Author: Quail Run Needlework

Happy Canada Day to my Canadian family and friends. We even have the Canadian flag on

display in our complex!

Traveling this summer?

These modern project totes are perfect to protect your stitching.

They come in the three sizes shown below. The two larger sizes have a divider in the

interior so you can put your canvas is protected on side and stitch guide or threads on the other side. These two bags also have a handy pocket on the front for your tools.

We also have a 12×12″ clear bag without a gusset which is great for small projects. The 3×5″ non

gusseted bag is great for threads.

So don’t forget to add these bags to your list of items to take on your next trip.

Here are some tips on calcuating how much thread  you need when stitching.

                                              
Method 1.
Stitch a square inch on the needlepoint canvas you plan to use, using your chosen thread and the stitch you plan to use . Keep track of the thread length you use. After stitching this square-inch sample, you multiply the amount used to cover this square-inch times the number of square inches to get the thread amount required. For instance, it it takes 1.5 yards to stitch a square inch and the design areas is 8 square inches, you need 12 yards of thread to complete that area.

Method 2.
In the store we measure the area to determine the number of square inches to be stitched then multiply by 2 to get the number of yards of thread required.
If the design areas is 2×2″ , that is 4 square inche , you will need 8 yards of thread for basket weave. A decorative stitch will require more thread so we always add 10% more to that estimate.

Here are simple points to consider before buying your yarn:

1. If your design is made up of a lot of small color areas you will need more of those colors than the estimated amount might indicate. This is because you will be ending the thread more often.
2.Smaller mesh canvases will require more thread than larger mesh.
3. Basket weave stitch uses a third more thread than Continental stitch.Decorative stitches will require even more.

So, when estimating needlepoint thread quantities, error on the side of having more than you need to avoid dye lot issues.

 

The June Issue of The Covey is here

click here

and enjoy!

Have  you finished a project and are puzzled about how to finish the piece?

Here are some examples of totes and purses just finished that are not only functional but

attractive.

A foral design by Ann Wheat Pace made into a small tote .

Large tote with initial stitched by a loving father for a dear daughter.

Elegant dress purse using a Sue Reed Class design.

So , think of making a tote or purse with  your completed project. We have lots of creative

ideas to help you!

   

        Enjoy the May issue of the newsletter

click here

 ENJOY!

May 9th Saturday  10am-1pm

May 10  Sunday  CLOSED

So my staff and I can spend more time with our families this Mother’s Day Weekend,

the store hours on Saturday will be shortened to 10am -1pm.

Enjoy your weekend and see you soon!

Susan

Today we tackled another knot, then the colorful border of It’s Knot the Usual. Under

Sue’s excellent instruction, the pieces are starting to come together. One of the ladies

said she was so excited about the class she had trouble going to sleep thinking of all

the new techniques she had learned!

Here are just a few pictures to show the progression of the different colorways.

We were lucky that one of the ladies brought her most recently completed Sue Reed design, Spirit

that Sue taught at the Phoenix National EGA seminar last October.

This stitcher chose the sage/gold/red colorway , so the two pieces will look

spectacular when hung  next to each other.

Sue is coming back in November to teach at Quail Run. We have  not decided on the project as yet , so more information to follow.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Just a wonderful first day of stitching with Sue Reed. We learned so many great new stitches .

Watching the colors unfold was so much fun.

Here are a few pictures of the beginnings of this great piece by some of the ladies in class.

The class was so studious. I finally got them to take a chocolate break at 4pm

and shared some of Sue’s pieces I have completed from her classes.

More to come tomorrow!

Tulip Beading Needles are manufactured by the Japanese company Tulip Co. Ltd. They’re more expensive on average than other beading needles, but they carry some important benefits. The company’s motto is “the better the needle, the better the handicraft”.

A set of four Tulip Beading Needles size 10( long or short)  is appropriate for use with most size 11/0 round seed beads and size 11/0 cylinder beads like Delicas. I prefer the short but the long(2”)  work well for beadweaving designs.  Each size of needle comes in a clear plastic test tube containing  four needles with a cork stopper. 

The Tulip needles are sturdier than the size 10 English beading needles.  They are not thicker but are just less flexible than the English needles.  The Tulip needles slide through beads smoothly , do not snap or break. These needles have more rounded tips that make it easier to avoid splitting threads.

Tulip needles are also more expensive than English beading needles but the advantages of the packaging and sturdiness are worth the price. Also , John James English needles are now being manufacture in China, so quality is a concern.

So in my opinion ,  Tulip needles are great. Even though they are significantly more expensive than English needles, they are well package for organization and are sturdier.

We also carry the Fine Beading Awls and Chenille needle assortment . Stop in and try these great products!