ANG E-NEWSLETTER

January 15, 2012

A bi-monthly publication designed to help keep you informed about ANG’s programs and activities.

Note from the President
submitted by Pat Rogers, President

Happy New Year to you all, and Happy Birthday, ANG! It's hard to believe that we are 40 years old. The original date of incorporation was September 6, 1972, but we can't wait that long to celebrate, so we are kicking it off with a gorgeous 40th Anniversary Sampler that you will see in the March edition of Needle Pointers. Enjoy!

New! CyberWorkshop: Starlight Waltz by Dorothy Lesher
submitted by Chris Loudon, Chairman CyberWorkshops Committee

Dancing through a starlit night, to the joyous rhythms of the waltz, our lady wears a jewel encrusted, silk dress richly shaded in optical shading (mixing thread values in the needle), and metallics. The skirt flares exposing a colorful underskirt of looped Turkey work, forming a fluffy edge to the diagonal Florentine. Stitching of the gown is compensated to the design lines of the flowing scarf that overlays the skirt, creating a channel into which the silver braid of the scarf is couched. The line for the encircling star trails is thread traced (basted) through a parchment paper pattern that is supplied as part of the kit. The paper is torn away leaving the basted line on the canvas. This basted line is removed after the stars are stitched leaving the canvas free of a drawn line.

Face and features of the lady are hand painted by Dorothy. A generous supply of materials is provided to complete this design.

Starlight Waltz is stitched on a 16” x 18” piece of pale blue Congress cloth. The finished design size is 11” x 13.” Threads used include silks, metallics, and cotton floss.

Registration will be open February 1 through March 31, 2012, and is intended for advanced intermediate/advanced stitchers. Classes begin June 1, 2012, and will last five months. More information will be available, after February 1, 2012, at

http://www.needlepoint.org/CyberWorkshop/index.php


New! Workshop by Mail (WbM): Spring Dance by Cara Hayes
submitted by Marilyn Owen, Chairman of Workshop by Mail

Spring Dance, by Cara Hayes, is the new Workshop by Mail project. Spring Dance captures the dance of the honey bee: a radiant flower is in full bloom, with the dancer in the upper left, recruiting another bee to the foraging site. The flower center is a pattern created with cotton floss and metallic thread using unique stitches. Other variegated silk and silk/wool threads are used. This intermediate level project will introduce you to tubular mesh (Wire Lace™), silk chenille thread, and a couching method for pearl purl, while making dimensional honeybees. Students may obtain a partial kit for the specialty threads from the designer (instructions to do so will be included with the project). Alternately, a blackwork technique will create the honeybees. A hexagonal, double-running pattern in the background represents the honeycomb.

ANG will now be offering 3 WbM projects per year, so the deadline for registration for Spring Dance is April 30, 2012.

The cost of this project is $40 (U.S. members) or $45 (international members). You may register and pay online from http://www.needlepoint.org/byMail/index.php

print a registration form online, and pay by check, money order, or credit card; or just send your name, complete address, phone number, e-mail address, ANG membership number, and check or money order made out to ANG for $40 (U.S. members) or $45 (international members) to the following address:

Registrar
ANG Workshop by Mail
2424 American Lane
Madison, WI 53704-3102

Credit card orders may be faxed to (608) 443-2478.

Correspondence Courses: A Flower Box and Bloom Where you are Planted
submitted by Christine Hampshire, Chairman of Correspondence Courses

Marnie Ritter’s A Flower Box is a delightful reminder that spring really is coming. After you have had the fun of stitching them, your flowers will stay fresh forever on this seven-inch square design, which is worked on #18 gold glitter canvas. The design employs seven different canvas patterns that flow from one to another. One pattern is even worked over and within gold lace. The required $35 kit includes the canvas, silks, metal threads, as well as various beads, semiprecious stones, and gold lace. Finishing instructions include the bow only, but you could easily adapt the piece to a picture, pillow or other display piece. To register go to http://www.needlepoint.org/CorrClasses/classes/flower-box.php


Another lovely blossom in our course offerings is Deborah Forney’s Bloom Where You Are Planted. Create the Saguaro cactus’ night-blooming flower is this unique interpretation. The six-inch, circular design is packed with geometric stitches, and layered with beads. Add your monogram to the one plain petal, or use it to display a favorite pin. Fill the petals with your selection from a variety of diamond-shaped and linear patterns. Highly textured stitches and threads, along with beaded stamens, and needleweaving, accent the flower center. The optional $85 kit, provides all stitching materials, but does not include the thread or fabric used in finishing the design into the cactus shape. For more information or to register go to http://www.needlepoint.org/CorrClasses/classes/bloom.php


