Jan 16, 2024 | News, Workshops
This year I am offering my regular Weekly and Monthly Classes and Weekend Workshops under the label of ‘Stitchology at the Block’.
If you want to know more about this label and the Classes and Weekend Workshops visit the workshops page.
Aug 22, 2023 | News
I was thrilled to be interviewed for the EGA Blog, to read about some of my journey with needle and thread visit:
https://egausa.org/interview-merrilyn-heazlewood-silk-ribbon-primroses/
Feb 2, 2023 | News
Podcasts are wonderful and Susan has the ability to make it sound as if we were having a catch over a cuppa.
Would you like to know:
- why I don’t like my students licking their threads?
- what I’ve been planning and stitching over the summer
- how I design and plan my projects
- what has kept me interested in stitching for the past 43 years.
Listen now or when you have time.
Nov 25, 2022 | News
1000 Hearts Project
Sharing kindness through handmade pocket hearts.
Judy, one of my wonderful students encouraged me to assist with the organizing of community events to bring creators of Hearts together. 1000 Hearts Project was started by a fellow Hobart stitcher, Sarah De Jong in 2016.
Nov 25, 2022 | News
I recharge my creative battery over the summer when I indulge in stitching projects that I have been planning for months.
If you want to follow their progress I share frequent photos on my Instagram page
Nov 23, 2022 | News
Cross stitch in various formats is the feature stitch of Kissing xxx Cousins.
Commence in the middle and build on the various sections of this design.
Easy to stitch, ideal as a project while enjoying summer vacation or while snuggled inside while the snow is falling outside.
Gumnut Yarns perle silk Buds and 50% silk and wool Poppies are complimented with DMC floss and perle cotton 5 and variegated floss by DMC or Cottage Garden.
Nov 23, 2022 | News, Workshops
Over the past months, I have had numerous Cyber classes with both EGA and ANG, teaching for my LNS along with my weekly Thursday classes and Saturday class once a month.
Another very successful happy Apple Isle Retreat was held in late October on the edge of southern Tasmanian wilderness. Friendships were formed and most importantly lots of stitches were created.
I have just completed Tasmanian Native Flowers, inspired by a Native garden in my neighbourhood.
Tasmania has many hills and mountains, rivers and creeks. This design features one of the local sheltered inlets where yachts are moored. I will now write up the instructions, then have it piloted before I can release it.
Apr 12, 2022 | News
Just released as a Kit.
$360 ( approx. US$250)
Delicate silk ribbon Fuchsias dance on a soft delicate needlepoint background.
The soft subtle tones of the threads selected to create the needlepoint are an artist interpretation of ‘old wobbly glass’ of historic Glass Houses. I deliberately selected fine threads so that some of the white canvas would show through.
Fuchsias are wonderful to create with 13mm silk ribbon.
Checkout all the details and purchase in the shop
Mar 22, 2022 | News
Commission this project: – Ideal gift that a special hard to find a gift for man in your life.
Design Size: 27cm x 14 cm
The church is the Catholic Church which is at the main intersection of Westbury.
The pink crop on the right-hand side is a paddock of opium Poppies. Tasmania produces the majority of the world’s clean opioids. Westbury was the centre for the development of this crop in Tasmania with the first factory built at Westbury.
The district around Westbury is frequently refed to as a ‘little England’ with mixed farming and hawthorn hedges along the roads and paddocks – The Hawthorn Hedge is represented just below the Catholic Church.
Jock’s mum Sharon loves pink, so the flowers are in tones of pink. Sharon is the main scorer for the Westbury team so I have her in a pink strapless dress in the middle of the marquee.
Hours of Stitching: approx. 60 hours
Cost: $3,800 non-refundable deposit $500
What are set in commission pieces – stitches and colours
- The grass of the cricket ground
- The styles of trees, which can be moved around.
- The gentle rolling hills behind the trees.
- The sky and clouds
What can be changed
- The colours of the flowers/gardens
- The Church/Cathedral
- Where the paddock of Poppies are growing other things could be included ie a different crop or even water, see example below
- Having a name with their best score is not required – a location could be added?
- I was thinking I would write world cricket ground names and features on all four sides of the project – see an example below. If this is requested there will be an additional cost for stitching text on all four sides if a background is required to be stitched behind the text.
- The colour and shape of the marquee.
- People relaxing in deck chairs at the lower left and right side can be added 😊
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Text for ground names and features.
