The Duo Lamp UPDATED

I'd never heard of the Duo Lamp until BeStitched posted about them in one of their shop newsletters.
http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=2b1a4dafdf1ba6e29e773aa79&id=4a6b1625c0

It looks like the perfect clamp-on lamp for someone who needs a lot of light on their stitching or wants light from two sides to hit their project.  My only question would be how wide the clamp opens as some tables have very wide edges.  But I'm sure BeStitched will be able to tell you everything you want to know about the Duo Lamp.
https://www.theneedlepointer.com/product/duo-lamp/

UPDATE:  Donna says that these also come in a floor lamp version, AND they are in stock at Waste Knot (my LNS) where she works.  So if you live in the D.C. metro area you can check these out in person or do mail order if this is on your list for Santa.
http://www.wasteknotneedlepoint.com

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

Breaking News: Needlepoint by Wildflowers Update

Needlepoint by Wildflowers has updated their website. Have fun shopping!
https://www.needlepointbywildflowers.com

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

Tree of Life Carpet One UPDATED

Natalia Frank of Natalia's Fine Needlework designed and stitched an amazing rug last spring in a short period of time give that it is on 56 count silk gauze. She entered it in a prestigious dollhouse exhibit in London and won first prize.  When you see it you will see why.
http://www.dollhouseneedlepoint.com/apps/webstore/products/category/1511398

http://www.dollshousefestival.com/index.php?page=PIMA-winners-16S~mainvideo~floorplans~cityoflondon~KDF%20Membership%202016~win-vouchers~club-tickets~howtoexhibit

Natalia stitched this using 89 shades of Gloriana's Tudor Silk.  It is the first in a series of three Tree of Life designs she has planned.  I cannot wait to see what she does next.

UPDATE:  Mary Corbet loves this design and bought one of the kits to stitch it.  Mary's first message in a series of them as she works this piece talks about the kit itself and how it is organized.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2017/01/56-count-miniature-tree-of-life.html

Then Mary explains how she mounts silk gauze for stitching.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2017/01/56-count-setting-up-silk-gauze-for-embroidery.html

Mary organizes her threads and explains why she started stitching where she did and what she plans to stitch next.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2017/02/56-count-strategies-for-stitching.html

Mary has a great idea to make it easy to see the silk gauze mesh.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2017/03/56-count-the-peacock-colors-craft-foam.html

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

Determining Naughty or Nice (A Mystery from Ruth Schmuff and David Galchutt) UPDATED

Ruth Schmuff has started her Christmas mystery class for 2016--David Galchuff's "Determining Naughty or Nice."
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/11/theres-twinkle-in-his-eyes.html

If you are interested, you can sign up for this class (and attend in person or via mail order) at Ruth's website.  This is going to be interesting as this piece has so much detail.  Already Ruth has performed her magic on Santa's face.
http://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/determining-naughty-nice/

I'll update this article as Ruth posts progress photos after each lesson.

In the first update, Ruth solves the problem of how to stitch a very detailed mustache without taking forever.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/12/what-to-do-what-to-do.html

Now Ruth is tackling the shadows on the clothing.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/12/santas-getting-ready.html

The final touches are beaded snowflakes and wired silk ribbon flowers. (I spy boucle and pompoms, too!)
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/01/snowflakes-and-flowers-and-holly-leaves.html

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

Chuck Pinnell: Leatherwork Divine

Horse Country Chic has been to see Chuck Pinnell recently.  You may have come across mention of his leatherwork in Martha Stewart Living.  His work is amazing.  It is expensive but you'll have a top quality needlepoint belt or purse that will last forever.
http://horsecountrychic.blogspot.com/2016/11/last-week-i-ventured-over-to-crozet.html

I've often thought a briefcase with a needlepoint insert or a wallet with the same would be a present to remember....
http://www.pinnellcustomleather.com

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

A Thankful Chart

Laura Perin occasionally creates a free chart for her fans to stitch and this Thanksgiving she has made an autumn one that is just lovely!
http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2016/11/giving-thanks.html

Thank you, Laura.  Happy Thanksgiving!

