Excellent insights on Woodlawn’s exhibit the year from:
Part 1 at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2011/03/woodlawn-2011-overall-impressions.html
Part 2 at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2011/03/my-trip-to-woodlawn-part-two.html
Part 3 at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2011/03/my-trip-to-woodlawn-2011-part-three.html
And, inside Woodlawn from maggieb, http://maggiebsmocks.typepad.com/smocking/2011/03/my-connection-to-the-woodlawn-needlework-exhibition.html
My husband, Bill, & I attended the 48th Annual Woodlawn Needlework Exhibition on Sunday, March 6. There were 681 pieces from more than 400 entrants – according to the brochure – I didn’t count them! Needlework is thriving! They drew such an incredible variety of needlework including beadwork, canvas work (traditional & multistitch), counted thread, blackwork, hardanger, drawn thread, cross-stitch, embroidery (crewel, cut-work, japanese, goldwork, silk ribbon, stumpwork, surface), fine hand sewing, miniature, needle-made lace (battenburg, filet guipure), quilted accessory, sampler (traditional, multistitch), & smocking.
I won’t go into all the pieces although I wish I could. So, I selected those pieces that spoke to me today. I hope I got everyone’s name spelled correctly. If not, my apologies – it’s getting late & I must get to bed – no time to double-check them – tomorrow is a workday.
In the first room where you enter to buy your tickets, there is a glass case. Inside are 2 of Catherine Jordan’s boxes of surface embroidery – stitched inside & out (exhibits #2 and #3) in her distinctive colors & style. Each piece won a second place ribbon and #3 won a Judges Choice award. The case also had beautiful beaded jewelry including bracelets and necklaces. I particularly liked the starfish necklace (one of the few that I didn’t note the # or name of stitcher). There is an incredible stitched book by Constance Tobias done on linen (#146) that won first place.
From there, we stayed on the first floor & went into the room to the right of the door that you entered. There was a nice collection of angels. In the room on your way into the dining area (we had eaten a hearty breakfast & so didn’t stop for lunch or the lemon tart – darn it), we saw stumpwork (#6) by Carol Sylvester that won a first place ribbon. That was the one I had to vote for the People’s Choice. I am fascinated by that artform. The 3 dimensional effect is so eye-catching. The hallway had a variety of samplers again this year. Even my husband has gotten an education in samplers this year! The third room had a beautiful crewel butterfly using a blind stitch technique that makes this piece reversible. This original design (#745) by Kevin Throwe was framed so that you could see the back! I had a wonderful chat with Dorothy Bull, a fellow ANGer who had a piece in this room (#828) which used a bamboo stitch for her background – perfect for her oriental piece. Kurdy Biggs got a first place ribbon for a piece (#24) using hilton stitches.
On the second floor, first room on the right, at the top of the stairs was where we found my ‘Sun Flower’ (#16) (see previous blog entry). It’s in the center of the mantlepiece. I was thrilled to find that it had won a third place ribbon. My Madam Carina (#17) was in the same room but didn’t win a ribbon. There was also a lovely variety of handbags in the room. And, a beautiful hardanger green & beige skirt (#857) on a porcelain figure. It’s on the chest of drawers & was done by Sharon Fullerton.
Going counter-clockwise through the 2nd floor, the second room is full of cute pieces done for children (not by children).
The third room had several pieces with hilton stitches designed by Michael Boren (according to the attendant). I am not familiar with the name but he had wonderful designs, including his design of a stain glass piece (#236) stitched by Chris Loudon called ‘Frankie’, a Frank Lloyd Wright inspired piece (http://www.needlepoint.org/Seminar-11/classes/4day/42902.php). After my initial blog entry, I found out that Chris was in the pilot class for ‘Frankie’ which Michael Boren is teaching at the 2011 seminar. Another piece (#437) that used hilton stitches won honorable mention & was done by Kathy Raines. Starr Ramiech won third place for 2 pieces (#s 122 and 123) – again using hilton stitches. Dorothy Bull told me all about her ‘Stars & Hearts’ (#829) that came from Needlepointers or Needlepoint Now (I can’t remember which) & won honorable mention. She described how she used cotton backing & then, liquid nails to glue it onto the cover of a book of blank pages – she’s made another one as a gift. A really wonderful idea. There was also a Ro Pace piece (#121) – just beautiful. And, Jeffrey Kulik got second place for an original design in black & gray (#159) using a creative use of threads.
The fourth room on the second floor had stunning christmas stockings and ornaments galore. The fifth room was full of animal related pieces including a Charlie Harper design (#225) with a large center bird & 4 small ones around his feet done by Melissa Rosario.
The upstairs hallway had a first place winner (#834) done by Tara Roberts in vibrant greens & oranges with hilton stitches. Next to that, was a piece by Kevin Throwe (#744). This original design didn’t win any prize but was a beautiful piece inspired, no doubt, by Van Gogh’s ’Starry Night’ with blue swirls and yellow circles in the sky.
