Do Your Beads Run Away?

Do you stab yourself a whole lot when using a long sharp beading needle?  Have you gone blind trying to thread a beading needle?  Have you done more French knots that you thought humanly possible on one piece just so you don't have to open a box or tube of beads?  Which will immediately jump out of said box or tube and fly all over the room?  Do you avoid any piece that requires beads because you just can't stand beading any more?

Ann might have a solution.
http://stitchingfoolishness.blogspot.com/2011/08/in-praise-of-needle.html

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

Introducing Coni's Patriotic Stars

The Spinster Stitcher has finished Stars!  It's gorgeous. I never would have thought to use a red, white and blue (with gold) color scheme but she pulled it off with her usual panache.  Applause!
http://spinsterstitcher.blogspot.com/2011/08/stars-for-new-millennium.html

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

Why Basketweave is the King of Stitches

If you ever thought basketweave wasn't useful, this pillow shows otherwise.  Can you imagine any other background stitch that would set off the central design and the borders as well?  I can't.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2011/08/laurens-fabulous-frog.html

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

The Alamo and the Scots

Vicky tells the story of the Princess Grace Award winner in San Antonio.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/08/30/remember-the-alamo/

The winner is a member of SBC ANG so if you are a member of this ANG chapter,  you can see a better image of the Princess Grace Winner for 2011 in the SBCANG Yahoo Group files.

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

Introducing Vanessa UPDATED

Ridgewood Needlepoint is about to transition owners from Eileen, who is retiring, to Vanessa who is picking up the ball and running into the future with it.  Here is a bit about Vanessa to introduce her to us Ridgewood fans.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2011/08/vanessa-s-ornament.html

If you happen to be in New Jersey Wednesday, stop in and say hello to Vanessa and give Eileen a hug from me.  If you aren't going to be close enough to visit, you can still enjoy the slide show of their canvases, finished and not, on the home page of the Ridgewood website.
http://www.ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/

Good luck to both Vanessa and Eileen in their new adventures!

Update:  And to Suzanne, too!
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2011/08/change-is-inevitable-and-often-good.html

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

National Academy of Needlearts

NAN has just posted their 2012 seminar classes on their website.  Click on the first class title to see the all the models and read more about each class.  I hope at least some of us get to go.
http://www.needleart.org/Assembly/Courses.php

By the way, if you haven't looked at the exhibit (called Exemplary by NAN) winners from 2011, please do so.  There is some stunning work shown there.  Click on the titles to read a bit about the inspiration behind each piece.
http://www.needleart.org/Exemplary11/

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

Today's Canvas of the Day is Dedicated To....

I chose today's Canvas of the Day while thinking about the folks browsing the Seminar Bookshop and Seminar Store and then heading out to visit all the great local Texas stitching shops.  Isn't it appropriate?   It's from Labors of Love.
http://store.apneedlearts.com/shtiidr.html

Our intrepid reporter Vicky has arrived in San Antonio and she has won ribbons!
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/08/29/a-little-mariachis-a-little-margaritas/

The winners will be officially announced in the Seminar Newsletter which has been put online by ANG.  Here's the first issue.  There will be a delay before each issue goes up since it has to be digitized and posted by ANG officials between their chores running Seminar.  Hopefully the second and third issues will be posted shortly.
http://www.needlepoint.org/Seminar-11/photos/MissionStitch1.pdf

ANG has updated their Seminar photos page with lots of new eye candy.  (The class pieces they are showing off are for next year's seminar in Philadelphia.)  Don't forget to check periodically to see glimpses of our friends who are there.
http://www.needlepoint.org/Seminar-11/photos.php

Here's a margarita toast to them all!

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

Stars Update UPDATED

The Spinster Stitcher has posted a progress photo of her red, white and blue version of Stars.  Lovely!
http://spinsterstitcher.blogspot.com/2011/08/they-really-need-to-start-making-pills.html

She's really making great progress on it, too.  Here's a second photo.
http://spinsterstitcher.blogspot.com/2011/08/viewer-mail.html

The version Liz is stitching is much more earthy but just a beautiful.
http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/stars-for-new-millenium-progress-5.html

Jan is also at the same stitching point, but with red that makes her greens brighter than Liz's.  Fascinating!
http://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2011/08/24/stars-of-the-new-millennium-marlon-brando/

UPDATE:  Liz finally figured out what was wrong with her version of Vivian Leigh.  Success!
http://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2011/09/01/stars-of-the-new-millennium-vivien-leigh-again/

This is a wonderful project.  I hope I can get back to it this winter.

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

The "New" Medici

Janet Perry reviews the replacement for Medici wool that you can pick up at Threadneedle Street.
http://www.nuts-about-needlepoint.com/the-medici-problem

If you want to try some for yourself, here's what Threadneedle says about it from their website.
http://www.threadneedlestreet.com/Medicis.html

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

Fun with Jane (and Kelly Clark)

Jane's been busy visiting folks at ANG's Seminar, including a lunch with Kelly Clark and her crazy quilt piece.  If you are in San Antonio, watch for Jane at the tour bus to Austin's Needle Works!
http://janew1102.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/08/ang-in-san-antonio.html

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

Wonderful New Things

I've collected a lot of random links this week, but all of them are about new things.  Needle Works shows off colors of the new skinny size of Silk Lame Braid,  as well as canvas of the month models and new firecracker ornaments that'll be for sale during ANG's Seminar.
http://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/2011/08/petite-silk-lame.html

I've just heard about a new metallic available in Europe and Australia called butterfly thread.  Look under Au Papillon for the link to a color card.
http://www.thethreadstudio.com/catalogue/hand/hand11.htm

BeStitched has some great new tasseled scissors.
http://bestitchedneedlepoint.com/news-and-updates/magnificent-scissors/

