TOTALLY Off Topic (and Strange)

I like to read all sorts of blogs and sometimes I discover something classic. 
http://www.midcenturymenu.com/2016/02/beef-fudge1967-a-vintage-recipe-test/

As a mid-century modern baby, I grew up with oddities like this on the table.  I thought I didn't like cheese until I was in college because I'd never eaten anything except Velveeta but labor-saving and economic food were a staple in many family meals in the 1950-60s. (The time my mother mixed lime Jello, cottage cheese, apple sauce and 7-Up is a classic story in my family. It's the only item my mother never served as leftovers, it was so horrible.)

I think this explains a lot about me.  LOL

Enjoy this totally off-topic item.  And if you make it, don't tell anyone I told you about it!

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

English Goldwork

If you have half an hour free, you might want to watch the video Hands Across the Sea Samplers found about creating a goldwork dragonfly.  The article itself is interesting, too.  Have fun!
https://hands-across-the-sea-samplers.com/michael-jackson-prince-charles-common/

By the way, if you want to learn more about the metal threads used or perhaps order something for your own stitching, explore Hedgehog Handworks' website.
http://www.hedgehoghandworks.com/catalog/metal_threads_index.php

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 8, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Story Behind the Design

I think you will be charmed to hear the story behind this Mrs. Blandings canvas.
http://www.mrsblandings.com/2016/04/dive-right-in/

Click on the "Shop" title to browse other designs.

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

Kimberly's Tree of Life

Kimberly shows off her latest design, which she's going to teach at The Black Sheep in Florida.
http://akimberlydesign.blogspot.com/2016/03/tree-of-life.html

Check out the two different backgrounds, the felting and the beading.  As always, she is so creative!

UPDATE:  Kimberly tells me "ghosts" --i.e., students who aren't in the classroom but participating via mail order kits-- are allowed.  Contact the Black Sheep for help turning into a ghost.
http://www.theblacksheepshop.com

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.

Needles Defined

If you have ever wondered what "sharps" are or wondered about "betweens," John James has posted a PDF file on their website that explains all types of needles.
https://www.jjneedles.com/downloads/JJ-Needles-Types-and-Sizes-Guide.pdf

I'd never even heard of glovers' needles!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 5, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Color Switches

Laura Perin shows off four different versions of one of her "Summer Days" quilt designs.
http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2016/04/color-possibilities-summer-days.html 

Plus four versions of her "Arizona Star."
http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2016/04/color-possibilities-arizona-star.html

I imagine none of us will ever doubt the power of color changes again.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 4, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitching to Netflix UPDATED AGAIN

Lycette Designs has started a series on her blog about Netflix series she likes to stitch to. 
http://lycettedesigns.com/netflix-needlepoint/#more-236

This is a hard question for me as I like to watch a lot of things on Netflix but not all are suitable for stitch-a-longs.  The ideal program is an old favorite (Numb3rs, Poirot, Personal of Interest, Lie to Me,  Galaxy Quest, Groundhog Day, Leverage, Bones, Star Trek, Firefly, Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day) where I don't have to continuously watch the screen to keep up with the action, but can listen while my eyes are on my stitching.

P.S.  Click on "Gallery" to see Lycette's needlepoint canvases.

UPDATE:  Stitch to Gilmore Girls--and avoid morphine.
http://lycettedesigns.com/netflix-needlepoint-2-0/

UPDATE #2: More bing watching ideas, this time from Tess & Thorn.
http://www.tessandthorn.com/from-the-studio/2016/04/27/chapter-five-netflix-stitch

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 5, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitching Glass with Help From Mary and Suzanne

Mary Legallet has been writing a fascinating series of articles on how to stitch glass during March.  I put them all in the Tutorials and Tips tab but I wanted to mention them here, too.  I know they'll be very useful for all those windows, mirrors, tableware and other glassy areas we need to stitch.
http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2015/9/6/i-can-see-clearly-now

http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2016/3/2/glittery-glass

http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2016/3/9/darn-it

http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2016/3/16/step-into-it

http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2016/3/23/guilt-works

http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2016/3/30/old-glass 

Bookmark or put Mary's blog in your feed.  In April she's talking about borders!

