The Cat Topiary Garden Complete

Cat Topiary Garden by dede Odgen

I thought you might like to see photos of the finished cat topiary garden. Of course it's not made up yet but that is still to come.

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

Picking a Background Color

Janet Perry's blog has an interesting little article up on how to pick the perfect background color.  Many painted canvases make that choice for you but many don't.  Janet has some good ideas on how to handle things when the choice of background color is up to you.
http://www.nuts-about-needlepoint.com/picking-the-right-background-color

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

Final Touches on the Cat Topiary Garden

Bird Finials and Gold Necklaces Beaded

The end is in sight with the cat topiary garden--hurrah!  (Although I should not cheer as when the stitching is over it will be time to make this up into a wall hanging--and I hate finishing.)  This last week I was able to add beads and tent stitches to finish up the actual stitching.  First, the beads.  They went on the canvas in several places:  the topiaries, the cat statues and the bird finials on the garden gate.

I used four colors:  the topiaries got a size 11/0 hex shaped bead in teal green from Miyuki.  These have a lot of sparkle because they are six-sided.  The cat statues' necklaces are made from gold hex beads, but this time from Sundance.  The gold beads are size 14/0, which means they are smaller than the teal ones. (The larger the number, the smaller the bead, just like needles.)  The bird finials use white round beads like little pearls from Miyuki that are size 15/0 and pale blue hex beads (also from Miyuki) that are size 11/0.  Note that I mixed various bead sizes and shapes on the finials.

The topiaries got teal green beads scattered at random to make them stand out a little bit.  If you look at the photo, you'll see that the beads are placed to sort of enhance the shapes.  However, if you don't do random, just put a bead approximately where the eye of the cat, fish, mouse or bird would be, then pour 6-10 more beads on the topiary.  (More beads go on the larger topiaries and fewer on the smaller ones.)  Shove them around with your needle's tip until you like the distribution.  Mark the approximate position of each bead on a xerox of the canvas, then slide the beads off the canvas into a tray so you can pick them up one by one to attach them in the positions marked on the paper copy.

The cat statue necklaces have each gold hex bead attached separately just as if I were doing tent stitches.  By the way, I thought about using the same gold hex beads on the gold lock in the gate, but when I put a bead on top, it didn't look good. So I tent stitched the lock with gold Kreinik and the keyhole with black Trebizond silk perle.  In the photo above, I haven't stitch the lock yet.

Beads on the Topiary Bushes

The final beaded area are the bird finials that top the gate which are visible in the top photo.  They were the most interesting area to bead because I had to mix round white pearl beads in size 15/0 with hex shaped blue beads that are larger (size 11/0).  I don't recommend mixing bead sizes unless you want an effect like larger and smaller seeds in a pea pod, for example.  But since I could only find the right colors in such different beads, I was stuck.  I had to mix them.  So how to attach them so that they would look ok, even with the differences in the shapes and sizes?  In this instance brick stitch is your friend.

Remember Robin King's diagram for using brick stitch to attach beads?  Each bead nestles in the hole between two threads.  This means there is a little space between each bead and the thread used to attach them shows a bit. In other words, each blue hex bead is not jammed up against each white pearl bead.  The space between them hides the fact that they are not the same size and shape.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2010/04/beading-pumpkin-balloon.html

If I had tried to solidly bead the finials in tent stitches, the size and type differences between the white and blue beads would have been emphasized.  Which is fine for some effects but not for the finials.  I needed a smooth look despite the differences between the two colors of beads.  Brick stitch gave that to me.

Now it is time to start to assemble the cat topiary garden into a wall hanging.  More on that later.

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

Mrs. Kreinik Retires

We all owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Kreinik family for the metallic threads that make our stitching lives so wonderful. I believe they opened the door for other thread manufacturers to walk though so that today we have a huge range of choice when it comes to picking threads.  I thought you'd like to read a bit about Mrs. Estelle Kreinik's retirement party at their Parkersburg, West Virginia location, and that you'd like to join me in wishing a real needlepoint pioneer well in retirement.
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2011/11/moms-tea-party.html

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

Laura Strikes Again

Have you been stitching Laura Perin's Mini Mystery Monday piece? If you are curious about the various ways it is turning out for other people, head over to Needle Nicely to see what Mary Agnes says about it.
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2011/11/mini-mystery-from-laura-perin-iii.html

And if you missed the fun, Laura is doing a second Mystery on Monday, starting today!
http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2011/11/mini-mystery-2.html

http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2011/12/mini-mystery-2-continued.html


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

Exclamation Point to Be Reborn

Fans of Exclamation Point in Saratoga, California were very sorry to hear that the owner, Dee Matthews, was closing the shop so that she could retire and do other things. But there is hope! The shop will reopen in a new location in early December with a new owner, new plans and new hope that needlepoint goodies will be easily available again from EP.
http://exclamationpoint.org/

Through the help of my spy Margaret, I was able to set up a brief interview with the new owner, Melanie Vancil, between chores like renovating a new shop, moving in furniture, and getting things set up for her customers to enjoy when it reopens in the new spot. This is what Melanie told me in answer to my many questions about her background and plans for Exclamation Point:

“Dee Matthews sold the Exclamation Point to me in October and I am moving it to Santa Clara and hope to open it in early December. Okay, on to the questions….I got into needlepoint about 6-7 years ago when I was an actor in one of the Renaissance Faire guilds (Italian to be exact) and they were talking about how their banner was getting quite old and needed to be replaced. Since we do try to be as close to authentic as we can in most things, I thought a needlepoint banner would be a good idea. However, I had never needlepointed anything in my life and had no idea what I was getting myself into. After some research on the Internet I decided I would try to find this little shop in Saratoga, CA called Exclamation Point. That's when I first met Dee (the owner) and started my first project; a banner 5' long, 2.5' wide at the top and about 8" wide at the bottom with circles with pictures in them, a Madonna and Child, and the Medici crest (it’s still not completely done). I'm sure she thought I was crazy! Anyway, I eventually started stitching with the S.W.A.N.s (Society of Women Addicted to Needlepoint) and started learning needlepoint from them. 


