Sparkles: A Review and Tutorial All In One

Barbara Elmore's painted canvases are distributed by Sundance Designs, so she was able to get her hands on their new product Sparkles early. In this blog posting, she shows all the uses she's found for it so far. Amazing!
http://stitchpography.blogspot.com/2012/01/all-that-glitters-is-not-gold.html


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

I Definitely Need a Bead Bar

Vicky takes us to a class with Meredith Willett (M's Canvashouse and Elizabeth Turner Designs) and shows off some killer scisssor fobs and some great detail on canvases her fellow students are working.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/01/29/spending-the-day-at-a-stitch-in-time-with-meredith/


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

I Found Another Sylvia Sidney Fan

My all time favorite needlepoint book is Sylvia Sidney's, lovingly described here with wonderful photos of her stitching and photographs of her in various acting roles.  The writer didn't mention the pug needlepoints were studies for the pillow that she stitched for the Duchess of Windsor.
http://shewasabird.blogspot.com/2011/03/sylvia-sidneys-needlepoint-1968.html


You can see that pug pillow down at the bottom of the page, 4th photo from the bottom.  See the date and the initials SS?  That stands for Sylvia Sidney and the date the pillow was stitched, not the dog's birth and death dates. You can see a pencil drawing of this pillow in Sylvia's book but she was too discrete to show the actual pillow.  I always wondered what that pillow fetched at Sotheby's when the Duke and Duchesss' things were sold at auction and now I know.
http://www.interiordesignhound.com/2011/08/02/royal-hounds-the-duke-duchess-of-windsor-pack-of-dogs-a-pug-story/

Mary Martin's book on needlepoint is also good but I prefer Sylvia's.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/43756235/mary-martins-needlepoint-vintage

Needlepoint books in the early 1970s were often more personality than charts and diagrams.  Personality was what counted then, not how to do a complex stitch.  How I wish we had a few books like these today!  Not that I don't appreciate all the stitch dictionaries available to us but I miss glimpses of lives where needlepoint played a part.


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

TNNA Report: Vicky Talks Threads (and More)

Vicky takes a moment to show us some of the new threads and colors, shows off SharonG's owl geometric, and gives me a peek at Yoritomo on display at TNNA. Thank you!
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/01/28/i-came-i-saw-and-i-shopped/


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

Cat People

Vicky likes cats. She likes them A LOT. So of course she has profiled a bunch of cat canvases she saw at TNNA Phoenix.  Most of them are brand new pieces I've never seen before.  Some are funny; some are whimsical; some are elegant.  That Egyptian cat is a beauty, Vicky!
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/01/27/its-all-about-the-cats-2/

http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/01/30/im-feline-fine/


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

Aristeia Classes, Old and New

Aristeia has announced two new classes on their website. Plus, they are offering several older class kits for sale at a discount. Their stitching is always wonderful, so whether you are in the market for a new kit or not, you'll enjoy checking these out.
http://www.aristeianeedlepoint.com/

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

Major Landmark in East Rochester

If you are in East Rocherster, New York any time soon, here's the Must See site for you.  I'm sorry there is no website to visit, but at least Julie told us lots about what we'll find the next time we are in the area and visit.
http://theshopsampler.wordpress.com/2012/01/08/golden-thread-needlearts-east-rochester-ny/


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

TNNA Report: DMC Memory Thread on Steroids

If you have ever used memory thread, or ever thought about using memory thread, or ever thought memory thread wouldn't work on your stitching, you have to look at examples of memory thread in use from the DMC blog. It's amazing!
http://dmc-threads.com/tnna-update-memory-thread-works-art/


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

More Snowflakes, Crystals and Candy

Ruth Schmuff just posted the final notes on her current mystery project. It's an Eye Candy canvas called Candyland. And that's just what it looks like!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2012/01/truly-scrumptious.html

I want to go live there!

By the way, Eye Candy has put their 2012 canvases on their website.  Enjoy!
http://eyecandyneedleart.com/EyeCandy_Needleart/EyeCandy_Needleart_Catalog/Pages/Whats_New.html


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

My Favorite Winter Coat

Wouldn't it be fabulous to have a killer red winter coat like this one?  It makes me feel warm all over just to look at it!
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2012/01/how-great-is-this-nancy-decided-that.html


If your wardrobe is more casual, then maybe you want a jeans jacket?
http://www.flocktogether.com/needlepoint/jean.php


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

Get Ready

What's the Point? just got back from TNNA, took a good look at the shop and decided there's not room for everything they bought in Phoenix. So tomorrow (January 29) they are having a half off sale on all in stock canvases from 2-5 p.m.  I expect to see that Dublin, Ohio had a huge traffic jam on the news Sunday night.
http://monkeyjuiceoils.com/


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

TNNA Report: More Websites Updated

Now that the excitement of the TNNA show is over and everyone is home, with most of their laundry clean again, folks are taking the time to update their websites with new eye candy. The Whimsy and Grace site shows off the very elegant round Christmas ornaments and large stars we saw photos of earlier in finished form.
http://www.whimsyandgrace.com/new-items/

Needle Works has kindly posted a catalogue page showing the newest Painted Pony pieces.
http://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/2012/01/new-designs-from-painted-pony.html


MAP Designs, which has followed the trend of cat canvases, has their whimsical Cats in the Arts series.
http://www.mapdesignsneedleworks.com/mapdesignhandpaintneedlepointnew.html


Waterweave has posted their 2012 pieces here.  They do lots of animal pieces.  I particularly like Seahorsin' Around but other folks will like Pirate Sheep or Star Pig or fall for their patterned heart ornaments.
http://blog.waterweave.com/


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

Visiting the SWANs

Stephanie's stitching group has been busy stitching their brains out. Want to see?
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2012/01/swans-are-stitching-and-buying.html

I think the tiny bird is delightful and of course I love the Shelly Nativity.  I'm a sucker for Nativity sets!


