The Thistle by Zecca (ZE 178) - part 2

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

The Thistle is at the framer. Getting all dolled up for the TNNA debut.

Thistle • Zecca (ZE 178)
Stitch Guide by Robin King

Tom Clifton, owner of T. Clifton Art in Memphis, is who I like to use. He has framed several of my other needlepoint pieces:

Kitty Bra and Tap Pants • SharonG (BT 50-42)
Stitch Guide by Robin King

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

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

Each time I go to T. Clifton Art, I clear my mind of any pre-conceived notions about frame choices. I let Tom's creative talents take the wheel. This time, we went Plum Eggplant for the frame and Gator Green for the liner. A very rich combination, indeed.

Again, prior to being framed, I gave myself some "extra" room outside the design area for the frame to attach. Especially with the Thistle art so close to the design edge... breathing room was needed.

I stitched across 9 canvas threads and once the frame is attached, about 4 canvas threads might be showing. Bonus: the extra border was very helpful covering my beginning/ending threads.

9 extra threads to give some breathing room for framing.

Notice my choice in magnet? The Sunflower. Guess what?.. the Thistle is in the Sunflower family. Who knew?!!

The Thistle has fun threads, too:  Splendor, DMC Perle Cotton size 8, Petite Sparkle Rays, Belle Soie Silk Floss, Neon Rays, Kreinik, and Sundance Beads & Sequins.

This Zecca canvas measures 3.5" x 5.5" on 18 mesh. It was a satisfying project to do.

Composite stitches, Turkey Work and Appliqued Felt
Stitch Guide by Robin King

Time to write the Teaching Manual and begin printing stitch guides. After that, will be the assembling  the donated Thread Kits. Let you favorite needlepoint shop owner know (who is attending TNNA/Long Beach) there are still seats available for my class on Sunday, February 3. They will also be able to stop by the Zecca booth and order the Thistle canvas (ZE 178). It comes with my stitch guide. Soon, you can stitch your own Thistle.

Until the next time...  Hugs, Robin

Be sure to first Meet and Greet your Framer

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Finally! The Flowers in a Vase (ND 311) is finished; my newest teaching piece for these needlepoint shops:

• The Bristly Thistle, Amelia Island, FL (Oct 13, 2012)
• The Nimble Needle, Atlanta, GA (Oct 26/27, 2012)
• Serendipity Needleworks, Tuscaloosa, AL (July 18/19, 2013)

Hopefully, for more shops, too, as there are many "teachable" moments on this canvas. I embraced new techniques, and, if it is new to me... it might be new to you, too.

Any Needlepoint Shops or ANG groups interested? Just let me know...

Flowers in a Vase • ND 311 • NeedleDeeva
Canvas comes with Stitch Guide by Robin King

On September 15, I brought the finished piece in for a consultation with my framer. No frame selections were made. Instead, I checked with him to see how much "extra" needed to be stitch; for the frame to sit optimally onto the canvas.

Note this: I prefer to frame my needlepoint without any glass. My framer will mount and stretch the piece. I like the look of the "liners" so I follow the recommendation from my framer. Please, do what is best for your comfort zone. Discuss your preferences with "your" framer, OK?

The framer calculated an extra 3/8" (6 canvas threads on an 18 mesh canvas) needed to be stitched on all sides. If your design is close to the edge of the canvas, this is a must thing to do!!!

I am so glad we had our "meet and greet" because this knowledge prevented any encroachment of the frame into the design area.

In times past, the extra 6 canvas threads were stitched in Basketweave, but lately, I have done a diagonal Satin Stitch (/). Still full coverage, yet, less time involved.

A little breathing room is a good thing.

On September 22, I returned to my framer, T. Clifton Art (Memphis, TN). My mind was blank with expectations and demands. I bowed to his instincts... his experience... his artful wisdom. There were only 2 requests: 

• for me to pick up this framed piece on October 9th.
• for the framed piece to fit in my suitcase box which is what Sunflowers and Berries (ND 309) currently travel in.

(It is probably silly, but that box can make/break my travel accommodations. LOL.)

Here is a preview of my selected frame. Can not wait to pick it up! 

Frame selection by T. Clifton Art, Memphis TN
Flowers in a Vase by NeedleDeeva (ND 311)
Canvas comes with stitch guide by Robin King
Design area 8" x 8" on 18 mesh

Also, look at the amount of undercut the liner has (about 3/8")... 

Frame respects the design area.

... and how, if not considered, the frame can encroach into the design area.

No respect for the design area.

One last suggestion... don't take your canvas off the stretcher bars until your "meet and greet" with the framer. It is most likely you still have some stitching to do. LOL.

Well, there is still much to do between now and traveling to The Bristly Thistle.  Time to make my Teaching Manual as well a long list of other things. Don't worry... I'll be back soon.

Until then... Hugs, Robin