Filed under: ANG Needle Pointer's Article, ANG Needle Pointer's Timeless Treasures From the Archives, Medusa Sea Jelly by Kim Griffin, Needle Artists by the Sea
My experiment with optical color mixing or pointallism that was discussed previously in a post and in Needle Pointers (https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/09/21/timeless-treasures-from-the-archives-covers-optical-color-mixing-and-more-in-september-october-issue-of-ang-needle-pointers-magazine/) has been finished into a coaster.
I wanted to practice before tackling the Medusa Sea Jelly.
I cut a round piece of Craftex, glued the canvas tabs to it, and placed it on the sticky side of a piece of cork. By making the circle smaller, I was able to cover the side and I only needed one length of Watercolours as it comes off the skein to placi in the slight space between the top and cork bottom. I didn’t bother sewing the 3 strand cording into place. It’ll stay taut with the ends tucked in.
The Medusa Sea Jelly was designed by Kim from the Needle Artists by the Sea Chapter to support an exhibit, Shoreline Stitchers Showcase.
I had stitched extra rows around the design because a few of the sequins went up close to the edge. Again, I cut the Craftex small enough to cover the edges. For this one, I tacked the Craftex into place on the back of the stitching so that I could lace the tabs to the Craftex to avoid glue. It really worked out great.
I placed the backing fabric on magazine board and glued it on. I love this fabric.
I placed a piece of felt between the front and back, thinking it would puff it up some, but it didn’t do much. Then, I used invisible Sulky thread to attach the two sides, leaving an opening at the bottom so I could slide an acrylic clear stand inside. The Sea Jelly is at a slight angle to give the impression of it swimming. I didn’t add any cord around the edge because the front and back cinched up close enough. I love it!!
Two finishes in one day! I did take breaks throughout the afternoon and evening. It is definitely easier, quicker, and less stressful than it used to be.
It took a couple of extra days to finish stitching needlepoint for Bill’s Lee Credit Card Case. Apparently, one square inch per hour isn’t my speed.
At one point, Bill inquired how I was coming along with the pips. That’s when I learned that pips are the small symbols on the front of playing cards that indicate the card’s suit and rank.
If you look carefully at my earlier post, you may notice a difference between that wallet and this one. Apparently, at some point Lee stopped placing their name on the inside flap.
After giving it to him prior to Christmas and before I finished stitching it today, the original wallet disappeared. Unfortunately, Bill wasn’t able to make it reappear! We’ll never know for sure what happened to it, but fortunately, a replacement arrived today. Who knows, the original may magically reappear one day. Love the self finishing aspect. I’m really glad I stitched 3 extra rows on each side. Bill’s thrilled with it!
Filed under: ANG Delaware's Seashore Chapter, ANG Seminar 2012, Stitches in Sterling by Nancy Cucci, Tar River Trail by Gail Stafford
Back in April, I got Stitches in Sterling by Nancy Cucci framed by Jim at Repenning Fine Art. And, Tar River River Trail by Gail Stafford was been framed by Jim too. They were my two oldest unfinished pieces (12+ years ago) that I finished this year. I began Stitches in Sterling in October 2011 and Tar River Trail in August 2012. Neither one was as difficult as I thought they’d be this many years later.
Looking at my new oldest projects list of unfinished counted projects begun in a class setting, I see:
- Rozashi – Patterns in Blue and Green with Margaret Kinsey (Aug 2016)
- Fire and Ice with Toni Gerdes (Feb 2017)
- A Toast to Tiffany with Kay Stanis (Aug 2019)
- Byzantium with Lorene Salt (Sept 2024)
- Treasures of the Great Lakes with Dawn Donnelly (Sept 2024)
Finished two and added two to the list but these are all under 10 years old.
Filed under: ANG Main Line Stitchers Chapter, Laurel Burch Rainbow Butterfly by Danji
This post is out of order. I wanted to share how I stitched the lower areas. I started with a 3×3 Jessica and placed a couple of stitches in the center to help raise the center sequin and black bead.
There are black daisy stitches couching a short length of the Waterlilies African Sunset (all 12 strands).
I ignored the dark blue painted area and stitched the light blue Planet Earth Silk 8 ply Azure 1233 (3 strands) in a Hesitation Stitch (Painted Canvas Embellishment An Idea Book by Carole Lake and Michael Boren, pg 65) leaving room for a dark blue bead (Seed Beads, 14/0). The beads are from Beads by Blanche in Bergenfield, NJ, which closed after 27 years in May 2024. A few years ago, several of us from the ANG Keystone Garden chapter benefited from Trish Vine’s downsizing. I have a 30 gm tube of these tiny blue beads. I needed to diagram the Hesitation Stitch before stitching it to see if it would work.
