Stars (and Snow) in the Sky

Petei Angel's Blue Sky Framework with Stars

During the madness that is Christmas prep I have managed to work on my little Petei angel's background. I decided to make the ornament a rectangle (easy to finish) and give her a sky to fly in.  I wanted stars in the sky as well, so I used a variation of a stitch that Sheena has posted on her blog.  She calls it Double Flower Variation.  I used Smyrna crosses inside the diamonds, which I've made smaller, and am omitting the + sign between the diamond outlines.
http://www.sheenasstitches.com/good-luck-christmas-eve/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SheenasStitches+%28Sheena%27s+Stitches%29

The framework is two plies of a medium blue Mandarin Floss.  I added Smyrna Crosses in a darker blue Petite Treasure Braid here and there to simulate a starry sky.  Love both those threads!

The Sky Gets Bluer

The next step is to work more Smyrna crosses, this time in a lighter blue color using Petite Silk Lame Braid.  Love that thread, too!  I'm sorry that the metallic sparkle doesn't show up here.  In person it is lovely, just what I wanted.  This is as far as I've gotten, although I've worked on her each night for a week.  This is not a quick background stitch and is a lot of work for a small ornament but I think the time invested is worth it.  It is just what I envisioned for my angel.

I am debating whether to experiment with split stitch for her face or to play around with Flair for her fingers.  I might just work on her stockings while I think that one over....

Watson Awaiting Santa

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

My Wish for 2013--Stitch Healthy

Now that we have (mostly) made it through the holiday season, it is time to think about our New Year's Resolutions. How about stitching in a more healthy manner?  Kathy has some wonderful tips about what helped her hand pain.
http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2012/11/21/healthy-stitching/

http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2012/11/28/healthy-stitching-2/

I've kept links to Barbara Bergsten's website in the right hand column of Blog for a year now.  They are just under the koi pond.  Please refer to them often.  I am going to add Kathy's information as well.  There's nothing more important that good health.  Don't let your stitching habits cause you pain!

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

Ornament Exchanges

I am not a big fan of ornament exchanges, or gift exchanges of any kind. They often go wrong, leaving nothing but hurt feelings. But when they go well, they are glorious!  Proof below in the Pocket Full of Stitches shop ornament exchange and then Stephanie's ornament gifts from her SWAN group.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2012/12/annual-ornament-exchange.html

http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2012/12/swan-ornaments.html

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

Where Did I Put My Glasses?

When I first taught myself to needlepoint, I made a lot of glasses cases since most of my friends and family wore them then. It's a quick stitch and a fun way to create your own designs, too. Rittenhouse brought this all back to me with their posting about glasses cases for gifts.
http://rittenhouseneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2012/12/eyeglass-cases.html

Don't know anyone who wears glasses?  These little canvases make great scissors holders or pillows or framed artwork for your busy desk!

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

Santa's Coming UPDATED

Stephanie has posted wonderful finished Santas on her blog. Enjoy!
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2012/12/santa-claus-is-coming-to-town.html

UPDATE:  I corrected this link, too. Sorry.  Preparing for houseguests over the Christmas-New Year's holiday had me totally distracted!

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

Why I Am Jealous of Dale UPDATED

Dale of Canvases Be Gone knows the BEST people!  Wait'll you see who she had Christmas lunch with!
http://www.canvasesbegone.com/blog/christmas-lunch/

If you aren't familiar with Juell Designs, check these out.  Some of the pieces are designed by Terry Enfield, who also was part of Juell Designs.
http://theneedlepointer.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=34

If you read Blog regularly and aren't familiar with my hero, Brenda Hart, you aren't paying attention!  LOL

UPDATE: Sorry about the first link. It is fixed now.  That's what happens when you rush to post at Christmas!

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

Sue Reed's Graphic Expressions Revealed

Anyone who has drooled over the ANG Seminar class descriptions has seen Sue Reed's work. She specializes in graphic designs that are beautiful and symmetrical.  Carol just finished "Graphic Expressions" from the 2012 ANG Seminar and posted photos of her colors and the original model.  Great stuff!
http://carolscountedcanvasworkneedleworks.blogspot.com/2012/12/graphic-expressions-ang-class-piece.html

You can see two more of Sue's class pieces here.
http://catsnneedles.com/Gallery/Needlework/needlework.htm

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

Julia Speaks

Julia Snyder has started a blog! You can read all about her newest book, new designs, her teaching schedule and how to get ink out of a canvas. Just click here.
http://havestitchwilltravel.blogspot.com

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

Product Reviews UPDATE

Somehow a bunch of reviews appeared on the Internet almost simultaneously, so I thought I'd post them all in one article so that those interested can explore and everyone else can move on. First up, Quail Run talks about Waverly Wool, which is a Persian wool (the three ply kind).
http://sonorandesertstitching.blogspot.com/2012/12/needlepoint-tapestry-yarn.html

Mary Corbet reviews Jan Messent's new book Embroidered Portraits and reveals that it isn't quite what we all thought it was about.  It's still a great resource for period hair and clothing styles but the "embroidered" faces it discusses are really mostly stumpwork ones.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2012/12/embroidered-portraits-by-jan-messent-book-review.html

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

Frosty the Snowman with Sequins

Ruth Schmuff has posted progress on her newest mystery class--the Zecca snowman. You will be shocked, SHOCKED, to see that she used open stitches for the background and sequins.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2012/12/sparkles-are-good-thing.html

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

How to Open a Skein

Mary Corbet has done it again--come up with useful information to help us stitchers. This time she talks about how to open a "pull skein" of embroidery floss.  Or now not to.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2012/12/pull-skeins-embroidery-floss.html

It's a funny article about a serious subject, how to open those durn things without swearing as you create a real tangled mess.  (By the way, don't miss reading the Comments.  They are priceless!)