I first became interested in the needle arts when I was about 4 or 5 and my mother was doing embroidery. I used to beg her to let me do it too, which she allowed. When I was about 10 I wanted to learn to crochet. Since my mother did not know how to do that, I bought a book and taught myself. When I was about 16 I started teaching myself to knit. I completed my first sweater for my father when I was 18. I have done a little crewel embroidery and some printed and counted cross stitch. I have tried to learn tatting on my own, but have not been successful yet. I have run into some people at Renaissance Faire who have offered to teach me and I may yet get the time to learn it as well. 


I first thought of buying The Exclamation Point from Dee when she announced earlier this year that she was going to close the shop and "retire". All of the SWANs were quite disturbed with the thought that our favorite stitching place was going away and where were we going to stitch now? I asked Dee if she had thought of selling it and she said she would sell it if she got a good price. I mentioned it to my husband and both he and my youngest daughter said I should consider buying it. I toyed with the idea for several weeks and kept asking Dee if she was getting any interest in purchasing it. I finally told her I was thinking about it and we went from there. I had dreamed of owning a shop of something that I loved to do, but never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I could actually end up really owning a shop for needle crafts! 


The Exclamation Point is reopening in the Franklin Mall. The store address is now 1055 Monroe St. in Santa Clara, CA. The new location is a little bigger than the old location. I have a lovely room to put the tables and chairs for people to come and stitch with lots of windows and light. I have a smaller area for framing and framing supplies, and a good sized room for the show room. There is handicapped parking and a large parking lot on the side of the building opposite Monroe Street and the parking lot can be accessed by turning off Monroe onto Benton and then into the parking lot. There is a map on our website (http://exclamationpoint.org) showing how to get to the shop and the parking lot. Currently I am planning on having the shop open 6 days a week from 10 am to 5 pm. I can be reached by email at: contactus@exclamationpoint.org. Our new phone number is 408-246-3800.


There are three restaurants around the parking lot, one Vietnamese, one Thai and one Italian, as well as some interesting little shops to poke around in. In six months I hope to have the crocheting/tatting area set up and classes ready to go for both tatting and lace crocheting if there is enough interest. I am trying to figure out what to do about the cross stitch that I want to bring into the store. I am also hoping to have demonstrations once or twice a year of bobbin lace making. I also hope to have the costuming corner set up. This will include hard-to-get items such as metal and plastic boning materials for corsets and bodices, boning casing tubes, and cartridge pleating tape for making pleated skirts, and other items to be determined as time goes by. Currently those items are only found online or at Lacis in Berkeley. I'd like to make them a little more easily available to people in the South Bay as well. There are already some small amount of buttons, beads and trims available in the store. 


In a year or two I hope to be charting some ideas I have for cross stitch and then also converting them into needlepoint canvases as well. We'll see what happens with that. One of the reasons I really enjoy needlepoint so much is that it has opened up from being very basic rigid stitching to having some wonderful textures, stitches and almost an 'anything goes' feel to it. Well now that I've written a book for you, I am going to end here."
Melanie Vancil 
email address -- contactus@exclamationpoint.org 

Thanks, Melanie! I am pretty sure that you have the most unique introduction to needlepoint ownership that I’ve ever heard of--the Renaissance Fair!

Everyone join me in wishing Melanie and Exclamation Point well in the new location. If you are able to get there, the opening date is set for December 3 with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:00 a.m. Santa Clara's Mayor, Jamie Matthews will be doing the honors.


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

New Frames UPDATE WITH FLOOR STAND

There must be innovation in the air, because I have two articles on new frames for your reading pleasure this morning. The first article talks about the Millenium Embroidery Frame. It looks to me as if it is the offspring of an Evertite and a scroll frame.  I probably would not want to put a painted needlepoint canvas on this frame myself but it looks great for someone working on linen or similar ground materials.  I also know people who use scroll frames with needlepoint canvas successfully.  I just don't like the combination myself.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2011/11/millenium-embroidery-frame.html

http://www.needlenthread.com/2011/11/millenium-embroidery-frame-follow-up.html

UPDATE:  Mary discusses the Necessaire Floor Frame made by the same manufacturer.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2011/12/the-necessaire-floor-stand-the-millenium-frames-best-friend.html

I've also heard about a new manufacturer of Japanese Embroidery frames.  Again, this is not a frame useful for needlepoint canvas but since many needlepointers are masters of all sorts of embroidery techniques, I wanted to mention this site also.  Note that both places are in the United Kingdom, so there will be shipping charges and possibly VAT depending on where you live.
http://japaneseembroideryframes.com/

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

If Your Stocking is Bigger...

...then you might be interested in the Amanda Lawford truck show at Nimble Needle until December 12.  Amanda does those lovely large Santas and lots of other pillow and footstool-sized goodies.
http://thenimbleneedle.blogspot.com/2011/11/amanda-lawford-trunk-show-is-here.html

http://thenimbleneedle.blogspot.com/2011/11/amanda-lawford-bee-footstool.html


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

Stocking Stuffers

When you need a small stitching gift to put inside that special someone's Christmas stocking, it can be hard to find something cool but inexpensive. I'm starting to collect ideas here to help Santas everywhere find a tiny but fun present for stitchers in their life.  Vicky suggests the Kreinik pens.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/11/09/a-great-gift-idea/

If you want to give a painted canvas, I have discovered a new site that sells unwanted stash at good prices.  WARNING:  I don't know anything about this site or its customer service, so this is a use-at-your-own risk proposition.  If you have used their service or purchased from them, do let us know what you think in the Comments section.  Or email me at chilly hollow at hotmail dot com.
http://www.vintageneedlepoint.com/page1.html

Ruth Schmuff has Christmas themed project bags and snap together trays to hold supplies.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2011/11/christmas-bags-are-here.html

The snap trays come in other fabrics if the person you are buying for isn't that into the holiday spirit.
http://bestitchedneedlepoint.com/news-and-updates/snap-trays-from-bestitched-needlepoint/

Speaking of BeStitched, they also have lovely scissors and laying tools.
http://bestitchedneedlepoint.com/news-and-updates/holiday-gift-options/

Here's the newest needle magnet from Kelmscott--a heart in a gloved hand.
http://www.traditionalstitches.com/p_KDHHNM.html

Kelmscott also has little mother of pearl fish buttons, perfect for that mermaid canvas in your stash.
http://www.traditionalstitches.com/p_KDSF.html


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

Thanksgiving and Other Canvases

If you are hiding out at home, trying to avoid Thanksgiving weekend shopping madness, what you need is nice soothing eye candy to enjoy with a morning (or evening) cup of your favorite beverage.  Nimble Needle is supplying the Thanksgiving canvases by showing off their customer Patty's work.  Patty choose interesting threads and calm stitches to bring her Melissa Shirley Pilgrim canvases to life.
http://thenimbleneedle.blogspot.com/2011/11/happy-thanksgiving.html

Needle Bug is showing off their customer Caroline's work.  It is varied and interesting to see and there are a lot of closeups to enjoy.
http://theneedlebug.com/2011/11/pondering-post/

Many thanks to both shops for showcasing some of their customers' work!


