Stitching Girl with Her Horse - 9/30/23

September 30, 2023--I recently took a few days of classes from Sandy Arthur of Duo Designs at a retreat in Kentucky to work on Gayla Elliott's Stitching Girl with Her Horse.   I love this project with all of its embellishments and variety of threads and stitches.  Sandy kept us very busy learning how and where to place stitches to bring this canvas to life.   We had a choice of two Stitching Girl canvases, and I chose this one because of the horse boarding stables behind my property.

Stitching Girl with Her Horse Status as of 9-30-23

Here's the background.....when my husband and I moved to our new home in Delaware 13 years ago, there was a large farm located on the property in back of our house.  We knew living in an agricultural region would mean listening to tractor noises (tilling, planting, fertilizing, harvesting), crop duster planes, etc., and dealing with lots of flies--especially the little fruit flies that infest your home during harvest season, but we didn't realize how bad all of those flies would be.  Then a number of years ago the farm was sold to Windswept Stables, a horse boarding and riding instruction farm.   The only sounds we now hear are the neighing and whinnying of horses.  The house flies have disappeared because they prefer to be at the stables, and we no longer get the harvest fruit flies--YAY!  Sooooo....I'd like to name the horse Independence (the name of my community) and have the Stitching Girl needlepoint the name of the stables on the canvas she's working on (of course you will only see it in reverse).  Then I'll see if the stable owners would like to have this as a gift to hang in their home (or stables for that matter).  If not, it will be part of my guest room stitching gallery.

Stitching Girl with Her Horse Designed by Gayla Elliott, Stitched by Sandra Arthur of Duo Designs

I will post photos of my canvas in future blogs as I stitch it up.  Stay tuned.  

Tulip Time Rhine River Needlepoint Cruise - Updated 4/18/22

April 18, 2022--I've returned from one of the most eventful trips I've ever taken and after a week of recovering from a horrific cold, days full of catching up at home, hosting a wine club event, doctor visits, financial meetings, etc., etc., etc., I'm finally able to sit and write about the experience.

Firstly, the Rhine River Cruise by Uniworld is definitely first class all the way.  From the beautiful riverboat with well-appointed rooms to the delicious meals with unlimited wine, friendly and efficient service, well designed tours, etc., I lacked for nothing.   I met some wonderful fellow stitchers with whom I shared meals and touring adventures--the best part of the trip for sure (a shout out to Nancy, Charlotte, Melanie, Mike, Deedee, Sue and Ellen).  I didn't take many photos because a few fellow travelers (Bruce Hart in particular) posted lots of gorgeous shots on the Tulip Time Facebook page set up by our host, Sandy Arthur, a fantabulous needlepoint designer and instructor.

Lunch in Amsterdam

Bruce and Ginger Hart (the taker of marvelous photos throughout the trip), Ellen, me and Liz, our travel agent)

Our Amsterdam canal cruise boat.

Photos from the Keukenhof Gardens:

Sue (Sandy's co-host), me, Deedee and Ellen)

Yes, it was friggin' cold!

My room on the riverboat, the S.S. Antoinnette

Three riverboats tied together (my boat is in the middle) at a dock with limited space.

Menu for the last dinner on board.  Delicious offerings.

And speaking of Sandy Arthur--we managed to get in some stitching classes given by her with a few surprises and goodies.   At our first class while still in Amsterdam, we received the stitch guide to the Tulip Time canvas designed specifically for this trip (windmill project photo is below).  As usual, the stitches are imaginative and perfect for the project.   Then at other stitching events during the week, Sandy surprised us with a tulip themed eyeglass case kit with canvas, threads and stitch guide; instructions to put together a peyote beaded needle case (my favorite which I will write about in a future blog); and lots of adorable charms handed out each day to place on a chain.  Each charm relates to various tours and places visited along the Rhine.  I won a few prizes too--a beautiful painted canvas from Duo Designs and two beautiful, zippered needlepoint tool bags from an anonymous donor.  

