Finishing needlepoint is the goal, and here are beautiful results our members showed in January

Marcia G finished ‘Galaxy’ long before the year was up.

‘Galaxy’ was a year-long project with a designated area to finish each month. Some stitchers, however, are so skilled and goal-oriented they were able to cross the finish line early. Marcia G. and Barb C. were two such speedy stitchers.

Barb C. shows a finished Galaxy!

Finishing needlepoint pieces into framed, filled, stuffed or edged accessories is always considered an accomplishment. Members much appreciate the stitching and sewing that creates an enjoyable addition to the house.

Stitchers Marcia G. and Barb C. used different thread colorways, as can be seen in these pictures. Their choices give completely differing looks to the same design. It is part of needlepoint pleasure to experiment with colors and their relationships to each other.

One secret learned by needlepointers everywhere is that there is a certain color that can bring a piece of needlepoint to life. It is called the ‘poison’ color, no matter which color it actually is, because of its surprising effect on all the other colors. It jolts and startles the eye, but, like a black lampshade in a beautifully decorated room, prevents an overall feeling of too much sweetness. So go ahead, throw an acid green onto those pinks and cranberry colors and see what happens!

Gloria showed lovely Southwest-themed ornaments she’d stitched.

Members have been busy stitching and finishing, and it’s always fun to see the new results.

Here, Cynthia shows what can be done by slightly altering a design. ‘Honey I Shrunk the Heart,’ our current project, is shown here stitched not as a heart, but as a square, and finished in a frame. Cynthia chose delightful colors, and gave a tip about selecting threads for this project. Choose the variegated thread first, then add the other colors that fit or match it well. This project will continue into February (when the meeting is on TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18 DUE TO THE PRESIDENTS’ DAY HOLIDAY when the church is closed that Monday).

Cynthia showed ‘Honey I Shrunk the Heart’ stitched as a square.

Jennifer R. has created another beautiful original design to be presented to ANG as a class, called ‘Radishes,’ a companion to her earlier design, ‘Carrots.’

Jennifer R. shows ‘Radishes.’

And below, Jennifer shared her creation which is double-sided, people! She has stitched it to show either front or back. Both are beautiful! She said this is an idea she’s been wanting to experiment with for a long time.

Jennifer R. shows ‘Dragonfly.’

There will be more Show & Tell stars in February. Remember the change in meeting night:

TUESDAY
FEBRUARY 18, 2014
BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH
GREAT HALL AT 6:50 pm