Working on a new geometric design

Now that I have returned from ANG Seminar, and before I leave on my teaching trip, I have been working on a new design proposal.  Stitching finally begins this week!!  

Several people stopped me, while at seminar, to request I do blog posts more often, particularly related to what I am current working on.  So, I just took photos of most of the currents elements I have collected so far.  In general this might include any of the following:  sketches, marker or paint color samples, a selection of beads, threads I am "auditioning", stitch sketches, overall design sketches, etc.  

Let's start with the color inspiration.  I already had the colors in mind when I saw this Design Seeds images with the colors.  So, I printed it off and carried it with me at first to get going with choosing a thread palette.  I always begin by collecting at least twice what I end up using.  

Next is the (very rough) original sketch and later I added some Copic markers to help block in areas of color.  The actual size of the sketch is about 2" X 2".  The actual design will be 8" to 9" square.

Here are the Copic Sketch Markers applied to 18-count eggshell canvas that I am considering......and will probably only use 2 or 3 of them in the end. 

While collecting supplies I found some great beads I had never seen.....some very small triangle beads.  Loved the colors and bought several tubes (just in case).  There are also several bugle beads in the mix, which i definitely plan to use.  *** The triangle beads are the two center tubes, and the tube on the right are Tila beads.

Now, last but not least, are the threads I have collected.  They are separated into three groups:  purples/blue, burgundy/rose, and rust/golds.  The threads include the Painter's Threads ribbon with metallic, Treenway 20/2 silk, Planet Earth PepperPot and 6-stranded silk, River Silks, Gloriana 12-strand silk, Kreinik 1/16" ribbon, Rainbow Gallery Spendor and FyreWerks, and a new Bijoux color and Valdani silk.  

These are different colors than I usually use and I am looking forward to seeing how the colors, threads and stitches all come together!!  Now that I have made an official record of the "starting" palette, it will be very interesting to see how it compares with the "finished" palette.

New designs on display in Philadelphia

Well, the ANG 40th Anniversary begins this Friday.  I will be flying to Philadelphia that day and there for 8 days.  I hope many of you are getting to attend this year.....if so, please stop and say hello!

My three new designs, recently discussed in this blog, will be on display in the Anaheim 2013 display. I always look forward to seeing all the wonderful projects that will be available the next year.  Even though the photos are very good in the brochure, they just can't capture the three dimensional quality of the needlework.  Be sure to stop by the exhibit if you are in attendance.  

Last but not least, Summer Garden Collage, Tiebele Nights and Pear Duet are now added to my Teaching Portfolio pages.   

Pear Duet

Pear Duet is finally finished and off to the framer!! This finishes up new designs for 2013.  I am taking a week or two off from stitching and then I will begin work on 2014 designs.  I have rough sketches, thread samples, beads, and lots of tabbed pages at the ready.  It is always fun to see what actually emerges.  

But now it is time to collect everything that needs to travel with me to the ANG 40th anniversary seminar in Philadelphia.  I hope to see each of you there.  Have fun!