The Quail’’s Quill News From Quail Run Needlework
September 2011
Mercado del Lago Center
8320 N. Hayden Rd.
Suite C112
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
480-551-1423
480-551-1425 (fax)
800-635-9750 (toll free)
www.quailrun-inc.com
Hours
Monday-Friday
10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Saturday
10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Closed Sunday
Owner
Susan E. Barlow
Specializing In
Custom, Innovative
Finishing
From Susan’s
Desk
F all is on the way and the shop is busy with new classes and items from the
recent market. There are new colors of Silk and Ivory. Gloriana Threads
has a new silk for 13 mesh that does not have to be plied and an overdye Chenille
in fabulous colors. These are on order and arriving shortly. Lots of new canvases.
Look for new crosses from Ann Wheat Pace, elegant dogs from Barbara Russell,
counted designs from DebBee's Designs, southwest from Design Gallery and
elegant patterns from JP Designs. Also arriving are new floral designs and snowmen
from Kirk and Hamilton, winter and holiday canvases from Associated Talents,
special vases from The Collection and more! Of course, if you have your heart set
on one I did not bring home, we can order this for you.
A new sampler class, “Aran Sampler” will be offered this fall. It will be taught
by talented Deborah Lundgren, stitcher extrodinare and former needlepoint
shop owner. She has designed a beautiful sampler with 15 different decorative
stitches. Here is a great chance to learn new stitches, stitch a lovely piece that you
can finish as a pillow or frame and just have a fun time in Deborah's class. She has
vast knowledge so will give you great tips to use for everyday stitching. A picture
of the piece is featured in this newsletter. We look forward to you joining the class
in November .
I am busy working on the Key West Chicken design, a new canvas from my
Quail Run Designs, artist Pam Hobbs. There are lots of great stitches, creative
thread/ribbon use and some fun embellishments that make this canvas come to
life. Follow the creation of this piece in the newsletter or order your canvas and
stitch along. It will be like taking a class once a month with lots of time between
classes to work on your canvas!
Also , the Southwest Ornament on the Month starts off this month with the
Cactus and Boot Ornament. This is another new canvas for Quail Run Designs. This
is a great addition to your holiday tree! Call to order your kit now.
I had a wonderful email from Lois Kershner informing me of available teaching
dates. Fortunately, we have scheduled her at the shop in November 2012. Her
teaching piece will be a Sedona landscape. For those of you not familiar with Lois,
she specializes in "Threadscapes" - realistic interpretations of a landscape in
thread. You can view her work on her website: www.loiskershner.com
One of my favorites is her Naoshimo Sunset-it is so beautiful !
Don't forget Sandy Arthur's class "At the Beach" and the adorable
Snowmen Mini Bell Pull class offered in October. Come in for an embellishment
class, to look at new items, to enjoy a few hours of Stitch and Chat or just to show
us what you currently stitching. My staff and I love to see your works in progress.
We look forward to seeing you soon at Quail Run. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff
is eager to assist with projects of any size or complexity.
Susan
Quail Run Needlework, Inc.
8320 N. Hayden Road, Suite C112, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Jill Rigoli
Interview
Jill Rigoli is a very busy lady, so when I asked her for an interview I wasn‘t
sure she would have the time. Fortunately, in Jill‘s typical fashion, she
graciously agreed. Quail Run is delighted to bring you this glimpse of Jill‘s
needlework career.
Susan Look for more interview in upcoming newsletters.
QR: I’ve been told needlepoint has been part of your family’s story for 3 generations. Would you share
something about that history.