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

Custom Ring Bearer Pillows

If you have a wedding in your future and are thinking about stitching a ring bearer's pillow, you'll want to look at this.
http://designneedlepointkits.com/2012/01/10/custom-shop-for-personalized-needlepoint-ring-bearer-pillow-kits/

You can see the various designs they offer at the NeedlePaint website.  NeedlePaint specializes in turning your photographs into a custom needlepoint canvas.  I've not seen any of their work personally but it is a service that a lot of folks are interested in.  We all have those precious photos stashed away that we'd love to stitch one day, after all.
http://www.needlepaint.com/needlepoint-kits/#3


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

Needle Delights Offers New Designs

Fans of counted canvaswork or folks who are interested in design (or are fans of purple) will have a good time looking at the newest design from Needle Delights and a brand new piece that is still developing.
http://needledelightsoriginals.blogspot.com/2012/01/bad-newsgood-news.html

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

A Look At Bling, Glitz and Glamour UPDATED

One of the new items that turned up at the TNNA show in Phoenix was June McKnight's latest book, Bling, Glitz and Glamour for Needlepoint.  When I first mentioned the book a few days ago, there wasn't anything up on June's website about the book but that has changed.  Check this out!
http://junemcknight.com/bling.html

I really like June's Halloween book Spooky Stitches from last year and her book Plants and Animals is a must have reference book on my shelves.  You can be sure I'll check this one out as soon as I can get to Needlewoman East and Waste Knot.

UPDATE:  BeStitched has autographed copies in stock.
http://bestitchedneedlepoint.com/bling-it-on/

Needle Bug will have them shortly.
http://theneedlebug.com/2012/01/june-mcknight/


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

Class with Vicky

Vicky DeAngelis takes us with her to a Kelly Clark class at BeStitched in Arizona. Sigh.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/01/26/stitching-at-bestitched/


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

Someone Thinks It Is Spring

BeStitched is fighting winter weather blues with flowers! This is a John Johannsen piece turned into needlepoint canvas by Melissa Shirley. BeStitched is doing a class on it. See all the pretty beads and silk ribbons? sigh....
http://bestitchedneedlepoint.com/melissa-shirley-needlepoint/#comment-644

They also are fighting winter with this Kirk and Hamilton Spring House.  Jane says the magic words, "There is a stitch guide."
http://bestitchedneedlepoint.com/spring-house-from-kirk-and-hamilton/

Speaking of silk ribbons, the River Silks blog has posted links to a tutorial on making silk ribbon butterflies and dragonflies.  They'd look pretty cute circling the John Johanssen bouquet, wouldn't they?
http://www.riversilks.com/wordpress/?p=788&mid=57930

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

What Count?

Janet Perry has posted about how to figure out the count of a piece of needlepoint canvas. It's obvious to us old timers but not so obvious for beginners, and Janet's included a bit about the tools you can use to determine canvas count, which might be very useful to a shop that needs to do this constantly.
http://www.nuts-about-needlepoint.com/what-mesh-is-it

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

TNNA Report: Danji Ornaments

Stitch By Stitch has posted photos of some darling cat and mice Christmas ornaments from Danji.
http://stitchbystitchlarchmontny.blogspot.com/2012/01/all-way-from-phoenix.html


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

TNNA Report: Followup

Rebecca Wood has updated her website to show her new designs now that TNNA is over.  Her home page has two slide shows of three brand new series (small cakes, a Nativity and Halloween ornaments).  To see some of the Reindeer Games ornaments, visit New Designs:  January 2012 in the pulldown menus under her header.  For those who missed it when I posted earlier, PFOS has posted photos of other new Rebecca Wood pieces, including some lovely stockings (I adore the baseball Christmas stockings!) and more Reindeer Games ornaments (second link).
http://www.rebeccawooddesigns.com/


http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2012/01/rebecca-wood.html

Ridgewood got to meet Sandra Gilmore!
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2012/01/gretchen-met-her-idol-while-we-were.html

Tisha found the perfect tote for the show.  It looks like the perfect tote for a lot of situations, actually.  The tutto.com website is down right now but if you look at their cached page, you can see a bit more.  To find a cached page of a website that's down, search for them using Google.  Once you get results, put your cursor over the grayed out double arrows to the right of the search result.  When a website appears on the right, click on it.  Not every page is cached, but this is a good way to find information if the regular site is unavailable.
http://stitchplaywithneedlepointtooltime.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-tote.html


What's the Point? has discovered neat finishing ribbons from Renaissance Ribbons which sells wholesale only.  Still, we can dream and then order through What's the Point?, right?
http://renaissanceribbons.com/

http://www.whatsthepoint.biz/

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

Tips for An Elegant Thanksgiving

If you took Kelly Clark's class on her Elegant Thanksgiving series from The Needle Works in Austin, Linda's tips may help you with the amazing swag on the pieces.
http://splittheneedles.blogspot.com/2012/01/elegant-thanksgiving-update.html

http://splittheneedles.blogspot.com/2012/01/eat-your-vegetables.html

Here are details about the project.  The second link is to Kelly's blog where she is posting information and close up photos about each piece to help students.
http://theneedleworks.com/clubs/

http://kellyclarkneedlepointhandbook.blogspot.com/


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

Monthly Club Update

From Barbara's Needlepoint, Sioux Falls, SD

Ridgewood Needlepoint is reporting they've signed up for a Kelly Clark monthly club called Tremendous Trees which will start "in the spring."  Since there are no photos on Kelly's website yet, we are lucky that Pocket Full of Stitches has posted some preliminary photographs.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2011/12/kellys-trees.html