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

Thera Gloves

In case you didn't see the update to my article about items to help those with aches and pains, Sara Leigh says the Thera Gloves work really well. She used to sell them when she owned a needlework shop.  Thanks for the tip, SL!
http://www.theraglove.com/products.html

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

Guest Post on Kumihimo Braiding from Dawn Bagnetto

Dawn Bagnetto has been emailing me about her adventure with Kumihimo braiding and graciously agreed to share her test results.  Thanks, Dawn!

By the way, Dawn is using thread yo-yos to hold her long strands of perle cotton prior to braiding.  These are also used for cable organization if you can't find them anywhere else.
http://www.containerstore.com/s/office/cord-control/cable-turtles/12d?productId=10000329

Dawn Starting to Braid

While checking out The Chilly Hollow Needlepoint site, I read an article about Kumihimo braiding. Wendy at One Off Needlework posted her adventures with this technique on her blog:
http://www.oneoffneedlework.co.uk/blog/making-my-own-cord-trim/

So, like a true needlepointer, I put away my current project and started another.

I found the loom and thread spools at Hobby Lobby. There were several to choose from and I opted to buy the loom and spools separately instead of in a kit. The total cost was $13.00 (using my coupons, of course). Instead of buying any more thread, I decided to raid my stash.

Wendy's blog included a link to a You Tube video which gave very clear instructions. My first attempt was awkward and using Appleton Wool was not the best choice. It began to shred after producing only a few inches of braid. Next up was Naturally Caron Spa Yarn. The yarn began to unravel as I worked with the loom, but it did produce a pretty braid.

Magnets Weighing Down the Braid Surrounded by Threads

Still feeling awkward, I watched a few more You Tube videos and discovered that there are Kumihimo weights available to attach to the braid to give it downward tension as you work. Okay, I'm not going back to the store again, so I began searching for alternatives. I found some small, round magnets in my tool drawer that I had used in the past as needle holders. They are very strong and stick together well. I attached two of them to the bottom of my next attempt at braiding, just below the overhand knot - success!

Final attempt was #5 Perle Cotton and the braid was beautiful! Using 1 yard lengths of thread, I ended up with 14" of braid that was 1/8th inch thick. I found that you need to keep the spools close to the loom to make sure the threads don't tangle The thread comes off the spools easily as you work, but if you use thick thread (like yarn) the spools are heavy and unwind causing the spools to hang very low and constantly tangling below the loom. You do need a weight to keep the braid taut and the thread smooth on the top of the loom.

Kumihimo Braid From Size Five Perle Cotton

The rhythm of the repetitive motion and the soft sound of the spools clicking together was very satisfying much like basketweave. A seemingly mindless task producing beautiful results!

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

Treats for the Counted Canvasworker UPDATED

I am not a counted canvaswork person, not being able to count to three reliably, but I still admire what you can achieve. Here is Gay Ann Rogers' various Downton Abby designs, framed together. Clever idea, although this may just be Brenda putting the photos together for display.  Click on Brenda's photo to see things better.
https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2016/11/downton-abbey-framed-11816.html

Carolyn Mitchell just wrote about new newest teaching piece, Echoes of Glass, for the Embroiderer's Association of Canada.  I find this a particularly lovely design.  The second link below shows all three parts together.
http://blog.eac.ca/2016/11/echoes-of-glass-inspiration.html

http://eac.ca/eng/education/online-courses/echoes-of-glass

UPDATE:  Linda says that the American Needlepoint Guild is also offering Carolyn Mitchell's Echoes of Glass as a workshop by mail. Registration ends January 31st.   Another good reason to join ANG!  They have great classes available to members.
http://www.needlepoint.org/byMail/EchoesofGlass/index.php

Folks who love counted canvaswork should remember I maintain a list of counted designers in a tab on Blog plus a listing of shops that are said to have a good selection of counted charts for your stitching pleasure.  Have fun browsing!

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

The Belt That Is A Tray

Suzie at Enriched Stitch did something very clever--she stitched a belt and had it made into a tray!  That's a very clever idea.  Belt canvases are so versatile--they can be sandal straps, hat bands, purse straps and more.  But I had never thought of a tray.
http://astheneedleturns.com/secret-stitching/

Suzie's won our Smart Cookie Award this week!

