Eggs Everywhere~UPDATED

Ridgewood posted a series of photographs of Melissa Shirley Easter eggs during a trunk show that I thought you'd enjoy.  Easter eggs are SPRING in all caps, aren't they? These are perfect little projects for the doldrums of winter.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2015/01/easter-eggs-from-trunk-show.html

UPDATE:  Fixed the link.  Sorry, folks, the Internet has been down for nearly 24 hours here so I didn't even know the link was wrong.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 18, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Finish A Cube Yourself

"Stitcher" who belongs to the ANG Email List posted a link to a great finishing tutorial from Hannah that shows how to create a cube wrapped in fabric with a bow on top.  Hannah's tutorial uses a styrofoam block and straight pins, so over time depending on your environment, the pins might rust if they aren't stainless or the fabric start to loosen.  Over decades I don't know how the styrofoam will effect the stitching but personally, I don't look ahead that far since I will be long gone!
http://hannahxs.blogspot.com/2007/11/no-sew-cube-tutorial.html

Hannah is finishing a counted thread piece on linen but the person who told the ANG email list about this says he/she has followed the instructions for needlepoint and they work perfectly fine.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 17, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Brown and Blue and Beautiful

Renee Frank of Pepita and Gone Stitching fame shows off her plain pillow which became something wonderful when it was finished.  There's quite a story behind it, too!
http://needlepointofview.com/2015/01/16/the-story-behind-my-fancy-pillow/

Never think that just because you only do tent stitches your "nothing special" finished product won't be gorgeous!

The moral of the story is that good finishers are worth their weight in gold.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 18, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

One Dog, Three Styles

This colorful canvas from Michele Noiset/CBK was used in one of Ruth Schmuff's mystery classes at Bedecked and Beaddazzled.  The canvas is called "Walking the Dog."
http://www.bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/Walking-the-Dog/

Now Ruth has her version and two others back from the finishers.  Each dog is wonderful!  Finishing really changes the original, doesn't it?
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2015/01/not-day-for-walking-this-pup.html

Thanks for showing us how one canvas can have different styles based on the finishing chosen, Ruth!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 18, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The 17th Century Stumpwork Box Comes Alive Again UPDATED

Stitched in 1671 by Martha Edlin, Courtesy of the V&A

Fans of 17th Century stumpwork boxes and caskets will be delighted to see Rachael Kinnison's little reproduction stumpwork trinket box done in authentic style.   After all, most of what the museums show online look like the above.  Rachael's photos and video show what these treasures looked like when they were first made during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.
http://ladysrepositorymuseum.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-first-of-many-planned-2015-finishes.html

By the way, the photo above is from the Victoria and Albert Museum and shows Martha Edlin's casket, stitched in 1671.  This historical piece is in good shape but it is a pale imitation of itself now. Seeing Rachael's reproduction, even though it's on a smaller box, reveals just how stunning these were when first made.
http://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O11096/embroidered-casket-edlin-martha/

UPDATE:  Here is a video of Janet Brandt's more modern casket, full of stories and personal imagery.
http://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2017/09/janet-brandts-casket-video.html

UPDATE #2:  Janet's casket went to Boston for folks to admire.  There's a second video of it in the second link below where Janet explains the stories that are shown on the casket.
http://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2017/09/janets-casket-goes-traveling.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrnptuGQQ3Y



Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 14, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Two New Books and Mini Reviews

Homestead Needle Arts posted two mini reviews of the new Julia Snyder and the new Michael Boren & Carole Lake books in the shop e-newsletter. I thought folks contemplating buying either would like to read what Theresa says about what's inside. If you aren't into stitching books, don't worry. There's lots more in the newsletter!
http://us8.campaign-archive2.com/?u=75cc9d0ed2d76a48c9e165ab2&id=b9e0cf9756&e=810b807e3a

If you want to pick up a copy, you can get on Theresa's order list for Julia's book or pick up one of the Carole/Michael books at her website.
http://www.homesteadneedlearts.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 27, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Jan Copies Me (But Better)

Mika Fash Insert from Leigh Designs

Jan wanted a tote bag for Christmas so she had a place for her current projects, so she called Michele at Come to the Point (hereinafter referred to as Santa's Helper or The Temptress, take your pick).  Jan ended up with the same Lee nylon tote I own except that I use mine as a purse and have carried it almost daily for about three years.  I love it!  
http://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2014/12/27/nothing-like-picking-your-own-present/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2015/01/06/lees-snowman-progress-2/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2015/01/20/snowman-insert-finale/

The only difference is that I have never had the time to stitch an insert for mine.  Someday....

