Stitch & Play with Needlepoint Tool Time

DOG LEASH HOLDER BY LISA KRAUSE

2012-02-17T21:01:00.000-08:00

A customer ordered Lisa Krause's Dog Leash Holder. It arrived today. I had dinner guests this evening so we opened the box. We were all blown away! It is so much better than the photo. The frame measures 16 x 13". The frame is lacquered and shinny. The dog on the canvas is a Sheltie (I may have that wrong as they are all dogs to me.) My company didn't think that the canvas needed to be stitched; it looks great as is. It was so much fun to see the finished product. Lisa may have to send all the frames to me first instead of sending them directly to the customer.

Have a Happy Holiday,
Tisha

GUILD MEETING

2012-02-09T21:00:00.000-08:00

Tuesday evening Pamela & I drove to San Bernadino for the ANG monthly chapter meeting. The program was an opportunity to sell your stash & Needlepoint Tool Time was invited to attend. It was a fun and successful evening. The Chapter had been ask to dispose of the stash of a recently deceased member. Huge is not a big enough word to describe this stash. Much of it was old and dated. The moral to this story is edit now!

Happy Stitching,
Tisha

NEEDLER'S NEST

2012-02-04T17:51:00.000-08:00

On our way to TNNA, Pam & I stopped at Needler's Nest in Surprise, Arizona. It's right across the street from the entrance to Sun City. THREADS! was the first impression. Some I'd never heard of. The store teaches Brazilian Embroidery so carried lots of rayon.

Peggy Schuld, the owner of Needlers Nest, has purchased many of the ANG Auction night pieces. The American Flag from the Indian Wells Seminar is hanging on the wall to your left. The tree with the Halloween Hats is sitting on the Anchor Cabinets. There was a large urn full of masquerade masks.

We did find that they were out of most of the red threads for the ANG STOM. They referred us to Be Stitched for Soy Luster which we were able to purchase. Be Stitched was also low on SOTM threads. They did have the white canvas with silver threads.

There is a new slide show on the web site. Purchases are arriving daily. I think I have most of them on the web site.

www.needlepointtooltime.com

Tisha

MY FAVORITE

2012-01-26T20:05:00.000-08:00

This was my favorite of the new Maggie/ Lisa Krause collaborations.
It's not on the web site yet as I don't have a price.
It says "Lawyer's Riding to Work."

Tisha

A NEW TOTE

2012-01-25T21:15:00.000-08:00

Pam & I were trudging around TNNA weighed down by sacks full of literature when we came across these gems. It was love at first sight. It helped that Pam already owned a medium size Tutto bag which holds her sewing machine when she goes to quilting class. We purchased a small one on the spot. We put our coats & purses in the center compartment. Price lists went in one of the many side pockets, my camera in another. These bags are so easy to pull. They have 4 wheels which enables finger tip control with no tipping. They will fit under an airline seat or in the overhead. Best of all, they fold to 3" when not in use. The fiber glass frame is covered with ballistic Nylon in luscious colors. I went by on Sunday to buy a second bag but they were sold out already. It's on order and will arrive soon.

Tisha

NEW ITEMS FROM TNNA

2012-01-24T23:25:00.000-08:00

Rainbow Acrylic Laying Tool
Acrylic handle, metal tip, screw on acrylic protective cap
Available in 5 georgous colors

Acrylic Needle Case by DJ Designs
Acrylic case with screw on top & ring
Will be available in 3 color combinations

HOME AGAIN

2012-01-23T21:48:00.000-08:00

This was the entrance & resting area to the exhibit hall. The hall was located on the thrid floor of the convention center. At the Sample it event, there was a woman in full Indian dress who served as a greeter. Her dress was white buckskin with lots of white fringe & beads. Another Indian man drummed & played the flute in the reception area.

We stopped in Quartside on the way home. Every road off the freeway was bumper to bumper, stop & go traffic. We finally found a place to park in a wash, near the freeway overpass & a homeless camp. We wandered around a flea market type area. There was even a place to have your dog's teeth cleaned!
There were various flea market areas, roadside vendors & a huge tent with an RV show. We only stayed about an hour as rain & high winds were predicted for later in the afternoon. One doesn't park in a wash during the rain nor drive thru a sand strom. It started to rain as I dropped Pam at home.

I was going to show some of the new products. My web site hosting company has changed their log in procedure and locked me out of my web site. Maybe tomorrow.

Tisha

DAY 3 TNNA

2012-01-22T20:18:00.000-08:00

Todaey was our buying day - and we did! I took lots of pictures so, things should be available on the web site within a week. We bought acrylic laying tools for ribbon & needlepoint as well as an acrylic needle case. We will have June Mcknight's book on Bling as well as the Stitch Landscape book by Little Shoppe Canvas Company. This little gem contains almost 400 stitches. There are new Needle Nanny's by Puffin. I found The Tekobari Jananese lYing tool. The Bohin tapestry & beading needles will be back in stock as well as new scissors & needle Threaders. WE stayed until 4 PM. On the way back to the hotel, we stopped off at the gift shop at the Herd Indian Museum. More goodies.

we head home tomorrow with a stop in Quartsite which is 20 miles east of the California boarder. Quartzite is desolate desert with a few services. In January & February, 2000 vendors of rocks, gems, minerals & everything else imaginable gather. The town claims it has a million visitors. On the trip over, there were Rv's all over the desert for as far as we could see. There are no accommodations in Quartsite. Carl's Jr. & Berger King are the 2 restaurants. Should be interesting.

Tisha

SATURDAY TNNA

2012-01-21T22:19:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, we walk the Market trying to asorbe it all. We order on Sunday after we've had time to digest and budget it all. We blew that right away when we found a fabulous
Rolling case by Tutto. It has all sorts of pockets around a central storage area. We bought one on the spot so we had a space to stash our jackets, water, cameras, and all the paper work we acquired. They come in several sizes & bright fashion colors. Best of all, they fold for storage.

We will also be carrying the I-Pad & E-Book covers by Lee, beautiful silk needle cases & ort bags by Lantern Moon & the Hug Me Bags. There are other exciting items in the works. June McKnight has a new book on Bling.

There were 20 isles of exhibitors. We got thru 18 today. We came back to the hotel exhausted. Pam had to go spend the evening with her triplet grandsons. Phoenix has a light rail system thru the center of the downtown area. We are able to take the train from the hotel to the convention center. There seems to be a lot of concern over lack of attendees.
Maybe it's just the huge hall. Food at the Convention Center offers more variety & is better than Long Beach.

Until tomorrow,
Tisha

PHOENIX - Day 1

2012-01-20T23:07:00.000-08:00

In my haste to get to Phoenix, I got a speeding ticket. he clocked me at 92-ops! Nice cop only wrote me up for 80 mph. That's my first ticket in 30 years & I always drive too fast.
We finally arrived at Needlers Nest. The owner of Needlers Nest is the woman who buys the expensive auction pieces at Seminar. It was fun to see them displayed. The store has a huge variety of threads. They even carry a lot of rayon for Brizalian Embroidery. Didn't waste any time at that display. I will post photos when I return.

