The Breast Cancer Research Stamp — One Stitch at a Time
On October 4, 2006, Allen Kane, Director of the Smithsonian National Postal Museum, hosted a pink champagne reception to celebrate the Breast Cancer Research Stamp. During the evening, United States Senator Dianne Feinstein, CA and Betsy Mullen, also of California, were honored by The National NeedleArts Association for their roles in establishing the stamp that, to date, has raised over $51 million for breast cancer research.
The event marked the two-year anniversary of The National NeedleArts Association's Stitch to WIN Against Breast Cancer Campaign. The campaign is dedicated to fighting breast cancer in two ways — by raising awareness of the Breast Cancer Research Stamp, and by raising funds for Living Beyond Breast Cancer, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to directly serving those affected by this far-reaching disease.
Through the needlearts, thousands across our nation have come together to Stitch to WIN against breast cancer, one stamp at a time and one stitch at a time.
At the reception, The National NeedleArts Association presented The Breast Cancer Research Stamp — One Stitch at a Time, five wall hangings of the Breast Cancer Research Stamp, replicated in fiber. Using yarn, threads, fabric and canvas, the original image created by artist Whitney Sherman, has been transformed through the hand fiber arts of needlepoint, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery and knitting. Each piece, while honoring the beauty and grace of the artist's design, speaks in a slightly different language, whispering the spirit of the thousands who stitched upon them.
Because of the impact of these over sized, needlearts stamps, TNNA asked for permission to take them on tour so more people could actually see and enjoy them. Graciously, Mr. Kane agreed. Four of the wall hangings (the knitted piece is in final production) recently traveled to Philadelphia to be displayed at Living Beyond Breast Cancer's fall conference. All five will be presented at TNNA's upcoming trade show in San Diego CA (Jan. 07). Thanks to the help of Senator Feinstein and the United States Postal Service, plans are being made to show them throughout post offices in California and, perhaps, beyond.
Although these wall hangings were touched by so many, some people were a little more involved in their design and production. The following individuals and groups took the challenge and, in doing so, were instrumental in the creation of these pieces. They certainly exemplify the power of the stamp . . . and the stitch.
Below you will find information pertaining to all of the wall hangings.
Photographs of the event are posted on this site. If you need high resolution images of any of the pictures, please let me know.
The Celebration of the Breast Cancer Research Stamp, October 4, 2006 at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum:
Presentation of The Breast Cancer Research Stamp — One Stamp at a Time Wall Hangings
Address by Allen Kane, Director, Smithsonian National Postal Museum
Betsy Mullen with Georgetown U Students
Senator Dianne Feinstein acceptance
Address by Mary Ann Gibbons, the United States Postal Service
Unveiling of OnePixelataTime.org
Please contact me for any additional information.
Sherry Mulne
614-237-0700
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your spirit to the Breast Cancer Research Stamp wall hangings at: Didn't get a chance to stitch on one of the actual wall hangings? Help fight breast cancer one stamp at a time, one stitch at a time and one pixel at a time. |  |
The Crocheted Wall Hanging
S.R. Kertzer, UK
Todd Paschall, Designer and Teacher
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The first chain was crocheted on October 23, 2004 at Mall of America, Minneapolis MN, using yarn from S.R. Kertzer. Progress was made at TNNA's January '05 Trade Market in Long Beach CA. Even the city's Mayor Beverly O'Neill stopped by to stitch an inch. Faced with the challenge of recreating the fine detail and soft transitions of the stamp, TNNA called on Todd Paschall, the fiber artist who originally charted the crochet design. Known for his amazing crocheted portraits and his inspiring classes, Todd engaged the help of thirteen of his students in Atlanta GA, to create this incredible, 70" x 40" image! Todd PaschallTodd A. Paschall was born in Fairbanks, Alaska on December 21, 1964. His education includes 2 years at Georgia State University and over 20 years working in crochet. He has lived in Atlanta the last 32 years. Although Todd has no formal education in the arts, he has a creative personality that is just beginning to blossom into a lifetime career.