Smilin' Jack Fash Insert from Leigh Designs

I use mine to model various canvases when I finish them.  That's what you see in the photos above.  My tote came with two sticky backed inserts so you can switch canvases at whim.  More inserts are available separately if you want to change each month, with the holidays, or just to match your favorite outfits.  Lee has a great product in these purses.  I absolutely love mine so I am sure Jan will absolutely love hers, too.

Your shop can order the Lee purses and leather goods from Colonial Needle.  Have fun browsing the catalogue and picking out your favorites!
http://www.newleesneedlearts.com/html/catalog.html


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

Take One Needlepoint Canvas....

Summer Louise first stitched a geisha canvas from The Collection UK, then she used it as the central pattern in a kimono fabric quilt.  The end result is magic.
http://summerlouise.blogspot.com/2015/01/kimono-needlepoint-quilt-finished.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 14, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Good Harbor Opens UPDATED

Speaking of travel, there's a new needlepoint shop that opened just last weekend in Massachusetts!  It's called Good Harbor and Susan the owner has been running like mad getting things ready. If you happen to be on the North Shore, stop in. The shop is located just north of Salem and west of Rockport in the town of Topsfield,  which is just off I-95.  If you are in Boston, it's a half hour road trip.  (Yes, I know it's snowing but snow melts, people.)   Visit their new website for hours and contact information.
http://www.goodharborneedlepoint.com

A new shop is cause for celebration!

UPDATE:  TNNA posted photos of the shop for those of us who don't live close enough to drop by on their Facebook page.  What fun!
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=634110596695185&id=586677101438535

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 23, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Needle Travel App UPDATED

Brenda tells us about the Needle Travel app which is free.  It only works on the iPhone but if you travel a lot and have an Apple device, you'll want to check into this.  UPDATE: Melita says it works on Android phones, too.  She has it and it works well in the Philadelphia area where she lives.  
http://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2015/01/needletravel-app-1615.html

Thanks, Brenda! (And thanks to Melita, too!)

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 16, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Callaway Exhibit

The Callaway Gardens School of Needle Arts has an exhibit of needlework as part of their yearly seminar. This year they have posted photographs of eight of the items in the exhibit on their Facebook page. Use the side arrows to see everything.
https://www.facebook.com/126458934064870/photos/pcb.903154793061943/903154386395317/?type=1&theater

Here's the big winner at the exhibit, which is open to the public, by the way.  Just in case you live near Callaway Gardens.
https://www.facebook.com/126458934064870/photos/a.849471775096912.1073741825.126458934064870/902553753122047/?type=1&theater

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 24, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A New Film is Underway

Mark Young (the creative genius behind Labors of Love) revealed on Facebook yesterday that there is a new film currently scheduled to come out next December that has needlepoint playing a small part.  Here is what Mark said:

"More great exposure for needlepoint coming this year! I was asked to stitch a piece of needlepoint for a prop in a movie that is currently filming here in Atlanta. I'm prohibited from posting details about the movie but it is supposed to be out around Christmas. I had the great privilege of being on the set to watch the filming all day yesterday and to sit with the actor who is doing the needlepoint in the film to show him how to do the stitching."

So the stitcher is a guy?  Sounds like Hollywood might have started to ignore some of the stereotypes around needlepoint....

I know of two movies being filmed in Atlanta currently.  Stay tuned to find out more as Mark is allowed to say more.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 24, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Loudoun Sampler Guild's Mystery Band Sampler Now Available

The Loudoun Sampler Guild lives over the mountain from me in the D.C. suburbs, where historical samplers are very popular.   Some of the members are published designers in their own right, so the fact that the mystery band sampler the membership designed in 2014 is now available for sale as a fund-raiser is worthy of note.  The money raised will all go to a fund established in Betty Flemming's honor to help museums acquire and preserve samplers.  
https://loudounsamplerguild.wordpress.com/the-mystery-band-sampler-for-sale/

If you like samplers, this offer is for you.

