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.
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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

A day of rest and reflection

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

I am enjoying this relaxing day: watching the Inauguration festivities and putting away some threads from recently completed projects.

Happy Inauguration / Martin Luther King Holiday.

Ribbons and Beads and Kreinik, oh my!

Soon, though, the frantic pace will be back, and I will be on to the next deadline: kitting the Thread Kits for the 2 TNNA classes.

After TNNA Market, I will also be teaching the Sunflower and Berries (ND 309) at Needle in a Haystack (Montrose, CA) on Tuesday, February 5th from 10AM - 4PM. Give Jody a call (818) 248-7686 to join in the fun.

Needle in a Haystack • Montrose, CA
www.needhay.com

Sunflower and Berries (ND 309) • NeedleDeeva
Canvas  comes with Stitch Guide by Robin King

There might be a nap in my future, too.  Leo is calling.

Leo, a good napping buddy.

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

Good Times at The Needle Bug

Hi everybody... Robin here... Back home from a wonderful trip to Montgomery, AL and The Needle Bug.

From the airport, we went to The Needle Bug for their Wednesday night festivities: a "Meet & Greet" which was sponsored by the Capital City Needlepointers (Montgomery ANG Guild), and was hosted by The Needle Bug. About 15 members came out... for little old me. Wow!

This welcome sign warmed my heart.

The evening Beginners class was also in session; working on a lovely Barbara Bergsten canvas taught by Caroline (The Needle Bug's resident teacher). Barbara Bergsten's designs are fresh and fun ... great for learning new stitches.

Beginner's Class at The Needle Bug

I was honored by the turnout. What a lovely reception. True Southern Hospitality.

"Meet and Greet" Reception at The Needle Bug

Tasty food, too. The Cheddar Cheese/Strawberry Jam Spread was one of the stars of the show. Made by Anne Bloom; originally from the Montgomery Junior League Cook Book. Thank you, Anne for sharing the recipe with the blog readers.

Cheddar Cheese/Strawberry Jam Spread

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Cheddar Cheese/Strawberry Jam Spread Recipe
1 lb. grated medium cheddar cheese
1 cup chopped nuts
1 cup mayo
1 small onion, grated
dash black pepper & cayenne pepper

Mix all together well. Spray a spring mold pan with Pam & put the Cheese mixture into the spring mold pan. Refrigerate until firm. Remove the Cheese Spread from the spring mold pan and place onto a serving dish. Drizzle and cover with Strawberry Jam preserves. Serve with crackers.

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Notice the cute Xmas canvases on the "Welcome Robin" board? They are a new Christmas series exclusively available from The Needle Bug; designed by Leigh Miller (owner of The Needle Bug). Give Leigh a call (334) 270-0064. She has them in stock and is ready to ship to you.

Sleigh Puller • tnb 01
by The Needle Bug; comes with stitch guide

Stocking Stuffer • tnb 02
by The Needle Bug; comes with stitch guide

Snow Stopper • tnb 03
by The Needle Bug; comes with stitch guide

Each canvas is on 18 mesh; measures about 4" W x 6" H and comes with the stitch guide. So cute. Look how fast they will stitch up. Love the open background work and sequins. These will be fun to stitch.

The two class days went smoothly. Everyone enjoyed the Sunflower and Berries (ND 309) and the lessons I had for them. The Stumpwork was a big hit. Their minds are now spinning about where to do it again. Ribbon Embroidery was demonstrated. Meri gave us another helpful hint for getting a good petal point. Love it when knowledge is shared.

My dining experiences in MGM were memorable. Somer's Restaurant had fried crab claws. Tasty good.

I made some stash enhancements while at The Needle Bug. See my new dragonfly magnet... It is their mascot... Purr-fect addition to my ongoing Magnetic Board collection.

I also bought a new Snap Tray with The Needle Bug's logo. They are very handy to have on hand.

