Do It... then Write It Down

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

I have learned to not trust my memory when it comes to needlepoint. Currently I am stitching the models for the upcoming NeedleDeeva Halloween Club which will be released in June 2011. There will be 8 canvases in the monthly club, and I am writing the Stitch Guides for the group. How exciting is that!

There are many things to remember and notate when writing a Stitch Guide: the name of the stitch, the threads used for the stitch (name, manufacturer, number, size), the number of strands used, the stitching order and any other helpful hints. Others might have a different routine; this is what works best for me.

So once I stitch an area, I write down all of the information in a notebook. With tape, scissors, pencil and eraser near by, I write down the info and snip/tape a sample of the thread into the notebook. Kind of like a quick scrapbook.

For this Halloween Club, I am keeping all of the Stitch Guides notes in my WHITELINES SQUARED notebook. Remember me telling you about the Whitelines notebook? Here's that previous link. I love the Whitelines printed on the Light Gray paper. It's really Cool.

I now have 2 of the Club pieces finished: Scaredy Cat and Spidey (ND 0467-H) and Pumpkin (ND 0467-A). I just put Devil (ND 0467-B) and Frankenstein (ND 0467-C) on their respective stretcher bars. After that will be Spider (ND 0467-D), Witch (ND 0467-E), Ghost (ND 0467-F), and Dracula (ND 0467-G) All pieces are a Triangular shape... just perfect Halloween ornament size. I will be carrying threads within the series as a consideration to my fellow stitchers.

Well, that's all for now. I'll be showing some preview sneak peeks soon; I LOVE the DMC Glow in the Dark Floss. This Halloween kid is Happy.  Thanks, Robin

Floating Cat - Background

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Here's an update on The Floating Cat. I finished the Background and the White Stars. I chose the Pavilion Steps stitch for the background, as seen in SuZy's Portable Stitches, page 40. I liked the movement of the stitch and hadn't used it before. Plus, I am still planning some drama for the Pumpkin Balloon and the Floating Cat. I used 2 strands of Needle Necessities Inc. 113 (from my stash) and stitched over the Balloon's String. I will put that in later.

The White Stars were Basketweave Stitches using Petite Sparkle Rays PS21, and the Outline of the Stars were Fly Stitches using Sprinkles 16. I probably don't need to mention that I have a "healthy" stash.

I am posting the charting of the Pavilion Steps for you to see; the regular way and my new favorite way. Here's my story. The other day I went into the local book store and saw some new Graph Paper. It is called Whitelines from Sweden, and it is a new writing paper which "brings out everything you write and draw. The novelty is that the lines are clearly visible without disturbing what you write, which a traditional writing paper with dark lines does."

Here's their website: www.whitelines.se

I purchased a binder of Whitelines Squared for myself. Love it. So this morning when I was charting the Pavilion Steps, I did so two ways: dark lines and White Lines. You can see for yourself the visual difference.

What's next? The Pumpkin Balloon. I have recommended the technique to many. It's time I do it for myself. Enjoy the day. 

Until the next time... Robin