It's Not Your Grandmother's Needlepoint

Dear Santa

2009-06-24T22:14:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wished you had a way to tell the kids to be good or Santa won't be coming this year? Or maybe a tongue in cheek way of telling your significant other what you really think. He better be good or Santa's just not going to bring that big screen after all.

This is just the thing. Michael Stoebner's art transformed into just the coolest Naughty/Nice needlepoint sign. Flip the hanging sign on the bottom depending upon how you are feeling on any given day.

I selected the stitches and threads used to make this a fun quick to stitch addition to your holiday decor.

We're home

2009-06-20T17:53:00.001-07:00

Okay, we've been home for a couple of days but now I'm starting to feel like my brain has arrived. There was so much cool stuff at the show to marvel at.

I owe you a couple of pictures......

First is my carrot lady walking her broccoli pups, stitched by Lee Cox.

Lee is going to write up her thread and stitch choices for us. It is just the best. The broccoli pups somehow look more like pups now that they are sooooo dimensional. And the fur on the lady. Lee had to sit with her vaccuum at hand as she was trimming this fur. Thank you, Lee for sharing.

Next we have one of Leigh Richardson's Guadalajara canvases. This was stitched by Holly Waters and is amazing.

I'm fascinated by all the fun threads, beads, stitches. I want to stitch it now! Holly, you did a great job!

If you haven't looked at Leigh's website, I encourage you to do so. Leigh Designs
At each show Leigh has a new theme to introduce. There is rarely a link from one group to the next, but always, they are incredibly well painted and designed. I've never met a designer who reinvents herself so many times. Kudos Leigh.

I guess that's my news for this evening.

Happy Stitching and Happy Father's Day.

Show's Over

2009-06-15T17:31:00.000-07:00

Okay, we are done. Done for, done in. Done for another couple of months. We're tired. We had a great time and can't wait to do it again.

Let's see what's new today to amuse you?

DMC has a new thread, color infusions, Memory Thread. It's prewired cord that you can use for embellishing needlework. Not only does it look cool on the finishing end, but imagine all those fab impossible to stitch curly cues that look so cute painted. Couch this guy in place and voila. Instant cool.

I have ordered all kinds of new project bags that you are going to love. Big, small, colorful, see thru. Too cool.

The new editor of Needepoint Now is a sweetheart. I didn't get a lot of time to spend with her but we are kindred spirits and we are cooking up some wonderfulness to amuse you.

I booked trunk shows and teachers for the next 2 years!!!! We are going to have fun. What good is needlepoint if it isn't fun? I'm working on new clubs, so let me know if there is anything you would like to be a club. Inspiration is a good thing. Subtle hints are a good thing. Blasts over the head ideas are an even better thing.

Well, I guess we are caught up for now. I'll post more pictures in the next day or two. Sorry this post is short and uncolorful.

Love
ruth

Columbus Day 2

2009-06-15T04:56:00.000-07:00

Wow, where to begin. I was thinking last night. Trends.....

New threads, New colors but then here's the really funny trend. Lot's of designers did really fun new cats. I know, you are saying but you like cats and that's true, but there really were a lot of new fun whimsical cats. A couple of great dogs, but lots of cats.

The other trend was Orientals. Now you can't say you have already seen me designing a ton of Orientals and that's why I am noticing them. There really were some great geishas that I ordered.

I found 3 new designers whose work I am just crazy about. One is all Halloween and Christmas, need I say more. The other flies from one end of the spectrum to the other, traditional but with great colors!!! New and exciting. The third will be sendin us the cutest little needlepoint beach bag ornaments. Tiny little beach bags that stitch in no time and look like LL Bean bags. Got have thoe.

You have seen Zecca's checkerboard on the website, Yes, she now has a backgammon board. Complete with dice cups. I also found a table maker who will custom make an affordable game table should you be so inspired.

Leigh Designs has of course done it again. Her Guadalahara series is fabulous. Great colors and big bold flowers. I am seeing lots of great threads and textures!!!! She has also done mermaids. Sirens she calls them. Big gorgeous mermaids with flowing tails and hair. 6 different colors.

