I’ve made a little bit of stitching progress on “Liberty Heart” in between family activities and working on Uncle Sam.
Thanks for stopping by. :-)
Have a Happy 4th of July!
Cynthia
Windy Meadow
Showing posts with label cross-stitch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cross-stitch. Show all posts
Saturday, July 4, 2009
“Liberty Heart -- July 4, 2009”
Since this is the 4th of July I thought I would share another patriotic design with you. I’ve stated stitching the cross stitch freebie design “Liberty Heart” by Trail Creek Farm.
I’ve made a little bit of stitching progress on “Liberty Heart” in between family activities and working on Uncle Sam.
Thanks for stopping by. :-)
Cynthia
Windy Meadow
I’ve made a little bit of stitching progress on “Liberty Heart” in between family activities and working on Uncle Sam.
Thanks for stopping by. :-)
Cynthia
Windy Meadow
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
“The Little Sheep that Could” -- May 6, 2009
We have a sheep!
I finally sat myself down and finished stitching “The Little Sheep that Could” by Bent Creek. This was a free design offered during May, 2008 by my LNS, The Stitching Post in Catonsville, MD.
I started working on Ms. Sheep last spring and I decided it was time that I finished this project. The rest of the stitching went very quickly.
Now I just need to decide if I’ll finish her as an ornament, or as a pin keep. Decisions, Decisions! :-)
Next up is “The Black Sheep” by Bent Creek.
Glad you stopped by to visit!
Cynthia
Windy Meadow
"The Little Sheep that Could"
Bent Creek
Free Cross Stitch Chart
The Stitching Post in Catonsville, Maryland
May, 2008
Bent Creek
Free Cross Stitch Chart
The Stitching Post in Catonsville, Maryland
May, 2008
I finally sat myself down and finished stitching “The Little Sheep that Could” by Bent Creek. This was a free design offered during May, 2008 by my LNS, The Stitching Post in Catonsville, MD.
I started working on Ms. Sheep last spring and I decided it was time that I finished this project. The rest of the stitching went very quickly.
Now I just need to decide if I’ll finish her as an ornament, or as a pin keep. Decisions, Decisions! :-)
Next up is “The Black Sheep” by Bent Creek.
Glad you stopped by to visit!
Cynthia
Windy Meadow
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
“Merry” -- November 25, 2008
“Merry” was put in my travel bag in mid-October, 2008. I have all of the kits in this series and I’m enjoying working on them!
“Merry” worked up quickly. As you can see, the cross stitches have been completed. I’ll pick it back up again one evening at home to stitch on all of the beads as beads don’t travel well!
“Merry” worked up quickly. As you can see, the cross stitches have been completed. I’ll pick it back up again one evening at home to stitch on all of the beads as beads don’t travel well!
“Frosty” has been put into my travel bag and I’m making great progress so you’ll be seeing him soon!
During my reorganization efforts, I found lot’s of Mill Hill kits that I’ve stitched but that I’ve never finished into ornaments or pins. I’m planning on having a finishing party sometime after the Holiday’s. It’s easier to finish a bunch at one time then to do them individually. :-)
Have fun visiting with “Merry”!
I’ve enjoyed reading the different comments about the Bargello Monthly club. The fun thing with this club is that these are small ornaments. And unlike food they don’t spoil so if you can’t stitch a project during the month it’s released, it’s still good later! And please don’t look in that container over there where I have all of my monthly club canvases/kits. Yes, I’ll get to them! And, no I don’t feel a bit guilty! :-)
If I remember correctly, the kit prices ranged from $6.00 to slightly less than $20.00 per month.
Glad to enable those who have decided to look into the club!
Cynthia
Windy Meadow
Thursday, November 13, 2008
“Moonlight Ghost” -- November 13, 2008
I started Moonlight Ghost in the summer as I was going to stitch him as a travel project. I spend a lot of time waiting for our children at different events and I like to have at least two to three small projects in my tote bag for those moments. I had added Moonlight Ghost to my travel bag but I quickly found out that he was not a good travel project. I’m usually stitching in low light conditions and since he’s stitched on black perforated paper well, this was just not working! :-(
Ghostie was quickly promoted from a travel bag project to a table project. I finally had a chance to pick him back up last week and I was able to quickly finish all of his cross stitches. Beth, I didn’t forget him!
The next time that you see him, he’ll be beaded as doesn’t every ghost need a little bling? :-)
Have fun visiting with Moonlight Ghost!
Cynthia
Windy Meadow
Ghostie was quickly promoted from a travel bag project to a table project. I finally had a chance to pick him back up last week and I was able to quickly finish all of his cross stitches. Beth, I didn’t forget him!
The next time that you see him, he’ll be beaded as doesn’t every ghost need a little bling? :-)
Have fun visiting with Moonlight Ghost!
Cynthia
Windy Meadow
Monday, July 21, 2008
“Stitching Update” -- July 21, 2008
I’ve finally had a chance to take some pictures so I can share some progress on my stitching projects. Enjoy!
