Cheesecake with Cats and Stitches

Sheena is teasing us with a mention of delicious cheesecake and rewarding us with photos of her cat menagerie and a way to create compound stitches that work together or apart.
http://www.sheenasstitches.com/happy-thanksgiving-2/

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

Want a Little Mystery in Your Life?

The Needle Arts Mystery Retreat is starting to post threads for various color ways of their mystery piece for the 2016 retreat on their Facebook page.  The first set is teals, purples and golds.  Keep an eye on their FB page for more color combos.
https://www.facebook.com/126832707361178/photos/np.1448375997412518.1277706333/1062571570453949/?type=3

The second set is purples, blues and greens.  So pretty!
https://www.facebook.com/126832707361178/photos/np.1448640026292614.1277706333/1064149620296144/?type=3

The third set is blues, reds and pinks.
https://www.facebook.com/126832707361178/photos/np.1449088838159120.1277706333/1066552110055895/?type=3

If you aren't familiar with this annual retreat, it features a design created by four counted canvaswork teachers--Pat Hartman, Mary Knapp, Linda Reinmuller, and Debbie Rowley.  They have started doing a cyberclass of older retreat designs, by the way.  You can learn more on their website.
http://needleartsmysteryretreat.com

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

Beads and Sequins and Crystals

The Collection Designs has split its embellishment business off to a separate website.  Now you can browse the pretty embellishments there and see a lot of variety of things to add sparkle and dimension to your needlepoint without the distraction of all those pretty painted canvases.
http://www.embellishingplus.com

Of course if you LIKE being distracted, you can visit The Collection's canvases here.
http://www.thecollectiondesigns.com

Have fun browsing!

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

Even Politicians Have Noticed

You know needlework is having a renaissance when even politicians notice and use it to promote themselves. 
http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/11/hillary-clinton-cross-stitch/416376/

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

What's the Point?

It's that time of year again--the time when the clueless wonder why you made a needlepoint stocking when you could buy one of these for so much less. 
http://www.landsend.com/products/needlepoint-christmas-stocking/id_259386

I generally just ask folks if they would prefer a dress from Walmart or one from Chanel?  Then I show them this stocking and explain it's the same thing.
http://www.needlepoint.org/WhatIs/2000/Santa's%20Reindeer.php

But this article points out how much more is involved than just quality.
 http://makezine.com/2015/11/18/whats-the-point-of-making-something-you-could-buy/?utm_content=buffer09a0c&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer


Merry Handmade Christmas!

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

Birth of an Artist

This profile of the needlepoint designer Lee Ann Estep explains how she took the step from a needlepointer into the creator of original works of art.  Use the arrows to see the slide show at the top of the article. Then click on the photo of Lee Ann to watch her video explaining a bit about her stitching history.
http://www.yakimaherald.com/lifestyle/home_and_garden/yakima-woman-an-artist-in-needlepoint/article_33de8974-7f84-11e5-8b61-c7ab71c87b5e.html

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

What's Your Best Strategy for Combating Stitching Boredom?

As a long term shop owner, Mary Agnes has seen it all and has strategies to cope with most of the problems of running a small business.  She does some model stitching and also stitches items for customers, so she runs into the problem of Stitching Boredom often.  Here is how she copes.
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2015/11/shop-stitching-rush-job-10.html

Personally, I make myself stitch every night after supper without fail.  This doesn't always work--sometimes I am so tired by my Real Life chores that I don't dare stitch.  Ripping out a night's work the next night means it isn't worth working when exhausted!  But it works for me.

What's your strategy to get yourself through the boredom of a project you've worked on too long?

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

Frayed Ends: Why and How to Counteract Them

Dena of Kreinik has written an interesting article for Mr. X Stitch about why threads fray at the ends and how to counteract this tendency.
http://www.mrxstitch.com/kreinik-calling-thread-technics/

Unless of course you want a frayed end!

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

NAN Exemplary Winners Online

The National Academy of Needlearts (NAN) has updated their website to showcase the ribbon winners for their 2014 and 1015 annual Examplary exhibit.
http://needleart.org/2015-exemplary-ribbon-winners/

Not everything is needlepoint, but much is and there is a lot to see and admire.  Choose "Galleries" to explore their Lifetime Achievement award winners and their stitching or look at their Permanent Collection of outstanding needlework.

Thanks, NAN!

