Holiday Ornament Red Gift - 9/17/18

September 17, 2018--Here's number 7 of the 15 Susan Portra Holiday Ornaments collection (click here for more information about them).  The color variations of the ribbon "nap" are beautiful and I love the interesting stitch variations.

I find these holiday ornaments are my "go to" projects when I need a break from a larger, long-term piece.   They are quick and fun to complete--all are different with a variety of stitches to keep my interest.

Holiday Red Gift Ornament Completed

Rehoboth Beach, DE Needlework Exhibit - Updated 9/15/18

September 15, 2018--The 8th Annual Needlework Exhibit at the museum in Rehoboth Beach, DE is now open through October 28, 2018.  Please call to confirm the hours of operation.  More information can be found at:

http://rehobothbeachmuseum.org/index.php/annual-needlework-exhibition

511 Rehoboth Avenue
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Phone (302) 227-7310

Hope to see you there.  Fall is the best time to come to the beach and enjoy the exhibit.

----------------------------------------------------------------

July 25, 2018--The Rehoboth Beach Museum has just informed us that the Annual Needlework Exhibit for 2018 will take place from September 15 through October 28.  Entries will be accepted August 18th through the 26th.  Below is more information about the exhibit, categories, etc.    Hope you will visit the museum while enjoying the beaches in Delaware.  It's a well presented exhibit showcasing the skills of stitchers from all around the Mid-Atlantic area.

Rehoboth Beach Museum

8th Annual Needlework Exhibition

September 15, 2018 through October 28, 2018

  

On behalf the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society

Entries accepted August 18 through August 26, 2018

 Exhibition details

EXHIBIT DATES:

September 15 through October 28, 2018

LOCATION:

511 Rehoboth Avenue, at the entrance to the City of Rehoboth Beach, near the lighthouse traffic circle and the Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center.

EXHIBITION HOURS:

Friday, 10-4, and Saturday and Sunday, 11-3.

DAILY ADMISSION FEES: Admission is by donation.

RECEPTION:

There will be a closing reception for exhibitors October 28 from Noon to 3 p.m. Refreshments will be served. You may pick up your work no earlier than 3 p.m.

ELIGIBILITY:

Each entry must be the work of a living person and appropriately finished. We reserve the right to display items in the manner we deem most appropriate and to refuse items deemed inappropriate for display. Entries requiring hanging must be wired. No saw tooth hanging devices will be accepted. Entries must be labeled with the stitcher’s name and phone number.

DIVISIONS:

Adult: For stitchers 18 years old or older.

Junior: For stitchers 17 years of age or younger at the time the work was completed.

CATEGORIES:

Original

A unique design and composition, which is entirely the product of the stitcher’s own mind and hands. This includes interpretations of nature and art through stitching.

Commercial

Works using any element of a designer’s pattern for needlework. Includes: charted or painted canvas, printed graphs, kits, class projects, and minor alterations thereto.

TECHNIQUES:

·      Beadwork

·      Canvaswork/Needlepoint: Traditional, multi-stitch (4+) or painted canvas

·      Counted Thread: Including Blackwork, Cross Stitch      (even weave), Drawn thread, Hardanger

·      Sampler: Traditional or Multi-stitch (4+)

·      Embroidery: Including but not limited to Crewel,          Goldwork, Silk Ribbon, Stumpwork, Surface, White Work.

·      Heirloom Sewing: Smocking, Fine hand sewing, Needle Lace, Quilting (please note, only those quilts awarded prizes will be displayed in full due to space constraints).

·      Lace: Bobbin Lace, Battenburg, Filet Guipure, etc.

·      Miniature: 32-count or higher, over one thread

·      Mixed Media

JUDGING:

A nationally certified judge will award ribbons. Major award winners will be announced just prior to the opening reception.  Entrants should fill out forms carefully to ensure that each piece is properly classified. The Historical Society reserves the right to re-classify entries.

AWARDS:

Best in Show – across all techniques

First Place, Second Place, Third Place – for each technique

Honorable Mention  - the judge reserves the right to choose the number of honorable mention winners

People’s Choice – by popular vote

All entries must remain at the Rehoboth Beach Museum for the duration of the exhibition.

MAXIMUM NUMBER OF ENTRIES: Five.  Entries must not have been in previous RBHS exhibits, but may have been in  other shows.

ENTRY FEES:

Members of RBHS: $5 per entry, $5 per additional entry

Non-members:  $10 per adult entry, $5 per additional entry

Juniors:  $5 junior entry, $1 each additional entry. 

Sets containing several items will be charged $1 for each additional item.

Make checks payable to Rehoboth Beach Historical Society (RBHS), 511 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

Society Memberships are available:

Individual: $25

Household: $35

Supporting: $50

Anna Hazzard: $100

Membership is tax-deductable. Please send a separate check for membership.