JR: I founded Danji Designs in 1970. Danji is a combination of my name and my husband‘s name. My husband
was an Air Force officer so we moved a number of times. When I started Danji Designs in 1970 I bought a roll of
canvas and it went on from there. I first learned to needlepoint when a friend taught me when we were stationed
in Berlin, Germany from 1967-1970. I could go to the local German department store and they had a needlework
department and I bought canvases and yarn. When we returned to the US I went to my local needlework shop in
Fairfax, Virginia and wanted to do an Air Force emblem for my husband‘s office and something for my children‘s
room. Not finding what I wanted I decided I could put what I wanted on canvas, so I bought a yard of canvas
and drew what I wanted. Other Air Force wives saw my emblem and asked me to do one for them. That is when
I bought my first roll of canvas. When I went to my local shop for yarn they saw what I had done and asked me
to do some custom design work for them. There were certain things that I could not do so a friend did some
designs for me to sell to the local shops and Danji Designs went on from there. Our next assignment was San
Antonio, Texas and there I found other artists to do some designs for me and I sold to shops all over Texas. We
then went back to the Washington, DC area and Danji Designs went into the closet for a few years when I had
back surgery and couldn‘t sit to paint. I had a retail needlepoint shop in Alexandria, Virginia and just did some
custom work for my own shop as I didn‘t have time to pursue the wholesale business. When we came back to
California, Danji Designs became active again and I started designing again and adding other artists talents to
our line so that hopefully we would have something that every shop would like. When my husband retired he
became active in the business doing all the things that I did not like to do; paying bills, shipping orders, keeping
track of inventory. I had the fun part which included designing and developing new designs and doing the trade
shows. When my husband decided he finally wanted to retire fully (about 6 years ago) we gave the business to
our youngest daughter Rachel. I now work on designs, take care of Danji Designs when they are on vacation,
stitch all the models, and do the trade shows with her.
QR: Your needlepoint career has been long and varied. Can you tell us how it began and how it morphed
through the years.
JR: When I learned to needlepoint I knew I had found THE HOBBY that would intrigue me for the rest of my life.
I had done many other things in the past but none had ever continued very long. My mother did beautiful
needlepoint and owned a needlepoint shop in La Jolla, California for a number of years. I have many of her
stitched pieces now in my house and I treasure them. My great grandparents were Arizona pioneers and lived in
Eastern Arizona in the 1800‘s. I recently found a book about the early pioneers of the Southwest and in the
book, to my surprise, was a piece of needlepoint that my great grandmother did in the 1800‘s. Since we know
there was no local needlework shop she must have ordered it from New York or Europe.
QR: Looking back, what part of your needlepoint experience have you enjoyed the most? And, is that still the
thing you most enjoy today?
JR: I guess what I have enjoyed the most about my years in the needlepoint world is the truly good, life-long
friends I have made and the bond that I have with these friends…
Quail Run Needlework, Inc.
8320 N. Hayden Road, Suite C112, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Jill Rigoli
Interview
QR: Danji Designs wholesales painted canvases. Do you do any of the designs?
JR: Danji Designs has over 1,000 designs and about 20 artists who‘s work we produce in needlepoint. I still do
some designing, but with the line that large I don‘t try to paint canvases unless it is a new design that we want
to include in our line. Now I use my creative talent in stitching and writing stitch guides for many of our
designs. I also take the art work that is submitted to us by some of our designers and make the art workable
as a stitchable needlepoint canvas.
QR: What’s the inspiration behind your designs and your favorite subject matter? Do you favor any particular
color when designing?
JR: When I design I look for subject matter that I find is missing in available needlepoint and often our other
artists have designs that will fill that need too. I did lots of florals years ago and they are still in our line. One
of our very early florals, a Bird of Paradise, is my personal favorite and has been one of our best sellers for at
least 20 years. Another one I love and will stitch when I have time is a red Oriental Poppy design. A couple of
years ago we added an artist that did little Halloween mice and cats. My daughter accused me of wanting the
mice and cat designs because I collect mice. Not so (but I am not sure she believed me). [I wanted them]
because I knew they would appeal to other stitchers AND THEY HAVE! We will now have some Christmas mice
and cats by the same designer coming in January.
QR: How do you create your designs – by hand-drawn or computerized sketches?
