Bullions Equal Embroidery Motifs

Mary Corbet takes us inside the A-Z Book of Bullions, which has been renamed the "A-Z of Embroidered Motfs" by the new owner of the publications.  I think changing the name is a mistake but then I'm not a book publisher.  Regardless of what you think about the title, you'll enjoy peeking inside the book to decide if it is one you'd like to add to your stitching library.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2015/03/a-z-of-embroidered-motifs-the-bullion-book.html

Who doesn't want to know how to create a fishing frog anyway?   Seriously, take a look at his little fingers.  Wouldn't knowing how to do that come in handy on many a project?

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

Cutest Fobs Ever

Virginia from Enriched Stitch is on the road with her husband, getting settled into his new posting. While they drive, she stitches on the cutest scissor fob design from Kirk and Bradley imaginable!
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2015/03/ft-bragg-north-carolina/

Here are more of the K and B scissors "finders."  Aren't those little cupcakes the cutest ever?!
http://www.kirkandbradley.com/scissor-finders-needlecases

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

Remember to Stretch

Needlepoint for Fun has a wonderful section on their website about exercises and ergonomics for stitchers that will help you avoid problems with your stitching posture, overuse of your wrists, arms, shoulders, etc.  It's so good I added it to the "Yoga and Ergonomics for Stitchers" section of Blog, which is on the right side, just under the koi pond.  I suggest you visit these links occasionally to remind yourself of ways to keep from hurting yourself during those long stitching sessions in front of the television.
http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/needlepoint-pain.htm

Barbara Bergsten gave me the idea when she got her yoga instructor to write up some stretches for stitchers.  I added her two articles first, then added more links as I stumbled across them.  After all, our bodies are our most important stitching tools and we need to care for them well.

Thanks, Barbara.  Every day without pain is a good day!

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

"Wash Your Hands!"

Kathy is taking a silk shading class at the Royal School of Needlework.  She's stitching on silk fabric with cotton floss but even though she washes her hands before each stitching session and has the piece protected by tissue paper, she still got a mark on the silk fabric.  Here's how she got it out.
http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2015/03/14/rsn-silk-shading-keeping-the-silk-clean/

This makes my godmother's admonition to always wash your hands before stitching and wash them occasionally during stitching sound very clever.  Wash Your Hands!

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

Create Needlepoint, not Sterotypes

Thanks to Valerie, I have a link to another article extolling the virtues of exploring the things the 1950s housewife mastered. 
http://www.bustle.com/articles/69930-11-old-lady-hobbies-that-are-perfect-to-try-in-your-twenties-from-canasta-to-embroidery

Old Ladies Rule!--even if a lot of us aren't any of the things the writer of the article above assumes we are.  Stereotypes, people.  Don't run your life or create assumptions based on stereotypes!

Create needlepoint instead.

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

Custom Yarlmulkes

Needle Paint does lots of custom pet portraits, wedding ring bearer pillows and belts but this posting on their blog is something new--custom yarlmulke and kippah designs!   This is a great way to customize a head covering that has religious meaning for someone special in your life.  
http://www.needlepaint.com/blog/2015/02/19/custom-kippah-yarlmulke-needlepoint-canvases/

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

Dye Your Own

Instead of Do It Youself (DIY) this is "dye your own" thread day.  (DYO?) 
http://primitivesbythelightofthemoon.blogspot.com/2008/07/how-i-overdye-cotton-floss.html


After all, there are probably Blog readers charmed by dyeing Easter eggs who might want to try this at home.  Do follow all the safety rules, though.  Don't dye in good clothes, wear gloves and don't use any pots or pans you cook in.  Friends scour yard sales for used kitchen bowls and pots for dyeing, by the way.

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

Ecclesiastical Embroidery Booklet Available

Mary Corbet has an interest in ecclesiastical embroidery so a friend of hers sent her a great little booklet about the church embroideries decorating Liverpool Cathedral.  Since the booklet is available for purchase and there is a website that talks about some of the collections described in it, Mary talks about the pamphlet in detail on her website.  This is for fans of embroidery and gold work, particularly that stitched for cathedrals and churches.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2015/03/the-embroideries-at-liverpool-cathedral.html

Of course if you happen to be in Liverpool this year, you should check out the cathedral and the Embroidery Trail that covers a lot of fascinating stitching in various spots all over the city.

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

What Tony Made Her Do

Suzie and Jinny from Enriched Stitch headed to a Tony Minieri class this week and had a fabulous time! 
http://astheneedleturns.com/a-tony-minieri-experience/

One of the stitches Tony had Suzie work was Casalguidi Stitch for her main branch.  To fully appreciate what she did, check out Mary Corbet's tutorial.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2012/03/stitch-play-casalguidi-stitch.html

She also used Portugese Knotted Stem Stitch, which Mary explains here.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2006/11/portuguese-knotted-stem-stitch-video.html

Tony's wildly talented and thanks to his classes, Suzie and many other folks now have great new techniques to use on their next piece.