By the way, sometimes you can have too much information.  If you just want a quick idea for glass, visit Suzanne's blog.
http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2016/04/winter-wonderland-window.html

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

Free Design: The Starburst Ornament (Caela Conn Tyler)

Needlepoint Now magazine has reprinted a Caela Conn Tyler counted design (originally to be done on perforated paper but it'll make a lovely ornament for your Christmas tree) in their May 2016 newsletter.  You can read their tribute to Caela and see the chart here.
https://www.needlepointnow.com/wp-content/uploads/NN_NWSLTR_April16.pdf

By the way, the original instructions were in the July-August 2008 issue of Needlepoint Now in case you want to pull out your copy.
https://www.needlepointnow.com/product/jul-aug-2008/

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

Seed Beads, An Introduction with History Lessons

One of the best places to buy beads online if your local shop doesn't stock them is Fire Mountain Gems.  I can highly recommend them from personal experience.  But Fire Mountain isn't just a place to buy--it's a place to learn about beads.  The shop has just posted a series of articles about seed beads.  You can learn a bit about seed beads and the various types here.
http://www.firemountaingems.com/resources/jewelry-making-articles/e53j

You can also learn about their history in Europe and Japan.  It's very interesting and gives me insight into the differences between the different types of beads we can order for needlepoint embellishment.
http://www.firemountaingems.com/resources/jewelry-making-articles/f35f

http://www.firemountaingems.com/resources/jewelry-making-articles/e53j

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

Belts - Five Different Ways

Mary Agnes has outlined the five different ways her shop (Needle Nicely in Florida) finishes belts.  I thought those contemplating a belt would find this fascinating.  I had no idea there were so many ways of closing a belt or how that effects how long the belt should be stitched.
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2016/03/various-methods-of-belt-finishing.html

Once again, thanks, MA!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 31, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

BREAKING NEWS: Needlepoint Book App is Freezing

The author of the app for the newest version of The Needlepoint Book says if your app is freezing, please email the publisher. touchstonemarketing@simonandschuster.com.  Jo Christensen has nothing to do with the apps and cannot fix anything that is going wrong.  She's very sorry, but it's not her area.
Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 22, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

TNNA Survey Results

TNNA does a survey of all the needle arts about every three years. The survey results for 2016 are now in. I can't share them with you--they belong to TNNA so only members can see them--but TNNA has been blogging about some of the results on their website. Here is what they say about the needlepoint section of the survey.
http://www.tnna.org/blogpost/725524/242485/TNNA-Survey-Says-Needlepoint-Project-Trends-in-2016?hhSearchTerms=%22survey%22&terms=

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

Poppin Cube

Donna has a new wonderful item to take on retreats--a Poppin Cube from The Container Store.
http://majtravaux.blogspot.com/2016/03/cube-it.html

Isn't that clever?!  She's right that it is maybe too big for classes but anyone who travels a lot might want something like this.  Heck, us stay-at-homes might need one, too!
http://www.containerstore.com/s/aqua-poppin-box-seat/d?productId=11002328&q=poppin%27

Thanks, Donna.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 31, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Hunter's Stocking

The Renegade Needlepointer shows off a Christmas stocking perfect for the hunter in your family.
http://renegadeneedlepointer.com/2016/03/30/ethereal-sounds/

In case you missed her stocking for the fly fisherman in your life, click here.
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 30, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Need a New Purse?

Need a new purse? Jo I. Christensen found one on sale and posted about it on Facebook. 
https://www.therealreal.com/products/women/handbags/shoulder-bags/chanel-precious-symbols-needlepoint-tote-3

Personally I think you could stitch a nicer one and pay for it to be finished by a very expensive finisher and still pay less than that!

How about this one?  Still, we can do better ourselves for much less, even for very high end finishing.
http://www.bagbliss.com/gucci/gucci-needlepoint-bamboo-bag/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 30, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Orna Explains Why

Orna Willis doesn't always follow the standard way of doing things in her instructions for her counted designs.  In this interesting essay she explains why her Rhodes Stitch has one extra stitch on top, why she uses the "wrap stitch" method for stitching paths and why she matches her beading thread color to the canvas, not the bead.
http://ornadesign.blogspot.com/2016/03/why-i-do-what-i-do.html

Very interesting!