2. Medium Project: “Candy Swirl Santa” by Janet Zickler Casey
Status: I’ve made some progress on the hat. The first swirl is done and I have the second swirl about ½ done.
3. Small Project:
“Peppermint Stripes” stocking by Joan Lohr April, 2008 Canvas of the Month Club
Status: I’m still working on the body of the stocking. The silver and red vertical stripes work up very quickly. The green stripe is the Fern stitch which takes a little longer as I have to carefully lay all of the threads. It’s worth the time and effort as it’s very pretty when it’s done.
2. Medium Project: “Candy Swirl Santa” by Janet Zickler Casey
Status: I’ve made some progress on the hat. The first swirl is done and I have the second swirl about ½ done.
3. Small Project:
“Peppermint Stripes” stocking by Joan Lohr April, 2008 Canvas of the Month Club
Status: I’m still working on the body of the stocking. The silver and red vertical stripes work up very quickly. The green stripe is the Fern stitch which takes a little longer as I have to carefully lay all of the threads. It’s worth the time and effort as it’s very pretty when it’s done.
“Santa” by Cheryl Schaeffer
I started working on this project last Spring but I had to stop as I mixed up two of the threads and had to order both threads. The Alabaster has come in so I was able to finish the mustache and beard. I’m still waiting on the Fancy Fur to finish the pompom on the top of his hat. Since the border is raised, while I’m waiting on the Fancy Fur, I’m stitching about three rows on basket weave so that finisher has a smoother flatter edge for finishing.
Status: Finished mustache and beard.
Started stitching basket weave edge.
8. Gift Stitching
Status: In the last two + weeks I was able to work on DD’s and DH’s ornaments. Pictures and details in January, 2009! :-)
9. Cross Stitch – Yes it’s a sheep!
I started this little piece which is a monthly kit from my LNS and on an earlier post I asked everyone to guess what it was. Kathryn was the first one to guess that it was a sheep! It’s a free chart from Bent Creek “The Little Sheep that Could”. LOL!
Status: I finished the sheep and I’m stitching the swirls on the background.
11. Random Project
“Uncle Sam” by Janet Zickler Casey
I’m a member of the Shining Needle Society and Gay Ann Rogers in her classroom challenged everyone to stitch at least one hour on a project on July 4, 2008. I wanted to stitch on something with a July 4 theme so I pulled out “Uncle Sam”. I took this class from Janet at the 2001 ANG Seminar in Washington, DC. Unfortunately, “Uncle Sam” and my other class piece “North Star Santa” were put away as after I came home, I became sick. :-(
The first picture is how we looked when I pulled him back out again. The second picture is what I was able to complete this past week. He’s going to be put away again, but not for long! :-)
Status: Face completed.
Progress after class completed.
Progress this week.
I hope you had a wonderful weekend and you were able to stitch a lot! Thanks for visiting my
blog!!! :-)
Cynthia
Windy Meadow
Cynthia
Windy Meadow
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
“Stitching Update” -- July 9, 2008
Over the last several weeks I’ve been mainly working on my gift stitching and my Bargello Challenge. I’ve already shared pictures of my Bargello Challenge with you last week. Since family members read my blog, I’ll share pictures of my gift stitching in January, 2009 after the projects are given as gifts.
In the meanwhile, what else have I been up to?
I’ll have more details after this weekend as I have several projects that I want to get just a little bit more done before I share a picture. In the meanwhile, I thought I would share a wee picture of a cross stitch picture that I started.
Can anyone guess what it is? Kathryn and Ruth, this one is for you! :-)
In the meanwhile, what else have I been up to?
I’ll have more details after this weekend as I have several projects that I want to get just a little bit more done before I share a picture. In the meanwhile, I thought I would share a wee picture of a cross stitch picture that I started.
Can anyone guess what it is? Kathryn and Ruth, this one is for you! :-)
Cynthia
Windy Meadow
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Columbia Mall Sleep-In -- June 11, 2007
School is starting to wind down and I’m going to have more time to post my blog entries! I should have known that I would be too busy beginning in March to keep up! Sorry blog… I didn’t mean to neglect you but the kids come first!
I have been stitching away and I’ll share more about my projects and pictures soon.
I wanted to start off first with the annual Girl Scout Mall Lock-In. It takes about a week afterwards for me to catch up on my sleep!
One of the local malls let's us take over for the whole night. We start moving in on Saturday night at 10:00pm as the public is leaving and the mall is closing. Since the mall is on two levels, the Juniors (girls in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade) are admitted to the upper level where they setup their troop stations. The older scouts who are Cadette's and Seniors (girls in 7th - 12th grades) then start setting up activity stations on the lower level. At apx. 11:15pm the Juniors are permitted to come downstairs.