We continued on to Be Stitched. Map Quest got us off the freeway way too early so we wasted 20 minutes. I purchased the blank canvas for The ANG SOTM. Instead of taping the canvas, they zigzag on black & white Checked bias tape. The canvases displayed on the walls have the same treatment. It was frustrating as we ran out of time.

We got to the convention center 10 minutes before the doors to Sample it opened. I couldn't believe the line waiting to enter. There are a lot of people here. They only allowed 2 people from each shop to enter. I continued to stimulate the needlepoint economy. I purchased the new Namaste backpack in red. I thought it was pricey. I unpacked it when I got back to the hotel. It contained a red buddy, skinny Mini, name badge, & 7 mesh bags.
On the other side of the large room was food along with the displays of what's new.
We got to gaze upon Jane's warrior (can't spell that Japanese word). It's a large piece. Leigh said that she stitched it in a month!

AMAZING GRAY'S, ETC.

2012-01-19T20:57:00.000-08:00

The Amazing Gray's class was wonderful. There were two finished samples which I photographed. My camera mal functioned. What you see is the result of 14 hours of stitching. It's all beaded except for the white basket woven squares which get stars or hearts. There was a woman in the class with a service dog.
The dog can alert her an hour before she has a life threatening asthma attack! We stitched in the hotel on Saturday evening. We were rewarded with a Chocolate Martini & recipe.

My friend Pamela & I leave for Phoenix tomorrow. It's a 4 hour drive. We plan to spend the afternoon shop hopping. We are both in need of fibers. There are 5 needlepoint stores that encircle Phoenix. Good reason to retire in Phoenix.

Tisha
Needlepoint Tool Time

Amazing Grays

2012-01-07T10:28:00.000-08:00

I have finished the pre-stitching on Nancy Cucci's Amazing Grays. The class is next weekend. I went thru 3 spools of Kreinik do stitch the outlines. Might have used less if I'd counted correctly.

Thanks to all of you, my sale has been wildly successful! I even have an empty shelf & have had to reorder inventory. There will be room for new items found at TNNA. I will run the sale thru next Friday, January 13th.

I'm off to LA to celebrate Mom's 91st birthday. My sister is in from Houston & sister-in-law from central California. I will take the two grandaughters so they can create havoic with their male cousins. We are looking forward to the visit and the night in the hotel.

Keep on Stitching,
Tisha

PS It's been in the high 70's for two weeks. The locals are whinning as it is too hot for this time of year.

LISA KRAUSE & FRIENDS

2011-12-28T18:14:00.000-08:00

If you haven't had time to look, there is a new slide show on the site with Lisa Krause's frames & accompanying canvases. They are included in the 20% off sale. Lisa does frames for any of the Maggie or Ewe & Eye canvases. You can view them on her web site at www.deuxbijouxbijoux.com. I can order any of them. As they are ordered, I will list them in the "canvas-frames" category on the web site.

Happy New Year.

Tisha
www.needlepointtooltime.com

SALE, SALE, SALE

2011-12-26T10:06:00.000-08:00

Christmas day is history. My dinner included my 92 year old father & 90 year old mother. Every year we play the "this one may be the last one" game but, it never is. I am so lucky to still have them!!! The entire family will gather in two weeks in Palos Verdes, CA for Mom's 91st birthday.

Needlepoint Tool Time is having a 20% off everything sale in order to make room for the shopping extravaganza at TNNA. www.needlepointtooltime.com.

I will make time for some stitching today. I am taking the Nancy Cucci Amazing Grays class the weekend before TNNA. There is a lot of pre work outlining. Counted work is not my thing. I've used counting pins & have basted and still I'm off! I'm using those words that I learned from Jane.

Have a happy week.

Tisha

LAST OF THE NEEDLEPOINT CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

2011-12-20T20:48:00.000-08:00

I started the collection of needlepoint Santa's for my husband years ago.
He eventually went by the wayside but was gracious enough to let me keep the Santa's.
I did eventually give him his stocking and all the ornaments with his name on them.
It was just too much pressure to find a boy friend or a second husband named Mike.
I went through a brief Angel period.

NEEDLEPOINT CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS

2011-12-18T21:59:00.000-08:00

I have over 100 needlepoint Christmas ornaments.
Does that make me an addict?

DECORATING FOR CHRISTMAS

2011-12-12T20:02:00.000-08:00

The large Carol Costello pillow was my first Christmas pillow.
The white wool in the plain squares has yellowed thru the years

Needlepoint Ornaments hang on the swag going up to my office/loft.

Needlepoint stockings. Large Santa.
Cushion on Santa chair.

FIR TREES HAVE RETURNED FROM WALES

2011-11-26T15:41:00.000-08:00

The Fir Trees arrived home today and are ready for the tree.
Lynis did a great job finishing them.
How long do you suppose it will be until I get the other 7 stitched.
Below are last year's ornaments.

This will be their first year on the tree. They got lost in the mail last year and didn't arrive until January.
Baylyn gets the Melissa Shirley Candy Cane.
Skylyn is a nutcracker fan. She gets the Kathy Schenkel Toy Soldiers w/ Mouse King.

Tomorrow, we (as in father of the grandchildren) start pulling Christmas out of the garage. It's called a garage but, I use it as a storage facility.
Tisha

BACK TO BUSINESS

2011-11-20T21:31:00.000-08:00

For the past four weeks, I have been attending Boot Camp. I report at 4:45 AM for tortuous exercise until 6 AM. This goes on six days a week for six weeks. (Thankfully, I was late in enrolling.) I lost 5 lbs of fat & 6" in the 4 weeks. I am also learning to box. Even wearing training gloves, I was hesitant to hit anything with my hands, They are my lively hood and my hobby. I got over it. I have had to adjust my bed time so have not accomplished much. Tomorrow I start Fit Camp which is only 3 days a week. I need to eat "better" but that probably won't happen this week.

I was reviewing the web site today. Several products have mysteriously disappeared. Several others need to disappear. As a result, there are new sale items.

I am grateful for all the help, love, and support I have received. Oh, it's starting to rain. We have so little rain, we are always excited & thankful when it arrives.

Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving!
Tisha

NEW ITEM

2011-11-06T15:53:00.000-08:00

HOUSE ON POND

I have decided to feature one of Lisa Krause's frames & matching canvases as they are not seen very often in needlepoint stores. I was going to select one a month but there are so many charming choices that I couldn't make up my mind. I will change them on my home page more often. House on Pond is the first offering. The canvas is by Ewe & Eye with the frame by Lisa. They will be priced and sold as a set. The creativity & talent blows my mind!

Stitch on,
Tisha

ANG CHAPTER MEETING

2011-11-02T18:56:00.000-07:00

Pam & I drove into San Bernadino last night for the San Bernadino ANG Guild meeting. Margaret Bendig was teaching her Hepzabah's Boot, the second of her three dimensional witch's boots. Pat Correz had the samples of the upcoming weekend classes. I signed up for two including Nancy Cucci's Amazing Grays. it is amazing!

Tisha

.LABLES

2011-10-28T16:45:00.000-07:00

Evertite Stitchery Frames is sending out custom address labels with their orders. They are so creative, I thought they should be shared. I can't bear to throw them away. I am taping them to the side of my file cabinet.

