Tag: CRVC

  • “Favorite Techniques” – CRVC’s Granby Display

    “Favorite Techniques” – CRVC’s Granby Display

    The Connecticut River Valley Chapter (CRVC) organized another successful display, which was viewable through November 2025 in the main branch of the Granby Public Library.

    The theme was Favorite Techniques. Sure, we enjoy learning new things, but we all have a favorite (or two) that we return to again and again, be it canvas work, blackwork, Japanese, surface embroidery, ribbon, beading, or cross-stitch. This display allowed our members to celebrate their personal favorites.

    Nametag – Designed by Jane Nicholas, stitched by Lisa Green
    “Finding Time,” a blank pages book – Designed by Catherine Jordan, stitched by Linda Berry
    Celtic Birds & Mackintosh Rose Bookmarks, Textile Heritage Celtic Kits, stitched by Nancy A. Neff
    New England Region Embroidery Display
    “Chinese Vase,” Mary Hickmott’s New Stitches Magazine, stitched by Kathryn J Lord

    We also held a meet & greet — a mini stitch-in! During the event, we worked on our WIPs and distributed free patterns and mini kits containing an assortment of fibers and supplies.

  • America’s Tapestry: Stitching Connecticut

    America’s Tapestry: Stitching Connecticut

    Tina Alberino (CRVC) stopped by Hartford Stitch to work on the Connecticut panel (America’s Tapestry) and completed a bridge support post.

    Any stitcher can participate in this community project celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Click here to visit the America’s Tapestry page on the Hartford Stitch website, where you can learn more and schedule time to lend your talents and your time to the Connecticut panel!

    Getting started.
    Finished post.
    Up-close with the post.
  • “Crewel Peacock” stitched by Tere Foley

    “Crewel Peacock” stitched by Tere Foley

    Tere Foley of the Connecticut River Valley Chapter (CRVC) embroidered a blue peacock standing on a gentle hill, surrounded by greenery. The stitching, framing, and mat fit together beautifully.

  • November 15th: Stitch-In at Granby Public Library

    November 15th: Stitch-In at Granby Public Library

    THIS EVENT HAS PASSED. This page is archived here for recordkeeping (and sentimental) purposes. Click here to see the event recap!

    Mark your calendars! The Connecticut River Valley Chapter is hosting a stitch-in at Granby Public Library on November 15th, and everyone is welcome.

    No registration required, no experience necessary.

    Whether you’re an experienced stitcher or just curious about embroidery, stop by to work on your projects, meet fellow fiber enthusiasts, and enjoy some relaxed, creative time together. Bring whatever you’re working on—or just bring yourself and your questions!

    Just show up ready to stitch and socialize. We’d love to see you there!

    SEE OUR DISPLAY!

    Stop by Granby Public Library to check out CRVC’s display showcasing members’ favorite techniques. It’s a great opportunity to see different styles and approaches to embroidery up close, get inspired for your own projects, and discover techniques you might want to try yourself!

    WHEN: November 15th, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
    WHERE: Granby Public Library | 15 N Granby Rd. Granby, CT 06035

    Questions? Contact event organizer, Kathryn Lord.

  • “Fox and Vines”stitched by Michelle Remenik

    “Fox and Vines”stitched by Michelle Remenik

    Michelle Remenik of the Connecticut River Valley Chapter (CRVC) stitched this gorgeous piece featuring an adorable fox and swirling florals.

  • “Christmas Tree” stitched by Bonnie Zink

    “Christmas Tree” stitched by Bonnie Zink

    Bonnie Zink of the Connecticut River Valley Chapter (CRVC) stitched this playful and fun Christmas Tree.

  • “Swirling Rainbow”stitched by Lisa Green

    “Swirling Rainbow”stitched by Lisa Green

    Lisa Green, of the Connecticut River Valley Chapter (CRVC), stitched this beautiful colorful design.

  • “Elephant” stitched by Judie Solomon

    “Elephant” stitched by Judie Solomon

    Judie Solomon of the Connecticut River Valley Chapter (CRVC) stitched this adorable elephant!

  • “Zelda the Zebra” Workshop with Toni Gerdes

    “Zelda the Zebra” Workshop with Toni Gerdes

    UPDATE: Registration for this event has closed.

    Hosted by Connecticut River Valley Chapter.

    Dates: January 31 & March 7, 2026
    Instructor: Toni Gerdes
    Format: In-person at Thistle Needleworks in Weathersfield, CT and Zoom (hybrid class)
    Registration Deadline: November 24, 2025

    Meet Zelda!

    Get ready to fall in love with Zelda – an exuberant patchwork zebra whose colorful stripes and flirtatious “false” eyelashes will steal your heart! This whimsical design combines a stunning jewel-tone palette with sophisticated stitching techniques to create a truly captivating piece.

    What Makes Zelda Special

    Dazzling Materials:

    • Rainbow Gallery metallics for shimmer and shine
    • Luxurious Caron threads
    • Silky Straw Silk fibers
    • Planet Earth specialty threads
    • Beautiful beads for added texture and sparkle

    Sophisticated Techniques:

    • Classic favorite stitches alongside exciting new surprises
    • White-on-white diagonal background pattern that enhances Zelda’s personality
    • Advanced color and texture combinations

    Design Elements:

    • Multi-colored stripes that showcase various thread types
    • Playful “false” eyelashes that give Zelda her flirty charm
    • Jewel-tone palette that makes this zebra absolutely exquisite

    Workshop Details

    This two-session workshop allows plenty of time to master the various techniques and fully develop Zelda’s personality. Whether you join us in person at the beautiful Thistle Needleworks shop or participate via Zoom, you’ll receive expert instruction and support throughout the creative process.

    The background’s white-on-white diagonal pattern provides the perfect foundation to make Zelda’s vibrant colors pop while adding sophisticated visual interest to the overall design.

    Registration Information

    Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate
    Kit Fee: $175

    Questions about materials or techniques? Reach out to organizer Linda Berry for more details.

  • “Water Spiral” and “Earth Spiral” Stitched by Kathryn Lord

    “Water Spiral” and “Earth Spiral” Stitched by Kathryn Lord

    Our talented New England stitchers at the Connecticut River Valley Chapter have been creating stunning “Water Spiral” ornaments – the beautiful companion to last year’s popular “Earth Spiral” project! While both are spiral ornaments, the Water Spiral brings its own unique character and challenges.

    About the Project

    Ground Fabric: 28-count Cashel White linen
    Thread: Cottage Garden Thread Dark Yew in sizes 8 and 12

    These elegant 6.5″ Hardanger spiral ornaments start as 12″ long by 1.25″ wide strips worked in various traditional Hardanger stitches. The design alternates between intricate ship stitch motifs and delicate filling stitches.

    The magic happens in the finishing – the completed strip is carefully wound into a spiral and joined using Ukrainian Insertion Stitches, specifically the two-step Boikian Joining technique. The result is a sophisticated ornament that showcases both precision stitching and expert finishing skills.

    Techniques Featured

    This intermediate-level project incorporates classic Hardanger techniques including:

    • Wrapped bars and woven bars
    • Satin stitch and ship stitch
    • Dove’s eye and eyelets
    • Greek Cross filling
    • Ukrainian Insertion (Boikian Joining)

    The Learning Experience

    Taught over two sessions (February 8 and March 8, 2025), this Zoom class allowed students to master thread cutting and needle weaving techniques while working with the precision required for 28-count linen. The instructor guided participants through each step, from the initial stitching through the complex spiral joining process.

    Each finished ornament is a testament to the stitcher’s patience and skill – a beautiful keepsake that demonstrates the timeless elegance of Hardanger embroidery.