This is a unique opportunity for the Juniors as they are still to young to go to the mall on their own and there are lot's of fun things for them to do. The food court vendors are invited to stay open and many do until 3:00am. Since the mall is in a lock down situation, the Juniors are turned loose on their own as long as they stay in buddy pairs. This is a wonderful opportunity for them to order a pizza and a drink on their own and for them to try out many activities. At this age they think it's really awesome to stay up all night! For those of us who are older, this is not as fun!
The activities include Karaoke, Line Dancing, badge activities, disability awareness, fingernail painting, face painting, and lots of craft stations such as balloon animals, pompom critters, bandana tying, gimp, embroidery, quilting, knitting, crocheting, and cross stitch and needlepoint!
Several years ago I took responsibility for the Cross Stitch and Needlepoint kits. We try to keep both projects fairly simple as we are just trying to introduce them to or encourage them to continue to try these forms of needlework. The lighting is also very uneven in the mall during the night so we need to keep the ground materials fairly large. Have you ever tried to stitch on 18 count Aida at 3:00am in not very strong lighting? Trust me, it's not easy!
In earlier blog entries I wrote detailed entries about what we use in the kits so I won't repeat that here. One change I have made is that every year I've lowered the count on the Aida cloth for the Cross Stitch kit so that it can be use in the dim lighting in the early hours of the morning. Well we are now using 11 count Aida which is working very well.
I had time to visit the Cross Stitch and the Needlepoint areas. I was thrilled to hear that both areas were and had been very busy. When I walked by there were about 5 girls at Needlepoint and 10 girls at the Cross Stitch area. The adults were hard at work teaching and the girls were concentrating on their stitching. I really wish I could share a picture but we can't share pictures unless we have the parent’s permission.
The girls can take their projects with them, or they can donate them to Meals on Wheels. Every year we get approximately 20 needlepoint magnets donated to Meals on Wheels.
We estimate that we service over 200 - 250 scouts at the Cross Stitch booth and approximately 100 - 150 at the Needlepoint station.
I am always thrilled to see how many girls have not only tried Cross Stitch but are also familiar with needlepoint!
The embroidery, quilting, knitting, and crocheting booths also see a lot of activity.
Do you remember knitting on a wooden or plastic spool when you were younger? Well we have a station that is setup with knitting spools. Instead of using a wooden or plastic spool, we have plastic cups that have paper clips taped around the top. The bottoms are then cut out so the knitted tail can drop through. The knitted material works up with open holes and is very lace like in appearance. These were very popular that night as I saw many scouts wearing their creations as scarves as they wondered through the mall.
Every year I ask myself, why am I doing this again?! To volunteer to stay up all night, running around a mall??? And then we go… I love watching my scouts move up and take on more and more responsibility and they do a beautiful job! I also enjoy watching the younger girls running around having a great time! And I leave that morning very tired with thankfulness for the organizers who have spent many years coordinating this program (and many of them no longer have daughters in scouting) and with wonderful memories of the night!
Original Comments:
- I think you are wonderwoman, and no wonder no time to post, but, now......where are the photos????? LOL
NC Pat
- Hi Pat,
Thanks! I'm not Wonderwoman... That title is for the ladies who organize the event. I'm just glad that I can do my part and help out. The scouts have so much fun! I'm starting to get caught up and I've started posting entries again. Pictures soon...
Cyn
Originally Posted: June 11, 2007
I have been stitching away and I’ll share more about my projects and pictures soon.
I wanted to start off first with the annual Girl Scout Mall Lock-In. It takes about a week afterwards for me to catch up on my sleep!
One of the local malls let's us take over for the whole night. We start moving in on Saturday night at 10:00pm as the public is leaving and the mall is closing. Since the mall is on two levels, the Juniors (girls in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade) are admitted to the upper level where they setup their troop stations. The older scouts who are Cadette's and Seniors (girls in 7th - 12th grades) then start setting up activity stations on the lower level. At apx. 11:15pm the Juniors are permitted to come downstairs.
This is a unique opportunity for the Juniors as they are still to young to go to the mall on their own and there are lot's of fun things for them to do. The food court vendors are invited to stay open and many do until 3:00am. Since the mall is in a lock down situation, the Juniors are turned loose on their own as long as they stay in buddy pairs. This is a wonderful opportunity for them to order a pizza and a drink on their own and for them to try out many activities. At this age they think it's really awesome to stay up all night! For those of us who are older, this is not as fun!
The activities include Karaoke, Line Dancing, badge activities, disability awareness, fingernail painting, face painting, and lots of craft stations such as balloon animals, pompom critters, bandana tying, gimp, embroidery, quilting, knitting, crocheting, and cross stitch and needlepoint!
Several years ago I took responsibility for the Cross Stitch and Needlepoint kits. We try to keep both projects fairly simple as we are just trying to introduce them to or encourage them to continue to try these forms of needlework. The lighting is also very uneven in the mall during the night so we need to keep the ground materials fairly large. Have you ever tried to stitch on 18 count Aida at 3:00am in not very strong lighting? Trust me, it's not easy!
