Beading Thread

I was wandering around the Internet this morning and stumbled across a great idea--beading thread color collections from S-Lon. They are at Needlepoint Tool Time.   The store even sells empty tubes so you can store the beading thread spools you already own. ( I have spools of Nymo brand beading thread that look like they will fit these tubes.)   As far as I can discover, Nymo and S-Lon are two of the many brands of nylon beading thread.  I've used both and I can't see any difference myself but then I am attaching beads to needlepoint canvas, not doing beadweaving or making jewelry.  If you are interested in acquiring various colors of nylon beading thread, this is a good place.  I can recommend Tisha's customer service and she has great sales occasionally.
http://www.needlepointtooltime.com/product/SLD-MIX

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Susan's Dollhouse Needlepoint

Susan Farnik has shared her photo site which is full of photographs of her miniature work. Susan creates amazing dollhouses with silk gauze rugs, pillows, upholestry and more.  Check out the Needlework Roombox and the Christmas Minis in particular, although most of her work has needlework of one kind or another in it.  After all, most houses we want to live in have wonderful handwork!
http://susansminiatures.shutterfly.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Snap Trays for the Fashionable

Bedecked and Beaddazzled now offers coordinated bead snap trays and regular snap trays.  If you are the sort of person who cares about the look of your tools and wants useful ones as well, this is for you.  Since Ruth is a cat person, the first to arrive are Hello Kitty themed.  Stay tuned for many more....
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2013/06/hello-kitties.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Rumor Mill: Petei

Barbara noticed that Petei's website has changed to indicate that she is no longer offering needlepoint designs but will go into a new business in the Fall 0f 2013.  The links to her canvases have all disappeared, too.  Thanks for pointing this out on Facebook, Barbara!
http://www.petei.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Coco Chanel, Wendy Reves and Needlepoint

Coco Chanel's villa on the French Riviera is up for sale again. The house was purchased by Wendy Reves in 1953 and furnished to suit her high style tastes.
http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/06/07/letter-from-paris-the-house-that-coco-built/?smid=tw-share

Here's a bit more about Wendy.  She sounds high maintenance all right, but fun, too.
http://www.dmagazine.com/Home/1991/08/01/IN_THE_COURT_OF_QUEEN_WENDY.aspx

Why am I interested?  Wendy had needlepoint pillows with sayings on them in the house. They are still there.  I hope she stitched them herself while sitting on a yacht somewhere.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Award for the Most Sequins Goes To...

...Ruth Schmuff's Sandra Vargas mermaid! [wild applause]
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2013/06/aquamarine-disco-mermaid.html

http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2013/11/look-who-swam-in.html

To really appreciate the magic that Ruth stitched, you need to look at the bare canvas before she set her needle to work.  This is Ruth's latest mystery class and you can sign up long distance still if you wish.  You'll know how the mystery turns out, but when did that ever stop us from reading a really good book?
http://www.bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/needlepoint/Mystery-Classes--a-24.asp

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Kreinik's History Lesson

This morning's link is to a posting that Kreinik made on Mr. X Stitch's site.   Although it uses Kreinik products to illustrate the article (and promote said products), the points made are valid and interesting.  Enjoy the read and follow a few links to see some examples of historic silk and metal embroidery.
http://www.mrxstitch.com/back-to-the-future-of-stitching-materials/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Attention Collage Fans

Anyone out there a fan of collage designs?  You know, the ones with multiple blocks of pattern? If you are and your preferred projects are counted canvaswork, then I have a treat for you--I just found that Debbie Stiehler has a website!
http://debbiestiehler.com/home

Debbie is doing a series of Asian-themed collages for her classes.  Click on Current Classes to admire her "Imari" and "Asian" collages.  I think "In the Pumpkin Patch" has been very popular with ANG Seminar attendees also and her various fans were much appreciated when she taught them.

I don't know if Debbie sells charts or kits of discontinued designs but it doesn't hurt to ask.  Your local guild might want to invite Debbie to teach. by the way.  I am hoping she'll come to a shop near me one day....

UPDATE:  Marilyn just let me know Potomac ANG is planning to have Debbie for a workshop  next May. I think Shenandoah Valley ANG may also be having Debbie in to teach during the same trip to Virginia.  If you are a member of either chapter, keep your eyes open!  Thanks, Marilyn.
http://www.needlepoint.org/chapters/Virginia.php

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Mad Miters Gets Crazier UPDATED AGAIN.

Liz Morrow is taking her Mad Miters concept and going even more nuts with it.  Check out Transitions, part one!
http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/transitions-progress-1.html

Here's part two.
http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/transitions-progress-2.html

UPDATE:  Part three!
http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/transitions-progress-3.html

UPDATE #2:  Part four!
http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/transitions-progress-4.html

Mad Miters is one of her patterns that is for sale. You can see the original on her website.
http://www.lizartneedlepoint.com/Bargello_Designs.php

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

More Examples of Finishing

I'm rushing to squeeze in one more post about finishing as Enriched Stitch is offering ten percent off finishing turned into the shop in June. This article also shows off a wide range of finishing styles and tells you just what finisher created it, always useful if you are trying to find a finisher whose talents match your vision.
http://astheneedleturns.com/finishing-discount/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Hide and Seek

Stephanie takes us on a tour of her house, showing off where her canvases live. Mine are in the coat closet in the breezeway or in storage in the attic except for the current project, which lies carefully wrapped on the dining room table during the day.  How about you?
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2013/06/where-oh-where-can-those-canvases-be.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Railroading

While I've been working on my current Top Secret piece I've been railroading.  Ever heard of it?