Congratulations to the following students, on their receipt of the Correspondence Course Certificate for the completion of their courses:

City Walk
Sandra Rosa

English Goldwork Heart IV
Causey Coffield

Goldwork Oak Leaf and Acorns
Lorraine Mihalovic

Serpentine
Tina Herbert

Snow White Peony
Susan Ritter
Janet Witthoff
Joann Kappel

Softly Feather
Jan Dralle

Stained Glass Sampler
Valerie Powell

Understanding Color
Linda Harris

Understanding Design
Linda Harris
Betty Wheeler

Stitch of the Month (SOTM 2012) Artists’ Statement
submitted by Jo Beth Robertson and Suzanne Howren, Designers of SOTM 2012

In the autumn of 2010 Barbara Richardson approached us about designing the 2012 SOTM project, to celebrate ANG’s 40th Anniversary. Barbara suggested a heart shaped design, and Beth Robertson and I wanted to make it a patchwork heart, with each section a stitch from a different ANG national teacher. Beth, with assistance from Tony Minieri, created the heart shape, and presented us with three different options. Once we all agreed on the final shape, we started contacting ANG teachers. We wanted to celebrate the 40 years of ANG, so we went back to several teachers who are no longer proposing projects for the ANG Seminar. We were thrilled with their responses! We were also able to include stitches from three wonderful teachers who are no longer with us: Jean Taggart, Jean Hilton, and Chottie Alderson. There are also stitches from a few current teachers.

Since the design is to celebrate ANG’s 40th anniversary—the Ruby Anniversary—we chose red threads. The teachers gave us suggestions for thread types, and we put together the specific colors, and then selected the area best suited for the stitch and thread. You may find it here: http://needlepoint.org/StitchOfTheMonth/2012/jan.php

We hope you enjoy this year-long project and join us to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of ANG.


SOTM 2012 Part 1
submitted by Jo Ann Jackson, Chairman, Internet Committee

I want to thank Beth Robertson and Suzanne Howren for coordinating this project for ANG for this year. I hope all of you enjoy stitching our Anniversary Heart. If you have any questions, you can contact me at internet@needlepoint.org, and I will try to answer them. You can see pictures of my progress in both a red and blue heart. Please share pictures of your progress.

This month we are preparing our canvas and stitching the first stitch, the t-stitch, contributed by Kaye Neufeld.Kaye is an ANG Master Teacher from Perryton, TX. She has taught for ANG seminars, and ANG and EGA chapters. She wrote a column for Embroidery Canada for several years. She is also a former shop owner, and has won awards for her needlework.

I also want to thank the members of the ANG SOTM Pilot group for their assistance in proofing and stitching the pilots. You will be able to see the results in Philadelphia at Seminar.


2012 Seminar Notes
submitted by Barbara Richardson, ANG National Coordinator for 2012

Why a blue ribbon logo for the Philadelphia 2012 seminar? This blue ribbon represents ANG’s excellence highlighting our anniversary celebration theme: “Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow.”

The object of our Guild is education, cultural development through participation, and encouraging interest in the art of needlepoint. What better than the blue ribbon depicting ANG history! The ribbon center includes our ANG logo, the 40 year anniversary and the dates of incorporation. The ribbon streamers: “Yesterday” is stitched using basketweave with wool, “Today” is stitched in a Bargello pattern with floss and “Tomorrow” is stitched with criss-cross Hungarian, in silk and metal. The ribbon background identifies each past seminar location and year. Centered at the bottom is Philadelphia 2012, where we will be celebrating our 40th anniversary.

Mark your calendars for August 24 to 31, 2012 in Philadelphia.


2012 Seminar Brochure Sneak Peek
submitted by Karen Barras, Seminar Coordinator

In the November E-Newsletter, I gave you some insight into how the Seminar Brochure is put together. Here is a sneak peek into what you will find in the 2012 Seminar brochure.