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These two deck chairs were stitched quickly, you can request which format you like – a picnic basket would be added beside each chair
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Text for ground names and features.
Aug 12, 2021 | News, Workshops
Do you want your children to have time away from devices?
Does the child enjoy making and creating?
Brilliant for eye hand co-ordination!
Does your child enjoy quiet time?
Would your child benefit from some quiet time when they are creating a special item?
This stitching technique is very flexible, creative, practical and long lasting.
I have used items for years, eg little shoulder purses, decorative addition to tote bags, cover for phone.
Glue a piece of work onto the front cover of a book, decorate a pencil case or a magazine holder …… the ideas are endless
These coming school holidays I will be running Kids Hand Needlework Classes at the Kingston Library.
To read all about the details of the class and to book in please click here to read : September/October School Holidays Kids – Hand Needlework Classes
Click here for more info
Nov 24, 2020 | News
Our Peony Patch Needlepoint kit has now been added to the online shop on a Christmas Sale.
It is a complete kit which includes: Canvas, Gumnut Yarn Poppies, silk ribbon, instructions printed in colour, videos on USB of how to stitch the Peony’s, toy filling (stuffing)
It has 3 colour options:Peony Pink, Lilac and Peacock
May 25, 2020 | News
Do you know anyone who may enjoy learning a new hobby to fill in the hours of isolation?
Follow Merrilyn’s instagram where she is showing you a new needlepoint stitch each day. Stitches are selected for beginners.
Follow Merrilyn at: https://www.instagram.com/4merrilynsstitches/
Apr 14, 2019 | News, Online Classes, Workshops
Online Class Now open for Registrations
If you live in the northern hemisphere, you are planting your Sunflower Seeds, while we are harvesting our seeds.
– don’t like Orange? See link for more colour options.
Online Class
Registration Opens: Now Open
Registration Closes: 18th May 2019
Kits posted: 1stth July 2019
Cost: Aust $325 ( approx US $250)
Cost included shipping with tracking.
Check here for more information and to signup >
Nov 20, 2018 | News, Workshops
Here are some lovely comments from students in my class.
” This is the most stitching I have accomplished ever in a Seminar. I am amazed.”
“This is the best class I’ve taken in my stitching life. What I loved is that Merrilyn would teach the subject and then give us plenty of time to work on our pieces”
“This class was awesome. A lot of time to perfect and stitch techniques. I made great progress in the class”
” As a former academic dean, I had many opportunities to review teachers. Merrilyn is exceptional for a number of reasons. Her personality is friendly and inclusive while being informative and helpful …….. this teacher was logical, linear and appropriate in her teaching style.”
” This is the most stitching I have accomplished ever in a Seminar. I am amazed.”
“This is the best class I’ve taken in my stitching life. What I loved is that Merrilyn would teach the subject and then give us plenty of time to work on our pieces”
“This class was awesome. A lot of time to perfect and stitch techniques. I made great progress in the class”
” As a former academic dean, I had many opportunities to review teachers. Merrilyn is exceptional for a number of reasons. Her personality is friendly and inclusive while being informative and helpful …….. this teacher was logical, linear and appropriate in her teaching style.”
Oct 22, 2018 | News
When: November: Saturday 17th 9am to 4pm
Sunday 18th 10am to 4pm
Where: Princess Warf No.1 Salamanca Hobart
Launching
Slow Needlepoint with Merrilyn
Small easy to stitch projects that you can hold in your hand.
Two or three threads is all that is required.
Each design has two or three stitches.
Don’t know how! Want to learn??
Join my classes in Kingston in 2019.
In my classes you are sharing time with like-minded stitchers, in a relaxed atmosphere, where you stitch at your own pace.
What do you do with it once the stitching is finished? See my display at the Etsy Market, pieces have been glued onto books, folders, canvas’s etc.
Once you are comfortable with stitching and embroidery it becomes a form of mindfulness meditation.
It is so easy to ‘chill out’. The minutes just slip past.
Hand stitching can slow us down, it is relaxing, makes us feel good and allows our mind to ‘ ebb and flow with the waves as they gently lap onto the beach’.
Creating things with our hands make us feel great, gives us a warm fuzzy feeling.
Make and give, or make and keep.