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

Orna Made Her Do It

Remember how I suggested you use Orna Willis' thread sets for sale in her Etsy store as inspiration when choosing colors?   (If you don't you can click on this link and read my deathless prose!)
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2015/10/ornas-silk-collections.html

Susan's friend  Irene has taken this one step further and used Orna's "Sunflower" as inspiration for her crazy quilting.
http://plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2015/10/halloween-candy.html

Here's Orna's version of "Sunflower."
http://adornbyorna.com/collections/kits/products/sunflower-needlepoint-kit/?variant=3911976193

http://adornbyorna.com/collections/instruction-guides/products/sunflower-instruction-guide/?variant=

Every time I look at the model, Irene's version and her crazy quilting, I see something different. Orna, you are a genius!

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

Free Little Autumn Fun UPDATED

To mark the cool fall season, Laura Perin has posted a new free chart on her blog. Thank you Laura!
http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2015/10/a-little-friday-fun.html

UPDATE:  Laura has added another free chart for an autumn season of stitching. I love the maple leaf look of some of the stitches.  Thanks!
http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2015/11/fall-is-in-air.html

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

No Smoking

I love this sign!  It was spotted by Pepita in a doctor's office.  Great job, Ellen!
http://needlepointofview.com/2015/11/03/no-smoking-in-needlepoint/

My doctor's old office also had a framed needlepoint, a large geometric in the style of oriental rugs, on the walls.  It was stitched by one of the nurses but I never managed to find out which one and thank her for the treat before my doctor switched to another practice.

Maybe we should all stitch things for our doctors to display!  Where else are there lots of people sitting and looking at the walls while they wait?

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

Which Came First? The Balger Braid or the Blending Filament?

Today's history lesson is about Kreinik's braids and blending filament. 
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2015/11/which-came-first-filament-or-braid.html

Do you remember the first time you saw Kreinik's metallic threads?  I do.  It was around 1987-88 when I saw gold braid, probably size 8, in Boston at the WEIU needlepoint shop on Boylston Street.  It was a revelation as the only needlepoint thread I'd seen up to that time was Appleton crewel wool and Paternayan wool.

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

Visiting Needle Art 2015

Melita and her husband took a road trip to visit the twentieth annual exhibit of needle art at Montpelier Museum in Maryland recently. Here is her report--complete with photos of Deborah Wilson's gold work ribbon winners.
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2015/11/15/road-trip-for-needle-art-2015-at-montpelier-mansion/

Brenda went on the retreat organized to coincide with the exhibit.  What a great idea!  I hope they do a retreat organized around Woodlawn in 2017.  That would be quite a great thing.
http://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2015/11/road-trip-to-needlearts-2015.html

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

Custom Needlepoint Flasks

The custom canvas service NeedlePaint.com has a new item--custom needlepoint flasks! 
http://www.needlepaint.com/blog/2015/10/29/a-drink-and-a-stitch-custom-needlepoint-flasks/

These will make a nice gift for that certain someone.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 30, 015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Baroque Silk in Overdyes

Pocket Full of Stitches shows off the lovely colors of the new overdyed Baroque Silk which came out at the Dallas show.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2015/10/thread.html

If you aren't familiar with this lovely silk, it comes from Pure Palette at Dream House Ventures.  Its plyable for 18 count or you can use all three plies in one strand for 13-14 count canvases.  The colors are beautiful and I like the feel of this pretty silk.  If you ply it, sometimes you'll find color variation even in the solid colors but this can be used to great effect for a "marbled" look in a border or perhaps a stone floor or in hair for highlights.
http://www.needlepointsltd.com/baroquesilk.html

http://www.dreamhouseventures.com/shop/the-pure-palette/baroque-silk-.htm

Ridgewood shows off the regular colors as part of a trunk show of this thread.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2015/10/baroque-silk-thread-trunk-show-continues.html

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

BREAKING NEWS: Village Needleworks to Close

Tara found this news story in today's Chicago Tribune.   Village Needleworks' lease will be up in February and the shop will close then unless a buyer is found.
 http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/hinsdale/news/ct-dhd-village-needleworks-tl-1119-20151113-story.html

So sad!
http://www.villageneedleworks.biz

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

Are YOU a "Slow Motion Painter"?

