A Big Announcement

As needle artists, we are pointed somewhat against the grain. The world goes fast, we start a piece. The world goes faster--- well, we are still working on that piece. We are members of The "Slow" Movement. Results are second to process; the thrill is in the Doing. That's not to say that we don't appreciate a finished needlepoint! But the mindset of a needlepoint artist has been preemptively tuned to this new idea of slowing down. We savor our time, and know that anything worth doing is worth doing right. We are not afraid of the long-term commitment!

Another part of our reality these days is that we are living more frugally than before. I have realized that needlepoint groups and chapters don't necessarily have the resources to bring a teacher to them anymore. I have been mulling over ways to continue offering classes that allow needle artists the social aspect of what they do. Traditionally solitary, I feel passionately that the needlepoint artist must be exposed to mentors and in turn bring up mentees. Who has not evolved their craft by a hint or trick that was facilitated by stitching side by side with other artisans?

And so it came to me, the idea of a class that could be run without me there as a teacher. What would that look like? This is my answer:

Thread Gatherings are classes in a box. Each box is designed for eight people, with one designated leader. You can run these formally, or you can run them as a salon-style get together for like-minded folks. You can meet once to get everyone started, or weekly until everyone has completed their pieces.

The first class-in-a-box I designed exclusively for Thread Gatherings is a Cuff called "Grecian Glory". Cuffs are very popular among my students--it's needlepoint with a purpose! You can wear it and people see what you do. 

What I provide in this Thread Gatherings is:

• Eight Separate Kits for each participants: 
• scissors with decorative fob
• All-Silk Threads in one of three colorways (each artist can choose)
• fresh water pearls 
• glass beads
• Ultrasuede
• graph paper notebook to jot down notes or chart your ideas
• needles
• pencil
• tacks

• One "Leader Handbook" containing notes, hints and handouts to help with the teaching process
• Seven Instruction Books
• Eight sets of canvas stretcher bars
• Finishing wire
• Practice canvas

Of course the most important part of a Thread Gathering is the people, so begin by bringing together the people you would like to include in your Gathering. You can organize this on your own or pass it on to your ANG or EGA chapter program chair.  (Any chapter choosing to order the Thread Gatherings will receive 10% of the cost back as a donation to the chapter. This is a great way to plump up your education fund).

So...  have any questions or need more information? Visit the site or send me a note and Genevieve and I will be happy to help.  We will have new Thread Gatherings coming soon.  Sign up to follow the blog and you will stay in the know.

XO

Orna