Visiting Needlepoint Etc. and Fiddlesticks Too

I thought today should be Visit a Shop Day since Sheena also posted about visiting shops on her vacation to the Hawaiian Islands.  Read all about Needlepoint Etc. in Honolulu here and enjoy the slide show of Hawaiian, Asian, beach and tropical flora canvases.
http://www.sheenasstitches.com/visit-np-etc-enjoy-palm-trees/

http://www.needlepointhi.com

And here is a glimpse of Fiddlesticks Too, not to mention a wonderful new stitch Sheena's created.
http://www.sheenasstitches.com/hawaiian-quilt-pattern-visit-fiddlesticks/

http://www.fiddlestickstoo.com

Click on the photos for a better look.  Thanks for the tour of paradise, Sheena!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 17, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Visiting Cabbage Row Shoppe

Pat of the Needleart Nut blog is on vacation and stopped in Cabbage Row Shoppe in Charleston, SC. Here is what she found! 
http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2016/03/cabbage-row-shoppe.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 16, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thinking Conservation

Most of us (me in particular) give little thought to conservation and preservation of our stitching.  But the damage dust, light and bugs can cause does make one stop and think!
https://hands-across-the-sea-samplers.com/caring-for-textiles/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 15,  2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

March Themes

Nimble Needle in New Jersey posted a number of March-themed canvases on their blog. I never think of March as a sports month but of course it is with better weather and baseball's spring training, not to mention the college basketball tournament.   Whether you are into sports, rabbits or St. Paddy's Day, it's a good place to see a variety of canvases and other things to celebrate your favorites.
http://nimbleneedlenj.com/march-things/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 14, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Berlin Wool Work? Or Ecclesiastical Embroidery?

Hands Across the Sea is an English blogger who often talks about historical embroidery and needlepoint.  I think she's wrong that Berlin wool work is the same thing as ecclesiastical embroidery, particularly church needlepoint cushions and kneelers, but I'm willing to let her talk for the sake of the lovely pictures.
https://hands-across-the-sea-samplers.com/1298-2/

You will enjoy the video about making Surrey Knots.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LajCBqqCSg&feature=youtu.be

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 13, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Erica Wilson, Louis Gartner and "Modern" Needlepoint

Here's a look back at the needlepoint of taste-makers in the 1960-70s.
http://thepeakofchic.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-year-unfinished-needlework.html 

Although these are historic pieces, they are also fresh and modern like all geometrics.  Enjoy!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 13, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

BREAKING NEWS: Caela Conn Tyler has Died UPDATED

Detail from Caela Conn Tyler's "Shihoko The Bride"

The Colorado Columbine ANG Chapter has announced the death of Caela Conn Tyler on their Facebook page. 
https://www.facebook.com/ColoradoColumbineAng/photos/a.616378068378200.156427.613450462004294/1262038057145528/?type=3&theater

A fantastic and creative teacher, Caela is best known for her landscapes.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2010/10/monet-meets-caela-conn-tyler.html

Check out those clouds!
https://www.facebook.com/118153386709/photos/pcb.10153277394911710/10153277390621710/?type=3&theater

Here is her masterpiece, the Piazza San Marco in Venice.
http://needleart.org/jaroskileticia_piazzasanmarco_npnowi_3rd01/

http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2009/10/what-wonderful-weekend.html

She also created lovely Southwestern-themed designs, like these charming gourd ladies...
http://embroideryteachers.com/Members/Tyler/tyler.htm

...and this adobe house exterior.
http://www.sbneedlepoint.org/archives/2010/nov_2010.html

"The Gourd Ladies"

Her "The Gourd Ladies" is a classic.