Chandail's Poison Bottles Club (Kirk and Hamilton) has photos of all the finished models now.  Just click on the little yellow text under the thumbnail photos.
http://www.chandailneedlework.com/series/Poison%20Bottles.php

What's the Point? is introducing two new clubs--one a Kathy Schenkel Mrs. Santa Prepares for Christmas club that goes with their previous Mr. Santa Prepares set, and the other is Labors of Love's Victorian Toys club.  Details on each club are here.
http://www.whatsthepoint.biz/

Needle Orts is continuing their club of Rebecca Wood's 4th of July pieces and their Twas the Night Before Christmas mini socks.  I don't know the designer for that one.  Sorry.
http://www.needleorts.com/upcoming_events.html

I hadn't seen their Flamingo ornament club before.  Or their Dolly Mommas. Hilarious!
http://www.needleorts.com/category_results.cfm?Category=17

http://needleorts.com/results.cfm?SubCategory=14

Needleworks has added photos of more finished models for their Kelly Clark monthly angel club to their blog.
http://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/2012/01/happy-new-year-a-little-late.html

Beth's Needlepoint has added new models to their Brenda Stofft Santa's Wild Ride club.
http://www.bethsneedlepoint.com/Dot_ClubsExec.asp?idClubCategory=8

http://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/2011/11/fleas-navidad.html

If you are a Do-It-Yourself type stitcher, Stitch Boutique of Boston has some fun Santa ornaments from The Collection which would make a lovely collection.
http://www.stitchboutiqueboston.com/canvases-christmas-c-2_47/

The final "club" I have to tell you about isn't a monthly club, it's an annual limited edition Santa from They don't have a website, but they have started posting photographs of finished Santas from previous years on their Facebook page.  If you have an account, you can see the photo albums here.  The photograph above is the 2012 Limited Edition Santa, which I believe was designed by Ann Hanson.  Here are links to other Santas.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.228741063826035.77121.100000704292923&type=3

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.101706963196113.3794.100000704292923&type=3

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.101435103223299.3193.100000704292923&type=3

If you love stitching Santas but want something that not every stitcher has, you should look into Ann Hansen's Santas.

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

Back to Basics Class Openings

Stitch By Stitch in Larchmont, NY says there are still openings in their Tony Minieri Back to Basics 2 class. You must have taken his Basics 1 to enroll, however.  The dates are listed on their blog.
http://stitchbystitchlarchmontny.blogspot.com/2012/01/its-not-to-late-to-sign-up.html

It is these Back To Basics classes that Amy Bunger taped at her shop to turn into a three part DVD set, which I hope will be released at the January TNNA show.

By the way, Stitch By Stitch has a great gallery of finished pieces, all with classic and restrained finishing.  Click on the link at the bottom of this page to start the slideshow.
http://stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/photogallery.html

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

TNNA Report: Silk Ribbon Seduction

NeedlePaint.com went to market, and discovered their booth was across from River Silk's booth.  The result was inevitable!
http://designneedlepointkits.com/2012/01/25/silk-sails-sailboat-needlepoint/

By the way, NeedlePaint creates custom canvases from your photographs.  They also have stock designs that they will add your monogram to if you need a ring bearer's pillow, or need a name on a cute Christmas ornament.
http://www.needlepaint.com/needlepoint-kits/detail.aspx?kid=23


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

TNNA Report: Rebecca Wood

Someone was asking on the Facebook Needlepoint Group about Rebecca Wood pieces. Luckily PFOS heard them and has come through with photos of a great many new Christmas designs--large and small--from Rebecca's clever paint brush.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2012/01/rebecca-wood.html


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

TNNA Report: Laying Tools and Needle Cases

Tisha is back home and uploading her tool purchases to the Needlepoint Tool Time blog.
http://stitchplaywithneedlepointtooltime.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-items-from-tnna.html


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

Day of the Dead: Where to Start?

First, Belleza Applies Lipstick

The Phoenix TNNA show has postponed my talking about the Day of the Dead ladies. There have been just too many other things to talk about, so I waited until the excitement died down a little to start talking about my current stitching. But Janet and Sheena and I have been working on our skull ladies, never fear.  I'm stitching Belleza, the more commercialized Halloween version of Manuel Salas' art which has a purple background.  By the way, Belleza is on 18 count canvas and the design is almost 11 3/4 inches wide by 13 inches high.  Belleza and her sister Pocito are big girls!

Normally, I start stitching on the background, so I immediately worked up two charted background stitches.  But then Janet (who is working with me on a dual stitch guide for Tapestry Fair) proposed that we work the same areas at the same time, which makes sense.

Janet always leaves her background until last, so my usual plan of working from background to the foreground has been scrapped.  We are working a major focal point, the lips and lipstick case.  You wouldn't believe how different that makes stitching feel to me! I am a little lost, but I managed to impose a sort of order again by stitching the background to foreground areas as I find "normal" by stitching the teeth first, then the lips and finally the lipstick case.  So we worked Janet's way and mine, too.

Second Try

By the way, I ripped out the lipstick case.  I was not happy with the look which seemed too busy and detracted from the lipstick itself.  The second photo shows the replacement technique.  I wanted you to see I'm actually doing something.  It's been very interesting to see how another stitcher likes to work and trying her way for myself.  Our brains are certainly wired differently.  I am eager to see how stitching foreground both aids and hinders my stitching plans.