Tisha

HALLOWEEN HAS ARRIVED IN THE DESERT

2011-10-22T18:01:00.000-07:00

We are still having 100 degree days but the Witches have arrived. I have joined a Boot Camp which requires working out six days a week for an hour at 5 AM. I feel like a witch. It's given me new compassion for military boot camp. I am having to go to bed earlier which has interfered with my stitching. I'm sure I'll be thankful in six weeks when I've lost the weight & inches. Tomorrow is the annual Golf Cart Parade. The theme is Carnival so the golf carts are decorated appropriately. It's fun to watch.

2011-10-09T15:19:00.001-07:00

GAME BOARDS

2011-10-09T15:10:00.001-07:00

I have added Lisa Krause's game boards to the Needlepoint tool time web site. They are so unique and rarely seen in Needlepoint stores. Eventually there will be a slide show on the web site. I have been forced to use a new Slide show provider. It's a challenge! Look for the game boards under "new items". We have had 3 gorgeous cool days in Palm Desert this week. They are predicting more 90+ degree weather for next week. Halloween is usually our summer weather cut off. Can hardly wait!

Tisha

LESSON LEARNED - maybe

2011-10-08T18:27:00.000-07:00

I arrived home one evening exhausted & aching. I decided a cocktail was in order. I mixed a Blood Orange Martini using my home made Lemonchello. It was so good that I chugged it down and mixed another. I knocked the glass off the end table onto the tile floor. My plastic PFOS stitch bag was in it's path. Unfortunately, I hadn't zipped it close. The white canvas margin of the Tic Tac Toe Board is now stained pink. I choose to think that it didn't get on the design. My threads were all in Floss-aways. Every Floss-Away bag was sticky but the threads were safe. Dual scissor case, Thread Zap and inside of bag had to be washed. I will start zipping the bag when I put my stitching away. I will try to drink slowly or limit myself to one drink.

Tisha

Tic Tac Toe Canvas

2011-10-02T15:09:00.000-07:00

While at the PFOS retreat, I pulled fibers for my Big Horn Sheep & the Tic Tac Toe Board. It was the Tic Tac Toe Board that I chose to work on. I chose 18 different grass green threads. Of course, I get home and need another. I went to my stash and found 18 differeent grass green choices. Now I am somewhere between confused and overwhelmed. I'm also impressed with my stash.

Tisha

HOME AGAIN

2011-09-12T22:53:00.000-07:00

I thought those of you who haven't had the good

fortune to visit Pocket Full of Stitches would like a

small peak. This is what you see when you enter the front door. The wall to the left is lined with

threads all the way back.

Finished pieces are displayed all the way around the room. Stockings hang from the ceiling. Small baskets on the shelves contain small canvases by subject & designer. Racks of canvases on the floor are separated by designer.

Looking to the left as you enter the store. In back of this room is a very large room for
office & shipping

This is the classroom.. It held the 22 of us comfortably. Alice Peterson & Dream House Ventures trunk shows were displayed on the walls.
The wreaths display the various PFOS Christmas Clubs. There is another small room between the classroom & the main store. It contained sale items, tote bags, etc.

LUBBOCK, TEXAS

2011-09-10T21:28:00.000-07:00

We are having a great time at the PFOS Retreat. We are too tired to stitch any longer; four of us are sitting here with our I-Pads. Anna, who posts the PFOS Blog, was called out of town on a family emergency which is why the PFOS Blog has been quiet. The ladies of PFOS (the Pockettes) have prepared all the food for the welcoming party, 2 lunches, brunch tomorrow, and snacks. We are stuffed!

I have pulled all the threads that I needed for background of the Bighorn Sheep & my tic tac toe board. There were so many choices! I have started selecting stitches and threads for the squares on the Tic Tac Toe board.

This is my third year at the PFOS Retreat. Seeing repeat attendees & the staff adds to the enjoyment of the weekend. I will post pictures when I return home. Three of us even share the same flight home as far as Las Vegas.

Tisha

POCET FULL OF STITCHES RETREAT

2011-09-04T21:15:00.000-07:00

Big Horn Sheep by Molineux

Tic Tac Toe Frame & Canvas by Lisa Krause & Maggie

I have been sorting thru supplies as I leave the middle of the week for the retreat at Pocket Full Of Stitches in Lubbock, Texas. I am flying Southwest so I can take 2 suitcases for free if needed. Can probably get there on one but coming home may be another matter. The focus of this year's retreat is to work on pieces that we already own with the Pocketts providing their input. I finally decided upon two canvases. Both need threads. PFOS offers so many options! There is no LNS in my area. I will have my I-Pad but there is no way to transfer a photo from the I-Pad to an e-mail or the blog. Read about our adventures on the Pocket Full of Stitches Blog.
Tisha

PUFFIN NEEDLE NANNIES

2011-08-31T22:00:00.000-07:00

A new supply of the Puffin Needle Nannies has arrived. My favorite is the Witch Hat.

A NEW FRIEND

2011-08-24T21:06:00.000-07:00

I am spending the week in Sedona,AZ. Today, I had lunch & an afternoon of stitching with Leigh Shafer. Leigh is active on the ANG Yahoo Group & in ANG. She is a professional needlepoint finisher. Leigh has been involved with starting a second ANG chapter in the Phoenix area.

I have read lots about the Kissing Pillows but didn't know how they were used. Leigh had a sack full of 2 x 2" Pillows that she was finishing. She explained to me how they work.
When a Battalion of soldiers is shipped overseas, each soldier, the spouse, & child is given a Kissing Pillow. Leigh's grandson put his Kissing Pillow under his pillow. Each night he would take it out and tell his Dad about his day. Made me cry. Unfortunately, many more pillows are still needed.

It was fun to finally put a face with a name and have another needlepoint friend.

Tisha

A NEW FRIEND

2011-08-24T20:37:00.001-07:00

NEW CLASS ACCESSORIE

2011-08-16T20:41:00.000-07:00

The Drink & Stash/Trash Caddy is the new "must have" for class. It attaches to the table with a screw clamp. The cup holder is largest enough for a Big Gulp Soda or a pint of Ben & Jerry ice creme. Uses for the stash caddy are limited only by your imagination..

I forgot to post the photo of the Needle valet & Itty Bittie Magnets.

Tisha

NEW STOCK

2011-08-14T22:47:00.000-07:00

The Needle Valet & Itty Bitties (magnets) are now in stock. The Needle Valet attaches to your canvas with a magnet. When you are working with more than 1 threaded needle, you wrap the excess thread around the Valet, and let the magnet keep the needle handy for the next time you need to use that thread. A set of three Valets are included on the strip. Each has it's own magnet, so you can remove a Valet if you don't have 3 threads going.

The Itty Bitties are small (1/2") magnets in a safari motif.

These two items are manufactured and packaged by women in a treatment program at Arkansas CARES. The wholesale proceeds from this product are used to assist the women with dental care & prescription costs. Since I am a practicing Dental Hygienist, I whole heatedly support the program.

Tisha

NAMASTE ITEMS ARE NOW IN STOCK!

2011-07-24T20:36:00.000-07:00

If you are tired of looking like a bag lady or need a more professional look, the Nameste Mini Messenger is the bag for you. The cross body strap & fastening hardware make it very secure. I'm still trying to figure out how the latches work. I was able to get my medium Walker bag with the frame,canvas ,fibres, & tools, my I-Pad, paperback book & glass case in the Mini Messenger. There was still some room. Those are my daily essentials.

