General Release of Folk Santa Spinner Design

Just in time to stitch for Christmas!

Santa is flying his reindeer through the air in this whimsical Folk Santa Spinner. Learn to line draw a canvas, pounce background color and then stitch away. Learn realistic shading with basketweave, how to make antlers look like velvet, and easy metallic thread techniques that will really make your ornaments sparkle! A little bit of beading and some specialty stitches make this a fun design. Suggested materials includes 18 mono canvas, beads, silk, wool, cotton and metallic threads to stitch both ornaments, and complete instructions with color illustrations. 

 This design was premiered and taught at American Needlepoint Guild's National Seminar in Milwaukee.

Available for instant download:

http://www.lulu.com/product/ebook/folk-santa-spinner/6020039

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http://www.facebook.com/pages/Summer-Truswell-Needlework/135452483137524

New Design - Charisma

"Charisma"

Strikingly elegant in its simplicity, Charisma is a lesson in goldwork – albeit stitched in silver. A variety of real and synthetic metal threads are used in this stunning piece. The design size can be adjusted to fit your desired finishing. The purse model design measures 6” x 2.75”. The mini design measures 2” square and may be completed as a test square prior to stitching the larger design.

Available in two formats:  

Instant download: 

http://www.lulu.com/product/ebook/charisma---a-lesson-in-goldwork/13220179

Full color paper booklet:

http://www.lulu.com/product/brochure/charisma---a-lesson-in-goldwork---print/13220553

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http://www.facebook.com/pages/Summer-Truswell-Needlework/135452483137524

An "Old" Finish...

I stitched and finished this last year.  It's a Hand-Painted Canvas from A Collection of Designs.  Last night at guild we were talking about the birdhouse ornaments and when I went to e-mail the picture this morning I realized that I never put it on my album!   This was a fun piece to stitch and I was almost done with the stitching before I realized that it was a birdhouse.  ;)

New Book and New Design...

This design jumped the queue with Jane's query if I had finishing instructions for a tote bag in my book.  The short answer was "No.", but the longer answer was "I'm working on them."

With a bit of a push (I am moving in two weeks and am in the process of packing), I've finished them up and they are ready for download or mailing.

"Le Fleur Shoppe" is a charming design that shows a flower shop entry.  Stylized flowers detail this fun piece and a charming cat hides on the back.  Stitch in colors from your stash or use the recommended colors.

"Learn to Finish a Tote Bag" gives step-by-step instructions for finishing a tote bag.  Large photographs illustrate each step and it includes information on buying enough fabric, directions for sewing pockets, linings, and straps.

Enjoy these newest additions to my design collection!

"Le Fleur Shoppe" Paper Leaflet
http://www.lulu.com/product/brochure/le-fleur-shoppe---counted-needlework-design/12555200

"Le Fleur Shoppe" Digital Download
http://www.lulu.com/product/download/le-fleur-shoppe---counted-needlework-design/12555200

"Learn to Finish a Tote Bag" Digital Download
http://www.lulu.com/product/file-download/learn-to-finish-a-tote-bag/12554915?

"Learn to Finish a Tote Bag" Paperback Book
http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/learn-to-finish-a-tote-bag/12554914

Needlepoint Tote Bag Finishing...

This needlepoint design was finished as an open-top tote bag.  It is heavily interfaced so it stands up on its own.  The exterior fabric is a dark brick red velveteen and the straps are custom made and lined with webbing for strength.

The interior of the bag is lined in a woven fabric.  There is a hanging zippered pocket.

Mirabilia's "Bluebell"...

"Bluebells" by Mirabilia

I stitched this for my friend Jessie.  It is stitched in cotton floss and an overdyed Waterlilies silk.  The wings and a lot of the details are in Kreinik Metallic threads and there are quite a few beads.  Always fun to stitch these fairies!  

I kept thinking about my friend Laura and how she would have loved this piece: purples, Mirabilia, fairy with no antennae.  So I'm happy that it is for another friend.  

Kathy Schenkel "Washington" Stocking...

This hand-painted canvas is by Kathy Schenkel.  I stitched it in cotton threads and some specialty threads from Rainbow Gallery.  It is finished in light blue suede with a satin lining and trimmed with white cord.  The cute stuffed orca is hand-made and comes with the canvas.  So cute!