The Rumor Mill - Smathers and Branson

Ridgewood Needlepoint's latest e-newsletter says that Smathers and Branson have discontinued their needlepoint canvases as of now and are selling off their inventory. They are not reducing prices, however. Ridgewood also says that the company is still doing finishing for now.
http://www.smathersandbranson.com/web/catalog.aspx?group=0

I am interpreting this to mean that Smathers and Branson are discontinuing any non-stitched canvases.  I assume they are still selling the finished pieces (especially belts) that is the main part of their business.  I don't know if this means they are discontinuing the custom design business.  I am sure that you can check with Ridgewood if you want clarification.
http://www.ridgewoodneedlepoint.com

Since I mentioned belts this morning, here's a gorgeous one, stitched by a NeedlePaint customer for her son.  Nice!
http://blog.needlepaint.com/2013/05/29/kids-needlepoint-belt/

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.

Help Choosing Colors

I was reminded recently of the wonderful color tool on the Design Seeds website, which help a lot when I am trying to pick a color that will look nice with others, or just looking for an alternate color scheme for a counted canvaswork project.  You can pick one color or just flip through the photos until you find one you like, then see what colors are in that picture.  Rummage through your stash or your favorite shop's thread selection, and there you are!
http://design-seeds.com/index.php/search/category/spring

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.