The Skinny Mini is a new product from Nameste. It's 8" x 3" size holds a lot of tools. For cross stitchers, it will handle crochet hooks & rotary cutters. It would be great for make up brushes. I think my travel cosmetics would all fit in one.

The Buddy case is back. It features hidden magnetized interior walls so, your needles, threader & scissors stay in place. A removable interior divider protects your scissors.

The Nameste products are animal friendly as they are made of faux leather. The interior's are Microsuede PET which is made from recycled plastic bottles.

Tisha
www.Needlepointtooltime.com

SLIDE SHOW

2011-07-21T11:56:00.000-07:00

I have finally been able to install a slide show on my web site. New inventory is on order and will be featured as it arrives.

http://www.needlepointtooltime.com/

Tisha

MORE NEW INVENTORY

2011-07-11T23:34:00.000-07:00

The Klemscott Needle Minders come to us from Canada. They look like cameos.

Scissors for the cat lovers

DE- STASHING

2011-07-10T21:17:00.000-07:00

I have been eliminating some of my stash. I don't have to tell any of you how tastes change etc. I pulled my tabletop Gripit from the deep recesses of my closet. Probably haven't seen it for 25 years. I set it up on my new desk top. Hm mm, pretty neat. I got my Big Horn canvas which is on 18 x 18" Evertites. There are 7 different places to adjust the table clamp. The Gripit griped it!! This will be my new class frame holder. The Gripit company is no longer in business so these are no longer available. If you have one stashed away, dig it
out.
Tisha

LITTLE GEMS

2011-07-09T21:01:00.000-07:00

The Little Gems scissors are now in stock. Tiny blades (3/4/"), faceted handle holes, airplane friendly - these are a few reasons why they are called Little Gems!

NEW ITEMS HAVE ARRIVED

2011-07-04T19:15:00.000-07:00

I've added new items to the web site. The Bead Tube Tower II is designed for those who store their beads in the square, flip-top boxes. The Thread Zap II is half the price of the original. I haven't figured out why.
The Totally Trendy Scissors are for stitches who like color. There are also Scissors Protector points, John James Beading Pebbles, and a Telescoping Magnet Wand for all the dropped items. i need one on a chain around my neck.

The grandkids just called. They want me to come to the park for a concert & fireworks. I'm to bring chips
and water. It's after 7 PM & still over 100 degrees with unusual humidity. The picnic has been on & off three times today. Guess they will be eating chips.

Tisha

PEOS FIR TREE CLUB

2011-07-02T21:53:00.000-07:00

I have been struggling to keep up with the PFOS monthly Fir Tree Club. The canvas comes with a stitch guide. Sometimes I follow it and sometimes I don't. The background gave me the most trouble. I don't care for white backgrounds. When I looked at all the different colored trees, I realized why PFOS chose white. I wanted to make my trees into ornaments which made basket weave the stitch of choice. The first five trees are on their way to the finisher. It's back to work on my Big Horn Sheep canvas.

Tisha

BE STITCHED NEEDLEPOINT

2011-06-28T22:38:00.000-07:00

Be Stitched Needlepoint is a new needlepoint store in Scottsdale, AZ. WOW! It's a happy place. Black, white, lime green, and hot pink, the interior decor is impressive. There is a lot of attention to detail. Note the paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling. Lisa Kessler & Jeannine Bartnicki, the owners, have the personality to match. Along with threads, & canvases, the store has an impressive inventory of bags.
The goal is for their store to be just a "little different." They have a great start.

Visit Be Stitched at TheGirls@BeStitchedNeedlepoint.com and Facebook.com/BeStitchedNeedlepoint

Looking forward to a return visit to Scottsdale.
Tisha

QUAIL RUN, SCOTTSDALE, AZ.

2011-06-27T21:54:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, I traveled from the Colorado Desert to the Sonoran Desert. It was still 109+ degrees.
The visible difference is the Saguaro Cactus in the Sonoran Desert. That's the tall one with the arms.
The most important difference is that the Phoenix area has needlepoint shops!

Quail Run, Scottsdale, AZ, Courtyard location

Class Room

Southwest Wall

The first stop was to visit the new, larger location of Quail Run in Scottsdale. The shop exudes warmth & charm. There was a special area to park the man in your life complete with appropriate reading material. Quail Run has a large variety of threads along with canvases. I was impressed with the number of accessories. They have a wonderful classroom! Susan gave me a behind the scenes tour which included the work area, her private office & the Quail Run Wholesale department. Check out more at http://www.quail-run.com/. .

Tisha

SOLUTION FOR STITCHING ON LARGE CANVASES

2011-06-11T20:41:00.000-07:00

K's Floor Frame with new wooden legs, Scroll adapter & Universal clamps in the Iron Man Pose

My friend, Lynis, has a stash of very large canvases. Think Melissa Shirley Houses. The collection has been languishing because the canvases are so awkward to stitch. Lynis ordered a Scroll Adapter for her K's floor frame. This adapter will extend out to 24". (larger available by special order). The adapter is designed for Scroll frames but... If you invest in the Universal Clamps, it will hold Evertites! Lynis sent pictures of three different canvases on the frame. The Scandia Santa was the smallest canvas.

These items will be available at Needlepoint Tool Time.

Tisha

RETREAT CALENDAR

2011-06-10T20:30:00.000-07:00

I have finally gotten the Needlepoint Retreat Calendar on my web site operational. Go to www.needlepointtooltime.com. click on Calendar on the top headings, page through the months.

If you her of other Retreats, please let me know.

Tisha

NEED YOUR HELP

2011-05-27T22:59:00.000-07:00

HI,

I've been ask if I would post a list of needlepoint retreats around the country on my web site. That's a service that I can provide but will need your help to let me know about various retreats. The Calander & Events tab is located on the upper righthand tool bar. The Calander will list retreats on the date they start. Click on the retreat name for further details.

Tisha
http://www.needlepointtooltime.com/

WOODEN LEGS

2011-05-08T16:29:00.000-07:00

I ordered the new wooden legs for the K's Stainless Steel Floor Frame. I love, love, love them!
As they are longer than the steel plate, I can slide them further under the sofa to bring my stretcher bars up close to by body. The easy chair in my bedroom has a center rocking mechanism. The legs are wide enough to fit around it. There are two width options. I am using the narrow width. I placed the usual ss plate under the legs so you could see the difference. The plate is not needed with the new legs. My floor tiles are 18" square so that give you some idea as to size. The frame is lighter to move with the wooden legs.

Needless to say, I will be carrying K's Wooden Legs on my web site www.needlepointtooltime.com

MOTHER'S DAY SPECIAL

2011-04-22T21:22:00.000-07:00

In honor of Mother's Day, Needlepoint Tool Time is offering 20% off all magnifying products.
http://www.needlepointtooltime.com/

Tisha

NEEDLEPOINT INC, NEXT FLOOR

2011-03-25T21:18:00.000-07:00

Wall of Needlepoint, Inc Silk. Bins to the right also contain hanks of the silk. Fringe used in finishing.
If you haven't guessed, this is where the finishing is done.

