Create Needlepoint!

Painted Stitches Needlepoint

I developed the "Painted Stitches" concept in 2009 after teaching a counted thread class at my local needlepoint shop. Half the class enjoyed the project, but the other half were very frustrated and didn't have a good stitching experience. I wanted everyone to have a enjoyable experience and thought, "It would have been easier if I just painted the stitches on the canvas! Then they could have followed the painted color and learned the stitch."

The concept is simple. Think "training wheels" for learning decorative needlepoint stitches. The directions for the decorative needlepoint stitches are painted right on the canvas in two colors. The canvas is uniquely created to highlight each stitch step. The stitch compensation is painted on the canvas. If the stitcher follows the stitches painted on the needlepoint canvas, and refers to the stitch guide, then they will have a successful, beautiful finished piece.

I started the "Painted Stitches" concept because I wanted learning decorative needlepoint stitches to be simple and accessible. I wanted stitchers to try something new and have success with their learning experience. The painted needlepoint canvas is all mapped out for the person who wants to learn decorative stitches. Then, the stitcher can take their expanded needlepoint knowledge, go to their stash or new canvas and have even more fun.

 

Barbara Bergsten Needlepoint Designs

http://www.barbarabergstendesigns.com/

bbd Facebook page

#Needlepoint

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Barbara-Bergsten-Designs/148547755178432

 

2012 TNNA Winter Trade Show

Monday I received the Attendee Registration Brochure for the 2012 TNNA Winter Trade Show. The paper copy will arrive soon. I'm so excited about the Phoenix Show!! I'm in Booth 1909. I have lots of new designs. Think Pink!

I'm especially excited about the canvas, PS18 Summer Squares which is the class I'm teaching. Here's the link:

Classes Barbara Bergsten is teaching at the 2012 Winter Trade Show:
NT112 ~ Painted Stitches Summer Squares
ST111 ~ Painted Stitches Summer Squares

Hope to see you all there!

 

Barbara Bergsten Designs

http://www.barbarabergstendesigns.com/

bbd Teaching at the TNNA Show Phoenix 2012

I just found out yesterday that I've been selected to teach at the TNNA Show Phoenix 2012. My classes are scheduled for Sat. & Sun. 8-10 am. I'm so excited!! This is my class:

 
"Painted Stitches Summer Squares - The Bridge from Basketweave to Beyond. Summer Squares incorporates 20 decorative needlepoint stitches from easiest to more complex. Each new stitch builds on knowledge from the previous stitch. Each decorative stitch area is uniquely painted to highlight each stitch step. Using two types of contrasting threads, Caron Snow and Vineyard Silk Classic, Summer Squares 6" x 6" #14 mesh hand-painted needlepoint canvas shimmers and shines with success."

 

Barbara Bergsten Designs

http://www.barbarabergstendesigns.com/

PS18 Summer Squares Stitched

  

I finished stitching PS18 Summer Squares. Here are the before and after pictures!

Thank you to ALL for your decorative needlepoint stitch suggestions!!

Barbara Bergsten Designs

http://www.barbarabergstendesigns.com/

PS18 Summer Squares Progress

 
I'm making good progress stitching PS18 Summer Squares Needlepoint 6"x 6" square. When it's finished I'll show step by step. I'll keep you posted!

 

Barbara Bergsten Designs

http://www.barbarabergstendesigns.com/

Starting PS18 Summer Squares Needlepoint

Canvas Preparation:

I attach PS18 Summer Squares to 10" x 10" stretcher bars with tacks.

It is important to stitch this canvas on stretcher bars. The decorative needlepoint stitches will pull in different directions. The tight canvas will help keep the stitches smooth and have consistent tension.

I use a small magnet to hold my needle on all my needlepoint canvases. I always keep the magnet in the upper left corner. This way I know which side is the top. Or write "Top" on the top of the canvas. It is very important to not get confused and turn the canvas by accident. If this happens your decorative stitches will be going in the wrong direction.

 
 Thread Pull:

Caron: Snow - 10 Royal Blue

Caron: Snow - 00White

Vineyard Silk: #C-197 English Ivy

Vineyard Silk: #C-206 Seaport

Vineyard Silk: #C-074 Cascade

Vineyard Silk: #C-163 Creme Brulee

Vineyard Silk: #C-174 Hot Pink

Vineyard Silk: #C-173 Veil

I pulled two contrasting types of threads for Summer Squares. All the squares are outlined with Royal Blue and White lines. I chose Caron Snow to give the canvas a splash of summer sparkle. Then I pulled the Vineyard Silk colors for the decorative stitches. The Vineyard Silk texture gives a smooth silk sheen to the outlined stitches. Both threads are easy to stitch. I believe this important since I want the stitcher to concentrate on learning the stitches not trying to handle more difficult threads.

Summer Squares Needlepoint

 
Thank you to all who gave me great advice on beginner needlepoint decorative stitches. I came up with a canvas called Summer Squares. A Lilly (surprise??) summer patchwork madras dress was my inspiration. I always need something to spark me. I wanted this canvas to be more like the traditional "learn stitches in blocks" canvas than my usual object filled in with stitches (re: palm tree). Summer Squares was a math nightmare! I knew I wanted to do the basic stitch with the "sister stitches" bordering them, but the count wouldn't work out in squares of the same size. That's where my inspiration picture really helped! I used a similar color palette to the madras patchwork and then looked closer and saw all the patchwork squares were not the same size. My head was still spinning. It was like a puzzle I couldn't figure out. My daughter even asked me why I had my mad face on. I told her it was my concentrating face. Then I went outside to get some much needed vitamin D. I kept saying...think outside the box. I came inside and started the simplest stitch in the upper right corner. The navy and white colors are all tent stitches. Each area builds on knowledge from a previous area. Hopefully this all holds true when stitched. Tomorrow I'm going to pull threads. I'll keep you posted! Any suggestions for improvement are welcome!!     

 

Barbara Bergsten Designs

http://www.barbarabergstendesigns.com/

"Painted Stitches" Handout

 
I made a "Painted Stitches" Handout for the Saturday session at the TNNA Columbus show. I just uploaded it to bbd Stitch Guide page on my web site. Here is the link to the .pdf. Just click & print. Hope it's helpful!

http://www.barbarabergstendesigns.com/Painted%20Stitches%20Handout.pdf

Barbara Bergsten Designs

http://www.barbarabergstendesigns.com/

PS10 Large Retro Flowers Needlepoint Finished

 
I received this email and photo yesterday:

Hi Barbara:
I’ve attached three pictures of the finished product,(PS10 Large Retro Flowers) which I put into a tote. I really enjoyed doing this piece and have encouraged both novice and experienced stitchers to enjoy one of your pieces.  It is especially nice to see the stitch guide and envision what stitches you were thinking of when you created the piece. Thanks again for a wonderful stitching experience, Your stitching friend, Pam Morine, Wilmington, NC

I LOVE seeing pictures of finished bbd needlepoint canvases. Please send an email and picture if you have any!

 

Barbara Bergsten Designs