Drawn Thread Class 5/5/15

May 5, 2015--I was privileged to give a class to the members of the ANG Delaware's Seashore Chapter on canvas drawn thread work.  Below are the instructions I put together to do a simple four box project.  If you would like to learn more about drawn thread work, please feel free to follow the lessons and send me your questions via the comment section at the end of this post.  Have fun.

Boxes 1 through 4 Completed

Steps 1 and 2 - Supplies List along with Basting and Satin Stitches for Boxes 1 through 4:

Instructions for Steps 1 and 2 - Basting and Satin Stitch for Boxes 1 through 4

Step 1 Basting Completed

Step 2 Satin Stitches for Boxes 1 through 4

Step 3 - Drawing or pulling canvas threads from each of the four boxes.  

Begin with Box 1, clip 14 threads between the horizontal basting lines on both sides of Box 1.  Move scissors as close to the satin stitches as possible.  There will be two horizontal threads uncut on both the top and bottom of Box 1 for placement of the Zig Zag Hemstitch.

After cutting, begin to loosen each thread by pushing it down with a needle.  This may be difficult because of the sizing or glue on the canvas which keeps it stiff.  It gets easier as more threads are removed.

As each horizontal thread is loosened, pull it out with tweezers

This is what Box 1 looks like after all the horizontal threads have been drawn or removed.

For Box 2, count down 2 horizontal canvas threads from the top basting stitches and clip 10 horizontal threads from both sides of the box, leaving 2 horizontal canvas threads above the basting stitches at the bottom.

For Box 3, use the same instructions as for Box 1.

For Box 4, clip 5 horizontal threads below the top basting line, then clip 5 horizontal threads above the bottom basting line on both sides of the box, leaving 4 horizontal threads in the middle of the box.

Below is what Boxes 2, 3 and 4 will look like after drawing threads from each

Step 4 - Box 1 - Zig Zag Hemstitch

Step 4 - Box 1 - Zig Zag Hemstitch

Box 1 Completed - Zig Zag Hemstitch

Step 5 - Box 2 - Four Sided Hemstitch and Coral Knot

Step 5 - Box 2 - Four-sided Hemstitch and Coral Knot

Box 2 - Four-Sided Hemstitch Completed

To stitch the Coral Knot, begin on the right side.  Insert needle under the first two vertical canvas threads, wrap your stitching thread around the needle (see second picture below) and pull the two vertical canvas threads over as far as possible to the left side.

Next step is to again insert your needle under the next two vertical canvas threads as well as the two vertical canvas threads in the next group of four.   Wrap your stitching thread around the needle (see second picture below) and pull.  This will now form a cluster of four vertical threads (two from the previous group and two from the next group).

Box 2 - Coral Knot - Step 1

Box 2 - Coral Knot - Step 2

Box 2 - Coral Knots Completed

Step 6 - Box 3 - Hemstitch Over 2 Threads with Beads

Begin stitching the Hemstitch on the left top side over two canvas threads.  Stitch the bottom beginning on the right over two canvas threads.

Box 3 - Hemstitch Over 2 Threads

To add the beads, secure your stitching thread in the middle of the right side (under the satin stitches), slip a bead onto your stitching thread then insert your needle behind the next four vertical threads (forming a cluster).  

Box 3 - Beads - Step 1

Then insert your needle up between the four vertical threads in the cluster (two vertical threads on each side), keeping your stitching thread above the needle.  

Box 3 - Beads - Step 2

Now pull your stitching thread tightly, forcing the left two vertical threads to lie over the right two vertical threads as shown below. 

Box 3 - Beads - Step 3

Continue adding beads and working the stitch until there are no more vertical canvas threads to wrap.  Add a bead to the left side before anchoring your stitching thread to the back of the satin stitches.

Box 3 - Beads - Completed

Step 7 - Box 4 - Hemstitch and Herringbone Stitch

Box 4 - Herringbone Stitch Chart

Box 4 - Hemstitch and Herringbone Stitch Completed

That's it.  I hope these instructions were clear.  I am not a teacher by profession and am not sure if I've over done it or didn't do enough instructions.

I want to reference the Beginner's Guide to Drawn Thread Embroidery by Patricia Bage as a wonderful resource for drawn thread work.

NJ Needle Festival 4/26/15

April 26, 2015--Just returned from the NJ Needle Festival put together by Susan Hoekstra and held this year on Saturday, April 25, 2015, in Bedminster, NJ .  Had a wonderful time with my 5 table mates--Lori, Linda, Melita, Naomi and Elizabeth (pictured below).  Even though the festival ran from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, we certainly didn't spend all that time stitching.  Telling stories, walking around to see what others were working on, visiting and shopping at the many vendor booths, eating lunch, winning raffle drawings, etc., kept us very busy all day.  

And speaking of raffles, yours truly won a beautifully hand hooked wool rug.  Almost lost it though because I was in the rest room when my name was called.  Thanks to the wonderful ladies at my table, they convinced Susan that I had not left the festival and would be returning any second.  It was fun to walk into the room to find everyone loudly yelling (happily) at me to hurry up because I won a raffle drawing.

Lori, Linda, Melita, Me, Naomi, Elizabeth

Looking forward to doing this again next year!

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.

Family Coat of Arms

April 16, 2015--One of my cousins recently posted on our family Facebook page that our ancestor, Jean (John) Côté, one of the founding fathers of Quebec City (originally from the Region of Perche, France), has a coat of arms.  He also sent along an interpretation of the emblem, describing what each segment stands for.   I love the design and have decided to do it in needlepoint.  If there are other Côtés out there with family from Quebec, we probably share the same ancestry.  When my sister visited Quebec in 1970, she found 17 pages of Côtés in the phone book, so we have a very, very large family, both here in the U.S. and in Canada.  

