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!

Writing Instruction Books

Since I sent off my proposals of new designs I have moved on to writing an instruction for an upcoming pilot for another new design.   For those not familiar with the process, a new design chosen for a seminar needs a pilot class.  A pilot class is usually comprised of between 8 and 20 students.  Most of the time my pilots are a combination of an actual class and a few ghost or away stitchers (as I call them).  Every teacher seems to handle their pilots in a different way.

The class time is about the same as it will be at seminar and therefore helps me to refine the schedule.  I get a chance to see how the written instructions work for the cross section of stitchers and make immediate changes.  And the stitchers have a chance to offer input and tell me what they like to see in an instruction book.  It really is an interesting process. 

Wild Roses Oval Box is the current project (shown above) and then there is one more pilot for this year: Flower Diamonds, to be taught in April.

In the spring I will be scheduling any pilots for next year and will post the information here.   So, if this sounds like something you think your guild might like to do, or you would like further information now, please contact me. 

Have a great weekend!