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For the first 3 years of his development in crochet, he concentrated on stitch consistency. The next 7 years, Todd's aim was to take this craft of crochet and turn it into a legitimate art medium. The last 5 years spent mastering the art of crochet He started this process by crocheting portraits. Feeling that portraits are the hardest images to capture in any medium, Todd embraced the challenge of creating them using yarn and hook. Now known and admired for the artistry of his crocheted portraits, Todd has been featured in the Arts and Entertainment Section of The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, and was recently highlighted in the Spring Edition of Crochet Fantasy Magazine. His portrait of Billy Holiday took the People's Choice Award and the Dimensional 2D/3D Award at the Crochet Guild of America's Chain Link 2003 Conference. His goal is to teach other crocheters this technique of Crochet By Numbers. He has recently released an easy to follow dvd to help others learn his style and ensure they enjoy crochet as much as he does. |
The Embroidered Wall Hanging
Tink Boord-Dill, Peg & Tink Ink, KY
North Carolina State University
Carolyn Barrani, Barrani Design Studios, UT
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Tink Boord-Dill was quick to offer her skills as a theatrical set designer to paint the image of the stamp for the embroidered wall hanging. After looking into the project further, however, she determined that it would be better to see if the background could be printed on the muslin. After searching high and low to find a place that had the technology to accomplish this rather unusual task, she found North Carolina State University. Thanks to Lisa Chapman-Parillo, a large image (over 6' x 4'), as well as several small versions were printed at the university. The embroidered wall hanging made its debut in January, 2005 at TNNA's Trade Show in Long Beach CA. TNNA members stopped by to stitch-an-inch on the larger version, measuring over 6 feet high. Realizing the enormity of the task at hand, TNNA member
Carolyn Barrani offered to lend her time and talent to completing one of the
smaller versions. Her
interpretation in fiber shows off the artistry of embroidery as she cleverly
uses threads and embellishments to highlight the elements of the design while letting
View the Embroidered Wall Hanging View more pictures of the wall hanging in process. View article about Carolyn Barrani |
Carolyn BarraniCarolyn Barrani studied needlework at the Elsa Williams' School of Needlework in Massachusetts and the Royal School of needlework in London, and has designed crewel and needlepoint for over 30 years, creating designs for major manufacturers in the industry as well as manufacturing her own kits for such national magazines as WOMEN'S DAY and FAMILY CIRCLE. Her designs have been featured by needlework magazines in both the United States and Great Britain. She brings to the field a fresh approach and innovative ideas, and is dedicated to the concept of needlework as a viable art form. In spite of popular trends, she is determined to explore design possibilities in wool embroidery and Canvas Work Stitch Kits, as well as variations on cross-stitch. |
The Needlepoint Wall Hanging
Ted Dillon, Tapestry Tent Designs, CO
Westminster Fibers, NH
The South Central Region of the Embroiderers' Guild of America
The needlepoint wall hanging took center stage at Mall of America MN, in October, 2004. The 4 foot canvas was printed by Ted Dillon of Tapestry Tent Designs, with yarn supplied by Westminster Fibers, NH.
Shay Pendray of Shay Pendray's Needle Arts Studio took the first stitch. Carol Gantz of Associated Talents FL and TNNA president in 2004, the Pete Best Band, Miss Junior Teen America 2004 . . . and even Betsy Mullen, the woman responsible for co-writing the legislation to create the stamp and helping to make it all happen . . . joined with other volunteers to stitch an inch to win against breast cancer.
After travelling to the University of Akron, Akron OH, the canvas made its way to TNNA's Trade Show in Long Beach CA and then on to an exciting week at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas NV and an appearance on Starting Over, an emmy award winning daytime TV show.
From Minnsota to Hawaii to California, stitch by stitch, the needlepoint canvas was touched by hundreds of people in local shops, community events and TNNA shows.
In June 2005, Pat Dugan, South Central Region, Community Outreach Chairman of the Embroiderers' Guild of America (EGA), offered the services and support of the many dedicated stitchers from her region. Nineteen chapters from Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma took part. In addition, guild members at three regional events added their stitches and their spirit in support of those affected by breast cancer, finally completing the canvas . . . one stitch at a time.