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

Hard Copy ThreadworX Journals Available

ThreadworX has announced that last year's digital ThreadworX Journals are now available in hard copy form. If you prefer a book to a PDF file, these are for you.
http://www.threadcandystudio.com/order2_3.html


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

Inside the Needle Kingdom

Want to know where needles come from? The Colonial Needle Company, of course! They are the distributors of most of the needle brands we can buy in the United States.
http://needlemenow.blogspot.com/2011/03/meet-colonial-family.html 

Colonial also distributes the Lee canvases and leather goods we are so fond of.
http://needlemenow.blogspot.com/2011/04/more-of-colonial-needle-family.html

The above articles are from the Colonial Blog.  I hope to see more fun things from the company here soon.

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

Shop Models for Charity

I know shops love stitched models.  Some go to great lengths to have finished pieces for their customers to enjoy and tempt them to open their pocketbooks. However, Needle Nicely has taken this a step further and donates models for canvases that are no longer available to a local charity. What a nice idea!  Way to go, Mary Agnes!!
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2011/11/festival-of-trees-i.html

http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2011/11/festival-of-trees-ii.html


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

Evolution of The Maggie Lane Kimono

Any needlepointer over forty has probably seen the Maggie Lane kimono booklet, which took Maggie Lane's outline and put different stitches in each section to create an Asian style sampler.  The booklet for this piece used all ecru threads but John Waddell has taken the piece and moved it into the 21st Century with a variety of colorways and new threads that weren't available when Maggie was alive or even when the booklet that used her outline was published.  (Note that there is a smaller version of the Ietje Jackovich Kimono.  I've seen this booklet although I can't find a copy online at the moment, so if your copy seems different than the photos, that's why.)
http://juststring.blogspot.com/2011/11/kimono-revisited.html

John taught this class at Chaparral several years ago but those photos are no longer on the website since the class is long over and the shop has changed hands.  Still, you can see quite a few colorways and thread collections on the SHS website.  Just follow the links in the article above to sign up.


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

Kelly's Thanksgiving Pilgrim

Kelly Clark has celebrated Thanksgiving by finishing the first Pilgrim in her Elegant Thanksgiving set in time to post a photo of all the gorgeous details!
http://kellyclarkneedlepointhandbook.blogspot.com/2011/11/rebekkha-is-done.html


She's wonderful, Kelly.  Thank you!


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

The Thanksgiving Stand Ups

Needlepoint Study Hall celebrated Thanksgiving by showcasing a wonderful  Rebecca Wood Thanksgiving stand-up set stitched by Maelyse Webb.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2011/11/thanksgiving-village-rebecca-wood.html#comment-form

This got me thinking about my favorite Thanksgiving set, which is the four small figures of Pilgrim and Indian boys and girls that Associated Talents has created.
http://www.atneedlepoint.com/CanvasLookup.asp?Category=Thanksgiving&SubCategory=&QueryPage=2


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

Thanksgiving Treat

Custom Canvas from Leigh Designs

Today's Thanksgiving treat is calorie-free and fabulous. As you all know, I stitch models for Leigh Designs. For the last two months when she and I talked, Leigh mentioned working on a huge custom design for a long-time customer. The canvas is finished and on its way to Pat Delp at Designer's Desk, the shop that placed the order for the customer and that will pull threads for it before sending it to its new home.  Luckily for us, Leigh and the customer allowed me to post a photo for your viewing pleasure.  The design is called "Life's Thoughts."

This is a huge canvas at 24 by 36 inches on 18 count canvas and there is a lot going on .  Leigh told me she enjoyed playing with various focal points to move the eye around the canvas to discover the special items she hid in the piece.  She included a lot of things the customer requested--the two geishas, the musical instrument, the moon bridge, the Japanese castle, and two types of flowers (mums and orchids).  There are wonderful little touches, too, like the purple tassel that hangs off the golden obi in the front geisha's hands and the two types of blossoms in the pink trees.  Leigh says the metallic paint doesn't show up except in person, so there is much we can't see.  But if you study the piece carefully, there is a great deal to discover and enjoy even in a photograph.

I am very sorry that there is just one of these as it is a work of art, but at least we can all see and enjoy the custom work Leigh Designs turns out as our special dessert this Thanksgiving.  Please join me in thanking Leigh Richardson and her customer for allowing me to show off their joint creation!

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

BeStitched Newsletter and Party

BeStitched is combining their six month anniversary with a holiday party on December 3. details in their November newsletter,
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs006/1105463547987/archive/1108457361784.html

...and on their blog.
http://bestitchedneedlepoint.com/news-and-updates/congratulations-to-bestitched-needlepoint/


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

The Perfect Frame

When we frame our needlepoint, the struggle to find the perfect frame can be as epic (and frustrating) as climbing Mount Everest. Luckily Lisa Krause has taken this step out of stitching Ewe and Eye canvases.  The frame you see here matches the canvas perfectly.  Tisha promises to showcase more of the designs with their frames on her website.  Check the New Products section at the second link below.
http://stitchplaywithneedlepointtooltime.blogspot.com/2011/11/new-item.html

http://www.needlepointtooltime.com/

These aren't the only frames to match canvases available. Maggie has some frames available (also from Lisa Krause) as does Labors of Love.
http://www.maggieco.com/html/drill.php?category=11

http://www.laborsofloveneedlepoint.com/gallery.php?category=59

Here is Lisa's website.
http://www.deuxbijouxbijoux.com/

These frames are expensive but they are the perfect compliment to your stitched piece and remove a lot of the pain involved in choosing a frame that works with your design.


