Creepy Characters News

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Did you wake up and watch the Royal Wedding? I did. Absolutely beautiful. Loved the gown. Two kisses! For an awesome blog post, be sure to check out Plays With Needles. Susan's last two blog entries give wonderful insight and history to the past and present Royal Wedding Gowns.

I've updated the Creepy Characters info page. This club/series is being offered through your local needlepoint shops. Ruth Schmuff has it posted on her website and blog . Colleen/The Needleworks/Austin, TX has it posted on her blog. Amy's has it posted in her e-newsletters. Looks like good news is traveling fast. I am re-vamping the NeedleDeeva website and all of the participating Shops will be listed. I'll let you know when that "unveiling" occurs.

Well, back to Hooty Owl. He's my current companion; we have our own Love Story going. Thanks, Robin

Seeing Clearly with Kreinik Hot-Wire

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

I wanted to post this blog in between Thunderstorm and Tornado warnings. My, oh my, it's been crazy in Memphis. Enough with the April "showers"... OK?

I finished Mehitabel, the Witch (ND 0467-E) in the NeedleDeeva Creepy Characters series. I like how she turned out. I used the Kreinik Hot-Wire for her eyeglasses and my Lasso technique worked. Here's my Hot Wire blog link... for easy reference.

Her buck teeth were fun to create. I also got inspired with the curl on top of the Witch's Hat. I enjoy designing Halloween Couture fashions. I went around and around regarding her earrings until landing on this technique.

So, Mehitabel is my 6th finished Character. I sent them off to get finished. I've got 3 more to go. Hooty, the Halloween Owl is next. Well, gonna turn on The Weather Channel. Until then... Thanks, Robin

Does Artistry mimic Reality?

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Tonight's topic: does Artistry mimic Reality?  If the Court allows... I give you Exhibit A: a wonderful design from Ruth Schmuff, Cat with Tulips.

Cat with Tulips by Ruth Schmuff

And, I would like to introduce Exhibit B: Elliot smelling new Tulips. 

Elliot smelling Tulips

So... if it pleases the court... I would like to ask: does Artistry mimic Reality? I think, YES. I rest my case. Thanks, Robin

The Ode to Spring continues...

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

I'd like to thank each of you for your sincere condolences regarding Mow. We are touched and thankful.

EWE & Eye (EW 1003 • Mary S.)

But now... it's time to resume our Ode to Spring. This pillow is from EWE & Eye. I stitched it with Amy during her canvas enhancement classes. The choice of this pillow was because of my (then) new collection/obsession of Patricia Breen's Beeskeps. (I know... it's a strange word. Another definition would be a Beehive.)  It's always fun to have our other interests represented in needlepoint.

I thought this canvas would be the perfect announcement to Spring. Amy suggested the Spring Stitch. (Who knew?!) I used Rainbow Linen for the large X stitches to give it that woven look. I also used DMC Linen Floss for the Vertical Satin stitches. It really looks hive-y, if you know what I mean. I found the cute JABC Bee Buttons, too. I had it finished at Marlene's in San Francisco; a subtle, yet classic look.

Well, I've been working on Mehitabel. She's the Witch in the Creepy Characters from NeedleDeeva. Finished her outfit today... it's Halloween Couture. Tomorrow I will tackle her Hair and Makeup. (Something I rarely do for myself. Oy, the pressure!)

Enjoy the day... I'll be back soon. Thanks, Robin

Mow

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Our elder cat, Mow, was my inspiration for stitching this canvas. He would curl up at the edge of the sofa and sleep for hours. I stitched this piece with Amy during her canvas enhancement classes. I used Black Fishing Line for his Whiskers. I like the Ribbon Flowers as well as the Raised Leaf stitch for the Leaves. The Twisted Cord Fringe was a nice delicate touch to the throw on the back of the chair.

Last night Mow died. We are so thankful for the many years of companionship he gave us. 

Thank you for letting us share this moment. Hugs, Robin and Pat

Where does the Easter Bunny live and shop?

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Today I am showing more of my Spring/Easter pieces. Ever wonder where the Easter Bunny lives? Here's my answer... in his Easter House, of course.

Easter House

I stitched these pieces during canvas enhancement classes with Amy several years ago. It was fun to use the brand new thread (at that time!) called Accentuate for the Front Door to give it a Stained Glass look. Petite Peluche was chosen for the Running Rabbits along the Roof line. Topiary Rabbits on either side of the front door were made with sculpted Turkey Work.

Easter Store

Once the Easter House was finished, I began stitching the Easter Store. After all, it is where the Easter Bunny does his shopping, right? I love the Chocolate Easter Bunnies in the window made with Neon Rays. I like how the Eggs in the basket were worked: the front ones were beaded and the back ones were stitches; showing dimension and perspective. The Cup Stitch is one of my favorites for making little flowers.

Egg Cottage

Both of these designs are from A Collection of Designs. This one is too. I'm calling it the Egg Cottage. It is my 3rd and final of the stand-ups. You can see, I've only stitched a few areas. I do hope to get back to it soon. It is fun to stitch "during the season." All of the Pinks, Purples, and Turquoises are a welcome color palette. Well, that's all for now.  Thanks, Robin

Spring has Sprung

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

It's Friday. I just realized it is Spring and now would be a good time to begin posting some of my Spring/Easter decorations.

Spring Tree with Patricia Breen ornaments

I've got a Spring Tree. It's a White feather tree decorated my Patricia Breen ornaments. Are you familiar with Patricia Breen? She is an American who now lives in Poland and designs beautiful blown-glass ornaments. I have been her fan for years. One of the best places to find Patricia Breen ornaments is at Milaeger's located in Racine, Wisconsin. They have a wonderful online store, too.

Easter Eggs stitched by Robin King and Midge King

I have also stitched some Easter Eggs. You are looking at the photo of my Mom's bounty of Easter Eggs. My sister, Midge, stitched eight of the eggs and then I added four to the collection. I did the 3 Rebecca Wood designs (yellow chick, lamb, duck) and the Bunny holding the paint brush. Nice grouping, eh?

This has me in the mood to see the movie, Hop... or at least, to eat some jelly beans. Well, that's all until the next time. Thanks, Robin