Monday, October 18, 2010

AUTUMN HOUSE

I've been visiting an old friend lately. NEEDLEPOINT - I learned to do NP before I learned to knit as a young child of about 8 or 10. I did a huge amount of NP in the 90's and early 2000's - that was before I became enchanted with samplers. There were several reasons needlepoint got pushed aside in my preferences. One of which was samplers but then came the new addiction - traditional wool rug hooking. I've been hooking for almost 12 years now and in the beginning years of hooking - I was still buying a lot of NP and taking a lot of classes. Well something had to go and with the loss of two shopowners who were dear friends and were such great mentors for me with NP - I just let it slip farther and farther from my sight. Not to say that I don't have enough painted canvases and class kits to last the rest of my life and also not to say that I did not continue to buy canvases - I do and I did ! However I would see them, love them, purchase them and roll them up and put them away. I have a tremendous stock pile of lovely things which have never even been started. All this came to light when I moved 2 years ago and started digging into my vast stash of needlework related items.

Anyway - I have been a member of a local ANG chapter for a number of years - that group is 95% canvas workers - I have become less active in that group since moving 2 years ago because it is farther away from my new home and because NP was not my main focus these days. So - I decided I would join the EGA chapter which does meet very close to my house and guess what - they are about 95 % canvas workers as well - So - every month I would drag out my little flavor of the month/in progress/basketweave project and go and stitch with them. Most of them are working on a lovely group project called Crazy Dreams which has lots of stitches and colors and fibers - all are different and all beautiful. So one day - I thought to myself - Hey - that looks like fun - I have hundreds of dollars of NP stitch books on my shelf - I know what I'm doing - I know what I like - I know color - I have a vast stash of threads on hand - Why don't I find a canvas I really like and get busy. Here is what I found:


This is a canvas I purchased out of a trunk show that DF Jill from the Azalea House had a couple of years ago. I purchased a bunch of Gloriana Lorikeet wools for it and had all those stored with the canvas.

So - I have been obsessed with this canvas ever since I decided I could do it - I could do it !

Here is a close up of the house and the growing trees and fields surrounding it.


I am really pleased with the stitches I have chosen for the things I have stitched so far.  I've never done a scene like this and previously - I did not do much stitch planning on painted canvases - But I must admit - I am having a great deal of fun searching for just the right thread and stitch for a particular spot on the canvas - one of the real challenges is that all these spaces are very small - the canvas is only 10 X 10 on 18ct which does help a little with doing finite details.  How long this obession will last - one never knows but I'm having a hard time wrapping it up at night to get in the bed. Last night was 12:30 and I just had to finish that smoke billowing from the chimney - I found a thread I just simply had to try.  I'm having so much fun perusing long stashed threads and rummaging thru other kitted projects long left idle looking for threads that might be good on this canvas.  I'm sure once Halloween is over - the allure of this Autumn House will be over but who knows - fall scenes and pumpkins are good for a while and guess what - I have a great Turkey canvas I got on a rug hooking trip to Fredericksburg TX about 5 years ago.  He might be my next conquest !

I had a new shawl project to show you but the photo part of blogger is acting up and I just don't have the patience to do this all over again for the 3rd time today. 

So I will bid farewell - wish you all a good week and hope I get back here again soon .  Thanks for all your comments -

17 comments:

Roberta said...

Hey Melody, love the canvas and you are doing great my friend!!!

As for the English Piecing, who knows when I will get it done, but I do like the technique.

Knitting and quilting seem to be in the forefront for me, with some stitching.

Take care and sorry I missed you last month in Jacksonville, maybe next time!!!

Margaret said...

Wow, Melody, it's gorgeous! I love all the textures you're putting in with the different stitches. I first learned to needlepoint as well as a child, but never progressed beyond just plain tent stitch. lol! And my canvases were always crooked since I didn't know about the basketweave stitch. I'm glad you've picked up your NP again!

The Chilly Hollow Needlepoint Adventure said...

I am glad you are having such a fun time, Melody. That's what painted canvases are all about--fun.

Cari said...

Wow Mel....your canvas and canvas work are something else girl!! I love it! I actually have a canvas all kitted up and thought about starting it. I think it makes a great change of pace!! Hugs

Jackie's Stitches said...

Congratulations on re-discovering an old friend in needlepoint. Beautiful canvas. I've always been curious how one decides what stitches to use. I know that anything you work on will be beautiful because you truly have a talent for the needle arts.

Deb said...

I just love everything about your canvas. You must be having so much fun with it - playing with stitches and the fibers. There is nothing better than having a lot of stash for when the whim hits us, is there?

Nancy said...

I love your Autumn House needlepoint, and you're doing a beautiful job Melody! I learned needlepoint before I started to cross stitch too. I don't have many projects, but I do have a few. I was going to get back to it this year, but time is running out. I think I'll do some next year for sure! I can't wait to see your turkey.

Sylvia said...

Wonderful needlepoint. That is something I don't do, but I have always admired the effect of all those different stitches on a canvas.

kim said...

I love the colours and the composition of your Autumn House needlepoint.......I'm a bit unsure what needlepoint is......is it the same as tapestry.....well, whichever it is, it's beautiful.
florrie x

Rugs and Pugs said...

Mel ~
Great job! Is there any needlecraft you can't do? I did a bit of needlepoint decades ago, but it just wasn't my cup of tea, so to speak.
Pug hugs :)
Lauren

The Scarlett House said...

Hi Mel, you are such a talented and diverse needleworker. I'd love to go through your stash, lol!

Susan said...

It's looking good, Mel! It's amazing how one stitch can change the whole look of a needlepoint piece, isn't it?

I have a *few* canvases also, but have vowed not to buy anymore since my stash of projects was out of control even before I added quilting to the mix. We'll see how long that promise to myself lasts!

Siobhán said...

I love your needlepoint! I've never done it but would love to try--especially since BOAF is only doing canvases!! I'm glad you've found a lost love and renewed your interest in it. :)

Just me said...

Melody, it is a beautiful canvas ... I love it. I would love to see the finished project. I know it'll be lovely ... Barb

Bethany said...

Melody,

Love the canvas, is Azalea House still in business? When I go on to the website, it still has Jill and Doug as the owners? I sure loved coming up and visiting with all you girls. Guess who is coming to WRSG in Febuary? Oh happy day, "Lorraine" This means I'll be making a trip to Ohio to be with mom, during the cold frosty winter..... Sure looking forward to it.

Bethany said...

Melody,

Sure love the canvas, is Azalea House still open? When I go to the website it still has Jill as the owner. I sure loved coming up and visiting with the ladies. Guess who is coming to WRSG, in February? Oh Happy Day, "Lorraine"
This means a cold and chilly trip to Ohio for me. Lucky for me, mom's birthday is also in Feb.

Beehive Needleworks said...

Good afternoon Melody ~

Goodness me, your canvas work is over the moon!

I wish to thank you, most kindly, for your sweet comments on my blog! I am so very delighted that you found your way to my wee corner of the world, and that, whilst there, enjoyed your visit!

Wishing you a Halloween filled with treats of your heart's desire!

Peaceful stitching,
Judy