Eyeglass Case Project Photo

Peyote Beaded Needle Case Project Photo

Charms:  2022, Tulip, Stein, Bicycle, Bar(?), Castle, Laraly Rock, Diary of Ann Frank, Germany, Riverboat, Wooden Shoe, Windmill, Cuckoo Clock, Fleur de Lis, Airplane

Below is a brief itinerary we followed:

Amsterdam for 2 nights to visit the Rijksmuseum, go on a canal cruise, and walk the Keukenhof Gardens.

Then 7 days aboard the S.S. Antoinette riverboat to cruise the Rhine River from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland.  Even though we traveled south along the river, the river flows north from the Alps to the Netherlands, causing us to travel "up river".  We had the pleasure of visiting the city of Cologne, walking tours of the towns of Koblenz and Boppard, wine tasting at Castle Vollards in Rudesheim, a Mannheim vineyard tour and tasting, viewing many ancient castles situated along the river,  Strasbourg panoramic tour, and finally a visit to two Alsatian villages.  There were additional tours and trips available for the more adventuresome among us, but not for me.

OK, there was a downside--the flight home.  I got up at 3 am on Sunday, April 10th to get my suitcase outside of my room by 3:30 am, then prepared for the transfer to the Basel airport for a 7:15 am flight to London.  After a six hour layover, I boarded my 2:00 pm flight home to the Philadelphia International Airport, arriving at 5 pm (11 pm Amsterdam time).   By the time I got home and into bed, I had been up for over 24 hours (and didn't get much sleep the night before).  The walking that was required in both airports definitely put my back out of whack and I believe that's where I caught the nasty cold that laid me up for a week when I got home (two COVID tests were negative)😰.  To top it off, I lost my iPhone when my husband picked me up at the airport.  I thought I had securely placed the phone in my purse, but somehow it fell out and was picked up by someone who took it to San Francisco with them (I could see this using my "Find My Devices" app).  A new one was ordered but doing without a phone for a few days is an eye opener as to how dependent we are on the darned things.

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March 18, 2022--I am so excited to be going on the March 31 to April 10, 2022, Uniworld Tulip Time Rhine River Needlepoint Cruise hosted by the famed designer and instructor Sandy Arthur.  I've been eyeing her trips for a number of years now and am finally able to do one.   The cruise starts in Amsterdam, Netherlands and goes down to Basel, Switzerland along the Rhine River.  Two days in Amsterdam and seven days on the river boat.  Wonderful!

Now, I've been to Europe before (granted, my past four trips were over 20 years ago) but I have never had the amount of paperwork to do as I've had for this trip.  There are volumes of contracts to read and tons of economic issues to contend with that I should get collegiate credit for dealing with it all.

I comprised the below list of everything that needs to be taken care of.  The last few items are tongue-in-cheek and I'm sure I'll have more before I get on the plane.  How does your list compare?

