Let's See What is in the Tip Jar

My tip jar isn't full of money--it's full of cool ideas from across the Internet from my stitching friends.   Tip number one is from Pepita.  Renee tells us a neat shortcut that will save time if you are stitching a challah cover.  I think it'll work nicely for any sort of pillow, too, especially if your canvas is too narrow to cover the front of a pillow.
http://needlepointofview.com/2014/07/30/623/?utm_source=feedly&utm_reader=feedly&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=623

Sue has been researching ideas for needle-blended skies for her lighthouse project, using Anne Stradal's blog.  Anne specializes in beautiful skies for her needlepoint lighthouse designs.
http://sudukc.wordpress.com/2014/07/30/hiding-out-is-such-fun/

Finally, Robin King went into overdrive to find the perfect background ideas for this Charley Harper piece.  She already had the perfect stitcher in Penny B.  Don't you just love how it turned out?!
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2014/07/potluck-by-charley-harper-and-penny-b.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 30, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

In Honor of Ann Spiess Mills

In honor of the Ann Spiess Mills Exhibit and workshops in New Mexico in August, instead of posting Canvas of the Day items on Blog, I'm going to showcase a new Ann Spiess Mills canvas each day in August. Hope you enjoy the show! 

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 23, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needle Felting the Imari Tiger: Tools and Sources

Tiger, Wool Roving and Tools

My small version of the Imari Timeless Tiger has arrived from Leigh Designs!  I put him on stretcher bars and pulled out all my wool roving colors to try and find the best match to his rust coat color.  What you see above are the best matches.  I unrolled the dark brown on the left so you could see what wool roving looks like better.   (Before I forget, the design itself is six inches in diameter on 18 count canvas.)

I am not sure you can tell from the photograph but the labels of the wool roving brands read Dimensions and FeltWorks.  Those two along with Artiste are the brands available at the big box crafts emporiums in my area.  The unlabeled baggies were a gift from a knitting friend (Hi, Marj!) who picked them up at a crafts fair, I think.  

Disclaimer:  I know nothing about any of the sites I am mentioning in this article (except for Dharma Trading which has a good reputation among those who dye their own threads, and Thread Gatherer which is well known as a source for wonderful threads), so buyer beware. 

I can't tell any difference in the wool roving sold under the various brand names, but the hand dyed wool my friend sent me is much nicer.  It is softer and the colors are better.  Etsy is a good source for good quality wool roving if you really get into needle felting in a big way or if you have to mail order your supplies anyway and want a less common color.  Here is the first Etsy shop I came across with a nice selection of wool roving but there are quite a few more.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/woolgatherings

The Thread Gatherer also sells packets of wool roving that are overdyed if you want a more subtle look without having to blend two or more colors on your own.
http://www.threadgatherer.com/Black%20Sheep%20Page.htm

This website seems to cater to the needle felting and spinning enthusiast.  It has an amazing range of fiber sources!
http://www.paradisefibers.com/spinning/wool-roving.html?gclid=CNbIpZf1078CFSdp7AodgG8AYw

I asked Sandy Arthur about the tool brand she prefers since she has a lot more needle felting experience than I do.  Sandy says she likes the Clover brand the best.  Clover tools come with a felting block (the thing you put under whatever you are going to felt to protect your table) that looks more like a brush than the styrofoam-looking thing I own.  They also come in single and multiple needle forms.  Here is the multi-needle tool. It comes with a "finger guard" to keep you from needle felting yourself.
http://feltingsupplies.livingfelt.com/Clover-Needle-Felting-Tool-8900_p_352.html

Here is the pen style with multiple needles.
http://feltingsupplies.livingfelt.com/Clover-Pen-Needle-Felting-Tool-8901_p_353.html

Here is the single needle tool.
http://www.the-quilt-rack.com/browse.cfm/clover-single-needle-felting/4,5884.html

Here is the Clover felting mat.
http://feltingsupplies.livingfelt.com/Clover-Small-Felting-Mat-_p_355.html

As you can see my needles are set into a plastic handle which helps grip it with less hand cramping while you poke and prod your wool roving.  Many needles are bare, though.  I think a handle of some sort is a good idea myself.  But be careful buying needles. You want the ones with a barbed point that will go through the holes in 18 count canvas.  Some felting needles are designed for needle felted 3-D animals and they have star shaped ends, not points.
http://feltingsupplies.livingfelt.com/-Felting-Needles-Variety-Pack_p_16.html

I think from my experience with the small single felting needle that the tools with multiple needles will make needle felting go faster but I will stick with my single needle because my tiger's tail is small--about five threads wide and six threads high.  That's about a third of an inch.  I don't want to keep punching the canvas on either side of the tail with the bare needles.  So if you are considering needle felting a piece with small detailed areas, you might want to use single needles.  If you are interested in speed and have a large area without much detail to needle felt, the multiple needle set will work well.

Remember, these needles are thin and barbed.  Not only are they dangerously sharp and barbed, they break easily.  If you are trying to choose between the brands of kits available to you,  a kit with spare needles is a good investment.
http://www.dharmatrading.com/tools/clover-felting-needle-tool.html

My thanks to Sandy and Marj for their help and advice and Ruth Schmuff for her tips on needle felting.  No stitcher can tackle something new without the help of their friends.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© July 20, Copyright 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepointers Anonymous

A great many people do an ornament each year for family members to celebrate something unique and fun that happened in their lives that year.  Very few of them are as inventive in finding that special something as Diane!
http://www.dianestakingtimeouttoneedlepoint.com/2014/07/dont-stop-me-im-on-roll.html

And very very few admit to belonging to Needlepointers Anonymous, but I am a charter member.  Canvases whisper to me all the time!

