What Blog's Been Up To

Periodically I post about what I've been doing with Blog and with the CH Stitch Guides blog.  After all, none of us have enough hours in the day, so keeping up with the "furniture rearranging" I do on my two blogs is not something you are likely to do.

Recently talented stitchers have posted about needle felting they learned in class on Facebook's Needlepoint Group, so there have been lots of questions about books and videos on needle felting needlepoint canvas.  Sadly, there are no such resources.  (At least right now--Robin King, I'm looking at YOU!  Get that video camera rolling!!!!)   There are lots of needle felting videos but they are all about needle felting onto sweaters or wool felt purses or about creating needle felted 3-D animals with the single exception of Amy Bunger's "How'd You Do That" DVD  that has a passing reference to it.  That's not really what folks are looking for.  So I did my best to collect all the needlepoint--needle felting information into a tab here on Blog.  You'll see the tabs running across the top of the page just under the header.  Click and there it is!

I've also made a new tab for the Chilly Hollow Stitch Guides blog that has contact information for stitch guide writers.  If you know so-and-so wrote a guide for that fabulous project you own, visit the stitch guides blog (Just click on the magic carpet photo in the right hand column of Blog and Poof! You are there!) and look for that tab at the top of the page under the rabbit geisha header photo.  Hopefully I have accurate and current contact information for everyone, but if you spot an error or know about a guide writer I haven't listed, please let me know.  You can add a comment here or if Blogger doesn't let you comment, just email me at chillyhollow at hotmail dotcom and I'll post the comment for you.

I've also been updating the tab for Classes and Events so folks know about great exhibits or classes in their areas (these are listed by date) and have been keeping the Monthly Clubs and the TNNA Winter 2014 trade show tabs up to date as new items and clubs are listed by the various shops and designers.  Keep an eye on those because if folks stop visiting those areas, I'll remove the tabs eventually.  You may not have a lot of free time but I don't either.  I can't afford to maintain Blog items that no one uses.

Those are the main things I've been doing lately, if you do't count shoveling snow.  Hope these changes are helpful to you.

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

Restoration Magic

I thought you'd enjoy seeing what Melissa did to restore this old needlepoint piece. It's amazing how much work is involved!
http://www.collector-repair-services.com/?p=1058

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

Finishing Friday: Fur or Feathers?

Ada Hayden shows off two finished pieces from her designs, both put together by TJ Designs.
http://eyecandyneedleart.blogspot.com/2015/02/two-gorgeous-finishes-by-tj-designs.html

Here is Ada's feather version (last photo), just in case you want to compare fur to feathers and decide which you would prefer.
http://eyecandyneedleart.blogspot.com/2012/09/only-33-more-unpacking-days-until.html

If you are into a more classic style, Juli Poitras just got one of her Brick Purses back from the finisher, the Spinning Wheel in Houston, TX.  Juli is JP Designs, by the way, and this purse canvas is similar to her Tudors design that Amy Bunger did a class on.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10203418537536220&set=gm.813135328763627&type=1&theater

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

Want to Help Fund a Mobile Needlework Shop? UPDATED

Emily is looking for help to turn a large horse trailer into a mobile needlework and crafts store. If you can help, here's the place-- 
http://www.gofundme.com/ixnsck

The local assisted living place would love to see this pull into their parking lot!

UPDATE:  Emily has decided a camper van is a better idea as it won't need as much $$ to modify to serve as a mobile shop.
http://www.gofundme.com/ixnsck

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

Chocolate, Samplers and Me

I've always known that a certain percentage of needlepointers only work needlepoint designs in all tent stitches.  But until the needlepoint group on Facebook came into being, I didn't interact much with this subset of stitchers.  After all, my main focus has been embellishment and light coverage stitching, which certainly isn't what traditional needlepoint has been.  Traditional needlepoint is full coverage, often in wools, and mostly used for utilitarian objects like upholstery, rugs and pillows.  These things need to wear like iron and stand up to use.  They are not like the framed pictures and designer models that I mostly stitch these days.

Hanging out at Needlepoint Nation on Facebook, I have made many classic NP friends and suddenly realized that not only were there many more stitchers than I realized who are into classic needlepoint, they are a bit ashamed that that's what they like best.  Some are puzzled by what I do, some are repelled by it.  Most also wonder if they are like the reproduction sampler stitchers--a bit behind the times.

You guys should always remember that the repo sampler people are actually time travelers!  They are stitching like 17-19th Century stitchers to better understand them and their time period.

Thanks to Two Nerdy History Girls (yes, that's the name of their blog--it's great fun!) I have a video that encapsulates this view of historical stitching.  The video itself is about recreating a chocolate kitchen in Hampton Court but that's just the subject matter--the real theme is honoring the craftsmen who came before us and understanding them by making the things they did in the way they did.
http://twonerdyhistorygirls.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-kings-chocolate-kitchen.html

So here is to traditional stitchers, whoever you are.  You are walking in the footsteps of our needlepoint ancestors, practicing their craft as a way of understanding them, and keeping it alive for our stitching descendants to admire, practice and enjoy!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 19, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The View From Behind the Counter

Donna works part time in one of my two "local" shops and has written a short article about the things she's learned from being on the sales side of the shop counter.  I hope she writes more about her job when she gets back from vacation.  This was very interesting!
http://majtravaux.blogspot.com/2015/02/confessions-of-shop-girl-part-i.html