Here's what the Cross Stitch guide at About.com says about railroading.
http://crossstitch.about.com/od/learnhowtocrossstitch/ss/railroadingtech.htm

Joni Stevenson has some wonderful things to say about laying threads that really apply here.
http://creative-stitch.blogspot.com/2012/08/laying-threads.html

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

Taking a Different Path

Leigh Designs' Trinidad 6272

Now that the excitement of the Columbus trade show is over and things are calmer, I wanted to post a bit about the model I stitched for Leigh Designs for this trade show. Lots of folks ask for more articles about my own stitching and the story about this piece is quite a tale, so I'm going to go into some detail about this piece, how it evolved and how the technique I used can be used on other similar designs.  I should warn you, though.  The subtitle for this article should be Jane Has Lost Her Mind....

When Leigh asked me to stitch one of the smaller 6x6 "coaster" sizes from her new Caribe' series last spring, I picked out the charming small version of Trinidad. All these canvases are named after Caribbean islands and are created from motifs specific to a certain place. We think of the Caribbean as a single tropical paradise but each island has it's own singular history and geography. The Caribe' series celebrates their uniqueness.

Here are the large Caribe' canvases.
http://www.leighdesigns.com/Grp626x.html

http://www.leighdesigns.com/Grp627x.html

The second link is to the smaller versions.  I have done a stitch guide for both the large Bermuda and for the coaster sized Bermuda.  There are also stitch guides available for the large versions of Barbadoes (Pat Miller),  Jamacia (Sandy Arthur), and Martinque (Sharon Quick).  Sandy Arthur has also done a small coaster version of Montego with a guide.  You have lots of choices if you want to visit the Caribbean in your stitching with a stitch guide in hand.

Back to how I came up with a plan for stitching tiny Trinidad--
For a very long time I've been thinking about how Brenda Hart occasionally completely covers a canvas with one stitch in gold metallic. Like this--
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2012/02/too-much-detail.html

I wanted to try this but with my own twist. Then I happened across this painting by Grant Leier at the same time Leigh asked me to stitch a smaller Caribe. It all came together in my mind.  After all, Trinidad has similar parallel lines on the left between the jagged shutter edges and the orchids.

http://www.canadahouse.com/dynamic/artwork_display.asp?ArtworkID=30456
I should mention that last fall I did a lot of shopping for sheers for my windows. I bought plain ones but I saw a lot of fancy sheers covered in embroidery that were magnificent.  So the elements that made up the recipe for this canvas were Brenda Hart's technique plus Grant Leier's art plus looking at window sheers online.   That is how my version of Trinidad was born.  (Yes, my subconscious is a frightening thing!)  Here's Trinidad completely stitched.

I covered the entire canvas with plum tulle. Then I stitched a grid over the tulle using Petite Silk Lame Braid. The grid was secured with metallic Sulky (Sulky's a machine sewing thread but Kreinik's blending filament will work just as well) and I put Swarovski's new flat back crystal sequins, beads and regular bicone crystals on top.   This is a very fast technique.  It took me only two weeks of working 2 hours a day to stitch Trinidad and write the stitch guide.  Here's how it ended up.

Jane's Trinidad 6272

Nothing is stitched on the canvas underneath. All the stitching is on top of the tulle. I wanted the effect of looking out a window at a tropical scene through expensive sheers that are covered in metallic thread and embellishments.  In person there is a lot of sparkle which you can't see in the photo above. Cameras are blind to bling.

Of course the final touch is in the finishing. West Coast Finishing took my idea and made something beautiful! Think a shady Southern veranda with big wicker chairs and lots of ferns and palms and orchids in pots, with a pitcher of lemonade on the table along with a good book.  Add the perfume of flowers in bloom and a beach view in the distance and you have Trinidad.

West Coast Finishing's Pillow Version

This tulle with embroidery on top technique will work for quite a few canvases that are landscapes of some sort.  If you have a canvas that might be a view out a window, pick up my guide (it's only $5 retail) and try it. 

Please join me in toasting Leigh and Robert Richardson who trusted me to stitch this in a totally untraditional way and Sue Parsons of West Coast Finishing who came up with the pillow concept and found just the right fabrics and crystal drop trim to make Trinidad wonderful.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Lap Stands

Most of the time we stitchers obsess over choosing the right floor stand as they really work well for a lot of us. However, there are other options--such as the lap stand. This sits on a table or in your lap for stitching.  Personally I like sitting at my dining room table to stitch although I don't do that much any more as most of my stitching is at night in front of the TV.  I am not sure if I could use a lap stand for a large piece such as my current 15x15 inch project, either.  But if you are curious or think a lap stand might be the perfect tool for your stitching situation, read Mary Corbet's review of the System Four version.  Note that there are links (including a video) to the floor stand where you can see how the clamp works.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2013/06/needlework-system-4-table-lap-stand-review.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Frames and Fobs

If you are a fan of the Maggie canvases that have matching frames, you'll want to see the matching frame/canvas sets from Robbyn's Nest.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2013/06/robbyns-nest-canvas-frames.html

You can see many more frames starting on page 44 of the 2012 online catalogue from Robbyn's Nest.
http://www.robbynsnestdesigns.com/Images/Content/2012RobbynsNestDesign.pdf

If you are in the market for a new scissors fob, you will want to read this rave review of the ones from Paprika Pi.
http://theyoungneedlepointer.blogspot.com/2013/06/paprika-pi-and-rebecca-wood.html

There are always opportunities to go shopping online, so it's important to know what the product is really like and what new things are available.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Rumor Mill: Kirk and Hamilton Merges with Elizabeth Bradley

The rumor mill has been busy with the news that Jeremy Hamilton has left Kirk and Hamilton and the company has merged with Elizabeth Bradley to return as Kirk and Bradley. I did a little browsing and found four floral pieces from Kirk and Hamilton on the Elizabeth Bradley website.
http://www.elizabethbradley.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=kirk+

The old Kirk and Hamilton website is unchanged and apparently the designs they created together are still part of the Kirk and Bradley line.  We all hope that Jeremy Hamilton returns to needlepoint design soon.  I loved his very subtle British sense of humor.  Stay tuned for more from this talented trio, whatever form their canvases take.

