Filed under: 2026, Magical Color with Jennifer Riefenberg, National Academy of Needlearts (NAN)
Day 2 of Magical Color with Jennifer Riefenberg. Remember yesterday i wondered about people only buying one of the two colorways? Well I mentioned it to Jennifer and she said once people get to class and see how the cool and warm canvases work to tell the whole story, they usually buy the second one and Jennifer brings extra ones. Smart!
Kathy Rees headed out early but I got our comparison photo before she left. Hers is on the left and mine on the right. The red thread on the third row really contrasts on mine and looks like it changes color from red to orange! If I wasn’t stitching these, I would find it hard to believe.
I got my 3rd row done on my warm canvas. I spent time color matching Waterlilies for the 5th row. By working with longer strands, I could complete a square but got a few knots that took time to loosen and only got one motif copleted on the 5th row.
I will definitely work through all step 1 stitches before adding more to them. It’s quite interesting seeing these develop.
An excellent event once again. Thanks to everyone who made it happen.
Day 1 of Magical Color with Jennifer Riefenberg. I purchased both colorways (cool and warm). How could anyone buy one without the other? It’s like reading half of a book!
Kathy Rees sat next to me and she decided to stitch the warm colorway. So, I went with the cool colorway. That allowed us to see the color develop simultaneously across the color wheel of canvases that both create. Kathy makes as great a fellow student stitcher as she does a teacher.
Class started at 9 am. I am not a morning person. First we color matched lengths of thread from a ball of DMC #8 Perle (strong colors). I hadn’t heard or read we needed about 1 yard/square. And, I hadn’t heard or read that Jennifer started in the lower right corner. So, I started on the bottom left corner to make the longest repeatable portion of the Arrowhead Pattern. There was enough to complete half of another row in the dark brown. For the rest of the square, I selected the lightest yellow portion. So, mine looks different from Kathy’s but the gist of the saturation still was relevant.
Row 1 Melita’s on the left and Kathy’s on the right.
Row 2 Melita’s on the left and Kathy’s on the right. Here the thread, Impressions, was muted compared to the thread used in Row 1.
After the Farewell Dinner as we watched the World Baseball Classic, I finished the 2nd row of my warm canvas.
To maximize the color experience, we’ll only work the first step on each of the 5 rows before doing more steps.
During class Jennifer discussed the saturation aspects of both threads we used as it related to the warm and cool canvases. She talked about value, contrast, and more. Luckily, this is all written out for us to digest.
Filed under: 2026, Exploring Needlelace with Diane Clark, National Academy of Needlearts (NAN)
In the late morning of Day 2 of Exploring Needlelace with Diane Clark, I had two revelations.
First, I knew the class was all about needlelace but it wasn’t until today that I realized needlelacing isn’t at all like needle weaving.
Second, the detached lacing doesn’t get cut away from the muslin! So the pattern is reusable! When the light bulb went off for me, I blurted it out causing quite a chuckle.
I finished all assignments from today and finished yesterday’s beaded sample top center). I have blank frames to practice more at home. The bottom one was freestyle! Anything goes. There some very creative people in the class. It’s fun looking at everyone elses.
Filed under: 2026, Beads, General comments, National Academy of Needlearts (NAN)
I can’t get hooked but it would be so easy! There are two beaded designs in the National Academy of Needlearts Exemplary that are beautiful. The stitcher/beader, Lyn K from Chicago did a fantastic job with the designs. One indicates that the designer is Sabine Lippert. So, I googled sabine lippert beading patterns and found plenty of examples and more on her website Trytobead(.com). Amazing!
The one is titled A Song I Your Heart and I think there is a class being offered. But, I already have plans in October and wouldn’t go to California for it anyway. Maybe Blue Santa Beads in Media, PA does classes like this. No, I can’t!
The other design, Hibiscus, is a flower shaped bowl with an upright center extension like a ring holder dish but it didn’t state the designer. And Google didn’t find it.