(Mostly they say "Buy Me."  Sigh.  See you all in the Poor House.)

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 12, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Cover Is Announced UPDATED AGAIN

The cover for the third edition of Jo Ippolito Christensen's Needlepoint Book has been made public on Facebook.  The last I heard, it will be out in October.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=335539269932214&set=a.102134236606053.5550.100004284303176&type=1

UPDATE:  Jo posted on Facebook, "Simon & Schuster is offering a free download code for an iOS or Android app with the purchase of the book! It will also be an e-book!"

UPDATE #2: For those who can't see the Facebook page cover photo, Enriched Stitch has posted a photo on their blog.
http://astheneedleturns.com/new-needlepoint-book/
Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 28,  2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Why I Stitch

Ann is musing on why she stitches.  So why do you?
http://dreaminginstitches.wordpress.com/2014/07/16/why-i-stitch/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 16, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

So You Want to Start a Blog?

If you have ever thought about starting your own stitching blog but had no idea where to begin, Elizabeth at Sew in Love has your back with this tutorial on creating an attractive blog.
http://sew-in-love.blogspot.com/2014/06/how-to-create-attractive-needleworkarts.html#.U8Ete1ZH3Hg

Go on!  You know you want to!

(Just remember to tell me when you have it up and running so I can follow you and add your blog to Blog's list of other blogs.)

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 12, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tiger Tiger's Needle Felting in Public: Other Resources UPDATED

Folks who are interested in needle felting need only look at the late Wendy Harwood's work for inspiration.  Look at her interpretation of the John Johannsen animals in a boat piece.  The chipmunk and squirrel are needle felted.
http://www.livingwithneedlepoint.com/2013/05/12/melissa-shirley-designs-john-johanssen-canvases-for-needlepoint-part-2/

Here is a closeup of the squirrel.  I believe Wendy's stitch guide is still available from her shop (second link below).
http://stitcherie.ning.com/photo/img6683needle-felting?context=user

http://www.aristeianeedlepoint.com

I am told Amy Bunger discusses needle felting in her How'd You Do That DVD series. Look for the "Closet Full of Stitches: video.  If you are a visual learner you might find it helpful.
http://www.amybunger.com/catalog/item/6256888/6064867.htm

The new master of needle felting is Sandy Arthur. Her Wizard of Paws (designer Brenda Stofft) is terrific!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/search?q=sandy+arthur

You can pick up the stitch guide from Sandy's Duo Designs website.
http://duodesignsinc.com/wpsite/stitch-guides-only

Sandy has needle felted a dog, too. But not just any dog--a 1960s advertising executive who is a little overly fond of martinis.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2014/04/our-very-own-mad-man.html

The canvas and guide are available from Bedecked and Beadazzled as a package deal.
http://www.bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/Boston-Terrier-Cocktail/

Both Sandy Arthur and Amy Bunger say to use only a little wool roving at a time.  Remember this when you start your first (or next) needle felting project!

Barbara Elmore has also experimented with wool roving on her mixed media projects she teaches.  Here is "Coyote in the Afternoon" in the EGA Seminar class description.
http://www.egausa.org/index.php/classes/4-day-classes-monday/452-405-coyoteafternoon

UPDATE:  Ruth Schmuff just published her needle felted squirrel (this is her current mystery class) with her four quick and easy rules for needle felting.  You can sign up for the class now or do it later. Ruth's mystery classes are available after the class ends and the mystery is "solved."
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2014/07/fuzzy-fluffy-and-everything-in-between.html

http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2014/08/all-those-beautiful-colors.html

http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2014/09/fall-furries.html


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 18, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Magnet Docks and Slice Tweezers

Nimble Needle has the coolest tools!  Karen is taking a Margaret Kinsey silk and metal embroidery class with her local EGA chapter.  She talks about the class on her blog.  The fact that many of the threads are no longer available makes me sad.
http://thenimbleneedle.blogspot.com/2014/07/metal-work-gold-work-embroidery-with.html

On a happier note, I did not know that the Evertite dock magnets (made to clip over your Evertites) came in two widths.  The larger magnet is for Evertites that are 19-33 inches long while the smaller dock magnet is for anything 18 inches or less.  I didn't realize that Evertites had different widths, depending on their length, but that makes sense.  A longer Evertite has to be wider to support the weight.

Evertite dock magnets seem like very useful items, particularly if you want to use a magnet but don't like them clamped on your needlepoint canvas.  Nimble Needle has them in stock but not on their website, so here are photos from elsewhere.
http://store.apneedlearts.com/madoforevwpo1.html

I had never heard of Slice tweezers, either!  Slice Soft Touch Tweezers are available quite a few places.  I don't know if Nimble Needle stocks them or not.  Shop around as the prices vary from $19.99 to $25.  They come in red or stainless steel handles.  (The red finish is non-slip, in case that's important to you.)
http://www.sliceproducts.com/product/slanted-soft-touch-tweezers

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 15, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

What Is Art? by Charles Collingwood

I thought this article by a quilter discussing what is art and what is craft might be interesting to those of us who want respect for their needlepoint as an art form, not just a fun hobby. 
http://annjrippin.wordpress.com/2014/06/29/sorry-about-the-gap/

Problem solving....