I also like to bring home a clear Timeless Totes bag with the shop's logo. See my new suitcase? It will hold my current stitching project very nicely.

Last thing was a new book for my library: Canvas Work Bands and Borders by Jane D. Zimmerman.  I am a fan of Jane Zimmerman 's books. I know I will get great inspirations from this book.

Luckily everything fit into my traveling suitcase. LOL. The flight back home to Memphis was non-eventful. Just the way I like it.

I've been home for a few days. Laundry is done. My bags are packed... again!

Where next are you going, Robin? To the Nimble Needle in Sandy Springs, GA... a community outside of Atlanta.

Until the next time. Hugs, Robin

Flowers in a Vase • ND 311

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

It's time to start talking about my next teaching piece, Flowers in a Vase (ND 311) by NeedleDeeva.

Considering these threads for Flowers in Vase (ND 311)
Stitch Guide by Robin King

I will be teaching this piece at The Bristly Thistle in Amelia Island, FL on the second day of my two-day visit. I have never been to Michele Herron's shop and am looking forward to it. Come see me October 12 and 13, 2012, if you are in the area.

Flowers in a Vase is on 18 mesh and the canvas design measures 8" W x 8" H. For reference, it is the same size as Sunflower and Berries (ND309). It is my plan for this piece to have just as much fun: Silk Ribbon Embroidery, Stumpwork, Beads, composite stitches and Sparkles.

So, with the deadline clock ticking, it is time to begin my stitching journey. First, was the dark brown area. What to do?... Well, nothing says "dark brown background area/it's not an important area/need an easy stitch" like Skip Tent. And, that's what I did. Love it especially when jumping over and around the flowers... it is so easy to compensate.

Next was the Tan Border. Here's where I put my Photoshop skills to the test. What to do... what to do? First, I thought I might want a geometric/rounded design. I had seen this one, and laid it out as a second layer; keeping the original document in tact. It looked OK so I began stitching. After a few stitches, I realized I was traveling down the wrong path. Too similar to the vase and flowers. I needed something different.

I needed another stitch... something more linear. My inner voice was cheering me on. A linear design was certainly opposite to the geometric/rounded design. Again, in Photoshop, a new layer was selected and I began designing. (Oh, if only I could stitch as fast as I draw...) The white lines were selected to give me something to see, but actually the threads chosen do match the painted canvas.

I was liking it, and again, began stitching. It did look better than the first geometric/round stitch... BUT... something was just not right. The linear design was "too busy."  There was no place for my eyes to rest.

Enter Basketweave to the rescue. What?!! Yes, by alternating the linear design with a Basketweave section, my eyes were able to rest... which made me appreciate the linear design even more. Problem solved.

So, that's all to report as of now. Like I said, the deadline clock is ticking. Let me know what you think so far.

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

TNNA/Columbus 2012 - wrap up - part 2

Hi Everybody...  Robin here...

I have the Way-Back Machine waiting for you. Let's continue my story from TNNA/Columbus and go to What's The Point? Needlepoint, shall we?

I had been invited to teach the Sunflower and Berries canvas by NeedleDeeva (ND 309). Stumpwork, Beading, Silk Ribbon Embroidery, and composite stitches make this 8x8 design fun to stitch. And, don't forget, the canvas comes with my stitch guide.

Have you been to What's the Point? Needlepoint in downtown historic Dublin, Ohio? Located just outside of Columbus, their shop is filled with canvases, threads, accessories, and wonderment. Quaint, charming, and magical are the best words I can describe. Lynn and Becky (owners) have a jewel of a needlepoint shop. They even have a nice employee named Kitty. Too cute!

What's The Point? Needlepoint
Dublin, OH • www.whatsthepoint.biz

Class was held right across the street in the Dublin Chamber of Commerce conference room. Spacious, great lighting, comfortable chairs and a place to spread out... what else could you ask for? 

