Glowing: A Review

Ancora Crafts posted a comparison of DMC's and Kreinik's glow-in-the-dark threads on their blog last fall.  UPDATE:  The link is fixed!  Sorry!
http://ancoracrafts.com/glow-in-the-dark-thread-review/

I think the fraying issue she had with the Kreinik threads was due to using too small a needle, but as a cross stitcher, I am not sure she's experienced enough with a variety of threads to know this.  Cross stitch designs are usually designed to be done with cotton flosses, after all.  She also calls Kreinik metallics "plastic" which isn't true but I'm sure metallic threads are so different from cotton floss that she didn't know quite how to describe their feel.

For me, the value of this article is seeing how the various colors of Kreinik look in daylight and glowing in the dark.  Knowing the oranges look more yellow in the dark or seeing that the greens and blues and yellows are different greens in the dark is very helpful when trying to plan using a mix of these colors in a design.

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

Profile: Rita's Needlepoint UPDATED

Anyone who lives in or visits Manhattan (or wishes they could go there) will love hearing about Rita's Needlepoint.
http://sideways.nyc/2015/12/ritas-needlepoint/

Rita's doesn't have a website but they do have a Facebook page if you want to explore a bit from the comfort of your couch.
https://www.facebook.com/ritasneedlepoint/info/?tab=overview

UPDATE:  Jody tells me that Rita's does have a very minimal website.  Thanks!  Google let me down there!
http://www.ritasneedlepoint.com

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

A Tribute To a Real Hero

On Memorial Day we honor the military heroes.  I have a decorated warrior and medical missionary to honor today--Sandy Sandell.   Sandy was one of the legendary MACV SOG group in Vietnam, then spent forty years serving as a medical missionary in Thailand and Laos, providing dental care to the rural poor in these areas.  Sandy died this year from cancer.   He is greatly missed by his friends and patients.
https://vimeo.com/164117944

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

Lycette Interviews "Women on Point" UPDATED

Jessica at Lycette Designs is starting a series of interviews with needlepointers on her blog. I'll add links to her posts as she makes them.  First, meet Alice Richardson.
http://lycettedesigns.com/women-point-alice-richardson/#more-371

Jessica promises more interviews.  I'll update this article when they happen.

UPDATES!
http://lycettedesigns.com/women-point-jenny-brewster/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 26, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Three Ways to Name Your Stocking

Needlepoint for Fun shows three ways to add lettering to your stocking.
http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/needlepoint-lettering.htm

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

New Pippins

Normally I just post new items on the New tab but since Jennifer at Pippin Studio talks about the evolution of her designs, the colors she is drawn to for borders, and more, I thought I should make sure you guys got to read this.
http://pippinstudio.ca/blog/2016/05/24/new-designs-just-in-the-door/?fb_ref=Default

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

Profile: A Stitch in Time

The local Pasadena online news profiled A Stitch in Time recently. I thought you'd like to hear more about the shop.
http://hometown-pasadena.com/shops/a-stitch-in-time-hodge-podge-gifts/124048

Here's the shop website to learn more--and shop!
http://www.needlepoint-knitting.com

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

BREAKING NEWS: Maggie to Retire Corinna Luyken Designs UPDATED

Theresa at Homestead just mentioned in her shop newsletter that Maggie will no longer be able to sell Corinna Luyken designs on needlepoint canvas.
http://us8.campaign-archive2.com/?u=75cc9d0ed2d76a48c9e165ab2&id=32f32f8601&e=810b807e3a

Luckily Theresa has some designs in stock.  For now Theresa or your favorite shop can order Corinna's designs from Maggie but there is a limited number still available.  Use the link Theresa thoughtfully included to browse Corinna's artwork.
http://maggieco.com/html/drill.php?q=@Corinna%20Luyken

Needlepoint For Fun has some Corinna designs on sale.  Nice prices, so pick something up now if you love her artwork while you can.
http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/shop/Handpainted-Needlepoint-Designs/Maggie-Co-Needlepoint.htm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 26, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Range of Lights, Light/Magnifiers and Frames

Nimble Needle shows off the lights, light/magnifiers and frames of various types that the shop has in stock. If you are in the market, this is a good browse to learn more about the options available to needlepointers.
http://nimbleneedlenj.com/favorite-lights-magnifiers-tools-and-more/

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

Is Your Very Velvet Kinky?

