Nuts about Needlepoint » guild

Change in Education Needed

Janet Perry — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:14:00 +0000

Originally posted 2010-05-13 07:54:37. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Needlepoint stitched by Janet Perry

One thing has stayed consistent in to 40 years I’ve been doing needlepoint. And it’s not the canvas. It’s that needlepoint education sucks.

Originally I thought that I was the problem. My mom’s an artist and a tinkerer, and so we always figured out how to do it ourselves. So I took that into needlepoint and bought books and played. I didn’t take a class until I’d been stitching for a decade or more.

But I was always dissatisfied, both with the books and, mostly, with the classes I took. The books never seemed to tell me what I wanted to know and the classes, while the projects might be lovely rarely taught me the techniques I wanted at the price I could afford.

Even with the Internet this hasn’t changed much. If we want needlepoint to grow, be popular, and change the world, we need to embrace the Internet and change what we do and teach. I’ve come up with some guiding principles for needlepoint education.

First, needlepoint education needs to be targeted. It needs to teach you something specific you can go out and use on another project. A project-based class is fine for a treat, but if you learn many things you can use, that’s even better.

Second, needlepoint education needs to be achievable. The most exciting project in the world isn’t worth it if it doesn’t get done. The project should be small enough that I can both learn and see my progress. If I can use it, that’s even better.

Third, needlepoint education needs to be affordable. The materials shouldn’t cost the moon, the canvas should be inexpensive. I know that point differs for everyone, but what is your point? I rarely take classes that are more than $30, unless I adore the piece. And my DH keeps me from going to expensive classes. But what are you willing to pay? If the class fee is $30, how much is too much for materials?

Fourth, needlepoint education needs to explain things. When we aren’t face to face, the teacher has to be willing to explain things different ways. That can be hard to do, but if the student can do it, with the extra explanation, that’s worth it.

Finally, needlepoint education needs to be fun. The project should look like something fun to stitch, you should be able to pick things you like and go for it.

I’m struggling with defining what I see and what seems to be lacking. I’m trying to design a class right now and can’t find the proper balance. So I’d like to know what you think. What do you want? How much are you willing to pay? How do you want it delivered? What’s been good and bad in the classes you’ve taken? Let me know, no names please, and have at it. If you want to express your opinion privately, send me an email.

ANG SOTM Update

Janet Perry — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 15:14:35 +0000

The picture here is of my first patch in the 2012 Stitch of the Month (SOTM) from ANG. I am using all stash threads in my favorite color, Teal. Throughout the year I’ll be sharing my progress with you.

I’m committed to being thrifty in my needlepoint purchases, so I try to use what I have on hand. I love this because it means I need to exercise my creativity and make something my own. I always find inspiration in how using scarce resources can make something beautiful by thinking of my beloved Amish and scrap bag quilts. In these quilts using what is on hand makes quilts of great beauty.

While I don’t aspire to those heights, I do want my needlepoint to be beautiful as well as thrifty.

Starting from the teal threads I pulled from my stash I did some other things to make changes.

Since I didn’t have any opal canvas, I made a unique canvas of my own. Using a natural sponge and Martha Stewart Pearl Craft Paint in Jet Stream, I sponge painted the entire piece of canvas. This will create a textured light teal background that is, easy to do and very interesting.

A teal heart will look odd, so I turned it into a rectangle. But I kept the small heart on the inside and I may even make it the focal point by stitching it in another color. The new shape meant I had to extend lines. It also meant that the shapes near the bottom of the heart were too large, so I added some additional lines. Those spaces will most likely have SOTM‘s from previous years in them.

The first area is stitched. I used Dragonfly Lotus Panda Threads, a hand-dyed and hand-spun silk/wool blend. It isn’t super shiny like Panache, but I love it’s subtle look. The color is Teal Shadow.

Watch for more next month. If you are stitching this project, check out the ANG Yahoo group, they are assembling information about the different thread and color combinations.