Ribbons & fabric

My favorite, the wall of beads & spools of thread. The area beyond the beads is devoted to Needlepoint, Inc Silk

Finished Pillow

Another finished pillow

Sewing area. It was Saturday so there wasn't much work in progress.

More fabric

Rows of white plastic bins containing skiens of Needlepoint, Inc Silk

Canvas painter's desk

The weekend gave us a greater appriciation of the work involved in finishing.

Tisha

NEEDLEPOINT, INC TOUR IN PICTURES

2011-03-23T20:59:00.000-07:00

Wall of Needlepoint Inc Silk

Stacks of canvases

Note finished purses on the right

More of everything

The elegant DianeNerheim, owner of Needlepoint Inc.

Marilyn Hall of http://www.redowlstash/ took these photos during our tour and shared them with me.

Tisha

NEEDLEPOINT, INC.

2011-03-20T09:35:00.000-07:00

On the Saturday of Stitch & Play Getaway, Diane Nerheim, owner of Needlepoint, Inc., gave us a fabulous tour of her operation. She has three floors which overlook Union Square in downtown San Francisco. One of the floors is devoted to the store. There is a wall hung with Needlepoint Inc silk. There is a nitich devoted to things related to the alphabet - sayings, etc. There is an alcove devoted to Christmas. There are finished pieces & shacks of canvases through out. Diane has her own painters so has many designs unique to the store.
I didn't take any photos. Was either brain dead or overwhelmed!

The next floor was devoted to their finishing business & the distribution of the Needlepoint Inc Silk. My favorite part of the finishing area was a small wall hung floor to ceiling the metal spice racks with the glass jars. The jars were full of beads!

The remainder of the space contained rows of the white stacking bins stacked floor to ceiling. Each bin had a number on it and was full of skeins of the silk.

The last floor is a new business selling Chinese antiques many of which are suitable for needlework. We saw a chair cushion which was being finished for a set of black lacquer dining room chairs. See more at www.needlepointinc.com.

We were off to Britex Fabrics, lunch, shopping, stitching, and sharing the days purchases. All this before dinner & more stitching.

Tisha

MARLENE CUSTOM PILLOWS CON'T

2011-03-19T07:07:00.000-07:00

Marlene( the red head) demonstrating how fringe is made. All the hand dyed cones in back are for fringe. You can also see the fringe cones in the next photo.

Making cording for the Bell Pull on the table with the electric drill. She used the green, blue & creme cones on the table. The cording is stitched on by hand. The white cones next to her head are thread that has not been dyed.

Making fringe for the lavender pillow which is a fairy. Those are large needles stuck in the fringe board. The fringe cones she is using are on the floor. Surgical tape is laid down under the fringe in progress & placed on top when the fringe is complete. The fringe is removed from the board & folded in half.

Sewing machine area. I haven't shown the shelving stacked with fabric. Marlene has lots of fabric books from which to choose fabric. You can see more of her work at www.marlenecustompillows.com. Marlene accepts finishing from stores & individuals. Stores & individuals must pay for the finished work before it is returned.

MARLENE'S FINISHING

2011-03-17T18:20:00.000-07:00

Pretend it is last Friday. Climb the stairs to the second floor and this is what grabs your attention! Marlene gave us a wonderful tour of her workroom. Marlene , along with any customer input, designs the finishing. She has 8 women that make her vision a reality. All the threads you see, Marlene hand dies at home adding one tespoon of dye at a time. Her husband winds the thread back onto the cones. She starts with an area of various blocking boards and a steamer. There was a table with a band saw to cut shapes from styraform. There was a spot for spray & hand painting round wooden balls used as feet and heads. There were finished pieces to admire and work in progress throughout. Tomorrow, I'll include more photos.

Tisha

THE END

2011-03-13T19:57:00.000-07:00

I am sitting in the San Francisco airport awaiting my rain delayed flight. I checked my blog only to discover that my blogs have not posted. We had a very successful weekend!! I will update you with the details this coming week.

Tisha

STITCH AND PLAY GETAWAY

2011-03-11T08:10:00.000-08:00

I arrived in San Francisco early Thursday morning. When the Creative Zone opened at 11:00AM, seven stitchers had arrived. We had a great afternoon and went to Scomas at Fisherman's Wharf for dinner. We returned to the Creative Zone for some late night stitching. Wr are loving the hotel Triton. It is so funky! I had my Tarot read. The Tarot didn't make sense but the price was right.
I am having trouble uploading pictures.

Tisha

ANOTHER PROJECT FROM PAMELA KINBALL

2011-03-08T22:25:00.000-08:00

Pamela stitched this Japnese Doll by Red Thread Designs. She met a woman who's husband did rod iron work. Pamela designed and comissioned the stand.

We had a terrific evening tonight stitching with Marie-Therese Baker a former member of our Monday Night Stitchres who now facilitates Callaway. Where did that 20 years go? We don't look any older but the kids grew up!

Tisha

GETTING READY

2011-03-06T21:42:00.000-08:00

Forgot to mention, when finishing the box top, we used the double sided Red Liner Tape. It was super strong! It stood up to a lot of pulling. Pam had to cut the tape with a box cutter to reposition the canvas.

I leave Thursday for the Stitch & Play Getaway in San Francisco. I am struggling with the delima of how many projects to take. I know we always take too many but this is three days of stitching from my stash! I may have to eliminate some clothing.

Tisha

FINISHED 2010 SOTM

2011-03-03T21:57:00.000-08:00

I wanted to finish my 2010 SOTM as a box top. The completed design was too large for a box top. I skipped November (& maybe October). We tried various box colors but bronze looked the best. Wonder Woman Pamela, mounted the piece on the box while I supervised.
Tisha

SHARON G'S BOOK IS IN STOCK

2011-03-02T21:32:00.000-08:00

Sharon G has published the first in her future series of books. "Simply Essential Needlepoint Stitch Explanations is exactly what it says it is. Sharon has taken 61 repeatedly used stithces and explained how and why we keep using them. Wonderful book for the novice needlepointer & great refrence book for the rest of us. It's sized right for the tote bag. Each page has a stitch diagram and text.

Tisha

Pamela's Finished Bird & Worm

2011-03-01T22:00:00.000-08:00

Pamela has finished Zecca's Bird & Worm. The base is a block of wood. Note that there are 3 Dragon Flies on the end of Memory Wire.

DETAILS ABOUT THE MICRO SEQUINS

2011-02-23T21:48:00.000-08:00

I have had questions about the Sequins. I spoke with Kim today who distributes the sequins. There is no color card at this time. Eventually there will be. If you don't live near a store where you can see them to pick & choose, they are sending them out by subject matter ie Christmas colors, Mermaid's tail, Golds, etc.
The 2mm (Micro) sequin works with a #15 bead. The 4mm mini uses a #11 bead.
Below is a list of some of the stores that will be stocking the sequins:
Stitch Botique - Boston, Mass. Kim's store
Arestia - Santa Monica, CA
Chappel Hill - NC
Beyond Knits & Needles - NJ
Needlework Botique - TX
Village Needleworks - Westmont, Ill.
Concept in Yarns & Needlepoint - Torrance, CA

There is also the floor in my loft.
Tisha

USPS

2011-02-21T23:03:00.000-08:00

I send my orders out via USPS using Click & Ship. There is a small note section to the recipient.
Twice this week, USPS accused me of using profanity & refused to send the note. After some expirmenting, I figured out the profane word......it's UPS!