By the way, here is a bit about Vernon Kirk and a trunk show at What's the Point? Needlepoint in Ohio.
http://www.sheenasstitches.com/kirk-bradley-at-whats-the-point-needlepoint/?fb_source=pubv1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

All About Madeira Silk Floss

One of the many brands of silk floss available is the filament silk floss from Madeira. Mary Corbet talks about the thread here. The nicest thing about it in my opinion is the packaging. It's VERY convenient, particularly if you are sued to silk floss tangling as you try to remove a length from a skein. The silk itself has a slightly stiff feel to it but it does have a nice shine and isn't as unmanageable as some brands of silk are.  It's not as easy to use as Splendor silk floss, however, and the range of colors aren't as wide as Rainbow Gallery offers with Splendor.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2013/06/madeira-silk-floss.html

You can see the colors on the German Madeira site.  The U.S. site is machine embroidery threads only.
http://threads.madeira.de/fileadmin/Handel_DE/PDFs/Farbkarten/SILK_Farbkarte_Druck_innen.pdf

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

More Fabulous Finishing

Thought you'd like to see a fabulous Halloween stand up all finished and ready for October. Check out them feet! (The pillow back isn't bad either.)  This is Broom Parking from Ruth Schmuff's mystery class of that name last year.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2013/06/broom-parking-another-finish.html

Linda has three Collection of Designs Fabrege style eggs back from the finisher.  These are from a monthly club designed by Nancy Laux of Needle House.
http://nystitchingsisters.blogspot.com/2013/06/eggs-are-back.html

Ridgewood is showing off customer stitching.  Each piece has something wonderful.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2013/06/blog-post_10.html

Finally, Ada Hayden of Eye Candy is taking a nostalgic trip with her models.  Each piece is finished differently but they are all charming, aren't they?
http://eyecandyneedleart.blogspot.com/2013/06/homecoming.html

I love good finishing, don't you?  Hope this gives you some ideas for your next project.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Crossing Over

Kreinik (with the aid of Ann Strite-Kurz and her lovely counted canvaswork patterns) tackles the question of whether cross stitchers can do counted canvaswork.
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2013/06/can-cross-stitcher-do-this.html

Short answer--heck yeah!  Especially with the aid of Ann's wonderful charts.
http://www.needleartworks.com/dsgnr/ask/askimages.htm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Just a Reminder

Just a reminder--all the TNNA trade show postings from the Columbus show that is going on right now are listed, latest on top, under the "TNNA Columbus June 2013" tab.  Click on the tab to go to that page, then click on Home to return to Blog's main page.

If I missed anything, please let me know.  I'm off line until this evening so I'll update again after supper.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Ruth App

Hurrah! Ruth Schmuff's newest book is now available as an app from the iTunes store!  Volumes one and two are $9.99 each and volume three is $10.99.  I have the first two volumes on CD and use them a lot.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2013/06/got-apps.html

You can buy the books in several forms from Ruth herself if your local shop doesn't have them in stock.
http://www.bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/needlepoint/--b-1.asp?category=56

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

DMC Announces a New Book

A book about using DMC's new Memory Thread is now available.  Besides tips on using memory thread, there are ten projects in the spiral bound book covering all sorts of crafts besides needlepoint.
http://dmc-threads.com/emma-broiderys-memory-thread-guide/

http://dmc.com/sitecore/content/Sites/DMC/Home/Products/Publications/Emma-Broidery/Memory-Thread-How-To-Guide.aspx

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Miniature Embroidery on Fabric

Trish Burr has become enamored of miniature embroidery.  It's lucky for us as she's researched miniature needlework and posted examples, links to association websites and talked about what actually is miniature embroidery.
http://trishburr.com/2013/06/05/whats-to-love-about-miniature-embroidery/

This is embroidery on fabric, not on silk gauze.  In other words, it is embroidery instead of counted thread on silk gauze.  I hope you enjoy looking at some examples.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Revisiting the Fishing Lady on Boston Common

My copy of Needle Pointers for July 2013 has just arrived and Kate Callahan's Fishing Lady piece is on the cover! Whoo HOO! Congratulations! You have already seen her large Fishing Lady piece on Blog last year. Here's the link with all the information Kate sent me about this masterpiece.  Please reread it to hear Kate's voice as you browse the magazine to really see all the courting couples, the plants and sheep and of course the amazing horses and dogs!
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2012/05/road-to-woodlawn.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Threads and More UPDATED

Well, these aren't exactly new threads--they are just new to the U.S. market.  First of all, Terry Dryden has new #5 perle cotton SILK overdyes from Stef Francis in England. The colors are so lovely!
http://www.terrydryden.com/-blog/2013/6/17/some-new-perle-threads-to-try.html

UPDATE:  Terry says their new perle is silk, not cotton, and that it feels great in the hand.  Thanks for the update.  Can I come over and fondle your new threads?