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

BREAKING NEWS: Melissa Shirley is Discontinuing Some Designs

In the past one could always order an older canvas from Melissa Shirley Designs even if it wasn't on their website or in their latest catalogue. But due to space constants, this policy is ending. Melissa has already told the shops and posted a bit about her new policy on Facebook for stitchers to read.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10153133137029252&id=370199729251&ref=notif&notif_t=notify_me

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 25, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Chinese New Year Revisited

Anna Pearson posted lots of designs inspired by China on her blog in honor of Chinese New Year. The designs are classics, as are all Anna's creations.  I missed Chinese New Year this year--too much else going on in terms of shoveling snow and ice!--but these designs are lovely and I thought you'd enjoy seeing them, even though it is no longer Feb. 19.
http://anna-pearson-needlepoint.blogspot.com/2015/02/kung-hei-fat-choi-may-prosperity-be.html

Happy New Year, everybody!

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

"Traumatize Your Children For Life"

This 2011 posting from a French shop blog about repurposing needlepoint is hilarious and interesting.
https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fsoyons-suave.blogspot.be%2F2011%2F02%2Fque-faire-de-suave-avec-un-canevas-deja.html&edit-text=

In case the Google Translate version doesn't work, here is the original.
http://soyons-suave.blogspot.be/2011/02/que-faire-de-suave-avec-un-canevas-deja.html

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

Easy Silk Skein Prep

Thanks to the Silk Mill, I have a video for you to watch this morning. It shows Jen Goodwin of the Royal School of Needlework, getting a skein of Silk Mill's silks ready to stitch from. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PwRXrfWwW8&feature=youtu.be

If you want to browse the Silk Mill's gorgeous colors, here is their website.  "700 shades of silk"--bliss!  (They sell needlepoint kits, tools and vintage patterns, too.)  The shop is in England but the silk is from China.
http://www.thesilkmill.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 19, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Collaborating with Barbara Elmore

Barbara Elmore and Carolyn Schmitz) have collaborated in turning Ms. Schmitz' artworks into needlepoint canvases for classes taught by Barbara at the EGA Seminar.  Here is how the process went from the artist's perspective and the canvases that Barbara will be teaching over the next year.  Fascinating!
http://www.desertdada.com/spines-and-needles/

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

Southern Shops have STYLE

This morning I've been browsing the Needle Bug's online store.  I'd love to actually BE in Montgomery, a city with style and charm, but online shopping is the next best thing.   Right?  Check out the Snazzy Beading Kit.
http://www.theneedlebug.com/shop/?main_page=product_info&products_id=23971&cPath=4_61

How about a Needle Drop magnet to corral all your needles?  I have no idea how it works exactly but it is really cool looking!
http://www.theneedlebug.com/shop/?main_page=product_info&products_id=4660&cPath=4

How about the Chic Nine Inch Tool Pouch?  You can take that thing anywhere and be the most fashionable tool wrangler EVER!  (and it is on Sale--the Southern Belle's favorite four letter word)
http://www.theneedlebug.com/shop/?main_page=product_info&products_id=19839&cPath=4

How about a dragonfly scissors fob from Bead Soup?
http://www.theneedlebug.com/shop/?main_page=product_info&products_id=5300&cPath=4_40

Those are just the accessories!  (Every Southern gal needs the right accessories.  It's right up there with sweet tea and homemade biscuits when it comes to the necessities of life.)

Wait'll you see the 33 pages of CANVASES!
http://www.theneedlebug.com/shop/?main_page=index&cPath=1

Excuse me, y'all.  I've gotta go shopping....

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

Need a Little Light?

Folks rave about these small Ikea LED lamps.  They won't work well in all situations as they are either powered by a cord or a USB connection.  But they are small and cheap and if you don't use very wide stretcher bars, they'll clamp to your canvas.  Might even clamp to your floor frame or table, depending on the size of the area you want to attach the lamp to.  (Apparently the clamp only opens to one and a quarter inches wide.)  Some models come with an on/off switch I think.
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/series/18294/

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

An Adventure For the Golfer UPDATED

Melita has finished the glasses case she created for her golfing husband. It's a beauty, too!   But you should read the adventure she went through to create it in order.  First, she bought the canvas at Designers Desk when she was at the ANG Seminar in Chicago in 2014.  
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2014/10/27/golfing-anyone/

Melita had to adjust the area to be stitched in order to make it glasses case-sized.  She also found using a StarMag clip on light really helped her stitch the black painted area with black thread (second link although right now Nimble Needle is sold out).  UPDATE:  Nimble Needle has the StarMag clip on lights again!
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2015/02/14/golfers-finished-his-round/

http://www.nimbleneedlenj.com/product/clip-on-freestanding-magnifying-led-lamp-starmag-by-daylight/

Melita decided to use the finishers at Rittenhouse to make her golf canvas into a glasses case.
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2014/11/30/golfer-through-18/

Rittenhouse did a spectacular job!
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2015/02/14/golfers-finished-his-round/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 15, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Uncle Bill's Sliver Gripper

Plays with Needles raves about these tweezers from Uncle Bill.   They appear to have a zillion uses for many things, not just picking stray paper and threads and pet hairs off stitching. Shop around. Prices vary.
http://plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2015/02/thank-you-uncle-bill.html