Most of the women attending the class were local to the Columbus area, but there were two ladies who drove down from Cleveland to take the class. Too cool.

The morning session covered the Stumpwork portion of the canvas. Look at these Strawberries. Everyone did really good. What a success!

Lunch was served back over at the shop and we ate outside under the shaded trees.  I believe Lynn & Becky had even ordered the Chamber of Commerce Weather Package; it was 83 degrees with a gentle breeze. Purr-fect.

The afternoon session focused on the rest of the stitch guide. Every detail was discussed. I believe I left them in good standing for what to do next.

I traveled back home the next day... to Memphis. 

Jim Neely's Interstate Bar-B-Que
Convenient locations including the Memphis International Airport

Home of BBQ, the Blues, Elvis and the HEAT. I know most of you are experiencing this heat, too. Crazy!

Best take a cue from Leo... and stay cool.

Glad to be home... I missed my mews. Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

TNNA/Columbus 2012 - wrap up - part 1

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Back home from an exciting TNNA/Columbus Market and teaching at
What's The Point? Needlepoint in Dublin, OH.

Step with me into the Way-Back Machine as I recap this wonderful experience...

Most of my time was spent working in the NeedleDeeva booth. Here is what the
Fab Firs looked like all together. The 6-foot Fab Firs banner was a nice beacon to draw people towards them.

Join the next Retailer's Club by NeedleDeeva
Fab Firs • Stitch Guides by Vicky De Angelis

The new NeedleDeeva designs were well received, too:  13 Christmas Cupcakes,
3 Cats and the Sugar Skulls that I am stitching (stitch guides available).

Can you guess which Skull goes with this preview? They are so much fun to stitch. Bring on the bling!

NeedleDeeva
0453-C • Stitch Guide by Robin King

I finally took the time to walk the floor and visit friends/designers. How exciting is it to call them by their first names... and, for them to know mine! Here are some of the new canvases which caught my eye at the Maggie Co / Ewe & Eye booths. I love anything mid-century modern so these really spoke to me.

Maggie Co
Blue Bird •  M-1488
In the Pink •  M-1487

Maggie Co
Mod Holiday Dove • M-1597

You know I had to include a cat canvas...

Ewe & Eye
EWE 391KB • Brown Cat

and my usual and customary fondness for anything Santa...

Ewe & Eye
EWE 390KB • Fat Santa

and Pumpkins, too...

Ewe & Eye
EWE 373KB • Pumpkin in Vase

I really enjoyed seeing the artwork by Lisa Krause from Deuxbijouxbijoux. Lisa lives in Arkansas with her husband, Jim, and designs hand-painted frames to coordinate with the Maggie Co and Ewe & Eye canvases. Just look at this frame for Sheep Quilt. I love it. Your local needlepoint shop can order these.

Hand-painted Frame by Lisa Krause
EWE-359 • Sheep Quilt

The class I taught at TNNA (Lotus Squared • ZE 134 by Zecca) for the shop owners was a success. Originally, I was told there were 10 who signed up... and then 14... and finally 15. How exciting to see all of their faces. Shop owners from Alabama, Ohio, Tennessee, Minnesota, Baltimore, Arizona, Indiana, Texas, Pittsburgh, and Hawaii were in attendance.

One of those dry eraser boards was brought in for my demonstrations and illustrations. A picture is worth 1,000 words, right?

Early plans were also made with some designers and shop owners for future stitching and teaching events. I will keep you in the loop as those materialize. Perhaps you could join me? Here's the schedule for the next upcoming markets. Whew! Who knew the needlepoint industry worked at such a fast pace?

On Monday afternoon, the Market came to an end... and it was time to pack up the NeedleDeeva booth. Soon after that, I was whisked away for my teaching of the Sunflower and Berries (ND 309) canvas at What's The Point? Needlepoint.

Sounds like a good stopping point for now. Next time we will pick up from here...  Until then...

Hugs, Robin