Stef Francis' website is here.  Click on "Hand Dyed Yarns" and "Hand Dyed Ribbons" to see threads most of interest to needlepointers.
http://www.stef-francis.co.uk

Secondly, Needle in a Haystack has started importing DMC's Diamant metallic thread from Europe.  Mary Corbet reviews the thread here.  You'll learn why this thread is so smooth (it's treated with silicon) and see some of the available colors.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2013/06/thread-talk-dmc-diamant.html

By the way, Mary is giving away a full set of Diamant, courtesy of DMC.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2013/06/dmc-diamant-a-give-away.html

Vicky DeAngelis has also posted photographs of the Diamant colors as well as photographs of the flower beads from Sundance and the newest scissor fobs from Paprika Pi.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/how-about-some-stash-enhancement/

Enjoy looking at all the great things stitchers can choose from.  We are really lucky to be stitching in the 21st Century.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Ada Tidies Up

My stash is not organized very well, so I love seeing postings here and there from folks who talk about how they have their stash stored and sorted so they can find things.  Ada uses IKEA storage items to keep her threads and monthly clubs and such in order.  Maybe this will inspire me to do a little organizing this weekend.
http://eyecandyneedleart.blogspot.com/2013/06/getting-my-ducks-in-row.html

No, probably not.  That takes away from precious stitching time!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Gitta Has Left Us UPDATED

I'm sorry to say that Gitta, the owner of Gitta's, which is just outside Toronto, has died.   I understand she battled cancer for quite a while now.
http://www.gittas.com

Gitta's is well known for silk gauze and charts especially done for silk gauze, but they carried a lot of everything.   I am sorry to hear that their founder has joined the stitching angels.

UPDATE:  I am told Gitta's daughter will probably keep her shop open, which is good news.  I finally got around to finding photographs of two ANG Seminar exhibit winners worked from Gitta's charts.  I think there are more but there aren't photos of all the winners on the ANG site.  Look for Pat Dowse's bowl of red poppies.
http://www.needlepoint.org/WhatIs/1999.php

Then there is the vase of lilacs design by Jeanne Wesline.
http://www.needlepoint.org/WhatIs/2008/index.php

Beautiful work and beautiful stitching.  Thank you, Gitta.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Kickstarting Paternayan UPDATED

This morning I found a comment posted by one of the owners of Saco River Dye House posted in an earlier message about their revival of Paternayan wool. This is what Claudia said in part.

"During the last several months, we have been incredibly consumed with the re-establishment of the Dyehouse, re-introduction of Paternayan and trying to ensure we are getting the word out. As always - keeping up with communications in a fully packed day has proven challenging. We are trying to address this in two ways - posting more to a blog on our website and the start up of a business Facebook page for the Dyehouse. We are starting to 'talk' a lot - some about Paternayan and a lot about the Dyehouse in general. So here is my request......

Yesterday we started a Kickstarter campaign with the goal to add equipment substantially expanding the Dyehouse capacity and improving our environmental impact. Although the campaign talks about 'organic yarns' - the truth is that all of the yarns including Paternayan will benefit from the addition of package dyeing equipment. In order to meet our financial target - we need to spread the word about the campaign as quickly and as far as possible. One way to do this is to post to blogs or ask the blog administrator to start 'talking' about the Dyehouse. I was wondering if you would be willing to do so and how I could best support your interest in doing so. We are already grateful that you have been willing to write about Paternayan - it has been a real bright spot in the re-starting of the Dyehouse operations. The loyal following has been incredible. Let me know your thoughts. Claudia"

I wrote Claudia back and said of course I would post about their Kickstarter project here.  Needlepointers are always eager to hear more about the reintroduction of Paternayan wool!
Here is the link to the Kickstarter campaign fund raiser. There's a video showing their facility, yarn being dyed, and talks about their desire to build an American company in Maine that makes organically certified yarns for needlework.  http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dyehouse/dyehouse-organic-yarns-made-and-dyed-in-the-usa?ref=live

If you aren't familiar with Kickstarter, it is a way of connecting folks who need funds with those who are willing to support their work.  If you are a fan of Paternayan wool, this is a good way for you to contribute to its being available once again in needlework shops all over the USA.  Read through the information carefully and decide if you want to become a supporter.

For more information, here is the Sacco River Dye House website.
http://sacoriverdyehouse.com/site/

There is a link at the website to the Dye House blog but here's the direct URL in case you want to bookmark it.  If you are a Facebook user, you can "like" their Saco River Yarns page.
http://sacoriverdyehouse.com/site/?cat=4

Good luck, Claudia!

UPDATE:  The Kickstarter campaign reached its goal of $25,000 eight days into the campaign.  Congratulations!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Latest Fireside Stitchery Newsletter

Fireside's latest newsletter is out, and it is chock full of news about upcoming monthly clubs (Henry VIII and his wives plus the Zecca cube cushion), about the current trunk show (Kathy Schenkel) and of course photos of the current monthly clubs (the Kelly Clark firecrackers and the Patti Mann Graveyard Witch).  Even if you never participate in a club, it is great fun to see what Fireside is doing.  Here's the link.
http://www.benchmarkemail.com/c/v?e=2F710F&c=353ED&l=33B241A&email=V%2FEwCv7EFfcGrlzr2t%2B6BLQR3BgPsWUo&relid=C6EC164

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Midori's Gallery

This morning I stumbled across Midori Matsushima's website.  She teaches Japanese Embroidery in England, and I've heard mention of her name before.  If you find JE pieces exceptionally lovely, please look at the Gallery section to admire her work.    I also enjoyed browsing the shop to see the stencils and other exotic tools used in create Japanese Embroidery masterpieces.  It's a fun glimpse of another stitching style that is mostly alien to me and to my personality.  Enjoy!
http://www.midori-embroidery.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Enriched Stitch Adds a Shopping Cart

Oh, happy day! (except for my credit card which has steam rising from one corner) The Enriched Stitch has added a shopping cart function to their website!
http://enrichedstitch.myshopify.com

Just click on Canvases and choose a category to explore.  Me,  I'm going to go soak that smoking credit card under running water in the sink....