2012 SOTM Colors – Reveal your Teal

Janet Perry — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:48:59 +0000

Teal is, in clothing, a universally flattering color. In my family where we got from golden to ashy to ruddy to olive, it’s the only color we can all wear successfully.

It is also just about my favorite color and currently I am on a serious teal buying spree, getting a leather tote, tops, dresses, and just about anything else I can get me hands on.

But all this is besides the point. I’m going to make the ANG 2012 Stitch of the Month (anyone can follow and it’s free, check it out). The piece will be done in shades of one color in a variety of threads.

I want to use different color and I want to use all stash threads. I also didn’t want to use a color that is strongly associated with a cause, since I don’t know what the result will be (it’s a mystery project).

So I picked teal because I love it.

These are just the first threads I’ve pulled for the project. They include some metallic, Grandeur and Pebbly Perle, Waterlilies, a vareigated knitting yarn, Vineyard Merino, Silk & Ivory, Dragonfly Lotus Threads, and Planet Earth wool. I haven’t gone through all the drawers yet, so I know I will be adding more threads.

It’s way overkill but this gives me plenty for picking and choosing. I’m thinking I’m going to buy some teal paint and sponge paint white canvas for the background. I’ll keep you posted on my progress.

BTW, teal also happens to be the color of our local hockey team, the Sharks, who used Reveal your Teal as a slogan one season.

CyberPointers Ornament Finished!

Janet Perry — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 15:40:54 +0000

Originally posted 2009-03-22 06:41:10. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Isn’t this ornament so much fun?

I’m showing it to you as a sneak peel of my contribution to the CyberPointers upcoming ebook of classic quilt patterns rendered for needlepoint.

The book will be available over the summer and, from what I’ve seen of the other contributions, it’s going to be great.

If you’re a member of CyberPointers you still have time to stitch one of the ornaments as part of our ANG Seminar Auction contribution. There’s also some time left for anyone to contribute an ornament to the book.

I had so much fun and I like it so much I wish I didn’t have so much to do, I’d make another one.

Finishing the UFO’s

Janet Perry — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 14:26:24 +0000

Originally posted 2008-01-01 08:58:58. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

My ANG chapter, Wine Country ANG, has a President’s Challenge every year. Our chapter President challenges us to do a particular task and complete it before the end of the year.

For 2008, our challenge is to finish at least three projects which were begun before January 1. This is a wonderful task and a great New Year’s Resolution for all of us stitchers. If you’re like me, the problem is what to choose.

So I decided to write down many of the things in progress around the house. This is a mixture of projects which will be stitch guides (poinsettia wreath), projects for books (bargello checkbook), original projects (ginko leaves), and projects for me (Amish star pillow).

Here’s my list:

Shepherd with Geese – Needledeeva
King’s Elephnt – Needledeeva
Patchwork mini-sock – holiday colors – original design
Patchwork mini-sock – teal & pink – original design
Poinsettia Wreath – Happy Heart Designs
Bargello Checkbook Cover – original project
Ginko Leaves – original projects
February Hearts – 2006 Needlepoint Calendar project
Flanders Field – original project
Musical mini-sock – The Studio
Amish Star patchwork pillow – Susan Roberts
Double Wedding Ring pillow – Susan Roberts
Needlepoint Ball Ornament – unknown
Back East mini-sock – In Good Company
Halloween CRZY PL8 – Sandy Grossman-Morris
Bargello Tile Mini-sock – original project
Botswana Angel – Painted Pony

In addition, while I was up in my studio before Christmas, I found some stitched mini-socks which had fabric lining and backing cut out, but which hadn’t been sewn. So I am also going to challenge myself to actually finish and get out into the world at least five needlepoint items in mt stash. If I manage to do that, not only will I be able to feed the mini-sock madness which overcomes my house at Christmas, but I will also have some lovely Christmas gifts ready for next year.

You’ll be able to follow my progress (I’ll post pictures as I finish) by clicking on the topic “President’s Challenge”

Is there an Island of Unwanted Projects?

