Punch Needle Embroidery
lula
needle is a technique I've been wanting to try for many years and
finally after seeing finished samples here and there and talking to my
fellow designer friend Pam Kellogg who has been "playing" with her set
of needles, I purchased a set of these punch needles.
My set came from a company known as the original Russian Punch Needle
company that spells the name as IGOLOCHKOY.
I got the whole set of three needles for $45.99....well made with sturdy
brass handles with a five year guarantee.
Each needle handles different number of floss "strands" or weight of
threads. There's a single strand needle, a three strand needle and a six
strand needle......can be used with other threads besides floss.
The punch needle technique makes a nice plushy looped or tufted surface
stitch, you work from the back of the embroidery......designs for this
technique will often come reversed.......some patterns are iron-ons you
can apply to the backside to follow the embroidery so it looks perfect
on the top or front of the fabric afterwards.
It's a great technique to be able to vary the surface textures on the
artsy applique collage ideas I like experimenting with.
The craft of old fashioned hooked rugs come to mind comparing punch
needle technique to the finished dense tufted surface of the rugs as
well as the similar folk art "primtive" style of the patterns available
at The Stitching Post in MD where the country style is popular and where
I purchased the needle set.
Naturally, the Wooly Dreams sheep mascots, are natural candidates for
punch needle tufts as well as many other animals. Just about any
subject, motifs can be used for punch needle techniques.
Then, there are hairstyles! Unusual hairstyles perfect for those over
the top characters, the ladies with attitudes, ha, even Queenie's royal
flyaway hair can be tamed with a punch.....needle that is.....the
options for punch needle are endless!
Even better, the punch needle works fast to cover the design surface and
uses floss by the "pound".......in my case, the punch needle will use up
some of the "extra" floss lying around here.......we used to do kits of
my charts for catalogs such as the old Stitchery catalog and ended up
with quite a few cones of DMC floss.
Overall, I'm looking forward to experimenting with the punch needle
using a combination of other embroidery techniques, different textured
threads, yarns and embellishments hoping to give all my projects that
"unique" look whether used on clothing or in decorative design.
---
Lula
http://www.woolydream.com
Needlework Adventures
Jacqueline
instantly hooked. I don't use it as much as I'd like, but I love the fact
that it goes quickly & creates some really lovely designs. Play around with
shading and overdyes a bit - you'll be pleasantly surprised!
--
Jacqueline
Carmichaels PA
"lula" <wooly...@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:4151BC...@earthlink.net...
anne
> needle is a technique I've been wanting to try for many years and
> finally after seeing finished samples here and there and talking to my
> fellow designer friend Pam Kellogg who has been "playing" with her set
> of needles, I purchased a set of these punch needles.
>
> My set came from a company known as the original Russian Punch Needle
> company that spells the name as IGOLOCHKOY.
>
> I got the whole set of three needles for $45.99....well made with sturdy
> brass handles with a five year guarantee.
Darn you, Lula. I promised myself that I wasn't going to buy any more stuff
until I finished a few things but I'm sorely tempted to get some of those
needles as I dearly love three dimensional effects.
Has anyone purchased from <http://punchneedlemarketplace.com/>?
--
another Anne, add ingers to frugalf to reply
Jacqueline
"cute". It's a bit harder to find much else, so I usually adapt designs
from other sources. Fortunately, that's easy to do with punchneedle.
--
Jacqueline
Carmichaels PA
"anne" <fru...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:MPG.1bbbc0053...@news.comcast.giganews.com...
Ellice
> Geez, as if I don't have enough to do........but using a Russian punch
> needle is a technique I've been wanting to try for many years and
> finally after seeing finished samples here and there and talking to my
> fellow designer friend Pam Kellogg who has been "playing" with her set
> of needles, I purchased a set of these punch needles.
>
> My set came from a company known as the original Russian Punch Needle
> company that spells the name as IGOLOCHKOY.
*snip*
> Overall, I'm looking forward to experimenting with the punch needle
> using a combination of other embroidery techniques, different textured
> threads, yarns and embellishments hoping to give all my projects that
> "unique" look whether used on clothing or in decorative design.
Lula, isn't this just tooooo addictive. I resisted for a while, but at the
shop one of the owner's friends designs specifically punchneedle projects,
and distributes for Igolochkov (if you've been to Nashville, might've met
Ellen). Anyhow, she teaches a class at the store a couple of times a year,
and they shamed me into it a couple of years ago. Theory being - it's so
much fun, requires less concentration, etc - and is darn fast.
Some of her designs have been adorable little micro-mini purses, brooches,
bands for pillows. We've done some with various threads - silk/wool blend
even, and it's awesome for overdyed floss. One of the tricks we learned was
to actually trim the little sleeves to different lengths which would then
change the depth of the loop. Just cut'em with a razor. I have my whole
little kit in a nice wooden needle box - they fit exactly. I've done most
of mine on quilters cotton (high quality - some on hand-dyes), and it's the
only time I use a hoop - drum tight.
I bet your designs look fantastic. SamSarah/Just Another Button Company
sent some designs for punchneedle to the shop - which we did, and
embellished them of course with their buttons.
Have fun - in case you weren't busy enough. We should get you to come on
one of the Metro DC outings (Stitching Post in Baltimore next Tuesday) !
Ellice
Joan Erickson
> Then, there are hairstyles! Unusual hairstyles perfect for those over
> the top characters, the ladies with attitudes, ha, even Queenie's royal
> flyaway hair can be tamed with a punch.....needle that is.....
