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| Birds of Missouri |
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| Kit Cost: Proficiency Level: not a teaching piece Ground: 18/inch mono canvas & 24/inch congress cloth Size of Piece: Length of Class: | |
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Our new daughter-in-law is Jewish, and still she enjoys celebrating Christmas with us. She needed a Christmas stocking, and yet the traditional Christian themes were probably not appropriate. She lives in the country, in northeast Missouri, and has lately become an avid birder. This is such a change for the New Yorker who has become a country girl and birds fill a special need for beauty. Rachel suggested this theme herself, as her interest in avian life continues to grow, and she gave me a list of her favorite birds--the ones that visit their homestead most often. I originally planned 5 birds, but couldn?t choose because they were all so beautiful, so I finally narrowed it down to eight. In two cases I also included the female as her plumage was so dramatically different from that of the male. All in all, I stitched ten birds. The birds are worked on 24/inch congress cloth which has then been appliquéd onto #18 canvas. Each bird is worked as realistically as possible and all are stitched in Soie d?Alger. In most cases there are 4-6 colors in each solid area of the bird; this does not include the wings or tails or heads which are usually different. Rachel and my son Tony wanted to keep everything on the stocking indigenous to their area of Missouri--indeed this is the way they choose to lead their lives. The only evergreen which is native to the area is the Eastern Red Cedar so that is the foliage I have chosen to compliment the birds. It is a bushy tree with short needles; birds treat it as their refuge and hide among its branches. In some ways the birds were less prominent once I added the greenery, but then I realized that is the purpose of their plumage and this is what protects them from predators. It is my hope that we will fill this stocking for many years to come. | |
| Heartwood Manor |
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| Kit Cost: Proficiency Level: retired piece Ground: congress cloth Size of Piece: 11" x 8" Length of Class: | |
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A riot of flowers illuminate the verdant English countryside, announcing that spring has arrived. Heartwood Manor depicts a traditional English thatched roof cottage surrounded by its gorgeous gardens ablaze with the bounty of spring. The trees are in full bloom, the gardens at their most radiant, and the wrought iron arbor is heavily laden with rambling roses. The roof of the main house, and also of its neighbor are expressed with rows and rows of outline stitched, carefully positioned to give the effect of thatching. Two brick pillers flank the entrance to the garden and these support the climbing roses. A stone walls protects the garden, but itself is a backdrop fro a myriad of beautiful spring blossoms. A profusion of flowers line the fence and spill out into the yard itself. A stone pathway invites you to enter into this glorious settings. The student will earn stitches appropriate for depicting flowers of different sizes. Attention will be given to closing appropriate stitches with regard to their placement in the fore-mid, or background of the compositon. | |
| My Stitching Studio |
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| Kit Cost: Proficiency Level: not a teaching piece Ground: Size of Piece: Length of Class: | |
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While doing my Honors Research for the National Academy of Needlearts I pondered what my stitched presentation piece would be. My research topic was paintings or other artworks which depict people engaged in the needlearts. Obviously my stitched piece had to also depict a stitcher. Most artists eventually do a self portrait. Shouldn't I, also? Thus was born the Stitching Studio, the name I have used for over 20 years as my business designation. This Stitching Studio depicts my own studio, which (in addition to the computer center and the work/teaching table that are not shown in the rendition) contains shelves and shelves of well beloved books and other objects which are meaningful to me. I am an avid collector of Pueblo pottery and part of my collection is reproduced on the shelf at the top of the bookcases. My other passion, besides needlework is traveling and the shelves contain allusions to some notable trips: matrioshka from Russia, an Eiffel tower, a fan from Spain. Photos of my children hold a place of honor; another picture shows my husband at Machu Picchu and there is a also a baby picture of my grandson. One stack of books shows the languages I speak; another row names places we have visited. Others name favored embroidery techniques: canvas, crewel, silk. Another shelf holds art books: Monet, Renoir, Degas, Cassatt, Rodin. Elsewhere you may discover magazine folios which say Pieceworks, ANG, EGA, and NAN. One of my topiaries graces the wall. Out the window is not what I usually view, but what I fantasize to overlook. And in that scene is a tiny plane, indicating my constant desire to travel. Perspective was a major challenge in the composition, especially for the rug and the tiny turquoise cabinet at the right. A much younger, much more svelte, and greatly overdressed Gail Sirna sits in the studio, happily absorbed in her needlework;, but always with one eye on that plane to take her to far away destinations. | |
