Needle’s Dance
Late last summer, 3 designers put their collaborative heads together (quite a feat since we live in 3 separate time zones!) to create a class for the 2019 Nashville Needlework Market: Stand Out With Exclusives
Through much discussion, we realized that all 3 of us had participated in several different ‘exclusive’ programs throughout the years with a variety of shops. We created a list of ‘do this – not that’ type of suggestions in the hopes of offering advice to shops that had never planned an exclusive club or event for their shop before. We were pleased that a number of attending shops were ‘Exclusive Veterans’ – everyone got a chance to exchange ideas!
As part of the class offerings, Tracy, Beth & I designed a sampler & created a kit for each attendee as an example of what they could offer as an exclusive for their shop. We were kind of sneaky (I prefer brilliant) in that the chart would not be available until May – giving the shop time to stitch a model & not letting this beautiful design get lost in a sea of equally beautiful Market Releases! The shops’ main reward was getting access to this exclusive design!
Here we go with a little picture walk:
Through the wonder of Skype -Tracy (Ink Circles/Pacific Coast Time), Cathy – that’s me in Central Time, & Beth (Summer House Stitche Workes/East Coast Time) – managed to chat, laugh, design, pick out linen colors, & select floss.
Beth & Tracy had a little ‘Brady Bunch’ look going when I talked to them on my Ipad!
Designing 1,000’s of miles apart requires friendship, talent & trust…plus whole lot of pictures! I don’t know how many photos we sent back & forth before we landed on this gorgeous palette!
After the design was set, there just a few more tasks to handle: model stitching, photographing, charting, ordering supplies, creating class literature, cutting linen & fabric, creating all the extra little kit goodies…but we made it!! It was finally time for class – I love getting the photo of ‘just before class starts’!
Needle’s Dance – here she is! A beautiful representation of each of our own design styles, all blended together!
A beautiful design on Blue Moon, works just as well on Country French shades.
By now, you are hopefully anxious to find out what shops will be carrying this exclusive design! Please click the link here: Needle’s Dance Shops Take a peek at various shop websites, newsletters & social pages to see how they plan to offer the design – many are planning a fun kit filled with lots of goodies! We are well represented around the globe. Charts will begin shipping to participating shops on May 15.
Tracy, Beth & I are thrilled with the reception our design has received so far. We hope you enjoy stitching it. I am personally honored to call these two my friends.
Enjoy the Stitch & let your Needle Dance,
Cathy, Hands On Design
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