My name is Wanda Lenz and I grew up in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. In my youth with my family and through my work as a travel agent, I traveled and visited many countries throughout the world and had opportunities to live and learn about many different people and cultures. Now for over the past 20 years, I've lived in Germany. I worked for many years with the U.S. Army in the Frankfurt area, having done everything from selling motorcycles, running a flower shop, working in the official travel office and renting cars, to managing a couple of stores in the PX system. There has to be people in the world like me: people that are willing and able to do what is needed, regardless of the location or the work. I now live "the quiet life" in Munich, enjoying a whole new occupation: Hausfrau (Housewife). I have plenty of free time to pursue my interests that include my newest hobbies of bicycle riding and cooking, to old favorites that include rock collecting, reading and stitching.

I had to ask my sister, Susan, about the first piece I ever stitched. You see, my oldest sister is my creative idol and inspiration. Because of her, I stitch today. She also has the great ability to be able to go back in time and remember things. When I asked, she took me back to when I was in 8th grade. After having a disastrous experience in 6th grade with a horrible "home economic" teacher and something about sewing two stuffed frogs, my mother got us sewing lessons at a newly opened sewing store. There we learned the basics on a sewing machine. I remember going to the class and I even remember a couple of the "smock-tops" that I made. But it wasn't until 11th or 12th grade when my handwork really began. Then I was introduced to the needlepoint painted canvases, a typical souvenir readily available in most European cities. And I will quote my sister on this subject: ... "you were left-handed and had the tightest tension known to man! Amazingly, you kept doing it until I refused to frame any more of your impossible-to-stretch work. Anyone who continued making those most horrible needlepoint painted canvases was absolutely perfect to make something really beautiful"...so she introduced me to a Maggie Lane dragon design, taught me how to cross stitch and turned me loose. It was a gigantic undertaking especially for a first piece. But as I plugged along, my stitching got better. By the time that huge thing was done, I had mastered cross-stitching and it became "my life" for years and years. I have done several Theresa Wentzler pieces, copies of Franklin Lloyd Wright's stained glass windows and lots and lots of miscellaneous projects. I even designed some of my own things, including a "family heirloom" piece for my wonderful oldest sister. Without her, I would not have this stitching joy.

In 2000, Susan convinced me that I needed to go with her to the National EGA seminar. She also convinced me that I needed to broaden my stitching horizons and try something new. I didn't think I would ever like anything but cross stitch but, okay, since I was flying all the way to Florida and since I was going to this huge seminar with a bunch of people I never met, I would humor her by taking a 2 day Blackwork course and a 2 day beading course. What the heck. This was a definite turning point. Beading wasn't exactly "my thing" but I fell in love with beads. On Wednesday night, they had vendors set up for the convention. Susan stood back and watched me as I entered the vast room. I cried. See, she knew that I had never been to a place where there was more than DMC and Anchor threads and cross stitch patterns and kits to purchase. I was overwhelmed. By the end of the evening, my credit card was overwhelmed as well. And what about the Blackwork course? Well, this changed my life.

I became the "Blackwork woman"; doing anything I could get my hands on. I had purchased a ton of things at the seminar so I was set for a long time. Living overseas, I was also an "internet power shopper" and had accounts at several online embroidery shops. I discovered Leon Conrad, a Blackwork designer, and have done about all of his stuff. I once read in an online forum dedicated to Blackwork the question, had anyone ever actually finished Leon Conrad's Medieval Majesty. As a matter of fact, I have.

I've designed special pieces that include lots of beads, some with lots of color and others with lots of tiny bits of stones. I love Blackwork. I never thought I'd ever like anything else again....until the Nordic Needle Hardanger Card Club was announced!

Hardanger was always one of those things.... "that's for people that are really good, but not for me". I could never imagine myself being good enough to do something as wonderful as Hardanger. Years and years ago, my grandma even bought me a book that included left-handed instructions for Hardanger but, no, it was just too difficult. I wasn't good enough. But, after reading about Nordic Needle's club idea, I thought it was inexpensive enough and the pieces were small enough that maybe, just maybe, I could manage to stitch at least one Hardanger thing that turned out so I could actually say, yes, I've tried that. After January's greeting card sized project, I was hooked. Then February's came and I finished that, too, in just two evenings. Then I had to have more! I started a "Hardanger practice piece". I worked on it for months, trying every stitch I could find, testing different threads, learning about tension, practicing the cutting. The piece was finally completely covered and I no longer think of it as being for only "the really good stitchers". After all, I think I have mastered it pretty well.

This piece is just my Hardanger "practice piece" using whatever I had in my stash.

My stitching journey has been fascinating. I admit I get stuck though. I get hung up on the traditional and I'm often afraid to explore my own creativity. How many times have I said to my sister, "you're allowed to do that??" As a professional fiber artist, she is allowed to do just about anything she wants. But, me? I think it's pretty radical to use color, beads and stones in Blackwork! But I do have ideas. I want to know more. I want to experiment and explore. But I am hesitant and I often feel very alone in my stitching.

