Create Needlepoint!

Steps to make a needlepoint stitch diagram in Pages

Today I had a One to One with my favorite trainer, Paul, at the Apple Legacy Village Store. Yesterday on the Needlepoint Group Facebook page there was a lot of discussion about how to do simple needlepoint stitch diagrams without buying an expensive program. Paul and I went through the steps and took screen shots. Hope this helps anyone that needs it!

 

Steps to make a needlepoint stitch diagram in Pages:

 

Open pages

Choose blank in page layout

To make grid:

 

Choose table from the tool bar (the table inspector should automatically open)

With table highlighted, Click on middle header/footer and change to 0 to get rid of grey area

 

go to body rows and body columns to add to grid

To make grid even: select entire table, uncheck automatically resize and change column width and column height to the same number.

 

To make the lines of the grid bolder, select entire table and change cell border to 3 pt.

 

To make “stitches”:

 

Change from table inspector to graphic inspector which is 2 to the left of table inspector.

Click shapes in top tool bar, choose line

 

Then move line to white area

 

To change thickness of line, have line highlighted and change to 5 pt., (in the graphic inspector) change color, and length of line.

 

Then drag line to grid, approximately where you want it and  adjust  position using end dots.

To make additional lines, click line and then hold option key and click and drag the line where you want it to be.

(Option key and dragging copies what ever is select, leaving the original in place. Faster than copy/paste)

 

Barbara Bergsten Needlepoint Designs 

http://www.barbarabergstendesigns.com/

bbd Facebook page

#Needlepoint

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

 

Needlepoint Books

I have a large library of needlepoint books. Lots of them are from the 1970's needlepoint heyday. Many are new. What do you your needlepoint books for? Which are your favorites? Why? If you were going to help someone learn needlepoint which book would you use?

 

Barbara Bergsten Needlepoint Designs

http://www.barbarabergstendesigns.com/

bbd Facebook page

#Needlepoint

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

 

Needlepoint in the News

Needlepoint: Something by hand for every home

By Marni Jameson, Orlando Sentinel

Fri Sep 16 2011 11:52 AM

On those days when my teenagers have frayed my last nerve, the plumber has stood me up, the dogs have torn the just-repaired screen, my husband asks what's for dinner before he says hello, and the car service lights illuminate my dashboard like a Christmas tree, I am often torn between shooting vodka and needlepointing. Of the two coping devices, I've found needlepointing to be more satisfying — if only slightly. Probably because after an evening of needlepointing, I don't wake up the next morning convinced an elephant stepped on my head. I've also found one should avoid doing needlepoint and shots on the same evening.

I discovered needlepointing 18 years ago, when I was so pregnant that I only wanted to do those things that didn't require getting up, an act that required hydraulic equipment. I got a kit and instructions to needlepoint a cabbage-rose pillow.

"You're going to be a mother, not a grandmother," my husband commented. I stabbed him with my 12-gauge needle.

Soon I was hooked. I took needlepoint classes, got needlepoint books and mastered 40 stitches, from continental to cut turkey work. I learned about gauge (the number of stitches per inch), needle size and how to apply beads. I became a connoisseur of thread. (The best cottons come from France, the best silks from China, and the best wools from the United States and England.) I found the thrill of exotic threads — metallic, suede, angora and patent leather — and discovered that if you mixed them poorly you create a textile uglier than Lady Gaga's meat dress. And I learned not to needlepoint by the pool because one splotch of tanning lotion can wreck 80 hours of work. Over the years, I've needlepointed pillows, wall art, Christmas stockings, purses, pen boxes, eyeglass cases and even the lid to a pet urn.

"That looks so boring," my husband says. "How can you do that for hours?"

"The same way you can spend hours running around a large lawn with other grown men hitting a small ball with a stick."

Fact is, needlework is relaxing. Though I don't knit or quilt, I share the satisfaction other needle artists feel when they witness the slow bloom of something taking shape under their own hand, like a kid feels building a sand castle. The effort requires patience, persistence and a belief that many small steps lead to great progress — qualities that escaped me during an ugly six months of ballroom-dance lessons.

