Interview with Dee Remesnik from Taylors miniature rugs

1. How did you first find out about punchneedle embroidery? - how long ago was that? About 10 years ago I found the Igolochkoy needle at a local craft show in Cleveland. Saw potential and took one home with me. Took to it instantly!!!

2. What about the Russian punchneedle caught your eye and interest to make you continue with it and make it a profession? At the time I was a partner in a cross-stitch shop. We saw possibilities for combining the punchneedle with cross stitch. We made up some samples for display in the shop, ordered the needles from Gail Bird and started having classes. For example, on a D. Morgan picture of a farmhouse we cross stitched everything except the trees and shrubs which were punched. On a small picture with a quilt draped over a trunk and a cat sitting on a braided rug, the cat was punched while everything else was cross stitched.

It added some dimension to a flat surface. We had moderate success marketing the idea. I then became involved in Miniatures and realized how PERFECT the Igolochkoy punchneedle was for miniature rugs - that became a passion, an art, and also, a business.

3. Does Miniature rug work require special tools(thread, fabric, hoop)? Not every punchneedle will allow you to use a single strand of DMC floss. It takes that level of delicacy to create a rug that looks authentic in one inch scale. But, other than finding the right needle (Gail Bird's Igolochkoy needle is my choice), I use muslin and the DMC floss I have boxes full of, from all the cross stitch projects I've done over the years.

4. What is the difference between a Russian punch needle and a regular needlepunch needle (like Ultrapunch, or Purrfect Punch)? The Russian punchneedle has the smallest needle I've found. The Russians used it to decorate clothing. It creates the smallest, most delicate loop I've seen. You can use a single strand of embroidery floss or even sewing thread.

5. Although the techniques are similar what is the major difference in hand control?

With the smaller, shorter needle, I feel I get closer to the work I'm doing and therefore have more control. I'm doing very delicate work and I'm not doing it with a large, clunky device.

6. Please tell us your favorite item to make. I like a challenge, so my favorite thing to do is custom miniature rugs. I'm currently working on a 5 x 7" rug for a miniature lighthouse.

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