In other Day of the Dead news, BeStitched in Arizona is going to have a series of workshops featuring both Belleza and Pocito starting in March.  You can read the details in their January 2012 newsletter.
http://bestitchedneedlepoint.com/january-2012-newsletter/

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

TNNA Report: New Princess & Me and Danji

Pocket Full of Stitches has posted photos of the new Princess and Me ornaments plus new designs from Danji (including new Laurel Birch pieces).
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2012/01/more-market-news.html

Chaparral is continuing to post photos on their Facebook page.  The latest are shots from the Leigh Designs booth and of Associated Talent's finished pieces.


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

TNNA Report: New Designer Website Information UPDATED

Now that the Winter show is over, designers are updating their websites with the latest things to tempt us. Julia's Needleworks has the first update I found this morning.  Julia represents many artists, so there is a lot to see.
http://needleworks.ehclients.com/index.php/private-tradeshow/

JP Needlepoint has also added photos of some wonderful finishing on their home page.  To see the very latest unstitched canvases, click on New Stuff on the left side of the page. As usual, the orchid designs are gorgeous but the Adam and Eve in the greenhouse garden was different and cute (DN 175).
http://www.jpneedlepoint.com/

UPDATE:  Chaparral is posting lots of new photos they took at TNNA on their Facebook page.  You'll see Maggie, Melissa Shirley and Ewe & Eye plus general photos of friends wandering the show.

UPDATE #2:  PFOS has posted a few new Mindy designs and the Patti Mann angels they managed to bring home.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-mindy-just-arrived.html

Checking Mindy's website, there are a few new designs up.
http://www.mindysneedlepoint.com/newdesigns.html



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

TNNA Report: Threads and More

We get so enthralled by the new designs available at the TNNA shows that we forget the other new things: the threads and tools that make those canvases and charts come alive.  Fortunately, DMC posted about their newest overdyed threads on their blog.
http://dmc-threads.com/tnna-update-dmc/

Robin King also added lots of new thread information in her wrap up of Day Four.  Bet a lot of you will be trying to enlarge her thread photos! She's also added photos of canvases and finished models we've not seen before.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2012/01/tnna-phoenix-day-four.html


Tisha has things to share but her website isn't cooperating so here's a photo of the trade show floor.  Huge!
http://stitchplaywithneedlepointtooltime.blogspot.com/2012/01/home-again.html

Melissa Shirley has posted four photographs of her booth on Facebook.  I was able to follow the link and see the photos without logging in, so hopefully all those without a FB account can also see them.  There is also a photo in Melissa Shirley Designs' FB page of new Valentine cupcake designs made up and as I write this Melissa is adding more photographs.
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?
set=a.10150609541234252.443814.370199729251&type=3

You should also check Peacock Alley Needlepoint's Facebook page for even more photos of new items in their "Market and New Items 2012" photo album.  BeStitched is also adding photos to their FB page in untitled albums.


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

They Finished Stars!

Tony Minieri's Stars for the New Millennium is one of the two iconic counted canvaswork pieces of the 20th Century. Jan and Liz have worked their way though the project and posted their final photos on their blogs. Make sure you check out Jan's inventive border touch that will avoid an expensive mat cut to fit the pointed shapes in the borders.
http://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2012/01/17/stars-of-the-new-millennium-finale/

http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/stars-for-new-millenium-finished.html

This gorgeous Stars is being created by Donna, who might just have it done in time to show at the delayed Woodlawn Plantation show. Which means I might see it in person. Yeah!
http://majtravaux.blogspot.com/2012/01/seeing-stars.html

SL's working her Stars, too. It's my favorite colorways of all time because they are just so cheerful and happy together.
http://remedialstitcher.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-year-new-resolve.html

What's the other iconic counted piece, you asked?  Marnie Ritter's Aurora Borealis (which has a second version called Aurora Revisited).  Pat is working on that now.
http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2012/01/aurora-borealis-pattern-7.html

This is Aurora Borealis Revisited.  The original design, which is similar with softer colors is in the second link.  By the way, the newer version is spread out over several magazines but the original is all in that one issue.
http://www.needlepointnow.com/back_issues/2001/2001_05/2001_05_cover.html

http://www.etsy.com/listing/6787126/needlepoint-plus-magazine-1990-counted

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

TNNA Report: Website Updates UPDATED

Folks are starting to update their websites with new things. Sundance has updated their website with photos of their sequins and Sparkles.  Click on Catalog, then use the Product pull down menu to choose sequins, to see the various colors of Sparkles, and to just explore.
http://www.sundanceneedleworks.com/


Kay Stanis has updated her Facebook page with a image of a water dragon.  It appears to be silk and metal embroidery, although the photo isn't good enough to be certain.  Chaparral Needlework is promising to update their Facebook page tomorrow morning with plenty of photographs.  Amy Bunger has already added to her photo album on the Amy's Golden Strand Facebook page.  For non-Facebook users, Amy's also updated her Market Preview page on her website.
http://www.amybunger.com/market_preview.html

UPDATE:  Peacock Alley Needlepoint has added lots of great photos with descriptions to their FB page as well.

Colleen has a few more wonderful things.
http://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/2012/01/a-little-more.html

I expect there will be more new things tonight but I think I'll wait until tomorrow to post them. I don't want heads to explode from all the new eye candy.