That I can live with.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 2, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Fuzzy-Wuzzy Was a Bear

I think this polar bear stitched by Linda is an older Melissa Shirley design, but I'm not sure. I am certain that it has charm galore! 
http://splittheneedles.blogspot.com/2014/07/world-cup-finish.html

In the comments Linda says she stitched the bear with Fuzzy Stuff, which is a Rainbow Gallery thread.  It comes in lots of colors and is pretty easy to stitch with as long as you remember to cut shorter lengths.  The second link below has stitching tips and information about the thread itself.
http://www.rainbowgallery.com/detail.cfm?ID=668

http://www.rainbowgallery.com/JaysTips.html#13A

The next time you have a polar bear to stitch, think of Linda and Fuzzy-Wuzzy.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 15, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Merchandising Tips

I thought shop owners who read Blog might be interested in TNNA's latest blog posting. I think it is quite interesting to hear what a merchandising expert has to say.
http://tnna.site-ym.com/blogpost/725524/192056/7-Merchandising-Tips--And-Then-Some

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 14, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Amy is Teasing Me

Amy Bunger is posting hints about her next home study piece on Facebook.

HOME STUDY HINT #1 -- The southern artist designing the next home study lives surrounded by still life in miniature.
STUDY HINT #2 -- The next Home Study Project is dedicated to a fictional, full-spectrum storyteller.
HOME STUDY HINT #3 -- I must be stuck on initials for Home Study Artists...MS,KCN, JP AND ??? (these initials can also stand for a guffaw)
HOME STUDY HINT #4 -- Some of the patterns are small (6" x 6"). All are rainbow-hued. The designs original from a time and place where this storyteller would have lived. "Her" fantasies weave through her own story molded by betrayal, murder, power, riches and (of course) love.
Home Study Hint #5 -- Still haven't taken the first stitch, but that doesn't mean that I haven't started. My notebook and thread bag area filling up with goodies to try on first canvas of ......... series. I will try to add a Hint #6 on AGS Facebook tomorrow or Monday. Looks like most of you have guessed the designer and "theme" so soon I need to start showing canvases and ideas.
Home Study Hint #6 -- This paisley is not quite finished but coming along. Did you know that in the 1920s and 1930s American quilters referred to the paisley design shape as "Persian Pickle?"

Amy's latest tidbits-
A. "Nights with Sheherazade" Part One and Part Two
B. Will offer an October Start date
C. Part One is three smaller canvases approximately 6" x 6" spread out in three different shipments
D. Part Two is a single larger canvas 16" x 10" spread out in three different lessons.
E. You can sign up for both parts or just one.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=814272001917112&set=a.676354722375508.1073741830.189965167681135&type=1&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=649078675169135&set=a.276881089055564.64015.100002010242464&type=1&theater

A glimpse of one of the canvases--
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=818414044836241&set=np.76176380.1277706333&type=1&theater&notif_t=notify_me

Another of the small ones?--
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=822330164444629&set=a.676354722375508.1073741830.189965167681135&type=1&theater

This must be the large one--
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=822332057777773&set=a.676354722375508.1073741830.189965167681135&type=1&theater 

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 14, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

When Your Needlepoint Falls Short....

Do you have days when EVERYTHING you stitch looks awful?  Here is what the writer Ira Glass says about making things when your reach far exceeds your grasp.
http://vimeo.com/24715531

When your mom said practice makes perfect, she wasn't kidding, so when you get stuck listen to Ira again.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 12, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A New Jean Hilton!

Oh boy oh boy! A new Jean Hilton chart is about to be released in August by Stitches from the Heart!
http://stitches-heart.com/jean-hiltons-a-la-mode/

Stitches in the Heart has the right to publish and distribute Jean's designs.  Most of Jean's work is available from any good needlepoint shop (see the tab labeled "Counted Canvaswork Shops" for sources of shops that stock lots of charts if you don't have a local source for them) but this particular design will be available for the next year from Stitches in the Heart only.

If you aren't familiar with the late Jean Hilton's designs or books, or you just want to add one of them to your collection, here is the place to browse.
http://stitches-heart.com/jean-hilton-designs/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 24, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tips for Photography

Erin has been experimenting with her camera, taking photos of her new shop and of the canvases she will sell on her website. Here is what she's learned. I found the definitions of the camera terms very helpful, even though my little digital camera doesn't have most of these settings.
http://needlepointland.com/2014/07/14/needlepoint-snaps-101/

http://needlepointland.com/2014/07/16/basta-already/

For more help taking photos of needlepoint, check the Tutorials and Hints tab.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 15, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Finishing Friday: It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas

Nimble Needle's customers and finishers have been very busy. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in July!
http://thenimbleneedle.blogspot.com/2014/06/customers-work.html

Suzanne has her Raymond Crawford S A N T A letter pieces done.  She's talking about finishing them as a hinged panel for a table display.  It is not back from the finisher yet but this is such a creative idea I wanted to post it here.
http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2014/07/s-n-t-a.html

