Part 1 - Shepherd's Bush Retreat

Just returned home from a wonderful time attending the 2016 Shepherd's Bush Retreat!  Paulette Stewart of Plum Street Samplers and I met up at our local airport, bright and early, for a 6:15 flight to Salt Lake City, Utah.  

Upon our arrival, we then hustled off to Ogden to The Shepherd's Bush store.

 Visiting their shop is every cross stiticher's dream!  

Their shop is housed in an old black smith shop.  Ogden sits at the base of the Wasatch mountains, beautiful view no matter which direction you look.

 Their shop is something that can't be described with photos, it is a must see!

 Models stitched and hanging from floor to ceiling...

 love that green fabric....

 models even hanging from the rafters...

 there are models in every inch of wall space, 

and walls upon walls of fibers, linens and notions...

 Getting to see Terri and Tina's Shepherds' Bush pieces all stitched and hanging in one place was such a treat.  Their little details on each piece is just amazing...the more you look the more you see!

 Pillows upon pillows of Christmas....

 Rows and rows of ornaments...

 Smalls displayed so pretty in frames...

 After a day of shopping and visiting with their customers we headed up to Park City, Utah - The Canyons Resort for the retreat.  It is a beautiful place and it just glowed in yellow...the aspens were in their autumn best color!    We enjoyed mid to upper 60 degree weather and the air had a hint of autumn crispness in it.

(view from my bedroom)

(view from our kitchen table)

Upon our arrival in Park City, we met up with the other designers and enjoyed a dinner together at a local brewery in Park City.  We shared stories, enjoyed a wonderful meal and a whole lot of laughs!

Shepherd's Bush 2016 Retreat teachers - L to R

Tina (Shepherd's Bush), Jeanette (Jeanette Douglas Designs), Linda (Chessie & Me), Barb & Alma (Blackbird Designs), myself (With thy Needle & Thread), Paulette (Plum Street Samplers) and Terri (Shepherd's Bush)

Part 2 to follow!

New Patterns!

I am excited to share with you some fun, new cross stitch charts! 

I REST THY NEEDLE

 I had a conversation at needlework market with Lone Elm Lane, which lead to the conception of this wonderful wooden pincushion/sewing box clamp.  Stephanie's take on the idea turned out fabulous...thanks Stephanie, I love it!  The sewing box is painted in a new vintage fashion, giving the piece a gentle "time-worn" look.  I chose to use the Vintage Dove paint finish for the "I Rest Thy Needle" design.    Design is worked on 36 count Legacy linen over 2 threads, using hand dyed flosses.  The boxes are available for special order here.

"BOO"

A new chart to the flash card series.  This is the 3rd such flashcard that I have done, they are some of my best sellers!   The new word is Boo!  A sweet little field mouse can me found out in her pumpkin patch, complete in her witchy attire!  Chenille trim and tiny glass beads for stars adds detail and just the right finish.  The design is worked on 40 count Pewter linen, using hand dyed flosses.

"AUTUMN'S FRUITFUL LABOR"

The floss colors in this sampler are so pretty and rich!  This piece sort of grew, getting larger as the design process went along.  I originally started with only the upper portion and decided to add one of my favorite harvest  verses.   The design is worked on 36 count Legacy linen over 2 threads, using hand dyed flosses.

"ONE FOR THE CROW"

Pattern for two little pinkeeps that make great companion pieces to each other.  I have always liked the little gardener's verse and can almost hear the goode witch sing it as she pokes each seed into the soil.  Linen ric rac trim is hand stitched to the sides of the pieces for a perfect accent.  Designs are worked on 40 count Legacy linen over 2 threads, using hand dyed flosses.  I plan on displaying these on an old tin tray with acorns and artificial crow that I gently dusted with cinnamon.  Artificial crow and acorns are also available for purchase here.

With thy Needle & Thread,

Brenda

Pattern Preview!

Welcome to day 1 of the count down to the Nashville Needlework Market.

Join me here for the next 4 days
 to see the new 2016 Spring/Summer pattern line
 from
With thy Needle & Thread.

 

"The Gilmour Sewing Tray"

An 18th century wool coverlet was the inspiration for this piece.  The simple farmhouse was the signature motif of the Gilmour brothers.  I chose to work the piece in ivory tones for a fresh, white farmhouse feel.  The piece would look great worked on an dirty ecru linen with rusty red or navy flosses as well.  The unfinished wooden tray allows you to choose your color palette and paint it accordingly.  Trays will be available for purchase.

"A Weaver's Work"

 Another adaptation from an antique wool coverlet and a great companion piece to the Gilmour House sewing tray.   After some research on this weaver, I was excited to learn that he spent some time in my home state of Iowa.  I chose to work this in neutral tones and was excited to find what I felt was the perfect Larson-Juhl frame for this piece.  This piece too could certainly be worked in other colors of flosses.

"Spring Frolic at Bunny Hill"

Two frolicking rabbits adorn the lid of a Lone Elm shaker box.  I chose to fill the box with paper grass and tucked some eggs into the "nest".  The lid is then standing in the box and makes for a fun spring-time vignette!

 

"Spring Delivery"

Leaping rabbit, tulips and a basket filled with springtime flowers creates a fun spring-time mini sampler.  Perfect for Easter, yet could be kept out year round.   A big "Thank You" to April Taylor for stitching this model.

 

See you tomorrow for Day 2 of pattern previews!

 

Kindly,

Brenda

 

 



New Pattern!

 

"Blessings be Thine"

 

Our first release of 2016... 

A sweet love-themed pattern that is worked in carefully selected shades of hand dyed flosses to achieve a lovely, faded, time-worn look.  The piece is appropriate for Valentines yet is one that can be left out year round.

 

The design is worked on 35 count Espresso linen over 2 threads.  Stitch count - 113 wide X 90 high.  Finished size - 6 1/4" x 5".

Chart, linen, floss kit, pom and linen braid trims are now available online for purchase.

 

With thy Needle & Thread,

Brenda