By the way, the contact person for purchasing the Loudoun Sampler Guild mystery band sampler is Betsy Morgan. Yes, THE Betsy Morgan of Willing Hands.  She does exquisite work.  This UK company showcases some of her lovely things especially well as does her blog (second link below).
http://www.thesamplerguild.co.uk/Betsy%20Morgan.htm

http://willinghandsstitching.blogspot.com

Good luck to all my friends over the mountain!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 14, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Woodlawn Deadline is Feb. 6

Woodlawn Plantation's March 2015 exhibit is coming up in two months. Please note the deadline for submitting entries is February 6. More information and a link to the brochure with its entry form are here.
http://www.woodlawnpopeleighey.org/events

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 24, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Look at Making High Relief Pearl Embroidery

Not too many of us are going to be covering a frame with pearls, amethysts and gold embroidery the way Larissa Borodich did, but some of the same techniques (such as trapunto) are used in needlepoint, so I thought you'd love to see the Russian icon Mary Corbet posted about today. 
http://www.needlenthread.com/2015/01/high-relief-bead-embroidery-close-ups-and-tips.html

It is a gorgeous piece and there are many ideas we might be able to use on our own work.  Thanks, Mary and Larissa!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 12, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Tribute to a Needlepointer

Juli Poitras' Purple Heart

I thought those of you with military heroes in our families would like to read this article from last year.  
http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/anaconda-wwii-veteran-to-receive-purple-heart-bronze-star-after/article_abda2286-74a4-11e3-842e-0019bb2963f4.html

The canvas of a Purple Heart is from JP Needlepoint.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 11, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Bag Bling: A Review

What is it?

Visitors to Blog and the Chilly Hollow Stitch Guides blog have realized I work closely with Leigh Designs on models and stitch guides. It's a fun relationship for the both of us but sometimes I do other things, like test drive a new product.  Last summer Leigh sent me this to see how I liked it and how well it held up.  It's Bag Bling, made in the U.S.A. and now distributed by Leigh Designs.  It is a thirteen inch long string of beads with a lobster claw clasp at one end and a splint ring and another lobster claw at the other.  Just above the big fancy bead at the split ring/lobster claw end is a small split ring.  You can clip the top lobster claw end to this little ring to make a choker style necklace or to keep it securely on your purse or stitching tote.

Bag Bling and Keys on my Lee Nylon Tote

 

Each Bag Bling is unique. Mine combines Swarovski faceted beads, a pretty floral blown glass bead from Czechoslovakia, a very large purple glass bead, and various other smaller purple bead of various styles and a few blue beads to make up the strand. Leigh tells me some of the beads are antique and some are new. Each is chosen with the main color scheme and an overall harmony of design in mind.

 

Close Up of My Bag Bling

You can see more Bag Bling on the LD website.  Clicking on any of the photos will show you a closeup of the color schemes available.
http://www.leighdesigns.com/BB-Home.html

I use mine to attach my keys to my purse but if I ever go anywhere I'll probably put it on the stitching tote I take with me to keep my scissors handy but secure. Once I get where I'm going, I'll remove it from the bag and use it as a scissors fob so I can keep up with my traveling scissors easily in a hotel room or beach or wherever.   On the Leigh website you'll see it used to attach one of the bigger Ashland Sky bags to one of the smaller.  There are a lot of ways you can use this. My wrist is small enough I could use mine as a bracelet if I doubled it.

How sturdy is it?  Mine has been riding around on my everyday purse since early August with my heavy key ring attached to the lobster claw at the bottom.  It gets tossed in the car, dumped on the kitchen counter, stored in a desk, etc.  Despite all this abuse, it looks brand new and shows no sign of coming apart. The lobster claw holding the keys gets opened and closed constantly but it hasn't shown signs of damage.   Even the large purple glass bead isn't scratched and I was sure that would show wear very quickly.  I've had beaded scissor fobs come apart with use after only three months but I've been Bag Bling'd for nearly six months without any apparent damage.

I'd recommend this, particularly if you travel, as a great way of keeping your scissors or keys attached to something larger.  Besides, they are just durn pretty and you know we stitchers are all about the eye candy!  Where do you get Bag Bling?  Your favorite shop can order from Leigh Designs if they didn't pick up any at Market.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 22, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Perfect Present for a Stitcher

Virginia's sister found the perfect present for her birthday.  I have no idea where she found these but it looks like a wonderful present for a stitcher.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2015/01/stitch-style-birthday/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 8, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitching on a Curve

Brenda and Cheryl at Needlepoint For Fun have written an interesting article on how to stitch a curved line on the grid of a needlepoint canvas. 
http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/stitch-a-needlepoint-curve.htm

This is a question that comes up a lot on Facebook's needlepoint group, so I've added it to the Tutorials and Hints tab for reference later.  By the way, I usually use stem stitch or outline stitch to create curves.  Just FYI.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 9, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Ruth's Mysteries for 2015

