Needle in a Haystack - Montrose, CA exclusive

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

Are you familiar with Pippin Studio from Canada? I recently learned about them when one of their canvas designs was in a canvas enhancement class. I wrote the stitch guide for Twelve Canadian Evergreen Trees.

Twelve Canadian Evergreen Trees • Pippin Studio
Stitched by Susan Fowler
Stitch Guide by Robin King

The designs are fresh & fun and are usually on 13 mesh.

Check them out:  http://www.pippinstudio.ca/

Last month, Needle in a Haystack - Montrose, CA asked if I would write a stitch guide for their Shop exclusive Pippin design, "Make Hay While the Sun Shines."

Make Hay While the Sun Shines • Pippin Studio
Shop exclusive: Needle in a Haystack - Montrose, CA
Stitch Guide by Robin King

I've had the pleasure of teaching at Needle in a Haystack - Montrose, CA and was thrilled for this opportunity. I said yes and wrote the guide.

Make Hay While the Sun Shines • Pippin Studio
A Shop Exclusive
 Needle in a Haystack - Montrose, CA

Pretty threads and beads...  the colors are delightful. Stitching this will make the winter doldrums go away.

Make Hay While the Sun Shines • Pippin Studio
11" x 8" on 13 mesh

You can see the Needle in a Haystack's ad in the current Needlepoint Now magazine.

Needle in a Haystack - Montrose, CA
ad in Needlepoint Now magazine

Give Needle in a Haystack - Montrose, CA a call: (818) 248-7686. They will be glad to hear from you. Here's the link to their website: http://www.needhay.com/

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

Halloween Village adventure with Robin King

Hi Everybody... Robin here...

Last year I had the opportunity to write a stitch guide for the Halloween Village canvas (Melissa Shirley Designs MSD 1627-C). I first saw the canvas at the TNNA Market and really connected with it... remember, I do like Halloween.

Halloween Village • Melissa Shirley Designs • MSD 1627-C
20" x 8.5" on 18 mesh
Stitch guide by Robin King

It was suggested that I stitch the piece myself and offer it as a monthly club...
a "Stitch Along with Robin" adventure, if you will.

I asked Stacy Brown/The Nimble Needle-Atlanta if she would like to join me in this project. I would stitch the Halloween Village and write the guides, and customers would get the canvas and thread kits from The Nimble Needle-Atlanta.

She said yes and so the journey begins.

In April 2014, the first "kit" will go out: the canvas, thread kit #1 and instructions #1. There will be 6 kits in total shipped about every 6 weeks. I am using my original stitch guide as a base, but it is adjusted with new inspirations, stitches and techniques. I am stitching it with full passion and a love for all things creative.

On The Nimble Needle-Atlanta's website there is a Halloween Village page which will list the schedule of the outgoing kits as well as the price of each kit. There will also be tricks and treats sent out along the way. What a fun time we will have.

Here's the link: http://www.atlantanimbleneedle.com/halloween-village.html

Halloween Village information from
The Nimble Needle-Atlanta website

I plan on setting up a special Halloween Village Facebook group so we can encourage each other, share our show'n tell progress, and address any questions which might benefit the group. I have been taking "behind the scene" photos as I stitch each section and can share them, too. I can also post some video in case a technique isn't obvious by the diagram. How cool is that? Like I said... it will be a complete "Stitch Along with Robin" adventure.

Look for our ad in the Needlepoint Now magazine. It is very clever. We've posted one ad in the Jan/Feb 2014 issue and have this ad ready for the March/April 2014 issue. We want all eyes to see.

The Nimble Needle-Atlanta ad in Needlepoint Now

Speaking of eyes... you know how important the eyes are to any piece. In my opinion that's where the personality begins.

Cat and Pumpkin in Kit #1 - before
Halloween Village • Melissa Shirley Designs • MSD 1627-C
Stitch Guide by Robin King

Cat and Pumpkin in Kit #1 - after
Halloween Village • Melissa Shirley Designs • MSD 1627-C
Stitch Guide by Robin King

If you are interested in joining the fun... give The Nimble Needle-Atlanta a call
(404) 843-8687 or email them: atlantanimbleneedle@gmail.com.

Already have the Halloween Village canvas in your stash? No problem. You can still join the adventure. Just give The Nimble Needle-Atlanta a call.

OK... that's it for now. Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

The Nimble Needle - Atlanta February 2014

Hi Everybody... Robin here...