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

Snow Don't Go Away

Most of us are probably chanting "Snow, snow, go away!" this winter but not the folks in Ruth's Swirling Snowmen class.  It looks like they had a blast!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2015/02/swirling-snowmen.html

Here's a slightly better photograph.  This is one of Ruth's masterpieces in my opinion.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2014/02/celebrate-snow.html

The canvas is from Ewe and Eye and it is called "Warm Greetings."  I think it is spectacular!  Ruth's stitch guide and the canvas plus the thread kit if you desire are all available from Ruth's Aladdin Cave of a shop--Bedecked and Beadazzled.
http://www.bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/Warm-Greetings-/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 10, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

BREAKING NEWS: The Au Ver A Soie Factory Fire UPDATED

The Au Ver A Soie silk factory in France has had a fire. The company confirmed the disaster on their Facebook page. Stay tuned. I hope no one was hurt and the factory can be quickly repaired.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Au-Ver-à-Soie/229228770460019

http://www.lanouvellerepublique.fr/Loir-et-Cher/Actualite/Faits-divers-justice/n/Contenus/Articles/2015/02/20/Bracieux-l-entreprise-Au-Ver-a-soie-detruite-par-le-feu-2230804

The latest UPDATE:
http://needlestack.typepad.com/whats_new/2015/02/au-ver-à-soie-will-rebuild-facility-after-thursdays-fire.html

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

Progress Reports (with Birds a'Plenty) UPDATED

The cold and snowy winter weather seems to bring out the whimsy in shop owners and managers who are stitching away on some colorful and fun projects.  Ruth Schmuff has posted the first class photos of her latest mystery class which is called "Twirl."  The canvas is by Amy Bruecken and distributed by Ruth.  The next--and last!--lesson is in three weeks. Wonder what Ruth will do next?!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2015/02/twirl.html

Virginia of Enriched Stitch is also stitching birds--Vicki Sawyer's "Party in the Coop."  Melissa Shirley adapted Vicki's artwork to needlepoint canvas.  Virginia will eventually make a stitch guide available so you can have your own hen party.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2015/02/party-in-the-coup-progress/

UPDATE:  Virginia has finished her Party in the Coop.  Contact her at Enriched Stitch, through her blog or email her directly at stitchstyleblog@gmail.com. Your shop can also pick up Virginia's guide from Melissa Shirley when they order you the canvas.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2015/02/finished-party-in-the-coop/

Stay tuned for more feathered fun with needles.

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

O Beads

A trip to Potomac Beads over the weekend revealed a new bead type--the O bead.  They are approximately 4mm in diameter, which covers around 4 tent stitches.  I discovered that size 14 beads won't hold them in place securely but size 11 (sometimes written 11/0) beads work very nicely without hiding the O underneath.  I can see all sorts of applications for this little donut-shaped bead, some of which come with two colors, one on each side.  Since you can't go to the bead shop with me, browse Fusion Beads to see the available colors.  I can highly recommend Fusion Beads' online shop, by the way.
http://www.fusionbeads.com/O-Bead-Czech-Seed-Beads#!O-Bead-Czech-Seed-Beads

O Beads and Their Tube

Here is how I'm using my brassy-gold Os, spilled out on the 18 count canvas so you can guess at the size.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 10, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Susan Explains Why She Studies Japanese Embroidery

I don't know how you feel about Japanese Embroidery but Susan's explanation of why she studies it made me take another look at an ethnic embroidery style I personally find static. 
 http://plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2015/02/why-study-japanese-embroidery.html

If you are charmed by the above, read what Carol-Anne has to say about her Japanese Embroidery adventure.
http://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/2015/02/happy-tenth-anniversary.html

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

Virginia Goes NC

Virginia's been on a road trip to North Carolina.  Naturally, she made sure she made lots of needlepoint-related stops!  First she visited the offices of Kirk and Bradley/Elizabeth Bradley, then she went to Needlepoint.com.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2015/02/behind-the-scenes-at-kirk-and-bradley/

http://stitchstyleblog.com/2015/02/elizabeth-bradley-home/

Then she stopped at Adornment Needlepoint.  I've heard great things about this shop!
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2015/02/road-trip-round-day-two/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 10, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Repurposing a Bento Box

Carol-Anne does a very good job explaining the various styles of bento boxes on her Japanese Embroidery blog.  A bento box is a Japanese lunch box, often made of stackable trays that are divided into sections.  They are made in many styles and of many materials.  You can find some spectacular ones on eBay but shop cautiously.  Condition is key if you are going to splurge on an "antique" box.
http://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/2015/02/speaking-of-boxes.html

You can see modern bento boxes on these two websites.
http://www.jbox.com/category/820

http://en.bentoandco.com/collections/bento-boxes

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

Miniature Needle Painting Embroidery: A Review

Mary Corbet reviews Trish Burr's latest book here.  Trish is a master of needle painting, which is the realistic creation of plants and animals using long and short stitch. This particular book concentrates on creating very small projects but still creating amazing shading in a small space.  If the technique intrigues you, Mary is very clear about what you can expect in this little instruction book.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2015/02/miniature-needle-painting-embroidery-book-review.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 10, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Repairing the K's Floor Stand

Brenda had a problem with her K's floor stand, contacted the company and had a fix right away. She thinks her problem was caused by "stitching in the well" which means she mounts her stretcher bars on top of her canvas, not on the bottom, and she has a fix to keep the problem from happening again.  Clever!
http://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2015/02/floor-stand-clamp-repair-2315.html

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

Winter Waterfall Bracelet

Eye Candy's Ada Hayden shows off her Winter Waterfall bracelet design on her blog before it was finished for an article in Needlepoint Now magazine. Bargello jewelry is quick and easy to do but stylish and beautiful when finished! 
http://eyecandyneedleart.blogspot.com/2015/02/winter-waterfall-bracelet-in-january.html

Thanks, Ada. It is fun to take another look at your work online instead of just trapped between the pages of a magazine.