Ruth Schmuff has announced her mystery classes for the first part of 2015.   The mystery for February-March is Amy Bruecken's "When In Doubt Twirl," featuring a penguin.  The March - May class is Kimberly's "Emma's Darling Bird."  Both canvases are distributed by Ruth and you can find more information on her website (second link below).
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2015/01/its-time-for-something-new.html

https://www.bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/Mystery-Classes/

You don't have to be present to take the classes (Ruth does mail order in a fabulous fashion!) and you can wait a bit and see how things develop if you aren't quite sure before you add the class to your stitching schedule.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 22, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Custom Ornament Underway

Boots and Beads has a neat custom project underway based on a work motif personal to her and her job. It's not often we do custom work items as mostly it's pets, locations or school things we want to memorialize. I think this is really clever bow to New Orleans, the job and the traditions so important to Southern life.  Can't wait to see it finished and made up!
http://bootsandbeads.blogspot.com/2015/01/my-current-wip.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 12, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Make A Christmas Ornament in Four Easy Lessons

I know Christmas is past but I didn't have the time to post Mary Corbet's instructions on how to make an easy but colorful Christmas ornament during the week before or the week of Christmas. I already had too many fun things to post then. So I waited until after the holidays so we can start the new year with a new project for 2015. This doesn't have to be a Christmas ornament, after all. Perhaps your office bulletin board needs an ornament in the company logo colors? Or maybe you just want something decorative to hang on a lamp or door knob. Whatever your desires, Mary shows how to create your own embroidery ornament from start to finish here. At the very least you can use the assembly instructions to make up a round ornament you have already stitched.  Have fun--and Happy New Year!
http://www.needlenthread.com/2014/12/embroidered-christmas-ornament-part-1.html

http://www.needlenthread.com/2014/12/embroidered-christmas-ornament-from-stash-part-2.html

http://www.needlenthread.com/2014/12/hand-embroidered-christmas-ornament-part-3.html

http://www.needlenthread.com/2014/12/how-to-finish-an-embroidered-christmas-ornament.html

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

The A-Z of Silk Ribbon Flowers

If you are interested in silk ribbon embroidery, especially using a touch of paint here and there for accents on a variety of floral shapes, then this book review of the A-Z of Silk Ribbon Flowers is something you'll want to read. 
http://www.needlenthread.com/2015/01/a-z-of-silk-ribbon-flowers-book-review.html

Note that this is one of the A-Z embroidery series, but it is different from Sue Gardner's A-Z of Silk Ribbon Embroidery.  This is flowers only, and authored by Ann Cox.  Ann has written several books on silk ribbon embroidery which are very nice.  I've borrowed her Silk Ribbon Embroidery:  Designs and Techniques (gorgeous flowers!) and her Beginner's Guide to Silk Ribbon Embroidery (terrific introduction to SRE) and thought they were great so I am sure that this new book will be fabulous and it also takes the art of making flowers from silk ribbons to a whole new level.
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/66564.Ann_Cox

If you aren't familiar with silk ribbon embroidery, I think Ann's Beginner's Guide is a better buy, but if you want to really experiment with SRE flowers, this is a good book to add to your library.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 7, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

SOS To Shop Owners

Anyone have this discontinued Maggie canvas?

Does any shop have this canvas in stock? This is a discontinued Maggie design and I know three people who are eagerly looking for it. If you happen to have one, please leave a comment here and I'll pass it along. (Or email me at chillyhollowathotmaildotcom if Comments doesn't work for you.)

Thank you!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 4, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

BREAKING NEWS: Pat Donaldson Has Died

I'm sorry to tell you that Pat Donaldson has died. We got the word on Facebook from Pat Rogers.  Pat has taught many needlepointers at ANG and EGA Seminars and at local chapter meetings.  She will be greatly missed.  I found a biography of her on her site that I thought you might like to read.  Pat Rogers says she was particularly interested in ethnic embroideries.  I know her friends, family and students will miss her greatly.
http://patdonalds.powweb.com/Sitepages/Biography.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 20, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Embelishment and Framing at Chaparral

Stephanie lives close enough to Chaparral to visit the shop occasionally. Recently she posted photographs of models she saw there for us all to enjoy. Look at the details--the ribbons used to frame a piece before it goes in a frame, for example. Of the little bits of the stitching like the background behind the lady with a bird and nest on her head. The boxes are slightly different sizes, with the larger ones at the bottom. The rows between the boxes are rectangles, not squares.  Very clever!
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2015/01/in-mood-to-go-to-chaparral.html