Rittenhouse is coming out with new accessory kits.  Stitch your own earrings!
http://rittenhouseneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2011/08/needlework-accessory-kits.html

And finally Vicky has found cute snap trays that hold your tools when you work, then are easy to unsnap to store them flat until needed again.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/08/23/a-new-stitching-toy-or-two/

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

Miko's Background CORRECTED

Miko's Background

So many people have asked about the simple but elegant background stitch for my Leigh pink geisha Fash Insert, that I decided to post about it.  The stitch is called Gobelin Bars with Tent Stitches.  I found it in Ruth Schmuff's Stitches CD Volume One.  (By the way, two of Ruth's three CD stitch collections are out in book form now.  Only the Background volume is only available as a CD at this point.  You can also find Ruth's Stitches Vol. One and Two as apps in the iTunes store.)  I've found the CDs to be a great resource for my stitch guides.  You can see the CDs and books on Ruth's website if your shop doesn't stock them.  For the downloads you have to go to Apple's iTunes store.
http://www.bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/products.php?catid=56&firstcid=6

Ruth very kindly gave me permission to post the stitch diagram for Gobelin Bars with Tent Stitches here.  Thanks, Ruth!  You are a peach!

Gobelin Bars with Tent Stitches, from Stitches CD Volume One, used with Ruth Schmuff's permission

In the photo I have started step one--the straight stitches that make up the bars using two plies of a Gloriana silk floss.  I have not done step two and probably won't.  My thread isn't exactly the same shade of pink as the background, so omitting the tent stitches gives the bars added dimension.  I plan to add a step three later on by putting tiny jade beads around the corners of the bars.

Why did I pick this stitch?  There are two reasons.  First of all, many Asian-themed canvases have a woven pattern in the background to mimic traditional Japanese tatami mats.  So I looked for stitches that created woven patterns.  This particular pattern's bars are about the same size as one of Miko's eyes. That made the scale perfect for this piece.  If the bars were much longer and taller, the pattern would have been too big.  If the bars used fewer stitches and were only one thread high, the stitch might have been too busy.  But this stitch was just right.

Palma and Sharon, this article's for you.

CORRECTION:  Karen pointed out Ruth's Background CD is now a book.  Just in time for those who prefer real books to electronic versions!  Many thanks, Karen.
http://www.bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/details.php?pid=12148&pname=Backgrounds+Volume+1

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

Learn Needle Painting UPDATED

One of the easiest ways of creating realistic needlepoint flowers and animals is needle painting.  Lots of folks take one look at a needle painted piece and think they could never do that, but trust me, it is a lot easier than it looks, particularly if you have a good book that explains the stitches and techniques.  It is best done with DMC floss, too, which makes it a cheap technique to practice.  In the following article, Mary Corbet reviews Trish Burr's latest book which teaches amazing flower and bird techniques.  The book isn't out in the U.S. yet but this is worth putting on your wish list.  After all, Christmas is coming!
http://www.needlenthread.com/2011/08/needle-painting-embroidery-book-review.html

If you are curious about Trish's embroidery, her website and blog are here.
http://trishburr.co.za/

UPDATE:  Palma checked this morning and says the new book is available for pre-order at Amazon.com for $12.79 and will be released October 4. Thanks so much for double-checking!


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

Photos from San Antonio (ANG Seminar)

ANG has started posting photos from San Antonio's Seminar on their website.  Here's the link.  My favorites are the closeups of the award ribbons, the centers of which are stitched buttons with Texas or other themes.  There are photos of various folks getting things set up and a few glimpses of the pieces at the Exhibit being put into place for judging and then viewing by the lucky folks at Seminar.  ANG says this site will be updated each night.
http://www.needlepoint.org/Seminar-11/photos.php

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

The Ring Bearer's Pillow

I've updated the CH Stitch Guides blog with a brief article about the new guide for the beautiful ring bearer pillow seen in the July/August 2011 Needlepoint News.  The design is by ABS Designs and the guide written by Sue Dulle.  Here's the link where you can see a lovely photo of the finished piece.
http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com/2011/08/abs-designs-stitch-guide.html

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

Maggie Goes to Seminar

Well, not exactly. I'll let Vicky explain.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/08/22/maggie-is-coming-to-san-antonio-with-me/

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

A Source for Danish Flower Thread UPDATED

I just ran across mention of a place to find Danish flower thread, which is no longer available in the U.S. as far as I know.
http://needleprint.blogspot.com/2011/08/sourcing-danish-flower-threads.html

Here is the direct link to their website.  This should come up as the English version. (I hope!)  Apparently the colors are the same but with different numbers and new shades.
http://www.fruzippe.dk/floracotton.aspx

UPDATE:  Randi says that this shop in Connecticut carries Danish flower thread.  Hurrah!  A U.S. source!  Thanks very much, Randi.
http://scandinavianstitches.com/

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

Packing for San Antonio

Vicky's packing to head to San Antonio for ANG's 2011 Seminar.  Gosh, there is a lot involved in getting ready!  I am half envious I'm not going and half happy I'm staying at home.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/08/24/deep-in-the-heart-of-texas/

It's hard to believe that Vicky has only been blogging since last February.  This is her 6th month of keeping us entertained and informed.  Thanks, Vicky.  Us stay-at-home types really enjoy reading about your adventures.  Anyone going to Seminar who runs into Vicky, please give her a big hug of thanks for us, ok?

