Events for Needlepointers

Shops are starting to get creative with special events for their customers.  For example, Old World Designs is following up their road trip to see Melissa Shirley's studio with a visit on June 30th to Maggie/Ewe and Eye.  If you are in the Menlo Park, CA area on this date, call the shop to register.
http://oldworlddesigns.com/events.html

Needlepoint.com is having a Pischke Pocket Party.  At The BEACH!  A Pischke tote bag is included for ocean-side stitching and a good time for all is guaranteed.
http://www.needlepoint.com/upcoming-events.html

They are also having a Julie Pischke trunk show with 20% off.  You don't have to be present to get the discount, Internet shoppers.  Details here-
http://www.needlepoint.com/all-canvases/julie-pischke-trunk-show.html

(Don't forget their gingerbread retreat next November.  That one is in Ashville, North Carolina.)
http://www.needlepoint.com/upcoming-events.html

Finally, they are holding a Background class June 8.  Learn how to transform that little ornament into a WOW! piece by creative backgrounding.
http://www.needlepoint.com/upcoming-events.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Background Stitch for Cat Topiary Garden

dede Odgen's Cat Topiary Garden

I'm sure folks wondered why my photo of my cat topiary garden canvas yesterday was in black and white.  The reason is that when you pick a background stitch, you have to decide just where the background is!  In many canvases this is easy, but the background of the cat topiary garden is all trees--some of them are closer to the foreground than others.  I have to decide which are which.  Using a black and white xerox of the canvas I could see which trees were darker better.  The darker the tree, the closer to the viewer.  The closer to the viewer, that tree isn't background and is stitched with a different stitch.

Using my scissors and my xerox copy, I cut out the area that I think is background and lifted it above the rest of the canvas.  Except for the brick paving border, all of the top section will be stitched in the background stitch.  The lower part of the canvas is closer to the viewer and all those trees and other bits will be stitched differently.

UPDATE:  I decided I needed to extend the background stitch on the right down between the mouse and cat topiary bushes  and between the spaces in the arched latticework.  I didn't cut that area out but when stitching, I decided the stitch needed to extend down into there.  Leave this until last as you have to compensate quite a bit since there is not room for a complete stitch element.

Now that I am certain what is background and what isn't, I can choose a stitch.  As is usual for me, I look for stitches that echo the shape that I am stitching.  All the trees are ovals with a sharp point at the top so I looked for a similar stitch and found it in Woven Diamonds, a stitch diagrammed in Brenda Hart's Favorite Stitches, page 33.

Brenda Hart's Woven Diamonds

Here is what Woven Diamonds looks like if you don't have a copy of Favorite Stitches.  Working from left to right to create one diamond you do this--one straight vertical stitch over four threads, two straight vertical stitches --one above and one below-- each over three threads, two straight vertical stitches --one above and one below-- each over five threads, two straight vertical stitches --one above and one below-- over three threads again, and finally one straight vertical stitch over four threads to end the diamond.  You skip two threads (or one channel, however you think of it) and do the stitch again.  Remember to skip over before starting the next stitch.  The rows above and below notch into that skipped space.  If you forget to skip a space, your stitch count is off and it can take you two stitching sessions to figure out the mistake.  (Ask me how I know, she said as she banged her head against the desk, hoping to shake up some dormant brain cells.  Sigh)

Brenda's version of Woven Diamonds has a straight horizontal stitch covering the empty middle of each diamond but I am not deciding whether I will put a thread there or not until the entire background is stitched and I can test adding a thin metallic to this spot.  Since I choose to use the silk floss Splendor S870 in one ply, I will have plenty of shine and may not want metallic touches.

Those of you stitching on 13 count might want to go up to two plies of floss.  You will need to do a little test stitching to see what looks good to you.  (SharonG's rule says if it looks good to you, it is.  Remember that!)   In the photo above you can see the Locking L stitch where I ended a thread, just below the fish's nose next to the dark red brick. (We talked about Locking L stitches to start/end threads yesterday.)  I will cover that area with more Woven Diamonds and those tiny stitches will be hidden.

By the way, the photo is upside down because I turned it that way to stitch the background.  I can reach the background easier without reaching all the way across the bottom of the canvas.

This photo also shows how the color of the thread seems to change as I stitch my rows across the canvas.  The thread's the same but it looks different because the paint shows and fools the eye into thinking I am switching thread colors.  Again, I used one ply of my silk floss on 18 count.  This is the effect you are aiming for, although you may want to use two plies instead of one.  This is a personal choice.

I haven't finished my background yet despite working on it all week so I will be back next Monday with the next step to give everyone time to get as much background done as possible.  Anyone got any questions?  Doesn't matter whether you are stitching this canvas or just following along.  You can post a comment below or email me directly at chilly hollow at hotmaildotcom and I'll be happy to clarify things.  Communication is hard, especially via the Internet!

Before I forget, one last cat topiary garden canvas (on 14 count) is still available at Canvases Be Gone.  The design is a discontinued one, so this is your last chance to snag a bargain and stitch along with me.  Click on the photo of the canvas on the left to go straight to the sale.  I have no affiliation with the site, by the way, although Dale is a friend, and I don't receive any monetary compensation from any purchase you might make.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

The Cat Topiary Garden and Light Coverage

dede Odgen's Cat Topiary Garden

I've waited a bit to start my new dede Odgen cat topiary garden canvas because I know several folks took advantage of Canvas Be Gone's stock of this discontinued design to pick up a copy at a good price.  I thought I'd better wait until folks had their new canvases so we could all stitch more or less together.

The starting point for this canvas will be to stitch the background since I need to have the distant background done before I start on the middle and foreground.  (The reason why will be revealed later.)  If you look at the black and white photo of the canvas above, you can see that the background is mostly evergreen trees and shrubs.  It's a topiary garden, after all.  There's a tiny amount of pale blue sky at the very top but I have chosen to stitch both the trees and the sky in the background above them in one thread and one stitch.  I'm not going to change colors when the trees change color because using a light coverage stitch will allow those color changes to show.  But we'll talk about this later on.  Right now I want to talk about what is different when you stitch using light coverage stitches--you have to secure your starting and ending threads very very well!

When you stitch with tent stitches, there is a lot of thread on the back.  It is easy to run your needle under an inch or so of your stitches to tie off the thread.  Starting is equally easy, whether you put a small knot on the back or use an away knot on the front that you eventually cut off after you cover the thread leading up to the knot.

When you stitch with light coverage stitches, even light coverage tent stitches, there isn't much thread on the back side to anchor a new length in.  Sometimes there is a place nearby where you can start/end threads the way you normally do. Unfortunately, in this case the light coverage background has to be done first, so using a neighboring regularly stitched area for anchoring points isn't an option.

