Decided to create a blog to chart my progress on two needlework projects begun this week [and probably go off on random tangents to comment on whatever else I might be thinking about}...so here I am at the computer instead of stitching. A soon as I figure out how, I'll post pictures. Oh well, another new learning experience!
Project #1 is an EGA [Embroiderers' Guild of America] Group Correspondence Course, "Swedish Naversom," created by Phyllis Maurer. This is a drawn thread technique dating back to at least the 17th Century. Five of us gathered to review the teaching text and begin work -- step 1 is withdrawing sets of two threads, leaving a set of three threads between to form a grid. The grid will support the four classic Naversom stitches we will be learning to create a coaster and a doily. Decidedly, a time to "count twice, pull once." Supplies -- 35-count linen, Rainbow Gallery 16/2 Linen thread and 50/3 Londonderry Linen thread were ordered from Nordic Needle [online] and Thistle Needleworks, Glastonbury CT.
Project #2 is a needlepoint sampler "Sudoku Serendipity" designed by Marilyn Owen and published in the ANG [American Needlepoint Guild] magazine, Needle Pointers. Using the 9x9 layout of a Sudoku puzzle, several ANG members will explore a series of basic, composite and laid stitches. We are working on 18-count sage green canvas, creating an outer border, block dividers and inner dividers with Weeks Dye Works floss. Impressions wool/silk & Kreinik metallic braid are used for the individual blocks. Debbie, owner of Battenkill Stitchery, Arlington VT, rounded up all the materials for us and even cut & taped our individual 12x12" canvas grounds!