JR: I guess I am still old fashioned and create designs by hand. I know I could do them on the computer but it
is easier to see them visually when I draw them!
Danji Designs
Quail Run Needlework, Inc.
8320 N. Hayden Road, Suite C112, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Featured
Stitcher
The staff and students at Quail Run are lucky that Deborah Lundgren often chooses to
frequent the shop. Deborah is an avid stitcher who has mastered the art of needlework.
Her canvases are diverse, each stitch perfectly executed, and her selection of fibers and
stitches creative and artful. She‘s excited about the art of needlework; and to all that
know her, Deborah openly shares enthusiasm and vast knowledge.
When Quail Run asked me to be the featured stitcher for the
newsletter, I was flattered and honored to be chosen from among so many other talented stitchers I have met
here. It has been a joy to see all the wonderful ideas springing forth from beautiful canvases.
My history as a needlepointer starts with learning the craft from my maternal grandmother. As with most of
us, the hands of our ancestors were always kept busy. Yiayia (Greek for grandmother) was
multi-talented and she shared these talents with me starting at age 7 with embroidery. She had started to
needlepoint a piano bench cover but after she finished all of the flowers in the piece, she became allergic to
the wool. My mother started on the background but soon gave up on it. We can all relate! After Yiayia‘s
death in 1965, I made it my mission to complete the piece. It is now at it‘s rightful place at my mother‘s
square grand piano still in my
grandmother‘s home.
I continued to stitch with friends of Yiayia‘s until they talked me into opening a shop. In 1976, The
|Needlepointer was born in Reno and my grandfather was mortified because he said I would never meet a
husband in the needlework business. At the first Market I went to, I met Kent who was the first rep for
Sunset Designs and after ‗buying his line‘ we married!
In those days, we were just starting to use decorative stitches but only using Paternayan wool. I had met a
forward thinker who taught me to think beyond the continental stitch and I learned the beginning versions of
the multitude of different stitches we use today.
Needlepoint has been my passion to learn, experiment, share, and develop. It is my life and it is my
greatest love – after my family of course!
Look for Deborah‟s „stitching guidelines‟ in next month‟s newsletter.
Quail Run thanks Deborah for accepting our invitation to be our ‗Featured Stitcher‘. She
graciously shared her thoughts and opened her home so we could photograph her work and
write this piece.
Thank you….
Susan
Quail Run Needlework, Inc.
8320 N. Hayden Road, Suite C112, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Whether you‘re embellishing your canvas or looking for a tool to make
stitching easier and more fun, the shop is full of wonderful finds.
What’s New
These sweet ―candy kiss‖ ornaments are
quick projects that catch-the-eye. Perfect to
hang on a shelf or give to a friend.
The Thread Zapper 2 is a thread
burner—not a cutter.
This amazing little tool trims,
burns or melts thread with one
touch. It is battery operated (one
AA battery not included) and heats
instantly with the push of a
button. It is very precise with an
extra-fine tip. This is SUPER for
preventing or stopping Flair,
Rachel, Frosty Rays, and
Rachelette from raveling. How
about burning off the tip of the
beading thread after your bead
weaving? Melt the cut end of
those metallic braids that fray.
This is a ―must have‖ tool for your
collection.
Arizona’s
ANG
Santa
This beautiful santa, by designer Joan Thomasson, is part of this year‘s
ANG (American Needlepoint Guild) silent auction taking place
August 26th—September 2nd in San Antonio, Texas.
Proceeds from the auction benefit ANG‟s Educational Fund.
Santa‟s Journey Around Arizona
In September 2009, a lovely santa canvas was looking
for a home. His current owner had decided to donate
him for the ANG Seminar Auction. One of our AZ
chapter members found him and brought him home. He
had to be stitched and made presentable.
Thus began his journey around ―The Grand Canyon
State.‖ He traveled to many locales—Sun City West,
Sedona, Rio Verde, Prescott, Scottsdale, & Sun Lakes.