But perhaps the biggest reason I'm so fond of needlepoint is that — and here's the real point — a machine can't do it. The more that high-technology infiltrates our homes, the more I crave things made by human hands. In a world abuzz with iPhones and BlackBerrys, where a computer can beat the world's best Jeopardy champions, where many homes have more remotes than books, where Google is a verb and where surfing has to do with a Web not waves, I gravitate to the handmade. The more high-tech our homes become, the more I want what only humans can create, like books, ballet and babies.

Handmade items are the perfect antidote to our high-tech world because they remind us to slow down, tether us to the ancient arts of an older world and symbolize perseverance. Here are some ways to add the human touch to your home.

•Rule of hand. For every high-tech gadget in your home, have a low-tech one. Put a hand-thrown ceramic bowl next to your microwave, a hand-loomed throw on the chair by the big screen, a quilt on the wall by your computer, a needlepoint rug buy the washing machine.

•Not too old-fashioned. Chosen well, needlepoint, quilts, pottery and woven goods can look great in country, contemporary, traditional or formal settings.

•Be a patron. If taking up the needle, the loom or the potter's wheel isn't for you, be the beneficiary of someone else's patient effort. Buy something needlepointed, a handmade quilt, an oil painting or a hand-thrown pot. It feels good.

•Evaluate quality. When buying (or setting out to create) needlework, consider the quality of the materials (look for natural fibers), the number of colors used (more is usually better), the size of the stitch (smaller is better), the smoothness of line (you don't want jagged), the piece's age and condition, and subject matter that speaks to you. For hand-stitched quilts, look for seven to 10 stitches per inch and no fraying fabric. For a needlepoint, a coarse gauge is 10 stitches per inch, which is common in rugs. Pillows tend to have 12-16 stitches per inch, and anything with 18 or more stitches per inch is petit point, and art in itself.

•Weave a history. If someone in your family is a quilter, consider it a great gift. Donate fabrics to the project, like your daughter's barely worn Easter dress or your son's plaid pajamas. Those memories will become part of the family tapestry.

•Appreciate humanity. Next time you see something a machine can't make, pause to appreciate that not everything worthwhile has an on-off button, a plug, batteries or a remote.

Syndicated columnist and speaker Marni Jameson is the author of 'House of Havoc' and 'The House Always Wins' (Da Capo Press).

 

http://mobile.orlandosentinel.com/p.p?a=rp&m=b&postId=856107&curAbsIndex=2&resultsUrl=DID%3D6%26DFCL%3D1000%26DSB%3Drank%2523desc%26DBFQ%3DuserId%253A41%26DL.w%3D%26DL.d%3D10%26DQ%3DsectionId%253A5644%26DPS%3D0%26DPL%3D3

Reduce Needlepoint Hand Stress

I learned a tip yesterday...

 
Sometimes we over do it! Our hands become fatigued or cramp up. We love stitching our favorite project but our hands are weary. Try this. Hold hands in front of your chest, palms together, fingers pointing up, elbows out. Hold and push hands together. Count to 10. Let go. Repeat a couple of times. This will release your hand stress!

Needlepoint Shop Hop October 2010

I drove with my Mom from Cleveland, OH to their house in Florida. On the way we had a wonderful time visiting many needlepoint shops. The trip started with a special invitation from Doug Kreinik to visit Kreinik Mfg. Co., Inc. What a treat to see how some of our favorite threads are made.

Below is the list of needlepoint shops we visited. Take a virtual "Shop Hop" or stop in if you get the chance!

 

Adornment

(336) 245-8550

117-B Reynolda Village                                          

Winston-Salem, NC 27106

 

Chapel Hill Needlepoint Co.

