Suffice it to say I am thrilled. Ranking quite high on the list of things that I am excited about for 2012 are these Needlepoint kits that I developed together with Anchor, UK. For now I am putting them in the "looking forward to" category because I don't have a final final final answer yet as to when they should be shipping- though I believe it to be within the next month or so. We will carry them in the shop, and I am sure that other shops will be picking them up as well, though perhaps not so wide spread as my fabrics. (And woops it appears as though a few prints from my next collection are showing themselves in the top photo (places hand over "o" shaped mouth, eyes widen).)
These kits seem so much more available in Europe in general (where they are referred to more as "tapestry" than needlepoint). I am hoping to help turn that tide a bit, that these types of goods, and in fresh design offerings, will become more available here for us. The kits come complete with the printed canvas, all the wool that you need to complete them, as well as simple instructions for completion and care.
Never would I have thought, as I tried over and over to make good, even stitches as a young girl (looking constantly in my sister's lap at her perfectly worked wool surface) that I would one day get the pleasure of designing these. Please know that privilege has nothing to do with proficiency in this art form, my stitches are what they are. Mine. Don't be afraid. It is slow work. But I love that phrase, you? Slow. Work. No, never would I have guessed I'd like that either. Ha.
More on all this later. Speaking of guessing and predicting though, I was so honored to give some insight to my friends over at SewMamaSew to wrap up their Reflections & Predictions series on their blog. It has been so fun to read through them all, and honestly has helped to energize my own creative fires. I hope you'll enjoy reading my thoughts on the sewing industry. I tried to sound smart.
smooch! Anna