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

Stephanie's Great Border Idea

This morning Ridgewood Needlepoint brings us Stephanie's terrific border idea.  It's very very clever and easy to boot!
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2011/08/stehanies-flowers-and-vases.html

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

A Tip on Getting Started

Vicky is starting her brand new SharonG canvas.  Among the excitements she shares are new colors and new threads and a good tip on why she started where she did.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/08/20/selecting-threads-for-deco-kitty/

By the way, here is SharonG's companion piece, Dog Walk.  The Art Deco cat piece Vicky is stitching is brand new and not on SharonG's website yet.
http://sharong.com/catalog/landscape/images/CT23DogWalk.jpg

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

Over at the Stitch Guides Blog

This morning I posted a new article over at the CH Stitch Guides blog. It's all about using stitch guides for uses other than the intended one!
http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com/2011/08/why-you-should-collect-stitch-guides.html

No, I'm not using them to start fires in a pinch, patch a leaky roof or other DIY things.  But a stitch guide for a certain canvas can have all sorts of applications elsewhere.  You just need to use your imagination.

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

Thread of the Month Clubs

Monthly canvas clubs aren't the only ones available.  Stitcher's Workshop has some great thread of the month clubs, including a very inventive overdyed thread of the month that is pared with coordinating threads.  Here are the wonderful clubs available.
http://www.stitchersworkshop.com/threads_category.php?manufacturer=Thread+of+the+Month+Club

Fireside Stitchery has the first thread of the month club I ever heard of.  You should check them out, too, then sign up for both.
http://www.firesidestitchery.com/fs/threads/index.cfm

Hey, we all need threads!

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

Miko's Hair

This morning's header photo change shows Miko's hair almost finished.  There are lines to be added at her brow and the nape of her neck, plus showing the photo on its side enabled me to notice that I need to smooth out some of the stitching along the wisps of hair blowing in the wind.  They look a tad jagged.  Once that is done I'll pick up the dede Odgen cat topiary garden again.  I only have a month to finish that!

Jane screams, then runs away to stitch faster....

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

Christmas Thinking from Baltimore

Need some quick Christmas ornaments? That September finishing deadline is getting awfully close, but Bristly Thistle is on top of things with new Kirk and Hamilton ornaments small enough and quirky enough to appeal to the sophisticated Christmas child in all of us.
http://bristlythistle.wordpress.com/2011/08/22/kirk-hamilton-designs-at-the-bristly-thistle/

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

Falling in Love....Again

You know how I love Asian-themed canvases?  Ones that are relatively restrained without all the frilly touches or too much pattern in a small space?  Well, I've fallen for a new canvas from Tapestry Fair.  Here it is.
http://tapestryfair.blogspot.com/2011/08/new-canvas-from-manuel-salas.html

Yep.  I'm surprised, too!  LOL  I've caught Halloween Madness!  Oh, no!!

Tapestry Fair has licensed several other Manual Salas Day of the Dead designs.  Here is Lupe.  Peggi is stitching her with Tony Minieri's help.
http://tapestryfair.blogspot.com/2011/07/lupes-fashion-statement.html

Lupe has a sister called Rosa, who is more what I'd expect to enjoy as Rosa is restrained.  For a skeleton.
http://www.tapestryfair.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=57&Itemid=1

I am finding myself really looking forward to the new Halloween version Peggi plans!  I must be having a mid-life crisis or something.  But what the heck.  Pocito and the still to come Un Pocito de Halloween will be a great stitch.

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

Stars Update

Liz and Jan have posted simultaneously again about their next block on Tony Minieri's Stars for the New Millennium.  It's wonderful to see how their colors develop!
http://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2011/07/22/stars-of-the-new-millennium-vivien-leigh-done/

http://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2011/08/17/stars-of-the-new-millennium-outer-borders/

I expect I'll be back working on my version next winter.  Sorry, but I have too many deadlines looming for personal stitching.
http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2011/07/stars-for-new-millenium.html

http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/stars-for-new-millenium-progress-4.html

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

Mark Your Calendars

The Needle Bug just had a big week!  If you are in the area, you'll want to stop by.
http://theneedlebug.com/2011/08/this-week-at-the-bug/

And Vicky is getting ready for the ANG Seminar starting August 26.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/08/21/counting-down-the-days/

Here's the description of all the fun, in case you are going to be in the San Antonio area then.
http://www.needlepoint.org/Seminar-11/index.php

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

The Hair of the Pumpkin

Leigh Design's Miko, Hair Step One

As long time readers of Blog know, I like realistic painted canvas designs and often choose a stitch by thinking about what something looks like in real life, then finding a stitch and thread combo that mimic how that object actually appears.  You probably have read all about my thought process for stitching a painted canvas on an article ANG put on their website.
http://www.needlepoint.org/FAQ/phobia.php

This isn't the only way to proceed, however, especially if the canvas you choose isn't realistic.  A friend mentioned in passing that she needed to remember realistic stitches aren't always the best choice for a canvas.  That got me thinking.  I'd seen this finished piece (stitched by Emily Sobol) and knew I wanted to use the stitches on the sides of the pumpkin for Miko's hair.
http://stitcherie.ning.com/photo/3810047:Photo:51810?context=user

This is a stitch called Staggered Mosaic, which is basically a row of mosaic stitches separated by a wide row of slanted stitches.  It is not at all what real hair looks like, but I thought it was a beautiful stitch that would look great on the Miko canvas.  The design will read "geisha" no matter how I stitch the hair so I went with this stitch, mixing Kreinik metallic with Vineyard black silk for the maximum contrast between the two rows of stitches that make up Staggered Mosaic.

The pumpkin has a sort of brick stitch with two sizes in the center but that wouldn't work for Miko. See how her head is tilted?  A straight stitch is going to look odd down at the hairline because of the tilt.  I wanted a diagonal stitch which would look more normal with the tilting of the head  I went through all my stitching books, looking for variations on mosaic stitch.  I found Reverse Mosaic, tried it with my two threads, and it was perfect.  It is slightly smaller in scale than Staggered Mosaic because the spaces between the metallic mosaic stitches is narrower.  But that seems to look ok here.  I could have used the same Staggered Mosaic over Miko's forehead that I used on the rest of her hair, but somehow it seemed to me that a slight variation was called for here.