Does your Very Velvet and Petite Very Velvet have kinks from being wrapped around the cardboard cards it's sold on?  Not to worry!  Sally London of Rainbow Gallery posted ways to get the little dents out on Facebook and kindly allowed me to repost them here.

Sally says:

"Petite Very Velvet and Very Velvet are technically a flocked chenille which creates the velvet look and it will crush if pressure is put upon it. This is a man made thread and with the machine that we use to wrap the cards with this does occur on some cards.  I have discussed with our machine operators to PLEASE do not put too much tension on that final thread across the back when they cut and take each card off the machine because visually when the customer sees this sometimes they freak out. If you happen to purchase a card like this, unwrap the thread crossing the back and run your fingernail over the back and that plumps up the velvet. You can also get a few drops of water on your fingers and run it along the back of the card to help plump it up.  These are simple tricks that usually remedy the situation.

Very Velvet is one our top selling threads and at times some extra care is necessary to resolve these issues. I hope you find this information helpful and thank you for bringing these issues to our attention and for stitching with Rainbow Gallery threads."

Thanks for the tips, Sally!  I love Very Velvet and Petite Very Velvet so it's nice to know how to remove a little dent if I find one.

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

Taming the Tricky Stitch

Black Stitches on Cat Body

The bottom of the Egyptian Cat was a little tricky to stitch because a)  I am using a black thread (one ply of a strand of Colonial Needle's Persian wool) on a black area, b) the area itself is rather narrow with lots of compensation between the Egyptian collar's strands, and c)  the stitch itself turned out to be rather difficult to count correctly.  I have certain tricks to help with all of these.

When you stitch with black threads on a black area good lighting is essential.  This is a small area so I was able to stitch it in brief time periods during daylight areas.    If the area had been large enough I needed to work it at night when I normally do the bulk of my stitching, I might have used a white hand towel in my lap as well as good lighting.  I'm told red towels work equally well but I tend to use white as I have plenty of those stashed away in my kitchen.

I was able to use tent stitches in those narrow areas between the bottom body of the cat and the head where the collar covered much of the canvas.  Tent stitches are a life-saver in those areas!

Straight Lines That Curve

I ended up turning my stitch diagram and my canvas on their sides so that I worked this horizontal stitch vertically.  For me, a vertical stitch is easier to see and count for some reason.  The next time your stitch gives you fits, try turning it and the canvas a quarter turn.  You may be surprised at how much easier the stitch is to work when it is turned on its head.

Straight Line Curves On the Side

By the way, this optical illusion stitch was used by Tony Minieri on the background of a Debbie Mumm canvas and I diagrammed it from there. Thanks, Tony!

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

The Cat in Wool

Lotus Pillar CloseUp

Last time I talked about my Egyptian Cat canvas, I promised a good look at the finished lotus pillars with their silk ribbon tops. Here you go!

Now it's time to turn my attention to the cat.  I have Colonial Needle's Persian wool in black to use for the cat, but what stitch?   The cat itself is a stylized one, not realistic, so I decided I would skip the traditional stitches for fur in favor of something with pattern or texture.  But what?

I found the answer on Facebook with an optical illusion stitch Tony Minieri used in the background of a Debbie Mumm canvas he wrote a stitch guide for.  I thought it would give the perfect illusion of texture on my cat.  Here is what I came up with.  The photo is black and white so you can see black stitches on black canvas.  It's a light coverage stitch with the unstitched voids between stitches creating the illusion of a curve.

By the way, I separated the Persian wool into three plies and stitched with only one.  Tapestry Fair's Egyptian Cat is on 18 count and that works best for that size canvas.  The thread itself has a very tight twist, making it quite durable in basketweave, but if you do another stitch using just one ply, use a larger needle than usual as the needle will abrade the thread in the eye and cause it to separate if you use the size needle you are used to on 18 count.

Tony's Optical Illusion Stitch

I worked this stitch on the bottom of the cat up to the collar.  I switched to tent stitches in the spaces between the collar rows and also used tent stitches on the cat's neck.  You will never guess what stitch I used for the cat's face and ears--skip tent!   This isn't a traditional stitch to use with wool, but this isn't a traditional cat.  Skip tent in my Colonial wool looks great.