Isn't "Fiesta" fun with that fringed bottom?
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1198969833460132&set=a.278707608819697.75487.100000413810830&type=3&theater

Here is her "Red Kerchief" inspired by a Monet painting.  Notice her use of tulle.  I suspect Caela was the first to use tulle on top of needlepoint.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=819407751504440&set=pcb.1022500201160471&type=3&theater

But she created beautiful geometrics, too.
http://www.needlepoint.org/WhatIs/2000/A%20Study%20in%20Diamonds.php

This is her "Evening at the Ritz."
http://www.egascr.org/sem2006/images/312_Evening.jpg

Not to mention lovely appliqué pieces.  This is "Royal Oak."
http://www.needlepoint.org/WhatIs/2007/images/6003p-11.jpg

And she created one of a kind pieces that are show-stoppers, like this jacket in the National Academy of Needleart's permanent collection or this stunning jacket with matching dress.
http://needleart.org/gallery/permanent-collection/tyler1930_32av/

http://www.needlepoint.org/WhatIs/1998/TylerOpium.php

This necklace "For Shore" is gorgeous!
http://www.needlepoint.org/WhatIs/1998/TylerShore.php

"Shihoko The Bride"

My favorite piece is her " Shihoko The Bride"--I can't find a finished photograph online but if I do, I'll post it here.

UPDATE: Thanks to Pat C. I have photographs of Shihoko for you to enjoy.  Thank you, Pat!
http://eowynsartifacts.livejournal.com/79914.html

UPDATE #2: Needlepoint Now magazine has reprinted the counted design Caela did for one of their issues in their newsletter.  Enjoy and think of Caela's talent!
https://www.needlepointnow.com/wp-content/uploads/NN_NWSLTR_April16.pdf

It's a sad day for needlepointers.  But we are lucky we had her for as long as we did.

"Reprise"

UPDATE #3:  Someone posted a copy of Caela's "Reprise" on Facebook so I grabbed it to post here for her fans to enjoy.

"Stitchy Witchy Hats"

UPDATE #4:  Someone posted a photo of Stitchy Witchy Hats on Facebook so I grabbed the photo for us here.

UPDATE #5:  I don't know the name of this lovely piece.  If you do, please let me know!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 25, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Bloomsbury Needlepoint

Bloomsbury, Virginia Woolf, Duncan Grant--have you heard of these names?  Whether you are interesting in British literature or style, you'll want to check out Virginia and Leonard Woolf's house, which is full of needlepoint.
http://ciaodomenica.blogspot.com/2014/03/monks-house.html

If you want to learn more, look for Bloomsbury Needlepoint, which is out of print.
https://jackiemania.wordpress.com/2014/02/16/a-musing-bloomsbury-needlepoint/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 13, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Royal Carpet

This article Jenny found and mentioned on Facebook talks in detail (with fascinating link to a black and white video showing Queen Mary and her rug) about Queen Mary's needlepoint and her carpet.
https://hands-across-the-sea-samplers.com/the-queen-stitched/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 13, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Needlepoint.com Retreat 2016

Ginny has been very busy teaching at Needlepoint.com's retreat but she took time out to share photos and a bit about the fun.
http://www.terrydryden.com/-blog/2016/3/11/tiebele-nights-kits-available-now.html

http://stitchstyleblog.com/2016/03/raleigh-retreat-saturday-classes/

Keep an eye on the Needlepoint.com website for more classes and retreats news.
http://www.needlepoint.com/events

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 12, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Connie Pickering Stover Goes Live

Connie Pickering Stover just announced on Facebook that she has a new website featuring her hand painted canvases in kit form so admirers can recreate her fantastic designs.
http://handpaintedthreads.com

Connie wrote:
I'm so excited to unveil two kits that have just been created from my designs: "Spring 16" (6" square) and "For the Living" (10" square). Both beautifully hand painted by artist Liz DeVree and kitted to include my hand painted threads. They are currently available in 14 mesh but will be also available in 18. I've created a brand, new website just to show off my threads and kits and to also introduce my frames and thread storage rack system. I hope you'll enjoy your visit to: HandPaintedThreads.com ... and thanks for all your support of my work over the years!

