Sara Leigh Organizes

We always get the organization bug in January, so I thought you'd like to see Sara Leigh's new organizational scheme.  I think it looks fabulous!  Wish I was this organized.
http://remedialstitcher.blogspot.com/2017/11/finished.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 27, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Robin Goes to Alabama

Robin King's travels have taken her to Montgomery, Alabama, one of the most charming Southern towns I've ever visited, and to the Needle Bug, which sadly I have not.  Try not to drool on your keyboard while checking out the stitch guides Robin wrote for this class trip.  And Robin has a stitch diagram of one of her original creations for us, too.  Nice!
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2017/11/robin-teaches-at-needle-bug-november.html

While teaching, Robin met Amy Poore of A Poore Girl Paints.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2017/12/robin-meets-poore-girl-paints.html

(You can drool over Amy's designs on her website.)
https://apooregirlpaintsneedlepointdesigns.com

Thanks, Robin.  We love hearing about your travels.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 27, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Catch Up with Fiber Talk: Stitch While You Listen

With Holiday Madness in full force here in Chilly Hollow, I've not been keeping up with the podcasts from Gary and Christine at Fiber Talk.  I'm about to remedy that since things are calmer after Christmas.  Like the fun bubble designs from A Poore Girl Paints?  Here's an interview with Amy Poore.
http://wetalkfiber.com/2017/12/17/fiber-talk-amy-poore/

Are you a counted canvas worker?  The Fiber Talk team catches up with Orna Willis a second time.
http://wetalkfiber.com/2017/12/10/fiber-talk-orna-willis/

Do you love Needlepoint Now magazine?  Fiber Talk interviews Elizabeth Bozievich, the editor, a second time.
http://wetalkfiber.com/2017/12/03/fiber-talk-elizabeth-bozievich/

There are bound to be things you've missed.  Scroll down a bit until you can see Recent Posts on the left side of the page and pick something that sounds interesting….

Happy listening!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 27, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Banners and Boxes

I don't usually mention trunk shows any more but this one of Hillary Jean designs at Pocket Full of Stitches has several things that I've not seen before. So it's worth mentioning.  I think the customizable banners (you can pick your background and the letter you want on top of the background) are interesting and I love the little dog box and the stocking hanger.  The hanger for stockings is a terrific way to display Christmas stockings if a mantelpiece isn't one of your house's features and the dog box is wonderfully practical. Both are special orders.  Very clever, Hillary Jean!
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2017/11/hilary-jean-designs-trunk-show-post-2.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 17, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Candlewicking Fur

Needlepoint for Fun has an interesting article today about how to create slight tufts of fur using a technique that mimics candlewicking.
http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/candlewicking-on-needlepoint.htm

I highly recommend that the tent stitches under the candlewicking stitches be in wool or something else that offers a firm foundation.  You also should consider using glue on the back side and using this only on something that will not receive any wear.  A piece framed under glass is going to last longer without the candlewicking tufts of fur pulling or falling out.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 17, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Nancy Heinrichs, Stitcher

A local online newspaper just profiled Nancy Heinrichs and her stitching. The photos are mostly needlepoint but Nancy does it all.  Many thanks to Needlepoint Now for mentioning this on Facebook!
https://www.toacorn.com/articles/counting-christmas-by-the-cross-stitch/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 23, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Christmas Stocking Tutorial (and More)

Thanks to Denise, I have a nice Christmas stocking tutorial for you to enjoy today. 

http://www.kristenrettig.com/2017/11/needlepoint-christmas-stocking-tutorial.html

There is a tutorial for ornaments, too.
http://www.kristenrettig.com/2013/08/mr-bunny.html

It really isn't hard.  I've finished three little stockings myself and probably 10-12 ornaments.  Not my favorite thing to do but if you are patient, it is doable and they look nice.  So next year, how about you try this for yourself?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 19, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Ruth Does the Twist for the Camera

I will apologize in advance for those who expect a video of Ruth Schmuff dancing.  But trust me, this is nearly as good!  You will learn how to make a corkscrew stitch and how to make memory thread coils in two separate videos Ruth did for one of her mystery classes, the recently ended "Boo!"
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/11/pirate-spider.html

If you want to see more of this canvas, click on the tab that says "Bedecked and Beadazzled Mysteries,"  find David Galchutt's "Boo!" and then click on all the links.