Skip Tent Chin

In this photograph the cat's chin only is worked in skip tent.  However, I have finished the face except for one ear by now.  Next time I post I hope to have finished the ears and nose and perhaps the eyes so I'll be ready to start on the cat's elaborate collar and headpiece.  Stay tuned!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright 2May 18 016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Golfer's Stocking and Santa

The Renegade Needlepointer shows off another beautiful Christmas stocking, this time for the golfer in the family. The "Santa and Critters" stocking has a golf bag tag but is actually about animals.
https://renegadeneedlepointer.com/2016/04/12/lifes-a-game/

The same child also has a custom Amanda Lawford stand up Cowboy Santa, complete with Texas touches and a charming teddy bear and black lab, not to mention another little golf bag.

Amazing, huh?

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

Overdyed Kreinik Size 16 Braid Now Available

I have great news for fans of overdyed Kreinik!  Colour Complements is now dyeing size 16 braid in some of their fun color combinations.
http://colourcomplements.com/2016/05/kreinik-16-braid.html 

ThreadworX has been the supplier for sizes 4, 8 and 12 overdyed Kreinik here in the United States, but if you want size 16 braid, Lorraine of Colour Complements is the place.   Since this is brand new, Lorraine's Etsy shop only has a multicolor pack available, but I think if you ask her nicely and be a little patient, you can arrange to have the color you want made just for you.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/278107056/kreinik-16-braid-variety-pack?ref=shop_home_feat_1

Here is the ThreadworX website.
http://www.threadworx.com/catalog.php

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

Scrim Discovery and Stitch By Stitch

Melita has been along the Jersey shore recently, and managed to squeeze in a trip to Scrim Discovery Needlepoint in Ocean City, NJ.
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2016/04/29/road-trip-along-the-jersey-shore/

Scrim Discovery has a small website...
http://scrimdiscovery.com

...and a Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/scrimdiscovery924?fref=ts

Then Melita headed to Stitch By Stitch in Cape May, NJ.
http://stitchbystitchcapemay.com

Have fun browsing and planning a visit when you go to the beach.

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.

Packing And Other Seminar Tips

Even though the EAC blog is geared toward the Embroiders Association of Canada activities, packing for Seminar is the same whether you are going on retreats, to classes away from home or to EGA or ANG seminars. 
http://eac-blog.blogspot.com/2016/04/preparing-packing-for-seminar-part-1.html

Workshop etiquette--
http://eac-blog.blogspot.com/2016/04/gentle-reminder-workshop-etiquette.html

What to pack--
http://eac-blog.blogspot.com/2016/05/preparing-packing-for-seminar-part-2.html

Thanks for the tips, everybody!

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

Introducing Debbie Reed's Rugs

Recently Debbie Reed's rugs have been a gigantic hit on Facebook's Needlepoint Group. Everyone is in awe! With Debbie's permission, I am reproducing her photos of her rugs here, all based on her own designs charted on graph paper from inspiration found all over, and quoting what she said about each.  First is her large Navajo rug.

This one I designed and stitched. It's 68 by 96 inches. Always wanted a Navajo rug but didn't think I'd ever be able to afford one. Most of the yarn I found in large cones at Goodwill. Cost me next to nothing to make. I was going through some medical problems at the time and couldn't do much. So I call this my "pain rug". It's very therapeutic to stitch when you can't do much of anything else. This rug has about 2000 hours in it. It is just ordinary 10 to the inch needlepoint canvas and I spliced 2 pieces together to get the width.

I saw a Navajo rug in the background of a Ralph Lauren ad and graphed out and stitched my own version. This one is 36 by 40. There really isn't any finishing and some of the rugs aren't quite square but I got better as I went along with keeping them square. To finish the edges I just started with folding about an inch over and stitching through so the edges would be finished. Just stitching shows on the back, all of canvas is completely stitched.

I thought I would share the others I made. Turns out I actually made 5. This one I designed and is Navajo inspired. It's 38 by 50.

I'm not much of a needlepointer. I only know one stitch and I've only ever made 5 rugs. Here is one I designed and stitched in 1993. For anyone who thinks needlepoint is expensive I probably only have $50 in it as I scrounged yarn from Goodwill or wherever I could find it. It's 38 by 68 inches. A little Chinese influence to it with the bats meaning good luck.

