2004: The first class I attended with Tony Minieri was an education. I had no idea what to expect, and here comes this short middle-aged Italian man from New Jersey. Entertaining, insightful and interesting are words that immediately describe him, but they don't do justice to his artistic sensibilities.
My first canvas was a simple bunny.
Tony gave me easy stitches to get me started and then challenged me with ruching. Unfortunately, Tony suffered an accident prior to the class so he wasn't there to teach it. I fumbled along and laid the canvas aside for several years.
2005: The next year's class provided another opportunity. I chose
a cute nutcracker boot. Another challenge, and this time with Tony in attendance, I began to learn the correct methods for many stitching functions that I had taught myself and were, frankly, wrong. The nutcracker stitching is finished but he's not yet been made into the boot that he will soon be.This same year I started "Noshi Ribbons", a study of the color wheel that will be a lovely group of ribbons if I ever get it finished. It was originally a monthly series, designed so the stitcher can complete one ribbon per month. I've gotten five ribbons done so far, and I started it 2 1/2 years ago. So much for the month-rule! No picture of this one yet!
2006: Next came one of my very favorite projects. Her name is "Rance's Dreamgirl" in honor of my artist-friend-diver Rance in Cozumel. He does fabulous paintings, gold jewelry, sculpture, and photography. Tony designed some great boobs on this one, right up Rance's alley! Note the unique trim on this pillow.
I took a big risk by signing up for "Patterns of the Orient". This was a real challenge to me because of starting with a blank canvas, having to count before stitching, laying thread upon thread to get the effect, and really working outside the box. This design is a study of Chinese, Japanese and Korean textiles. Many needlepointers know this work, but I suspect that only a fraction of the ones who have taken this class have completed it. The great satisfaction that enveloped me when I took the last stitch is indescribeable. Once I have completed "Journey", I'll have both of these framed. Where I'll hang them is still a mystery. We aren't quite this sophisticated!
2007: Boldly, I decided to give Tony two canvases for the class. The first is a perfect rendition of my sister and me - great golfers that we are, as "Golfing Sisters".
And, as good sisters, we always need a little wine after a round of golf. Here's "Set the Cow for Dinner" made into a pillow.
Tony Minieri has challenged me once again. The second in his series of fabric studies from different cultures, "Journey to Satchidinanda" explores the Indian fabrics used in saris. Because saris define the Indian woman, Tony visited the shops in Houston (among other cities), described what he wanted to the women of the shops and began his own journey of discovering the drapes and folds, hues and colors of these rich fabrics. Saris are quite different, depending upon the culture and region, and he's captured the simplest of them to the most sophisticated. You'll see from the photo of my work that I'm not quite finished with this piece, and I'm saving the peacock for the last. It will be gold work with Swarovski sequins to represent the eyes on the peacock's tail.
2008: This year's class has me doing a Sharon G canvas that, for now, is waiting in the wings. I have to finish "Journey" so I am ready for the next class in June with Tony. This one will be his "Tagasode". In August my sister and I will be in an embellishment class in Austin. I am really looking forward to that class, as she and I will be together! One more class this year in November with him!
For me, Tony provides a great challenge. He designs fabulous stitch guides that are fun to follow and more fun to complete. The finished product is an incredible work of art.