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

Source for Needlepoint Earrings and Handbags

Thanks to Needlepoint for Fun I've learned of a good source for needlepoint handbags and jewelry--Dude Relax, which has an Etsy store.  The mostly clutch-style purses are all geometric, some obviously inspired by Art Deco.  The earrings are geometric and often shaped like various African countries.  Fun browse!  Make sure you alert Santa....
https://www.etsy.com/shop/duderelax

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

Choosing the Right Stitches: A Movie

The Needlepoint Flix channel that BeStitched runs occasionally posts free videos for all to see. I found a neat one of Lisa talking about how to pick stitches for a canvas but the video moved, the URL went dead, and I couldn't find it again. But today I managed to track it down and discovered the Vimeo channel that BeStitched posts their free videos on.  Here's the how to choose stitches video. in case the video URL died before you could see it.  It's very interesting to watch.
https://vimeo.com/148791913

Here's the Needlepoint Flix Vimeo channel.  Take a little browse and see all the free videos available!  I've added the link to the "Stitch Diagrams and Resources" area of Blog waaaay down at the bottom of the home page, by the way.  You can always find great stuff there.
https://vimeo.com/user46701235/videos/page:1/sort:date

If you love what you see, you might ask Santa for a subscription to Needlepoint Flix's videos.
http://www.needlepointfix.com

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

Threadaholic Alert: House of Embroidery

Folks who love trying new threads will be interested in Mary Corbet's latest posting on her website. It's all about threads (cotton, silk flosses plus vicose threads, cotton perles and ribbons) from House of Embroidery in South Africa.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2016/11/house-of-embroidery-threads-review.html

You don't have to ask the company to ship to you from South Africa, either.  House of Embroidery has a US distributor for its cotton flosses and perles.  And Mary--bless her!--has negotiated a sale price for her readers that is good until Cyber Monday (November 28 for those who live in places where cyber sales after Thanksgiving aren't part of the normal vocabulary).
http://www.akonyekena.com/product-category/marycorbet/

Right now the sale website is down due to too many threadaholics visiting, but keep trying.  A new thread is worth returning.

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

Town and Country Loves Needlepoint

Once again Town and Country magazine has listed their preppy gift guide for the holidays. And once again, needlepoint is on the list--three times!  They recommend needlepoint dog collars, pillows (they like Jonathan Adler designs but we have a broader selection), and of course a baseball cap with a needlepointed motif.  Not quite needlepoint are slippers made from kilim carpet remnants.
http://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/fashion-trends/news/g1004/tcs-preppy-holiday-gift-guide/?src=socialflowFB

Many thanks to Rachel for the heads up.

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

A Walk Down Memory Lane with Laura Ashley

Hands Across the Sea Samplers has a brief biography of Laura Ashley today that shows one of her needlepoint kits.  These were very popular in the late 1980s-early 1990s.
https://hands-across-the-sea-samplers.com/laura-ashley/

Here's a rose wreath apparently called "Country Rose."
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/410601691003840058/

This is a very lovely needlepoint floral.
http://picclick.com.au/LAURA-ASHLEY-CHEVELEY-FLORAL-TAPESTRY-NEEDLEPOINT-KIT-42cms-x-162206030007.html

I found another pillow design in this not very good photo from eBay.
http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/8kcAAOSwvzRX0c4u/s-l300.jpg

Another pretty floral.
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/LAURA-ASHLEY-TAPESTRY-CANVAS-AND-WOOLS-FOR-YOU-TO-SEW-SCARBOROUGH-FAIR-/192010785436?hash=item2cb4bc129c:g:AwoAAOSwLnBX4UTF

This is a pansy design stitched with wool.
http://swimtwobirds.com/gallery/

All the kits I saw from Laura Ashley in the early 1990s were screen printed and kitted with tapestry wool.  I stitched a small rosebuds piece myself that was probably intended to be a pin cushion.  I gave it as a gift so I don't have a photograph but I think this is it.  It may have come in a blue floral version as well.
http://geb.ebay.com/g/ImportHubViewItem?itemid=122045003229

This is allegedly a Laura Ashley needlepoint but I can't see the logo at the top of the page.
https://img1.etsystatic.com/000/0/6756680/il_570xN.319834931.jpg

These seem to turn up on eBay regularly.  If you love English style tapestry, keep an eye open for some of these beauties.