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

The Gift

Stitchers do all sorts of things to help others.  Here are just two examples.
http://sonorandesertstitching.blogspot.com/2012/12/meet-material-girls.html

Here are more examples of community service, from ANG's website.  If you belong to ANG's Yahoo Group, you can also find addresses of prisons to donate stash so that inmates have something creative to occupy their minds.
website.http://www.needlepoint.org/projects.php

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

Sakura and Other Joan Eidman Delights

Joan Eidman has just set up a blog that showcases her amazing designs. If you like pink used in a non-girly way, you will love Joan's work.  I picked one of her painted canvases almost at random to show off her work, but you can always click on the header and just browse all of her blog entries for even more colorful fun.
http://joaneidman.com/sakura/

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

A Partridge in a Pear Tree

The Twelve Days of Christmas song starts out with the gift of a partridge in a pear tree, so this entry from  Linda about Melissa Shirley's partridge from her version of this Christmas theme is fun to see.  However,  when Linda shows you the real thing and states they don't have beads, I don't think Kelly Clark was paying attention.
http://splittheneedles.blogspot.com/2012/12/work-stoppage.html

That's a good thing, however, because Kelly's stumpwork partridge is stunning.
http://kellyclarkneedlepointhandbook.blogspot.com/2012/12/kellys-christmas-crazy-quilt.html

Not to mention the classic beauty of the Tapestry Fair partridge.
http://tapestryfair.blogspot.com/2012/12/merry-christmas.html

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

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Not everyone celebrates Christmas and for many folks it is a depressing time of year. There is too much to do, the expense can be crippling, and many folks don't have family and friends to share the season with.  Others just miss their loved ones who aren't around.  Still, we can always pick up our needles and stitch ourselves a Merry Christmas since we have a creative outlet to create our dreams or a better world.  We are lucky that way.

Hope we all have a terrific 2013!

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

Christmas Sets

Nativities aren't the only sets of needlepoint that decorate our homes during the Christmas season. How about carolers?  These are often done in a "Dickens" style.  This set that Stephanie beautifully stitched is from Heartstrings.
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2012/12/time-for-christmas-carols.html

The Twelve Days of Christmas designs make wonderful decorations.  Stephanie also collects the Ewe and Eye canvases of buildings and animals, and will one day have a terrific series to display.  To see everything, go to the second link and work backwards through her postings.
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2012/12/on-first-day-of-christmas-my-true-love.html

http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2012/12/on-twelfth-day-of-christmas-my-true.html

Suzanne also stitched a Twelve Days set.  These are the last two in the series.  To see the rest, work backwards through her recent blog entries.
http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2012/12/on-eleventh-and-twelfth-day-of-christmas.html

Robin posted Judy's Twelve Days set, done in one of Robin's enhancement class at Amy Bunger's shop.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2012/12/12-days-of-christmas-by-judy-melissa.html

ABS Designs' nutcracker ornaments are wonderful fun.  You can see Mer's here.  The second link shows off the whole series on the ABS Designs website.  Anne even blogged about stitching the models so you can read the entires for a sort of stitch guide.  (Note, the three nutcrackers ornament isn't from ABS Designs.)
http://www.mersworld.com/2012/12/10/nutcracker-needlepoint/

http://www.absdesignsonline.com/nutcracker_suite.html

The little tote bags are darling.
http://bootsandbeads.blogspot.com/2012/12/fab-finishing.html

You can make your own set if you like.  How about all these Russian-style Santas?  They are also from Heartstrings.
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2012/12/russian-style-santas-from-heartstrings.html

These similarly-sized and -themed canvases from Associated Talents make for a wonderful set when finished in a similar way.
http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=2b1a4dafdf1ba6e29e773aa79&id=d26a58e706&e=73961ee0ea

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

While Awaiting Santa UPDATED

While we wait for Santa Claus, I think I'll go study Joan Eidman's Noel piece, which is beautiful on many levels.
http://joaneidman.com/that-last-stitch/

UPDATE:  This piece is back from the finisher and it is lovely in the antique style.
http://joaneidman.com/mistletoe-noel/

UPDATE #2: I thought you would like to see Joyeux Noel, which has been made into a pillow. Nice!
http://joaneidman.com/2013/07/

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

Counting Under the Christmas Tree

Counted canvaswork admirers will enjoy seeing what Suky Lady has just finished--two Jim Wurth ornaments. These turn up on eBay occasionally (they aren't available anywhere else as Jim has retired from teaching) and are gorgeous!
http://sukylady.blogspot.com/2012/12/monrovia-stitched.html

I have heard hints that you can order these from Threadneedle Street in Palm Dessert, California but I don't know that for sure.  Anyone know?  The shop doesn't have an Internet presence but their phone number is 760-340-041.  (I hope that hasn't changed!)

Liz Morrow of LizArt is reworking a series of Earth-Sea-Sky designs she created a few years back and will chart them for sale.  Love Bargello?  Check these out.
http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2012/12/nature-sea.html

Kathy at Needle Delights shows off her tree, full of ornaments of her own design.  As a bonus, there's a glimpse of her newest geometric design, still underway.
http://needledelightsoriginals.blogspot.com/2012/12/its-beginning.html

Laura Perin has a new chart available.  It's a Bargello Christmas tree!  Very inventive and pretty and probably a quick stitch, too.  Can't beat that!  BUT WAIT!  There's a problem with the chart.  Errata info is in the second link.
http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2012/12/time-to-trim-tree.html

http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2013/02/another-heads-up-stitchers.html

Laura is also planning a cyber class for early 2013.  Here are the details.
http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2012/12/first-cyber-class-for-2013.html

Maybe you'll get lucky and Santa will bring you this Twos Class from Nancy's Needle.
http://sonorandesertstitching.blogspot.com/2012/12/twos-class.html

Or maybe you'll get this neat Christmas ort box design from Hand Blessings.
http://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2012/12/counted-canvas-christmas-wreath-box-from-handblessings.html

If you can't decide, talk to Sara Leigh.
http://stitchything.blogspot.com/2012/12/wrapping-things-up-for-holidays.html

Merry Christmas to all counted folks out there from Chilly Hollow.