Speaking of Her Royal Self, do you have any new pictures of the Queen?
It's been quite awhile since Her Royal Subjects have seen her! Or is
she hiding from us???? :)
--
Joan
See my first-ever design here:
http://www.heritageshoppe.com/joan.jpg
"Stitch when you are young and poor, frame when you are old and rich."
- Elizabeth's (rctn'r) sister's MIL (Barbara Marr)
lula
Yes, that's exactly what I was thinking about too, the different
overdyes and other specialty threads to "play" with......can almost
imagine how wonderful the effects can be! Good to know about your
experiences!
---
Lula
http://www.woolydream.com
Needlework Adventures
lula
The punch needle technique would definitely add that extra cool looking
dimension to your embroidered pictures! Just wish I had more time to
"play" with my needles right away, but have to put them down for a
couple of months to work on a "trunk" show.
I'm looking forward to whole new world of options using the punch
needles........such as the example of using overdye and other specialty
threads as posted by Jacqueline.
---
Lula
http://www.woolydream.com
Needlework Adventures
lula
Boy, QUEENIE would sure like you......you royal "climber" you.....if
Queenie knew you were asking about her......
The REAL truth is.....I had to put Queenie and Co. aside for the moment
to work on a "trunk" show as I'll be visiting a shop in Houston soon.
About pics, haven't had time to do one of the finished
"Queenie".....heheh....you should hear the faint rackety thumps and
bangs going on in the pile where I "dumped" or rather placed
Queenie..........geez, no wonder.......that's probably why that "pile"
of stuff keeps falling down on the floor??!!!
BUT.....inbetween required work, I "sneak" a little time to work on
Madame La Zora......this time I'm actually cutting out a "pattern" of
sorts out of freezer paper to do a little pre-planning on this
design........as you recall, I did THE QUEEN totally freehand and
learned a few things from that experience!
Since I want to use more fabrics in Madame, figured it might help to
actually draw a basic line pattern to place different elements.
---
Lula
http://www.woolydream.com
Needlework Adventures
lula
I've seen some interesting punch needle projects such as a heart pin one
of the ladies at The Stitching Post was wearing.
It was done in a contemporary graphic style and really cool looking!
Just imagine using metallic threads on a decorative brooch or anything
else one can wear or use as an accessory to an outfit! The results will
definitely be a unique item!
So far, I've used the punch needle on one of the subtle monochromatic
color quilt cotton prints stretched into one of those fine German hoops
that I have a whole set of......but don't think the larger hoops will
work that well overall for me as the stretched fabric will loosen up
being worked on and be harder to deal with on a larger hoop.
So, depending on the project and ease of use, plan to use a table scroll
frame so I can use two hands to help stitch and able to stretch the
fabric even more taut with less chance of loosening up for the results I
want.
Plus the scroll frame will allow for a larger design area without chance
of crushing any loops.
You're so right about the endless options one can do with this
technique.....it took me over 20 years to finally buy a set of these
needles to "play" with. But, I plan to make up for lost time......as
soon as my schedule opens up a little.
I got caught up doing an unexpected "trunk show" for a friend's
needlepoint shop in Houston as I'll be going to the International Quilt
Market at the end of Oct......since I'll be staying with my friend and
spending at least one day helping out in the shop, Frances thought it
would be a good idea to bring new designs.
So, I won't be available to go on that nice day of shopping and
lunch.....but you all will have a lovely time at The Stitching
Post......it's one of the most well stocked shops I've ever been to with
something for all stitcher's.
I've always thought what a great marketing idea it was to have a
needlework shop, a quilting shop and a knitting shop all located next
door to each other......and even more amazing considering these shops
are "hidden" in a small industrial type park area, off the main street,
most dedicated stitchers know where these great shops
are......definitely a real destination place where one can spend hours
doing our favorite pastime.......
After shopping The Stitching Post, spent a small fortune at the Quilt
shop......too hard to resist the range of gorgeous color fabrics and
quilt mags from AU.....some for half price too!
The knitting shop is full of the best yarns.......love the multicolors
of the many types available.
I recall you mentioning Manos yarn in another post......that is
wonderful hand spun yarn.......I have quite a collection of colors that
I couldn't resist!
Now that you're into knitting, next year, you ought to consider visiting
the MD Wool and Sheep Festival at the Howard County Fairgrounds, the
first weekend in May.........there you'll find many artisan hand dyed
and hand spun yarns among everything else for knitters and weavers.
One year I bought a hand made yarn or skein winder from a woodworker
made of polished cherry wood. It's a beautiful sculpture on its
own......along with the large wooden Swedish yarn swifts.......at one
time I even thought of buying my own spinning wheel but had to resist
that urge due to lack of space and time......but....as a knitter, this
festival is worth making time to visit!
As for lunch.....I've been to the Candlelight Inn a few years ago.....a
real charming place.
---
Lula
http://www.woolydream.com
Needlework Adventures
anne
> needles........such as the example of using overdye and other specialty
> threads as posted by Jacqueline.
Yesterday, I stopped at a local LNS to see if they had any needles in stock.
The clerk said the owner is intrigued by the technique but was hesitant to lay
in a stock of the $45 set of needles. Instead, she has less expensive, single
ones on order and as soon as the needles come in, someone from Nashville has
promised to come to teach a class. I saw the teacher's samples, one using Weeks
overdye and the other plain old DMC floss. Due to her skill at blending the
colors, it was hard for me to tell the difference.
