Fab Firs Photo Shoot

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

The Fab Firs came to visit for their "official" photo shoot.

Fab Firs by NeedleDeeva (ND 1370A-i)
Each canvas comes with Stitch Guide by Vicky De Angelis

For new blog readers, the Fab Firs are a series/club/collection of Fir Trees by NeedleDeeva and stitched by Vicky De Angelis. Each canvas comes with a stitch guide. There are 9 designs in the series, on 18 mesh, and are 4.5" x 4.5" triangles. (They are the same size of the Creeps, if that gives you some perspective.)

The Fab Firs have their own Facebook page. They also have their own page on the NeedleDeeva website. Your Local Needlepoint Store can order them for you; either individually or collectively.  Four of the Fab Firs come with special Swarovski Crystals for that puff-fect touch.

NeedleDeeva's knowledge of Fir Trees is enlightening. Did you know she is from Colorado? Land of the Trees, for sure.

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Here are the Fab Firs by name and number:

• Scottish Pine (1370A)
• Norfolk Island Pine (1370B)
• Southern Yellow Pine (1370C)
• Blue Fir (1370D)
• Rocky Mountain Blue Spruce (1370E)
• White Pine (1370F)
• Gingerbread Spice Pine (1370G)
• Norway Pine (1370H)
• Jack Pinion Pine (1370i)

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In my world, no photo shoot is complete without a visit from a cat. This time it was Lana who graced us with her presence.

Enjoy these behind-the-scene photos:

Making sure every Fab Fir is seen.

The Talent has arrived on the set.

Lana checks out the props.

"Oooh... I love sparkly things."

Lana is off screen while set decoration continues.

♫ It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... ♬

Then, a little Photoshop magic occurred. 

Dramatic lighting.

Nice cropping for detailed viewing.

Two versions were created. Now, that's customer service.

Fab Firs finished by Barbara's Needlepoint, Sioux Falls, SD.

Official Fab Firs photo as seen on Facebook.

Big thanks to Barbara's Needlepoint in Sioux Falls, SD who did the finishing including the metal stands. They really make the Fab Firs outstanding in their field. LOL.

Until the next time... Hugs Robin

Baltimore / TNNA - day 3

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Back home in Memphis and in front of my computer. I tried (with better success) blogging while on the road without my laptop, but those special nuances (which I love to do) were not available to me from the iPad. (Or, perhaps I haven't discovered the best APP?)

So, I'd like to continue with my wonderful journey to Baltimore, MD... home of the 2012 TNNA Fall Needlecraft Show at the Embassy Suites.

Day 3: was the last day of the Show. A very fast day for Shop Owners to make their final purchase decisions. Quite a few Shop Owners stopped by the NeedleDeeva room. Many took home with them the Pink Skull Stitch Guide and Canvas which I recently finished. So much fun to stitch. I can't wait to get the models finished.  It has been cool stitching these Sugar Skulls. Even on the airplane, many people (young and not so young) were interested.

I have more photos from the Show to share with you.

Accoutrement Designs and 25 of their new magnets...

Some new canvases from Barbara Bergsten Designs...

Look, she has new "licensed" Sorority needlepoint, too. Barbara has the cutest Lilly Pulitzer shifts as well as awesome "beginner" canvases. I ♥ Barbara Bergsten. She is a classy lady...

Down the hall from the NeedleDeeva room was Unique NZ Designs. I currently have 2 of their Keep Calm pieces ordered from Peacock Alley Needlepoint: Keep Calm Cats and Keep Calm Halloween. (I am anticipating the Keep Calm Chocolate canvases, too.) Give Sandy/Peacock Alley Needlepoint a call if you are interested in these custom designs.

NeedleDeeva's room looked great. The 6-foot banner announced the Fab Firs. The window display showed the Fab Firs up close and in person. New shops signed up to participate in the Retailer's Club as well as made individual choices for their customers.