Some of the elves who helped him come to life were:
Cathy Felton, Carla Hamilton, Sandi Van Winkle, Leigh
Shafer, Marianne Teubner, Susan Murray, Sherrill Beck,
Alice Hall, Carol Roberts, Tricia Winter & Nancy Noyes.
This santa was completed with love by
Arizona Saguaro Stitchers Chapter of ANG.
Arizona’s
ANG
Santa
Quail Run Needlework, Inc.
8320 N. Hayden Road, Suite C112, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Featured
Stitcher
The staff and students at Quail Run are lucky that Deborah Lundgren often chooses to
frequent the shop. Deborah is an avid stitcher who has mastered the art of needlework.
Her canvases are diverse, each stitch perfectly executed, and her selection of fibers and
stitches creative and artful. She‘s excited about the art of needlework; and to all that
know her, Deborah openly shares enthusiasm and vast knowledge.
When Quail Run asked me to be the featured stitcher for the
newsletter, I was flattered and honored to be chosen from among so many other talented stitchers I have met
here. It has been a joy to see all the wonderful ideas springing forth from beautiful canvases.
My history as a needlepointer starts with learning the craft from my maternal grandmother. As with most of
us, the hands of our ancestors were always kept busy. Yiayia (Greek for grandmother) was
multi-talented and she shared these talents with me starting at age 7 with embroidery. She had started to
needlepoint a piano bench cover but after she finished all of the flowers in the piece, she became allergic to
the wool. My mother started on the background but soon gave up on it. We can all relate! After Yiayia‘s
death in 1965, I made it my mission to complete the piece. It is now at it‘s rightful place at my mother‘s
square grand piano still in my
grandmother‘s home.
I continued to stitch with friends of Yiayia‘s until they talked me into opening a shop. In 1976, The
|Needlepointer was born in Reno and my grandfather was mortified because he said I would never meet a
husband in the needlework business. At the first Market I went to, I met Kent who was the first rep for
Sunset Designs and after ‗buying his line‘ we married!
In those days, we were just starting to use decorative stitches but only using Paternayan wool. I had met a
forward thinker who taught me to think beyond the continental stitch and I learned the beginning versions of
the multitude of different stitches we use today.
Needlepoint has been my passion to learn, experiment, share, and develop. It is my life and it is my
greatest love – after my family of course!
Look for Deborah‟s „stitching guidelines‟ in next month‟s newsletter.
Quail Run thanks Deborah for accepting our invitation to be our ‗Featured Stitcher‘. She
graciously shared her thoughts and opened her home so we could photograph her work and
write this piece.
Thank you….
Susan
Quail Run Needlework, Inc.
8320 N. Hayden Road, Suite C112, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
In case you weren‘t able to stop by the shop last month, we‘re
sharing some great canvases & finished pieces from
Share One‟s Ideas trunk show.
Not To Be
Missed
"The trouble with our times is that the future is not what it used to be". ~ Paul Valery 1871-1945
If you missed last month‘s announcement, Sandra Arthur is coming to
Quail Run. Both in person and in print form.
Quail Run Needlework, Inc.
8320 N. Hayden Road, Suite C112, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Sandra Arthur
National
Teacher
The design is drawn on 14 count monocanvas—image 11.5 X 13.
This class is a wonderful opportunity to practice known stitches and
learn new ones as well In part, stitches in the guide include—Woven
Plait, Woven Cross Stitch, Upright Gobelin, Smyna Cross, Trammé
Brick, plus many old standbys deploying unusual threads.
Class kits include: line-drawn canvas; all threads
including silks, metallic, cottons, specialty threads; plus beads ribbons
and other embellishments. You will also receive a stitch guide, detailed
diagrams, easy to follow instructions & a color photocopy.
Each dress matches one of the
Stirling LG leather tote bag colors!
“To The Beach” Class
October 28th, 29th & 30th, 2011
Arthur‘s latest book—Series II of ―Shapes of
Needlepoint‖ is now on Quail Run‘s bookshelf.