Oct 3, 2018 | News, Workshops
1. Delphiniums – EGA Met Region
Silk Ribbon on Counted Needlepoint
Registration Now Open
Registration Closes: 1st November 2018
For more details and to book visit: http://www.metroega.org/events/education-2019/
2. Winter Garden – ANG
Silk Ribbon on Counted Needlepoint
Students can select their own colour of canvas.
A pilot student worked her’ on Red. Wow, doesn’t it look great.
3. Glass House Fuchsias – EGA
Dates to come
Visit the website
Mar 1, 2018 | News, Online Classes
Registration Opens: 1st March 2018
Cost: AU $350
Counted Needlepoint
Silk Ribbon
Hand sponged ‘wash’ on canvas
Twenty stitches are used to stitch corn, carrots, parsnips, radishes, tomatoes, apples, pears, apricots, raspberry’s, lettuces and herbs etc in this Potager.
Espaliered fruit trees and of course hens are all part of a productive Vegetable Patch and Orchard
The layout of the garden beds is based on the format of an early 1800’s walled garden, at Entally Estate, Northern Tasmania.
I hand sponge the background of the 18count interlocked canvas.
Variegated threads stitch to create realistic vegetables, berries and fruit.
To book and more details visit
Web site
Etsy shop
Nov 30, 2017 | News, Online Classes
Are you looking for a Christmas/Holiday Present?
How exciting to have a new interesting piece to stitch over the Holiday Season, given with love to you by a loved one, or to yourself.
Design size 25 x 16cm
A new Mystery Online Class: ‘Iced Vo Vo’s’
Registrations Open 1st December
Close 30th January 2018
Iced Vo Vo is a totally counted piece of needlepoint. No lines pre drawn on canvas.
What is this piece called I can hear some of my US friends asking?
Iced Vo Vo’s are a biscuit (cookie) loved by Aussie children of ALL ages.
I have wonderful memories of hot summer’s day on the beach with my much loved grandma sharing a cool drink and a little biscuit treat. When I was a child, a bought biscuit was a real treat, my mother cooked all our biscuits and cakes.
Yes, Iced Vo Vo’s are still available and yes, my waistline has increased slightly as a result of buying a few packets to ‘photograph’.
Visit the Online Class section on my web site or Etsy Shop
- For the story of how I came to this name this piece
- To book
- For all the class details
- For Kit information
Nov 26, 2017 | News
A new Mystery Online Class ‘Iced Vo Vo’s’
Registrations Open 1st December
Close 30th January 2018
More details coming soon!
Nov 2, 2017 | News
I am thrilled to have been selected to teach to teach for the Association of New Zealand Embroiderers’ Guild Inc 2018 Conference in Nelson 13th July to 19th July.
These are the two designs that have I will be teaching.
Terracotta Tiles is a delicate design with some intricate sections. The Empresses Night Out is just ‘loads of fun’.
Terracotta Tiles
Colour and light reflect in different tones and shapes when the sun is shining on Terracotta, especially if the item is broken.
A dramatic change of colour occurs when Terracotta gets wet or even after a light shower of rain. All of these tones are combined into Terracotta Tiles.
The softness of wool thread, the soft shine created by the rayon in Expressions, and the sparkle of a fine metallic thread combine to create the characteristics of Terracotta.
Tones of Terracotta are enhanced by ‘flashes of pink’ that are in the variegated threads selected.
These tones sit regally on the soft lilac tones of the hand sponges background. Merrilyn hand sponges each piece of canvas.
Eleven stitches are worked into this design, including long armed cross, flower, gobelin, scotch and rice
Empresses Night Out
This design was inspired by the Emperor Penguins of the Antarctic. I changed their Dinner Suits for Evening Gowns!
Lady’s Florence, Myrtle and Beverley are all dressed up for a Night on the Town. Students will trace the penguins onto a pull away fabric and out-line them at home.
In class students will have the flexibility of stitching their own elegant clothing, moving threads etc around, ‘dressing’ the Lady’s in their unique style.
Over ten stitches are incorporated into this project
Sep 21, 2017 | News, Workshops
Yes, it’s back
On Line Class for Glass House Fuchsias
Bookings Now Open
Booking Close – 18th October 2017
Class One posted – 25th October 2017
Second stage posted – 8th January 2018.
Oooooops, yes I know the class has been off line for a couple of weeks, due to reasons I do not wish to bore you with, but it is now back on.
For more details and to enrol Click here to enroll & more info
Aug 31, 2017 | News, Workshops
Bookings Open – 31st August 2017
Booking Close – 25th September 2017
Class One posted – 3rd October 2017
It is with great pleasure that I offer Glass House Fuchsias as an online class.