Hope that starts you day off with a smile!

Tisha

SEQUINS

2011-02-17T18:25:00.000-08:00

The sequins we found at TNNA arrived.. I had them all arranged to photograph and dropped the camera on top of the boxes. What you see is a small part of the mess. There are suppose to be 700 sequins to a box. Bet know one counted them. I still have plenty to use. Size wise, they fit over an 18" mesh with a hole in the middle.
There are 34 colors. I just picked out a handful. Don't know who is carrying them. Not a very practicle item for Needlepoint Tool Time to carry. Since I selected these, they have a slightly larger sequin. Now, I have to find a project to use them on.

Tisha

EZ BEADER & BEADING THREAD HAVE ARRIVED

2011-02-16T23:36:00.000-08:00

I used the EZ Beader to attach the beads on my PFOS Fir Tree Ornament. It comes in a plastic case for storage. I attached the 2" Beader to my canvas with it's magnet. I sprinkled on my beads & they rolled right off. I didn't read the directions that said "remove the portective Cover from the sticky surface." Worked much better the second time.

I used the Braided Bead Thread which comes in a 50 yard roll. I got out my Dental Loops but couldn't see the braid. I can feel it. The color is Crystal which is somewhere between clear & white. It doesn't show on the canvas. The thread was easy to use and I didn't have to use any swear words to get the needle threaded.. It doesn't break, fray or knot. I used it with #15 beads. I sewed through the beads twice and they laid beautifully. I have always used the lasso technique. They lay nicer this way.

Tisha

ZECCA'S BIRD & WORM

2011-02-14T21:39:00.000-08:00

Wish I could claim this, but I didn't stitch it. It was stitched by my friend Pamela Kimbal using Robin King's stitch guide. Look at all the different stitches and techniques that Robin used! The finishing is still in progress. It needs a twisted cord and feet. Pamela does her own finishing. Just look at what two talented women can do! Imagine if we ran the country. We just don't have the time.

Tisha

Listing New Items

2011-02-13T22:56:00.000-08:00

All my computer issues have finally been resolved so, I can once again post.
I listed half a dozen new items the largest of which is the Z-Frame Lap Frame. The needlepoint on the Z is the first of the Pocket Full of Stitches Fir Club. It is now complete except for the beading and background. I'm waiting for the arrival of the new beading thread. I try not to get involved with monthly clubs, as they come too quickly. The Fir canvases were so colorful in person that I couldn't resist.

Tisha

STITCH & PLAY

2011-02-02T12:31:00.000-08:00

Tolerence for ice & snow running low? There are two rooms remaining for the Stitch & Play in San Francisco March 10-13. We have to release them next week & then the price will go up. San Francisco can be chilly by Californis standards but, I can guarantee no ice or snow!
For more details, contact Gina.wearing@getawaysbygina.com.

Tisha

Puffin Designs

2011-01-30T21:28:00.000-08:00

All the purchases from the TNNA Market are arriving quickly this year. The puffin order if here. We have he Scissor Sitters in Puppy, cat & the new Lama. The animal attaches to your clothing with a magnet. Scissors are attached by a claw to the 18" leash. Pop you scissors in the attached wire circle when not in use. Some of the ladies are uning the circle to hold their glasses. Puffin has added scissor fobs to their line. There is a new Bee Needle Nanny. Some of the ladies in Wales are wearing the Needle Nanny as a brooch.
Great idea. Why didn't we think of that?

Tisha

SPOOKY STITCHES HAS ARRIVED!

2011-01-29T19:30:00.000-08:00

June McKnight's Halloween book has arrived. The book presents the finished stitch in color on one page & the stitch graph on the opposing page. She gives thread & ply suggestions. I've opened the page to Alicia Lace. June suggests a pale fluorescent metallic thread and the stitch will become ghost flesh. Isn't ghost flesh an oxymoron? She gives instructions for stitching a bat, a cat & a spider using a black snap. There is a pattern for a Pumpkin Patch. Could be used as a diaper pattern for a background. There is a pattern for Snake Skin. She even shows how to make Witch Hair from Memory Wire. This book is a must for my library!!

Today was a beautiful day in the desert - mid 70's. We attended the Southwest Art Show which is held on a Polo Field at one of the Valley's two Polo Clubs. After viewing exhibits from 300 artists, I felt like I did at the end of a long day at TNNA. We had lunch on the patio at a new Cantina. The setting was magnificient, overlooking three polo fields with the mountains in the background. A match was in progress on the far field.

I came home to a message from my Granddaughter, Skylyn. She is the First Grade Student of the Month for the School District. Way to go Girl!!

Tisha

MORE NEW ITEMS HAVE ARRIVED

2011-01-27T22:15:00.000-08:00

The computer has had it's exam and doesn't have a virus. Something has still invaded my e-mail.

After personal research, I'v added the Gypsy Sit Upon to the web site. It's a softly inflated disc that prevents fatigue and reduces pressure on the tail bone. Sit comfortably for hours while needlepointing, reading,driving and more. Helps relieve lower back pain, strengthens core muscles (I'm waiting) and improves posture. The nubby texture allows cooling air flow, and promoters improved blood circulation. The durable purple rubberized material remains soft and pliable. One size fits all!

I've been using the Sit Upon for a week or more. The muscles along my spine are sore but I noticed I'm sitting straighter. A friend looked at the nubs and thought it was some kind of new sex toy.

SuZy Murphy's new book is in stock. Portable Stitches ll is distilled from SuZy's Lite Stitches & SuZy's Mini Stitches. 122 pages including a stitch index. 2-3 stitch diagrams per page. The only text refers to stitching tips.

Tisha

NEW SCISSORS

2011-01-24T22:59:00.000-08:00

My computer is in the hospital. Shipping orders will be briefly delayed.

We are offering two new pair of reasonably priced scissors. One is a metallic thread scissor the other is a pretty pastel design embroidery scissor. Jane of Chilly Hollow has suggested that they would be great when teaching children to stitch. My granddaughter, Skylyn, would choose the pink pair.

I was talking to my friend Lynis who lives in Wales over the weekend. She had just purchased a skien of Impressions and was bemoaning the fact that it cost $7.50 in the UK. I purchased some this month. My skeins were all $4.90.

Lynis is going to help me with the blog. She is one of the few canvas teachers in Wales. She is the current Chairman/President of the Embroidery's Guild in Wales. I hope to get her on line soon.

Tisha

NEW ITEMS. LISTED

2011-01-23T21:46:00.001-08:00

I signed onto MSN. My usual Palm Tree icon had become the Super Man Logo. How did the computer know? To be on the safe side, I've switched to the I Pad.

Some of the new items are on the web site. I think my favorite is the Stuff-It microfiber cloth. Small,easy to take along;it cleans your glasses, magnifying glass, cell phone, I Pad,
Camera lens,x etc.

I also need the Needle Minder with magnet. It's a small plastic box with a magnet on top. When I was moving furniture to make room for the Christmas tree, I found half a dozen needles on the floor. This will be the perfect place to store them.