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

"Embroidery Thread to the Stars"

Fans of Game of Thrones will love to read about how Kreinik thread is used on the amazing costumes created by Michele Carragher.
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2016/11/kreinik-embroidery-thread-to-stars.html

There's more information and videos on Michele's website.
http://www.michelecarragherembroidery.com/Queen-of-the-Desert-Gallery(3035276).htm

The costumes are astoundingly beautiful.  Have fun exploring, whether you watch Game of Thrones or not.
http://www.michelecarragherembroidery.com

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

Sale!

I don't do listings of sales and truck shows any more as I don't like training folks to go for the best price instead of developing a relationship with a shop that can help them with all sorts of things.  Customer service rules, after all!  But today I'm breaking that rule to tell you about the sale at Thistle Threads.  Thistle Threads, in cooperation with British thread manufacturers and Access Commodities, has developed and introduced reproduction threads, trims and other materials that mimic those available to our stitching ancestors in the 17th Century.  You can't find this stuff easily anywhere else and some of these things will soon go out of production as the one person who knows how to make it retires.  Therefore, this is a sale worth browsing if you are looking for something really different to put away in your stash for a special project.  Have fun browsing!
http://thistle-threads.myshopify.com/collections/special-deals

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

How to Lace Needlepoint Canvas

Kay Stanis of The Gilded Edge shows how to frame up and then lace needlepoint canvas on frames to keep them very taut. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7QR9iPeSKU

There are more videos on Kay's website in case you are curious about laying flat silk or adding fabric backing to your fabric in Japanese embroidery.
http://www.the-gilded-edge.com/techniques/

Many thanks to Helen for alerting me to the video.

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

Stitching for Beginners: A Mini Review

Hidden among all the wonderful Halloween stitch diagrams on her blog last week, Sheena mentioned a new stitching magazine she found at Books-A-Million--"Stitching for Beginners."
http://www.sheenasstitches.com/happy-halloween-candy-corn-pumpkins/#comment-1079

It appears to cover the basics for beading, smocking, embroidery and needlepoint.  If you have friends who want to learn a bit about any of these hand crafts, this might be a wonderful Christmas gift to get them started.

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

The Boston College Art Club Show Has Needlepoint

The faculty and staff of Boston College have started an annual Art Club Show.  This year's showing includes a needlepoint collaboration between the designer who painted the pattern and the needleworker who stitched it.  It is called "Discernment."
http://www.bc.edu/bc-web/bcnews/art-and-culture/fine-arts/art-club-exhibit-fall-2016.html

This article shows a bit of the piece and talks about its inspiration from St. Ignatius' writings.  There is a link at the bottom of the page to see more art from the exhibit including the full view of "Discernment" on Facebook.   If you happen to be in Boston now, the show will be at Carney Hall's First Floor Gallery until December 2 at the BC campus.

Many thanks to Jo C. I. who mentioned this on Facebook.

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

Stitch of the Month--The Wave

Amy's Tennis Ball

I thought it would be fun to post a very clever stitch I've found online here periodically for everyone to see.  The inaugural stitch is the background of this tennis ball, posted on Facebook by Amy who says the idea came from The Needleworks.

I've seen the same stitch used for the water behind this mermaid.  (Sorry, I don't know who stitched this.)  It skips a row occasionally, but otherwise is identical.  A very similar stitch is diagrammed by Ruth Schmuff as "Darning Pattern Large Wave" in her iStitches Volume 3 if you want to use it on your next project.