Finally, Diane has her Carol Dupree Nativity set back. Love it!
http://www.dianestakingtimeouttoneedlepoint.com/2014/06/carol-dupree-nativity-set.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 21, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Charted Database

Fans of counted canvaswork rejoice!  Apparently Cyberstitchers has created a searchable database of cross stitch charts, which includes things like Rebecca Wood's Seasonal Banners turned into charts.   I am not certain what is here and what isn't, but if you have a favorite painted canvas designer, plug in their name and see if there's anything of theirs in the cross stitch magazines.
http://www.cyberstitchers.com/patterns_directory/search_rebecca%20wood

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 14, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Hair, long beautiful hair shining, gleaming, streaming, flaxen, waxen

Anyone remember the musical Hair?  I am not sure Anna Scott, who lives in Australia, was thinking of the lyrics as she came up with a way to create streaming hair for her stumpwork girl, but it applies!
http://annascottembroidery.blogspot.com/2014/06/curly-wild-hair.html

http://annascottembroidery.blogspot.com/2014/07/over-hills.html

The techniques Anna is using will work very nicely for needlepoint such as my newest acquisition--Hawaiian Girl with Fruit.  (She's 7x7 on 18 count and costs $85 as does her companion, Hawaiian Girl with Ukelele.  Email Gussie and ask her to get you one.)
http://needlepointetc.wordpress.com/2014/05/10/friday-may-9/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 19, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Where to Park Your Magnets and Needle Minders

If you are a needle magnet, needle keeper and needle minder collector like me, you will soon end up with a jumble of magnets all stuck together in a drawer.  What to do?

Go visit Jill Wilensky 's new webstore and pick up a magnet display board.  There are all sorts of sizes and styles so you have a magnet display that suits your personality and the space available in your stitching nest.
http://www.needlelittlemore.com/store/c134/Magnet_Boards_and_Displays.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 14, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitching with the Small Child UPDATED

Randi at The World in Stitches has highlighted a few small fun pieces suitable for beginners at needlepoint. If you have kidlets who want to learn, one of these might work nicely.
http://twisinc.blogspot.com/2014/07/rainy-day-fun.html

By the way, Suzanne's kids are doing really really well.  They aren't little and aren't beginners but adept in the art of needlepoint!  (UPDATE:  The second link below is new.  I'm really impressed, Suzanne!)
http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2014/07/timmy-hamster.html

http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2014/07/cutest-little-purse-ever-stitched-by-10.html

http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2014/07/a-weiner-doggie.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 5, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Nativities Everywhere!

I love needlepoint Nativity sets so I was thrilled to see Pocket Full of Stitches post photographs of all their in stock Nativity pieces as part of their July sale.   Some of these I've never seen and some I've only heard of or only seen one piece from the set.  So, thank, PFOS!  You made my morning!
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2014/07/nativities.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 21, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Moral of the Story Is...

The moral of the story is beginners don't have to start with the easy stuff. 
http://www.needlenthread.com/2014/07/home-again-finished-ecclesiastical-goldwork-embroidery.html

If you have someone who has little experience eyeing a complex project, start cheering them on.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 14, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Need a Little Light?

If you need a little spotlight on your canvas, you might want to see what Mary Agnes has been using.  I'm sure she can get you one through her shop.
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2014/07/5-tree-xi-and-new-light.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 5, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tiger Tiger's Needle Felting in Public: Introduction

Belleza's Needle Felted Flower Center

Since I plan to needle felt the small version of Leigh Designs' Imari Timeless Tiger in public here on Blog, I thought we should go over the materials needed and the basics first.  I have needle felted a simple shape before, the orange flower centers on my Tapestry Fair Day of the Dead Halloween piece, Belleza.  The materials I used are described here.
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2012/09/learning-to-needle-felt-simple-shape.html

I had no clue how to do this but it wasn't as hard as I had thought.  There are two things to keep in mind, however.  The needles used to needle felt are very sharp with barbs on the end.  Therefore, you have to needle felt carefully and choose a time when you aren't distracted or likely to be interrupted.  You DO NOT want to needle felt a finger!  The needles are also thin, so if you stab your wool roving at an angle instead of straight up and down, you are more likely to break the needle.

Here is how I needed felted in my first attempt.  Note that I needle felted onto a piece of wool felt, cut out the shape from the felt and appliquéd that onto canvas.  It worked very well for me, but for the Imari tiger, I plan to needle felt directly onto the canvas.    The photo above is a close up of one of my needle felted flowers, just to the right of her earrings.  It turned out very well.  The red-orange petals are beaded, by the way.
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2012/09/learning-to-needle-felt-simple-shape_27.html

Next week we'll look at other examples of needle felting on needlepoint canvas and discuss some tips from the experts.  Until then, study the photos and video and start assembling your equipment if you have a canvas you'd like to needle felt.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 17, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Russian Santas: Another Carolyn Taggart Stitch Guide

Carolyn Taggart's Holly Hills Russian Santa

Carolyn Taggart has done it again--she has finished another Russian Santa from the Leigh Designs series.  On the left is Holly Hills Santa, complete with gorgeous background and bottom border!