| Nutcrackers Around the World |
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| Kit Cost: Proficiency Level: Not a teaching piece Ground: Size of Piece: Length of Class: | |
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Nutcrackers Around the World We were so pleased to become grandparents when my daughter gave birth to her son Connor. But it takes a bit of time to get to know the child and to discover what he is like, so it is only now that I feel I can stitch a stocking for him (2002). After all, as I remind my students, a Christmas stocking lasts a lifetime, and the child will only be a baby for a short time. So I look for something that will go with him throughout his life. Last Christmas we took him to see the Nutcracker at the ballet. He loved it (after much preparation by his mother). Our grandson is ?all boy? and loves rough and tumble and battles so he especially appreciated the sword fight between the Nutcracker and the mice. Connor is also a combination of many nationalities--Irish and Italian in a big way, and to a lesser extent, German and French, so I depicted those ethnic groups in their native dress. He attends a bilingual pre-school and is studying Spanish (since he lives in Texas) and so added a Mexican Nutcracker. Connor, although only 4 has already visited Mexico and France; we hope we take him to many other faraway lands in the years to come. Each nutcracker holds a weapon (well, the French one has a paint brush--much more appropriate) since Connor is a big fan of battles and weapons, much to my dismay. But these are only ceremonial weapons--parade weapons. I added some significant historic buildings from the countries depicted on the stocking, just for interest, and to remind him of what he saw. | |
| Postcard from Paradise - Assisi |
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| Kit Cost: N/A Proficiency Level: N/A Ground: congress coth Size of Piece: 7" x 5" Length of Class: Not a Teaching Piece | |
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The second in my series of Postcards from Paradise, Assisi is a small town in Italy, about half way between Florence of Rome. It is the home of St, Francis and of Ste. Claire, both founders of religious orders during the medieval times. It is also the source of Assisi embroidery and one can find the women of the town relaxing in their doorways, chatting with neighborsries, while working small pieces of the embroideries for the tourist trade. Assisi glimmers on the hills of Tuscany, its ochre buildings and red tile roofs reflecting the warm rays of the sun. From a distance the rich valley is a patchwork of well tended fieldswhihc yield forth the bounty of the area: sunny olive oils, and rich Chianti wines. In the foreground I have chosen to include the cheerful poppy which is found throughout the region and brightens the landscape. In the town one can see the Cathedral of St. Francis with its campanile, and further to the left the monastery for the Franciscan friars. More hidden among the other buildings of the town is the Basilica of Santa Chiara (Ste. Claire). The town is almost mystical in the distance, beckoning one to come and further explore its enchantments. | |
| Postcard from Paradise - Beijing |
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| Kit Cost: N/A Proficiency Level: N/A Ground: congress cloth Size of Piece: 4-3/4" x 7" Length of Class: Not a Teaching Piece | |
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On a recent trip to China I was intrigued by this small pavilion which is located in the Summer Palace grounds. Yes, other places were grander and more elaborate but this place was so charming. I resolved to add it to my series of small needlework designs called Postcards from Paradise. The Pavilion of the Eternal Spring is elaborately painted with characteristic Chinese patterns. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens in full bloom. In my composition I have included two of the trees that were so ubiquitious and so eye-catching during our visit: the willow wearing its spring green leaves, and the plum trees laden in showy white blossoms. We wer fortunate to visit this attraction on a rare sunny day with a glorious blue sky. | |
| Postcard from Paradise - Cordoba |
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| Kit Cost: N/A Proficiency Level: N/A Ground: Congress Coth Size of Piece: 5" x 6-1/2" Length of Class: Not a Teaching Piece | |
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Still another Postcard from Paradise -- this time it is Cordoba Spain, most specifically the wonderful Avenue of Flowers. The ancient white homes line a winding, twisting lane which is totally bedecked with fabulous flowers. They spring from pots, hang from window boxes and balconies and tumble from window sills. It is a glorious sight. When one reaches the end of this little lane you turn and see the wonderful La Mezquita, a one time mosque turned into a cathedral. Spain, more specifically Andalucia, is full of fabulous sights such as the Alhambra but La Mezquita and the Calle de Flores was the one I most remember. It is obviously there to entice the tourists with its beauty but most of the residents profited little from making their homes and their lane so glorious. Lesser known than the Alhambra La Mezquita was a mosque in the Mooorish era and is held up on the inside with, as they say, a "forest of columns." It is truly an amazing place. And just when you think it has revealed all its surprises you become aware that inside of the old mosque is a Catholic cathedral. Thank godness the early Christians had the good sense not to destroy the mosque. | |
