Stitching Up a Storm in Alamo City

Fun, fun weekend!!

 

I have to admit that I didn't tell the whole truth when I said that I was going to Austin to Kelly Clark's class at The Needleworks.   I was going up a day earlier than Colleen expected me.  And if you have seen Colleen's blog today, you know what I was up to.

I picked Amy Bunger up at the airport and took her to the shop - a total and complete surprise to Colleen.  So you thought I was going to spend the weekend with Colleen and Kelly!!  I think I hung out with the triumvirate of needlepoint -- Amy, Colleen and Kelly!!

Amy sat at the table at the front of the shop during class time and stitched on the Halloweenies.  She's absolutely amazing.

It was a blast.  We went out to dinner on Friday night, and we cooked on Saturday night - well, mostly Amy cooked.  The 3 of them were still together last night, but I came home after class!!

Speaking of the class.  If you haven't taken a class from Kelly, you need to get it on your to do list.  But be prepared to have your proverbial butt kicked.  We spent a full day weaving the basket on top of the canvas.   I heard someone say this class was harder than Tony Minieri's classes.  I'm not sure I agree with that exactly, but trust me, it was demanding.  I'll show you another picture of the canvas later.  This picture was taken after the first day.  I did actually get a couple of things almost done on the 2nd day.  But not MUCH!!

 

And, as you can see, Colleen's new shop is just fabulous.  It is so light and spacious and everything is displayed beautifully.  It's a gorgeous building.  I'm so very lucky to live within easy driving distance.

Happy stitching, friends!!
Jane

Fun event in Austin this morning

 
I drove up to Austin this morning to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the new building for The Needleworks, owned by Colleen Church.

There were about 25 people on hand, plus a darling Australian Labradoodle puppy.  

Shop will be open in July 2010.  If you haven't already signed up for a class next year, you should do it, so you can see the new shop.   It's going to be FABULOUS!!

Congratulations, Colleen!!

Happy stitching,
Jane

Fun Surprise on Saturday

Saturday morning, I was with Amanda and Maddie B running a couple of errands when my cell phone rang.   It was Colleen of The Needleworks in Austin calling.    She was coming to town to pick up a needlepoint piece that she had sent to Bonnie at Art Inc. for framing.   We decided she'd come to the house and I'd take her to get her piece (which was fabulous - here's a link to Colleen's blog so you can see it - http://www.theneedleworks.typepad.com)

I had asked Colleen a few weeks ago to order a canvas that I think a friend of mine, who is a beginning stitcher, would like.  She lived in Albuquerque for 25 years and loves southwestern things.   She doesn't follow my blog, obviously, or I wouldn't be posting this.

So - what kind of service is this - not only did Colleen order it for me, write the stitch guide and pull the threads, she brought it to my house!!!!

My friend's birthday was on Saturday and we're having lunch later this week to celebrate.   She'll be very surprised to get this.  

Back to stitching Joseph,
Love, Jane

Road trip

On Tuesday, I'm headed up to Austin to The Needleworks.   Tuesdays and Fridays are the days the workroom is available for stitchers to come in and stitch and gab and all of that.   I need to get a jumpstart on Lauren's stocking, so I'm taking it up there and expecting to be absolutely inspired.

I've been working on the trees on the Frontier Santa when I've had time to stitch, which unfortunately isn't so much the past couple of weeks.   It's a slow process.   I'll try to finish the 2 trees I'm working on and post them soon.

Hope your stitching is more productive than mine these days.
Happy stitching.
Jane

Shop news

You knew that I would pop in to The Needle Nook of La Jolla while I was out in San Diego.  Mark, Dad and I went to La Jolla on Friday morning and started at Cody's for breakfast.   I had a fabulous breakfast salad that I've been drooling about ever since.  It contained mixed greens, tomato, asparagus, roasted or sauted wild mushrooms and two poached eggs - tossed in a basil vinaigrette.  The wait person suggested I substitute goat cheese for the normal ricotta.   It was just amazing.   Of course, I've got to try to make it myself.

Then we walked down to Warwick's, which is a combination bookstore and stationers shop.   One of my favorite bookstores EVER!!  And I love the very cool paper -- file folders, note cards, funky things for your office -- very hip.   At least according to me.

Lastly, we made our way to the Needle Nook which has expanded since I was there last.   They're in two standalone shops - a lingerie/linens shop is between them.   Both shops are wonderful.   They're much lighter, more airy -- lots of canvases up on the walls -- threads easily displayed.   Love it.   I was sorry I couldn't sit down and stitch for a while.  

It's a must do if you go to San Diego for any reason whatsoever.

http://www.needlenookoflajolla.com/

Happy stitching.
Love, Mimi