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

Playing with Julia Snyder

Linda at the NJNA blog (that's the New Jersey Needle Artists chapter of ANG) just took a canvas embellishment class with Julia Snyder at the Enriched Stitch in Connecticut.  Lucky for us, she wrote about it.  I'm particularly happy she talks a bit about how the class unfolded, since not every class is right for every student.  It's always good to know how a class is organized to see if that fits with one's own learning style.  Many thanks, Linda!
http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/03/15/embellishment-class-with-julia-snyder/

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

Now Appearing at Woodlawn UPDATED

I've started assembling links to items about Woodlawn.  First, Melita has sent this profile portrait of Queen Elizabeth II to the show. 
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2015/02/04/the-queen-is-visiting-woodlawn/

The New Jersey Needle Artists have all submitted "Frankies" to the show.*  If you are curious about the process, Sue describes it here.  The second link below shows off the various Frankies in all their glory.  The third is Linda's trip to see the show and the Frankies on display.
http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/02/06/ten-frankies-now-entered-in-woodlawn-exhibit/

http://njneedleartists.org/njna-workshops/frankie/

http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/03/22/woodlawn-needlework-exhibition-ii/

Here are the Frankies.  Photographs are only allowed if the stitcher wants to pose.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/832643590146134/

*UPDATE:  I forgot not everyone is familiar with Michael Boren's tribute to Frank Lloyd Wright's stained glass pieces.  This is his "Frankie" chart.
http://www.stitchplay.com/kits.html

And this link is all about Sue's first trip to Woodlawn.
http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/03/16/woodlawn-needlework-exhibit-wow/

Brenda went to Woodlawn with friends and won ribbons!
http://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2015/03/woodlawn-52nd-annual-needlework.html

In Stitches is the counted thread/knitting/needlepoint shop very close to Woodlawn.  They posted this photo on their FB page.  Since the photo was taken inside Woodlawn I assume this rug will be shown there.
https://www.facebook.com/521595701209417/photos/a.533100450058942.1073741828.521595701209417/798046886897629/?type=1&theater

In Stitches also talks a bit about a customer's pieces at the show in this blog entry.
http://institchesshopblog.blogspot.com/2015/03/woodlawn.html

Lynn posted a photo of her prize winning lobster on a checked tablecloth on Facebook. Isn't it charming!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=980956608581795&set=gm.831389933604833&type=1

Rona found this video (in Farsi?) taken at Woodlawn in 2013.  They don't normally allow photos but apparently this was taken for educational purposes. It not only shows off the range of items on display but gives you a feel for the old house.   Enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXBKJdx17ds&sns=fb

UPDATED AGAIN:  Melita reports on what she saw at Woodland.
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2015/03/30/woodlawn-roadtrip-2015/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 5, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Firescreen--Now Appearing at Woodlawn

Tapestry Tent's Earthy Paradise, Stitched by Kate L. Callahan

Since so many of us never make it to the Woodlawn exhibit when my friend Kate Callahan mentioned she'd sent her fire screen off to the show, I begged her for photos to share.  What you see above is Tapestry Tent's "Earthy Paradise." The fire screen itself is antique and 17 inches square.  Kate changed the earthy brown tones to brighter ones to be more authentic.  I found this online photo so you can see the original colors as designed by Liz Dillon.
http://rittenhouseneedlepoint.com/earthly-paradise.html

Comparing Kate's fire screen to the original design, you will see Kate added a crewel-type bottom to ground the vase and create a more crewel-like look.  She used brighter colors to make this piece more period, as you can see in these two photos which show a fire screen from the mid to late 1700s with the original stitching still inside.

The back of the antique fire screen (left) is much brighter than the front side (right).  By the way, Kate's version is all tent stitches, even the crewel ground under the vase.  If you click on the photos, they should enlarge enough for you to see how Kate played with the background colors to bring out the four birds in the bouquet.

Thank you so much for sharing the piece and its inspiration with us, Kate!

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

Backgrounds: The Finishing Touch is Reborn

I just heard from Ruth Schmuff that my favorite book from Ann Strite-Kurz is being reprinted.  It's called Backgrounds:  The Finishing Touch.  This is a fabulous backgrounds book if you are interested in intricate patterns built up in layers.  Ann specializes in these, as folks who subscribe to Needlepoint Now know since she has a recurring column in the magazine about the patterns she loves to create.  This particular book comes with a CD that illustrates the book lavishly, which I personally find very inspirational.  You can read the book next to your computer, then open the PDF file to that section and browse the photographs. Ann knows everyone from years of teaching and her friends generously allowed her to photograph their work.

If you are interested in picking up a copy, Ann is going to offer a twenty percent discount on this book (she has many others--another favorite of mine is her Science of Canvas Embroidery booklet) until June 1, and there will be free shipping if you order three or more copies in case you want to go in with your friends on the deal.

Here's Ann's website.  Her books are on top (first three rows) and her designs are listed on the rest of the page.  Have fun browsing!
http://www.needleartworks.com/dsgnr/ask/askimages.htm

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

Quail Run's Latest Newsletter

I always love reading Quail Run's newsletter since it always has the most wonderful photographs!  The latest one for this Scottsdale shop is available here.  Not only can you see their upcoming classes, but there are postings of recently completed projects, new tools and much more fun.
http://quailrunneedlework.com/uploads/sites/1/Covey_Mar15_Master.pdf

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

Silk Shading Tips UPDATED AGAIN

Kathy of The Unbroken Thread is off to England to take a Royal School course on silk shading. We Americans call this needle painting or long and short stitches. Kathy's going to be stitching a white flower.  Here are the things she does before she actually starts stitching.
http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2015/03/05/rsn-silk-shading-setting-up-to-stitch-2/