So, to start a thread, I will tie as small a knot as I can manage.  If there is a little tail sticking out of the knot, trim it off. If you leave that little tail sticking out, it will start to poke itself through to the front sooner or later, particularly if you are using silk.  Silk threads seem to get very wiggly when there are only 1-2 plies and they will work their way loose on the back.

Now stitch a Locking L stitch in an area that will be covered later on by your stitches. The Locking L stitch is just a little stitch over a horizontal thread immediately followed by a little stitch over a vertical thread next door. Together these two stitches make the shape of the letter L.  (If I am using a really slippery thread, I might make a Z shape from three tiny stitches.) In most cases, even if you are using only one ply of silk, these tiny stitches will be hidden by the regular stitches. You just need to figure out where to put them so that the regular stitches will cover the Locking L. This is one reason it is smart to do some test stitching in the margin of your canvas or on a scrap piece of canvas if you haven't done the stitch before. You'll soon have a good idea where to hide the Locking L.

Once I have my Locking L done, I stitch until my thread is about 3 inches from running out. (If you are using a thread that unravels in the eye of the needle you might have to stop stitching when there are 4-5 inches remaining.) To end a thread once you have finished a section, use the Locking L stitch again. This time, slide a stitch you've done already over with your needle tip and run the ending Locking L stitches under this thread and its neighbors. Then turn the canvas over to the back and slip the end of your thread under neighboring stitches, if any. I often slip my thread under previous stitches on the back going in one direction, then slip it under neighboring threads going in the opposite direction. Trim the end tail.

This technique should secure your light coverage stitches well.  And this is the only difference between light coverage stitches and regular ones--you have to secure light coverage stitches better.  It's an easy technique, in other words, with just a little extra care for starting/stopping threads.

Tomorrow I'll talk about the stitch I've chosen for the background.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Janet Reviews

Janet Perry has a series of product reviews up on her website.  The first is the folded fabric ort box, very similar to my leather origami coin purse.  If you travel a lot with your stitching, this might be a great little item for your pocket or purse.
http://www.nuts-about-needlepoint.com/a-great-portable-place-for-orts-product-review

She also gives SharonG's SENSE a rave review.
http://www.nuts-about-needlepoint.com/sharon-gs-sense

I love reading reviews of the things we stitchers use. There are so many, more than I could every use, even if I could afford them all!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

The One Million Page Views Giveaway

Rebecca Wood's Haunted House

Sometime in early May Blog hit a major milestone--one million page views!  This is pretty astounding to me.  The number when I first drafted this article two weeks ago stood at 1,019,475 which is the sum of the page views when Blog was hosted at Yahoo and the current page views here at Blogger.  Amazing!

dede Odgen's Tassel Wreath

In celebration, I'm teaming with RS to give away two needlepoint canvases.  One is a haunted house by Rebecca Wood and the other is an ornate tassel wreath by dede Odgen.  The tassel wreath is on 13 count needlepoint canvas with a design area that is 16 inches square.  The Halloween house is on 18 count canvas and the design area is 12 inches wide by 16 1/4 inches tall.  Note that this is the house and moon only.  I think a stitcher might want to stitch several more inches of background, depending on how this is finished, and there is room to add 2-3 more inches all the way around if you like. The tassel wreath piece doesn't have much canvas margin, especially since the edges have been turned under and sewn to prevent unraveling.  Still, these are both large canvases.

I'm going to include helpful books with the painted canvases.  Haunted house comes with two June McKnight books--her Architectural Stitches book and her Needlepoint Wisdom book--to help the contest winner get to work building a house with stitches.  These books are old and the book of architectural stitches is well loved but they are fabulous books for painted canvas stitchers.

Tassel wreath also comes with two books--Needlepoint 101 and Needlepoint 202 from Ruth Dilts.  These books are like new.  They show how Ruth stitches twenty different canvases with tips, stitch diagrams and encouragement to help anyone learn to stitch like Ruth.  The introduction to the first book is particularly helpful to those who are tackling a painted canvas on their own for the very first time.

Ok, for the rules:  Place a comment here telling me which canvas you prefer.  (Or email the same information to me at chilly hollowat hot maildot com.)  I'm hoping that intermediate level stitchers who are unsure of stitching painted canvases will enter this contest as the canvases are really more suited to someone with a little experience doing fancier stitches who has a stash of threads to draw on.  You have until June 5.  On June 6 our contest patron RS will pick a number between x and y for each contest.  I'll announce the winners sometime June 6.  (I'm not sure when, since RS has a somewhat busy schedule. )

If you are an experienced painted canvas person who could stitch these without much trouble, please don't enter.  I'll do a contest for you later.  Just enter if painted canvases are intimidating to you.  With a free canvas you can probably stitch mostly from your stash, you will be free to play around without the pressure of "ruining" the design--which is impossible, by the way--and you will have some help in the form of the books with each canvas.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Stars (for Glenis)

I'm in a bit of trouble with Glenis, who misses seeing progress on my Stars for the New Millennium piece.  I hope the fact that Liz is gathering threads to get started on her own version will make her happy, particularly since Liz says she's going to pair with Jan at Thread Medley and they will work the project together.
http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2011/05/stars-for-new-millenium.html

http://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2011/05/24/stars-of-the-new-millennium-by-tony-minieri-colors/

The Spinister Stitcher is busy with her patriotic colors version, too. I love that she is working from the bottom up.  It's a preview for me of the blocks I'll be doing when I get back to this.
http://spinsterstitcher.blogspot.com/2011/05/why-my-mo-ther-is-daft-cow-by-master.html

http://spinsterstitcher.blogspot.com/2011/05/holey-schmoley.html

I really have to get back to it but there are deadlines.  My mother's not getting any younger, you know!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

More Choices

While we are on the topic of choices, you'll enjoy seeing the huge variety of canvases that folks have brought to the latest canvas embellishment class Brenda Hart is teaching at Bedecked and Beadazzled.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2011/05/what-group-eclectic-one-at-best.html

This is one of the best things about needlepoint for me--there's something to suit every personality.  Can you imagine the thrill Brenda Hart must feel when she sees all those canvases and tries to find the perfect thread and stitch and technique for each one?!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Choices

Are you wondering why I listed so many choices for a background thread on the cat topiary garden piece?  Because there are many many choices, all of them right, when it comes to stitching a painted canvas.  So how do you choose?  You pick things that express your personality and how you see a canvas.  That makes one of many choices the right one for you.  Here's a great example.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2011/05/same-canvas-stitched-and-finished.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Book Review: Landscape Stitches UPDATED