Tulip Time Rhine River Cruise Preparations

• Read all available literature about the tour, ship, etc.
• Reserve room on the ship (fill out reservation form paperwork) and make airline reservations with travel agency
• Purchase travel insurance (17-page document)
• Pay for all of the above (ka-ching)
• Renew passport because it expired within six months of trip’s end (expired 9/22 and needs to expire no earlier than 10/22)
• Insert TSA KTN on tickets via airline website (unable to get global pre-check number—interviews not available locally and those at distant international airports were too busy—waste of $100 application fee)
• Read health requirements of Netherlands
• Fill out Netherlands Health Declaration for Travelers Intake Form
• Fill out Netherlands Vaccine Information Form
• Fill out Medical Information Form to give to travel agency
• Read Uniworld’s Cruise Companion
• Register on Uniworld's website and fill out personal information forms
• Review itinerary, docking information, etc.
• Read travel tips sent by travel agency
• Sign travel agency Terms and Conditions form
• Note:  Am concerned the name the travel agency is using for my airline reservation won’t match my passport (have been told if they don’t match, I won’t be able to get on the plane).
• Note:  Have questions about Uniworld cruise ticket/contract having items not covered by travel insurance—questions to travel agency
• Read IMO Athens Convention as it pertains to loss of luggage, life, limbs, etc. and amounts to be paid based on SDR as referenced in Uniworld’s Ticket/Contract document
• Order Passport holder with window pocket for vaccine card
• Put together packing list—what will go in checked luggage and what will be taken aboard the plane.  Place liquid items in separate, clear, one gallon zip lock bag
• Put together list of needlepoint stuff to bring
• Place cruise stitching project canvas (photo below) on stretcher bars
• Purchase TSA luggage locks
• Arrange for COVID PCR test to be administered 1 day before leaving
• Purchase travel purse with slash proof sides and straps.
• Find local bank that sells Euros, open account with said bank in order to purchase those Euros
• Call cell phone carrier to arrange for international calling and data plan
• Call credit card companies to put them on notice that cards will be used overseas
• Copy important documents (passport, KTN, driver’s license, COVID vaccination card, credit cards, etc., etc., and have available on iPhone.  Download for offline use on iPad.
• Setup WhatsApp on cell phone for communication with travel agency – review how to use it and test with husband
• Set up American Airlines Verifly App to confirm COVID vaccinations
• Download PressReader App for free access to international newspapers and magazines
• Show husband how to use clothes washer and dryer, dish washer, etc.
• Leave information for husband to deal with housekeeper
• Confirm that husband knows what to do when picking up my exhibits from Woodlawn at the beginning of April
• Worry about the effect COVID and Ukraine will have on the trip
• Learn to speak Dutch and German--ha, ha
• Build up leg muscles with an exercise program so the walking tours will be effortless--yep, well, it's going to take a lot of effort to do those tours.

OK, I'm all set to go now--I think.

Map of Rhine River Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel

Tulip Time on the Rhine Project Photo

May 26, 2021--I'm happy to report that I've signed up for the Tulip Time Along the Rhine Needlepoint River Cruise hosted by the wonderful Sandy Arthur of Duo Designs.  I've never done a river cruise and since I'm traveling alone (hubby hates cruising), doing one with a needlepoint bent is absolutely perfect!!  This cruise takes place in early April, 2022.  

Here's a photo of the project Sandy developed specifically for this trip.  Love it!

Additional information and lots more can be found on Sandy's blog at:

Sandy's Stitching (sandyarthur.blogspot.com)  

I'm so excited that I've already "packed" using my Stylebook app.  If you want more info about this app, let me know.  It's a really fun way to keep track of clothes you own and wear.  Here's my first stab at mix and match outfits for the trip.  The app migrates the pieces of clothing into a "packing list" for you--easy peasy.  Note:  I'm certainly not a style or clothing obsessed person, but after losing a lot of weight and buying new clothes--the app gives me a  lot of fun putting together "looks" and will show me what I wear a lot and what I'm not touching.  

My Stylebook of What to Wear Each Day on the Cruise

Stylebook Packing List

I'm not the best photographer of clothes, but the pictures are good enough for my purposes.  Can you imagine the possibilities of working with an app like this.  PS  I have no affiliation with Stylebook, just having fun with it.

Wavelengths Purse - Updated 3/1/22

March 1, 2022--The stitching is done!!!  I've been working on this project, off and on, for over 6 years now, and am ready to figure out how to make it into a purse--do I work it up myself or send it out for professional finishing.  Some time spent in my sewing room practicing will help determine what I'd like to do.

Here's a photo of the full canvas before folding it in two.  It measures 20" across, so the purse will measure about 9.5" wide when sewn up and about 6" high.

Purse Wavelengths

June 26, 2021--Will I ever finish stitching this piece?  At the rate I'm going, maybe in 10 years--LOL.  I have only two more colors to stitch--pale purple and pale yellow.  Then it's done!  But those colors are in some very large areas.  Below is a photo taken against the light of a window to show what's left to stitch--it's still a lot.