Filed under: 2026, Exploring Needlelace with Diane Clark, National Academy of Needlearts (NAN)
Day 1 of Exploring Needlelace with Diane Clark. The kit even came with a 4″ hoop!
We selected threads and a bead packet. Very extensive directions with lots of photos (I removed her contact info from the cover page).
Since I had two 4″ hoops at home, I brought them along just in case. I’m glad I did. There were 3 squares that I didn’t finish during class (2 upper right and oval ones bottom right).
Our homework was to finish the foundation squares like the one on the bottom left which I got done. Diane also wanted the padded oval finished. So, I did that too. That left 2 partially stitched squares and I ran out of steam when I got to the beaded square (upper right). That’s ok!
I really made progress getting more consistent and even lacing as I did more of it. The padded oval turned out well.
We covered the Cordonnet/Foundation, Brussels stitch, Double Brussels stitch, Pea stitch, pea stitch with beads, and needle lace over padding.
Diane is an excellent teacher, has great demos, and is taking this at a nice, steady pace.
Filed under: 2025, 2026, A Spring Sampler, Melita's Designs, National Academy of Needlearts (NAN), Project Runway with Dawn Donnelly
We returned to Troy, MI for the 2026 National Academy of Needlearts Assembly. I completed my Project Runway piece that is an adaptation of a photo I took last year as part of completing Dawn Donnelly’s Project Runway Design Class. The only requirement was that it incorporate wire. There was no input from Dawn on any portion of my piece.
Here’s my inspirational photo taken at The Somerset Collection, a high-end shopping mall in Troy, Michigan from a Gucci display window (featuring a purse, sneaker, scarf, and plate which I later Photoshopped out of the piece).
The shell is a canvas applique of Congress Cloth placed onto 18-count canvas, the stems on the left are needle weaving over thread and wire, the growths on the rocks and frog are stumpwork both using wire. We got to the exhibit about 3 pm and Bill saw that Shelly the Turtle had 2 ribbons next to it before I did. He was very excited as was I when I saw the Second Place Award and The Muse’s Kiss/Peggy Laflam Award for innovation or imagination!
It will be making the rounds of exhibits (after NAN, it’ll be at ANG in Denver, EGA in Orlando, and Woodlawn in Alexandria). So, you’ll have opportunities to see it in one of the exhibits!
There were 6 of us from Dawn’s class that completed a piece and submitted it. Diane B encircled a large bead with small beads and wires blending 2 photos (Dolores Andrew Award for color and design). Lois K did the Somerset Inn circular staircase (Honorable Mention and got the People’s Choice for Project Runway although they said several others came close). Lous’s was very challenging to get the depth and movement of the staircase especially in the small design space (about 6″x4″). Lois K also did Dahlias – one of her lovely embellished photo transfer flowers. Izzy M has a large teddy bear holding her hand puppet, Cocoa with Truffles. Teresa F made a lovely interpretation of a concrete floor pattern. Cindy P’s beaded and sequined turtle is fantastic. Everyone nailed theirs! These are all under the Adaptation category.
Eventually, all award winning photos will be posted at National Academy of Needlearts – Awards at The Exemplary https://share.google/lL9M1n15Qi61wYix7 (previous years are worth browsing through) but I’ll talk about a couple of this year’s pieces here.
My pillow, A Spring Sampler, won First Place in Original Professional along with a First Place Dawn Donnelly design, Chuck, a whimsical reindeer.
All the pieces in the exhibit are outstanding. Heart of the Matter designed and stitched by Wendy Moore, won Third Place and the Michele Roberts Heart Award. That’s the 3-day class I’m taking at ANG’s Seminar in Denver.
I saw another Lattice-Scape, a Kurdy Biggs design stitched by Sue F that won a First Place Award. I’d seen one at Woodlawn too. Very interesting piece.
The Poppy by Helen G won First Place, Judge’s Choice, and Silk & Metal Awards. Stunning! That won the People’s Choice Award.