I can't wait for the class!!! Because it's non-linear, colo(u)ful and 3D, and
looks like it'll work on a variety of fabric, I think I'll like this technique.
Joan Erickson
> Hello Joan,
>
> Boy, QUEENIE would sure like you......you royal "climber" you.....if
> Queenie knew you were asking about her......
It *would* be nice if I had an audience with her some day! :))) Wish I
lived closer. sigh.
> The REAL truth is.....I had to put Queenie and Co. aside for the moment
> to work on a "trunk" show as I'll be visiting a shop in Houston soon.
Ah, yes, life gets in the way again. ;)
> About pics, haven't had time to do one of the finished
> "Queenie".....heheh....you should hear the faint rackety thumps and
> bangs going on in the pile where I "dumped" or rather placed
> Queenie..........geez, no wonder.......that's probably why that "pile"
> of stuff keeps falling down on the floor??!!!
I imagine she'll have a few choice words for you when you finally let
her out! LOL!
> BUT.....inbetween required work, I "sneak" a little time to work on
> Madame La Zora......
I'll be on pins and needles till I see them both!!! Thanks for the
update, Lula!
Jacqueline
[snipped]
> So far, I've used the punch needle on one of the subtle monochromatic
> color quilt cotton prints stretched into one of those fine German hoops
> that I have a whole set of......but don't think the larger hoops will
> work that well overall for me as the stretched fabric will loosen up
> being worked on and be harder to deal with on a larger hoop.
>
Lula, in the classes I took, we were taught to use a hoop no larger than 6".
Also, the instructor (Gail Bird) always uses a plastic hoop with a lip on
the inner hoop, like Susan Bates hoops. She says it's the only type of hoop
that will hold the fabric tightly enough.
--
Jacqueline
Carmichaels PA
Dianne Lewandowski
> Lula, in the classes I took, we were taught to use a hoop no larger than 6".
> Also, the instructor (Gail Bird) always uses a plastic hoop with a lip on
> the inner hoop, like Susan Bates hoops. She says it's the only type of hoop
> that will hold the fabric tightly enough.
That's subjective and based on the experience of the teacher. I can set
my hoop to hold drum tight through tons of embroidery stitches. You
just have to know how to do it.
I have a set of these needles, tried once, put them away and never got
them out again. You're all making me want to try again. Also have a
tambour hook which I was practising on many years ago and it, too,
languishes in a drawer. These are tools I'm glad I have for those times
when your longing for something "different" to do. :-)
Dianne
Gary V. Deutschmann, Sr.
I just wanted to say that I started making punch needle rugs, learned
a few tricks to make them long lasting too.
Such as threading through the loops on the back to keep the stitches
from pulling out over time.
Then another person more experienced in punch needle rugs taught me
how to chain the back as I go using a small tool they made from
modifying an existing tool.
My next purchase was going to be the embroidery sized punch needle
set, but the store sold it and did not plan on purchasing another.
Then my sister bought an embroidery machine that is computer driven
that can do pile work as well, so my plans fell by the wayside.
TTUL
Gary
Mirjam Bruck-Cohen
experience` ....
Ragwork , by Lizzie Reaks, In the New Craft [serie] , Lorenz Books ,
1996.
Rag Rug Inspirations, new designs for traditional techniques, by
Julier Bawden , Cassel , 1996.
mirjam
O
lula
It's wonderful to read that you're going to give punch needle a try!
Please keep us informed on your progress and projects. I also feel
you'll really enjoy the results using a punch needle for added depth to
your embroideries.
I for one would love to know your experiences learning as well as
"seeing" your projects!
---
Lula
http://www.woolydream.com
Needlework Adventures
lula
Is there a reason why your teacher Gail Bird didn't mention using a
scroll frame?
I understand the reason to using a 6" embroidery hoop limit if one is
doing small motifs.
As I plan to use my own illustrations for punch needle embroidery, I'd
like to have the option of working on a larger than 6" surface.
Stretching the fabric taut on a scroll frame would give me this larger
space to "paint" my ideas.
On the subject of hoops.......in my collection are several Japanese
style "hoops" that sound similar to Gail's hoops.
I haven't worked with these Japanese style hoops yet, (they're still in
their wrappers) these Japanese "hoops" are actually wooden frames.
A larger outside wooden frame with a slightly smaller wooden frame to
fit inside the larger.
One wraps strips of fabric around the edges of one of the frames to
tighten the wooden frames keep the stretched fabric taut for
embroidery......these frames are supposed to be excellent for delicate
work as the wrapped edges prevent any type of marks to delicate
embroideries.
---
Lula
http://www.woolydream.com
Needlework Adventures
lula
I'd love to try out the tambour hook myself but never got one. I'm just
fascinated by different needlework techniques, especially techniques
that give relatively "quick" results that I can "draw" with!
You're so right about that urge or longing for something "different" to
do!
That feeling happens to me frequently!
Even though I love needlepoint, I have to admit that has become boring
to do....what I really mean is, I want to get away from the limits of
gridded designs. I miss working with true curves, natural circles,
curlicues, and so on that you can't do on a grid!
In my mind.....embroidery is the closest thing to "natural" drawing with
the needle as the drawing stylus and the threads as colorful paints!
In fact, I just found my wonderful book all about Indian Embroidery.
Titled: The Techniques of Indian Embroidery by Anne Morrell. A wonderful
paperback volume full of explanations, history and techniques of those
wonderfully exotic embroideries of India.
