Continuing the project begun in November 2022.

Designed by Heather Gitlin - Taught by Becky Lieser/Pat Philip

The April project is an EGA Petite Project which explores the many shapes that can be achieved with the Rhodes stitch. A completed Rhodes stitch has a characteristic swirl that occurs naturally as you work a series of stitches in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction around a shape. There is also a dimensional aspect as the threads pile up in the center of the motif, adding to the fullness of the embroidery. This sampler uses several variations of this counted technique to create motifs that take us through the seasons of the year. In addition, as you can see from the photo, this sampler also encourages experimentation with overdyed threads. My stitched model differs from the one shown below since I placed the snowflake in the upper left hand corner and continued around the sampler clockwise. I also decided that the butterfly was upside down and used some different threads from my stash.

To make the most of class time, you need to have the grid stitched before class, or you can just randomly arrange the motifs on your fabric. If you want to do the pre-stitching, fabric/thread will be available at the March meetings so you can stitch the grid ahead of time and concentrate on the Rhodes stitch during class in April.

Once you have mastered these trips around the edges of so many different shapes, you’ll realize you have a very useful stitch for adding some dimension to any embroidery.

This sampler is stitched on 28ct evenweave fabric using DMC solid and variegated threads.

Designed by Catherine Jordan – Taught by Pat Philip

The May project is from the EGA 2020 Facebook Stitch-Along. This name tag has a counted background stitched in coordinating overdyed threads. After stitching the background and your name, you can add some contrasting surface stitched flowers or other motifs (silk ribbon flowers maybe?) to give your name tag a bit more dimension. This piece teaches several different counted stitches, as well as some surface stitching and allows you to experiment with using overdyed threads. During class, we'll learn some specialty stitches used to create the overdyed background. Then, on a doodle cloth, we’ll stitch a flower and practice the edging.

This name tag is stitched on 28ct evenweave fabric using various overdyed threads.

The St. Paul Needleworkers 2023 Spring Luncheon will be held on Saturday, May 6 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the North Metro Events Center, 1000 Gramsie Road, Shoreview, Minnesota. This facility is part of the Best Western Plus and our meal will be catered by the Green Mill restaurant. The cost to attend this event is $20.00. The deadline to register is Monday, April 17.

Directions to the venue are to take 694 to Lexington Avenue North. Go north one block to Gramsie Road and turn right. Drive past the Hilton Garden Inn and into the parking lot for the Best Western Plus. Hotel phone number is 651-482-0402.

The luncheon will feature a buffet that includes Pulled Pork and Chicken, Potato Salad, House Salad, Homemade Bread, Vegetable, Dessert, and Beverage.

There will not be a guest speaker. Instead, to celebrate our 40th year, we wanted to celebrate our members and their embroidery achievements. Therefore, we would like each member to bring two embroideries to show and share. One can be an early work, even a childhood embroidery, and one can be a more recent favorite to show the member’s evolution in the embroidery journey. There will be a door prize for everyone who brings a piece to display.

Checks for $20.00 per person payable to St. Paul Needleworkers may be sent to Martha Duckert. The registration form is here.

If you have questions, please contact Pat Philip at 612-450-4033 overfieldroad@gmail.com or Jean Bauer at 651-295-5266 jean.bauer@comcast.net or Carol Thompson at 612-865-5923 caroljt@prodigy.net.

We look forward to seeing your pieces at this event as we celebrate our embroidery journey!

Nametag adaptation - using stash metallics. More information to come.