The class itself is available via mail order through Bedecked and Beadazzled, Ruth's shop.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/boo-6/

Thanks, Ruth!  We love learning new things and getting an idea of what you teach in your classes.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 13, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Gallery of Trees: A Free Design from Kimberly

Kimberly has posted charts for one of the designs she did for Rainbow Gallery on her blog. If you want a fun project to get you through the holidays (or the weekend or the winter!), this is for you.  Raid your stash and go to town creating trees and stars.
http://akimberlydesign.blogspot.com/2017/12/surprise.html

Thanks Kimberly.  This is FABULOUS!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 20, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Jenny and the Free Buffalo Plaid Ornament

Jenny Henry has another free chart for the Christmas stitcher—a Buffalo Plaid ornament with an initial in the center.
https://jennyhenrydesigns.wordpress.com/2017/11/30/buffalo-plaid-christmas-ornament/

Here's the PDF file.  For free alphabets, use Google to find cross stitch alphabet charts.  These are available in a great many styles.
https://jennyhenrydesigns.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/ornamentchart.pdf

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 1, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Pocket Full of Stitches' Gift Exchange

Pocket Full of Stitches in Texas just had their staff Christmas party and ornament exchange. You'll love seeing what the pros stitch for each other!
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2017/12/pfos-ornament-exchange.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 21, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Spectacular Finishing from Deux Bijoux Bijoux

Deux Bijoux Bijoux has updated their website to show off their latest creations.  If you want to see unique frames, tables, trays, ornament stands or even a dog bowl holder, this is the place to browse.
http://www.deuxbijouxbijoux.com/category_25/all/New-Work.htm

These are all custom designs.  Your favorite shop can arrange to have something special made to match your canvas, though.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 14, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Watch French Knots on a Stick Make a Beard

With Christmas nearly here, it's a good time to watch the free video BeStitched's Lisa Kessler posted on creating Santa beards using French Knots on a Stick.  She has some great tips for creating realistic beards and making your French Knots consistent.
https://vimeo.com/175320233

BeStitched has a website called Needlepoint Flix full of similar videos, available to subscribers at various levels.  It's a great way for visual learners to get instructions and useful for those who don't have a shop nearby.
http://www.needlepointfix.com

Thanks for the free peek, Lisa!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 19, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

"Aesthetic Delirium"

Bergdorf's window dresser talks about the store's iconic Fifth Avenue window displays for Christmas 2017, including the needlepoint, needle felting and embroidery used to being these windows to lift.
https://www.facebook.com/Cut/videos/1703777966322233/?hc_ref=ARTHEcpLAuk6x_q2GRfAjSfmWYDVcJ4hJPBSBka9sAMqgv8UEMMF75mfEoF_Yim0kpI

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 5, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Very Special Stocking

Enriched Stitch shows off the stocking they stitched for a special customer who died before she could work it herself.
http://astheneedleturns.com/get-the-kleenex/

Almost all Christmas stockings have special stories behind them.  It's too bad Mimi never got to finish her story.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 18, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Everything for the Beginner, Even Frames

Do you have someone who might like to learn needlepoint on your holiday gift list?  The Needlepointer has some darling beginner kits called 1st Stitch that have everything you need to start stitching and even include a frame for finishing your piece at the end.  The designs are from Pippin and it looks like the only other thing your new stitcher will need is a pair of scissors.
http://mailchi.mp/theneedlepointer/the-finish-line-at-the-needlepointer-276905?e=73961ee0ea

https://www.theneedlepointer.com/?s=beginning+kits&post_type=product

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 8, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

DIY Christmas Light Bulbs

In the spirit of giving that is Christmas, Robin King shows off a student's Christmas stocking, shares two holiday-themed stitches and gives us her sister's fabulous idea for making Do It Yourself Christmas bulb ornaments.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2017/12/some-of-robins-favorite-christmas-things.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 10, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Deconstructing a Stitch Diagram (and More!)