Here's a review of the new Landscape Stitches book from Little Shoppe Canvas Company.
http://bristlythistle.blogspot.com/2011/05/landscape-stitches-book.html

UPDATE:  A second review
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2011/06/stitch-landscape.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

The Latest Monthly Club News

Serendipity Needleworks is starting a Christmas ornament club and they are starting out in style with a Melissa Shirley Santa.  I don't know what the rest of the series will be but this is certainly worth bookmarking to keep an eye out.
http://serendipityneedleworks.blogspot.com/2011/05/jolly-santa.html

Ruth Schmuff Designs has announced their latest monthly ornament club.  It's silly, sassy, sparkly SOCKS.  The stitch guides are by Vicky DeAngelis so you know they are going to be fabulous!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2011/05/silly-sassy-sparkly-socks.html

By the way, if you like hearing the story behind the clubs, here is what Vicky has to say about her Silly Sassy Sparkly Socks stitch guides.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/05/31/838/

On the Do It Yourself side of monthly clubs, I suspect some stitchers will want to stitch a dede village from her collection of 3-D building canvases.
http://www.dedesneedleworks.com/special.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

The Real (Needlepointed) Pirates of the Caribbean

In case you saw the Pirates of the Caribbean 4 movie opening, you might like to see what Kathy Schenkel and Peacock Alley in Michigan did.  By the way, bookmark this shop and visit them on Facebook.  They are starting to be a force in the online NP shop world.
http://www.peacockalleyneedlepoint.com/Peacock_Alley_Needlepoint/Pirates_of_the_Caribbean.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Insights and the New

If you are a new needlepointer or returning to needlepoint after a few years, you will have faced the fact that there are charted, painted, hand painted and stitch painted designs.  What the heck is all that?!??!  Rittenhouse Explains All in this cogent article.
http://rittenhouseneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2011/05/stitch-painted-canvases.html

If you are looking for a totally new and different painted canvas, check out what the new design team at Needlepoint Etc. Hawaii has done!
http://needlepointetc.wordpress.com/2011/05/20/friday-may-20/

http://needlepointetc.wordpress.com/2011/05/24/tuesday-may-24/

Did you know that painted canvas designers send catalogue notebooks to the shops full of their latest designs?  The next time you visit a trunk show and don't see what you are looking for or you just can't find the perfect canvas in stock, ask your shop owner for a peek at them.  Squiggee tells us all about hers here-
http://squiggeedesigns.blogspot.com/2011/05/squiggee-gchendrix-catalogs.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Blog Changes

This morning I changed the header photo to something summery-the little Melissa Shirley mermaid I stitched last year.  I've also added links to Barbara Bergsten's yoga exercises so we can take advantage of the information to build healthy stitching habits.  You'll find them just below the koi pond in the right hand column. I thought that would be an easy way to find them among all the information that clutters up the right side of the page.  I'm also considering removing the Stash Credits box.  What do you think?  It was fun to keep track of all the threads I used this year and last but I don't think anyone is much interested besides me.  After all, you guys already know I'm a threadaholic!

Any other changes you'd like to see?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Mary Talks Needles

Mary Corbet talks needles and how she stores them.  
http://www.needlenthread.com/2011/05/on-pins-and-needles.html

The important thing for me was this link to a size chart (below), but you may well enjoy reading about needle brands you never heard of.
http://www.countrybumpkin.com.au/article_info.php?articles_id=415

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

YouTube for Needlepointers

For a while now I've been collecting YouTube videos of interest to us needlepointers.  Want to meet Kirk and Hamilton at their TNNA Booth? (Check out the fabulous poison bottles.)  The interview is by the nice folks behind NeedlepointFun.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulNvQiHqs8M

They also visited the Alice Peterson booth.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HeOKkz4qcM&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

Want to see the top five selling needlepoint kits from 2009?  These were chosen from among Dimensions, Janlynn, etc. kits.  Do you think this is much different from what sells in hand painted or charted designs?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gh43x_pZZ3w&feature=related

How about a tutorial?  M's Canvashouse shows how to do a binding stitch along the edge of your belt canvas to finish it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6kenW41SbQ

By the way, there is a video visit to M's Canvashouse newest shop (there is one in Louisville, KY and one in Lexington, KY) for those who love to see the shops behind the websites.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-A1ck4_fUY&feature=related

There's nothing like seeing things in motion!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Lessons from Stitchers Treasures UPDATED

Stitchers Treasures is off at a needlework retreat.  Luckily for us, they are posting lessons learned each day so that when we get to go off on retreat, we'll be ready.  (Warning:  swallow your drink and put the mug down before reading the links below.)
http://stitcherstreasures.typepad.com/whats-up-at-stitchers-treasures/2011/05/stitchers-survival-camp-and-new-newsletter.html

http://stitcherstreasures.typepad.com/whats-up-at-stitchers-treasures/2011/05/things-i-learned-at-stitchers-survival-camp.html

http://stitcherstreasures.typepad.com/whats-up-at-stitchers-treasures/2011/05/day-2-in-survival-camp.html

http://stitcherstreasures.typepad.com/whats-up-at-stitchers-treasures/2011/05/3rd-day-of-stitchers-survival-camp.html

UPDATE:  The final lesson
http://stitcherstreasures.typepad.com/whats-up-at-stitchers-treasures/2011/05/final-what-we-learned-at-stitchers-survival-camp.html

Didn't I tell you to put that drink down before reading?  Here's a paper towel....

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

21st Century Sequins

Since we are stitching in the 21st Century, we need 21st Century sequins!  I've already told you about the new sequins from Sundance on Blog, a selection of which a friend got for me from Sundance.  They are fabulous!  Just ask Red Geisha who has them sparkled across her wig....
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2011/04/sundance-sequins-up-close.html

Pocket Full of Stitches has been showing off photos of their new shaped sequins, which are from The Collection.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2011/05/shapes-of-sequins-are-here.html

http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2011/05/spectrum.html

The Collection website has the two sizes and the colors shown but not all the shapes yet, so you'll want to visit the above links for that.  You can see nice closeups of the colors and get the color names/numbers by clicking on a thumbnail here.
http://www.thecollectiondesigns.com/sequins-and-beads.html

The Collection also sells beads and the wooden disk bead holders.  Note that they have size 15 beads which are TINY.  I normally like to use size 11 beads on 18 count unless the area is solidly beaded.  Then I try to find size 14 beads.  Size 15s are a gift from the gods!

