Market trip, and took a break to look at what's new with the Chilly Hollow blog. As usual, Jane had wonderful things to look at and admire.

The Barbara Bergsten link reminded me I still needed to insert the NeedleDeeva Heart #150G into the Black Stirling Self-Finishing Shoulder Bag for my class on Saturday. Oops! I quickly gathered my supplies: pencil, ruler, scissors, and traced the cutting edge onto the canvas.

Then I began to insert the needlepoint into the Stirling Bag. It comes with a peel 'n stick surface; however, I chose to not use it this time. I got everything lined up. Looks good.

NeedleDeeva Heart #150G (affectionately called Columbus Heart) is now ready for its TNNA Summer Market debut. The tour begins with my class on Saturday with the Shop Owners from across the country. What an honor. Then it will spend the rest of the time in the NeedleDeeva booth enticing Shop Owners to purchase this new design. Yes, this canvas comes with a Robin King Stitch Guide showing how I did all of these fun stitches and techniques with text, photos, and charted diagrams.  Be sure to check out all the new canvases from NeedleDeeva being revealed at this Market.

Guess who else is traveling to Columbus...?

Yes, that's right! Katt Z. Witch is hitching a ride to hang out in Kelly Clark's booth during the Market. I heard she might even meet her new cousin, Ratt Z. Witch. That will be a fun reunion.

I've got my name badge ready, and both Peggy and I will be blogging about our experiences at Market.  This will be fun.

Stitch Fast, Ladies. We're Going to Market.

Thanks, Robin

Tying Up Loose Ends

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

I'm tying up loose ends tonight. What?!! I have added the DMC Memory Thread to the Cat Face. Come look at my madness.

I wanted to share with you my "organized" chaos. I have poked and put in place the Memory Thread for the Cat's Whiskers, Nose and Mouth. The DMC Memory Thread is so dreamy to work with; just have a Laying Tool or a Trolley Needle close by to give you some "pass through" room. Also, have your trusty 1-strand of DMC Floss pre-anchored; ready to couch in place. I did leave them loose so I could bend, tweak or remove as needed for symmetry.

It is my plan and intention to confirm them on the front and secure them on the back. You are seeing the "before" view. Isn't this blogging FUN? Trust me, it looks so CUTE! I will show you the Front Side after I do the MEOW.

Remember, I am on a deadline: the Mewtopia Silent Auction Wine & Whiskers is June 12... the same day I will be teaching Needle Deeva's Heart at Columbus TNNA Summer Market.

OK, back to couching. I will post more progress soon. Thanks, Robin

Robin is teaching this canvas at Columbus TNNA Summer Market

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Well, I finished it. What's it? My wonderful class piece from Needle Deeva. I have nicknamed it the Columbus Heart, but officially it is #150G in the Needle Deeva line. This canvas will be released at the June 2010/Columbus TNNA Summer Market. Lucky you... here's a preview.

I will be teaching this canvas & stitch guide to 20 Shop Owners during the TNNA Summer Market on Saturday, June 12, 2010. So far, 11 people have signed up; 9 seats still available. If you are a shop owner, or, if your LNS is going to the TNNA Columbus Market, consider taking my class. Judee from Needle Deeva is a sweetheart, as well as a fabulous canvas designer. This canvas is one of a new series of Hearts. Love it! ♡

The canvas is on 18 mesh, and will have a finished size of 4⅜" W x 6⅞" H. Fits into the Stirling Bag Self-Finishing products. I'm going to use the Black Shoulder Bag. Won't that make those colors POP! This canvas will be available from Needle Deeva with my Stitch Guide through your LNS this June. That's next month!

I stretched my mind and came up with new techniques: challenging, but not too challenging. Beads, Ribbons, and the wonderful Kreinik Holographic Braid were used. Awesome threads from Rainbow Gallery, DMC, ThreadWorX, River Silks, and Mill Hill were used, too. Did I already mention I had fun stitching this canvas? The Stitch Guide has been written. The Thread donations have been submitted. This evening I took its official PHOTO.

What an exciting time I have had! Thanks for letting me share my new NEWS with you. Robin

Oops! Have You Ever?

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Have you ever decided to use Elegance (E801) instead of Grandeur (G801)? Mind you, both threads from Rainbow Gallery are wonderful. Both are Black... Silk... on a Rainbow Gallery card. But, during your TNNA project (Columbus / June 2010) pre-planning, you decide to use Elegance.

Has Life ever distracted you? Both cards are within arms length. You don't realize anything is going on... until you look at the "almost used-up" Grandeur card. What the ....? Really?!

Well, welcome to my world. Tonight, I am the "Queen of Ripping Out." Just wanted to share... I was reading some of the Frank's Pants comments. Guess I wanted you to know... been there... done that! Thanks, Robin

Obligations & Wonderful Opportunities

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

I wanted to share with you what's been going on in my world.

Remember when I taught Kelly Clark's Katt Z. Witch class in January 2010 at the Long Beach TNNA Winter Market ? It was such an exciting time & opportunity.

While in Long Beach, I met another designer, Judee from Needle Deeva. (Step into the Way-Back Machine with me... remember Vicky De Angelis won 1st place at ANG ... she stitched the Needle Deeva's Halloween Town. Yes, the same Needle Deeva wanted me to design a Stitch Guide for a new canvas! OMG... can you believe it?!) I am currently stitching one of her new designs (to be released June 2010) for another teaching experience at the June 2010 Columbus TNNA Market. Lucky you... here's a preview.

I have put down all of my other stitching distractions to focus on this deadline. (Yes, Floating Cat Balloon... I will get back to you...) It has been really fun to stitch this project. I will design the Stitch Guide, and it will be available through the Needle Deeva website. For the TNNA class, I plan to finish it into the Stirling Self-Finishing Shoulder Bag. Photos to come... stay tuned.

I know that Peggy is furiously stitching Frank, and is having a grand time. Next on the Halloweenies agenda is Kit #2 for the Halloweenies Haunted House. Who knew Amy Bunger had carpentry skills? (I did!) And, for all of you doing the Halloweenies characters... just wait until you see Zombie Bride-Zilla! What a whoot! Kelly Clark & Amy B. continue their magic.

Ouch, these Tap Shoes are starting to pinch. I will hand the show over to Peggy. Just wanted to let you know what's going on in my world... obligations and wonderful opportunities, indeed. Thanks, Robin