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

Do You Love Nativities?

I love Nativity sets a lot but they are very expensive and time-consuming, worse even than a big stocking. Quail Run has the solution--a mini set. They have several for you to inspect on their blog.
http://sonorandesertstitching.blogspot.com/2012/12/sampler-sunday-mini-nativities.html

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

Stitching A Christmas Angel

Follow along as Jean stitches a Medieval Christmas angel. 
http://lovingstitches.typepad.com/a-needlepoint-journal-abo/2012/12/a-christmas-angel.html

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

More Christmas Inspiration

This time of year stitchers are inspired to show off their Christmas stitching, often with tips on how they achieved the effects they wanted.  So pour a cuppa and sit down and take notes!

Isn't this a great Princess ornament?  Sadly, I think it is a Petei design which means it is probably almost impossible to find.  But we can dream, can't we?
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2012/11/any-princess-would-love-this-ornament.html

Stephanie went to class at Needle Works and took photos of some of the fabulous models on display.  There is a nutcracker (Beau Geste?  If so also unavailable.) and Brenda Stofft's Texas Santa, riding toward your house on his Texas longhorn.  The details on each piece are amazing and worthy of close study.
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2012/11/fun-things-fromthe-needle-works.html

Speaking of nutcrackers, Summer Louise has started the Nutcracker Santa from Amanda Lawford.  It is going to be amazing, so bookmark this and keep an eye out for more postings about what Summer does to bring this canvas to life.  She's already stitched Amanda Lawford's Royal Santa.  Follow the link to see him in all his glory.
http://summerlouise.blogspot.com/2012/11/amanda-lawford-nutcracker-santa-1.html

Kimberly has finished her fabulous ornaments.  These are colorful and happy and just wonderful to see.  Hopefully these ornaments are available from Needle Works in Austin.  I don't know if they are painted or counted, but they sure are terrific regardless!
http://akimberlydesign.blogspot.com/2012/11/some-finishing.html

I love how Anne of ABS Designs subtly changed the same sock design to make a boy/girl version!
http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2012/12/a-double-finale.html

Colleen found a totally different stitch for Santa's fur trim.  It will work well on large areas I think and is very pretty, too boot.
http://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/2012/12/share-a-stitch-sunday-december-2.html

Quail Run is stitching the letters of Joyeux Noel in a huge variety of ways.  Very inspirational!
http://sonorandesertstitching.blogspot.com/2012/11/stitches-for-letters.html

I hope you enjoyed the show and all the wonderful ways folks are stitching Christmas.

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

Hate Shopping?

Even if you loathe heading into a mall to pick up Christmas presents, or shopping online lacks charm in your eyes, you will adore Ruth Schmuff's shopping ladies series.  Follow the links to Ruth's shop to see the huge variety of sizes, colors and seasons when her "girls" go shopping.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2012/12/a-day-for-shopping.html

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

Enablers Anonymous Convenes Its First Meeting

I am sure you don't know **anyone** like this.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2012/11/enablers-anonymous.html

Hugs from your master enabler

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

Hot Chocolate and Poinsettias

I had no idea that it was National Hot Chocolate Day or National Poinsettia Day last week. Do you think I am not paying enough attention to the calendar?!  Luckily both Vicky and Sheena let me know about the special days on the calendar that I otherwise would have missed out on.  First up, Sheena, with a not-to-be-missed Hershey's Kisses Stitch for the background of a candy-themed canvas.
http://www.sheenasstitches.com/national-hot-chocolate-day/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SheenasStitches+%28Sheena%27s+Stitches%29

Then Vicky showcased some gorgeous painted canvases that feature poinsettias.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/12-12-12/

Speaking of great stitches, Colleen at Needle Works posted several stitches appropriate for a single line on your canvas on her Share a Stitch Sunday feature.  Somehow I thought of the names on stockings as a good place to use one of these.  Christmas and poinsettias and hot chocolate are in the air!
http://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/2012/12/share-a-stitch-sunday-a-few-days-late.html

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

Sudu Beading Edging and Bead Tray

Sue Dulle shows off her bead tray and the lovely beaded edge for an ornament she is making for a charity fundraiser. Very clever!
http://sudukc.wordpress.com/2012/11/30/beaded-edging/

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

A Slight Delay to Advent

Alas, those of you who have been enjoying Sheena's fun Advent game and prizes on her website are going to have to wait a bit until she gets over being sick.  She's worried that folks will wonder what happened but we are all much more concerned that she is better by Christmas than wondering when our contest will reappear!  Cross your fingers she is much better soon, ok?
http://www.sheenasstitches.com/curveballs-when-you-least-expect-them/

Hugs, Sheena!

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

Need a Last Minute Gift?

A book geared to a stitcher's interests is a great gift. Here are a few to consider.
http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2012/12/18/five-books-perfect-for-gifts/

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

Christmas Party of the Year

Stephanie's SWAN group just had their annual Christmas party and gift exchange. You won't believe the ornaments they made for each other!
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2012/12/swan-christmas-party-2012.html

It has my vote for the party of the year.

