Fabulous shoes

 

 

 

When I returned from my trip to look at colleges with Emma, the store was filled with L'Esprit de France's canvases. I was absolutely thrilled to see all the beautiful canvases displayed. THe shoes are too die for. I particularly like the ballet flats - perfect for my wide feet! They are truly stunning.

Sally loves the leather shoes with canvas inserts. They actually had to explain to me that the two triangle shaped canvases were the canvas inserts-not scissors cases.

Mary, Joseph and Baby

 

 

 

These are the final three canvases from this adorable Nativity group. How would you stitch a black eye?

Angel and Shepherd-ACOD Navity Canvases

 

 

Obviously, this is a very small Sunday school class if they only have one shepherd and one angel. But they are sweet.

Three Kings-A Collection of Designs Navitiy Set

 

 

 

Of course, in many Christmas pageants, the kings are often dressed in their father's bathrobes. These kings have a better wardrobe mistress.

A Collection of Designs Nativity

 

 

 

 

One of my favorite Christmas stories is "The Worst/Best Christmas Pageant Ever." I enjoyed reading the bookbut loved listening to it. (The DVD is read by Elaine Stritch.) A favorite play was "Sister Mary Margaret Explains It all." In addition to Sister Mary Margaret, a key figure was the camel (actually two actors wearing the suit. So when we had A Collection of Design's Trunk show, I fell in love with the cow and camel cnavases. Unfortunately, we only recieved a few pieces and there were no pictures. Janet Burnett has sent me photos of all the canvases. This nativity is so sweet - and it reminds me of the two stories I mentioned above. (Of course, to be consistent with the Christmas Pageant story, Mary would need a black eye!

Janet explained that she doesn't have any in stock but I could place an order. While I am away, I have posted the various canvases from this nativity. Wait until you see the three kings!

You might not know it, but when the store did our nativity, I did the camel!

Julie's Fleur De Lis

 

 

Julie is a long distance customer. She has been to the shop but unfortunately, I didn't get to meet her. Recently, she sent me pictures of these lovely finished canvases. I think she did an incredible job stitching them.

Beach Scene

 

 

This beautiful beach scene canvas was painted by our wonderful custom painter, based on a customer's photo. It is absoltuely stunning.

Susanne and the customer had fun picking out the threads. It will be an incredible needlepoint.

Good Night Moon

 

Carolyn, who owns the wonderful Epiphany Cafe right near us, has worked on this delightful canvas for her soon-to-be grandchild. We happen to know that she will be giving the framed piece at the baby shower tomorrow.

This canvas is probably our favorite juvenile canvas. Carolyn noticed that there was no moon in the picture of the "cow jumping over the moon." She added one.

Finishing Makes the Difference

 

It seems impossible that the summer is almost over. We've been checking with our finishers and there has been some change in finishing dates. One or two of our finishers are asking that we have stand-ups in early. In general, we will be able to finish your ornament and stand-ups if we have them no later than October 1. We have until October 15 for belts, pillows and stockings. But as always, early is better!

If we have your Larry the Turkey back before October 1, you will be able to have him decorate your holiday table!

Tony's Chinese embroidery

 

 

 

Tony has been to China with Pam Dalton's Fiber tours. He said it was an unbelievable experience. He brought in a Chines scroll that he purchased in China. The stitching was meticulous and exquisite.

I also thought you would enjoy seeing a picture of Tony getting a canvas onto stretcher bars!

Admiring Kumihomo Braiding

 

 

Marianne bought these beautiful examples of Kumihomo braiding when she was in Japan. It is a braid in a hollow inside; similar to the braids you might have done as a kid with a spool loom. (Remember it had the nails at the stop). This type of braiding is also done for silk braids for jewelry. In Japan, the braids are used to secure the obi in space. The braids are just stunning.

Yoko's Daugher's Obi

 

 

During our Back to Basics Class, Tony told us quite a bit about Japanese embroidery. Yoko was kind enough to bring in the obi for her daughter's first kimono. The stitching is absolutely beautiful. In fact, we commented that the back of the piece really just looks like a wintry version of the front. Japanese embroidery is stitching at an unbelievable level; it requires enormous precision and discipline.

Victoria's Purse

 

This absolutely stunning purse was designed and finished by Boots Bailey. Her purse finishing is truly lovely as are her designs. Victoria should enjoy using this lovely purse.

Back to Basics Class

 

 

 

We just finished the last day of our four day Back to Basics class. It was a fabulous class. We felt particularly fortunate due to the weather. Since it rained yesterday and today we didn't miss a summer weekend.

It was a great class. We learned so many techniques including how to applique a piece of stitched canvas onto another canvas. Tony lives so close to our store that he was able to bring examples of the technique we learned. In addition, he brought many of his stunning designs. In the middle picture, Carole is admiring one of Tony's pieces.

We also had time for a show and tell session. Tony and Yoko brought pieces of Chinese and Japanese embroidery. Marianne brought examples of kumihomo braiding. Traditionally, it is used to secure the obi on a kimono. I have some pictures of these beautiful pieces which I'll post tomorrow.

Custom Wood Box

 

 

Fran stitched the tennis canvas but wanted it in a box. This box was made specifically for this canvas. It's a wonderful gift.

Beautiful Pillow

 

I love to be at the store when a box of finishing arrives. It's like Christmas all over again. This lovely pillow was sent to one of our high-end finishers. She uses a lovely dupioni silk. The finishing just made the beautfully stitched rose pop. What an elegant pillow.