919-971-7745

99 South Elliott Road

Chapel Hill, NC 27514

 

Needlepoint.Com

(919) 828-5538

2104 Smallwood Dr.

Raleigh, NC 27605-1320

 

Yarns of Wilmington

(910) 791-2157

3401 1/2 Wrightsville Ave

Wilmington, NC 28403

 

Pawleys Island Needlpoint

(843) 235-9219

10744 Ocean Dr Unit G

Pawleys Island, SC 29585-6519

 

The Cabbage Row Shoppe

843-722-1528

13 Broad St.

Charleston, SC 29401

 

Its A Stitch of Charleston, SC

(843) 557-0401

3464 Maybank Highway D&E

Johns Island, SC 29455

 

Needlepoint Junction

(843) 842-8488

1000 William Hilton Parkway

Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

 

The Stitchery of St. Simons

912-638-3401

3303 Frederica Rd.

St. Simons Island, GA 31522

 

Bristly Thistle

(904) 729-4020

302 Ash St.

Amelia Island, FL 32034

 

Needle Orts

(407)869-0078

1002 West SR436 Suite 1024

Altamonte Springs, FL 32714

 

Needle Nicely

(772) 567-6688

1531 US Highway 1

Vero Beach, FL 32960

 

Geez Leweez

239-395-2900

2330 Palm Ridge Road

Sanibel, FL 33957

 

Needlepoint In Paradise

239-591-0654

975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd.

Naples, FL 34110

Florence Griswold Museum Presents...

I recieved this email today And wanted to share it:

"Hello Barbara,

I thought you might be interested in our fall exhibition. 

More information and images at http://www.florencegriswoldmuseum.org/exhibitions/2010/10Needle.html

Please help us spread the word to needlework enthusiasts about this important show,

Tammi

 

Florence Griswold Museum Presents 
With Needle and Brush: 
Schoolgirl Embroidery From the Connecticut River Valley

May 3, 2010, Old Lyme, CT: From October 2, 2010 through January 30, 2011 the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme, Connecticut, presents With Needle and Brush: Schoolgirl Embroidery From the Connecticut River Valley. The Connecticut River Valley was one of the most important centers in America for the teaching and production of embroidered pictures by girls and young women in private academies during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. As the first exhibition to examine the subject of Connecticut River Valley needlework in depth, With Needle and Brush contributes to the understanding of the traditions of needlework and provides insight into the nature of women’s schooling before the advent of widespread public education. Guest-curated by needlework experts Carol and Stephen Huber, this exhibition of approximately sixty embroideries, watercolor sketches, and portraits will draw extensively on works from private collections, many never before shown publicly.

Over the course of their education, girls undertook progressively more complex and difficult needlework. Before the age of ten, they began with elementary samplers worked on linen and gradually developed a repertory of stitching techniques. During their studies, they executed canvaswork pieces, samplers, memorials, and silk pictures as evidence of the skills and accomplishments that would demonstrate their suitability as wives capable of managing a household and educating children. Proudly displayed in a family’s home as an enticement to potential suitors, these pictures and memorials affirmed a young lady's mastery of the principles of “politeness”—a concept that encompassed knowledge of religious and literary themes as well as an appreciation for art and music.

The exhibition illuminates the evolution of needleworking techniques as well as tracing the distinctive styles and subjects associated with the mistresses of various girls’ schools throughout the Connecticut River Valley. At the academy run by Lydia Royse in Hartford, pupils specialized in allegorical or historical subjects based on print sources, which they replicated in gleaming silk thread. One such piece is Jeptha’s Rash Vow (ca. 1810), which presents the Biblical tale of a father obligated to sacrifice his only daughter to fulfill his pledge to God that, in exchange for a military victory, he would kill the first thing he sees upon returning home. “Needleworks like this one are truly extraordinary in their aesthetic and intellectual sophistication, and as windows into early American values” says Florence Griswold Museum Curator Amy Kurtz Lansing. “The unknown girl who stitched this picture is affirming the religious tenet of subservience to God, and doing so through a subject that was also explored around this time in poems, prints, and even an oratorio by Handel. Through their needlework, girls from even small towns were introduced to and participated in wider cultural currents.” For instance, girls at the Misses Pattens’ School, also in Hartford, worked lavish heraldic and allegorical compositions, often accented with gold filaments. Each piece of needlework unifies the combined talents and aspirations of the girl, her family, her instructress, and the visual artists often called upon to paint in portrait heads that would complete each piece.

    The exhibition will be followed by a fully-illustrated book with essays and entries by the Hubers, an essay by independent scholar Susan Schoelwer, and an introduction by Amy Kurtz Lansing. The book will be published in 2011 in conjunction with Wesleyan University Press.

