Hi Ellice,
I've seen some interesting punch needle projects such as a heart pin one
of the ladies at The Stitching Post was wearing.
It was done in a contemporary graphic style and really cool looking!
Just imagine using metallic threads on a decorative brooch or anything
else one can wear or use as an accessory to an outfit! The results will
definitely be a unique item!
So far, I've used the punch needle on one of the subtle monochromatic
color quilt cotton prints stretched into one of those fine German hoops
that I have a whole set of......but don't think the larger hoops will
work that well overall for me as the stretched fabric will loosen up
being worked on and be harder to deal with on a larger hoop.
So, depending on the project and ease of use, plan to use a table scroll
frame so I can use two hands to help stitch and able to stretch the
fabric even more taut with less chance of loosening up for the results I
want.
Plus the scroll frame will allow for a larger design area without chance
of crushing any loops.
You're so right about the endless options one can do with this
technique.....it took me over 20 years to finally buy a set of these
needles to "play" with. But, I plan to make up for lost time......as
soon as my schedule opens up a little.
I got caught up doing an unexpected "trunk show" for a friend's
needlepoint shop in Houston as I'll be going to the International Quilt
Market at the end of Oct......since I'll be staying with my friend and
spending at least one day helping out in the shop, Frances thought it
would be a good idea to bring new designs.
So, I won't be available to go on that nice day of shopping and
lunch.....but you all will have a lovely time at The Stitching
Post......it's one of the most well stocked shops I've ever been to with
something for all stitcher's.
I've always thought what a great marketing idea it was to have a
needlework shop, a quilting shop and a knitting shop all located next
door to each other......and even more amazing considering these shops
are "hidden" in a small industrial type park area, off the main street,
most dedicated stitchers know where these great shops
are......definitely a real destination place where one can spend hours
doing our favorite pastime.......
After shopping The Stitching Post, spent a small fortune at the Quilt
shop......too hard to resist the range of gorgeous color fabrics and
quilt mags from AU.....some for half price too!
The knitting shop is full of the best yarns.......love the multicolors
of the many types available.
I recall you mentioning Manos yarn in another post......that is
wonderful hand spun yarn.......I have quite a collection of colors that
I couldn't resist!
Now that you're into knitting, next year, you ought to consider visiting
the MD Wool and Sheep Festival at the Howard County Fairgrounds, the
first weekend in May.........there you'll find many artisan hand dyed
and hand spun yarns among everything else for knitters and weavers.
One year I bought a hand made yarn or skein winder from a woodworker
made of polished cherry wood. It's a beautiful sculpture on its
own......along with the large wooden Swedish yarn swifts.......at one
time I even thought of buying my own spinning wheel but had to resist
that urge due to lack of space and time......but....as a knitter, this
festival is worth making time to visit!
As for lunch.....I've been to the Candlelight Inn a few years ago.....a
real charming place.
---
Lula
http://www.woolydream.com
Needlework Adventures
Ellice wrote:
lula wrote:
Geez, as if I don't have enough to do........but using a Russian punch
needle is a technique I've been wanting to try for many years and
finally after seeing finished samples here and there and talking to my
fellow designer friend Pam Kellogg who has been "playing" with her set
of needles, I purchased a set of these punch needles.
My set came from a company known as the original Russian Punch Needle
company that spells the name as IGOLOCHKOY.
*snip*
Overall, I'm looking forward to experimenting with the punch needle
using a combination of other embroidery techniques, different textured
threads, yarns and embellishments hoping to give all my projects that
"unique" look whether used on clothing or in decorative design.
Lula, isn't this just tooooo addictive. I resisted for a while, but at the
shop one of the owner's friends designs specifically punchneedle projects,
and distributes for Igolochkov (if you've been to Nashville, might've met
Ellen). Anyhow, she teaches a class at the store a couple of times a year,
and they shamed me into it a couple of years ago. Theory being - it's so
much fun, requires less concentration, etc - and is darn fast.
Some of her designs have been adorable little micro-mini purses, brooches,
bands for pillows. We've done some with various threads - silk/wool blend
even, and it's awesome for overdyed floss. One of the tricks we learned was
to actually trim the little sleeves to different lengths which would then
change the depth of the loop. Just cut'em with a razor. I have my whole
little kit in a nice wooden needle box - they fit exactly. I've done most
of mine on quilters cotton (high quality - some on hand-dyes), and it's the
only time I use a hoop - drum tight.
I bet your designs look fantastic. SamSarah/Just Another Button Company
sent some designs for punchneedle to the shop - which we did, and
embellished them of course with their buttons.
Have fun - in case you weren't busy enough. We should get you to come on
one of the Metro DC outings (Stitching Post in Baltimore next Tuesday) !
Ellice