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

Imari Dragonflies Is All About the Layers (and Beads)

The Naked Canvas!  How would you stitch it?

Whenever I start stitching a designer model, I discover that the hand painted canvas has a theme that strikes me as I try to figure out how to stitch it. Leigh Designs' Imari Divine Dragonflies is the perfect example of this.Above is the bare canvas which I stitched for Leigh.  (And yes, my stitch guide is available.)

Looking at the canvas with a critical eye, you'll see four quadrants separated by a teal and gold brocade ribbon.  There is a pink flower in the center and three dragonflies floating above it all.  The upper left and lower right quadrants have 3-4 background patterns while the quadrants with the larger pink flower and the thorns with berries have only one background.  That made this piece all about layers and their positions relative to each other. How do I make the central flower the most prominent one when the other flower is larger?  How do I make dragonflies look like they are on top of four busy patterns?  How do I stitch the various backgrounds so they work together along the edges where they meet?  What do I do with the four solid color corners so that they contain this mayhem without looking too plain?

My general rule when I need to make something more prominent is to slap beads on it.  

Two Pink Flowers

Therefore the central pink flower is solidly beaded.  The dragonflies each have very large beads along their bodies to draw attention to them, but there are only a few so that the beads don't distract from the beauty of the paint on their wings (done in light coverage stitches so it shows up).  The larger pink flower has a complex pattern and hex beads so the visual interest balances the thorn berries which are very prominent because they are totally beaded but in only one color against a rather plain background using round beads.

Thorn Berries Seen from the Side

It's all a balancing act, making the things you think should be prominent stand out while you use various tricks (my favorite is light coverage stitches) to make the various backgrounds recede.

Imari Dragonflies Finished

All of the Imari series is about layers fighting each other for attention.  Leigh really knows how to challenge a stitcher!
http://www.leighdesigns.com/Grp628x.html

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's Moroccan Rug Finished

Jan has finished her original design of a Moroccan rug and it is gorgeous! 
https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2015/02/11/border-rug-finale/

Jan often charts and sells her rug designs (you can browse them on her website) but this time the rug is just for her.  Because Word Press hates me I can't post a message to her there so just let me say this is outstanding, Jan.  Good job!  Wish it was mine....
http://www.threadmedley.com/Thread_Medley/Welcome.html

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

Take a Trip To See the Hmong

Alice G. discovered an interesting website about Hmong Embroidery that I thought armchair travelers might like to see.  Click on Online Exhibit on the right side of the page to see examples of this unique ethnic embroidery.
http://www.hmongembroidery.org/index.html

Thanks, Alice!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 6, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Palma and the Easter Bunny

Lani's Easter Collage

Palma is stitching another collage from Lani which you see above (it's new from last fall so it's not on Lani's website yet). This is the Easter Collage. Isn't it pretty?! 

You haven't heard the best part yet.  Palma is going to blog-stitch it so that you will have the complete guide to use yourself!  Palma doesn't have a blog of her own so she's going to send me the steps as she works this piece.  Eventually I will put them all in one article on the CH Stitch Guides Blog but for now, here is the first section, the central bunny.  

Bunny in the Middle

No drooling on the keyboard!  Want to know how Palma stitched this?  This is her guide for this section:

Grass

Painters Thread 108, 4 strands
#12 Kreinik braid 015
Grass 4 stitch from Stitch Landscapes book (diagrammed above)
Big “X” with Painters Thread and middle diagonal stitch with Kreinik


Background
House of Embroidery #5 Perle 28A – Acqua
Easter Eggs stitch from Julia Snyder’s Darn Fillings book, page 55 (diagrammed above)


Columns
Oriental Linen 057
Soie D’Alger 1826
Satin stitch with Oriental Linen
Van Dyke stitch with Soie D’Alger


Leaves
Boucle 213, 215
French Knots, follow color design


Flowers
The flowers, along with the whiskers on the bunny and the bow will be stitched as the collage comes to its finish. There will be a lot of manipulation of the canvas which will probably damage those so they will be stitched last.


Bunny – Inner Ears
Planet Earth Furr-Fuzz-Fur – Light, Medium and Dark Brown
Diagonal Split stitch following color design


Bunny – Chest
Angora RA03
Vertical Brick stitch over 4
Note – do not brush the fur yet (it is tempting, I know, but hold the desire for now)


Bunny - Top of ears
Angora RA06
Diagonal Split stitch over 4


Bunny – Eyes, Nose and Mouth
Felt
Pure and Simple 18, 19
Petite Very Velvet V669
Delica or Magnifica beads – white and black

For the eyes basketweave the beads following the color design.

