CONNECTICUT RIVER VALLEY CHAPTER
NEWS
March 2008

WEBSITE ADDRESS: WWW.CRVC-EGA.ORG

April Meeting:  Saturday, April 5th

How the Write a Stitch Guide with Carole Lake

[WAITING LIST ONLY]

Have you ever bought The Most Gorgeous Painted Canvas Ever -- and then not had the foggiest idea what to do with it?  Is it so pretty you don't know where to start?  Are you desperately afraid it will only look good in basketweave?  Well, this is your class.  Carole will teach you how to write a stitch guide for your canvas, step by step, stitch by stitch.  By the end of this non-stitching class, we will have discussed stitch possibilities for dozens of canvases, and you will be ready to confidently write your own stitch guide for future purchases, thread selection to stitch selection.

Sunday, April 6th

The Thistle
with
Carole Lake
 
[WAITING LIST ONLY]

  The Thistle

This little ornament brings Scotland to mind!  Worked on 18-count Victorian green canvas in luxurious silks, metallics and overdyed linen, you'll work several stitches including double cross, Velvet stitch, leave stitch, stem stitch and a border that hides a secret cipher of Mary Queen of Scots.  During the class, while students are stitching, Carole will talk a little bit about Mary Queen of Scots, her life, her symbols, and her tragic end.

Both of these classes will take place at Thistle Needleworks, and kit costs are $15 for "How to Write a Stitch Guide" and $25 for "The Thistle".  See the registration coupon for these classes.

What to bring:
        Saturday - A clipboard or any other hard surface for note-taking
                           Pen or pencil
                           Something for show and tell
        Sunday   - 8" X 8" Stretcher bars
                           Tacks or staple gun
                           Light and/or magnification as needed
                           Scissors

Schedule for Saturday:
        10 AM to 12 noon        Morning class
        12 noon to 1:30 PM     Lunch, show and tell, and announcements
        1:30 PM to 4 PM          Continuation of class
Schedule for Sunday:
        10 AM to 12 noon        Morning class
        12 noon to 1:30 PM     Lunch and annual meeting
        1:30 PM to 3:30 PM     Continuation of class
 

June Meeting: Saturday, June 7th

Stitching Inside the Box
with
Susan Jones

Being creative is scary to many people, maybe because there are so many choices.  Sometimes it is easier to be creative by setting limits.  For this class our limits are a 12 thread by 12 thread diamond shape.

First, we will be stitching a band sampler in which each motif fits into a diamond shaped grid.  Motifs are repeated three across (with two in alternating rows) to form band patterns.  There are eight different bands using nine different stitches.  Your sampler will be stitched using one off-white color (there will be several to choose from) of Caron Collection Wildflowers on a piece of 2 1/2 inch wide white 28 count linen banding.  This project can be finished as a small hanging or as a special bookmark.
As students become comfortable with the process, they will be encouraged to try some of their own motifs by re-combining stitches used in the sampler and by trying stitches of their own.  Specially designed graph paper will be provided to sketch out ideas.  Doodle cloth will also be used to try out combinations.
Examples of different motifs used in several different projects will be available for viewing.  Use of one or more of these diamond motifs on any stitched project might be a good challenge for the next year.

Provided: 16" piece of white 28 count linen banding
              1 skein of Caron Collection Wildflowers in a choice of light, off-white colors
              Instructions
              Diamond grid graph paper

Bring: needle (24 tapestry)
         small embroidery hoop
         doodle cloth
         lengths of floss in 2 or 3 colors

Stitching Inside The Box

See the registration coupon for this class -- deadline is May 30th.
 

NER Region Day - Saturday, October 4, 2008

at The Publick House – Sturbridge, Massachusetts

NER is proud to present two fantastic classes taught by outstanding, nationally known
teachers for Region Day 2008.  NER is underwriting a significant portion
of the costs (teaching and kit fees, room rental, and lunch) for this day, so this is
likely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for this type of educational experience at this
price.  The hardest part is choosing which class to take!

Mermaid Pendant/Pin with Lynn Payette
             Level: Intermediate
             Size: 1¾" x4½"
This class teaches the student unique techniques for working with different threads, shear and metallic fabrics, netting and beads, as well as a foolproof finishing method.  The teacher will demonstrate couching metallic threads, techniques for applying shears and opaque fabrics backed with Wonder Under, working with rayon and metallic sewing machine threads, as well as a variety of beading techniques.  The Mermaid's hair is created with beads which have been overlaid with each other, her face, upper body and arms are worked in a Stumpwork technique using a cardboard base, padding and a fabric (pre-drawn with micron pens).  The student will make decisions for stitch and color placement.  The finishing is done on a cardboard base that is covered with silk (for the backing) and the Mermaid's body (for the front).  These are glued together and weighted down.  The trim and bead loops are then worked to complete her.