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

Counted Colors for Christmas

Kathy Rees shows off various colorways of her Color Delights series on her blog.  The colors folks picked out are amazing.
http://needledelightsoriginals.blogspot.com/2012/11/color-delightsold-new.html

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

Shopping the Unique

The shop at Thistle Threads finally has enough stock of their reproduction embroidery supplies to open their doors to those who aren't taking their reproduction casket or stumpwork mirror classes. Shop early as they offer reprodution items in small quantities that are impossible to get anywhere else.  (By the way, gift certificates can be found under "Special Items.")
http://thistle-threads.com/shop/index.html

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

Gift Ornaments and More

I thought you'd enjoy seeing these gift ornaments stitched for lucky recipients. While you look I'm going to try and come up with a scheme to get on the gift list of these talented stitchers.
http://sonorandesertstitching.blogspot.com/2012/11/ornaments-for-grandchildren.html

http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2012/11/a-tale-of-two-socks.html

I don't know if this is a present but the turkey work is spectacular.
http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2012/11/more-turkey-work-for-fans.html

I don't know who will end up with these Christmas kisses from Barbara Bergsten but they are sweet.
http://createneedlepoint.typepad.com/create_needlepoint/2012/11/finished-needlepoint.html

The birthday plaid pillow is a classic!
http://thenimbleneedle.blogspot.com/2012/12/customers-gallery_15.html

Wait until you see the ornaments Vicky stitched for herself.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/a-little-more-finishing/

Stephanie did stockings for her nieces and they are classics.
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2012/12/more-stockings-by-stephanie.html

Check out this beautiful siddur cover! (By the way, a siddar is a daily prayer book.  I'm not Jewish so I had to look it up.)
http://needlepointofview.com/2012/12/14/siddur-cover-needlepoint/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=siddur-cover-needlepoint

Kathleen has a great little custom football player!
http://bootsandbeads.blogspot.com/2012/12/more-finishing.html

Quail Run shows off customer ornaments that are geared toward the interests of the recipients.
http://sonorandesertstitching.blogspot.com/2012/12/more-finishing-for-family.html

This men's change purse was quick and clever in design.
http://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2012/12/10/a-blue-christmas-change-purse/

Suzanne isn't sure what she is doing with this ornament with a traditional theme in non-traditional Christmas colors.
http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2012/12/flyin-reindeer.html

Ornaments aren't the only needlepoint gifts.  How spectacular is this vest going to be?  VERY!
http://opusanglicanum.wordpress.com/2012/11/29/making-a-start-on-christmas-presents/

Finally, here is Jane's Christmas stocking.  It has been a long stitch but the end result is worth all that time and expense.  This posting showcases the finishing but the second shows off Jane's stitching better.
http://janew1102.typepad.com/my_weblog/2012/12/even-bigger-surprise.html

http://janew1102.typepad.com/my_weblog/2012/09/santas-beard.html

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

Dinky Dyes Go Live UPDATED

Needle in a Haystack has added new threads to their online catalogue, including Dinky Dyes' silk perle, their silk floss and their silk ribbons.  Good news for fans of this thread, which is now based in Houston instead of Australia.
http://needlestack.typepad.com/whats_new/2012/11/new-threads-added-to-our-shop-updates-to-our-online-catalog.html

UPDATE:  Janet Perry reports that Dinky Dyes are going to be sold and the manufacturing moved to Nevada.  This means there may be dye lot changes as a different climate and water do effect dyeing, so if you need a lot of one dye lot, now is the time to buy.
http://www.nuts-about-needlepoint.com/breaking-news-changes-dinky-dyes/

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

Art Show: Folk Art

Rittenhouse Needlepoint occasionally publishes little essays about needlepoint that are always informative. This time their topic is folk art and needlepoint. This is a lovely way to take time out from Christmas Madness, so click on the link and enjoy the art show.
http://rittenhouseneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2012/11/folk-art-and-needlepoint_30.html

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

Color Your Own Beading Thread UPDATED

Someone mentioned this on Facebook (I'm sorry, I don't remember who) and said that Meredith Willet of M's Canvashouse and Elizabeth Turner Designs recommends this technique of coloring beading thread.  Please note that the person at Beading Daily is a jewelry maker who uses a braided beading thread, not floss or the brands of beading thread we are familiar with through Sundance and our local shops.  I would assume that you can color any beading thread besides the braided but I don't know that for a fact and of course some colored threads markers won't do much to change.
http://www.beadingdaily.com/blogs/inside_beadwork_magazine/archive/2012/11/29/stitch-pro-coloring-braided-beading-threads-like-fireline.aspx

UPDATE:  Vicky DeAngelis is the person!  Here's what she said in the Comments section of this article~
"That was me Jane...and you might want to mention that it is not just any colored markers, they are Sharpies. And the thread should be waxed."

Thanks, Vicky!

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

The Alligator's Girlfriend

Christmas Alligator Makes a Mess of Decorating

The Christmas Alligator is done! All I have to do is make him up into an ornament. I'm not going to have time to do that for this Christmas but perhaps after the holiday rush is over I can sit down and do the finishing that is piling up here in Chilly Hollow.  Hope you like him.  This is a Jude Designs ornament.

Fortunately Alligator Has Help Decorating

I've already started on my next small project, an angel holding a star garland from Petei.  For now, Petei canvases are not available so I feel lucky to have snagged this little beauty.  What you see is step one of the background, which I want to look like a starry sky.  You'll have to wait and see how it turns out....

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

Stitches for Advent

Sheena is doing a fun Advent contest on her blog, Sheena's Sweet Stitches, but she is also posting stitch diagrams for all sorts of wintery or Christmas stitches.   Today's is a great darning stitch for snow and Sheena even reveals what threads she used for a snowy hill effect.  Do take a visit and explore all the stitch diagrams that started showing up on December 1.  Thanks, Sheena!
http://www.sheenasstitches.com/darning-patterns/

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

Fruitcake?

Vicky has just finished her Kirk and Hamilton piece for the Winter TNNA show in February. It's a figgy pudding! I have no idea what that is but Vicky thinks it is a bit like fruitcake.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/now-bring-us-some-figgy-pudding/

To try and get an idea of traditional British puddings I visited Ivan Day's website.  I think boiled puddings are probably the most like Vicky's figgy pudding.
http://www.historicfood.com/English%20Puddings.htm

If you want to read more about British food history and puddings, visit Ivan's blog.
http://foodhistorjottings.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/pudding-king.html

http://foodhistorjottings.blogspot.com/2012/08/one-family-and-empire-christmas-pudding.html

Whether you are interested in food or not, Vicky's very British pudding is a delight to see.

