Come "Journey" with Margaret Bendig

This is just another wonderful counted needlework design by talented Margaret Bendig. Her classes are so informative and relaxed.
This class is March 22/23, 2013 from 10 am -4pm. You can chose your own colors which is always such a great stitching adventure!

Journey is a  design created by Margaret Bendig following her visit to a Frank Lloyd Wright building where she was inspired by the stained glass windows. The design is 11" x 11" on  18-count eggshell canvas. It can be done in cotton or silk  with metallics and an over dye thread. Stitches include Waffles, Rice, Woven Satin, Interrupted Waffle, Framed Scotch, Cashmere Brick, Log Cabin Mosaic, Framed Brick, Reversing Scotch and Wild Rice Stitch, to name a few.
 
Call the shop for details.

Needlepoint at the White House Christmas

The history and beauty of Christmas at the White House give one a lot of inspiration for stitching projects. I was fascinated to watch how they created different design elements for this year's decorations. They made a life sized model of  the White House dog , Bo out of pompoms. 20.000 black and white were used.  I just ordered tiny pompoms for embellishing at the store so will try these on a poodle canvas I need to stitch and show you the results. ( I think even you cat lovers will enjoy this picture and the process !) You can see some of the decorations from previous years including needlepoint ornaments .

Over her eight White House holiday seasons, First Lady Hillary Clinton showcased the talents of America's artistic communities. . The 1995 "A Visit From St. Nicholas" tree featured pieces by architecture students and members of the American Institute of Architects. Stockings by the American Needlepoint Guild and the Embroiderers Guild of America also hung from its boughs.

The Saintly Stitchers of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas contributed to the “needle work” tree of 1991. They created a needlepoint village and 92 needlepoint figures for a wooden Noah’s Ark built by staff carpenters. 
 

Here are two links to view the 2012 White House Christmas
 HGTV White House Christmas

  White House Christmas 2012 
     There is even a delicious recipe for the White House "Ginger Crinkles".



 

Meet the Material Girls

During this season of giving and receiving, I wanted to share the work of two groups with you.
Many of you who belong to an American Needlepoint Guild are familiar with the Kissing Pillows.

These are small keepsakes for children and loved ones of deploying soldiers and also for the departing soldiers. The loved ones kiss the pillow and give it to the departing soldier. Not only does the soldier receive a pillow, so does the family. The soldier kisses a pillow for each family member to hold onto until the safe return from war. It is a comfort for the entire family during the lonely times for the soldiers and for the families left behind.This idea started several years ago and was picked up by the American Needlepoint Guild, a national organization which has chapters and members in every state.
Your local needlework guild can provide you with information if you are interested in stitching these.

Another group creating comfort items are the Material Girls, a special group of ladies who have been quilting together for nearly 10 years . They meet each Monday and are stitching quilts for injured servicemen and servicewomen. Here is the link and do look at the slide show of three pictures that shows  other pictures of these patriotic quilts. Kudos to this group!!

Meet The Material Girls: Quilting for Injured veterans

National ANG Seminar Awards gallery

If you want to see some exquisite stitching , go to links below  from the 2012 ANG seminar. The website is  needlepoint.org.



Blair Chair

 The Blair House is the President's Guest House and among the home’s extensive furnishings is a wing back chair with needlepoint upholstery that originally done by President  Roosevelt’s daughter-in-law. In time, the threads faded and became worn by use, and house conservators approached the American Needlepoint Guild in August 2010 about recreating the upholstery.  Here are the pictures of the chair before and after . And also a wonderful article on ANG president, Pat Rogers and her part is this fine project.


  before restoration 

          

  after restoration

  article on Pat Rogers 
    

  The Best in Show Award went to this beautiful chair. It was stitched on congress cloth  in a summer palatte of blues and greens. Titled Summer Winds, this chair tells the story of the stitcher's life on Cape Cod . If  you are a guild member there are wonderful closeup pictures in the latest issue of Needlepointers. This is truly an exceptional piece of original needle art by Nancy Hellstrom.