Carolyn has also done stitch guides for the Forever Green, Little Angel, Birdland and Merry Mistletoe Santas from the same series.  All have different beautiful backgrounds and lovely bottom borders so if you stitch a set, they will coordinate.
http://www.leighdesigns.com/Grp833x.html


For more information or to order one of Carolyn's stitch guides, contact her via her Facebook page.  Don't do Facebook?  No problem!  Leave a comment below with your email address or send it to me at chilly hollow at hotmaildotcom and I will forward your contact information on to Carolyn who will then email you.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 17, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Need a Flag?

Need a flag stitch for a background? Or maybe for a name tag? Sheena to the rescue!   Just adjust the threads used for the effect you want.
http://www.sheenasstitches.com/happy-independence-day/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 4, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Ginger Cat Tea Cozy

Normally I post new canvases and charts in the Tabs on Blog so that all the new things are in one place for the stitcher who is looking to add to their stash, but today's item is just too cute and unusual to put it there. After all, I know plenty of fans of ginger cat designs. (Hi, Robin!) 
http://janetgranger.wordpress.com/2014/07/17/ginger-cat-dollhouse-teacosy/

If you want a simple but very fun project, then Janet Granger's new dozing cat tea cozy kit is for you.  Janet specializes in miniature designs, often on silk gauze, for dollhouse fans.  But it occurred to me that anyone who loves teapots and cats might love picking up this kit (and a tiny china teapot!) to stitch this summer.
http://www.janetgranger.co.uk/acatalog/Miniature_Needlepoint_Teacosy_kits.html

Janet's tea cozy designs are worked in tent stitches using Anchor cotton floss on 32 count silk gauze.
http://www.janetgranger.co.uk/teacosy.htm

Janet even has a tutorial on how to make up your tea cozy yourself.
http://www.janetgranger.co.uk/tut_teacosy.htm

This is a short project that won't take long, is unique and fun.  I don't remember seeing a cat tea cozy before but what could be more natural?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 17, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Threadaholic Alert: Various Weights of Floche

Floche has a lot of fans for its sheen and strength.   If you are one of them, you'll be thrilled to hear Mary Corbet has found an overseas source for various diameters of this thread. 
http://www.needlenthread.com/2014/06/very-fine-floche-for-whitework-embroidery.html

Marie Suarez's site is fun to explore.  Use Google Translate to read more.
http://www.mariesuarez.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 24, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Peeking Over Gay Ann's Shoulder

Gay Ann Rogers is going to blog stitch her newest geometric design in public! 
http://www.gayannrogers.com

Each step is going to be posted on her website in the form of a slide show.  Stay tuned....

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 18, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Peg's Santa Had Dandruff

Melita is stitching Peg Dunayer's Triangle Santa Ornament from the November-December 2007 Needlepoint Now magazine as a stash buster project.  She's run into a thread coverage problem but solved it very cleverly.
http://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2014/07/12/triangle-santa-ornament-by-peg-dunayer/

Peg's website is currently down as Peg moves it to a new home, but keep checking back for more delights from her clever mind.  It's definitely worth a visit!
http://www.pegdunayer.com

Sadly, the issue of NP Now that Peg's clever Santa instructions are in is no longer available for purchase from the magazine, but there's always eBay!
http://www.needlepointnow.com/back-issues/2007-issues/nov-dec-2007/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 12, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Remodeling A Door

Anne Stradal of ABS Designs is restitching one of her architectural door pieces for a guild class on the Cape. Here is the Before photo with the newly repainted bare canvas for class.
http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2014/06/getting-ready-for-class.html

Here is the After photo.  Amazing what a few thread, stitch and color changes will do!  Click on the photo for a better look.
http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2014/06/remodeling-completed.html

http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2014/07/readying-for-fourthducking-hurricane.html

If you love architectural detail on your canvases, you will love seeing Anne' entire line of "Doorway to the Past" canvases.
http://www.absdesignsonline.com/architectual.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 24, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Shop, New Magnet

Fans of Facebook's Needlepoint group known as Needlepoint Nation (membership 5400 and growing!) had a special surprise this morning when the brand new website for tools Needle Little More opened officially featuring a newly designed magnet, just for NP Nation members.
http://www.needlelittlemore.com/store/p471/The_Needlepoint_Nation_Magnet.html

Of course the shop carries many other items.  I am looking forward to their fully stocked stitch guide section myself but if you are a laying tool or magnet collector or just need accessories of some sort, this is a good place to visit.

Disclaimer:  The shop sent all the administrators of NP Nation (which includes me) one of the magnets as a thank you for setting up and administering the Facebook site.  We don't profit from the sale of this unofficial NP Nation item in any other way.  The bar magnet on the back side is exceptionally strong, almost as strong as my earth magnets.  The enameled heraldic design has a lot of meaning, which is spelled out on the card the magnet comes on.  It's a fun thing to wear on your name tag at guild meetings or at Seminar if you frequent Facebook and are one of the NP Nation citizens.  Or you can just decorate your current project with it to corral your scissors, laying tool and needles.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 18, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Finishing Friday: Books!