Here's another photo from the NeedleDeeva room. Thanks to Judee/NeedleDeeva for taking this photo. I am the cream filling between two Needlepoint icons (Jo Ippolito Christensen and Vicky De Angelis.)

Look at these fun bags from Voila. Stitch a Needlepoint Shoulder Strap (belt canvas), attach to bag and call me stylish.

I really like the Cash and Carry type shows. The atmosphere is relaxed. You are in a hotel, too. Just walk down the hallway and enter the room to your favorite designer.

No time away from home is without its cocktail hour. Here is the photo of the Vodka, Peach Schnappes, Grenadine, Orange Juice cocktail from the first day. (Still don't know its proper name. Let's just call it Tasty.)

I enjoyed attending this TNNA Fall Needlecraft Show in Baltimore. In just a few months, we will see all of the designers and shop owners again (Feb 2013) in Long Beach, CA. I have submitted 2 classes to teach. Hopefully, I will be selected to join in the fun.

But, there is still more to tell about this day: Visiting/Teaching at Bedecked and Beadazzled, don't you know. Let's begin here... the next time.

Until then... Hugs, Robin

Hug Me Company and Miss Malibu

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

One of my favorite sayings is Hugs, but did you know there is a company based in New Orleans, LA called Hug Me Company?

Yes, there is. The owner is Amy Yuseph. The Hug Me Company makes elegant bags and accessory bags for needlepoint, knitting, travel and general use.

I first met Amy while attending the TNNA Market. Her booth was filled with her fabric bags. Beautifully made; workmanship in the USA. Fabrics to envy. Quality craftsmanship. I'm sure your favorite needlepoint shop carries the Hug Me Company line. Knitting Shops carry them, too.

Recently, Vicky De Angelis did a wonderful blog about the Hug Me Company. With her permission, here are some of her photos from the Mostly Needlepoint blog:

I also have a Hug Me Bag to show you... a new envelope shape; just purr-fect for smaller projects; like the size of the Fab Firs by NeedleDeeva, for example.

Look at the inside. Love the fabric. Notice how the design of the envelope flap aligns with the body. It measures 13" W  x 11.5" H and has a zippered pocket inside as well as a zippered closure. Nice.

(P.S. here's a peek of something I'm currently stitching for Ruth Schmuff. So cute. I will share it with you on another day.)

Here is the link for the Hug Me Company website: http://www.hugmeco.com/  There, you can see the styles and the fabrics available. Here are some screenshots from her website.

Which brings me to another, yet related, topic: the 2013 Miss Malibu contest. Question: What does the Hug Me Company and the 2013 Miss Malibu contest have in common? Answer: Arielle Yuseph, of course.

Arielle Yuseph is the daughter of Amy Yuseph. Arielle is a needlepointer and a knitter, and she is entering the 2013 Miss Malibu contest.  How cool is that?

And... Arielle needs our help.  This year, the 2013 Miss Malibu contest is noticing who get the most  "likes" on the Miss Malibu Facebook page; the results will be part of the selection process.

Here's the link:  https://www.facebook.com/miss.malibu  and scroll down until you find Arielle's entry. Then "Like" her photo as well as "Like" the Miss Malibu page.

The pageant takes place August 18, 2012 (which is this coming Saturday) so be sure to "Like" Arielle today and wish her the best success.

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

Fab Firs by NeedleDeeva and Vicky de Angelis

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

I enjoy working with Judee/NeedleDeeva and being a part of Team Deeva.  I have updated the NeedleDeeva website with previews of new designs coming to TNNA/Columbus. Take a look when you can.

After photographing the finished Fab Firs for her website, Judee asked me to make a 6-foot banner which would be on display in the NeedleDeeva booth for both TNNA/Columbus and TNNA/Baltimore. I was thrilled for the opportunity.