For the nose – make a copy of the bunny face and cut the nose as your template. Cut one piece of felt in the same size as the nose. Then cut 2 more pieces, each one smaller than the first one. Pile them and tack them in place. Then cover the felt with Pure and Simple 19 with Satin stitch until completely covered.

For the mouth – Tent stitch with Pure and Simple 18 and Petite Very Velvet following color design

Bunny – Face
Before you start stitching the face mark the point of origin for the whiskers as you’re going to stitch over them. I got Perle cotton and just tied a string where they will originate. Do not tie them tightly as you will remove them when it comes to brushing time. More instructions on this later.

Angora RA01, RA04, RA05
Interlocking Gobelin over 3 following color design

Bunny – Paws
Angora RA01
Petite Very Velvet V204
Interlocking Gobelin with Angora
Upright Cross with Petite Very Velvet following color design


Bunny – Tail
Angora RA04, RA05
Nobuko stitch

Bow
Note: the final bow will be inserted when the canvas is completely stitched; however, it needs “shading” and shading we can do now.
Ribbon Floss Shimmer Blend 051
Satin Stich, some of them are going to be long, so lay them carefully. Work vertical stitches for the “back” of the bow and diagonal for the “front”.

Now that the bunny’s face is stitched we will need to do a small exercise. We need to “transfer” the markers for the whiskers to the back. Yes, yes, I know, I know, it is annoying but it couldn’t be done initially because the strands would be caught in the back as you stitched. So carefully remove the knots and replace them with new ones but this time keep the “tails” in the back. These points will be our guide when we insert the whiskers in the end (made with Moose mane).

Once the transfer is done, get the bunka brush. Do not use too much force since it is Angora and it fluffs quite easily. Play with the brush, try to follow the direction of the design, kind of curved for the cheeks, diagonally for the top of the ears, etc. Then get a soft toothbrush (yes, we are creative, aren’t we?) and comb the fur so it looks natural following the movement of the face and chest.

This is it for now. Deciding which area will come next. Hope you enjoy it. There will be moments when you feel you are going through a French Knot or fur overdose but don’t give up, it is fun and the result is really cute.

Thanks, Palma!  We can't wait for the next lesson!

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

Get Out the Iron

Sheena uses Gutermann's invisible thread for attaching beads and sequins and such but it is a pain to use.  Her "Hearts for February" blog entry explains how she managed to tame it.  There is much more in the article, including the Valentine's stitch diagrams for her band sampler.
http://www.sheenasstitches.com


Gutermann's makes all sorts of sewing machine threads.  Here is their Invisible monofilament thread.  It comes in light and dark.  I suspect most needlepointers would want the light but maybe it is worth investing in both shades.
http://www.joann.com/gutermann-invisible-thread-273-yards/prd37982.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 10, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Chips of Gold Thread

Gold work uses bits of metallic thread for chipping, which Anna Scott explains beautifully here.
http://annascottembroidery.blogspot.com/2015/02/chip-chip.html

Want to see some of these exotic metal threads?  Visit Hedgehog Handworks's site and explore the metal threads section.
http://www.hedgehoghandworks.com/catalog/metal_threads_index.php

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

FInishing Friday: Dollhouses and More

I haven't done a Finishing Friday posting in a while since several shops do a Friday posting of their customers' work now, but I thought you might like to see what Ridgewood's folks have been up to as there is quite a variety now that Christmas finishing is done for a bit...
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2015/01/finishing-friday_30.html

...and I thought you'd love to see the dollhouses decorated with Janet Granger's kits.  That's finishing, too, right?
http://www.janetgranger.co.uk/gallery.htm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 30, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Another Look at Evertites UPDATED

Here's another look at how Evertite stretcher bars are used. Mary is using them for an embroidery project, not needlepoint, so her misting tip won't work for us but it is still a fun article about the versatility of Evertites.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2015/02/setting-up-my-embroidery-carrot.html

UPDATE:  Ruth Schmuff has written an introduction to Evertites with lots of great photos.  Please note she does not mention that you should not secure your canvas in the corners when you use Evertites.  That is the area that expands, so tacking or stapling the corners will tear the canvas.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/01/lets-talk-stretcher-bars.html

If you want to read more about Evertites, type their name in the search box at the upper left corner to read more articles about them.

Update #2:  As Melita notes, any 3/32 inch hex key will work to replace the tool that comes with Evertites.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2023/09/14/hex-key-a-needlepoint-tool-for-evertite-stretcher-bars/

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

Creating Tiny Beaded Scallops

Today's finishing tutorials are from Mary Corbet. In the link below she teaches how to create a simple row of scallops using beads. The second link shows a somewhat more complex row of equally pretty beaded scallops.  Quick, easy, pretty--what more can you ask?! 
http://www.needlenthread.com/2015/01/scalloped-beaded-buttonhole-edging-1.html

http://www.needlenthread.com/2015/02/scalloped-beaded-buttonhole-edging-version-2.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 2, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Gay Ann Rogers' Hearts Sale is TOMORROW

