I’ve signed up for another embroidery class on Saturday Oct 29! I read about the class and work by contemporary embroidery artist Erin Endicott on Nimble Needle’s blog at http://www.bloglovin.com/m/2169915/303297286/b/2169915/aHR0cCUzQSUyRiUyRnRoZW5pbWJsZW5lZWRsZS5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20lMkYyMDExJTJGMTAlMkZjb250ZW1wb3JhcnktZW1icm9pZGVyeS1jbGFzcy5odG1s)
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 If selected, everything about it is confidential and not for publication.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:
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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!!
Well, I missed the mark on the this project because I didn’t start with the right subject. And, I stitched in a classic embroidery style. So, I’m glad to get a second chance at an Oct 22 class at Rittenhouse Needlepoint.
Here’s the concept for the first class I took a few months ago with Joetta Maue – Glean from daily observation to create a one of a kind personal artwork by creating a visual “diary sampler” of embroidery stitches, incorporating abstraction and pattern or confessional writing and images. The “diary” of stitches will be explored as a daily act and observation. We will discuss the creative use of diaristic writing and daily life documentation, while looking at examples of contemporary fiber artists.
It was supposed to be more ‘Autobiographical Embroidery’. I don’t know what photo to take for the second class but I’m thinking about a photo from our wedding because we are celebrating 25 years of marriage next year! At least that is more in keeping with the concept.
I have stitched the orchid before (https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2010/03/08/orchids/ & it still looks nice enough:
Filed under: ANG Delaware's Seashore Chapter, Stitches in Sterling by Nancy Cucci
My pre-work for Nancy Cucci’s ‘Stitches in Sterling’ is all ready. We outlined the project in tent & slanted gobelin using Kreinik braid & ribbon. It took me a little longer than 4 hours so I am really glad I got it done before class. That way, as Nancy says in the instructions, we can focus on attaching beads the entire first day. I’ve not done much with beads except the little Mill Bead Kit ornaments done on perforated paper. That was one of the reasons I decided to take the class.
Roseanne, the Vice President/Programs Chair, and Geri, secretary, of the ANG DE Seashore Chapter drove up to our chapter last spring to see if anyone was interested in joining them for a 2-day class. They meet in Georgetown, DE, approximately 15 miles from Rehoboth Beach and Lewes, DE. And, 4 of us decided to take the class.
Nancy taught this first in Tucson in 2006. Here is a brief description from the 2006 seminar brochure. Stitched on 18 count canvas, Stitches in Sterling is a version of silver and white with touches of crystal and iridescence. The focal point of this sampler is a beaded center area consisting of samples of patterns stitched with a variety of beads accented with a Swarovski crystal. The collection of boxes surrounding the beaded area contains sheer background stitches that enable the canvas to sparkle through the needlework. Stitched with metallic thread, white pearl cotton and a variety of white, crystal and iridescent beads this project emphasizes pattern and texture. Design area is 7″ x 7″.
My husband wasn’t going to go until I told him I found a great deal for a room at Rehoboth Beach at the Atlantic Sands on the boardwalk with a balcony & oceanfront view! It’ll be about a 30 minute drive to the class but I love the opportunity to be oceanfront.
Filed under: ANG Main Line Stitchers Chapter, Christmas Ornaments, Kumihimo, Melita's Other Completed Pieces
Our theme for this year’s ANG Main Line Chapter meetings is “small”. In the fall, we’ll learn how to finish a small ornament using simple finishing techniques & a Japanese braiding technique called Kumihimo. Then, in the winter/spring, we’ll make an “Ort Box”, a small, collapsible container. Also, in spring, we’ll explore the world of “Marnie’s Miniatures” (one of our member’s is an award winner in miniatures). Lastly in the spring, we’ll have a small “tasting” of other Japanese craft techniques at the start of meetings when we work on the small ANG bear frame weights for the 2012 seminar.
On Sept 12, I’ll lead an introductory class in creating a simple 8-cord Kumihimo braid, a Japanese technique. I made braids using floss, DMC # 5 threads, Watercolour overdye threads, 1 mm hemp cording, 2 mm satin cording, & a combination of threads. And, I have 2 finished bracelets. The chapter will provide the Kumihimo disk, some hemp cording, and materials to finish one bracelet. The application of braiding to needlepoint can lie in creating a decorative matching braid to hang your piece of needlepoint, finishing the edging of an stitched piece, & couching onto a design. From left to right: (1) DMC # 3 (4 strands of white & 2 each of blue & white); (2) 1 mm Hemp cording (4 strands of red & 2 each of blue & white). Mine & my husband’s! I learned in about 20 minutes how to finish the bracelets at a cost of about $2 each with the wonderful folks at The Bead Garden in Havertown.
I wanted to explore textures & thicknesses. So, these are my results & comments about each. From left to right: (1) Blue braid: 2 colors of Silk & Ivory with 2 colors of Watercolours (2 strands each color) – you can just barely see the effect of the overdye but they wasn’t a lot of variation in the overdye thread to begin with; (2) Large red, white & blue braid: 3 colors of 2 mm satin cording (4 strands of red, 2 strands of blue & white) – too thick for a bracelet – better for a necklace; (3) Medium red, white & blue braid: 1 color Flair (4 strands), 1 color Frosty Rays (2 strands), 1 color Fyre Werks (2 strands) – it is surprisingly rough for how the soft threads feel separately so it not good for a bracelet & it stretches after being braided; (4) Very small red, white & blue braid: 3 colors of DMC floss (4 strands of white, 2 strands of red & blue) – it took a long time to stitch that small example so it is impractical to use on a large-scale but perhaps would have some application for miniature work.