It is always fun to see which canvases are selected for a Canvas Enhancement class.

These will be at the next event at The Nimble Needle - Atlanta on February 9 & 10, 2014. ( There were even 3 Charley Harper designs.)

Louisiana Heron
Treglown Designs, artist Charley Harper (CH-L090)
Stitch Guide by Robin King

Manatee in a Mangrove
Treglown Designs, artist Charley Harper (CH-M062)
Stitch Guide by Robin King

Peril in the Petunias
Treglown Designs, artist  Charley Harper (HC-P158)
Stitch Guide by Robin King

Peacock Ginger Jar
Melissa Shirley Designs (MSD 1665)
Stitch Guide by Robin King

Two Orchids
Melissa Shirley Designs (MSD 1484-2A)
Stitch Guide by Robin King

Don't Pursue Happiness... Create It.
Zecca (ZE-118)
Stitch Guide by Robin King

Kitschy-en
Fleur de Paris, artist Sandra Gilmore (SG-18-569)
Stitch Guide by Robin King

Stars & Stripes Tic Tac Toe
Liz/Tapestry Tent (TTAG-116)
Stitch Guide by Robin King

Black and Silver Challah Cover
Pepita (PEP001)
Stitch Guide by Robin King

Dancing Miriam
Julia's Needleworks, artist Bracha Lavee (BL-16TB)
Stitch Guide by Robin King

Sun Teardrop Purse
The Studio Midwest (PR108A)
Stitch Guide by Robin King

Colorful Harlequin Picture/Mirror Frame
Colors of Praise (PF163)
Stitch Guide by Robin King

Polka Dot Pot
Maggie Co. (M-1545)
Stitch Guide by Robin King

Because You're Mine I Walk the Line
Quail Run Designs, artist Nancy Coffelt (NC112)
Stitch Guide by Robin King

I told you there was something for everyone! It will be fun to watch these canvases come to life.

As with all my guides, these are also available for purchase. Just email me creativecats@comcast.net.

OK... that's about all for this entry. Next blog will be about some of the projects which have kept me away from blogging. I've been in the "Cone of Silence" and now I can share the details.

Until then... Hugs, Robin.

The Nimble Needle-Atlanta - part 3

Hi Everybody... Robin here...

I'd like you to meet Penny Boswinkle. She's one of the talented stitchers from The Nimble Needle - Atlanta.

Penny attended the April 2013 canvas enhancement class and selected the Blue Bird (canvas by Maggie Co. M-1488).

Blue Bird • Maggie Co. • M-1488

I was smitten with this canvas when I saw it at the TNNA Market, and was pleased to give some stitch suggestions for it.

I've asked Penny to tell us about her class experience:

Little did I know when I signed up for Robin King’s April 7^th Canvas Enhancement Class at The Nimble Needle in Atlanta what a fun journey with an exciting end I was about to start.  I picked Maggie Co’s Blue Bird for my first Robin stitch guide.

Before the class we had to get two color copies of our piece – one for Stacy Brown (the shop owner) to send to Robin and the second one for us to use for notes during class.  Stacy had set the class up so that each of us had our own time with Robin.  Class started at 9am and my time was 11am.  Not wanting to miss a thing I was there at 9 to find my stitch guide waiting so that I could pick threads before I talked with Robin.  When it was time, we discussed each section and the suggested threads – most of the areas stayed the same as her original idea, but we did change a few.  

Stacy provided a wonderful lunch and then back to work we went.  As soon as Robin had given everyone their assigned time, she was around the room answering questions and giving advice.  We even had a cupcake break!  All in all it was a wonderful class and day!

I was really thrilled with my stitch guide and couldn’t seem to put the piece down at home.  As the piece progressed there were a few places I made some changes, but not many.  Packed outline for the tree; lazy daisy stitch with a center straight stitch for the flowers; padded satin for the bird’s wing with clear star beads scattered on it;  bullions for the bird’s feet;  stump work for the center of the largest flower – no wonder I couldn’t quit stitching.

When I finished, my framer suggested a plain copper tone frame that blended with the trees.  I was thrill with the way it turned out; so decided to enter it in the ANG National Seminar Exhibit in Anaheim.  Imagine how thrilled I was when the Exhibit opened and I found my piece had won an honorable mention ribbon!  I’ve won ribbons before, but don’t think any piece had been stitched with such a fun journey!

If any of you get the chance to take a class with Robin, DO IT!  In fact, I will be in Robin’s next class at The Nimble Needle and can’t wait to see what happens with that piece!

