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The Needlework Nutshell—April 1, 2008 Volume 4, Issue 4 April 1, 2008 <*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*> THE NEEDLEWORK NUTSHELL Needlework news, musings, tips, contests, and what’s happening now at FUNK & WEBER DESIGNS <*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*> Editor: Jen Funk Weber Mail to: mailto:mail@funkandweber.com Web site: http://www.funkandweber.com Your privacy is important to us. Our subscriber list is NOT made available to others. *********************************************************** IN THIS ISSUE *********************************************************** 1. Needlework Musings 2. Tips and Tricks and Brilliant Ideas 3. What’s New at Funk & Weber Designs 4. Readers Ask 5. Puzzle Contest 6. Contact/Subscribe/Unsubscribe *********************************************************** 1. NEEDLEWORK MUSINGS *********************************************************** It's been a bit of a rough week. Nothing terrible (for which I'm grateful), but full of disappointment. One of my favorite editors has left one of my favorite magazines. A fun writing project that I was offered in November has been changed to a significantly harder and significantly less-fun project which now I may or may not participate in. And a book project that I thought was well under way and scheduled for release next year may be dead in the water. Ay, yi, yi! None of these things are a result of decisions or actions on my part. They are out of my control. So I've been stitching. As you know, stitching offers comfort, peace, and a sense of accomplishment, and I'm in need of all those things at the moment. You may have heard me talk about the Funk & Weber Designs New Puzzle Pattern that I've been working on for, oh, ages. I'm pretty close to finishing the model--the closest I've been yet. (Imagine that!) You might also know that I'm using overdyed threads from The Gentle Art. Do you remember the Tips, Tricks, and Brilliant Ideas segment on using overdyed threads? The tutorial is here if you missed it: http://www.funkandweber.com/fw/overdyed-thread.html This New Puzzle Pattern is perfect for overdyed threads: the objects depicted are from nature (yep, that's all I'm revealing just now), and they naturally have the variations that overdyed threads have. Mind you, the objects aren't striped in nature, so I'm not stitching in neat rows. I'm stitching in "blobs" which are described in the tutorial. Even with the blob stitching method, I could exert control over the fiber, forcing the placement of light and dark patches, but I'm deliberately not doing that. I'm allowing the fibers to do their thing in order to replicate the randomness that I believe occurs in these objects in nature. Sometimes that's not easy. It can be hard to let go and not control something that is in our power to control. There is one object on the model that I was sorely tempted to interfere with. I saw a dark section of fiber that would join two other dark sections if I kept going on the blob path I'd begun. I didn't think that would look especially good. It created a notable cross on the object. I'd rather have a lighter color separating the dark patches. It would have been very easy to end that fiber and begin a new one. I wanted to. But I didn't. Now, when I step back and look at the piece, I notice that object. It stands out to me, but I doubt it will to anyone else. In one way, it's my least favorite object because it didn't come out the way I wanted, but in another way, it's the most authentic object in the mix because I let it be its own thing. In the end, I like it more than I dislike it because it is so real. Sometimes it feels good to be in control and to make things happen the way we want them to. There are so many things in life we can't control, but needlework generally isn't one of them. Even so, letting go of control--at least in the case of overdyed threads--can be a good exercise and can yield interesting, unexpected, and good results. I'm trying to look at the disappointments of the week in the same light. I don't know what the results will be of these disappointments, but maybe they won't be as bad as I expect. Maybe I'll even grow to like the results and be happy that the disappointments occurred. ~~~~~~~~~~ SUBSCRIPTION NOTICE The last time I checked, there were 277 "pending" subscriptions to The Needlework Nutshell. That means 277 people took the first step to subscribe, but did not confirm the subscription. You must "double opt in" to receive this newsletter. That means responding to an e-mail confirmation. This second quick step prevents random people from subscribing others to newsletters and mailing lists. If you're reading this in the Zinester archives or some other place and would like to subscribe, please remember to confirm your subscription. If you don't receive the confirmation email, contact Zinester support to let them know. Thanks! *********************************************************** 2. TIPS AND TRICKS AND BRILLIANT IDEAS *********************************************************** It's a Bookmark Bonanza! Since we're all in the thick of bookmark stitching (you are stitching a bookmark or two, right?). I thought I'd round up some Brilliant Bookmark Ideas to share this month. 