Our First Two Big-Time Classes
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Translate Latest news from Rittenhouse Needlepoint View this email in your browser 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).