Have your Zen moment with Zecca

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

What a week! Politics aside... Mother Nature is showing us who's boss. Hang in there, Texas!!

We need a moment of Zen, and needlepoint from Zecca is just the right place to start.

Karen Hennessey creates a wonderful world of color, design and thoughtfulness. For me, it all began with "Early Bird" (ZE -107).

"Early Bird" by Zecca (ZE-107)
stitch guide by Robin King

I also stitched the "Thistle" (ZE-178) and "Lotus Squared" (ZE-134) ... small designs with lots of techniques to share. Great teachable moments! These commercial stitch guides are available thru your Local/Favorite Needlepoint stores from Zecca.

(Side note: Zecca will attend the Dallas Market on September 9th weekend. It is a Cash & Carry Market; your shop owner can bring some Zecca goodness to you. 😊)

"Early Bird" (ZE-107) by Zecca
Stitch guide by Robin King 

"Thistle" (ZE-178 ) by Zecca
Stitch guide by Robin King

"Lotus Squared" (ZE-134) by Zecca
Stitch guide by Robin King

I have also written many custom stitch guides for Zecca canvases... 19 so far. 😊

• Birds in Paradise 1 (ZE-344A)
• Make Stuff Be Happy (ZE-314)
• Bird Purse (ZE 208)
• Turquoise Paisley (ZE-330)
• Home is Where the Heart Is (ZE-379)
• Molting Season (ZE-280)
• Vested Owl (ZE-318)
• Winter (ZE-103)
• Fall (ZE-99)
• Summer (ZE-98)
• The Librarian (ZE-258)
• Koi Pond (ZE-326)
• Housework (ZE-322)
• Wading (ZE-341)
• Little Family (ZE-256)
• Anu (ZE-282)
• Many Birds (ZE-293)
• Peacock (ZE-262A)
• Don't Pursue Happiness... Create It. (ZE-118)

Here's some of those stitch guides finished. Love it when stitchers send me photos!

"Many Birds" by Zecca (ZE-293)
stitched by Leslie Hanna
stitch guide by Robin King

"Molting Season" by Zecca (ZE-280)
"Wading" by Zecca (ZE-341)
stitched by Alice Gertzman
stitch guides by Robin King

"Vested Owl" by Zecca (ZE-318)
stitched by Jan Stone
stitch guide by Robin King

"Little Family" by Zecca (ZE-256)
stitched by Jane Makowka
stitch guide by Robin King

"Don't Pursue Happiness... Create It." by Zecca (ZE-118)
stitched by Luanne Samson
stitch guide by Robin King

Currently, there could not be a truer message for me than this canvas called "Housework."  😀

"Housework" by Zecca (ZE-322)
stitch guide by Robin King

Last thing to show you is how finishing can enhance one's needlepoint. I finished my "Lotus Squared" canvas into a black lacquered box which was handy for traveling and teaching. Plus, I really like to have useful items, too.

"Lotus Squared" by Zecca (ZE-134)
stitch guide by Robin King

Several years ago, I taught at Ruth Schmuff's shop, Bedecked and Beadazzled. Ruth stitched the same "Lotus Squared" and had hers framed; she does love color.  What a talented lady!

"Lotus Squared" by Zecca (ZE-134)
stitched by Ruth Schmuff
stitch guide by Robin King

Well, that's all for now. Go discover Zecca and find your inner Zen. ☮

Until the next time... HUGS!  Robin

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

Hug Me Company and Miss Malibu

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

One of my favorite sayings is Hugs, but did you know there is a company based in New Orleans, LA called Hug Me Company?

Yes, there is. The owner is Amy Yuseph. The Hug Me Company makes elegant bags and accessory bags for needlepoint, knitting, travel and general use.

I first met Amy while attending the TNNA Market. Her booth was filled with her fabric bags. Beautifully made; workmanship in the USA. Fabrics to envy. Quality craftsmanship. I'm sure your favorite needlepoint shop carries the Hug Me Company line. Knitting Shops carry them, too.

Recently, Vicky De Angelis did a wonderful blog about the Hug Me Company. With her permission, here are some of her photos from the Mostly Needlepoint blog:

I also have a Hug Me Bag to show you... a new envelope shape; just purr-fect for smaller projects; like the size of the Fab Firs by NeedleDeeva, for example.

Look at the inside. Love the fabric. Notice how the design of the envelope flap aligns with the body. It measures 13" W  x 11.5" H and has a zippered pocket inside as well as a zippered closure. Nice.

(P.S. here's a peek of something I'm currently stitching for Ruth Schmuff. So cute. I will share it with you on another day.)

Here is the link for the Hug Me Company website: http://www.hugmeco.com/  There, you can see the styles and the fabrics available. Here are some screenshots from her website.

Which brings me to another, yet related, topic: the 2013 Miss Malibu contest. Question: What does the Hug Me Company and the 2013 Miss Malibu contest have in common? Answer: Arielle Yuseph, of course.

Arielle Yuseph is the daughter of Amy Yuseph. Arielle is a needlepointer and a knitter, and she is entering the 2013 Miss Malibu contest.  How cool is that?

And... Arielle needs our help.  This year, the 2013 Miss Malibu contest is noticing who get the most  "likes" on the Miss Malibu Facebook page; the results will be part of the selection process.

Here's the link:  https://www.facebook.com/miss.malibu  and scroll down until you find Arielle's entry. Then "Like" her photo as well as "Like" the Miss Malibu page.

The pageant takes place August 18, 2012 (which is this coming Saturday) so be sure to "Like" Arielle today and wish her the best success.

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

Memphis Pyramid and Needlepoint

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Beginning a new canvas is so much fun. Planning the stitches. Looking through my thread stash; endless combinations and possibilities. Having a helper named Leo... priceless.

Leo did his part to help me find all of the Red/Pink and Green Threads I might need for the new project. What is my new project, you might ask? Can't reveal it just yet, but please know, it is a wonderful collaboration with Ruth Schmuff. (You can see a sneak peek below.)

Pat (my guy, owner of Business Visuals) was on a photography assignment. I accompanied him and did some stitching while we were driving to the location. The focus of the photo shoot was to show new improvements in Memphis, TN. Pat was documenting the current renovations of the Memphis Pyramid as it becomes the newest location for a Bass Pro Shops.

I like to photograph my current needlepoint along the way. Here's a fun photo which sums it all up.

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

Does Artistry mimic Reality?

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Tonight's topic: does Artistry mimic Reality?  If the Court allows... I give you Exhibit A: a wonderful design from Ruth Schmuff, Cat with Tulips.

Cat with Tulips by Ruth Schmuff

And, I would like to introduce Exhibit B: Elliot smelling new Tulips. 

Elliot smelling Tulips

So... if it pleases the court... I would like to ask: does Artistry mimic Reality? I think, YES. I rest my case. Thanks, Robin