The theme for today's Finishing Friday is books! How about this book themed stand up? 
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2014/06/eloise-finished-here-is-great-way-to.html

I also saw mention of this bookend tutorial on Facebook.  It would be a great way to finish a needlepoint canvas.
http://blog.craftsnthings.com/?p=6100

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 19, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Totalling Up The Stash

Fans of counted designs are going to go wild over Sara Leigh's revived blog.   Sara Leigh's photography when she ran Scarlet Thread was outstanding, so you know you are going to love the pictures of her Works in Progress (WIPs).  Let's hope Sara Leith will show many of these designs again as she works on them.
http://remedialstitcher.blogspot.com/2014/07/a-wip-is-wip-is-wip.html

If you are new to counted canvaswork, Sara Leigh will introduce you to designers you've never heard of.  Check the "Counted Canvaswork Designers" tab here on Blog to help you discover where to get these wonderful charts.  Some are no longer available and some are class pieces only, but occasionally you can pick up old class projects from the designer.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 17, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Let's Go Rescue Something!

Ever come across an abandoned and unloved needlepoint piece at a thrift shop or yard sale? 
http://jennyhenrydesigns.wordpress.com/2014/07/08/needlepoint-rescue/

We can't go visit a Salvation Army thrift shop together but we can do a little browsing on eBay.  How about this portrait of two eagles?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Completed-Needlepoint-Bald-Eagles-Picture-Finished-Framed-Law-Office-Wall-/111398927860?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19efe4bdf4

Or this well done polar bear pillow?  I suspect it is Chinese in origin but that doesn't mean it isn't a pretty thing.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Polar-Bear-Winter-design-New-14-x-14-Completed-Finished-Needlepoint-HM-Pillow-/321454538264?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ad82efe18

But best yet is this charmer.  The stitching isn't perfect but somehow it has personality and would make a wonderful standup for your stitching nest.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Funky-Owl-Completed-6-1-4-Longstitch-Specialty-Needlepoint-Needlework-Finished-/111388509386?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19ef45c4ca

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 9, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tiger, Tiger Reveal

...Tiger, tiger, burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?

from William Blake's The Tiger

In early May I started pestering Leigh to create a smaller "coaster" size of the Imari series she released at the Spring TNNA Market.  Here are the original Imari series.  They are 10 inches square on 18 count.  I have done a stitch guide for the Imari Dragonflies, by the way.   It will be available shortly from Leigh Designs.
http://www.leighdesigns.com/Grp628x.html

Since Leigh normally releases smaller versions of the spring florals she is known for, it was easy to talk her into smaller versions.  I choose to stitch the tiger sight unseen.  Finally today I know what I signed up for.  Here's the tiny Imari Timeless Tiger!
http://www.leighdesigns.com/Sgl6291.html

He and his fellows are all six inches in diameter on 18 count.   It would be hard to choose among them now that I've seen them all, so maybe it was a good thing I picked without knowing what I was picking from.
http://www.leighdesigns.com/Grp629x.html

Leigh has agreed to allow me to blog-stitch him.  He will eventually be a Leigh Designs model and there will be a stitch guide, but I'm going to needle felt the tiger himself and document that here for you.  Stay tuned!  First I need the canvas and I don't expect that will arrive for another two weeks.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 16, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

And the Award for Best New Stitcher Goes To....

The Award For Best New Stitcher goes this week to Suzanne's daughter. Wait'll you see her first piece of needlepoint!   Suzanne, you two are an inspiration to the rest of us.  So let's all go teach someone, ok?
http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2014/07/whats-santa-got-cookin.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 6, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

And The Award Goes To....

And this week's award for Best Recovery After a Stitching Mistake goes to----Mary Agnes!  [wild applause]
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2014/07/four-trees-ministocking.html

Seriously, most mistakes are welcome in Chilly Hollow because that's when I get creative.  Figuring out how to handle problems and errors makes me a much better stitcher.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 6, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

More Tiger, Tiger

...Tiger, tiger, burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?

from William Blake's The Tiger 

Here's a hint as to what this is all about:  "When you're stitching, you aren't getting into trouble!"
http://www.leighdesigns.com/News.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 16, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Mod Ornaments Mystery Class (Sandy Arthur)

Sandy Arthur has announced her next mystery cyberclass--Mod Ornaments.  This class is based on Eye Candy's Mod Ornaments Christmas piece.  All the details are here but don't dawdle.  The deadline for signing up for the first of six lessons is September 15th.
http://sandyarthur.blogspot.com/2014/07/new-mystery-cyber-class-coming-soon-i.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 15, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Serendipity Needleworks: The Beginning

Serendipity Needleworks is over eleven years old and to celebrate, they are looking back at how the shop was born and are looking forward to blogging about the shop adventures.
http://blog.serendipityneedleworks.com/2014/07/07/how-it-all-began/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 7, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Color Study

Michelle of Little Bird Designs has been experimenting with unusual color combinations.  I really like how her coral and purple stripes turned out when stitched! 
http://www.needlepointofnoreturn.com/the-first-canvases-in-my-color-studies-series/

If you love Michelle's color experiments, you can do a little browsing here...
http://www.needlepointofnoreturn.com/product-category/3-5-x-7-canvases/

...and you can do a little shopping here or you can email Michelle and Rosanne at littlebirddesignsllc@gmail.com for more information.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleBirdDesignsArt

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 1, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Not Your Grandmother's Needle Art Exhibit in Montana

The Bigfork Museum of Art and History in Montana will open an exhibit of needlework that includes needlepoint and quilting August 10th.  It's called "Not Your Grandmother's Needle Art" and I hope folks who are going to be in Bigfork late this summer get to visit it.
http://bigforkmuseum.org/exhibitions-mainmenu-63/archived-exhibitions-mainmenu-77/94-not-your-grandmothers-needle-art.html

