Needle Delights Originals

is the third and final release for Nashville. I've shared the progress of this and here is the final version - it ended up 10x10, mostly because I was out of canvas! As it was, I had to sew muslin around the edges in order to frame it! When I originally started stitching, I actually thought I was going to do a small design but it just kept growing and growing! After each round, it could have been complete but I just envisioned more in my head! I seriously considered stopping after the third round - at that point the finished size was a little over 5 inches and would have looked fabulous in a black lacquered box. However, I kept going and ended up with this! It's all overdyed Vineyard Silk from ThreadworX - if you know me at all, you know I just love stitching with this thread! Of course, you could do whatever you like...even change the order of the squares, colors, or types of thread!  Check with your local shop to see if they are attending Nashville - they can bring patt...

I'll be releasing Color Delights - Sky at the Nashville show. This was a fun piece to stitch and I hope you like it! It's #39 in the series - at 4x4 finished, they're quick to stitch and great travel projects. Next on the agenda is Eggplant - it got the most votes a few weeks ago. Seafoam is already done as I had threads pulled but it won't be released for a few months. Here's a tiny peek as it's mostly covered by the threads I was using! Tomorrow I'll post the last of my releases for Nashville!  Kathy

Due to popular demand, registration for Starstruck, my Mystery class has reopened. Now that people are stitching the first lesson and posting photos, you can see a little more of it. With class being six months (ending in July), there is still plenty of time for latecomers to fully participate in the class. If you've decided you must join the fun, you may sign up until February 19th - we'd love to have you. If you need more info, here's  where I originally talked about it. Many of you know I'll be attending Needlework Tradeshow (wholesale only; not open to the public) in Nashville at the end of the month. There's a lot of buzz about the show - it's sold out and lots of shops have registered to come. I'll be releasing three new patterns and here's the first - I'll be showing them to you over the next few days so stay tuned...  Roseto (Italian for Rose Garden) was inspired by the Gloriana thread "Flowers of Italy" - I used the silk floss ...

If you're taking my Mystery class through Shining Needle, it's supposed to start Sunday, February 1st. HOWEVER, I just posted the fist lesson. Go check your email and thread your needles!! Until later,  Kathy

from kitting and mailing Mystery kits. I'm still waiting on a few backordered threads - they always seem to cause delays no matter how far in advance I plan or order...They'll get here soon I hope! I've managed to get in a little stitching this month - that's the good news. Here's a frustrating moment I'll share with you. I completely finished stitching a new design last night (name to be determined...suggestions welcome even though you're only seeing a little!). Notice the canvas threads in the bottom left corner of the overdye border...yes, I ran out and don't have more. I used this thread for a major motif and didn't like it so ripped it out. Of course, I emptied my little ort basket the night before I finished this and didn't think it wise to pick through the coffee grounds to try and find a little piece. I'll be making a call to Gloriana tomorrow to beg for a piece to be mailed asap! The good news is I'll be releasing this at the t...

I'm finishing up gift wrapping today and packing to leave tomorrow. I'll be spending Christmas week in North Carolina and hoping for a white and not too wet Christmas. There's only a small chance of snow but I remain ever hopeful! I'm packing my computer to keep up with the Mystery class registrations - the deadline is December 31st so if you want to suggest as a gift for someone, there's still time! And because I can, I'll show you another small piece of  Starstruck! Here's the link to the info in case you want to forward it to someone :) https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/46618682/SNS_Starstruck%20Mystery%20Announcement2014.pdf   While the laundry's going, I'm thinking about stitching and quilting projects to take - I'm sure I'll end up with at least 10 things. It's so much harder to decide what projects to take than what clothes to take! I'm sure you can all relate... Happy Holidays!! Kathy

 I'm so excited to officially be able to announce a new teaching piece! It is only available as an American Needlepoint Guild Correspondence Course.  Inspired by the incredible work of Jean Hilton, Spirit of Jean is the result of my admiration and respect for the great contribution she made to the needlepoint world. In using many of the stitches she created, this design is my tribute to her and I felt her spirit as I stitched it. Several colorways are available ( http://www.needlepoint.org/CorrClasses/classes/spirit-of-jean.php ). One of the great things about an ANG Correspondence Course is the ability to send your work to the instructor for a critique (it comes back to you!). You don't have to send it but it's a wonderful educational opportunity. You have to be a member of ANG to take the course - you can take it as an individual or your Chapter may elect to take it as a Group. You don't have to have a local ANG Chapter to be a member. I personally d...