Students will receive three exciting, tactile, luxurious parcels during this On Line Class.
The first parcel will allow you to work the foundation ‘window frames’.
The second parcel will contain all the threads for working the needlepoint background.
The final parcel will contain the instructions and silk ribbons for working the fuchsia flowers.
Students will have the option of purchasing:
- the complete kit for this workshop
OR
- a kit of instructions, silk ribbon and silk lame threads – students would need to supply DMC threads, needle and Kreinik threads.
Aug 18, 2017 | News, Workshops
Order your kit now on www.merrilynheazlewood.com.au
I will also be teaching this design for Devonport Embroiderer’s Guild Tasmania
August 30th, 31st and Sep 1st
A mid winter walk on a very frosty morning, along a farm laneway was the inspiration for this design.
Winter Garden is worked in collection of white threads, 13mm silk ribbon and pearls.
When viewing this design it can be interpreted in various ways:
- Winter: A winter garden with sunlight glistening on a fresh fall of light snow or a frosty morning.
- Summer: A summer garden full of white flowers in bloom.
- Wedding: A Wedding Gift, by adding names and dates.
Over sixteen needlepoint and two silk ribbon ‘flowers’ are intertwined into this piece.
Four styles of couching are worked into the inner beds.
Classical brick, mosaic and upright cross stitches are stitched with a mix of perle cotton and ‘fuzzy’ threads, helping to create the patterns of the garden beds.
The boarders of the beds are created by whipping with Very Velvet or couching textured threads.
The subtle sparkle of Tiara thread is stitched to form the delicate ‘lacy’ edge.
13mm silk ribbon is gathered in two ways to make the ‘flowers’.
Quality Japanese pearls and silver lined beads are the finishing touch to Winter Garden.
The various sizes of Persencia perle cotton and subtle sparkle of the threads selected are all fun to work with.
Aug 11, 2017 | News, Workshops
This is the third project of mine being offered on the Needlework Cruise Sydney to Seattle 22nd April to 14th May 2018
To book for these workshops visit the Needlework Tours Website >
Marnie’s Melody – Biscornu
After a shopping spree on my recent trip to the USA I had a collection of fun threads to ‘play with’. The colours and texture of the threads inspired this design.
Soft texture of the Very Velvet threads was complimented by the sparkle of the remaining Rainbow Gallery threads intertwined into the Biscornu.
Silk ribbon flowers are easily created and added to the Biscornu.
Gold beads add a wonderful finishing touch to this piece of work.
Finishing the Biscornu will be explained and demonstrated.
To book for these workshops visit the Needlework Tours Website >
Aug 9, 2017 | News, Workshops
To book visit: www.egausa.org – early registration will open on 20th August 2017
I am delighted to have been selected to teach at the Golden Jubilee Seminar for Embroiderer’s Guild of America in October 2018.
I will be teaching this Encore design of Glass House Fuchsias and can’t wait to share my love of needlepoint and silk ribbon with my students.
Students who have no previous experience of working with silk ribbon are welcome in this workshop. The Fuchsia flowers will all ‘grow’ with their own personality, allowing each student to create their own interpretation of this piece.
The wonderful historic Fuchsia Glass House at the Tasmanian Botanical Gardens in Hobart
was the inspiration for this design.
The panes of glass, especially in old glasshouse reflect light in various subtle ways.
I had great pleasure in stitching variations of traditional needlepoint stitches and working with variegated and fine threads, allowing some of the canvas to show through.
The Fuchsia flowers are created with 13mm silk ribbon, and ‘just dance across the design’.
Kreinik metallic threads is used to stitch the stamens.
Aug 4, 2017 | News
This is the second project of mine being offered on the Needlework Cruise
Sydney to Seattle 22nd April to 14th May 2018
To book for these workshops visit www.needleworktours.com.au
Delicate Snowdrops worked with silk ribbon are the feature of this design
Eight stitches are incorporated into Snowdrops.
Beads add sparkle to the garden beds.
Rhodes stitches form the side of the box pin cushion.
Construction of the pin cushion is started/finished in the workshop.
Silk Dupion is placed behind the Snowdrop creating a subtle background tone.