When it comes to designing rugs, Debbie says it's just like piecing quilts--more math than anything. She graphs them out on graph paper.  She downplays the rugs by saying it's just one simple stitch, basketweave,  something she could do while watching TV without really having to concentrate too hard.  She says the backsides are fairly thick.  

"I found almost all the yarn at Goodwill and the main expense was in the canvas."

This is a rug I started but didn't get very far on. I will likely start over in 10ct. This is 18 count and I no longer have any of the yarns I started with. I saw a Chinese Taoist embroidered Priest's robe in a book and coveted it so graphed it out and started working on this rug.

Also wanted to show how I simply turn back the corner about an inch and stitch it in so there is no finishing involved in making the rug.

I asked Debbie how she stitched her rugs. Were they on a frame?

" I would basically just prop myself up at the end of the sofa and the canvas laying out on the rest of the sofa or halfway rolled up. Kind of used my knees as the frame. I didn't use a frame and used the basketweave stitch because it was supposed to be a good stitch for a rug and it warped the canvas less. By the time I had a done a couple of rugs I got better about not getting the canvas out of shape by not pulling the stitching too hard. I know the smaller ones should be blocked but the largest one is pretty square. Since the designs I did were mainly large areas of the same color and simple counting the stitches I could do it pretty mindlessly while watching tv. And to me it was more about enjoying doing it than getting the rugs finished. If the goal is only to finish a rug it's going to seem really daunting.

Thanks for sharing your amazing work, Debbie. Can't wait to see the Taoist Priest rug when it is finished! It is my favorite for sure.   Keep up the amazing work and don't put those rugs rolled back in a closet.  They deserve to be seen!

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

Finishing Ideas

Melissa Shirley Mermaid on Tote Bag

If you have a pile of stitched canvases you need finishing ideas for, this article from Needlepoint For Fun is for you.   I've made many glasses cases from small canvases and little pencil holders or candle holders look good if your canvas can wrap around a glass.  My personal favorite is to whip stitch a canvas to a purse, though.  You can find wonderful tote bags everywhere.  I like to buy one on sale that matches a canvas and tuck it away for later when my design is stitched.
https://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/finishing-ideas-for-small-needlepoint-canvases.htm

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.

Needlepoint Estate Sales Online

Everything But the House (abbreviated as EBTH) auctions off vintage items, including needlepoint. I thought you'd like to see the current needlepoint auctions. 
https://www.ebth.com/search?q=needlepoint&state=active

As usual, nothing needlepoint-related brings big prices so this isn't a great place to sell, but if you want a vintage needlepointed chair or want a wooden tray or fabulous frame to reuse, it's a great browsing site.

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

Introducing Little Red Finch

We have a new designer--Little Red Finch! Right now the bulk of her designs are geared toward Minnesota stitchers, but that will change as the company gets off the ground.
http://redfinchstitches.tumblr.com

You can also contract to have pieces stitched for you. Contact the company for details.

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

Help with Borders

Mary Legallet has written a series of great articles about border stitches on her blog. 
http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2016/2/4/dont-fence-me-in

http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2016/4/6/turning-a-corner

http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2016/4/13/go-wide

http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2016/4/20/beetle-border

http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2016/4/27/randomness

Bookmark Mary's blog if you haven't already as each month she tackles stitches for a certain area or effect.  Very educational!

If you need more borders help than just stitch ideas, treat yourself to Michael Boren and Carole Lake's latest Desert Island Stitches book--Ideas for Creative Borders.  Here's a bit about it. I found it really helpful working my Leigh Designs Gold Digger Miami border.
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2016/02/border-help-from-carole-and-michael.html

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

Finding the Perfect Stitch

When I last showed off the Egyptian Catra design from Tapestry Fair, I was dithering about the perfect thread and stitch for the top of the lotus fan pillars.

When in doubt, pull threads!  So I visited my stash and found Flair, DMC perle cotton, Caron's Watercolours and Waterlilies, plus silk ribbon, all in approximately the same teal green as the top feather parts of the lotus fans.  Those with access to a shop will probably go through the same process, buying everything they think is the right color to test in stitches.