Call and we‘ll set one aside for you.
Undoubtedly, you have a well worn ―go to‖ book that
displays 100 different stitches and tells you how to execute
them. But how often have you stared, page after page,
wondering which one of those stitches to choose for the area
of the canvas you‘re working? Sandra Arthur‘s ―Shapes of
Needlepoint‖ to the rescue.
In her first book ―Series 1‖ Arthur tackles circles,
squares, triangles and rectangles. Her recently released
second book, ―Series II‖, addresses diamonds, hearts,
octagons and stars. In both instances she answers the
question, ―which stitch should I use for the area I‘m
stitching?‖
To facilitate choosing the correct stitch, the books are
organized first by shape, then by thread count. Are you
stitching a diamond spanning a 6 x 12 thread count area? If
so, you have 4 stitch selections. If your thread count is
8 x 8, you have seven choices for that diamond. And to
make it even easier, all diagrams are oversized; thus, easy
to see and easy to understand.
Arthur‘s books are a ―must have‖ for everyone from the
shop owner or stitch guide author down to the stitcher.
Book
Review
September
Trunk Show Birds of a Feather Designs are unique, often whimsical and
without a doubt—catch the eye & the imagination!
Quail Run Needlework, Inc.
8320 N. Hayden Road, Suite C112, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Canvas Connection focuses on providing fun, well-painted designs that
customers enjoy stitching. To name a few, their designs include historic
crosses, religious symbols, sayings, ornaments and stockings.
Quail Run Needlework, Inc.
8320 N. Hayden Road, Suite C112, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
September
Trunk Show
―The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time.‖ ~ Abraham Lincoln
Take A Bow
Quail Run is very fortunate to have a full bevy of fabulous
stitchers!!! We always marvel at the beautiful pieces they create and
we are excited to share these finished canvases with you.
Quail Run Needlework, Inc.
8320 N. Hayden Road, Suite C112, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Bun Lamb took this Leigh Design to new heights
in both it‘s execution and finishing! Bullion knots
dramatically create the hair, while the bolo is
feathery and fly-away. Finished into a tray, this
piece is intended as a gift for some lucky family
member.
The fun design of this
canvas, is aptly expressed
with the perfect touch of
bling Stitcher, Norma
Hokanson.
This Faberge Egg by Lee will be a
beautiful addition to the holiday
tree. Stitcher, Penelope Meyers.
Take A Bow
More great pieces by Quail Run stitchers.
Quail Run Needlework, Inc.
8320 N. Hayden Road, Suite C112, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Who could resist reaching out and touching this oh
so cute face! Stitcher Gracellen Goodman.
This is so Arizona and a great ornament
for celebrating a SW holiday. Stitched by
Cynthia Perin.
Sandy Werner‟s pillow makes you want to jump
in the car and head for the coast. Perhaps that
what she has in mind.
Molly & Snickers are immortalized, by
stitcher Charlene Thomlinson, in these
darling dog bone ornaments.
Quail Run Needlework, Inc.
8320 N. Hayden Road, Suite C112, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Upcoming
Classes
Classes are held at random times throughout the month.
Check our calendar for dates.
Canvas, fibers and instructional material are included in all classes.
Seating is limited so early sign-up is recommended.
Quail Run Needlework, Inc.
8320 N. Hayden Road, Suite C112, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
The shop has an ongoing schedule of classes. They are a collection of unique
projects employing a broad variety of needlework techniques. Projects are
designed to teach—fibers, stitches, technique. For hassle-free completion they
come complete with stitch guides.
“To The Beach” Class
October
28th, 29th & 30th
See page 6 of this
newsletter for more
information about this
―National Teacher‖
class.
This mini bell pull is
designed by Cheryl
Schaeffer and is
perfect to display
throughout the win-
ter season.
An open background
make this project
quick to complete.
