Needleart 2010

I just returned from a quick trip to Myrtle Beach. The city named a street after my father and two of my sisters and I went for the unveiling of the sign. Since none of us had a reason to rush back we didn't. That's what I love best about retirement so far. I can come and go pretty much as I please. In every job I've had, summer was the busiest time. The first week in August, I'm off again. Phoenix and back to Myrtle Beach for a birthday party for our oldest relative.

Sunday DH and I went to Needleart 2010 held at Montepelier Mansion in Laurel. I found out about it Saturday while searching for a retailer for some embroidery floss. Neither JoAnn's, Michaels' or A.C. Moore have it. We have a local needlework store, but I am less than enamoured with them and have promised never to return. I'm not gong to mention them by name as loads of other people love them.

Back to the show. It's sponsored by Stitching Pretty Ltd and Friends of Montpelier and it's their 15th Annual Show. They have 150 pieces and the show is limited to needlework done without a machine. The following needlework techniques are acceptable:

Beading (More than 75% of work is beaded)
Needlepoint ( continental or tent stitch only)
Counted Canvas (2 or more types of stitch)
Counted Cross Stitch - Aida
Counted Cross Stitch - Linen/Evenweave
Samplers (six or more different stitches on Linen or Evenweave)
Cutwork (Hardanger/Drawn thread)
Embroidery (includes floss, silk, wool, metallic)
Other (tatting, smocking, crochet, knitting, etc.)
Petit-point

I must have been living in a bubble, this is the first I've heard of it. This show is fantastic. It's small, but the work is exquisite. Like this one:



It's ribbon work and stumpwork. The leaves at the center bottom are less than an inch. The center of the leaf is worked in stem stitch and I'm too lazy to get my embroidery book to look up at the embroidery stitches.

Here's more ribbon work:


Here I am talking to JoAnn Shepherd, co-owner of "The Brit's Gallery" in Fullerton, Va. She also teaches. The last stump work picture is one of hers. I'm already planning my trip.



Here's some whitework:


Counted canvas:


My personal favorite. It's needle lace:



It was a lovely day. If you're in the area or are planning a trip to visit other shops, please stop by. You won't regret it.

Needleart 2010
Montepelier Mansion
9650 Muirkirk Road
Laurel, MD
301-377-7818
$6 adult admission
$5 senior admission
The show runs until July 30. 11 a.m. to 4 PM daily.

TTYL,

Melodye

P.S. DH said to tell you he's not interested in needlework, just taking pics!