How Cute Are These Girls?

Look how darling Patt's, of Patt and Lee Designs, Geisha kitties turned out. Now you see how wonderful the design is when both kitties are stitched with white fur. The whimsy just jumps out at you. We were both stitching these simultaneously and I think I must have borrowed her technique for the hair ornaments as I see how similar they are. Thank you Patt for letting me publish your finished piece; I love everything you did with them too. And for those of you that haven't ventured onto their website, you are missing out on some very charming, beautifully executed painted canvas designs with a special flare for Asian and, naturally, Cat inspired pieces. Oh, and by the way, did I mention that the Geisha Kitties are her creation? Thanks Patt!

Back From the Framer

Gossipy Geisha Kitties designed by Patt and Lee Designs
This was a very fun canvas to stitch. The original design depicted both kitties with white fur; I contemplated changing the fur color and ultimately decided to go with tabby colors. After living with the change for a month or so I stayed with the change.
The canvas was painted on interlock canvas, a departure from the mono canvas I was used to, and the differences though slight are not visible in the finished piece. After all was said and done, I would use interlock canvas again to keep costs down, but prefer to stitch with the more flexible mono canvas if given the choice.

A triple mat and black frame were selected but a less visible fourth "under mat" was used as a background, adding color to the areas of the canvas that were not filled with stitches. This subtle use of color changes the overall look of the stitched design, i.e. yellow was used in this case, if white would have been used the look would have been noticeably brighter.

"All in good time, my pretty

all in good time." Cackled the wicked witch of the West. I've been wanting to get back to the gossipy kitties but haven't had the chance. Too much computer? Maybe, but I am also working on a major project designed and taught by Marnie Ritter.


This was one of my "hopefuls" as listed in my '09 stitching queue. I lucked out and happen to be stitching her Renaissance beauty. Learning a number of different stitches, including beading and the use of specialty threads, make this a fabulously fun project, as is the teacher (vying for teachers pet?...you betcha!). Under her expert tutelage along with her written instructions it's moving along very quickly. A somewhat involved piece, in other words not something I can mindlessly stitch away on while riding in a car, etc., I am always anxious to get back to whenever I have to put it down...like to go to bed or some other stitching interrupting event. Take a look here and see for yourself this awe-inspiring canvas created by an exceptional teacher. http://www.callawaygardens.com/callaway/info/things.needlearts.coursedescriptions.aspx


Another dream come true, I've lucked out and will be stitching a second project listed on my "hopefuls" queue. This time it's Caela Tyler's interpretation of a Monet painting, "Red Kerchief." OMG, this is an extraordinary piece using new (to me) techniques and a variety of stitches. I would describe it as two-dimensional and really quite unique. I am so looking forward to the opportunity to stitch this creative project by a truly remarkable and gifted teacher. Caela will be teaching this at the upcoming ANG National Seminar this Fall, you can see it here http://www.needlepoint.org/Seminar-09/classes/2day/22930.php --quick get a tissue, you'll be drooling! Better yet, sign up for the class!


Talk about getting carried away. I really got ahead of myself, by several months in fact. You must admit for a canvas worker these are very exciting projects.


Back to my beloved furry geisha. Next up I will finish the background areas and the details on their faces. I am currently working on the hair ornaments too and finally their furry heads. What you won't see...I got their ears waaaaaaaaaaay too pink. Lookin' more like bunny ears. Frog frog :) Don't forget, the kitties are the creation of Patt and Lee Designs. These and many more adorable canvases can be found at http://www.pattandleedesigns.com/. Go for it!



Before signing off today, I wanted to let you know that the second half of the Golden Reminiscence program I was leading finished up last night at my local ANG Chapter. It was a fabulous class with everyone making a lot of progress. We tried something new and used a "breakout" room for the class and it made all the difference. No distractions, excellent camaraderie and much progress in a very relaxed setting. I know this was a good experience for me and I am anxiously awaiting to see the final versions. There were about 15 there last night and one had already completed it and it was beautiful! Congratulations Vicki S., how about a picture? Everyone did their own thing as far as colorway and jewel embellishment. Fun.


Thanks again for visiting, see you soon.