Led by Pat Dugan, the guild members literally "took off" with the needlepoint canvas. The following is Pat's account of the Stamp's journey:
The Breast Cancer Stamp
needlepoint canvas was ready to be stitched by the South Central Region Seminar
in Tulsa, OK in June of 2005 so the project was introduced to the membership
then. The canvas was available to stitch on at the Seminar and the first EGA
member to stitch on it was Helena (Leni) Dittmar, National Secretary from New
York City. Leni was delighted to be the last person to stitch on the Stamp at a
Seminar when she attended the 2006 Seminar in Dallas, Texas. Armida Taylor, EGA
National President in 2005 took the opportunity to stitch on the piece in
Tulsa.
After Seminar 2005 in Tulsa, the
stamp went on a trip around the southern part of the US in a stitching
adventure. First stop was Atlanta, GA at Embroiderers' Guild National Seminar
where stitchers from around the country sat down and placed a few stitches.
Each stitcher had a story about someone who was a survivor or someone who they
were stitching in memory of.
In early September the Stamp traveled to Shreveport, LA for an event hosted by the Shreveport Rose Stitchery Guild at the local Barnes and Noble bookstore. Lots of interest in the project was displayed by B&N customers, and the Guild made real headway in stitching the Stamp. From Shreveport the Stamp traveled east on I20 to the small community of Delhi, LA and the Cottonland Chapter. Virginia Furr of Cottonland delivered the stamp to Ruston, LA and the Peaches and Pines Chapter where six members added their stitches.
Leaving Louisiana, the Stamp
traveled north to El Dorado, AK where the Loose Threads Chapter hosted a
stitch-in. That day several young ladies, 12 to 16 years old put their hands to
the stitching. What a delight to see these young stitchers' determination to
support this cause. Many from the El Dorado community attended and shared their
stories, both happy and tragic. The Stamp stayed in El Dorado until December
giving the Loose Threads members plenty of opportunity to add to the piece.
In early December, the Stamp was
again on the road, visiting Norman, OK for a few weeks of stitching by chapter
members before moving on to the Red River Chapter in Wichita Falls, TX. A
member of Red River carried the Stamp to the annual retreat hosted by the
Dallas Needlework and Textile Guild where EGA members from across central Texas
enjoyed a fun filled weekend of stitching and fellowship. Many stitched on the
Stamp at this event. From Dallas the Stamp moved to Oklahoma City for stitching
by two chapters, Central Oklahoma EGA and Wheatheart Chapter.
By February 11, 2006, the Stamp
was back with the Region for a mid-year meeting in Austin, TX. While there,
many visitors to the Austin Stitchery Guild's semi-annual needlework exhibit
had an opportunity to work on the Stamp and we got some great photos of those
people. Any time I was with the Stamp and the stitchers who worked on it, I
heard their stories of the difficulties and triumphs of breast cancer patients.
After the meeting, a member of one of the Houston, TX chapters took the Stamp
to the Houston area and the four chapters there got together to work on it.
At the end of February, just a few
months after Katrina, the Lafayette, LA Stitching Magnolias Chapter took the
Stamp and added their stitches. EGA members reached out even in the midst of
their own horror story to help others in need. This kind of compassion was
displayed again by the Louisiana Lagniappe Chapter in Baton Rouge. When they
received the Stamp from Lafayette, they placed it in a local needlework shop so
anyone who came in could participate in this project.
Mid-March found the Stamp in Fort
Worth, TX at the Fort Worth Chapter where ten stitchers gathered to move the
project forward. They finished in time to get the Stamp to Tulsa, OK to the
Embroiderers' the Loose Threads Chapter.
June found the Stamp in Dallas at
the SCR Region Seminar with about 1/3 left to complete and I was scrambling to
get Chapters to sign up again for another round so we could meet our October
deadline. At the Region Board Meeting, Susan Peterson raised her hand and said
that her Bay Area Renaissance Stitchers Chapter President asked her to tell us
that they would take the Stamp and complete it on time! What an incredible
offer and after a short trip to Little Rock, AK for the Diamond Chapter to have
an opportunity to add a few stitches, the Stamp went once again to the Houston,
TX area to be completed. Susan and her crew of dedicated stitchers completed
the canvas by Labor Day and had it on its way back to me for blocking and
mounting in time for the presentation to the Smithsonian National Postal
Museum.
