ANG e-Newsletter
March 15, 2008

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

Contents of this issue:

CyberWorkshops: Log Cabin Sampler by Ro Pace

submitted by Sharon Quick, CyberWorkshops Committee Chairman

   
Log Cabin Sampler by Ro Pace

Registration opens March 1-April 30, 2008 and is intended for intermediate stitchers. This 6-month class has 17 logs, plus an overlay canvas. Each log has a different pattern of stitches. Some of the stitches you will be doing are: Jessicas, both round and triangular, Crescents, Chilly Hollows, and Waffles. Some of the logs are multilayered. You will not get a chance to get bored with so much going on. And, that’s just the base canvas. You get to learn how to do an Overlay Canvas as well.

If ordering a kit, you must select either the Southwest colors or Pastel colors.

The first two logs measure 18 x 18 canvas threads. The following logs add 18 canvas threads to their measurement until you get to the last log which measures 18 x 171 canvas threads.

There are four colors plus one neutral color used through out the design. The canvas used is an 18 count mono Eggshell with a gold fleck. Even though there are a lot of layers, the gold fleck peeks through here and there with a tiny flash of sparkling light.

You will be working with a variety of threads: an assortment of silks and overdyed silks, cotton floss, overdyed floss, perle cotton in sizes 8 through 16, wool, rayon, and finally metallics.

After the overlay canvas is stitched with rows of multi-colored Reverse Scotch stitches surrounded by a gold metallic border you will learn how to cut......yes, cut out the center unstitched section to open up the overlay canvas to let your stitched base canvas shine through!

Ro's goals for this workshop are to learn new things, get more comfortable with some old things and have fun doing it. Come join the fun!

Classes begin July 1, 2008. For more information, including photos, go here. Future CyberWorkshops are here.

Correspondence Courses

submitted by Susan Deshensky, Chairman, Correspondence Courses

Remember to sign-up for Correspondence Courses that will be retiring in October 2008.  The following courses will be retiring: Bouquet in Basic Blackwork, Winter Wonderland, Linda's Celtic Heart, Crazy Patch Purse, Pineapple Sampler, Puddles on the Path, Lisa's Lilacs, My Heart's In, A Wreath for All Seasons, King Tut, Poinsettia Sampler, and Starshine.  

The holiday season may be over, but it's still not too late to think about Poinsettia Sampler, especially since it will be retiring in the fall.  This is a beautiful project to work on next to the fireplace during this cold winter season.  The poinsettia is worked on 24-count Congress cloth and is 4.5" x 6.5."  The poinsettia flower is worked on a separate piece of canvas, cut, and then stiffened before being added to the main canvas as an introduction to stumpwork.  The student will work with silks, floss, Kreinik, and Accentuate.  The student will also learn pulled thread, criss-cross Hungarian, small "t," leaf, stem outline, backstitch, and French knots.  There is a kit available for $35.00.8

Sign-up for Lisa's Lilacs before she is gone.  This spring like design is worked on 24-count Congress cloth and is 6”x10."  There is a required embellishment kit fee of $20.00.  This design portrays a woman carrying a spray of three-dimensional lilacs and a watering can.  The student will learn needleweaving and surface embroidery to produce the three-dimensional flowers.  The watering can is made with kid leather that is appliquéd.  The flowers are also beaded, and the leaves are done in stumpwork.  There is a cute bunny and a tree in the design.

Allyson is a design worked on 18-count canvas and isis 8"x10."  There is an optional kit for $45.00.  Allyson is a young child carrying a bouquet of flowers.  The student will learn thread painting, diagonal mosaic, square eyelet, Florentine, a Byzantine variation, satin stitching, twisted cord, couched and wrapped stripes, and cotton lace.  These stitches are worked with cotton floss, pearl, Medici wool, and lace.  This would be a beautiful present for a daughter or granddaughter!

Chapter Project Book for 2009: A New Call to Designers

submitted by Nan Cebulski, Chairman, Chapter Project Booklet

The current issue of Needlepointers will include our original request for designers to submit proposals to this wonderful ANG resource. The article had been deferred from the last issue to provide more space for photos of the Seminar winning entries. Submissions and requests for submission forms, are now being accepted and I will be happy to send more information to anyone who has not already received a letter via U.S. Mail. Also, if you did receive a letter with an "Intent to Submit" form I would appreciate a response, either way (preferably YES), and send it to me at the address listed on the form.

On another note regarding the CPB, I have had numerous inquiries and questions concerning a very popular design in the 2007 CPB - the Wild Rose. I have contacted the designer and am waiting to hear from her about the questions and concerns regarding this beautiful piece. If you do have questions, etc. about the Wild Rose I would love to hear from you. Contact me through e-mail.

Master Needle Artist Program

submitted by Suzanne Calman, Chairman

Adapting historical art is not an easy task. The first step is to study the past Masters and observe how they created their own unique art. William Morris had a distinct style that was clearly influenced by the Medieval period. However, his art is different from the other artists of the Victorian period. In order for an artist to have respect, they must stay away from copying other artist’s work. There are many artists today that come close to violating his copyrighted materials, because they want so badly to establish a reputation as a great artist in their own right. The only way to do this is to create your own work of art, that is inspired by history, but does not resemble what has already been created by another artist.