There is a Laurel Burch cat (painted canvas) stitched in Or Nue that was fantastic and deserving of it’s First Place Award.
An antique Victorian footrest reminded of Patrick B who repurposes items into unique pieces of Needlework. The piece was titled What Treasures Lie at the Forest Floor and deserved its First Place Award with so much going on. I definitely have to revisit the exhibit. So many lovely pieces.
At the Welcome Banquet, the Best in Show is announced. It has to be a First Place Award winner but from any category. So, I knew my pillow qualified but there were so many pretty pieces in the exhibit that when I saw the curtain being pulled aside and that it was mine, I was beyond shocked. Apparently, both judges had no argument over their decision. But, I still can’t believe it! Bill knew from my face when I returned to the room that something had happened at the Welcome Banquet. I showed him this photo and he was thrilled too.
I’m not sure if I will ever exhibit again!! You can’t get better than this. At least one woman said her ANG chapter might be interested in stitching it. That’s just as thrilling for me as winning the award. Today may have been Friday the 13th but nothing bad happened to me.
I joined Chris L and her friend, Cathy, at the Welcome Banquet. They and others are taking Meredith Willett’s canvas embellishment class who was also at our table. I got a lead on Noah’s Mill, Meredith’s favorite bourbon from the Willett Distillery (yes, a family connection). And, learned that Beeswax or a glue stick can be used to stop Radiance, Meredith’s thread line, from splitting at the ends! Two great tips.
My two 2-day classes should be fun. I pre-registered last year and got my 1st Choices which are Exploring Needlelace with Diane Clark (Sat-Sun) and Magical Color with Jennifer Riefenberg (Mon-Tues). More on those to follow over the next few days.
Best wishes go out to Mary Alice Sinton for a speedy recovery from her fall here on Monday. She had to go home. Luckily, a replacement teacher stepped in to teach her Japanese Embroidery class.
There are about 100 attendees. Same as last year. Merchandise Night is Wednesday for an hour. There is a small silent auction and two stitching areas.
Last but not least, congratulations to Barbara Richardson for being this year’s Lifetime Achievement Honoree! There is a wonderful display of her work. She joins quite a list who earned a Lifetime Achievement Award. Check out their past inductees in the National Academy of Needlearts Gallery at https://gallery.needleart.org/gallery/lifetime-achievement-award/
Filed under: 2025, Flowering Maple with Celeste Chalasani, National Academy of Needlearts (NAN)
The petals on the silk shantung were done the same way as the leaves – long short in 3 colors.
The 3 Calyx were already stitched (https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/03/18/flowering-maple-with-celeste-chalasani-at-national-needlearts-academy-nan/) and now they’re attached. I cut away as much fabric as possible but it still bunched up on the bottom raising them to 4 mm. More French Knots filled in the gap.
The sepals have been inserted but are not secured until the rest of the petals are placed.
The stumpwork petals are attached and sepals are secure!
I found a lovely little display frame (6″ x 6″), used piece of felt to pad a foam board, attached it with Nickel Tidy Pins by Loops & Threads, folded back the edges, and pinned it to the cushion backing.
Here’s a great shot too.
Goal #17 is DONE. And, I have 2 sets of 12″ Evertites ready for ANG 2025 Seminar classes.
Filed under: 2025, Flowering Maple with Celeste Chalasani, National Academy of Needlearts (NAN)
Flowering Maple with Celeste Chalasani began in March at National Needlearts Academy (NAN). I worked on it some in April but then it took a back seat until now.
It moved up in the queue so that I could get my 12″ bars available for ANG Seminar classes in August. If I can’t get it done, I can thank Linda’s Boutique because she let me know she has them available!
I am reminded why I prefer canvaswork after working on this over the past few days. I’m using one strand of floss in a small embroidery needle, size 10. The repetition of pressing against my middle finger hurts so much I had to pull out a finger pad. I’m stitching through 2 layers. The background fabric is silk shantung and we were instructed to stitch it to a cotton backing as part of our pre-work assignment. It not really thick it’s just that the needle keeps pressing the same spot.
