Hello Everyone
This week I thought I would share with you the achievement of Lee Courtney of Canton USA. Lee was a student of the online embroidery course in June 2011 and her piece won first prize in the Callaway School Of Needlearts competition last week. Who says great things don’t come from humble beginnings? I feel very proud of Lee for her achievement, her stitching is superb and check out that shiny blue ribbonJ I personally have never seen one of those in the flesh! Congratulations Lee. You can click on the image for a larger view.
Lee states: “I think what I really learned working this piece was to use a magnifier and work to make each stitch exactly placed. I can’t thank you enough for training me to do that.”
It has been my experience that a magnifying light can make all the difference to one’s needle painting – it is virtually impossible to see this type of work without some aid. Although I did have a 90 year old on one of my workshops who did not wear spectacles (I was mortified!), the majority of us can do with a little help way before we hit 90! I worked for many years without one but when I finally conceded I was horrified to see my stitches all over the place and I cannot tell you what a difference it made to my embroidery thereafter.
Fortunately for us, magnifying lamps have come a long way from those huge cumbersome things that took up most of the lounge area – there is a nifty little magnifying lamp available from the daylight company: http://uk.daylightcompany.com/product/table-magnifying-lamp/ it is portable and does the job adequately so for those of you who can’t afford the large, slimline version this is a good alternative and can be carried with you to your embroidery workshops and meetings.
Next week I am going to give you a peek behind the scenes of preparing for a stitching convention. Wherever you are in the world have a wonderful week and happy stitching. Trish
I am trying to work out which is the best slimline magnifying lamp to buy. The D22030-01 which has two lenses with a 22w or the D22080 which is more expensive has one lense but a brigher light 28w both by Daylight.
I would appreciate any comments. Sue
I use the 22w D22030 and it is great but I am hoping to replace it with the 28W ultra slim because obviously the brighter light is an advantage and also it has the new free motion head joint which means you can place it in any position you like and would be a great advantage. So the answer is if you can afford it go for the D22080 but if you are looking for a more economical lamp the D22030 will be a great buy. Trish
Thank you Trish for your reply re. the slim magnifying lamp. You have certainly answered my query and I shall go for the new D22080. Have you a clip on or do you have a floor standing lamp? The prices seem to vary tremendously and I see that amazon sell it with free postage!
By the way, I have to join in with all the wonderful comments you have received about your new book. I don`t think I have come across a book so well researched in colour for EMBROIDERY. Congratulations and I will certainly recommend it to my embroidery colleagues.
Sue
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Hi Sue for that lamp I suggest the floor stand – it is a bit heavy to clip onto a table (I think). You will love it. Thanks for the comments on the book! Trish
Thank you all for your congratulations. I really enjoyed stitching the piece and Trish’s directions are excellent. I used the magnifier to stitch because she said to at the start of the class and you can see the results. I use a Daylight Slimline. The magnifier part is large enough to view a wide area of the stitching so that you can see how the thread you’re using relates to the rest of the design. I plan to use a magnifier from now for this type of embroidery. I’ve already started one of Trish’s new kingfishers. I love her birds!
Hello again,
I have purchased a daylight lamp many years ago. But last year I received as a present
the one with the magnifier . What a world of difference it makes to see our work.
I would not part with mine for anything, and I suggest to my friends to invest in a lamp
with the magnifier.
Have a great day.
Louise
I am thinking of renewing my lamp as it is quite old now. I don`t like clip on ones.
Was your magnifer lamp a floor or table lamp?
Hello everyone,
Congratulations Lee,
Beautiful work that deserved this award!
Louise
I also would like to extend my congratulations to Lee as well as you Trish. 🙂
Lee’s work is stunning. Well done for getting a blue ribbon.
Thanks for sharing this piece by Lee. Congratulations, Lee. It’s so encouraging to see this kind of post.
Trish, I just got your new book on color and I have to say it’s the best I’ve seen on color I’ve seen – and for having the thread combinations. What a difference it is going to make in my work.
You know what I’d like to see is your studio. How do you manage all the stuff; especially your thread storage?
Thanks Lin. You can view my studio on the DVD it shows all! Trish
Congratulations Lee and Trish!
Anita.
I too use a magnifier, I don’t know the name but could not do needle painting or anything done on 36 ct or higher fabric. It clips onto my frame.
I just received my COLOR book! LOVE it ! Awesome book, thank you for taking all those steps up and down to give us a true resource that will be used for many years to come. Thank You!
Many thanks. Trish
Congrads to Lee on her beautiful embroidery and to Trish who is a supper great teacher. Yes, I purchased my mag lamp at Joann’s using a 50% coupon. Lamp does make a difference in my embroidery. Keep up the good work, look forward to next post. Pat/Texas
Dear Trish. Where in Cape town will one find a decent magnifier lamp? I have the type that you fit around your head, but it tends to give me headache after a while. Thanks Elza Bester Cape town.
Well done to Lee for her beautiful embroidery, and also to Trish who is a great teacher! GB, South Africa
Well done Lee.
Trish,
If we wanted to buy a floor magnifying lamp which one would you recommend?
Hi Sue I would recommend the daylight slimline magnifier. Trish
Congratulations Lee and also to you Trish!!!!!