Of course all this is in black with black metallics so it doesn't show up well in photos.  That's why I did step one only before taking the photos.  The nape of her neck has most of step two put in.  You really can't see what's going on there because there isn't much contrast in the photos. Metallics don't photograph well.  I still have to put the highlight stitches in over her hair but I will do that later.  I need to get busy with cat topiary garden again.

The hair is really another background stitch, which I hope will show off the hair ornaments well.  I'll be thinking about them while I stitch something else.

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

Halloween Bonus

Nancy's Haunted House

While Nancy and I were talking about Tom Turkey's progress, she was also stitching the Kelly Clark Haunted House that Amy Bunger offered as a Home Study last year.  This is the house that the little Halloweenies figures hang out in.  Amy allowed folks to sign up for the figures and the house separately if they wished. Because the house is large, Nancy decided she only had time to stitch it.  And stitch it she did!

The Halloweenies have been seen all over the Internet but not that many folks have posted photographs of the house.  Nancy kindly took photographs of her finished house so you could see the amazing details that she stitched per Amy's instructions. Look at the window right over the front door.  The lantern's glow is actually a pukka shell!

There are two ghouls hiding in the house.  The boy (who has a part in his hair just like my great-grandfather) is lurking in the attic.

The girl ghoul has red curls and a creepy hand with bulging fingers.  She's upstairs on the second floos.

There are ghostly heads peeking out of a main floor window.  I think they are admiring Nancy's perfect hangman's noose!

The front door's wonderful. I love the signature mouse that is on all the pieces of this set, but I have to say what catches my eye is the sheaf of dried stalks to the right and the hardware and architecture of the door itself.  Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful piece, Nancy.  It is going to make your October especially haunting!  LOL

You can still purchase Home Study kits for the Halloween House and the monsters that live there from Amy Bunger's website.  There are little photos of each Halloweenie and also of Amy's framed house at the bottom of the page about them.  Click on the first thumbnail and explore!
http://www.amybunger.com/halloweenies.html

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

Tom Turkey Returns

Nancy's Tom Turkey Finished and Framed

Remember the Tom Turkey canvas from last winter?  Nancy kindly volunteered to offer a painted canvas she was uncertain about to be blog stitched here while I was distracted and not stitching much due to my mother's illness.  I made suggestions, she tried out threads, she came up with ideas and stitched.  Tom is now all finished and he is spectacular!

This is a Mary Lake Thompson design from Melissa Shirley.  Nancy's version is worked from the 13 count rectangle.  Tom is framed and ready to appear for the fall holidays.
http://melissashirleydesigns.com/gallery/?cat=91

Nancy worked hard on this piece, coming up with a spectacular additional border treatment on her own.  I mostly just stood around and made suggestions when she got stuck or when she didn't really like how my first suggestion was turning out.  I am so proud of her!

You never know how great a painted canvas will turn out until you settle down and start stitching it.

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

Laura Perin Announces Cyberclass

Laura Perin has just announced her latest cyber class.   The piece is a lovely grapevine-inspired classic. You can read the announcement on her blog,
http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2011/08/new-cyber-class.html

...and see more about the class on her newly designed website.
http://laurajperindesigns.net/ljp-cyber-classes.html

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

Jean Smith Goes to the Movies

Thanks for the tip, Robin.  We will certainly put this movie on our Must See list.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2011/08/jean-smith-designs-and-movies.html

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

Introducing Miko

It's time to introduce my next project, which is set in the world of the flower and the willow.  To get in the mood, watch this video, then read the article in the second link.
http://dsc.discovery.com/videos/discovery-atlas-japan-geisha-culture.html

http://people.howstuffworks.com/geisha1.htm

The canvas I am going to stitch is one of Leigh Design's Fash Inserts, a canvas intended to  decorate one of the Lee tote bags.  It is called Miko.  I should be working on my cat topiary garden but the huge amount of background was starting to get to me, so I picked up the next of my three Leigh tote bag pieces.  Because these Fash Inserts are small, they stitch up quickly.  I've had lots of fun with the background and her hair.  Monday I'll talk about her hair, which was inspired by a pumpkin.
http://www.leighdesigns.com/Sgl7616.html

But for tonight, I need to stitch topiaries!

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

Souvenir Needlepoint Canvases

When we travel, we all love finding a new needlepoint shop and picking up a little souvenir of our trip.  But sometimes that just isn't possible.  There is no shop, there is no time, there just wasn't anything in the shop that evoked the trip.  Janet Perry to the rescue!  She's written up a list of designers who do what she calls "destination" needlepoint--painted canvases of a state, a region or just icons of that section of America.  This makes it easy to find a canvas to remind you always of that trip you took, or the one you always wanted to take.
http://www.nuts-about-needlepoint.com/destination-needlepoint

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

Hill Country

Hill Country Stitcher has been eating crab cakes, too.
http://hillcountrystitcher.blogspot.com/2011/08/finally-baltimore.html

This is probably the Halloween banner she mentions.
http://www.melissaprincedesigns.com/website_up081111_002.htm

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

BeStitched Shows Off

BeStitched has just posted photos of some of their new Baltimore canvases on their Facebook page.  If you live in Arizona, it'll be worth a quick visit to see these is person.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.182910085111261.41862.126229327446004&type=1

They also added photos of some of their cat canvases.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.183459651722971.41981.126229327446004&type=1

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

Sample of EGA Seminar Class Pieces

Kreinik's blog has a bit about one of the upcoming EGA Seminar class pieces,  a Tree of Life design done with Kreinik metallics by Lynn Payette.
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2011/08/tree-of-life-like-stitches.html

This year EGA is meeting in Naples, Florida in September.  You can see all the classes planned in the EGA brochure.  Personally, I love Lynn's Alexander Alligator!
http://www.egausa.org/files/seminar/2011/Sem2011_brochure.pdf

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

Baltimore Stash Enhancement

Vicky came home from Baltimore with new canvases!~
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/08/18/a-little-stash-enhancement/

I'm always a sucker for a new SharonG design but there is much more to see and enjoy on her blog.

