3D Cake with DMC Embellishment - part four

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Want to see how/where else to use the DMC Memory Thread? Just look at these ways Alice Okon, designer from DMC, stitched these models using DMC Memory Thread.

Can you find all of the DMC Memory Thread treatments in Photo #1?

Photo #1
Ms. Diva Mermaid / KCN 932 / Kelly Clark Needlepoint 

Alice used it for the different Seaweed locations, Mermaid Bra, Mermaid Bottom, Harp, Braided Trim, Mermaid Crown and Fish Hook.

Can you find all of the DMC Memory Thread treatments in Photo #2?

Photo #2
Ms. Vanity Mermaid / KCN 933 / Kelly Clark Needlepoint

Alice used it for the different Seaweed locations, Mermaid Bra, Mermaid Bottom, Hair Brush, Mirror, Beaded Trim and Mermaid Crown.

Alice also added DMC Memory Thread to this canvas by Maggie Co, Beautiful Flowers (M1429). Look and enjoy! You can also read more about this canvas on the DMC blog.

Need any cute Hair suggestions? Try using DMC Memory Thread for a fabulous 3D effect.

design by DMC

During the 3D Cake Embellishment class, I also brought models I had stitched showing more DMC Memory Thread applications. Remember these?

Movement and Motion really tell the story with DMC Memory Thread.

The Twin Curl decorations at the top of this
ornament was made with DMC Memory Thread.

Use DMC Memory Thread when making
an Earring or Jewelry for your needlepoint.

Lettering, Outline Edge and Facial Details
are easy to do with DMC Memory Thread

Plants and Flowers are enhanced with DMC Memory Thread

To summarize, here are some of the ways I have seen DMC Memory Thread used:

• ruffle edge or a bow
• curls - freeform
• spiral curls
• flat spirals
• single line edge
• double line edge
• twisted -- one color
• twisted -- two colors
• picot needleweaving structure
• stumpwork structure
• single knot
• strand of knots
• braided
• beads placed on
• script wording or letters 

Of course, this is not a final list. I am sure we will find other ways to use it. Can't wait to try. Read more about DMC Memory Thread on the DMC website.

Stop the presses... this just in... I received a wonderful DMC Memory Thread Conversion to Splendor, Silk Lamé Braid, Neon Rays, Soft Sheen Fyre Werks and Mandarin Floss from Sally/Rainbow Gallery. Each thread would make an awesome couching thread with the DMC Memory Thread. Thanks, Sally!

Well, that's all for now. Go have fun with the DMC Memory Thread. Let me hear from you.

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

3D Cake with DMC Embellishment - part three

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

I received permission from DMC, and now I can share the rest of the DMC Memory Thread lesson with you. Get your notepad ready...

During the 3D Cake Embellishment class, I showed the students some wonderfully stitched needlepoint pieces with applied DMC Memory Thread. Everyone was getting comfortable working with it... now was the time to introduce places to use it.

Are you intimidated about where to put the DMC Memory Thread? Here's what I did: make a color paper copy of the painted canvas and get a Sharpie pen. Then, draw lines on your paper indicating possible locations for the DMC Memory Thread.

Plan your pathways with a Sharpie on paper, first.

You can use DMC Memory Thread to outline an area. You can use it as a structure for needleweaving or stumpwork. You can make a 3D design element. You can use it to show movement. It is so versatile. And, there are 28 colors.

Fan Peddler by Labors of Love / LL 270C

Alice Okon, a wonderful designer from DMC, stitched the Fan Peddler from Labors of Love (LL 270C). Her applications were exciting. Just look at all the ways she added DMC Memory Thread to the needlepoint.

Photo #1 shows DMC Memory Thread applied by Alice Okon:

• the Hat and the Ruffle: nice use of two shades of DMC Memory Thread relating to the painted canvas. The Ruffle Edge is enhanced with the DMC Memory Thread.
• the Hair: nice use of the DMC Memory Thread showing the Curls of the Hair on top of the Basketweave stitching.
• the Outline of the Hat Pin: the Silver DMC Memory Thread gives an identifiable edge to the Brooch.
• the Fan Edges, Doubled Fan Edge and the Collar: these edges are more refined with the application of the DMC Memory Thread. Nice Colors, too.
• Note: the twisted and coiled DMC Memory Thread into a Purple Rosette on the Green Fan.