1 - In addition to fabric and canvas, consider stitching bookmarks on these surfaces: Perforated paper. You should be able to find this at your local needlework shop. It comes in a variety of colors and even some hand painted patterns. The paper bends and wrinkles easily, so it takes some care to work with it (no hoops). Backing the stitched design with card stock adds strength and stability. Glue can be used to attach the card backing, but beware of glue seeping through holes in the perforated paper. Vinyl weave. Daniel Enterprises makes vinyl weave which comes in a variety of colors, is thinner and more flexible than plastic canvas, and available in some needlework shops and some of the craft store chains. It's durable and the edges don't fray. Token & Trifles sewing cards. These are modern versions of Victorian paper embroidery products, available at some needlework shops and through Kreinik.com. They are similar to perforated paper, but come in more finished shapes--very elegant. Victorian stitchers made paper embroidery bookmarks, and we can, too. http://www.kreinik.com/kshop/home.php?cat=296 Felt. Perfect for freeform embroidery, and available in a wide variety of colors and thicknesses, from needlework shops, craft stores, quilting stores, fabric stores. I'm partial to the Weeks Dye Works hand-dyed wool felt. It's wonderful to touch, the colors are vibrant, and the company is great. You'll probably find it in your local needlework shop. Screen. Taking a page from the monsterbubbles book, we can stitch bookmarks on screen. It's widely available at hardware and building stores, it's durable, and it does not fray. Tentakulum hand-dyed Peltex. It's possible your needlework shop has some of this, but even more likely that your quilt shop does. Peltex is an extra-firm stabilizer from Pellon, used in sewing and quilting. It's great to embroider on, too, but was kind of boring until Tentakulum dyed it. It comes in postcard (called "artist mailing cards") and trading card sizes, both of which are great for bookmarks: just cut the postcards into two or three pieces for bookmarks. http://tinyurl.com/268x4b I love this stuff! You'll be hearing more about it in future newsletters. 2 - If you want to protect your hand-stitched bookmark, vinyl sleeves are made in a variety of sizes. Some are designed specifically for rectangular bookmarks, but other sleeves, intended for trading cards and other collectibles, can be used for bookmarks of other shapes and sizes. Look for sleeves in book stores, craft and hobby stores, collectibles stores, and online. Here's on online source. It's not the easiest site to navigate, but I've had good experiences placing orders. http://www.craftercity.com/VINYL_SUPPLIES_FOR_LE$$.htm 3 - Attach ribbon or a bookmark form (I call them shepherd's hooks) to your hand-stitched bookmark so that the ribbon marks your place inside the book, and the pretty part hangs outside where it can be seen. If using a protective sleeve, exchange the decorative tassel (if the sleeve comes with one) for a longer functional ribbon or a shepherd's hook. 4 - Recognize that while three of the four Funk & Weber Designs bookmark patterns are 2-sided, they don't have to be. You can stitch just one side, then glue or sew it to a felt, card stock, or another backing. If you want a 2-sided bookmark, the technique I use for joining the front and back is the same one I used for the Fabulous Fobs tutorial. But here it is again with a Read-It, Read-It model: http://www.funkandweber.com/fw/bookmark-finish.html *********************************************************** 3. WHAT’S NEW AT FUNK & WEBER? *********************************************************** The Needle and ThREAD: Stitching for Literacy 2008 Bookmark Challenge is underway. Join us at the blog to watch progress and participate! http://JenFunkWeber.com/blog ~~~~~~~~~~ Do you remember the Brilliant Idea some time ago to finish a needlework piece by stitching it to the back of a jacket? Ellen in Tampa, FL, did it right away. Well, I finally got around to it. I wanted to stitch one of the LET THERE BE NIGHT Stitchlings to the back of a jean jacket. I found one over the Christmas holiday--a thrift store gem! It's lined with red-and-black plaid flannel, so it's warm, and it fits wonderfully, so I'll actually wear it. I removed the needlework from the frame, cut the lacing, and hemstitched around the edge. I love to hemstitch! (Yeah, yeah, I love all stitching.) Then I appliqued the rectangle to the jacket with an invisible stitch. Voila! Mike calls me a "needlework tough" when I wear it. Yep, that's me: a big, bad embroidery tough! Careful--I've got sharp scissors. http://tinyurl.com/yohmvx ~~~~~~~~~~ Funk & Weber Designs released three new bookmark patterns at the TNNA NeedleArts Market in January. They are now posted on our Web site. All three are part of the Needle and ThREAD: Stitching for Literacy program, so a minimum of 10% of our profits from the sale of these patterns is donated to literacy non-profits. http://funkandweber.com/fw/index.html ~~~~~~~~~~ Karen Kluba at Rosewood Manor is the latest designer to join our Needle and ThREAD: Stitching for Literacy campaign. Karen has just released her Read, Learn, Dream