Located on an 11-acre site in the historic village of Old Lyme, the Florence Griswold Museum is known as the Home of American Impressionism. In addition to the restored Florence Griswold House, where the artists of the Lyme Art Colony lived, the Museum features a modern exhibition gallery, education center, a new landscape center, extensive gardens, and a restored artist’s studio. The Museum is located at 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, exit 70 off I-95 and is open year round Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday 1 to 5pm. Admission is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors, $7 students, and free to children 12 and under. For more information, visit the Museum’s web site www.FlorenceGriswoldMuseum.org or call 860-434-5542 x 111. 

~

 

Needlepoint Question

I received this question today:

How does the needlepoint canvas (on #14/ #13 mesh) go into the Stirling checkbook since cover top lip does not have much space? 

After putting the needlepoint in the checkbook I used a little Aleene's Quick Dry Tacky Glue under the top lip and held it down for a couple of minutes. This worked great and held the flap down.

Barbara Bergsten Designs Trunk Shows

Barbara Bergsten Designs Trunk Shows for July 2010:

 

Pocket Full of Stitches

4523 50th Street, Lubbock, Texas 79414

 

806-792-1761, Fax 806-792-6555

800-234-1761

www.pfos.com, pfos@pfos.com 

 

Hours: Tues-Fri 10:00 - 5:00

 

 Sat - 10:00 - 4:00

July 2010

and...

Wool and Willow Needlepoint

13002 Larchmere Blvd., Shaker Hts, OH 44120 • 216 791-7952 •  designer@woolandwillow.com

Store Hours - Tuesday - Friday 11:00 to 5:00 - Saturday 11:00 to 4:00

Kreinik has a new blog

Kreinik will keep us all up to date with their new blog, Kreinik Thread Blog.

http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/ ...

"Welcome to our brand new blog! We hope to share our thoughts, give tips and ideas, announce new stuff and just have lots of fun. For our very first posting we are announcing that the final installment of Kreinik's Holographic Threads will be hitting the stores in June. Kreinik is proud to announce that the Holographic Threads will now be available in Medium (#16) Braid.

Use Medium (#16) Braid in Cross Stitch (10 & 11ct), Needlepoint (14-18ct), Plastic Canvas, Scrapbooking & Card Making.

Kreinik's Holographic Threads have been all the rage since their introduction in January 2010. The holographic threads, available in sixteen brilliant, 3-D colors, will now be available in most Kreinik thread sizes including Blending Filament, Very Fine #4, Fine #8, Tapestry #12 and Medium #16 Braids, as well as 1/16" and 1/8" Ribbons.

Visit www.kreinik.com for FREE projects and information."

New Needlepoint Shops

I met so many great people at the show! Also, there are "new to me" shops that now carry Barbara Bergsten Designs. I have updated the Retail Shops page on my website to show all the shops that carry my needlepoint designs. They are listed by state.

Here's a canvas I just finished painting for my son. I's not in the line yet. Is there any interest in golf club covers? I think they are neat but don't know if there is much interest. What type of design do you like to stitch? Ornaments, sayings. etc. I'm starting to paint new designs and would love some input!! Thank you! B

TNNA “Market Buzz”

Images of everyone who participated in our new Needlepoint Group “Needlework Showcase.” Each participant is shown with their finished piece and full credit is given to the participating company along with stitchers and finishers. Click any of the thumbnails on the left and the larger image will appear in the center of your screen. 

Chilly Hollow Stitch Guide Blog

Jane of Chilly Hollow Needlepoint Adventure has a new blog! Chilly Hollow Stitch Guides, this is in addition to her current blog. Stitch guides were HOT, HOT, HOT at the TNNA show. Now we'll have a blog devoted to stitch guides. Best of luck, Jane!

World of Needlepoint

The World of Needlepoint is your one-stop resource for everything you ever wanted to know about needlepoint: its history, a world of fascinating fibers, and all the latest techniques brought to you by today's most popular artists and the best retailers around.

I was posted today as the Featured Artist on the World of Needlepoint website.

"The World of Needlepoint website is a resource for everyone interested in the art of Needlepoint:designers, wholesalers, retailers, and most of all individual stitchers.  We intend to provide the finest one-stop needlepoint resource available on the web.  It is in our collective interest to keep this beautiful art form thriving.  The World of Needlepoint website is a great way to do just that. 