ANG is offering eight tours, four on Saturday, August 25, and four on Wednesday, August 29. Picture Perfect Countryside is a full day tour to Philadelphia’s spectacular countryside of the Brandywine Valley and the Brandywine River Museum, home of the Wyeth collections. Philadelphia Then and Now is a comprehensive, full-city tour that takes you from Colonial times to Philadelphia’s modern day. You will see the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Betsy Ross House, and many more. The Fabric Workshop and Philadelphia Museum of Art has developed a tour expressly for Seminar attendees. Its permanent collections document the unique history of artistic activity with contemporary artists. Pennsylvania Dutch Country (offered on Saturday and Wednesday) is another day long tour to nearby Lancaster County, home to one of the largest Amish communities in the country. We have also arranged for a private docent tour of the textile collection of the du Pont family, during the Winterthur Museum tour. The Experience Arttour will offer a one-of-a-kind experience to be up close and personal with Philadelphia’s public art - mosaics, gardens, fountains, sculpture, and murals.

All the Special Events are back, including the Awards and Closing Banquets, the First Timers’ Reception on Saturday afternoon; Tuesday is Auction Day, with the all-day Silent Auction and Live Auction in the evening, and Expo! on Thursday evening. ANG has also included the CyberPointers Connection on Monday evening into the Special Events lineup.

The brochure will include all the information you will need to register and sign up for those all-important classes. You will also find reservation information, and a link to the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown. It is a beautiful hotel, and within easy walking distance of the famed Reading Terminal Market.

Don’t forget about the Seminar Merchandise! You will find pictures and ordering information for denim shirts, scooped-neck T’s, and polo shirts for women and men. There is also information on the Seminar Frame Weight, a really cute teddy bear, and the Seminar Tote Bag.

The brochure is jam-packed with Seminar information, pictures of class pieces, tours, and Philadelphia scenes. It should hit your mailbox some time after mid-February!

Until next time, when I will discuss the duties of the Local Committee, and how they make Seminar work. I will see you at the mailbox, where we will be anxiously awaiting our brochure.


Nominating Committee
submitted by Jan Herod, Chairman, Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee is continually searching for volunteers. If spring gives you a renewed interested in any committee positions, please contact Nominating@needlepoint.org. With your help and time, we can continue to be a great and enjoyable organization.


Under Construction
submitted by Judith Richardson, Publicity Chairman, Special Event Committee

The sign, under construction, is intended to announce that work is progressing on future improvements. That is absolutely the message being sent about the upcoming “A JOURNEY WITH NEEDLEART - From the past to the future.”

Behind the scenes the web site, is being developed to share the exciting information about the August exhibit in Philadelphia. It is not ready at this time, but good things are worth the wait. www.wix.com/needleartjourney/needleart

Samplers have historically been a method of recording information. Some samplers shared a family tree, while others commemorated the dates of weddings, births, baptisms, etc. for future generations to witness. They also showed the skill level of many novice stitchers. The word “sampler” comes from the French word essamplere, a model for imitation. The Latin word exemplãrium was translated as a copy. Yet, the sampler through the centuries has shifted its focus to become a format to explore stitches and design elements. This needleart journey has many twists and turns over the years.

This journey with needleart, via the exhibit from August 3-31, 2012, at the Philadelphia Art Alliance (PAA), will bring examples of samplers to you and the general public. At that exhibit, you will find historical samplers and contemporary samplers. An exciting evening will be the auction of some samplers; this auction will occur on August 25, during the ANG Seminar 2012 in Philadelphia.

To informally share sampler and “A JOURNEY WITH NEEDLEART - From the past to the future” information, we are adding a blog, http://needleartjourney.blogspot.com/ . The prose of this blog will bring major facts and trivial information regarding Philadelphia, needlework, samplers, and whatever “news” the bloggers believe would be of interest to our readers.

When the web site and blog are fully operational, we will let you know.

Share this news with your chapter, friends, and anyone who might be in the Philadelphia area in August. It is our opportunity to bring needleart and its historical relevance to the public.


Judging Certification Program (JCP)
submitted by Mary K. Campbell, Vice President for Education

Chairmanship of the Judging Certification Program has transitioned from Janet Mitchell Fishel to Donna Halpin, with Barbara Ewbank appointed, as vice-chairman.  A Review and update of the program are currently underway.  As the content, methods, and sources are being updated, we are interested in comments and suggestions from guilds, and individuals, so that our program will continue to meet the needs of the individuals who are interested in becoming certified judges, and meet the ever-changing requirements for judges at today's exhibits.  Input from guilds who participate or host exhibits of needlework is encouraged.  The program encompasses all aspects of needlework, and a judge who earns a certification from ANG is qualified to evaluate and critique entries stitched not only on a readily countable ground, but also surface work, and other disciplines. 

