It’s January and time to think about organizing things around the house. In keeping with this theme, we will be giving you some ideas on how to organize your needlework stash. Barb G. will give tips and tricks and would love to have any and all of you share YOUR secrets for organizing threads, canvases, tools, books, WIP, etc.
Also, this month we will begin our year long project–Variations Sampler by Custom House Needle Arts. The stitch books are finally in, and Christine Hause from the Stitching Shop will be at the meeting and have them for sale for $16.00. She will also have the Gumnut threads that are used in the original sampler. These gorgeous silk and wool threads are a little pricey, and we will talk about what you can use in place of the suggested threads should you want to do this. You can download the picture of the sampler, thread list, schematic of the blocks HERE. If you wish Barb to print you a copy of this information, please let her know–the cost will be $1.00.
The sampler finishes at 12″x12″ on 18 count canvas. You should use a piece of canvas either 16″x16″or 18″x18″ depending on whether you want a 2″ or 3″ border around the piece for framing or finishing into a pillow.
If you prefer to work on 14 count canvas, the piece will finish approximately 15 1/2″x 15 1/2″. Again you need to leave either an additional 2 or 3 inches on each side for finishing.
Also, The Stitching Shop has a TRUNK SHOW with 20 percent OFF this month, featuring these artists (& some stitch guides available):
Pat Thode
Catherine Blair
Brenda Palmer
Beth Robertson & Suzanne Howren
Barbara Bond
Call Christine at The Stitching Shop, 303 727-8500 or email her if you have questions: AStitchingShop@gmail.com
Happy stitching, everyone, and we will see you all on January 19. We DO meet on the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.
Colorado Columbine Chapter, American Needlepoint Guild
Third Monday of each month except Aug & Dec., at 6:50 p.m.
Bethany Lutheran Church
4500 E. Hampden Avenue
Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113
Email us at columbineang@gmail.com for more information.

Every year before Epiphany, St. Michael’s and All Angels Episcopal Church of Denver throws open its doors to invite the community to see the beautiful sanctuary. It is decorated for the season and filled with needlepoint work done by its St. Clare’s Needlepoint Guild of church members. The stitchers of the Guild have been filling the church with needlework for 34 years.
In the photo above, the ivory wedding kneelers are on display, one for the bride, one for the groom. The are stitched with embroidery floss and French wool. The blue kneelers at the alter are for communion takers and are stitched on 13-gauge canvas with wool. The cushions are rotated to distribute the pattern of wear. All were designed by a guild member who specializes in ecclesiastical designs, and carefully plotted out on graph paper and sized to fit the span of the altar.

Kneelers fill the pews in the sanctuary and the choir above it, each designed and stitched by the members, who must stitch samples before being invited to join the Guild. The designs include elaborate crosses and symbols of Christianity such as the pomegranate, below.

About 150 stitchers have served the Guild over the years.

Wool on the roses, and a little bit of metallic thread used in the cross, which make it stand out and sparkle in the light.
And glorious, bright colors endure on every piece, as the chair seat below shows.

Colorado Columbine members enjoyed the needlepoint, the beautiful classical music by the organist and chatting with the stitchers of the St. Clare’s Needlepoint Guild. The open house next year is January 9, 2016!

Happy stitching, everyone, and we will see you all on January 19, 2015. We DO meet on the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.
Colorado Columbine Chapter, American Needlepoint Guild
Third Monday of each month except Aug & Dec., at 6:50 p.m.
Bethany Lutheran Church
4500 E. Hampden Avenue
Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113
Email us at columbineang@gmail.com for more information.