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

TNNA Report: Dragon Sighting

Bristly Thistle found a dragon at the TNNA Market! It's from Ellen Solomons/Crooked Tree and is wonderful.  If you want to see more of Crooked Tree's canvases, use the second link.  They are the folks who did the sea turtle that Vicky liked so much.
http://bristlythistle.wordpress.com/2012/01/23/year-of-the-dragon-by-ellen-solomons/

http://www.bristlythistle.com/ctn.html

Nimble Needle has checked in with a wonderful verbal portrait of all the delights found at Market.
http://thenimbleneedle.blogspot.com/2012/01/phoenix-2012.html

In non-TNNA news, Liz is starting to reveal (with the designer's permission) a new Ro Pace design she's pilot stitching.  It is called Atlantis Rising.
http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/atlantis-rising-by-ro-pace.html


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

TNNA Report: Shoguns Attack

I can finally reveal all--Leigh's Shogun series is up on her website.  I stitched Yoritomo, the first Shogun of Japan, to ask as a model for the TNNA show.  Photos are on the CH Stitch Guides blog since Leigh and I are selling the stitch guide.  Remember, use the magic carpet to go there and then come back to Blog.
http://www.LeighDesigns.com/Sgl7150.html

http://www.LeighDesigns.com/ImgIdx01.html#Shogun


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

TNNA Report: Amy without Facebook (and Melissa Larger)

I know those of you without Facebook accounts have been gnashing your teeth because you can't see the goodies from the Winter TNNA show posted there.  Amy Bunger feels your pain!  She has a new page on her website with all the things she put on Facebook.  Thanks, Amy!
http://www.amybunger.com/market_preview.html

Those of you who are unsatisfied with the small photos of Melissa Shirley's new things on her website will want to go see the nice big pictures BeStitched has added to their site.
http://bestitchedneedlepoint.com/new-needlepoint-goodies-from-melissa-shirley/


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

TNNA Report: Tapestry Fair Talks

Tapestry Fair Booth Closeup

Peggi of Tapestry Fair (who is distributing Pocito and Belleza the Day of the Dead ladies I'm working on) wrote me several messages over the weekend, reporting on what she saw at Market.  She's given me permission to share with you and even sent photos which she was given permission to take and pass on to Blog.  By the way, the two photos of the Tapestry Fair booth have been posted on Facebook, but Peggi let me repost them here for those who don't have FB accounts so you can see what their booth looks like.  Without further ado, here is Peggi in her own words--

Collection of Designs Stockings

"The TF booth was mobbed this morning, so I didn't get out to look at the show until after lunchtime. I'm only half finished with the needlepoint side, but have seen some really good stuff (including your canvas in Leigh's booth!). Janet at Collection of Designs has a new line of ornament stockings on #13 that are wonderful. Four different colorways of perfectly painted Christmas balls on a white background filled with gold and silver stars (snowflakes?). Rebecca Wood has some beautiful stocking cuffs - very detailed, but a lot less stitching than a full stocking. From Shelley Tribbey, adorable jack in the box ornaments for different holidays, which include the little figurine that pops out of the box. Melissa Shirley has the finished crow on display, and it is even better than I imagined it would be. And, her little insects, finished in shadow boxes are amazing.  No eye candy - ran off after the show for dinner with the Family Arts group and left the camera at the show - sorry. Still lots of booths to see, and from what I've scanned while dashing around they should be equally as good as what I've seen so far. Will try to get more details to you tomorrow."

Yoritomo from Leigh Designs' Shogun Series

"Hi again - That was a rather large background on Yoritomo. [Peggi's talking about my Shogun Yoritomo for Leigh Designs, shown above.]  In the earlier days of Tapestry Fair we did a set of 3 geishas with similar large white backgrounds without giving any thought to the poor stitcher. I still have the originals, but if I ever bring them back I'll repaint and try to resolve that problem. BTW, I did get a chance to see Barbara Elmore's mystery canvas and it is really wild, but she probably wants to reveal the photo herself. And, Sharon G's owls and pussycats are fantastic in person. She also brought along her pens....they were always some of my personal favorites.

http://www.sharong.com/catalog/pens/index.html

More of the Tapestry Fair Booth

A lot of us veteran designers have decided that bringing some of our older pieces out of retirement isn't such a bad idea - just because it isn't new doesn't mean it isn't good. I hung some of my really old canvases just because I like them and was pleased to see how many of them sold."

Old World Designs' Beaded Star

"Here are the photos I promised you. First are the Collection of Design stockings that I mentioned yesterday (and already ordered). I think these are really elegant, and very unique.  

Old World Designs' Beaded Packages

Secondly, the beaded embellishments from One World Buttons that we displayed on some of our canvases (3 photos). [These beaded ornaments that Peggi is using on her canvases aren't on the Old World Buttons website so I asked her for photographs.]  And finally, a photo of part of our booth.  

Old World Designs' Beaded Ornaments

I'll try to snap a few more tomorrow - today was pretty hectic, and I still have two more rows of needlepoint to see before ordering. Guess I spent too much time socializing with old friends today and catching up on news. That's it for now - time to crash..."

Sweet dreams, Peggi.  Thanks!
Anyone curious about Tapestry Fair can browse their website.
http://www.tapestryfair.com/


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

TNNA Report: Tisha Needs Tools (and More) UPDATED

A lot of shop owners use Saturday (Day 2) of the TNNA show to browse and make notes, then on Sunday they buy-buy-buy. Tisha is no exception. Since she's Needlepoint Tool Time, she's interested in the items that make our stitching easier and/or more fun.  I'm particularly jazzed she's going to have tekobari.  I've always wanted an authentic Japanese laying tool even though my Shay Pendray laying tool is wonderful.
http://stitchplaywithneedlepointtooltime.blogspot.com/2012/01/day-3-tnna.html


Colleen is also placing orders.  Look what she found!  Kelly Clark little witches, Pischke Pocket pillows, great floral canvases and Vicky's Easter Egg house all made up, plus a glimpse of some of the stitches inside June McKnight's Bling book.
http://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/2012/01/a-little-more-today.html

Bristly Thistle has posted a photo of this year's big Amanda Lawford Santa.  I believe he's called Woodland Santa, which is appropriate with all the creatures I find in my woods clustered around  him.
http://bristlythistle.wordpress.com/2012/01/23/new-santa-designs-from-amada-lawford/

