Website - a New Look

The website has a new look to it and hopefully flows a little better.  On Monday SquareSpace introduced lots of new templates and a few features I had been waiting for.  So, even though I hadn't planned to make changes right now, I have spent a major part (and more) of my computer time this week, reorganizing the site.  Hope everyone likes it!  If anyone has any problems, questions, or comments, please let me know.  The point is to make it useful and hassle free for anyone visiting any part of the site. 

Now I'm back to making up kits for ANG Seminar in Indian Wells.  My first class is Sept. 6th but kits need to be mailed to the site by August 18th......three weeks. 

A week or two ago I talked about stitching on 18 count linen instead of 18 count canvas.  I stitched and finished a Tea Cozy and Tote Bag.  Above is a closeup of the Tea Cozy stitches.  The stitches are the same on the Tote Bag....just a different colorway.  I used Watercolours and Perle Cottons on both. 

I'm also stitching away on the Bargello/Needlepoint 13 count design.  It should be finished in two weeks or so, but I plan to post an in-progress photo next week. 

Finally, I am thrilled to announce I am currently the Featured Artist on the River Silks website.  Click here to visit.

Wishing everyone a great weekend!

DAHLIA....AND MORE!

We have been having cool weather here in San Francisco for the last several days.  Cool enough I have had the heater on up until about 2 in the afternoon.  When I say cool it gets down to about 50 at night and up to about 65 during the day.  Now, last week it was up to almost 90.  For us that is really hot and of course, and most homes here have no air conditioning....just offices and the bigger stores and restaurants.  It's definitely what you get used to.....I went to school in Houston and that's hot. 

Just a note I have finally completed the instruction book for Dahlia and the kit is now available.  It's the fourth (and final) design of the Silk Ribbon Flower Series.....in this size.  Hopefully next year I can begin a new series as these were so much fun to design and stitch. 

I am always so happy to receive feedback from stitchers in my workshops with pictures of finished questions and/or comments about the design.  Lyn Y. of Canada just received her Winter Frost purse back from the finisher and plans to carry it a  wedding this summer.  Thank you Lyn for sending a photo which will find a permanent home in the Stitchers Gallery (coming soon).  Just beautiful stitchng!! 

 

Lately I have been staying up a little later than usual.  This seems to be the time for instruction books, both new ones and revisions for the new classes to be taught at seminar in September.  All the pilots have ended and feedback is coming in....about thread quantities, graph comments (for all sorts of issues), comments on the written portions, etc.  Now don't get me wrong....I really look forward to receiving the feedback.  Good instructions...more enjoyable classes for everyone!

  But anyway, I was checking my email one last time....about midnight....and McCall (our daughter and zoo keeper) sent pictures of the Scissors Fob and Needle Threader Set she had promised for the website.  Actually she sent two, but here is a picture of my favorite.  Just a soon as I have them actually in hand I'll be adding them.  Aren't they pretty?! 

Now I must go.  I've just started a new book.  Normally I just read in bed at night but today I must sneak in a little extra reading....Hit and Run by Lawrence Block. 

BARGELLO ARROWS

Bargello Arrows is a new design stitched on 13 count canvas.  It has been chosen by my local ANG Guild to be an ongoing project for this year.  No specific colors or threads are indicated but detailed suggestions are given to help each stitcher choose her own favorites.  Our group started collecting threads over the summer break, based on a initial handout.  Then, at the first meeting in September everyone's colors and threads choices were reviewed and suggestions given if necessary.  Stitching began in earnest at the Octobe rmeeting.  Would you believe one stitcher has already compleed the project?!  The feedback is everyone is learning a lot about how to choose colors and threads.  I say "threads" cause in the original project I used silk/wools, heavy silk perle, textured cotton, and River Silks 7mm ribbons. 

 I am making the instruction books and taped and marked canvas (optional) available to groups.  Contact me for details.