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

One Hundred Years From Now

If you are interested in early 20th Century embroidery, you'll want to read Mary Corbet's review of the latest book in Gail Marsh's series on embroidery techniques in various centuries.  The fact that this book shows the connections between British embroiderers during this era got me thinking.  Will our connections via the Internet, guilds and classes be the subject of books a century from now?  I hope that the folks who preserve the World Wide Web's information are paying attention to us, the needlepointers of the end of the 20th and the beginning of the 21st Centuries!  Our stitching will outlive us, but will our words?
http://www.needlenthread.com/2011/08/early-20th-century-embroidery-techniques-book-review.html

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

Counting and Classes in Baltimore

Needle Delights Originals had a wonderful time at the Baltimore trade show.  She shows off her newest designs here (plus more crab cake photos).  I am sooooo hungry!
http://needledelightsoriginals.blogspot.com/2011/08/back-from-baltimore.html

Robin is back with a bit about her Baltimore Sunday.  She taught a class at Ruth Schmuff's shop, cleverly located not far from the hotel where the trade show was held. Then she shopped and has posted photos of the goodies she took home as a memento of a really good day.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2011/08/teaching-at-bedecked-beadazzled.html

However, the big news today isn't about the trade show, it's about Ridgewood Needlepoint.  The store has a new owner!  HURRAH!  Eileen, I will miss you a lot but retirement has its charms.  We all wish Vanessa a great time with the shop starting next month and Eileen a grand new adventure.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2011/08/keep-calm-and-carry-on.html

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

The Simple Things

Linda B. reminds us of the simple stitching pleasures.
http://splittheneedles.blogspot.com/2011/07/simple-life.html

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

Vicky's Time in Baltimore

Vicky is home again in California and also reporting in about her class, Needles and Threads of Ruxton, and of course some of the wonderful things she saw in Baltimore.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/08/16/saying-goodbye-to-baltimore/

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

Robin's Saturday in Baltimore UPDATED

Even though Robin must be exhausted from selling, laughing, teaching, eating and just looking at everything, she is still reporting on her time at the Baltimore trade show.  Here is Saturday Part One.  I'll update this article with the rest of Robin's Saturday once she has time to get home and write about it.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2011/08/baltimore-market-saturday-part-1.html

UPDATE:  Part Two of Robin's Saturday, where she shares new threads and some new sweet Amanda Lawford canvases.
http://squiggeedesigns.blogspot.com/2011/08/turning-it-into-needlepoint.html

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

Gathering Supplies

Beads from SJ Designs

I've always liked the beads from SJ Designs.  They come in the smaller size 14 as well as 11, and I love the various finishes and the pastel colors in their collection.  But it is hard to find their beads around here.  Not anymore.  I just discovered their website!
http://www.sj-designs.com/

The photo above shows the beads I ordered with my next two projects in mind.  I'm not telling what they are yet, but I thought you'd like to see the range of beads available from SJ Designs.  These are the ones that caught my eye. They carry metal spangles, large beads, mixed sizes, just about anything you might want.  The website is fun to explore.  They even have antique stitching books occasionally!

Another view of SJ Designs beads and pearls

The beads are (top row, working from left to right)--hex shiny gold 18128 size 14/0, hex darker gold Matte 1828 size 14/0, hex satin size 11/0 in Aqua, round size 14/0 in  green 1852;

(second row from top, left to right)--
red round size 14/0 #1826, round blue size 14/0 #1831, hex size 14/0 pale aqua 1875, plastic 2mm imitation dyed pearls in turquoise

(bottom row, left to right)--
plastic 2mm imitation dyed pearls in purple, round hot pink size 14/0 #1842, pale pink 11/0 pearls #10, iridescent pink round size 14/0 in 1881

While we are talking about gathering supplies, Nimble Needle shows off a new thread from Kreinik which they think will make wonderful snow on canvas.
http://thenimbleneedle.blogspot.com/2011/08/snow-white.html

Whether you need snow or beads or something else, now's the time to lay in supplies for the winter stitching.

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

More on the Baltimore Trade Show UPDATED

Sometimes I think these trade shows are just a way to bring folks together at mealtimes in good restaurants!  By the way, the Hooty Owl canvases the lucky students took home will have a stitch guide published in the next issue of Needlepoint Now.  Boy, are they going to have double fun!
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2011/08/teaching-and-feasting-in-baltimore.html

Baltimore--it's not just about painted canvases any more.  (See? I can count heads.  At least a quarter of you want to read about Sara Leigh's adventures.)
http://stitchything.blogspot.com/2011/08/goodies-from-baltimore-market.html

UPDATE:  Laura Perin has announced a new design.  You can read all about its inspiration here and see the three colorways available.  If you want to visit her updated website, the link to LAURA PERIN DESIGNS is in the Favorite Blogs and Links list in the right hand column of her blog.
http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2011/08/stitching-journey.html

Ok, back to our regularly scheduled painted canvas programming!
http://bestitchedneedlepoint.com/news-and-updates/to-market-to-market/

Ruth reports in on her shop class with Robin King and Bones!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2011/08/what-says-halloween-more-than-robin.html

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

Skull and Bones (and Pumpkins)