Besides limited edition kits, Connie produces hand painted threads using DMC's Coton a Broder.
http://handpaintedthreads.com/about-hand-painted-threads/

http://handpaintedthreads.com/product-category/hand-painted-threads/

Connie also sells white frames that look great with her designs and a unique thread storage system.  You can see them on her website, too.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 18, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

BeStitched's Video on Capri

BeStitched has produced another fun video--this time on the new thread called Capri from Rainbow Gallery. 
http://www.bestitchedneedlepointshop.com/6007/new-threads-bestitched-needlepoint/

The Rainbow Gallery website has a closeup of the size 18 and size 13 versions of Capri.  I haven't seen this myself but I am told the colors are vibrant and the thread itself has a matte finish.
http://www.rainbowgallery.com/images/Capri%20BC.jpg

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 12, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Melita's Woodlawn Report

Melita reports on what she saw and enjoyed at Woodlawn on her blog.  Sounds like a fun visit!
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2016/03/20/woodlawn-roadtrip-2016/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 20, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Cruisin' with Her Needles UPDATED

If you love traveling on cruise ships, you'll be very envious of this story from the Washington Post.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2016/03/07/what-its-like-to-live-on-a-cruise-ship-for-8-years/ 

UPDATE:
Here's another video and store about Lee.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/cruise-ship-living-retiring-to-a-life-at-sea/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 7, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Rehoboth Beach Museum Needlework Exhibit Opens Today UPDATED

Don't forget to stop by to see the stitching if you are near Rehoboth Beach in Delaware.
http://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2016/03/paging-for-judge-31616.html

UPDATE:  Melita talks about the winners.
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2016/04/28/sisters-with-nancy-cucci/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 16, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

FInishing Ornaments the SuDu Way UPDATED

Sue has done a lovely tutorial on finishing ornaments two different ways. She has lots of great tips to make the process easier and explains things step-by-step. 
https://sudukc.wordpress.com/2016/03/03/finishing-ornaments/

UPDATE:  How to finish "soft" ornaments, i.e., ornaments that are stuffed.  Sue likes to do shaped ornaments (sweaters, puffy hearts, etc.) this way.
https://sudukc.wordpress.com/2016/03/23/finishing-ornaments-3-soft-ornaments/

Finishing ornaments is not difficult but you do need patience.  I don't like finishing but if I do it myself, I get exactly what I want, even to the pretty beaded edging I prefer.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 3, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

BREAKING NEWS: The Needlepoint Book App Is Ready UPDATED

The Needlepoint Book app is finally ready--and it is very buggy. Some folks can use it without problems, some cannot, some get a message that they need to pay $14.99 for the full version despite the publisher saying folks who bought the book last spring would have the app for free.   

Jo Christensen says you should have gotten an email from Simon & Schuster by now. Using their link, download the Needlepoint Book App Lite. Once that's done, tap on the three lines in the upper left corner of the screen. There will be an option there for you to sign in. Do that with the username and password that Simon & Schuster gave you in the email.  If you have problems, Jo says to email Simon and Schuster at touchstonemarketing@simonandschuster.com.

If you are feeling lucky, here is the link furnished by the publisher to the download for Android systems on the Google Play store.  Please note that you will need the code from the email from the publisher to download the free app.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.needlepointbookapp.lite&hl=en

Here is the link furnished by the publisher to the download for iOS systems on iTunes.  Please note that you will need the code from the email from the publisher to download the free app.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-needlepoint-book-app-lite/id1085103381?mt=8

UPDATE:  Jo I. Christensen posted the following on Facebook on September 1, 2016--

"Regarding the application for the app that comes free with the book, I have learned something. When the form requests "the place purchased " it seems to be requesting something that the computer recognizes. So if you checked "other " adding the city, rather than, say, the name of a needlepoint shop, seems to work. If the computer likes what you tell it, you will get an automated return email almost immediately. (If you bought the book in a small town, try adding the nearest city. That is my guess.)  When you get the instructions, follow them exactly. Computers are dumb that way.   The app works better now!  Thanks again for your patience!!

P.S. I hear S&S won't be offering any other apps any time soon. Looks like a case of once burned, twice shy."