Then I tried slanting satin stitches in the Watercolours (I used one ply of the three from the strand of Watercolours) and stem stitches in the perle cotton.  Nope.  All I had in the perle was size 5 which was too thick.  The Watercolours also seemed a little too rough looking although I loved the color (068 "Mediterranean") so I mentally decided to try the silk Waterlilies in the same shade elsewhere in the design.  Ok, two of four down.

Flair Versus Silk Ribbon Test

Then I tried the slanting satin stitches using Flair (right side of the photo above) and Japanese ribbon stitch using the silk ribbon (left side of the photo).  The silk ribbon is perfect!  It matches my mental image of what the fan should look like so I ordered silk ribbon from Waste Knot since I only have a tiny amount on the card.

Sometimes you just have to test stitch to see what works and what doesn't.  Next time I'll reveal the finished lotus fan pillars and talk about the body of the cat.

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

ANG Seminar News

ANG's annual seminar this year is in New Orleans from the end of August until early September.  You can read more about it here.
http://needlepoint.org/Seminar-16/index.php

The teachers are busy doing pilot classes...
http://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2016/04/sisters-by-nancy-cucci-pilot-class.html

https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2016/04/28/sisters-with-nancy-cucci/

and hearing about signups for their classes.
http://sandyarthur.blogspot.com/2016/04/it-is-official-i-have-been-notified.html

Stay tuned for more fun!

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

Pepperpot Skin Again

Seeing Stars Santa with Pepperpot Face

Last November I showed off my new set of Pepperpot Silk skeins in various skin tones.
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2015/11/pepperpot-skins.html

I finally got around to stitching a face with it.  Above is Leigh Design's Seeing Stars Santa from her Seashore Santa series.  As you can see, my tent stitches aren't totally even in this extreme closeup but if your stitch tension is tighter than mine and you really like Pepperpot Silk, the colors are lovely and good matches to certain skin tones.  I normally use 2 plies of silk floss for faces so I am not used to pulling threads tight as you can see.
http://www.leighdesigns.com/Grp835x.html

I used Pepperpot's "Baked Alaska" for Santa's skin and "Cotton Candy" for his pink cheeks.  Cotton Candy isn't one of the skin tone set; Baked Alaska is.  Pepperpot Silks come in a huge range of tans so I think you could pick darker shades for the person you are stitching if they are not particularly fair.
http://www.planetearthfiber.com/index.php/needlepoint-fiber/pepper-pot-silk

This is a thread well worth adding to your stash.  I like my Santa's face and will use this again the next time I stitch a person.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 26, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Gay Ann Speaks

Gay Ann Rogers has started a series of articles on thread on her website. You won't want to miss these! They will be spread out over the next week, but if you get impatient, you can read Gay Ann's lessons from last year.   For those who don't know Gay Ann, she is a retired needlepoint teacher with decades of experience which she is briefly sharing.  Thank you, Gay Ann!
http://www.gayannrogers.com/lessons.html

http://www.gayannrogers.com/2-floss-and-silk.html

http://www.gayannrogers.com/3-1003.html

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

Nine Easy Ways to Improve Your Stitching

The Stitch Style blog lists nine easy ways to improve your stitching. Thanks, Ginny!
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2016/04/top-5-easiest-ways-improve-stitching-without-much-work/

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

Source for Berlin Woolwork Charts?

Thanks to Hands Across the Sea, I realized the Internet Archive has posted issues of Peterson's Magazine online.  One of them has a Berlin woodwork chart!  If you are a fan of 19th Century needlepoint, it might be worth a browse to see what other charts you can find.  Just follow the link here and explore....
https://hands-across-the-sea-samplers.com/its-not-cosmopolitan/

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

Ripples and Ruth (A Review)

This week's posting at Sheena's Sweet Stitches has two various of an interesting sky/water stitch plus a review of Ruth Schmuff's fourth Stitches book.
http://www.sheenasstitches.com/ripples/

Another friend just bought Stitches Volume Four and says it has lots of interesting stitches in it. I'm waiting for the iOS app myself (a little bird told me it might be out in June) as that's a better format for me, but it comes in two sizes for the shopper who either travels a lot or who wants a full sized book for visibility.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/04/what-i-finished-book.html

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

Mag Eyes

Brenda's started using Mag Eyes to enlarge her needlework. She posted a bit about them on her blog and I thought you'd be curious to see what Mag Eyes are like.
http://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2016/04/mageyes-magnifier-42316_23.html

The Mag Eyes company offers a variety of magnifiers.  Here is their website.
http://www.mageyes.com

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.

