I'm Punchy! I'm Punchy!
Let me share my punchneedle story with you! Two years ago I had the opportunity to visit the quilt show in Paducah - don't be impressed I was there helping a friend with her booth and I got very little time to enjoy the show. Anyway, I did manage to sneak down to a booth that was selling punchneedle patterns and kits. I was in love as I'd done some NEEDLEPUNCH when I lived in Japan (the same and yet different). Anyway, I came away with a handful of patterns and kits. After I got home they never saw the light of day. LOL Then last year, a friend and I went to the Quilt Festival in Chicago (this one I got to enjoy - LOL) and once again I was intrigued with punchneedle. I kept going back to the booth that was doing the demo just to watch. I was smitten once again. LOL Once again, I purchased a few patterns, kits, hoop and needle. A week after we returned from our trip I had to have emergency surgery and was down for a few weeks - perfect opportunity for me to do some punchneedle. Well, I did a little, got frustrated and put it all away. All those kits, patterns, hoops and needle have not seen the light of day until recently.
My punchneedle guru Wendy enticed me to pull out all the projects and try again. I've been playing with it off and on for the past couple of weeks only to admit defeat and failure. My guru was away on a quilting retreat so she wasn't around to help me along. When she returned she received my "failure" e-mail and sent one with two key tips that she'd given me before and I'd completely forgotten about. How to hold my hoop (against my chest) and how to punch (toward myself). Oh, my goodness that made all the difference and now I'm in Punchy Hog Heaven. Yesterday I worked on my project during the baseball game, then I pulled out quite a bit of the work because the overdyed floss I was using didn't look good and I changed to a different overdyed floss that worked much better. I'm quite proud of myself - still alot to improve on but not bad for a first project. LOL :-) Needless to say, there are lots more projects looming!
23 comments:
Wow, Darlene, I am impressed. I tried punch needle years ago and failed at it miserably. I love the look though, and yours is beautiful. What will you do with this? There are so many cute punchneedle patterns available. I don't need another hobby. I don't need another hobby.....
Glad to hear that you have mastered punch needle. I must say I was never able to get the results I wanted.
Glad to read that you turned to Wendy for assistance. That's who I would have suggested! She's so talented! Hurray for you! I don't need another hobby so I won't be punch needleling any time soon. I have a hook rug screaming at me! lol Looking forward to seeing your finished project!
So pretty Darlene, I don't understand how punch needle works, but seeing as I have enough on my plate I don't think I'll try to find the answers. I have enough hobbies....
Looks great Darlene.
By the way look in my blog and you will find a quilt you have done, just in some different fabrics. I just loved your quilt so much.
Looks like you've totally gotten the hang of it now!
That's so pretty. I made one punchneedle picture and then put it aside, but now I'm thinking I should get back to it:)
I had never even heard of punch needle until today! (What else have I been missing?) Your project is beautiful, and isn't it nice to have a nice hand work project to work on?
Darlene, you've got it...it is so fun...just those little tricks and you're off and running. It's the perfect take with you project.
That is such a pretty design. I've never tried punchneedle and have no idea how its is done. Looks great to me :-)
Hurray...I'm doing the "happy dance" for you in my living room. Your punching looks fantastic, you got it!
Nice job with the Punch Needle. Keep going and be sure to share it with us when you are finished.
You have inspired me. I too have several kits but lost interest after I bought them. I'm going to dig them out and do something! LOL
Love it - we can always do with one more thing handy to pick up and work on. Punchneedle is so quick and satisfying. Fits the bill just right.
Darlene,
I'm impressed with you and your punching. I have a few patterns but never got into it. Maybe i should send you all my stuff. :-) I just didn't get it.
Sharon
Wow, you're doing great!!
My supplies are hidden away. I gave up when I couldn't figure out how to thread the needle! LOL. I bought a DVD, so I need to watch it and try again.
I too have a punchneedle in process. I am going to pull it out and try your tips.
Wow, that is GORGEOUS!!! I did the same darn thing you did--kept buying the supplies, then stashing them away. Finally a couple of years ago I took a class at the local stitchery shop. I did 3 or 4 projects, then put it all away LOL! Now, after looking at yours, I am thinking about pulling it out of the closet again!!!
Punchneedle does look fun. I've been trying to control myself and not get into it!! It's hard to resist though.
I have never tried needle punch. It looks like you are doing a great job there -- I guess three tries is the charm :))
Darlene, you lived in Japan????? Where, when, how, why, who?? I have never heard of punch needle before, but now I have! I should go research it on the net, I'm not sur ehow it works...
Tell me about japan!
Darlene, it looks so cute, I may have to dig my supplies and patterns out soon. I was very intrigued by the process, too.
Oh, pretty! I love the look of punch needle. Like you, I've bought hoop, hoop stand, floss and two designs - and they are all tucked in a drawer untouched. I really want to try it. I have two or three books, and a local quilt shop that will help if need be. Another thing waiting for retirement!
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