Purse Wavelengths at 2021-06-25 Showing Unfinished Areas

Purse Wavelengths at 2021-06-25

November 5, 2019--It's been three years to the day since I last posted about this unique project.  Since I'm stitching this all in basketweave and using Vineyard Silks which do not need to be laid, this is my traveling project.  Yes, it is very large and cumbersome, but so easy to work on, and the threads feel sumptuous.  Hopefully it won't take another three years to finish it.  Below is my progress to date (all the reds, black, and grays are done; most of the blues and medium yellows are done; lots of purples to stitch yet):

Purse Wavelengths as of 11/05/2019

November 5, 2016--This is the project I stitch when meeting fellow stitchers and want to do more socializing than serious counting or decision making.  It's all done in basketweave with Vineyard Silks that don't need laying.  So far all the black, charcoal, red and dark blue colors are stitched.  Now to finish the medium blue areas.  Once that's done, the purples, yellows and grays should go fast.  Correction--should go a little faster--this project is still going to take years to complete.  Here's what it looks like today.

Purse Wavelengths as of 11/04/2016

April 6, 2016--All the red is stitched, as well as the blue columns and the charcoal grey area.  It's a great project to do when listening to complex dialogue in an audio book or movie.

It took awhile to finish this color since I ran out of the Vineyard Silks dyelot I was using.  With only an inch or so to stitch, I placed a search on Facebook's Needlepoint page and voila, a kind soul checked with her LNS who in fact had what I needed.   Happiness is a wonderful needlepoint community.

Purse Wavelengths as of 4-6-2016

February 20, 2016--Started stitching this cool project and even though I'm not a big fan of painted canvases, I'm enjoying this one.

Firstly, I decided to work it all in basketweave or tent stitches because I'm going to make this into a "wristlet" type of purse and don't want to catch longer, fancier stitches on anything.  Secondly, even though it's being worked in boring basketweave, the design itself has its own challenges in the fact that the diagonal lines aren't on a true diagonal. I'm required to baste the lines to visually guide me up and down the canvas (see photo below).

At the rate I'm stitching these days, I figure it'll take me 3+ years to complete this thing. LOL.

PS  I'm not stitching this "in hand" as I wrote below--too cumbersome for basting stitches.

Purse Wavelengths Status at 2/20/16

Purse Wavelengths Basting of Diagonal Lines

January 21, 2016--A week or so ago Art Needlepoint Company of Canton, MA asked Facebook needlepointers to post a picture of their favorite stitching chairs, etc. and a lucky winner would be chosen to win a canvas worth up to $100.   Well, guess what--I won and here's the photo I sent them (click here).  The 18 count canvas I chose is called Wavelengths, measuring 20" x 6.5" and can be made into a clutch purse or wristlet measuring 10" x 6.5".   I also chose to stitch it using Vineyard Silk threads (which they recommend).  The design is an adaption of an old textile pattern.  Here's a picture of it made into a small clutch.  I love all the sections for applying various stitches or I may just decide to stitch it "in hand" using only tent stitches.

Project Photo from Art Needlepoint Co.

Winter Table by Melissa Shirley 4/22/15

April 22, 2015--Have just returned from a two-day class for a beautiful painted canvas called Winter Table, designed by Melissa Shirley (project photo below) and taught by Laura Taylor.  It was held at Louise's Needlework owned by Jill Mashburn Elia in Powell, Ohio.  

We had a bonus third day with Laura who helped us with stitches and embellishments for our own canvases.  Learned even more (including ribbon work) by watching and listening to what she said to each student.   I'm a very happy camper indeed!

Winter Table by Melissa Shirley Designs Painted Canvas Project Photo

Laura Taylor, Instructor, and Jill Mashburn Elia, Owner of Louise's Needlework

What fun we had learning to embellish this piece with a wide variety of stitches and threads in ways I would never have dreamed of.  Laura Taylor gave us instructions on how to do each section with lots of examples and in such a way as to keep our attention (with much humor too).  This was the first time I've taken a class from Laura and look forward to the next opportunity to do so again.  

