Do You Have Your Needles Ready? UPDATED

Today is Hari Kuyo in Japan, the Festival of Broken Needles and the official end of the New Year's celebrations.   In a little while I will take my little jar of old needles I have collected all year, wrap them in colorful tissue paper, tie them with a bright ribbon, and carefully wrap the package a second time in aluminum foil before putting them in the trash can.  I don't want to put them into tofu and bury them or toss the tofu into the river so the annual trip with the trash man will have to do.  I am very grateful to my needles.  What would we do without them?
http://www.odditycentral.com/events/hari-kuyo-japans-unique-memorial-service-for-broken-needles.html

Now, let's all pick up our needles and head to Susan's for the official ceremony.
http://plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2014/02/harikuyo-2014.html

UPDATE:  And don't miss what Vicky has to say about needles....
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/disposing-of-broken-needles-hari-kuyo-style/

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.

Julia Speaks (and Needlepoints)

Nothing like needlepoint and knitting to pass the time while waiting to go on camera.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/julia-roberts-interview-movie-star-3054558#.UuPlJnn0Bjd

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.

Jenny's Son Gets An A+

Look what Jenny's son got her for her birthday-- a tote bag made from vintage needlepoint! 
http://jennyhenrydesigns.wordpress.com/2014/01/25/the-gift/

French Country Chic is the name of the Etsy shop where Jenny's boy earned high marks.  Hopefully the owner will have returned from vacation by the time you see this and we can all explore.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/FrenchDecoChic

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.

Ruth Schmuff Introduces

Ruth of Bedecked and Beadazzles isn't just a teacher and shop owner, she's a distributor of needlepoint canvases from various artists. She has a new talent under her roof--Shelly Penko.  Shelly specializes in color and conveying emotion in her designs.  I hope you enjoy the newest talent to enter our Needlepoint World!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2014/02/new-designer-new-canvases.html

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.