Needlepoint Classes for All Skill Levels

Monday, June 03, 2013

Summer and Early Autumn Class Schedule

Our Summer and Early Fall class lineup is developed as a progression of techniques for textured stitches and shading from easier to more difficult. 

Consider these as a course of study over time.

There’s no “bling” in any of these classes.. and by that we mean we are using creative stitches to make for beautiful canvases with lovely threads without beads, ribbons or other things that some folks use to embellish canvases.

The classes start at a particular time, but you can work the canvas(es) you selected at your own pace.

Take one each month or any combination and fill your canvases with excitement and joy.

  • Classes in each month focus on different techniques.  None of the techniques are repeated so there’s plenty of opportunity to learn

  • There are classes for textured background stitches and techniques for small areas, as well as shading techniques.

  • There are various types of fiber. Learn how to create different effect with different types of wool, stranded or non-stranded silk, or how to get the most from cotton threads.

  • Our classes offer specific easy to follow instructions, with opportunities to ask questions and get one on one help

June 2013

  • June 11 .. Amaryllis -  Piet Mondrian created this lovely single flower. We're using it as the basis for a sampling of a variety of exciting needlepoint techniques made easy. You'll love the way stitches can mimic different elements of the image in this great class. Click here for a link to the class kit.
  • June 25 … Robin - This mid-century modern bird is a perfect first needlepoint project. Learn two types of Tent in this class in easy-to-use wool. Even experienced stitchers will love this bold and friendly bird. Click here for a link to the class kit.
  • June 30  Afternoon Pond - A variety of textured stitches and easy techniques combine to give this contemporary landscape a feeling of depth. You'll learn how your choice of stitch and thread can create a lovely landscape using ideas from the  Art and Technique Beginning Landscapes book. Click here for a link to the class kit.

July 2013

  • July 15…  Three Kids Ornaments  This trio of canvases teaches a wealth of techniques and effects for small areas that make the stitching jump out and sing. Click here for a link to the class kit.

August 2013

  • August 5 …Painted Next by Meagher Using multi-colored over dye threads learn easy techniques to create wonderful shaded effects. A link to the class kit.

September 2013

  • Sept 16 …  Colorful Pansies - These bright and colorful pansies are a perfect project to explore methods of stitching flowers from the upcoming Art & Needlepoint book, In Bloom. Learn several ways to make lovely and realistic flowers. Click here for a link to the class kit.
  • Sept 22 .. Benediction  This is a three part series beginning in September, ending in November where we cover various techniques and texture for shapes that go in different directions, small and large areas and a lot of shading. This is a group project.. more information as we get closer to the date.

 

ONE DAY SALE _ LIMITED QUANTITIES - BIG SAVINGS

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

OUR ONE DAY SALE IS ON TODAY

30% off ANY OF THE SELECTED CANVASES BELOW IN THE MESH INDICATED

ONLY THOSE ON THE LIST APPLY 

Limited quantities ...


USE STITCHME IN THE DISCOUNT CODE BOX AT CHECKOUT OR WiTH US ON THE PHONE


Four Women 14mesh

Blue Tit Bird - 14 mesh

Woman and Roses 14 mesh

Elegant Parfum Clutch on 16 mesh

Dog Mosaic in 14 mesh

Colorful Bubbles in 14 mesh

Girl Cecil Alden 14 mesh

Cotswold in Autumn in 14 mesh

Cell Fever in 14 mesh

Cactus Flower in 14 mesh

Blue Sail 14 mesh

Compass Backgammon on 14 mesh

Girl Seated on 14 mesh

Fireman and Friend on 14 mesh

Doves Urn on 14 mesh

Hot Love Tea 14 mesh

Leaves & Roots 14 mesh

Hilltown KIt 14 mesh

Parrot Tulip 14 mesh

Poppy Kit 14 mesh

Threes a Crowd  on 14 mesh

Judaic Papercut  on 18 mesh

Butterfly 14 mesh

Lady in Blue 14 mesh

Santa 14 mesh

Warm Winter Blessings Kit 14 mesh

 Sea Life  14 mesh

Enjoy the Read

Saturday, April 06, 2013
http://thetextileblog.blogspot.com/2013/03/sacred-stitches-ecclesiastical.html

The Journey of the Iberian Patchwork

Thursday, March 14, 2013



As I thoroughly enjoy doing needlepoint and have had varied experiences over the years, I was looking for a long-term project that would offer me new challenges in my recent retirement.   When I discovered artneedlelpoint.comon line, I was excited about the possibilities it offered. I spoke to Doreen who answered all my questions candidly, so I was able to focus on two painterly canvases that “spoke” to me.  The cost made me pause, but I took the big plunge with the rationalization that retirement encourages such undertakings and it’s cheaper than therapy. 