The best advice we give to our Candidates when tempted to copy another artist’s work, is to simply take the time to study how they achieved that art by using sound design decisions. We each have such a unique opportunity in this life to write, compose, draw, or stitch with our own unique artistic voice that the world is waiting to hear. Every great artist we study is so different and unique from his counterparts. We admire their uniqueness and imagination, not for how much they design so closely to someone else’s style. When the Candidates in our program understand how great art is created, they then apply that knowledge to manipulating their art, so it not only communicates what they want it to, but it expresses who they are as an individual. By the end of the program, their art is as interesting as the talented Masters of the past. Won’t you join us and discover your own artistic voice?

Seminar Updates

submitted by Dale Herrick, Director of Seminars

My thanks to all of you who have received their Indian Wells Seminar brochure and called or e-mailed me with questions and expressing their compliments on the brochure. If you have not received your brochure yet, remember that they were mailed February 11 and the post office has 30 days to deliver this type of mail.

Seminar Registration, Hotel Reservation, and Volunteering

Let me first of all remind you that as you are registering for Seminar, look for the “Volunteering” section which is on the left side of the Registration Form. ANG needs volunteers to assist at Seminar and make it successful. An hour, two hours, or whatever time you might have is always appreciated. You can choose the Auction, Opportunity Baskets, Exhibit, Shop, Hospitality, Class Angel, or anywhere you might be needed. Don’t limit yourself to one area:  consider several!

Please don’t forget the deadline for Premier Registration—April 7.

Remember to make your hotel reservations at the Hyatt Grand Champions Resort, Villa and Spas.  Reservations can be made in the following ways:

Make certain to use the online booking code of "g-NEED" in order to get the ANG group rate of $145 single/double.

Please keep in mind that there is a 14-day cancellation policy. If you don’t cancel 14 days prior to your arrival date, you will be charged for entire reservation.

Despite what your confirmation might state, ANG attendees will not be charged the resort fee.

Life Patron Luncheon

Tickets for the Life Patron Luncheon at Indian Wells will be $37.50.

Membership: Lunch and Learn

There will be many activities during the week and I would like to mention a few. First, the Membership: Lunch and Learn session will be Tuesday, September 9 at 11:45 am. You can grab a box lunch and join other stitchers for discussions about ANG activities.

Auctions!!

Look for the Silent and Live Auctions to be exciting. If you have not contributed to either the Silent or Live Auction, it’s not too late, as Betsy Swartwood will be delighted to receive your contribution. Proceeds are used to fund the educational programs of ANG. Betsy can be reached here.

Opportunity Baskets

We are looking for Opportunity Baskets to be a great success. Gina Wearin has been in touch with many of you. You may still participate and may contact her here to make a contribution.

Seminar Merchandise

One last item—Seminar Merchandise.  The Local Chapter has worked hard to provide Seminar remembrances. They have long and short-sleeved shirts, sleep shirts, cap, name tag, and frame weight. The frame weights are pre-orders only and cannot be shipped. And then there is the tote bag; I’ve seen it and it’s wonderful!

There’s so much to talk about but I’ll just say SEE YOU THERE.

Exhibit

We want to have a grand and successful Exhibit, so if you have not planned to enter the Exhibit, you certainly have time. I do need to let you know of a couple of changes because of the severe medical emergency in Judie Burlingame’s family, the address to send your entries has changed to:

Pat Rogers, Treasurer
760 17th St
Rock Island, IL 61201-2560
(309)786-1597

As the date approaches, the address to send the exhibits will be sent to all entrants and posted on the e-newsletter.

You can send an email here for more information.

Indian Wells Seminar Exhibit

submitted by Exhibit Chairman, Indian Wells Seminar

By now you all have probably received your Seminar Magazine and are all excited by the choices for classes at the Indian Wells Seminar 2008.  It is going to be an exceptional Seminar and we'd like to have it be an exciting exhibit.

The special awards that you can be considered for are Quest XV: Sun, Moon & Stars, Princess Grace, Sampler, Creative Inspiration, Wearable Art, Small Masterpiece, Silk & Metal, Founders, President's Choice, First-Time Exhibitor, and the two new ones Christmas Theme and Hilton Theme. So there are the many choices you can make for your entry(ies).

Please be a part of the Indian Wells Seminar 2008 by entering your special needlework. Entry forms must be postmarked no later than July 1, 2008.

We are very sad to inform the membership that Judie Burlingame has had an extremely serious family medical emergency, and she can no longer complete her duties as Exhibit Chairman. As a result, until further notice, all Exhibit emails will be directed to the Vice President of Education. We are also looking for someone to replace Judie, or someone to receive the Exhibit pieces and teacher kits who lives in the Indian Wells area. We would appreciate any and all suggestions. In the meantime, please send your Exhibit entry forms and checks to:

Pat Rogers, Treasurer,
760 17th St.
Rock Island, Il 61201-2560

It is Never too Late to Stitch for a Future Seminar Auction!

submitted by Betsy Swartwood, Auction Chair

Every day is like Christmas for me when I go to my mail box. I am receiving such beautifully stitched canvases. The members of ANG are very generous in donating their time and talents. Thank you to the over 400 volunteer stitchers! It is never too late to stitch for a future Seminar Auction. There are still plenty of smaller canvases to be stitched. You can find a list of available canvases on the ANG website; just click on Silent & Live Auction. Each canvas has a description with the size and thread count.

