The Fun Free Sampler (Colour Complements)

Folks who want to try new stitches in a colorful sampler format have a lot to thank Lorraine of Colour Complements for this morning.  She's posted a free design in PDF form on her blog.  Here's a bit about it, including the canvas size you'll need.
http://colourcomplements.com/2015/07/needlepoint-stitch-sampler-3.html

Here's the direct link to the instructions.  All you need to do is grab a bunch of threads, your reference books (use hers or pick something from your local library or your own book collection) and start stitching in the lower left corner and work your way across to the right and then upwards.  Grab colors at random or plan ahead, it doesn't matter.  What matters is exploring threads and stitches to advance your knowledge for your more serious pieces, the ones you want to keep forever or give to a dear person in your life.  Have fun while you learn and play with color.
http://colourcomplements.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/needlepoint-stitch-summary.pdf

Here is her finished version, posted on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1470981229887632&set=gm.901968129880346&type=1&theater

Thanks, Lorraine!

By the way, Colour Complements is a Canadian hand-dyed thread company, just in case you want a special overdye for a new project, something that not everyone in your stitching circle will own.
http://colourcomplements.com

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

Melissa Shirley Retired

No, Melissa isn't retiring (although I bet she needs a vacation!)--she is retiring some of her designs.  It used to be Melissa would paint anything she had designed but this is becoming impossible with the size of her catalogue and the work custom orders require.  So some things are going to be gone for good.  There is a section of her website that shows retired designs that are still in stock right now. But if you want something here, get a shop to order right away because there's no telling how many copies are left and when they are gone--well, they are GONE.
http://melissashirleydesigns.com/galcol/?col=171

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