What nice words. Thanks, Penny.

Here is the Blue Bird all finished and framed. Such a sweet piece. Great job, Penny.

Blue Bird • Maggie Co. • M-1488
Stitched by Penny Boswinkle
Stitch Guide by Robin King

In October 2013, I returned to The Nimble Needle - Atlanta for another group of canvas enhancement classes. Penny returned, too... this time with Approaching the Skies by Quail Run Designs (QR-020A).

Approaching the Skies • Quail Run Designs  • QR-020A
Stitch Guide by Robin King

When I was coming up with stitches, I was feeling a decorative, light approach to the different color blocks. I shared my thoughts with Penny and she was on board with the plan.

Here is one of the stitches we used. Isn't it pretty?

As you might have guessed, Penny has already finished stitching this piece! I know what you are thinking... she is a stitching machine. Penny sent me a photo, and said it will be framed by the next time I'm in ATL... which is next weekend. I can't wait to see it, and Penny, too.

Approaching the Skies • Quail Run Designs  • QR-020A
Stitched by Penny Boswinkle
Stitch Guide by Robin King

Like clockwork, I am returning to The Nimble Needle - Atlanta for another session of canvas enhancement classes. Penny will be there, too.

Here's what she has selected: Because You're Mine I Walk the Line. Canvas by Quail Run Designs, artist Nancy Coffelt (NC112).  Two cats and one dog amongst a scene of laundry. How cute is this canvas!!!

Because You're Mine I Walk the Line
Quail Run Designs, artist Nancy Coffelt • NC112
Stitch Guide by Robin King

Next blog... I will showcase the canvases selected for the upcoming Enhancement classes at The Nimble Needle - Atlanta... a delightful assortment of designs.

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin

The Nimble Needle-Atlanta - part 2

Hi Everybody... Robin here...

It is always thrilling to see one's stitch suggestions come to life.

In April 2013, I taught some canvas enhancement classes at The Nimble Needle-Atlanta, and in October 2013 I returned and taught some more canvas enhancement classes.

To my surprise, several of the October class students had been in the April class, and they brought in their finished/almost finished pieces to show and tell.

I'd like to share them with you.

First up: Christmas Fairies Large Stocking stitched by Adrienne Pease. This stocking (canvas by Susan Roberts/Tapestry Tent • TTAXS336) is for one of Adrienne's granddaughters. Lucky girl.

Christmas Fairies Stocking • TTAXS336
Stitched by Adrienne Pease

Christmas Fairies Stocking • TTAXS336
Stitch guide by Robin King

Next up: Mom Knows Best stitched by Renie Weinstein. These "Rules" came to life and Renie did a wonderful job. Canvas by Maggie Co. • M-1587 • artist, Lisa Krause.

Mom Knows Best • Maggie Co. • M-1587
Stitch Guide by Robin King

Mom Knows Best • Maggie Co. • M-1587
Stitched by Renie Weinstein

Next up: Twelve Canadian Evergreen Trees stitched by Susan Fowler. This delightful Pippin canvas is on 12 mesh. Great job, Susan.

Twelve Canadian Evergreen Trees • Pippin

Stitched by Susan Fowler

Stitch Guide by Robin King

Next up: Poterie stitched by Taffy Dunlevie. Taffy is stitching this Sandra Gilmore design (canvas by Once in a Blue Moon • SG-18-860) and showed me her progress. I was very pleased!

Poterie • Sandra Gilmore • SG-18-860
Stitched by Taffy Dunlevie
Stitch Guide by Robin King

The stitchers from the October 2013 enhancement classes at The Nimble Needle - Atlanta have shown just as much stitching progress. 

Renie Weinstein is almost finished with her Melons & Peaches canvas by Colors of Praise (FF-11).

Melons & Peaches • Colors of Praise • FF-11
Stitch Guide by Robin King

Melons & Peaches • Colors of Praise • FF-11
Stitched by Renie Weinstein
Stitch Guide by Robin King

Melons & Peaches • Colors of Praise • FF-11
Stitched by Renie Weinstein
Stitch Guide by Robin King

Last one to mention in this blog posting: Slippers by Colors of Praise (MC-226). Gail Abelman is stitching this piece and has shared her progress. All I could say is WOW. I am very pleased.