ENTRIES BY MAIL:

PLEASE NOTE: Entries will be accepted by mail but will not be returned by mail. All entries must be picked up at the museum. Entries MUST BE RECEIVED BY August 26, 2018. Entries by mail must be shipped in a sturdy container and must contain a completed entry form. Mailing address: Rehoboth Beach Museum, 511 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Please call (302) 227-7310 for information.

HAND DELIVERED ENTRIES:

Exhibitors are urged to pre-register by sending completed forms and fees in the mail to The Rehoboth Beach Museum by August 22, 2018. Please make checks payable to the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society. Walk-in entries are accepted August 18  through August 26 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. No entries will be accepted after August 27, 2018. Entries must be picked up one full weekend after the show closes.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

1.    Insurance coverage is the responsibility of the owner/depositor.

2.    The depositor warrants that he or she holds full and clear title to the object(s) identified on the face of the entry form or is the agent of the owner authorized to deposit the objects(s) with the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society.

3.    All objects may be examined, photographed, measured, or otherwise reproduced for educational or promotional purposes.

4.    The object(s) will be returned only to the depositor unless RBHS is notified in writing to the contrary.

5.    If objects are not picked up by the last pick-up date, a $5 per day storage fee will be charged. After 30 days, the object will be deemed an unrestricted gift to the museum.

  

ENTRY FORM – Maximum 5 entries

Please reproduce this form or print from www.rehobothbeachmuseum.org

(please attach a photo of your work if possible and an artist’s statement)

Stitcher Name_________________________________________

Exhibited by___________________________________________

Address______________________________________________

______________________________________________________

Phone (home) _______________Phone (cell) _______________

Email (print CLEARLY) _______________________________

Division:     _____Adult        _____Junior      

Category:   _____Original   _____Commercial

Technique (circle one):  

Beadwork                   Canvaswork/Needlepoint

Sampler                      Counted Thread/Cross Stitch

Embroidery               Heirloom Sewing/Quilt

Miniature                   Lace  ___

Mixed Media

Title __________________________________________

Measurement:  Length____      Width____

Description (framed piece, pillow, etc.) ___________________

Thread Count: ________ Pattern Source/Class _____________

In submission of this entry I hereby agree to abide by the stated rules of the exhibition, and terms and conditions listed on the enclosures. 

Signature   _________________________       

Entries accepted at the museum 511 Rehoboth Avenue * (302) 227-7310

# of entries __ times Entry Fee = $_________       

                           (office use only) AMT Cash $________    Check #________  

Labels: Print clearly and affix one label to each piece. You may use your own label but it must have this information.

Name of Stitcher: __________________________________________

Title of Piece: _____________________________________________

Technique: ________________________________________________

Name of Stitcher: __________________________________________

Title of Piece: _____________________________________________

Technique: ________________________________________________

Name of Stitcher: __________________________________________

Title of Piece: _____________________________________________

Technique: ________________________________________________

Name of Stitcher: __________________________________________

Title of Piece: _____________________________________________

Technique: ________________________________________________

Name of Stitcher: __________________________________________

Title of Piece: _____________________________________________

Technique: ________________________________________________

Name of Stitcher: __________________________________________

Title of Piece: _____________________________________________

Technique: ________________________________________________

Name of Stitcher: __________________________________________

Title of Piece: _____________________________________________

Technique: ________________________________________________

Name of Stitcher: __________________________________________

Title of Piece: _____________________________________________

Technique: ________________________________________________

Name of Stitcher: __________________________________________

Title of Piece: _____________________________________________

Technique: ________________________________________________

December 30, 2017--News:  the Needlework Exhibit in Rehoboth Beach, DE will be held in September/October of 2018.

The museum's director recently wrote....."As many of you know, the Historical Society, which operates the museum, has been raising money to complete construction on the second floor. We have finally raised enough money to begin construction and we will do so beginning January 2, 2018. Construction will continue through at least the end of April, 2018. This means that the Needlework exhibit will not be held at its regular time in 2018. We will hold the exhibit in September and October of next year. This would mean drop-off dates of mid-to-late August, and opening the weekend of either Labor Day or the week after, and a pick-up the last weekend of October. One benefit of this time frame is that it moves the exhibit farther away from the Woodlawn exhibit, and gives the exhibit the chance to be seen by more visitors."

This is good news for those who participate in both exhibits (Woodlawn and Rehoboth Beach) and about the museum's 2nd floor construction. Actual exhibit dates will be published once they are known.

Rehoboth Beach, DE Museum

ANG Seminar Ribbon Buttons - Updated 9/14/18

September 14, 2018--I recently wrote about the ANG Seminar Ribbon Buttons I stitched (see the blog entry below dated September 5, 2018) and mentioned I knew who won the First Place Ribbon that had my name on the back as the stitcher, but didn't want to say who received it unless I had permission to do so.

Well, the award winner recently wrote me to say it was OK to name names and sent along a picture of the exhibit entry.  So I'm happy to report that Jonathan Brown was the recipient of the First Place Ribbon Button I stitched for his exhibit entry called Unicorn Sporran.  He says "I love the hand stitched centre on my ribbon and treasure each one as an individual work of art."  