Gay Ann Rogers has retired from teaching but not designing counted canvaswork pieces. This year she is working on a portrait of Catherine the Great of Russia that will be offered later in the year (May?  Her annual October sale?).  Gay Ann also does a mini sale in February of charted heart designs.   This sale starts TOMORROW.  Some items are one-of-a-kind and the charts sold as kits are often limited in number so pay attention to the times the sales will occur.  I never remember because her starting time is most inconvenient for me so I miss out very often.  Don't be like me!
http://www.gayannrogers.com/hearts-2015.html

http://gayannrogers.blogspot.com/2015/02/among-my-hearts-this-february-is.html

This year there will be four new heart designs (including the magnificent Imperial Emeralds Heart which is based on one of Catherine the Great's crowns), special antique awls, special scissors fobs and tool sets, etc.  There will be items for the Sweet Tooth box of stitching goodies, which is actually a repurposed See's Candy Valentine box that is used for stitching tools and supplies.
http://www.gayannrogers.com/catherine.html

If you have not seen her portraits of Queen Elizabeth I and the smaller portraits of Mary, Queen of Scots and Bess of Hardwick, you can see them here.  I don't believe these kits will be offered for sale again as GAR can't get the special tiny pearls and other beads used for them any more.  She says the Catherine the Great portrait will be much more opulent.  Hard to believe, right?
http://vimeo.com/31689238

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 10, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Amanda Has a Song in Her Ornaments

This week Virginia highlighted a series of Christmas song ornaments from Amanda Lawford that I didn't know existed.  This isn't a totally unique idea--Tony Minieri did a charted series based on Christmas songs some years ago--but the designs are beautifully executed and Virginia stitched hers very nicely.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2015/01/snowed-stitching-away/

Chandail used Tony's for a club.  I'm not sure if it is still available as they don't seem to be on Chandail's website any more.
http://siterepository.s3.amazonaws.com/956/e_newsletter_july_chandail_2012_0820_final.pdf

Aren't designers clever to come up with these wonderful things?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 28, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How the Royal School Makes a Custom Rug

This is geared towards people who haven't a clue about hand painted canvases or needlepoint but it is still interesting. 
http://blog.asmarainc.com/blog/bid/57805/How-Needlepoint-Rugs-are-Handmade-Using-a-Painted-Needlepoint-Canvas

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

New Magnetic Micro Threaders

I just realized that Puffin and Co. has new micro needle threaders which will thread most beading needle eyes. This link shows the cute regular magnetic threaders and then the tiny ones below. There are lots of their products on this page, though, in case you want to browse more of what they offer.
http://www.thesilverneedle.com/puffincompany.html 

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 28, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

"If I Can Do It While Watching Netflix, All the Better"

The Ugly Ducking House blog takes up needlepoint, just because. 
http://www.uglyducklinghouse.com/needlepoint-art-diy/

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

Finishing Tip: How to Miter a Corner

Just Cross Stitch magazine's website has a tutorial on mitering corners I thought folks who want to try this at home should see. A mitered corner is when two strips of fabric, one at the top and one at the side, meet at a forty-five degree angle.  You see this in pillow corners when the stitching is framed by fabric strips.  It's a nice finishing touch and although I personally find it hard to do, this tutorial is excellent.
http://www.just-crossstitch.com/newsletters.php?mode=article&article_id=4875&key=JCXN&tp=i-H43-6o-4yg-T98sy-1o-PE45-1c-T94CS-2GOgdt

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 28, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Harikuyo 2015 UPDATED AGAIN

Today's the Japanese festival of Harikuyo which honors our needles. Susan has special plans to celebrate. 
http://plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2015/02/two-days-until-harikuyo-2015.html

UPDATE:  Stay tuned for what Susan has planned!  I'll add the link once it goes live.
http://plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-gift-of-harikuyo.html

Me, I am too exhausted from celebrating NP Nation's Fourth Birthday to start making a new needle book.  Instead I will do what I always do on February 8th.  I will take all my old needles out of the pill bottle where I keep them, wrap them in aluminum foil, and then use pretty wrapping paper and ribbons to wrap the foil packet. Then I will ceremoniously put them in the trash.

Where would we be without our needles that have served us so well?  Thank you!

UPDATE #2:  Carol-Anne had an amazing needle adventure in Japan.  You will enjoy this.
http://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/2015/02/a-needle-in-market.html

UPDATE #4:  More about Carol-Anne's purchases.
http://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/2015/02/needles-and-pins.html

UPDATE #5:  Carol-Anne's sewing kit - I want one!
http://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/2015/02/travelling-sewing-kit.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 6, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Let's Make a Ribbon Flower

Elizabeth made a video at In Stitches of Janet demonstrating how to make a ribbon rose flower.  This is a technique that Janet learned at the TNNA Winter show.  Basically you come up with your silk ribbon, then make a Colonial knot followed by a French knot followed by several running stitches, then you go down through the canvas with your needle.  It's not hard but you probably want to see the video to understand.  The silk ribbon with the different colored edge is from Planet Earth Fiber.
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=656298941158846&set=o.108537025890131&type=2&theater

By the way, Janet agreed to Elizabeth's making and sharing the video with us.

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.