Janet Perry — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:36:38 +0000

Remember how in Rudolph there was an Island of Unwanted Toys?

The toys there were unloved or missing something.

We have unwanted projects too. Maybe it was a class and we learned what we wanted to and never finished the project. Maybe your taste or decor changed. Maybe it’s too late to give that gift.

Whatever the reason we all have projects that have been started but won’t ever be finished.

Marlene asked about what to do with them. Here are some ides:

Do you have stitching friends? Arrange a “needlepoint swap.” Everyone bring 5 items to trade. The hostess should arrange for food and maybe goodie bags to entice people to come. This is like a pot luck, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.

Are you in a guild chapter? Donate these projects to your guild for a chapter auction. My chapter has funded our education auction with these for decades. Chapters take different tacks with this. Our chapter goes with bargain basement pricing, but other guilds go with higher prices. If you aren’t in a chapter, look for one nearby and ask.

Work with a local shop to have a garage sale. People buy tables, with the money going to charity, and on a given day the sale is held. The shop does some of the marketing so there are plenty of sellers and plenty of buyers.

Sell it in eBay. There are some shops, such as Fireside Stitchery and The World in Stitches, who will sell your items on eBay for a commission. They will take most things (email or call to ask) and have better luck than you would yourself.

Sell it through and independent reseller such as Canvases Begone or Stashing Destashing. From what I see as a buyer, they are more strict about what they take, but I’ve found great bargains in both places. Many stitchers visit their sites.

Donate it to a thrift store. I sometimes see needlepoint at local thrift shops and Northern California has one thrift shop that only has craft items.
Donate it to charity. You might know of a local charity looking for craft items. There are also some organizations that take donations from everywhere. The ANG Yahoo group has a list of these.

If it isn’t a UFO, you have more options for donation. Rittenhouse Needlepoint has a wonderful charitable program for teaching needlepoint. Local youth organizations and schools might welcome yarn and thread. Knitters who knit for charity might love uncut skeins of yarn.

There are enough places to place those unwanted projects that maybe we don’t need an island after all.

Adapting Randomly Cut Paper to Needlepoint

Janet Perry — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:02:08 +0000

Originally posted 2008-11-12 04:58:46. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Santa Fe Needlepoint by Lorene Salt

Last month my friend Lorene Salt & her husband were visiting Napa Valley. We met for lunch and Lorene brought me pictures of her wonderful stitching. I was blown away thinking about the piece pictured above.

In fact I kept thinking about it. It was one of Lorene’s pieces for her Master Craftsman from the Embroiderers Association of Canada. It’s an adaptation anyone can do and so I asked her to share it with you.

This is what she says about the piece:

For this project I was told to cut a piece of black construction paper into various shapes. I was then supposed to glue it onto white paper as if it were an exploding diagram.

Once I had a design that I was happy with, I glued the black pieces on to the white paper. I then traced the design onto canvas. I then picked a colour scheme that I liked, in this case oranges and turquoises. I then started filling in the different areas with different stitches and threads.

From the picture you can see that the black paper pieces I stitched in the oranges and the thin turquoise parts are where the white paper showed through.

When finished, I stitched around the entire piece in black so that is framed the work inside.

She calls the piece Santa Fe, after the color scheme.

There are so many things I like about this piece. I love the color scheme (it’s one of my favorites) and I think she’s done a great job of using overdyed threads in a way that looks natural and not over the top.

I also love that her choice of stitches reinforces the shape of the areas. The ones which are sharply pointed have stitches which emphasize that fact. For example, the Random Rhodes which run diagonally all across the piece look like a river of stars to me. And the rhythmic Bargello really shows off that space.

When it comes to the turquoise area, the negative space of the design, they are packed with texture too. It would have been so easy to just pick a single stitch and use it everywhere, but the design would have been diminished that was. This additional texture makes you want to look at it and explore.