Two's Class

        This will be a great class. You chose one of the "Two's" Designs to stitch in this class. It will be fun to see what the other ladies in class are working on as you stitch your own choice. This is a counted piece with the design size 4"x8" on 18 mesh canvas.  This class will be a series of 4 classes on January 15 and 25, Feb 12 and 26 from 1-3 . Call to register and order one 
or more of the eight designs. See you in class or do as home study.

 

      Two Barns                                                            Two Cabins                                                                      

                                   Two Cabanas    
               Two Cottages                                    Two Gingerbread Houses                                     
                              

   Two Haunted Houses
              Two Houses on the Shore                                     Two Light houses
 

Sampler Sunday- Growth Charts

I have had several requests for growth charts lately. There are many available,so here is a sample for you to choose from. If you have a theme in mind , we will be glad to look for one.
Size for each is about 6" side and 41" long on 13 mesh. These are a lot of fun to stitch and a treasure for any family !

Castle                           Galaxy

   Noahs Ark         Nursery Rhymes

Transportation

Happy Hanukkah

Thursday's Tip

Here is another questions I am asked frequently:

 How do I keep my tension consistent?

I think the hardest and most important thing to learn when stitching is tension.
Good tension comes with lots of practice and experience. If you tension is too tight, it will pull and distort the canvas. It it is too loose, there will be lumps on the front.  If there are no pulled areas or bumps and your stitching looks smooth,  your tension is great. 
Mood affects your tension. When you are frustrated or angry,  you will
pull harder. If you are too relaxed, your stitches may be loose. I find it interesting to watch stitchers as they stitch. The expression on their faces and grip on the needle, reveals what their tension will be like. So I like to take a deep breath,clear my mind and relax . I absorb myself in my stitching ,not other thoughts for the most consistent tension. Give it a try.

December Newsletter

 The December newsletter is online. Click below to read and Enjoy

           December 2012 newsletter

Melissa Shirley Trunk Show

The popular Melissa Shirley Trunk Show will arrive Dec 8. Here is the link so you can make your wish list before you come to the shop.
Here are a few picures of old and new designs.
Enjoy your shopping!


         Click here   Melissa Shirley New Designs

More finishing for Family

Here are the three other ornaments Barb stitched for her family.
My favorite is the winter scene but they are all wonderful!

The little bell we found for the bottom of the Santa ornament is just perfect.

I also think the bronze bell and ribbon we added to the winter scene  complimented the beautifully stitched piece. We added an edging that looks like snow to the  cute little skier.  Barb was pleased with the end results and said  her family would also love the pieces.  Each one was finished with care and special thought as is all our finishing. If you have a vision for your piece , we can create it or let us create a unique piece for you.  
One of our customer's  has a son whose  university dorm is the Mountain Dew Dorm so here is what she stitched for him. How cool is this!

 

Needlepoint Tapestry Yarn

Waverly Wool is a product of Brown Sheep Company, a well-regarded supplier of knitting yarn. Waverly Wool is Brown Sheep’s three-ply, Persian-type tapestry yarn for needlepoint. Compared to Paternayan wool, this yarn is less hairy and is more consistent in size so it covers the canvas more effectively . Only one ply is needed for 13/14 mesh so a skein of Waverly will

cover more canvas. Available in 482 colors, most Paternayan color numbers can be converted to an equivalent color in Waverly Wool.
Of special note is that Brown Sheep Company is located in Mitchell, Nebraska.They raise the sheep,sheer them, dye, spin the yarn and skein the yarn colors. So this is a Made In America product from start to finish. The Navajo rug makers use only this yarn when they do not use their own yarn .
So give this product a try when you are looking for needlepoint wool for your project.

Sampler Sunday - Mini Nativities

Here is a sampler of mini nativity designs.

Click here to view:
   Adorable Basket Nativity


 Thimble Nativity

  
Southwest Nativity
 

Stitching a large nativity set may just not work for you. So consider stitching
a mini version. Pieces in these sets are 2-2.5 tall and 1.5-2" wide. 
Some of the sets have backdrops if you wish to stitch these as well.So,
consider one of these for your stitching list for next year.

