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.
                         ___________________________________________________

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

"That's Not Needlepoint" book 2 by dede Ogden

Hi Everybody ... Robin here.

Recap of TNNA/Long Beach 2013 - part 5 continues... with a twist. I am sharing my news about a new book from dede Ogden which debuted at Market last week.

New book by dede Ogden... and I helped!

As usual, I have a story to tell...

Last summer, dede posted on Facebook a request for anyone who might help her do the charting for her new upcoming book,

"That's Not Needlepoint... It's Inspired Art Created With Your Needle"  

Shadow Stitches Accelerated • Series 2 by dede Ogden

I sent her a message and said, "I could help."

dede had stitched beautiful models of her new canvas designs, and needed someone to compile her notes into a Project book. The canvases were Butterfly Collection (ED-17016), Moonlight Dancing Witches (ED-18018), and Topiary Tree with Butterflies (ED-17029).

Butterfly Collection (ED-17016) by dede Ogden

Moonlight Dancing Witches (ED 18018) by dede Ogden

Topiary Tree with Butterflies (ED-17029) by dede Ogden

You can see more of dede's work on her website, Dede's Needleworks. Her canvases are also distributed by Fleur de Paris.

Do you know dede Ogden? In my humble opinion, she is Needlepoint's Grande Dame. Needlepoint Royalty, if you will. She has been the teacher/mentor to many of today's industry leaders. Canvas designer and book author, dede is also known for her inventive techniques and concepts include Shadow Stitching. Brilliant lady.

Here is some information dede shared with me about Shadow Stitching:

"Dede Ogden has developed the term Shadow Stitching to aid her students over the years to solve a problem of questions from that arise such as:

• Why should I cover up the beautiful hand painted canvas? 

• I can't shade with thread blending as well as I'd like and it is tiring. 

• I can't organize my threads.   

Is there another way to answer these questions? Hence, Shadow Stitching was created. 

Her technique isn't just stitches, but a concept of combining threads and painted canvas to create a new look. It is a way of incorporating the painted design on canvas for the needlepointer to have artistry to convey a more creative effect. By not always matching the colors to the original art work but picking a medium tone of the color and stitching over the whole shaded area with a thinner thread than would normally be used, some of the painting below the stitching will be shared. 

This process will still make a durable piece of needlework. The texture is made by the stitch selections, that are simple and generally larger and cover the canvas swiftly. By using shiny or dull threads create an additional "light reflection" over your needlework.  Dede brings her love and passion of needlework to show you these enhancements for your needlework."

Needless to say, I was thrilled and honored to join dede's production team.

My first task was to chart the 59 stitches which dede used in these three projects. Many of them were dede's unique creations. Here is an example. Just imagine the possibilities.

Once charted, I typed up each Stitch Guide with its corresponding Thread List. The stitched models were with me for reference, and I really got to know each canvases very well. Beautiful stitching. Inspiring concepts.

Each Stitch Guide has the Area, Thread Type, Stitch Name and corresponding Plate #.

On the Plates, if the diagram is specific to an area (for example, Butterfly #1 from the Butterfly Collection canvas), there is a corresponding Code drawing to help the reader identify the stitch location.

And remember, these stitches are not just limited to the projects in this book.

The book is soft cover with coil-spiral binding. The Butterflies on the front cover give a preview of what is inside. There is a nice clear protective cover.

dede has an Introduction with thanking credits to myself and Sharon Quick, the other charting contributor.

Then, the 59 Plates are listed. One per page; large so you can see all of the details.

Through out the book, each Project has the same format:

• Color photo of the finished piece
• Thread List
• Key Code
• Stitch Guide 

At the end of the book is Project Index list of the Plates. The Stitch Name, Plate # and Project Name are all referenced. It is a handy overview.

The last thing for me to do was to get all "pieces" ready for the Printer.

Sharon Quick charted three additional projects in the book: Candyland Cottage #17003; 3D Snowflake #18042, and Strawberries on a Tree #1330 A-L. Nice job, Sharon.

The book also has General Directions: Stretcher Bars, Tips before beginning, Threading the Needle, Beginning your thread, Ending your thread, "L" Securing Knot, Stripping and Laying your threads, Tension, Compensating Stitches, and Other tips. A gold mine of information in just those two pages!

"That's Not Needlepoint • Book 2" is now available from your Favorite Needlepoint Shop. I know you will enjoy having a copy in your needlepoint library.

dede Ogden gives us permission to think beyond any "normal" needlepoint. I am so glad to have had this opportunity to work with dede, and am looking forward to collaborating again on future projects.

Thanks for visiting the blog. There is more to come about my trip to TNNA/Long Beach 2013.

Until then... Hugs, Robin

TNNA / Long Beach 2013 recap - part 2

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Reliving the days spent in Long Beach, sunny California. Every morning this was my view as I walked from the hotel to the Long Beach Convention center. Very pleasant.

Early morning in sunny California

Saturday was my first class to teach: Sunglasses Sugar Skull (ND 453-D). His buddies came along for moral support. Who doesn't like a road trip? The two-hour class went fast. All points were covered. The shop owners learned a fun technique: Appliquéd Flair for the Sunglasses.

Smiling every day. 

Thanks again to the sponsors of this class: NeedleDeeva, DMC Corp, Kreinik, Rainbow Gallery, River Silks Ribbons, Sundance Designs, The Collection Designs, and Wichelt Imports. Your generosity was greatly appreciated.

I see stitches everywhere.