P.S.  To celebrate the shop says use the check out code NEWSTORE to receive 10% off your entire order now through June 23rd.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Susan Has a Book (and a Website)

Susan Sturgeon Roberts has been very busy with her NeedlepointTeacher.com website. She is adding stitch diagrams, videos and articles at an amazing rate!
http://needlepointteacher.com

Now she has released a Kindle ebook version of her Needlepoint Dictionary of Stitches.  I've not seen this yet, but needlepointeacher.com has a lot of stitches diagrammed so we probably have a good idea of what the book version is like.  There is a link to the Amazon store from which you can download the Kindle version of the stitch dictionary.  If you get this, please let us know what it is like in the Comments section or by emailing me directly if Comments won't work for you.  I'm at chilly hollow at Hotmail.com.  Thanks!

Meanwhile, I'm going to browse more of Susan's site....  Love Cleopatra's Hair!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Second Background (Dr. Who) - Part Three

The Doctor and His Backgrounds

The last time we talked about the background for this piece, I was totally committed to doing the background in the same dark blue I used on the Weeping Angel statue design from the series. As you can see, I have switched to a lighter blue and added a second color to the mix.  The waves on the left side were threatening to take over the world, so I stopped and added little diamond shapes here and there to calm things down a bit.  I am also using a light brown, as brown and blue is a classic color combination.  How did I come up with the diamond shapes?  No idea!  It just popped into my head, perhaps because I was thinking of the Sonic Screwdriver that The Doctor has in his hand.  The current Doctor's Sonic Screwdriver has a screwdriver base but the head opens a bit like a flower blooming to show a glow inside.  The diamond shapes are a bit like looking at the Sonic Screwdriver head on I suppose.   I think that's where I go the idea, anyway!  (Yes, my subconscious is a dark and mysterious place.)

I also starting adding brick stitches (over four threads) to the right two thirds of the background.  They are a nice contrast to the wide waves on the left.  At least I think so.  After all, in the TV series the Doctor moves through time and space and I think my mix of background stitches conveys this movement between Earth's brown ground and the blue depths of space.

When you obsess over needlepoint, read all the magazines, study blog postings, watch the new things posted on Facebook's Needlepoint Nation, etc., well, you Get Ideas.  Your subconscious will prompt you to try unusual things occasionally.  The trick is to not fall in love with an idea, like I fell in love with the threads used on my Weeping Angel.  No matter how beautiful a stitch, how much you like threads, etc., sometimes they are just not right for a project.  Believe me, the project will let you know when something isn't right.  You will not be happy unless you listen to the project's complaints and rip out!

We'll see how this looks when I get a bit more of it finished.  I need to finish some of the black pants and add buttons to the Doctor's shirt plus add the gold of his suspendors.  I also am running out of the brown background thread so I need to mail order that.   Cross your fingers that I'm not going to have to rip out again!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needle House Newsletter

The June newsletter from Needle House in Houston is now available for your reading pleasure.
http://www.theneedlehouse.com/jm/images/newsletters/summer_2013_web.pdf

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blog
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Amanda Lawford Presents....

Amanda Lawford is updating her website to showcase the other designers that are distributed by the company. The current ones are listed at the bottom of the page:  ARB, DC Designs, Needlepoint Broad, Mariko King, and Elizabeth Mumford.  Since the HP lacquered boxes are going to be distributed by Amanda Lawford, expect to see those on her site shortly.  Other designers may show up, too.  Stay tuned!
http://amandalawford.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Finishing and Finishers

Finishing and finishers are always a subject of fascination to me.  I thought it might be helpful to post information about finishers for those who need someone.  Of the alphabetical list below, I've only used Marlene's, Summer Truswell and West Coast Finishing.  I can highly recommend all three.

Cheryl's Needlework Finishing (near St. Louis, MO)
http://www.cherylsfinishing.com

Marlene's (San Francisco, CA)
http://www.marlenecustompillows.com

Quick Stitcher Designs (near Santa Clarita, CA)
http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com/2010/02/introducing-sharon-quick-of.html

Summer Louise Truswell (near Seattle, WA)
http://www.summerlouise.com

Vikki's Stuff (Austin, TX)
http://www.vikkisstuff.com

West Coast Finishing (Oregon)
http://www.westcoastneedlepointfinishing.com

Un Chiffon Bon Bon (highly recommended by Canvases Be Gone in Arizona)
https://www.facebook.com/Unchiffonfonfon
 or email mcrobbins@cox.net

For those who don't need a finisher but love the eye candy, here are some photos of wonderful finishing from Nimble Needle's customers followed by more wonderful finishing from The Needlepointer's talented stitchers.
http://thenimbleneedle.blogspot.com/2013/06/customers-gallery-june-2013.html

http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=2b1a4dafdf1ba6e29e773aa79&id=6b74712b44&e=73961ee0ea

I should mention that most needlepoint shops have local finishers they use.   You will need to take your completed pieces to the shop and they will take it from there.  Before you send things off for finishing, make sure you and the finisher are completely clear on a few things--exactly what you want and don't want, the cost, and approximately when your piece will be ready.  If your shop is the intermediary, a written description and photos for the finisher might be useful to turn over with your piece.

