This is a Birgit Tolman original design. This beautiful will be released in the near future at The Wishing Thorn.Birgit Tolman of The Wishing Thorn joins us this week. The show is sponsored by the Embroiderers’ Guild of America. Birgit has lived a life of art, creativity, teaching, and needlework. She diverted for a year to work designing and cutting gravestones, then decided she was better off focusing on needle and thread. Today, her Wishing Thorn business focuses on designing original samplers and reproducing antiques. Birgit is at home doing either. Her large collection of antiques includes two that her grandmother created. In our conversation we learn about her business journey, how she approaches design and reproduction, and get to see her next original design. Be sure to visit her website to explore all of her offerings and, while you’re online, head over to egausa.org to become a member of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America.–Gary
Visit the EGA website at egausa.org and consider joining.You can listen by using the player above or you can subscribe to Fiber Talk through iTunes, Amazon Music, Spotify, Audible, iHeart Radio, TuneIn, Podbay, Podbean, and many other podcast sources. To receive e-mail notification of new podcasts, provide your name and e-mail address below. We do not sell/share e-mail addresses.
We hope you enjoy the show. We’re always looking for guests, so let me know if there is someone you’d like me to have on the show.
To add yourself to our mailing list and be notified whenever we post a new podcast, provide your name and email address below. You won’t get spam and we won’t share your address.
Jenifer is experiencing several new stitches as she creates her needle roll.The middle of the week is on schedule and that prompted Jenifer and Gary to gather and discuss some stitching things. Our topics include caskets, the Fiber Talk Needle Arts Weekend retreat (sign up at wetalkfiber.com/weekend), the Jackie du Plessis ornament available at Sassy Jacks, more things Jenifer learned during her week with Sue Spargo, Jenifer’s wool applique needle roll project, and our list of suggestions for holiday gifts you can give to your needlework friends. We think we came up with a good list of inexpensive gifts that are also easily mailed. Sunday’s guest: Birgit Tolman of The Wishing Thorn.–Jenifer and Gary
Sign up today for the Fiber Talk Needle Arts Weekend retreat, March 21 to 23, 2025.You can listen by using the player above or you can subscribe to Fiber Talk through iTunes, Amazon Music, Spotify, Audible, iHeart Radio, TuneIn, Podbay, Podbean, and many other podcast sources. To receive e-mail notification of new podcasts, provide your name and e-mail address below. We do not sell/share e-mail addresses.
We hope you enjoy the show. We’re always looking for guests, so let me know if there is someone you’d like me to have on the show.
To add yourself to our mailing list and be notified whenever we post a new podcast, provide your name and email address below. You won’t get spam and we won’t share your address.
One of the panels on Genie Posnett’s casket.Interior lid of Mary Barry’s casket.This week we have a special Fiber Talk show, sponsored by Sassy Jacks Stitchery. For some time Beth has been wanting to do a show about caskets. It took a bit of effort but we think we came up with the right format and are more than confident Beth found the right guests. This week’s show is a video-only program and our guests are skilled casket makers Mary Barry and Genie Posnett. The objective of the show is to share what’s involved in stitching a casket and, in Genie’s case, all that goes into designing and stitching a history-based casket. We cover a wide range of stitching topics that apply to needleworkers at all levels and hope we inspire you to tackle that challenging project you want to attempt but are not convinced you can handle. We hope you’ll take the time to enjoy our conversation and share it with your stitching friends.–Beth and Gary
Listen to the podcast:
Our Fiber Talk special show on caskets:
This week’s sponsor is Sassy Jacks Stitchery at sassyjacksstitchery.com.
You can listen by using the player above or you can subscribe to Fiber Talk through iTunes, Amazon Music, Spotify, Audible, iHeart Radio, TuneIn, Podbay, Podbean, and many other podcast sources. To receive e-mail notification of new podcasts, provide your name and e-mail address below. We do not sell/share e-mail addresses.
We hope you enjoy the show. We’re always looking for guests, so let me know if there is someone you’d like me to have on the show.
To add yourself to our mailing list and be notified whenever we post a new podcast, provide your name and email address below. You won’t get spam and we won’t share your address.
Join us for the first Fiber Talk Needle Arts Weekend, March 21 to 23, 2025.
Fiber Talk is having a retreat. The Fiber Talk Needle Arts Weekend will be held March 21 to 23, 2025 in St. Louis. We’re planning three days of stitching and classes (no extra fees for classes). Register and book your hotel room today. Hotel rooms at the event price are limited. We hope you’ll join us for a spring stitching getaway. Gary, Beth, Cindy, Jenifer, Kelly, and Robin
Here are the details:
Dates: Friday through Sunday, March 21 to 23, 2025
Location: Embassy Suites Two Convention Center Plaza Saint Charles, MO Just west of Lambert Intl Airport (STL)
Scenic and historic Saint Charles is home to 19th Century architecture, brick-paved streets, and a variety of restaurants and retail shops within three miles of the hotel.