| Postcard from Paradise - Galapagos |
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| Kit Cost: N/A Proficiency Level: N/A Ground: congress cloth Size of Piece: 6-1/2' x 5" Length of Class: Not a Teaching Piece | |
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Fourth in my series entitled Postcards from Paradise is "Galapagos" and recalls our journey to those far flung islands in the South Pacific. The islands are most famous for the visits of Charles Darwin which inspired him to formulate his theory of evolution. Now the travelers go to view the animals which were so cut off from civilization that they do not fear humans. The fortunate visitors has the privilege of very close encounters with wild life. The images I chose for my "postcard" are the ubiquitous lava and prickly pear cactuses, the sparse foliage, and especially the animals. We were particularly fond of the sea lions and the blue footed boobies. Other animals one encounters at every turn are the giant tortoise, the iguana, and such a plethora of bird species as to bring wonderment to all. | |
| Postcard from Paradise - Kenya |
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| Kit Cost: N/A Proficiency Level: N/A Ground: Congress Cloth Size of Piece: 6-1/2" x 4-3/4" Length of Class: Not a Teaching Piece | |
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Here is another in my series Postcards from Paradise. This time our visit was to Kenya in East Africa and my design depicts the Maasai Mara, that vast ocean of grass along the border of Tanzania and the Serengeti. I have chosen the view is from the pool deck of our hotel. From here we could see the vast sweeping plain of the Mara, laden with animals of many species. I have depicted only giraffes and elephants but we could also see herds of zebra and gazelle, wart hogs and cape buffalo. Less visible were the predators; it behooves them to hide and be secretive. Here and there one can see the candelabra tree and the acacia, many hiding beautiful birds who filled the expanse with their song. Our rooms were shaped like Maasai huts. Inside the hotel walls all was bedecked with African flowers. Interspersed among the people in the deck chairs were rock hyrax--an animal slightly larger than a cat and related to the elephant; they availed themselves of the sun and often the chairs--and the safety of the compound. But one night a leopard came to get one for her dinner. Some artistic license has been taken in this composition for in the background one sees Mt. Kenya, but in truth it is hundreds of miles to the north and not visible from this vantage. But it was so a part of our Kenyan experience that I couldn't leave it out. | |
| Postcard from Paradise - Mesa Verde |
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| Kit Cost: N/A Proficiency Level: N/A Ground: Congress cloth Size of Piece: 7" x 5-1/2" Length of Class: Not a Teaching Piece | |
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Mesa Verde is third in a series of my small designs entitled Postcards from Paradise. Mesa Verde, in the southernmost part of Colorado is one of the great American archeological sites; it is a rui, which gives us insight into the life of the ancestral native Americans. They built their homes into the cliffsides, along the canyons of raging rivers, but they were safe from the elements and marauding neighbors, the food supply was abundant, and they seemed to have the time to express their creativity in wonderful masonry, and in their cave art. My design gives us a little peek at the past and how the ancient ones lived. Viewed from across the canyon it is a ghostly reminder of an earlier time. | |
| Postcard from Paradise - San Miguel de Allende |
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| Kit Cost: N/A Proficiency Level: N/A Ground: Congress Cloth Size of Piece: 6-1/2" x 4-3/4" Length of Class: Not a Teachng Piece | |
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Another Postcard from Paradise; this time it is San Miguel de Allende, a charming town in central Mexico. This town northwest of Mexico City is a spot attractive to Americans and Canadians; those who can get away from the northern climes spend time there to partake in its language school, its art classes, and the beauty of the countryside. San Miguel is famous for its art and wonderful Mexican made furnishings, and for its true Mexican cuisine. I loved its ubiquitous fountains, and chose to depict one particularly grand example in my design. Also visible is the tower of the town's church. It's designer had seen postcards of the great Gothic cathedrals of Europe and was determined that San Miguel would have such a church. He daily drew his plans in the earth so the workers would know what to do. San Miguel has charming cupolas all about town, and radiant flowers are everywhere. | |
| Postcard from Paradise - St. Barths |
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| Kit Cost: N/A Proficiency Level: N/A Ground: Congress Cloth Size of Piece: 4-1/2" x 7" Length of Class: Not a Teachng Piece | |