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

Chilly Hollow Stitch Guides Blog Updated

This morning I happily added an announcement of stitch guides available for ABS Design's latest series, the one called Savile Row. You can see the details at the CH Stitch Guides blog.  To get there, simply click on the magic carpet photo in the right hand column and look for the November 22 posting at the top of the page.


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

Stitch Samples: A Fun Way To "Sample" a Book

I admit it:  Samplers are not my thing. But Needle Bug has come up with a fun new way to stitch a "sampler" using a new stitching book that might be something I'd like to do one day.
http://theneedlebug.com/2011/11/a-couple-things-i-have-learned-recently/


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

Seasonal Delights

Sometimes I forget that everyone doesn't have fall foliage and the crisp clean air of autumn, plus deer and wild turkeys camped on their doorstep like I do. Many of us have other things that happen every year that are very very different season markers. Linda B. reminds us of the Florida seasons with this charming posting, illustrated with even more charming stitching.
http://splittheneedles.blogspot.com/2011/11/tis-season.html

I love stone crab but I never knew it was a seasonal treat since I normally only visit Florida at Christmas or Easter.

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

Latticework on the Cat Topiary Garden

Latticework Stitched

The last large remaining feature in my cat topiary garden is the latticework gate. It puzzled me for quite a while since I needed a stitch that looked like wood but that wasn't too dense compared to the light coverage stitches used most everywhere on this canvas. I finally just stitched long stitches (either diagonals or verticals, depending on the space) with #8 perle cotton. #5 perle cotton was a little too heavy but #8 is just right. It doesn't quite cover but it looked good to me. It took two nights' stitching to finish the latticework and then took two more nights to add the blue outline around the edges of most of the lattice pieces in the arch and gate.

Shadows Added to Latticework

I almost didn't stitch (stem stitch with two plies of my thread) the blue shadows around the white pieces of wood but I am glad I did.  They add a bit of depth to the design.  The most interesting thing about the blue shadows is the thread I used, which was new to me.  It is overdyed DMC cotton which comes from their Variations line.  You can see all the colors here.  (Note that there are two pages to view.)  I used #4020 which is lighter in person than in the photograph.  It shades from white to a pale sky blue with a few darker sky blue areas in the skein.
https://www.stitchingbitsandbobs.com/cgi-bin/Store/pageread.cgi?DMCColorVariations

I'd never used Variations before.  I've seen it in the craft chain stores, of course, but always turned up my nose at it.  After all, there are a dozen or more overdyed cotton brands available, all of which sport lovelier colors than what is available from DMC Variations.  But when I didn't find the shade of blue I needed for the latticework shadows in my stash, I went looking at the only threads easily available to me--the DMC cotton floss display.  I spotted Variations, realized This Was It, and bought a skein on the spot.  As I remember, it's more expensive than regular DMC cotton floss and the plies also seem coarser than their regular floss.  I suppose that is due to the extra dyeing needed to create the colors.  It's good to know that I can pick up other overdyed cottons in a pinch from DMC.  If you also live far from any shop and have to rely on DMC in an emergency, remember to check out the specialty threads DMC offers.  It's not just regular cotton floss any more.

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

A Devil of a Face

Since so many folks have mentioned they have a problem stitching faces, I thought you'd like to see the series of photos of a face Robin King stitched. The piece is one of the Creepy Characters in the Needle Deeva series. This is the devil, if you haven't guessed. He's quite full of himself!
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2011/11/devils-face-nd-0467-b.html

The moral is patience.  Robin took many steps to work on each area. This wasn't a face stitched in an hour but the end result shows how all that work came together in a smug little face, perfect for this Halloween Creep!


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

The Well Dressed Witch

The fun we stitchers have with Halloween projects hasn't gone unnoticed.  Meredith Willet and her mom made scissor fobs for folks taking her fabulous witch shoes project.
http://nystitchingsisters.blogspot.com/2011/10/it-all-about-shoes.html

Anyone need matching witch shoes scissors?  Or the coordinating scissors keep?
http://www.theneedlepointer.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=70&products_id=9891

http://www.anitalittlestitches.com/kneedleminders.html

See? You don't just have to keep your shoes in your closet.  They work in your stitching bag, too.  LOL

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

Pilgrim's Progress

Want to see the progress Kelly Clark is making on her Pilgrim lady?
http://kellyclarkneedlepointhandbook.blogspot.com/2011/11/pretty-lady.html

Kelly is stitching this series of her designs as a class called The Elegant Thanksgiving at Needle Works in Austin, Texas.  For details on the class, you can visit their November shop newsletter.
http://theneedleworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/201111newsletter.pdf

The first canvas and thread set is in the mail.
http://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/2011/11/rebekkah-is-on-her-way.html

Some of us are going overboard with not only a coordinated magnet to keep up with our needles, but a coordinating project bag, too!
http://splittheneedles.blogspot.com/2011/11/happy-early-thanksgiving.html

Kelly plans to post supplemental information about each lesson on her blog.  The first one (backgrounds) is up now.  For some reason I can't get a link to just that article, so go to the blog site and look for the November 7, 2011 "Lesson #1" posting.  There are five canvases so I expect at least four more postings to give students (and onlookers) hints about stitching different areas.
http://kellyclarkneedlepointhandbook.blogspot.com/


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

Stars for the New Millenium Update

Jan and Liz have posted their progress on Stars on their blogs. Since they have finished Gregory Peck, they are 2/3 though the piece now. For once "stitch faster" isn't on my mind as I look at their very different interpretations of this classic design. I am not eager for the beauty to end.  Here's Liz--
http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/stars-for-new-millenium-progress-10_15.html


And here is Jan's version.  Beautiful!  Thank you very much, ladies, for giving us so much pleasure.
http://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2011/11/15/stars-of-the-new-millennium-gregory-peck/


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

Like a Freight Train

With the holidays barreling down on us like a runaway freight train, I thought you'd like to see Raymond Crawford's latest design, a Halloween train. Isn't it cute?
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2011/11/train.html


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

Japanese Braids

Anyone who likes to make twisted cords for their pillows and ornaments will enjoy exploring the Japanese braid website.  This technique of braiding cords using stands or pillows is called Kumihimo, and like so many other needle and textile techniques, the Japanese have raised it to a fine art.  The links on the left side of the page are to articles and the thumbnail photos show off what you can create using Kumihimo.  Once you start exploring, there are many more links to resources and supplies.
http://www.braidsociety.com/work/picsstoryfset_b.htm


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

That One Is Mine and This One is Yours

I never go anywhere that isn't the grocery, post office, or drug store, but if you go to classes (or if you just like a color-coodinated stitching corner) you may need customized trays and frame weights that are perfect for travel and easy to tell from your stitching neighbor's stuff in class.  Ruth Schmuff has you covered, and in just your style.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2011/11/personally-yours.html


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

Cat Topiary Garden: Why Tulle?

