Monday, December 2, 2013

Jan Takes Rug Making in a New Direction UPDATED

Jan of Thread Medley is going to change the direction of her reproduction rugs to make smaller pieces since larger rugs are rapidly taking over her house. As she thinks about using Congress cloth and 18 count needlepoint canvas for the next design, she is asking if folks would like to work with her on their own reproduction rugs. Here are the details. If you want to venture on a rug adventure, there is no better guide, so let Jan know if you are on board. 
http://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2013/11/28/would-you-like-to-come-along/

UPDATE:  I was exploring Jan's website this morning and realized she has a mini version of what her Yahoo Group will cover there.  Reading this will soon tell you if you are interested in working on a rug with her help.
http://www.threadmedley.com/Thread_Medley/Adapting_Needlepoint_-_How_To.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Brave AND Bad

I stumbled across an interesting essay this morning written by Elizabeth Braun, whose wonderful embroidery blog I enjoy reading periodically.  It's all about the courage to be bad, and how that fits into the Art Every Day project.
http://sew-in-love.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-courage-to-be-bad-introducing-art.html#.UpSqhJHnnHg

Since I needlepoint every day anyhow, I won't be participating in the project but Elizabeth's comment about "the courage to be bad" sparked a brief essay from me today.  I know a lot of folks think I am just wildly talented and that they could never do what I do.  WRONG.

The difference between me and a run of the mill stitcher?  I am never afraid.

I am never afraid of ripping something out.  One of the finest stitchers I know once told me that the more I ripped out, the better a stitcher I would be.  I think she was right.  If you rip out, you are saying that you are experienced enough to know that something is wrong and you are clever enough to make it better.   Ripping out proves you are learning and getting better.

I am never afraid of trying something new. At the worst I'll know I don't enjoy something and can take another path in my stitching next time.  At best, I'll learn something really neat that will make my next project even more interesting.  

If you are like me, you are not afraid to fail.  So what?  If it doesn't work, it still taught me something and if I am lucky, my dud will be useful to post on Blog to show what not to do.  I I am REALLY lucky, I will figure a way around the problem that raises my stitching above the normal to extraordinary.  I can always rip it out and try again anyway.

So promise me you will be brave, just for today.  After all, good girls (and boys) go to heaven and bad girls (and boys) go everywhere....

See you Everywhere!
Hugs from CH,
me

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Playing With Color

DebBee's Designs are all created in black and white--I didn't know that. Then Debbie runs riot choosing colors.   You can see some of the variations she has done at her blog.  Don't miss the Stitchers Gallery section to see more.
http://debbeesdesigns.com/DDWrdPrs/2013/11/13/thinking-colorful-thoughts/

Counted canvas work folks are so brave with color!  I am envious.
http://debbeesdesigns.com/DDWrdPrs/stitchers-gallery/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.