This piece was inspired by Seba Designs' Blackwork Challenge I, using whatever I had in my stash.

You'd think that Germany would be a great place to meet other stitchers, traditional or otherwise, have wonderful supply stores to wander around in and a wide selection of things to choose from. Sadly, nothing could be further from the truth. The shops carry just basics, no "neat" threads, no awesome beads and no cool books. I've found a couple specialty cross-stitch stores but, again, there's just nothing unique available. So, as far as actual knowledge of my art goes, it's limited, at best. I have no idea what threads I like to use because I end up using whatever I happen to order (I'm guilty, I order things because they either sound neat or the picture in the catalog looks pretty), what my sister sends me, what's left over from kits. I have no idea what materials I like because I don't actually know what all I have or use. I just sort of collect whatever I find, wherever I find it. Tools and accessories? I don't know much about those either. I've got a bunch of stuff though. I do know that I can't live without my Ott Light. I don't even understand most of what is written about embroidery because I don't really know the vocabulary of trade. But that's okay. I don't mind that I live in ignorance...I know my work is pretty impressive despite that ignorance. I've seen people's faces when they see my work. One of my favorite "stitching stories" comes from my husband. We've been married for just a little over 2 years. He's seen what I sew and accepts it and all that but, let's face it, it isn't his thing. He's just looks because I'm into it. Then he saw something that someone else made. And he looked at me with open respect and awe. He thought what I did was typical. He thought that everyone who did handwork did handwork like mine.

My stitching journey is such a part of my life. It's a part of who I am. I still do the occasional cross-stitch (I just finished a Long Dog Sampler, slightly altered) for old time's sake. I still do Blackwork, Hardanger, some canvaswork, the occasional Swedish Embroidery towel, for that quick finish. I am standing at crossroads at the moment...one road goes on like before. The others branch off towards new directions. I really want to go an unknown path, a path of fantasy and exploration. Now, if I can just take that first step......"

Thank you so much, Wanda. Keep us posted on your path of fantasy and exploration! Best wishes to you.

Wanda mentioned the Nordic Needle Club. Here is the information on the next Club offerings - sign up today!

We are offering to new CLUBS for 2011. Read about them and sign up today for one or both - Hardanger embroidery and/or canvaswork!

Don't delay - sign up for the 2011 Stitcher's Retreat today! We still have many incredible class openings to choose from and we have an amazing time together with you!

Passing on Needlework to the Next Generation

34. I've made teaching my 8 year old niece and 10 year old nephew stitching as natural as possible. (I plan to start on my 2 year old niece in about a year.) They've watched me stitch since they were old enough for me to risk having a needle and scissors out while they were around. I've always answered their questions and explained things to them in simple terms. I've also taken them to my LNS, the Red Apple Frame and Stitchery, in Madison, Ohio, several times each. They've admired the finished pieces on display there and become interested in stitching. I bought a Leisure Arts booklet with 11 designs for them to share and some 14 count Aida, cheap floss, kids scissors, needles, needle case, and hoop for each of them. It's been slow progress because I only see them about once a month and I'm the only stitcher they know, but my nephew is working on a gift for his family and my niece a piece for herself.

    Kirstin Esch in Ohio

    PS - My niece's first project, a stamped cross-stitch cat, is done. I stitched most of it because she got frustrated by it, but she told me what color to put where. Imagine my surprise when she told me she chose the colors - red, pink, blue, purple, green, orange, black, yellow, and brown - so it would look "just like Legato," the cat I had at the time. (He died 10/28/10.)

35. If someone has lots of UFO's hanging around or lots of other supplies and some time to volunteer, teaching a session at the Boys' Club/ Girls' Club would be good. Teaching a session at 4-H Camp would be another possibility. Also, many Family Consumer Sciences teachers ( used to be Home Ec ) could use a guest speaker/demonstrator. I wanted to embroider and pretty much taught myself. A cousin helped me with knitting. I am learning needlepoint by doing. I have a Hardanger kit, but have not summoned up the courage to begin it. I wish that one of my older relatives had the skill, time and patience to teach me when I was young- it would have been so much easier.

    Kay A.

If you have any more comments on this topic, please write to me.

Saving Money on Needlework Finishing

21. Hi Roz,

    Another suggestion to save money on framing--I like to buy the snap together frames which are sold as a pair of sides. You choose the length of each pair and snap them together to get the size opening you want (to the nearest inch). My local art shop will cut the mat to the size I need and also the mat board backing. I then go to a glass store to get a glass cut to fit. I then lace the needlework to the mat board, assemble the glass, spacers, needlework into the frame and admire the result. A lot cheaper than having the whole job professionally done and not that hard to do yourself.