We will have cute little pre finished suede cosmetic bags coming in shortly. Each has a small insert ready for you to stitch. Flip them inside out, stitch and then tack the lining back in place. Great gift idea.

Speaking of affordable gift ideas. Check this out from Strictly Christmas. Go to your local big box or discount store. Buy a premade pillow and allow the finisher to simply applique or button a piece of needlepiont to the front. The handbag shows had a big gold buckle on the front. Stitch a little doo dah in a weekend off it goes with your handbag and the big gold buckle is replaced with a weighted needlepoint flap. How cool is that?

Jinice Designs is back on the market after a long absence. Her designs are classic. A simple line drawn canvas with a stitch guide that allows you to make a masterpiece affordably.

So much to do, so little time. I love it all.

More to follow. The show closes today so I only have a few more hours to shop. OH NO!!!!!

Columbus Market Day 1

2009-06-14T04:49:00.001-07:00

Wow, there is so much to see at this show. I've only been through part of it. More to do today.

Here's the scoop from Day 1. Lee's Needlearts is closing so it's now or never. Leather goods, canvases etc. First come first serve so if there is anything you are lusting after don't let it slip away.

We have new colors of many of our favorite Rainbow Gallery threads coming in. New Belle Soie and new Gloriana. I've also added to our mix Crescent Colors Perle 5. That should be a fun new thread to play with.

There is also a new company JAR Designs who is dying 18ct canvas. Thirty something colors, they are all beautiful. They have great names like Traumatized Toad, Tenacious Teal, Lovely Lips...... OMG they are the coolest. I of course ordered us an assortment. This may mean I have to start doing more counted work again.

This is my favorite piece so far. Now, remember, I haven't been to about a million and four booths yet. This is a brand new Melissa Shirley canvas. I met the photographer who took the photo Melissa worked from. She is a delight. I can't wait to stitch the lizard.

Amanda Lawford's son Derek now has his own line. He is gearing everything he does to the up and coming stitchers. Great designs, affordable prices and trendy fashion forward colors. Kudos to getting the next generation excited.

This is my favorite finished stitched OMG gorgeous pillow so far. Love it!!!! Lani you did a great job with stitches etc... Lani also had some great Halloween canvases that will be coming in later this year.

I ordered dogs from DJ Designs. Oh my, and that was just day one!

Much more to follow. Stay tuned.

We're in Columbus!

2009-06-12T16:02:00.000-07:00

Here we are in beautiful downtown Columubus. Now, I don't mean that in a snarky sort of way. There's enough choices of food and hotels here to sink a battleship.

But, that's not why you are reading this. You are reading to see what's new at the show. Today, was set up day. Missy does an amazing job of making everything fit. All that I have to do is fluff bows and do some finishing touches. I am spoiled.

From what I saw of everyone else's booths, this is going to be a great show. Lots and lots for me to buy. Oh, no!!!! I have a long list of people I have to see and people who are first time vendors at this show.

My dear friend Lee Cox is here just behind our booth selling her dicrohic needlepoint jewelry. Great magnets and scissor fobs. Got to have them for the collection! she's also stitching the carrot lady with broccoli pups. Too cute! I'm going to get her to write up the stitch guide. It's to die for!

So, without further ado. Here's the booth on day one ready for primetime viewing.

Off to dinner now. Wish you were here.

Love
Ruth

Don't you just want to pinch his cheeks

2009-06-09T17:20:00.000-07:00

OMG isn't he just the cutest santa ever? You really do want to pinch his cheeks.

Now, typically I am not a blue person. That just doesn't scream Christmas to me. I know, you are laughing now; if you know me, you know that I think pink and lime are perfectly good Christmas colors but I have an issue with blue. I have issues; what can I say?

Shelly Comiskey is the talented artist behind this beautiful santa. She's brand new to the needlepoint world and I think her designs are adorable. I can't decide which to stitch next. This santa is big and bold and painted on 13ct mono. His nose and cheeks are padded. His beard is big poofy corkscrew stitches. The rest of him is a riot of fun stitches and threads and beads and crystals. I've written the guide so that you can follow along if you like and make your very own puffy cheeked santa.