Photo #1

Photo #2 shows DMC Memory Thread applied by Alice Okon:

• the Fan Handles: Picot Needleweaving technique using DMC Gold Or (284 AZ) for the Gold Handle; twisted DMC Memory Thread for the White Fan Handle.
• the Fan Outlines: keeping true to the painted canvas, the Fan Edges are stitched with DMC Memory Thread.
• the Fan Embellishments: note there are Beads surrounded by the DMC Memory Thread for detail. Size 8 Mill Hill Beads can be strung onto DMC Memory Thread, as seen on the White Fan Handle.
• the Basket Edge: is outlined with a single piece of DMC Memory Thread for a nice edge.

Photo #2

Photo #3 shows DMC Memory Thread applied by Alice Okon:

• the Twisted Edge of the Basket Rim: using two colors of DMC Memory Thread twisted together.
• the Basket Edge: is outlined with a single piece of DMC Memory Thread for a nice edge.
• the Fan Edges: double pieces of DMC Memory Thread couched together for the Fan Edge; single piece of DMC Memory Thread used for the curved Fan Edge.
• the Fan Handles: Picot Needleweaving technique using DMC Gold Or (284 AZ) for the Gold Handle; twisted DMC Memory Thread for the White Fan Handle.
• the Sleeve Ruffle: the DMC Memory Thread has been used to separate the Sleeve Ruffle placed on top of the Basketweave stitching.

Photo #3

Photo #4 shows DMC Memory Thread applied by Alice Okon:

• the Spiral Roses: the DMC Memory Thread has been coiled and then shaped into Roses.
• the Green Leaves: the DMC Memory Thread has been shaped into Leaves on her dress as well as on the Fan.
• the Purple Coiled Rosette: two pieces of Purple DMC Memory Thread (or one long piece doubled then twisted) have been twisted together and then wrapped into a Coil.
• the Blue Fan Handle: two pieces of DMC Memory Thread were couched side by side for greater size and proportion of the Handle.
• the Collar: these edges are more refined with the application of DMC Memory Thread.
• the Green Fan: has Gold DMC Memory Thread for an outline and a Satin Stitch of Gold Thread inside.

Photo #4

 Here are more photos... close up. Photos from Liz Saylor/DMC. Thanks, Liz!

Next time, I will conclude the DMC Memory Thread journey. So much fun is yet to come.

Until then... Hugs, Robin

3D Cake with DMC Embellishment - part two

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Sorry to be away so long from the Blog. Since I've been back from TNNA/ Phoenix, I have been working on projects which were shouting my name. Does that ever happen to you? Basking in the warm fuzzy aura of a "job well done" and then life pinches you back into reality. Oh well...

Since this is "mostly" a needlepoint blog, thought I would share the conclusion of the DMC Memory Thread on the 3D Cake from Associated Talents (CD 1200). I had to teach the lesson first to the TNNA students/shop owners. Here's the link to the earlier blog posting. Now that that's done, it is time to share my learned knowledge with you.

The DMC Memory Thread decorated and frosted the cake in 3D style. I used White, Pink, Green for the Flowers/Leaves and Frosting details. I used Gold for the Cake Stand. I followed the design originated by design artist, Alice Okon from DMC, and gave it my own spin, too.

Here are some of the things I learned while working with DMC Memory Thread:

1. Use a working length of DMC Memory Thread longer than the intended final length. You will want to have "legs" at both ends which will plunge through to the backside of the canvas to be secured.
2. Pre-shape the DMC Memory Thread before attaching to the canvas.
3. Use an awl, laying tool or trolley needle to gently open the canvas hole. Have some tweezers handy to grab onto the plunged end. 
4. Do not try to insert the DMC Memory Thread into a needle for plunging purposes.
5. Pink Hair Dresser's Tape (or any other kind of low-tack tape) is good to use keeping working legs out of the way prior to securing to the backside of the canvas.
6. Have someone apply pressure to the surface of the shaped design while you are making the initial securing steps to the back of the canvas. This will help keep the design from losing its shape.
7. You can successfully apply DMC Memory Thread on top of open canvas work. Just be mindful and mirror the design pathway when securing it to the backside of the canvas.

