Halloween Punchneedle Fun

When I was at the Needle Arts Guild of Toledo show on Friday I started a new project. I was inspired by seeing someone else working on a Halloween pattern. So I pulled my Lizzie Kate pattern out and started working on it.

This is my first little square. Isn't it so darn cute? I just love it. Punchneedle is so much fun....it goes quickly and the sky is the limit as far as designs go. I wanted something fun that the boys could enjoy. They love watching me punch. Zach and Aaron have both practiced punching with my punchneedle. They punch for a few minutes....then they are off to do something that makes noise!!!

This is the pattern I'm working from. It comes with the design on the weavers cloth....yippee....no tracing :)
I used the colors I had and mixed some threads together. I think I'm going to put them onto a box and put candy in the box on the counter. Unless of course I find another good idea before I get to that stage....

Smiles,
Kelly

Toledo Needle Arts Guild "Get It Finished"

Our last meeting was the "Get It Finished" entries. I think Nikki Belitz had almost two entire tables full. Her work was not only beautiful but very festive. She loves Halloween and she allowed me to photograph some of her Punchneedle to share with you on my blog. I hope to get the pattern authors correct here:

The first two, Autumn Gathering Bags are from Stone and Thread.

This is Two Birds on a Branch Pincushion by Kindred Spirits Designs.

This is Boo Kitty by Theresa Kogut Inc. Theresa happens to be in our guild too. You have to check out her site...she is a very talented artist. I love the frame on this one too. Nikki really finishes her work beautifully.

Meet Wacky Witch by Pine Mountain Designs. Now this is what I call a celebration of Halloween :)

Night Watch by Threads That Bind. The colors in this piece really pop. Nikki does a great job of mixing her threads too.

Mini Pumpkins was designed by Barb Kemp of Hooked on Rugs. I just so happen to have Barbara's book, Punchneedle Embroidery, on the front of my website too. She has some wonderful designs.

This one is Harvest Home by Pine Mountain Needle Works.

Star Pumpkin is a Chessie & Me pattern by Linda Lautenschlager. I'm working on putting her link in here. When I hear back from her, I'll add the link.

Cat in the Jack is the title of this one. It is by Brenda at Country Stitches. Brenda has a blog that is fun too.

Every one of these were done by Nikki....isn't that amazing? For me it is. I'm hoping she enters these in our Needle Work Exhibit on Sept. 25th and 26th. Otherwise I'll finish up some of mine and people will have a shabby impression of how wonderful Punchneedle Embroidery can be. She has so many more that I did not post.

Nikki, Thank You so much for sharing your beautiful work with everyone. I love to show other people's work because I believe it inspires others to try something new and/or inspires them to continue to create.

Smiles,

Kelly

PS....Starr....better get home from the lake...we have lots of lessons to get me up to speed :)

I Won Miranda Stewart's New Punchneedle Book at Quilt Market

I had goosebumps when they called my name and I won Miranda's new book, "Punchneedle The Complete Guide". Woooo Hoooooo I wanted to jump up and hug her on the spot. You'll be so pleased to hear that I did not give in to my impulse. Instead I smiled very wide and said, "Thank You Marinda."

Marinda and her new book. She is such a beautiful woman. I wish my picture would have come out better. But it didn't so you will have to just imagine her beautiful eyes and smile.

Photo Album

Dinner Napkin

Picture

Eye Glass Case

Marinda said that any type of thread that will go through your needle and stay in your cloth can be used for Punchneedle. Now that is a gal after my own heart. Different threads make different textures and leave different sheens. My girlfriend, Starr, told me the same thing. These ladies have over 60 years of experience between them so I'm guessing they really know what they are talking about.

Punchneedle is fun and not very difficult to learn. It does take a little practice but honestly you will be able to make something fun in just a few hours. I prefer the Super Luxo needles but I don't use the handle. Starr taught me to put the needle into a pencil eraser and punch using just the needle. I think there are 4 needles in the Super Luxo set....it is late and I'm tired...so don't quote me (you've probably learned by now not to ever quote me anyway....it could get you into a lot of trouble....it does me) ....check my site under Punchneedle and the pictures are there.

This is a description of Marinda's book:

This book is a complete guide to the art of traditional punchneedle, an embroidery technique using a punch needed to create designs with looped thread. It includes a brief history of the Russian origins of the technique, along with a comprehensive review of the tools and materials used. Each technique is illustrated with a small sample and instructions so that you can try out the technique. Marinda also teaches you how to use punchneedle embroidery on a wide range of background fabrics - from rough and earth silk tussah to the finest velvet - and how to create an enormous number of textures and effects.

Have a great day!!!

Kelly