Anny at the Dreaming in Stitches blog occasionally poses an interesting question--and this time she talks about needlework being a slow art, similar to painting.  Anny was inspired by Stephanie Redfern's blog, which is the second link below.
https://dreaminginstitches.wordpress.com/2015/10/22/putting-into-words/ 

https://stephanieredfern.wordpress.com/2015/10/20/slow-motion-magic-painting/

Maybe I shouldn't be moaning about how long it is taking me to bead Mia's tote bag....

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

How to Make Ribbon Flowers

Sue's blog details how she used ribbon-type threads to make flowers. All the little photos that show her working will get much larger if you click on them.  Sue makes it sound a lot easier than you would think.
https://sudukc.wordpress.com/2015/10/21/blue-bird-flowers/

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

Paris Ornaments

Given the latest terrorist attack in Paris, you may wish to needlepoint Paris as a remembrance of those who were killed by evil men. Besides today's canvas of the day, there is a Silver Needle ornament on eBay. 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Silver-Needle-PARIS-FRANCE-handpainted-4-25-Needlepoint-Canvas-Ornament-/371198623002

Kirk and Bradley have a similar sized round ornament.
http://www.theneedlepointgallery.com/patrroorbyki.html

I think Trubey's is particularly elegant.
https://needlepointus.com/proddetail.asp?prod=FLTDOR06&cat=101

Alice Peterson has two charmers, one small and one large.
http://alicepetersoncompany.com/products/small-paris-retro/

http://alicepetersoncompany.com/products/ap2554-girls-in-paris/

I'm sure there are many more for the stitcher who wishes to remember and honor those who died with their needle art.

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

If You Do Bargello, Listen to Liz UPDATED

Liz Morrow (also known as LizArt) has added a section to her website full of tips for those stitching bargello patterns. Liz is an expert in bargello, both designing complex four way Bargello patterns and stitching regular Bargello designs in fascinating color combinations.
http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2015/11/bargello-information.html

Here is the direct link to "Bargello Information."  Have fun learning!
http://www.lizartneedlepoint.com/Bargello_Information.php

UPDATE:  Liz has added a list of threads that work well for Bargello on her blog.  Click on the photos to see everything.  Thanks!
http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2015/11/bargello-threads.html

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

Look Mom! No Knot!

The Bella Dia blog just posted a tutorial on how to start a thread without a knot or tail on the back side.   This is particularly useful when you are doing light coverage stitching with no place to bury your tail on the back side.  I've seen this described before, but never with so many photographs.
http://belladia.typepad.com/bella_dia/2006/01/no_knot_no_tail.html

Many thanks to Kevin for mentioning this on Facebook!

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

Want To Teach Needlepoint? Listen to Hazel

Advice from an experienced teacher to the novice--although she forgot the person who thinks they can do anything much better than you without having any idea of the problems doing it their way will cause.
http://therebelliousneedlewoman.blogspot.com/2015/11/so-you-want-to-teach-embroidery.html

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

Special Christmas Cards

The Royal School of Needlework in England has a series of Christmas cards and postcards available in their shop based on famous pieces of embroidery and some of their students' work. The students get a cut of sales, just in case you are looking for a special card to send at the holidays.
http://www.royal-needlework.org.uk/shop/index/67

Note that the price is probably for one card only, not a box of several.

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

Breaking News: Patty Paints Joins The Collection

After December 10, Patty Paints' website will disappear and her work will be distributed by The Collection.  Congratulations to Patty and good luck with this new venture!
http://www.thecollectiondesigns.com 

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

The Access Commodities Slate Frame Review

Although needlepointers don't usually use slate frames, I thought you'd like to read Mary Corbet's review of the one that Access Commodities sells.   If you like your needlepoint canvas to be drum tight as long as it is on the frame, then this might be a good choice for you.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2015/10/solid-serviceable-superb-in-every-detail.html

They can be purchased from Needle in a Haystack as a special order (be prepared to wait quite a while) or from Thistle Threads if you can use the one size they have available right now.
http://www.needlestack.com/WebStore/Accessories/Frames.html

http://thistle-threads.myshopify.com/products/slate-frames

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

All About Frederique Morrel UPDATED

Frederique Morrel covers taxidermy forms with old needlepoints canvases, bringing them to life in an unusual way.  "Philosophy" talks about her inspiration while "Projects" shows off some of the store windows she's done all over the world.
http://www.frederiquemorrel.com

Many thanks to the Embroiderers' Guild of Victoria for mentioning her website on Facebook.

