Primroses Tea Cozy

I was recently sorting through some old flower sketches and cross stitch interpretations,.  I'm looking through design files in preparation for creating those new designs I spoke of last entry.  This tea cozy has always been a favorite of mine but I'd not thought of re-imagining it as part of a needlepoint design before now.  When I stitched it originally I decided to use mainly complete cross stitches with only a very few 1/2 or 1/4 stitches so it seems as though it would translate well to canvas. 

It's funny how you remember things.  I remember carefully uprooting the whole primrose plant and temporarily bringing it inside to sketch....even where I was sitting.  But can I find those original sketches?  Not now....but I'll keep looking.  It's always interesting to see how things translate, whether it's from sketch to cross stitch to needlepoint or from older works to a new style!

But now that I think about it I wonder if these pre-made tea cozies are still being produced.  It was so easy to stitch the pattern then just whip the lining fabric over it and voila!

Well, I'm going to keep looking for that portfolio of drawings in hope of finding the peonies, but who knows what else I'll find.   If anything else really interesting turns up I'll post some photos if there's interest. 

Have a great week!

Three New Teaching Designs

I'm happy to announce three new teaching designs which will be available for group workshops in the Fall of 2010.  I know that seems a long way away but it takes a while before the stitching is complete, they are finished (framing, pillow, purse, or other), instruction book is written, pilot is taught, etc.  About a month ago I posted some pictures of detail areas of two of the designs below, but I thought readers might be interested in seeing current sketches which combine the completed stitching with watercolor pencils and markers.  Mediterranean Squares is first and you have seen some progress photos before.  It's the most traditional of the three designs, but includes lots of interesting threads and small pattern combinations influenced by Middle Eastern tile and brickwork patterns. It's approx. 10 inches square.

 

Tropical Jazz is below and you have previously seen only "detail' photos.  This design has some new elements such as braid with added sequins (which I found at a local card and gift shop) and resin beads, both painted and unpainted, plus some more new threads.  Materials for your needlework can be found in unexpected places,...and it's fun besides!  It's about 8 inches X 13 inches.

 

Funky Rose was actually completed last year but it has now found a home!  It has a Polished Pigment background, ribbons, silk boucle and lots a real mix of threads PLUS sequins, Bead Gravy, and wire.  It's really makes a statement even though it's only 6 inches square. 

I'll finish stitching the two designs over the next few months and will post final photos and information about pilot classes.  They have all been fun to develop.  I learn something new while creating each new design....that's part of what makes it all so interesting.   I hope you enjoy them too!!

Happy Valentine's Day and happy rest of the weekend! Here in San Francisco we're going to enjoy our time indoors as it is raining and it's supposed to continue all week.   Oh well, we definitely need the rain so only a little complaining here.

February Threads Kit: HYDRANGEA WINDOW GARDEN

ANNOUNCING THE KIT FOR FEBRUARY!

Each kit includes all the threads, ribbons, and needles, etc. required to stitch the design. All you'll need to add are stretcher bars.   HYDRANGEA WINDOW GARDEN was published in the ANG magazine Needle Pointers.  So if you are a member of ANG you might already have the instructions.  Otherwise the instruction book and a canvas with the design already drawn is available here.  If you have the instructions but don't want to mark your own canvas, just drop me a line. 

This is a small design, just 5-5/8" square, but incorporates several interesting techniques. Follow this link for more information.

I will be away on a teaching trip for the next week but will be checking my email.   So look for updates around Friday the 13th!