On Oct 10, Carol from The Bead Garden will teach an advanced 12-cord Z-braid. She’ll share tips and show us a different way to start the braid. Carol has examples of various braid techniques. And, she has learned even from books written in Japanese! We’ll have enough hemp cording to distribute or they can use their own thread & have it ready for November’s finishing class. These are 2 of her braids using 12 cords & comments about each. From left to right: (1) Pink & black braid: 2 colors of wool/yarn (8 strands of pink, 4 strands of black) – the 3-dimensional effect is more obvious than in the smaller braid; (2) Pink & white braid: 2 colors of DMC #3 (4 strands each of mauve, pink, & white) – a little fancier braid than the simple one
Then, on Nov 14, Karen from Nimble Needle will teach us a simple finishing technique for the 2 & ½” ornament. If we bring a stitched design and about a 12” braid (which allows for a 2” loop), we’ll be able to leave with a completed ornament! I’m ready as you’ll see below. For this, I used: 2 colors of Petite Very Velvet (2 strands each of red & white), 1 color Frosty Rays (1 strand of red), 1 color Watercolours (3 strands of Cinnabar an overdye without a lot of variation in it & the same as I used for the deign of the ornament) – I just wanted a little sparkle & needed the 3-ply per cord of the Watercolours so that it would be a thick enough braid.
Main Line Stitchers (PA): Join us as we explore Japanese braiding, Kumihimo. We’ll begin with 8 cords in Sept, then 12 in Oct, & use some braid to finish a 2&1/2 inch ornament in Nov! Come join us at 7:15 pm on the 2nd Monday of each month at St. Luke’s Church (203 North Valley Road, Devon, PA) just 30 minutes from Center City Philadelphia & 10 minutes from King of Prussia. Contact us at: MainLineStitchersChapter@needlepoint.org for more information.
Please note, I have no financial connection to artists or companies mentioned in my blogs.
The golf tee holder looks great! And, it arrived in time for his Labor Day tournament. Hope it brings him good luck!
Karen Milano at Nimble Needle did a great job finishing it & was kind enough to send me a picture of it! No affiliation with the shop (50D Tanner Street, Haddonfield NJ 08033, 856- 354-8100, www.nimbleneedle.net), just glad to have another wonderful store to visit. Now, we have a great excuse to go to Jersey for breakfast & pick it up Saturday before Hurricane Irene blows by us dumping more rain on us. Earthquake earlier this week & now a hurricane! Wild weather for Philly!
The design is all stitched & ready for finishing. So, I have an opportunity to visit Nimble Needle again while Bill is out golfing! How appropriate. Karen did explain how I could do the finishing myself but that was about 3 weeks ago & it sounded a little tricky because the edge has to be cut so close to the design. There is no point of ruining it now.
I just got the thread so I could indicate what color I used for the background & you’ll never guess the name it – I hadn’t noticed it until now. It’s Honeydew (Wildflowers, #228) – for my Honey!! I can just hear everyone go ahhhh!!
I began stitching this 3-inch diameter insert for a “golf tee holder” Sunday night. But, I didn’t get it done for my husband Bill’s birthday which was today because we’ve been celebrating.
He mentioned recently that I’ve never stitched anything for him. I finally remembered that I’d cross-stitched bowling towel that he used for years. But, as far as needlepointing him something, I hadn’t done anything for him.
It was so fitting that my husband saw a sign for Nimble Needle on Saturday for Nimble Needle in Haddonfield, NJ when we went to Omaha Steaks (instead of our usual Chestnut Hill store)! I had totally forgotten it was in Haddonfield. So, we walked around the corner, down a couple of blocks & stopped in for a visit.
Eventually, my husband mentioned I’d won a couple of national awards & I had already said I was with ANG Mainline Stitchers! And Karen Milano, the store owner, said “Are you Melita Glavin, the blogger??” Amazing!
So, we were having a nice chat while I was looking around, with no intention of adding to my projects, when I spied the change purse with a golf logo & asked if it was big enough to hold his tees in it. He already has a bag for his long tees but he likes to carry short ones too! And, so, I began stitching using threads from my stash. I’m using the tent stitch & it is working up quickly.
As a wonderful by-product, Karen has agreed to come to one of meetings to teach a class on a simple finishing technique for a small round ornament. So often, we want to stitch a gift for friends but the cost of finishing can be so high that you can’t give them away as casual gifts. I had a lesson a year ago & it really helped me appreciate all the work that does go into finishing needlepoint. So, now when I do pay $60-$80 per piece, I realize that it is worth it. Our group will be thrilled.
Although her concepts aren’t complicated, the class at Rittenhouse Needlepoint with Joetta Maue was way too short! At least 4 hours were needed to really pick her brain. But, we reviewed her & some other’s styles of embroidery. Reviewed how to transfer a photo using a light box, a window, and a projector. She traces the important lines – not all the details.
I own a lightbox (got it with a 40% coupon at AC Moore/Michael’s) for about $50. And, I found a projector like she used online for $60 at www.nextag.com/Artograph-Tracer-Projector-581432582/prices-html.
We used a water-soluble marker to trace & the ink came right out with water. I know because when I came home I washed my first tracing out & redid it. I needed a smaller tracing because I just don’t have time to do a large piece.
Then, we reviewed her basic stitches: split stitch, back stitch, & satin. Be creative is her only guideline! She stitches some fascinating pieces on antiques linens (http://www.joettamaue.com/ & http://littleyellowbirds.blogspot.com/).
I’ll be interested in seeing how mine turns out!
I decided to stitch the orchids again (https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2010/03/08/orchids/) for today’s class. It isn’t a large piece or complicated by a lot of colors & I know it can be done much better. This will be different as well because it is embroidery. But, I expect the concepts to translate to needlepoint.
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