Tuesday, July 30, 2013

TV Host Visits Needlepoint Clubhouse UPDATED

Thanks to Sundance Designs who noticed the video, I have a link to a local TV segment about Needlepoint Clubhouse in St. Louis.  There are several ads embedded in the video and I think the TV host was playing up his ignorance a bit (tapestry needles aren't sharp, after all) but it is a wonderful promotion about the fun to be had from a great needlepoint shop.
http://www.kmov.com/great-day-st-louis

UPDATE:  I forgot to give you all the address of Needlepoint Clubhouse's website.  Here you go!
http://www.theneedlepointclubhouse.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 Exclusive Lighthouse UPDATED

If you are an admirer of lighthouses, you'll want to see the exclusive lighthouse magnet Enriched Stitch will have available in limited quantities shortly.
http://astheneedleturns.com/exclusive-lighthouse-magnet/

UPDATE:  The lighthouses have arrived!
http://astheneedleturns.com/exclusive-lighthouse-magnets/

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.

Taking an Idea and Running with It

If you don't make up stitches for your own designs you probably have no idea how a stitch a stitch guide writer sees somewhere changes and evolves as it is tweaked, played with and tested with various thread types and weights. Ruth Schmuff shows just how this happens on her blog. 
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2013/07/evolution.html

The stitch Ruth talks about was used with the addition of an additional step that adds straight stitches on top (I think) and the use of two different threads for the moon on her newest mystery class, Zecca's Blue Moon and Owl.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2013/07/blue-moon.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.

Spray Starch Isn't Just for Wrinkles

I like to iron.  I have some lovely linens that I starch and iron before they go on the dining room table or before I use one as a pocket hanky on a suit.  I never would have thought to use starch this way, however!  I don't think needlepointers can use this tip, but so many of us do other forms of hand work that I had to write about this Mary Corbet article on how to best trace embroidery using spray starch.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2013/07/spray-starch-embroidery-design-transfer.html

By the way, I much prefer aerosol spray starch as you can add just a little bit where you need it.  The pumps add more starch than I usually want for the first ironing.  (Yes, I normally starch my linens, then iron them, then starch again and iron a second time.  You can file that under She Is Nuts.)

UPDATE:  Beth reminded me that a good way to get a lot of wrinkles out without too much starch is to put the damp item to be starched into the refrigerator for a while, the use a hot iron.  My mother used to put her damp tablecloth into the freezer for a little while before ironing it before a party, come to think about it.  Does anyone here until forty even OWN an iron, much less linens that need ironing?

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.