Face Off

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Today I transfered the image of the Cat Face and MEOW design to the 13 mesh canvas. As with most things in life, you've got options.

In the first photo, you can see the paper pattern through the mesh. I used a mechanical pencil to trace the design on the canvas.

You can also tape your design/canvas onto a window and trace using the natural light. If you have a light box, you could use that as well. If you do need to erase, be sure to use a White art eraser.

I did use a faint, light touch. I also made a mark on the canvas to indicate where to place the first stitch. I began stitching in the Cat Face.

So far I have chosen Silk 'n Ivory Natural and Silk 'n Ivory Sacré Blue 114; they complement the Canvas Tote quite nicely. I will look into my stash for the eye threads... shouldn't be a problem. Thanks, Robin

Measure Twice... Stitch Once

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

What's that saying? Measure twice ... cut once? Well, it applies to Needlepoint, too.

The Canvas Tote called for a 5" x 5" insert area, and I designed the Cat Face & MEOW accordingly. Then I printed a paper pattern as a preview. OOPS, was I off.

You can see the Cat face was too close to the bottom Blue Border. I'd like a little more breathing room. Good thing I checked and double checked before stitching. Today I resized the Cat Face a wee-bit smaller, but I kept the MEOW in the same location.

I took the photo on the deck. Today was a perfect day in Memphis: moderate temperatures in the 70's. Elliot heard I was stitching for Mewtopia's Wine and Whiskers Silent Auction. He posed for a photo.

Well, next time I will show how I transfered the design. Thanks, Robin

One Mewtopia donation: coming up!

Hi Everybody ... Robin here.

I received my letter in the mail yesterday from Mewtopia.
What's Mewtopia you might ask?

"Mewtopia Cat Rescue is a Tennessee non-profit corporation established in May 2000. We provided a sanctuary for homeless, abused, abandoned or owner-relinquished cats and kittens until they can be placed in a secure, loving environment.... On Saturday, June 12 2010, we will be hosing the 9th annual Wine and Whiskers silent auction on the grounds of Mewtopia at 734 Mt. Moriah, Memphis, TN 38117. We would greatly appreciate your participation in our event. Your donated item or gift certificate would be a wonderful addition to our auction items, and no gift is too small... Thank you for your support and consideration. If you have any questions, please contact us at (901) 387-1464 or visit our website at www.mewtopia.org."

I have been gifting my crafted services to this cause over the past few years. For those of you who don't know, my first passion was Stained Glass. I taught for years at a local Stained Glass store, and have made windows, lamps, picture frames, kaleidescopes, stepping stones, yard art... you name it. Here's a photo of the Stained Glass Votive Candle Holder and Stained Glass Picture Frame Holder I made for one of their Silent Auction event.

This year I wanted to make a needlepoint item. I've had an idea in the back of my head, and now I've given myself permission to make it with their June 12th deadline. Remember, I am the kid who had to get the chores done before playing.

I am going to purchase one of the Canvas Totes from Amy's. I know you've seen them... the canvas kind with colorful trim. I'm going to select the size for a 5" x 5" insert. Here's the photo.

Then, on 13 mesh canvas, I am going to stitch this design. Pat Ryan, my guy (cat lover, owner of Business Visuals Photography and 1/3 owner of Pet Project Video, LLC) designed the cat, and I added the stitch concept in the CanvasX stitch program.

Here's the preview of the diagram. I am planning on using the DMC Memory Thread for the MEOW words as well as the Cat Face outline.

We have adopted 2 cats from Mewtopia: Elliot and Jules. They are the best cats, ever!

It is my honor to stitch an item for the Mewtopia Silent Auction. I will blog about its progress, and the finished results. Here's a photo of Elliot and Jules. Thanks, Robin