---
Lula
http://www.woolydream.com
Needlework Adventures
lula
Before you got side tracked by the embroidery machine, your plan to buy
punch needles for embroidery is what we're discussing in this punch
needle embroidery "thread".
It all started when I mentioned purchasing a set of Russian Punch
Needles (IGOLOCHKOY) to do the tufted looped embroidery with either
single strand, triple strand or six strand embroidery floss or
equivalent weight threads of other types such as a metallic or rayon,
overdyes, silks, etc.
Many years ago, I also tried making the punch needle rugs you
mention.....I even had an electric punch needle and floor frame. Don't
know what happened but I didn't pursue this rugmaking very long.
Speaking of embroidery machines......I just saw a wonderful model at my
sewing machine dealer's.......a stand alone machine for $6500.00 that
can do almost anything one can hand embroider!
An added software package for the PC allows one to create original
designs for another $1000.00.
There was a special offer......the embroidery machine's floor table that
makes the machine easy to see and operate comes "free" at this time,
otherwise it's another $400 to $500.
One of the beautfifully embroidered samples shown was a cross stitched
sampler style piece that looked hand stitched!
I was also shown open work, drawn thread and cutwork embroidered samples
that rival handmade samples.
Overall, I was quite impressed by this machine but no matter what, fine
handwork is still unique and will never be replaced by a machine!
---
Lula
http://www.woolydream.com
Needlework Adventures
lula
Thanks for replying to this thread........I know the author Juliet
Bawden's other series of embroidery and craft books so I expect her rug
book will have some really neat designs!
I've also seen the Lizzie Reaks Ragwork book......full of inspiration as
you say!
---
Lula
http://www.woolydream.com
Needlework Adventures
Gary V. Deutschmann, Sr.
I agree, machines will never replace the artist!
I do needlework because I like to create and be doing something with
my hands at the same time, also something that will endure. Although
it is a lot of time consuming work, X-stitch is what I do to relax and
wind down from the day. Unfortunately, since moving, I am not back to
full swing in my evening stitching, other things have been taking
precidence, or my hands and arms are just to sore to lift them.
Over the past couple of weeks I have cleared part of a woods, and over
the past few days have installed over 600 feet of fencing. Floss
would stick to my hands like silk in a briar patch. So my needlework
has been untouched for the past few weeks again.
The reason I was looking into the punch needle embroidery kit was to
make something my mother spotted and liked, the finished and framed
piece was going to be a gift for her. But before I started that
project is when my sister got the embroidery machine and she more or
less beat me to the punch in making things for mom.
Like you, I prefer hand done pieces!
TTUL
Gary
WIP: The Old Mill at Pigeon Forge (still).
Jacqueline
drum-tight from all directions. With a scroll frame, you can't tighten the
fabric along the horizontal axis. Fabric tension is extremely important, .
Basically you tighten your fabric as tight as you can get it, than tighten
it some more. The goal is to open the weave of the fabric as much as
possible so that when you finish & remove the tension, the weave locks the
stitches in place.
You'll often hear (or read) incorrectly that punchneedle pieces need some
additional stabilization to keep the stitches in place. This is not
necessarily true, because done properly, punchneedle pieces are quite
stable, even through routine machine washings. However, you have to use the
right fabric (always woven), the right needle for the fabric thread count,
the right thread(s) for that needle, and very, very tight fabric tension.
Having said that, you may intentionally use a fabric, etc., that's not
right, in which case, you may need to stabilize. All in all, there's a lot
more to it than just threading a needle & punching holes.
It seems like punchneedle embroidery is one of those techniques that a lot
of people attempt, get frustrated with, and give up. I really believe they
may not have been properly instructed in the first place. If you're
teaching yourself, start with a sampler using fabrics of different thread
counts with each needle, and different threads in the needles, keeping track
of what's what. Although there's more to it than I can really go into,
here's a couple of things you'll want to try:
Test #1 - Make a right triangle by placing 10 stitches down, 10 stitches
across, and then connect the ends (to form the right triangle). Now pull
those stitches out. The holes in the fabric made by the stitches should
disappear with a little manipulation (I usually kind of scratch at the
surface). If they don't, the needle or thread(s) are too big for the
fabric.
Test #2 - If the fabric passes #1, stitch a small patch, no more than 1"x1".
You can move the needle either in concentric circles from the outside in or
in horizontal or vertical rows. Generally, you want to skip a couple of
threads each stitch. When you're done, flip to the front and check to see
if the fabric's buckled - if so, then your stitches are too close. Then
check to see if the fabric shows through the stitches - if so then your
stitches *may* be too far apart (this is fairly subjective).
HTH!
--
Jacqueline
Carmichaels PA
"lula" <wooly...@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:415663...@earthlink.net...
lula
Thank you so much for your more than helpful explanations on the use of
the punch needles! I'm saving this post for future reference.
Now I understand better what you're saying about the use of the punch
needles and the need for the ground fabric to be super taut on all
sides.
I'm also thinking about sewing the ground (project) fabric onto a larger
piece of "scrap" fabric and pulling the whole thing taut on a scroll
frame top to bottom as well as lacing the fabric tautly to the sides of
the scroll frame.....fortunately I have many sizes of scroll bars to
work with.
The Japanese type frames or "hoops" would be another option to keep all
four sides of the fabric taut for punch needle stitching.
Of course, there's also the obvious of limiting my design ideas to size
too!
So far, I've noted how the different strands of floss loops fit on the
quilting cotton fabric I was experimenting with......this type of high
thread count woven fabric seems to work well.