Here's what she did wrong, to help us make our needle painting better.
http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2015/03/06/rsn-silk-shading-four-petals-done-2/

UPDATE:  Kathy added important tips on matching colors to a design you are copying this morning.
http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2015/03/25/rsn-silk-shading-first-large-petal-finished/

UPDATE #2: How to lighten an area you got wrong.
http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2015/03/28/a-turned-under-petal-silk-shading-the-shade/

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

Twirling With and Without Threads

Ruth Schmuff is known to always add bling and to prefer light coverage stitching, both of which are in full play on her latest mystery class, "Twirl" from Amy Bruecken/Ruth Schmuff.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2015/03/and-twirling-we-will-go.html

If you want to try light coverage stitches yourself, you need to be aware that there are things you'll have to do differently.  I summarized the challenges of tying off stitches on the back when you are using light coverage here.  Ruth dodged the entire issue herself by not stitching most of her background but since I know a lot of people feel uncomfortable with that option, so here are my tips if you are a "Kate" instead of a "Ruth."
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2011/05/cat-topiary-garden-and-light-coverage.html

Regardless of what sort of stitcher you are, it doesn't hurt to try new things occasionally.

UPDATE:  Here is Twirl all finished as a standup and also framed, by the way.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/02/its-time-to-twirl.html

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

The Threads and Charley Harper (Nimble Needle NJ)

The Nimble Needle in New Jersey has two great new Charley Harper bird canvases in stock. 
Sadly, Karen is too busy to stitch these herself but she sure had fun pulling threads for them.  You can see the pile of threads with their respective canvas and read why Karen pulled what she did on the shop blog.  It's always interesting to think about threads we might not have chosen ourselves.  Karen broadens our vision for birds with her insights.
http://www.nimbleneedlenj.com/new-birds/

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

Threadles Wins!

I just discovered Threedles won third place at the January TNNA show for Best New Product Display with their new counted canvaswork piece "Cathedral."  Congratulations!
http://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2015/03/cathedral.html

You can see "Cathedral" and Kurdy's other new 2015 designs on her website. Click on the photos and you'll see alternate color ways she puts in her charts for each piece.
http://www.threedles.com/06012011/2015/2015Designs.html

If you are intrigued, here's the home page.  Pour yourself your favorite morning (or evening) beverage and take a browse.
http://www.threedles.com/06012011/default.htm

If you are new to Blog, you may not realize I have a tab about all the counted canvaswork designers with places to see and/or buy their work.  There is also a link to shops that carry lots of needlepoint charts, by the way.  If your favorite designer or shop that carries a ton of charts isn't listed, let me know by either leaving a comment here or emailing me at chillyhollow@hotmail.com.  I don't count very well so this is an area I am not all that knowledgeable in.  Your help will be invaluable!

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

Needlepoint for College

Ridgewood has posted an unusually variety collection of college-themed ornaments and mini socks on their blog today. I thought you'd like to see the variety available. Some of the mini stockings are from Kathy Schenkel but I don't know who did the round ornaments. Regardless, these are a pretty and quick stitch for the college girl or guy in your life. 
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2015/03/blog-post.html


I did a little searching and found college belts from Keep Your Pants On/CBK...
http://www.stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/subjects.php?subject=colleges+and+universities

....as you would guess from the name, Keep Your Pants On has a lot of college belts!
http://www.cbkneedlepoint.com/Keep_Your_Pants_On.html

School Needlepoint does wonderful round ornaments of iconic college buildings plus lots of logo rounds and will even customize a design with your special student's initials.
http://www.schoolneedlepoint.com

There are many other great places to find school designs but I'm running out of time this morning. Have fun looking!

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

Spool Hands

Susan at Plays with Needles has a knack for finding interesting tools. Check out the Spool Hands!
http://plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2015/02/spool-hands.html

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.

The Amazing and Perfect Dog

This Annie Lane canvas was stitched by Barbara in Texas and shared with Enriched Stitch since Barbara bought the canvas there when attending one of their retreats. It is full of amazing ideas and the entire thing is stitched perfectly.  By the way, "Stand By Me" is nine inches square on 18 count canvas.  Great job, Barbara! 
http://astheneedleturns.com/stand-by-me/

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

"Frightfully Rude" UPDATED

Dame Judi Densch talks about her needlepoint pillows at the beginning of this clip promoting her latest movie on the Jimmy Fallon talk show.  Many thanks for Donna for pointing this out!
http://www.eonline.com/news/631858/judi-dench-teaches-jimmy-fallon-to-wash-the-dog-in-an-indian-dance-move-watch-now

UPDATE:  Here's a bit more about Dame Judi's embroidery.  

http://www.darcylicious.com/drupal/node/115

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 5, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Boxes with Stitched Lids

If you happen to want to stitch your own needle (and scissor) box, Quail Run has posted photos of their scissors boxes on Facebook.   The boxes come in ovals or rectangles and there are several styles of painted canvases for each box shape's lid.
https://www.facebook.com/QuailRunNeedlework/photos/pcb.896113107105520/896111527105678/?type=1&theater

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

Needle Tins and Needle Nannies (Claybykim)

Claybykim on Etsy has a wonderful collection of polymer clay needle tins and needle keepers.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/Claybykim?section_id=11378606&ref=shopsection_leftnav_3

If you want something unique and pretty to hold your needles or you just want a unique needle minder, this is a good place to browse.