Jo also added quoted this message from her publisher--

"Dear NEEDLEPOINT BOOK fans,

Regarding THE NEEDLEPOINT BOOK APP—
Once again, on behalf of Touchstone Books, please accept our sincere apologies for the lengthy delays in getting the bugs worked out of the companion NEEDLEPOINT BOOK APP.

We’re happy to report that a new update of the app – Version 1.5.0 – is now available for iPhone and iPad on the iTunes App Store and for Android on the Google Play App Store. This update should resolve the various issues and bugs you’ve reported to us (thank you).

Also, we’ve added a FAQ page to the app website, which includes instructions on how to retrieve your login and password.
You can view the FAQ page here:  http://www.needlepointbookapp.com/faq/

If you have any further questions or issues, please feel free to contact us at: touchstonemarketing@simonandschuster.com

Once again, our apologies for the delays.

Sincerely,
Touchstone Books"

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 16, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Hitting the Shops Before the Woodlawn Exhibit UPDATED

Melita went on a road trip to see the Woodlawn Plantation exhibit. She had a lovely time stopping at four shops along the way.  Read all about the shops and see Melita's finds here.
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2016/03/18/roadtrip-before-woodlawn-2015/

UPDATE:  Here is what Melita saw at Woodlawn.
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2016/03/20/woodlawn-roadtrip-2016/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 18, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Meet the Enriched Stitch Staff

Suzy of Enriched Stitch is celebrating four years of the shop's being open by talking about her great employees.  It must be a wonderful place to shop with all this talent!
http://astheneedleturns.com/four-years/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 17, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Why Vero Beach?

Mary Agnes of Needle Nicely occasionally writes about the history of her shop, as well as tidbits about the business of needlepoint which we regular stitchers never know about. Today's essay is about how Needle Nicely came to move to Vero Beach, Florida from the mountains of North Carolina.   Fascinating!   And I love the orchid bench.  Thank you for letting us hear fascinating stories, MA.
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2016/03/why-vero-beach.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 28, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Traveling to the Cape and Back

BLG Mom has been traveling to Cape Cod and back again, stopping at all the shops she could.  Luckily she has reported back on Town Ho Needleworks in Brewster, MA and Stitch By Stitch in Larchmont, NY.
http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2016/03/03/mid-winter-cape-cod/

Personally I can't wait for her to take another trip and report back!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 3, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Woodlawn Reports

BLG is exhibiting at Woodlawn!  She was able to visit the area, check in at Waste Knot and In Stitches, and of course see the exhibit itself.  Here is what she saw and did.
http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2016/03/03/woodlawn/

Sara Leigh sent this beauty to the exhibit.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10205774905393567&set=a.1193693124196.2029403.1284467737&type=3&theater

If I find any more Woodlawn reports, I'll update this article.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 3, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tutorial: Stitching a Dimensional Star

Diana Maria Castro has devised a clever way to stitch a dimensional star. This works for stars with an odd number of points. To do this on needlepoint canvas you will need a sharp needle so you can put the stitches right where you want them. Diana Maria says you can work any size star this way but I imagine a very small star would be difficult. Still, it will be fun to try!
http://www.dimensionalembroidery.com/tutorial-star-tucker.html

By the way, Diana Maria has some nice stitch tutorial videos. I'll add the link here and at the bottom of Blog's page with the other stitch tutorials.
http://www.dimensionalembroidery.com/tutorials.html 

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 3, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Fly Fisherman's Stocking

The Renegade Needlepointer just finished a Christmas stocking for her son-in-law, an avid fly fisherman. She has some interesting customization and tips for stitching such a piece.
http://renegadeneedlepointer.com/2016/03/02/i-do-not-like-to-excercise/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 2, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Stumpwork Masterclass (Review)

Alison Cole, who is very well known for her gold work, has written an exhaustive book on stumpwork called The Stumpwork Masterclass. Mary Corbet managed to get a copy (Alison is in Australia)  and has a lovely review on her website. 
http://www.needlenthread.com/2016/02/stumpwork-masterclass-by-alison-cole-book-review.html

