Food for Thought

I enjoy reading Dr. Jessica Grimm's blog about Medieval ecclesiastical embroidery but this posting really gave me something to think about--these embroideries were mass produced (well, what goes for mass production in a pre-industrial society) but the embellishments, materials and stitches chosen made each individual.   Dr. Grimm makes the point this resembles painted canvases today.

https://www.jessicagrimm.com/blog/mass-produced-medieval-goldwork-embroidery-the-adoration-of-the-magi

Bet you never thought you had so much in common with folks in the 15th and 16th Century!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 12, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

NJNA News

The latest e-newsletter from the New Jersey Needle Artists Chapter of ANG is out.

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2025/01/11/whats-happening-at-njna-1-11-25/

It's full of ANG news, both local and national, plus news of shop and designer moves, new designs and clubs, a new tool and much more!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 12, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Beading Awl

I just noticed Ruth of Bedecked and Beadazzled sells something called a beading awl.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/beading-awl/

It appears to have a fine sharp tip.  Beaders use it to move beads around and to help with knots in beading thread.  The beading awl has a comfortable grip and is made from Tulip which is known for their fine needles.  Just FYI.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 9, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Dale of Norway in Needlepoint

Eleonore found a real treasure in Norway--a needlepoint of the Dale, Norway sweater factory.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=8555514431125554&set=gm.8020097344734020&idorvanity=108537025890131

Dale of Norway's sweaters are famous and worth every penny according to folks who own one.  

https://eu.daleofnorway.com/

As Eleonore continued on her trip to Denmark, she found this fire screen stitched by Louis XIV's mistress. That's Louis the Sun King of France.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=8578805128796484&set=gm.8043598962383858&idorvanity=108537025890131

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 15, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Let's Talk Blackwork

Sarah asked Lisa at BeStitched to talk about blackwork, especially for backgrounds.  Here is what Lisa says on the shop's Instagram page--

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBzkapBSrwx/?igsh=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA%3D%3D

The threads used in the examples were all perle type threads such as Soy Luster from Dream House Ventures

https://www.needlenthread.com/2008/10/soy-luster-embroidery-thread-made-from.html

Floche (DMC)

https://www.needlenthread.com/2016/09/3-good-reasons-to-try-dmc-floche.html

Elegance (Rainbow Gallery)

https://www.rainbowgallery.com/product/elegance/

Tranquility (Treenway Silks)

https://www.treenwaysilks.com/productlist.php?category=1&secondary=8

Petite Silk Lame Braid (Rainbow Gallery)

https://123stitch.com/Rainbow_Gallery_Petite_Silk_Lame_Braid.html

size 4 Kreinik very fine braid (Rainbow Gallery)

https://www.kreinik.com/store/Very-Fine-4-Braid.html

However, you can use any thread type.  It's just easier to do blackwork with a non-strandable thread.

If you aren't familiar with "tuck stitches" you can read about them here.  I call them the locking L, the pin stitch, etc.  

https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2010/06/anchoring-ends-when-stitching-light.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 1, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.