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

The First Day of Spring

Today's the Spring Equinox, i.e., the First Day of Spring! [loud cheering from the peanut gallery]

To celebrate here is Eye Candy's Spring Fox, all stitched up!  Love pink and I love that tiny pink bow, not to mention the tiny pink blossoms on the tree.  
http://eyecandyneedleart.blogspot.com/2015/03/spring-fox-is-here.html

It's a lovely way to welcome spring.  Thanks for sharing, Ada.  You cheered me as I watch the snow come down.

sigh

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

Off to See the Wizards (Suzanne Howren, Tony Minieri, and Meredith Willet) UPDATED

Vicky is off to take a class at In Stitches in Atlanta with Suzanne Howren, Tony Minieri, and Meredish Willet.  Here's a bit about the shop.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/in-high-cotton/

Vicky took this Zecca sayings piece to get the Wizard treatment.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/this-is-it/

Everyone in class got a special stitched monogram magnet.  What a nice touch!
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/the-embellishment-squad/

Here is the class in action, along with some photos of the shop interior.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/so-exactly-what-is-or-who-is/

Here are a lot of views inside the shop.  I want to move right in!
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/march-madness-begins/

It looks like a great deal of fun!  Wish we'd all been there.

UPDATES:  More about the canvases the wizards worked on for their students is here.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/and-the-beat-goes-on/

http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/more-stitching/

http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/eventually/

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

Pest Patrol

Want to know what a professional restoration artist does to get rid of insects that attack needlework? Melissa explains the problem and her solutions here. 
http://www.collector-repair-services.com/?p=803

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.

Blog Spring Cleaning

Just wanted to let Blog's readers know we are starting to get online postings of new items that will premiere the end of May at the TNNA trade show in Columbus, Ohio.  I've moved the tabs around to make the Columbus trade snow tab earlier on the listing but I'm still updating the January 2015 trade show tab. I'll continue to do that until April 1 when I'll start putting notices of new things into the Columbus tab exclusively. Just FYI. 

There are a ton of new stitch guides being announced on Facebook.  Those are placed in new articles on the CH Stitch Guides blog. Hopefully even those without a Facebook account can see most of them. You'll have to click on the link to know for sure, though.  You know the drill--click on the magic carpet photo in the right hand column to go there to see all the latest guides (or the ones I just heard about).  Then you can click on the magic carpet photo to return to Blog.  

I am considering more spring cleaning for Blog that that needs to wait until I have more time to tinker behind the scenes!

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

The 2015 Casket Tour

Tricia of Thistle Threads has announced a tour of various museums in Scotland and England this coming October 2015 to see 17th Century caskets. Ten days of studying caskets behind the scenes in museums?!  Fans of historical stitching and stumpwork, not to mention beading, are going to go wild.
http://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2015/03/uk-casket-tour-october-14-24th-2015.html

More details are here.
http://thistle-threads.com/embroidery/grandtour/ukstudytour2015.html

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

Mary Makes Curls

Mary Corbet explains how she made a bonnet with attached hair for a small felt doll she's making, using a cross between stumpwork and doll making. This might work very nicely for curls on my next project! 
http://www.needlenthread.com/2015/03/how-to-make-curly-hair-for-stumpwork-figures-small-dolls.html

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

Sharp, Sharper, Sharpest UPDATED

Nothing is more interesting to stitchers than finding just the right pair of scissors for a job. Recently, I've started to notice some very interesting cutting tools recommended here and there.  It seemed time for a roundup of specialty scissors and snips and cutters you might find useful.  Nordic Needle carries the tiny grasshopper scissors for precision cutting of just one thread.
http://www.nordicneedle.com/prod/7178.html

Bohin carries an assortment of seam rippers and snips.  These are squeezable tweezer cutters.
http://www.craftersgallery.com/Hardanger-Embroidery-Scissors/Tweezers-4375--98260/default.aspx?PageID=20&CategoryID=94&ProductID=94701&RootCatCode=03000

I prefer a seam ripper myself.  These are also from Bohin and have a nice little case.
http://www.hedgehoghandworks.com/catalog/TLSBHNRIP.PHP

Lots of people swear by curved blade scissors for trimming turkey work. Nordic Needle carries ten pages of scissors, including several brands of curved blade scissors.  These are just two, a high end and a cheaper set.
http://www.nordicneedle.com/prod/305-371-1527.html

http://www.nordicneedle.com/prod/7250D.html

Other people love scissors with a bend.
http://www.nordicneedle.com/prod/305-476-0003.html

If you have a very steady hand, you might like the surgical seam ripper.
http://www.needlepoint.com/surgical-seam-ripper.html

Whatever type scissor you need, hope you find something just perfect for your needs!

UPDATE:  By chance I stumbled across a mention of Kai scissors on Anna Scott's blog this morning.
http://annascottembroidery.blogspot.com/2015/03/goldwork-plume-progress.html

Here is the company website.  They only carry two styles of small embroidery-type scissors and they are a little larger than the three inch embroidery scissors I prefer,  but I've always been impressed by Japanese workmanship.
http://www.kaiscissors.com/category.php?category_id=50

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

Let's Tour Kimberly's Studio

If you are a fan of Kimberly's wonderful style (and who isn't!?) you will be thrilled to see her mastery of color extends to her studio.  There is even a painted rug on the floor!
http://akimberlydesign.blogspot.com/2015/03/theres-still-time.html

Have fun looking at the latest design, too. That "Mondays" belt is something!