Pocket Full of Stitches went 3-D on us. They also have Patti Mann photos and Painted Pony news for fans of these designers.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2012/01/another-market-update.html

UPDATE:  Stitching Studio has their favorites, too.
http://thestitchingstudio.blogspot.com/2012/01/phoenix-needlepoint-market.html

UPDATE #2:  Here's a sneak peek at new Princess and Me pieces, straight from Needle Bug's trunk show.
http://theneedlebug.com/2012/01/the-princess-and-me/

Finally, our favorite spies (Robin and Vicky) have reported back with more photographs.  Thank you both!  Robin, I like everything except the Let It Snow Nordic Star ornament from Kirk and Hamilton.  (It's still sleeting here.)
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2012/01/tnna-phoenix-2012-day-three.html

Vicky, thanks for showing us how Mr. Crow looks all stitched and assembled.  She's also posted several wonderful owl canvases and I do appreciate seeing the Lund Enterprises sea turtle canvases.  They are beautiful.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/01/23/a-few-of-my-favorite-things-2/

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

The Year of the Dragon

Chinese New Year Dragon

Today starts the New Year for the Chinese.  It is the Year of the Dragon, and apparently the water element influences the dragon zodiac in 2012.  Many folks know this already, of course, and I've had several folks ask me if I know of any new dragon designs coming out to mark the year.  I'm most familiar with the Leigh and Tapestry Tent dragon designs.  Let's start with Leigh Designs since that's first alphabetically.  Leigh has two smaller dragon canvases in her line currently.  The Chinese New Year dragon above is especially made to be used as an insert in the Lee tote bags.  It's not on the Leigh website because it is licensed to Lee/Colonial Designs.  Your shop will have to order it from Lee/Colonial for you.  I own this canvas (pictured above) and hope to have time to stitch it this year.

One of the Leigh fantasy pagodas is decorated with dragons,
http://www.leighdesigns.com/Grp714x.html

as are all of her Drama Dragon masks.
http://www.leighdesigns.com/ImgIdx2a.html#DramaDragons

She also has Ch'ing Dragon in her Chinese Dynasty ornament set.  That's her other small dragon canvas.  I've done a stitch guide for this one, which you can see on the CH Stitch Guide blog.
http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com/2010/05/ching-dragon-chinese-dynasty-ornament.html

Leigh also created a series of eight dragons quite a few years back that occasionally turn up on eBay.  You may remember Sandy talking about her European dragon from this series this time last year.
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2010/12/dragon.html

Moving on to Tapestry Tent, the company does a series of large and elaborate fairy tale dragon canvases.  Here are all I could find.  This site has three listed at the top of this section.  Click on the little photos for a better look.
http://needlepointshop.com/store/Oriental.html

Liz of Tapestry Tent also has a magnificent Santa and the dragon stocking.
http://www.needlenookoflajolla.com/storedir/proddetail.php?prod=axs407

Creative Needle has a nice dragon design, less cluttered and probably a quicker stitch.
http://www.needlenookoflajolla.com/storedir/proddetail.php?prod=od182

dede Odgen has a nice Year of the Dragon zodiac stand up figure.  She also has two dragon belt canvases but I couldn't find a good enough photo of those to show you.
http://www.needlenookoflajolla.com/storedir/proddetail.php?prod=958e

HP Designs has several smaller stylized dragons.
http://www.needlenookoflajolla.com/storedir/proddetail.php?prod=b32

http://www.needlenookoflajolla.com/storedir/proddetail.php?prod=z11

Interested in a dragon-patterned kimono shape?  JP Needlepoint and Lee can fix you right up!
http://www.needlenookoflajolla.com/storedir/proddetail.php?prod=c51


http://www.needlenookoflajolla.com/storedir/proddetail.php?prod=p1199

Lee also has a dragon-patterned fan.
http://www.needlenookoflajolla.com/storedir/proddetail.php?prod=f784s

A similar dragon by Lee is an insert for one of their leather bags.
http://www.needlenookoflajolla.com/storedir/proddetail.php?prod=bg49

This is getting rather long, so if you haven't found the dragon of your dreams yet, I suggest you visit Fireside Stitchery and search on dragon.  You'll see two dragon boxes, a lantern with a dragon pattern, a magnificent Michelene Love canvas of a dragon protecting its egg, a gorgeous red dragon from HP Designs and much more.
http://www.firesidestitchery.com/fs/HandPaintedCanvas/index.cfm

If you have a favorite dragon canvas that I haven't found, please mention it in the comments below.  Your fellow fire-breathing fans will thank you!

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

TNNA Report: PFOS Is Out By the Pool

Pocket Full of Stitches is relaxing by the pool but they still remembered to update us on the things they saw today.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2012/01/market-day-2.html


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

TNNA Report: Baby Things (and Amy) UPDATED

Michele at Bristly Thistle has posted new baby designs on her blog. These are by J. Child and since many of us are lucky enough to have babies in our lives, I bet they will be very popular.  Personally, I love the pig riding the wagon behind the tractor!
http://bristlythistle.wordpress.com/2012/01/22/new-designs-from-j-child/

UPDATE:  Amy Bunger has updated her 2012 TNNA folder on Facebook with a few more wonderful things.  If you have a FB account, look for Amy's Golden Strand.


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

TNNA Report: Colleen's Back With More Photos

I'm beginning to think bones, skulls and skeletons are going to give cats a run for their money at the show!
http://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/2012/01/absolutely-stunning.html


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

TNNA Report: Facebook Updates (and More)

If you have a Facebook account, check out the new photos What's the Point? is posting from the TNNA show.  Beth Robertson has posted a photograph of The Artists Collection booth and for new SHEAR Creations canvases.  Amy's Golden Strand has posted 22 new photos in a Winter 2012 TNNA photo album.  Search for any of the highlighted FB account names above and you should be able to find the photos.