I've also tried working on two different types of heavy woven linen
which didn't work too well with the linen fabrics being a little too
loosely woven for this technique.
True, the appearance density of loops is overall subjective but I've
noticed the designs looked better with dense loops....at least in the
lovely samples I saw displayed in The Stitching Post needlework shop
where I purchased my needles.
There was a very interesting design of a sheep in a sampler that was
punch needled.......the lady who made this gave me some "tips" on how
she used the punch needle on fine linen similar to your advice.
You're absolutely right about the need to practice, practice on the
fabric or options one plans to use to get the best results!
Shirley Shone
Jumping in here. There is a firm in Uk who do punch embroidery.
It is http://www.websterscrafts.co.uk
a few years ago I did one of their pictures 16 x 12 inches.. I had it
hung on my workroom cupboard un-framed. It fell off and I have just
rescued it.
I will wash it and take a picture and send it too you.
Shirley
In message <4156F8...@earthlink.net>, lula
<wooly...@earthlink.net> writes
--
Shirley Shone
Jacqueline
needle. Generally, the larger the design, the larger the needle you should
use. If you're working a large design, a 1-strand needle will take
*forever*. Conversely, a very small design done with a 6-strand needle
means that you're making very few stitches, which is quite limiting. Which
size needle is best for a given design size is something you'll figure out
when you stitch your samples.
I'm still a bit skeptical about the scroll frame (said with an
only-slightly-raised eyebrow :-)). However, I'm the last one who'd
discourage experimentation, so do what you like, and *please* let me know
how it works out. I guess I'm a stickler for knowing how to do things the
right way, but as long as you understand the reasoning behind a concept, no
harm in setting it aside :-) You may find that the stitches hold well
enough for a framed piece, but you just wouldn't want to put it on something
that gets more wear & tear. And above all, have fun!
--
Jacqueline
Carmichaels PA
"lula" <wooly...@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:4156F8...@earthlink.net...
anne
Even though I use colo(u)rs with abandon, I've been getting a bit bored because
there's too much of a 'sameness' to the look I'm able to produce. My current
project is another transformed from x-stich Alma Lynn design, Summer Angel. I'm
doing it on a ground with a sand and seashell pattern and have been waffling
about using tarpunto (small areas stuffed) to make parts pop off the 'canvas'.
If I think the results are frame-worthy, I've got a frame I want to use. I
don't know the term for a deep recessed area but think shadow box effect.
Instead of using those doohickies that are attached to the inner surface and
are bent to anchor the backing close to the glass, I'm thinking about putting
the stitching on a backboard that's big enough to cover the exterior of the
frame and then nailing it to the frame which would create a not so shallow
shadow box. I could then include a pile of real shells or miniature beach toys.
I'm also thinking of covering the plain black frame with fabric.
Wish me luck because, as is often the case, I find that the finished results
look too amateurish so they end in the scrap pile.
Ellice
Interesting, in my class, we also used the Susan Bates hoop - because of the
lip and that you could really tighten it soooo tight - but we got to use the 7"
size. For the smaller pieces - like the little brooch, or tiny cc size purse,
she suggested a 4" hoop. My friend Ellen, who taught the class, has some
designs out that at least the LNS are stocking - the brooch Lula saw someone
wearing at Stitchin' Post sounds like one of hers. I know that she was at
Nashvill last year. And now - like an idiot - I'm forgetting the name she puts
on her designs. Darn. Overload. Anyhow, her stuff is pretty clever, cute
without being tooo cutesy. Last winter she had a nice Snowman brooch, and the
little, teeny purses are awesome.
It's just such a fun thing.
Ellice
lula
I love your enthusiasm and search for more exciting projects......you're
a lady after my own heart!
Reading the descriptions of your ideas sounds good to me.....you have to
do what you have to do in order to satisfy your creative
urges......start your project and "run" with it! Enjoy the creative
process.....
I mean this sincerely.....I'm one of your "fans".....love to see people
take (creative) chances with their work! That's pretty much what I
do.....for me designing is a real adventure full of interesting
possibilities!
---
Lula
http://www.woolydream.com
Needlework Adventures
lula
Nice to "see" you again......I'll take a look at this URL next.
Please do send me a pic of your punch needle piece......sounds an
impressive size for punch needle embroidery!
I didn't have such a large design in mind for myself but so glad to know
that such a large piece can be done!
Having see many beautiful samples of the fine workmanship you've
stitched in your lovely beadwork, it'll be a treat to see your
impressive sized punch needle embroidery!
---
Lula
http://www.woolydream.com
Needlework Adventures
lula
Yes, I'm looking forward to experimenting with my punch needles and will
definitely enjoy the process, especially if I come up with workable
designs I like......in this case, something to do with my series on The
Queen and Company......in my mind, punch needle embroidery effects will
add that much more depth and interest to the applique collages I'm
working on.
Again, thank you so much for sharing your punch needle embroidery
expertise!
Now, onto the subject of the subjects......
It's going to be awhile before I get up to speed (I need a lot of
practice) but will keep all posted on the "interesting" effects I come
up with to decorate future images of Queenie (in new gowns....she likes
to pose...for stamps of course!) and as for Madame La Zora.....I'm in
the midst of cutting out a freezer paper pattern of her at the moment!
The word according to Queenie.....she says Madame is indeed a two
dimensional type, flatly boring.........
anne
> a lady after my own heart!