Since I've gotten multiple questions as to why I layered tulle over the cat topiary garden canvas, I thought it is worthwhile to provide an explanation for those who missed it the first time round.  When I finished stitching the background, I realized there was a problem.
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2011/06/its-ruths-fault-we-are-going-shopping.html


I knew from paying careful attention to Ruth Schmuff's stitching and from using tulle over the Melissa Shirley Red Geisha that tulle could fix my problem.
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2011/06/how-ruth-brought-tulle-into-my-life.html

Tulle isn't the perfect answer.  If I knew in June what I know now, I would have just put a piece of tulle over the background only and left the rest of the canvas uncovered.  But if I hadn't tried covering the entire canvas, we wouldn't know this, so it is a worthwhile experiment.  Making mistakes in your stitching is how you learn.  The perfect stitcher never gets beyond perfect stitches to memorable needlepoint.
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2011/06/tulle-on-needlepoint-canvas-drawbacks.html

On the other hand, the tulle provides a secure background for making French knots if you are doing light coverage.  That's something worth remembering if you ever need to scatter French knots over something that won't really hold them in place well.


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

Needlepoint in the 1970s

This is pretty much what needlepoint was like when I taught myself how to needlepoint in 1988.  


Flashback!!

Sadly, this is also pretty much what folks who don't stitch think needlepoint is like today.  By the way, Brini Maxwell is a vintage style specialist on New York City cable TV and now on the Style Network.  She also sells pillows but they are fabric, not needlepoint.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=l_qg-Pq3O8k


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

Doodling at BeStitched

BeStitched has posted another short essay on aspects of needlepoint. This one is about how and why to use a doodle canvas.
http://bestitchedneedlepoint.com/news-and-updates/what-the-doodle-is-a-doodle-canvas/


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

Military Canvases

Sandy Grossman-Morris showcased a custom military badge canvas on her blog she created for her daughter as a reminder that her custom painted canvases can create a very special and personal ornament or pillow for the soldier/sailor/airman in your life.
http://sandygrossman-morris.blogspot.com/2011/11/military-emblems-needlepoint-canvases.html


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

Trish's Tips for Better Needle Painting

Whether you call it long and short stitch, needle painting, random long and short, or any other term, Trish Burr has mastered the art of using threads to create realistic plants and animals, particularly birds. She's posted ten tips to help folks do smoother shading in this style on her blog. If you use this technique or want to, you should check Trish's tips out.
http://trishburr.com/2011/10/25/smoother-shading/


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

Cat Topiary Garden: Putting Leaves on Topiaries

Cat Topiary without French Knots

There are only four topiary bushes on dede Odgen's Cat Topiary Garden design but they seemed to go on forever!  Since I choose to stitch them in a variant of skip tent that uses cross stitches instead of tent stitches (using two plies of my DMC cotton colors), they did take a while to stitch.  All the topiaries are shades of medium to dark green against the blue tinted other bushes, so they stand out from the background, but I wanted to make them stand out even more, so once the skip tent was all finished on all four topiaries, I added tiny French knots (one wrap only with the two plies of DMC cotton) along the yellow highlighted edges of each bush.  That gave a rather leafy edge to the bushes.  In the photo above you see the cat topiary before any French knots were added.  See how the cat shape blends into the bushes behind it slightly?  The other topiaries have the same problem to a lesser degree.

Topiaries with French Knots

This photo shows the cat with its French knots in place.  The addition of small French knots helps lift the design somewhat and defines it.  By the way, remember my complaints about how the layer of tulle that lies on top of the canvas prevents my basketweave and any satin stitches from being as smooth as they normally would be?  The same layer of tulle really helped give my French knots something to hang on to.  Ordinarily I would not be able to use French knots on a skip tent area but the tulle really helps in this regard.

In other words, tulle is a plus on top of your canvas sometimes and sometimes it isn't.  Choose your canvas carefully if you are going to use this technique.

Once I finish the tiny French knots around the feet of the cat statues,  I can turn my attention to the gate, which is the last remaining large element of this canvas.

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

Red Birds of Glory

Check these framed Charley Harper painted canvases out!
http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2011/11/cardinals-are-framed.html


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

It's All Right to Needlepoint

Here's a great review of Rosey Grier's book on needlepoint. This is a classic book that I see on eBay occasionally. It's a Must Have for the serious NP book collector.
http://www.craftypod.com/2011/10/18/a-classic-of-the-genre-rosey-griers-needlepoint-for-men/


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

Let's Hear it for Judie! (and Kathy Schenkel)

When I was wrestling with changing Blog's header photo, I decided that once I was able to change the photo, I'd switch to a seasonal design that didn't have to be changed often. I choose a photo of the darling little Kathy Schenkel mini sock that Judie Solomon stitched for me. Judie is the owner of Thistle Needleworks in Connecticut as well as the proprietress of Alex Paras Needle Arts, the online shop arm of Thistle.  I discovered Judie stitches little Kathy Schenkel Designs Christmas stockings for her family and asked if I could be adopted as a joke.  Judie obliged in the most wonderful way possible!

I found photos of some finished KSD stockings for your perusal.  Aren't they great?!
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2011/02/kathy-schenkels-mini-stocking-with.html

http://homesteadneedlearts.blogspot.com/2009/11/kathy-schenkel-mini-stocking-trunk-show.html

Because she's such a fan, Judie has a great many KSD stockings with matching stuffed items available via her online store.  Of course you can visit the Kathy Schenkel website and browse everything there, then have your local shop order the perfect mini stocking for you. After all, Judie can't adopt us all!
http://store.apneedlearts.com/miwdo.html

http://www.kathyschenkel.com/Gallery/Mini-Socks-with-Critters/10

Thanks again, Judie.  I can't tell you how much pleasure your beautifully stitched little stocking has brought me.


