Open Day Review!
Well we did have the special celebration needlepoint
exhibition here last week and many thanks to those of you who came but a extra
special thanks to those who lent me their beautiful pieces.
My aim for holding the event – besides of course catching up
with students past and present – was to display some of the most exciting uses
that my needlepoint designs have been put to.
Many people chose a cushion for their first ‘proper’ project but after a
while they become over-cushioned and are keen to stitch something else but for
it to still have a practical purpose.
To make the show as self-explanatory as possible there were
areas linking to various aspects.
One was some of the pieces worked during our annual trips to
Italy; we have often had a ‘theme’, Themes give people a starting point but not
a fixed project that has be followed slavishly. Thus there were two lovey Elephant pieces,
Lilly on midnight blue canvas and another worked in ‘carnival colours’ both
exciting but so, so different. 
Presents for children have always been popular, the initial of
a new born, favourite animal such as ‘Victoria’s Elephant; and new kits both a
Boy and Girl Bear. None take too long to
complete and for a young girl with a modicum of help a perfect project to start
a new hobby.
While we are off again very soon for our 9th
visit to the same Italian village we are also, for the first time going to Tuscany to a beautiful borghetto close to
Florence – so the project that is offered there excited interest – an
interpretation of a del Robbia panel, the trade symbol of the wool merchants of
Florence.
Another area showed what importance we put on good
professional finishing for all our pieces – in fact I never design something
without knowing a good person to finish it – you the stitcher has spent many
hours working the piece so why not do it justice and have it made up perfectly.
One cushion showed a very personal message embroidered on the back – in
the giver’s own hand-writing.
Trays, (with the needlepoint sealed safely against spillage);
picture frames, fire screens and one table that tips up into a fire screen when
an occasional table is not needed- all were on display to inspire.
Carolyn and Shelagh from All Stitched Up came along with
many of the designs I have done in the past together with some new ones; they also brought a really useful selection
of accessories – scissors magnets and
much else.
However I plan to make the whole year one of
celebration; needlepoint has changed my
life, the people I have met, the places I have been and not to be overlooked,
the way I have been taught to look at everyday objects as well as historical
and architectural detail.
Already this year with the help of social media and LUCK! I
have reconnected with dear friends in California, New Orleans and
Washington; it is wonderful to hear
their news and that they are still stitching and enjoying it!
My Autumn class programme is available by here,
together with a special 3 morning class in July – a perfect introduction to
needlepoint and many of the lovely stitches one can do!
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