In case you are wondering this is the little guy I posted about a few weeks ago where I just kept adding crystals because I was so obsessive, compulsive that I just had to use up the package. I'm a mess, I know.

Merry Christmas in June

Think Inside the Box

2009-06-05T07:51:00.000-07:00

What can you put inside the box that is. Rings and jewelry, love notes and keepsakes, needles and orts. A million tiny wonderful things could hide inside these needlepoint boxes.

Three coordinating sizes make a cute display for your stitching table or vanity. The square box has a 2"x 2" base. Add beads for feet or not.

The fit together just like vintage hat boxes. I love the separate lids and bases.

Enjoy dreaming what you can put inside to make them uniquely your own.

Not just for the holidays

2009-06-02T07:31:00.000-07:00

Maybe these pillows were designed for the holidays, but they really are too pretty to just put away after the first of the year. You know I love girlie stuff with an edge, and this series is just that.

All pink and orange and just a little funky. There's a high heel shoe, a boot, a handbag and a dress form for the fashionistas in all of us.

Or if you prefer your color in the breakfast nook, check out the teapot and the teacup.

I love the way our finisher finished these two, they match but they aren't matchy match. I do love our finishers!

Meet Lola!

2009-05-28T20:10:00.000-07:00

You have to understand, I'm a gemini. Once you know that, I sort of make more sense. Everything is black or white. No gray.

Unfortunately, I tend to like both black and white. I like opposites, I like contrast.

It makes for an interesting life.

I think there are 2 people inside my head. The good thing is that they don't fight often. So, in honor of my second personality I have created Lola.

Lola is fearless and flamboyant and frivolous. All the things I am not.

Okay, maybe I'm frivolous, but you get the idea.

Lola wears boxes on her head and thinks they are haute couture. Lola can balance them and walk down stairs. How cool is that? Again, another skill I don't possess.

Most importantly, Lola is fun to stitch! She will charm and delight you through the process, all the way down to the sequins scattered in the background.

You know I love dots! Happy Stitching.

Cats and Halloween

2009-05-24T08:02:00.000-07:00

Now you know I had to stitch this canvas. It's Halloween, it's colorful and it has a cat on it. What more can I want?

This canvas really was crazy fun to stitch. Again, it's a Michael Stoebner canvas so we have significant black outlines. Don't let that scare you. There really isn't as much black as you think. The cat is random long stitch. Yes, random. Go for it. Just do it, you can't mess it up and he looks darling.

The background is also a random stitch. This is Brenda Hart's latest brilliance. Random cross hatching or chicken scratch in just a couple of light coverage overdyes and voila you have this oh so cool background that allows the beautiful painting to show through.

You know the rules. If I stitch it, a stitch guide automatically comes with the painted canvas from now on.

My Happy Halloween gift to you!

Happy Halloween

2009-05-24T07:06:00.000-07:00

Michael Stoebner is an artist whose designs I translate into handpainted needlepoint. He's a very talented designer, licensing his designs to Department 56 (recognize that name?) amongst others including yours truly.

We have recently stitched two of Michael's halloween canvases, Witch Services and Happy Halloween.

Michele stitched Witch Services and really downplayed Michael's signature black outlines. She is so cute. Love the crazy sequins in the background. We used lots of fabulous overdyes to bring her to life but simplify the shading.

The background is a great openwork pattern. Long laid stitches tacked down with Cross Stitches. How easy is that.

More Halloween later. But first I have to see if our little witch as a magic potion for faster stitching.

Can we say O C D?

2009-05-14T06:38:00.001-07:00

All together now, O C D. What is the one trait we all share that in other aspects of society may be a negative? Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

I spent last night frittering away hours selecting just the right tote bag to mount an almost finished piece of needlework too. Okay, I ended up with 4 bags and then the shopping cart cleared its little brain and I had to start over. Did that slow me up? No, I started over and picked some of the same and then oooh, I need that one for this canvas or maybe this one... hmmmmmm

So then this morning, I am desperately trying to finish stitching a model for market. It should have been done weeks ago. I'm beading snowflakes, beading more snowflakes, adding crystals. Now here's where it really is sick. I've almost used up the entire package of crystals, technically, I'm done and then O C D kicks in. Got to use up all the crystals. So, sew on some more crystals, and some more. Now technically, the piece is done, AGAIN. But wait, should I add more beads. There are still some blue crystals open. Oh my. I am sick.