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

Glow in the Dark Beads Available

If your Halloween or any other canvas isn't glitzy enough, you can now buy size 11/0 glow-in-the-dark beads. Deborah posted two photos on Facebook. One shows the bead tubes in regular light and the other shows the glow colors.  Use the right side arrow to see the second photo.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1113391885441451&set=pcb.1180992715311218&type=3&theater

Deborah got hers from A Thread Garden in California.
http://athreadgarden.com/athreadgarden.com/Home.html

Ruth Schmuff says she will have these in size 11 shortly.
http://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com

The beads seem to be from Toho, which is a Japanese bead company.
http://baublesandbeads.com/store/category/1/72/11°-Rounds-Japanese/9%2529%2BGlow%2Bin%2Bthe%2BDark/

If you buy online or in a local big box crafts store, make sure you check the size.  The very big size 6 pony beads have been available in glow colors for a long time but they are pretty large for most uses on needlepoint canvas.

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

Custom Pet Portraits UPDATED

Those of us with companion animals in our families sometimes need a custom portrait of our cat and dog (or parrot or whatever) friends.  I thought I'd compile a listing of folks who will paint a portrait of your pet from a photograph.  Here they are, in alphabetical order.  (By the way, most of the examples are of dogs.  Apparently most customers want dog portraits.)

Alice Twiggs Van Trease, Needles and Threads of Ruxton, is said to do lovely dog portraits. I haven't found any examples to show you.  Sorry.

http://needlesandthreadsofruxton.com

Barbara's Needlepoint has a painter (Cindy) who does lovely dogs.  Contact Barbara's Needlepoint via their Facebook page to arrange this at the second link below.
https://www.facebook.com/107558659287177/photos/a.471227749586931.100490.107558659287177/1082334315142935/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/Barbaras-Needlepoint-107558659287177/

https://www.facebook.com/107558659287177/photos/pcb.1369658023077228/1369657099743987/?type=3&theater

Heidi does very nice dog portraits.  You can view Heidi's designs on Flickr by searching Heidi Stanley or heididesigns. She can be reached by email at jonrheidir@gmail.com.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1622699111329011&set=pcb.933002363443589&type=3&theater

She also has an Instagram page.
https://www.instagram.com/heidistanleydesigns/

Labors of Love does a series of very nice cat and dog canvases but they will also do a custom portrait for you.
https://www.facebook.com/laborsofloveneedlepoint/photos/a.163225933826831.39001.163219983827426/692426104240142/?type=3&theater

Some of their customs are at the bottom of this page.
http://www.laborsofloveneedlepoint.com/cats-and-dogs.html

Lisa Ferguson does nice dog portraits that are like the animals but not too complicated to stitch.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10206643238509378&set=pcb.1094417757302048&type=3&theater

Contact her via her FB page (second link below).
https://www.facebook.com/lisa.ferguson.710

Sandra Gilmore/Blue Moon Studio will do custom dog portraits.  Contact her via her distributor, Fleur de Paris.
https://www.facebook.com/needlehearts18900/photos/pcb.512520835601438/512519772268211/?type=3&theater

Jackie at Smiling Cat Studios does a lovely dog that doesn't appear too complex to stitch.  The only contact information I have for her is via Needlepoint Breeze (second link below).
https://www.facebook.com/Needlepointbreeze6/photos/a.487770404613196.113970.487766711280232/1195481983842031/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/Needlepointbreeze6/

Gail Hendrix at Squiggee does nice dog portraits.
http://squiggeedesigns.com

My Pink Sugar Life does pop art style portraits.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/253390010/hand-painted-pop-art-pet-portrait-of?ref=shop_home_active_4

Tammy Syrigos Irrera does fabulous dog and cat portraits.  Contact her via her Facebook page.  You can see a lot of examples of her work there, too.  UPDATE:  Tammy is temporarily closing her custom painting business as she needs to concentrate on her ill parents right now.  (January 2019)
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10207366421909027&set=pb.1540727335.-2207520000.1474036636.&type=3&theater

UPDATE:  As Mary Agnes reminds us, many local shops have painters who will do custom pet portraits.  Just ask if you are lucky enough to have a shop nearby.

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

Stitching with Disabilities--or Just Aches and Pains UPDATED

None of us are getting any younger so thinking about tools and techniques to keep us doing our preferred type of needlework is important.   Some of us struggle with chronic illnesses or vision problems; others just overdo it.  The repetitive motions involved in needlework can cause issues on their own.  (If you tend to stitch for long stretches, make sure you get up periodically and stretch.) There is a section in Blog's right hand column under the koi pool with links to exercises for hands and tips on ergonomic chairs, etc.