If you want to see more painted canvases from the mind that designed this studio, visit Bedecked and Beaddazzled which is Kimberly's distributor.
http://www.bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/Products/?category=260

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

Mainely Needlepoint UPDATED

Lea Wait is plotting a new series of "Mainely Needlepoint" mysteries. You can read about them here, plus Lea's other mysteries, all set in New England. Facebook readers give her earlier books good reviews, so check your local library and book shop.
http://www.keepmecurrent.com/news/writer-threads-plot-for-new-mystery-series/article_d8a52acc-95cd-11e4-9aad-af66ec486675.html

UPDATE:  Lea's "Twisted Threads" book is out!  Her publisher has even created two designs to download in its honor.  Congratulations!  (Although I think now the needlepoint canvas distributors are going to feel a bit nervous....  Read the summary to see why.)
http://sites.kensingtonbooks.com/hobbyreads/needlepoint-lea-wait.html

http://www.leawait.com

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.

Come Fly With Me

Yvette of Vetty Creations in Australia has written an interesting post on her blog about airline travel and what cutting tools you might be able to take with you on a long airplane ride.  Yvette is in Australia, by the way.  
http://vettycreations.com.au/white-threads/2015/03/05/top7-cutting-tools-needlework-flights/#sthash.KrNf9hOs.PNBZOrKW.dpbs

I'll just add that the rules and regulations vary here in the US.  What one person can travel with without problems another person can't.  I'd recommend that whatever you take with you in the cabin, or pack in your suitcase, you are willing to lose through confiscation.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 5, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needle Grabbers on Etsy

Ramona recommends these pretty needle grabbers which are for sale on Etsy.  What is a needle grabber? It's a little flexible plastic tube you use to get a needle loose that is stuck under threads or inside a bead or something.  Slide the end of the needle inside the tube, pinch it hard and pull!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/angelmoose?ref=l2-shopheader-name

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

The Little Light Magnifier at Golden Gate UPDATED

I've not been able to find these little "map light" style magnifiers online but Vicky DeAngelis raves about them.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/news-from-a-stitch-in-time/

A Stitch In Time says they are called the Bug Eye Magnifier.  They may have them in stock again.
http://www.needlepoint-knitting.com/shop/Accessories/ccessory-Type/eedlepoint-Accessories/p/Lighted-Bug-Eye-Magnifier-x3154170.htm

Now photos of this gadget are posted on Golden Gate's Facebook page.  Contact the shop via Facebook as they don't have a website.  After all, we all need new cool tools!
https://www.facebook.com/gardengateneedlepoint/posts/1080211105329094?ref=notif&notif_t=notify_me

https://www.facebook.com/gardengateneedlepoint/photos/a.799158240101050.1073741830.194670147216532/1080211068

UPDATE: Designers Desk also has these in stock and so does the Needlepointer.
http://files.ctctcdn.com/68b0d50b001/e8176a0e-3f47-48c1-ada8-e88b28f6aa9e.pdf

http://www.theneedlepointer.com

UPDATE #2:  The Wool and the Floss has something similar called the ReadMate.
https://www.facebook.com/133538180033327/photos/a.147926451927833.34901.133538180033327/789080394479099/?type=1&theater

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

If You Are Allergic to Beads....

Not everyone likes beads attached to needlepoint canvas.  Not everyone wants beads on their needlepoint canvas, either, but if anyone can convince you that beads have a place in needlework, that person is Jill Rigoli. Jill's been teaching a Laurel Burch/Danji design at Bedecked and Beadazzled in Maryland and thankfully, the shop owner took lots of photos. 
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2015/03/wheres-sun.html

What do you think?  Are you willing to try this on the right canvas?
(Tips on attaching beads can be found in the "Tutorials and Hints" tab above.)

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

The Rehoboth Exhibit Interview

Thanks to Brenda, I have a link to an interview the local paper did about the Rehoboth Beach Museum's needlework exhibit.  Unlike many news stories, the reporter actually talked to the local ANG chapter members about the exhibit and took a few photos of their stitching.
http://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/delaware/2015/02/26/rehoboth-exhibit-celebrates-ancient-art/24054111/

The exhibit opens today, March 14, and runs until May 10.  The admission fee goes to supporting the museum.  If you happen to be in Delaware this spring, don't miss the show!
http://www.rehobothbeachmuseum.org/jos/

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

Stitch Transformed By Magic (Actually Transformed by Sheena)

I always love a new posting from Sheena since she is so inventive. This week she shows how to transform a plain trellis-type stitch into all sorts of things.  The stitches she ends up with are perfect for clothing or a nice background and you can add even more stitches or beads or sequins or whatever to further transform her starting point.  It's an interesting lesson in making up stitches to suit your canvas when you just can't find the right one anywhere.
http://www.sheenasstitches.com/how-to-modify-a-stitch/

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

Dorothy Lesher Alert (Shining Needle Society)