If you don't have a Facebook account, you can go visit with Tisha who is busy buying tools and such for Needlepoint Tool Time at the show.  Then go see that caught PFOS' eye!
http://stitchplaywithneedlepointtooltime.blogspot.com/2012/01/saturday-tnna.html

http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2012/01/update-from-market.html

Barbi Canvas Art has revealed their brand new website. This is a new company that specializes in graphic designs which are perfect for embellishment.  The "Postcards" are my favorites but don't miss clicking on Initially Yours 1 and 2 to see their alphabets.
http://www.canvasartbybarbi.com/Postcards-1.html

Vicky has reported in with sightings of some amazing canvases!  I think I need to go lie down now....
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/01/22/a-market-report/


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

TNNA Report: Not All About the Cats

My suspicion has been that cat canvases were going to be very prominent at the TNNA winter 2012 show. Ruth Schmuff says I am wrong.  Many of her new canvases have another subject entirely....
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2012/01/i-mustache-you-question.html

However, I may be right and Ruth's wrong.  Check this out.
http://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2012/01/today-is-answer-your-cats-question-day-cat-on-chair-needlepoint-from-jelly-bean-stock.html


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

TNNA Report: Bristly Thistle's Slide Show (and more)

Bristly Thistle is awake enough to have posted a slide show of new pieces from Amanda Lawford and Derek Clark (Amanda's son). The designs are both simple and complex but all have a graphic punch.
http://bristlythistle.wordpress.com/2012/01/21/new-designs-from-amanda-lawford-and-derek-clark/


Robin is reporting in with some wonderful things, especially great cat and dog canvases.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2012/01/tnna-phoenix-day-two.html


Labors of Love has added their new pieces to their website.  Besides the Julie Andrews song piece and the perfume bottles Colleen loved, there are new birds, darling little girls and Henry VIII!
http://www.laborsofloveneedlepoint.com/gallery.php?category=67


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

TNNA REPORT: Needle Works Is Exhausted

It's official: Colleen at Needle Works is tuckered out!  When you see all the photographs and information, you'll understand.
http://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/2012/01/day-1-is-over.html


My spies are starting to report in. Associated Talents has their newest designs on their What's New page.  The very very latest are at the top.
http://www.atneedlepoint.com/CanvasLookup.asp?Category=New%20Arrivals&SubCategory=&Query=ViewAll

Melissa Shirley's newest pieces are up on her site, too.  She has been VERY busy!
http://melissashirleydesigns.com/gallery/?bsn=1

People at the show are emailing me details.  Once I have their permission to post about what they saw, I'll post more.

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

TNNA Report: River Silks' Booth

River Silks just posted Before photos of their TNNA booth. About now there are shop owners crowded around, pawing through the ribbons and writing up orders to keep their customers in silk ribbon embroidery for the year.
http://www.riversilks.com/wordpress/?p=845


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

TNNA Report: Bristly Thistle

Bristly Thistle has posted a slide show featuring three brand new Charley Harper designs. I love the tiny bird gathering straw from a skull!  (I have been collecting the biographies and memoirs of medical examiners, forensic pathologists and coroners for over 40 years.  This is a Must Have for me.)
http://bristlythistle.wordpress.com/2012/01/21/new-designs-from-charley-harper/


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

TNNA Report: Robin Taught

Robin has updated the NP Study Hall blog with more TNNA news about the class she taught and the models she stitched which are on display.  The show doors open at 10 a.m. Phoenix time, so it'll be a while before the shop owners, designers, teachers and tool/thread manufacturers have time to report in.  I expect we'll hear more tonight.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2012/01/tnna-phoenix-2012-day-one.html


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

TNNA Report: Vicky Shopped

Vicky DeAngelis has reported in on the Friday night excitement of getting Needle Deeva's display ready for the Sample It reception and all the things she saw there.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/01/21/ready-to-shop/


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

TNNA Report: Facebook UPDATED

There are lots of new products and photos showing up on Facebook. Amy Bunger has posted a series of photographs at Amy's Golden Strand (her shop name) on her FB page.  If you have an account, check it out.  There is a Halloween box (Julie Mar), new laying tools from DJ Designs that seem to have wooden handles and acrylic points (hard to tell from the photo but they are very colorful), a new bird's house frame for a Maggie/Ewe & Eye canvas of a little chick.  Lisa Krause makes those.  Amy also has posted a few photos of the poison bottle and Thanksgiving House canvases she took along to work on during free moments.

UPDATE:  Amy continues to publish more photos on her shop FB page.  She's added new magnets from Elizabeth Turner designs (love the owl and evil snowman) and a photo peek inside Julia Snyder's new book.

Barbara Elmore, who is distributed by Sundance Designs, described on Facebook a new Sundance product called Sparkles this way, "It's a product called Sparkles. It's a fabulous flexible tube trim that comes in 12 metallic colors. It can be stretched thin, scrunched fat, ironed flat, stuffed with beads or cords....so many fun and very cool embellishing possibilities!"