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.

Sassy and Soul Are In

There're new needlepoint designers in town--the first is Lycette Designs Needlepoint.  The company, run by Jessica Chaney, specializes in what Jessica describes as "colorful, cheeky" needlepoint.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.263496603982516.1073741833.156801494652028&type=3 

I just found Tess and Thorn, who specialize in "soul stitching."  This is a collaboration between Brooke McGowan and Tess Nagel.  They have an Etsy shop (second link below).
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153831687131259&set=a.467134091258.255947.549581258&type=3&theater

https://www.etsy.com/shop/TessandThorn?ref=shop_sugg

Good luck to all the new talent!  We can't wait to see what you do next!

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.

A New Jenny

Jenny Henry Designs has a new website! It's a work-in-progress but it is fun to see how Jenny herself shows off her uncluttered but colorful designs.
http://www.jennyhenrydesigns.com

Of course until Jenny finishes building her site, you can always shop at her Etsy store.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/Jennyhenrydesigns?ref=si_shop

Curious about Jenny herself?  Read her mini bio here.
https://jennyhenrydesigns.wordpress.com/about/

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

Visiting Gail's Stitching Studio

Today seems like a good time to visit Gail Sirna's Stitching Studio website. Those who frequent ANG and EGA Seminars will have seen Gail's teaching pieces.  I'm particularly fond of her Sunflower Santa and Morning Glory Santa which I was lucky enough to see on display at ANG's Seminar in Baltimore, but she has some stunning pieces available for a class near you.
http://www.gailsirna.com/teaching-pieces/

Gail's famous topiaries, now retired stitching classes, can be seen in the Retired Teaching Pieces part of her website. I am not certain if these kits are still available but you can always ask Gail if you fall in love.
http://www.gailsirna.com/retired-pieces/

You may be able to find Gail's book In Praise of the Needlewoman, in your local shop or online.  This art book explores depictions of needlework in famous paintings and is a delight to explore.

Sorry to come over without calling first, Gail, but we brought cookies and cake!

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

Dragon! Dragon! Dragon!

This is a totally off-topic posting.  No needlepoint!  I just wanted to post the video of the 2016 Dragon Day parade at Cornell University.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OutQcGjPFDg&feature=youtu.be

The dragon is built by first year architecture students, paraded from the Arts Quad to the Engineering Quad (where the first year engineering students have a phoenix ready as they are great rivals of the architecture students), and then paraded back to the Arts Quad where it used to be burned.  Burning is considered environmentally unfriendly these days.

It is totally silly and a greatly loved Cornell tradition.  Enjoy!

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

Kneelers for the Fulham Palace Chapel

The Royal School of Needlework is designing kneelers for Fulham Palace's chapel.  The designs are based on the bishops' coats of arms.
http://www.fulhampalace.org/kneelers-for-our-chapel/?platform=hootsuite

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

2015 ANG Seminar Exhibit Winners Posted to Facebook

Looks like the American Needlepoint Guild has started posting photographs of award winners from their 2015 Seminar Exhibit on their Facebook page.  Click See More to learn about each piece.
https://www.facebook.com/AmericanNeedlepointGuild/?fref=nf

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

Faux Bullions the David Way UPDATED

UPDATE:
I've updated this article with photographs.

Faux bullions are something David McCaskill accidentally invented. I've never seen it in a book. The concept is easy--but you can only do it with a perle type thread such as DMC's or Anchor's perle cotton, Trebizond silk perle or Rainbow Gallery's Grandeur or Elegance.

Get yourself some perle cotton (doesn't matter what size or color) to practice with on some scrap canvas.

Cut a length of perle cotton about 4-5 inches long and tie a knot in one end. Thread it into a needle, whatever size works with the diameter of the perle cotton you are using to practice with.

Come up in your scrap canvas and remove the needle. Hold the free end in one hand and flick it with your fingers until the strands start to unwind a bit, like perle threads do.

Grab the unwinding strands in one hand, then slide one of them down to the canvas while holding the others steady. It'll bunch itself up into a bullion.

Then you have to rethread the strands into the needle and take them all to the back side to secure them. One strand of perle thread equals one bullion.

This is what you end up with--one faux bullion knot.