I love you too ;-) Your designs 'talk' to me in loud voices. Using your shop
list, I didn't have any luck finding an online 'mall' I suppose I could ask the
local store to order one or call around to see who has what designs. If you'd
email offline with a few shopping suggestions, I'd appreciate it:
frugal fingers @ comcast . net (remove spaces)
> Reading the descriptions of your ideas sounds good to me.....you have to
> do what you have to do in order to satisfy your creative
> urges......start your project and "run" with it! Enjoy the creative
> process.....
I figure if quilters are allowed to use many different patterns and colors in
one work of art, then so can I ;-)
Jacqueline
especially with those two infamous ladies! Keep us posted - I love to see
the non-traditional and experimental in embroidery. It stretches the
imagination and often spurns creativity in others.
--
Jacqueline
Carmichaels PA
"lula" <wooly...@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:415A6F...@earthlink.net...
lula
A sewing enthusiast mentioned a Sewing Expo in Chantilly, VA, (55 miles
away).......since Roger had taken the week off, we drove down to visit.
What a surprise!!! At the show I met the GAIL BIRD, the originator of
the Russian Punch Needle "movement" in the USA for the past 35 years.
Gail wasn't supposed to be at the show but due to a personnel emergency
she had to hop on the "red eye" from CA and arrived early this morning
to set up the show.
Amazing, meeting Gail was as if the two of us had known each other
forever even though we were total strangers at first......it was instant
rapport.....we spent quite a bit of time chatting about all sorts of
topics about the punch needle and the needlework world in general. Gail
is a very friendly lady with a hearty laugh and full of humor.
As an aside......she absolutely LOVED QUEENIE!! Said I ought to consider
giving future characters punch needle hairdos! To which I said that was
one of the reasons why I purchased her needle set.
Interesting Facts:
The man pictured on Gail's Punch Needle booklet is her husband who HAND
MAKES every single punch needle they sell! Talk about labor intensive!
Gail's two children earned their way through private colleges by working
for her.......said the sales of the needles paid their tuition!
Then said her needles were the original authentic ones and the best made
in the business......of course one could say she's a little "biased" but
after 35 years promoting and making countless thousands of needles,
she's doing something right!
The "brass" handle of the needles are actually gold plated and these
were the only needles in the industry with a five year
guarantee.....comes with a little color booklet and five extra threader
components.
Two reasons why we bonded so quickly.......Gail's favorite Grandmother
was also named Lula, (Lula Cook) who lived to be 102.....I laughed and
said we even had the same initials......said she knew we'd get together
as I also happened to be wearing her most favorite color.....I was
wearing a purple linen shirt with my favorite brooch on the neckline, a
vintage oval of carved sterling silver roses enclosing a large carved
oval amethyst.
I told Gail about our discussion on RCTN........she laughed.....said
using the hoop was indeed important as it pulled the fabric taut on all
sides.
Several other people came into her exhibit booth while we were talking
so Gail gave us all lessons on using the punch needles......was a
pleasure to listen and watch her demonstrations.
Jacqueline you'll appreciate this......Gail laughed over what I told her
about our discussion over the use of the hoops and my experimenting with
the scroll frame......she then even gave me a 6" Susan Bates hoop to try
out with the punch needles!!
Gail gave me the reason why she felt the hoop would work better.....said
the fabric had to be taut in order for the needle to properly pierce the
weave of the taut fabric in order for the loops to lie and anchor
smoothly without puckering. She felt the Susan Bates hoops with the lip
was the best thing for punch needle......except if one was using a
delicate fabric, then one would have to use another hoop and wrap the
sides with protective fabric bands......said to use one of the good,
well made thicker European hoops with the long screw so the outer hoop
size could be adjusted for the extra thickness.
She cautioned against using some silk fabrics because they'd end up
fading......she recommended using silk noil fabric, the silk fabric with
the thick and thin slubs.
But, Gail admitted she had never tried using the scroll frame and said I
should experiment with my ideas and to let her know how it worked out.
Said as long as I could pull the fabric taut on all sides, it might work
out well for me.
In Gail's opinion......said punch needle technique was simple and
relatively ordinary....what set this technique apart was the use of
color. She then mentioned several artists whose punch needle textile art
sold for many thousands of dollars! Including one piece she wanted to
buy that sold for over $9000.00!!
I purchased a booklet titled: Missy Stevens - Thread Paintings featuring
a punch needle artist's gallery work.....real eye candy and total
inspiration.
These thread paintings are truly amazing works of textile art made from
silk, cotton and rayon sewing threads!
Gail said Missy has a web site along with several other punch needle
artists.
In Gail's booth were many design "charts"......mostly in the colonial,
primitive folk art style.......I asked how come there weren't other
style designs? Said, the primitive folk art style was very popular
especially on the east coast but she'd like to see someone design more
contemporary designs.
Also told me about the Japanese following that loved doing punch needle,
especially the designs of one famous Japanese designer......Gail said
the odd thing was how the Japanese loved the American style designs but
made very little or no use of their own artistic heritage of beautiful
designs.
Gail's next trip will be to the Houston Quilt Festival in early
Nov......I was going to be at the International Quilt Market trade show
a few days earlier and leaving before the Quilt Festival.....Gail
invited me to stay with her but my plans were already made.
Then Gail said I should take her a brand new class on the business of
Punch Needle Embroidery that she'll be teaching at the TNNA show in Long
Beach, Jan 2005.....so I might sign up for that.
Overall.....I had a lovely time with Gail and we'll both be keeping in
touch with each other......Gail wants to see Queenie and the rest of the
over the top crowd......especially sporting a few punch needle
embroidered hairdos among other touches!