Jill, the delightful owner of Louise's Needlework, was a most gracious host--and so very organized. She, along with Emily and Karen who work with her at the shop, had everything ready for us when we arrived. The canvas was taped and tacked to large stretcher bars, all the threads and beads (with matching beading thread) were placed in labeled bags and held together on a ring.  Extras such as paints, paint brush, felt, tracing paper, needles, eyelash thread, and twill tape were in a separate bag and labeled. Other necessities such as glue, paper towels, plates and toothpicks were on each table. Then we were given a large clear, zippered project keeper with handles to place everything in when we were ready to leave.   Jill also lent us floor stands, lighting and lots of plugs, as needed.  

And when we were hungry, delicious lunches were brought in for all 3 days, along with snacks, beverages, etc.  There were bagels and coffee in the morning too.  We wanted for nothing!

And finally, I had a most wonderful time with my classmates who not only came from the local area, but from places far and wide.  Some of us stayed at the Nationwide Hotel & Conference Center where Jill negotiated a special rate for class participants and arranged for van transport to and from her shop each day.  The two room suite was first class and I so much appreciated not having to worry about transportation.

On this piece called Winter Table, I learned lots of new techniques, such as stitching the chrysanthemums with TG Eyelash and beading the centers in such a way as to give a 3D effect.  The paper white petals are padded then beaded--wow, really pretty.  The small white flowers are made with, or all things, Wrights Twill Tape.  We also learned how to shade the leaves with paint instead of using thread.   The pine cone is given dimension using a "lazy daisy" twist.   This is a large project (for me) and I plan on taking my time with each section.

This is a canvas I fell in love with when it first came out.  It so looks like my husband's sun room where he grows paper whites, christmas cactus, etc. and where we see cardinals out the window.  Our female cardinals have more red on their crown and wings than the one painted on the canvas, so I'll add some color to the pretty bird.  Also, our christmas cactus has red blooms, so again, will make a color change.

Female Cardinal

I'll post again as more progress is made on the various sections.

Justin's Beach House Updated 4/13/15

April 13, 2015--Today, I and six other members of Delaware's Seashore Chapter of ANG presented Beach Umbrellas to Kathy Green, Executive Director of the Justin's Beach House and Craig Nantais, Chairperson of the Justin W. Jennings Foundation.  Below is a picture of the framed project.

Below is a picture of Kathy and Craig receiving the project at Justin's Beach House.

Kathy Green, Executive Director of the Justin's Beach House and Craig Nantais, Chairperson of the Justin W. Jennings Foundation

January 27, 2015--The beach umbrellas project is now done and ready for the framer.  Our ANG chapter, Delaware's Seashore Chapter, will have this framed and labeled before we present it to the Justin's Beach House sometimes next month.

Beach Umbrellas Completed

December 15, 2014--Almost done.  A few more embellishments then it's off to the framers.

August 26, 2014--Lots of progress being made on the Justin's Beach House project.   Our chapter has some mighty fine stitchers.

Beach Umbrellas as of 8-26-14

July 8, 2014--The picture below shows some progress being made on the stitching of our ANG chapter's community project for Justin's Beach House.  Looking forward to seeing it again at our next meeting.

Beach Umbrellas as of 7-7-14

June 2, 2014--Our ANG chapter had its Anniversary Lunch yesterday and I was able to snap a picture of the progress made to date on our community project.  Love how well it's coming along.

Beach Umbrellas as of June 2, 2014

May 6, 2014--Below is a picture of the progress to date on this chapter community project.  It's coming along nicely.  The little black threads will eventually be secured with stitching and the knots removed.

Beach Umbrellas as of May 5, 2014

March 28, 2014--For this year's community project, the Delaware's Seashore Chapter of ANG recently chose Justin's Beach House.

They were so gracious upon meeting us and loved the idea of our doing a needlepoint piece for this wonderful beach home away from home for those who are, or have been, seriously ill.  We chose Shay's Beach Umbrellas, a painted canvas with stitch guide and threads, donated by one of our chapter members.  Everyone in the chapter is looking forward to stitching a small section.  Below is a picture of how it looks today and I hope to take more pictures as the work progresses.