Kit Contents: Pre-printed dupioni silk fabric, shear opaque and metallic; all threads and fibers, beads, crystals and rhinestones, Nymo and all finishing supplies.
Student supplies: Small very sharp scissors, paper scissors; a variety of sharp and blunt needles (#7 or 8 crewel, #22 and 18 Chenille, #22 tapestry, beading); glue stick; invisible thread; beeswax; pencil; lighting and magnification; 8" hoop and cover for transporting the piece.

Mermaid Pendant/Pin

Maple Leaf Needle Painting with Tanja Berlin
             Level: Beginner to advanced
             Size: 3" x 2 3/4"
Needle painting is an interesting technique using DMC flosses as your paints on a closely woven fabric to create a realistic picture.  Several professional stitching techniques will be covered when we work the design -- i.e., starting and finishing threads, the use of a split stitch line and working the design as a 3-dimensional piece.  A variety of embroidery stitches (split, stem, and long & short) will be used.  Most importantly the technique of blending long and short stitches so that they shade beautifully and how to position the stitches so that they lay smooth will be covered.  The student goes home with the knowledge of how to design a piece,  transfer the design onto the fabric and all the information necessary to complete the embroidery.  This class has something to offer all levels of stitchers, from beginner to advanced.

Kit Contents: 100% cotton fabric (11 inch square) with design, a range of floss and a #10 needle.
Student supplies: Usual stitching supplies, hoop, light and magnification.

Maple Leaf

Studio Time
Do you want to join the fun, but you don't want another project?  Then, Studio Time is for you!  Bring one (or more) of your works in progress and enjoy some uninterrupted stitching time with your friends.

The Fine Print
Classes begin at 9:00 in the morning and end at 4:30 in the afternoon.  There will be a break for lunch, and the teachers will be offering kits and other unique items for sale after the end of classes.  Lunch includes soup, salad, choice of entrée (see registration form) and a White Chocolate Tart for dessert.
The registration fee (for either class or Studio Time) is $25, with an additional $25 kit fee for either of the project classes.  Registration includes lunch.  Spaces are limited in all classes (including Studio Time, which will be held in a small room).  All registrations received by May 1, 2008 will be treated as "first day" registrations and receive equal consideration.  Registrations received after this date will be processed in the order received.  Registration closes on August 15, 2008.
If you desire overnight accommodations, please contact the Publick House directly by calling 508-347-3313 or 1-800-PUBLICK.  A small block of rooms at the Motor Lodge (across the street from the Publick House) are available at the nightly rate of $84 (plus room tax).  Please mention NER EGA when making your reservation.


New England Region Day
Saturday October 4, 2008

Name:__________________________________________________________________
Address:________________________________________________________________
Home Phone:____________________________________________________________
Work Phone:____________________________________________________________
Email:__________________________________________________________________
The registration deadline is August 15, 2008.
Please check all that apply:
í²ˆ Registration Fee                                                                                $25.00
Choose One:
í²ˆ "Mermaid Pin Pendant" with Lynn Payette                                $25.00
í²ˆ "Maple Leaf Needle Painting" with Tanja Berlin                       $25.00
í²ˆ Studio Time N/C
Lunch Entrée (Choose One):
í²ˆ Roast Lemon Chicken, Braised Red Wine new potatoes
í²ˆ Pan Seared Salmon fillet, with Balsamic Roast Sweet Potatoes
í²ˆ Wild Mushroom and Spinach Quiche with salad (Lighter fare)
Please send this form along with a check in the appropriate amount ($50 for a project class or $25 for Studio Time)
made payable to "NER EGA" to: Pat Sweet, 10 North Street, Wilmington, MA 01887


Friday and Sunday, October 3rd & 5th

Needle Painting Class with Tanya Berlin
2 day workshop – beginner to advanced embroiderers

Choice of two designs; wild rose or burrowing owl

Burrowing Owl

Wild Rose

In this class, the student will work the needle painting design using a single strand of DMC embroidery floss in the needle at one time, in the method of long and short stitch.  This is an intriguing technique, using the threads as your paints on a closely woven fabric to create a realistic picture.  Several professional stitching techniques will be covered when we work the design, i.e. starting and finishing thread, the use of a split stitch line, and working the design as a 3-dimensional piece.  Different embroidery stitches will be used, i.e. split stitch, stem stitch, satin stitch, and long and short.  Most importantly, the technique of blending long and short stitches so that they shade beautifully and how to position the stitches so that they lay smooth will be covered in the class.  The student goes home with the knowledge of how to design a piece, transfer the design onto the fabric and all the information required to complete the embroidery.

