Nuts about Needlepoint » designing

Don’t Forget to Vote for Next Year’s Club!

Janet Perry — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 02:00:24 +0000

Voting is still open so you can tell me which of the three needlepoint clubs you’d like to see. Just put a comment on the post describing the choices (the poll wasn’t working right, so I junked it). Your comments will greatly help me in deciding. Related posts:Christmas Lights – 2010 Needlepoint Club Come Stitch with Me – The Year of the Stash Bargello Color Schemes – April Giveaway Theme Don’t Forget my Customized Stitch Guide Service Four Way Bargello Update Related posts:

Four Way Bargello Update

Janet Perry — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:59:29 +0000

Originally posted 2009-01-02 18:01:42. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Stitchlady has been working on this lovely Four Way Bargello piece and finished it in time for the New Year.

I love the pop you get from the little buts of red “poison” color. BTW, although it sounds nasty, a poison color is a color which is outside the main color scheme, enlivening it and making the whole thing look better. It is a kind of accent color.

You can read about it and her choices in a post on her blog.

Make these Birds your Own!

Janet Perry — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:59:28 +0000

Originally posted 2009-01-18 06:46:55. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Don’t you just love this bird template? They are such great shapes and they make such a wonderful starting point for creative needlepoint.

You can go directly to the post to download them as a PNG or PDF.

I keep thinking about cool things to do with them. You could do them as bargello or stitch samplers, you could make a realistic bird. You could add embellishments.

To put them on needlepoint canvas, follow the instructions on All about Needlepoint and stitch away!

The designs are from tricia-rennea’s blog and she did them originally to be cut out of paper. I learned about them from Sister Denise at Craft Gossip.

What Kind of Needlepoint Club Would You Like to See? (now revised)

Janet Perry — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:07:45 +0000

I’ve been thinking about offering a monthly needlepoint club for 2011 but I’m torn about what to do and I’d like you to help me decide by participating in this poll.

My plan is to offer one project per month. The packet will include line-drawn canvas, instructions and, possibly, threads (I’m still debating that one).

One aspect of the club will be color, and it’s use in needlepoint. Each of the color schemes I use will be explored in two of the projects. You’ll not only see the scheme in use, you’ll learn about it and get ideas for how to make this type of color scheme on your own.

Now to the choices:

Little Bargello Treasures – An eclectic mix of Bargello projects, including cupcakes, items for personal accessories, and other shapes filled with Bargello. The emphasis in this will be on different types of Bargello patterns.

Exploring Threads – These will be designs of various kinds in 3″ round ornaments. The emphasis here will be on learning about different types of threads, including some traditionally not used for needlepoint. And on picking the right thread (and stitch) to depict many types of items. The designs will be in rounds, but not holiday-oriented. The 3″ round can be used in many of the Lee and Stirling items, so you can finish them yourself.

Stitches and Quilt Blocks — The endlessly fascinating world of needlepoint stitches will be explored using quilt blocks for each of the programs. Quilt blocks have the advantage of requiring little compensation, so you can learn the stitch, and are an easy way to explore color.

The poll wasn’t working, so I removed the poll. Just let me know in the comments.

Design Celtic Knotwork for Stitching on your Computer

Janet Perry — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 14:15:31 +0000

Celtic knotwork and interlacing is so lovely and complex. It always makes for lovely designs. But charting it from scratch can be tedious and time-consuming. Trolling around the web Thursday I came upon a totally cool product — a program of knotwork already charted on a grid.

That means from your computer you can just type and create the pattern. You can find (and buy) the product, Charted Grid Style Set, just past halfway at Highland Creative Stamps. While there take a look at their other sets which create knotwork in other crafts and media. Right below it there is another charted font, this one for diagonal or rectangular grids. This could be used as well as long as you use rectangular-shaped stitches.

If you want to see examples (other than the one at the beginning of the article) made from patterns created from this font, look at their companion site, The Celtic Knot Font. The picture is of machine embroidery, but think how cool this would be in needlepoint! Or what about this amazing needlepoint box top by Maria Lee, below?