Can't wait to show it to you when its back from the finisher!!!!

Have a happy Thursday.

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-06T05:45:00.001-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there reading my blog. (This includes moms of four legged furry children too.) I hope each of you had a happy, restful day.

My mom is a wonderful woman and a great friend. She's partly responsible for what I do and I'm partially responsible for what she does. Mom who is a lovely stitcher and always has been, is now getting drawn into the land of classes with me. Oh what fun we have! I of course torment her during class and ask the teachers to challenge her. What are daughter's for?

She has taken several Brenda Hart classes and has gorgeous pieces to show for them. She took Libby Sturdy's teapot class a few weeks ago and is almost finished!

This gives me the chance to share with you pictures of the fun we had in our last class. So grab your mom and join us for a day of fun.

Options

2009-04-29T18:26:00.000-07:00

I've posted the Shelly Tribbey flower shopping lady in the past that I stitched, but wanted to show you Linda's. Same canvas, same stitches, same colors. Different finishing and an entirely different look. Pretty cool!

Today, I think Linda's (the pink and cream version) is my favorite. Tomorrow I may like my own.

I've said it before, finishing is the magic that turns your needlepoint into something really great.

New, New, New — How Cool is this?

2009-04-19T16:25:00.000-07:00

Last year as I was planning our second anniversary celebrations I asked Melissa Shirley what we could do that would be really special. She was to be one of our 3 featured trunkshows this month so what would it be?

Melissa agreed to premiere a special piece at our shop. How cool is that? We are to be the first shop ever to see this canvas.

Toward the beginning of the year we emailed and discussed what should it be. I don't know, I love all of Melissa's canvases. Each is prettier than the next. I did think it should be whimsical and fun. That's why we needlepoint, after all, to have fun. And I like girlie but not too girlie. So armed with less than no direction Melissa goes off to create.

A few weeks ago she sent me a photo and what fun it was. Friday we received the real thing. It's wonderful!

So now that it's here, I have to get busy selecting just the right stitches and threads to bring it to life. I think we need beads and ribbons. What should the background be?

Let's make it a class. Do you want to join me this fall as we create a mellow yellow blossom purse or pillow? You know where to find me.

Happy Stitching.

Ruth

Think Outside the Box

2009-03-26T07:34:00.000-07:00

I've said before that you meet the nicest people in a needlepoint store.... You also meet some very talented people :-)

Shortly after opening the shop I met a stitcher who truly pushes the envelope. Cara Sue doesn't follow traditional philosophies of what needlepoint should look like. She follows her heart. There are few counted recognizable stitches in her work. She leans more toward surface embroidery on canvas, crossing almost into stumpwork.

She begins with a painted canvas and allows it to speak to her, telling her what areas need to come forward and which need to recede. From there she sometimes cuts holes in the canvas finishing the edges much as you would Hardanger.

In this piece she not only cut holes but added dimensional details. The canvas is a handpainted piece by Patti Mann.

It's not important whether you like the piece or not, only that you see it for what it is. The work of a needle artist thinking outside the box.

How Cute Are These?

2009-03-14T19:42:00.000-07:00

Sometimes all the parts of an idea just come together. Flash back to last Fall. We were planning introductions for the January market and we had these great Michael Stoebner designs. Wouldn't it be cute if they were more than just ornaments. What if they could sit and their little feet and legs could dangle over the edge of a shelf.

Thanks to the magic of one of my very special finishers these guys came to life. The canvases are small - ornament sized and after stitching are finished like a traditional standup with a a tiny weighted bottom.

Now for the magic, wire, ribbons and beads are used to create little legs that attach to their feet.

How Cute Is That?

Who knows, we may just need more of these little guys in our future.

Charm Bracelets

2009-03-02T13:18:00.000-08:00

In previous posts you have learned that I love shoes. Yes, it's true. I love shoes. What's not to love. A new pair of shoes can always improve your day.