UPDATE:  Other artists are doing the same thing.
http://www.southernbeasts.com

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

Craftsy Does Stumpwork

By now you've probably heard of Craftsy, the online video classroom that teaches various crafts. Mary Corbet has been reviewing their stumpwork class.  She's also reviewed their gold work class and there's a link to that if you want to know more, plus a link to a discount on the stumpwork class if you are interested.  But act fast--the discount is only good through November 17.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2015/11/stumpwork-embroidery-essentials-online-class.html

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

The Judges Speak

Melita's original design called "Gentle Waves" went to Myrtle Beach and the ANG Seminar Exhibit this year. She got lots of great feedback from the judges which I think you'll find interesting.
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2015/10/17/gentle-waves-2/

Kudos to Melita for coming up with an original design and sharing it, then talking frankly about her successes and failures. That's how you become a better stitcher, folks!

By the way, Cathryn won two ribbons for her wool flowers purse.  Ridgewood posted photos on their blog and I knew you'd like to see it.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2015/11/the-winning-needlepoint.html

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

Christmas Reindeer Collage Mystery Class UPDATED

Ruth Schmuff's latest mystery class has started. This one features her Reindeer Christmas Collage.   Like all Ruth's classes, this one includes neat techniques (needle felting the reindeer) and interesting ideas (using a light coverage stitch in a different color for the background).  Stay tuned for more class photos as this mystery is solved!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2015/11/its-beginning-to-feel-bit-like-christmas.html

UPDATE:  The next lesson is beads and buttons (and more).
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2015/11/the-little-details-matter.html

UPDATE #2:  Ruth plays with stitches and ribbons.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2015/12/more-patches-complete.html

UPDATE #3:  Ornaments and Beads
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2015/12/the-reindeer-are-ready.html

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

MaryMac Has a New Website

MaryMac, well known for their belt finishing with ribbons, has a new owner, website and Facebook page.  The service specializes in ribbon backed or leather backed belts and can even redo an old leather/needlepoint belt to freshen it up for you to wear again.   They also can make headbands or handbag straps for a purse.  Look at "Ordering" on their website for what you need to know before you send your belt canvas to them to be made up.
http://www.marymac.biz

You can see more examples of their work on their Facebook…
https://www.facebook.com/MaryMacBelts

…or Instagram pages.
https://www.instagram.com/Marymac_Needlepoint_Belts/

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

Beads, Beautiful Beads

Don Lynch of Associated Talents posted three photos on Facebook showing how he uses Sundance's 3mm bugle beads on one of AT's Halloween ball ornaments.   Don is very clever with beads--he's the inventor of the basketweave beading technique--and this looks even easier.  He says these 3mm bugle beads fit perfectly on 13-14 count canvases.  Thanks for sharing, Don!
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1059944844037879&id=113124148719958

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

Every Snowflake Is Unique

Susan Elliott's blog is terrific inspiration, even though in today's posting she is describing a crazy quilt block she created for a friend's calendar.  Those with snowflakes on their needlepoint will be thrilled to see Susan's snowflakes, each of which is beautiful and different and made from simple stitches combined with sequins and beads and crystals.
http://plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2015/10/winter-wonderbird.html

Those who admire Scott Church's designs for CBK should look at this and then decide how to incorporate Susan's ideas into embellishing this wonderful piece.
http://www.stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=24388&title=Chickadee's%20Snowman&itemtype=hand%20painted%20canvases

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

Pepperpot Skin

Pepperpot Silks in Skin Tones

I have a new batch of thread that I'm looking forward to using--Pepperpot Silk's new skin tones!  There are six shades which you can tell from the photograph.  I included a photograph of Melissa Shirley's new "Angel with Tree"so you can see how the colors coordinate with painted canvas faces.
http://melissashirleydesigns.com/gallery/?index=7865&cat=70

This design is on 18 count, by the way.  Pepperpot Silk generally does good tent stitch coverage on 18 count but I like to split each strand into three as my stitch tension is fairly loose.  As long as I am careful to cut out the thick or thin spots in the plies, it works nicely for me.    If your stitching tension is tighter than mine, you'll find a strand of Pepperpot Silk as it comes off the skein perfect for 18 count tent stitches.

