Saturday, February 11, 2017

Apples and Almonds

Apples from Melissa Shirley Designs #1920, 13 mesh, 17" x 9"

after an original painting entitled Plate with Apples and Almonds 
by Giovanna Garzoni, Italian (1600-1670)

Giovanna Garzoni was an Italian painter who was prominent in Europe during the Baroque period. She became famous for her works of botanical subjects in tempera and watercolor, and her still lifes were very popular with the Italian courts and the Medici family. 

Melissa Shirley has beautifully interpreted several of Garzoni's paintings on canvas.  The Citrons was one of my teaching pieces last year.  I am honored to teach the Apples at Needlepoint This!  in Dallas, Texas on March 25-26, 2017.  Please call 214.363.6377 for details about the class or a kit.


Thursday, February 2, 2017

Market Report

This last weekend I went to the TNNA Winter Needlepoint Market in San Jose, CA.  It is so exciting to spend time with the designers, the shop owners and the other teachers.  This is a shot of my table:

here are a few of my finds:
this great stylized reindeer from Melissa Prince Designs. My photo is crooked, but I will be stitching him soon and hope to teach him!

I'm Yours from Sandra Gilmore, distributed by Fleur de Paris.  Wouldn't this be a sweet Valentine's pillow with initials in the center of the heart?

In progress, the Williamsburg Wreath from Melissa Prince Designs.  This has already been requested to be taught at several shops.  I plan to have it finished with a gusset and hang it on the inside of my front door.  

It was so great to see Debbie Ladd of Fleur de Paris, the sweet redhead who is pictured in the "You've Got a Friend" design by Sandra Gilmore, distributed by Fleur de Paris.  I was honored to stitch the piece for Fleur and the stitch guide is available through them or me.


Melissa Shirley never disappoints, and this jewel-like winter scene spoke to me.  This will be a great teaching piece, and not too large.


If you know me, you know I have a weakness for a beautiful reindeer.  This jaunty guy from Maggie Company came right home with me and he would make a nice class.  Designed by Jennifer Brinley, the deer's antlers are decked out with poinsettias!

 Strictly Christmas etc. has outdone itself with this nativity triptych.  I am stitching it, writing the guide and  possibly teaching this great piece.  The frame is from Deux Bijoux Bijoux and compliments it beautifully.

My Teaching Schedule and list of available stitch guides are being updated as I hear from more shops, so check it for updates.

Enjoy!
Patricia