Grandpa and Punchneedle Embroidery

Since the post yesterday, I've had several people inquire about Punchneedle Embroidery.  So here is a little bit of information about Punchneedle and Grandpa :)

Rick's parents, Dick and Dolores (Grandpa and Grandma) came to visit last month.  I was showing Grandma and Grandpa the Punchneedle piece I was working on.  Grandpa asked me to show him how I was doing it and I gave him a little lesson (mind you, I'm no authority on the subject!). 

I gave each of them a Cameo Punchneedle and some thread.  I started with the Cameo Punchneedle and I found it very easy to learn with.  It can easily be adjusted for the length of the loop.  I now use the Super Luxo Punchneedles because I like to take the handle off and just use the tip.  Any thread that will go through your needle will work!!!  You do need a good hoop with a rim that will hold the fabric taunt.  It needs to be as tight as a drum.  I use a frame (you can see Grandpa is using my frame) .  The Round-About Punchneedle Frame has the same type of carding as mine does.  It really holds the fabric taunt.

I gave Grandpa this pattern from the M Shaw Collection.  Look what he did in just 2 days.  Punchneedle goes fairly quickly compared to may other forms of embroidery.  If you are ever interested in learning Punchneedle the book I would recommend is Punchneedle, The Complete Guide by Marinda Stewart.  It is the best I have found.

Marinda's instructions are very clear with photos and lots of examples of Punchneedle being used in a variety of ways.  There are lots of other wonderful Punchneedle books out there as well.  Marinda's is just my favorite.

On another note, today is the last day for the Fall into Fall Quilt Bloggers Giveaways.  So if you have not clicked on the Scarecrow and hopped around entering some wonderful giveaways....you better get hopping!!!

Smiles,

Kelly

Spring Is Almost Here...I Have Buds

Spring is almost here. I have buds on my tulips!!!! Hurray. I'd go out and take a picture of them and paste it here....but it is dark outside now. So instead, I put a picture of a recent punchneedle project I completed. The pattern is by Angela Anderson . She offered it as a give away back in March. If I were a faster reader I would have realized I had to have it done by March 16th. When I became aware of the deadline, I realized I had to commit myself to sitting down and finishing the project. As life happens, Zach got sick....my business picked up....it was always something. I was mortified that I let Angela down. I e-mailed her and asked what I could do to make amends. I believe in making amends. She said it was OK she understood. So I sat down and finished the pattern on Saturday. I'm so proud of how well it turned out. I've only made about 6 pieces of punchneedle. I have a long way to go but I'm still happy with my progress so far. I used regular sewing thread for all but the center.

Speaking of things taking off....I can't believe how many hits and visits I've had on my blog on Easter Sunday. Geez, I never thought Easter Sunday would be a day to get on the computer. I'm so very pleased with the feedback I've been getting. Thank you all for your kind words and suggestions.

Speaking of suggestions, someone asked about a dust cover for the NEW Easy Reach Carousels. There has been a pattern added to my website for the dust cover for the Easy Reach Thread Carousel. Now that is fast!!! Thanks to Virginia!

I received lots of positive comments on the gifts I've received. That was nice too. Many people e-mailed me wanting one of Mary Jane's "Bosom Pin Cushions." So I added 4 to my website as well. So if you want to own one of those beautiful Bosom Cushions....just feel free to click on over to the shop and order yourself one. While you are at it....order one for a stitching friend's birthday too :)

Need some feedback here: I have an idea to add a book dedication page to my website. Anyone who wanted to dedicate a sewing book/DVD in honor of someone/anyone or group could purchase the book from me (at cost plus postage to send it to the designated Library or Guild) and I would then send it to a library of choice or to a guild of choice. Do you think that would be a good program? Any other ideas like that? Please let me know. I'm all for giving back and I think that might be a wonderful way to honor a loved one or friend. Just post your comments so I can get more ideas. I would somehow get a "book plate" or something dedicating the book/DVD to affix to the book/DVD.

Hugs,

Kelly