One last point, I’ve talked about Mary Shipp’s rule of 1-3-5 when doing needlepoint so that it looks balanced. One element, in this case the stitches, should predominate. A second element, in this case the colors, should have a middle amount. There are only two colors, but it looks like 20 stitches (by my count). The final element, in this case texture, should be severely limited. I think Lorene used only one or two kinds of thread. The coral is silk and the turquoise is either silk or cotton floss.

The cut paper technique is one often found in art books, and I have often wondered about it. Here you can see how something anyone can do can be taken to make wonderful needlepoint.

Thanks Lorene, for sharing!

NAN Assembly Classes for 2012

Janet Perry — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 14:00:50 +0000

NAN (National Academy of Needlearts) has announced their schedule for their popular Assembly for 2012. Held annually at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, in 2012 it will be from February 29 until March 4.

Open to anyone, the Assembly features top flight teachers, a merchandise night, and two banquets. You can learn about it and register on NAN’s Assembly page.

Some of the teachers who are scheduled to be there include: Toni Gerdes, Carlene Hardwick, Shay Pendray, Marni Ritter, an Gail Sirna.

You can see a list of the 2 and 4 day classes here, but you can see pictures of the projects from all the classes in their ” target=”_blank”>Flickr pool.

Want to Learn (or Learn More) about Needlepoint? Try CyberPointers

Janet Perry — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 14:00:38 +0000

Originally posted 2010-02-19 07:00:15. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

I am almost as much a needlepoint technique junkie as I am a thread junkie. So this year’s President’s Challenge for CyberPointers is right up my alley. Each moth a different technique is going to be highlighted. The different techniques have all kinds of support existing and planned for them, including SIGs (Special Interest Groups), web pages, projects, instruction, and galleries of inspiring needlework.

Each group has a leader and each group is full of people who are either experienced with the technique or who want to learn. Some of the techniques we are exploring include: Hilton Stitches, Hardanger, Surface Embroidery on Canvas and Bargello.

While ultimately there will be public information on our website about each technique, right now all the fun is in the members-only SIGs.

I’ll talk about Bargello, since I’m leading that group. It started with some of our members posting pictures of their finished Bargello. One project, Wild Rose from ANG’s Chapter Project Book, caught everyone’s eye, and we will be doing it as a group project starting in April. CPB projects are available only to chapter members as a project or program, so this is a perfect excuse to do this rare project. In the meantime, we will be doing Pat Mazu’s charming Bargello heart which was in Needlepointers in March 2008.

The picture is my colors for the heart. One of Pat’s goals for the project is to get people using colors they don’t normally use. These days my color palette tends to be bright, so I’m excited about how the muted colors pictured above will work out, I can’t wait to get started.

We will be stitching these projects together, sharing ideas and colors, and learning from each other.

If you have been wanting to explore any of these techniques, join CyberPointers and become part of them today.

Join this Exciting New Workshop from Terry Dryden

Janet Perry — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:03:01 +0000

Color Kaleidoscope by Terry Dryden is CyberPointers upcoming on-line workshop

Several times a year CyberPointers hosts on-line workshops with national teachers. The upcoming workshop is with Terry Dryden and is pictured above. Here’s what the site says about it:
Color Kaleidoscope is a fresh interpretation of the twelve point color wheel. It is a fun way to learn more about complementary and analogous color schemes and ways to add more depth of color and texture to a design. Over 40 threads and beads are used, Four composite patterns are used throughout the design with each being stitched several times in different color combinations.. To add that extra bit of texture and depth, flat glass beads, large Delicas and cubes are integrated into the stitch patterns. The kit is included in the cost.

Proficiency Level: Intermediate
Design Size: 7 1/2″ x 7 1/2″
Kit Contents: #18 eggshell canvas with design drawn on the canvas. All required threads (silk, cotton, soy and metallic), needles, and flat and round glass beads are included in the kit.

So why am I telling you about it?

The piece is simply lovely and will teach you lots about color and stitches. The opportunity is open to anyone who wants to take it, whether an ANG member or not. The window for signing up is very short, registrations close July 29 and the workshop begins in October.

Just visit CyberPointer’s page for the class to get the pricing and to to sign up.