Monday, April 9, 2012

"Mischief at Midnight"

I know my posts have been a bit sporadic lately - truth be told, I have been working pretty much non-stop on a large design project for the last three weeks. This is a class design for the New England Stitcher's Retreat titled "Mischief at Midnight" - this year I am teaching a Halloween themed project, as the class is in mid-October. This is my third year teaching at the fabulous Enfield Shaker Museum in Enfield, NH, and I couldn't be more excited! The stitching retreats are held at the Great Stone Dwelling House, which is also home to the Enfield Shaker Museum...what a treat to stay in this historic building built in 1841, free of televisions, radios, phones, etc. - some might miss those modern day amenities, but I'll take the charm of this historic setting any day...and who misses modern technology when you have the company of talented needleworkers, fabulous views, delicious food, and a full schedule of great events. The attendees basically have the entire building to themselves for the duration of the event - making it the perfect venue for late night stitching and giggling (in your pajamas, no less)! I know there are already quite a few of you registered for this fun class and I can't wait to see many familiar faces...and meet new friends....I know you have all been waiting to see what the special class design is - and I am happy to announce it is complete...and you are seeing it here first!

"Mischief at Midnight" is a Halloween needlework tray and matching needlework smalls. This spooky design features a Halloween scene in the base of the tray (also suitable for framing)...the inside walls of the tray feature stars, bats, and ghosts...the outside walls of the tray feature a fence surrounding the entire scene (with a few jack-o-lanterns, owls, and spiders). The gate for the fence is a removable needlebook (attached with hidden magnets)...and there is a coordinating pinkeep and scissor fob to complete your needlework tray set. The tray measures approximately 8.5" x 8.5".

Each piece is stitched with Weeks Dye Works cotton floss on Weeks Dye Works 30-count Tigers Eye hand over-dyed linen. Colors include:  Carrot, Chestnut, Galvanized, Grits, Hazelnut, Kohl, Moss, Sweet Potato, and Whiskey.

Stitches include:  Cross Stitch over two linen threads, Cross Stitch over one linen thread (optional), Back Stitch, Smyrna Cross Stitch, Whip Stitch, and student's choice of Basketweave Tent Stitch, Continental Tent Stitch, or Half Cross Tent Stitch. Class will cover the stitching of the needlework tray and needlework smalls, working the various Tent Stitches and specialty stitches, tips and tricks for Cross Stitch over one linen thread, assembling the needlework tray, finishing techniques for each of the needlework smalls, personalizing your smalls, and making twisted cord - and attendees can plan to complete the scissor fob and/or pinkeep in class!

If you are interested in attending the special event, visit: http://www.stitchingretreat.com/oct-19-22-2012-retreat/ for more details. You can also see photos from my previous visits and read all about my experiences - just search my blog (the box under my followers) for "New England Stitcher's Retreat".

...and before I get a million questions - this special project has been designed specifically for this retreat and will not be available to the general public until approximately one year after the event...so if you are not attending and are excited about this design, you will have to be very patient....

So there you have it - "Mischief at Midnight" - I hope it was worth the wait!

Tray with gate...

 Needlework Smalls - Front

 Needlework Smalls - Back

 Needlebook - Open

Tray with needlework smalls...

 Tray without smalls...


23 comments:

  1. Oh. My God. I have no words. This is absolutely amazing.

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  2. Oh my! I'm speechless! Okay, I have changed my mind! What an incredible project you have created, stitched, and presented! Congratulations to you, Belinda!

    Robin

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  3. What a fabulous project! You are so talented and have created another winning design.

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  4. Belinda - I knew it would be great, but this is incredible!!!! I LOVE it! I can't wait for October. Thanks for another delightfully clever piece!! ~Ruth

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  5. I love the gates that zip open for needles - Very clever! The attendees should love this in the fall!

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  6. I remember your post from last year about the retreat. Such a cool time it sounded like. Your newest design project will be a hit for sure. Just love the needle book; the design, the shape, the ghosts and that orange linen is terrific.

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  7. OMG, what an amazing project!!

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  8. Oh Belinda, you've outdone yourself with this one! It's fabulous!! Makes me wish I lived closer so I could join in on the retreat.

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  9. Belinda, what a beautiful piece you have made for the retreat! So creative! The group will be flipping out with excitement and all wish we could join in the fun! You outdid yourself on this one!!!!
    pam in iowa

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  10. That is one of the neatest designs I have seen in a long, long time. I so, so wish I could go to the retreat. You really have outdone yourself! :)

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  11. What a fabulous box, roll on next year, no can't say that the time goes to fast now. I will be good and wait.
    I wish I could come to join in the fun.

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  12. Wow, Brenda, it's wonderful!!

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  13. oh!!! I want this one!! ;) amazing! love it!
    big hug!!

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  14. I have never wanted a halloween piece as much as this one, but I can be patient.
    Catherine

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  15. Belinda! Who comes up with these designs? This is the coolest ever! Wow! Wish I could go to that retreat! This i fabulous!

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  16. WOW!!! Your design is truly amazing. I love it. I wish I could attend but it's worth waiting for. You are amazingly creative!

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  17. Love it!!! What a cool design!

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  18. OMGosh! I love this Halloween piece. I can't stop looking at the pictures. I sure wish I could go to the retreat

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