Sundance's last newsletter shows fire done in Sparkles. Amazing!
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/TNNA-Phoenix-2012.html?soid=1101929246111&aid=YUngBXu0Bqs

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

The TNNA Report: Needleworks and NP Tool Time

Colleen has checked in with a Friday report. Friday's when all the booths are set up, followed by a reception and a Sample It preview with little bits of what's available to order starting today (Saturday) on show.
http://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/2012/01/hello-from-phoenix.html

The TNNA website shows all the classes being taught to lucky shop owners.  If you scroll down, you can see the Joan Lohr/Ruth Dilts class Colleen took.
http://www.tnna.org/?WinterClasses

Trisha rushed there so she could hit shops along the way.  She got there just in time for the Sample It preview.  Bet it was worth the speeding ticket!
http://stitchplaywithneedlepointtooltime.blogspot.com/2012/01/phoenix-day-1.html


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

Orna's Lockets

Orna Willis continues to explore wearable needlepoint jewelry with her new dainty lockets.  Since I have a jewelry-loving granddaughter and a lot of silk gauze in my stash, this is something I need to look into. The details are here.
http://ornadesign.blogspot.com/2012/01/tiny-corners-oh-treasures-youll-find.html


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

Jane Turns Green With Envy

Here's why--Ruth Schmuff had Brenda Hart over for a weekend of classes.  I love the canvases that attended class and all the wonderful details they are growing!  [Jane sighs with pleasure and wishes she'd been there.)
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2012/01/kickin-it-with-brenda-hart.html


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

Snow, Ice, Freezing Rain and Sheena

You may have noticed the big lazy blue snowflakes raining down on Blog the last few days. We've had a lot of snow flurries recently that are morphing into sleet and freezing rain. I will do grocery shopping before the storm hits and put a call into one of my "local" shops for threads, too!  While I prepare for the coming storm, Sheena is creating a snowy area in front of her Dan DiPaolo/Kelly Clark gingerbread house.  Trust me, I never would have thought to use fuzzy or bumpy threads for snow!  Sheena's very clever, isn't she?
http://sheenassweetstitches.com/snow-a-skiing-darning-stitch/2012/01/sample-post/

You can see the canvas she is stitching in full here.
http://www.kellyclarkneedlepoint.com/node/1026


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

The TNNA Floor Plan

If you are sitting at home, wishing you were in Phoenix to see all the new things introduced at the trade show, why not join me in browsing the setup? TNNA's put an interactive floor plan on their website.  Put your mouse pointer over and box and you'll see where all the designers are going to be.  Plan your imaginary route just like the shops do!
http://s3.goeshow.com/omc/needleartswinter/2012/virtual_floor_plan.cfm


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

New Laura Perin Cyberclass Announced

Read all about it here.
http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-cyber-class.html


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

Edgar Allan Poe and More

I've been a big fan of Edgar Allan Poe's writings since I discovered them in high school, so when the Needlework Retailer News posted about a canvas celebrating Poe on his birthday, I had to follow up.  The design is from Cricket Collection (Vicky Hastings), distributed by Dream House Ventures.
http://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2012/01/once-upon-a-midnight-dreary-needlepoint-for-edgar-allan-poes-birthday.html

When I tried to find out more about Vicky's Poe canvas, I discovered that Dream House Ventures has redone their website with a lot more photographs of the threads and canvases they distribute.  What fun!  It doesn't look like they've posted new items yet but that traditionally isn't done until after the TNNA trade show in Phoenix starting this weekend.  Since the site is new (and there's a blog!) there are many older things I've never seen before.
http://www.dreamhouseventures.com/

Happy birthday, Edgar.  And thanks.

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

Needlepoint Fashion

Vicky shows us how to match our magnets and scissor fobs to our canvases. I see a makeover show in her future, don't you?
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/01/15/are-you-a-needlepoint-fashionista/

However, I think the ultimate needlepoint fashionista will wear this--
http://ornadesign.blogspot.com/2012/01/have-i-gone-too-far-what-do-you-think.html


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

New Designs Appear

More designers are updating their websites with new canvases for our stitching pleasure. Here's Needle Deeva's latest--
http://www.needledeeva.com/whats_new.html

Patt and Lee Designs have posted a lot.  Here are the new animal designs for 2012.
http://pattandleedesigns.com/2012_new_designs_--_animals

Here are the newest holiday pieces.
http://pattandleedesigns.com/2012_new_designs_--_holiday_themed

Here are the miscellaneous new things.  Many thanks to Palma for pointing all this out to me!
http://pattandleedesigns.com/2012_new_designs_--_all_others


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

Tribute to Ann Spiess Mills and More UPDATED

Tapestry Fair is showing off their new designs both on their blog and their Facebook page. If you have a FB account, you should check out their Egyptian cat in the link below.  They've done King Tut, too, but no photos of him are available yet.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=260352124031321&set=o.108537025890131&type=3&theater


They are also planning a series of six little Talavera pottery-style angels that shops will be able to pick up at TNNA's Sample It night.  I don't know if all of the angels have a face that pays tribute to Ann Spiess Mills' angels, but this one has an uncanny resemblance to Ann's work.
http://tapestryfair.blogspot.com/2012/01/meet-maria-and-kelly.html

I am told that Ann Spiess Mills painted canvases are all originals as she did not reproduce any design.  They show up on eBay occasionally and will go for $200+ each but you can easily find some of her cross stitch charts of angels.  They are very charming creatures and could easily be adapted to needlepoint.  Here's the best photos I found of some of the 4-5 cross stitch charts by Ann so you can see what I mean about the Talavera angel's face.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/79782090/vintage-ann-spiess-mills-guiding-light

http://www.etsy.com/listing/79781949/vintage-ann-spiess-mills-christmas

UPDATE: Read Peggi's comments for more about the background of the angel designs.


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

Ruth's Latest Adventure

Ruth has just posted about her latest unusual needlepoint--bows on totes! Fascinating....
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2012/01/fashion-forward.html

There are more new canvases on her website as well.
http://www.bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/whatsNew.php


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

Raymond Crawford Update

Raymond Crawford has updated his website with a few of his newest designs on the Home page. To see more, click on New.  I'm particularly fond of his Chinese paper lantern series, so I'm thrilled he has added more designs to the set.
http://www.raymondcrawford.com/index.html


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