ANG E-NEWSLETTER

May 15, 2013

The ANG E-NEWSLETTER is a bi-monthly publication designed to help keep you informed about ANG's programs and activities.

Welcome, New Officers!
submitted by Pat Rogers, President

We begin another year with ANG welcoming our newly-elected officers.

Becky Breshears is the new Vice-President of Education, taking the place of Mary K. Campbell, who retires rich with honors after four years in that position. Our new Treasurer is Lisa Crespo, replacing Kathy Larsen, who successfully brought about sweeping improvements in our financial recordkeeping. Both of these previous officers leave with our thanks for their unselfish years of service. I know the new officers will bring ideas and improvements in their areas that will make ANG even better

We have a President-Elect this year, Cathe McEnerney. Cathe leaves her position as Vice-President of Membership to step forward as ANG's future President. She will spend the next year studying the President's job and on May 1, 2014 will begin her term as ANG President.

We also are pleased to welcome our new Area Representatives:

Rozelle Hirschfeldt has stepped forward to accept another term as North Central Area Representative, along with Pat Dugan who has accepted another term as the South Central Area Representative. They will continue their dedicated work for ANG for another two years in office. Susie Lupton is taking the position as Southeastern Area Representative. She replaces Penny Boswinkle, whose hard work and enthusiasm throughout her tenure has enhanced both her Area and ANG.

Thank you to all of these volunteers; we cannot do without you!

New! Workshop by Mail: Crazy 'bout Crosses, by Rachel Atkinson
submitted by Marilyn Owen, Chairman, Workshop by Mail

May 1 brings us the new Workshop by Mail project. Crazy 'bout Crosses, by Rachel Atkinson, is an intriguing open canvas design, featuring more than a dozen cross stitch variations. Although a kit is available (ordering details will be included in the instructions), you may stitch the design in any color combination you choose, selecting cotton and metallic threads, beads, and Ultrasuede® appliqués to coordinate with your choice of colored #18 canvas and a skein of hand-dyed Watercolours®.

Canvas/fabric Size: 12" x 12" (# 18 canvas)
Design Size: 8.5" x 8.5"
Level: Basic Intermediate

Rachel Atkinson is an EGA certified teacher and Master Craftsman in canvaswork. She has taught at chapter, regional, and national seminars for more than 35 years and has written several individual and group correspondence courses for both EGA and ANG.

The deadline for registration for Crazy 'bout Crosses is August 31, 2013. Note: ANG's preferred method of distribution for this project is electronic, via download through a project-specific Yahoo! Group. If you prefer to receive the paper copy of the instructions (delayed by up to 4 weeks over the electronic distribution), you must indicate this on your registration.

To order, go to http://www.needlepoint.org/byMail/ and follow the registration instructions. You may pay and register online, or print the registration form and pay by check, money order, or credit card. The cost of the workshop is $40 for electronic distribution, $50 for mailing within the U.S., and $55 for mailing outside the U.S.

New! CyberWorkshop: Rose Confetti, by Sandy Rodgers
submitted by Christin Loudon, CyberWorkshop Chairman

Confetti are small bits and pieces combined to form a whole. Rose Confetti is a taste of many needlework techniques, allowing you to learn a bit about each one without committing to a full project of any of them. In this magnificent design of many parts, we'll begin by learning Sandy's famous and easy approach to realistic, directional, and embellishment shading. Once you learn these techniques, you can use them on any other needlepoint design to give it depth and dimension. We'll do three types of bargello: line, 4-way, and diagonal. Other areas are devoted to laid patterns, blackwork, contemporary cornelli work, handling exposed canvas, asymmetrical balance, traditional stitches used in an unusual way, composite patterns, and burden patterns--plus so much more, all fun to try. Then we'll divide the sections and surround it all with a glorious beaded border. Your Rose Confetti will be bits and pieces that combine into a magnificent, complete piece!

Created for the intermediate-level stitcher, Sandy's directions are well known for being exceptionally clear, with many illustrations and diagrams. The lessons posted on the CyberWorkshop list will be so helpful that students of almost any experience level will have a wonderful time stitching Rose Confetti! Plus, Sandy's CyberWorkshops are always filled with fun as she shares things learned in her almost 30 years of international teaching experience.

Sandy stitched the model on the new overdyed Congress cloth with matching silks. An optional kit is offered in yellow, as shown, or rose pink, containing Congress cloth, silk threads, and Delica beads to match. You may also select your own threads and colors.

