With My Needle

It's hard to believe that a year ago at this time I was preparing to go to Fobbles in Cumbria (United Kingdom)  to teach 3 classes.  What very fond memories I have of this special place and the ladies in my class!

Here are some photos from Sandra who took the Fruit of the Vine (Sampler Huswif) class at Fobbles. As you can see Sandra is not only a beautiful stitcher, but also a beautiful finisher.   I've been lucky enough to see some of her work in person.  (Sandra, I'm sorry that it has taken me so long to post these photos.)

This class project is designed to be either made into a huswif as Sandra did or framed as a sampler.

Here is Sandra's huswif and needleroll (both closed) and her scissors weight.

Now you can see the inside of her needleroll. 

Here is a view of the outside of her needleroll and her huswif.



And now look at the inside of her huswif.  There are rings for holding her threads, pockets to hold her needlework necessities, and a large pincushion.  You can also see the reverse side of her scissors weight.

In addition to sending photos, Sandra wrote, Last May I had the pleasure of taking this class from Ellen. I had already booked for "A Needleworkers Sampler Huswif" class and certainly didn't intend on registering for another. That was before I took a closer look at the 'Fruit of the Vine Huswif". Once seen I couldn't let this opportunity pass me by even though the "over one"' grapes looked daunting. Once in class I found Ellen such a good teacher. Her charts are second to none. I have taken many classes and stitched from many charts but none has been as clear and as well explained as Ellen's. The finishing which usually leaves me wondering was so well explained that this project was a breeze to complete. I would like to thank you Ellen for such an enjoyable time and a beautiful project. Now on to the Sampler Huswif!!

Please return to the UK soon so that we may have the benefit of another class.
(Sandra, I would really love the opportunity to return to the UK for classes. Thank you for your enthusiasm and very kind words. You have me blushing.)

The next class offering for the Fruit of the Vine Sampler Huswif will be July 5 and 6, 2012 for Stitcher's Hideaway in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.  This will be a wonderful time of year to be in Sturbridge.  On July 4, the day before the class, there will be special actitvites in historic Sturbridge Village to celebrate the 4th of July, America's Independence Day.  Then the week after my class will be the big Brimfield Antiques Show.  I can hardly wait!

I'll be starting to assemble my class kits next week, so contact Sue at Stitcher's Hideaway right away if you're interested in being in the class.  Sue puts on fantastic retreats, and this promises to be no exception.  Please remember that you must be in class in order to get the kit.