Sorry I have been remiss in blogging the past few days, I’ve been crazy busy with my other job. I’m sure that most of you don’t know that I lead a double life.  By day, needlepoint shop owner. . . bu night, piano teacher. I have been teaching piano for 13 years and just can’t seem to give it up, despite all of my new responsibilities.  I fly out of the shop at 3 o’clock on the dot everyday, race to pick up my 5 year old at school, and try to not get stuck behind the school bus so I can beat my students to my house.  I will admit, I am very much looking forward to summer vacation and only working one job.

So, Thursday night was the piano recital. I teach 18 students every week.  Unfortunately, not everyone could make it.  The  highlight of the night (since I am his proud mommy), was my son Trip’s first performance.  He got it into his head a few months ago that he was going to be in the recital and was not budging about it.  Be sure to click on the link below.  This is too cute!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qROxCADtca4&feature=youtu.be

By the way, Trip is his nickname.  He’s really Raymond the third.  Who could deal with that confusion?

Back to stitching.  Oh, I wish!  Blogging, bills, cleaning, writing stitch guides. . . there’s not enough hours in the day!  Now maybe I’ll start making needlepoint videos.  I’m always cooking up something!

I just love love love Vicky!  Her blog is by far my favorite (even though I am not a cat person).  We are so lucky to have her.

Trick or Treat Class

July 20th 10-3   $200

Little Red Bike Class

July 21st 10-3   $225

Call or email to sign up.  203-210-5107

Yesterday was the second class on the Rebecca Wood Santa in the needlepoint shop banner.  I’ve gotten the largest areas out of the way on the canvas.  Hooray!

I tried 4 or 5 stitches for the snow.  I started with the largest stitch that I thought might work.  It didn’t work.  My problem was that despite that there’s a large area of snow, there’s not actually a large stitching area.  So, I finally tried a laid stitch.  I wanted this snow to look like it’s been walked through and stomped on by little reindeer paws.

The sleigh was a lot of fun.  I just wanted a really pretty stitch.

I padded the top of the sleigh with Frosty Rays and Satin stitched over it with River Silks.

I used the same Frosty Rays to make the bow.  I made loops over a wooden skewer and held it in place until I was finished making all of the loops.  That way the loops stayed poofy.

I heard many moans and groans when it came to the wreath.  Needlepointers do not like the word “random.”  And this time, I did random long and short stitches using 1 ply of a Threadworxs overdye floss.  Yes, it took forever.  I spent about 3 hours on a Sunday morning crafting that wreath.

I think I’ll move on to the reindeer next.  Or maybe the window.  I’m dying to try out my ideas on the skeins of threads that are hanging in the store!  Till next time . . .

The canvas for our first retreat arrived today!  I have been anxiously awaiting it’s arrival.  (And what I really mean by that is that I’ve been stalking the UPS guy).  I’ve kitted it out and am ready to start stitching.  This is going to be an amazing piece.  I have a variety of ideas for the hydrangeas. (They can’t all be stitched the same way.   Boring!)  And wait ’till you see what I do with the tall ship.  Let’s hope my plan with that works out.

October 18th, 19th, 20th

Price of retreat: $600 – includes canvas, thread kit, stitch guide, two days of instruction and the cocktail reception

Rooms: $199/night

Bling Workshop on Saturday afternoon: $125 (optional)

We still have a few spots open for the retreat.  July 15th is the registration cut-off date.

Call or email to sign up.  203-210-5107   enrichedstitch@gmail.com

This will also be available as a kit after the retreat in October.

Laura Taylor of Aristeia will be traveling across the country to teach at The Enriched Stitch.

Laura has been teaching needlepoint classes for stitchers of all levels at Aristeia Needlepoint in Los Angeles for 14 years.  She is a passionate teacher who collaborates with each student to bring out their personal best and make the most of their canvas.  She’s especially fond of open stitches and overdyed threads that allow the artist’s vision to shine through.  Laura recognizes and is amazed at the power that needlepoint has in bringing people together while boosting their spirits as individuals.

Tea for My Honey – August 16th 10-4

Class Fee: $300 includes all materials

On Sunday August 18th  10-4 Laura will be teaching a Mary Lake Thompson design.

Class Fee: $400

You must sign up by June 1st.  Class registration closes on June 1st.

Call or email to sign up.  203-210-5107   enrichedstitch@gmail.com

National teacher Cynthia Thomas will be teaching at The Enriched Stitch on June 14th and 15th She has authored a new book “Noses, Roses and Other Fun Stuff” which she will be teaching this workshop on Saturday June 15th.  These are just a few of the creative techniques that will be covered.

Noses, Roses and Other Fun Stuff Workshop

$175 includes all materials, a copy of her book and lunch 10-4

Here’s a taste of what she’ll teach

I don’t know how she did this flower but it’s really cool!

Some sort of beaded circle.  How cool?

The picture doesn’t do this justice.

This braid is so realistic. Almost too real!

Cynthia will be teaching this cupcake on Friday June 14th. This class is limited to 10 students.  $200 includes all materials.

This circle thing has endless possibilities.

I can’t wait to use this on something.  Christmas ornaments on a tree?

A little off-canvas weaving, anyone?

Another off-canvas weaving technique.

Call or email to sign up.  203-210-5107  enrichedstitch@gmail.com

I sure am one lucky lady.  I get to play (and work) in a needlepoint shop every day.  I have a great husband and the most awesome little boy in the world!

They did good this year!

On Saturday I treated myself to a little something from the shop that I’ve had my eye on for a while.

Ok . . . Maybe not so little.

Only two tries to get the sky!  I’m getting better at this.  Down from my usual five tries!

I made up this sand stitch.  I wanted it to look like the swirly zig-zag pattern at the water’s edge.  Speaking of the Water’s Edge, I am anxiously awaiting the new design for the retreat in October

.  It will probably show up today. Now I’ll have to stop by the shop to see if it’s there.  I really can’t avoid going in on my day off, can I?

Becki suggested this water stitch that she learned from David McCaskill. I was skeptical at first but it looks amazing!

I hope everyone had a great mother’s day.  Don’t forget to sign up for Cynthia Thomas’  classes in June!

Here’s the second finish of the Melissa Prince club.  It’s not too late to join.

$45/canvas and stitch guide.  Thread kits additional.

The club ship every other month starting in June.

Give me a call.  203-210-5107  enrichedstitch@gmail.com

I think I’ll finish this one as an ornament that I’ll hang on my china closet.  I see it hanging from a tassel in coordinating colors.

In the wake of all of the tragedy that has consumed America, we must try to remember all of the positive aspects of our great country.

Bill Cosby said, “I am proud to be an American. Because an American can eat anything on the face of this earth as long as he has two pieces of bread.”

In this spirit, I plan on finishing the Fourth of July parade that I started last summer.

Yankee Doodle’s drum

Wagon wheel and bunting

Martha’s hat

The proud eagle leading the march

George’s hair (split stitch)

Canvas: $185

Stitch Guide: $100

Thread Kit: TBD

So whatever reasons you have, always remember how lucky we are to live in this great country. Appreciate your freedom. Cherish and protect your children.  Help those in need.

This is my favorite basket yet!  Let me know if you want to preorder this canvas. 203-210-5107