Many thanks to the sharp eyes of Deborah who spotted this and posted about it on Facebook.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 6, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Start Threads

The cross stitch site Funk and Weber is running a series of tutorials on how to start threads.  These things will work on any ground fabric, so I thought I'd mention them on Blog.  The first posting is about starting threads with waste knots.
http://www.funkandweber.com/starting-threads-with-waste-knots/

Next is how to start threads with a loop.
http://www.funkandweber.com/starting-threads-with-a-loop/

The next tutorial talks about starting threads by piercing them.
http://www.funkandweber.com/starting-threads-by-piercing/

Note that some of these techniques can also be used to end off threads.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 1, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Laura Perin Cyberclass

Laura Perin has announced her newest cyberclass, "Summer Rose."  Registration just opened and the class is in September.  You can find out more about the class at Laura's website (second link).
http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2014/07/new-cyber-class.html

http://www.laurajperindesigns.net/ljp-cyber-classes.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 6, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Book Review: Silk Ribbon Embroidery

If you ever wanted to try to make dimensional flowers from silk ribbons for your needlepoint canvases, you will want to read this book review of Di Van Niekerk's newest Silk Ribbon Embroidery (SRE) book.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2014/07/little-flowers-in-silk-organza-ribbon-book-review.html

Mary Corbet is a very good embroiderer with a lot of teaching experience in many techniques. If she says something is good, it is.  Mary also tells folks where to get this book, even though the authors are South African, and you may be in Australia, the UK or the US.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 1, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Need Ideas for Sky Stitches?

Stephanie shows off a wide range of stitches she and her friends have used for the sky. 
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2014/06/sky-stitches.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 9, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Kreinik's Tips for Stitching Birds

Dena of Kreinik has written a column for Mr. X Stitch about stitching birds, with plenty of ideas for threads, colors and stitches. 
http://www.mrxstitch.com/thread-birds/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 9, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tiger, Tiger

...Tiger, tiger, burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?

from William Blake's The Tiger

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 7, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

ANG Seminar Auction News

Melita has posted photos of the cute sandals she's stitched for the Auction.  The finishing is by Rittenhouse.
http://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2014/06/26/little-red-flower-sandals-finished-for-ang-seminars-auction-in-chicago/ 

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 6, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Amazing Goldwork

This morning I am enjoying the gold work designs of the British embroiderer Kathleen Laurel Sage.  Her stumpwork is pretty amazing, too.   Have fun exploring!
http://www.kathleenlaurelsage.com/goldwork.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 29, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Victorian Step Stitch

Kirk and Hamilton Candy Cane Dog Stocking

Are you familiar with Victorian Step Stitch? 
http://www.needlepoint.org/StitchOfTheMonth/2012/jun.php

Stephanie has used it for a roof, a field and a sleeve, plus a striped area.  
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-victorian-step.html

Blue Snow

Why did I post a photo of my Candy Cane Dog stocking?  The blue snow under his feet is Victorian Step Stitch.  Very versatile stitch!  And pretty once you get the pattern set up.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 2, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Finishing Friday: All Sorts UPDATE

I have all sorts of interesting finishing to show off today. First, Ridgewood is turning small round ornaments into snap trays.  Clever!  I think the leather look snap trays are self-finishing but I am not certain.  I could have dreamed someone has these available....
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2014/06/blog-post_15.html

Eye Candy shows off one of their "Garden Party" designs finished in a shadowbox.  This is perfect since this piece was created in a Ruth Schmuff class and the heart is padded in the trapunto style, making it rise off the canvas.
http://eyecandyneedleart.blogspot.com/2014/06/another-lovely-garden-party.html

Finally, Needle Nicely has finished their Sasha the Lady Chef doll but wait--there is a problem!  How will Mary Agnes solve it?
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2014/06/sasha-lady-chef-almost-finish-finished.html

UPDATE:  Sasha has hair!
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2014/07/mr-demillea-close-up-of-hair-please.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 15, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

In Front or Behind?

Ever buy a canvas with absolutely nothing in the background? And then discover you have no idea what to put there? Ruth choose Eleanor Brosch's "Parrot" for her latest mystery class and had this Blank Background problem to solve.
http://www.bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/Mystery-Classes/

Here is what Ruth decided to do.  She tells the folks in the class they can have an all leaves background or they can have stripes alone or they can put stripes either in front of or behind the leaves.  What would YOU choose? 
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2014/06/polly-wanna-cracker.html

Hope this gives you some ideas the next time you tackle a plain background.  Thanks, Ruth!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 30, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Cross Hatched Water

Helen's working on EGA's Master Craftsman certification in color.  She's doing an original design taken from a friend's photograph and needed an open stitch for water.  I think what she found in a Chinese embroidery book might really come in handy the next time I have still water to stitch.
http://hgotts.blogspot.com/2014/06/ega-master-craftsman-project.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 29, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Queen Elizabeth's For Sale

Fans of Gay Ann Roger's counted canvaswork have seen her Queen Elizabeth I portrait.  If you have not, let me show you this video.
http://vimeo.com/31689238