I found a charming article written by someone with arthritis that talks about the things that help them with their needlework.  It will start you thinking about how to make needlepoint easier on your body.
http://www.incolororder.com/2012/08/safe-sewing-crafting-with-arthritis.html

123Stitch.com has a great product list, many of which you will find helpful.
http://www.123stitch.com/Stitching_Aids.html

Personally, my favorite adaptive tool for needlepoint is the Handeze fingerless craft glove.
http://www.123stitch.com/item/Handeze-Craft-Glove-Medium-1-Per-Package/EDM-HA13

Just make sure you pick the right size.  I wear small but my hands are so tiny that I can buy my winter gloves in the kids' clothing section.  These keep your hands warm and the circulation going.
So what's your favorite tool to help you stitch easier?

UPDATE:  Sara Leigh highly recommends this brand of gloves.  She says they are more expensive than the Handeze fingerless gloves but she finds them better for her own stiff hands and sold them in her shop.
http://www.theraglove.com/products.html

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

Bitch Background is Beaded UPDATED

Background Bead Choices

The final touch on my Bitch canvas was to add beads in the middle of all those darning circles in the background.  But what color?   I laid out three shades and sizes/shapes of gold beads, the purple beads I used on the word "bitch" and the ivory beads I originally picked as the best choice on the background.  That's what you see above.  Which would you have chosen?

I finally decided on the ivory beads.  The beading seemed to take FOREVER!  But beading always does. As I worked I realized that I could add some of the tiny gold beads to the diamond shapes in the background if I wished for an even richer look.  But in the end I decided against that.

Here is the final result.

Done!

Now that I have finished stitching this piece, I will put it safely away until after the Christmas finishing rush.  I plan to have it made into a pillow but this is the wrong time of the year to send finishing in if you don't need it made up for a Christmas present.

Looking back on this piece, I realized it is the first monochromatic piece I've ever stitched.  The lettering was all shades of purple and the background was cream with iridescent gold paint to add sparkle.  I ended up adding touches of gold to echo the sparkle paint and I think that worked well, particularly on the word "bitch."  Working essentially with just one color I felt I needed a lot of texture on the letters and the contrast of another color to make the purple really the focus of this piece.

I'll finish up the stitch guide this week.  It's available as a free PDF file for the asking--just email me at sgfromchnp at gmaildotcom-- but you need to promise to send photos when you are done.  We all want to see the endless variations of color, stitches and textures that make this a really interesting design to stitch.

By the way, Laura at Bloomin' Stitches has some great ideas for customizing your Bitch canvas.  Check them out on her shop blog--
http://www.laura-loves.com/2016/09/laura-lovescustom-orders.html

UPDATE:  Pat has finished her version.  It's gorgeous!
https://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2016/11/this-one-is-finished.html

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

Taping Your Needlepoint Canvas: A Tutorial

Needlepoint for Fun has added to their collection of useful How To articles with one about taping the raw edges of your needlepoint canvas.
http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/how-to-tape-your-needlepoint-canvas-edges.htm

Personally, I look for wide bias tape that's been folded down the middle at places like Joann's Fabrics.  Slip it over your edge and sew it down with the machine.  Easy!
http://www.wildflowersandwhimsy.com/2012/07/sewing-school-day-19-bias-tape/

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

Go Vote!

Just a reminder to all U.S. citizens, today's Election Day.  Please vote!

Any emails or comments posted to Blog will not be answered until tomorrow as I will be at a local school gym, working as an election official, from 5 a.m. this morning until at least 9 p.m. tonight.
I'll get back to everyone tomorrow, promise.