There is plenty to see and enjoy here. Thanks for the eye candy, Steph!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 7, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Make Wings

Cynthia shows how to make wings for fairy dolls here--
http://www.thefairiesnest.com/2009/01/wing-tutorial-at-last.html

I can see lots of ways to use this on dimensional needlepoint, so I thought you'd like to read it.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 4, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Life's a Circus at Virginia's House UPDATED

Virginia is happily stitching away on the Kirk and Hamilton (now Kirk and Bradley) circus animals.  She's got some nice tips on stitching fur and adding bling to designs you might be interested in.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2015/01/kirk-and-bradley-circus-animals/

The set was a club at Chandail a few years back with guides from Emily Pannier.  I'm not sure it is still available but you can always ask the shop.
http://www.chandailneedlework.com/shop/Series/Circus-Circus/p/Circus-Circus--The-Works.htm

You can see better photos of the entire [unstitched] set here.
http://www.needlepoint.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=circus

UPDATE:  Virginia has posted more, this time of the ringmaster, plus information on where to find the set since it's been discontinued.  Thanks!
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2015/01/kirk-bradley-ring-master/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 4, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Reflecting Your Own Interests (Mr. X Stitch on Arts, Crafts and Embroidery)

Thanks to Donna, I have a fun video for to you watch this morning. The speaker is Mr. X Stitch, who runs a fabulously wonderful (and occasionally odd and always weekly Not Safe For Work) site on all sorts of handwork.  In the video he talks about the commercial kits available in England, the arts versus crafts controversy, and how he came to be interested in cross stitch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kr154jHDeLY&feature=youtu.be

"The threads might come on bobbins but the possibilities are endless."

http://www.mrxstitch.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 14, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Secret Stitchers

No, I'm not talking about a secret club where we meet in a back room to quietly stitch our brains out. Secret Stitchers is Susan C. Hudnall's new stitching business. Need to have something stitched? Talk to Susan!

Contact Susan via her Facebook page (second link) or use her new website.
http://www.secretstitchers.com

https://www.facebook.com/susan.c.hudnall

Good luck with the new business, Susan!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 4, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Mysterious Harvest (Sandy Arthur) UPDATED

Registration is now open until March 15th for Sandy Arthur's next Mystery class. This time Sandy will be stitching a canvas from Robbyn's Nest called "Harvest."   If you love fall colors and want to have something smashing to display next fall, this is the class for you.  Details are in Sandy's announcement below.
http://sandyarthur.blogspot.com/2015/01/exciting-news-is-afoot-we-have-next.html

UPDATE:  Sandy has added more details about the Harvest mystery class will unfold.
http://sandyarthur.blogspot.com/2015/01/enough-snow-im-gonna-think-autumn-one.html

http://sandyarthur.blogspot.com/2015/01/oranges-and-autumn-did-you-know-that.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 14, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Canvases (and Threads) Be Gone

Oh, boy! CanvasesBeGone.com has a new look and a new sister site, ThreadsBeGone.com! CanvasesBeGone is the place to buy or sell unwanted stash, so ThreadsBeGone will be a place to find threads that perhaps you can't get locally.
http://www.canvasesbegone.com

It looks as if the threads (listed on the right hand side) come in sets.  Sometimes there is a color assortment, sometimes you can buy several cards of the same color.  Want an assortment of colors of Wisper?  Want to try Neon Rays Plus?  This is the place to shop.
http://www.threadsbegone.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 16, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Zebra in Boots Stitch-along

Virginia's going to blog-stitch Scott Church's zebra in boots!
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2015/01/scott-church-stitch-along/

Expect a weekly posting as she stitches.  She's looking for volunteers to work this humorous piece with her, too.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 16, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

My Toolbox (and Needle Sizer)

I have been thinking about needles and telling what size a loose needle is, and it dawned on me you might like to see my little toolbox. It has a needle sizer I made up in the lid.   The numbers are the sizes of the needles, 28, 26, 24, B for beading needle, 22, 20 and 18.

The box came from Stapes I think.  I bought several of them one year.  There is a tray inside that lifts out and I put a piece of Congress cloth in the lid (backed with blue felt you can just see peeking out at the bottom right corner) with a variety of needle sizes in it.  I used a thread from Gloriana I liked and just made up patterns.  I use it to figure out what size needle I have when I am writing a stitch guide in case I forget what I used.

My favorite scissors and laying tools, and thimble and other tools I use a lot are inside the box and it lives in a drawer next to my stitching chair.  Because the box is about six inches long and maybe three wide it can go on trips with me, too.