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

Monthly Club News

Recently I've been putting monthly club news on the Monthly Club tab so that everything is in one place for those who are interested in browsing the huge range of clubs that area available. But since two shops just posted about new clubs, I was tempted to announce them here as a reminder to check the monthly club news occasionally.  Even if you are not in the market for a club, it is fun to see the varied ways they are stitched.

Pocket Full of Stitches is the shop I credit with the monthly club craze.  They offered a variety of clubs before any other shop as far as I know.  The newest club is Blessings, a series of fancy crosses from A Collection of Designs, perfect for meditative stitching.  It starts next January.  Here are the models for almost all the series.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2012/11/blessings-stitched.html

Needle Works just posted the last Labors of Love elephant model (it's a humdinger!) from their current and announced that the new club for next year is a Nativity set by Brenda Stofft.  The Nativity set club will also start up next January.
http://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/2012/11/new-nativty.html

What fun!

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

Presencia for Christmas?

I like Presencia's perla cotton a lot but I don't know if I'd go as far as to give it as a Christmas present.  (Obviously there aren't enough stitchers on my Xmas list.)  Receiving some, though, that would be terrific!
http://needlemenow.blogspot.com/2012/12/think-thread.html

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

Christmas Shoe Surprise

You are going to love the story of a pair of wonderful needlepoint slippers.  I won't say more, just go read it and enjoy.
http://maisoncourouge.blogspot.com/2012/11/paved-with-good-intentions.html

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

Introducing Patchwork Santa UPDATED

I've been remiss in not mentioning the photo of Patchwork Santa which has decorated Blog for Christmas for a couple of weeks now. This JB Designs canvas was stitched by Mimi Maddox who graciously gave him to me. He's presided over Christmas celebrations here in Chilly Hollow ever since. I think he is magnificent!  He was stitched in a Carole Lake class at Needle Works years ago but the design with Carole's guide is still available. Stephanie has stitched him, too.
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2012/12/patchwork-santa.html

There is also a Mrs. Patchwork Santa.  She's in my stash, waiting her turn to be stitched and made up to join Santa in overseeing all the fun during the holidays.
http://bristlythistle.wordpress.com/2009/08/13/patchwork-santa-needlepoiint/

I hope Santa brings me more hours in the day for Christmas!

UPDATE:  Here's another Mrs. Patchwork.
http://www.canvasesbegone.com/blog/christmas-tree/

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

Ehrman and Dreaming in Color

To celebrate and promote the publication of Kaffe Fassett's biography Dreaming in Color, Ehrman Tapestry has released two new Kaffe Fassett needlepoint designs. They are called "Antwerp" and "Persian Garden."  Each is vaguely floral and geometric and both burst with color in Kaffe's signature style.  If you are a fan, you can see all the current designs from Kaffe that they offer--including the two new ones--at the Ehrman website.
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/designer-products.aspx?id=7057648f-50e0-45e0-baab-cd506d20efb5

If you aren't a fan, visit anyway.  You will then become a fan!

Trust me, the man's a genius.

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

The Queen Elizabeth I Lecture and Booklet

I just received an email from Kate Gaunt, the head of the Shining Needle Society, which I would like to share with you all.  Kate said:

"I am pleased to share an announcement of a VERY special presentation coming this January to Callaway Gardens.

An informational flyer is available at:
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/46618682/Callaway_Fundraiser_Flyer_PDF.pdf

and in the files section of SNS Home Room:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SNS_Home_Room/files/Callaway_Fundraiser_Flyer_PDF.pdf

From Marie-Therese Baker, Director of the Needle Arts School at Callaway Gardens:

A very special treat is in store for all of you, who are fans of Carole Lake and Michael Boren or those of you who have been fans of Gay Ann Rogers' Elizabeth I designs. That dynamic duo (Carole and Michael) will be doing a very unique presentation at the Callaway School of Needle Arts on Friday, January 18th, on the life and passions of Elizabeth I and those who lived in merry old England during the Elizabethan era. It looks to be an interesting and highly entertaining two hours for $25.00!! Offered in the morning and again in the afternoon, Carole and Michael are generously donating their time as a fundraiser for the School of Needle Arts. If you live in the area and would like to attend, call Pat Callihan, the Needle Arts Coordinator, at 1-800-7-NEEDLE to register for the session.

But you say that you can't make it this year? Not to worry! Carole and Michael have generously offered the booklet they've written and will use in their sessions to anyone who wishes to have one. The cost is $30.00 ($25.00 + $5.00 for shipping). Just call Pat Callihan at 1-800-7-NEEDLE; leave her a message if she is out of the office. You can also send her an e-mail at pccalli@callawaygardens.com to reserve your copy. Payment can be by check or credit card.

This offer is only good until January 10th. Don't miss out on an opportunity to be a part of this fundraiser and to own a copy of Carole's and Michael's perspective of this unique and fascinating woman and the times she lived in.

If you have questions, send Marie-Therese an e-mail at marietherese.baker@gmail.com."

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

Christmas in Pink and Green

Not everyone wants a traditional red and green Christmas. If that group includes you, check out what Barbara Bergsten did for her Pink and Green Christmas ornament set.
http://createneedlepoint.typepad.com/create_needlepoint/2012/12/pink-green-christmas-needlepoint-.html

Check out the comments section for the time and place the Christmas Elephant will be taught.