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

Ada's Four Cats

Ada Hayden of Eye Candy Needlepoint has created a series of cat canvases that take the iconic 1960s glamour cat into holiday territory. Throw in Vicky DeAngelis' purrfect stitching and you get cats who are fashionable, charming and a little bit wicked.  The first cat in the series is Witchy-Poo, she of the perfect background and tiny little witch hat.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/10/10/itsy-bitsy-spider/

Here is what she looks like turned into a little standup.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2011/11/witchy-poo-has-arrived.html

Santa Baby is next.  She has her gifts all picked out and her snowflakes polished, ready for Christmas Day.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/11/06/santa-baby-well-hes-finished/

A sleek cat whispered to me that the third cat in the series will be a 4th of July Kitty and there's an Easter one planned as well.  Stay tuned for photos of those next year.


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

Rumor Mill

The rumor mill says there are new threads coming out at the January 2012 trade show. Rainbow Gallery will have four new glow in the dark colors in shades of lime, lavendar, orange and yellow. Hyla Hurley's High Cotton line is going to add twenty-one new colors, including six Christmas reds/magentas, two bright greens and --my favorite!-- four shades of old gold.

I've heard the new Gingher scissors limited edition for 2012 will be in my favorite shades of turquoise, blue, and green! I've never been on the bandwagon of picking up the limited edition Gingher colors, but next year I might have to make an exception....


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

Painted Canvas and Other Treats from All Over

I've been collecting fun little painted canvases and some other things from here and there, ably abetted by my spies. How about a mermaid pirate?
http://www.cbkneedlepointcollections.com/ProdDetails.php?pId=1740

Or Chinese lantern canvases?
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2011/11/chinese-lanterns.html

Are you a romantic?  Here's a sweater fit for the Duke of Windsor (who needlepointed, by the way).
http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2011/11/exploring-another-pattern.html

This double scissor case is a favorite of Pat Correz's.  If you don't know Pat, you are missing a real treat!  She's a force of nature who also happens to work behind the scenes for both ANG and EGA to bring us stitchers Seminars, classes and other wonderful things.  Since Pat travels so much, I can see why she loves this little protective case for her embroidery scissors.
http://www.needlepointtooltime.com/a%20must%20for%20every%20project


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

Drinks with Julia

The title should have drinks (and mermaids and a witch and convertible and cake) with Julia but that's too long. To see what I'm babbling about, head here--
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2011/11/whats-few-more-ufos-between-friends.html


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

Robin Goes to Alabama

Robin King is teaching at Montgomery's Needle Bug. I sure wish I was there. Montgomery is a lovely small Southern city.
http://theneedlebug.com/2011/10/robin-is-in/


http://theneedlebug.com/2011/11/where-to-start/

http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2011/10/ruth-schmuff-day-2.html

http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2011/10/needle-bug-day-two_9254.html

http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2011/11/needle-bug-wrap-up.html

Why am I suddenly hungry?


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

Blog Hates Me

This morning I finally gave up and removed the header photo on Blog. I accidentally uploaded the wrong photo several days ago but have been unable to remove it. When I try, I lock up my browser. Apparently this is a common complaint. I suspect that it is because I haven't upgraded my system to the latest operating system that just came out. Litlte things have been happening ever since the new browser for the new operating system became available. I did download that, and am paying for it in little quirks and now bigger problems.  There's been a patch that tries to fix the browser freezes and it has helped but has not solved all the problems.  Probably Blogger did something this week that is compatible with the new browser but not with the old ones.

UPDATE: Got the correct photo to load in the header by deleting the old photo, saving the header without any photo, then going back and uploading the photo I wanted to use in the header.  WHEW!

I've also just learned that the slide show program I use (slide.com) will disappear, taking my slide shows with it, next March.  So I am now in the market for a new slide show program.  Several blogs I follow use Smilebox but I have to download a program to run that, which I am loathe to do.  Any suggestions?

I also am unable to download a new version of Firefox.  I don't usually run Firefox but I wanted to update the old version I have in reserve for websites that simply won't work with Safari.  So I deleted the old Firefox in preparation for downloading the new one but the new Firefox won't install.

I am not a happy camper.  I think I'll go stab my current canvas with a needle about a million times and see if I feel better!

[Jane stomps off, muttering "stupid computer" as she goes....]

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

The Wedding Cake

Lots of folks stitch ring bearer pillows for weddings, but no one has done anything as spectacular as this wedding cake design!  This is a discontinued canvas from Maggie, by the way.  Many thanks to Vanessa, the goddess owner of Ridgewood, for discovering who painted this beauty so I could credit the designer properly.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2011/10/dotties-wedding-cake.html


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

While Susan and I Were Talking....

While Susan and I were discussing the Maggie Lane dragon design she's stitching, we got to talking about silk and metal embroidery and folks who teach Asian inspired designs. I thought you might like to revisit the websites of the stitching masters of these techniques.  All three teach nationwide, so keep your eyes open in case one comes to a guild or seminar near you.  I'm going to list them in alphabetical order with their website link.  Explore and be amazed!

Margaret Kinsey teaches silk and metal embroidery and also Rozashi, which is a style of Japanese embroidery on a special fabric.
http://www.makincdesigns.com/index.htm

Judy Soulitis is a master of silk and metal embroidery but recently she has fallen under the spell of beads.  Be sure you explore her website thoroughly.
http://www.judysouliotis.com/Judys_Needlework/Home.html

Kay Stanis does silk and metal embroidery inspired by, but not limited to, Japanese design and Medieval illuminated books.  Don't miss her Gallery.
http://www.the-gilded-edge.com/Home.html

UPDATE:  Kay will do a class for ANG starting early next year.  Clink on the links for more details about the costs and timing.
http://needlepoint.org/CorrClasses/classes/hiogi.php

I love visiting these websites, studying their creations and hoping one day to be able to create masterpieces of my own.