I just heard from someone who has one of the kits for Queen Elizabeth for sale.  She is asking $300 for the complete kit (including the real pearls and all threads), the stretcher bars, tacks and postage within the United States.   If you are interested, email me at chillyhollow at hotmail dot com and give me contact information.  I'll put you in touch with the seller.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 2, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stem Stitch Corners

Stem stitch is one of my favorite stitches, but it does have drawbacks, particularly on needlepoint canvas where you have to use a sharp needle to pierce threads to get all your stem stitches the same length.  And then there is how to get it to make a sharp corner without coming loose....
http://annascottembroidery.blogspot.com/2014/06/stem-stitch-corner.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 28, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tiny Cushions, Tiny Bottles

I love miniature needlework, don't you? Somehow designs when they are created in miniature become even more wonderful!   Take these teensy pillows, for example!
http://janetgranger.wordpress.com/2014/06/26/tiny-dollhouse-cushions/

I also love murder mysteries.  Agatha Christie herself, who was a drugs dispenser in a pharmacy during World War I as part of her contribution toward the war effort, would have adored the poison bottles from Kirk and Hamilton (now Kirk and Bradley).
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2014/06/dont-forget-finishing-date-for_26.html

So much needlepoint, so little time!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 26, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Painted Pony Angel and Petei Santa Contests

Just got a note from Debbie at Painted Pony.  The company is twenty-five years old!  They are celebrating with two contests featuring two of their iconic designs.  Here is how it works:


We are celebrating our 25th year anniversary with TWO contests!

Contest #1 is a PPD Angel Decorated Christmas Tree contest
***Winners win their choice of SIX of our new 2015 angels

Contest #2 is a Most Creative Petei Santa Display Contest
***Winners win their choice of SIX Petei Santas

Two winners for each contest:
*General drawing from Facebook photo posts
*Our pick for Most Creative

Here's the Rules:
1) Enter your photos between Thanksgiving Day and New Year's Day. You must post the photo to this page, but you can multiply your chances for the general drawing if we catch your post on other sites as well!
2) This is a consumer-only contest. Store owners are not eligible.
3) We will ship the contest winners their prizes to their favorite LNS.

Start stitching!!!

Note: by posting to our PPD, you are allowing us use of your picture in reposts, promotion, etc (We respect your privacy! Let us know if you prefer to not be credited by name in any future use of the photograph by private messaging us at Painted Pony Designs on Facebook)


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 7, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Keenan Versus Nobuko UPDATED

Needlepoint Now's e-newsletter, which is always full of a preview of the next issue of the magazine, also has a fun discussion of the difference between Keenan Stitch and Nobuko Stitch this month, from the fertile mind of Sandy Arthur.
http://www.needlepointnow.com/wp-content/uploads/NWSLTR2_0614.pdf

Of course there is more!  Were you wow'd by the Day of the Dead Lady in BeStitched's class last year?  Then you'll want to see how it was done in the July-August 2014 issue of the magazine to be released shortly.
http://bestitchedneedlepoint.com/la-dama-elegante-october-release/

I'll let you read about the rest of the next issue yourself.  Have fun!

UPDATE:  If you don't subscribe, you'll want to peek at a few pages of the July issue posted by Ridgewood Needlepoint.  They may tempt you to pick up a copy.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-latest-issue-of-needlepoint-now-is.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 28 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Tools from Tisha

Once again Tisha has posted a video of the newest tools on her shop website. I must have accidentally made decaf coffee this morning because it took me a minute to figure out the pumpkin scissors.  The two different new tool and thread portable containers look great.  Tisha says she ordered all the rest of her supplier's  Amazing Tape so if you have been hesitating about buying some to keep the loose ends on your Kreinik spools or Rainbow Gallery cards in place, better order soon.
http://www.needlepointtooltime.com

Actually, I encourage you to rummage around on the NP Tool Time site.  You never know what wonderful things you'll find to help you with your stitching!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 17, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New on Blog

There's a new Tab on Blog this morning--Classes, Retreats, Seminars and Events. Lots and lots of people want to know what's happening in the world of needlepoint so I decided I'd start listing these items. If you know of things I don't, please let me know. There are more things to do than any one person can keep up with! 

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Teaching Kits for Kids

If you have small children begging to learn to stitch, Ridgewood has some wonderful kits from The Collection which will be perfect summer projects. 
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2014/06/want-to-pass-your-love-of-stitching.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 25, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Achieving Dimension in Needlepoint UPDATED

Ruth Schmuff's latest mystery class (Shelly Penko's "Bohemian Beauty") was never my favorite design. I found the original too amorphous. What are all those blobs of color?  I can't stitch something if I don't know what it is.  That's just a quirk of mine.  Give me a canvas with blobs on it and I am lost.

Ruth isn't.  She uses various sizes and colors of stitches to define the areas and bring some forward while letting others recede.  She made "Bohemian Beauty" gorgeous!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2014/06/foreground-background-and-everything-in.html

If you are trying to achieve dimension in your stitching, you need to study Ruth's mystery piece carefully.  Here are links to photos that can be enlarged.
http://stitcherie.ning.com/photo/lesson-4-3?context=latest

http://stitcherie.ning.com/photo/rug?context=latest

http://stitcherie.ning.com/photo/face-4?context=latest

UPDATE:  Here is the finished piece framed in a sparkle frame.  Neat!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2014/11/shes-home-from-framer.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 16, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.