See the registration coupon for this class -- deadline is September 1st.
 

Saturday and Sunday, December 6th and 7th

"Winter Whites" with Sandy Rodgers
2 day workshop – shading on canvas

On Saturday and Sunday, Sandy will be teaching a wonderful new design titled "Winter Whites".  When the model for this class was displayed at the 2007 ANG Seminar it created a major sensation.

Mere photographs cannot begin to capture the visual impact of this spectacular composition.  Two white poinsettias are placed against soft blue Congress cloth, their petals graduating from the crisp sparkle of a winter morning to the pale, satiny saturation of spring growth yet to come.  Enhancing the silken petals are holly leaves outlined in silver bullion and painted in class with metallic paint marker.  Backing the flowers are two bands of shadow stitching done with a darker value of the ground color.

Learn the easy way to create depth and dimension as you use your needle and silks to bring these flowers to life.  Winter Whites is a study in realistic shading using both basic and enhancement techniques.  Stitching time will be allotted in class for experimentation and to practice the methods with the help of the instructor.

In addition to realistic shading and how easy it is to do, we’ll also cover how to use paint markers on canvas and contemporary couching of bullion.  The instruction booklet contains ‘work-in-progress’ photos which make completing the project easy.  Basic color theory and the placement of special techniques within a motif to enhance depth perception and shading will also be part of the class sessions.

Ground Fabric:
Congress cloth, Light Blue

Kit Contents:
Pearsall’s Silk, 2 colors/values; Silk Mori, 5 colors/values; Soie Perlée, Silver Pearl Purl Bullion #5, Japanese Metal #1, Blending Filament, Silver Metallic Paint Marker, 2 colors Delica Seed Beads, Light Blue Congress cloth with design drawn, Scrap canvas to practice marking, Needles, Stitching Instructions, Full size and detailed Color Photocopies, Work-in-progress photographs

Kit Price:
$76.00

Finished Size:
7" x 8" stitched area on 12" x 14" canvas

Student Provides:
Stretcher bar frame 12" x 14", usual supplies, laying tool, fine point water soluble pen, cover cloth

Winter Whites

See the registration coupon for this class -- deadline is November 15th.


FUTURE BOARD MEETINGS   (All members are welcome)    
    Tues., May 13th      Tues., Sept. 16th      Tues., Nov. 11th

Stitching Getaways:

The next meeting of the West Side Day group will be on March 11th at Suzanne Newton's house in West Simsbury.  Bring along your lunch and a project you are working on and/or any project you would like to share.  Please email or phone Suzanne at sfnjsn@sbcglobal.net or 860-658-2037 if you plan to attend.

Pequot Colony – Anyone who is interested can call Doris Boas at: (860) 572-8441 or Stephanie Thorpe at: (860) 536-0912.
 

NER Seminar 2009 - April 17, 18 and 19

The site for this seminar is the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Pittsfield, Mass.  Put April 17th, 18th and 19th, 2009 on your calendar, and look for the brochure with all of the scoop.  It will be mailed to you in the fall, but more news will be leaking out before that!  A double room rate will be $109 plus taxes, and the registration fee will be $225, the same as Seminar 2007.  Teachers and classes have been chosen, so stay tuned for further news.  Plan to enjoy a wonderful weekend in the Berkshires.
 

Proposed Slate of Officers for 2006-2008

The proposed slate is:
            President/NER Rep:                   Julia Appell
            Vice President/Membership:    Suzanne Newton
            Program/Newsletter:                 Lisa Green
            Secretary:                                      Kathryn Lord
            Treasurer:                                     Linda Berry
Elections will take place at our Annual Meeting on April 5th.
 

Library News
We have received a number of donations to our library in the past two years and, having reviewed them with the board, I am pleased to report that the following titles have been added to our library.

