Beyond Pillows: The Foot Stool!

My husband made an outrageous claim the other day: "Honey, we have enough pillows." My response, "Oh sweetie, we have only just begun!"

But I take his point (in theory): there is such a thing as too many pillows. But that certainly doesn't mean too many needlepoint pieces. I've already written about my love of needlepoint shoes, purses, and cuffs but what about needlepoint foot stools and tuffets and chairs?!

Take the example of the wonderful "Leo the Dog" foot stool stitched by customer Audrey Shannon. Her son brought me the actual foot stool and then Audrey and I had Leo painted by the Point of It All's most fabulous artist, Deborah. (If you can dream it; she can paint it!)

Check out my mother's fabulous tuffet from artist Trubey. Here's a link to Trubey's work. She also does full size chairs, if you can imagine that!

Or consider a child's director's chair from Patti Mann or Associated Talents.

The possibilities are limitless!

Happy stitching!
Susan

S.A.B.L.E.

Have you heard of S.A.B.L.E??? Not the fur but the acronym...

Stash
Acquired
Beyond
Life
Expectancy

Yup, that's me! I've got more canvases than I know what to do with and sure enough I love them all! And my stash certainly doesn't stop me for acquiring more...ahh, the allure of the new canvas. In fact I was up until 2 am stitching last night. I must be addicted.

I think I will design a canvas with S.A.B.L.E. on it...

Happy Sunday; Happy Stitching,
Susan

Refreshing Bargello

A fresh, new look for Bargello! The colors in this piece are actually intense, summertime hues of bright aquas, hot pinks, and lemon yellow. The pattern came from a June McKnight book titled The Best Bargello Book (what a name!) Once I set up the tracking row, it was really easy to follow. Of course if you are even one stitch off, you have to start again--that's always a bummer.

The acrylic tray is from Cooper Oaks Design. Click here to visit their website.

I can't wait to have a dinner party and use my new tray! How refreshing will it be to serve a chilled glass of white wine on this stunning piece? Beautiful and functional--a bold new use for needlepoint!

Happy stitching,
Susan

Learning to Needlepoint

How did you learn to needlepoint? Did you learn as a child or as an adult? Do you remember your first project?

My story begins when I was about 8 years old. My mother had not finished my Christmas stocking and, as only a child can, I said, "It's okay, Mom. I'll learn to needlepoint and finish my own stocking!" My mother always likes me to mention that she put on the gas and did actually finish the stitching. But she also capitalized on a teachable moment and took me to The Point of It All. I've been needlepointing ever since.

When I was about 10 years old, I won a first place ribbon in the junior division of the Woodlawn Plantation Needlework Show, a national competition. I didn't stitch much in college but picked it up again later. Now I stitch nearly everyday.

One evening my husband and I were watching a movie when suddenly I put down my needlepoint and packed up my supplies; I was tired of stitching that evening. Chris immediately asked if I was ill; he has so rarely seen me put down my needlepoint!

I've just started a photo album with a picture of every piece I've stitched. It's great to look through it and remember all the projects. I highly recommend starting your own album.

Please write in with stories of how you learned to needlepoint!

Happy stitching,
Susan

Back from Market

I've just returned from the needlepoint market in Columbus, Ohio...what fun! SO, SO many fantastic canvases! I can't wait for them to arrive so I can begin stitching. What to do first??

I particularly liked these Halloween bags from Ruth Schmuff...aren't they adorable?! Melissa Shirley had great new canvases as did JP Needlepoint. I also loved the ornaments based on hand-blown glass Christmas tree decorations. Clara Wells had a new purse shape....more of a totebag. Fun new geometrics from Barbara Bergsten. Interesting fibers from ThreadworkX. (I wish I had more space to carry even more fibers!)

Canvases are arriving every day and we are adding the red binding as fast as we can. Come by and see everything!!!

Happy stitching,
Susan

World of Needlepoint feature

Check out the World of Needlepoint website! The Point of It All is featured!

I've just returned from the needlework market in Columbus, OH...as soon as I clear off my desk I'll post on what I saw and what I loved...stay tuned!

Happy stitching,
Susan

Fab Finishing

A new fabulous pillow arrived today! This crab cake canvas from Melissa Shirley was already adorable but the finishing really put it over the top! I used seersucker fabric that is doubled-faced with orange linen. Laura, finisher extraordinaire, added a beaded trim, cute ties, and shell embellishments. I love it! And can't wait to give it to my husband (who, as a true son of Maryland, loves crabs).

I'm off to the needlework market tomorrow...I promise to buy tons of wonderful canvases for the shop!

Happy stitching,
Susan

Shop Remodel

So I'm not giving up my needlepoint career to become a professional photographer...that's for sure! These photos are not the best but I am thrilled with the new layout of the shop and wanted to share it! It now feels much more open and inviting. I've already worked with several customers at the new table up front. The window seat is now a showcase for finished projects. The middle room is completely rearranged. I especially love that we no longer have our backs to the customer when ringing up sales. And there's more display space for new books and stitching gadgets. The customer response has been overwhelmingly positive and super enthusiastic!

I think it's really important to give a shop a fresh look every so often. Keep things new! If I may broaden this discussion: the same can be said of needlepoint. Try a new stitch; take on a canvas that would have intimidated you before; add texture to a piece with a fabulous fiber! Keep things fresh and exciting with your needlepoint!

As always, happy stitching,
Susan