The Congress cloth is 12" x 14", and the design area is 7.25" x 9.25"

Registration for this class will be May 1 through June 30, 2013. This four month workshop begins on September 8, 2013.

For more information, log on to www.needlepoint.org/CyberWorkshop/index.php

Rose Confetti is a wonderful way to try some different approaches to needlepoint. Don't miss out! Be part of this fun CyberWorkshop!

Correspondence Courses: Mardi Gras and A Gordian Knot
submitted by Melita Glavin, Chairman

Both Mardi Gras, by Dorothy Lesher, and A Gordian Knot, by Rachel Atkinson, offer the intermediate to advanced student the opportunity to learn and grow while stitching a lovely design.

In Mardi Gras, by Dorothy Lesher, you can see a design that swirls and moves to the excitement of Mardi Gras. It features a golden face surrounded and masked with rich purple silks, encrusted with gold. All areas are worked in a variety of diamond shapes using three values of silk and diagonally laid threads tied with colored and gold metallics. The eye gleams in a fluorescent green metallic complemented by the lustrous lips and facial heart worked in holographic red ribbon. A free-hanging tassel of gold tops the headdress.

This design offers experience in couching as well as the correct counting for the challenging spacing of diagonally laid threads. Correct counting can often present a challenge to even the most advanced stitchers.

The required $72 kit includes the text, 10" x 10" Congress cloth, and threads.


The focal point of A Gordian Knot, by Rachel Atkinson, is an interlaced knot without beginning or end, like the one tied by Gordius, King of Phrygia. This intriguing interlaced knot is worked on #18 canvas using a variety of cotton, rayon, and metallic threads. The knot's eight canvas stitch patterns are worked in diagonal rows, surrounded by four pulled thread patterns in the background area. Bead embellishments add another textural element. A border done in the student's choice of composite patterns completes the design.

The required $50 kit includes the text, 12" x 12" #18 gray canvas, threads, and seed beads.

For more information on all 10 new Correspondence Courses and the 12 returning favorites, please go to http://www.needlepoint.org/CorrClasses/list-2013.php. Enjoy!

I would like to congratulate Mary Webber on the completion of her first Correspondence Course, Delivering Dreams - Santa, and for the receipt of her Certificate.


Attention all Members!
submitted by Karen Barras, Seminar Coordinator

By the time you read this, the Registration deadline for Seminar 2013 has come and gone, having ended on April 8. Do not fear, as Late Registration does not close until July 1, and there is still time to register for Seminar! There are plenty of classes available - waiting for you to fill them. The Class List will soon be up and running on the ANG website showing those classes still open, or closed.

Seats are still available on the fabulous Tours being offered this year. Find all the Tour information on pages 8-9 in the brochure. Make your Seminar experience extra special by visiting President Nixon's Library, exploring the art of Southern California, or seeing dolphins in their natural habitat. You can walk the grounds of the historic Old Mission San Juan Capistrano or attend a food demonstration at the famed South Coast Plaza. If you don't wish to leave the hotel, you can create something and participate in clay Millefiori sculpting.

Be sure to refer to the Key Dates, pages 2-3 in the Seminar brochure, for deadline dates. For instance, June 25 is the deadline for ordering Seminar Merchandise, June 28 is the deadline for Exhibit Entry Forms, and July 19 is the deadline to make hotel reservations. You can also find these on the ANG website, at: http://www.needlepoint.org/Seminar-13/keydates.php .

Calling All Advertisers!
Submitted by Karen Barras, Seminar Coordinator

Are you interested in placing an advertisement in the Participants Handbook? The handbook is given out to all registered Seminar attendees, and your ad will be seen by hundreds of ANG members. If you are interested in advertising in the handbook, please can contact me at seminars@needlepoint.org. The deadline for placing your ad is July 1. I look forward to hearing from you and thank you in advance for your support of ANG.

Volunteers: We Need You!
Submitted by Karen Barras, Seminar Coordinator

Remember, if you would like to volunteer during Seminar, please check the Volunteer box on your Seminar registration form. You will be contacted by the appropriate chair who will schedule you in your preferred area for the length of time you are available to help.

If you would like to volunteer to assist with the Auctions we are seeking volunteers for both the Silent and Live Auctions. Your help would be appreciated as follows:
Silent Auction set up on Monday,
Monitoring of the Silent Auction all day Tuesday,
Distribution of the auction items Tuesday evening after the Live Auction.