Here is what the backside looked like as I was designing with the DMC Memory Thread. I placed each element onto the canvas, and then taped it to the backside with Pink Hair Dresser's Tape to keep it out of the way.

Once I was pleased with the arrangement, I removed the tape and began securing the DMC Memory Thread ends.

DMC Memory Thread 6050 White was used for each of the different Cake Tier Frosting Decorations. The bottom Cake Tier was 2 pieces: twisted together and attached to represent the Cable Decoration. The middle Cake Tier was 1 piece: bent into a squiggle design using your fingers; maintaining all segments to be the same height. Tweezers were used to gently pinch the segments together. The top Cake Tier was 1 piece: tied in consecutive Knots. Each Frosting Decoration was placed and tested for best shape before they were permanently attached to the canvas using 1 strand DMC Floss 3865. 

Here is a collection of some of the different shapes used with the DMC Memory Thread. Notice their long "legs" were helpful used for placement and securing to the canvas.

Currently, there are 28 colors. DMC also has a handy chart on their website for selecting the DMC Floss used for couching the Memory Thread in place.

The main thing I learned was to play with and have fun with the DMC Memory Thread. It is a wonderful product. Great for giving your needlepoint a fun 3D effect. I've been told my stitch guide will be available on the DMC website, too. Sweet!

Now, who wants some cake? Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

TNNA / Phoenix 2012 - day four

Hi Everybody... Robin here... in Phoenix.

Monday was the last day of Market.  Here are more canvases & bling which caught my eye.

Sparkles from Sundance Designs

In the Sundance Designs booth, there is a new product called Sparkles. It is a tubular metallic mesh which has wonderful design and shaping possibilities. Nice assortment of colors, too. I can't wait to work with it.

Also, in the Sundance Designs booth were the Sculptural Pumpkin Sampler and Sculptural Christmas Tree Sampler designed by Barbara Elmore. So clever... so creative... so Barbara! The Pumpkin has 6 canvas sections; the Christmas Tree has 8 canvas sections. Each canvas section is small and portable; just perfect for stitching at home or when you are on the go. There is a stitch guide for each by Barbara Elmore. I love these 3D sculptures!

Sculptural Pumpkin Sampler by Barbara Elmore

Sculptural Pumpkin Sampler by Barbara Elmore

Stitch Guides available for Sculptural Samplers

Sculptural Christmas Tree Sampler by Barbara Elmore

Sculptural Christmas Tree Sampler by Barbara Elmore

There were new colors of Petite Silk Lamé Braid, Neon Rays, Neon Rays +, and Neon Rays + Glow in the Dark by Rainbow Gallery. I am looking forward to trying them out. I can see an upcoming blog topic for the new Glow in the Dark threads.

New for 2012 from Rainbow Gallery

The new hand-painted/stitch-painted canvases from Pajamas and Chocolate caught my eye. It was nice seeing Patt and her husband, Lee.

#102 • Pajamas and Chocolate

#94 • Pajamas and Chocolate 

#91 • Pajamas and Chocolate

#43 • Pajamas and Chocolate

I had the best time at Market. It was an honor to teach for DMC and a pleasure to work in the NeedleDeeva booth.

NeedleDeeva booth... my home away from home.

I missed my mews and it will be nice to be home. Hope you enjoyed seeing some of the 2012 Winter Market through my eyes. Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

TNNA / Phoenix 2012 - day three

Hi Everybody... Robin here... in Phoenix.

Today was Sunday -- the second day of Market. Here are some of the new canvases which caught my eye.

In the Kirk & Hamilton booth, I loved the Heart Shaped Cupcakes, the Owl and the Nordic Stars.

Kirk & Hamilton / KH 251

Kirk & Hamilton / KH 252

Kirk & Hamilton / KH 253

Kirk & Hamilton / KH 254

Kirk & Hamilton / KH 299

Kirk & Hamilton / KH 390

Kirk & Hamilton / KH 391

I also liked the four canvases depicting the Four Seasons from Labors of Love. Imagine all of the canvas embellishment possibilities.

Labors of Love / Four Seasons / LL 530, 531, 532, and 533

After Market, we went out to dinner for good food, great drinks, conversations and laughs. It was the best way to put the second Market day into the record book. Tomorrow is the last day, and a short day, at that. I will be back to show you more from my point of view.  Until then... Hugs, Robin