It takes some practice to get used to doing it AND not all the bullions are pretty AND you have to cut a new length of thread for each bullion, but it works nicely most of the time. I don't think I'd do it for something with a lot of bullions--the real things are quicker to do once you have some practice, plus faux bullions waste a lot of thread.  But if you only have a few, this is a quick and easy way to create bullions as long as you are happy making them out of a perle-type thread.

Thanks, David!
https://www.needlepointdavid.com

By the way, Gay Ann Rogers has her bullions booklet available again if you are serious about learning them.
http://www.gayannrogers.com/books.html 

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

Piped Icing on a Gingerbread House

Kreinik posted another of their fun short videos on their Facebook page this week. This time they show off one of Danji's gingerbread houses with Jill Rigoli of Danji explaining how she created the piped icing on the front of the gingerbread house. Neat! 
https://www.facebook.com/Kreinik.Manufacturing.Company/videos/10153207320410940/?fref=nf

This thread is called Hot Wire and it comes in a nice range of colors.  Easy to work with, and great effects!
http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Hot-Wire.html

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

No More Knots!

Stitch By Stitch Larchmont has a nice short video in their latest e-newsletter about how to take thread from a skein of DMC cotton floss without causing knots. Enjoy! 
http://www.stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/so/5LE1KU5f?cid=68bf7f60-0c49-4a61-b2cc-4a9944579072#/main

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.

ANG's First Mid-Year Auction

ANG's Auction is going to be held twice this year for the first time.  This was in the recent ANG newsletter:

"Plan to join us for the first ever Mid Year Auction! Open to anyone with access to a computer. The Auction goes live for bidding on Monday, April 18th and closes on Sunday, April 24th. With 150 or more painted canvases plus a few stitching accessories, we know members and friends alike will be able to find something special to bid on!!! The Auction will be held on ang.afrogs.org.

We hope to have the items available for pre-Auction viewing in the week prior to the start of the Auction--check in after April 10th to see if we made our deadline!!! Then come back to bid!! Items will be mailed out to the winning bidders within two weeks of the close of the Auction."

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 5, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Road Trip Stitcher

Mary Corbet explains what she takes on trips so she can stitch in hotel rooms.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2016/03/hotel-room-stitching-the-whats-and-whys.html

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

BREAKING NEWS: Designers Desk for Sale

Designers Desk in Illinois is for sale!  Many thanks to Pat who spotted this news story.
http://www.kcchronicle.com/2016/04/07/designers-desk-needlepoint-business-building-for-sale/af89y4p/

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

A Needlepoint Artist

The Des Moines Register profiles a needlepoint artist on their online newspaper.
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/local/community/2016/03/09/joyce-obrien-dimoin-des-moines-city-hall/81530816/

To read the article you may need to complete a survey but it's worth it to read about a needlepointer considered an artist.

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

Janet Zigler Casey Santas on Sale

Shining Needle Society has put Janet Zigler Casey Santas on sale. These are class pieces and are done on line drawn canvases.  Take advantage of this opportunity to add to your collection--or to start one!
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/46618682/Janet%20Santas%20Catchup%20Sale.pdf

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 8, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Cure for Streaky Perle Cotton Stitches

Mary Agnes at Needle Nicely has a great tip for avoiding the streaky look you sometimes get with perle cotton threads.
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2016/03/streaky-perle-cotton-stitches.html

Very clever, MA!  I think you just won today's Smart Cookie Award.

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.

Visit the Exemplary in Michigan UPDATED

NAN's annual exhibit of needle art opens April 8 in Troy, Michigan.   It's only there for a week so don't miss it if you are in the area.
https://www.facebook.com/118153386709/photos/a.369271916709.162590.118153386709/10153272544031710/?type=3&theater

http://needleart.org

UPDATE: NAN has started posting photographs of award winners on their Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/National-Academy-of-Needlearts-118153386709/?fref=photo

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 6, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New: A Seam Ripper/Laying Tool Combo

In Stitches is just back from the Nashville TNNA show, which is mostly cross stitch. They came home with a tool that is new to me--a seam ripper/laying tool combination.  You can see it on their blog in the last photo.  Those who visit In Stitches after leaving the Woodlawn Exhibit can take a peek at them in person.  (In Stitches is very close to Woodlawn Plantation.)
http://institchesshopblog.blogspot.com/2016/03/nashville-3.html

The original intention is for these to be a stiletto/seam ripper but the stiletto end works well as a laying tool.
http://suffolkshakershop.com/Sewing_Accessories.php

These are also available in polished acrylic instead of wood.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/255924847/polished-acrylic-seam-ripper-stiletto

If you like dual use tools, you should shop around to find one that suits your personal style.