“Mini Bell Pull” Class
October 22nd
November
October
October
Aran Sampler
Instructor: Deborah Lundgren
Looking to learn new stitches and techniques? If so, here‘s
the perfect class! Learn 15 stitches, beading, a variety of
great techniques—plus, have fun.
The model was stitched in ecru, but you choose your color.
The class consists of 3 sessions to provide you with lots of
time to perfect the stitches. Call the shop for details.
Quail Run Needlework, Inc.
8320 N. Hayden Road, Suite C112, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
More
Stitching
Opportunities!
Monthly we will take a canvas and create a stitch guide. You can purchase the kit which includes
canvas, fibers and stitch guide. Call the shop for details.
Canvases can also be purchased separately.
Quail Run Needlework, Inc.
8320 N. Hayden Road, Suite C112, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
In addition to a full array of ongoing in-house classes, Quail Run is happy to
support your stitching with on-line opportunities and stitch guides.
Quail Run is very excited about our newest
artist, Pam Hobbs!
We will be introducing this artist to you in our October newsletter, along with
the painted canvases we‘ve commissioned. To celebrate this new Quail Run
line, one of the features in next month‘s and upcoming newsletters will be a
free on-line class. You will have the opportunity stitch along as future
newsletters detail the stitches and fibers being used to finish this canvas. Or,
if you prefer, you can simply sit back and watch as this canvas comes to life.
If you‘re interested in stitching along, call the shop so we can set aside a canvas
for you.
Canvas and threads sold at shop prices.
Stitch guide is complimentary.
Southwest Ornament of the Month
Quail Run Designs has a wonderful bevy of southwestern designs. We continue to grow that catalog and offer
more and more canvases that depict and celebrate the southwest. Our newest canvases make quick, easy to
do projects, perfect for an ornament or special gift.
September
Ornament of the Month
Kokopelli Series
Southwest Images Series
Look for the Saguaro Series in the October newsletter.
Stitch and Chat: Come join fellow needlework enthusiasts for a few hours of stitching.
Stitch Studio: Bring a new or old project to life with a wonderful array of threads and amazing stitches.
Private Lesson: A one-on-one experience is the perfect way to get started learning the art of needlepoint.
Canvas Enhancement: Receive expert instruction and creative ideas on the threads and stitches to employ on your
current needlepoint project.
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
Stitch and Chat
1:00-4:00
2
Stitch Studio
1:30-3:30
3
Canvas Enhancement
10:00-1:00 &
1:30-4:30
4
Closed
5 6
Stitch and Chat
1:00-4:00
Private Lesson
10:00-noon &
1:00-3:00
7
Stitch Studio
10:30-12:30
8
Stitch and Chat
1:00-4:00
9
Stitch Studio
1:30-3:30
10
Canvas Enhancement
10:00-noon
Canvas Enhancement
1:00-3:00
11
Closed
12 13
Stitch and Chat
1:00-4:00
Private Lesson
10:00-noon &
1:00-3:00
14
Stitch Studio
10:30-12:30
15
Stitch and Chat
1:00-4:00
16
Stitch Studio
1:30-3:30
17
Canvas Enhancement
10:00-1:00 &
1:30-4:30
18
Closed
19 20
Stitch and Chat
1:00-4:00
Private Lesson
10:00-noon &
1:00-3:00
21
Stitch Studio
10:30-12:30
22
Japanese Embroidery
Stitch and Chat
10:00-4:00
Stitch and Chat
1:00-4:00
23
Stitch Studio
1:30-3:30
24
Japanese Embroidery
Open Stitching
10:00-4:00
25
Closed
26 27
Stitch and Chat
1:00-4:00
Private Lesson
10:00-noon &
1:00-3:00
28
Stitch Studio
10:30-12:30
29
Stitch and Chat
1:00-4:00
30
Stitch Studio
1:30-3:30
Quail Run Needlework Calendar
September 2011
Quail Run Needlework, Inc.
8320 N. Hayden Road, Suite C112, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
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