 Wait'll you see what Denise did with sequins on her Vintage Christmas ornament canvas!
http://nystitchingsisters.blogspot.com/2011/05/two.html

Not to mention what PFOS is doing to that fish!  We sure are lucky to be stitching now.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2011/05/spike-fish.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Picture Frames

Earlier this week, I noticed this new picture frame in needlepoint from Sandy Grossman-Morris. Isn't it cute?!
http://sandygrossman-morris.blogspot.com/2011/05/beach-buggy.html

It got me thinking about the two photo frame canvases I have in my stash.  Mine are from A Collection of Designs and are not on their website, but there are some very cute new baby frames there.  Know any expecting mothers?
http://www.acollectionofdesigns.com/just_for_baby.htm

How about the more sophisticated ones from Colors of Praise?
http://www.colorsofpraiseart.com/frames.html

How about a few detailed designs from Sandra Gilmore?
http://www.needlenookoflajolla.com/canvas/frames/

Needlepoint Alley's website has a nice selection of frame canvases from a variety of designers.
http://www.needlepointalley.com/canvases-luggage.html

So does Knit & Needlepoint.
http://www.needlepoint-boston.com/canvases/index.php?gallery=9

Have fun browsing!  Someday I'll pull out my picture frames, both of which are beach-themed....

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

More Cat Topiary Garden Background Threads

Robin commented that hearing about possible background threads for the cat topiary garden was almost like a scavenger hunt!  LOL

So here are more possibilities I found in my stash, and the reasons I rejected them.  Remember, these are for the background trees which I plan to stitch in light coverage stitches so that the painted background will show.  I'm not looking for thread matches to all the paint colors, just a medium light value to cover all the trees.

Rainbow Gallery Grandeur (#5 silk perle) in color G870 - this is a perfect match to the Rainbow Gallery Splendor 870 which I am using myself.  However, it's a silk perle, and floss-type threads will allow more of the paint to show.  If you are working the 13 count version of this design and you have this in your stash, you might try it and see what you think.

Needlepaints colors 2101, 2102, 2103 and 2104 - This is a limited edition line of 100 percent Egyptian cotton floss from Marilyn Leavitt-Imblum of Lavender and Lace.  She dyed a range of purples and "robin's egg blues" for some of her designs and I picked up one of each as they became available.  Of the colors above, the lighest 2101 would work well in the background although if you were completely covering all the trees with stitches in different threads, several other colors would work.

Six Strand Sweets' "Spice Drop" is a little dark for what I plan but if you have this in your stash and don't mind your garden being slightly darker, then use this.

Likewise, Crescent Colours' "Caribbean Waters" is a little dark but if this is what you have, it'll work.  This is an overdyed thread with several shades of the same color, until Six Strand Sweet's floss which is one shade.

Needlepoint Inc's silk floss in the "Jade range 523."  This is slightly darker, grayer and greener than the Splendor silk floss I choose but it will work.

Silk 'N Colors silk floss in the very beautiful "Japanese Sea 306" which is bluer and darker than my Splendor. This is an overdyed thread in several subtle shades of the same color.  I think it is a tad too blue (most of the background is trees, not sky) but it is a gorgeous shade.

Caron's Soie Cristale silk floss in color 8092.  This is also darker and bluer than my Splendor.  It is very similar to the Silk 'N Colors but is a solid color, not tones of one color like Japanese Sea 306 is.

Needle Necessities' Empress Silks in C32.  This discontinued silk floss is lovely but a bit difficult to work with as it is flat silk.  The color is darker and bluer than my Splendor.  It will provide the best shine of any of the threads I've considered, however.

Needle Necessities' overdyed floss "Bali Hai 135."  This is a medium dark teal/dark gray-blue/light teal green mix, probably too dark for the top of the sky but if you want to change colors as the background darkens, it is a good choice, especially if you went with one of the DMC Variation overdyed cotton flosses for the lighter background at the top of the design.  This is a discontinued thread but you can substitute ThreadworX's "1053 Dreamscape."

I hope this gives everyone who plans to stitch along with me plenty of choices so that no one has to spend a lot of money on thread but can either pick up a fairly inexpensive and easily available DMC overdye or use something from their stash.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Thread Candy Studio on the Way

ThreadworX has just announced their new Thread Candy Studio. I have been trading emails with ThreadworX’s Beth  Hendzlik, asking about the new project and what it means for us stitchers. Here’s the information to date on their website. Be sure to click on the More Details tab in the header line to see more.
http://www.threadcandystudio.com/p/thread-candy-studio-sweet-retreat-you.html

What is Thread Candy Studio? Is it a magazine? (No, it is an ongoing book series. It comes out 6 times a year starting this June with more issues in the spring and around Christmas than during the summer to match when stitchers are most active.)  Beth says, “There may be two closer together at holiday season and a little farther apart in the spring, even though there will still be a specific amount within the year.”

Is it a website? Well, not yet, but there will be a full Thread Candy Studio website eventually. Bookmark the above to keep an eye on what develops.

Is it a stitch guide? Well, there often is a stitch guide or stitch diagrams included but that’s not all that it is. Thread Candy Studio’s actually a series of soft cover books targeted to consumers, but created with shops in mind too, so, they may use the books for customer projects. There’s no advertising in the books (unlike news stand magazines like Vogue which are full of ads), so the subscription pricing has to cover all the publishing costs.

Each book has things like patterns, stitch diagrams, ideas, tutorials and projects (both finishing and embellishing). There aren’t articles reporting on this or that, however. In other words, it doesn’t cover the NP world the way the magazines (or Blog) does. Also, it isn’t as closely targeted at needlepointers as ThreadworX’s previous publication Journal was. Thread Candy Studio wants to appeal to all sorts of stitchers, so the Thread Candy Studio books will have more than just needlepoint designs in them (like a presentation or finishing project to go with one of the stitched designs in the book)

Beth explained, “The book is geared to the consumer. It is very different than what is out there. It is a stitch diagram book, pattern book, idea book, project book combined. Imagine what would be spent if all the items were purchased individually. Our goal for Thread Candy Studio is to combine all sorts of information and product in full color to offer it at an economical price. It is also our goal to offer lots of info for new stitchers for all ages, people who do not have time to go to classes or a shop near them. We will have contributors from shops, teachers and designers. We've had lots of help and input and are so excited to offer this tool, especially since each book/issue will grow with the needs of the readers. We are going to stay very in tune to them".

Price:
$19.95 a book - regular binding*
$120.00 for a six book subscription to the ongoing series, plus an additional issue free - regular binding*

*Additional 5.00 to add spiral binding.

