Melitastitches4fun's Blog

Pilot Stitcher

I want to discuss the Pilot Stitching process for ANG correspondence classes.  This process is meant to ensure that the courses when offered to ANG members are error-free with clear instructions and accurate graphs/diagrams. This also helps determine their conformance to the level of proficiency definitions as set forth by ANG. If selected, everything about it is confidential and not for publication.

After I expressed interest, I was sent a “Pilot Stitcher Registration/Preference Form” but that is also available online (http://needlepoint.org/forms/Pilot-Preference-Form.pdf). On there you need to select your proficiency level: Basic, Basic-Intermediate, Intermediate, Advanced-Intermediate, Advanced based on the definitions for the student proficiency levels at http://needlepoint.org/corr_reg.php on the ANG website.

I was going to select Advanced Intermediate until I read the definitions. While I’ve done 5 workshops/classes & have no problem with diagonal patterns, I took a long, hard, honest look at the familiarity with “at least 4 techniques” for Intermediate and with a “wide variety of techniques” for Advanced Intermediate and the types of techniques listed for both. I also didn’t want to overestimate my ability and be placed on a project that I would struggle with and become frustrated. Also, time is limited to complete the task & the teacher needs constructive comments about the instructions. So, I determined I am more comfortable with being an Intermediate stitcher. 

I have done some work in the underlined techniques:

Intermediate: pulled thread, pattern darning, Florentine (Bargello), blackwork, free stitchery, beading, introductory silk and metal thread techniques, Hardanger, and mixed media

Advanced Intermediate: appliqué, attaching found objects, cut work, raised work, needlelace, needleweaving, silk and metal thread techniques, laying silk and stranded threads, and couching

Student Proficiency Levels:

The following description of levels is provided to assist each student in judging her/his level of expertise:

Basic

• Can thread a needle, and begin and end threads correctly
• Works tent stitch (half-cross, continental, and/or basketweave)
• Can read and work from diagrams and charts

Basic Intermediate

• Possesses skills outlined in previous level
• Has participated in at least one (1) formal workshop or class or has had at least six hours of instruction in a class setting
• Works diagonal tent stitch (basketweave) beginning at a corner of curved line and understands basic compensation
• Can work at least six (6) different decorative stitches
• Understands and works from stitch diagrams and charts with confidence

Intermediate

• Possesses skills outlined in previous levels
• Has participated in at least three (3) formal workshops or classes
• Has stitched with a variety of threads such as cotton, wool, silk, synthetics, linen, metal and metallics, and is familiar with their characteristics
• Confidently works complicated stitches from diagrams and is comfortable with their compensation
• Has worked at least four different techniques on a readily counted grounds, such as pulled thread, pattern darning, Florentine (Bargello), blackwork, free stitchery, beading, introductory silk and metal thread techniques, Hardanger, and mixed media

Advanced Intermediate

• Possesses skills outlined in previous levels
• Has participated in at least five (5) formal workshops or classes
• Has worked a wide variety of techniques on a readily counted ground, such as appliqué, attaching found objects, cut work, raised work, needlelace, needleweaving, silk and metal thread techniques, laying silk and stranded threads, and couching
• Confidently stitches diagonal patterns

Advanced

• Possesses skills outlined in previous levels
• Has participated in a wide variety of formal workshops in different techniques and has experience with many different types of grounds and thread
• Is interested in developing skills and pursuing solutions to problems in design, color, and techniques>
• Is interested in developing original designs, colors, and/or styles

Then, I had to mark my needlework preferences that I would be willing to stitch (I have done some work in underlined items): Needlepoint, Geometric, Goldwork, Blackwork, Surface embroidery, Pulled Thread, Petit Point, Drawn Thread, Silk & Metallic, Japanese embroidery, Stumpwork, Laid thread, Couching, Beading, Florentine, Bargello, Hardanger, Ribbon embroidery, Assisi, Oriental openwork, Other. But, I only said I was willing to stitch  Needlepoint or Geometric because that would be my most proficient areas. 

Lastly, I had to mark what I would prefer to stitch on either Canvas: 18 ct Mono, Congress Cloth, 22 ct, 24 ct, and/or Linen: 18 ct, 20 ct, 22 ct, 24 ct, 26 ct, 28 ct, 30 ct, Silk Gauze, 25 ct, 32 ct, 40 ct, 48 ct, 56 ct. 

In additional comments, I indicated I would prefer to kit a project myself or use my stash although I would buy a kit if required.

I selected either Needlepoint or Geometric on 18 count Mono Canvas. As you can see, those are now quite specific abilities & preferences! My hats off to the folks who match people & courses – it must be quite a challenge!!

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