 

Two years and four months later, my canvas is complete!  At first, the large 36” by 29” canvas felt overwhelming, so I followed Doreen’s advice to start with the areas using one solid color.  This helped me find the number of silk threads that seemed best for this canvas and helped me establish a comfortable rhythm.  I then started in the left hand corner combining several different colored threads to create a new one.  Some trial and error was involved, but I soon got the hang of it.  I was hooked! I worked across the top of the canvas and then down from left to right. Though technically I was “working” on my canvas, I have to admit I enjoyed every moment.  It became a comforting evening activity. The rhythm of stitching seems to relax me and I get so much satisfaction out of completing a section and seeing the picture come to life.  Best of all, I can’t snack while doing needlepoint.                                                                                                                

 

So, I recommend taking the plunge on that overly ambitious project.  However, be forewarned that needlepoint can become addictive.  I’m simultaneously sad that my picture is complete and proud of the handsome picture in my living room.

 

Judy Richards

The picture is upside down and when we figure out how to correct, we will... 

if you would like a larger picture please email.

Why I love needlepoint!

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Let us know three reasons why you love needlepoint 

or three things you would like to learn about needlepoint

and we will send you three skeins of pearle cotton for free!

Please make sure we have your mailing address.

Offer valid through January 22, 2013



Back Stitch Please

Sunday, September 02, 2012
The Backstitch. 

This stitch is one of the most important stitches you will learn. It gives depth, definition, and detail to a project.

It defines stitches that might otherwise be lost on a canvas, such as the Stem stitch. 

Backstitch is used to define the area between the diagonal stitches. 

Using two colors makes a nice overall look for this stitch. 

Using the backstitch to cover the area between a block such as the Algerian Eye stitch where there may be some white from the canvas showing. 

The backstitch can be used with various types of stitches besides being used to outline an area on the canvas. In the sample below, the circle was backstitched to outline it and show it off a little bit. 

Using a backstitch between the Satin stitches at the top of this sample gives the area a definite depth that will look like a ridged area.

While not every area on your canvas needs to be backstitched, when you are planning your stitches make sure to add this stitch.

Needlepoint Retreat - Close to Needlepoint

Monday, July 23, 2012


Looking for a Needlepoint Retreat 

that promises you'll learn and have fun?

Artist Tina Close

and 

The Art Needlepoint Company 

invite you to:

Close Creativity and Needlepoint

Kent, CT

October 12 -13, 2012


Artist Tina Close is part of a very creative family. Her sister Glenn is an actress, her brother Sandy an inventor, and her youngest sister Jessie is a writer and speaker for Bring Change 2 Mind.

Kent, CT is a lovely art community, nestled in beautiful countryside, which Yankee magazine has declared is the best place in New England for leaf peeing.

Our retreat will be one day 

Saturday  -  October 13th, 2012  from 9:00 am forward.  

There will be a morning and afternoon session, with a lunch break at the Fife N Drum (spectacular wine cellar and menu and we'll wind the day down with a gourmet dinner!

In the morning we'll discuss the creative process and needlepoint, where you'll learn about color, balance and many stitching techniques to help create your canvas.  You'll create your own stitch guide for the Tina Close canvas of your choice - and have lots of help and encouragement - and a good deal of fun.

Tina is both an artist and a needlewoman, so she is quite familiar with the idea of interpretation or painting with threads.


The package cost is $375 and includes:

 the full day of instruction, 

a canvas of your choice with threads,

 a stitch guide,

 lunch, dinner and a full goodie bag.


Sign up early as space is very limited!


If you wish to drive to Kent for the day you may want to consider coming in the on Friday night and staying at the Fife'n Drum Inn so you can have a fresh start on the day on Saturday.

We have reserved all of the rooms at the Fife' n Drum or you can stay at any of the other charming inns in the area.

You can make your own reservations or we will be happy to reserve a room for you when you register for the retreat.


When you register let us know what canvas you are interested in stitching and we will select appropriate threads - and bring your kit to the retreat.


Early birds:  Reserve your space with a deposit of half the cost by August 20th

Save 10% on the event pricing 


Payment in Full required by September 10, 2012


call or email us with any further questions.