The newest shop newsletter from Louise's Needlework is fascinating. You'll enjoy reading how one of the customers at Louise's stitched a large blossom (she did something totally different than what you would expect) and the tips for analyzing a stitch diagram to discover the repeats that will make it easier to count it out and compensate it are very useful. Enjoy!
https://siterepository.s3.amazonaws.com/530/august_2017.pdf

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 5, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

If You Want to Overpay For a Needlepoint Gift

If you want to overpay for a needlepoint gift, 1st Dibs has you covered.
https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/more-furniture-collectibles/textiles/pillows-throws/1960s-age-state-mind-needlepoint-pillow-velvet-backing/id-f_7085193/

To see more of their offerings (and to be far, some of the antique chairs are lovely), use search.  It's fun to explore all the offerings, from tennis racket covers to tote bags, pillows and slippers, rugs and furniture.
https://www.1stdibs.com/search/?q=needlepoint

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 10, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Lycette's Wish List for Santa

Lycette Designs is like the rest of us, she has a wish list for Christmas Goodies.
http://lycettedesigns.com/holiday-wishlist/

Jessica got me thinking—what's on MY list of needlepoint desires?  Here they are, in no particular order—
Machelle Somerville's "Light Candles" which I think would make a magnificent Christmas serving tray.
http://www.stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=28804&title=Light%20Candles&itemtype=hand%20painted%20canvases

Vicki Sawyer's "Heron Royalty" is gorgeous.  This would make a great piece for my husband who adores blue herons.
http://www.stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=45078&title=Heron%20Royalty&itemtype=hand%20painted%20canvases

"Chilly Christmas" is a Mary Engelbreit/Painted Pony design that looks a lot like my niece.  I just love it!
http://www.theneedlepointer.com/product/chilly-christmas/

I've always loved Kelly Clark's Halloweenies.  Which one to buy?  Should it be the mummy? Or The Grimm (page 22 of second link below).
http://www.stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=14254&title=Sarr%20Cofagus&itemtype=Hand%20Painted%20Canvases

And naturally I might need a Dazor….
https://catalog.lightingspecialties.com/viewitems/dazor-magnifiers/dazor--led-circline-magnifier?s=bing.base

Have fun assembling your list of goodies for Santa!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 1, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Spending Time with a Master of Embellishment

Since it is Thanksgiving, I thought we might have a little extra time to spend over at Susan Portra's website while everyone else eats themselves silly and watches parades and football games.  Just click on the date to see each featured canvas. Many have stitch diagrams but they all are full of fabulous ideas!  Plaid entirely in beads?!  Who'd a thunk it!  That Susan is a genius.
http://www.susanportra.com/featured-canvas.html

There are other things to see but nothing beats studying with a master of canvas embellishment.

NOTE:  I have no idea why this published two weeks after it was suppose to.  Mysteries of the Computer strike again!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Profile of A Stitch In Time

A local online newspaper has profiled Bethel, CT's A Stitch in Time. This is both a knitting and needlepoint shop, and most of the article is about knitting. Obviously, the reporter felt more comfortable asking about knitting.  But the slide show has lots of eye candy for needlepointers.
http://www.newstimes.com/business/article/Knitting-needlepoint-center-stage-at-Bethel-s-12348056.php#photo-14527762

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 16, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Kreinik's Paillettes

If you were a fan of "Faith," the 17th Century reproduction jacket that Plimoth Plantation in Massachusetts stitched, you will want to read about paillettes.
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2017/08/sequins-elevate-your-stitchery.html

"Faith" was covered in hand made silver paillettes.  The effect is astounding in candlelight.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9LzE3jdCTw

Kreinik's paillettes are a great touch if you want to add elegance to a design, especially if it may be seen in candlelight occasionally.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 13, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Inspirations Profiles Alexandra D.

Inspirations magazine from Australia is a great source of eye candy, especially if you do counted thread techniques. But occasionally they mention needlepoint as you'll see in this week's email from the magazine staff.
http://mailchi.mp/inspirationsmagazine/embroidery-news-issue-460741?e=cb5b277f1f

If you are curious about Aristeia Needlepoint, here is their website.  If you are close enough, do go visit!
https://www.aristeianeedlepoint.com

If you just like seeing pretty pictures of stitching, visit the Inspirations website and sign up for their newsletter.
https://www.inspirationsstudios.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 8, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Ever Wonder Why There Are So Few Needlepoint Videos?

