"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...