I also love charm bracelets. I had one when I was little and it never really went anywhere. Now I have 2 and jingle my way through many days. One is just all sorts of things that I love - there's cats, and a bee for bedecked and beadazzled, and a crab — I love crabs, and a handbag and a boot and some hearts. It's getting quite full.

The other bracelet has a charm for each of my boys (my cats) and those who have come and gone before.

Both are great heirlooms and so much fun to wear and to add to.

So, how does this relate to needlepoint? Well, we got to talking the other day and it was suggested that those fabulously preppy needlepoint belts for men are really charm bracelets for the man in your life. How cool is that? An icon for all the important things in the man's life. His job. His dog. His hobbies. His school. When viewed that way it suddenly seemed to be so right.

Not sure what would be on Karl's belt. Okay, he won't wear any belt so let's not go there, but you see the idea. The custom needlepoint belt as a charm bracelet for a man is a great analogy.

It's an ornament... It's a box.... It's just cool!

2009-02-22T07:25:00.000-08:00

Okay, so the question is what else can you do with an ornament sized odd shaped canvas other than make it into another ornament? What if you want to enjoy it year round? Well, you can applique it to just about anything. Jeans, jackets, purses, totes.

Why not take it a step further and applique it to a box top. That's exactly what we did.

One of my dearest customers called me and said, she had finished stitching my "Stitch Ornament" but she didn't know what she wanted to do with it. She didn't want it to be an ornament. She wanted a box. She had antique thread spools from a friend of hers and they were to be the feet. That's where we started. Creativity took us the rest of the way. Here's the results. I hope you enjoy it as much as we are.

No calorie Chocolates

2009-02-15T14:45:00.000-08:00

Okay, if you know me, you know I love cupcakes. I like all small food, but cupcakes are my favorite. It goes with my attention span - short.... my love of sprinkles - bling included.... and generally my need, yes need for dessert.

Now if you are wondering what yummy lo calorie dessert is actually tempting enough for this girl, well check this out. EyeCandy Needlearts has added to her line the cutest ever cupcake canvas. There's also a slice of cake and a donut if you would like a set of tempting desserts. Susan Allanson wrote the stitch guide for this canvas and had it finished as a charming standup with a yummy chocolate themed bow on top.

Enjoy!

Libby's Coming to Teach!

2009-02-07T16:55:00.000-08:00

Just a quick glimpse of some of the fun we will be having in the shop this Spring. Libby Sturdy will be teaching for us at the end of April. Read all the details on our news and events page or click on the title above.

Each class is 2 days of fun, learning new stitches and playing with threads to make these charming line drawn canvases come to life. Libby is a delight; one of the most genuine people you will meet.

We hope you will join us.

For Your Stitching Niche

2009-01-31T20:45:00.000-08:00

I just had to share this little treasure from the tradeshow this month. Melissa Shirley has done it again designing a little bird of a vase that when finished can perch quietly by your side keeping your laying tool, scissors etc. safe at hand.

There's a matching pin cushion too. Melissa's model was stitched by Wendy Harwood. The birds come in 4 different patterns each more fun than the next. Maybe we need a bevy of stitching birds.

Santa Stockin

2009-01-24T05:12:00.000-08:00

You know I love Christmas. Now, I realize it is well past the fat man's visit, but I just had to show you my latest treasure.

As a designer, people have been requesting a companion to the packages lady stocking.

It took me awhile to wrap my head around the concept. I just couldn't see a man with a giant pile of gifts. They just don't do that. Then the obvious light bulb went off in my head and DUH! SANTA! So, here he is. The two make beautiful companions. Maybe not for small children but if you want stockings for a more sophisticated duo in your life. These fit the bill.

Hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Merry Christmas.

needlework accessory cases

2009-01-16T19:51:00.000-08:00

I do love pretty little things. I have more pairs of pretty scissors than a girl needs. Then of course the scissors need jewelry (scissor fobs), and then there's magnets and laying tools and shoes. Oooops, wrong addiction. I digress.

Anyway, one thing led to another and I designed scissor cases and matching laying tool cases. Of course the laying tool cases will hold My Favorite Laying Tool! So far there are 4 scissor cases and 4 laying tool cases. These are the first 2 sets back from the finisher. I love the button closures and the pretty bows.