Nelly’s Needlers put on an amazing show. And, their work to educate is apparent in demonstrations they have throughout the exhibition & in the engaging way they interact with attendees – very informative & helpful. I sure hope that they are able to take pictures & share them via the internet like they did last year.
Bottom line all the pieces are just stunning. I don’t know how the judges can decide between them. It is really worth the trip. I wish I lived closer & could go back several more times. Perhaps I’ll take Dorothy Bull up on her invitation to join her & the Northern Virginia Chapter in 2012 when they invite Michael Boren to stitch ’Frankie’ over a couple of weekends.
Safe travels to those fortunate enough to attend! We drove home in pouring rain but it well worth it because seeing the needlework & variety in finishing pieces is as educational as it is inspiring!
The Ladies’ Work-Table Book (from 1844)
Containing Clear and Practical Instructions in Plain and Fancy Needlework, Embroidery, Knitting, Netting and Crochet
Irish Stitch.—This is the production of an Irish lady of high rank. Bring your needle up No. 1 over four threads down 41, one stitch back two threads, up 22 down 62, up 43 (observe this is in a line with 41) down 83, up 64 (in a line with 62) down 104, up 102 down 62, up 81 down 41, continuing thus over the square. The spaces left between every other stitch must be filled up with half stitches; for instance, up 81 down 101, up 83 down 103. It is also some[67]times worked covering six and eight threads of the canvas at a time, coming back three or four threads, in the same proportion as the directions given. This stitch is proper for grounding, when the design is worked in tent or cross stitch; and the effect would be heightened by two strongly contrasted shades of the same color. It can be applied to a great variety of devices, diamonds and vandykes for example, and many others which will suggest themselves to the fair votaries of this delightful art. It looks pretty, and is easy of execution.
Basket Stitch.—This is the same as Irish stitch, but the arrangement is different. Work three stitches over two threads; these are called short stitches; and then the long ones are formed by working three over six threads, the centre of which are the two on which the short stitches were worked. Thus you must continue the short and long stitches alternately, until you have finished the row. In the next, the long stitches must come under the short ones; and this diversity must be kept up until all the rows are completed. To finish the pattern, you have only to run a loose film of wool under the long stitches on each of the short ones, and the task is done.
Project Gutenberg is a wonderful resource!
Filed under: ANG Main Line Stitchers Chapter, General comments, Needlework in Progress, Pieces of Eight
Looking again at my works in progress pile, it doesn’t look as big as I thought it would. Yet, there is work to do in everything you see. Since I like immediate gratification, I decided to work first on the 4 southwestern-colored octagons (top picture, middle left) from the Pieces of Eight project we did last year at our ANG Chapter.
And, it’s first because I want to give it (bottom picture) to my framer (Dan at The Framers Workshop in Philadelphia) who I’ll be seeing this weekend to drop off the 2010 SOTM for framing. I got lucky finding a 5″x5″ matte in the brown frame. I just added a few stitches along the edge & into the unstitched corners (a Byzantine filler).
I can’t remember who gave me the suggestion of “Four Corners” but thanks. That is the only place in America where 4 states touch. And, they are Utah, Colorado, New Mexicao, & Arizona.
Come join us at 7:15 pm on the 2nd Mon of each month just 30 minutes from Center City Philadelphia & 10 minutes from King of Prussia. Or contact us at: MainLineStitchersChapter@needlepoint.org for more information.
Last year’s mantra was “Connect” with other needlepointers & I’ve done that!! Over 36,000 hits in just under 1 year. I met some wonderful people at my first ANG Seminar, won a 2nd place ribbon, & a national award! It was amazing. And, our Chapter meetings have been well received.
As 2011 is set to begin, I have to decide what to do to make 2011 half as good as 2010! I don’t do resolutions as they can be so elusive & I am left with guilt & disappointment. Well, my husband & I went shopping just before Christmas for fun! When I got the last 2011 Monet weekly planner/calendar, I realized that I want to focus on my needlepoint adaptation of Monet’s Poppy Field in 2011 – that is going to make me most happy & be the most fun & that’s why I stitch. The 4-day class I took at Seminar was Landscapes so that I could make my 5th (& last?) attempt at this piece. Since returning from Seminar something keeps getting in my way.
And, I’ve decided that’s my mantra for 2011 – “Focus and Recommit”. While I’ll focus on the Monet piece I also want to recommit to the 18-month Tudor Gold class that I began 8 months ago. I’ve also decided to free myself of a few almost finished projects – not all of the ones stored in my messy cabinet – just those ones that are cluttering my immediate vicinity. Below is a picture of my most recent pending projects.