It sounds as if this is something stitchers will want to ask their shops to keep an eye on. I know from my interviews and private conversations with shop owners how much they want to offer programs to their customers to get them interested in stitching and keep them interested, so I hope this turns out to be a relatively inexpensive way for them to do so.  Once shop owners get the first issue and start using it, I hope some of them will review Thread Candy Studio on their websites.
Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

New Products UPDATED

I stumbled across mention of several new products this week.  First, Gingher has a new stitch ripper.  I'm not sure this is as useful for needlepointers as for seamstresses, but it looks very comfortable to use if you have a lot of "frog" stitching to do.*
http://www.gingher.com/

Barbara Russell has written a book called Celebrating My Journey in Needlepoint.  I haven't seen it yet but there are a few details on her website and it sounds intriguing. Anyone seen this yet?
http://barbararusselldesigns.com/

Another new book is by Little Shoppe Canvas Company.  This one is all about landscape stitches.  I haven't seen it either so I welcome reports from anyone who has here, too.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2011/05/stitch-landscape.html

UPDATE:  Here's a review of the Landscape Stitches book.
http://bristlythistle.blogspot.com/2011/05/landscape-stitches-book.html

Speaking of books, SharonG's new book is on sale here at a very good price.
http://www.newneedlepoint.com/content-product_info/product_id-2675/sharon_g_s_sense_simply_essential_needlepoint_stitch_explanations.html

(*Ripping out is often called frog stitching or frogging because frogs say "rippit!"   One of my pairs of scissors has a sterling silver frog charm on it which hopefully wards off the dreaded frog stitch!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Overdyed DMC 4020 or 4030

I had lots of errands to run today and one of them took me close to Michael's, which is one of the big crafts emporium in this area.  So I ducked in to see if any of DMC's Variations line (that is their overdyed floss) will work on the background of the cat topiary garden piece.  I lucked out--both Variations 4020 and the darker 4030 match the background shades of green.  I think 4020 is a better choice because it is lighter but if you happen to have either of these in your stash and you are also going to stitch the cat topiary garden, you might try them and see what you think.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

DMC 992 or 993

I received my dede Odgen cat topiary garden in the mail and put it on stretcher bars Thursday.  This canvas comes in 13 and 18 count and I ordered the 18 count, so I needed a set of 15 inch and a set of 17 inch stretcher bars.  I always put my canvases on stretcher bars instead of stitching in hand.

I also picked the background thread--Splendor color #S870 silk floss, which is roughly the same shade as the next to lightest tree color in the background.  If you are shopping for this project, you'll need a floss type thread for the background.  The closest colors in DMC floss to what I choose are DMC 992 or 993, although these colors are more green than the Splendor I picked which is more blue.  If you want a darker shade, you can pick a color from among the medium shades in the background trees but once we finish the background stitching, we are going to do something that will darken all the background color, so don't pick something too dark or your cat topiary garden will be midnight dark!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Finishing (Professional and Amateur)

One thing all needlepointers have in common is that once our project is done, it either has to be finished or it goes into a pile hidden away in a closet or under the bed.  Pocket Full of Stitches has just posted photographs of finished models that came to their shop with the Zecca trunk show. I've never seen items finished these ways before!  If you want to see inventive ways to make up small canvases, check this out.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2011/05/zecca-models.html

If you want to do your own finishing, Tara found this great picture tutorial on making a stitched box on The Magpie Stitches blog.  Thanks for the tip, Tara!
http://themagpiesstitches.blogspot.com/2011/05/box-in-progress-err-finished.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

The New Ehrman

Ehrman Tapestry, famous for thirty years as the height of British tapestry design, has revamped their website.  The home page has a short video about design by Kaffe Fassett, their most famous designer (and my personal hero).  You can even download their most recent catalogue from there!
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/

Of course if you are less interested in browsing and more interested in the sales, here is their summer sale page.
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/Departments/On-Sale.aspx?sortorder=4&page=1&PerPage=500

Not everyone wants to embellish painted canvases.  A good many of us want a well designed wool pillow that will make our homes a bit more beautiful and cozy.  Ehrman caters to this subset of needlepointers and has done very well for themselves by doing so.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Featured

While I wasn't paying attention, TNNA's needlepoint website has posted quite a few Artist and Shop profiles.  These are great fun to read on a slow news morning, so bookmark them so you can visit occasionally and get to know the designers and shops who make our needlepoint such fun.  This is the latest Featured Artist profile.  Older ones are listed at the bottom of the page.
http://www.worldofneedlepoint.com/featuredartist.html

Here is the last Featured Shop.  Again, older profiles are listed at the bottom of the page.
http://www.worldofneedlepoint.com/featuredshop.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

After Luna

dede's Cat Topiary Garden

I have finished work on Red Geisha (sorry, no pictures until after the Columbus trade show), which means I am now doing the last sections on my Ladies of the Night piece.  Luna's cloak is huge and I'm still working to get that area done before I can pick up the last bit, her sleeves. I have probably more than two weeks' worth of stitching before I finish Luna.

But I am already planning for my next project.  I'm going to be working an 11 1/2 x 13 1/2 inch canvas from dede Odgen which I call the Cat Topiary Garden.
http://www.canvasesbegone.com/5973/dede+Topiary+Garden+needlepoint+hp+18+or+13+ct.html

This is intended to hang on the door of my mother's new apartment.  All her neighbors have floral wreaths on their doors but Mom says they look like funeral wreaths, so I've been hunting for something to stitch for her to put on her door.  This canvas is perfect as it combines her love of gardens with her love of cats.

The reason I'm mentioning this so early is that I picked up Cat Topiary Garden at the Canvases Be Gone website at a good price, and the owner of the business tells me she has several of these same canvases (in both 13 or 18 count--I bought an 18 count version) still in stock.  She got them from dede herself as they are a discontinued design.  So if you want to stitch along with me, get in touch with Canvases Be Gone and get your canvas now before I start mine.

There won't be a stitch guide for Cat Topiary Garden since it is discontinued, so I'll be talking about this canvas here in enough detail you'll be able to stitch with me whether you got the 13 or 18 count version.  I plan to use light coverage stitches, tulle, beads, and perhaps old Czech glass buttons as I create a door hanging that'll make Mom proud.  I'll also talk about how I finish this piece so you can follow along there in case you want a wall or door hanging as well.