There you can find examples and links to companies selling charts based on this work, tutorials both on using the software and on designing knots, a gallery of designs, and a network of people designing with the software. I’m enchanted.

I’ve already bought mine.

Blackwork Accessories Class

Janet Perry — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:02:37 +0000

Learn how to create shading in Blackwork with this checkbook cover

Blackwork can be done on any countable ground, linen, needlepoint canvas, or evenweave fabric. It’s historic, easy and fresh.

In my new on-line class, beginning, August 1 (that’s in less than 2 weeks), you’ll learn Blackwork, whether on fabric or canvas, while making three charming accessories: a change purse, pictured above, a checkbook cover, and a photo album inset.

The class is done via email and Yahoo group, so you can take it at your own pace. You’ll pick your own fabric and thread, so the finished projects will be unique. In the Yahoo group there will be several bonus patterns created for the class.

In the class you’ll learn:

history of Blackwork
how to select the correct thread for Blackwork
methods for stitching Blackwork on different types of grounds
techniques for using overdyed and hand-dyed threads
three methods to transfer designs
shading
different types of fill patterns
Blackwork borders

The class is only $20. Participants will get all lessons, bonus patterns, and instructions in the Yahoo group and an opportunity to buy discounted ebook versions of my book, Blackwork Beauties, packed with more projects and patterns.

You can sign up for the class today using the button below:

Missoni Bargello Pillow – High Fashion Inspirations

Janet Perry — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:47:06 +0000

The knitwear of the Italian fashion house Missoni, is always one that is a wonderful springboard to needlepoint. Because they design knits and are renowned for their zigzag patterns and bold color choices, often you can use high fashion pieces as the starting point for needlepoint, especially for Bargello.

My recent free pattern for The Caron Collection is a wallet insert with colors taken from a Missoni pillow that used a similar zigzag pattern.

Although I’m too swamped to stitch it now, this Missoni purse from 2004 is a Bargello pattern that is easy to do.

It’s a shallow scallop pattern. The purse, a clutch bag, uses many different colors. Instead of trying to reproduce it exactly, I would pick 10-12 solid colors in one thread, I’m thinking Silk & Ivory or wool, and put them into a paper bag.

For each new row, pick out a color from the bag. Put it back when you have finished the row and pick another color. If you pick the same color, put it back and pick again.

Otherwise anything goes.

Once I get caught up, I’m going to do it as an insert to a Stirling tote in my stash.

The result will be something as unique as you are and for a fraction the price of the original.

Some Random Thoughts on Designing

Janet Perry — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 14:25:28 +0000

Originally posted 2006-04-18 06:35:38. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

I’m working on two of EGA’s Master Craftsman programs, design and color. I’m on step 2
of color and have a provisional pass on step 2 in design.

The Step 2 project with changes goes back to be rejudged next week.

But yesterday I spent a fair amount of time laying the groundwork for my next color piece.

I really want to recommend both these programs to people wanting to explore the process
of designing needlework in more depth. Master Craftsman certifications are not supposed
to be easy, they require a strong commitment to time, study and stitching. But I like these
two programs as they are not tied to any particular technique but to more basic design
issues.

For each step there is a theme, something which you need to explore in both research and
stitching. A paper is due for every step as is a stitched design and written material
supporting it.

Submissions are judged twice a year and you have, if I remember correctly, five years to do
each step. Generally when I get material for a new step I read over it and then let it sit on
the back burner until I get an idea.

Yesterday I worked on the Color Step 3. The pieces for the stitched item have been falling
into place more quickly, so I know it’s time to get stitching. I decided on an idea for a
needlepoint I’d like to do, but hadn’t figured it for the program. I then decided on a
canvas mesh (14) which, I’m afraid, is driven mostly by my stash of threads which are too
thick for 18 mesh and need to be used. That decision also made me think about the
colors of those threads, which, in turn, got me thinking of the requirements of the step.