Anna Pearson's Travel Tips (with Help from Lisa)

The British needlepoint designer Anna Pearson loves to travel and posted travel tips for the needlepointer on her blog. Those of us who travel a lot for work or pleasure already know these things (and might have tips of your own--put those in the Comments if you don't mind) but if you only fly occasionally, this might help you get organized. 
http://anna-pearson-needlepoint.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/travel-tips.html

By the way, Lisa of BeStitched has a great travel tip--she uses Carol Eix Design snap trays to stay organized when stitching on a plane or keeping items together in a hotel room.
http://bestitchedneedlepoint.com/we-love-snap-trays/

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

The Biggest Needlepoint Trend is Facebook UPDATED AGAIN

The biggest change in the needlepoint world I've seen lately has been the use of Facebook.  Over the last year, more and more shops, designers, tool makers and authors are using Facebook to post photos and announcements of new classes, products, designs, exhibits, books, trunk shows or sales, etc.  During the 2014-15 trade shows, almost all the new items were first shown on Facebook.  There were some large and well staffed shops using their blogs to announce items and a few shops also have a section of their websites dedicated to new items from the trade shows, but mostly folks are using Facebook.  It's quick and easy and you can upload photos to your account without hassle, even if you are using a tablet or smart phone instead of a laptop or desktop.

There are groups about needlepoint on Facebook as well.  Before Facebook changed their search engine I found seven groups called "needlepoint" and many more individual pages called needlepoint or with needlepoint in their name.   Now I just find the largest group listed (currently about 7100 members) when I do a search.  (Full disclosure:  That's the group I accidentally started four years ago today when playing around with how groups work.)  But I know there are a lot still there even though FB is making it harder to find them.

So what's a non-Facebook user to do?  I've asked friends without Facebook accounts to look at the FB links I post and many of them are visible to non-FB users.  Not all, but many.  So if you really don't want a FB account you may still be able to see some of the eye candy posted there.

If you want to set up a Facebook account to see items or to join in with the groups available there, you need to know a couple of things.  First--and most importantly--Facebook believes nothing is private.  It is very very difficult to control who sees what you post on Facebook*.  If you set up a FB page and use it and suddenly your family is complaining about all the photos of needlepoint, there's nothing you can do to stop them seeing the stitching.  They can turn off those photos but you cannot.  You have very little control over where the items you post end up.  Think of it as a public bulletin board.  Once you post it, anyone can see.  The only way they can avoid seeing what is on the bulletin board is to not look, i.e., turn off the notifications that you have posted something in their email or FB feed.

*IMPORTANT UPDATEP--Sara Leigh shared this about controlling who sees what--"There is a way to control who sees what you post when you post it. You can Exclude individual friends, e.g., those who complain about certain targeted posts. You can set up a Custom list for certain types of posts. I haven't actually tried to do this because I don't really care whether everyone wants to see my needlepoint, though I've never had a complaint from anyone, and feel that it's their problem. They don't have to look because it's very easy to just scroll on by. You can also customize your Privacy settings to limit what Facebook can do with what you put up there and to control what appears on your Newsfeed to a certain extent. It's not as scary as it's made out to be. I also have AdBlock for my browser, which keeps the ads pretty much off my Newsfeed."  Many thanks, SL!

Of course scam artists and spammers love Facebook.  I would recommend never ever accepting friend requests unless you both know the person and have verified with them that they sent you a friend request.  The newest scam is copying a legit profile and then sending friend requests to all your friends.  Then the spammer --pretending to be you--will start attempting to sell them things.  The normal precautions apply to Facebook. Change your password each month.  It's a pain but it is safer to do this.

Now that I've scared you to death, if you still want to try Facebook, here is their beginner's page.  It is easier now to understand how to set permissions to filter out things you don't want and give yourself some limited privacy than when I first started playing around with Facebook.  It's THE place to be in the world of needlepoint these days, so it is worth trying.
https://www.facebook.com/help/345121355559712/

Just remember that FB acts differently on laptops and desktops than it does on mobile devices like smart phones and tablets.  If you learn how it works on a laptop and are having trouble with a mobile device, try accessing FB via a browser window instead of an app.  That way you'l see things more the way you are used to.

Just be careful, ok?

And Happy Birthday to Needlepoint Nation.

UPDATE: Read Sara Leigh's comment below for more information on how to restrict what your friends see from your Facebook postings.  Thanks, SL!

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

Nimble Needle's New Website

Nimble Needle in New Jersey has opened their new website and online store!  It's a fun browse, but I particularly like their $50 and under section where you can pick up small items if you need a quick stitch. That's a clever marketing idea!
http://www.nimbleneedlenj.com

They have moved their blog to the new site as well, so update your bookmarks.  The old blog is still there so I changed the title on my blog list and added the new while keeping the old.  If you use a RSS feed of some sort to keep up with the blogs, you'll need to add the new address.
http://www.nimbleneedlenj.com/blog/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 30, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Lion and The Unicorn UPDATED

Some of Benton and Johnson's gold work kits are on sale, but that's not really why I posted the link to their shop today.   I want you to put your cursor over the lion and then the unicorn pieces on this page, then click on Quick View.  You will see the amazing dimension achieved in these animal images from basically straight stitches and some padding with a bit of embellishment (like a sequin mane).
https://www.thetoyeshop.com/benton-johnson/benton-johnson/embroidery-kits.html

I find all this very inspiring!

Have fun looking at it all.  Metal embroidery like this is wonderful.

UPDATE: Mary Corbet explains what you'll find inside one of the B and J gold work kits.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2015/03/goldwork-kits-from-benton-johnson.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 6, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Right Stitch

Mary Waldsmith of Owl Stitchery explains just why sometimes tent stitch (and its variations) are the perfect choice. 
http://owlstitchery.blogspot.com/2015/01/sometimes-tent-stitch-is-right-stitch.html

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.