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

Bug Bites Veterans Day Sale EXTENDED

In honor of the men and women who serve in the military, Needle Bug is having a Veterans Day sale today, November 11 AND NOVEMBER 12-13!  (UPDATE:  Sale extended through the weekend because Needle Bug's blog hates them, too.)  All stocking canvases and Amanda Lawford Santas are twenty-five percent off.  Selected items (there are 339 of them!) are half off.  They promise to have photos up on their website by 9 a.m. November 11 to assist long distance shoppers.
http://theneedlebug.com/2011/11/veterans-day/


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

Bead and Ribbon Flowers

Are you interested in ribbon bead flowers? This video from BeStitched shows how Jan Ayeroff combines the two for flowers.
http://bestitchedneedlepoint.com/news-and-updates/ribbon-flowers-techniques-video-demo/

Warning:  The video repeats, which is nice if you want to see it all again.  If not, just stop when the tape repeats.  The canvas being taught in the class is Bedazzled Boat Buddies by John Johanssen.  Here's what the whole thing looks like.
http://melissashirleydesigns.com/galcol/index.cgi?index=1292443593_32198&col=110

A second video has been posted, showing petals made from two passes of a silk ribbon through needlepoint canvas.  These are neat techniques that show just how versatile silk ribbons can be on your canvas.
http://bestitchedneedlepoint.com/news-and-updates/ribbon-flowers-techniques-video-demo-part-2/

If you are interested in this piece, BeStitched can do a long distance learning kit for you.  Contact them for more information.
http://bestitchedneedlepoint.com/news-and-updates/bedazzled-boat-buddies-was-quite-the-learning-experience/

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

Four Flowers for Hawaii Plus a Peacock

Needlepoint Etc. in Honolulu has announced the latest design in the flower series from Georg James--a bird of paradise!
http://needlepointetc.wordpress.com/2011/10/26/tuesday-oct-24/

You can see the hibiscus single blossom, the multiple hibiscus and ginger flowers on their website and blog.
http://www.needlepointhi.com/news/index.html

http://needlepointetc.wordpress.com/2011/06/22/wednesday-june-22/

If you love flowers and Hawaii, these would make a gorgeous set.  If flowers aren't your thing, how about this silk ribbon embroidery peacock?  Amazing!
http://www.dicraft.co.za/blog/a-proud-peacock/


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

The Snowbird (with Magi)

Now that the trauma of snow before Halloween has receded a bit, I can send Blog readers over to see a finished Dorothy Lesher class piece called Snowbird. It's GORGEOUS! First, Pat has posted a finished photo.
http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2011/10/viola-fini.html

Then she posted closeups of the sections. The metallics and beads and the shine of the silks don't photograph well, so you can imagine how great this is going to be when it is framed.
http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2011/10/all-closeups.html

By coincidence, Just String is posting photographs of Dorothy's The Magi as she works it.  This particular entry is very interesting because Dorothy told her students to use ink to create a shadow on the Ultrasuede.  Fascinating tip!  If you want to see more, click on the Just String title and read the postings on the first and the previous page that show her progress creating this piece.
http://juststring.blogspot.com/2011/11/ink-unusual-embellishment.html

Sadly, Dorothy doesn't have a website but if you look for ANG and EGA Seminar classes she's taught or check what she plans to teach at Callaway or at the Shining Needle Society, you might be able to find a class you can take from her.

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

Carol-Anne and the Floral Melody

Carol-Anne is into Japanese Embroidery and Japanese beading. I had no idea that there was a Japanese way to bead but Carol-Ann's got it licked.  I recommend you head to her blog and then just work from entry to entry to see Floral Melody grow.  Amazing stuff!
http://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/


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

Counted Canvaswork Classes and News

All of a sudden I have a lot of fun news for the counted canvasworker. Let me list everything here, in no particular order.  Scarlet Thread is showing new items from the online counted thread/cross stitch show on their blog.  Items range from the newest Threedles piece in three color combos to a darling baby sampler (that isn't cutesy or in those insipid pinks and blues baby stuff seems to thrive in) from Brenda Kocher.
http://stitchything.blogspot.com/2011/11/new-from-needlework-show.html

Laura Perin has announced her latest shadow stitching class.  This one features pansies.
http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2011/11/new-shadow-stitching-class.html

Laura has decided to do a mystery class as well.  It's going to be a free class with each step announced each Monday on her blog.  Here's the first step.  Bookmark the blog and check out how the design develops or just stitch along here on "Mini Mystery Monday."
http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2011/11/mini-mystery-monday.html

http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2011/11/mini-mystery-monday_14.html

http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2011/11/mini-mystery-monday_21.html

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

Slate Frame Magic

Most of us don't use the English slate frames for our stitching but I bet this tip for tightening your laced piece will work for those who use Japanese Embroidery frames or anyone who laces their fabric on any type of frame.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2011/11/hand-embroidery-with-chopsticks.html


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

Custom Cell Phone Cases for Stitchers

I have a basic cell phone. It's about six years old and a hot pink flip style. (Stop snickering!) The only thing keeping me from switching to a better phone is that cell phone coverage is very spotty in Chilly Hollow. Even when I drive to the nearest large towns, the phone won't work much of the trip.  So I don't bother with the latest phone since the functions that are so cool aren't available unless you can actually get onto a phone network.  HOWEVER, that doesn't mean I don't lust after a really cool cell phone case.  If I did have a fancy phone, I'd stitch a themed case, that's for sure!  Courtesy of the DMC blog, I just discovered easy instructions on how to make your own plus a link to a company that makes stitchable cases (second link).
http://weelittlestitchescrossstitch.blogspot.com/2011/10/stitch-your-own-cell-phone-case.html

http://connectdesign.co.kr/front/php/product.php?product_no=170&main_cate_no=1&display_group=2

The other way to go is to have a photograph of your favorite piece of needlework made into a phone case.  Like Tricia did.  How cool is this?  It's expensive but still when I win the lottery and install a cell phone tower in my back yard....
http://thistle-threads.com.mytempweb.com/blog/index.php/2010/10/iphone-case/

http://custom.case-mate.com/imakemycase


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

Barbara Bergsten Holiday Collection Sale Nov. 8-10

For the next three days, Barbara Bergsten's Holiday Collection is on sale at The Needlepointer. The canvases are ten percent off but if you buy threads at the same time, you'll get an additional ten percent off the canvas price.  Here is the sale collection.
http://www.theneedlepointer.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&zenid=2u5jd5hplg1fd9b47ljln0fcl0&cPath=76&sort=20a&filter_id=104

By the way, Seinfeld fans--

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

Cat Topiary Garden Thread Dye Lot Problem and Solutions

Problem Area

Despite my having two partial spools of Trebizond Silver 953 here in CH, I ran out of this medium silver color while working the right hand cat statue. I called up the local shop that I knew stocks Trebizond and ordered a spool (plus some other goodies I'll report on later) and it arrived Saturday. Hurrah!

