Sonoran Desert Stitching: 2014

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Sunday Sampler of Upcoming Classes

Looking forward to the new website and newsletter which should preview the first of August. It just takes a lot of time to move all the material to the new site.
In the meantime, here is an update on upcoming classes.

Fall Retreat September 26/27/28. 2014
We are thrilled that the talented Laura Taylor is coming to teach us for three days. Learn about interpreting a canvas on the first day , then work with Laura on your canvas. She will help you choose wonderful threads and stitches.
There are a couple of spots left in this class . You will enjoy the boutique hotel, Gainey Suites which is steps from shops , restaurants and a spa.

Trios of Fans Class November 1st
Canvas Enhancement October 31

Vicky DeAngelis is coming! How exciting is this. Come have fun on Halloween and let Vicky work with you. Have an area on your canvas that you just cannot decide what to do-let Vicky solve that dilemma.
She has come up with unique stitches and threads for these fans. Choose your favorite or stitch all three.

Bargello Arrows Class Nov 15

Zentangle Class Nov 14

Chose your own colors for this class with national teacher extraordinaire Terry Dryden-isn't that great! My colors will be french blues and yellows, what will yours be?

Design size is 7x 11" on 13 mesh or you can chose 18 mesh

. "Zentangle is simple to understand and easy to enjoy — even if you are convinced you are not an artist. With Zentangle, you can always explore new areas of experience and insight." Come join this unique class and let your inner artist shine!

So lots of great classes for you. See you in class! Call 480 551 1423 to register .

Enjoy your day.

Susan

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Sunday Sampler of counted designs

Our Japanese Embroidery and Beading class is here so please stop in to see what we are all working on in class. Here is a collage of projects- a fan, beaded purse project, metal work , and Mary Alice's fun and colorful current project. The class is on through Monday at 5pm so see you soon!

Looking for a new counted projects . Here are two to tempt you!

Dots, Spots and Blocks shows many ways to create "dotted" effects using stitches, threads and color placement. It is a collection of stitch patterns that will create a visual pattern that mimics "dots', "spots" and "blocks". The 26 pages in this package contain project instructions and 222 stitch patterns. So many uses for these stitches on your projects.

Another choice is Not Exactly Blackwork.Blackwork Embroidery is an embroidery technique originally used to decorate clothes and bed linens. It was meant to imitate lace where lace would have been too expensive or impractical. Today, Blackwork is mostly used as fills in counted thread designs where outlined areas are given texture and density, or as shapes and shadings in their own right. The stitches in this "Not Exactly Blackwork" project pack are mostly inspired by needlepoint stitches. Some are used almost as their original with only changes in spacing. Other counted thread stitches are used in new and interesting groups. Although Blackwork is traditionally a counted thread on fabric technique, the author/designer has effectively used it on needlepoint canvas also. So many uses as well for this stitches.

Sunday, June 8, 2014

Sunday Sampler of Quail Run Designs

One of the many great things that happened this week was a talented stitcher, Penny Boswinkle
contacting me about a Quail Run Design she has stitched and will be exhibiting .

An accomplished stitcher , Penny worked on this piece at The Nimble Needle, Atlanta with talented Robin King who wrote the fabulous stitch guide. The texture and dimensions are wonderful. The over all result is just so pleasing to the eye. I, like you, will be cheering for Penny as she exhibits this piece.

The name of this piece is "Approaching the Skies" and here is the link to these designs

Click here: Quail Run Designs

Our current trunk show has colorful geometrics, unique holiday designs and southwest designs. Here is one of my favorites. Here is the trunk show link : Dream House Ventures Trunk Show

Happy stitching and have a wonderful day.

Susan

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Sunday Sampler of Classes and New Items

It is already over 100 degrees here in Arizona which means our part time residents have left for cooler places. This is the time of year I get to take a breath and dig into all the things that I could not get to during our busy winter season. I am working on this canvas will be finished as a fun banner. I found some great embellishments to complete which I am keeping as a surprise when you see the finished item.

The Covey was sent our last week but just in case you missed this issue about classes click here.
Talented Laura Taylor will teach at our Fall Retreat. For all of you who have questions about stitch guides, Laura will start with a class to answer all your questions. Then two great days of working on your chosen project with Laura along with fun with friends, old and new! The boutique hotel, The Gainey Suites is steps away from shopping, restaurants , a wonderful spa and only 5 minutes from Quail Run Needlework. I am having fun with all the details so do not miss this! Call the shop to sign up.

We are all proud of our stitching family and so I was proud to feature Elaine Bleakney's new book in The Covey . Her parents , Lynn and Walt winter in Arizona and their visits to the shop are much enjoyed and appreciated.

Here are the latest magnets into the shop so call or stop in to add to your collection.

Enjoy the evening and stitching. See you soon.

Susan

Monday, May 5, 2014

Sunday Sampler of New Quail Run Designs and New Threads

I have many new Quail Run Designs in the works. Here are three of the Patriotic club designs for you to preview. They can be finished on a garland, a wreath or just hang individually .

I am just about finishing stitching the Santa above and will finish it as a stand up . Look for it on display at the shop. It would be a great addition to your Santa collection. There are new items coming in from market. Of course Rainbow gallery has new colors in several of their thread lines.