If you have already sent in your registration and did not check the Volunteer box, please contact me and I will send your information to the chair. Thank you in advance for volunteering!

If you have any questions, you can contact the ANG Registrar at: angregistrar@reesgroupinc.com

or the Seminar Coordinator at: seminars@needlepoint.org.

We are looking forward to seeing you when we gather for a little California Stitchin'. Don't forget your shades and flip flops!

Nominating Committee
submitted by Jan Herod, Chairman, Nominating Committee

Spring is a great time of renewal – so consider ways to renew your interest in ANG. The 2014 Board positions for the ballot will be Vice President for Membership, Vice President for Operations, Secretary, Eastern and Western Area Representatives. If you are interested in any of these positions or other committees, please contact Nominating@needlepoint.org. With your help and time, we can continue to be a great and enjoyable organization.

Master Teacher Program (MTP)
submitted by Joni Stevenson, Chairman, Master Teacher Program

The goal of the MTP is to produce quality instructors in the art of needlepoint. Multiple opportunities to design and create new needlepoint project classes are a part of the curriculum. Candidates are able to develop their design skills and become comfortable in sharing their knowledge and love of needlework with students in a classroom situation as they progress through the program. Throughout the three levels of the program, the candidate has the guidance of a Proctor who has completed the program and is a Master Teacher. The three program levels are Journeyman, Fellow, and Master Teacher.

In order to be considered for acceptance into the program, a questionnaire and detailed application must be completed and submitted. Upon acceptance into MTP, the candidate must maintain membership in ANG, with dues current, throughout the entire program. Attendance at ANG Seminars is strongly encouraged, with mandatory participation in MTP meetings at Seminar. Each year, the candidate must submit a piece of needlework (judged or non-judged) for the ANG Seminar Exhibit. Upon completion of each level, the candidate is expected to enroll in the next level within a specified time.

Those candidates not certified through another recognized needlework organization will enter at the Journeyman Level. Teachers who have received certification in canvaswork from other embroidery organizations will enter the Master Teacher Program at the Professional Fellow Level. In order to demonstrate a working knowledge in this subject area, it is required that the candidate complete the Color and Design Unit of the Journeyman Level.

There is an optional fourth level, the Senior Master Level, which entails an educational research project of the candidate's choice. As an alternative, this level may be obtained by entering and completing the ANG Judging Certification Program. Upon conclusion of this optional level, the Master Teacher will receive the credentials of, and henceforth be known as, a Senior Master Teacher.

NeedleArts Appraisal Program (NAP)
submitted by Valerie B. McAleenan, Chairman, NAP

As Chairman of the NeedleArts Appraisal Program, I have received a variety of emails from individuals requesting information about the program or needing an appraiser in their area. However, over a year ago, I received an email from an ANG chapter asking if there was an accredited needlearts appraiser in their area who might address its members about the importance of appraising needlework. Needless to say, I was excited to see that needleworkers are taking their art seriously enough to want a needlearts appraiser to help them better understand why needlework, especially their needlework, should be appraised and insured. My immediate answer to their program chair was, no, I did not have a person in the area, but I did have an easy solution to their request.

Since I used to live in the fine state of Texas - Houston, to be exact, and my husband still holds his Texas law license (which requires him to attend a Texas Bar seminar) he travels to Houston every year. So, I could speak to their chapter when next in town with him. Long story short, in April, I had the pleasure of addressing the members of the Lone Star Chapter. I spoke to them about the value of their needlework creations, emphasizing that needlework is art, and as such, has value. I helped them to understand the ins and outs of what insurance companies call "Guaranteed Replacement of Contents."

What was scheduled to be about an hour-long program turned into two and a half hours of discussion, with examples of the relationship among needlework art, appraisals, and insurance, including audience questions and answers. I had the pleasure of meeting and sharing information with a wonderfully friendly, eager group of needleworkers. Whether any of the attendees ever have their work appraised, they all now have a better foundation of knowledge on which to base such a decision.

Thank you, Lone Star Chapter, for the warm welcome and for your desire to learn more about needlework appraisals. It was my pleasure to come back "home" to speak.