To book for these workshops visit the Needlework Tours Website >
Aug 3, 2017 | News
Not Santa’s Series was designed after a trip to the USA in 2013 when I became fascinated with all the various threads available for creating Santa’s Beards and the fur around his Coat, Hat and Boots.
Rainbow Gallery make a wonderful range of fuzzy, metallic and shiny threads that were not easily available in Australia at that time.
A selection of about nine threads is worked into this design, pearls and beads make this design ‘sparkle’.
Not Santa’s Series is worked on interlocked white canvas.
One of the advantages of working on interlocked 18 count canvas is that you can see ‘through the holes’ of the canvas.
I chose to place a backing fabric of blue behind each design. I used silk dupion, you can select the fabric type and colour that suits you the best.
This design can be totally altered by the colour of the backing board or fabric that you select.
You could also have the option of working these designs on coloured 18 count mono canvas.
For each of the four designs, the outer border is the same.
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Not Santa’s Hat Kit
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Not Santa’s Coat Kit
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Not Santa’s Boots Kit
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Not Santa’s Beard Kit
These Needlepoint Kits are now available to purchase from my shop
Check out Not Santa’s Series Kits in the shop
Jul 31, 2017 | News, Workshops
Needlework Cruise
Sydney to Seattle 22nd April to 14th May 2018
To book for these workshops visit www.needleworktours.com.au
Wow, another great Cruise with the Needlework Tours and Cruises.
Glass House Fuchsias
The island state of Tasmania has a wonderful temperate climate. Some plants will thrive better if they are in glass houses.
When I was designing and stitching my silk ribbon book Fuchsias in the early 1990’s I would very frequently visit the wonderful Fuchsia Glass House at the Tasmanian Botanical Gardens in Hobart.
This was the inspiration for this design.
The panes of glass, especially in a old glasshouse reflect light in various subtle ways.
I had great pleasure in stitching variations of traditional needlepoint stitches and working with variegated and fine threads, allowing some of the canvas to show through.
The Fuchsia flowers are created with 13mm silk ribbon, and ‘just dance across the design’.
Kreinik metallic threads is used to stitch the stamens.
Students who have no previous experience of working with silk ribbon are welcome in this workshop. The Fuchsia flowers will all ‘grow’ with their own personality, allowing each student to create their own interpretation of this piece.
To book for these workshops visit the Needlework Tours Website >
Mar 30, 2017 | News, Workshops
It will be a delight to be returning to Brisbane to teach at All Threads.
Kerryn and her staff selected my fun collection in the ‘Not Santa’s Series’ to offer for this workshop.
Students will be able to select one of the four pieces in this Series.
The ‘Not Santa’s Series’ started after a visit to the USA where I became fascinated with all the white textured threads that can be worked into the many Santa’s stitched by needlepointer’s.
The Collection includes Not Santa’s ……. Beard, Boots, Hat and Coat.
These pieces are stitched on interlocked 18 count canvas, and the tone of the background colour is achieved by the colour of backing fabric. I put soft blue silk Dupion behind my pieces, but you can choose a colour of your choice, making your piece very individual.
Each design of this Series has the basis of the same threads, silver lined clear beads.
Wonderful quality Japanese pearls are stitched into the border. The border is the same for Beard, Boots, Hat and Coat.
These designs will be available as a kit or as a chart pack in late May.
Mar 15, 2017 | News, Workshops
Monday Afternoon’s
I will be returning every few weeks to Launceston to stitch with my regular group.
Learn Embroidery Stitches
My new Council (Shire) offer a range of lifestyle classes and I have been offered to join their list of tutors.
We are offering a Beginners to Embroidery Class, two hours for three weeks. In this class I teach a range of basic embroidery stitches. The students will write the name of the stitch on the fabric, then work the stitch. It is a great piece for future reference. These classes are programmed for late May.
Needlework Cruise
From Mid April I will be joining many enthusiastic embroidery students and tutors and as we Cruise from Sydney to Singapore. I am teaching Jacaranda, Camellia Biscornu and Daffodil Mini Box Cushion.
All Threads Brisbane 15th and 16th July – more details next Blogg
Nov 14, 2016 | News, Workshops
I have just finished teaching five days at the EGA Seminar in Alexandria Virginia. It was geat fun and I had wonderful students who accomplished a lot. My four day class had 22 students including two who had never done counted needlepoint. Fuchsias bloomed on day three and four.
Some students went home with a few Fuchsias flowering, some went home with a lot flowering.
