October 30, 2009
"Think thread" in blue against blue background
From Melissa: “Marilyn recently came back from a class with Julie Pischke where she was introduced to the process called a “think thread.”
This is a method of stitching the negative space around your figures on the canvas. The idea is to use a thread in slight contrast to your background — it really makes your figures “pop.” I used a variegated Gumnet Blossoms for my piece, but it works well with any thread that has some variation. My background will ultimately be a solid blue wool.
A HUGE added bonus I discovered while using a “think thread” was that my compensating of decorative stitches was so much easier. Since the “think thread” is stitched first in a basic tent stitch, it was now so easy to color in the lines.”
October 23, 2009
The Amanda Lawford Trunk Show arrived — new canvases!
We have a good smattering of what makes Amanda’s line so unique — great Christmas, whimsical cats and dogs and “sea and shore” designs. Of course, she sent some of her famous Santas as well. For those unfamiliar with her Santas, these pieces come in a variety of sizes including her biggest at 30″ tall.
Stop by and see what she has to offer & enjoy 20% off her canvases!
October 16, 2009
We posted a blog piece about Laura’s needlepoint pillow of a Kelly Clark topiary that she was working on back in May: click here to read the previous post
Her piece came back from the finisher and looks beautiful!
With the rich pink trim that complements the design, Laura did a great job and writes:
“I finally finished it (I’ve been working on & off on the Kelly Clark topiaries for the past year). I’m so happy it’s done and I love the way it turned out. Don’t you love it when the finished piece comes back? You think, ‘Did I do that? How fabulous!’ ”
October 15, 2009
Nancy has completed most of the nativity by Kelly Clark. Recently, Jesus returned to her from the finisher — and looks outstanding.
What an exceptional piece! The other pieces should arrive from the finisher any day now to fill out her Nativity scene for this holiday season. We’ll keep you updated!
For more information on this piece or the entire Nativity series by Kelly Clark, call the shop (919-828-5538) or email us: sales@needlepoint.com. 
October 13, 2009
From Melissa:
“When I first started working at the .Com, I was overwhelmed trying to learn all the different designers. However, I quickly came to recognize the style of Cooper Oaks’ Susan Wallace Barnes because of the nostalgic charm of her paintings.
I was so intimidated by the many colors and stitches, but I jumped in and did a piece I love. This is my second piece and I have found a few tricks of the trade to share:
1. Use some variegated threads like Vineyard Silk “tone on tone” to make it easier to do areas like sand and sea. Vineyard Silk even makes a color called “sand!”
2. Don’t stress about your shading being perfect; you can even leave out some shading and it will still look great!
3. Have fun with your piece! I like to skip all over the canvas and stitch the colors or area that strike my mood :)”
Thanks for the tips, Melissa!