Learn to Couch

Needlepoint for Fun's latest tutorial is how to couch.  Sorry, this doesn't mean lessons on how to veg out on the sofa--but it's nearly as much fun.
http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/needlepoint-couching.htm

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.

Profile of Lycette Designs UPDATED

Lycette Designs is profiled over at the Glam Pad.  Have fun meeting Jessica!
http://www.theglampad.com/2016/04/lycette-designs-is-bringing-needlepoint.html

Follow the links to read more about 1960s needlepoint that inspires Lycette or the link at the bottom of the article to buy a Jessica Original for your very own....
http://lycettedesigns.com/gallery/

UPDATE:  Here's more about Lycette Designs.  Enjoy!
http://horsecountrychic.blogspot.com/2016/07/lycette-designs-awesome-new-needlepoint.html

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.

Breaking News: Bristly Thistle is Moving

Bristly Thistle announced on Facebook this morning that they are moving six blocks to 811 Beach Street in Fernandina Beach, Florida.  
https://www.facebook.com/BristlyThistle/photos/a.194985590586534.51508.104618412956586/990384394379979/?type=3&theater

Their last day at the old location is May 20.  The new location will be open for business on June 1, 2016.  Mark your calendars if you are going to be in Florida around this time.
http://www.bristlythistle.com

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

Time to Return to Egypt

I started stitching one of Tapestry Fair's Egyptian animal pieces in 2013. Doesn't you think it is time I finished Catra?  In case you are interested, here are the three Egyptian animals in the series--Bastet the Cat Goddess and Cleo's Cat (that's my canvas) and Pharaoh Hound for dog lovers.
http://www.tapestryfair.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=79&Itemid=1

Basat has a stitch guide from Ruth Schmuff as this canvas was one of Ruth's mystery classes.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2013/04/jewels-fit-for-goddess.html

https://www.bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/Bastet/

Tony Minieri has done a guide for Basat as well.
http://www.tonyminieri.com/tapestry-fair/bastet-the-cat-goddess-tapestry-fair-1080

Ruth's also done a stitch guide for Pharaoh Dog.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2014/03/the-pharoah-dog.html

https://www.bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/Pharaoh-Dog/

I posted several times already about her.  Here are the links so you can catch up.
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2013/07/catra-and-her-background-hieroglyphics.html

http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2014/10/the-egyptian-cat-returns.html

Now, should I finish the lotus fans or start work on the cat's body...?

Decisions, decisions!

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.

Donna Is Durn Organized UPDATED

Donna's Organization Bag

Donna Fullilove put together a group of small organization bags for needles and/or beads and such and is selling them via her Facebook page.   
https://www.facebook.com/donna.fullilove.9

Another Fabric Choices

They come in two colors...

...both inside and out.

I asked Doona about the contents and this is what she said.

This is what is in the bag....no needles included.

Needle sizes labeled 28 Chenille / 28 Tapestry (2 - 2" inch tubes double sided together) 26 Chenille / 26 Tapestry (2 - 2" inch tubes double sided together) 24 Chenille / 24 Tapestry (2 - 2" inch tubes double sided together) 22 Chenille / 22 Tapestry (2 - 2" inch tubes double sided together) 18 Chenille / 18 Tapestry (2 - 2" inch tubes double sided together) Beading/One not-labeled (2 - 2" inch tubes double sided together) 1 Empty not-labeled 2 X 1 inch tubes 2 empty 3” tubes double sided together Or 4 empty 3” tubes double sided together

Each tube holds approximately 25 needles depending on size. Contact your LNS for bulk needles.

There is also a cheat sheet card with general use of needle size for what sized canvas.

It's hard to tell but the other side of the case holds scissors, laying tools, etc.

Her email address (if you don't "do" Facebook)  is blacksheepideas96 at yahoo dot com.

