NEEDLEPOINT NOW

Merry Christmas!

I got great news in the mail the other day: My advance copies of the Jan/Feb issue of Needlepoint Now.

I am proud to announce that my series of Bargello classes begins with this issue. Your Local Needlework Shops should be getting this issue soon, and then of course those of you who subscribe will get yours! This first issue is an introduction to Bargello and then the next several issues will have lessons in 4-way Bargello and other fun techniques.

Happy Stitching New Year to us all!

Boink comments

I am in Reno now and it is very cold, but not snowy yet. Snow is forecast for tonight.

Boink comments:
Yes, I think the little square looks like owls too, which is part of the reason I don't like it!

The canvas I used is just 18-count eggshell, but I painted it brown, using watered down paint and a sea sponge so the color has kind of an overdyed look. I will post the threads when I return to Vegas after the holidays. I didn't bring that project with me.

Boink Square 3

Yesterday I completed the 3rd square on my Boink piece. I am pleased with the resut. At first I thought I'd be able to use Square 1 to set my color key, but once I started Square 3 I realized that wasn't going to work. There would have been way too much metallic. So, using the color palette I have selected, I'll have to arrange the colors as required by each square. I will set up a spreadsheet to keep track!

I also have decided I don't like the 2nd square, the little one, and will take it out and redo it. I used all overdyed thread for it and there is just no definition.

Solar Flare, #3 Progress Report

I have completed one quadrant of Solar Flare and the 4 center cells. Now I can work from the center out which should go much faster.

Wed. we are going up to Reno for 2 weeks for the holidays. I will take Solar Flare with me to work on. I have found a tote bag that is tall enough to fasten when it contains a piece on a frame! Much easier travelling!

Solar Flare - 2nd Progress Report

Yesterday and today I got quite a lot done on Solar Flare. It is going faster as I get the hang of it.

Boink Square Two

Last night I got my Boink out and finished Square Two. It is all in one color of overdyed floss, although I did manipulate it some. Now I will work on getting more of the border outlines done as I do not plan to stitch the rest of the squares in order.

I'm also working some everyday on Ro Pace's pilot class piece, I'll post a pic when I complete a section.

Today a friend and I went to the LNS and I purchased some threads and the two (!) Mirabilia charts, Maidens of the Seasons. I may never get the time to stitch them, but they're really pretty!

We had a lovely Thanksgiving holiday, with my sister-in-law & brother-in-law and their two Australian Shepherds. We did fun things and had lots of good food! One of the fun things we did was to go see the Cirque d'Soleil show, "Ka". It was magnificent, awesome, etc., etc. I hope everyone had as nice a holiday weekend as we did!

At last, I have completed my "secret" needlepoint. I will post pictures after the intended recipient has opened her gift!

Now I can get to work on all the projects that have been on hold, including Ro Pace's pilot class piece, and the Boink project, among lots of other things! I will get some pictures posted as soon as I make noticeable progress on something!