So if you are interested in stitching with me, get your canvas now before I am ready to start.  Full disclosure:  I know Dale who owns Canvases Be Gone but I didn't know she had multiple copies of this design until after I ordered mine.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Smart Cookies UPDATED

Liz from LizArt is a magnet collector who's a little tired of a clump of magnets.  So she designed a way to keep them organized, thus winning my first Smart Cookie award of the week.
http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2011/05/magnet-minder.html

Art Needlepoint has some thoughts to share on choosing your next canvas to stitch.
http://artneedlepoint.com/BlogRetrieve.aspx?BlogID=1264&PostID=71848

Does turkeywork make you want to hide in a closet?  Mary Corbet has tools to make the turkeywork look better, and there's a link to her turkeywork stitch tutorial video, too.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2011/05/embroidery-fluff-how-to-make-it-fluffy.html

Finally, Laura Perin has announced her next cyberclass--on shadow stitching, which is a form of light coverage stitching.  The details are on her website (second link below).
http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2011/05/new-cyber-class.html

http://laurajperindesigns.tripod.com/id33.htm

UPDATE:  Laura clarifies what shadow stitching means.
http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2011/05/fyi-just-to-clarify.html

Smart cookies, these ladies.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Purses Galore

Since Red Geisha will adorn the front of a purse (this one, actually, but in black),
http://www.stirlingcases.com/products_sub.php?id=14

I thought it would be nice to show off other purses that have popped up on the World Wide Web recently.  Rittenhouse has just written a little article about all the purse canvases they have in stock.  There's a huge variety in size, shape and price for the interested stitcher.
http://rittenhouseneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2011/05/purses.html

Vicky just got this fabulous Lee tiger design back from Marlene's Finishing.  Isn't it gorgeous?!
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/05/13/741/

Finally, the Pischke Pocket totes are coming out with new colors and designs all the time.
http://www.needlepoint.com/kits/pischke-pockets.html?gclid=CM3zhfqC6qgCFZF25Qod8ie2Dw

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Red Geisha's Hair

Melissa Shirley's Red Geisha

As promised, here is Red Geisha's wig.  Because her hair is black, it is difficult to see the effect in photographs, so I made the photograph black and white.  This shows the slants of her hair much better than a color photo does.  Her hair is made up of a silk/cashmere blend (Empress Elite from The Pure Palette) and overdyed Kreinik (from ThreadworX).  Around her hairline and the nape of her neck, the hair is a mix of straight and slanted stitches in black and gray to mimic the painted canvas.  You can see that much better in the black and white photo than in real life.  Further up the wig starts.  The wig is made of bundles of black Empress Elite couched down by the overdyed Kreinik which is silver/charcoal/black.  Each row is tied down in a slightly different place than the previous row was.  Each row slants to match the painted gray lines on the original canvas.  The best places to see the slant are the side hair next to her left eye and the hair just above her forehead.

This is a very easy technique, although it takes time and a lot of thread.  The effect is slightly stylized, which is appropriate for a geisha portrait such as this one.  It has the added bonus of being hard to snag, which is important as this will be on the front of a purse.

Red Geisha's Wig

And now, here is Red Geisha's wig in color.  She is not finished yet but this is the last you'll see of her until after she makes her appearance at the Columbus TNNA trade show at Melissa Shirley's booth.  I'll just say that tulle, sequins, and beads are about to be applied!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Tidbits

Do you love Brenda Stofft designs?  Bristly Thistle is having a trunk show of her work this month, with 20% deals.  There's a slide show of selected designs and a link to the Bristly Thistle's website with more canvases shown there.
http://bristlythistle.wordpress.com/2011/05/08/new-needlepoint-designs-from-brenda-stofft/

Are you a counted canvaswork person?  Then you'll love visiting Needle Delights' blog where you can see works-in-progress and provide Kathy feedback to help her hone her next charts.
http://needledelightsoriginals.blogspot.com/2011/05/heartsand-more.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

A New Partnership

Chinese New Year Dragon

A new partnership has been announced between Leigh Designs and Colonial Needle.  As you know Colonial owns the Lee's Needle Arts line of canvases and leather goods.  Leigh Designs is going to sell Lee leather goods and Colonial is going to be the distributor for the Fash Inserts Leigh canvases already designed that fit the purses and tote bags.  As I understand it, Leigh will create new Fash Inserts that shops will be able to order from Leigh Designs and even more that will be available from Colonial.
http://www.leighdesigns.com/

Hidden Tiger

The current Fash Inserts are a blue mermaid, a Chinese New Year's dragon, a tiger, a magnolia blossom, and poppies.  These your shop can order from Colonial when they order Lee purses and totes.  I have photos of them that I've posted here.  Some photos I had already, the others I borrowed from Knit One, Needlepoint Two.
http://www.knit1needlepoint2.com/cart/core.cgi?product=np&keywords=&next=2132

Blue Mermaid

The new Leigh Fash Inserts available from both companies will be announced at the Columbus show in June.  But any shop can order a Lee purse from Leigh's along with any of the new June Fash Inserts.

Poppies

It's one stop shopping for our beloved stores.  Call in an order for purses or totes or any other Lee leather item at either Colonial or Leigh Designs, then pick up Fash Inserts to fit at the same time.  The only difference is that Colonial and Leigh will have different Fash Inserts.

This isn't the first time Leigh Designs has partnered with another company.  You probably remember the wonderful stitch guide/thread kits that ThreadworX sells for Leigh's Floozies series.  A shop could order the canvas and the stitch guide with threads kit from either Leigh's or from ThreadworX.  It's easier for the shops, and I think this means things will get to us stitchers sooner.
http://www.threadworx.com/floozies

If you are a shop with questions, read through the announcement (first link) on the Leigh Designs website.  Then talk to the Leigh staff or the fine folks at Colonial/Lee to ask more questions and place orders.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Meditation Minutes

The second of Barbara Bergsten's guest posting about yoga and needlepoint as meditation is on her blog.  I think it is worth printing out the meditation exercise at the end of the article, and reading through it as preparation for your stitch time.
http://createneedlepoint.typepad.com/create_needlepoint/2011/05/meditation-in-needlework.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Zecca Trunk Show Photos UPDATED

While Blogger has been off line, Pocket Full of Stitches has posted photographs of their Zecca trunk show.  This is a great opportunity to see a whole range of their bright, modern and cheerful canvases which are available at the shop at 20% off during the trunk show.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2011/05/zecca-trunk-show-part-1.html

http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2011/05/zecca-trunk-show-part-2.html

http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2011/05/zecca-trunk-show-part-3.html

http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2011/05/zecca-trunk-show-part-4.html

http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2011/05/zecca-models.html

http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2011/05/zecca-belts.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Vicky's Bead Tutorial

As she promised, Vicky DeAngelis has posted a bead tutorial on her blog.  She has some great tips and shares her technique for making the rows in a solidly beaded area all line up straight.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/05/10/inquiring-minds-need-to-know/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Callaway School of Needle Arts for 2012

I just received the following email announcing the January 2012 classes at Callaway.  I'm quoting it in full for everyone to enjoy and perhaps plan for.

"The Callaway Gardens School of Needle Arts website has been updated with the 2012 classes. Check it out!