Slippers • Colors of Praise • MC-226
Stitched by Gail Abelman
Stitch Guide by Robin King

I'll be returning to The Nimble Needle - Atlanta next week (February 8-10, 2014) for another session of canvas enhancement classes. Can't wait to see everyone and to begin this journey again.

Any/all of my stitch guides are available... you can email me at creativecats@comcast.net.

In the next blog, I will share some finished pieces from another talented stitcher at The Nimble Needle - Atlanta, Penny Boswinkle. 

I'm going to start writing it now... look for it tomorrow. 

Until then... Hugs, Robin

The Nimble Needle-Atlanta experience - part 1

Hi Everybody... Robin here...

I wanted to let you know about the wonderful time I had teaching at The Nimble Needle-Atlanta last month. I was there for 3 days... action-packed fun-filled days.

The Nimble Needle
Sandy Springs, GA

The first day was what we called the "Help is on the Way" class. People came in with their work-in-progress canvases and asked my help... getting stitch suggestion for certain areas on their canvas. The day was divided up into appointments by the hour. It was a most productive day.

The second and third days were "Canvas Enhancement" classes. By definition, the canvases had been previously sent to me to write a detailed stitch guide.

The suggested threads were pulled (with fabulous teamwork from The Nimble Needle-Atlanta) so when it was each person's turn, I was able to talk with them about the complete stitch guide vision.

There were 8 canvases on the first day and 8 canvases on the second day.

We had a funny, yet effective, way of keeping time: we used the clock feature on the Smart Phone. When the bell rang, it was time to move onto the next person. Kind of like Speed Dating? LOL.

Here are some of the beauty shots of the canvases with their thread layouts:

Lawn Mowers • Ewe & Eye • EWE 259
Stitch Guide available from Robin King

Melons and Peaches • Colors of Praise • FF111
Stitch Guide available from Robin King

The Fourth • Sandra Gilmore • SG-18-295
Stitch Guide available from Robin King

Bunny with Flower • Maggie Co.  • M-919
Stitch Guide available from Robin King

Approaching the Skies • Quail Run • QR-020A
Stitch Guide available from Robin King

Cookies • Maggie Co. • M-1206
Stitch Guide available from Robin King

Tree Tallit Bag • Sew Much Fun
Stitch Guide available from Robin King

Pagoda Birdhouse • Melissa Prince Designs • A134
Stitch Guide available from Robin King

These canvases were also there for the Canvas Enhancement classes...

Who Gives a Hoot? • JP Designs  • DDB 003
Stitch Guide available from Robin King

Slippers • Colors of Praise • MC226
Stitch Guide available from Robin King

Large Tulip Field 2 and Small Tulip Field 1 • Jean Smith • 169B and 169C
Stitch Guide available from Robin King

Stand Up Santa • Alexa • SC 112
Stitch Guide available from Robin King

Witch Tree Skirt • Melissa Shirley Designs • MSD 552
Stitch Guide available from Robin King

I showed some demonstrations of the Colonial Running Rose for the Flower Pot in front of the Boylan's Pub...

It is always fun to do a demonstration.

and the Twisted Lazy Daisy for one of the Witch's Hair on the Witch Tree Skirt...

Love to show and share what I know.

Dining was a treat as well. We went to Table & Main located in Roswell, GA. Their slogan: Simple, Seasonal, and Southern. Definitely worth going.

Another meal was at Seed located in Marietta, GA. Remember I've mentioned my fondness for clever restroom signage? Seed did not disappoint. Here's an example of the chairs; the legs are hand-dipped in red paint...

Seed Restaurant

... and so are the restroom signs... very clever.

Seed Restaurant

Seed Restaurant

The pinnacle meal was at Bacchanalia located in Atlanta, GA whose offering was a five-course prix fixe menu composed of two small appetizer courses, an entrée course, cheese course and dessert course. Oh, my goodness. I selected the Chocolate Cake with Mint Ice Cream for dessert. I can still taste the freshly picked naturalness of the Mint.

Dessert at Bacchanalia

I'll be back to The Nimble Needle-Atlanta the first week in February 2014 for more "Help is on the Way" and "Canvas Enhancement" classes. Their canvases have already started to roll in... so far both are Charley Harper designs. What a treat!

I have more to share with you about The Nimble Needle-Atlanta adventure. The stitchers brought in their finished pieces from my previous "Canvas Enhancement" class in April. Let's do it next time, OK?

Wishing each of you a Happy Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Nutcracker
Christian Ulbricht

Until the next time... Hugs, Robin