Some of Robin's Favorite Christmas Things

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

We are in the 2-week countdown until Christmas 🎄. Yikes! How's it going for you?

I thought I'd get into the Christmas mood and share with you a few of my favorite things.

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First up is this delightful stocking stitched and finished by Fran Tylavsky.  The canvas name is Woodland Territorial Santa (TTAXS440) from Susan Roberts Needlepoint; artist, Liz Goodrick-Dillon. Fran attends my local needlepoint classes at Stitchers Inc in Memphis, TN. She recently became a first-time grandmother, and William is the lucky boy for this stocking.

William is a very lucky boy!
Lovingly stitched by Gran Fran.

Fran stitched and finished this stocking this year... in only 8 months (our first class time was April 1, 2017) all while still working her full time job! Here's one of my photos from our class taken 04/01.

Woodland Territorial Santa
TTAXS440

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Here's one of my favorite things: Teri Ambriz Snowflake Design.

Teri does Snowflakes right!

Teri is a member of the Facebook Needlepoint Nation, and she is a very prolific stitcher. One of her finished pieces had this delightful background. I diagramed it and it is now part of my stitch guide repertoire. Thanks, Teri for your inspiration!

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Every holiday/season needs a special cocktail, and my favorite December go-to is from Chef Mario Batali.

Persephone cocktail
One of my favorite things!

It's called Persephone and has 4 wonderful ingredients: Gin, Rosemary simple syrup, pomegranate juice, and a squeeze of lime.  The Gin & Rosemary play nice together, and the Pom color is very festive. Don't be afraid of making the Rosemary Simple Syrup. It really is simple and Chef Mario includes the how-to, too. Here's the link to Mario's website. http://www.mariobatali.com/recipes/persephone/  It's a must have for those who do.  😊

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Need a quick little stitch? Try the Christmas Trees! Very festive.🎄

A stitch for you!

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Last, but not least: Christmas Lights. Brilliant idea.💡

Christmas Light by Midge King

My sister, Midge, designed and stitched a bunch of these for her Christmas tree. She used the same stitch different across the color families.

Christmas Lights by Midge King

Once done, then she selected another stitch pattern and made another set. Great way to work with your stash. Here's another idea: you could even make the Lights from the threads of your project you worked during the year. 😊

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Well, that's all for now. Would love to hear from you.

Until the next time. HUGS!  Robin

Memphis Needlepointers - part 3

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

I have more Memphis stitchers to show off... Let's continue.

Michelle Harkavy delicately balances work and family, and still finds time to needlepoint and knit. Amazing. One of the projects Michelle is working on is the Perfume Vendor by Labors of Love; stitch guide by Amy Bunger. I get to interpret those written words and watch Michelle's beautiful stitching come to life. #luckyme

Perfume Vendor • Labors of Love
Stitching by Michelle Harkavy

Linda Boyle is a stitching phenom. She just finished Melissa Shirley's Lilluokalani (from the Wild Women series, 1189-C). I gave her the Buttonhole suggestion for the Purple Flowers and the Hair suggestion. It was an honor.

Linda Boyle embraces her inner Hula lady.

Currently, Linda is working on dede Ogden's Large Fish. We are working on the "backside" of the fish right now with some scallop stitches. For the front side of the Fish, I will have fun suggesting stitches as well as cyphering notes from dede's Project Book, "That's Not Needlepoint" Book 1. Oh, the things we are going to learn.

Large Fish by dede Ogden
Stitching by Linda Boyle

Jamie Celmer is another new stitcher to the Saturday canvas enhancement group. She is having a fun time learning new stitches and threads. Jamie has finished her first piece under my direction. Congratulations.

Jamie enjoyed learning new stitches.

Want to know what's next from Jamie? This Charley Harper canvas, Cardinals Consorting (HC-C172), from Treglown Designs. Oh, the fun we are going to have!