Just in case you wonder why there are so few needlepoint videos on YouTube and elsewhere, Tricia gives us a hint in these series of posts on her blog.  I never realized hamsters should be banished before you start filming.
http://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2017/10/casket-videostake-42action.html

http://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2017/10/ask-this-old-house.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 9, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Christmas in 1:12 Scale

If you are a long-time visitor here at Blog, you know I adore silk gauze. So it should be no surprise to you that I wanted to send everyone to Janet Granger's slide show of her dollhouse Christmas decorations.  Janet describes her kits here so you can get a sense of just how small they really are.
https://janetgranger.wordpress.com/2017/11/29/its-christmas-in-the-dollhouse/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 29, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Peek Inside Absolutely Needlepoint

Vicky recently took the day off from managing Needlenook of La Jolla to take a Susan Portra class at Absolutely Needlepoint in Cincinnati.  Luckily for us, she took photos of the shop and of Susan Herself.  It's a fun look at a shop I'd love to visit.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/the-bewitching-hour-is-upon-us-3/

Here's the shop website, in case you need contact information because you are going to get to drop by.  Have fun!
http://absolutelyneedlepointcincy.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 30, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint On Display as Art

The Pennsylvania Convention Center is displaying several needlepoint designs by Orna Willis along with other local artists in Philadelphia.
http://ornadesign.blogspot.com/2017/12/the-announcement-that-made-me-happy.html

I can't find where the display is located but if you are in Philly during the holidays, perhaps the Convention Center staff can help you.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 12, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Framing Needlework with Glass? David's Take UPDATED

We are lucky over at Facebook's Needlepoint Nation that David works at the Great Frame Up.  He wrote an interesting article about whether to frame needlework with glass or not at the company blog.
http://thegreatframeup.com/framing-needlework-glass/?fbclid=IwAR3RLWtfelbbidDYdd3hfDjoizM8EvV4_Ht7PNAhhVmoG0n-uEmQlOHPFbQ

UPDATE:  The conservationist at Winterthur always uses glass.  You can hear her entire interview at the Fiber Talk podcast here.
https://wetalkfiber.com/2018/11/18/fiber-talk-with-laura-mina/

Thanks for your professional insight, David!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 13, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Robin Goes to Bristly Thistle

Robin had a fun time teaching at Bristly Thistle in Florida.  She shows off the shop and the canvases student brought to the party.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2017/10/robin-teaches-at-bristly-thistle-fl.html

Melody took the class and posted a bit about the shop as well.
https://wooley-thoughts.blogspot.com/2017/10/october-waning.html

I want a thread room of my own!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 29, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint Now Profiles The Needlepointer

Recently the editor of Needlepoint Now magazine was in Washington State and visited The Needlepointer in their new location.   It's a great article about the history of the shop and how they got into selling Straw Silk, plus the shop manager Brian Shaw gives us a great way to judge if we are going to run out of thread for a project.  There is a lot more in this issue of the newsletter, but I loved reading about one of my favorite shops.
http://needlepointnow.cmail20.com/t/ViewEmail/j/26AF9C28B456D0892540EF23F30FEDED/D89D82459BF7DCF144D0DD5392A9C75A

If you are too far away to make a visit in person, you can be like me and browse The Needlepointer's website.
https://www.theneedlepointer.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright  October 27, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Easiest Ways to Create the Illusion of Glass on Needlepoint Canvas

Got a painted canvas with windows, glasses or bottles? Need to stitch something that looks glassy? Needlepoint For Fun has a nice little essay on how they use either Prisms or Kreinik's Easter Grass to create a glass-like effect.
http://www.icontact-archive.com/3sPNpcHW2d6IBVeY4CRghDYhcqWrJOAA?w=4

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 27, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Lycette Falls in Love Once More

Jessica of Lycette Designs has the common problem of all stitchers who start a needlepoint business—they fall out of love with needlepoint. Here's what she did to get that spark back.
http://lycettedesigns.com/reigniting-spark-needlepoint/

Even for the majority of us who aren't in the business, we can lose our stitching mojo.  Jessica's ideas will work for us, too.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 26, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Background Idea

I just spotted a very clever background idea on Candace Bahouth's new "Avebury" design for Ehrman Tapestry.  Click on the "click here to view larger image" link for a good look.  It's two colors in stripes of varying widths and irregular edges in two muted colors.
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/Products/Avebury__AVE.aspx#.We8gcRSldjd