I understand Avance Au Large is loosely translated to mean "Advance--Go Forward".    

Armoiries de la Famille Jean Côté

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

Lots of Stitching--Nothing to Write About

April 3, 2015--Currently I'm doing lots of stitching, but can't write about anything yet.  However, soon you'll see blogs about:

1.  Pilot stitch project

2.  Class I'm teaching my local ANG chapter in May on drawn thread work

3.  A cute little something to be given as table favors at my local ANG chapter's anniversary lunch in June

Will also begin stitching on a UFO in the hopes of completing it by December (one of my chapter challenge pieces to be done this year).    

Hope all of you are happily stitching away.

Happy Easter!

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.

HanDBase Applets Now Available FREE 3/24/15

March 24, 2015--I have now made available, for FREE, to owners of DDH Software's HanDBase app, the databases or “applets” that I developed to manage my thread inventory, needlepoint projects, etc.

To use these databases, you must first own DDH Software’s HanDBase app.   I have written about these databases in prior blogs (see below for links to these posts) and have since received many requests to make them available. So here they are and if you’re interested, go to the DDH Software Gallery page.

Scroll down to Keyword Search and type in the word "needlepoint".  You will then see the six applets and their download links.  The databases are:

Needlepoint Beads Inventory

Needlepoint Color Tool

Needlepoint Projects

Needlepoint Sources

Needlepoint Thread Brands

Needlepoint Threads Inventory

Once downloaded and saved to your HanDBase Database File, you can open each applet and begin entering your own data.

My blog postings titled HanDBase Projects and HanDBase Threads Inventory will have lots of information on how I use these databases:

Please feel free to ask questions and have fun personalizing these databases with your own records.

PS  I have no financial interest in DDH Software--am just a very satisfied customer.

Woodlawn 52nd Annual Needlework Exhibition, Alexandria, VA 3/18/15

March 18, 2015--Four of us from our local ANG Delaware's Seashore Chapter took a road trip today to visit Woodlawn's 52nd Annual Needlework Exhibition in Alexandria, VA.

Woodlawn

After a delightful lunch in the Underwood Room operated by Nelly's Needlers, we leisurely strolled through the many rooms displaying the most wonderful needlework.  This year I entered five pieces, being the first time I've exhibited at Woodlawn, and was greatly surprised and pleased to learn that I won the following ribbons:

Ribbons Awarded at Woodlawn 2015

First Place for Canvaswork-Multi:  Folding Ort Box (Black and Red)

Second Place for Canvaswork-Multi:  Rose Swirls 

Third Place for Canvaswork-Multi:  City Walk

All in all it was a fun day with the requisite stop at In Stitches located less than a mile from the exhibit.  Lots of goodies to tempt you. 

Pandas Painted Canvas Updated 3/12/15

March 12, 2015--Just had this framed at Michael's Arts & Crafts and am very, very pleased with the results.  Also saved lots of money.  The way this large piece (15.75" x 15.75") is framed (black mat, gold insert, white mat, extra fancy frame), it would have cost me a lot more than the $121 that I paid (after coupons).    Happy indeed.

Panda Bears Framed

December 31, 2014--Here is my last completion for 2014.  Love these little pandas and think they'll look adorable in my home office on a bookshelf.  Envisioning a black lacquer frame, or maybe inserting this piece into a box top.   I must admit, even though I'm not used to painted canvases and chose the stitches myself, am very pleased with the background stitch called "Little Wavy Stitch" found in my iStitches v3 app.   The use of the brick stitch for the white fur--well I'm not so sure about that.

In the original post about this canvas (below), I wrote about how it was purchased for my DGD.  Well as things go, she has gotten involved in many other activities and lost interest in needlepoint, so I stitched it myself.  Hopefully she'll pick up a needle again some day and when she does, I'll be glad to help her.

PS:  There is no designer's name on the canvas except for the number G-674.  Does anyone know what that means?

Panda Bears

August 10, 2013--Visiting family in Ohio and at the recommendation of another ANG Yahoo Group List member, my DGD and I spent a delightful hour or so at A Stitch Above Needlepoint in Madeira (Cincinnati).  We were given wonderful assistance by the proprietor to find something suitable for a beginning stitcher. Then she helped me decide on which colorway to chose for an upcoming project by pulling threads for both colorways and letting me decide which one I preferred.  She is an angel!

A Stitch Above

DGD settled on a wonderful painted canvas panda with only 7 colors and using perle cotton (no laying tool required).  Hope we have lots of stitching time tomorrow to cover some details on how to properly execute the basketweave stitch.  She understands the diagonal direction the stitch takes and recognizes when she makes an error, but hasn't yet grasped the zig-zag pattern flow of moving from one "row" to another.  Until then, playdates come first and she's off being an 8 year old girl and all the fun that entails.

Kiss 3/11/15

March 11, 2015--Completed the stitching of this little piece and will now finish it by turning it into a "candy kiss".  I decided to bead the lips instead of using a tent stitch--like how they came out.

Kiss Completed Side View

Kiss Completed

March 7, 2015--My local ANG chapter, Delaware's Seashore Chapter, is stitching Kisses by Barbara Bergsten Designs, led by one of our talented stitchers at the March meeting.   There were so many to choose from and I decided to work on the one called "Kiss".   They are all so adorable and very easy to stitch.  When sewn together, it will be shaped like a Hershey Candy Kiss.  Here's mine so far:

Center Completed