I like previewing the direction of the stitch and placing them along the route and going back to fill them in – good tip from Celeste.
A rainy weekend, the PGA Open Championship, Phillies, and PBS Sunday night TV (Patience and Grandchester) makes for great stitching time! I needed this time because Seminar is less than a month away.
The small needle was starting to bother my index finger too. Petals are next but I’ll give my fingers a few days rest. I did 3 in class and need 6 more. Then, there is cutting (the scary part) and attaching them.
Filed under: 2025, Flowering Maple with Celeste Chalasani, National Academy of Needlearts (NAN)
Day 2 of Flowering Maple with Celeste Chalasani at National Needlearts Academy (NAN).
I added the dark area to the petal. It passed muster with Celeste. So, it stays. I’ll cut it out after I stitch the other two on that piece of fabric.
I finished 3 Calyx but won’t attach them until later. I had the tracing too close at first.
I created one padded flower base and outlined more of the left leaf. I wasn’t up to long short shading after lunch. It can wait until I get home.
Embroidery is teaching me about flower anatomy. The sepals are tough. They are so small. The one on the right is too wide. I have plenty of green fabric to keep trying.
My badge indicates first-time member of NAN (heart sticker) and first-time at this event (star). It was a good event, but now it’s time to pack up!
Filed under: 2025, Flowering Maple with Celeste Chalasani, National Academy of Needlearts (NAN)
Flowering Maple with Celeste Chalasani is the second of two classes I’m taking at my first National Needlearts Academy (NAN) event.
Our pre-work included transferring the design onto 12″ square cream silk shantung. It was placed onto Evertites with a cotton backing. I never use that many tacks but still have a little puckering. Since it’s outside the running stitch area, it shouldn’t be a problem. The Micron pen didn’t bleed and looked thinner in my test area. But, the top line bled a little on each end and is thicker than was intended. But, it’ll be fine. I’ll want a nice sturdy branch for my flowering Maple.
The top branch is 5 threads wide. So, my line is (or will be) well covered. I only got the left side done on Day 1. I got the veins in on the left leaf and partially outlined the left leaf. I have enough done to continue on Day 2 filling in the leaf. I think that’s part of tomorrow’s assignments.
I will finish the long and short for the center petal before cutting it out. Although I have enough pink cloth to have this one be my practice petal. The example piece has a wider light area, less medium, and the least amount dark. Mine is more like 1/3 of each color. We’ll see tomorrow when it is done and decide then. My buttonhole edge it good, and my threads are angling in nicely. So, I may keep this one.
Debbie Stiehlar’s beaded top won People’s Choice Award. Her husband made the beautiful wooden bowl and lid that the beading sat on. She was very pleased with the award, especially since her family said things like, “That’s nice.” Not even a wow! I guess they are too used to everything she shows them.
I had a nice chat with Sandy at my table during dinner. She was in charge of the ANG Stitch of the Month when I submitted my Crescent Journey. And, I was thrilled to hear that her chapter did Overdyed Spools. I hope she sends a photo of one or more because a male chapter member cut actual wooden spools in half, and they used them in the final piece. So cool!!
Bill came downstairs just in time for Debbie’s talk, and she was fantastic again. She asked 15 questions to see if you need an intervention. One question was, Do you have enough stretcher bars to build a shack?
One lady at my table, Mary Jo, gave Bill her Tiramasu. We got a favor from River Silks. I must have 5 packs of these now! I’ll have to do something with them. They are lovely ribbons.
We wrapped up the evening by heading to the bar where we were invited to join the celebration of Patricia Tector’s Lifetime Achievement Award. She has a lovely family. Bill and her son had a nice chat while her daughters and I chatted. It was a great time. Patricia was one of the judges for the Woodlawn this year and asked me to show her daughters a photo of my piece. I will be sharing more about that piece another time. I have to wait until I present it to the intended recipient.
Got to get to bed, so I’ll be ready for the final day of classes.
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