Those requirements restrict your design. To do any designing. you need to have
restrictions. If you had an unlimited choice, without any restrictions, the result would be
chaos. The difference here is that the requirements of the step impose external
restrictions.

But what I discovered yesterday is that one design decision leads to another, in spite of the
restrictions imposed by the step. Here’s how it worked in Q&A format.

I had an idea, inspired by 70′s needlepoint and wanted to reinterpret it in a more modern
way.
1. What threads?
I have way too many threads for 14 mesh canvas mostly in a narrow range of colors, so
that’s the mesh I’ll use.

2, What size?
The minimum size for the program is 6×8, so at least that large.

3. What will it be when it’s done?
This one isn’t going into my stash but will become a tray inset, so it will be living under
glass. This may or may not end up as being important.

4. What color?
At this point I needed to do two things. look at the requirements of the step and look at
the colors of the threads I wanted to use. I also needed to think about what makes good,
not dull, design. So I’m going to use mostly blues and blue-greens with occasional
flashes of orange-red. The occasional color changes as well as more sttention-grabbing
threads should make something exciting.

I’m all ready to go now, I will start charting over the weekend. The design may change
significantly before I’m done, but I’m not stitching without a plan and I can see the
finished result in my mind.

CReaTiNG CuSToM NeeDLePoiNT CaNVaSeS (Part Two)

Janet Perry — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:41:40 +0000

Stitched in honor of 50 years in business.

Yesterday we learned about some types of images that work for custom needlepoint in Part One of Sandy’s post. Today, we’ll learn about two other types of images. Tomorrow, you’ll see mt choices for this projects.

Artwork: Children’s artwork is generally perfect for placing on canvas. Children usually like to use many bright colors and objects are simple (great for fun stitches and fabulous fibers). A family drawn in crayon, placed on canvas and stitched, has more lasting emotional value than a professional portrait any day of the week. Collages, paintings, and other artwork by adults, that is pleasing to the eye will most likely work on canvas. Store Logos, Ranch Brands and Pennsylvania Hex Signs are awesome on canvas. When choosing artwork, look at the original piece and imagine it in needlepoint stitches. Will an overall continental be best or do you see yourself using all sorts of stitches? If there is a body of water, will Janet’s Water Stitch be just the thing to bring it to life? I suggest taking the original artwork to your LNS (Local Needlepoint Shop) and spending some time making a list of fibers that might work on the canvas. Don’t forget to consider adding elements such as ribbons, buttons and beads to your project, when appropriate. Note: Artwork that has large areas of Darkly Mottle not be suitable, if you want to stitch the details that may not be visually apparent.

Finally, please don’t send a tiny little copy of some artwork and ask me to enlarge it to some huge size. . . . I won’t do it, because you would not be happy with the results. Blur, blur, blur! FYI: I cannot accept any artwork that is copyrighted, unless you happen to own the copyright.

It’s a fact, Jack: Artwork that is copied at 100% or Digital Photos in JPEG, TIFF or PDF Formats, saved on a CD, DVD, Flash Drive or sent via e-mail work well. Many copy shops (FedEx Kinkos, for instance) will copy your artwork and save it to your own flash drive at no cost. I return all media with the order. You can submit original artwork, also. PLEASE NOTE: I can only take orders from Needle Art Shops, however, I am happy to work with you during the process of creating your Custom Needlepoint Canvas. Be sure to give your contact information to your LNS when you discuss the ideas for your order.

In the words of Duane Michals, Photographer, “Trust that little voice in your head that says ‘Wouldn’t it be interesting if…’ And then do it.”

THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX: How about having a pet’s face on a Holiday ornament? A pillow top from a photo of a vacation house? A long, narrow pillow featuring a single long stemmed rose from the garden.

In the next part of this series, I’ll be discussing what I can do to enhance or improve what you’ve chosen to put onto the canvas. In the meantime, start looking at your photos and artwork through fresh eyes. The possibilities for your very own Custom Needlepoint Canvas are endless!