THE SALE ENDS!

2011-01-22T18:12:00.000-08:00

My web hosting company uploaded a new browser so my web site once again follows my instructions.
The sale has come to an end. The most popular sale items were the Multi Flex LED Light & the Canvas Clips

Tomorrow, I will start uploading the first of the new products that have arrived from the TNNA Market.

Tisha

THE SALE CONTINUES!

2011-01-14T19:10:00.000-08:00

My web site is not responding to my commands. Rather than tear my hair out, I've decided to take it as a sign that the sale should continue. ( That's better than saying that I have no choice at the moment.) The sale will contunue until I find a computer tech who can outsmart my web site.

Tisha

All Good Things Come to an End

2011-01-09T23:32:00.000-08:00

We said "Good by" to TNNA this afternoon. It is such fun to see all the new canvases and fibers. I reorganized my unfinished projects last week. Thus, I was able to restrain my personal buying to 1 canvas. I saw several others that I would love to do. As we were leaving, we bumped into the booth that sold lacquer boxes. This particular booth was set up like a tunnel so it was easy to miss. I went back to the car to get my Sue Reed SOTM project. I found a box. The display area is 6 x 6" so I won't have to finish the complete design. We didn't find any boxes large enough for the complete design. I'll post a photo when it is complete.

I am digressing. Our mission was tools & accessories. We finished walking the show. We were in the knitting isles so it didn't take long. We went back to complete our final ordering. Pam makes a map of the booths we need to revisit.

We ordered the EZ-Beader. You secure the disc on the canvas with magnets, sprinkle your beads onto the tacky surface. it comes with it's own Acrylic case. We ordered it's companion, a 50 yd spool of braided crystal bead thread. We got some fun gadgets from the Toy Company. Several items you didn't know you needed. Found inexpensive metallic thread scissors so you can keep a pair in each project (in your dual scissor case of course.). Puffin has new scissors fobs. This year, I liked their Scissor Sitters. Ordered the dog & cat designs as well as the new alpaca. (Looks like a Lama to me).

Pam & I decided that we didn't come away as exhausted as in previous years. I came home & found last year's directory. There were 21 isles last year, only 19 this year. I'm sure there were more exhibitors there today than buyers.

I have decided to extend the 20% off sale on the web site till the end of the week.

Tisha

What's New?

2011-01-09T08:10:00.000-08:00

SuZy Murphy's new book will be in stock next week. Sharon G. Hopes her book will be ready to ship in Feburary. It will be the first in a series. June McNight has a new book of Halloween stitches. When she showed us her canvas of the stitches, we were sold. There is a spider created from beads & a boiling cauldron. The stitch diagrams are in color. This is a must for those who love to stitch Halloween.

We found & ordered the two sided sticky tape. I just read where a stitcher used it to secure her finished canvas into a box top. Speaking of box tops, I have been looking for a box for my Sue Reed SOTM project. No luck so far.

We are off today to do more ordering and search through the remaining isles of knitting & accessories.

Tisha

End Of A Long Day

2011-01-09T00:06:00.000-08:00

Day two at TNNA started with a class by Robin King. She is an amazing stitch planner and loaded with personality! The stitch guide she created for zecca's canvases offered numerous techniques & stitches.

The showroom floor opened at 10 A.M. THere were 17 isles with booths on each side. Six of the isles were devoted to Needlepoint. The remainder were knitting & accessories. We walked till 3 P.M. And still have 5 short rows to finish. The show was smaller than last year. We managed to find a few new treasures. There is still tomorrow.

We had to stop early so we could rest up for my mother's 90th birthday party. Tonight's party was for the family. We had four generations - 21 adults & 5 children. Dad (91) took us all to Donald Trump's Country Club in Palos Verdes for dinner. A great time was had by all. I am so blessed to still have both of my parents. Tomorrow night is the party for their friends at the retirement community, and then another for their old friends who are all younger. And I'm complaining because I'm tired!

Tisha

Day One At TNNA

2011-01-07T22:12:00.001-08:00

Our first day has come to an end. We spent an hour buying fibers at Needlepoint,Ltd in Garden Grove, CA. Diane maintains a huge selection of fibers. Self control is difficult.

We are staying in a Double Tree/Hilton Hotel on the Long Beach Harbor. It was Price Line's choice. I stayed in the same hotel & the same room when Lynis came from Wales three years ago for TNNA. The hotel has been renovated. Ruth Schmuff must have been consulted as the public rooms are fuschia & lime green.

After too short a rest, we took the trolly to the cosnvention center for Sample It. It's a cash & carry where the participating vendors select one item to sell. It is like a feeding frenzy as it only lasts one hour! We moved onto Designers Showcase where various designers were featuring their wares. The Pagoda canvas that Jane of Chilly Hollow stitched for Leigh had it'S own table.
It was fun to chat with former teachers & friends.

We have to be up early tomorrow to attend Ronin's class. She is teaching Zecca's bird & worm class.

Tisha

On The Way To TNNA

2011-01-07T12:51:00.001-08:00

My associate, Pamela & I are on our way to the TNNA Market in Long Beach, CA. We have stopped for lunch to fortify ourselves for our quarterly visit to a needlepoint store. Stay tuned for future updates.

Tisha

Christmas Ornaments

2010-12-31T21:55:00.001-08:00

I have approximately 100 needlepoint Christmas ornaments which I have made through the years. Last year, I was out of town for Christmas. I didn't want to fool with the big tree but, I wanted to display the ornaments as I was entertaining. My solution came from Solutions Catalog in the form of a rod iron tree. The ornaments that didn't fit on the tree hung from the garland on the circular stairs. This year, I did the big tree in red and silver but kept the ornaments on the rod iron tree. After Christmas, my daughter informed me that they liked the needlepoint ornaments on the big tree better as it made it more colorful. Lesson learned: Don't fool with tradition.

Needlepoint Tool Time Sale

2010-12-28T16:43:00.000-08:00

Needlepoint Tool Time is having a Thank You Sale for a great 2010. Anything on the web site is 20% off.
Sale starts now and runs until we return from TNNA Market on January 10th.
http://www.needlepointtooltime.com/

Opps, granddaughters have arrived for dinner & a sleepover.
Tisha

STITCH AND PLAY GETAWAY

2010-12-05T21:56:00.000-08:00

Needlepoint Tool Time is sponsoring a Stitch & Play Getaway in San Francisco March 10 - 13, 2011. I decided that I didn't need another new project to feel guilty about not finishing. Everyone is to bring something from their stash to work on. We have arranged excursions to Marlene's Custom Finishing & Needlepoint Inc. The Getaway will be held at the Triton boutique hotel which is across the street from the Gates of China Town & within walking distance to the needlepoint store & Britex Fabrics. There is an option of a 2 or 3 night stay or a commuter option.

Gina Wearin at Getaways By Gina is taking reservations. Contact her at #541-610-6719 or gina.wearin@getawaysbygina.com. Further details are available on the Needlepoint Tool Time website.

Come join in the fun!
Tisha

NEW MOVIE

2010-12-03T07:09:00.000-08:00

I have been blogging away and it's going no where. Seems I somehow have two blog sites so I've been talking to myself.

