In early 2007

Woops! Make that early 2008...I agreed to lead a program for a local ANG Chapter. I was honored by the request and as usual immediately began working on the project. The project, Golden Reminiscence, designed by a very talented Carolyn Mitchell, is included in ANG's Chapter Project Book. This manual is a great resource utilized by Chapter Program Chairmen to bring to the membership new and appealing programs not otherwise available.

My renditions of Golden Rem are shown on my blog under 2008 finishes. Designed for needlepoint, this particular piece was created to showcase a piece of jewelry or other ornamental embellishment. I was looking forward to seeing what everyone brought in along with their own matching thread colorway. We had pieces of antique jewelry, a tiny dragonfly embedded in amber like glass, a brooch and many other fine ideas to feature on the finished canvas.

It has been a while since I had lead a program and though I wouldn't exactly say I was insecure, I will admit to stitching two pilot samples and then started a third a few days prior to the class. I made notes along the way of each subtle or not so subtle snafu I came upon; which by the way were few. But everyone has their own strength's and weakness' and I made note of those that were mine relative to Golden Rem. I always appreciate knowing what to look out for or any tip that helps improve my stitching.

So last evening was the first session of the 2-part class. There were 17 or so participants that had signed up though we had just shy of that number in attendance. I was acquainted with only about half of the class which surprised me, but happily so. This was a spirited group and I must say that I was inadequate to compete with the ancillary chatter taking place throughout the evening. It's funny how different the perspective when your leading a class vs. taking a class. As a student, you focus on the teacher (ideally) and your stitching; as the teacher you focus on everything, teaching, questions, individual needs, standing, and even the lively gab of students reuniting with old friends and making new.

The class was asked in advanced to have their needlepoint canvas mounted on stretchers and center marked so we could get to our stitching. Our charge for the night was to complete six stitches making up one quadrant of the center design. We got through four and, thankfully, the instruction booklet was totally adequate for this group to follow and complete the homework for next month. Though I do wish that we had more time, isn't that always the way? Thinking back I should have taken more control, like a school teacher, cutting down on the socializing of several. But that's part of the fun of sharing our hobby, we catch up and enjoy each other's company. It's just one of the inherent hazards of the adult classroom...or perhaps any classroom.

Most of the class stuck to the task at hand, for which I was grateful; I was, however, happy and at peace knowing this was not a class in how to achieve world peace or dismantle a nuclear device, thereby keeping the whole thing in perspective. Otherwise, I might have let it bother me when I was scolded for not kitting up the project, lessening the cost for each individual. Hey girl, I'm just the messenger. Never mind that each student was to choose their own colors based on their individual embellishment. Sheeesh.

But I do understand the need to economize these days and usually shop in my own stash. I did just that on my first rendering but followed the designer's selection on the second. I love shopping in my stash, but then again I also love shopping in my LNS stash too!:) Whatever works. We did keep the cost of this 2-part class down to $5.00 to cover the copying of the 20 page instruction booklet complete with page protectors and folder. Oh, for the copyright police, the copying and distribution is totally permissible for the exclusive purpose of using the design in a Chapter sponsored program. In the end I hope most felt it was a bargain.

So today I am relaxing a bit, blogging, checking emails, all the while secretly thinking of the next stitch to use on my gossiping geishas. Yes, I said next stitch.....I know, I know a picture will soon follow. I do want to thank you for listening to my verbiage this day. Thinking aloud mostly. Hope you're enjoying your stitching each and every day, including this one of historic precedent.

Upcoming Chapter Project

This geometric design, Golden Reminiscence, is from the ANG Project Book. It was designed by Carolyn Mitchell. I will be leading this program at our local ANG chapter meeting in Jan/Feb 2009. The idea of the project is to feature a piece of vintage jewelry or other adornment on a canvas. It was fun going through the back of my old jewelry box and finding that vintage pin. In the case of the pillow, the colorway was suggested by the designer. The piece on the left was stitched using materials from my stash. I chose threads that were of compatible weight and characteristic as those recommended by the designer. The pillow is from a group of self finishing products called, "Plumpers" from Trail Creek Farm http://www.trailcreekfarm.com/. It's one of the finishing pieces I got from my spree at PFOS.

I didn't use jewelry on the framed piece; I used beach glass collected by a dear friend long since passed. In case you cannot tell, the green stuff in the lower right corner is a stylized angel made from the beach glass.

The framed piece was done first just as a "dry run" to get familiar with stitches, etc. before trying to lead others in a teaching program. I took notes and made observations about various stitch and thread nuances. Was quite fun and worked up very quickly at only 5.5" x 6". I had been wanting to get it up on the blog, but needed to wait until it was first displayed at our Chapter meeting.

I didn't have much trouble except when using the Antica, a Caron metallic, that is used to stitch the Van Dyke around the perimeter of and across the design. It easily unravels and you really have to use your fingers when dealing with this particular thread. The pillow was embellished with an old sentimental pin that I've had for many years. In each case I chose to embellish with something that has personal significance for me.

Next up: I have completed the stitching and expect to have the Lite Stitches Elk framed and up by next week. I am also anxious to show you what I've done with my Halloween Fairy canvas, and the kimono is at my sewing machine as I write. Tomorrow I will volunteer in the morning and hope to make some progress in the afternoon. Keep coming back.