Gold thread needlepoint

As a reward for stitching class models, I let myself work on a couple of small projects for myself at the end of the day.

I pulled this Heart canvas from my before-store stash. I worked the red and pink areas in basketweave using Petite Very Velvet and Trebizond. While stitching with the Trebizond, I found that longer lengths tended to shred at the end, so I began using 12-14” lengths. Because I hate ripping out, I needed to save the areas that were obviously worn. I took a 12” length of Trebizond and split it into thirds. I threaded one strand on my needle and went over the distressed areas. For perfectionists, this won’t work, but I don’t think anyone will get into the tree to scrutinize this ornament that closely.

I had never really appreciated Kreinik’s Japan gold braid until I stitched this canvas. I had intended to bead all of the gold areas and then came to my senses. I found the gold braid stitch in June McKnight’s book “Needlepoint Borders”. The stitch is a large cross with reversing mosaic ties done with #12 braid. I then couched the braid horizontally above and below the border using a strand of the Japan gold itself to attach it. The bottom of the center medallion is a fern variation. For the swirly lines, I again couched #12 Kreinik Japan gold braid. The floral motifs were going to be gold-plated beads, but I found they stood out from the canvas too much. I had tried the lazy daisy stitch with #12, but it was too bulky. Finally, I took #8 Japan gold braid and stitched lazy daisies with French knots in the centers. They look like gold peas in gold pods.

I’ve always wanted to take the time to learn goldwork. Until I can find that time, I think this “faux goldwork” is something I will use again.

Shelly flip flop needlepoint

Here is another of my “rewards” canvases—projects I stitch when I have finished stitching models for the day.

The background is Renaissance Shimmer stitched in a horizontal Parisian stripe. The snowflakes were going to be beads, but French knots in Kreinik 032 #12 braid did the trick. The fur trim is a chenille thread I found in a fabric store that I couched down with a strand of Floche. I used my curved scissors to trim the chenille to the proper shape and scale. The wreath is made of French knots with beads. Santa’s beard is the criss-cross Hungarian in perle cotton with Neon Rays cross-stitches in the voids. These canvases come with all the materials you need to finish them yourself. I’m afraid to finish canvases, but even I was able to pull it off.

Oriental needlepoint from Mindy

When I was in the booth selecting Mindy canvases at Market, I felt like I was choosing precious jewels. Her Asian inspired canvasses are beautiful stitch-painted works of art that call out for rich threads and embellishments—velvet, metallics, silk, and beads. Her holiday canvases are full of whimsy, and most come with their own buttons to jazz them up. Any of these would be a delight to stitch and works of art when finished.

View these wonderful canvases from Mindy on our website. (posted by Michele)