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

BeStitched Newsletter

BeStitched's shop newsletter is now online, chock full of classes and even more classes!
http://tinyurl.com/ceftoyu

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

Christmas Cheer

These lovely Christmas stockings are cheerful and happy, perfect for enjoying during the stress of preparation for the perfect holiday.
http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=2b1a4dafdf1ba6e29e773aa79&id=2ec99b2aec&e=73961ee0ea

Stephanie's little stockings are so cheerful!
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-stockings-were-hung-by-chimney-with.html

The Colorado Stitcher has finished her Seminar project, a Southwestern boot design by Jeanette Rees that would make great stocking but she's having it framed to enjoy all year long.
http://acoloradostitcher.blogspot.com/2012/11/echo-canyon-completed.html

Nimble Needle shows off customers' finished pieces.  They are wonderful!
http://thenimbleneedle.blogspot.com/2012/11/customers-gallery.html

The Needlepointer also is showcasing finished stockings and cuffs.
http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=2b1a4dafdf1ba6e29e773aa79&id=e2685cd6c4&e=73961ee0ea

Also wonderful is this purse canvas, finished in an unexpected way.  It is lovely.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2012/11/this-is-purse-design-that-eileen.html

Do you like rugs?  Even if you don't, you'll love this one!  Speaking of Ridgewood, the second link is to a darling Christmas Santa ornament in bright, happy colors.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2012/11/our-custom-painter-christine-designed.html

http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2012/11/blog-post_28.html

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

Rittenhouse Loves Christmas Ornaments

Rittenhouse has done the nearly impossible--showed off a type of ornament I've not seen before--Santa Christmas slippers!
http://rittenhouseneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2012/11/tis-season.html

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

The Alligator Has a Face

Jude Designs' Christmas Alligator

The last time you saw my Christmas alligator ornament, his face needed nostrils, his cap needed fur trim, and his face was disappearing into his body.  I fixed the first problem by giving him reddish bullions for each nostril.  After all, he already had bullion toes and repeating the same stitch helps unify a design.  I like French knots for somewhat tidy fur, so I tent stitched the fur trim with my Medici wool, then added French knots on top of the tent stitches which are a good foundation to keep French knots from pulling out.  To bring his face forward from his body, I outlined it with one ply of High Cotton in a dried blood color, which is prominent against the green without being too stark like white would be.  I liked the effect so much that I also outlined his front legs to make them a little more obvious.

You may not be able to tell but I outlined his blue ornament with gold Kreinik to round the bead edges a bit.  I still need to put another stitch through a few beads to straighten them.

I can see from the photo that his green belly needs \ and / stitches in green on top of the background to round off that area a bit.  I also need to add a row of background at the top above his head and tail.  I'll get those things done and then it will be time for the final touch, which you see below.

Scrapbooking Trim by Jolee's

I hope to show you a finished piece next time, plus a glimpse of the alligator's girlfriend.

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

Barbara's Find UPDATED

barbara Bergsten just found this wonderful ornament holder at Pier One. Shop soon before their holiday items disappear for another year.  Sorry, I don't know how large your ornament can be to fit inside.
http://www.pier1.com/Ornament-Holder/2639420,default,pd.html

UPDATE:  I purchased one of these at Pier One for $8 plus tax last week.  It's light wire with a rough gold finish that folds flat.  It will hold an ornament (including hanger) that is about six inches high and maybe 4-6 inches wide.  I think it's a bit overpriced but it looks good from a distance and displays a cute reindeer made of artificial wreath nicely here in CH.

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

Suzanne's Self Finishing

Suzanne talks about her experiences with the self-finshing leather goods from Lee/Colonial Needle, and how she replaced the first canvas with a second.
http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2012/11/whats-on-your-wallet.html

Speaking of self finishing, I think this Sudberry House wooden mirror is lovely.
http://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2012/11/sudberry-house-wooden-hand-mirror-with-mounting-area-for-needlework-.html

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

Shop Til You Drop with Suzanne

Suzanne has started a truly appropriate design for this time of year--Rebecca Wood's Shop Til You Drop banner.
http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2012/11/its-shopping-season.html

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

Designers Desk Newsletter

The latest Designer's Desk newsletter is available now. Learn about upcoming classes and trunk shows, then visit their website which is undergoing renovation.
http://library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1102470515590-93/Newsletter+11+2012+finalpdf.pdf

http://designersdeskusa.com/home.html

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

A Copyright Reminder

Needle Nicely posted a reminder about copyright on her blog. For those of you who don't have a blog, there are all sorts of stats kept by the software that powers these things.  Mary Agnes can use it to track bad behavior if she chooses.
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2012/11/copyright-what-is-it.html

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

Quail Run Newsletter Fun

Quail Run's fun newsletter is online for December.  It talks about their year end sale, shows off fabulous finishing, and of course talks classes.  This time there is a great tip about how to keep your threads from twisting as you stitch and some new designs that celebrate Arizona's one hundred years as a state.  As a special bonus, Susan discusses trapunto, the special technique I used to give my Day of the Dead lady's necklace a special "lift."  There are a lot of photos of this special technique which is amazingly easy so you can easily try it at home.
http://siterepository.s3.amazonaws.com/510/081079_qrn_12newsletter2012.pdf

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

The Casket Class Redeux

Tricia Nguyen has announced a repeat of her fabulous 17th Century reproduction casket class called "Cabinet of Curiosities."  All the details are here.
http://thistle-threads.com.mytempweb.com/blog/index.php/2012/11/finally-the-big-box-reveal/

If you find this intriguing, click on the header to see more recent postings that show the bare bones of the casket, secret drawers and all.  You can also visit Elga's blog where she is making miniatures of these type of caskets.
http://elgakoster.blogspot.com/2012/11/casket-progress.html

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

First Night

No matter how you spell "Hannukah" it is a special time of year for Jews starting today. Vicky talks about the religious tradition on her blog, reminding me that us Christians aren't the only one with special holidays in December.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/first-night-of-hannukah/

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

The Alligator Decorates for Christmas

The Christmas Alligator's Tail Being Stitched

I've made some progress on the Jude Designs alligator, having beaded his blue Christmas ornament and put in his sunglasses' lenses.  Currently I am working his body in Dotted Swiss stitch, doing tiny cross stitches every other canvas thread with Kreinik's 070, which is cleverly called "Mardi Gras."  Since the metallic is gold, purple and green (Mardi Gras colors) the name is a great description of the thread.  The skipped stitches will be a dark green Felicity's Garden (a silk-wool blend) to tone down the sparkle a little.  Santa's fur, claws, nose holes, and the frames of his glasses are undone and I will need to do some outlining of his head and the ornament to tidy up the design before finishing, but he's coming along well.  He's been a fun distraction at night after a full day of Christmas prep plus all the other chores that come with living in Chilly Hollow.