---
Lula
http://www.woolydream.com
Needlework Adventures
Jacqueline wrote:
>
> Lula, I'm very interested to see how you end up using punchneedle,
> especially with those two infamous ladies! Keep us posted - I love to see
> the non-traditional and experimental in embroidery. It stretches the
> imagination and often spurns creativity in others.
> Jacqueline
> Carmichaels PA
Karen C - California
writes:
>She then mentioned several artists whose punch needle textile art
>sold for many thousands of dollars! Including one piece she wanted to
>buy that sold for over $9000.00!!
>
SWOON!!!!
BTW, Lula, Gail lives locally, so any time you want personal lessons, you're
welcome to my guest room.
She sold my ex a set of punch needles and a 3" hoop, and I think he got 6
stitches in after he got it home before deciding that he wanted me to do the
work for him. I bet if you told him he could make $9000 with it, he'd decide
it was more enjoyable.
--
Finished 9/24/04 - Quilt Show
WIP: Fireman's Prayer (#2), Amid Amish Life, Angel of Autumn, Calif Sampler,
Holiday Snowglobe
Paralegal - Writer - Editor - Researcher
http://hometown.aol.com/kmc528/KMC.html
lula
You're right that money talks......there are many sad stories I've heard
through the years of unsupportitive spouses and significant others of
their partners creative endeavors and this goes across the board for all
types of artists and craftspeople unless the skill "made money"!
These people obviously didn't understand the creative process, that it
could for pure enjoyment and not necessarily money oriented.....they
also don't realize how hard it is to make money from one's artistic
skills no matter how talented. Basically, they don't "get it"........on
the other side of the coin, I've known some of the put upon artists to
"dump" these negative influences too!
Thank you for the generous offer of your guest room.......I'll keep this
in mind!
---
Lula
http://www.woolydream.com
Needlework Adventures
Karen C - California
writes:
>These people obviously didn't understand the creative process, that it
>could for pure enjoyment and not necessarily money oriented.
Absolutely! While I certainly don't mind if someone sends me a check for a
hundred bucks for one of my humor pieces, that's not my reason for doing it.
(Just ask the friend who gets my first drafts and gives me the Yea or Nay on
going ahead with the second draft.)
OTOH, there are those who refuse to get jobs because it cuts into the time
available for their creative endeavors, but then refuse to sell any of those,
either, because that would be "prostituting their art". All well and good if
Granddaddy left you a trust fund and you don't have to worry about money, but
I've run into too many of them who were looking for someone to support them
while they didn't contribute a cent.
Shortly after the divorce, I was talked into placing a personal ad. One of the
responses was from an artist whose primary concern was not whether we were in
any way compatible, but whether I had a north-light room that he could use as a
studio!!! So I turned it around on him, if he wasn't earning big bucks with
his art, then he couldn't afford to support me while *I* quit work to write The
Great American Novel. He was just as offended by the notion of being a meal
ticket as I was.
lula
That was a somewhat humorous story about the artist looking for a "meal
ticket" and your response.
Along the similar lines of doing art for the sake of doing art as you've
noted.......
I recall the commencement speech at my late son Mike's college
graduation from the College of Art at the University of Maryland, which
annoyed me but is typical of some artists who spend their careers in an
academic milieu.
The speaker said to these graduating artists, that they MUST do art at
all costs and not to be forced to change their artistic standards in any
way.
Though I do understand the reason behind such comments, the world is not
an "ivory tower".
It was with great effort for me NOT to shout out loud how in the world
do you expect these artists to support themselves?!! Pay for their
supplies and so on?
To me, one of the greatest faults of some fine art programs is the lack
of practical art skills taught to students along with an attitude that
taking art jobs for pay is beneath them.
Being a practical artist myself, I told Mike he needed to have practical
skills so he also studied computer graphics on his own and was able to
support himself with in-demand computer skills.
---
Lula
http://www.woolydream.com
Needlework Adventures
Karen C - California wrote:
>
> Absolutely! While I certainly don't mind if someone sends me a check for a
> hundred bucks for one of my humor pieces, that's not my reason for doing it.
> (Just ask the friend who gets my first drafts and gives me the Yea or Nay on
> going ahead with the second draft.)
>
> OTOH, there are those who refuse to get jobs because it cuts into the time
> available for their creative endeavors, but then refuse to sell any of those,
> either, because that would be "prostituting their art". All well and good if
> Granddaddy left you a trust fund and you don't have to worry about money, but
> I've run into too many of them who were looking for someone to support them
> while they didn't contribute a cent.
>
> Shortly after the divorce, I was talked into placing a personal ad. One of the
> responses was from an artist whose primary concern was not whether we were in
> any way compatible, but whether I had a north-light room that he could use as a
> studio!!! So I turned it around on him, if he wasn't earning big bucks with
> his art, then he couldn't afford to support me while *I* quit work to write The
> Great American Novel. He was just as offended by the notion of being a meal
> ticket as I was.
>
> Paralegal - Writer - Editor - Researcher
> http://hometown.aol.com/kmc528/KMC.html
> In article <415E13...@earthlink.net>, lula <wooly...@earthlink.net>
Karen C - California
writes:
>It was with great effort for me NOT to shout out loud how in the world
>do you expect these artists to support themselves?!! Pay for their
>supplies and so on?
By marrying some schmuck who will support them.
Unfortunately, too many artists have heard that commentary and come to the
conclusion that marrying for money is a better solution than getting a "day
job".