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This was the first in what has become a series of small designs preserving in embroidery some of our favorite holiday destinations. St. Barths is a small scrap of real estate in the Caribbean--so small that it is often missing on maps of the area. So small that it covers only 8 square miles. So small that it doesn't even have a river of its own. It is very French, with all that that entails. The people speak French, except for some small settlements that still speak an ancient Breton dialect. The shopping is very upscale and the clothes all seem very tiny. The restaurants are exquisite, combining the best of the French culinary tradition with some added grace notes from the Caribbean. Even the "dives" have great food! Many restaurants also feature fabulous views of the ocean for added dining pleasure. Great French wines and French cheeses are quite reasonably priced throughout the island. The beaches are lovely, wide and sandy, although on the Atlantic side the surf can be a bit daunting. Many of the beach-goers sun bathe topless, with little regard for the burning rays of the sun. My postcard features one of the characteristic houses one finds on St. Barths. It overlooks a serene bay, with small mountains in the distance. Riotous bougainvillea look over the house, as do two windswept palm trees. For the most part, unless well tended by humans the vegetation is sparse, as this is a desert island and water is a precious resource. Consequently it is sunny most of the tme, and always enchanting. | |
| Race Driver Santa |
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| Kit Cost: Proficiency Level: not a teaching piece Ground: Size of Piece: Length of Class: | |
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After stitching some commercial kit Santas for various members of my family I realized I needed one for my husband. His lifelong passion has been the automobile, and his current avocation is amateur race driver. So what better than a Race Driver Santa? I purchased a canvas intended for another kind of Santa from Roseann Moss and proceeded to turn it into my own creation. First I reproduced my husband's red and grey racing suit, leaving room for the patches which adorn his real suit. These represent the tracks at which he races, and the kind of car he drives. So if you look closely you will see patches from Road America, Lime Rock, Laguna Seca, and Mid-Ohio--all his favorite tracks. Santa holds a checkered flag, the symbol of racing and a successful finish. At his knee is a tire--the pint of vulnerability in any race car. His helmet is adorned with his name--and his blood type; all racers display these two critical pieces of information, but usually on their suits. And in his hand he holds a miniature race car: is it a collectible, or is it a trophy? This bit of whimsy was stitched with a great deal of love and not a little bit of research. | |
| Una Porta in Positano |
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| Kit Cost: Proficiency Level: not currently a teaching piece Ground: 24 / inch Cream Congress Cloth Size of Piece: 9" x 11" Length of Class: | |
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No one who visits the Mediterranean can fail to be enchanted by the ancient buildings still in use as homes and shops. The walls are made of a creamy stucco, peeling away in spots to expose the brick work of medieval artisans . The picturesque doors at once invite you in, and protect the occupants from the prying eyes of the throngs of tourists. Often framed by limestone they may be well-tended, highly polished fine wood, or weather-beaten ancient & painted . Ofttime, the shutters are a bright blue or a rich burgundy, serving to complement the tile roofs. Most charming of all are the multitudes of flowers that flourish in this climate. No house is complete without its blazing complement of summer flowers, usually roses and geraniums and impatiens. They sit in pots on porches and window sills. They tumble down from flower boxes. They climb the stucco walls arching over the doors and reaching toward the windows. They delight the eye and nourish the spirit. You are invited to stitch this charming door in Positano on the Amalfi coast in Italy. You will create a pleasing piece that will remind you of your own trip --- or trip-to-come. And you will learn techniques ennabling you to depict a realistic scene, including four fun stitches that turn into flowers. | |
| Une Porte en Provence |
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| Kit Cost: Proficiency Level: not currently a teaching piece Ground: 24/inch congress cloth Size of Piece: 9" 11" Length of Class: | |
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No one who visits the south of France can fail to be enchanted by the quaint stone homes joyfully bedecked with summer flowers of all kinds. The blossoms flow over in profusion from the many balconies; they tumble from window boxes; they surround the doors and litter the porches. The effect is fabulous, even when one acknowledges that?s it?s for the benefit of the tourists. Une Porte en Provence celebrates this lovely corner of the world. A simple door to an old stone house is depicted, with the stones worked in 5 values of French silk. A wrought iron lace balcony decorates one of the windows. A wonderful variety of flowers embellish this ancient abode in the window boxes and funny pots that sit about the doorway while a ferocious watch dog stands guard over it all. The stone face of the house is a challenge in free-form Florentine and the flowers are created with the most beguiling textured stitches. This is a fun piece to work and will get you in the mood to make that visit to France. | |
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Displaying non-teaching pieces