The Callaway Gardens School of Needle Ats will be held January 15-25, 2012. This is a ten-day event, featuring classes with the top needlework teachers in the field. There are two sessions of classes; each session offering two-day and four-day classes. There are also some great one-day classes, which are scheduled for the day between the two sessions. Class offerings include canvas embellishment, silk and metal, geometrics, contemporary needlework, color and design, Japanese embroidery, beading and counted thread. There's something for everyone!


There is also a boutique run by Barbara Jackson, and The Dogwood Chapter of the EGA oversees the bookstore and Merchandise Night. All great places to find items that you can't live without! The Dogwood Chapter also runs a wonderful exhibit, which always features top-notch entries.


Callaway Gardens is located in Pine Mountain, GA, 75 miles southwest of Atlanta.


Interested? Take a look at the website at http://www.callawaygardens.com/needlearts


You can take a look at all the classes, read the class descriptions and download all the forms for registration. You can also call Pat Callihan, the Needle Arts Coordinator, for information or help in registering for classes. Pat is in her office on Wednesdays, and you can reach her at 1-800-7-NEEDLE. Her e-mail address is: pccalli@callawaygardens.com.


I've recently added photos of the classes to the Callaway Gardens Facebook page, and I try to update the page with the latest updates from time to time. So if you're a Facebook person, you may want to become a friend of Callaway Gardens and keep up!!


I'd be happy to answer questions or help with whatever I can."


Marie-Therese Baker
Director, Callaway Gardens School of Needle Arts
(email: marietherese@prodigy.net)

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Shop News

Did you enjoy the short article Rittenhouse posted about leather accessories a few days ago?  They've written another article about even more quick and useful projects.
http://rittenhouseneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2011/05/quick-projects-part-two.html

Pocket Full of Stitches is showcasing all their real estate.  Painted canvas real estate, that is!  Stitch the house of your dreams without ever having to worry about a leaky roof, mowing the yard, or raking leaves.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2011/05/architecture-in-needlepoint.html

Scarlet Thread has restocked the Threedles Cat's Eye chart and now offer full kits for two of the three colorways.  Even if you aren't interested in stitching a version of this award winner, check out the colors that go into each version.  It's amazing to see how little green and how much copper makes up the Cleopatra's Eye version that I saw and admired so at this year's Woodlawn Plantation exhibit.
http://stitchything.blogspot.com/2011/05/kaleidoscopic-kits-from-kurdy.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Tisha Has Wooden Legs

No, Tisha isn't the victim of a terrible accident and she's not studying to be Peg Leg Pete the Pirate.  She has the new wooden base for the metal K's floor stand!
http://stitchplaywithneedlepointtooltime.blogspot.com/2011/05/wooden-legs.html

I have this stand myself (although I use the original metal plate) and adore it.   I know some folks want a different base however, and the K's Creations folks always listen to their customers, hence this new option.  Here's the website so you can browse a little and see all the options and frames available.
http://www.kscreations.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Blogger May Be Fixed

Blogger is mostly (and I emphasize "mostly"!) fixed.  I think.  All the posts are back although not in the right order.  We'll see if everything publishes tomorrow correctly.  I'm not going to change the Canvas of the Day until then.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

"I'm going in!"

This is a direct quote from The Front Range Stitcher before she throws open the doors of Mindy's Needlepoint Factory and goes inside.  Lord!  I wish I'd been there, too!
http://frontrangestitches.blogspot.com/2011/05/mindys-needlepoint-factory.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

June is Wedding and Graduation Season

With June now approaching on the calendar, it's time to get wedding and graduation presents ready.  Rittenhouse knows our time is short, so they've written a nice little article about stitching small accessories that'll make those presents memorable ones.  How about his and her luggage tags for the new bride and groom's honeymoon?  Or how about a little box for the new graduate to put in their new apartment to remind them of home when they fly the nest for their first real job?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

The Designer Speaks

We are awfully lucky that the Internet has brought not only loads of fun stuff to buy into our homes, we get to interact with the designers themselves as well.  Orna Willis has let us know she has a granddaughter!  To celebrate, she is reprinting the family series of designs she wrote about in Needlepoint Now in 2001.  Every two weeks a new section of the design will appear on her blog as a free design, and each new posting will have a giveaway of the fibers Orna used for her model.  What a way to celebrate family!
http://ornadesign.blogspot.com/2011/05/where-i-come-from-and-where-im-going.html

Ruth Schmuff just got two of her mystery class pieces back from the finisher.  It's not your typical Christmas finishing, that's for sure!  Share her surprise and delight over at her blog.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2011/05/home-decor-for-santa.html

Finally, my fellow stitch guide writer Vicky DeAngelis has been blogging about her latest Needle Deeva project and has run into a snag.  (Hint:  Look very carefully at the purple roof tiles between the middle and left window.)  Guess who shows up to solve the problem?  SharonG!
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/05/06/easter-egg-house-by-needle-deeva/

By the way, Blogger has been down for a very long time.  I think everything is fixed now, but don't count on it!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Threading Beading Needles

LauraZee posted a comment on the Blog article that mentioned Pace needles saying that she had trouble threading a beading needle. Since Comments are not working quite right this morning, I thought I'd answer LauraZee's comment here.

Sometimes changing to another brand of beading needle helps.  Some have larger eyes than others (although a large eye isn't much help with tiny beads).  Vicky DeAngelis says she likes Bohin beading needles and Mary Arden beading needles.  Looks like Mary Arden needles (which I've never heard of before) are English needles distributed by Colonial Needle.
http://www.colonialneedle.com/cgi-bin/quikstore.cgi?category=NEEDLES_-_Beading&search=yes

Bohin beading needles are imported from France.  By the way, John James beading needles are very popular because they are the normal needle length instead of being three inches long like most beading needles you find at fabric stores.  Personally I love the longer needles but not everyone does.
http://www.needlestack.com/WebStore/Accessories/Needles.html

I use the old wire loop threaders to thread my beading needle.  I buy them whenever I see them because they seem to be harder to get.  After I open the package of threaders, I line them up on a sheet of waxed paper on the kitchen counter, then put a drop of Super Glue on the base where the wire attaches.  This makes them last a lot longer.
http://assistivetech.net/search/productDisplay.php?product_id=39966

I hope some of these ideas help you with your beads, Laura!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Blogger Has Problems UPDATED

Blogger (which hosts Blog) seems to be having trouble. I had to switch browsers to access my account, I can't post a new Canvas of the Day, and the two articles I wrote to post this morning haven't published. I am going to write and publish this right away and see if it hits.

Blogger had an update yesterday. That might have borked everything.  Stay tuned!