In earlier blog entries I wrote detailed entries about what we use in the kits so I won't repeat that here. One change I have made is that every year I've lowered the count on the Aida cloth for the Cross Stitch kit so that it can be use in the dim lighting in the early hours of the morning. Well we are now using 11 count Aida which is working very well.
I had time to visit the Cross Stitch and the Needlepoint areas. I was thrilled to hear that both areas were and had been very busy. When I walked by there were about 5 girls at Needlepoint and 10 girls at the Cross Stitch area. The adults were hard at work teaching and the girls were concentrating on their stitching. I really wish I could share a picture but we can't share pictures unless we have the parent’s permission.
The girls can take their projects with them, or they can donate them to Meals on Wheels. Every year we get approximately 20 needlepoint magnets donated to Meals on Wheels.
We estimate that we service over 200 - 250 scouts at the Cross Stitch booth and approximately 100 - 150 at the Needlepoint station.
I am always thrilled to see how many girls have not only tried Cross Stitch but are also familiar with needlepoint!
The embroidery, quilting, knitting, and crocheting booths also see a lot of activity.
Do you remember knitting on a wooden or plastic spool when you were younger? Well we have a station that is setup with knitting spools. Instead of using a wooden or plastic spool, we have plastic cups that have paper clips taped around the top. The bottoms are then cut out so the knitted tail can drop through. The knitted material works up with open holes and is very lace like in appearance. These were very popular that night as I saw many scouts wearing their creations as scarves as they wondered through the mall.
Every year I ask myself, why am I doing this again?! To volunteer to stay up all night, running around a mall??? And then we go… I love watching my scouts move up and take on more and more responsibility and they do a beautiful job! I also enjoy watching the younger girls running around having a great time! And I leave that morning very tired with thankfulness for the organizers who have spent many years coordinating this program (and many of them no longer have daughters in scouting) and with wonderful memories of the night!
Original Comments:
- I think you are wonderwoman, and no wonder no time to post, but, now......where are the photos????? LOL
NC Pat
- Hi Pat,
Thanks! I'm not Wonderwoman... That title is for the ladies who organize the event. I'm just glad that I can do my part and help out. The scouts have so much fun! I'm starting to get caught up and I've started posting entries again. Pictures soon...
Cyn
Originally Posted: June 11, 2007
Summer Crossing -- August 23, 2006
I had a lot of fun this past weekend teaching Cross Stitch all day on Saturday to teenagers during Summer Crossing!
Summer Crossing is an older Girl Scout weekend event that is held right before school starts. The girls range in age from entering seventh grade (apx. 12) to girls entering 12 grade (apx. 17). We all go up to a local parks and recreations camping facility and have a fun filled weekend that is just for the older scouts. The intent is to have a lot of fun and to get them excited about Girl Scouts for the next school year.
This was my fourth year volunteering and I'm in charge of the Needlework area. Now being in charge means I have lot's of responsibilities... Yep... I'm the one who takes roll! Impressed? :-)
Actually there isn't much for me to do as the other two volunteers are excellent teachers and love their respective crafts. We teach for five sessions and each session is one hour and fifteen minutes.
Pat teaches Hardanger, Janet teaches Crochet and I teach Cross Stitch.
Last year we had a tremendous amount of activity at our respective stations, 6 - 10 scouts for each session, as we were one of the program areas for last years Interest Project Patch. This year we were part of the alternate activities but we still had a good turnout. At least 4 to 6 girls each session for a total of five sessions. I know it doesn't sound like a lot but the other options were geo-caching, low ropes, archery, swimming, computers, leather, etc. So we were doing pretty good!
We encourage the scouts who sign up for needlework to try an activity that they don't already know how to do or that they don't have someone in their family or circle of friends who can teach them. In one session they all wanted to learn how to cross stitch, in another session they were all at crochet, and during the other three sessions they were split across two or three of the areas. I was kind of excited when I had two sessions where I didn't have anyone who wanted to learn Cross Stitch. They already knew how to Cross Stitch!
This was Pat's second year teaching hardanger and she noticed that if the girl had taken cross stitch with me last year she was better prepared to learn hardanger this year. Especially since I spend time at the beginning of my sessions teaching the proper way to thread the needle (no licking or spitting at my table!), and how to make a waste knot. If this was their first time working with a needle craft, Pat had to go over the basics which takes longer. Pat has designed a simple Kloster block design which the scouts can then attach to a piece of decorative glass. They leave her class with a nice ornament that they can proudly show off at home.
Janet teaches crochet and also does a wonderful job. This was also her second year teaching crochet and she learned a few tricks from last year. She was able to round up donations of plastic crochet hooks so that each girl was able to leave with a hook to continue crocheting which many of them did! Pat has them start off with a simple crochet chain. Once they are comfortable with that, she then has them start crocheting a small rectangle. Now here is where Janet got clever!!! She noticed last year that the girls had trouble moving from the crochet chain to crocheting a small square. They just had a really hard time crocheting the second and third rows. Once they got past that point they were fine. Sooooo Janet made up a lot of bags of already crocheted squares. The girls selected a baggie that had their favorite yarn color with an already started crocheted square and a crochet hook. They then continued working this square. Many more happy faces and successful beginner crocheters! Janet really understands this age group as she only puts varigated yarn in the bags... and do these girls love the varigated yarns!
