Hardanger out of fashion ?

"StitchingNut" ,in rec.crafts.textiles.needleworkwrote: and entertained us with

She's wrong. There are many people doing Hardanger, at least they are around here. I did a piece fairly recently myself, choice of refinish an old coffee table or use a nice piece of Hardanger to cover it. I found masses of potential patterns and ideas to use.

I believe it will be always with us because of it's sheer practical use and washability.

Thanks,

that instills my believe in what I'm doing is right. I stick to it, not that I don't do other designs as well, but Hardanger just is my favourite.

Happy Stitching Sibille

I did my first piece of hardanger last year simply because I wanted to learn a new thing. I'm sure I'm not the only one who loves to learn new methods and an on line class is an ideal way to learn.

Lucille

"StitchingNut" ,in rec.crafts.textiles.needleworkwrote: and entertained us with

I should add too, that since the piece has been there on the coffee table (finished last fall) many have commented on it, not necessarily stitchers either, but I doubt they would have given a refinished table but a passing glance lol

Yep, this is what I love so much about Hardanger too: It is just an eyecatcher. No matter how simple the pattern is, it always stuns people.

I have done a cushion cover with a wide lacy edge around it, most mistook it for real lace, not one (no stitchers I have to say) realized it as hand embroidery. LOL

Happy Stitching Sibille

And I finished a Hardanger Christening Gown and am working on a basket wrap by LB. I also do ornaments or bookmarks to brush up on fillings that I haven't done in awhile. Then there are all the samplers that have hardanger elements in them in rotation. Bobbie V.

Have you looked into joining any of the designers trade groups or discussion boards. You might get some good information that way. Tink Boord-Dill runs some discussion groups for designers, and those in the business. I know that TNNA and INRG also have groups through the trade associations with information for those in the business, how to improve, trends, marketing - etc. You might consider contacting some of them and seeking information, etc.

ellice

Thanks Ellice,

for this detailed information.

I will definitely look into these.

Happy Stitch Sibille www.myenchant>

I can't speak for all forms of needlework, but I think the popularity of one form over another can be regional. Hardanger is very popular here, but we have alot of Scandinavians in the area who never stopped doing it completely since they settled this region.

On the other hand, we never see any of the Eastern European or Middle Eastern forms of needlework here, probably because that's not the ancestry of very many people in the area. Southeast Asian forms are starting to get a little notice now because immigration trends of the past couple of decades have just made us more conscious of Asia, but they are still a novelty.

Other forms of needlework, such a lacemaking, seem to be completely dead here - at least I've never seen any in person or in exhibits - and I've never heard anyone say they'd like to learn it.

Around here, besides cross stitch (which will probably never go out) the big three are hardanger, quilting (but not crazy quilting), and beading.

As for cross stitch designs themselves - the trend is whimsical/folk art types. I see that probably 90% of the time when I see people stitching. Christmas ornaments are also very big, but oddly, I've never seen them on any tree. I guess people are using them for quick, simple gifts.

Hi,

If it helps at all, my needlework tips website gives info on a variety of needlework techniques. My statistics show that hardanger is the second most searched for subject, after blackwork. So my guess is plenty of people are looking for it!

Regards,

Carol Leather

Personally I don`t give a hoot about fashion - I just do what I WANT to do - or not! Life is much happier that way!

Pat

I agree. Since retiring I've found that not having to wear a tie (except for funerals, weddings & the Christmass Eve concert) is one of the nicest benefits. Up here most of us dress for comfort & warmth and give not a fig for fashion. There's even an "island haircut" - and Maureen has just gone down to the hotel for her hair appointment, the hairdresser's first visit this year thanks to the vagaries of the ferry refit timetable.

I personally believe that audience follows art AND that art is cyclical. I also think you need to follow your muse and not let anybody else define your muse for you.

Also, as Ellice mentions, there is a designers group. It's here:

Yep, absolutely.

There are always trends, and sometimes I think it's just that someone only wants to protect his or hers own market. I keep on doing what I love the way I love to do it (hmmm, what did I want to say?). I personally don't give a lot on these so-called trends either, there are always ups and downs. Same with fashion or colours. I work in Real Estate, and there was a time, when colour for homes was all in with red, blue or green walls, colourful kitchens (preferably these in green or blue as well). Houses painted outside magenta, moss green, turquois or even blue. Guess what? Harder to sell than a piece of old cake, because no one wants it. Colour yes, but not overboard. The traditional colours are back on the table, and they have survived everything.

So will the embroidery.

Happy stitching Sibille

Funny what you mention about cross stitch. I have the same feeling about it. I like to use cross stitch to incorporate into other designs. I'm just working on a 12 months series of birth stone samplers, 6 months are already designed, and I have started to stitch the first one. I always find myself a little bored, when doing cross stitch alone, but combined with elements of beading, hardanger and needlepoint it is a wonderful addition and makes the designs complete.

Lacemaking for example is big here, especially for the older folks. I sometimes am amazed, how they can still see what they are doing, their finished products are simply gorgeous.

Tapestry too is still popular, but I hear more and more people complaining here, that there is just too much of the same, still the same old designs around from the same companies, that have been on the market when we arrived in Australia in 92.

Goldwork is another embroidery here, and beading (on its own or within embroidery) is also quite popular.

Interesting, how every country is different, but there are still the popular types and they always will be.

Happy stitching Sibille

Well, I guess, if no one would be interested in Hardanger, E&CS wouldn't be printing it.... >:)

Happpy Stitching Sibille

Cross Stitch Plus designs are a great way to try out a new technique without getting overwhelmed. Small projects, such as bookmarks and ornaments are also good for this. Experienced and novice stitchers would both be interested in projects that could be finished in a weekend -- to see if they like the technique or just as a respite from the usual. You could probably find a decent market for such designs

StitchingNut wrote: > I work in Real Estate, and there was a time, when

Ginger and Harry got their house for a song for that reason. It had last been decorated in the 70s. Pumpkin, avocado, harvest gold, sh** brown throughout. Everyone else saw the colors and shag carpet and screamed. Harry's a retired contractor, he ignored the awful colors and said "this place has good bones". Theirs was the first offer and the owner was desperate enough to take it even though it was far lower than the asking price.

The first weekend, Harry Jr. took Friday off work to help his dad. By the time Ginger left for work on Monday, she had a whole new kitchen with white appliances and cupboards, and dusty rose/colonial blue accents. Didn't look like the same place at all.

They addressed one room each weekend, and a couple months later, Harry ran into a buddy who's an appraiser and invited him over. Just by changing the colors and getting new appliances, the appraiser thought they could sell it for twice what they bought it for.

Yep, I actually have already done a lot of small designs (many are still not embroidered, I wish I had 4 hands or so LOL), 3 bookmarks in Hardanger featuring Summer, Autumn and Spring (I had to omitt winter, because that's done on black, and E&CS isn't publishing black backgrounds in embroidery) will be published soon. Small, easy to make. The large embroideries can be very overwhelming, especially for beginners.

I have done a bookmark with no-cut Hardanger, just for the sheer display of a subtle variegated thread. The response was great. Is was easy, quick and fun to do for people.

Happy stitching Sibille