You've heard about the Fab Firs, haven't you? The Fab Firs are beautifully stitched by Vicky de Angelis, and will be the newest Retailer's Club offered by NeedleDeeva in September. Vicky's stitch guides are wonderful and this is an awesome opportunity for all stitchers. All shop owners can contact NeedleDeeva to sign up for this club either in person at Market (Booths 803-805) or from the online information form on the NeedleDeeva website. All triangles are the same size as The Creeps: 4.5" width and 4.5" height; on 18 mesh.

I had just created the magazine ad about the Fab Firs for the upcoming
Needlepoint Now July/August 2012 issue, and decided to keep the same theme going. After all, that's what any ad agency would do, right? So now, we have the Fab Firs ad, the Fab Firs sell sheet, the Fab Firs page on the NeedleDeeva website, and... wait for it... the Fab Firs 6-foot banner.

Ever have a 6-foot banner printed? 72" width by 24" height, to be exact. There was a slight learning curve involved but I did not give up. (The Deeva was counting on me.) Finally, the computer recognized the file, and then, the printer started printing. Oh, happy day!!!!

I snapped this picture with my Phone and emailed to Judee about the blessed event... a banner is born.

The Creeps are excited for their upcoming trip to Columbus. They love to travel and show off. I will take some photos of the trip and post them on the blog. Can't wait to show you this banner in all its glory.

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

Cat Walk (CT22) and Dog Walk (CT23) by SharonG

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Today is Show and Tell day.

Vicky Rimstidt is one of the ladies who attends my canvas enhancement classes. She is an avid stitcher and a wonderful friend, too. On Saturday, she brought in her two finished/framed canvases. You can imagine the "oohs and aahs" from the other class students and me!

Vicky Rimstidt had been stitching Cat Walk (CT22) and Dog Walk (CT23); each canvas is on 18 mesh from SharonG. This has been a fun journey for both Vicky and myself.

The first piece we planned was Cat Walk. Beads, Kreinik, Gloriana and Rainbow Gallery threads brought this piece to life.

Then it was Dog Walk's turn. You might recognize it as being similar to Deco Kitty (from Vicky de Angelis' blog), and you would be correct. SharonG first designed Dog Walk, and then, later painted the cat-only version for Vicky de Angelis, a passoniate cat lover. SharonG is one clever lady, right?

Click to see more of SharonG's designs.

Now both pieces are finished; framed and hanging for Vicky Rimstidt to enjoy. Thank you, Vicky, for today's Show and Tell. We will enjoy seeing your work again and again.

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

Robin is teaching at What's The Point? Needlepoint

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Look what I found on the internet: the newsletter from What's The Point? Needlepoint (located in Dublin, Ohio).

Robin is teaching at What's The Point? Needlepoint
1-614-717-9008
Tuesday, June 26, 2012 in Dublin, OH

http://www.whatsthepoint.biz/news_postcard.pdf

Looks like I am in good company, right? Melissa Shirley to my left and Vicky de Angelis to my right. How cool is that?

I'll be back with my intended blog on Nutcrackers. Just wanted to share this late breaking news with you.

If you are in the Columbus, Ohio area .... and, are even closer to Dublin, OH... join in the fun of the Sunflower and Berries class on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. It will be great to meet you. You will learn a lot and have fun all at the same time... Guaranteed.

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

Teaching at In Stitches (Atlanta)

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Four days after Nashville Needleworks, Jules (the cat) was helping me pack my suitcase.

Jules loves a suitcase.

She knew I was going on an airplane. Destination: In Stitches (Atlanta, Georgia) to teach Sunflower and Berries (ND 309). Here are some highlights from my travels.

In Stitches (Atlanta): On Thursday, Bam Coleman, owner of In Stitches, met me at the airport. When she drove up, there was already a passenger in the car. You will never guess who it was!.... Vicky De Angelis from California. Vicky decided to travel to Atlanta to take the class. What a surprise. How fun to have Team Deeva in ATL.

Bam brought us to her lovely home where I met Harry, the cat... a most friendly Maine Coon cat. He made me feel right at home.

Harry, a very fine cat.