Dede Trunk Show

Last call for Dede Trunk show which goes back to Fleur de Paris on Monday.
Discount is 20% during the trunk show.

 Click here to view all of Dede's Designs.
                      Dede Designs

News about the Old Crow Series Class

The Old Crow series by Leigh Richardson, Leigh Designs are so great it is hard to chose just one . The original plan for the class was to have Sandy Arthur
teach "Night Cap" but after several questions about other designs from ladies 
taking the class , two of the other designs will also be offered for this class.

          Night Cap                                  Fast Friends                            Squashed                                                                                                         

You can take the class and chose from one of the three designs above. 
I collect scarecrows , so I will be doing Fast Friends. See you in class or also available as home study. Class is Feb 5/6 , 2013 .
Call the shop for details- 480 551 1423.
            

A Tour through the DMC Factory

DMC THREADS   How are they made?

When it comes to threads, we all know the name DMC. It’s the most widely available embroidery thread and used in many kits and charts. conversion options for DMC thread.
"The video gives you an insiders view into how DMC textiles and threads are manufactured and made in Mulhouse France. This detailed look inside the historical factory gives you a front row seat into DMC’s patented skeining process, dying process and the rich history of DMC."

   Click here

Tour the DMC Factory

Ornaments for Grandchildren

It is always so much fun to see what the gals who work in the shop are stitching. There has been a flurry of activity the last while to get projects stitched and finished for the holidays. One of the gals. Barb stitches an ornament for each of her five grandchildren each year . Here are two just finished. A perfect ballet shoes charm was found and a snowflake charm was added to the other piece. Her families have wonderful trees where her ornaments are proudly displayed and enjoyed by all.

Stitches for Letters

A frequent question I am asked it what stitches to use for letters. Your choice will depend on whether you want a quick stitch or something more detailed.
I enjoy detailed work with intricate stitches but it is nice to have a quick and easy stitch as times  with so many models and class projects to stitch for the shop.

                    Here are the stitches used above: 

                      1. Baby Brick
                     2. Checkerboard Cross with silk and metallic
                     3. Tied Brick with silk and metallic
                     4. Slanted Cross with Frosty Rays and beads
                     5. Diagonal Mosaic with metallic

As you can see you can mix silk, metallics and beads. Of course ,if the letters are small it is best to use continental with an interesting thread. 
Other stitches that I like for letters are
                     1. Horizontal Lattice
                     2. Double Hungarian
                     3. Alternating Satin
                     4. Open Romanian.

You can experiment on the edge of your canvas with different stitches until you find the one that you like the best. 
                    

             

Small Business Saturday Thank You

Thanks to all who shopped with at Quail Run Needlework , making Small Business Saturday a great success. We appreciate your business and look forward  to helping you with all your stitching needs in the future. Enjoy the rest of the weekend and the spectacular weather we are having in Arizona!

Small Business Saturday Nov 26, 2012

Today is Small Business Saturday, so plan to get out and celebrate our neighborhood businesses and shop local.
Shopping locally supports our local businesses and you never know what you might find that isn’t available at your typical big-box store. With the gorgeous  weather we’ve been having, it’ll be a great day to get out, walk the neighborhoods, and visit  shops and restaurants; a nice break from leftovers!
Another reminder, some of our local businesses are going to have special offers.

Shopping local is really what makes a community what it is, especially in the way of employment and taxes. For every dollar that’s spent at a local store 68 percent of that goes to the local community through taxes and payroll.
So, I  encourage you and your friends to Shop Small on Nov. 24.

Happy Thanksgiving



From all of us at Quail Run Needlework and Quail Run Designs,
have a wonderful Thanksgiving.



Nine Lives

Nine Lives was title given to this piece by Bun Lamb Borrowdale, a spunky 92 year old gal. when she finished the stitching.