The latest Leigh canvases for the August trade show are now viewable on the Leigh Designs website.  Skull and Bones is their name (and bridge is their game-LOL!).   There are eight ladies, all in fancy hats, some with 1960s style bracelets, some with drinks, some with fancy sunglasses.  Leigh designed them in pairs so folks could do a coordinating set if they wanted.  I had fun looking at the entire series, trying to find the common denominator between them and looking for the funny touches, like a gold tooth or the red dot in the center of an empty eye socket.
http://www.leighdesigns.com/Grp514x.html

I have it on good authority that at least one name came from a high school teacher Leigh is pretty sure she put in an early grave....
http://www.leighdesigns.com/Sgl5140.html

By the way, Smilin' Jack is now viewable in all his glory on the CH Stitch Guides blog.  I find it charming that two of the Skull and Bones "ladies" carry miniature Jacks. Do you think they are having a pumpkin fight?  LOL
http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com/2011/08/smilin-jack-stitch-guide-available.html

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

Vicky Is Packing

All our friends who went to the Baltimore cash and carry show are packing up and heading home after a wonderful but busy weekend. Vicky shows off a bit of Ruth Schmuff's shop (Bedecked and Beadazzled is in the Baltimore suburbs) and makes us wish we were there, even if we would have to be heading home right now, too.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/08/15/visiting-bedecked-beadazzled/

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

Ruth in Three Formats

Ruth Schmuff not only teaches, runs a needlepoint shop, and creates and distributes painted canvases, she writes books.  Since this is the 21st Century and Ruth is a very modern stitcher, her books come in three flavors:  CDs, e-books and regular books.  Here is her website in case your local shop doesn't have these in stock right now.
http://www.bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/products.php?catid=56&firstcid=6

Her latest volume is now appearing in book form.  It's not downloadable to iPhones and iPads yet, but I expect that in the future.  In this latest blog entry, Ruth tells us a bit about the new version of Backgrounds Volume One.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2011/08/now-its-book.html

The physical book versions are expensive because they contain so many stitch diagrams.  I use the CDs which are perfect for me, but nothing beats a good browse.  However, if you travel a great deal, you might want to explore getting Ruth's books as downloads for your smart phone.  Search for Ruth Schmuff at the iTunes store.

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

Marianne Reports In

New Needlepoint has just gotten home from the Baltimore trade show.  Marianne already has the new Sandy Arthur book ready to ship in case you don't have a local shop or they didn't order any copies.  This one is The Shapes of Needlepoint Series 2:  Diamonds, Hearts, Octagons and Stars.  The second link below is her online shop since Zac her webmaster doesn't have her links working (Bad ZAC!)  Before you go there, however, you'll want to Read All About the show, courtesy of Marianne.  She had a lovely time, discovered Sophia, and generally made good use of her trip to Baltimore.
http://needlepointtalk.net/2011/08/14/ta-da-really-big-one

Personally I can't wait to see the new goodies at her website!
http://www.newneedlepoint.com/

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

Getting Down to Work at Baltimore

The folks at the Baltimore trade show have stopped eating long enough to start shopping.  Vicky reports in with glimpses of folks working.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/08/14/its-raining-its-pouring-the-old-man-is-snoring/

Michele has been shopping for The Bristly Thistle.  No photos yet but maybe soon.
http://bristlythistle.wordpress.com/2011/08/14/new-from-baltimore/

The Collection has added their latest designs to their website.  This time they have a lot of classic pieces with shells and flowers and lobsters and African animals that look vaguely French to me.  I can see a fancy conservatory fitting out with pillows from these pieces.
http://www.allaboutstitching.com/

BeStitched has added photos of some of the goodies they bought for the shop on their Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.181264981942438.41551.126229327446004&type=1

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

What Sort of Stitching Do You Do?

For the last week I've had a poll on Blog, asking folks about what sort of stitching they do the most of.  It's time to remove the poll but I thought I'd save the results so I'd remember just who is sitting in the audience, munching popcorn and waving occasionally as I talk and talk and talk.  (Thanks for listening, by the way!)

One hundred eighty-four folks stitch painted canvases more than anything else.  That's 61 percent of the total vote.

Seventy-four do a lot of counted canvaswork (25 percent).

One person says she does half painted and half counted and couldn't decide between them.

Thirteen are confirmed cross stitchers, which is 4 percent.

Five percent of the audience, 17 people, do counted canvaswork.

Eight of you do embroidery or crewel.  That's 2 percent.

And finally one person does either knitting, quilting or lace-making as their primary needle art.  (Hi, Susan!)  That rounds out the group at less than one percent.

Remember, approximately 800-900 folks visit Blog a day in the summer, so this may not be a representative sample.

Thank you all for taking the time to let me know just who you are.  Regardless of what sort of hand work you do, we are all dedicated to furthering the needle arts, so I am very happy to have everyone stop by.

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

Smilin' Jack Gets His Own Purse

I've finished stitching Smilin' Jack, the Fash Insert from Leigh Designs made to decorate one of those Lee nylon totes.  Smilin' Jack is size BR (which is Lee's name for a canvas that is roughly 8 1/2 by 4 inches.)  You can see the tote bag here.  These bags also come in green and brown.  I believe there's a similar style with leather handles and trim but mine is all nylon.
http://theneedleworks.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=72&products_id=6112

The insert board is slipped inside a slot that closes with velcro.

To put your canvas insert in the window on the front, you unzip one of the side compartments.  There is an additional zip pocket inside it.  Unzip that and you will find a velcro strip you have to open.  With the velcro open you insert your canvas which you have already stuck to the sturdy insert backing.

Smilin' Jack and his insert before assembly

The photo above shows Smilin' Jack trimmed to the size of the insert which still has its sticky side covered by white waxed paper.  You pull off the paper, put the canvas on top, and mash down.  Open the bag, unzip and unvelcro the various pockets, put the canvas inside and you have a Smilin' Jack purse!