Back to the topic of the Blog. I have loaded a new movie onto my web site. A computer tech who calls himself Ace talked me thru the process of posting the movie myself. Ace was also a salesman as he talked me into a toll free number. We put that on the site. I needed a large glass of wine to recover!

http://www.needlepointtooltime.com/

Tisha

RAILROADING

2010-11-09T22:12:00.001-08:00

I learned a new tip from Kathy Paterson of Bongo Design. When using 2 ply, you lay the thread in the direction of the stitch, place your needle between the two ply, and then sink into the hole. This lays the stitch without having to use a laying tool. I am doing wome basketweave with 2 ply wool. I can see the difference between the area that was stitched with a laying tool & the area that was railroaded.The railroad stitches are puffier. Once I got the rythium, I could do this quickly, I liked the result.

Tisha
Needlepoint Tool Time

STITCHSMART FLOOR STAND TIPS

2010-11-07T21:24:00.000-08:00

I took my StitchSmart Stand to Portland. The last day of the class, we had to check out of the hotel so took our luggage to the classroom. When class finished, I opened the suitcase and put my stitching supplies & floor stand on top. When I arrived home, I discovered that Southwest had ripped the handle off my suitcase and put a small dent in the light weight stand. My advice is to pack it in the middle between clothes.
My second discovery is that the pole has a slight curve which should be curving toward the stitcher. It has something to do with gravity and keeps the stand from falling over backwards. When I got to Portland, I was in a hurry and put it together with the curve going the wrong way which is why it kept falling backwards.

We have just finished the first week of November. The desert temperature has been in the 90's. One TV weather man said the temperature will "plummet" next week. Another predicted a dramatic drop in temperature. It's suppose to be in the 80's. We don't have much weather to report here.

Kreinik's Holographic Metallic

2010-10-27T22:48:00.000-07:00

I am using some of the new Kreinik Holographic Metallic thread on my ANG Stitch of the Month project.
The thread unravels.. It became enough of a nuisance, that I went for my Thread Zap. I heated it up and used it like scissors to cut a length of thread. It seared both ends of the fiber as I cut thru it. End of frustration. The Thread Zap can be purchased from http://www.needepointtooltime.com/.
Tisha

ETERNITY

2010-10-25T22:05:00.000-07:00

This is the Eternity canvas that Kathy Paterson designed for the Stitch in Bliss weekend. The Kanji character in the center is worked in Japanese seed beads alternating with black Silk Serica. I will comment another day on Silk Serica. Other fibers included Silk Mori, Silk Bella, Splendor & bugle beads. The piece above was stitched by Carol Wallace. She had more stitched than I did. Kathy did a great job teaching the class. The beginners managed to needlepoint. Kathy unveiled next year's piece. It's a companion piece with a Ginkgo leaf in the center. It's more colorful. Gina Wearin organized the retreat. She managed beautifully. She was able to get us extra lights and large white napkins to make stitching on the black areas easier. More importantly, she had the wine delivered to the stitching room. I was not lonely in my suite as the hotel provided a goldfish as a companion. I was also able to cuddle up in the hotel provided cheetah print bath robe. Tough decision between cheetah & zebra.

I have added several magnets made by Kathy Paterson to the web site. www.needlepointtooltime.com
The Perfect Stitch Laying Tools are once again available.

Tisha

Answer to a Question

2010-10-24T22:38:00.000-07:00

I had a question about where to purchase the canvas clips & what type of frame I was using.
If your local store doesn't stock the Canvas Clips they can be purchased from me at http://www.needlepointtooltime.com/. The stretcher bars are Evertites, also in stock.

Tisha
Needlepoint Tool Time

Stitch in Bliss Retreat

2010-10-24T22:33:00.000-07:00

I have been delayed in posting as I encountered I-Pad drama. The young man at the Genius Bar at our new Apple Store must have been a genius in training. He was able to get my e-mail to send. When I got to the hotel, nothing worked. A woman in our class fixed it for me. Stitchers can do anything!

We are staying at Hotel Monaco a fabulous boutique hotel which is part of the Kimpton Hotel Group. There was a cancellation for the class so I have a suite to myself. I'm happy stitching in my room.

Class started at noon on Friday. Kathy Paterson of Bongo designs is teaching her Eternity design. We have two brave souls in the class who have never done needlepoint. That evening, Needlepoint Plus hosted a very successful cocktail reception for the class. Someday, I'll share the canvas I purchased. We continued on for a group dinner.

Class started at 8:00 AM on Saturday. We were given two and a half hours for lunch and shopping. The Playful Needle is within walking distance (more refreshments for us) as is the Button Emporium & Ribbonry. It was overwhelming! We didn't seem to notice that it was drizzling. Portland is known for it's gourmet food carts. We saw several blocks of carts but, they didn't look gourmet, just wet. We settled for inside dining. The Hotel brought their happy hour to us so stitching and show & tell could continue.

Elizabeth Bozievich, publisher of Needlepoint Now, joined the group today. She says that the printer sends out the magazine across the country in waves. You will eventually get your copy; no need to call.

I-Pad had another drama so I couldn't post until I returned home.

Tisha

OfF ON ANOTHER ADVENTURE

2010-10-20T22:56:00.000-07:00

I seem to be doing more playing than stitching. I'm packing for Portland to attend the Stitch in Bliss retreat. Kathy Paterson of Bongo Designs will be teaching her piece Eternity. I have packed my StitchSmart Stand which weighs four pounds and my MultiFlex (6 Led) Work Light. One of my customers wrote a review of this stand for the ANG Yahoo group recently. She mentiond that it broke down into 3 pieces. I thought it was only two pieces. We learn something every day. I have unpacked my winter clothes for this trip. It was still 100 degrees last week. We've had rain for two days this week. First rain for the desert in 8 months. We were so excited! I have a new I Pad so I will be able to blog from Portland. Class starts on Friday.

Tisha

Needlepoint Tool Time

2010-10-19T10:14:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of the Witch canvas rolled and using the small black canvas clips.

PFOS PROJECT

2010-10-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

When choosing my canvas for the PFOS Retreat, I wanted something small as I didn't have time for another project. The second requirement was for the subject to lend itself for a stitch guide. I searched many artists on line and finally settled for a Witch by Sundance Designs. It was a cone shaped canvas; it appeared to be ornament size. Imagine my horror when Megan informed me the week before the retreat that the canvas was 18" x 28"! With a canvas that big, I'd need my own table! I finally moved into an acceptance mode and figured out how to resolve my dilemma. I took 18" Evertites and rolled the remainder of the canvas. I secured it with the new canvas clips. It worked great.

THE BEGINNING.......

2010-10-18T17:50:00.000-07:00

This is m first post on this new Blog site. Here goes!
I attended the Halloween retreat at Pocket Full of Stitches the last weekend of September. We could choose any Halloween canvas. Julia Snyder did the stitch guides for our canvases. It was such fun as everyone was working on a different canvas. Julia did a great job. The atmosphere was relaxing. The Pockettes are so hospitable and very knowledgeable. Megan & Anna are doing a great job as the new owners. The store is still wonderful but they are slowly adding their own stamp. I suspect they are the youngest store owners in the country. It was a fabulous three days. Tomorrow, I will show you canvas I choose.
Tisha
Needlepoint Tool Time