For our six month Anniversary we pay tribute to all the "Men Who Stitch". From designers to teachers, and artists to stitchers, men are as involved in fiber arts as ever and our featured guests this month attest to that. Join us with our monthly features all themed around "Men Who Stitch", starting with a fascinating historical perspective on the role of men in fiber arts, our Spotlight on a male designer who sports a loyal following, our online class taught by a respected male instructor, our featured shop with two male proprietors and our kids project created by a very talented young boy. We pay tribute to them all and thank them for their generous and free contribution to this site and hope our visitors will reward them and our past guests with their support.
January Highlights:
FEATURE COLUMN - Museums thrill their visitors with exhibits of Medieval and Renaissance tapestries and magnificently embellished royal and religious garments but many would be surprised to discover that most were the work of men, given the lesser involvement of men in the needle arts scene today. History reminds us that men were very much the movers and shakers in fiber arts for centuries and have much to show for it. Take a look back in time with this great historical perspective.
DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT - He certainly wasn't the only man to discover the joy of stitching but he is one of the few to have made a whole new career out of it. This month we're delighted to spotlight David McCaskill, designer, teacher and now shop keeper. His new shop can best be described as a country club for stitchers with the moniker "Club Stitch", offering special discounts and privileges for its members. David also has a line of patterns available exclusively through "Club Stitch." And FREE for our visitors David's elegant scissor case design with complete instructions and diagrams (shown left.)
ON-LINE CLASS - The very accomplished, very respected teacher and designer Tony Minieri graciously instructs our visitors in this month's online class entitled "Autumnal Scentiment" (shown right), an exquisite design based on a hand blown antique perfume bottle. Create your own masterpiece with his complete instructions and diagrams and watch for Part II next month.
SHOP FOCUS - A rambling structure, part of the historical Old Sasco Mill, houses this month's featured shop Hook-n-Needle, in Fairfield County CT. Marcel, artist, designer and interior decorator and his partner, James have created a cornucopia of plenty for devotees of the needle arts. Coincidentally, both were instrumental in encouraging Lois Caron to pursue her early interest in needlework which eventually led to The CARON Collection. Room after room are packed with threads, yarns, canvases, kits and pattern books with an astonishing selection in color and style. The atmosphere is warm and cozy and the abundant displays and helpful staff are inspiring. It is well worth the trip for an enjoyable day's outing with many excellent eateries and markets nearby, too.
GALLERY - We are always amazed at the innovative uses of our threads and this month's feature is no exception. All one has to do is take one look at the yarn paintings of our guest, Robert Forman, and know that innovative doesn't even begin to describe it. His yarn paintings are masterpieces in color, style, design and theme and the complexity and detail in his paintings are a true measure of an artist who has mastered his art form. Join us as we proudly display his work and celebrate his achievements and perhaps inspire some budding artists out there in the process.
KID'S CORNER - "Alien Creature with Flower Eye Stalks" has landed at our web site. Ten year old contest participant, David Huber, shares his cross stitich design with our visitors in this month's kid's project. Make an ornament out of it, a bookmark or a pin. It's a great way for kids to learn cross stitch and develop a lifelong love of needlework.
MAGAZINE FREEBIES - If you missed it last month, don't despair! Exclusively from McCall's Needlework Magazine a Victorian inspired stocking designed by Lois Caron, continued by popular demand. Complete instructions and charts are provided for you to print out and get started.
GUIDES - Beginners, learn how to cross stitch with these instructions from a booklet published by the The National Needlework Association (TNNA). Take advantage of their generosity in sharing these wonderful "how to" lessons with our visitors and get into needlework, now.
CONTEST- It's a new motif and a new chance for all you stitchers. Entries are due February 28, 1998 so get stitching! And congratulations to our new contest winner Stephanie Novatski -- watch for her winning entry in next month's Gallery feature.
TALK TO US - We haven't heard form some of you in a while, so please take a moment and complete our survey again. Let us know what you like the most at the site, what we should continue with, and what designers, shops and teachers you'd like us to feature. We need your input to keep up our high standards and to see who is visiting and why.
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