I use a "Gloria and Pat" Owl kit for my class. Everyone who is taking the class for the first time works on the Owl kit to make teaching easier. The kit includes all of the materials and has excellent directions. They don't have enough time in a session to complete the design so they need good instructions to finish the project at home. Several of them each year finish the Owl kit before leaving for the weekend. If a scout wants to take Cross Stitch again, I have additional kits that they can pick from such as a boat, butterfly, kitten, etc.
We have a wonderful time and the location is gorgeous. The major challenge is that we don't have air conditioning which can be challenging with the fibers sometimes! In years past it's been quite hot but this year the temperatures just climbed to the high 80's and the humidity was reasonable for Maryland in summer.
Unfortunately we don't have pictures as we get so busy teaching we forget to take pictures! We'll have to work on that next year...
All three of us have a fun time with each other, even though I tease Pat that I don't "get" Hardanger (just not my cup of tea!) and we enjoy sharing our respective needlework crafts with the girls. It's a wonderful feeling when you see that they finally get it! You might want to try teaching your needlework craft to someone younger. You will have a lot of fun!!!
Cynthia
Waving to you from Windy Meadow
Original Comments:
- Cynthia,
What a great thing to do! I am a firm believer in teaching the younger people an art form to carry forward. I have taught all the nieces and nephew how to cross stitch, and some to knit!
Pat in NC
- Hi Pat,
Isn't it wonderful teaching younger people a needleart?I have a great time and they laugh at my stories! Or at least they chuckle... :-)
Cyn
I forgot to mention that I'm also willing to teach adults to cross stitch and every year I have at least one who sits down and learns to cross stitch...Congratulations that you've been able to teach your nieces and nephews how to stitch!
Cynthia
Windy Meadow
Originally Posted: August 23, 2006
Summer Crossing is an older Girl Scout weekend event that is held right before school starts. The girls range in age from entering seventh grade (apx. 12) to girls entering 12 grade (apx. 17). We all go up to a local parks and recreations camping facility and have a fun filled weekend that is just for the older scouts. The intent is to have a lot of fun and to get them excited about Girl Scouts for the next school year.
This was my fourth year volunteering and I'm in charge of the Needlework area. Now being in charge means I have lot's of responsibilities... Yep... I'm the one who takes roll! Impressed? :-)
Actually there isn't much for me to do as the other two volunteers are excellent teachers and love their respective crafts. We teach for five sessions and each session is one hour and fifteen minutes.
Pat teaches Hardanger, Janet teaches Crochet and I teach Cross Stitch.
Last year we had a tremendous amount of activity at our respective stations, 6 - 10 scouts for each session, as we were one of the program areas for last years Interest Project Patch. This year we were part of the alternate activities but we still had a good turnout. At least 4 to 6 girls each session for a total of five sessions. I know it doesn't sound like a lot but the other options were geo-caching, low ropes, archery, swimming, computers, leather, etc. So we were doing pretty good!
We encourage the scouts who sign up for needlework to try an activity that they don't already know how to do or that they don't have someone in their family or circle of friends who can teach them. In one session they all wanted to learn how to cross stitch, in another session they were all at crochet, and during the other three sessions they were split across two or three of the areas. I was kind of excited when I had two sessions where I didn't have anyone who wanted to learn Cross Stitch. They already knew how to Cross Stitch!
This was Pat's second year teaching hardanger and she noticed that if the girl had taken cross stitch with me last year she was better prepared to learn hardanger this year. Especially since I spend time at the beginning of my sessions teaching the proper way to thread the needle (no licking or spitting at my table!), and how to make a waste knot. If this was their first time working with a needle craft, Pat had to go over the basics which takes longer. Pat has designed a simple Kloster block design which the scouts can then attach to a piece of decorative glass. They leave her class with a nice ornament that they can proudly show off at home.
Janet teaches crochet and also does a wonderful job. This was also her second year teaching crochet and she learned a few tricks from last year. She was able to round up donations of plastic crochet hooks so that each girl was able to leave with a hook to continue crocheting which many of them did! Pat has them start off with a simple crochet chain. Once they are comfortable with that, she then has them start crocheting a small rectangle. Now here is where Janet got clever!!! She noticed last year that the girls had trouble moving from the crochet chain to crocheting a small square. They just had a really hard time crocheting the second and third rows. Once they got past that point they were fine. Sooooo Janet made up a lot of bags of already crocheted squares. The girls selected a baggie that had their favorite yarn color with an already started crocheted square and a crochet hook. They then continued working this square. Many more happy faces and successful beginner crocheters! Janet really understands this age group as she only puts varigated yarn in the bags... and do these girls love the varigated yarns!
I use a "Gloria and Pat" Owl kit for my class. Everyone who is taking the class for the first time works on the Owl kit to make teaching easier. The kit includes all of the materials and has excellent directions. They don't have enough time in a session to complete the design so they need good instructions to finish the project at home. Several of them each year finish the Owl kit before leaving for the weekend. If a scout wants to take Cross Stitch again, I have additional kits that they can pick from such as a boat, butterfly, kitten, etc.
We have a wonderful time and the location is gorgeous. The major challenge is that we don't have air conditioning which can be challenging with the fibers sometimes! In years past it's been quite hot but this year the temperatures just climbed to the high 80's and the humidity was reasonable for Maryland in summer.
Unfortunately we don't have pictures as we get so busy teaching we forget to take pictures! We'll have to work on that next year...
All three of us have a fun time with each other, even though I tease Pat that I don't "get" Hardanger (just not my cup of tea!) and we enjoy sharing our respective needlework crafts with the girls. It's a wonderful feeling when you see that they finally get it! You might want to try teaching your needlework craft to someone younger. You will have a lot of fun!!!
Cynthia
Waving to you from Windy Meadow
Original Comments:
- Cynthia,
What a great thing to do! I am a firm believer in teaching the younger people an art form to carry forward. I have taught all the nieces and nephew how to cross stitch, and some to knit!
Pat in NC
- Hi Pat,
Isn't it wonderful teaching younger people a needleart?I have a great time and they laugh at my stories! Or at least they chuckle... :-)
Cyn
I forgot to mention that I'm also willing to teach adults to cross stitch and every year I have at least one who sits down and learns to cross stitch...Congratulations that you've been able to teach your nieces and nephews how to stitch!
Cynthia
Windy Meadow
Originally Posted: August 23, 2006
Entry for April 13, 2006
The other kit that I maintain for the mall sleep-in is a Cross Stitch kit. When I took over the Cross Stitch kit it was in a bit of a shambles. There were different copies of stitching projects that weren’t related. The kit also contained tangled up fibers and 18 count Aida. Now I don’t know about you but I definitely can not stitch on 18 count Aida at 3:00 in the morning!
It took about three years for most of the original contents of the kit to be used up. I changed the tangled up floss for DMC which had been wound on cardboard bobbins for the 2005 mall sleep-In. I was also able to replace last year the needles, scissors, and the needle threaders.
This year I was able to complete the Cross Stitch kit. My goal was to create a more user friendly kit for the volunteers. I also wanted to be able to replenish the kit each year in less than 30 minutes. I also wanted to create a new Cross Stitch handout for the kit as I had done for the Needlepoint kit. I also wanted to give the girls several simple charts that they could select from to stitch a small Cross Stitch design.
Please note that our intent is to give the scouts an introduction to Cross Stitch, not to make them experts!
For the simple Cross Stitch charts, I was able to reuse the Ladybug chart (mall sleep-in mascot) from the Needlepoint handout. I then created a nesting heart design and a design that is meaningful for Girl Scouts.
Needlework designer Linda Reinmiller, http://www.lkreinmiller.com/ was gracious enough to help us with the charts. Thank you Linda!!!!
Now that I had quality charts I was able to finish the development of a Cross Stitch handout that the girls could take with them at the end of the activity. The handout gives a brief explanation of what materials are used, how to do Cross Stitch, and the designs. I also included general information as to where they could learn more about Cross Stitch.
This year I was also able to replace the 18 count Aida with 14 and 11 count Aida. I included a questionnaire for the adult volunteers asking them which was easier to use. The overwhelming response, 11 count Aida! Once the 14 count Aida is used up, the kit will be replenished with 11 count Aida for future years. The 11 count Aida will be easier on the eyes in the middle of the night and with the dim lighting in the mall.
Now that the Cross Stitch kit has been redone, I estimate that it will only take me about 15 - 30 minutes to refresh the kit every year. Now, that’s an improvement!
I wish I had pictures to share with everyone but we can't publish pictures of the scouts without their parent’s permission. But there is usually a cluster of 5 - 8 scouts around the Cross Stitch and the Needlepoint booths throughout the night.
I'm also pleasantly surprised to talk to the girls and to hear how many have already done Cross Stitch. I'm also even more amazed at how many know what needlepoint is and have already been exposed to needlepoint either through friends or family or through school.
Many of the public schools in this area, through the Art classes, introduce all (boys and girls) fourth graders to embroidery. It's amazing what the kids can do at that young age!
Especially when they are allowed to pick an object to stitch that they are comfortable with. Such as our state symbols, flag, animals, reptile, and we even have a state dinosaur! What fourth grade boy wouldn't want to stitch a turtle or a dinosaur! Many of the schools then have art shows in the local malls that showcase examples of the different techniques. The embroidered projects are included in addition to the more conventional and expected art pieces.
If you get a chance to see one of these public displays, please take the opportunity. It's amazing what these children can do!
Originally Posted: April 13, 2006
It took about three years for most of the original contents of the kit to be used up. I changed the tangled up floss for DMC which had been wound on cardboard bobbins for the 2005 mall sleep-In. I was also able to replace last year the needles, scissors, and the needle threaders.
This year I was able to complete the Cross Stitch kit. My goal was to create a more user friendly kit for the volunteers. I also wanted to be able to replenish the kit each year in less than 30 minutes. I also wanted to create a new Cross Stitch handout for the kit as I had done for the Needlepoint kit. I also wanted to give the girls several simple charts that they could select from to stitch a small Cross Stitch design.
Please note that our intent is to give the scouts an introduction to Cross Stitch, not to make them experts!
For the simple Cross Stitch charts, I was able to reuse the Ladybug chart (mall sleep-in mascot) from the Needlepoint handout. I then created a nesting heart design and a design that is meaningful for Girl Scouts.
Needlework designer Linda Reinmiller, http://www.lkreinmiller.com/ was gracious enough to help us with the charts. Thank you Linda!!!!
Now that I had quality charts I was able to finish the development of a Cross Stitch handout that the girls could take with them at the end of the activity. The handout gives a brief explanation of what materials are used, how to do Cross Stitch, and the designs. I also included general information as to where they could learn more about Cross Stitch.
This year I was also able to replace the 18 count Aida with 14 and 11 count Aida. I included a questionnaire for the adult volunteers asking them which was easier to use. The overwhelming response, 11 count Aida! Once the 14 count Aida is used up, the kit will be replenished with 11 count Aida for future years. The 11 count Aida will be easier on the eyes in the middle of the night and with the dim lighting in the mall.
Now that the Cross Stitch kit has been redone, I estimate that it will only take me about 15 - 30 minutes to refresh the kit every year. Now, that’s an improvement!
I wish I had pictures to share with everyone but we can't publish pictures of the scouts without their parent’s permission. But there is usually a cluster of 5 - 8 scouts around the Cross Stitch and the Needlepoint booths throughout the night.
I'm also pleasantly surprised to talk to the girls and to hear how many have already done Cross Stitch. I'm also even more amazed at how many know what needlepoint is and have already been exposed to needlepoint either through friends or family or through school.
Many of the public schools in this area, through the Art classes, introduce all (boys and girls) fourth graders to embroidery. It's amazing what the kids can do at that young age!
Especially when they are allowed to pick an object to stitch that they are comfortable with. Such as our state symbols, flag, animals, reptile, and we even have a state dinosaur! What fourth grade boy wouldn't want to stitch a turtle or a dinosaur! Many of the schools then have art shows in the local malls that showcase examples of the different techniques. The embroidered projects are included in addition to the more conventional and expected art pieces.
If you get a chance to see one of these public displays, please take the opportunity. It's amazing what these children can do!
Originally Posted: April 13, 2006
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Entry for March 30, 2006
Well my last few entries have been about my basement finishing project so it's time for another needlework entry!
I've been a Girl Scout Leader for the past 10 years. One of the activities that goes on in this area, is a Mall Lock-In. We go into one of the local malls after 10:00pm as the public is leaving and the mall is closing on a Saturday night. Since the mall is on two levels, the Juniors (girls in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade) are admitted to the upper level where they setup their troop stations. The older scouts who are Cadettes and Seniors (girls in 7th - 12th grades) then start setting up activity stations on the lower level. At apx. 11:00pm the Juniors are permitted to come downstairs.
This is a unique opportunity for the Juniors as they are still to young to go to the mall on their own and there are lot's of fun things for them to do. The food court vendors are invited to stay open and many do until 3:45am. Since the mall is in a lock down situation the Juniors are turned loose on their own as long as they stay in buddy pairs. This is a wonderful opportunity for them to order a pizza and a drink on their own and for them to try out many activities. They also at this age think it's really awesome to stay up all night! For those of us who are older, this is not as fun!
The older scouts have a grand time also and they are also earning service hours and fulfilling requirements for older scout awards.
Adult volunteers are manning security posts, command central, and are running various activity stations that are not run by the older scouts.
We offer many activities such as finger nail painting, Karaoke, representatives from a Woman's Engineering club are onsite, line dancing, origami, balloon animals, aluminum tooling, gimp, quilting, embroidery, and several different badges are also offered.
The activities continue until 5:00am. The Juniors move back upstairs and start getting ready to leave and the older scouts start shutting down the activities. We are out of there by 6:30am and the mall is cleaner than when we arrived!
Why is this needlework related? Well two of the activities are Cross Stitch and Needlepoint! Several years ago I volunteered to take over the kits for both of these activities.