She only stitches on 18mesh as she prefers the detail. Each cat was stitched with a different thread to give unique character as you can see in the closeup.

I have a great group of stitchers in their 90s. They all have the same words of advice-stay active mentally and physically, learn something new everyday, don't be afraid of a challenge- oh yes and a bit of the bubbly is good for you.

 I need to live a long, long time to stitch through my stash so I am going to heed their advice !

Landscapes

Lois Kersnher has a unique approach to stitching landscapes. Once you take a class from her you look at the surroundings differently- you look at perspective, color and dimension.  Here is a collage of her teaching pieces including Sedona , the class at the store this past weekend. 
                            

Here is the link to Lois's website  http://loiskershner.com/
Every stitcher's library should have a copy of Threadscapes by Lois.

Painted Deserts Event and Exhibitin

This is a wonderful exhibition at the Phoenix Art Museum through December and a special event at noon today.

The nation's newest and most distinctive Western American art event is an exciting exhibition and opportunity for patrons to collect exceptional works of contemporary Western art. The Sale takes place Friday, November 9, and the exhibition is open to the public Sunday, November 11 through December 31 -- all at Phoenix Art Museum. Presented by the Museum's Men's Arts Council, The West Select unites 35 leading artists from across the country to present an expansive take on the great diversity of the American West. Featuring more than 110 paintings, drawings, sculptures, watercolors and photographs, the selected works will reveal iconic landscapes, still-lifes and wildlife; genre scenes of the historical and modern West, as well as depictions of the "New West."

Painted Deserts

Nov 17, 2012, 12pm

Gather inspiration from the second annual The West Select to paint a desert landscape! Discover more about the southwest with presentation

                                   by thePhoenix Zoo at 12:30 & 1:30pm.

Phoenix Art Museum

1625 N. Central Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85004-1685
(602) 257-1222

See you there!

Sedona, A Threadscape Class

Just two more days until the Sedona class with Lois Kershner, a great national teacher certified by the National Academy of Needlearts.
The class is full and we had a long waiting list- so book early next year for Lois's class!.
Here is what Lois writes about her designs-

"An enjoyment and appreciation of the beauty of nature and natural forms is the motivating inspiration behind my designs. Essentially I paint with thread, creating the illusion of light, shadow, perspective, and texture through thread and stitch selection and placement.
In my 'threadscapes' I use canvas embroidery to record memorable places and experiences much as others use travel journals, photo albums, and sketch books.

My study of Ikebana — Japanese flower arranging — for nearly twenty years has influenced my Sashiko pieces which feature both traditional motifs and contemporary designs."    

 

 Click here for more about Lois's new book, Threadscapes

          

OOPS- Did you miss this sale!

                                                ROYAL SCHOOL OF NEEDLEWORK
                                                           Grand Fundraising Sale!
                                                9 & 10 November 2012, 10am to 4pm

  Everything for the embroidery and craft enthusiast including fabrics, wools, lace, threads, beads, needlework collectables, embroidery frames, books, vintage clothing & accessories and more. All the proceeds will go towards our training programmes.

           Entrance is via the RSN Shop on the East Front - just follow the signs to the Formal Gardens.

Click here for RSN website

November Newsletter

Great stitching tips, fall canvas suggestions and  new classes in the November 

Newsletter.

Enjoy!

Click here 

November Newsletter

One more purse to show you

Here is my brown butterfly purse, another great Melissa Shirley design. I just love the color of the brown leather and design of this bag with just the right length of straps .

Inspiration from Folk Art Market

I was lucky this weekend to attend a Folk Art Market where there were many things to give me inspiration when stitching. The colors, the textures and the unique styles that are used in these art forms were amazing. 

 This is an Arpillera, a three dimensional appliquéd picture that tells the story of life in Peru. This one is a market scene.  i just finished a piece where I padded from the back which gives the impression of applique. There will be an article in the newsletter on this technique.
For you sugar skull collectors ,here are some pictures you will enjoy.

                       

    

I can just see using  these designs  on the  following canvases with ribbons, beads ,and  metallic threads.