Smilin' Jack is currently hanging out in Baltimore at Leigh Designs' booth along with his stitch guides.  If you are a shop, go visit.  Pumpkins can actually be elegant if properly tamed.  LOL

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

Robin Is Still Eating

The fun at Baltimore is just getting underway.  Robin reports in about breakfast this time.  I am really really getting hungry.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2011/08/id-like-crab-again-please.html

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

Early Bird Special

Vicky, our early bird, is already reporting in from TNNA/Baltimore.  You'll never guess who she ran in to!
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/08/13/to-market-to-market-we-go-2/

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

Needle Deeva Trunk Show

Needlepoint.com in Raleigh, North Carolina is having a Needle Deeva trunk show this month.  They are offering twenty percent off the regular price for these charmers.  The prices shown are full price.  Type "Needle" at checkout to get the discount when you order.
http://www.needlepoint.com/all-canvases/needle-deeva-truck-show.html

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

Trish Burr's New Book

Trish Burr's new book on needlepainting is out.  Why is this of interest to needlepointers?  Because the needlepainting technique Trish has mastered is perfect for fur, feathers and hair.
http://trishburr.com/2011/08/05/new-book-is-here/

Peggi and I've been talking about this technique, also called random long and short stitch.  How easily you pick up this stitch depends on your mindset.  Folks used to diagrammed stitches or who shy away from the word "random" have more trouble than those who just automatically draw lines with their needle and thread.

I think it is easier to start using this technique on hair than on animals because we all are used to combing our own hair.  We know where parts go, how hair turns under, where bangs naturally fall, etc.  If you don't have a dog or cat under your roof to examine, the way fur grows on their faces and backs and paws is harder to understand.  Start with a canvas of a person with straight hair to practice this technique.  Or better yet, draw an oval on scrap canvas and give it hair, a beard, mustache, etc.

I also suggest that folks use 1-2 plies of DMC cotton floss to practice this technique.  If you use only 1 or 2 plies, it takes a lot longer but you can easily bury a mistake under another layer of floss.

It's also a good idea to make a copy of the area you are going to use this technique on and pencil in guidelines that show how the hair will fall. Erase and redo the lines until you are happy with the look, then copy the lines on your canvas.  Once you have guidelines in, all you have to do is put more thread between the guidelines that slant the same way.

Of course a book like Trish's will help.  She even sells projects and a DVD of her techniques, which is great for visual learners.
http://trishburr.com/shop/

All this will help, but practice is the real way to master this technique.

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

Robin is Now A True Veteran

Michele got lucky and managed to get in the only needlepoint class offered at Baltimore.  Sadly, the canvases for the class didn't arrive but Robin soldiered on nicely.  It sounds as if a good time was hard by all!  However, I bet Robin had a stiff drink and went to bed early.
http://bristlythistle.wordpress.com/2011/08/12/fraidy-cat-class-at-the-baltimore-market/

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

Updated Websites and Trunk Shows

I've started to notice designers updating their websites with new things, either for the Baltimore trade show this weekend or from the June show.  First of all, Mindy has new floral patterns, most with lovely buttons.
http://www.mindysneedlepoint.com/newdesigns.html

Kelly Clark has added new Christmas canvases to her line, all adapted from the cheerful art of Dan DiPaolo.  Check out the last two pages of her What's New section.
http://www.kellyclarkneedlepoint.com/summer_tnna?page=4

Finally, Pocket Full of Stitches has an Alice Petersen trunk show going.  Everything is 20% off. Today the shop posted photos of quite a few Alice Petersen canvases.  They promise to post photos of the famous Stitch and Zip line shortly.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2011/08/alice-peterson-trunk-show.html

UPDATE:  Here are the Stitch and Zip sets.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2011/08/stitch-n-zip.html

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

Friday We Set Up, Today We Feast UPDATED

Vicky DeAngelis has arrived in Baltimore, ready to set up the Needle Deeva display for the shops to admire and buy from.  Somehow I think she is going to gain a little weight this weekend....
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/08/12/youre-leaving-me-again/

UPDATE:  Robin King's there, too.  And she is also eating fabulous food!
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2011/08/be-sure-to-try-crab-cakes.html

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

New Scissors, Halloween Fun and Christmas Charm

Stitcher's Treasures has put up a slide show on their blog that showcases the brand new items they are receiving in their shop daily.  It is full of pretty scissors, unusual Halloween accessories, beads and pins (they have both cross stitch and needlepoint customers so they show off things us needlepointers aren't familiar with but could use with our Halloween designs), and a few charming Christmas items.  While we wait for everyone to get set up for the Baltimore cash and carry trade show today, we might as well enjoy the slide show!   (Warning:  there is music with the slide show so turn down the sound before you start the show going)
http://stitcherstreasures.typepad.com/whats-up-at-stitchers-treasures/2011/08/new-items-available.html

In case you live in the Escondido, CA area or just want to browse further, here is the shop website.
http://www.stitcherstreasures.com/

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

August Newsletter, Snow Included

Here's another August Newsletter, from BeStitched in Arizona.  It's really funny that they are featuring a Ewe and Eye snowman canvas (one of my favorites with a fabulous custom frame) in this heat!
http://bestitchedneedlepoint.com/news-and-updates/august-2011-newsletter/

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

Woodlawn Photos from 2010 and 2011

Lots of locals exhibit at Woodlawn Plantation each March and many of them use the same framer, Brit's Gallery.  I just realized that the framer's website has photos of some of the Woodlawn pieces they have framed.  Click on Woodlawn 2010 and Woodlawn 2011 to see some nice stitching!
http://www.thebritsgallery.com/

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

Teachers' Books and Videos

Teaching needlepoint is an organized sport.  Robin King has her lessons all organized in notebooks.  Of course with the Creepy Characters also being a monthly club, she is teaching some of the Creeps and not others.  But every piece in the set goes in a big notebook all the same, ready for Robin to work her magic when called on.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2011/08/creepy-characters-stitch-guide-manual.html?spref=fb

Julia Snyder just taught at BeStitched and also at Needle Bug.  BeStitched has posted a video of her teaching a gathered stitch.
http://bestitchedneedlepoint.com/news-and-updates/gathered-needlepoint-stitch/

Needle Bug posted close up photos of three of the canvases Julia taught at their shop.  Aren't they fabulous?
http://theneedlebug.com/2011/07/canvases-from-julia-snyder-classes/

http://theneedlebug.com/2011/07/melissa-julia-meri/

http://theneedlebug.com/2011/08/another-fabulous-piece/

If you have a chance to take a class with either lady, please do!

