Master Needlepointer Program of ANG - Stage 1 - 6/30/22

June 30, 2022--Last year I signed up to participate in ANG's Master Needlepointer Program (MNP) and mailed my completed project in time to be judged in May of this year.  I recently learned I passed by receiving 99 out of 100 points.  There was also a long critique which was most helpful. 

Here's my completed project.  One thing noticed by those reviewing my piece was the fact the thread used in the left "ray" seemed to have dye issues or was very old.  They are right--by the time I noticed it, I decided it wasn't worth redoing since I didn't have more of the color used.  I'll have to be aware of this issue when using older threads.

I do love the colors though--I chose mostly DMC floss in the blue-green color range; the variegated thread was from ThreadworX; and all were from my stash.

ANG Master Needlepointer Program Stage 1 Completed

I learned about this program from an article written in ANG's January 2021 issue of Needle Pointers Magazine where a description of the four stages was given.  Stage 1 involved the use of certain stitches on one of two designs supplied (I chose the "ray" design).  Below is a photo of the design basted and drawn on 24 count Congress Cloth.  

MNP Stage 1 Basted Design on 24 count Congress Cloth

I had to pencil in most of the ray's lines since they did not fall on the diagonal which made for some interesting stitch compensation issues

Hardanger Pick A Flower - Stepped Petals - Updated 6/28/22

June 28, 2022--Picked this up again after nearly two years and stitched up the center medallion, put in some eyelets, basted the area where four "petals" are stitched on the sides, and began working on one of those petals.  It's slow going and have no idea how many more years it'll be before it gets finished, but it will get done--someday.  

Hardanger Pick a Flower - Stepped Petals Through 2022-06-28

August 3, 2020--Continuing to work on this delightful project.  So far I've finished stitching all the Klosters, including the blanket stitch edging.  Putting this away for awhile, but when it comes out again, will work on the decorative petals and pulled stitches before cutting in preparation for the wrap stitches.  Still lots to do.

Hardanger Pick a Flower - Stepped Petals as of August 2, 2020

June 3, 2020--Just returned from a fishing trip with my husband (he fished, I stitched) in Cape Charles, VA.  Stayed in a beautiful B&B and enjoyed working on a project from the February, 2019  Hardanger University  class taught by Donna Olson.  She gave us instructions and enough cloth to work on four "petal" projects.  I'm starting out with "Stepped Petals" which seems to be the easiest of them all.  Below is a photo showing where I left off after class and another of where I left off today.   I find hardanger very enjoyable to stitch since I'm comfortable working "in hand", not needing to cart around a stand, etc. 

Hardanger Pick a Flower - Stepped Petals at 2020-06-03

Hardanger Pick a Flower - Stepped Petals at Class End

To see a photo of the project as designed, click on "In Process Projects" on the right under the Pages heading.

Holiday Bell Fuchsia Ornament - 6/24/22

June 24, 2022--I loved stitching this Susan Portra Holiday Bell using fuchsia-colored threads and beads.  It's the 13th of these Holiday Ornaments stitched to date and the instructions for this one were published in the December, 2016 Needlepoint Now Magazine.  I have three more to work up which will bring the total number of ornaments to 16.  There were supposed to be 24 in the series, but I understand from the magazine editor they are no longer available.  Oh well, I'll enjoy the ones I have,

It is difficult to see the fuchsia color since I stitched the bell on red canvas.  I tried removing the red canvas from the background so you could get a better idea of the beautiful colors of the bell.  I succeeded somewhat.  

Ornament Holiday Bell Fuchsia Completed

Ornament Holiday Bell Fuchsia Completed with Background Removed

A Needleart Judge's Reference by NAN - A Review

June 22, 2022--I've never written a book review before, but this book, or rather booklet, proved worthy of discussion.      As a helper/teller at the Rehoboth Beach Museum's Annual Needleworkers Exhibit, I found this book chock full of helpful information.  

Firstly, it is published by the National Acadamy of Needlearts (NAN) and is available here on their website.  As you can see from the chapters shown on the information page, copied below, there is so much to assist judges and exhibit planners in putting together a successful exhibition.  I especially liked the last section entitled Other Skills and Considerations.  I hope you'll agree with me that it's a valuable resource for those involved with needlework exhibitions.

Rehoboth Beach Museum's 10th Annual Needlework Exhibit

June 16, 2022--Save the dates--Rehoboth Beach, Delaware Museum's 10th Annual Needlework Exhibition will take place October 1 through November 6, 2022.  Flyer is below.  

Plan on making three trips to the beach:

1. Drop off your needlework piece(s) (September 15th through September 24th)
2. View the exhibition (October 1st through November 6th)
3. Pick up your needlework (November 6th).  

We are excited to finally be able to do this again after two years of not having the exhibit (canceled in 2020 because of COVID and in 2021 because of a roof leak).   Not only will the exhibition be judged, but each piece gets a critique--an excellent opportunity to learn about your stitching.

The link to find the application form on the museum's website can be found at:

Rehoboth Beach Museum

Looking forward to seeing everyone's work.

PS:  This is a revision of earlier flyers submitted that had incorrect dates.

Santa Holly Jolly - 6/12/22

June 12, 2022--Here's my 16th stitched Santa designed in 2019 by Janet Zickler Casey called Holly Jolly Santa.   There's lots of sparkle in the beard and the large pebble beads on the hat.  The moustache and hat brim give added dimension.  The next one I stitch will be from a class at this year's ANG seminar in Tucson, AZ.  He's called Sugarplum Santa.  Stay tuned.

Holly Jolly Santa Completed