What a week! I attended not just one, but TWO workshops…… one learning punch needle, the second investigating embellishments for our hooking. Both were given by Sandra Marshall and each was a wonderful learning experience. If you have a chance to attend either or both…..jump at it!
The punch needle class was one day long, and since we were all hookers, the transition was quite simple.
Here is just one example of Sandra’s punch needle work.
Advantages: it’s quicker than traditional hooking, you can use balls of yarn with no need to deal with smaller strips and ends (although normal wool strips can be used). The needle determines the depth of the loops, so once the technique is mastered, all the loops will be a consistent height.
Disadvantages: You work from the back so your work is always up-side-down. Your pattern will be a mirror image of your completed work (makes lettering tricky) and you can’t see your finished product as you are working on it.
For a “colourholic” like me, the array of fabulous wool brought by Sandra was spine tingling.
I chose my pattern, and wool (made some changes and added some of my own wool as well after this photo was taken) then Sandra suggested the size of punch needle that would be best for my wool.
A lesson on technique, and before long we were all busily at work.
Some people chose one of Sandra’s pre-drawn patterns, some used her templates to draw one of their their own, and some brought patterns from home. 
Everyone was having a good time.
Seeing Sandra’s work was a wonderful inspiration.
The next two used wool strips rather than wool yarn. 
A super day…..great learning, fun working, good friends , and yummy food (thanks to Brenda).
I did take photos of my efforts, but my wonderful new camera has turned out not to be so wonderful after all! It is on its way back to the manufacturer after refusing to upload any more photos to my computer. Hopefully it will be back soon and I can continue with a blog about embellishments.
Thanks for stopping by.
Sunshine Rughooking 
Really enjoy your pics and blogs , Elizabeth, ,,, I have done some punch needle and like it for a change,,,, looks like everyone enjoyed it,,,,,
I can’t see I’d ever switch from hooking to punch needle Elaine, but as you say, it’s fun for a change. I was surprised at the detail Sandra was able to achieve.
Love the work shown in Punch Needle. I did a course with Amy Oxford a couple of years ago, thoroughly enjoyed it and came away not sure about whether I really wanted to carry on with it. Then a year or so down the line I wanted to use up some of my handspun and dyed yarns, and proceeded to Punch a rug with multi-coloured toadstools and mushrooms all over it. I love the rug and wouldn’t hesitate to make another at some future point. I still prefer hooking though!
I think my reaction will be much the same as yours Jan. I’ll try it again, but I’m a hooker at heart.
Thanks for sharing Elizabeth. Sorry about your camera.
Sandra is an awesome teacher and a true inspiration, as you have said. Although I love traditional hooking, I am about to try to do two headboards and will punch them because of speed. And someday, they may find their way to a floor somewhere.
That sounds like an exciting project Wendie. I hope you post your progress . Sandra is obviously an admirer of yours as well (your name came up several times over the course of the three days).