We encourage everyone to submit image files by e-mail to: devnich@comcast.net.

Images on the Web

• Image clarity is of utmost importance if we are to maintain a highly polished, professional appearance on the web. Therefore, poor quality images will not be considered for inclusion on the site. 

• All images must be provided in jpg (preferred) or gif file format.
• Image submissions should be as large and as high a resolution as possible but in no case below 72 dpi (dots per inch).
• For Finished Projects, please include the name of designer, stitcher, finisher, store (if applicable) with city and state in your email (not as part of the image itself), as well as design number and title (if any). For feature article images, please provide whatever information is appropriate to the image.
• Provide web address for possible link where appropriate."

Needlepoint Class

I'm teaching this class at the TNNA Show in Columbus.

 

I love teaching this canvas. It's such a great way to learn seven decorative stitches. The threads just came in from Rainbow Gallery and Vineyard Silk. I'm putting together goody bags for each student!

NT111-Painted Stitches Palm

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Sponsor: Barbara Bergsten Designs, Vineyard Silk, Rainbow Gallery

Description: Bright and colorful, Painted Stitches Palm is a great way to expand your needlepoint knowledge! You will learn seven decorative stitches on this 6"x6" #14 mesh handpainted needlepoint canvas. The canvas is set up as "Sister Stitches." "Sister Stitches" are stitches that are similar but somewhat different. By learning the first stitch, the second stitch will be easier to learn and teach! Each decorative stitch area is uniquely painted to highlight each stitch step. Students will stitch with six Vineyard Silk Classic colors and five Rainbow Gallery Silk Lame' Braid colors. Free downloadable stitch guide included.

ANG Meeting

Our local ANG, Needle Point Stitchers, had two guest speakers Wed. night: Beth Gantz, of Beth Gantz Designs and owner of Stitches Etc. And Carol Gantz of Associated Talents. It was a great time talking to two designers and shop owner. They are a wonderful mother - daughter duo!

The World of Needlepoint

The World of Needlepoint has a completely redesigned website.

Check it out: www.worldofneedlepoint.com

"The World of Needlepoint is your one-stop resource for everything you ever wanted to know about needlepoint:  its history, a world of fascinating fibers, and all the latest techniques brought to you by today's most popular artists and the best retailers around."

ANG Meeting

Last night we had our local ANG meeting, The Needlepoint Stitchers, and annual Chinese Auction. I'm a new member to the group and this was my first Chinese Auction. It amazes me what one person doesn't want or need any more another person just loves! It was very successful! Every month we also have a show and tell. This really broadens my horizons to the diversity of the needlepoint world. Since I'm a painted canvas designer I sometimes forget the variety of techniques under the needlepoint umbrella.

Needlepoint Expert at Bergdof Goodman

 

I wonder who the teacher was and what they taught! Did anyone go? If so let me know!

 

PS I just put a search box on my blog. It works! Try it if you are looking for something.

Sip and Stitch at Stitches, Etc. Needlepoint Shop

 
Yesterday I went over to Stitches, Etc. Needlepoint Shop for their monthly Sip and Stitch. It's a great way to meet stitchers, share ideas and learn tips & tricks. I learned how to do a bargello tuck. I've read about before, but it really clicked when I saw it in person! Sip and Stitch at Stitches, Etc. is the last Thursday of every month.

Needlepoint Books

 
I have a tiny bit of spring cleaning fever. I've read about it on other blogs and it must have bit me too. One big mess is my collection of needlepoint books. I've been reading Needlepoint in the 21st Century and visited her web site New Needlepoint, particularly Needlepoint Reference Books. There is a wealth of information on her site!! I'm motivated to really sort out and use all the great books I own. I might even add to my library.

Also I just added a new web site to my Retail Shops page. Beth's Needlepoint Nook. If I'm missing any needlepoint shop web sites please send them to me!

Needlepoint Shop in the News!

Beth's Needlepoint Nook is in the news! I love to read about needlepoint news!!