Class days were Friday and Saturday. Again, the Sunflower and Berries canvas was taught to a sold-out crowd. It was fun to meet the women in attendance... many were already Facebook/Blog friends. Melinda from Living the Good Life blog and Vicky from Mostly Needlepoint blog were there. Vicky won the Travel Trophy, but Elizabeth came in second traveling from North Carolina.

Bam had each table decorated with vases filled with Sunflowers. Her dinner plates and napkins also had the Sunflower theme. Bam is the ultimate Southern Belle Hostess.

River Silks Ribbons were wonderful.

Sharon G mentioned that In Stitches has an unbelievable assortment of Threads. Truer words haven't been spoken! I do believe I saw the largest variety of Threads ever seen under one roof. In Stitches is truly Atlanta's premiere needlepoint shop. You can read more about it on Vicky's blog.

I also did some retail therapy at In Stitches.

After class, Bam took us for dinner; celebrating with the tasty Atlanta cuisine. Our desserts were at home: ice cream and a movie with Harry.

Vicky and I are planning on returning to In Stitches... to teach together. Bam suggested the idea and we said yes before she could finish the sentence. Any chance to return to ATL, Bam and Harry is good with me.

Since returning home from Atlanta, I hit the ground running and haven't stopped yet... which explains my absence from the blog. I will share more with you the next time. Until then... Hugs, Robin

HUGS from Robin - part six

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Close up of Hugs (GS-11)

Sometimes a little Basketweave is just what a needlepoint piece needs. A place to rest your eyes, if you will. It's the cornerstone of our stitching repertoire, and yet, we might overlook using it because we are in love with all those other decorative stitches.

In the 1970's, I learned how to do the Basketweave stitch from reading a charted diagram. (True confessions: I began as a self-taught stitcher.) I understood it had a diagonal pathway. Only recently did I realize there was more to that stitch... much more to learn... to do it correctly.

ND 465-A
Stitch Guide by Vicky De Angelis

Last year I was photographing Vicky De Angelis' stitched models for NeedleDeeva. Getting close to her work through the camera and computer, I noticed her beautiful Basketweave stitches.

The Devil is still a handsome guy despite
being at the beginning of Robin's learning curve.

Then, I looked at my stitching. At the time, I was stitching The Devil (ND 0467-B) from the Creepy Characters. Quite a different look for the same stitch. I was keeping the diagonal pathway; what else could I do to improve my technique?

Walk Up the Steps

I had remembered the saying, "Walk up the Steps... Slide down the Poles." In my early stitching days, I heard it, and yet, couldn't/wouldn't process it. I never took time to study the canvas threads: the warp and the weft threads. There was a wonderful charted diagram in The NeedleWorks March 2011 e-newsletter which gave me my "ah-ha" moment. The horizontal steps and the vertical poles were pointed out to me; cue the celestial choir.

At the same time, I remembered Amy Bunger taught a 2-hour class about Basketweave at TNNA. Imagine that... 2 hours on the Basketweave stitch. Currently, I am editing the Tony Minieri DVDs, Back to Basics • Level One, and again, the Basketweave stitch was discussed in depth.

So now, I understand the Basketweave stitch. Here are some points to share with you:

• Pay attention to the canvas threads: walk up the Steps and slide down the Poles. It really does matter.
• When beginning a new thread, pay attention to your last stitch and begin the next stitch in the correct sequence. If your begin at the other end, you will get a "striped" look.
• When ending the thread, do not run it back into the worked area. You will get a "hole" in the stitching. Instead, pull your thread forward so the new thread will have coverage on the backside. 
• To end the thread, run it either horizontal or vertical along a few stitches; never diagonally.

Backside of Basketweave
Hugs (GS-11) • Gayla Elliott Designs

I am now proud to show you my backside of the Basketweave on the HUGS canvas. I can honestly say this is the first time I correctly did the Basketweave stitch. I am so thrilled. Hopefully, my learned lessons will help someone, too.

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin