Author: Quail Run Needlework

A Brief History of Japanese Embroidery

                                      
                                                     Phase 9 “Seasonal Poems”

“Japanese embroidery (nihon shishu in Japanese) is an embroidery technique that goes back more than 1600 years. In its early stages Japanese Embroidery was only used for decorating items used during religious ceremonies. Over time, as shishu developed its own unique Japanese qualities and characteristics, it took on a more artistic purpose. According to historians, from the early Heian Period Japanese embroidery was primarily used for decorating costumes of the Ladies of the Court. During these early stages shishu was only available to a select group; only the highest ranks of society could afford such costly work. However, after a thousand years’ sleep, this cultural heritage, the fruit of countless predecessors, is now available to a wider audience.
Instruction in the basic techniques of traditional Japanese embroidery is an orderly progression of phases that should be taken in turn. While there are about forty basic techniques as indicated in the textbook,
some phases cover a number of procedures, and others focus on only one. Along with instruction in technique goes hand-in-hand an introduction to the symbolism and color usage that form part of the tradition of traditional Japanese embroidery. “
Japanese Embroidery classes are offered four times a year at Quail Run Needlework-Jan, April, July and November. This is our November class week so please stop by and see what we are working on. We would  be glad to have you join us for a future class in embroidery or beading. 

While many of you are busy finishing your holiday stitching, I have been busy thinking about new designs, clubs classes and more for the store. So fast forwarding to next year, here is adorable club that will start in January. 
It’s all about Gingerbread !

Each kit will have two 3-4″ classic cookies, threads and embellishments.Different stitches for the gingerbread will make each cookie special. A relaxing, portable project for you!
Taking reservations so call the shop to sign up.
 And as a bonus you get 10% discount on the
finishing which will be unique. 
Hope you are having a great weekend! 

Looking for a solution to organize all your sparkly magnets? Here is one that is fun and functional.

In black or white, these little trees are 11.5″ tall and 6″wide.  You can display your collection on

both sides. Stop in for yours or call if we can send you one.

click here to purchase
 

I have always enjoyed poetry of all kinds-so here is a sweet ( No calorie!) treat for you!

Lots of new Halloween canvases in the store from Fall Market for you to enjoy as well .

This is my favorite -HOWLEEN  10×12 on 18 ct.

Who doesn’t enjoy Brenda Stofft’s fun designs. These two caught my eye at market for you dog and cat lovers. 6×8″  18 ct

This new design from ETC is a great canvas enhancement project.

So many possibilities!!!

22×16″ on 18 ct .

This fun cuff bracelet was stitched and worn by Sally London of Rainbow Gallery at the Fall Market.

I am taking preorders for this design which will be delivered mid January. so lots of time to stitch for next fall.

And last but not least here is a sample of unqiue Quail Run Finishing we can do for you.

My finishers and I are regulars at all the local craft stores , hunting for embellishments to make

your project so very special. You spend a lot of time stitching so your finishing deserves only

 the best detailed finishing.

Have a safe and fun Spooky time this week. Stop in to treat yourself this Halloween!

Susan

It is a busy Friday and we are all looking forward to the weekend. Our weather has cooled. Our snowbird stitchers are returning so lots of chatting and catching up with the events of the summer in the store. Everyone is having a good time checking out the new items I brought back from the Fall Market.

New things are arriving daily and these just arrived this morning. I am going to stitch the Louisiana one for friends. There are other choices-British, French, Greek, Irish, Italian, New England, Southern and Wine Country . I will finish mine as a tray using one of the acrylic trays we can do in any size-so no canvas goes unfinished! Glad to order your choice, so stop in or call .

Don’t forget we have Stitch and Chat  on Saturdays form 1-4 pm (as well as Tuesdays and

Thursdays from 1-4pm) so get your errands , golf or tennis done early and come join

our relaxed , friendly group.

Southwest designs are a big part of my Quail Run Designs line.  The  Southwest as well the Sonoran Desert has so many wonderful themes and subjects. Here are just a few for you to view. Let me know what you think! 
                               

Happy Stitching.

Susan 

Things have been so busy at the shop with the Fall Retreat as well the time and work 
for Dallas Market. Then there was unpacking form market and displaying all the new wonderful
things in the shop. I have not had much time to stitch but today I was able to stitch my own project instead of shop models, classes and market models.  
                                        

The pony looks great . I used Vineyard wool and it gave just the right texture as well as colors.
                               

The flying geese are done with a mixture of wool and Whisper . Accentuate was the perfect choice ofr the moon in alternating continental.
                           
The sweet little girls are next. I am experiementing with different threads and stitches to get
just the right look. The roses will be done with Planet Earth’s edged ribbons and the leaves in
solid ribbon.  
The background is two shades of Gloriana in a darning pattern that is going quite quickly.
I am really enjoying stitching this piece and so pleased with the results.
Happy stitching and stop by the shop to see my progress on this piece.

CALLING ALL       

I have a great solution for all those unwanted threads in your stash.
One of our local high school’s art department is looking for fibers like your stash threads. So bring them to the shop and we will pass them on to the school for you. A great way to clean out your stitching stash and contribute go the school where they will used. 
See you soon!

You missed a great class if you did not join us this past weekend. The 3 day class with Patricia Sone
was relaxing,so informative and fun. We all had the best time. From the unique canvses the ladies chose
to the comprehensive stitch guides from Patirica, there was lost of buzz in the classroom.  Lovely lunches, treats at the breaks and a special dinner complimented the class.
I was so busy learning, chatting and making sure everyone was well taken care of that I forgot to take a lot of pictures put here are a few for you to enjoy.

One of the tasty lunches.

 
Some of the ladies hard at work.

Ribbons and beads enhance this wonderful Big Heart but
Melissa Shirley Designs.

March Ballons, a Frank Lloyd Wright design one of our customers had in her stash.
Two ladies were stitching on this same piece  so there were lots of ideas flying around that table from the
ladies and Patricia. So interesting to see the same piece and the different interpretations.

 Another coloful design from Puple Palm Designs. Interesting stitches to make the prickly pear cactus bumpy. The spines will be laid over the base in bright Granny Smith and Peony Silk Straw.

Patricia will be back in October for the Pumpkin Parade class. I will post the 2016 calendar when the
details are finalized.
Happy Stitching.