Teaching Manuals

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Just finished creating my Teaching Manual for Flowers in a Vase (ND 311), and thought you might like to see what is involved.

First of all, why do I create a Teaching Manual?

• Present the project to the class with all details and sequences at hand.
• Showcase for some "behind the scenes" photos.
• Good review of the how/when/where/whys of the project prior to teaching.
• It is kind of like art project, and you know how I like art projects!

First, I write the Stitch Guide. This is a typed document describing each area in detail: the stitch, the threads, and the sequence of stitching. Charted diagrams are included for each area.

Screenshot of Flowers in a Vase (ND 311) stitch guide

When I begin the Teaching Manual, I use the exact text from the Stitch Guide. Each area is on its own page with the font size increased so I can comfortably read and refer as needed. The Thread types are in Red for easy reference. The same Charted diagram from the Stitch Guide is on the page, too... enlarged. 

Screenshot of Teaching Manual for ND 311

A work in progress photo is also included so the students can see what I experienced when stitching the model.

Now everyone sees the backside of my stitching... Yikes!

Once the Teaching Manual is complete, I put each page into a Premium Heavyweight Sheet Protector from Avery (affordable at Costco, bundled 250 sheets per box). 

Protective Sheets are so much fun.

And then, each sleeved page goes into a 3-ring 1" Binder. (Again, from Costco; bundled in 6 per group.) I really like this binder with clear sleeve on the front and spine so you add a descriptor page. Let the art project begin!

In Photoshop, I make the Teaching Manual cover art: Canvas Name, Designer, Number, my info, and finished photo. 

Cover Art for ND 311

There is the Spine art, too.

Spine Art for ND 311

Put all of the sleeved pages and the Cover/Spine Art into the Binder, and call me happy!

Blog readers who have been with me know I have done this procedure for each teaching endeavor.

Earlier teaching/stitching moments.

The Creepy Characters demanded their own Manual.

The Teaching Manual library continues to grow...

Recent and current teaching/stitching projects.

The art project is finished.

Did someone say photo shoot? Here's Leo...

Leo checks out the layout.

Well, it is time to print the Stitch Guides... I'll be at The Bristly Thistle (ND 311) real soon. The Needle Bug (ND 309) and The Nimble Needle (ND 311) soon after that. October is going to be a fun month. Hope to see you there!

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

Have Teaching Manual - Will Travel

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Happy Father's Day to all reading this blog. I credit my dad for many of my creative talents. Sure do miss him.

This week is the "gotta get it done" week because I will be heading to Columbus, Ohio to teach the Lotus Squared class at TNNA, work the NeedleDeeva booth, and then to teach at What's the Point? Needlepoint shop in Dublin, OH. Exciting times are ahead, for sure.

Thread Kits for Lotus Squared • Zecca •  ZE 134

The Thread Kits for the Lotus Squared are kitted and ready to travel. All threads for the TNNA class were donated from these following wonderful companies. Be sure to patronize them when possible. Their generosity is greatly appreciated:

• DMC Corp. - Embroidery Floss and DMC Memory Thread
• Gloriana - Silk Ribbon Floss
• Kreinik - Kreinik Braid size 8
• Rainbow Gallery - Flair, Neon Rays, Splendor
• River Silks Ribbon - 4MM
• Wichelt Imports - Mill Hill size 6〫Glass Beads and Antique Glass Beads

Then, I printed and bagged the stitch guides. Zecca did the artwork for the cover sheet. I love her style. There are a few more seats available in the Saturday morning class. If you are a shop owner going to Market, be sure to consider spending 8AM - 10AM with me.

I also made my Lotus Squared Teaching Manual. It is a tradition I do for each teaching event. It is the same text as the stitch guides with large print and one design element printed per page. The charted stitch with a behind-the-scene photo are also printed as a reminder of what I did and when/how I did it.

Each page is then put into a sleeve protector and into a binder which has a place for front cover and binder edge information.

Blog readers who have been with me from the beginning may remember my earlier teaching manuals.

I also have the Sunflower and Berries Teaching Manual ready to go with me because I will be teaching the class at What's the Point? Needlepoint in Dublin, OH right after Market on Tuesday, June 26th.

My collection of Teaching Manuals is a reminder of the commercial stitch guides I have written. Looking forward to more opportunities... beginning in Columbus.

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin