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May 2018 Newsletter In this Issue: 1. Our First Two Big Time Classes 2. News roundup 3. Thread of the Month: Stef Francis 12 Ply Silk 4. Stitch of the Month: Little Wavy 5. Notes on Needlepoint

Our First Two Big-Time Classes

Why do I say, "Our first two big-time classes?" Well, because this is the first time in the nearly ten years that we have been open that we will be bringing in professional teachers to our store to teach. And boy are we excited!

First up is "78 Stitches, 78 Threads" with Ruth Dilts. This wonderful class is a crash-course in all things Rainbow Gallery. You know Rainbow Gallery threads. You've been using them forever. They are those threads that come on cards

https://us2.campaign-archive.com/?e=[UNIQID]&u=9b9b7549e5c8f818070e0508c&id=d352853db8[6/26/2018 4:17:38 PM] and are on the ubiquitous spin racks found pretty much wherever needlepoint supplies are sold. True confession here -- I've been in the business for a while now and even I have trouble keeping all the names of their products straight in my mind so I can only imagine what a jumble it must be for people who don't handle them every day. Well, now is your chance to start untangling that confusing web. And best of all with this class you will end up with a permanent reference volume to take home with you so that in the future you need never be confused by the plethora of Rainbow Gallery options ever again. And, one thing I will say about RG threads which is hugely in their favor is that in this day of $6 & $7/skein threads, Rainbow Gallery products continue to be affordable which is, as a soon-to-be ex-ex-convict used to say, a "good thing".

Yes, you get ALL of these cards!

In addition to the variety thicknesses and interesting textures, you will learn about the composition of the threads, usage guidelines and special tips or handling instructions. The fee for the class is $495 and includes two days of instruction (July 20 & 21) by Ruth, a needlepoint instructor with vast amounts of experience as well as the author of two successful needlepoint books (Needlepoint 101 & Needlepoint 202). Class will run from 10:30 to 5:30 with a break for lunch (not included). Participants will receive canvas, stretcher bars, handout, thread cards (full or partial), needle, 3 ring binder and sheet protectors. This is going to be a class that we will offer twice a year at Rittenhouse (email Russell if you are interested in a future date) but don't wait. Be among the first to experience the fun and interesting world of Rainbow

https://us2.campaign-archive.com/?e=[UNIQID]&u=9b9b7549e5c8f818070e0508c&id=d352853db8[6/26/2018 4:17:38 PM] Gallery.

Our second "Big-Time Class" is being offered in August (the 15-18th). This four-day instructional event (I can't even call it a "class") features Jo Ippolito Christensen the author of the incomparable Needlepoint Book (now in its 3rd ed.). Jo will be teaching her "Coveted Formula for Selecting Stitches and Threads" This first time offered, expanded version of the class (it's normally a 2 or 3 day class) which she prefers to call "Canvas Empowerment" as opposed to "Canvas Embellishment" will take students on a journey through the principles of good design. Prior to the meeting, students will submit a canvas of their own choosing to Jo for her to review (the canvas does not need to have been purchased at Rittenhouse Needlepoint -- isn't that nice of us?- however students will be expected to purchase the thread for their project at the shop during the class to take full advantage of Jo's knowledge and input). Each student will then receive a customized list of stitch suggestions from our needlepoint guru.

https://us2.campaign-archive.com/?e=[UNIQID]&u=9b9b7549e5c8f818070e0508c&id=d352853db8[6/26/2018 4:17:38 PM]

During the blissful four days of uninterupted stitching and learning (imagine!), Jo will teach her formula for simplifying the frequently overwhelming choice of threads and stitches. Jo is a strong advocate for applying design principles and color theory to needlepoint. In class, students will learn how to use stitch "families" as well as various ways to unify their design. They will also learn how to create perspective and establish primary and secondary focal areas. This class will provide you with a firm grounding in art principles which you will then be able to apply to all your future needlework projects.

https://us2.campaign-archive.com/?e=[UNIQID]&u=9b9b7549e5c8f818070e0508c&id=d352853db8[6/26/2018 4:17:38 PM] The cost for this career-altering experience is a very reasonable $795 and includes four days of instruction as well as custom stitch guide by Jo Ippolito Christensen. Who knows -- you might even be able to get her to autograph your copy of The Needlepoint Book! Students should be advanced beginner/intermediate (that is, you should be familiar with executing decorative stitches, following a stitch diagram, working on a frame, etc.) Call today to reserve your spot. Canvases must be submitted to Jo by July 1st and this class is limited to 12 students. Call Russell (215-563-4566) or enail for more information or if you need advice on lodging in the area.

We are so excited to offer professional instruction to our clientele in our new dedicated classroom space so please help us to give Jo and Ruth a warm welcome into the Rittenhouse family and even if you are not signing up for class stop by the shop to meet them and say "Hello".

News Roundup

Here are some tasty tidbits from around the store (in no particular order):

https://us2.campaign-archive.com/?e=[UNIQID]&u=9b9b7549e5c8f818070e0508c&id=d352853db8[6/26/2018 4:17:38 PM] Preparations for "Destination Dallas" Begin. For those of you who may not be aware (in other words most likely nearly all of you and no reason why you would be aware of Destination Dallas). "Destination Dallas" is the premier needlepoint-only wholesale trade event held annually in ... wait for it ... Dallas,TX in September. At this year's event, Hollie and Stephen will be presenting a slew of new designs from Changing Women (one of our wholesale lines that includes primarily needlepoint renditions of art masterpieces but also a smattering of other designs including florals and birds.

Re-designed "Chat Noir" canvas which is far more faithful to the original

We've been building quite a strong line out of Changing Woman but we are also very excited to introduce into our Rittenhouse Needlepoint line a series of "Spooky Bottles". These designs were developed primarily by our painter Marisha Lozado with input from our Finishing Lead, Hayley Marsh. We think these 3-dimensional bottles featuring creepy crawlies and wicked wigglies will be quite popular.

https://us2.campaign-archive.com/?e=[UNIQID]&u=9b9b7549e5c8f818070e0508c&id=d352853db8[6/26/2018 4:17:38 PM] One of our new "Spooky Bottles" see article below for how it stitches up

In Other News ...

Shipment of New Threads from Caron -- Rittenhouse Needlepoint now offers the full line of Wildflowers from Caron. This will be a nice addition to our other lines from Caron that include the full lines of Soie Cristale, Watercolours and Waterlilies. Look to see Wildflowers available for sale online soon.

https://us2.campaign-archive.com/?e=[UNIQID]&u=9b9b7549e5c8f818070e0508c&id=d352853db8[6/26/2018 4:17:38 PM] Full Line of Wildflowers from Caron now at Rittenhouse Needlepoint

"Fundamentals of Needlepoint" Class Ongoing -- Hollie Axel, our Needlepoint Educator, reports that enrollment in the "Fundamentals of Needlepoint" class has been encouraging. This four session class introduces students to the basics of needlepoint -- its terminology, tools and techniques. The class results in the creation of a small stitch sampler as well as mastery of approximately a dozen different stitches including the Basketweave stitch.

https://us2.campaign-archive.com/?e=[UNIQID]&u=9b9b7549e5c8f818070e0508c&id=d352853db8[6/26/2018 4:17:38 PM] Finished sampler from "Fundamentals of Needlepoint" class

Cross Stitch Class -- Many of our customers may not be aware that we offer a Cross Stitch class on Saturday afternoons (3:00 pm). Our instructor is Victoria. She is young, enthusiastic and most welcoming. Cross stitch is a great way to enter the world of needle arts. It is far more affordable than needlepoint and in some ways more satisfying too as one gets to "see" the pattern take shape before one's eyes rather than "merely" stitching over a design that has already been painted in place. Please consider adding Cross Stitch to your arsenal of crafts if you haven't already tried it and for those of you who are new to the fabulous world of thread -- consider Cross Stitch. It will give you an opportunity to use some of our yummy fibers but at an entry level price point that is more do-able than some hand-painted canvases. Note: During summer it might be best to call first if you plan on attending the Cross Stitch class just to make extra sure that class is in fact happening because Victoria -- just like you and me -- enjoys a nice lazy summer afternoon off too.

https://us2.campaign-archive.com/?e=[UNIQID]&u=9b9b7549e5c8f818070e0508c&id=d352853db8[6/26/2018 4:17:38 PM] Cross Stitchers should consider Simply Shaker Sampler Threads from The Gentle Arts

In the Finishing Department, the winter holidays are already here! Our staff are working on all kinds of exciting pieces for the coming season - everything from beautifully stitched stockings to 3D creations! Our turnaround time is always 4-6 weeks, so we will be taking in new finishing all the way until mid November (and even later as "Rush" projects for an additional fee). If you've got projects you're still stitching and you want them to be finished as gifts for this year - let this message inspire you to carve out some time this weekend to get crackin' and make some good progress!

Needlepoint makes the best Christmas ornaments!

https://us2.campaign-archive.com/?e=[UNIQID]&u=9b9b7549e5c8f818070e0508c&id=d352853db8[6/26/2018 4:17:38 PM] Thread of the Month: Stef Francis 12 Ply Silk

A new addition to the thread family at Rittenhouse Needlepoint is Stef Francis 12 Strand Silk. Stef Francis is a family-run company from England that hand dyes yarn, thread, fibers & fabrics. I heard about them last year when I was approached by an ANG group who wanted to pursue a project that had been published in Needlepointers' magazine. The project called for several skeins of Stef Francis product and I, of course, had to order just a "little extra" for myself. I was so impressed by the colors that I couldn't wait to be able to offer it to our clientele. So in the new space we've made room for their products (the 12 strand silk and also their hand-dyed embroidery floss). To my knowledge, we are the only needlepoint shop in the US currently offering their product for sale though I could certainly be wrong about that (we have no exclusive with them).

https://us2.campaign-archive.com/?e=[UNIQID]&u=9b9b7549e5c8f818070e0508c&id=d352853db8[6/26/2018 4:17:38 PM] At any rate, the Stef Francis 12 Strand Silk is a "space-dyed" thread which means the dye is applied along a length of thread at intervals. Normally two or more colors are used and they are repeated. Overdyed threads typically can be divided loosely into multi-color or monochromatic types. Stef Francis offers some of both types. They have 52 different colorways and the colorways are the same for both the cotton and silk product lines. The appearance however is different owing to the different ways in which the fiber takes the dye and the different characteristics of the fiber itself.

https://us2.campaign-archive.com/?e=[UNIQID]&u=9b9b7549e5c8f818070e0508c&id=d352853db8[6/26/2018 4:17:38 PM] Generally, the color palette is vibrant and saturated so I would look to use these threads on a canvas in an area where I want to make a statement. Or I might use a colorway as a jumping off point for developing a color scheme. The cost of the thread (currently $5.49 per 10 meter skein) is quite reasonable considering they've crossed the pond so this need not be a special occasion only thread.

Stitching with Stef Francis silk is lovely. Like all stranded thread, one should seperate the plies by teasing out each ply and pulling and then re-combine them prior to stitching. The use of a laying tool and a frame is advisable. The thread is made of spun silk (as opposed to filament silk) which means that it is affordable but that it has a bit of a "shaggy dog" quality especially if it is dragged across the canvas or manhandled in any way. Still, it has a lovely sheen when laid properly and handled carefully. Eight plies works well on 14 mesh for straight stitches, 6 for diagonal stitches and on 18 mesh 4 plies for diagonal stitches and 6 plies for straight stitches is recommended.

https://us2.campaign-archive.com/?e=[UNIQID]&u=9b9b7549e5c8f818070e0508c&id=d352853db8[6/26/2018 4:17:38 PM] The Stef Francis threads are currently residing in our "Novelty Threads Room" which you may know better as the "Front Room" or the "Checkout Room." Be sure to ask to see them next time you are in store and the sales staff will be happy to oblige.

https://us2.campaign-archive.com/?e=[UNIQID]&u=9b9b7549e5c8f818070e0508c&id=d352853db8[6/26/2018 4:17:38 PM] The NEW Rittenhouse Needlepoint features two check-outs!

https://us2.campaign-archive.com/?e=[UNIQID]&u=9b9b7549e5c8f818070e0508c&id=d352853db8[6/26/2018 4:17:38 PM] Stitch of the Month: Little Wavy

This month's stitch is the Little Wavy stitch which as you might imagine is a particularly useful stitch for representing areas of water. The stitch consists of two rows of Slanted Gobelin stitch over two horizontal threads and one vertical thread. You might prefer to think of the Slanted Gobelin stitch as "up 2 threads and over one". The direction of the slant varies however. To start, one goes up and to the right. The next stitch begins two canvas threads to the left of where you began the first stitch. Again, the stitch itself is quite simple -- up two threads and over one. Once you have reached the end of the area that you wish to cover, drop down one thread and to the right one thread in order to begin execution of the return row. The stitch will be the same. You may notice that you are essentially doing a Brick stitch but with Slanted Gobelin stitches instead of upright Gobelin stitches.

It's not until the third row that things become interesting. Having completed the first two rows (out and back) of up and to the right stitches, it is now time to change the direction of the slant of our Slanted Gobelin stitch. Now we will do https://us2.campaign-archive.com/?e=[UNIQID]&u=9b9b7549e5c8f818070e0508c&id=d352853db8[6/26/2018 4:17:38 PM] rows three and four but this time we will execute the Slanted Gobelin by going up two canvas threads and to the left one canvas thread. Begin the first stitch immediately beneath where you began the final stitch of the previous row. Go up two canvas threads and to the left one canvas thread and complete the Slanted Gobelin stitch. To begin the return row (or row number 4) you will again drop down again one canvas thread and to the right one canvas thread to find the starting place.

To start row number five can be a challenge. At this juncture and having gotten the swing of the stitch, you might consider executing the stitch in a different manner -- by doing one "double" row at a time. That is, you could do both the "return" row (or the "lower" row) and the "out" row (or upper/first row) at the same time. This would involve skipping from lower row to upper row and back down but it would be simple enough because the stitches for both rows will always be ending in the base of the stitches from the previous two rows of stitches. So, once you've set your first two rows of stitches (and as long as you remember to change the direction of your slant every two rows) proper execution is guaranteed. I like that idea. Super simple. Of course, some folks (who shall remain nameless but you know who you are) would be aghast at the idea of changing the method of executing a stitch mid-stream but there you have it.

https://us2.campaign-archive.com/?e=[UNIQID]&u=9b9b7549e5c8f818070e0508c&id=d352853db8[6/26/2018 4:17:38 PM] Of course all this begs the question what constitutes a row? Does a row go in just one direction? Outward bound? Or can a row be both out and back? Must a row of stitches stay on the same row of the canvas or can a row of stitches jump between two rows on the canvas? Ah the philosophical dilemmas we needlepointers confront! And you thought needlepoint was going to relax you? Ha.

Anyhow, as I mentioned, the primary use for this stitch is to represent water. Generally, when used to represent water the stitch would be executed horizontally and not vertically as is shown here. To execute this stitch horizontally is however simple enough. Take your canvas and turn it 90 degrees and then follow the instructions as I have written them. When you turn the canvas right way round again, voila! Just the way you wanted it to look. (Don't even think about why this works it will just frustrate you!)

The Little Wavy stitch works well with a slightly metallic thread or with a thread that has a decided sheen (such as Trebizond) as the change in the direction of the slant reflects light differently and gives an enhanced look to a finished

https://us2.campaign-archive.com/?e=[UNIQID]&u=9b9b7549e5c8f818070e0508c&id=d352853db8[6/26/2018 4:17:38 PM] piece.

You could also use this stitch to represent bark or rain but in that case I imagine you would most likely execute it vertically. It's a handy stitch to know (being so small) and one that I think is easier and more useful than the Water stitch (which is similar but is a three-over-one count) because it is more rhythmic in its execution and because it covers very nearly all the canvas so for individuals uncomfortable with "exposed" canvas (and I know you people are out there) you will find this stitch more to your liking than the Water stitch which is generally touted as "the" stitch for water.

Thoughts on Needlepoint

Last month I talked about how I was working on Russell's belt. Poor

https://us2.campaign-archive.com/?e=[UNIQID]&u=9b9b7549e5c8f818070e0508c&id=d352853db8[6/26/2018 4:17:38 PM] Russell. The belt is still not finished and yet ... I've moved on. We are coming out with a new line of canvases (mentioned previously) called Spooky Bottles and we need to have samples stitched for display at Dallas in September. So "Snake Eyes" calls and the belt will have to wait.

I am always sort of intimidated by little canvases. They can be hard to do with decorative stitches. You don't want to overwhelm the piece by making every little area a different stitch but at the same time you don't want to give up too many of the painted details that you paid so dearly for. So what to do?

I knew in this case that I wanted to do something padded or dimensional for the snake itself. I have learned that often a good place to start is that part of the canvas which is talking most clearly to you (in this case, as I said, the snake). Before I got started I made a quick trip to the A.C. Moore store. I know I probably shouldn't admit to doing this to our customer base but I did it for a couple of reasons. One, because I had not been there and I was curious to see what they had in the way of needlework (not much) and two because I was looking for bits and bobs from China that you need to buy by the crateful and

https://us2.campaign-archive.com/?e=[UNIQID]&u=9b9b7549e5c8f818070e0508c&id=d352853db8[6/26/2018 4:17:38 PM] we simply haven't got the volume to carry mini pom poms and sparkley pipe cleaners, fairy figurines or little balls on sticks that will be perfect covered with thread for a cherry on a customer's canvas. My original purpose was to get some felt which I thought I would cut out in the shape of the dragon and stitch in place and stuff with pillow fill. As with all plans, things went south pretty much from the get go but I had fun, spent way more than I should and left there feeling energized and confident which wasn't what I was expecting to find at all.

So work on the snake began. I am pretty sure there was some padding laid in the very beginning. But to be honest with you I have been at this snake for so long now I damn near have forgotten what lies beneath. But I think there was padding. And I think there were layers of pearl cotton run from side to side and from top to bottom. These were then covered by Satin stitches with a terrifically creepy green Soy Lustre thread that was then covered with ... drum roll please ... sequins and beads. I used this great technique to attach the sequins: I ran a size 26 tapestry needle (which I prefer to use to a beading needle) and a single ply (doubled) of embroidery thread (run through bees wax) through the center of the sequin, then through the bead and back through the sequin again (but not the bead). What happens is that the bead ends up holding the sequin in place and you don't have any noticeable thread on the surface of the sequin to distract from its shininess. I highly recommend this technique.

Of course ... I might have gotten carried away with the sequins. So I decided to tone things down a bit. With beads! Ha. I did both the highlighted and the shadowed areas in beads. Lots and lots of beads. I Iike the end result but even

https://us2.campaign-archive.com/?e=[UNIQID]&u=9b9b7549e5c8f818070e0508c&id=d352853db8[6/26/2018 4:17:38 PM] I have to admit, it's alot.

The bottle itself was done in Alicia's Lace stitch using two different threads -- one metallic, one not. I was trying to go for a faceted glass look. I ignored some of the shading, chosing instead to go for a simpler light, medium and dark scheme with the open stitch allowing any further shading to show through. The diamond shaped areas on the bottle are simple Satin stitch as are the snake's eyes. I've tried several different attachments for embellishing the eyes but so far I haven't found anything that works. The dark blue base is done in T Stitch. More beading and basketweave finish out the rest of the base.

It's been a fun stitch.I am anxious to see how it will finish up and also I will have to inquire what's happening with the bottle stoppers because it was my understanding that the bottles were each going to have actual bottle stoppers. But I will have to get back to you on that one. Like I said, they are a work in progress.

One thing I definitely learned from my experience stitching this Snake Eyes'

https://us2.campaign-archive.com/?e=[UNIQID]&u=9b9b7549e5c8f818070e0508c&id=d352853db8[6/26/2018 4:17:38 PM] project is that once again I should have thought ahead and used a frame. When will I learn? I was just so excited to get started that I couldn't be bothered with the hassle. So, I went unfettered and the result is, I think, not as good as it could have been had I taken the time to mount the piece on a frame in the first place. So let that be a lesson to all you ants-in-your-pants stitchers out there. Just cool your jets a little because (as the saying goes): "If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?"

Be sure to check out our finishing website!

Social Media

Be sure to sign up for our Facebook and Instagram feeds to stay abreast of our thoughts and insights. If you don't sign up you might miss out and with new threads, new canvases and a new dog (you definitely don't want that) so sign up today. We are also planning on implementing a Pinterest blog so stay tuned for that!

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