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My needlepoint projects all go in a similar cycle.
Each part of the cycle is very different, and each part is very enjoyable
in a different way.
The first part of the cycle is design tool creation.
I am a computer programmer by trade. Oddly enough, programming is
also one of my hobbies. Since my work is very narrow and structured,
I use my needlepoint projects as an opportunity to learn and practice
programming techniques I would never use on the job.
I use the programs I create as tools in the design process. The computer
does not "create" these designs, it only provides me with advanced
tools that enable the design techniques I discuss in other articles
here.
The next part of the cycle is detailed design.
As a designer, I enjoy using these programs to try out design ideas
to converge on a final design. Needlepoint on 14 guage canvas places
limits on what types of images can be designed. Part of the challenge
is to work around, or hide the limits, to realize a design in a way
that looks natural. Ultimately, I end up with an exact chart of each
stitch.
The next part of the cycle is stitching the canvas.
After the programming and design work are done, I enjoy using a totally
different part of my brain on the needlepoint project itself. I now
transition from the computer programmer who works with pure abstractions
to a craftsman working with physical objects like markers, canvas,
yarn, needles.
This starts with a trip to the local needlepoint shop to pick yarn.
Picking the exact colors is a challenge for me. Sometimes I get a
little help from my wife.
Next comes the stitching itself. Stitching these projects typically
take up all of my free time for nine months. Stitching is soothing
to me, I never have trouble picking up the stitchwork and working
on a project. I enjoy the slow building up of the design on the canvas.
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Lastly, comes the blocking and framing. I do the
blocking myself, but have a professional do the framing.
Each of these parts of the cycle takes a long time and a lot of effort.
As each phase of the cycle is over, I am definitely ready for it to
end, and ready for the next phase to start. When the cycle is complete
for one project, I am ready to start all over on the next. That is
how I maintain my enthusiasm.
I have done all of my projects from needlepoint
charts that I created on the computer. I had never seen a standard
commercial chart till last year (2003). When I looked at a commercial
chart, I was appalled. I could never work off of one. There were millions
of different symbols all mixed together. There were totally blank
areas where you would loose your count.
For a while I made and tried to sell charts of my designs, and I duplicated
this style. But, I would never work from one myself. I had to put
a "commercial" and "home use" switch into my needlepoint chart generation
program so I could make both types of charts.
Let me describe my style of chart. It is based on color separation.
I have two, three, or four layers in my charts. Each layer has only
a few colors on it, so there are only a few different sorts of symbol
on each page. I determine which colors are on a layer, and which colors
go on different layers based on the design. My goal is to have each
pattern layer un-cluttered. I use simple symbols (e.g. an "o" or "x")
on each layer.
This means that most of the area on a given layer is blank (because
the colors that belong in the blank parts are on a differnet layer).
I use a small dot "." to mark where the color is on another layer.
This way I can count stitches. Finally, I draw rule lines every ten
stitches. These rule lines correspond to the grid marks I put on the
blank canvas every ten stitches before I start.
I never have to count higher than ten. I never loose my place on the
chart when I look down at the canvas. I never have to search for a
symbol among a throng of other similar symbols. I do, however need
to look at three or four layers in the pattern for each area I am
stitching. This turns out to be a benefit for me, as it organizes
my work.
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