Got any contact information for finishers?  Please email me at chilly hollowat hot maildotcom or post a comment below.  I'm sure I missed folks.  The list above was done off the top of my head but I can always update it.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Silver and Rare Earth Magnets

Needlework Retailer News just announced new silver clay magnets from Michele Ink Designs (a cross stitch designer who dabbles in metal work on the side).   These are not shown on the website link, just in the photo posted by Needlework Retailer News, but they all seem to be in ocean themes.  By the way silver clay is a clay with real silver in it that can be shaped and fired like pottery.  I have not seen these in person so I can't judge how much like silver charms they look or how durable they are, but with rare earth magnets to attach them they will cling well to your needlepoint canvas.  I think these will be an elegant and interesting addition to your needle magnet collection.
http://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2013/06/crabbies-needleminders.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Kathryn W. is a Genius, Too

I was admiring photos from the recent Jill Rigoli embellishment class at Designer's Desk in Illinois when a Laurel Birch canvas caught my eye.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=315851601880131&set=a.315851405213484.1073741837.259561757509116&type=1&theater

Kathryn turned a pair of Laurel Burch earrings into needle magnets.  They coordinate with her canvas! Thanks for noticing and posting the photo, Pat.

I had no idea that there were Laurel Burch-themed earrings but there are quite a few available in case you want to mimic Kathryn's stylish needle magnets.
http://www.thefind.com/jewelry/browse-laurel-burch-earrings

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Laurie Walden: Genius with Rabbits

I've posted links to Laurie Walden's version of Mr. Rabbit from Labors of Love when she taught it at Needle House in Texas but since she is going to teach both the male and female rabbits from the set at Enriched Stitch, I thought you'd like to see the pair.  Amazing work!
http://astheneedleturns.com/the-bunnies-are-coming/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Stitchers' Workshop Closing

Thanks to Whitney, I just learned that Pat Dugan is closing her shop Stitcher's Workshop in Arkansas to move to Indiana to concentrate on teaching and designing while living closer to her family.  Yesterday the shop started their Closing Sale, with all in stock merchandise on sale at twenty percent off.   The official closing date is August 15th.
http://www.stitchersworkshop.com

Losing Stitcher's Workshop is a blow.   I will especially miss the lovely boxes, stretcher bars and floor frames Pat's husband makes.  I don't know if he will continue to make these things once retirement hits. After all, when you are retired all the free time you hoped for is very illusive!

Thanks for letting us know, Whitney.  Anyone who gets to visit the shop one last time, plus hug Pat for me!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

We, Of the Needle

We of the Needle is adding new products to their mix.  This framing/antiques/embroidery/tools shop has a little of everything. making it a fun place to explore.
http://www.weoftheneedle.com/index.html

Their blog points you to new needle keeps (the black kitty needle magnet and the computer chip magnet are my favorites) and new scissor fobs (I like that they are shorter as long fobs bother me as I work) and the new pin cushions are all one of a kind.  I've never seen an Aladdin pin cushion before!
http://weoftheneedle.blogspot.com/2013/06/our-website-is-now-much-bigger.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Bayeux Tapestry Reborn in Ireland

Most embroiderers have heard of the Bayeux Tapestry, the wool on linen emboidered story of the Battle of Hastings that earned William the Conquerer England as a prize.  Inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry, an Irish group from the eastern coast has created a modern version of their own history in crewel.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2013/05/the-ros-tapestry-irish-history-in-embroidery.html

To read "A Tale Told in Thread" further, visit the Ros Tapestry website.  Truly, history lives through our needles!
http://www.rostapestry.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Susan Portra

I was thrilled this morning to read Vicky DeAngelis' blog and discover Susan Portra has a new website.  Vicky talks about working with Susan on articles for Needlepoint Now and gives places Susan teachers, which is nice.  Hope I run into her one day.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/why-needlepoint/

http://www.susanportra.com/page/page/8750914.htm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Quick Stitch Variations and More

There's a new book in town--Quick Stitch Variations Book by Susan Jones.  This book is distributed by Custom House of Needle Arts in case your local shop wants to order copies.  Pocket Full of Stitches has posted a few photos of the inside pages so you can get an idea if this book needs to go on your bookshelf.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2013/06/quick-stitch-variations-book.html

A quick visit to Custom House's website shows that they distribute Julie Sackett's books as well.  Follow the links for a bit more information about the books.
http://www.customhouseofneedlearts.com

Here is even more.
http://www.amybunger.com/catalog/item/8549797/9280730.htm

Julie Sackett does a lot of charted designs that Quail Run distributes.  You have probably seen her kimonos and eggs without knowing that Julie is the designer.
http://www.quailrundesigns.com/shop/Finished-Models/Designs-by-Artist/Julie-Sackett.htm

Thanks for the nudge, PFOS!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Reposting of Inexplicable Behavior

I rarely repost articles I've written for Blog but lately I've been rummaging around old articles, looking for particularly helpful ones to put in the Tutorials and Tips section.  When I came across this one, it seemed a good time to reference it again.  After all, summer's upon us, which means we can sit outside in public and stitch where the whole world can see us.  Want to sit outside and stop traffic with me?
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2008/03/inexplicable-behavior-np-edition.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint Stand of a Different Kind

Diane posted a photograph of a piece of needlework furniture in a style I've never seen before--a thread stand.  I thought you'd like to see it.  Anyone else have something unique that was made for stitchers?  We'd love to see it and hear the story behind it.
http://www.dianestakingtimeouttoneedlepoint.com/2013/06/something-old-something-new-something.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Two Interviews (Landscapes and Tools)

By coincidence I ran across two interviews that are of interest to stitchers. The first has Trish Burr (known for her realistic needle painting birds and flowers) talking to Margaret Vant Erve, a Canadian embroiderer known for her painted and stitched landscapes.  There are plenty of photos of Margaret's work to enjoy which is a great treat.
http://trishburr.com/2013/05/23/lovely-landscapes/

Here's the direct link to Margaret's website where you can see even more examples of her work and classes she teaches.  Pour yourself a cup of your favorite beverage and join me in pondering why embroidery isn't considered art.
http://www.vanterve.ca