Over and over stitchers thanked me for the opportunity to work on this awesome project and over and over I rejoiced in the dedication of such a caring group of people. Our thanks go to TNNA for the faith they showed in us and for the support they offered while we made this journey. Thanks also to the United States Postal Service for continuing to issue this important stamp.
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The schedule included the following chapters: Shreveport Rose Chapter Dehli - Cottonland Chapter Ruston - Peaches & Pines Chapter El Dorado - Loose Threads Chapter Norman - Norman Chapter Wichita Falls - Red River Chapter Dallas Needlework & Textile Guild Oklahoma City - Central Oklahoma EGA & Wheatheart Chapter Austin - SCR Mid Year Meeting Lafayette - Stitching Magnolias Baton Rouge - Louisiana Lagniappe Fort Worth Chapter Tulsa - Embroiderers' Guild of Oklahoma Diamond Chapter |
The stitchers who completed the stitching of the piece: Yellow Rose Chapter Bay Area Renaissance Stitchers Houston Embroidery Guild The Woodlands Chapter Bay Area ANG in League City, Texas In addition individual guild members stitched at three Regional events: Tulsa Seminar 2005, Austin Mid-year Meeting, and Dallas Seminar 2006. |
View more pictures of the wall hanging in process.
View more pictures of the wall hanging in process.
The Cross-Stitched Wall Hanging
Tink Boord-Dill, Peg & Tink Ink, KY
DMC
The American Needlepoint Guild
Charted By Tink Boord-Dill (with threads provided by DMC), the enormous banner, measuring over 6 feet high, was a piece of art in and of itself. Tink had skillfully stitched markers and identified segments to make the task as easy as possible. She had painstakingly charted the design, matching colors and making sure she stayed true to the original art as possible.
This gigantic wall hanging challenged volunteers, TNNA members, Revlon Òrun-walkersÓ, students and community leaders across the country. The image of the stamp began to miraculously appear, as stitchers stitched from Minneapolis MN, to Akron OH, to Long Beach and Los Angeles CA . . . and beyond. Each stitch unveiled more of the design, but we were far from revealing the whole picture.
Thankfully, when Tink charted the large wall hanging, she also created several smaller versions for individual shops or groups to stitch.
Committed to our cause and to the advancement of the needlearts, chapters of The American Needlepoint Guild, under the leadership of Sue Haines, Vice President for Chapters and Areas, came forward to bring the image to life. With very little time before the presentation to the Smithsonian National Postal Museum, Sue managed to bring together six different chapters to accomplish the goal.
Before presenting it at the DC event, Sue premiered the banner at the American Needlepoint GuildÕs National Seminar in Tucson on September 8th.
View more pictures of the wall hangings in process.
The Knitted Wall Hanging
Linda Pratt, Westminster Fibers, NH
Barry Klein, Trendsetter Yarns, CA
The first of over 280 stitches were cast on at Mall of
America in Minneapolis MN.
Originally using yarns provided by Trendsetter Yarns and 42" circular
needles, the knitted version required stitchers to follow an intricate pattern,
carrying multiple colors at the same time.
Stitchers worked diligently at TNNA's Trade Show in Long Beach CA and in Los Angeles CA at the 2005 Revlon Run Walk.
In June of 2005, Linda Pratt, National Marketing Manager of
Westminster Fibers, took the project by the "needles" and made it happen.
Calling on expert stitchers she knew, Linda enlisted the aid of Lori Gayle of Arlington MA to chart the design. The final wall hanging was knitted by Jeanne Moran, Fairfax CA.
Due to a variety of circumstances beyond everyone's control,
the knitted wall hanging was not presented in DC. This version will, however, be on display at TNNA's January
Show in San Diego CA and will be included in the traveling display.
View pictures of the wall hanging in process.