Sadly, the dye lots had changed substantially and all of a sudden Silver 953 was much darker.  In the photo above, the right leg is the original Silver 953 while the left leg is the new spool of Silver 953.  The circled area is where I mixed threads to get by.  See my problem?  I've never had this issue with Trebizond before but some threads (I'm looking at YOU, Watercolours!) are notorious for dyelot changes.  This is why you always should buy plenty of thread.  However, with two partial spools and not that much area to cover, I thought I'd be ok.  Much of the second cat statue was done in half cross stitch, by the way, which uses much less thread than the basketweave of the left cat statue.  I still ran out, though, and ended up with two shades of silver. So I did what any stitcher would do--I rummaged through my stash. I had a similar silver in Presencia perle cotton but it didn't have the sheen of the silk Trebizond and didn't look right.  I did have Trebizond 951 which is very light silver, however.  So I plied the light 951 and the dark 953 and experimented to see what mix of plies got me closest to the original 953.  I ended up stitching the rest of the right cat statue with two plies of 951 and one of 953.  If I worked carefully so that the 953 showed more than the 951, it came close to the original 953 color.

Can I get by with this?

It is not perfect but it is ok.  There are things I can do to minimize the color difference.  I can put a few lines of darker grey on top of the legs to do shading.  That will minimize the color differences.  I could create a blooming vine to climb up the problem left leg and shoulder. That will also fool the eye which will look at the vine, not the leg.  If the cats were supposed to be real cats, not statues, I might try brushing the threads to make them fuzzy, which would also hide the color change.  But for now I'm tent stitching the green leaves around the cat statues' feet and working on the small cat topiary in the background while I think all this over.  Anyone else have ideas on hiding dye lot changes?


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

Introducing the Acorn Magnet

The latest magnet from Accoutrement Designs is a sparkling fall acorn. Bet the squirrels will be fighting over this one!
http://fobfriends.blogspot.com/2011/10/final-fall-magnet.html


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

New DMC Website Reviewed

Janet Perry has taken a look at the new DMC website and she is not pleased by its organization and the lack of respect for needlepointers.
http://www.nuts-about-needlepoint.com/dmcs-new-website-website-review

To tell you the truth, I sympathize. DMC's website has always been lacking. I found the old version hard to navigate and finding the DMC online color card was never easy.  (It still takes five clicks inside the website to find the PDF file that shows the floss colors.)  Needlepointers never get much respect at DMC, although their blog is somewhat better.  Here's the site (and the blog link is down the page on the left) so you can judge for yourself.
http://www.dmc-usa.com/

I think part of the problem is the huge number of products DMC carries.  The other part of the problem is that needlepointers are fewer in number.  Companies want to appeal to the broadest market possible so they sell as much as possible.  That's why Kreinik talks quilts, fishing flies and more on their blog and why ThreadworX is trying to expand to other crafts like felting.  Needlepoint is a small part of the stitching world.

The only way to really get clout is become a big market for thread companies.  So buy threads today or teach someone to needlepoint.


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

Back to Work on the Cat Topiary Garden

The Cat Topiary Garden Progress Report

The power outage last weekend and all the associated yard work to remove downed trees and limbs have put me way behind on posting about dede Odgen's cat topiary garden. I've been working away, though--I just haven't taken time to talk about it.


As you can see from the photograph above, I've finished the brick border (using Felicity's Garden silk/wool in a nice rusty orange called Cinnamon 012) and also tent stitched the two cat statues using Trebizond Silver 956 (the dark gray), Trebizond Black 111, and Trebizond 953 (light gray).  Since I wanted a smooth and slightly shiny look for the statues, the Trebizond silk perle worked well.  The black eyes of each cat are cross stitches, by the way.  I thought about doing tent stitches for one cat's eyes and reverse tent for the other's eyes but cross stitches looked best to me.

I left the gold necklaces the cats wear unstitched.  I will bead the necklaces but that needs to wait until the end as beads snag threads you are stitching with.


Working both the brick border and the cats was more challenging than I expected.  Remember, I am stitching through a layer of tulle laid on top of the canvas.  This makes laying stitches for a smooth look or doing perfect basketweave stitches harder than I expected.  No matter how careful I was, my stitching wasn't as nice as I'd like.  The tulle catches the threads slightly and keeps them from being perfectly smooth.  If I had it to do over again, I'd put the tulle layer just on the top over the already stitched background and not stitch through it, but I've also discovered that the right thread doesn't snag on the tulle.


Take the brick border, for example.  I used one strand of Impressions (light pinky tan), two plies of Lorikeet (dark brown) and one strand of Felicity's Garden (rusty orange) for the "bricks."  Of the three threads, the Felicity's Garden definitely laid best.  It's the thickest of the threads, so I think what is happening is that the Felicity's Garden comes through the tulle and then meshes together with previous stitches better than the other two brands.

What I'm trying to say is that if you have to stitch through tulle, some threads work better than others for long stitches.  But overall, I'd not recommend using long stitches on top of tulle unless you really must.  I didn't have the same problem with my previous stitches but they all used 1-2 plies of floss.  Of course it is hard to see just where to put my skip tent cross stitches on the topiaries because the tulle masks the canvas thread locations, but a good light and some careful planning gets me over that hump successfully.

Remember, this piece is not just a present for my mother:  it's another mad needlepoint adventure!  That's how we learn what works and what doesn't--by trying everything.  You'll soon find out that some things work, some don't, but you will increase your stitching knowledge immensely and be better prepared for the next project and the next! I highly advocate experimentation in needlepoint.  It is a fun way to learn.

Speaking of next, I'm working on the bird topiary.  After that I hope to alternate work on the cat topiary and the white fence and gate.  But first, there's a problem with the cat statue on the right side....


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