I’m glad I saved my college friend (now a life coach), Ann Daly’s newsletters. They are going to help me recommit, prioritize, & do what’s important to me – FOCUS! Many thanks to my BFF, Ann, for all her wonderful insights & encouragement. I gain nothing financially from her work just free guidance from a good friend’s newsletters. Since most of us don’t live in Austin, TX, check her out at www.anndaly.com !
Best wishes for a Happy, Healthy New Year!! Melita
The Peace Rose is beautiful! Thanks again to friends of Myrl Good, the Princess Grace Boehm Rose Award sponsors.
As I’ve mentioned, for our ANG Chapter Project this year, we are doing samplers. Last night we had a sampler “Show & Tell” at our monthly meeting. Folks brought in a wide variety of samplers such as miniature, wedding, couching, stamped cross stitch, & historical ones. We didn’t stitch at all but had fun looking & talking about the individual histories of the dozen or so samplers people brought to share. Good time!
Filed under: General comments
I’m back from Columbus Ohio, all unpacked, & ready to blog!! The seminar was a great experience. I can tell it takes a lot of effort in advance & during but it is well worth it! While I’m used to writing trip reports for work & writing in my travel journal, I know you don’t want to know what happened every day but I have to share my first impressions of Seminar.
Unfortunately, my husband, Bill & I arrived late on Saturday so I missed the first-timers get together. All we saw at the bar that night was all the hairdressers sporting some wild outfits & hairstyles for their 3 day affair. But, I got up early to volunteer at the hospitality desk. I enjoyed that & can honestly say that anyone should consider spending at least a shift there. It is easy & fun. Luckily, Barbara Richardson was working there too & informed my husband about the Jack Nicklaus museum in the area because the weather was a little iffy for the first few days of the week when he was planning on golfing.
I shopped briefly at the bookstore which must be more difficult to work at than the hospitality desk because I got charged $5,124.00 for 2 June McKnight booklets! Thank goodness for the void key. Then, since Sunday was our 23rd wedding anniversary, we wandered the North Market & had a wonderful scone for breakfast, went to a used bookstore, & a few antique stores in Columbus for a few hours (& to get my husband oriented to the area).
The exhibit area opened Sunday at noon & I hadn’t known that the ribbons would be awarded that soon. So, when my husband & I wandered in later that day, we found that Beautiful Ohio (on my blog) had received a Second Place ribbon in the Adaptation non-professional category – boy were we pleasantly surprised! This is the first time I submitted any needlepoint to be judged. I submitted 3 other pieces that I’ll blog about in the days to follow but they didn’t win anything. I did get very thoughtful, useful feedback on those pieces from the judge’s critiques (which I was given on the last day). Well, it wasn’t long until the Welcome Banquet. We sat with some folks from various parts of the country & enjoyed chatting with them. Even though Beautiful
Ohio qualified for the Princess Grace Award, since it was a second place winner, I was shocked when it won the Princess Grace Award. What a wonderful surprise!
We topped off the evening by meeting & having a drink with Josie, a fellow stitcher, her husband & my husband’s golf partner for the trip, Tony. What a nice couple! And, thanks again to you both.
Over the whole rest of the week, it was so nice to put names with so many faces of stitchers & teachers. And, in halls & elevators, I heard ”Oh, you’re the Melita who blogs all the time.” more often than I expected! I’m glad you enjoy it as much as I have been. So, thanks for telling me – I really appreciated it.
Pat Rusch was gracious to take over in Lois Kershner’s absence for our Landscape class. I learned several things regarding perspective & implied lines which made driving home more distracting than usual – as I do most of the driving & was looking as much at the terrain as the road!! I created a stitch guide, selected threads, stitched some, & look forward to reading the booklet in more detail now that I’m home. I’ll finish Santacicle first though so that I can get it to the finisher in time for Christmas.
Filed under: General comments
I celebrate 6 months of blogging with my 99th post (Cypress Tree) today! I’ve gotten about 22,800 hits since I started in mid-Jan. And, I accomplished what I set out to do – connect with the needlepoint community! This has been a fun 6 months – you’ve seen some good & some bad.
And, I’ve posted most of my completed bodies of work (at least ones’ I still have or have taken pictures of before gifting them). I’ve saved a couple for each month & the first of the month’s calendar. So, you won’t be seeing as many new posts unless I am reporting on my progress of ongoing projects (SOTM or Sun Flower). It does take time to blog. And, if I’m blogging, I’m not stitching. Now, hopefully, I will be able to check in on other bloggers more often.
Thanks again everyone!!
Filed under: General comments
Not that I need any more threads but . . . I saw Cottage Garden Threads mentioned in Mary Corbet’s newsletter & had to go look on their website. There are some beautiful overdyed threads. Makes me want to start a new project just to have an excuse to try them!
http://cottagegardenthreads.typepad.com/cottage-garden-threads/
http://www.needlenthread.com/
Mary’s newsletters are so informative across a variety of topics. And, free. She has a very informative website as well.
I have no financial interest in either of these – I just wanted to share the info.