Eye Candy

Try the class first - I did a course and was glad I did not invest more into it, interesting to do once.

Ellice

I think I'm with you. I did a needleweaving piece once, a shop class with a designer - I think I wouldn't really do more. Stumpwork - long while back - though lately I've been toying with some ideas for judicious use of some technique combined with some canvas work. We'll see. I don't really have the patience to do zillion turn bullions on a regular basis!

Ellice

Following written instructions for an online class isn't going to work for me for complicated needlelace. I would need some in person hand holding. Sew much to learn, sew little brain power

I just finished a stumpwork pattern by Marsha Papay Gomola. It turned out well, IMNSHO, although I cheated and used one of the ladybugs Cheryl sent me and am now obsessing how to finish it.

The shop recently got in really cute little wallets of tools for > stumpwork . What kind of tools?

I'll look at one of them on Thursday. It's a zipper case, and I believe it has tools for working the fine wire, maybe some milliners needles, etc. But, I can't say - I'm fairly sure of which distributor they came from - but the nice, blue zip case - about the size of a make-up case like a Trish McEvoy carrier - is in a plastic overwrap. However, it's probably worth opening. IIRC retail is about $30. Talk to me directly - I'll see what's up if you're interested.

Ellice

Thank you Anne for this delightful page ,,, mirjam

Sounds intriguing. I got milliners needles, a bunka brush and most likely would need a hands on lesson in how to use wire tools. When outlining a shape, I couch the wire around the traced outline and then buttonhole around it.

I think that buttonholing on wire is basically the way - but I'm no expert at all. We have somehow that hangs at the shop the last 8 months who teaches stumpwork - does nice stumpwork. I'm sure she was the impetus to ordering the kits. But, I'll take a look on Thursday.

Don't you just love saying "bunka brush" 3X really fast - let alone using them to fluff?

Ellice

I've had the good fortune to take several stumpwork classes with Jane Nicholas from Australia when she was here in the U.S. teaching for EGA. Some of the techniques are easier understood in person when they are new to you. However, once you've had some "in person" time with someone I think written instructions make sense. Most of the stitches are not that unusual - such as the buttonhole, it's the combination and use of wire, etc. that makes it different. EGA also has some Correspondence Courses too which were fun as well. I enjoyed learning the new techniques because now I can adapt them if I wish on other pieces - such as leaves, berries, etc.

MelissaD