Thank you Jonathan--your stitching is truly amazing.

Unicorn Sporran by Jonathan Brown (published with permission)

More news--Jonathan also has a new blog and it's very well done.  You can find it at:

https://jonathansembroidery.blogspot.com/  Happy reading.



September 5, 2018--I was fortunate to participate in the stitching of ANG 2018 Seminar ribbon buttons along with other members of Maryland's Checkerspot Stitchers Chapter.

The first button I stitched, red and cream stripes with gold stars, was used as the center of a blue First Place ribbon.  I happen to know who received this one (there was more than one blue ribbon awarded) and since my name is on the back of the ribbon button as the stitcher, the recipient will know it was me.  Cool.  If the recipient tells me it's OK to mention his/her name, I'll post it as a blog update.

Ribbon Button Before

Ribbon Button Finished as a Blue First Class Award

Ribbon Button Closeup Finished as a Blue First Class Award

The second ribbon button I stitched depicted the Washington Monument surrounded by flags.  It was made a part of the Green Delegates Choice Ribbon which was awarded to the beautiful piece stitched by Donna Pence.  Congratulations!

Ribbon Button Before

Ribbon Button Finished as a Green Delegates Choice Award

Ribbon Button Closeup Finished as a Green Delegates Choice Award

Threading a Needle - 9/13/18

September 13, 2018--I'm trying a new threading technique I recently heard or read about and find it works very well.  Wish I could remember where I learned this--would love to give credit where credit is due.

First, I read when using multiple strands of floss, (cotton, silk, etc.), it's easier to lay the stitches on your canvas if you reverse some of the threads in the needle.  For example, if you have 4 strands in your needle, reverse 2 of the strands.  I believe this works because the "nap" of the floss isn't all going in the same direction.  However, you won't see any difference in appearance of the threads once stitched and you should have less "knotting" and twisting.

Second, if you cut a piece of thread twice the length you normally use, then pass the end of that length through the needle and match up the ends--you will have a naturally occurring reversal of threads.  Of course, be sure to separate out each strand from your skein before placing multiple strands in the needle.

Third, using this method of threading your needle leaves you with NO tail at the needle's eye, so you will need less thread when ending.

Fourth, your thread won't slip out of the needle's eye when pulled too hard or if the needle is left to dangle.

Fifth, the thread nearest the needle will no longer be damaged as you move the ends away from or nearer the eye (you won't have to do this).

Have I convinced you to try this yet?  LOL.

Here's a photo of 2 strands threaded through a needle's eye, then folded over to make 4 strands.

PS:  If you make an error and must "reverse" your stitching and the needle gets caught in stitches above or below the row you're working on, just cut your thread closest to the needle's eye, undo your stitches that were done incorrectly, then thread up again as you had done in the past.

2 Strands into 4 strands

ANG 2018 Seminar Scissor Fobs - 9/3/18

September 3, 2018--In May of 2017,  I learned the Northern Virginia (NOVA) Chapter of ANG was stitching some really cute scissor fobs to give as favors to the ANG 2018 Seminar attendees.   After bringing this project to the attention of Delaware's Seashore Chapter members, many wanted to participate in this project to help the NOVA chapter meet the goal of producing 400+ fobs by August, in time for seminar.  So we Delawareans began stitching, using our own stash threads, canvas and beads, producing a total of 96 fobs .  Below are photographs of the 24 fobs I personally stitched and finished.  I hope the recipients like them.

Below is a picture of the lovely red and white fob I found in my seminar registration packet.  Love it.  Thank you to the fantastic stitcher who worked up this one.

Scissor Fob Received with ANG Seminar Registration Packet

I understand the few fobs that are left over will be donated to Nelly's Needlers.  Information about the Needlers can be found by clicking here.

ANG 2018 Seminar - 9/1/18

September 1, 2018--I finally have a moment to write a little about the ANG 2018 Seminar in Washington, DC that I attended last week.  I was very busy taking two classes held over four days, and working with the Distance Learning Committee in my capacity as Correspondence Course Chair.

The two classes I took are:

1.   Golden Gala Evening Purse by Michele Roberts.  The project photo is below.  This is the type of stitching I love, so expect this to be completed by the end of September, maybe.....  The picture shows the front only--the back is just as magnificent,   The front and back are separately "finished" and inserted into a clear acrylic base.  A future blog about this purse will have details as to how it is finished.   A real cutie.

Golden Gala Evening Purse by Michele Roberts Project Photo 

2.  What to My Wondering Eyes Should Appear Stocking by Joan Thomasson.  The project photo is below.  I love this design and will try to complete the stitching and finish it into a stocking by December.  It has lots of wonderful stitching, texture and features.  When I write about the stocking in a separate blog entry, I'll give some history about it.

What to My Wondering Eyes Should Appear Stocking by Joan Thomasson Project Photo