Updating of quality aspects noted in stitching, and discussions of the evaluation of the use and handling of newer threads available to stitchers are just a few of the areas that are being addressed.  Discussions are also underway to determine methods for providing ongoing updates throughout the year to previously certified judges.

Comments, recommendations, and suggestions are welcome. If anyone is interested in knowing more about the Judging Certification Program we would be pleased to talk with you.  Please contact us at JudgingCertification@needlepoint.org


  

NeedleArts Appraisal Program (NAP)
submitted by Val McAleenan, Chairman, NeedleArts Appraisal Program

Level IV is the final segment and is six-months in duration. It is the most time intensive and most likely, the most frustrating; just ask any of the graduates. Level IV focuses on the development of, and writing of, the appraisal document. The candidate will write 3 to 4 “mock” appraisals, each focusing on a different purpose: buying, selling, insuring, and liquidation. Understanding, with each purpose there is a different type of value and approach. The client (in the “mock” appraisals - the mentor) determines the purpose of the appraisal. However, it is up to the appraiser to determine the type of value assigned, and the proper approach to value.

There are no preprinted forms to follow, no fill-in the blank documents; everything must come from what they have learned, within the required textbook readings, over the past two and a half years. With guidance and direction from their mentor, the candidate eventually, through trial and error, develops their own format and style of writing, incorporating within the body of the appraisal document, the requirements set forth by the Uniform Standards for Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), in a concise and professional manner. This appraisal document must have “believable” results (no arbitrary value amount), supported by the appropriate marketplace, research, and reconciliation. After all, should you have to defend your appraisal document (and value) in a court-of-law, you have to be able to explain how and why you came to the conclusion that you did.

The final examination is held at seminar where the candidate, after being assigned a needlework piece six weeks prior to seminar, submits the appraisal document, together with all supporting documentation, to the Chair and Vice-Chair for review before meeting with the client, and walking them through the process. (It is customary for the mentor to ghost research the needlework piece as well).

I hope this, and the prior three articles, have given you a better understanding of what is required to become an ANG Accredited Appraiser. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me NeedleartsAppraisal@needlepoint.org


ANG Auction
submitted by Pat Thompson, 2012 ANG Auction Chairman

With the start of the New Year the 2012 ANG Seminar in Philadelphia is only 8 months away. I have started to receive beautiful canvases that members have stitched for the Silent and Live Auction. If you picked up a canvas in San Antonio to stitch for the 2012 Auction, please try and get them to me by March 1st. If you would like to stitch a canvas for the Auction please contact me, and I will send you a canvas of your choosing. Wouldn’t you love to see a piece that you stitched in the Auction! Please email me if you have any questions at auction@needlepoint.org .

Also, if one of your New Year’s Resolutions is to downsize that considerable amount of stash, please consider donating unstitched canvases, finishing supplies, stitched canvases that you don’t want to get finished or other needlepoint related items to the Auction. There is a donation form on the ANG website under Seminar/Silent and Live Auctions. If you have questions about what might be appropriate to donate, please contact me at auction@needlepoint.org .

Finally, if you are a finisher who would like to help with finishing the beautiful stitched canvases please contact me at auction@needlepoint.org . Even if it is just 1 or 2 pieces your help would be invaluable.

Looking forward to another fabulous Auction, but I need help from all of you. Please contact me if you have any questions, or want to be part of the wonderful Auction in Philadelphia in 2012.


Has Your Personal Contact Information Changed?
submitted by ANG Internet Committee

Please contact us only if you have moved or changed your address, or you need to update ANG’s database.

This is easy to do, on the Web or by email. On the Web, go to this page and fill in the blanks. Then click the "Submit Changes" button.

To update by email, open a new message and enter this email address into the "To" line without the [ ] or spaces: database [@] needlepoint.org Then copy and paste the following five lines into the message body, and finish each line with your information:

Your name as it is in our records
Your ANG membership number (if you know it)
Your old email address
Your new email address
Any other contact information that has changed

This page may be printed and reproduced in its entirety by ANG Chapters, for publication in their newsletters.