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

We Look Like a Million Bucks

Denise stitched collars for her Tonkinese and the cats are proud as punch of how great they look.  I think they are very well done myself and they feature the safety breakaway latches, too.  Actually, I think this is the first time I've ever seen photos of cat collars.  They are magnificent.
http://nystitchingsisters.blogspot.com/2011/08/kitty-cat-collars-back-from-finishers_03.html

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

All About Vicky

There's a new article up on the Chilly Hollow Stitch Guides blog.  This time I profile Vicky DeAngelis' stitching and guides.  You can either click on the link or find the little flying carpet photo in the right hand column and click there to be magically transported to my other blog.  Have fun looking at all of Vicky's prize winning stitching!
http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com/2011/08/vicky-deangelis-stitcher-extraordinarie.html

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

Can I Get You An Appletini Or A Zombie?

How about a Bellini?  No, I'm not taking drinks orders this early in the morning.  I'm just listing some of the names of bead mixes that SJ Designs offers.  Pocket Full of Stitches has posted photos of their entire line of mixed bead sets on their website.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2011/08/cocktail-mixes.html

I haven't seen the bead mixes but I do like their regular satin finish beads which come in tiny little boxes in varying sizes.  The 11/0 and 14/0 beads are of the most interest to needlepointers who like 18 count but they have what looks to be a nice line of pearls and trims and they also sell charts and a limited line of painted canvases.  There are a lot of colors in the larger 11/0 sizes but the 14/0 colors available are very pretty.  Here's their website for more exploration.  Don't miss the 2mm limited edition pearls and the used books!
http://sj-designs.net/beads.html

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

Don't forget to tell me

Don't forget to tell me what sort of stitching you do the most of in the poll above.  Blogger is still misbehaving.  Besides refusing to publish the title of the poll, it won't put photos where I want them today.  AND I cannot make the lettering of the poll more visible!

Bad Blogger!

Thank goodness you guys still come to share a drink and talk needlepoint tales with me despite Blogger's antics.

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

Back to the Topiaries

dede Odgen's Cat Topiary Garden

Now that my deadline for finishing Smilin' Jack in time for the Baltimore trade show is met, I am back working on the topiary bushes on my dede Odgen piece.  Cat Topiary Garden has to be finished in time for my mother's birthday in September (Shhh!  Don't tell her!) so I am trying to get the big topiary bushes done quickly.

I'm working on the center back topiary, the one with the bird on top, using a variant of skip tent stitch in which I substitute cross stitches for the tent stitches one normally uses for skip tent.  My threads are four shades of DMC cotton floss, using two plies.  (If you are stitching the 13 count version of this piece, you may want to use three plies.)  I like the regular look that skip cross stitch gives me.  It resembles the close clipped look of a real topiary bush.

From darkest to lightest, I am using DMC 319, 987, 905 and 703.  Rummage in your stash and find four shades of green that work well together.  You don't have to use exactly the thread I did.  I think a thin wool would look very nice on the topiaries--particularly on the 13 count version of this design-- but I didn't have any thin enough in enough shades of green to use on my 18 count version.

In the photo I have used all but the lightest shade of green. I'm saving that for the top of the topiary.  I'm working the bird topiary with the canvas upside down to reach without touching areas I've already stitched.  I'm considering whether to sprinkle tiny French knots or beads (or both) along the top margins of the topiaries but I have decided to wait until all the bushes are done before I decide whether to use beads and French knots on areas.

I hope to finish the bird topiary and also the short cat topiary behind the gate this week.  Then I will work on the shorter fish and mouse topiary bushes next week.

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

Ruth Schmuff Trunk Show

The Needlepointer is having a Ruth Schmuff trunk show.  Their newsletter doesn't say if there is a trunk show discount on the prices listed on their website, but since a Ruth Schmuff trunk show is rare, I decided to post it anyway.
http://www.theneedlepointer.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=76&sort=20a&page=1&zenid=ctm496gbenq4m4q824h0qqsv04

These aren't the only Ruth Schmuff canvases in her line.  To see more, visit Ruth's Tis the Season website.
http://www.tistheseason.org/paintedCanvases.php?catid=202

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

Kreinik Interviews Amy Bunger

If you like meeting the fabulous people behind our canvases, books, stitch guides and more, you'll enjoy Doug Kreinik's interview of Amy Bunger.
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2011/08/whats-in-name-amys-golden-strand.html

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

Speak Up: What sort of stitching do you do mostly?

REPOSTED FROM YESTERDAY since Blogger won't show the title of my poll.  BAD BLOGGER!


I've been thinking about just who visits Blog and realized although I know the number of folks who visit each day and how many of you read Blog via a Reader of some sort, I don't know how many are die-hard painted canvas folk, who mostly stitches counted pieces, and how many folks don't needlepoint at all but just visit occasionally to keep up with what the wild needlepointers say and do.  So, let's do a poll.  I'll leave it up for a week or so to give everyone time to choose what sort of stitching they mostly do.  Thanks for responding, by the way!

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