A STITCHING JOURNAL
BY
DAVID McCASKILL
In 1989, when I first picked up a needle, I never imagined that my life would be forever changed. In 13 years I went from knowing absolutely nothing about needlepoint, to designing and teaching on a National level. Because of a needle I have had a major career change, met some incredible people and shared some wonderful experiences. Because of a needle I have been to the White House and two of my designs are now part of American history. This is why the class is titled ”A Needle and Me”. Everything good that has happened in my life since 1989 is in some way connected to that first needle.
Over the years I’ve taught many classes throughout the country. Since I am basically self-taught and don’t know any better, my type of stitching is not always conventional. I also tend to do unorthodox techniques, both in stitches and threads. Usually at the end of every class someone would ask, “When are you going to write a book”? I’ve thought about this for a long time, but the type of book I wanted to write would have been too large and too expensive. I wanted to use color to add emphasis, diagrams of stitches and techniques with step-by-step photographs. Scattered throughout the book would be personal experiences and some of funny things that have happened in a classroom. I also wanted a way that someone could read the book and still ask questions.
Flying home from a class, I would once again think about writing a book, but made very little progress once I arrived home, and then along came the Internet. Everything I wanted to do and share could become a reality. “A Needle and Me” is that book presented to you in a cyber format. At this time I have no intentions of putting the information in a printed book form and “A Needle and Me” will only be available as an e-book.
Each participant will receive a notebook with dividers and the material will be presented in installments, similar to chapters of a book. The first issue will consist of five installments beginning with all the basics of needlepoint and progressing through various techniques using threads, stitches and techniques. Each chapter will be uploaded to a designated area called “The Library” and will remain uploaded throughout the class. This gives you the freedom to access and print the chapters at will.
A sampling of topics that will be covered in the various chapters are: stopping and starting techniques, how to repair damage to your canvas, how to control various threads and adapt them to a particular project. Stitches will be offered to create marble, stucco and granite and controlling overdyed threads to achieve various effects. Techniques will be shown in step-by-step photographs guiding you through the creation of a perfect ribbon rose, an easy buillion or various beading techniques. Plus amusing stories, tips and general information to make your stitching easier and a joyful experience. I’ll also be sharing some “Can’t you see I’m stitching” recipes for quick and easy meals for those times when you want to stitch and your family wants to eat.
As a bonus, at the end of each five installments, a project will be included that will incorporate some of the stitches, threads and techniques discussed in the various lessons.
These projects will be exclusive to internet participants, and like the book, not available elsewhere. Each participant will also have the ability to ask questions and participate in a group question and answer format similar to an actual classroom situation.
The registration fee will include the workshop binder with dividers, a password to access “The Library”, an email address to use exclusively for your questions and a project at the completion of the first segment. Future segments will be offered giving you the ability to compile a notebook of valuable information and resources for all your stitching needs. Since this isn’t a project type format, the alumni program will not apply. But, as each segment of five chapters is offered, a discount will be given to previous participants.
Since this ebook doesn't have a time frame, you may register to participate at any time. The individual chapters, or parts of each chapter, will be uploaded regularly until the book is completed. As with previous projects, Laura Zickus will be our web mistress and librarian assisting me with all of the diagrams, photographs and text. It is our promise to all of you to make this an enjoyable and educational experience.
We’re looking forward to your participation.
David and Laura