Destination Needlepoint, Needlepoint Trade Show

 

What Is It: Destination Needlepoint – bringing Retailers and Artists together online

When It Occurs: The needlepoint trade show occurs from December 28 – January 15, 2010

Where: www.DestinationNeedlepoint.com

Reasons for Its Creation:

Ø  Retailers see all needlepoint artists on one easy-to-use website.

Ø  Retailers see the newest designs easily without spending high travel costs.

Ø  Retailers shop smarter by having an online preview of the upcoming tradeshow.

Ø  Retailers maximize their time spent at the show by planning ahead.

Ø  Retailers unable to make the tradeshow purchase the new designs easily without leaving their stores.

Ø  The online event allows new designs and favorite best-sellers to be shown in an effective, affordable way for Retailers and Artists.

 

* The trade show is open only to the Trade only & that we do not allow direct-to-customer orders. If a customer wants to view and order from Destination Needlepoint, they need to ask their favorite needlepoint shop to join & then allow them to see the designs with the Shop Owner standing next to them!

ANG

I just joined ANG and went to my first local meeting last night. I also joined my local chapter, Needle Point Stitchers Chapter in Kirtland, OH. I is a great group! Most of their stitching projects are counted needlepoint on #18 mesh. I will have a lot to learn (I've never stitched counted needlepoint) and will need a new magnifier! So much fun to be surrounded by like-minded stitchers!

Needlepoint Shop Hop!

Yesterday Mom & I visited another great needlepoint shop.

 

Needlepoint In Paradise

Needlepoint In Paradise

975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd.

Naples, FL 34110

239-591-0654

More ...Needlepoint Shop Hop

Mom and I visited more great needlepoint shops on our way to Florida. If you are nearby sure to stop in and visit!

 

Bristly Thistle

 

 
Bristly Thistle

15 N 4th Street

Amelia Island, FL 32034

Get Directions

(904) 729-4020

 

 

Needle Orts

 
Needle Orts

1002 West SR436 Suite 1024

Altamonte Springs, FL 32714

(407)869-0078

 

 

The Black Sheep

 
The Black Sheep

1322 N. Mills Ave.

Orlando, FL 32803

407.894.0444

 

 

Eye of the Needle

 
Eye of the Needle

1806 S Osprey Ave.

Sarasota, FL 34239

(941) 955-0458

 

 

Needlepoint Ivy

 
Needlepoint Ivy

101 W Venice Avenue, Ste 1   

Venice, FL 34285

 

 

Geez Leweez

 
Geez Leweez   

2330 Palm Ridge Road

Sanibel, FL 33957

239-395-2900

Needlepoint Shop Hop

Yesterday Mom and I visited two more great needlepoint shops.

 

Po's Point

 

 

Po's Point

4705 Savings Place, Charlotte, NC 28210

704-553-8777

Two's Company Needlepoint

 
Two's Company Needlepoint

351 E Main St., Rock Hill, SC 29730

803-327-2967

"Painted Stitches" Sampler Needlepoint Class

Yesterday I taught "Painted Stitches" Sampler Class at Simply Needlepoint. This is the needlepoint canvas owner Carolyn Fuller stitched.

 
It was a wonderful group of stitchers and so fun to meet everyone.

 
Here's a little "shop hop" tour of Carolyn's adorable shop. If you are near Winston Salem be sure to stop in and visit!

 
 
 

Simply Needlepoint

www.simplyneedlepointws.com

(336) 727-4058

117-B Reynolda Village

Winston Salem, NC 27106

Needlepoint Stitching Groups

Do you belong to a Needlepoint Stitching Group? I'm very inyerested in how groups start. Where do they meet? Is there a cost to join? Where else do groups stitch beside shops? How did your group start? Is it part of a larger orgaization? How often do you get together? How long have you been together? Do any 20-30's have a group? What is the best part of your experince? Thank you so much for any answers!

Where do you stitch?

I’d love to see where everyone stitches! This is my needlepoint area. My needlepoint chair and my studio “cockpit” behind it. Post and share your stitching area!

Shop Hop

I just visited two great needlepoint shops in North Carolina. Hope you stop by too!

 

Simply Needlepoint, Winston Salem, NC

 

Chapel Hill Needlepoint, Chapel Hill, NC