Jul 19, 2016 | News, Workshops
The delights of being on a Cruise are many, one that I really like is you only unpack your suit case once!
To book into one of my classes go onto to www.needleworktours.com.au.
Needlework Tours and Cruises are very professionally run and great fun to be involved with. During the Cruise there is plenty of space to ‘do your own thing’ or to spend time with other stitchers and guests on the Ship.
We share our love of stitching by having our classes on the ‘at sea’ days.
Wonderful stabilizers keep the ship clam if the sea becomes a bit choppy, which meant I could thoroughly enjoyed my time on the 2015 Cruise.
Jul 12, 2016 | News, Workshops
Embroiderer’s Guild of America: International Teacher Tour
Arizona and Minnesota Sector
USA October 2016
It is a great thrill that I have been invited to teach workshops in both of these States before I go to Virginia to teach at the EGA National Seminar, then complete the ITT in Florida.
There are a few spaces left in these classes, to book please go to the EGA web site, in the Events Tab, click on ITT workshops. – I would love to have you in one of these classes, there are a few spaces left.
Pumpkin Patch and Camellia Biscornu have a counted needlepoint background embellished with wonderful, flexible forgiving silk ribbon. No previous experience with silk ribbon is required.
Not Santa’s Beard uses a collection of ‘fun threads’.
Tucson Chapter of EGA: location for workshop Tucson
Subject: Pumpkin Patch
Dates: Monday 24th Oct and Tuesday 25th October 2016
St Paul Needleworkers Fridley Minnesota: location of workshop in Fridley
Subject Not Santa’s Beard
Date: Friday 28th October 2016
Subject: Camellia Biscornu
Date: Saturday 29th October and Sunday 30th October 2016
Happy Stitching Merrilyn
Feb 16, 2016 | News
A belated Happy New Year to everyone.
I do not know where the 1st month of the year went?
For us it has been very hot, so it was so easy to stitch away the days in a cool room watching Tennis or Cricket on TV.
What does the remainder of 2016 bring?
My focus is on the wonderful trip I will have to the USA in October and November.
I will be teaching at the EGA National Seminar at Alexandra, Virginia and have been invited to join the International Teachers Tour. Your EGA Chapter has the opportunity to request me as a Tutor .
To see the full range of the subjects on offer go the EGA web site, then the drop down Events tab and click on International Teachers Tour.
This photo shares with you some of the pieces on offer.
From top going clockwise, Tudor Garden, Pumpkin Patch, Elodie (dolls blanket), Camellia Biscornu and Zinnia Box Pin Cushion which is featured in the current issue of Needlepoint Now. For the other four designs on offer visit the EGA web site.
Jan 18, 2016 | News, Workshops
An unsuccessful (USA Government issue) application for a temporary work visa to teach at ANG resulted in classes being conducted via webcam with wonderful ‘in class room’ help from Susan and Becky.
With my passport ‘back in my hand’ I was able to be a late registration as a delegate and student at EGA in San Antonio.
This quick trip to the US was wonderful, new acquaintances and friendships made also allowed me to add to my thread collection. New designs are formatting, some on canvas and some in my mind.
2015 has been full of many ups and down, the sudden death of my father, the joy of teaching on the Needlework Cruise, the stress of wondering if the temporary work visa would be granted in time for ANG, then the quick trip to EGA.
2016 is shaping up to be a full and rewarding year.
Workshops are planned for various Guilds in Tasmania, subject and dates still to be finalized.
October and November I will be returning to the USA teaching for EGA, at the Seminar 2-6th Nov and also taking an International Teachers Tour around the Seminar. When details are finalized they will be listed on the EGA and my web site.
I am delighted that I have been selected again to teach on the Australian based Needlework Cruise 2017, subjects and details will be share with you soon.
May 21, 2015 | News
On the 1st of April I was in Freemantle Western Australia, onboard the Voyager of the Seas preparing for our Needlework Cruise.
We had six days of wonderful stitching. My students were amazing. I was very pleased with the amount of stitching they accomplished and the quality of their work.
Many friendships were made during this time. Cruising and stitching is a wonderful combination, especially when sailing on smooth seas.
For fourteen days we sailed along the long coast of Western Australia and into Asia, with the Cruise finishing in Singapore.
May 20, 2015 | News, Workshops
In mid March I had a wonderful weekend of teaching Needlepoint at All Threads in Brisbane The students stitched Fifi’s Fuchsias, my counted needlepoint design.