 







Congratulations Priscilla !

Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Here follows the entry from Priscilla who has won $400 of her choice of canvases!!!

The following is my entry into your Treasure Hunt Contest which concludes on June 24, 2012

Clue One: Go to the Whitney Museum online.
Find the Mapplethorpe of two men from1984. Write down the title of the Mapplethorpe.

Answer to clue 1 :  Ken Moody and Robert Sherman, 1984 
 Impression – Art
 
Clue Two: Go to the Matrix
After visiting this site and any other sites
or books you care to read about baboons,
write down why baboons make faces and what their faces mean.
 
Answer to clue 2:
Why Do Baboons Make Faces?
Baboons make a lot of faces. Sometimes they look as if they are smiling. Sometimes they raise their eyebrows. Or they can even make a face like the one you see here. Whatever face a baboon makes, the face sends information to other baboons.
Baboons are social animals. They live in troops, or large groups. Good communication between troop members is important. It can help prevent fights. And it can keep everybody safe.
When a baboon makes a face, it is trying to communicate a specific message. If a baboon shows off its sharp teeth, it’s telling other baboons, “Be careful or else!” If a baboon grins, it’s telling another baboon, “I’m sorry.”
 Impression: Communication
Clue Three:
Go  to Creative Roots which is a young website (yes even websites can get old)
which showcases various types of art from countries from all over the world. 
Find three examples of art made into household objects and write down what you selected by name and what they have in common.

Creative roots website

Answer to clue 3: New Zealand maori decorated packaging, Portuguese heritage side board, Oslo ceramic coasters.    Impression: they all have in common - Practical and useful beauty

 

All Blacks New Zealand packaging

 

Portuguese heritage sideboard


 
Oslo Ceramic Coasters
 
 
 
Clue Four:
it's a word that is in every one of our newsletters and on our website.
It is something we all have in common.
Answer to Clue 4: needlepoint or stitching is the common word used in newsletters

Answer to Clue 5: Enrich is the word referred to by clue

Clue Six:  Epiicurean and William Morris
 
Answer to Clue 6:
epicurean ,William Morris :  describes a person who expressed appreciation for the beauty of  nature through practical applications in daily life, such as fabric design, wallpaper, carpets, etc.
 
 
1.Create a sentence from the clues above
 
My sentence: Needlepoint enriches my life and makes it possible for me to communicate my appreciation for the beauty of nature and my desire for artistic expression through the practicality of creating useful and beautiful adornments for my home and my friends.

Thank you for this opportunity to enter you contest!
Priscilla

Treasure Hunt - $400 worth of Products Give Away!

Monday, June 18, 2012
Last summer we began a six part treasure hunt.  Any one who follows the trail and answers the final question correctly wins $400 in merchandise of your choosing.

The rules are pretty simple.  You must provide us with your name, address and phone in addition to your email address when receiving the newsletters to be considered as a finalist.  Some of you have entered only your email address to receive the newsletter, but we need a way to mail or phone you to let you know you won.  So if you have not already purchased from us or filled in your account information with your name, address and phone please do so.  The Art Needlepoint Company NEVER shares or sells this information with anyone. (stores are not eligible to participate)



Clue One: Go to the Whitney Museum online.
Find the Mapplethorpe of two men from1984.
Write down the title of the Mapplethorpe.


Clue Two: Go to the Matrix
After visiting this site and any other sites
or books you care to read about baboons,
write down why baboons make faces and what their faces mean.


Clue Three:
Go  to Creative Roots which is a young website (yes even websites can get old)
which showcases various types of art from countries from all over the world. 
Find three examples of art made into household objects and write down what you selected by name and what they have in common.

Clue Four:
it's a word that is in every one of our newsletters and on our website.
It is something we all have in common.




Clue Six:  Epicurean and William Morris


1.Create a sentence from the clues above

2. Post here on the blog or email us your sentence. All responses that are exactly like or are a near to exact match to the sentence we constructed wins your choice of $400 of canvases.

3. Respond by June 24th, 2012 to be eligible.


Winners will be notified by email and phone so be sure to register with all needed information, as stated above, to be eligible to win.


Happy Hunting!

Happy Stitching!


How often do you needlepoint?

Sunday, June 10, 2012

How often do you needlepoint?

Every day for less than hour

Every day for an hour or more

A few days a week

Only on weekends.

Whenever I can!


Every one who answers will be entered into a drawing for a prize

.. which we'll show soon.

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