Bookmarks pattern. You can see it on her Web site and also on the Stitching for Literacy Web site. http://www.rosewoodxstitch.bigstep.com/ http://jenfunkweber.com/ ~~~~~~~~~~ I am looking for personal stories about reading and stitching. Stories about someone who discovered something important in a book, stories about someone benefiting from needlework, stories about groups that read and stitch together. Anything that demonstrates the value of reading and/or stitching. If you've got one of these, please share it with me so that I can share it with Everyone on the blog during the Bookmark Challenge, March 20-May 8. ~~~~~~~~~~ I have a couple of people interested in a 2009 Stitch-N-Safari. If I get a few more, we can start working to put together a trip. I'd love to do it, but I need commitments from at least 6 people before I ask the tour company to work the trip into their schedule. We're talking 2009 now, so there's lots of time to save and plan. If you're interested, please let me know, even if you've contacted me in the past. I'm starting a new list. I'd love to share this beautiful state with you! ~~~~~~~~~~ Changes are afoot for The Needlework Nutshell. I have decided that I really, really like writing this newsletter and I want to improve it, make it more interesting, informative, and accessible. That's one of my goals for 2008. As I begin to implement the changes I have in mind, I'm curious about the changes you might like to see. What do you like about this newsletter? What would you like to see more of? Go on, suggest anything. You never know where an idea might lead--look at the Needle and ThREAD: Stitching for Literacy program! And what's the point of dreaming small? Hmm...I think I need to stitch that sentiment. *********************************************************** 4. READERS ASK *********************************************************** Please e-mail me with questions for this section. mail@funkandweber.com BLGR asks, "What are three things a visitor to Alaska should not miss?" Wow! What a question! The answer, of course, could vary according to the interests of the individual visitor and where s/he is visiting in the state. However, since BLGR is asking for my opinion, and not restricting me to any particular area, I'll answer as best I can. 1. Wonder Lake in Denali National Park. I'm being specific about Wonder Lake because to get there you have to travel almost the full length of the Park road, and the point is to see as much of the Park as you can. If you can camp at Wonder Lake, all the better. Denali can be a zoo in the summer, and in my opinion, the deeper you get into the park, the better the experience. Remember who's talking, though: someone who doesn't mind living without running water and electricity, someone who thinks it's fun to sleep on the ground in a tent in the wilds of Alaska. But you don't have to camp; a day-trip out to Wonder Lake is a great experience. 2. Coastal cruise. Whether in Kenai Fjords, Prince William Sound, Glacier Bay, or the Inside Passage in southeast AK, getting out on the water, seeing glaciers and icebergs, whales, sea lions, porpoises, puffins, murres, etc. is an experience not to be missed. Wear layer upon layer of clothes, topped with rain gear, winter hat, gloves, and sunglasses, so that you can spend the day on the bow of the boat rather than in the cabin. I'm not joking. There's a difference. 3. Remote lodge or cabin. Get off the beaten path. I don't care how rustic the cabin (state park cabin rentals) or luxurious the lodge, spending time away from the sights and sounds of everyday life gives a glimpse into the vastness that is Alaska. Just getting to such a place will be an adventure. What do you think? Does that help? BLGR, I hope you have a wonderful visit! *********************************************************** 5. PUZZLE CONTEST *********************************************************** Play with me! Solve this puzzle, and be entered to win a free Funk & Weber Designs pattern! Winners will be randomly selected from all correct entries. E-mail your answer, with “PUZZLE CONTEST” in the subject line. The deadline for this month’s puzzle is midnight (Alaska time, of course) April 7, 2008. The winner will be selected on April 8, 2008 (or before the next newsletter at the latest!), notified by e-mail, and announced on our web site and in the next NEEDLEWORK NUTSHELL. To avoid sending e-mail attachments, contest puzzles will be uploaded to our web site. I will provide a link to the puzzle in THE NEEDLEWORK NUTSHELL. To the puzzle! http://www.funkandweber.com/fw/nutshell/breaks0408.pdf ~~~~~~~~~~ MARCH PUZZLE CONTEST WINNER: Karen from Atlanta, GA Answer: Have you heard of that disease you get from kissing birds? Chirpies. It's one of those canarial diseases. I hear it's untweetable. *********************************************************** 6. CONTACT FUNK & WEBER DESIGNS *********************************************************** SUBSCRIBE: 57410-subscribe@zinester.com UNSUBSCRIBE: 57410-unsubscribe@zinester.com ARCHIVES: http://archives.zinester.com/57410 Jen Funk Weber mail@funkandweber.com http://www.funkandweber.com http://JenFunkWeber.com/ Copyright 2008, Funk & Weber Designs |
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