From My Little Corner of The World,
Sandy

Please visit me!
website: www.sandygrossman-morris.com
blog: sandygrossman-morris.blogspot.com

For more information about her custom designs, please visit: http://www.sandygrossman-morris.com/sandygrosman-morris.com/Custom_Needlepoint_Designs_by_Sandy_Grossman-Morris.html

CReaTiNG CuSToM NeeDLePoiNT CaNVaSeS (Part One)

Janet Perry — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:55:40 +0000

I’m excited to have my friend Sandy Grossman-Morris doing posts today and tomorrow. They are the start of a series we will be doing together about custom needlepoint.

Hi to everyone who’s Nuts About Needlepoint!! For those of you who don’t know me yet, please let me introduce myself. I’m Sandy Grossman-Morris, a designer from (Hotter than Heck) Brentwood in Northern California. I know this because our air conditioner decided to retire last night. Luckily, I’m married to Bob the Builder, who is well aware that I am only comfortable in a room that is cold enough to hang meat in safely. But, I digress….I’m really here to spread a little Bloggy Inspiration…Creating Custom Needlepoint Canvases.

First of all, I’d like to thank Janet for inviting me to spend this time with all of you. So, pour yourself a cup of tea and get ready to be inspired. I love the challenge of creating Custom Canvases. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing my knowledge of what makes a great custom design versus a not-so-great design, what I can do to enhance or improve an overall design and encourage you to think outside the box.

What is a Custom Needlepoint Canvas? In a nut shell (you know that I just had to include that little phrase!) it’s when I take your media, such as a photograph or artwork, and put it on needlepoint canvas for you, and then, Voila! it’s Instant Stitching Envy among your friends and family. Trust me, it’s the bees knees. BTW, it’s always good to remember that by the very nature of canvas, some of whatever it is you want printed onto the canvas will fall into the abyss between the threads. Don’t let this scare you, but keep in mind that every little, microscopic detail may not actually be seen in the final piece. That’s ok.

SuiTaBLe vs. UNSuiTaBLe

Photos of People and Pets: Choosing clearly defined photos with good shading of the face and hair will decrease the “Flat Factor”. Close-ups are best, as 12 stitches do not make for an interesting face! In other words, it’s far better to have a canvas featuring the head and shoulders as opposed to the whole body. A pet on the other hand, can be featured standing, reclining or a close-up head shot. Fur is much easier to stitch and shade than clothing is. Always, though, the closer the better, in order to capture the facial detail, especially the eyes. Note: Photos that have large areas of dark, mottled colors on the subject itself, may not be suitable, if you want to stitch the details that may not be visually apparent. If it’s in the background, it’s probably ok…more on that in Part Two.

Houses or Other Buildings generally make good choices, especially if the focus is on one building and it is a head-on shot. Try to choose a photo of the whole house or a specific portion of the house, say, an interesting front porch or an architectural detail such as a turret. Color photos are generally best, but if you want the end result to have artistic flair, a black and white photo may be just what you want to choose, especially if there are no plants to contend with.

This couple were given 2 Ring Bearer Pillows for their marriage ceremony.

Flowers are Fun! Don’t take your photos in full sun, or your flower may end up looking washed out. You’ll want to choose a flower with many shades of color. Take several photos from various angles in order to choose the best one for your project. Close-ups are best, but be sure to keep an eye on the focus. . . . The clearer the photo, the clearer the canvas. A bouquet of flowers would make a beautiful pillow top or chair back, as well as a framed piece. A wedding ring pillow featuring a single flower is a memorable gift for a bride. Note: A large bush of little flowers would be too detailed and would not, in my opinion, be a suitable project. Beware the Darkly Mottle!

Tomorrow, come back to learn about some other kinds of images that work.

From My Little Corner of The World,
Sandy

Please visit me!
website: www.sandygrossman-morris.com
blog: sandygrossman-morris.blogspot.com

For more information about her custom designs, please visit: http://www.sandygrossman-morris.com/sandygrosman-morris.com/Custom_Needlepoint_Designs_by_Sandy_Grossman-Morris.html