Speaking of needlepoint, do you ever see patterns or designs which could be needlepoint? I sure did. Look at the walls in the convention center (third floor). Reminds me of the Scallops Stitch from one of our earlier conversations?  Here's the link to refresh your memory.

How about this variation called Bargello Scallops? Try Tone on tone... or perhaps with many colors inside each area.

Saturday was spent working in the NeedleDeeva booth. Seeing shop owners, showing what's new, and writing orders was really fun to do. I did step out for a bathroom break and looked a few booths on my way back to home base.

I stopped by to see Judy Malahy (from J. Malahy Designs in Georgia). Judy is a Facebook friend; it was fun to meet her in person and to see her new designs. Take a look with me...

Pink & Black is very Chic.

Love these Nativity Ornaments

Cute Japanese girls

Mini Socks for Mews, Pups and You.

Halloween Hat with nice areas for stitches.

More Halloween. Just the right size.

Perfect for the Queen Bee in your life

Remember, all of these designs are now available from your Favorite Needlepoint Shop. I have my eyes on several of these. Here's the link to her website.

Well, more to tell... Come visit me again, OK?  Until then.... Hugs, Robin

TNNA / Long Beach 2013 recap - part 1

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

I've been to the West Coast and back. Had a nice time at the TNNA Winter Market in Long Beach, CA. Also, had a nice time teaching the Sunflower and Berries (ND 309) class at Needle in A Haystack, Montrose, CA. So much to tell you... let's begin.

♫ On the road, again... ♫

Jules loves a suitcase.

The flight from Memphis to Los Angeles was a bumpy one. I was "shaken, not stirred" and did survive. Needless to say, I did not get a lot of stitching done on the plane.

The Super Shuttle took me from LAX to Long Beach. Look what I saw along the way...

Good Year blimp

Friday was Set Up day. The NeedleDeeva booth was full of helpful recruits. It was fun meeting the Deeva's daughter, Kiersten, whose day job is being an OB/GYN doctor. Talented lady.

Here was my view while on the Panel

I had been asked to participate in a panel discussion during the Retail Council Luncheon Program. The topic, "Social Media ... How's That Working For You?" There was a good turnout, and many points were discussed. The bottom line is that Needlepoint and Yarn Shops need to embrace Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and other social media for advertising and communications with their customers. After all, we are in the 21st Century. When was the last time you used your Yellow Pages book? Can you still find it or is it being used for a door stop? Thanks to Lori Mazza (Waste Knot Needlepoint, Arlington, VA) and those on the TNNA Retail Council board for this opportunity. #TNNA

Friday evening was Sample It! There was a big turnout of Shop Owners ready to participate in the 1.5 hour long Cash & Carry component of the Market.

My little world during Meet The Teacher at TNNA/Long Beach.

At the same time was the Meet The Teacher event which I participated in. I was right next to Laurie Walden (excellent teacher, stitcher, designer from Houston, TX) and was down the table from Linda Corirossi (excellent teacher, stitcher and book author). I was in heaven. I handed out Robin King information sheets and business cards. Talk about networking. 30 shop owners now know about me. Hopefully, someday, they might want me to teach or need any of my other services. It was a fun evening.

During my time at Market, I did walk around to see what's new, or what caught my eye.

I was most pleased to hear there were more Mariko King canvases at the Amanda Lawford booth. Whimsical cat canvases. Be still my heart. Here are some of the new designs which spoke to me; each about 6 x 6 on 18 mesh. (13 mesh is available, about 8 x 8.)

DC Designs had a new canvas based on one of his popular seller, Sheep Sits. New for the 2013 Market... now presenting... "iSits" ... too funny. Derrick is the son of Amanda Lawford.

Sorry for the fuzzy photo...  Derrick's humor got me tickled.

I'll be back soon for another TNNA/ Long Beach 2013 recap. Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

2 times 20 Thread Kits for TNNA/Long Beach 2013

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

The Thistle Thread Kits (Zecca ZE 178) have been assembled. Thanks to these wonderful thread and bead companies for their donations: Kreinik, Sundance Designs, Crescent Colours, DMC Corporation, and Rainbow Gallery.

Thistle Thread Kit (Zecca • ZE 178)

Did someone say Kits? Yes, 20 of them... plus Lana.

Thistle Thread Kits (Zecca • ZE 178) and Lana

And... Leo. Both are good helpers.

Thistle Thread Kits (Zecca • ZE 178) and Leo

The Sunglasses Sugar Skull Thread Kits (NeedleDeeva ND 453-D) were assembled, too. Thanks to these wonderful thread and bead companies for their donations: Kreinik, Sundance Designs, Wichelt Imports, DMC Corporation, River Silks Ribbons, The Collection Designs, and Rainbow Gallery.

Sunglasses Sugar Skull  Thread Kit (NeedleDeeva • ND 453-D)

It is very helpful having a large work space when assembling these 20 thread kits. 

Sunglasses Sugar Skull  Thread Kits (NeedleDeeva • ND 453-D)

Informative brochures are included in the Thread Kits

Next on my To-Do List for TNNA/Long Beach: get my Meet The Teacher items together. I am participating in this event: Friday, February 1, from 5:00PM - 6:30PM.

Hopefully, shop owners will stop by my table, meet and consider me for future teaching events in their stores. Fingers crossed. If you are reading this blog, mention my teaching availability to your Favorite Needlepoint Shop. Thanks!

Well, time to get busy says the ticking clock.  Until the next time... Hugs, Robin