Lace in Translation

The Design Center at Philadelphia University has received a Philadelphia Exhibitions Initiative grant from the Pew Charitable Trusts to create an exhibition entitled: Lace in Translation. Lace in Translation will be the first exhibition produced by The Design Center in conjunction with its new interpretive initiative, The Fabric of Philadelphia. Three contemporary art/design studios, whose works are often inspired by traditional lace imagery, are mining the historic lace collection at The Design Center (TDC) for inspiration. These Dutch and Canadian art/design teams are being commissioned to create new, site-specific works for installation in the Center’s galleries and on its adjoining grounds during the fall and winter of 2009/10.

Attention all Medici lovers

Out of necessity I have done an inventory on what Medici I have left. There were 180 colors in the line and of those I have left everything with the exception of: Blanc and Noir. Pinks & Reds 8818, 816, 8817, 8127, 8126, 8221, 8101. Plums 8113, 8107, 8124. Blues 8800, 8799, 8799, 8209, 8200, navy, 8993. Greens 8426, 8871, 8369, 8413, 8414, 8415, 8346, 8404, 8405. Golden Browns 8328, 8309. Yellows 8027, 8026, 8725, 8845. Mauves 8514, 8105, 8301, 8300, 8842, 8841, 8840, 8839, 8838, 8504, 8501. Taupe & Browns 8512, 8505, 8503, 8502, 8306, 8509, 8508, 8507, 8204, 8877, 8500, Noir. Mostly what I have left are small skeins, with some half and or whole hanks. Aside from needlepoint and cross stitch its a good choice for surface embroidery, hand quilting and punch needle (using the 3 strand needle). Contact me for further info.

Honestly there are many decent substitutes but nothing quite exactly like it. The twist is tighter and finer than Appleton Crewel weight wool, slightly heavier than RG Designers Wool, slightly finer and tighter twist than Bella Lusso. Weight wise it's somewhat comparable to one strand of Gloriana Lorikeet with a little less loft. I suspect that Needle Necessities used medici as a base for their overdyed French Wool. (Not sure if Threadworx has picked up on the wool or not). Skeins remaining are 1.10 each or 10 for 10.00 or 20 for 15.00.

stiching woodblock prints

This is a new way for stitching to enter popular arts - wood cut block print artist Alec Dempster shows stitching in his Loteria series of prints in the piece El Borado.

translation of the text:
THE EMBROIDERING

Each puntada reveals an adorned thought.
The magic on the fabric makes arise the embroidering.
Arturo Castillo Tristán

River Silks Kits

These kits are now available in the shop, along with some other kits by River Silks. And the RIversilk technique book, and their ribbons too! I'm finishing up a Patti Mann pineapple standup myself using predominately silk ribbon so stitchers can see its easy and versatile. Nimble Needle also has silk ribbon by Gloriana. Both offer 4mm, 7mm, and 13mm. River Silks come solid and varigated while Gloriana's tend to be shaded due to the hand dying process. Rainbow Gallery offers limited selection of silk ribbon now too including some that are 2mm.

Indie Arts

I have a feeling crewel work as we know it is dead. There is some amazingly creative stuff coming from many textile artists in the UK. Artists, yes, but they are just like us with "real" jobs and families but have taken stitching into the 21st century. Much is done by machine but much is also on a much smaller scale and could easily be done in hand. I think its time to leave being so stuck in the past with the "prim" look. Many of the techniques used could be translated onto linen or canvas using charted or painted pieces. We have the raw materials, it just takes some time and imagination. Take a look:

Inspired by Hungarian Embroidery. Hand made l o n g book. By Jackie or aka Dog Daisy Chain.

Embellished Pin by Chris Gray

Tree Brooches by Kayla Coo

Fractals

My husband thought it was so cool that you can actually stitch a fractal, so I thought I would blog about it and see if anyone else was equally excited. For me its too painful to think about actually stitching. Though they make bookmark size ones these are very large averaging around 350 stitches square. To make it even more "challenging" it is suggested they be stitched on black. Next thing they'll recommend that you stitch these holding the needle between your toes, or maybe stitch by the light of a candle? All kidding aside they must be popular because there are dozens to choose from. . I'm currently stitching on 40 count gauze so I'm sure by some standards this is kind of crazy but it is only 75 stitches square (a lovely piece by Ute Senkel Weinberg). Actually maybe I'm just a stitching wimp, as it only has 2 different threads. Most of the fractals approach 100 different thread colors. Anyone up for a fractal?
Fractal definition for geeks: A fractal is generally "a rough or fragmented geometric shape that can be split into parts, each of which is (at least approximately) a reduced-size copy of the whole,"[1] a property called self-similarity. Roots of mathematical interest on fractals can be traced back to the late 19th Century; however, the term "fractal" was coined by Benoît Mandelbrot in 1975 and was derived from the Latin fractus meaning "broken" or "fractured." A mathematical fractal is based on an equation that undergoes iteration, a form of feedback based on recursion.[2]
Fractal Trivia for us simpletons: Fractal patterns have been found in the paintings of American artist Jackson Pollock. While Pollock's paintings appear to be composed of chaotic dripping and splattering, computer analysis has found fractal patterns in his work.[7]
Decalcomania, a technique used by artists such as Max Ernst, can produce fractal-like patterns.[8] It involves pressing paint between two surfaces and pulling them apart.
Fractals are also prevalent in African art and architecture. Circular houses appear in circles of circles, rectangular houses in rectangles of rectangles, and so on. Such scaling patterns can also be found in African textiles, sculpture, and even cornrow hairstyles.[9]
Approximately 350 x 350 stitches

Lee Needle Arts Anew!

Its really happened, a done deal and Lee Needle Arts has a new owner! I'm especially pleased to announce that Nimble Needle was the First Customer under the new owner Colonial Needle. I think its a good thing and we're all eager to see how it plays out over time. Best wishes to everyone on both sides of the transition.

seasons coming up

Two fun and small canvas's to stitch up for the season. The Spooky Cat is small and can be finished as a small beanbag similar to Lee ladybugs. The Witch Kitty can be finished as an adorable stand-up. I think the cat doesn't even mind being dressed up, must have had a good dose of catnip. Spooky is $29. And Witchie is $48. Both on 18 count.

Charlie Harper, Lee Needle Arts

I'm already beginning to forget who I've told but the current status of Lee Needle Art's is production started again in preparation for the new owner. Anything you thought was gone forever, now's your second chance!

For nature lovers and retro fans alike there are many Charlie Harper canvas's available. Have a favorite one from him, ask and maybe its available as a needlepoint canvas. Here are two I have in stock. Petunia's in Peril is on 18 and Double Lucky is on 13. Most all of his canvas's very well for different stitches because of the large areas of color. However I think the graphic success and excellent use of color is what makes these pieces what they are without feeling the need to do more. To date I'm not sure there is a source online showing the entire Harper line.

Back into the swing!

Slowly I am getting back in to full swing at the shop again. Away for 11 days in Denmark chaperoning teens on a mission trip sure put my head in place very far removed from stitching. Here are a few canvases that came in recently. If you like historic homes and or lighthouses Needlecrossings has many many nice ones. As well as some shore birds and other seaside activities ie. sailing, beach going etc.