If you picked up a canvas in Baltimore, the deadline for retuning it stitched was March 1st. I know that life tends to get in the way; if you need more time, please contact me.

Please continue to donate your unstitched “stash” for the Auction. I have received far fewer pieces this year than in past years. It becomes a Catch 22 – fewer pieces donated; fewer pieces to hand out; fewer pieces stitched; and fewer pieces at Auction 2009. This all adds up to fewer dollars for ANG’s Educational programs. Please contact me for an address to send your donations. When I receive those pieces, I will send you a letter which you may use for a tax deduction.

We are looking for finishers who are willing to donate or discount their services. If you are a finisher and would like to help, please contact me at the email address below. If you would like to stitch a canvas, donate a canvas or stitched project, or if you have any questions about the Auction, please contact me by email.

There has been some discussion on the “chat list” about what happens to the canvases that are stitched by volunteers. Now there is a link on the auction website to find the list of stitched pieces sold at the 2007 Seminar in Baltimore with the item name, the stitcher, and the winning bid. I am sorry that all the pieces stitched for 2007 were not used. I received over 400 stitched items, and I could only get so many finished. I plan to use these left over canvases this year. We plan to update this link each year, so if you didn’t find your name with a canvas for 2007, check out the site after the 2008 seminar to see how your stitched item did this year.

Thank you again to all who have donated their time and their treasures!

Chapter Presidents and Officers Meeting at Indian Wells Seminar

submitted by Linda Kilgore, Past President of Mt Tam Canvas Workers

Each year the ANG Seminar committee schedules a special time for all officers of local chapters to meet and discuss topics of mutual interest and concern.  All Presidents and Officers are invited to attend and be active participants in this meeting which will be held on Monday, September 8th from 5-6 PM.

The first step is for us to set the Agenda for this meeting.  So I need your help.  Please email your agenda items here.  Last year we discussed membership, focusing on recruiting and retaining members, and on dues collection.   The other topic we addressed was our most successful programs.  Great programs keep the members actively involved. The agenda item that was not included, due to time, was how to run a meeting, set an agenda, and keep the balance between a friendship stitching community and a business meeting.  What would you like to discuss this year?

Also I am seeking several new folks to help with the meeting: an acting secretary, someone to take attendance and make an email roster so everyone receives copies of the minutes, and also a moderator/leader for the meeting.  Traditionally the leader has been a current Chapter President or Past President and not a member of the Board or Executive Council.  Let me know if you are interested in helping.  This is a terrific way to volunteer your leadership talents. Many thanks!

Does your Chapter have a New President?

submitted by Sue Ella Allen, ANG Jewelry Representative

This is a reminder that Chapter President’s Pins are available from the ANG Jewelry Representative. The pins can be viewed on line on the ANG website at where a printable order form is available. Remember, you must use a chapter check to pay for the President’s Pin and please include the name of the recipient. Click on “Order ANG Merchandise” under Needlepoint Resources, then “ANG Jewelry” to see the Chapter President’s pin.

Sue Ella Allen
608 Euclid
Houston, TX 77009
e-mail

Chapter Activities

San Bernardino Chapter

submitted by Sharon Quick, President, SBC ANG

SBC ANG Chapter participated this year in the annual exhibit at the San Bernardino County Museum. The museum historian selected textiles from the museum’s collection to be used as “inspiration” for creative stitching by the members of the various guilds who meet at the museum. Our members did some terrific interpretations, as evidenced by the pictures below. The “inspiration” piece is shown, along with the stitched piece.

Westchester Needle Artists

submitted by Marietta Douglas, Programs, Newsletters, Webmaster WNA ANG

WNA (Rye, NY), celebrated their 10th anniversary in December by having a pot luck lunch at a member’s home. Many beautifully stitched items that the chapter had worked on over the years were elegantly displayed by the hostess. All who attended had a good time!

From the Membership Office

submitted by Amanda Hulfachor and Heather Hasenstein

Do you happen to be a snowbird - living in one home in the winter and one in the summer?  We know that many of our members live with such a split life and have possibly missed issues of their favorite publications.  Since the post office will only forward less than first class mail for one month, we have been searching for an easy alternative.  We have recently learned of an USPS mail forwarding option called Premium Forwarding Service that will forward publications and other mail levels that are not forwarded automatically by USPS. (http://www.usps.com/receive/premiumforwarding/welcome.htm)

Check it out and see if you may benefit from such a program!

Has your personal contact information changed?

submitted by Elizabeth H Brown, Database Administrator

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.

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Last updated Sunday, March 16th, 2008