The Shining Needle Society has announced that Dorothy Lesher will teach two small dragons for their online stitching program. You can see the two small dragons and read the class information here.  Just remember that you can register for Dorothy's class until March 31st.  After that, you've missed out!  Mark your calendars, ok?  Dorothy's class pieces are always popular and not available unless you take her class except occasionally on eBay.
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/46618682/SNS_Fire_and_Ice_Announcement2015.pdf

The class is offered through a Yahoo Group called Shining Needle Society (SNS).  They offer many, many classes and signing up as a member is free.  You will automatically get any new cyberclass information and Kate who runs SNS is always helpful if you are computer challenged.
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/SNS_Home_Room/info

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

Finishing Friday: A Whole Lot Going On

I haven't done a Finishing Friday in a while, but Nimble Needle's posting of a whole range of pieces done in many ways is something I knew you would want to see.  Personally, seeing stitched items gives me stitch ideas and because I have done some of my own finishing, I absolutely love seeing what a professional finisher comes up with.  The candy corn "feet" are wonderful and the thin finishing of the standup on the acrylic stand is amazing.  Thanks for sharing, Karen!
http://www.nimbleneedlenj.com/recently-finished-items/

Ridgewood has a gorgeous Neopoleonic bee pillow back from the finishers, a long bolster (?) and a great NYC montage pillow, some lovely belts, and ornaments including a hilarious pigs' Christmas tree.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2015/02/finishing-friday_27.html

Virginia has her Peter Ashe piece back from the framers.  You can see how it turned out and read why she chose the frame she did here.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2015/02/to-the-shore-peter-ashe/

Suzanne's Pink Santa (Melissa Shirley) is back from being finished as a stand up figure.  He is darling!
http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2015/03/pink-santa-back-from-finisher.html

Take a good look at the eyes on this finished Melissa Shirley pumpkin.  There's a very creative finisher at work here!
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2015/03/pumpkins.html

Speaking of finishing, how about the difference the two frame styles make in this Eleanor Grosch piece?  Both are gorgeous.  Which would you pick for your parrot?
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2015/03/more-eleanor.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 26, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Picking Just the Right Mat Color

Vicky shows off the piece she stitched for the newest issue of Needlepoint Now magazine and takes us behind the scenes as she searches for just the right mat color to frame this little beauty.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/its-in-the-mail/

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

Portraits in Needlepoint

This week NeedlePaint.com posted photographs of custom Portrait Pillows they've done for various clients. I've seen quite a few cross stitch portraits worked from photos that were turned into charts but never silk screened versions. They look great, although I know all that tent stitch with so many color changes isn't easy to stitch.  Nice job, people.
http://www.needlepaint.com/blog/2015/02/27/needlepoint-photo-pillows-look-amazing-stitched/

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

Tricks for the Tricky Background

Sultry Outback, unstitched and showing all that "broken" background

I've been busy stitching a model for Leigh Designs called "Sultry Outback," one of Leigh's Jungle Heat series.  This piece has a lot of "broken" background--in other words, there are lots of bits of background here and there behind all the flowers and foliage.  So naturally I chose a rather complicated background and am having to use all my tricks to make sure that the flow of the background stitch is perfect from one area to the next.

Closeup of Temporary Stitches Across Stem

I'm not the world's greatest counting machine at the best of times, and since I normally stitch after supper when I am pretty tired from a very busy day, I need help making sure that the stitches line up correctly.  My favorite way to make sure things run properly is to stitch the background first, then work a row of brightly colored stitches across areas that are not background so that I keep track of the pattern flow.  That's what you see in the photo above--those yellow stitches are a ply of DMC floss in a bright color that continue the stitch sequence across the flower stem so that I can make sure the rows on either side of the stem line up.

Lots of folks use quilting thread for this in a, shall we say, LOUD color so that it's easy to stitch with and easy to rip out later.  I'm using a ply of floss because I had that on my stitching table.  I was using it to attach beads earlier and had this left over.  You would think that I'd be able to figure out the stitch sequence over such a short distance properly but I pulled out the stitches three times before I used my yellow floss to get things right.  (See "pretty tired" and "not the world's greatest counting machine" above.)

More Temporary Rows

Of course some areas are quite large but the same principle applies.  Above you see the temporary rows (in another color of thread when my yellow ran out) across a broad leaf and flower to make sure the interlocking diagonals meet up properly.  You can sort of see the black stitches in the bottom half of the broad black leaf.  It is always wise to not stitch an area you have to cross to get to more background so you can add temporary stitches.  I stopped the black when I realized I needed temporary guidelines.  I've now ripped out the yellow stitches and am busy with the top two-thirds of that black leaf.

You may be a better counter than me but anyone can use this trick to line up background stitch patterns.  So the next time you see a skein of hot pink or neon orange floss in the sale bin, take it home.  You can use it to establish a pattern in your background even if you wouldn't be caught dead stitching with these colors normally.

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

A-Z Series Has New Owner

Most of us have seen--or at least heard of--the A-Z series of How To needlework books published in Australia by Country Bumpkin.  The rights to publish the series has been purchased by Search Press.  Mary Corbet talks about the changes in the series and what we can expect in the future from Search.  She also talks about the Royal School of Needlework's How To series and how the two sets of books compare.  Thanks once again, Mary! 
http://www.needlenthread.com/2015/02/the-new-face-of-the-a-z-series-of-embroidery-books.html

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

What Should I Take to Class?