I also shared with them some of my other Fuchsia pieces.
May 19, 2015 | News
I would now like to share with you a little of what I have been doing over the past few months, I hope this explains why my newsletters have been absent.
Over summer I wrote a children’s book about my two pet lambs, Molly and Polly.
This is a true story about my lambs. I have made it educational and informative for children of all ages.
I also put all the class instructions for the Needlework Cruise into a book.
May 19, 2015 | News, Workshops
Today I have started ordering threads and canvas for the kits that I will be teaching at American Needlepoint Guild USA Seminar at the end of September this year . ‘Splendor and Sparkle’ is one of my counted needlepoint projects I am teaching at the Seminar.
May 18, 2015 | News
This year is flying past so quickly, it is now mid May.
On a very cold day with snow well down our mountains it is an ideal time for writing a much needed Newsletter as I have many things to share with you.
‘Hens in the Garden’ is on the back cover of the current issue of Needlepoint Now Magazine.
A range of ThreadworX threads have been used in this design.
For my USA friends, I have set the piece of needlepoint into a wonderful Lee Tote Bag (#26)
I keep a few hens, for their eggs and most days I let them out for a scratch around. They amuse me as they scratch and run to get their share of worms and bugs. I hope I have captured their busy
sessions of freedom in this design.
Nov 20, 2014 | News, Workshops
2015 Workshops
Saturday Group
Roses 4
3rd Saturday of February, March and April
The Saturday ladies will work this design over 3 months. Silk ribbon in 4mm, 7mm and 13mm will be used to create these realistic Roses.
Thursday Group
Merrilyn’s Flowers, a Needleworker’s Companion Bag. 
Tuesday 7th,14th and 21st July
This class was so popular with the Saturday Ladies that the Thursday group would now like to make their own Companion Bag.
Students will select the flowers they want to stitch from An Encyclopedia of Wool Embroidery Book and use threads from their own stash. Great fun, great flexibility with great results.
All Threads – Brisbane
Fifi’s Fuchsias
Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th March 
Fifi’s Fuchsias was designed in a ‘light bulb’ moment while teaching for All Threads earlier this year.
It will be a pleasure to teach this for the 1st time at All Threads.
To book for this class contact www.allthreads.com
Needlework Cruise
1st to 15th April
Crazy Roses is a freestyle embroidery project stitched with wool.
Each student will create their own special design, by choosing their own colours from the range provided in the kit and the placement of the Crazy paths and Roses.
Tudor Garden and Garden Gates are both counted canvas (needlepoint). These delightful pieces are easy to work.
A Stitch in Time – Hobart Tasmania
21st to 24th May
I will be teaching these two pieces at the ANG Seminar USA 2015. These classes at A Stitch in Time are the prerequisite pilot classes for each design.
To book contact www.astitchintime.net.au
American Needlepoint Guild
2015 Seminar Myrtle Beach SC
24th September to 4th October
I have been selected to teach at American Needlepoint Guild Seminar 25th September 2015 to 2nd October 2015.
For details please contact ANG: www.needlepoint.org
Weekly Class
Every Monday afternoon a group of enthusiastic ladies meet to stitch and learn about embroidery.
This class started as a ‘learn embroidery stitches’ class and three years later we are all still learning (including the teacher). Threaded into a class of friendship and chatter the students work on projects of their own choice, stitching original freestyle embroidery, hardanger, crewel and counted needlepoint.
Finished items completed by the class have included dolls blankets, carry bag, foot stools, framed pieces, cushions/pillows, lids of trinket boxes, small table cloths and needle books.
Oct 10, 2014 | News
Latest release.
Design size approximately 24cm x 17cm or 9.5 ” x 7”.
Master graph and detailed instructions.
Suggested skill level: Intermediate to advanced
The criteria I set for Lavender Farm was to show the stages of the flowers development. From small delicate petals, a single flower, a young plant in bud, a plant in full bloom, to rolling hills covered in hundreds of bushes of lavender. The lavender plants in my garden and the Bridestowe Lavender Estate farm where the inspiration for this design.
Lavender varieties have flowers in all tones of purple and soft pink.
Lavender Farm is finished into an oblong box cushion.
Sep 15, 2014 | News
Pumpkin Patch design as featured on the back cover.
This great needlepoint magazine is a delight to work with and it is a rewarding pleasure to have another of my pieces featured in this issue.
detail