 I think this would look fabulous for those pretty florals with the bland, one color backgrounds, sort of like this Point of It All Designs piece.
https://needlepoint.com/anemones.html

Many thanks to Candace for her clever design work!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 24, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

BREAKING NEWS: Stitchers Paradise in Miami Closes

Stitchers Paradise has closed! Rats! They were in the Doral section of Miami and I always planned to visit them when visiting family who live nearly.  But I've missed my chance as the owners want to retire and were unable to find a buyer for their business.
http://www.stitchers-paradise.com/WhatsNewS.html

Their page about frames and stands was one of the best out there for folks who were in the market but didn't have a local shop where they could see them in person.  I am grateful that has been available over the years.  Many thanks and best wishes for a fun and fulfilling retirement!
http://www.stitchers-paradise.com/Stands/NeedleworkStands.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 6, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

"The Many Paths Up the Needlepointing Mountain"

I've seen a lot of online shop profiles over the years but none as well written as this one. The author profiles a group of Louisiana needlepoint shops beautifully and gives a little flavor of what needlepoint is today.
http://countryroadsmagazine.com/art-and-culture/house-home/needlepoint-now/

Kudos to Country Roads Magazine and to the author, Lorin Gaudin.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 27, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Shenandoah Valley Tapestry

Mary Corbet talks about the Shenandoah Valley Tapestry in this very interesting blog posting.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2017/10/the-shenandoah-valley-tapestry-a-journey-through-time.html

I am embarrassed to say this is the first I've heard of this project, and I live in the Shenandoah Valley!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 23, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Serendipity's Stitcher's Club

Ellen Johnson of Serendipity Needleworks has started a Stitcher's Club, featuring all sorts of online resources to help improve your needlepoint. You can read about it here.
https://ellen-johnson.mykajabi.com/p/145585?preview_theme_id=334463

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 3, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Look At Vintage Needlepoint Handbags

Horse Country Chic takes a look at vintage needlepoint purses.
http://horsecountrychic.blogspot.com/2017/10/vintage-needlepoint-handbags.html

If this piques your interest, then do visit Heavenly Handbags for a good browse.
http://prettypurses.homestead.com/shop1.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 23, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tanja Teaches Framing

Tanja Berlin is continuing to build out her new website, adding PDF files about various techniques, some of which are free and some of which are lessons to buy. I highly recommend her free file that teaches you how to mount your needlework on acid free board before framing it.
https://berlinembroidery.com/mounting-embroideries/

Framing is labor intensive and the materials are not cheap, so being able to at least mount your stitching on board prior to framing it is a really good thing to know.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 18, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Shop Closes, Shop Opens UPDATED

I just heard on Facebook that the Stitching Post in Midland, Texas is closing December 22, 2017.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/1580478585362627/

I also heard there about a fairly new shop just outside of Red Bank, New Jersey, called Threads Too.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/1580439705366515/

UPDATE: AND I am told there is a new shop in the Chicago area--Stitchers Garden is located at 1163 E. Ogden Avenue, Suite 713, Naperville, IL, which is just 30 miles west of downtown Chicago.  Their website and Facebook pages are listed in the links below.  Deb the owner says their hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10-5 p.m.
http://www.stitchersgardenil.com

https://www.facebook.com/stitchersgardenil/

My best wishes to the closing shop's owner and to the new shop owner.  Everyone is allowed to retire but we are lucky when someone new takes on the hassles of running a small business catering to needlepoint needs!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 3, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Acknowledging Our Growth Through Finishing

Suzie at Enriched Stitch just had an early Christmas design she stitched finished as a way of both having a fun ornament and remembering where she started from.  She makes a great point.
http://astheneedleturns.com/an-oldie-but-goody/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 18, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Woolworks Needlepoint NYC

When we think about needlepoint in New York City, we think Manhattan with Annie's Needlepoint and Rita's Needlepoint.  But there is another little shop in Manhattan, one that has been around a while—Woolworks Needlepoint.  The shop specializes in traditional needlepoint in wool but...
http://woolworksneedlepointnyc.com/gallery.html

…the shop also does custom designs.
http://woolworksneedlepoint.com/Custom_design_needlepoint.html