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

Chanel Discovers Needlepoint Handbags

Thanks to Jo I., I have a link to the latest Chanel handbag.
https://www.therealreal.com/products/women/handbags/small-bags/chanel-precious-symbols-needlepoint-pochette

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

Introducing Tapestry Girl

Thanks to Needlepoint for Fun I've discovered Tapestry Girl.  Her real name is Niki McDonald and she creates huge needlepoint canvases inspired by street graffiti in Australia.
https://www.facebook.com/125313707511380/photos/a.157371940972223.28096.125313707511380/1270867009622705/?type=3&theater

She has a website which is great fun to explore.  Don't miss the video hidden under "B.O.W. 2010."
https://tapestrygirl.com

She also has a Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/TapestryGirl

Here is a very good interview.
http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/tapestry-girl-makes-art-from-needle-and-thread.htm

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

Is Blue and White a New Trend in Needlepoint?

I just added these to the Destination Dallas 2016 tab--

Lycette Designs is partnering with Indigo Home Shop to bring some of their lovely work to needlepoint canvases.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2016/10/indigo-home-shop-lycette-designs/

Blue Dogwood Designs has a few special sachets with matching canvases. The sachets are made from Japanese indigo-dyed fabrics.
https://www.facebook.com/BlueDogwoodDesigns/photos/a.200573464851.166776.200567374851/10155635572324852/?type=3&theater

I'm starting to think blue and white is a new trend in needlepoint....

Of course, Kate Dickerson and Ehman have had blue and white classic designs for years.
http://www.katedickerson.com/the-fishnet-collection?lightbox=i41vnp

http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/Products/Star-Rug__SR.aspx#.WA4oLhQldjc

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

A New DMC Storage Cabinet

DMC has a new white storage cabinet for sale.   Just in case you've been good and want to tell Santa....
http://us10.campaign-archive1.com/?u=76a30fd01cfc20abba91a789c&id=2ee08bde08&e=f7c1b12c64

http://commonthread.us/dmc-storage-cabinet-white.html

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

The Jessica, Step By Step with Tips

This week Whimsical Stitch explains how to create the Jessica Stitch, those (mostly) round open stitches that look great with a bead or French knot (or even nothing) in the middle.  Mary's got some great diagrams and tips for creating a perfect round Jessica to scatter on your canvas.
http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2016/10/16/dont-hate-me

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

Covering a Canvas with Boxes

Ruth Schmuff just showed off a student's new Kimberly Santini rabbit, stitched with a Brenda Hart technique of covering a highly detailed and shaded canvas with little boxes.  This was stitched with a doubled strand of Accentuate.  Ruth even includes a stitch diagram.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/10/bunny-bunny-bunny.html

Here is another canvas stitched using Brenda's simple boxed stitch technique.  This will give you an idea of the type of canvas that looks best stitched this way and shows off how the stitch changes in the light to diamonds instead of squares.  I think this was stitched with a thin gold metallic from Madeira.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2012/02/too-much-detail.html

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

Emphasizing the Bitch UPDATED

Step One

Now that all the words except for "bitch" are stitched, it's time to embellish the heck out of the most important and largest word on my canvas.  I decided to use a stitch called Two Color Keenen from Ruth Schmuff's Stitches Four.  The first step is to do vertical columns of slanting stitches using my size 8 Finca perle cotton.  The photo above shows that this creates a sort of striped effect.

Step Two

The second step is to add tent stitches with the very dark purple Silk Lame Braid that was used in the work "not" in the top line.   Reusing a thread in various areas in a design unifies it in my opinion.

Step Three

Then I added purple beads (used in the dot over the eye) to add dimension and sparkle.  This photo is slightly tilted to help show the dimension.  By the way, to add depth to all this purple I threw in some gold hex beads at random.

Step Four

The fourth step is to outline each letter by couching the deep purple Kreinik used in the Smooch stitch above the "c" in "bitch."  More design unification!  The outlining raises the letters visually.

Step Five

The final step is to attach a deep purple Swarovski bicone crystal to the middle of the "B" and to toss on some gold star sequins for emphasis.

Next time we'll move on to the background's final touches.

UPDATE:  Pat is brick stitch beading her B and I.  Pretty!
http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2016/11/bi.html

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

Shading the Easy Way

Kam just won the Smart Cookie Award for the week for her very clever shading idea. She used a blue Coptic marker to add shading around her leaves, cherries and under the tree branches. Doesn't get any easier than this!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1060799193969842&set=gm.1154966877913802&type=3&theater

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