A buttonhole stitch with 2 strands of Silk Lame Braid Petite (SP174) surrounds the center sequin and bead.
Filed under: Needlework and Textile Guild of Media, Other People's Designs, Susan Portra, The Cabochons, Faith, Susan Portra, The Cabochons, Love, Susan Portra, The Cabochons, Peace, Susan Portra, The Cabochons, Rapture, Tiny Weaving
One of my Christmas presents this year was a Susan Portra design, one of The Cabochons, called Peace.
It joins 3 more in the series that are in my stash, including Rapture, Love, and Faith.
And, the Tiny Weaving kit comes complete to create 2 different types of woven tapestries. But, more on that another time.
I didn’t quite finish stitching Bill’s card case. Hopefully, tomorrow.
Filed under: Quilt Magic Poinsettia
Working up any piece in small chunks seems to make it go easier and faster. It was that way with this Quilt Magic Poinsettia piece (#486), too. The 10 leaves were enough for one sitting.
Since the shapes are similar, I decided to cut all the papers first, but then cut the fabric for one leaf and tuck it into the area so I wouldn’t get confused about what went where.
I thought the smaller pieces would be easier. They weren’t. I cut the papers about 1/8″ smaller in order to reduce the amount of fabric to tuck.
Filed under: Quilt Magic Poinsettia
While organizing recently, I found Quilt Magic Poinsettia (#486), a Christmas gift from 2023 and see it hasn’t been touched all year long. So, I dedicated time over the past couple of weeks to complete it prior to Christmas this year.
There are 56 pieces in total. I had done the 8 outer borders and 4 of the beige with gold print pieces (https://melitastitches4fun.com/2023/12/26/mary-maxim-quilt-magic-poinsettia/).
It’s a bit time-consuming cutting the papers first and then outlining it on the fabric (using a purple pen) before cutting each piece. But, no more so than needlepoint. I had used the word tedious, but I can’t say it is tiresome or dull, but it is slow progress. I made it through all of the beige with gold print before taking a break. I thought there was a mistake when I tried to place the 6 piece in the 9 area. I had the numbers upside down.
At this year’s ANG Seminar in Kansas City, MO, they had an auction where you could bid on items and some stuff for immediate purchase in a Grab ‘n Grab area. I was thrilled to see this Lee Credit Card Case (BAG05, Black) because my husband dabbles in magic and has several card tricks. This will hold a few of the ones that don’t require a full deck. Buff and Kristen, I know what you’re thinking!
Unbeknownst to him, he picked out the red he wanted for the hearts and diamonds when we stopped at Nimble Needle in NJ yesterday. I already had Pepper Pot Silk (PPS) Pepper 001 and PPS Salt 02. OMG – that’s salt and pepper! There were a few other reds – all different numbers but so close in color that I could not see any difference. The one he selected was PPS Mercury 250.
Because it was snowing yesterday, he’s not feeling 100% because he’s got a head cold, and he said it felt like Christmas, I suggested he open the one gift early. Bill loves it. Then, he had his choice of 3 designs, and he liked the simpler one because it looks most like the suits on cards.
The cross stitch design (found online) translates well to basketweave. I measured and figured out placement using my computer. I had the proper sizes of Evertites bars available and the canvas in my stash.
We have lots of football on TV before Christmas, but will it be enough time to finish the 5″ x 3.25″ (90 x 58 canvas threads) design by Christmas?
Many thanks to Kristen for reminding me that I’d bought this!
Filed under: Quilt Magic Poinsettia
Next up were the 20 outer red bracts (not petals) on my Quilt Magic Poinsettia. More cutting the papers (again slightly smaller), cutting the fabric, and tucking them into place.
I took a break after 10 leaves and again after 10 more before finishing the final 8 areas.
It’s so light, I used a prong hanger on the back.
Both Santas are checking out their new neighbor. I enjoyed doing this and am very happy to have completed it before Christmas, but I don’t need to do another one!
The fabric (supplied in the kit) comes from choicefabrics.com. I have nice size pieces of fabric left over for finishing backs of future ornaments.
Happy Holidays to all!!
Melitastitches4fun's Blog 
Filed under: ANG Needle Pointer's Article, General comments, Sunflower Heart by Judyann Designs
It’s that time of year to thank you for your interest in my needlepoint journey, review what I accomplished over the year, and reflect on what’s ahead. Only 300 below 10,000 visits to my blog. That’s amazing.