Virginia is going to a Tony Minieri class and assembling the items she'll take with her. What do you like to take to class?
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2015/03/class-essentials-and-favorite-tools/

ANG has a description of the "usual stitching supplies" under the FAQ section of their website to help those going to Seminar classes.  It covers everything--and some things that are optional like a magnifying sheet which won't be useful to anyone who reads small print very well.
http://www.needlepoint.org/FAQ/stitching.php#usual

What would you add to the list?

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

Suzie Runs Wild!

Suzie at Enriched Stitch has two new threads (Silken Straw and silk wrapped purl) that she is running wild with! Look out, Maggie hand painted canvas~ Suzie is on the rampage with threads!
http://astheneedleturns.com/wednesday-wips-3/

If you live in the Connecticut area, stop by the shop and see what other wild things Suzie's up to with this piece.

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.

Hearts Delight (American Heart Association Benefit)

Family Arts Needlework has a neat fund raiser for the American Heart Association - a very pretty red heart themed chart from Donna Kurz.  It's not on their website (I just looked) but there's an ad in Needlepoint Now that I copied and posted above for all my counted canvaswork friends.  Contact the shop to get the instructions.
http://www.familyartsneedlework.com/home.html

Good cause and good design--there's nothing better!

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

A Tribute to Jean Hilton

Mary Agnes showed off some Jean Hilton designs she worked for shop classes on her blog.  MA owns Needle Nicely in Vero Beach, FL where the sun is currently shining and the ocean breezes are mild--think I am sick of Winter?  LOL
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2015/02/more-stitched-jean-hilton-designs.html

This got me thinking about the late Jean Hilton, who was one of the major influences of needlepoint in the 20th Century and beyond.  Here are two of her pieces she stitched herself.  I first saw one of Jean's designs exhibited in the early 1990s in a needlework show and was astounded.  I'd never seen anything like it.  She was a true original.
http://www.stitchamaze.com/gallery-guest/jeanhilton.aspx

Luckily even though Jean is gone now, Stitches From the Heart owns the rights to her charts and books.  You can browse the incredible variety here.  If you've got the time, I suggest you watch the slideshow.
http://stitches-heart.com/jean-hilton-designs/

Stitchers Paradise in Miami also has a large selection of Jean's work.
http://www.stitchers-paradise.com/Canvas_Embroidery/JHI/JeanHiltonMain.html

If you are in a thrifty mood, Rainbow Gallery has some small free Hilton designs.  Shop your stash and see what lovely patterns you can create with your own colors!
http://www.rainbowgallery.com/freechartdownloads.cfm?ID=12

CyberPointers has posted a great page on "Hilton" stitches.  Many of the links are dead now that Ro Pace no longer has a website but the remaining ones have plenty of tips for stitching the complex string art type stitches Jean loved and created.
http://www.cyberpointers.org/?p=2436

Pat Miller has started to work my favorite design from Jean--the Visions of Sugerplums stocking.
http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/search/label/Visions%20of%20Sugarplums%20by%20Jean%20Hilton

Here is how it looks finished.
http://www.needlepoint.org/WhatIs/1998/Correz.php

http://www.needlepoint.org/WhatIs/1999/sugarplums.php

My personal favorite stitch Jean created is the Chilly Hollow Stitch (bet you can guess why!).  This stitch has endless variations--you can use it to hold shisha mirrors, fill the center with beads or make bullions out of overdyed Kreinik which is a FABULOUS look, you can make a starburst or triangle from it, etc.  Have fun experimenting.  The first link is Jean's base stitch diagrammed by Carole Lake.  The second is Ro Pace's diamond shaped variation.
http://www.needlepoint.org/StitchOfTheMonth/2002/Mar.php

http://www.needlepoint.org/StitchOfTheMonth/2011/may.php

Of course every geometric pattern designer today (Michael Boren, Ro Pace, Orna Willis and Jim Wurth are great examples) owes Jean a great debt.  She knew and encouraged many of them.  They are Jean's design kids just like we are her stitching buddies.  She wouldn't have it any other way.

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 Do It Yourself Stitch People Book

I stumbled across a mention of this cross stitch design book on Facebook. It's a mix and match faces, skins, hairstyles, etc. book intended for cross stitch but if you don't mind the pixelated style, this would be a fun way to create personalized people in Christmas ornaments or to teach kids to stitch their families.  There are also cats and dogs in many breeds to add your pets to the family portrait and there is an alphabet to use to label everything or add your family name or catch phrase.  You can get a glimpse inside the book by clicking on the various photos.
http://stitchpeople.com/products/cross-stitch-pattern-design-book

The StitchPeople company also does custom portraits and kits for those who want some of the work taken out of the process.
http://stitchpeople.com/collections/all

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

Pam's Table

Pam is raving about her new custom display table for a canvas she is stitching for her daughter.  The builder has an Etsy shop where you can see Pam's table.  The wood is reclaimed and she says the carpenter was great to work with.  Thanks for the recommendation, Pam!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/222933319/needlepoint-display-table-display-table?ref=favs_view_1

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.

Playing With Color

Kimberly's playing with color. 
http://akimberlydesign.blogspot.com/2015/02/what-i-want-to-do.html

If you want to play with Kimberly's colors, too, Ruth Schmuff distributes her painted canvases.
https://www.bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/Products/?category=260

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.