Cardinals Consorting by Charley Harper
Treglown Designs - HC-C172
Soon to be stitched by Jamie Celmer.
Stitch Guide by Robin King.

Last, but not least, is Karen Jetton. Karen has been attending the Saturday classes and we enjoy her company. Last year, she traveled to Colorado to visit her daughter, and while there took a Tony Minieri canvas embellishment class. Lucky us, we watched her stitching progress and saw An Angel Playing a Flageolet in its finished state.

I've asked Karen to give us synopsis about her Angel canvas journey. Here are her words...

I had been searching for the “perfect” canvas.  It had to represent who I am and what I love.  In the art world I would call myself a “Renaissance Woman."  I love the rich copper, gold, blues and salmon color ways.  I have great passion for Angels.  Usually, the ones with soft wings and flowing hair catch my eye.  Statues of angels (usually found in cemeteries) mean the most to me.  In my quest I really wanted to find the perfect Angel that spoke to me in a warm and loving way.

With the search engines and scope of ways to search online I ran across the website artneedlepoint.com.  I highly recommend this site for unusual and fascinating pieces.  It has so many canvas copies from original art work.  After searching the website for angels I found “An Angel Playing A Flageolet” by Edward Burne-Jones.  One thing you might want to note regarding this particular site is the fact that the canvases are screen painted.  But the prices are reasonable and I had no trouble working on the screen painted canvas. 

Finally, it came time to go out to Colorado for Tony’s class.  Thank goodness I had taken a counted-work class with him before.  I knew before going that I had so much to look forward to in the class.  I knew Tony would bowl me over with the stitch design, the colors and fiber selections.  He is a Master Teacher.  There is no doubt about it.  I was amazed by his selection.  My only fear was whether I could do the canvas justice.  In the two day class I asked Tony a million questions and felt pretty comfortable by the end of the two days.  (*Note to self – Don’t EVER think you are comfortable with any project.) Beside I knew I had two experts at home in Amy Bunger and Robin King to help me out if I got into trouble.

After the two day class I had a great three week visit with my daughter and son-in-law and believe it or not I was able to get a lot of the Angel finished.  By the time I left Colorado I had the brown frame around the window and most of the sleeves, halo and dress done.  I thought I could get the hair and wings done in no time.  Wrong!!!   Wrong!!!! Wrong!!!!

I struggled and struggled with the weight of the wings and the design of the wings and where the wings and dress stopped and started.  I had the colors Tony selected and then I came home bought, revised and remixed colors and texture.  Robin helped me.  Amy helped me.  It went back and forth for a time until it finally clicked. I saw the wings.  I stitched and re-stitched until I had it to my liking.  Then it came to the beautiful ribbon Tony selected for the dress.  I remembered he said to just let it flow from the waist.  I don’t know if his interpretation of flow and mine or the same, but again with Robin’s help it flows.

It took a dream and village to complete this piece.  One thing I remember Robin told me when I was in the middle of stitching stockings and dreaming of the perfect canvas was that I needed to do a piece for “me.”  She noted I had done so many pieces for others but I hadn’t taken the time for a piece just for me.  Well, now, Robin I have done the perfect piece for me.  It is off at the framer and will be ready soon.  The next problem will be….where should I hang it in MY home. 

“An Angel Playing A Flageolet” is a dream fulfilled.  I know there will be other pieces in my future.  Those pieces will be fun to do and they will find a special home.  And I might eat my words with this final remark.  But I truly believe I finished my dream canvas.  Dreams are grand.  And the best dreams are the ones that are fulfilled.

Do you have a dream canvas?  Have you found it?  If not, don’t worry you will!!       -- Karen Jetton

So, now presenting... An Angel Playing A Flageolet, stitched by Karen Jetton. Brilliant.

Beautiful stitching by Karen Jetton
Stitch Guide by Tony Minieri

An Angel Playing a Flageolet
Stitched by Karen Jetton
Beautiful framing, too.