    Dolores B

22. I, too, learned to frame because it was too expensive, and also because we lived in the country and didn't have a quality local framer. I have framed 100's of items in the last 10 years.

    Logan framing products have been very valuable to me. Buying moldings in length gives you individual options and a stronger result in the frame, to some store bought ones. I have tried both ways.

    When my friends saw my results I framed for them, they understood my initial lack of experience and were happy to pay for the finished item as they were cheaper.

    The only problem is I, too, have rolled up items waiting to be framed, along with family photos and memorabilia. This is because you have yet another hobby to divide up your time.

    Karen Salton Maryborough .Qld Australia
23. Roz --

    While framing pieces is nice, there are many other ways to finish a stitched piece that would be less expensive. Why not make the piece into a pillow? Another way to finish something that you want to hang it is to use a bell pull type of hanger and either hem all four edges or sew a backing fabric onto your stitching. I have a lovely Christmas advent calendar that is finished by hemming all four sides, and leaving a pocket at the top. Then I slipped a decorative dowel into the pocket and attached a braided cord to the dowel to hang it. I have also used my stitched pieces to embellish a purse, tote bag or apron -- just sew your stitchery to the item, then cover the raw edges with a flat trim.

    Kay Johnson

24. I have done both professional needlework framing and taught classes on mounting needlework and mat cutting and framing and agree that there are many ways to cut your costs. One way is to buy just the frames and have your framer cut your mats -- especially if you want a fancy mat, buy your glass at a glass shop (ask for 2mm picture framing glass) and mount and put it together yourself. You can also save quite a bit just by doing your mounting yourself (and you know it is done correctly).

    Two hints on framing needlework : the Book on Needlework Framing by Vivian Kistler is the best resource you could. Secondly, use only the conservations mat boards whether they be Crescent or Peterboro -- the regular mats are not buffered to prevent acid burn to the fabric over time.

    Two home mat cutters that work well are the Logan and the Alto -- which is the one I prefer and it comes with an instruction video.

    Good luck and have fun.

25. I have used American Frame for a number of years to obtain the frames, backer board, mats and plexi-glass to cover my stitchery. I do have to prepare my needlework for the framing, but I can tell you that I have received rave reviews when a project is completed and framed. This website allows you to take a digital photo and then upload it to their site and you can view your work with the mats and frame around it. The process is really painless. I can frame 4 medium sized projects (i.e. 10 X 8) for about $100.

    Gay Foster

Any more ideas out there? Please send them to me!

Stitching - serious business or recreational pastime?

Hi Roz and All,

I have been a cross stitcher for quite some time, but I have to admit that I take a very casual approach to it, usually stitching in-hand.

My work would never win in a serious cross stitch competition, but it has won a second-place ribbon in the local country fair with a large field of entrants. I am curious how "serious" most other cross stitchers are.

Do most stitchers use a frame, hoop, or other support for their work?

Do they use a laying tool all the time? (Ha! I don't even own one.) Do they keep the back side of their pieces as neat as the front? Do they use both hands to stitch? Or are most stitchers like me; enjoying the recreational process and happy with the results I achieve?

I know you don't have all the answers, but after reading the latest newsletter I thought it might be a question to ask. I guess the difference comes down to professional versus amateur. I'm happily ensconced in the amateur category. ☺

Thanks, Ray Miller

Thanks, Ray. Now it is up to our readers to respond to your inquiry! Please send responses to me. and I will post the answers in future newsletters. Thank you for your involvement!

Recipe

What to do with leftover Turkey!!! Here is a recipe I found online and plan to try it out. Their website is at the bottom.

Left-Over Turkey Casserole

• 3 cups cooked rice
• 3 cups green beans, frozen
• 2 ounces sliced pimentos -- drained
• 1 onion -- chopped
• 1 green bell pepper -- chopped
• 2 cups cooked turkey -- diced
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup water

Preheat oven to 350F degrees. In a large baking dish, combine rice, green beans, pimentos, onion, and green bell pepper; mix well. Sprinkle turkey over rice mixture in casserole. Mix soup with water and pour over all. Bake casserole, uncovered, 40 to 45 minutes, or until bubbling and lightly browned.

I think I will add some sliced almonds on top for a special treat!

We have a special gift for you! Elizabeth Almond has designed this beautiful blackwork design and is allowing me to share it with you!

Click here for the Free Pattern! (PDF)

We are getting settled in our new house and it feels like home already! With the recent snowfall, we (and by we, I mean Harold) has been busy keeping the sidewalks clean in front of our house. We are getting used to living in a house that has neighbors close enough to see; contrary to our country home where the closest neighbor was a half mile away. It's a winter wonderland that has caused some changes in plans for traveling and Thanksgiving gatherings. I hope your holiday was filled with fun, food, family, fellowship, and most of all, Thanksgiving!

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