I’ve gotten a lot of stitching done including:
Teaching opportunities included:
I exhibited my Fireside Sampler at ANG’s Seminar (no ribbon) and at Woodlawn (3rd place ribbon). I am pleased to say it is on display now at Fireside Stitchery.
Besides shopping at my local needlepoint stores (Fireside Stitchery, Nimble Needle in NJ, and Rittenhouse Needlepoint-listed in alphabetical order), I also enjoyed my visits to Ye Olde Cross Stitchery in Bristol, PA, Edwardian Needle in Fairfield, NJ, and the Valley Forge Quilt Show.
Classes were great and always a good learning experience. They included:
The two new techniques I learned in classes with Katie Kriner from The Bee and The Bear were Punch needle and rug hooking. Goals #8 and #9 for 2025 are to finish them. Goal #8 DONE. See https://melitastitches4fun.com/category/general-comments/punch-needle/
There are 2 more projects I’ve barely begun:
Goal #12 for 2025 is to complete the succulent from Scarlett’s Stitch Gothica’s Skull & Succulent piece. This is considered stumpwork and I need to practice this technique.
Goal #13 for 2025 is to stitch a pair of earrings. My design is ready! DONE. See https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/03/16/2025-national-academy-of-needlearts-nan-assembly-opening-banquet-the-exemplary-and-the-needleworks/ and https://melitastitches4fun.com/category/jewelry/gemstone-earrings/
Sixteen books were described and added to “Books in My Library”. Goal #14 for 2025 is to continue to go through my library of stitch books and post about them. I got 2 booklets for Christmas. DONE. Search Books in My Library for 23 books added.
I’ve really been enjoying reading the archived issues of the ANG Needle Pointers magazine and writing articles about various topics. Goal #15 for 2025 is to continue the articles and, of course, continue to write up projects provided by various authors and format them for the magazine. I am particularly excited for the Jan/Feb issue to be released since Meghan M from my ANG MLS chapter contributed an excellent stitch guide for Folk Heart, a painted canvas by Mindy. She really did an excellent job. Her notes were great and easy to follow. And, there is an article about Crescent Journey with several more colorways discussed. DONE. See
* https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/02/07/design-by-susan-dawson-contrast-talk-and-folk-heart-by-meghan-in-jan-feb-2025-issue-of-needle-pointers-magazine/
* https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/03/31/hearts-of-ang-in-timeless-treasures-from-the-archives-in-the-mar-apr-2025-issue-of-needle-pointers-magazine/
* https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/05/10/hearts-from-1980s-in-timeless-treasures-from-the-archives-in-the-may-june-2025-issue-of-needle-pointers-magazine/
* https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/07/09/hearts-from-the-1990s-in-timeless-treasures-from-the-archives-in-the-july-august-2025-issue-of-needle-pointers-magazine/
* https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/09/16/hearts-from-the-2000s-in-timeless-treasures-from-the-archives-in-the-september-october-2025-issue-of-needle-pointers-magazine/
*https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/11/14/trianglepoint-in-timeless-treasures-from-the-archives-in-the-november-december-2025-issue-of-needle-pointers-magazine-with-persian-carpet-knots-tissue-box/
Goal #16 for 2025 is to stitch Sunflower Heart, a Judyann Needle Art Canvas Design. It is my favorite of the 6 designs that will have stitch guides provided in Needle Pointers this year. This was a Christmas gift as well. If you’re not a member of ANG, it’s a great magazine and guild. DONE. See https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/12/14/sunflower-heart-flower/
Goals #17-21 for 2025 will be to finish 2 classes I will take at National Academy of Needlearts in March and 3 classes at ANG’s Seminar in New Orleans in August.
Goals #22-29 for 2025 is to kit the eight pieces in The Cabochons series by Susan Portra that I have acquired and at least get started stitching them (to make this a realistic goal). DONE: See
* Love – https://melitastitches4fun.com/category/other-peoples-designs/susan-portra-the-cabochons-love/
* Joy – https://melitastitches4fun.com/category/other-peoples-designs/susan-portra-the-cabochons-joy/
* Charity – https://melitastitches4fun.com/category/other-peoples-designs/susan-portra-the-cabochons-charity/
All the Rhapsody threads have been acquired plus a few extras in case I find #11 and #12 in the series.
Final Goal #30: Don’t get any more goals!! Wasn’t possible. See https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/02/13/the-cabochons-series-by-susan-portra/
Good luck with your goals and Happy New Year!