I am most fortunate to have these ladies attend my classes. Friendships abound. Honored, indeed.

Next time, I'll share some stitching from former Memphian / now Georgia resident, Susan Brimmer.

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

Memphis Needlepointers - part 1

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

One enjoyment about teaching needlepoint is seeing the final results. I might nudge them in a certain direction with stitch suggestions, but it is the stitcher who holds the needle. Their flair and interpretation makes each finished piece unique and wonderful.

There are some delightful ladies who join me for Saturday canvas enhancements in Memphis. Originally, we began stitching at Amy's Golden Strand. Currently, we are at Stitchers Inc. owned by Jan Wentz.

Vicky Rimstidt has been with me the longest. Her range of canvases keeps me on my toes. You might remember some of these stitched by Vicky: Jungle Friends by Jean Smith, and Cat Walk and Dog Walk by Sharon G.

Recently, Vicky finished Blaze (Leigh Deigns #5800). We had the best time on this project. The Leigh Designs canvas was so beautifully painted, so Vicky was game for some open canvas stitches.

One of my most favorite stitches is from Brenda Hart called Diamonds and Pearls. Often I might suggest it as a background stitch, but this time we stitched it for the Horse's body. Love the look.

Another Memphis stitcher is Maelyse Webb. Perhaps you remember the Thanksgiving Group stitched by Maelyse during my Saturday canvas enhancement classes?

Thanksgiving Group by Rebecca Wood
Stitched by Maelyse Webb

Maelyse just finished another beauty: Doggie Day Care by Chris Roberts-Antieau (formerly by Maggie Co.) We had the best time. You can see, right? Who doesn't love a 13 mesh canvas.

These dogs are having too much fun.

Nell Harris travels to Memphis from Little Rock, AR. That's about a 125 mile journey (one way). What an honor. Last year we worked on this Snowy Santa Claus Stocking for her grandson.

Snowy Santa Claus Stocking
Mary Lake Thompson (MLT 01-A)
Melissa Shirley Designs
Stitched by Nell Harris • Stitch Guide by Robin King

Recently Nell finished the Chair. Again, there is a lot to be said about letting the painted canvas show through your stitching.

Open canvas work and Basketweave.

Fran Tylavsky (Research Dr. and Confectioner genius behind Frantic Chocolates) stitches with advanced spirit and speed.

Fran's first piece was the Alexa Stocking. Not only did she stitch it in only a few months, she finished it as well for her daughter-in-law.

Alexa Stocking #7228
Stitched by Fran Tylavsky
Stitch suggestions from Robin King

Recently, Fran stitched the Comedy Tragedy Masks for her daughter. Again, we both loved working on the 13 mesh canvases.

Michelle, Marlene, Benita, Georgette, Linda, Jamie, Laura, and Karen have been busy stitching, too. I will share their progress and accomplishments with you next time.

Until then... Hugs, Robin

Magnetic Picture Frames

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Magnets. We have a passion for them; adorning our needlepoint while we stitch. Match the magnet to the theme of your design? These days, it is easy to do.

Look what I found...

A metal/magnetic picture frame. Brilliant, right? It comes with 4 tiny magnets to hold your cherished photo in place.

It has a simple "kick stand" to sit on a shelf or a table. Comfortably holds a 4x6 photo. Looks like it could hold a 5x7 photo as well.

Which got me thinking ... couldn't it display my magnets, too?

Yes, it can. Here's the same photo of Jules with some of my Cat Magnets.

I went back to Stitchers Inc. (Memphis, TN) the next day and purchased this Lime Green magnetic picture frame, too. It was purr-fect for my newly acquired stash of Magnets.

FYI, there is also a purple magnetic picture frame, too, as well as larger magnetic boards (light blue or hot pink) for holding a chart. Give Jan a call... she can hook you up.

Thanks for letting me share my new find with you. It is affordable, whimsical and functional, too. My kind of fun.