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.

Suzanne Does Casaguidi (Casalguidi?)

Ever been tempted to do something really adventuresome on a canvas and didn't because you were afraid it would "ruin" the design?   Suzanne just charged ahead with her idea and I think it really paid off.  Sure it's not perfect but it looks great.  
http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2016/03/casaguidi-anyone.html

The next time you have a crazy impulse, just try it.  Ok?

Hugs to all the adventuresome needlepointers out there!

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

The Palais Royal Tool Box

Hands Across the Sea has a fascinating article about needlework tools and storage boxes from Palais Royal.  You can learn a bit about this French "shopping mall" and see some of the incredible work available in 18th-19th Century France.
https://hands-across-the-sea-samplers.com/ultimate-easter-egg-discerning-needleworker-2/

If you are intrigued, visit Gay Ann Roger's My Needlework Tools website to explore more vintage tools of all kinds.
http://myneedleworkbox.com/tools.html

If you are ready to buy, Carolyn Meacham offers only the highest quality items.  She also sells via eBay.
http://www.elegantarts.com

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

Run Bunny Run--A Mystery UPDATED

Ruth Schmuff has announced her latest mystery class--Zecca's "Run Bunny Run."  Classes will start in May and run through August, 2016.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/03/whats-new.html

Even though Ruth's shop Bedecked and Beaddazzled is no longer a brick and mortar shop, local stitchers will be able to meet at her headquarters while folks who aren't local can do the class via mail order.  Here's the first lesson complete--with sequins!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/05/its-raining-sequins.html

The second lesson stitches the bunny with the new Capri thread from Rainbow Gallery.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/06/deeee-lightful.html

Now Ruth adds flowers and birds.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/07/its-life-changing-flower.html

And more flowers and crystals, too!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/07/a-very-special-bunny-came-to-town.html

Plus beaded cabochons!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/08/the-bunny-is-hopping.html

And here is the final result, both framed and as a standup.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/04/hoppy-easter.html

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

Chagall's Twelve Tribes Needlepoint in Arizona

Thanks to Jo's mentioning this on Facebook, I learned that the McKewin family has made recreating Marc Chagall's Twelve Tribes of Israel stained glass windows in needlepoint a family project.  Their incredible story is explained here.
http://www.wranglernews.com/2016/03/17/artistry-stiches-together-story-12-tribes-israel/

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.

When Needlepoint Chairs Were the Height of Fashion

Hands Across the Sea tells us stories of a time when needlepoint chairs were the most fashionable thing.
https://hands-across-the-sea-samplers.com/narrative-embroidery/

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.

Newsletters--No Fooling!

It's April 1, which means shop newsletters are out!  Ruth Schmuff announces a new book in hers, along with news of the various mail order classes she offers.
http://www.bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/content/uploads/bedeckednewsApril2016.pdf

Amy's newsletter for Amy's Golden Strand is full of news, new products, and tips for painting your own canvas, not to mention announcements of new stitch guides and photos of student pieces that are finished.
http://www.amybunger.com/f/0416.pdf

Have fun catching up with the new from these two with no April's Fool jokes.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 1, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Janet Granger Designs is Twenty Years Old! UPDATED

Janet Granger's business creating dollhouse miniature needlepoint kits is twenty years old!  Seems like yesterday I was thrilled to find I could buy silk gauze from her.  To celebrate, Janet's business is being profiled in Artisans in Miniature magazine.  Head to page five to read all about Janet and see photographs of her work.
https://www.scribd.com/embeds/303215376/content?start_page=1&view_mode=book

UPDATE:  Silly me!  I forgot to add Janet's website so you could browse her kits and see even more. Sorry.
http://www.janetgranger.co.uk

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.