IN MY GARDEN

I just got back the finished models of my new series: In My Garden. I've found, as have many designers, that a lot of stitchers enjoy a monthly project that's not too overwhelming. Some stitchers even do several at a time. The shops like them too because it keeps customers coming in and then there are always the thread and embellishment sales, not to mention the finishing.

Coming up with a new series is a long process. Not only do you have to come up with the designs and paint them but then you have to stitch each one as well. Unfortunately, I let things go until the last minute so I was stitching under the threat of the Christmas finishing deadline. Next year I've promised myself to be more organized.

The idea for this new series started with my Beginner's Line. A few of the flowers are based on those designs, slightly changed and painted on 18 count canvas instead of the larger count that is easier for a beginner to use. I also removed any leaves and added shading to the new designs. My own garden was my inspiration for the twelve pieces. I used the flowers I grow as well as the critters I encourage to share my garden. The pieces are small so they can be stitched quickly making this a very relaxing project. A variety of threads and beads can be used to make each design uniquely yours. No garden looks alike which is what makes them so wonderful. I've stitch only a small amount of background around each piece and then had them finished as flat padded ornaments with a tiny pocket on the back. A narrow wooded dowel slips inside of the pocket.

When the pieces are finished they can be arranged in a container filled with greenery. Shop owners can kit these up with all the necessary threads and sell them as a monthly series. An alternative is to let the stitcher decide what they want in their own garden. One person might only want flowers and a butterfly, another might want several of one flower type and a third person might prefer lots of garden creatures and only a few flowers. Each garden is different and can suit the stitcher. Even one design would look lovely in a potted plant and would make a nice gift for Mother's Day, a birthday or to welcome someone to their new home.

You can click on the picture for a larger image.

Beginner Pieces

Over the past few months Judy Harper and I have been discussing the importance of introducing new people to needlepoint. There are very few designs that make it easy to teach the basic stitches to a new stitcher. Most designs are on 18 ct. canvas or are very detailed and not at all suitable. I came up with 12 designs that I hope will appeal to young stitchers as well as those who are older but still new to needlepoint.

For the very young, inexperienced stitcher I paint the designs on 10 ct. canvas. This makes it easy for them to work with the thread and follow the stitch patterns. They can also finish the piece fairly quickly without getting bored or tired. My hope is that shop owners will offer small classes to teach the basics of needlepoint to their future customers. This would be great to do over the summer when so many parents are looking for things to fill the long summer hours. Classes however, could be offered during any school break such as Christmas or Spring Break.

The designs are also available on 13 ct. canvas for someone who may have a bit of experience but is lacking in confidence. On 13 ct. canvas the thread choices are much wider. This ups the "fun factor" considerably. Beads and embellishments can also be added.

Sometimes it's not just a beginner who is looking for a simple design on which to practice new stitches or try out new threads. Judy took two of my designs (#177 Pink Flower and #178 Blue Flower) stitched them up beautifully, added beads and a border. Both of these would make beautiful pillow or purse insets. The unstitched canvases are shown above and you can see Judy's finished work on her blog. http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-zHt5mt0wdajKHEZwLnZIZgo-;_ylt=Al.WYjTU25lbomwZ6TZrhrq_AOJ3?cq=1

Scroll down the page past the Bead Tutorial and you will see her two stitched pieces. I think she did a wonderful job on them.

Judy is also a popular feature writer for Needlepoint Now. Her article is titled Possibilities. In the January 2008 issue she discusses this very subject. Don't miss it.

The smaller picture above is of design #173 Ladybug. This one is worked on the 10 ct. canvas. I had it simply finished on a small tote bag. Just because it's a beginners design, it doesn't mean that the finished piece is useless...far from it.