I stumbled across this profile in the online version of New York Magazine.  It looks well worth a visit, particularly if you happen to be close to the Met.  Call before you drop in.  The shop appears to be on the second floor.
http://nymag.com/listings/stores/woolworks-needlepoint/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 10, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Therapy Pillows

Needlepoint For Fun just learned about therapy pillows, a way to use up stash and create something fun and colorful while lessening anxiety about our day-to-day challenges.  What a great idea!
http://www.icontact-archive.com/3sPNpcHW2d6IBVeY4CRghFT8lH8xbUHQ?w=4

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 13, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tale of a Stocking

Enriched Stitch has the tale of a special Christmas stocking to tell this morning.  You are going to love this!
http://astheneedleturns.com/10454-2/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 10, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tramme', Beautiful Tramme'

This week I've seen two different mentions of shops that carry tramme canvases.   The first is Jeannettes Needlecraft in Montreal, Canada.
http://www.jeannettes.com/trammes.html

The second is Spinning Jenny in Yorkshire in the UK.
http://www.spinningjenny.co.uk

Did I hear someone ask what is tramme?  Jeannettes has a great explanation page.
http://www.jeannettes.com/howto.html

Tramme' wears like iron and is one of the traditional ways of doing needlepoint.  It's fun to learn more about it, even if you never plan to stitching any canvas prepared this way.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 11, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Creating Plaid in Needlepoint UPDATED

Creating your own plaid pattern in needlepoint can be quite interesting and fun. Chottie Alderson was the first to describe an easy way to create a plaid pattern on needlepoint canvas with tent stitches.  This is a brief explanation of how Chottie's Plaid is made.
https://www.needlepointteacher.com/stitches/c/chottie-s-plaid/

Here is a more elaborate plaid, also done in Chottie's Plaid stitch.
http://ruthsneedlework.blogspot.com/2012/05/chotties-plaid.html

ANG's diagram of Chottie's Plaid is drawn from Chottie's own information.
http://65.23.145.224/StitchOfTheMonth/2012/nov.php

******************************************

UPDATE:  Sorry, ANG has totally cut off access to their Stitch of the Month diagrams except for 2017's information.  You can only see this if you are an ANG member.  This is totally crazy in my opinion.  How on earth do you recruit new members if you don't let anyone see what you offer?!  If you are an ANG member or potential member and would like to protest this, you may email ANG's management company here.
http://www.needlepoint.org/page/ContactANG

There doesn't appear to be any way of contacting ANG's officers directly.
http://www.needlepoint.org/page/ExecCouncil

******************************************

What you are doing is filling an area in skip tent stitch using the colors you want for your plaid.  Let's say you want a blue and orange checkerboard effect with a thin black dividing line between the two main colors of blue and orange.  Then you will do 7 rows of blue, one row of black, 7 rows of orange and one of black, then work 7 blue rows again and repeat the sequence until the area is covered with skip tent.

When the entire space you want to be plaid is covered in skip tent, you turn the canvas 90 degrees so that the top is now on the left or right side (doesn't matter which), and fill in the empty canvas threads in the same color sequence—which in this case is 7 blue rows, 1 black row, 7 orange rows, 1 black row, repeat.

How do you figure out the rows and colors?  That's something you have to work out in your mind or on graph paper.  However, there is something called a birthday plaid that does the sequence for you.

First, pick your colors.  Let's do purple, pink, lime and turquoise this time.  Now choose a birthdate, your phone number, the street address or zip code, etc.  Any number sequence will do.  I will choose 72180.  Now I will work 7 rows of purple, 2 of pink, 1 of lime, and eight of turquoise.  When you come to zero in your sequence you can drop it or do ten rows.  I don't want 17 rows of purple so I will drop the zero and just work 7218.  The fun is you won't know what the plaid will look like until you have the entire skip tent done with the canvas upright and you have some rows of the second skip tent sequence done with the canvas turned on its side.

I do recommend you limit your colors to 4-5.  That makes for a more coherent plaid pattern.  I also think alternating wide bands of color with narrow ones makes for a more pleasing design.  If you want help, look for Marion Pakula's book on plaids…
http://www.newneedlepoint.com/content-product_info/product_id-2588/marion_broome_pakula_s_needlepoint_plaids.html

…or try to find Chottie Aldersen's Chottie's Plaid 1 and Chottie's Plaid 2.