So what neat tools do you have by your stitching chair?

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

Still Updating TNNA Market 2015 News

TNNA's Needlepoint Group is still updating their Facebook album with photos of booths. If you click on the photos, sometimes you can see new items and often the designer is in the photo, which is nice if you want to put a face to the name designer you adore.  I've also noticed shops are starting to populate their websites with new designs and folks who are back from Market are blogging a little.  All this is listed under the TNNA Winter 2015 Phoenix tab above, except...
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/p/destination-dallas-2013.html

...I've put all the stitch guide news on the CH Stitch Guides blog under the Latest Stitch Guides News tab.
http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com/p/latest-stitch-guide-news-from-spring.html

Just because the trade show is over doesn't mean the news isn't still appearing.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 16, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Color of the Year Matches Kreinik's

If you follow Pantone's posting of the "color of the year" each year, then you'll be interested to know that the 2015 color is marsala. What's marsala? Well, it matches these Kreinik metallics! 
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-color-of-yearin-kreinik-thread.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 8,  2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The El Morocco Pillow

The El Morocco Pillow

I was wandering around eBay this week, trying to find a reference to a type of vintage fabric I am interested in, when I found this pillow on eBay. 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/231503957601?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:VRI&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2661

A needlepoint pillow from the El Morocco Club?  What on earth was THAT?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Morocco

Thanks, Wikipedia.

The pillow appears to be all wool and tent stitched.  I would guess it's from the 1960s but I really have no idea and the club closed in the 1950s so I must be off by ten years.  I imagine the pillow and other memorabilia the eBay seller is offering came from the September 2014 auction of the club owner's collection.  I took the liberty of grabbing a photo since the auction will end before this article publishes.
http://www.doylenewyork.com/content/more.asp?id=341

Enjoy a bit of New York City nightlight history in needlepoint form!

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

My Personal Favorites from TNNA Winter 2015 Part Three

From Elizabeth Turner Collection's Vintage Fashion Series

As promised, I have a few more favorites from the TNNA Market that just ended.  I promise not to add any more owl canvases to the list, but I did notice another new trend at Market--dress forms showing off vintage fashions.  The red Chinese cheongsam above is from Elizabeth Turner.  It is one of quite a few fashion pieces, all displayed on a dress form with a plain background.

Lani's Fashion

Lani has also created similar pieces, most of which seem to be in a 1950s style. Many have a similar purse canvas, too, in case you want a framed set.  Lani's dresses are also on dress forms but she has patterned backgrounds and a border around hers.  Same theme--different interpretation.

Melissa Prince also does Fashion

When I think of fashion, I think of classic movie stars like Audrey Hepburn.    If you are movie-mad, this smaller and simpler piece is from Melissa Prince.  Small and simple doesn't mean unsophisticated, though.  Breakfast at Tiffany's, anyone?

Elizabeth Turner's Geisha

If you like fashion from the Japanese perspective, this Elizabeth Turner canvas spotted by Vicky DeAngelis might be right up your alley.

Lynne Andrew's Wild Animal Santa (Painted Pony)

If you love stitching Santas, this new one from Lynne Andrew/Painted Pony might catch your eye like it did mine.  Painted Pony has at least five other Santas in various colors and styles from Lynne's talented paintbrush but this one was my favorite with its woodland animal theme.  Lynne also does some wonderful primitive farm scenes that fans of Cooper Oaks and Ewe and Eye will enjoy.

DJ Designs in the Mayan Jungle

When it comes to wild animals, my favorite canvas is from DJ Designs.  The real leopard is echoed by a Mayan-style one in the background.

Elizabeth Turner's Foo Dog

I'm going to close with one more stylized animal--a Chinese foo dog.  This canvas is from Elizabeth Turner.  I love the colors and the lines.  This is the sort of thing I'd love to stitch, assuming I could give up sleeping!

This brings to a close my review of the canvases I particularly liked from the many, many new ones that have premiered at the TNNA Winter show in Phoenix.  You'll notice I didn't include links to any websites.  That's because these are so new that they aren't readily available yet.  Even the designer websites aren't updated with photos of them yet in many cases.  Many shops will have placed orders that will start appearing this spring, so stay tuned at a shop near you.