I was able to quickly revamp the Needlepoint Magnet kit. Since the activities do take place in the middle of the night when we are more tired than normal we keep the needlepoint activity fairly simple. The intent is to introduce them to the technique not to make them experts. The kit contains 7 count plastic canvas cut into 1" squares and many different colors of yarn. The younger girls love the variegated yarn! We have two display sheets with directions and samples of stitched needlepoint magnets. The girls then pick out which stitch they would like to do. We have adult volunteers who teach the stitches and help each girl complete her needlepoint magnet. Since the girls range in age from 9 years old to 18, their fine motor and concentration skills vary widely! Once the stitch is completed, the scouts then whipstitch around the outside of the square. A small piece of magnet tape is then placed on the back of the completed needlepoint magnet. The girls can then take their completed project with them or donate it to Meals on Wheels. We then give them an instruction sheet which has information on several stitches, how to make a needlepoint magnet and online references such as the American Needlepoint Guild.
Every year we get approximately 20 magnets donated as tray favors to Meals on Wheels which were made by the girls and the adult volunteers at this station. I usually make up enough later on so that we can make a donation of needlepoint magnets in multiples of 20. In other words, I'll make whatever we need so that our donation bags contain 20 needlepoint magnets.
I'm also thrilled to hear how many girls have not only tried Cross Stitch but are also familiar with needlepoint!
More on the Cross Stitch kit tomorrow!
Cynthia
Windy Meadow
Originally Posted: March 30, 2006
I've been a Girl Scout Leader for the past 10 years. One of the activities that goes on in this area, is a Mall Lock-In. We go into one of the local malls after 10:00pm as the public is leaving and the mall is closing on a Saturday night. Since the mall is on two levels, the Juniors (girls in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade) are admitted to the upper level where they setup their troop stations. The older scouts who are Cadettes and Seniors (girls in 7th - 12th grades) then start setting up activity stations on the lower level. At apx. 11:00pm the Juniors are permitted to come downstairs.
This is a unique opportunity for the Juniors as they are still to young to go to the mall on their own and there are lot's of fun things for them to do. The food court vendors are invited to stay open and many do until 3:45am. Since the mall is in a lock down situation the Juniors are turned loose on their own as long as they stay in buddy pairs. This is a wonderful opportunity for them to order a pizza and a drink on their own and for them to try out many activities. They also at this age think it's really awesome to stay up all night! For those of us who are older, this is not as fun!
The older scouts have a grand time also and they are also earning service hours and fulfilling requirements for older scout awards.
Adult volunteers are manning security posts, command central, and are running various activity stations that are not run by the older scouts.
We offer many activities such as finger nail painting, Karaoke, representatives from a Woman's Engineering club are onsite, line dancing, origami, balloon animals, aluminum tooling, gimp, quilting, embroidery, and several different badges are also offered.
The activities continue until 5:00am. The Juniors move back upstairs and start getting ready to leave and the older scouts start shutting down the activities. We are out of there by 6:30am and the mall is cleaner than when we arrived!
Why is this needlework related? Well two of the activities are Cross Stitch and Needlepoint! Several years ago I volunteered to take over the kits for both of these activities.
I was able to quickly revamp the Needlepoint Magnet kit. Since the activities do take place in the middle of the night when we are more tired than normal we keep the needlepoint activity fairly simple. The intent is to introduce them to the technique not to make them experts. The kit contains 7 count plastic canvas cut into 1" squares and many different colors of yarn. The younger girls love the variegated yarn! We have two display sheets with directions and samples of stitched needlepoint magnets. The girls then pick out which stitch they would like to do. We have adult volunteers who teach the stitches and help each girl complete her needlepoint magnet. Since the girls range in age from 9 years old to 18, their fine motor and concentration skills vary widely! Once the stitch is completed, the scouts then whipstitch around the outside of the square. A small piece of magnet tape is then placed on the back of the completed needlepoint magnet. The girls can then take their completed project with them or donate it to Meals on Wheels. We then give them an instruction sheet which has information on several stitches, how to make a needlepoint magnet and online references such as the American Needlepoint Guild.
Every year we get approximately 20 magnets donated as tray favors to Meals on Wheels which were made by the girls and the adult volunteers at this station. I usually make up enough later on so that we can make a donation of needlepoint magnets in multiples of 20. In other words, I'll make whatever we need so that our donation bags contain 20 needlepoint magnets.
I'm also thrilled to hear how many girls have not only tried Cross Stitch but are also familiar with needlepoint!
More on the Cross Stitch kit tomorrow!
Cynthia
Windy Meadow
Originally Posted: March 30, 2006
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Beginning of Blog -- February 17, 2006
I've started this blog today to begin sharing my love of needlework with others.
I have many completed items that I've recently taken pictures of that I hope to post in the next several weeks.
Let me know what you think!
I'm also currently working on completing a Cross Stitch kit for a Girl Scout activity. We hope to reach between 100 to 200 girls each year to introduce them to needlepoint.
Cynthia
Windy Meadow
Originally Posted: February 17, 2006
I have many completed items that I've recently taken pictures of that I hope to post in the next several weeks.
Let me know what you think!
I'm also currently working on completing a Cross Stitch kit for a Girl Scout activity. We hope to reach between 100 to 200 girls each year to introduce them to needlepoint.
Cynthia
Windy Meadow
Originally Posted: February 17, 2006
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