Also coming to the shop is Russian Braid as well as some more colors of the Silk wrapped Purl. I have lots of great embellishment ideas for these two threads for you to use on your projects.

Have a great week. Look for this month's edition of The Covey in the next week to update you on classes. The Quail's Quill will be out May 22 for you to enjoy. Susan

Sunday, April 6, 2014

Sunday Sampler Of Japanese Embroidery and Beading

Great news about new small Japanese Embroidery projects just for you!!
Our next class with talented and lively Mary Alice Sinton is June 26-30,2014.
Save these future dates -
2014 November 6-10,2014,
2015 April 9-13, July 9-13 and November 5-9
for the next classes!

Look at these great small Japanese Embroidery projects. You can choose from one of the four season themed designs. The size is perfect-a 6" circle or the size of a CD. Here is a perfect piece for those who want to learn but do not want to invest in a large design. Jut a great way to learn the basics of Japanese Embroidery which will make you a better needlepointer. Our next class is June 26-30 all levels , so come join the fun!

Sunday Sampler on "Read My Pins"

READ MY PINS- The Madeleine Albright Collection
November 23, 2013 to April 20, 2014
Phoenix Art Museum

I just wanted to remind everyone that this exhibit is coming to an end on April 20, 2014.
The museum overview states
"When former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright vocally opposed Sadaam Hussein’s unwillingness to comply with UN inspections, government-owned Iraqi newspapers called her an “unparalleled serpent.” When Secretary Albright was next scheduled to meet with Iraqi officials, she reached into her jewelry box and selected a gold pin featuring a serpent coiled around a branch, and the legend began. Throughout her career as UN Ambassador and Secretary of State under the Clinton Administration, Secretary Albright used the colorful, attention-grabbing pins she had amassed to quietly communicate volumes. Now, that incredible collection of pins, including antiques and fine jewelry pieces alongside costume jewelry by unknown designers, will make its way to Phoenix Art Museum. The exhibition, which first premiered at New York City’s Museum of Arts and Design, features more than 200 pins, each selected by Secretary Albright to communicate a message or a mood during and after her diplomatic tenure. From fish to flags, jewel-encrusted hearts to pins honoring suffragettes, this collection reflects the unique style and brilliant personality of a woman who learned to leverage every avenue of communication in the fine art of diplomacy."

Lots of color, texture and ideas for using beads when you see these pins- so do take the time to view this exhibit.

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Sunday Sampler on SERENGETI

" Invoking the colors of Africa, Serengeti is a study in adjusting stitch elements to fit an area, rather than just compensating. Forty-five blocks of various sizes provide interest and diversity with multiple stitch variations. Threads used to create Serengeti are derived from an over dyed Waterlilies using a variety of silk, bamboo, and metallic threads. Come join us on the journey! " is Pamela Harding's description of this class.

Talented Pamela Harding designed this piece which will be taught at the shop in a series of classes starting April 26,2014. Home study available also .
There is a great article about Pamela of Needlepoint Now. Not only accomplished in needlepoint , Pamela is working on her teacher certification for Japanese Embroidery. I enjoyed a Japanese Embroidery class we both were in and observed first hand her exquisite stitching.

The design will be offered both on congress cloth and 18 mesh canvas. It is 9"x9" on congress cloth and 12"x12" on 18 mesh canvas.

Call the shop to register.
480-551 1423

See you in class!

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Sunday Sampler of Designs in progress

There are so many things to stitch for the shop these days. Here are three designs that will be classes.
First , Two Angels 10x14" on 18 ct. are getting their golden wings. The background stitch is quick and fun- for those of you who dread stitching on black.

The stitching is going well
-with beading, stumpwork and more to come!

Next is this Red Santa, just 6"x10" on 18 ct.

I have a great idea for his bag and will be using other new threads for this project.

Just have to do something for all of you cat lovers so Moon Kitty will be the next to be stitched. This design is 12x12" on 13 mesh

So watch for our classes and online shopping for the kits . So much fun ahead!

Susan

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Sunday Sampler on Silk Ribbons

Silk ribbons come in the most glorious colors. They become wonderful flowers on this beautiful canvas that Laura Taylor stitched and will teach March 1/2/3. Laura was just here for three days of canvas enhancement in January and the ladies chose this piece for Laura's next visit. If you want to learn about silk ribbon and its many uses, this is the class for you. You will learn to love working with silk ribbon and leave with great ideas for your next projects. Laura has taught this class receiving rave reviews from the other shops and their wonderful customers. There are some books on silk ribbon embroidery , like the A-Z book which is no longer in print . Ann Cox has a book I stock in the store that is about 5"x7" with a coil binding that has wonderful pictures and diagrams to follow. But there is nothing like a class to really learn by doing from a good teacher like Laura. The stitched piece is in the store so do stop in for a visit . It is just spectacular.
Here is a closeup of some of the flowers.

If you are uncertain on how to use over-dyed threads this is the class for you. If you want to know how to highlight or shadow an area or how to use ribbons , this is the class for you. You will leave with a wealth of knowledge and skills. Laura will put you at ease and three days in her class will be a treat!

Call the shop 480 551 1423 to reserve your spot.

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Introducing'; The Covey

Introducing :

THE COVEY

Monthly Highlights, Upcoming Events and Shop Details I February 2014

http://siterepository.s3.amazonaws.com/510/02_2014_thecovey.pdf