I guess I'm just not properly committed to my "art" that I have always
considered writing to be something fit into the schedule around my other
obligations, and not something that should excuse me from being a responsible
self-supporting adult.
Of course, I was fortunate that my "day job" involved a lot of writing, and
since I'd gotten my start at a newspaper, it wasn't overly objectionable to me
that I had to write factual accounts, and not fiction (which I've never been
particularly good at, anyway).
--
Finished 9/24/04 - Quilt Show
WIP: Fireman's Prayer (#2), Amid Amish Life, Angel of Autumn, Calif Sampler,
Holiday Snowglobe
Paralegal - Writer - Editor - Researcher
http://hometown.aol.com/kmc528/KMC.html
anne
Serendipity? Cosmic wheels in motion after 'our' discussions??? You be the
judge ;-)
I'm hoping that the meeting might inspire you to translate some of your designs
<hint, hint, wink, wink, nudge, nudge>
Does Gail have a web site or does another web site feature her work and tools?
Jacqueline
knows punchneedle better than anybody!
--
Jacqueline
Carmichaels PA
"lula" <wooly...@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:415CD1...@earthlink.net...
lula
Here is Gail Bird's website......I haven't looked at this yet but
there's probably interesting info all about the punch needle on it.
On the topic of patterns......geez....that's what Gail hinted at too!
---
Lula
http://www.woolydream.com
Needlework Adventures
lula
I thought it was absolutely amazing to meet Gail in person after our
discussion here! The first thing I thought about was you and being able
to let you know I had asked Gail on the subject of using the scroll
frame!
Boy, this is cool that she was your first teacher and now me meeting her
too.
Gail says she's interested in finding more teachers, maybe you might
consider teaching?
> > Jacqueline......
> > What a surprise!!! At the show I met the GAIL BIRD, the originator of
> > the Russian Punch Needle "movement" in the USA for the past 35 years.
> > Gail wasn't supposed to be at the show but due to a personnel emergency
> > she had to hop on the "red eye" from CA and arrived early this morning
> > to set up the show.
> > Amazing, meeting Gail was as if the two of us had known each other
> > forever even though we were total strangers at first......it was instant
> > rapport.....we spent quite a bit of time chatting about all sorts of
> > topics about the punch needle and the needlework world in general. Gail
> > is a very friendly lady with a hearty laugh and full of humor.
> >
> > As an aside......she absolutely LOVED QUEENIE!! Said I ought to consider
> > giving future characters punch needle hairdos! To which I said that was
> > one of the reasons why I purchased her needle set.
> > said her needles were the original authentic ones and the best made
> > in the business......of course one could say she's a little "biased" but
> > after 35 years promoting and making countless thousands of needles,
> > she's doing something right!
> >
> > The "brass" handle of the needles are actually gold plated and these
> > were the only needles in the industry with a five year
> > guarantee.....comes with a little color booklet and five extra threader
> > components.
> > In Gail's booth were many design "charts"......mostly in the colonial,
> > primitive folk art style.......I asked how come there weren't other
> > style designs? Said, the primitive folk art style was very popular
> > especially on the east coast but she'd like to see someone design more
> > contemporary designs.
> > Also told me about the Japanese following that loved doing punch needle,
> > especially the designs of one famous Japanese designer......Gail said
> > the odd thing was how the Japanese loved the American style designs but
> > made very little or no use of their own artistic heritage of beautiful
> > designs.
> > Overall.....I had a lovely time with Gail and we'll both be keeping in
> > touch with each other......Gail wants to see Queenie and the rest of the
> > over the top crowd......especially sporting a few punch needle
> > embroidered hairdos among other touches!
> > ---
> > Lula
> >
> > Jacqueline wrote:
anne
> there's probably interesting info all about the punch needle on it.
Thanks for the link. I'm sorely tempted to buy the packages that has the three
needles, hoops, and threaders.
> On the topic of patterns......geez....that's what Gail hinted at too!
GMTA ;-)
Jacqueline
really don't know where to start. I actually talked to Gail about it
briefly a few years ago, although I doubt she'd remember. I'm going
to CATS Hershey in a few weeks, so if she's there this year, maybe
I'll bring it up again.
So what did she say about the scroll frame?
On Mon, 04 Oct 2004 12:05:10 -0400, lula <wooly...@earthlink.net>
wrote:
lula
Gail said she is looking for qualified teachers......said one would be
eligible for teaching her punch needle techniques after taking several
classes with her.....think she mentioned three classes.
I know she'll be glad to hear from you on the subject of teaching,
here's her e-mail addy - ga...@gailbird.com
On the subject of the scroll frame......Gail said she hadn't tried using
such a frame herself and said I should go ahead and try and to let her
know how it works out for me.
The important fact is making sure to stretch the fabric taut on all four
sides of the fabric.
By stretching the fabric so taut, the weave or structure of the fabric
could then be easily pierced into by the punch needle. This allows the
thread loop to anchor properly into the weave of the fabric.
Shirley Shone
all four sides with thumb tacks.
Shirley
In message <416381...@earthlink.net>, lula
<wooly...@earthlink.net> writes
--
Shirley Shone
Shirley Shone
holing.
I had my flu jab yesterday and I feel a bit off colour.
Shirley
In message <y3hCc8Fj...@allcrafts.demon.co.uk>, Shirley Shone
<shi...@allcrafts.demon.co.uk> writes
anne
> holing.
I thought 'holing the fabric' was right on target ;-)
Note to all: Dover Publications has several books by Gail Bird