Thanks, Jude Designs!

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

Finished and Gorgeous

Today I have a wide range of finished projects for you to admire.   The Needleart Nut has been hanging out in the bars with Sloe Gin Sadie (Leigh Designs).  I don't know what I like best, the hat, her dress, her jewelry, her hair...?!
http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-final-touches.html

Here is Nine Lives for your viewing pleasure.  This is a hilarious canvas! The designer is Stephanie Stouffok of Ruth Levinson Design.  Their website is the second link, if you'd like to browse.
http://sonorandesertstitching.blogspot.com/2012/11/nine-lives.html

http://levisondesign.com

Liz has finished her Charley Harper of thieving raccoons making off with the Christmas decorations.  That "popcorn" looks real!
http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2012/11/christmas-caper-finished.html

Mary Agnes shows off a fabulous director's chair. Bet it is a hit when it goes on display at her shop.
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2012/11/flower-basket-directors-chair.html

Nimble Needle has all sorts of goodies to show off.
http://thenimbleneedle.blogspot.com/2012/12/customers-gallery.html

Vicky DeAngelis has picked up Cats' Night Out (SharonG) from the framers.  It is magnificent!
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/a-purrfectly-stitchy-day/

Ada's been busy creating new spring designs for Eye Candy.  Check out the hot spring colors of this biscornu.  It's in the new (December 2012) Needlepoint Now as well.
http://eyecandyneedleart.blogspot.com/2012/11/skipping-ahead-season.html

Barbara Bergsten has her newest models back from the finisher.  Aren't those Santa Stitches darling?!  Each one is designed to teach a different stitch on their bodies, so these are great beginner projects.
http://createneedlepoint.typepad.com/create_needlepoint/2012/12/more-finished-needlepoint.html

What have you finished lately?  Send me photos at chillyhollowathotmaildotcom and I'll post them here.

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

Decorating the Tree

Diane is decorating for Christmas with her needlepoint and it is lovely! Puts me to shame, she does.
http://dianestakingtimeouttoneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2012/12/its-beginning-to-look-lot-like-christmas.html

I have had Patchwork Santa out overlooking the dining room for several weeks but there is still no tree up here.  Sigh.

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

Outside the Box

Yesterday we talked about the individuality and creativity of Marnie Ritter. Today we are going to look at the same traits in Cara Sue Richard.  She loves to cut threads, add threads, add colors, textures, add everything to painted canvases.  Often she totally transforms the subject matter.  Wait'll you see what she did with the HP Designs Deco Cat canvas that Ruth taught as a mystery class a few years back.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2012/11/think-outside-box.html

Here are more of Cara Sue's works of art.  I'm sorry I don't have a finished portrait of the tulips to show you.
http://stitcherie.ning.com/photo/pink-tulip-2liz-darkness-added/prev?context=user

This is another Lani canvas of a tulip.
http://stitcherie.ning.com/photo/tulip-pink/prev?context=user

I think this horse is from Leigh Designs.  Cara Sue's an original, isn't she?
http://stitcherie.ning.com/photo/more-022/prev?context=user

Check out the flowers carefully to see where she has cut away the NP canvas threads.  This is a Shorebird Studio piece.
http://stitcherie.ning.com/photo/yin-and-yang-cut-canvas?context=user

Finally, here is her Tree of Life.  Amazing!
http://stitcherie.ning.com/photo/tree-of-life-1/prev?context=user

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

Interesting Christmas Ideas UPDATED

The Needlework Retailer News posted a very good reminder on their site this week--Ghost Stitchers can stitch your stocking and make it up, too!  It probably is too late for this holiday season but they come around every year.  Be prepared for Christmas 2013!
http://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2012/11/ghoststitchers-can-stitch-and-finish-your-needlepoint-into-a-stocking.html

Kreinik talks about a new product used in a way I never would have imagined!  They sell something called Conductive Fingertip Yarn, which allows you to touch those touchscreens in use everywhere without taking off your gloves.  Here's how it works.  There's a link to the Kreinik site with a photo of the thread in the article but I am repeating the link below,  just in case this article disappears later.  Folks need gloves for their smart phones in 2013 and 2014 and beyond, you know.
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2012/11/giving-helpful-hand-this-year.html

http://www.kreinik.com/kshop/product.php?productid=17399&cat=405&page=1

UPDATE:  Yesterday I got a comment that said the Kreinik links don't work.  I found the second posting on their website another place and corrected that link but the first has been deleted. Just discovered why!
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2012/12/conductive-thread-tips.html

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

Elsa Williams Channelled by Marnie Ritter UPDATED

Ruth was lucky enough to take a class from Marnie Ritter at the EGA Seminar in Santa Fe, and shares some of her project and Marnie's ideas with us on her blog.
http://ruthsneedlework.blogspot.com/2012/11/been-to-santa-fe.html

I urge you to study the photographs carefully. Ruth has given us glimpses into Marnie's clever design ideas and how her mentor Elsa Williams approached embroidery.  I consider Marnie Ritter the most original needlepointer we have.  No one does original patterns the way Marnie does.  I treasure all my needlepoint magazines with her designs charted in them.  One day I'll stitch her original Aurora Borealis plate....
http://www.mritter.com/products.html

Thanks, Ruth.  This was very interesting and thought-provoking!