The second interview is Mary Corbet talking to Lamora Haidar of Access Commodities about the needle tins that Access sells to shops.  This interview touches on how needlework tools come to market and why stitchers are so attracted to them.  Fascinating!
http://www.needlenthread.com/2013/05/needle-tins-store-your-needles-in-style.html

If Lamora's brief talk on how her company comes up with ideas for stitchers intrigues you, then a visit to the Access Commodities website is something you will want to do.  Click on "Blog" and check out the book review of Dress of the Court of Henry VIII, look at "Products" if you need wool felt from Scotland for a needle book or rice paste glue or Micron pens or much, much more.
http://www.accesscommodities.com/home

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Creating a Background From Nothing

Anne Stradal has created a background for a Joan Thomasson angel where there was none. I think she did a fabulous job.  Creating something from nothing, she changed the piece to a larger size suitable for finishing as a stand up piece.  If you want to follow Anne's progress from when she started working on this last December, click on the Angels tag at the bottom of this article and all the articles about this piece will magically appear.
http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2013/06/peaceable-kingdom-finale.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Baby Bling Buttons

Several shops came back from the February 2013 TNNA trade show in Long Beach with tiny crystal buttons with baby shanks. Needle in a Haystack has just posted photos and great information about what I call the baby bling buttons.
http://needlestack.typepad.com/whats_new/2013/05/crystaletts-bling-for-your-stitching.html

Their real name is Crystaletts.  They are very small (3mm) rhinestone buttons with tiny loop shanks you can push through a hole on your canvas to secure on the back.  NIAH has stocked several colors of the buttons with mostly gold settings, although they come in nickel or black metal frameworks as well.  They would look very nice as buttons on Santa's suit or as the center of fantasy flowers.  Time to rummage through your stash and see who needs baby bling buttons!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Shopping at BeStitched

BeStitched just announced their shopping website is open for business.
http://bestitchedneedlepoint.com/our-shopping-cart-is-live-bestitched-needlepoint/

I don't much like having to set up an account to use the shopping cart and wish lists in these days when our online privacy is under attack, but it was great fun to browse the shop offerings.  Note that this is a work in progress, with some categories empty because there are not enough hours in the day to get all the photos and descriptions up on the site.
http://store.bestitchedneedlepointshop.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Mermaid Curls

Ruth Schmuff's latest mystery class lesson is all about the hair.  First, Ruth basketweaves all the hair, then she puts Wonder Ribbon metallic mesh curls on top!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2013/06/a-day-at-salon.html

"Wonder Ribbon?" you ask.
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2012/07/the-wonders-of-wonder-ribbon.html

Since I wrote the above, The Collection has added Wonder Ribbon to their website.  They poste all the available colors and tell us a bit about how Wonder Ribbon is made.
http://www.allaboutstitching.com/wonder-ribbon.html

I have a spool in the stash.  Guess I should pull it out and experiment!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Approved By the Master Enabler

I thought you'd like to see Ruth's new office sign.  Makes me laugh!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2013/05/my-shingle-is-hung.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Gay Ann Rogers' Workbox

Gay Ann Rogers is an accomplished counted canvaswork designer and artist and now she is a web designer! Yes, Gay Ann has created her own website, coding it all herself.   She calls it My Needle Workbox.  It is full of lace and handwork tools and history.
http://www.myneedleworkbox.com/index.html

Gay Ann's main website is here.  Right now she is leading a discussion of Jane Austen and has quite a few new designs inspired by one of the greatest writers of all time.  Have fun exploring!
http://www.gayannrogers.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Over the Top Love

Carolyn Hedge Baird lets us peak over her shoulder as she packs up a stitch guide and kit for a student to stitch a John Johannsen piece from Melissa Shirley designs.  But despite her love of over the top embellishment, Carolyn realizes and honors other styles.  Whatever your personal style, needlepoint has a place for you.
http://www.livingwithneedlepoint.com/2013/05/22/a-lecture-and-stitches-and-lots-of-flowers-for-a-john-johanssen-canvas/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Baby Owl For Christmas

A. Bradley's Christmas Owlet

My stitching these days is mostly models and stitch guides, but I collect small canvases to stitch for presents when I run across one I just can't resist.  These little projects are great fun since I pick up things that are not my usual style and try out new techniques I am interested in on them.  Better to experiment on a gift for a friend or family member than on a custom stitch guide, right?

My newest purchase is a darling Christmas mini sock from A. Bradley Needle Arts.  It is on 18 count canvas and is about four inches high by a bit more than three inches wide at the widest point.  It is perfect for needle felting, don't you think? [Ideas start to percolate....]  I might collect some of Watson's dense white fur he is shedding right now and use that for the white fur trim.....

I love Ashley Bradley's designs.  They are very well done and always charming.  The baby Christmas owl is from her animal mini sock series.  There are a great many dog and cat breeds already designed so Ashley is filling in the series with many other animals so that there should be a critter for every taste.  Click on "Mini Socks" and on "Munchkin Mini Socks" on Ashley's website to see them.
http://www.abradleyneedlearts.com

This one is just right for me.  Sadly, it has to go into the stash of other small mini socks to await further inspiration, a collection of enough white Watson dog fur for felting, and the need for just the right present.  Stay tuned!

Many thanks to Carolyn Hedge Baird who tempted me with this via Facebook and to her shop Chaparral which ordered it for me.  And of course many many thanks to Ashley for painting this right away!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tips on Stitching with Filament Silk

Anyone who finds silk threads difficult to stitch with needs to read Mary Corbet's article on how she stitches with filament silk. That's the stuff that is straight from the silk worm that catches on air and misbehaves any time you give it a chance.  Mary is thorough, explaining how she organizes her threads, how she threads her needle and holds it when stitching, and even how a stitcher's attitude toward their thread can make all the difference.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2013/05/working-with-soie-de-paris-other-filament-silk.html

My one tip working with silk besides the ones Mary mentions is to add humidity to the mix when it gets too unruly.  Spritz a cut length with a mist of distilled water and let the strand dry a bit. Works for me!