Thanks for patiently letting me show off my favorites.  Now, what were yours?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 13, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Prym's Needle Twister

Santa brought me one of the needle twisters from Needlepoint Tool Time this year. When I opened the package and discovered how it works, I laughed out loud. It is the very clever product of legendary German engineering.   As you'll see in the video below, the tactile rubberish cover pulls off (pull straight up), then you unscrew the base as if you were using a tube of lipstick.  The bottom which holds the magnet, rises, allowing any needles inside to come up and then fan out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho8xwTmSuKk

The entire twister is around 4 inches long, with 3 inches of space to hold needles, so you can keep quite long needles inside.  Of course they will become magnetized which might be a problem for you, and you won't know what size a needle you are choosing unless you have a needle sizer of some sort to compare them to.  This may or may not matter to you but if you are gifting a Twister to a friend, I suggest you give a Needle Index book to them as well.  This is a nifty little book sold by the Quail Valley Chapter of EGA in California as a fund raiser.  It stores and identifies needles by size and gives guidelines for what thread they work well with.  (Last I heard Needle Works in Austin, Texas might have copies.)
http://www.needlenthread.com/2011/10/which-needle.html

As far as I know, the Twister is only available from Needlepoint Tool Time (although some folks say Amazon has them).  The instructions are in German, French, Italian, etc., not English, so be prepared to demonstrate how it works if this is a gift for a friend.
http://www.needlepointtooltime.com/product/Twister

By the way, there are a ton of ways to store your needles.  Here's Mary's Pincushion of Despair.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2014/12/embroidery-needle-organization.html

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

My Personal Favorites from TNNA Winter 2015 Part Two

Shelly Tribby's Spooky

Continuing my list of personal favorites from the trade show, I see I forgot to include Shelly Tribbey's Spooky Owl among the owls I liked.   It's funny, retro and just plain charming.  One could have a lot of fun with this piece!

Scott Church's Halloween Own

Scott Church (distributed by CBK) created another Halloween owl that is retro in another way.

Laura Taylor Stitched Guides Melissa Shirle

The shops seemed to have a great time taking this Laura Taylor class at Market.  This is my favorite new stitch guide I've seen.  It's Laura's rendition of the new Melissa Shirley "Saguaro Table" canvas.  I love the balance of it all.

Zecca's The Way

Speaking of balance, Zecca reminds us of The Way in the Buddha's words.

dede's Festival of the Madonna

I am always a sucker for Nativity canvases.  This new dede Odgen reworks a Mexican creche theme she has used recently in a variety of sizes and styles.

Maggie's Cat

When it comes to companion animal pieces, no one does it better than Maggie.  This cat closeup is a great example. Is the cat truly asleep or truly ignoring us?  There are several closeups in this series--a dog's nose, a paw, etc.  They are charming!

Horse, By Joy Juarez

Another great artist when it comes to animals is Joy Juarez.  I am not generally attracted to horse canvases but this monochromatic, very Japanese Horse is a terrific piece of art.

Sandra Gilmore's New Santa Stocking

Sandra Gilmore's classic snowflake Santa is amazing.  I love the classic red and green colors brightened and made modern by the white snowflakes.

Colors of Praise Glasses Cases

Colors of Praise also knows color.  I couldn't decide between these two glasses cases so I posted photos of both.   Azaleas or hibiscus, which to choose?  Luckily I have TWO pairs of glasses.  LOL

Now I need to stop before Blogger explodes again.  More tomorrow....

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 11, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Background Books

I recently managed to score a copy of June McKnight's Decorative Backgrounds for Needlepoint,  and have been browsing it.  It's a great little book (85 pages more or less), in June's usual small size with a wire binding, perfect for taking with you or just keeping in your stitching tote bag.  The backgrounds are divided into chapters:  variations on tent stitches, fast and easy stitches, delicate patterns, trellis patterns, Florentine stitches, pattern darning stitches and blackwork, pulled lace and bold beautiful designs.  None of the stitches included are particularly hard and I recognized almost all of them.  The great thing about this little book is that it's backgrounds only.  Inside its pages you have a nice selection of backgrounds that aren't going to drive you nuts with their complexity but which are going to be great choices for many canvases.  Even the "pulled lace" section is stitches that can be worked without distorting the canvas. They'll look good pulled or not, which is nice for the stitcher who is uncertain about yanking their threads enough to pull the needlepoint canvas out of alignment.

Is this book for the experienced stitcher?  If you like having good background choices all in one place, it is.  If you like complex and unusual backgrounds, then you will be better off investing in Carolyn Hedge Baird's Needlepointing in Your Nest, or any of Brenda Hart's books, or Lynda Richardson's new Stitches a' La Carte, or the Golden Gate Canvas Workers'  Background Stitch Reference Book since nothing in June's book is unusual or very complicated.