News From Needle Pointers
submitted by Needle Pointers Editorial Staff

Need a reminder about some approaching event for all your stitching friends or for those you hope to interest in needlework? Well, your ANG magazine is a great place to list those upcoming events. The Date Book section of Needle Pointers is another great place in which to announce special events, workshops, and celebrations to fellow ANG members! Of course, we love to highlight our ANG Chapter happenings, but non-ANG classes, exhibits, or special gatherings can be mentioned here for all our members to see. If there is an activity that you would like others to know about, please send the information to the Needle Pointers staff at: needlepointerseditor@needlepoint.org at least five months prior to the event's date. When listing contact information, please be sure to obtain permission before submitting the event for publication in Needle Pointers. ANG would love to spotlight your special event!

Our July edition of Needle Pointers brings two projects sure to have you intrigued. The July issue introduces a teacher and designer new to our pages, while welcoming back another! We hope you will enjoy the accompanying article, which will perhaps provoke some thought as we reflect upon the continuous threads of our needlework and lives. Included, of course, are those regular features we know you look forward to - the President's Column, Stitching Solutions, In Stitches, Trade Secrets, and the Book Review - with a little bit of a update in our layout. Look in the Guild News and Chapter News sections to stay up to date on happenings within ANG.

A new addition to Needle Pointers will soon be found on the ANG website Needle Pointers Web Extra! Here we will include supplemental materials to our magazine such as expanded Chapter and Guild News, diagrams, instructions, and complementary projects. Our new web offerings will be at www.needlepoint.org. In the meantime, while our expanded page is being built, please write to us if you'd like to receive the directions for these Web Extras. We've sprung this spring surprise on our very busy Internet chairperson, so please bear with us patiently!

Here is one of those extras, our Independence Day mini-sampler, stitched by Evelyn Laxton, and beautifully finished by Error: Reference source not found.

We continue to seek great projects, as well as information to intrigue and inform you, our members. Is there a designer or teacher you would like to see featured in the pages of Needle Pointers, even your own original project? Is there a topic that you're interested in seeing featured, or something you'd like to learn about? Do you have a tip or technique you'd like to share? We're only an email away and look forward to hearing your suggestions. Please contact the Needle Pointers editorial team at needlepointerseditor@needlepoint.org.


Special Exhibit for 2013 ANG Seminar - The Folding Ort Boxes
submitted by Valerie Reece, Exhibit Chairman, 2013 Seminar Exhibit

Many of us have completed the popular Folding Ort Box, designed by Marilyn Owen for the 2005 Chapter Project Book. A Special Exhibit featuring the Folding Ort Boxes is to be displayed at 2013 ANG Seminar in Anaheim.

Everyone - all of you, our members - is invited to participate in the Folding Ort Box Exhibit. If you have not already made Marilyn's Folding Ort Box, please consider arranging a special Chapter program to support this event. (Remember, instructions from the Chapter Project Book, for Chapter programs, are free to ANG members.)

No entry fee will be charged to participate in this Special Exhibit. The Folding Ort Boxes entered in the Special Exhibit will not be judged but are sure to delight those who see them.

With their Folding Ort Box, entrants must include: Exhibit entry paperwork, return postage, and return address label.

Alternatively, entrants may pick up their Special Exhibit Entries at the Seminar in the same manner as other Exhibit entries.

Special Exhibit Entries will be sent to the same address as other Exhibit entries (information available in the forthcoming Seminar Brochure).

Chapters are encouraged to send their Folding Ort Boxes as a group, with the individual Ort Boxes labeled by member and Chapter.

Important Exhibit deadlines:

June 28, 2013: Section I of the Exhibit Entry Form with a check payable to ANG, Inc., for fees (if applicable), to be mailed to Valerie Reece, 1813 Eighth Street, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266. Note that there are no fees for Folding Ort Box entries.

July 19, 2013: Shipped entries must arrive at this address: Mary Ellen Bell,

1211 W. Paseo del Mar, San Pedro, CA 90731-6060.

August 22, 2013, noon: Hand-delivered entries must be delivered to the Exhibit Chair at the Exhibit site (in the hotel).

If your Chapter does not wish to participate in this program and you would like to enter a Folding Ort Box on your own, please contact Marilyn Owen to purchase a set of instructions by email at the following address: WorkshopByMail@needlepoint.org

If you have any additional questions, please email the Exhibit chair: Exhibit@needlepoint.org

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

Please contact us only if you have moved, changed your address, or need to update information in ANG's member 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.


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Last updated Friday, May 17th, 2013