Not everyone who needlepoints is going to be interested in this book but it is an exhaustive treatment of stumpwork in the 17th Century and how it is done today.  If it is anything like Alison's two gold work books, the photos alone are worth the price of the book.  If you haven't seen Alison's work before, you will want to visit her website to drool over her work, check out her kits and of course, think about buying one (or all) of her books.
https://www.alisoncoleembroidery.com.au

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 29, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

DIY Storage Box

Peg bought plans on Etsy to build a thread storage box.   The shop is in Australia but since you can use Paypal for payment and it is a digital download of a PDF file for the plans, it is an easy purchase.  If you are handy with tools you might be interested in this.
https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/255038312/plans-for-an-18-drawer-floss-box?ref=shop_home_active_1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 28, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Finishing Video by Starke Art Designs

Folks who do their own finishing will want to see this video by Kelly Starke Maichele of Starke Art Designs on how to finish open topped ornaments the easy way. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbhM76LfWPM&feature=youtu.be

You can reach Kelly to arrange finishing via Osterville Needlepoint.
http://www.ostervilleneedlepointshop.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 27, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Box Beads (Sundance)

Sundance's Box Beads

Recently Sundance sent me a selection of their new "box" beads to play with.   As you can see from the photo, these are perfectly square beads that are 3mm on each side.  The holes in the middle of each bead are relatively large.

Box Beads in Corners of Gold Digger Miami

I used Sundance's box beads as accents in the corners of my Gold Digger Miami piece from Leigh Designs.  The photo above is a test using gold and red beads so I could decide which color I liked best.  (I went with the red.)  I was able to use a doubled strand of overdyed cotton to go through each bead 3-4 times to secure it, so those center holes will take a very fat thread, probably even a strand of Impressions or something similar in diameter.  The beads themselves stand up high off the canvas and are slightly larger than a normal round size 11/0 bead.

Very nice and the color selection is large, which is always a plus.   I certainly will be using these again!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 25, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Blocking Needlepoint the SuDu Way

Sue Dulle explains how she blocks her needlepoint before finishing it.  She even explains how to make your own blocking board if you cannot find one.
https://sudukc.wordpress.com/2016/02/24/finishing-the-beginningagain/

Thanks for all the great information, Sue!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 24, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Crabby Beader

Suzanne at Hugs and Stitches is totally covering her latest canvas in beads. She has some great ideas, like using double-sided tape to hold her various bead colors in the margin of the canvas, and she is doing tent stitch beading for the crab to make it stand out a bit from the brick stitch beaded background.
http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2016/02/still-beading.html

 Note that she is adding more blues to the water to give it motion and is using three types of beading--adding beads to a brick stitch, adding beads to a tent stitch and "messy" beading.  Suzanne's explanation of the various bead and beading thread colors she used is very interesting.
http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2016/03/beaded-blue-crab.html

You can see the entire canvas here.  It is from Point of It All Designs.
http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2016/02/hello.html

If you decided to try this, I suggest you start with a small canvas.  A canvas totally covered in beads is very very heavy.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 23, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

My Newest Canvas

Courtesy of a dear friend who maybe knows me a little too well, I have a new canvas in my collection.   It is eight inches square on 18 count canvas.  My version has purple letters on an ecru background, although you can purchase black lettering on ecru from the Bloomin Stitches store.  (This is a shop exclusive so this is the only place to pick it up.)
http://www.bloominstitches.com

A friend saw my present and ordered red letters on a white background, so you can get this customized to your preferred colors.  So what is my newest treat, you ask?

CENSORED CENSORED CENSORED

Scroll down at your own risk!