Is this book for the beginner?  Well, none of the stitchers are hard but they are background stitches, not stitches for small spaces, hair, clothing, plants and animals, buildings, etc.  This book is best for the stitcher who works a lot of canvases and wants background ideas for them.  A dedicated beginner who is certain they are hooked on needlepoint will enjoy this book but they might be better off with a book like Carole Lake's and Michael Boren's Painted Canvas Embellishment:  An Idea Book.

Finally, what sort of Master Enabler would I be if I didn't tell you where you could find the above books if your local shop doesn't have them?  In alphabetical order (and with thanks to Google), here they are.  But do shop around.  Prices vary some and you might find a good deal if you do a little hunting.

Brenda Hart
http://www.pfos.com/SalePages/PocketFullofStitchesNeedlepointBooks.htm

Carole Lake and Michael Boren
https://www.bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/Painted-Canvas-Embellishment/

Carolyn Hedge Baird
http://www.ndlpt.com/html/access.html

Golden Gate Canvas Workers Chapter of ANG
http://www.ruthkernbooks.com/catalogs/embroidery7.html

June McKnight
http://www.firesidestitchery.com/fs/books/index.cfm?fuseaction=getBooksList&CategoryId=33

Lynda Richardson
http://www.needlepointtooltime.com/product/Stitches%20a%20la%20Carte

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 3, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

My Personal Favorites from TNNA Winter 2015 Part One

The Phoenix show is over and everyone has headed home happy but exhausted.   Now the shops are waiting until the orders placed at the show start to be filled.  What were your favorites?  Below are mine, listed in the order I saw them.

Dressing as a Skeleton for the Day of the Dead

I absolutely adore Tapestry Fair's newest Day of the Dead canvas.   This is "La Hermosa Sandra."   The design features a calaca, a person dressed as a skeleton for the Mexican celebration in honor of those who have passed on.   I have so many ideas on how to stitch this that I'd give up sleeping if I could pull it off, just to have the time to work this piece!  This is adapted from artwork by Manuel Salas

Tapestry Fair's Other New Manuel Salas Canvas

If this piece has too much going on, how about the other new Manuel Salas piece from Tapestry Fair?  This design is called "Chara."  The calaca is more elegant, particularly with the lace background and her amazing hat.

Barbara Elmore's Mermaid for Sundance Designs

I admire Barbara Elmore's Botticelli-style mermaid, more for the fabulous things Barbara will do with this design than anything else.  She's already started stitching on this and I can't wait to see more.

Ewe and Eye's Daffodils Still Life

I am not usually wild about Ewe and Eye and Friends' primitive style but this charming daffodils still life with birds appeals to me.  I think of spring's pleasures when I look at it, don't you?

Siamese from Labors of Love

I am charmed by the cat portraits introduced by Labors of Love this month.  They are similar to last summer's dog portraits on patterned backgrounds.  This was my favorite of the set.  Here are the dog portraits, so you can compare.
http://www.laborsofloveneedlepoint.com/see-whats-new.html

Needle Deeva's Christmas House Stitched by Mary Waldsmith

Needle Deeva does wonderful houses, so I think her latest --complete with a stitch guide by Mary Waldsmith of Owl Stitchery-- is going to be a big hit.  There is a stocking with this house and a snowman, by the way.  Mary is doing a guide for it, too.

Associate Talents' Rabbits with Patterns

Speaking of cute, Associated Talent's small patterned rabbits are too cute to be legal in all fifty states!

Pajamas and Choclate's Patchwork Cat Witch

When it comes to Halloween designs, my favorite for January 2015 is the Pajamas and Chocolate Halloween patchwork witch cat in the pumpkin patch.  (This is Patt and Lee's painted canvas line.)

Raymond Crawford's Owl

Speaking of Halloween, owl canvases continue to be popular.  My favorite at Market this time is Raymond Crawford's white owl.  Small and simple, yet elegant!  I think I could have a lot of fun with this design.

Vicki Sawyer's Snowy Owl from Melissa Shirley

Well,  the Vicki Sawyer Snowy Owl from Melissa Shirley Designs is a runner up.  It is elegant in a different style.

Peace on Earth Angel by Juli Poitras

"Elegant" seems to be what I'm looking for this Market.  This JP Needlepoint angel fits the bill, don't you think?  JP has a huge variety of lovely things but the angel caught my attention.

I'm going to continue this tomorrow as Blogger is starting to complain about all the photographs!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 3, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.