UPDATE:  Donna has a website now!
http://www.blacksheepideas96.com

UPDATE #2:  Her needle organizer is available a lot of places now.
http://www.stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/so/4LWVWABS?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 May 9, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tools for Stumpwork Attachments

Mary Corbet is working a crewel design from Hazel Blomkamp which has stumpwork leaves and petals that are worked separately around wires, then cut out and attached to the main design.

The really interesting thing to me is Mary's description of the tools she's using to dispense the stiffening agent around the edges of the wired attachments.  I think needlepointers might find very good uses for Aqua Brushes!
http://www.needlenthread.com/2016/04/the-stumpwork-is-finished-some-tips.html

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

Organizational Tips for Multiple Projects

If you stitch more than one project at a time, you will want to read these organizational tips from Charlotte at Sweet Sundays.
http://www.sweet-sundays.com/home-main/how-to-juggle-multiple-needlepoint-projects 

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

The Princess and Me Nativity Set

Katherine just got her Nativity set from Princess and Me back from the finisher.  It's darling!
http://bootsandbeads.blogspot.com/2016/04/fabulous-finishing.html

I love Nativity sets so I just had to share the link.  Click on the photos for a larger photo.

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

The 6th Annual New Jersey Needle Festival

Brenda and Melita went to the New Jersey Needle Festival and both blogged about it for us stay-at-home types!
http://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2016/04/nj-needle-festival-6th-annual-41716.html

https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2016/04/17/new-jersey-needle-festival-road-trip/

Hope lots of folks get to go have fun next year!

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

Fire & Ice & More Toni UPDATED

I just realized that Toni Gerdes has a website.  Isn't "Fire and Ice" amazing?!  Pour yourself a cup of your favorite beverage and have fun exploring the site.
http://www.tonigerdes.com/new_classes_

For those who don't get to many seminars, Toni is a nationally recognized teacher. This probably means her designs are only available in her classes, but it doesn't hurt to ask if you fall in love.
http://www.tonigerdes.com/about_toni

UPDATE:  ANG's San Barnardino Chapter will be offering two of Toni's classes in 2017.  Ghosts are welcome although you will need to join the SBCANG chapter to take the classes either in person or via mail.  It's a great group, even for those hundreds or thousands of miles away!
http://www.sbneedlepoint.org/workshops.html

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.

Wool and Willow and Circles and Ovals

This week's posting from the Sheena's Sweet Stitches blog has lots of stitches and lots of photographs. This week Sheena shows off a Julia Snyder class at Wool and Willow in Ohio plus she has diagrammed four oval stitches for your stitching pleasure. 
http://www.sheenasstitches.com/circles/

Have fun visiting Sheena, Julia Snyder and of course Wool and Willow.  By the way, you can see the canvas Sheena's working on at the Pepperberry website. It's in the fifth row from the top in their "What's New" section.
http://www.pepperberry-designs.com/whats-new/

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.

Two Ways to Curl

Needlepoint For Fun's latest tutorial covers two ways to create curly hair for needlepointed people.
http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/how-to-needlepoint-curly-hair.htm

I just happened to notice Jennifer's fabulous chef with her curls and amazing hat when I was writing this.  I thought you'd like to see French knot curls in action (with some woven picots added in I think).
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2016/04/finishing-friday_15.html

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

Gone Stitching Profile

I thought you'd enjoy reading this profile of Gone Stitching, the brain child of Michele and Renee.
http://jewishlinknj.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=12699%3Aneedlepoint-turns-the-mundane-into-the-sublime&catid=156%3Afeatures&Itemid=585 

If you want to visit the shop online, here's the link--
http://www.gonestitching.net/new/

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

Three Darling --and Finished-- Birds

Ruth Schmuff shows off three ways to finish "Emma's Darling Bird" which was a mystery class at Bedecked and Beaddazzled last year. The design is from Kimberly.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/04/what-difference-color-makes.html

If you have a fourth way to finish this cutie in your mind's eye, you can order the guide and canvas from Ruth's shop. Bet Ruth will kit it out for you if you ask nicely, too!
https://www.bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/Flying-Jewels-b4550-b4551-b4552-b4553-b4554-b4555/

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

Anna Pearson Looks Back

Anna Pearson looks back over almost forty-five (!!) years of teaching needlepoint in Europe.
http://anna-pearson-needlepoint.blogspot.com/2016/04/help-us-celebrate-45-years-of.html

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