UPDATE:  Marie-Therese Baker just emailed me that Marnie's class "To Honor Elsa" is going to be repeated at Callaway in 2013.   You can see all the class listings and read about Marnie's class at the Calloway Gardens' School of Needle Arts page here.
http://www.callawaygardens.com/events/education-and-culture/callaway-gardens-school-of-needle-arts

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

A Quiet Thanksgiving

http://melindaslivingthegoodlife.blogspot.com/2012/12/in-thanksgiving.html

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

Needlepointers Need Namaste

Written by Nimble Needle. 
http://www.needlenthread.com/2012/11/stitch-play-star-stitch-samples.html

Sorry, I'm feeling silly this morning. I think it is a To Do List taller than I am combined with the five pieces of fudge that won't fit into the decorative tin cookie tin.  I ate them all!

Seriously, these tool and project containers are a great gift idea.

Jane, overdosing on the holidays in CH

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

More Mysteries Revealed

The latest Bedecked and Beadazzled shop newsletter is online for your viewing pleasure. Besides classes and a stitch diagrammed and explained for you, Ruth reveals the next two mystery classes. The class that is about to start features a snowman from Zecca. Ruth promises beads and sequins and crystals and any other embellishment she can come up with for that. The winter class after the snowman one features Tapestry Fair's Egyptian Basat can goddess.   Two very different canvases with nothing in common except Ruth will dazzle and surprise you with all the things she comes up with.  Stay tuned for the fun....
http://www.bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/needlepoint/downloads/bedeckednewsdec2012.pdf

UPDATE:  This article was written far enough ahead of time that I can show you the first step in Ruth's plan to make a snowman.  You'll love her clever idea for achieving perspective with beads.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2012/12/what-does-polar-bear-in-snow-look-like.html

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

My Handbag Has a Belt

Actually it is Suzanne's camera bag with a needlepoint belt converted into a strap. It is a very pretty thing, and I'd carry it all the time if it were mine!
http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2012/11/handbag-strap-from-belt-canvas.html

P.S.  My belt has a new style of buckle.  I think these clip and hold without a hole.  This isn't "my" belt, you understand.  (Too bad!)  I am just making a play on words.
http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2012/11/christmas-caper-finished.html

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

The Needle House Newsletter is Live

The Needle House's latest newsletter is on their website, ready for you to enjoy nes of trunk shows, classes and of course stitch diagrams and coupons. You can read it here.
http://www.theneedlehouse.com/jm/images/newsletters/winter_2013_web.pdf

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

Have Yourself a Horsey Christmas

Horse County Chic has a whole series of wonderful finished Christmas needlepoint to share. Some are from her own stitching, some from shops and some from her favorite designers. They are all fun to dream of having on our own tree.  By the way, I couldn't find a website for Po's Point but they are on Facebook at Po's Point Needlepoint.
http://horsecountrychic.blogspot.com/2012/12/a-needlepoint-christmas.html

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

Star and Tree Stitches

Inspired by the star stitches that Mary Corbet posted on her site, Robin King has uploaded a series of star-shaped stitch diagrams to her blog, sharing them all with stitchers who need stars in their needlepoint skies (or elsewhere).
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-stars-are-out-tonight.html

Mary inspired herself to continue to play with embroidered stars.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2012/11/stitch-play-star-stitch-samples.html

By coincidence I discovered Sheena James has posted an Oriental Variation stitch she says is great for Christmas trees.  It's the next to last diagram on this page.  You know, she's right--it looks just like a Christmas evergreen!
http://www.sheenasstitches.com/stitches/monthly-stitch/

Thanks, everyone.  You've made my Christmas stitching a little more festive.

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

Advent Magnets UPDATED DAILY DURING ADVENT

Accoutrement Designs is doing an Advent-themed posting this holiday season. Here are the first few magnets they are "opening" for our Advent calendar.  I'll keep updating this article so you can see everything one place.
http://fobfriends.blogspot.com/2012/11/christmas-advent.html

http://fobfriends.blogspot.com/2012/12/stitchers-advent-december-1st.html

http://fobfriends.blogspot.com/2012/12/stitchers-advent-december-2nd.html

http://fobfriends.blogspot.com/2012/12/stitchers-advent-december-3rd.html

http://fobfriends.blogspot.com/2012/12/stitchers-advent-december-4th.html

http://fobfriends.blogspot.com/2012/12/stitchers-advent-december-5th.html

http://fobfriends.blogspot.com/2012/12/stitchers-advent-december-6th.html

http://fobfriends.blogspot.com/2012/12/stitchers-advent-december-7th.html

http://fobfriends.blogspot.com/2012/12/stitchers-advent-december-8th.html

http://fobfriends.blogspot.com/2012/12/stitchers-advent-december-9th.html

http://fobfriends.blogspot.com/2012/12/stitchers-advent-december-10th.html

http://fobfriends.blogspot.com/2012/12/stitchers-advent-december-11th.html

http://fobfriends.blogspot.com/2012/12/stitchers-advent-december-12th.html

http://fobfriends.blogspot.com/2012/12/stitchers-advent-december-13th.html

http://fobfriends.blogspot.com/2012/12/stitchers-advent-december-14th.html

http://fobfriends.blogspot.com/2012/12/stitchers-advent-december-15th.html

http://fobfriends.blogspot.com/2012/12/stitchers-advent-december-16th.html

http://fobfriends.blogspot.com/2012/12/stitchers-advent-december-17th.html

http://fobfriends.blogspot.com/2012/12/stitchers-advent-december-18th_18.html

http://fobfriends.blogspot.com/2012/12/stitchers-advent-december-19th.html

http://fobfriends.blogspot.com/2012/12/stitchers-advent-december-20th.html

http://fobfriends.blogspot.com/2012/12/stitchers-advent-december-21st.html

http://fobfriends.blogspot.com/2012/12/stitchers-advent-december-22th.html

http://fobfriends.blogspot.com/2012/12/stitchers-advent-december-23rd_23.html

http://fobfriends.blogspot.com/2012/12/stitchers-advent-december-24th.html

http://fobfriends.blogspot.com/2012/12/stitchers-advent-december-25th.html

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