UPDATE:  I forced today's messages to post but I can't find a way around changing the Canvas of the Day yet.  At least messages have posted!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Jane Luvs Judie

Why I love Judie

As you know, last week I ran out of a thread I'm using on Red Geisha's hair, which has delayed my showing off how I stitched her wig.  But Judie of Thistle Needlework came to the rescue via her online shop, Alex Paras NeedleArts.  Judie didn't have the thread I wanted in stock, but she got it for me right away and shipped it out immediately.  So I've been stitching my brains out, thanks to her.

The photo above shows what came with my order. Yes, that's a skein of ThreadworX's overdyed Kreinik.   I decided since I needed only one skein of thread, I would pick up a few small things I've been wanting at the same time.  The online shop had both dede Odgen's Pace needle (which I've been dying to try) and some of the small strong magnets for holding my needles I favor.   The tube is how the needle is stored until you need it.  The gold magnet is just visible at the base of Judie's Thistle logo in the tiny packet.  It is only a quarter inch across but very strong.  The second link below shows a bit more about Pace needles.  The first link is to Alex Paras where I bought my treats.
http://store.apneedlearts.com/

https://needleartworks.com/dsgnr/deo/deo12.htm

By the way, Judie's having a thread sale this month.  Each week different threads are on sale at 20% off.  In stock threads only but this is a good time to kit out a project.  The details are on the Thistle website.  If you want to do online ordering, use the Alex Paras website (above).
http://www.thistleneedleworks.com/

I'll report back on the Pace needle later (they are intended to be used with multiple strands of thin metallics like Accentuate or Bijoux or blending filament) but I'll be using the new little magnets when I start a new project shortly.

I love you, Judie!  Many thanks!!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

TNNA News

New things for the June TNNA trade show in June are starting to appear.  Barbara Bergsten's class is filling up so hurry if you want in on the fun.  There's a link to the TNNA website so you can see other classes open to the shops.
http://createneedlepoint.typepad.com/create_needlepoint/2011/05/barbara-bergsten-designs-tnna-class.html

Here's a bit more about Barbara's company, from the TNNA publicity blurb for her Booth 1714.
http://createneedlepoint.typepad.com/create_needlepoint/2011/05/barbara-bergsten-designs-booth-1714.html

Patt and Lee Designs is creating new things (and putting twists on slightly older designs), all for our stitching pleasure.
http://pattandleedesigns.blogspot.com/2011/05/poodle-love-now-stitch-painted.html

As June draws nearer, I expect more details to show up as folks prepare to dazzle us once again.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Monthly Clubs Updates

Because so many shops have monthly clubs available, there is always news about them.  Pocket Full of Stitches now offers their Kelly Clark pears club as individual kits.  Can you stitch just one?  LOL
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2011/05/kellys-pears.html

French Knot reminds us that their Little Shoppe Canvas Company Christmas train club starts this month.
http://thefrenchknot.com/current-series.htm

Ruth Schmuff is going to offer the Creepy Characters Club from Needle Deeva.  The stitch guides for each Halloween monster are from Robin King, so you know this will be great!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2011/04/creepy-creepy-characters-by-needle.html

Do you love turtles?  Jane Nichols has designed a turtle of the month series.  I have a friend who just adores the Jane Nichols sets and buys them to work up her own stitches and reduce her stash at the same time.
http://www.janenicholsneedlepoint.com/Whats_New.html

If you are a New Yorker and want to do your own set of New York themed canvases, check out the wide selection Annie and Company has online.  This is for the easily bored stitcher who likes to do their own thing.  I particularly like the Needlepoint Broad's ornaments but the baseball fan will find plenty to love (or hate) here.
http://annieandco.com/collections/new-york

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Seeing Staccato

A Cappella from the Staccato series (Leigh Designs)

I know Carol S. and probably several other folks are dying to see the new Staccato line from Leigh Designs.  They are on the LD website now.  There's a bit about the design inspiration on the home page, plus a link to see all eight of the designs.  Some are more abstract, others are more realistic, but all have a jazzy beat.  Me, I like Intermezzo.  How about you? Which is your favorite?
http://www.leighdesigns.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

"Tis The Gift To Be Simple"

I'm quoting the first bit of the most famous Shaker hymn because Betty Chen Louis has this gift.
http://www.gayannrogers.com/site_2/Home_Page.html

Gay Ann Rogers has posted a photograph of Betty's newest design (which might be offered as a cyberclass through the Shining Needle Society) on her website.  It's a beautiful and simple view of London's skyline, done with 3-4 threads and perhaps 6 stitches.  If you are interesting in taking this as a class, email Shining Needle Society at KateGaunt@aol.com.  An email isn't a promise to take the class--Kate just needs to know if there is enough interest in this piece to offer it as one of the cyberclasses SNS sponsors.

Elegant, isn't it?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Chilly Hollow Stitch Guides Site Updates

I've recently updated the article on the CH Stitch Guides blog about Tapestry Fair stitch guides and written a new article on Terry Christopher's Melissa Shirley stitch guides for 2 The Point.
http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com/

I've also updated the tab called "How to Buy Chilly Hollow Stitch Guides" to explain the types of stitch guides I sell.  I am also in the process of writing two more stitch guide writer articles so stay tuned!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Brainstorming Hair

Now that we've seen some interesting hair techniques, how about we brainstorm how to do hair on various needlepoint canvases?

I'll start--here's a series of small canvases from A Collection of Designs, all women in hats.  Here is the website where I found them.
http://www.needlenookoflajolla.com/storedir/products.php?cat=26&pg=5

This slightly wavy hair might look good using Robin's twisted lazy daisy stitches in two shades of brown.

This hair is dead straight.  I might try couching rows of a brown silk perle in a #8 or #5 size, then use a smaller size cotton perle (#8 or 12, depending on the size of the brown hair thread) in black to make the shading lines.  The contrast between the thicker shiny brown silk and the thinner and duller black cotton would add interest to her hair style.

The blonde has slightly wavy hair and a lot of it.  I think I'd try using stem stitch for this sort of long hair.  Since the earring and necklace are the same yellow, I'd have to make sure the hair thread looked different than the jewelry thread by using beads and/or metallics for the jewelry.  Luckily the other ladies don't have the same issue with their hair color and jewelry but it can be an issue on some canvases.

This lady has especially fun hair.  I might use the same stem stitch technique but look for a thread with a slightly feathery texture such as Viola or Cashmere or even Angora.  Remember how Robin used twisted lazy daisy stitch with two different threads and got too very different looks?  I think the same thing would work well here although I'm not talking about using the stitch Robin did, just switching thread types.

Here's the final lady.  She's my favorite.  How would you stitch her hair?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com