Beauty for a Winter's Day

Susan at Plays with Needles just went to a Japanese Embroidery get-together hosted by her teacher. She took lots of photos which you will really enjoy.  It's a feast for the eyes in the midst of winter!  Pour a hot beverage and settle down to enjoy.
http://plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2015/02/mid-winter-matsuri_23.html

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

Teaching Needlepoint with Plastic Canvas Projects

Until I stumbled across Jenny Henry's posting about a plastic canvas clutch form used to make a purse from one of Jenny's counted canvaswork charts, I had no idea that plastic canvas purse forms were available.   The project (described in the second link below) looks like a fun way to introduce beginners to needlepoint.
https://jennyhenrydesigns.wordpress.com/2015/02/24/diy-union-jack-needlepoint-clutch-by-tara/

http://www.craftsunleashed.com/craft-basics-main/diy-clutch-plastic-canvas/

I found the plastic canvas form itself and the clasp hardware on the Sunshine Crafts website.  The plastic canvas form in the photo looks black but apparently it is on the clear plastic canvas according to the description.
http://www.sunshinecrafts.com/c/PC

I found Joann's Fabrics has a plastic canvas tote bag kit that is equally fun.
http://www.joann.com/cat-tote-bag-plastic-canvas-kit-12inx13inx9in/1494897.html#q=plastic+canvas&start=38

Apparently Walmart carries a plastic mesh purse form that is meant to be used for crochet but it looks like it will work for some needlepoint stitches.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/10575884?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227000016922&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=40939527272&wl4=&wl5=pla&wl6=78876222272&veh=sem

You can see everything but the tote bag form on Lacis' website.  Apparently the clutch comes in two sizes.
http://lacis.com/catalog/data/AE_PurseFramesPlasticMeshBagsHats.html#TM23

With spring break coming up (and a lot of enforced days out of school due to the snow), this might be a neat way to keep those kids occupied and introduce them to your passion simultaneously.

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

Foo Foo or No Foo?

Foo foo or no? It's up to you! Ada Hayden of Eye Candy shows off her Halloween pieces that can be finished with over-the-top or minimal trims.  It's up to you.
http://eyecandyneedleart.blogspot.com/2015/02/would-you-like-ribbons-with-that.html

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

Stitching at the Library

The Embroidery Association of Canada's Regina Chapter has teamed up with the Sunrise Public Library to display various types of handwork along with books about each type.  Clever idea!
http://eac-blog.blogspot.com/2015/03/on-display-regina-stitchery-guild.html

Speaking of literacy, Funk and Weber Designs supports Mountain View Elementary School Library's literacy program with hand made bookmarks.  This is an Alaskan school (Funk and Weber is in Alaska) and their local EGA chapter has folded.  So Jen is looking for help and she needs it fast.

If you can stitch a bookmark (any technique or design except for religious themes are welcome) and ship them off to Funk and Weber, here's the place to send them--

Karen Bente

Arctic Needle

4615 E 102nd Ave

Anchorage, AK 99507

Speed is of the essence, though, since they are handed out at a ceremony in April.  Of course Funk and Weber will keep those that arrive after April 1 for next year but they really do need help ASAP!

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

Two Dogs on Mackenzie Childs Bench

Cindy just posted a photograph of a custom Labors of Love canvas featuring her dogs and a Mackenzie Childs-style bench on Facebook.  If you love any of these things, you need to see this gorgeous piece.  Great job, Cindy!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1555676348017387&set=p.1555676348017387&type=1&theater

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

A Quick Review of Amy's Mystery Book Club UPDATED AGAIN

Blog Note:  I've updated this article enough I thought I'd republish it so folks wouldn't miss anything about Amy Bunger's 2015 "club"!
***************************************

Amy Bunger's "club" for 2015 isn't her traditional canvas, it is a series of book chapters called Mysteries of Needlepoint.
http://www.amybunger.com/catalog/item/8713494/10138388.htm

There is also a "workbook" of supplemental puzzles and exercises available to aid you in trying out and remembering each chapter.  This is available from Needle Little More.
http://www.needlelittlemore.com/store/c353/Exclusive_Items.html

Sheena really likes the first chapter of Amy's mystery book club for 2015.  You can read a bit about it here.
http://www.sheenasstitches.com/sun-and-beach-what-a-treat/

UPDATE:  I thought I'd add Steph's quick glimpse of Amy's book chapter here, just to keep everything together for those Googling for more info.
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2015/01/sporadic-posting-is-not-to-my-liking.html

UPDATE #2:  I'm adding Sheena's review of the supplemental material you can get from Needle Little More.
http://www.sheenasstitches.com/review-of-mystery-of-needlepoint-casebook/

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

Celebrating a Month of BLING

Old World Designs is celebrating a month of embellishment with a page on their website dedicated to bling and how to use it.   They are lucky enough to have June McKnight teach in their shop on a regular basis, so they used her ideas (and tips from her Bling, Glitz and Glamour book which has hundreds of ideas of stitches that incorporate beads) to show off ways to use seed beads and bugle beads.
http://www.oldworlddesigns.com/Bling.html

If you aren't familiar with June's fabulous little books, here is her website so you can explore.  Most all the books have a link to see more.  Don't miss the link to Bling!
http://www.junemcknight.com/books.html

Hope you add a bit of glamour to your stitching life this month!

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