The colors are (left to right) --
Baked Alaska 192
Fondant 190
Fresh 191
Powder Puff 193
Shell 195
Tippy Toes 194

I will probably use 195 and 192 for the rosy cheeks and 194 or 190 for the rest of her skin.  If you want to see larger photos, try these at the Planet Earth Fiber website.  Each skein has 30 yards of thread, by the way.
http://www.planetearthfiber.com/index.php/needlepoint-fiber/pepper-pot-silk

I've seen a lot of shops announcing they have these new colors in stock, so ask at your favorite local shop to pick up a set if you like stitching folks a lot like I do and you enjoy using Pepperpot Silk.

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

Highlights from the 2015 Stitch in Alaska Retreat

Jen of Funk and Weber Designs has posted photographs of all the fun in her first Stitch in Alaska Retreat. Is there a more beautiful place on earth to explore and stitch?
http://www.funkandweber.com/recap-stitch-in-alaska-2015/

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

New Bead Storage Idea UPDATED

Barbara Elmore shares a bead tube storage tip she picked up from Nandra of Sundance Designs--use gun cartridge cases!   Barbara says hers were about $5.
https://www.facebook.com/barbaraelmoredesigns/photos/np.1444182717036934.1277706333/10153242192188262/?type=3

All sorts of storage solutions can be found in gun and sporting goods stores, or even in the fishing and gun section of Walmart.

UPDATE:  Someone asked what these look like.  I think this box from Caebla's is pretty typical.
http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=1318866&destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct.jsp%3FproductId%3D1159808%26type%3Dproduct%26WT.tsrc%3DCSE%26productVariantId%3D2914623%26srccode%3Dcii_17588969%26cpncode%3D41-103345064-2%26WT.mc_id%3DGoogleProductAds%26rid%3D20%26WT.z_mc_id1%3D03179899

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

BREAKING NEWS: Bedecked and Beaddazzled Goes Virtual

Ruth's been notifying her loyal customers about her store's closing on November 14 for a while.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2015/11/changes.html 

It will be reborn as a virtual shop as more and more folks do their shopping online.  The Beehive (the new place) will still hold classes and you can order anything your little heart desires from Ruth as always.  Her mystery classes will continue, she'll still distribute canvases, you can order clubs and beads and painted canvases and just about anything else.

Things change.  We are lucky Ruth will still be around, just in a slightly different form.

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

Using Kreinik's Custom Corder

Folks who want to try finishing their own ornaments will be interested in seeing this instructional video that shows Kreinik's Custom Corder in action. 
http://www.kreinik.com/shops/VIDEO-Making-Bracelets-and-Trim-with-the-Custom-Corder.html

Here's what it looks like up close.  If you are interested in buying, check around for the best price.  I wasn't looking for that, but for the best photograph.
http://www.123stitch.com/item/Kreinik-Custom-Corder/CC-016726

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

Vote!

Today is Election Day in Virginia and once again I am a volunteer election official.  I mention this to let you know I won't be online all day.  Any comments you make won't be approved until the next day so they won't appear here until then.  Any emails you send me won't be answered until tomorrow at the earliest, depending on how many I get.  Sorry!

I am not thrilled to have to be up at 3 a.m. and to be on my feet at the polling location from 5 a.m. until 8 p.m. or later, but I make that sacrifice each year so folks can exercise their right to vote.  Don't miss this and make my sacrifice in vain!

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

Amy and WireLace and More

The newsletter for Amy Bunger's shop is out and it is full of new products (such as WireLace) and tips on stitching pumpkins of all sizes and shapes.  Happy October!
http://www.amybunger.com/f/1015.pdf

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

Kathy's Handy Dandy Household Tip for Holding Needles

Kathy at The Unbroken Thread has had problems with her fingers gripping needles recently and came up with an ingenious fix.  Kathy, you're VERY clever!
http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2015/09/22/holding-the-needle/

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

Magnetic Notes

Sue Reed handed out Magnetic Notes in her class at the ANG Seminar in Myrtle Beach so that folks could cover up areas of their charts they weren't working on.  I thought my counted friends would like to know about such an interesting product.
http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/09/29/and-now-for-something-completely-different/

http://www.psfk.com/2015/03/magnetic-sticky-notes-statically-charged-sticky-notes-tesla-amazing.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 29, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Mary Beale's Boston Tea Cozy

Those who love history or traditional designs or just Boston will want to see the New England style tea cozy design that the ANG Flower City Needlers posted about on their blog.
http://angflowercityneedlers.blogspot.com/2015/10/a-new-england-style-tea-cozy.html

Follow the links to pick up the chart to stitch your own tea cozy or just see more photographs.  It's the perfect thing to enjoy the first of November!

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