Sunday, March 18, 2012

Lessons Learned

This week I ordered from Amy's the three new DVDs in the How'd You Do That series - Back to Basics, Level 1, Parts 1, 2, and 3. The DVDs arrived yesterday and I have already watched Part 1 twice. Each DVD features the wisdom of Tony Minieri and the excellent stitching of Amy Bunger. Cudos to Robin King and Pat Ryan who filmed and produced the set - great job!


I am definitely a self-taught stitcher. I have had maybe two classes in my stitching life. The only reason I know how to stitch basketweave correctly is because I stitched a kneeler for The National Cathedral back in the mid 90's. The needlepoint guild there was/is adamant that basketweave be stitched in the correct method. It's the method we all know - slide down the pole (vertical threads) and climb up the stairs (horizontal threads). That's almost all of my knowledge of proper stitch technique right there. I can follow directions (for the most part) and my projects turn out fairly well. But so often I have had no idea why stitches are placed in particular ways or certain directions. In Part 1 of the Back to Basics DVD, so many light bulbs came on for me! I didn't even know you use certain types of needles for vertical stitches and others for diagonal stitches. I can't wait to see what is in store for me in Parts 2 and 3. If you're self-taught as I am, these DVDs would definitely be a worthwhile investment for you.


This week in my stitching I moved on to the M pear with all of its many stripes. Amy, as always, comes up with such unique combinations of patterns and threads. The light green stripe uses Russian interlaced weaving and just to look at it, it seems a daunting stitch but it really isn't. The compensation gave me the most trouble but I think by the time I add the beads to the M, the compensated areas won't jump out at me as they do now. I finished the Eight Ball stitch last night (the center stripe) and now understand why the stitch guide showed some specific stitch placements because just such a subject was covered in Part 1 of the Back to Basics DVD. How timely!


There is just one more thread kit and stitch guide left to come for this Home Study project and it will be concluded. My thoughts turn more and more these days to how I will have it finished. My original idea for finishing was to construct it in such a way that it could hang from my mantle (fireplace not in use!). That would work for the house I live in now, but what if I move somewhere else and there is no mantle? What if Andrew and Anna don't want to use it that way when it eventually is handed down to them? It would make an awfully long pillow so I am not thinking in those terms. I think Amy is considering having hers framed. Maybe that is the best idea but what do you think? You have been watching me stitch this for the last five months. I would love to hear your finishing ideas - please!

I think I will head outdoors for a little while despite the horrible coating of pollen on everything. We had an early morning thunderstorm today so perhaps some of the pollen has been washed away. The trees are leafing out, the dogwoods and azaleas are in full bloom, and there isn't a cloud in the sky. It's a beautiful 72 degree day out right now.

Hope you have a beautiful day to enjoy and a great week ahead!

11 comments:

  1. The DVD's are great, aren't they? I finished the first one, but have had no control over the TV since. I may have to watch #2 and #3 on the plane to Memphis. The banner looks great. When I was comtemplating doing it, I had banner in mind, but not for the mantle. I was thinking of the wall space above my french doors and below the molding. Love your stitching.
    Have a great week. Wish me luck trying to post from Memphis.

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    1. Hi, Steph - I know you are going to have the best time at Amy's next weekend. Take it all in and tell us every detail! Don't forget to give us a restaurant report! We will all be looking forward to your blog(s) from Memphis. Have fun!

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  2. I took the basics class #1 last year at The Edwardian Needle, Tony's home base. I,too, am able to follow stitch guides, but it is also important to learn how to lay the stitches so they look "right" on the canvas. He is a wealth of information, and I was so glad to see Amy help him get these dvds together. I find the "Stitches to Go" a very handy guide for understanding the sequence on decorative stitches. You're needle is beautiful.

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    1. Hi, Beth - I envy your opportunity to take a class with Tony. Was it intimidating? I think I would find it that way. I am really pleased that I went ahead and bought the set. It will be a great reference as all the other DVDs that Amy has created.

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  4. Sorry, I hit something wrong!

    It looks beautiful. I too have been contemplating what to do with mine when it is finished. I still think I want a larger bolster pillow. My only concern is that it will be too difficult for the finishers and so much bending and turning while finishing it. Mine won"t be finished for a long while yet, so I have a lot time to think about it and see what everyone else comes up with. You are doing a great job and your attention to detail makes it look spectacular.

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    1. Hi, Diane - I have a love seat in my living room and not a full size sofa. I think if I finished the banner as a pillow, it would be longer than the love seat! You may be right about it having a little more wear and tear at the finishers than a more typical size pillow. Maybe framing will be the ultimate way to go. I look forward to seeing what Amy does with hers. Maybe she will have it completely finished by the time we go to Memphis in May. Hope so! I loved seeing pictures of your Easter tree. Mine from Pier One is cute but not as cute as yours with all the hand stitched ornaments. Maybe next year!

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  5. Would you consider a stand up with little feet and beautiful ribbons that could either go on the mantle, a sofa table or dining room buffet?

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    1. That's a really good idea, Gretchen, and one that I had not considered before now. Thanks! I may send a photo out to Marlene who has finished so many things for me and see what she has to say. I really appreciate your thoughts!

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  6. What great ideas for the Banner. I am behind in stitching and now the Thanksgiving House will be coming soon. I am in awe of what you have done on your Banner, Melinda It looks wonderful.
    I was thinking of framing but have to think the stand up is intriguing.

    I am waiting for the DVD's and can't wait for them to arrive.I have been lucky enough to have taken 3 classes here in Calif from Tony and it is always such a learning experience. What a wealth of knowlege and was thrilled about the DVD's I use Amy's DVD all the time. Enjoy your blog each week, Melinda and also Stephs. Aren't we lucky to be stitchers.

    Sue VanderNoor
    Ca

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  7. Melinda, Can you tell me about the frame that is holding your Christmas canvas on the stretcher bars? Becky
    iloveneedlepoint@zoominternet.net

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