You will have to be certain that your thread is colorfast but if you are used to a brand and not using the notorious-for-bleeding reds, spritz away and see if it helps you.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

AmyBear to Close

Leigh S. posted on the ANG list this morning the sad news that AmyBear will be closing next December.  I checked the AmyBear website and found the following information--
http://www.berks.com/amybear/page55.html

Everybody deserves to retire, don't they?  I hope Amy has a blast in her new career and I am grateful that she is giving notice so that all her many fans can pick up that last chart and stitch one of her 3-D animals or maybe one of the stained glass designs or even the very popular Rhapsody/Romance/Rendezvous series.

Thanks for the heads up, Leigh!  (And thanks for permission to republish your news here.)

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Does It Hurt?

If it hurts when you stitch, you are doing something wrong, right?  I know all too well how a block of time all to yourself can tempt a stitcher to hurt themselves by not taking proper precautions.  Ruth's guild just had a program about ergonomics and posted a link to a summary of the program.  There are plenty of great tips included, so please read this carefully.  I will add a link directly to the right hand side of Blog where there are other ergonomic articles saved.  They are located just under the koi pond.  Read them periodically and use these tips to keep yourself pain free, please!
http://ruthsneedlework.blogspot.com/2013/05/avoiding-injuries-while-stitching.html

http://baldyviewega.blogspot.com/2013/05/may-meeting_31.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Light, New Thread UPDATED

There are lots of new products that probably won't be at the Columbus trade show so I thought I'd dedicate a posting to new things I've heard of that some from the world of quilting or machine embroidery.  The first is a brand new thread from Sulky.  Sulky creates threads on spools for sewing machines but many of their threads work quite well on needlepoint canvas.  I always browse the limited selection of Sulky threads carried at my local JoAnn's Fabrics, looking for an elusive color that I don't have at home.  Needlework Retailer says Sulky has a new cotton thread that is the same diameter of two plies of cotton floss.  It's marketed as a way to stitch without stripping floss.
http://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2013/05/hate-to-separate-floss.html

In this larger photo it looks like a lightly twisted perle cotton.  It's not something I'd spend a lot of money on but it might be just the thing for a specialty project.  If your local shops carry machine embroidery thread, this might be worth looking for.
http://www.sulky.com/thread/thread_petites.php

The other new product I have today is a three way LED lamp from Stella Lighting.  It comes in a floor or table version and the thing about it is that you can switch among three different types of light, each suitable for a different task.  Here are the details in case this is just up your alley.
http://needlestack.typepad.com/whats_new/2013/05/stella-sky-coming-to-niah.html

http://stellalighting.com/the-stella/features/

UPDATE:  NIAH has posted a review of this new lamp.
http://needlestack.typepad.com/whats_new/2013/06/review-of-stella-sky.html

So has Mary Corbet.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2013/08/lighting-for-embroidery-stella-lamp-review.html

UPDATE #2:  Needle Nook of La Jolla is introducing the lamps and has a video of all three styles (table, floor and clamp on).
http://store.needlenook.com/Stella-Lighting-p36975.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Aristeia's Newsletter

The Aristeia June newsletter is online now, full of classes and retreat information plus tips on working with flosses.
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=gunmremab&v=001qTUVg_-IEA5uuACBBPoFz0Ge5xwUqEu4ebES08aYmVe80c-syVxjqgm-wibd-GlTn31dBriaXLry-jbF57wWzDoY6Fy-4rP4CM1rAMjEcpn-q-QFvU03iw%3D%3D

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Shapes of Needlepoint No. Four (Diagonals, Horizontals, Verticals)

The next book in Sandy Arthur;s Shapes of Needlepoint series will be out in the middle of next August according to Amy Bunger.   The next one will cover stitches that are diagonal, horizontal or vertical in shape.
http://www.amybunger.com/catalog/item/8464002/9855144.htm

Here are the first three books, all of which are now available:
Shapes of Needlepoint One--Circles, Squares, Triangles and Rectangles
Shapes of Needlepoint Two--Diamonds, Hearts, Octagons and Stars
Shapes of Needlepoint Three--Hexagons, Ovals and Paralellograms

They can be purchased from Sandy herself, from your local shop, and there are also iPhone and iPad electronic versions available for Shapes One and Two.
http://duodesignsinc.com/wpsite/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

White Elephants

It's turning to summer here in Chilly Hollow (summer here equals heat, humidity, mosquitoes and drunken tourists) so as an antidote to this--plus an excuse to stay inside and stitch--I present Needle Paint's White Elephant belt.  Doesn't this just make you smile?
http://blog.needlepaint.com/2013/05/22/white-elephant-needlepoint-belt/

Needle Paint does custom pieces as well as lots of belt and wedding designs.  Click on kits to see the range of their offerings.  I've not used their services myself but I've heard from people who were very happy to have the belt or dog portrait they've wanted for years.
http://www.needlepaint.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The New Zecca

Zecca's updated their website.  There are many colorful things to enjoy, so do pour a cuppa and browse the canvases and buttons.  I don't see their laying tools, so these might have been discontinued. Too bad!
http://zecca.net

By the way, Enriched Stitch is a big fan of Zecca and have put the Zecca canvases they have in stock at in the shop on sale at ten percent off until June 10th.
http://astheneedleturns.com/zecca-has-a-new-website/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.