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

Tea Towels by Glenna

Hi Everybody... Robin here. Today's topic: Tea Towels.

A friend of mine, Glenna Ward, has been stitching Tea Towels for a while. They are decorative and functional... all at the same time. Add your favorite embroidery stitches: French Knots, Backstitch, Wrapped Backstitch, Chain Stitch, Stem/Outline Stitch... to make the cute designs come to life with embroidery floss.

Glenna stitched the Kit Kat Clock. What a great design. It was a purr-fect gift for Vicky De Angelis.

Glenna stitched these Weekday Kittens for me. I just love them. They remind me of our youngest kitten, Lana, who is quite a girly-girl... as far as cats go.

The design patterns and Tea Towels are available at stores such as Hobby Lobby and Hancocks. Iron-on the design, place your Tea Towel in your embroidery hoop, and get ready for creative cuteness. Just imagine what they would look like with threads from your needlepoint stash.

Speaking of cats... look at the new large magnets from Stitchers Inc. They are the same size as the large Flower magnet I purchased recently... about 2 inches. Love the Owl magnet, too. Give Jan a call.

Happy Valentine's Day. Here's a big hug from me to you. Until the next time.

♥ Hugs, Robin

Sunflower and Berries (ND 309) - part one

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Tonight's agenda: laundry and pre-packing for Phoenix/TNNA. Also, getting my newest needlepoint onto stretcher bars.  What's that you say... a new needlepoint project?

Sunflower & Berries • NeedleDeeva • ND 309
Stitch Guide by Robin King

My next project (among many!) is called Sunflower & Berries from NeedleDeeva. It is canvas number ND 309 and I have admired it for the longest time. I love Sunflowers. I have grown them before. Strawberries are so healthy, too. We eat them daily for a dose of Vitamin C. This canvas really speaks to me and NeedleDeeva designs are a dream to stitch. My stitch guide will come with the canvas. Sweet.

I will be teaching Sunflower & Berries in April 2012 at two wonderful needlepoint shops: Nashville Needleworks (Nashville, TN) and In Stitches (Atlanta, GA). Give them a call to join the fun.

Threads, Ribbons, Beads, Sequins, and DMC Memory Thread

I have pulled some threads. Notice the ribbons? Oh, yes... there will be ribbonwork as well as 3D Stumpwork applied. And, Beads... did I mention Beads? There will be Beads and Sequins, too. It will be so much fun. I have been studying many techniques and am anxious to apply them to this sweet canvas.

A Flower Magnet for a Flower Canvas? Of course.

One last fun thing to say: notice my Flower Magnet? How can you not notice it? It is the "Mother" of all Bling in the Magnet World. It measures 2 inches across. The center and all of the petals are ready to hold your needles, laying tool and more.

Nice accessories: magnets, snap tray and Eiffel Tower scissors

I found these magnets at Stitchers Inc.  They were the biggest magnet bling I had ever seen. Truly, could be jewelry. Loved their size and shapes. You can see her current selection; there are more coming at the end of the month. Jan said there will be a cat magnet, too. Count me in. Can't wait. Give Jan a call if you'd like any of these magnets.

Well, that's all for now. Next time will be from Phoenix. Until then... Hugs, Robin

New Project Bags

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Treated myself to a little gift.

Presents for everyone; nothing for me. Sound familiar? Here is a little something I saw today and bought for myself. Thought I'd share it with you.

Project Bags available from Stitchers Inc. / Memphis, TN

Stitchers Inc. has these great project bags. Love their open mesh and colorful zipper. They have a nice attached fabric panel, too. Jan is the owner of Stitchers Inc. located in Memphis, TN. She has an assortment of bags with seasonal fabrics, too. Give her a call; she can get them right out to you.

These bags measure approximately 16" W x 11" H.

I'll be back with a followup HUGS posting, soon... I promise. Until then...  Thanks, Robin