It cracks me up every time I look at it.  Many thanks to Laura at Bloomin Stitches and especially my friend who obviously are as strange as I am.  Now I need to assemble purple threads, beads and sequins and a very feminine background stitch so this will be as ladylike as possible until one reads the text.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 7, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Visit to Absolutely Needlepoint

Diane just took a quick trip to Miami and visited Absolutely Needlepoint. She posted information and lots and lots of photos on her Facebook page.  So the next time you are in Miami, you know what you have to look forward to!
https://www.facebook.com/Dianes-Stitchin-In-The-Mitten-1439608229635844/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 21, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Bargello Accent

Needlepoint for Fun's latest article about needlepoint concerns using Bargello stitches as an accent.  By the way, when switching between threaded needles as Brenda recommends, I like to bring my thread to the front and park the needle on a magnet to keep it out of the way.  I find that easier than keeping up with what's going on behind the canvas.  When you can see the thread, it isn't causing mischief!
http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/using-needlepoint-bargello-patterns.htm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 19, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Serendipity, Thirteen Years Later

Serendipity Needleworks is now thirteen years old!
http://blog.serendipityneedleworks.com/2016/02/17/a-walk-down-memory-lane/

If you are in Alabama, visit the shop in Tuscaloosa.  If not, visit them online.
http://serendipityneedleworks.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 18, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

My First Needlepoint Class

Waste Knot is my "local" shop, so I may be prejudiced, but I think it a great place to learn needlepoint.  This article by a beginner is a great introduction to what needlepoint classes are like.
http://www.sweet-sundays.com/home-main/what-to-expect-from-your-first-needlepoint-class

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 15, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

So You Want To Open A Needlepoint Shop

If this is a dream of yours, listen to Mary Agnes.  Running a small business is a lot of hard work.
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2016/02/items-to-consider-before-opening.html

Talking to a shop owner about the pitfalls and pleasures of your own needlepoint shop is the smartest thing you can do.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 13, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Crooner

Nimble Needle in New Jersey is singing along with the Beatles and this canvas from Birds of a Feather.
http://nimbleneedlenj.com/all-my-loving/

I had no ideas rabbits sang!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 11, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Quick Lesson on Reverse Couching UPDATED

Between sessions of Japanese Embroidery, Carol-Anne of the Coral Seas blog took a Tanja Berlin Tanya Bentham course and learned about reverse couching in gold work.  Reverse couching can be used to create intricate goldwork patterns with metallic threads so I thought you'd like to hear what Carol-Anne learned.  Click on the little photos for a really good look.
http://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/2016/02/english-work-embroidery-short-course.html

UPDATE:  Nupur says that Carol-Anne took the class with Tanya Bentham instead of Tanja Berlin.  Sorry!  My apologies to everyone, particularly since I've followed Tanja's blog for several years without realizing that is who was posting.  Here's the link.
https://opusanglicanum.wordpress.com/author/opusanglicanum/

I'm leaving up the link to Tanja Berlin's website, since it is a fun visit for everyone, too.  Sorry for the confusion!  And thanks for straightening me out, Nupur.
http://www.berlinembroidery.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 10, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Voting Starts Today

Please note that I am away until at least 9 p.m. tonight, working as an election official so that folks in my county can vote in the Republican and Democratic primaries being run today.  This means any emails you send me today or any comments you post to Blog won't show up or be answered until tomorrow at the earliest.  I will be too exhausted to deal with them when I get home tonight since I have to get up at 3:30 a.m. to make it to the polls by 5 a.m. and cannot leave until all the paperwork is done and the ballots cast match the number of ballots handed out for both primaries.

Please go vote.  The work behind the scenes is enormous but voting is essential to the smooth functioning of our democracy.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 23, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Woodlawn Starts Tomorrow

This blog posting is just a reminder that the Woodlawn Exhibit starts tomorrow through the end of March (closed on Tuesdays).  I thought you'd like to learn a bit about the checking in of exhibits.
http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2016/02/15/woodlawn-needlepoint-exhibit-the-delivery/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 15, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitching a Stocking for the Granddaughter

The Renegade Needlepointer has a wonderful article about her granddaughter's new Tapestry Tent stocking, including tips for handing areas you don't like, and hair.
http://renegadeneedlepointer.com/2016/02/09/crazy-hair-i-dont-care/

Renegade herself owns Past Times Needlepoint in Texas.
http://pasttimesneedlepoint.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 9, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.