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Fiber Talk’s Needle Arts Weekend is three days of stitching, a series of classes on Saturday, and daily “help tables.” The event welcomes all stitching techniques. Attendees will enjoy: • Stitching noon to 11:00 p.m. Friday (Hotel check-in is 3 p.m.) • Stitching 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Saturday • Stitching 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday (Hotel check-out is 11 a.m.)
Saturday classes are included in the registration (no extra fees). Register early; choose any; we will try to accommodate everyone. *Indicate the class code on your registration email.*
Learn What Your Color Wheel Can Do—Robin Rossignol Learn basic terms and definitions. See examples of the different color combinations. Practice using a color wheel and color a quilt pattern using the different color combinations. Code: Color
Different Threads do the Same Job—Robin Rossignol Learn how to think about your threads based on size and composition. This is helpful when a thread has been discontinued. See examples of the different types of threads and receive a list of equivalent threads. Code: Threads
Make Overdyed Threads Work for You—Cindy Baldwin Overdyed threads are the gateway to changing colors. Learn how to take advantage of overdyed threads, particularly with counted-canvas projects. Code: Dye
Don’t Fear Specialty Stitches—Beth Ellicott Your response to specialty stitches should not be, “I could never do that.” In fact, most specialty stitches are quite simple when approached logically. Expand your stitch repertoire and add interest to your projects. Code: Stitches
What’s in Your Stitching Toolbox?—Gary Parr There are many tools, several not designed specifically for stitching, that can make your needlework life easier. Learn what tools you should have in your toolbox and how to use them effectively. Code: Tools
From Yo Yo to Needlebook—Kelly Lea Teske Learn how to make Yo Yo’s and use them to make a simple needlebook. All materials provided. Code: YoYo
There will also be two Assistance Tables in the main stitching room. • One table will always be staffed so you can ask for help or tips with your project. • The Jenifer Table will be open from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. You’ll experience making a Temari ball and/or try slow stitching. You don’t need to sign up to participate.
*** Registration ***
To register for the Fiber Talk Needle Arts Weekend, send an email to [email protected]. Include in the email: –Your name –Complete address –Phone number –Email address –Class code/codes for which you are registering.
In response, you’ll receive: –An invoice for the $300 registration fee that includes an acknowledgement of your registration (To pay by check, see below.) –A link to make your hotel reservation. The hotel rate is $179/night, plus applicable taxes. Reservations are made directly with the hotel using the hotel link you’re given or phoning and identifying the Fiber Talk event, 1-800-EMBASSY (362-2779. Please book early; the room block is limited.
Please note: The $300 registration fee is non-refundable. If you find you are unable to attend and someone on the waiting list can take your place, we’ll refund $250 once we receive the entry fee from your replacement.
Your registration includes: • Stitching with old and new friends all weekend! • Your choice of Saturday classes • A Welcome Bag • Stitching room with classroom next door, separated by rest rooms, <em>i.e.</em>, minimal walking • Hotel hot breakfast buffet Saturday and Sunday morning • Fiber Talk Welcome Reception, Friday, 3:30 to 5 p.m., in the Fiber Talk area, lower lobby level • [Hotel Manager lobby reception Friday and Saturday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. with two free drinks] • Free parking outside our meeting area so you can easily go to lunch or dinner • Saturday afternoon snack break.
Please bring cordless lights/magnifiers. The hotel does not allow extension cords or power strips as they are a tripping hazard.
TO PAY BY MAIL: –Register by email with your personal information, class selections, and note that you are paying by check. We will acknowledge your registration by email and your check when it’s received. –Mail your check, payable to Fiber Talk, within 10 days to:
Fiber Talk P.O. Box 954 Manchester, MO 63011
Please join us for a fun, stitching-filled weekend!
The Nicola Jarvis Experience will be held in the area that inspired her new book.Jessica Grimm’s 2025 goldwork class promises to be a special experience.
This week our show is sponsored by Sassy Jacks Stitchery, your source for all of your needlework supplies. Our guests are Mark and Nadine Roger, owners of Creative Experiences. The Creative Experiences events offer a unique level of stitching education and relaxation for needleworkers. They provide several experiences throughout Europe each year, taught by many of the top designers/teachers in the world of needle and thread. In our conversation, we learn how Creative Experiences got started, what the events are like, and talk about the impressive lineup of tutors/classes they have scheduled for 2025. Mark and Nadine take great care to eliminate all of the hassle of travel so you can learn, stitch, and enjoy the city or area. Don’t leave your significant other behind. They make sure non-stitching travel partners have a great time, too. Be sure to visit the Creative Experiences website to see what’s on offer for 2025.–Gary
This week’s sponsor is Sassy Jacks Stitchery at sassyjacksstitchery.com.
You can listen by using the player above or you can subscribe to Fiber Talk through iTunes, Amazon Music, Spotify, Audible, iHeart Radio, TuneIn, Podbay, Podbean, and many other podcast sources. To receive e-mail notification of new podcasts, provide your name and e-mail address below. We do not sell/share e-mail addresses.
We hope you enjoy the show. We’re always looking for guests, so let me know if there is someone you’d like me to have on the show.
To add yourself to our mailing list and be notified whenever we post a new podcast, provide your name and email address below. You won’t get spam and we won’t share your address.
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