Beach Umbrellas

San Antonio Painted Canvas Updated 4/22/15

April 22, 2015--San Antonio is now framed and I love how the dark blue mat draws your attention to the needlepoint.

March 28, 2015--Done stitching and ready for the framer.  This will look great in my craft/sewing room and will be a delightful reminder of the wonderful trips I've made to San Antonio.  BTW, this is the second of the three ANG chapter challenges to have done by December, 2015.

San Antonio Completed

March 21, 2015--Rounding the corner to the finish line.  The tree and yellow roses are done and am currently stitching the lacy sky.

San Antonio Tree and Roses

February 24, 2015--River is done.  It was stitched with two strands of DMC Satin Floss made of 100% rayon fibers using long and short random stitches.  Because it is such a slippery thread, I cut longer strands and doubled it once it was passed through the needle.  This made it very manageable. I like the results.  The canvas had various colors reflecting the gondola and tree painted in the river. This now shows a little through the stitching.  I like it.

San Antonio - River Done

February 18, 2015--Accomplished a bit more stitching on this project--completed the tower and gondola.  I like how the "life ring" came out.  As suggested by Sundance Designs who wrote the stitch guide, I found a perfectly sized stainless steel washer to cover with perle (or I should say my DH found it for me).  Now to stitch the river, tree and large yellow silk ribbon flowers.  The beautiful lacy pattern for the sky will be done last.

San Antonio--Gondola and Tower Completed

February 1, 2015--More progress.  The Alamo and umbrellas and table are stitched.  The tower looks like it'll be fun to work on.

Alamo and Umbrellas

San Antonio through Alamo and Umbrellas

January 21, 2015--Moving along nicely on this project.  The grassy areas and the large lone star heart flag are now stitched.  Next posting--the Alamo.

Flag and Grass Done Closeup

Closeup of Flag and Grass

January 4, 2015--This is the second of three projects I'm stitching as part of my ANG chapter's 2015 challenge to complete three WIPs by December, 2015.

I'm making a little bit of progress beyond what I wrote about in 2013 (old blog is below), having stitched the papal picado-paper banners (will do the black outlining later) and stitched the grass using the Medieval Mosaic stitch.  I found it very difficult to maintain the pattern of this stitch around the umbrellas so I did something desperate--I basted the full pattern in place, through the umbrellas, to where the pattern would be continued (see picture below).  Now I can see where I need to place the needle without any counting whatsoever.  Wanting to get the design perfect on a canvas like this may be a bit annal, but that's how I roll (insert smiley face here).

Basted Medieval Mosaic Stitch

Papal Picado-Paper Banners Done

July 25, 2013--Completed stitching the sign and love how the beads look like little light bulbs.  The instructions called for stitching the beads using the "brick" method, but due to the narrow width of the spaces upon which to place the beads, the results have a more random effect.  The lattice work was stitched with an overdyed navy blue causing the sign to look a little weather beaten--like it.

These beads and many others were given to me by my mother's housemate.  She crafts beaded jewelry and her son is always on the lookout for bead sources at flea markets, etc.  On one of those shopping expeditions, he purchased a box of generic glass beads, all in vials, of many different colors. However, the beads were too small for jewelry making purposes, so I was the happy recipient of this box. The beads come in multiple sizes in each vial, so I must sort them prior to stitching to find the size I want.  But I'm not complaining, and the variety of sizes can look good on the same project.  The beads I used for the San Antonio sign were red with a yellow glaze.

July 18, 2013--While at the 2011 ANG Seminar in San Antonio, TX, I purchased the below canvas as a souvenir of my visit.  Actually, I've visited San Antonio many times and thought this piece would make a nice momento.  So far I've stitched the bridge and a portion of the blue over the sign.  I only pull this out when I need to relax and take a break from all of the counted stitch projects I do.   This canvas and its accompanying stitch guide is an exclusive design created for the Yarn Barn in San Antonio by Sundance Designs, Tucson, AZ.