Wilson: The Craft of Silk and Gold Thread Embroidery and Stumpwork
Lane: Chinese Rugs Designed for Needlepoint
Litchfield Historical Society: To Ornament Their Minds
Antiques magazine, April 1975 (contains a long article about the Connecticut Historical Society, including the embroideries in their collection)
Ricami d’Assisi, album I

Although these are all older titles, they are pertinent to embroideries seeing a revival in the 21st century and/or embroidery here in Connecticut.

A number of titles received are duplicates of those already in the library, either actually or in content.  These we would like to sell to our members at well below cover price  –  the monies would go into the general fund.  If you are interested in any of them, please contact me.

Burchette: More Needlework Blocking and Finishing
Ireys: Finishing and Mounting You Needlepoint Pieces
Goldman: The Art of Needlegraph
Kaestner: Designs for Needlepoint and Latch Hook Rugs
Kaestner: Needlepoint Bargello 
Perrone: The New World of Crewel 
Perrone: The New World of Needlepoint
Scheuer: Designs for Bargello
Sidney: Needlepoint Book

Finally, we also have for sale (to the highest nickel!) many older issues of Needle Arts magazine.  If you are a fairly new member of EGA, you may be interested in one or more of these.

All of the books and magazines for sale will be at future meetings for you to look over and, hopefully, take home.

Judie Solomon, Librarian


CRVC Program Registration Form -- April 5th and/or 6th with Carole Lake

Mail completed form to:  Linda Berry, 203 Tunxis Road, West Hartford, CT 06107-3201.  Make check payable to CRVC-EGA[WAITING LIST ONLY]

______"How to Write a Stitch Guide" - April 5th -- Members kit fee $15; Non-members kit fee $25.

______"The Thistle" - April 6th -- Members kit fee $25; Non-members kit fee $35.

______I have enclosed $12 (for Sat.) and/or $12 (for Sun.) for lunch.

Name:     ___________________________________________________
 
Phone:    _______________________ Email:______________________
 

CRVC Program Registration Form -- June 7th Meeting

Mail completed form to:  Linda Berry, 203 Tunxis Road, West Hartford, CT 06107-3201.  Make check payable to CRVC-EGAThe deadline for signing up for this class is May 30th.

"Stitching Inside the Box" with Susan Jones

______Members kit fee $10; Non-members kit fee $20.

______I have enclosed $12 for lunch.

Name:     ___________________________________________________
 
Phone:    _______________________ Email:______________________
 

CRVC Program Registration Form -- October 3rd and 5th Meeting

Mail completed form to:  Linda Berry, 203 Tunxis Road, West Hartford, CT 06107-3201.  Make check payable to CRVC-EGAThe deadline for signing up for this class is September 1st.

"Needle Painting" with Tanya Berlin

______Members kit fee $45; Non-members kit fee $55.

My choice:   ________________Burrowing Owl   ___________________Wild Rose

______I have enclosed $12 (for Fri.) and/or $12 (for Sun.) for lunch.

Name:     ___________________________________________________
 
Phone:    _______________________ Email:______________________
 

CRVC Program Registration Form -- December 6th and 7th Meeting

Mail completed form to:  Linda Berry, 203 Tunxis Road, West Hartford, CT 06107-3201.  Make check payable to CRVC-EGAThe deadline for signing up for this class is November 15th.

"Winter Whites" with Sandy Rogers

______Members kit fee $76; Non-members kit fee $86.

______I have enclosed $12 (for Fri.) and/or $12 (for Sun.) for lunch.

Name:     ___________________________________________________
 
Phone:    _______________________ Email:______________________
 

CRVC-EGA Membership

$50. Primary Membership
$15. Plural Membership (NER)
$18. Plural Membership (not NER)

For a membership card, please enclose a SASE.

Amt. Pd. ____________

Check #  ____________

Date Pd. ____________
    (keep as your receipt)

CRVC-EGA Membership and Address Change Form

Mail your completed form to:  Suzanne Newton, CRVC-EGA Membership, 14 Madison Lane, West Simsbury, CT 06092.
Make check payable to CRVC-EGA.  Enclose SASE for membership card.

        __ Address Change
        __ CRVC Primary Membership ($50)
        __ Plural Membership, Primary Chapter in New England Region ($15)
        __ Plural Membership, Primary Chapter not in New England Region ($18)

Name:            ____________________________________________________

Address:        ____________________________________________________

City, ST,ZIP  ____________________________________________________

Phone:           _______________________ Email:________________________

Primary Chapter:   ________________________________________________

Membership No.  _______________________   Total Enclosed $___________