TNNA Market Report: Day Two

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

We made it through the 2nd day of teaching, shopping, and meeting wonderful, talented people. Amy and Jill opened the checkbook and began placing orders. Here are some of the new things which are coming our way:

Rebecca Wood animal ornaments

Turtle by Birds of a Feather & Amy Schimler

Rooster Waiter by Maggie Co.

Rooster Chef by Maggie Co.

Kitty Magrittee by Maggie Co.

New York Penguin by Maggie Co.

QE Cat by Maggie Co.

Will Shakespurr by Maggie Co.

As Amy and Jill were ordering books, we came to June McKnight's booth. She has a new book, Spooky Stitches, which is all about Halloween stitches and embellishments. Here's a picture of Amy and June holding the sample banner featuring all of the stitches listed in the book. I've asked for my copy; I know Peggy will want one, too. How about you?

Amy Bunger and June McKnight

June McKnight's newest book

This has been a fun market, indeed. Seeing good friends, meeting the "rock stars" of the needlepoint industry, and teaching my finished pieces to the wonderful shop owners from across the country. 

Bird and Worm in the Zecca booth

Harvest Fairy in the Melissa Shirley booth

Stitch Guide by Robin King

Day 2 is in the books. Day 3 is waiting. Then it's off to teaching at two wonderful needlepoint shops in California: Needle In A Haystack/Montrose, CA and A Stitch in Time Needlework/San Marino, CA. See you soon!  Thanks, Robin

TNNA Market Report: Day One

Hi Everybody... Robin here... in CALIFORNIA.

Yes, it is Day 1 of Market. I taught my Bird & Worm canvas from Zecca (ZE-107) to a full house. Very well received. Tomorrow I will be teaching the Harvest Fairy canvas (MSD DM-09). Both items were on display in their designer's booths. It was a proud moment for me, indeed.

Today Amy, Jill, and I walked the entire Market floor. From the 1900 aisle to the 300 aisle. This year, Amy used her Smart Pen for recording notes. Very cool.

In the Associated Talents booth, Jill likes their new Halloween Ornaments including these:

In the Dream House Ventures booth, both Amy and Jill like these new Mindy designs:

In the & More booth, both Jill and Amy liked Julia Snyder's new design, Love You Most. Oh, and by the way, Julia's new Blackwork book is very nice. I am looking forward to getting my copy.

At the Edmar booth, Amy saw her good friend, Maria Freitas. You might remember that the wonderful thread, Bouclé is made by Edmar. Maria was happy to show Amy a new white Bouclé... a real white... a pure white... really, really white Bouclé thread. This made Amy really happy when Maria had it made... thinking of Amy Bunger. This was a fun moment to witness.  Then Amy introduced Jill and myself to Maria. She is one of the most talented, gifted embroidery, stumpwork needle artists I have ever seen. Her entire booth has finished pieces of wonderful, museum quality art.

Amy then asked Maria to demonstrate the Bullion on a Stalk technique to Jill. This was a special event for all of us. Here are some photos to share with you:

Maria Freitas and Jill Wilensky

Bullion on a Stalk technique

Amy Bunger and Maria Freitas

The last thing to show you are some of the new things coming from Lantern Moon. This is a brand new line of products to be carried at Amy's ... mainly because Lantern Moon is usually dedicated to the knitters. We all fell in love with their unique fabrics and styles including:

Mort - Ort bin

Mindy Pocket 

When we walk through the Market, we look at the Knitters area... almost lamenting that they've got the neatest gadgets, gizmos and bags. We asked ourselves, why can't we have them, too? Now... we can.

Well, that's just a glimpse into Day One with Amy and Jill. I'll be reporting back in tomorrow with more photos of what's coming your way. Thanks, Robin.

Gecko Border

With all the background done, I've moved on to the gecko border.   Please follow the chart, not the paint.  It is not a really bad thing if you do your own thing.  I just chose to rely on the chart.  Your canvas may not differ with the chart, so don't worry about it.

Isn't this the best icky green thread?

And look at this great magnet that Jill gave me for Christmas.  

Back to business... I choose to cover the legs and the blue thread which my laying tool is pointing out, (with the background thread), because I didn't want him to have one blue leg.  It was just personal preference.  But the best thing is using this wonderful silk thread.  It is a first for me, and I hope not the last time I use this wonderful silk.

I hope we get some market reports from Robin tomorrow night.  Be sure to check designer websites tomorrow as they often post their new designs on the first day of a Market.

Sarcoph A. Gus lower background

Moving on to the lower background.  Again, be sure to stitch over the black outline on both the coffin on the left, and the lid on the right.

This thread gives an interesting effect.  That's because it is dyed after it is spun together.  Then when we pull one strand out, is give this rough effect. It is just right for a Mummy's floor.

Chilly Hollow reviews Amy's Stitch Guides

Jane at Chilly Hollow discusses Stitch Guides with Amy Bunger today.


Here is the link: http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com/2011/01/amy-bungers-stitch-guides-review.html 


Enjoy!

Background first.

We have rather a full background this time.  I'm going to do it first.  Be aware of Mr. Rhett.  We are to stitch over his whiskers and tail so we can give him his bullion tail later. 

I am covering the black painted outline around the mummy coffin, but I am not covering the black painted outline of the top of the lid because I want to give him as big a head as I can.

I am covering the black outline on the edge of the bottom of the lid so that we move from full coverage background to those beautiful beads.

So get in the rhythm of this quick background stitch.

Happy New Year!

Here is the picture you can use for reference, along with the picture on the stitch guide, for the month of January, 2011.   I'm sure you will have fun with Sarcoph A. Gus.