Fancy Stitches Tour

Mary Waldsmith of Owl Stitchery just visited Fancy Stitches in Cleburne, Texas, and took some shop photos so we could all peek inside.  Thanks, Mary!
http://owlstitchery.blogspot.com/2015/01/fancy-stitches-needlework-shop-in.html 

I've heard Mary's blue and silver abstract Christmas tree chart will be available at Fancy Stitches shortly.  Stay tuned for that treat!
http://www.fancystitches.com

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.

Why We Love Petei Santas

If you have ever wondered why folks love Petei's little Santas, Stephanie will demonstrate their charms for you here.
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2015/01/petei-wonderland.html

If you want more eye candy, just head over to The French Knot's website and look at their display of Petei Santas.  All these have stitch guides available from Diana Bosworth.  Just ask French Knot to help you with guides.
http://www.thefrenchknot.com/x-petei.htm

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.

Drizzling

No, it is not raining in Chilly Hollow. I'm watching Rachel's drizzle stitch video.
http://ladysrepositorymuseum.blogspot.com/2014/12/whatever-thy-hand-findeth-to-do.html

See the green hill the lion is sitting on?  That's the 17th Century version of drizzle stitch.  These days the stitch we call drizzle stitch is a sort of cast on bullion but in Queen Elizabeth I's day, this was drizzle stitch.  For comparison purposes, here is what we call drizzle stitch in the 21st Century.  In both cases I suspect the right thread is key, so you may have to experiment a bit to find just what works for your canvas.
http://inaminuteago.com/stitchdict/stitch/drizzle.html

http://www.needlenthread.com/2007/10/drizzle-stitch-video-tutorial.html

So pick your century and drizzle!  LOL

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 1, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Blinding You and Other Blog News

This is what was plastered all over the background.

I wanted to remind Blog's readers that new items are still popping up several times a day under the "TNNA Winter 2015 Phoenix" ta.  Designers who haven't updated their website now have time to do so and the shops are posting new canvases that they ordered from the show on their website, blog or Facebook page.  Just click on the tab to check on the latest, which will be on top and highlighted in red.

As you probably can't help noticing (since you have to wear sunglasses to look at Blog!) I've also updated the background image.  This is a closeup from my current piece for Leigh Designs--Sultry Outback from her brand new Jungle Heat series.
http://www.leighdesigns.com/Grp630x.html

The pictures aren't there to blind you--they are there to show off a new thread I've been playing with. If you look at the three yellow flowers, you'll notice that two are outlined and one isn't.  The couched outline is Painters Threads' gimp, which is a rayon cord a little smaller in diameter than size 5 cotton perle.  It looks a bit like DMC's memory thread, but smaller and it isn't bendable wire. It's just slightly stiff to bend.  It comes in all the usual Painters Thread colors which are a mix of overdyes.  I used the orangish MaryC.
http://www.shop.tentakulum.com/epages/Tentakulum.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/Tentakulum/Categories/Garne/Andere/Viskose/Gimpe

This Etsy shop has some nice closeups where you can see what the thread looks like.  I think it would make awesome surface stitches (French knots, oyster stitch, cast on stitches, or lazy daisy stitches).
https://www.etsy.com/listing/157881209/painters-rayon-gimp-gimpe-frida-thread

It also made my yellow flowers look like appliquéd fabric, which is the look I was going for.  Thank you, Painters Threads!

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

A Family Heirloom/Horror

Virginia unearthed a family treasure, a cummerbund her mother stitched for her father. She's making fun of it while wondering if her style choices will seen odd to her kids and grandkids.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2015/01/family-heirloom/

Frankly, I don't worry much about what others think about the things I choose to stitch.  I stitch for me, not for posterity.  Besides, who knows?  In fifty years my Day of the Dead lady (which caused my brother to go speechless, which doesn't happen that often) may be the height of fashion again and my heirs will be fighting over who gets to keep her.

Or not.  Who cares!  I had fun stitching her.

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.

Yazzil Organizers

The Yazzii Organizer bags are stars of the latest BeStitched video.   As you can see, they come in two sizes and have lots of little zip pages inside where you can put things for any trip, long or short, you might be planning.
http://bestitchedneedlepoint.com/yazzii-organizers-for-needlepoint/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 21, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Ruth The Temptress Strikes Again

Ruth Kern's monthly blog entry is out and once again, she tempts us with books new and old, and even books we didn't know existed but now must have!  Ruth specializes in books about needlework but she also carries a lot more.  Read at your pocketbook's risk. 
http://ruthkernbooks.blogspot.com/2015/01/january-2015-blog-ahh-january-2015-go.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 Clever Tip on Using Accentuate

As always, Sheena's blog is full of pretty photos, stitch diagrams and this time she has a very clever tip for adding Accentuate to stitches.   Thanks, Sheena!
http://www.sheenasstitches.com/impromptu-visit/

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.

Florida Shop Announcements

For those in Florida for the winter, Silk Road Needle Arts has relocated to larger quarters in St. Petersburg. Eddie is now on 2887 22nd Ave North in the building right across the street from Mazzaros. Here is their website but the address is no longer current.
http://www.silk-road-needle.com

AND for those who aren't visiting the Sunshine Sate, Flying Needles in Belleair Bluffs, FL has updated their website. Have fun exploring!
http://www.theflyingneedles.com

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.