You may find Donna's Halloween spider plaid fun.
http://majtravaux.blogspot.com/2017/10/halloween-plaid.html

Here are the EGA free project instructions that Donna used.
https://www.egausa.org/images/Resources/Halloween%20PLAID%20Spider.pdf

This makes a really fun teaching project for kids who want to master the tent stitch.  They can pick their color and numbers, then fill in a shape that can be made up into a quick ornament or coaster if you use plastic canvas and glue felt on the back side.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
 Copyright October 9, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

It's Starting to Look a Lot Like Christmas….

It is starting to look a lot like Christmas, now that Kreinik's Micro Ice Chenille comes in Christmas red and green! 
http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Micro-ice-Chenille-3m.html

 Perfect garland thread if you couch it on your Christmas canvas.  Merry Christmas, Kreinik!



Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 27, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Snag Nab-It (and a Substitute) UPDATED

Someone mentioned how useful the Snag Nag-It can be if you have a stray thread that's worked its way to the front of a piece. Here is what it looks like.
http://www.123stitch.com/item/Dritz-Snag-Nab-It/DRITZ-618

UPDATE:  Here's a video that shows how it works.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5leyyqLdSu/

If it seems too fat for your canvas, try using a short length of Kreinik size 4 very fine braid.  Thread it in a needle without a knot on the end and pull the metallic thread all the way through the hole to the back. It will catch any stray lengths and pull them along.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 30, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

All About Pepper Pot

Suzie at Enriched Stitch says that Pepper Pot Silk is her best-selling thread in the shop.  It is wildly popular, but like Suzie, I find it too thick for 18 count.  If I ply it, it works, but it will have slubs and thick/thin spots.  Regardless, you'll want to check this thread out and read Suzie's information.
http://astheneedleturns.com/thread-thursday/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 17, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Au Ver a Soie Goes Metallic UPDATED

Au Ver A Soie's Metallic Braid

You may have seen Mary Corbet's review of the metallic braid that Au Ver a Soie makes and been intrigued.  I know I was!
https://www.needlenthread.com/2017/06/thread-talk-the-metallics-you-want-to-use.html

Luckily I got my hands on a spool of the Au Ver A Soie metallic courtesy of a friend who bought some from Ruth Schmuff's store. I don't know what other colors or sizes Ruth has as this isn't on her website yet, but you can check with the shop.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/threads/access-commodities/soie-dalger/

I stitched with my Au Ver a Soie gold metallic in size 12 braid this week.  It is a nice flexible thread, not stiff like Kreinik metallics.   It is called Metallise Tresse'.  The end frays a bit as you work with it in the needle's eye. In the photo above you can see the fraying that happened as I handled it. If you cut it off the spool the cut ends don't fray until you handle it a bit or stitch with it.  My spool is color 002 which is similar to Kreinik's Aztec Gold 202 or Citrine 3280; it is more brassy-gold than Kreinik's 002 gold.

It's not a plyable thread--filaments can be pulled from Kreinik metallics if necessary but I don't think you can do so with the AVAS metallic braid--but it compresses.  I compared it to Kreinik size 12 and it's a bit bigger in diameter—although a tad smaller than Kreinik's size 16. But it squeezes down as you stitch with it if you pull tightly.  I tent stitched with the AVAS metallic on size 18 canvas next to tent stitches done with several colors of size 8 perle cotton.  My gold tent stitches are only a tiny bit larger than my size 8 perle cotton ones.

If you want to try this thread, besides Bedecked and Beadazzled, Needle in a Haystack in California carries this thread in a variety of colors and sizes.  The shop also plans a club with a lot of colors later this year once Au Ver A Soie has plenty of colors stocked and available (second link below).
http://www.needlestack.com/WebStore/Thread/AVAS_Metallic.html

http://needlestack.typepad.com/whats_new/2017/11/au-ver-a-soie-metallics-coming-in-2018.html

The French Needle also carries several colors in size 4, 8 and 16.  I can highly recommend Bedecked and Beadazzled and Needle in a Haystack, but I have heard The French Needle ships quickly and does good customer service as well.  I just don't have personal experience with this shop.
https://www.frenchneedle.com/collections/au-ver-a-soie-1

Is this going to replace Kreinik?  No.  It doesn't have the color range that Kreinik has and right now it is limited in availability.  But if you are doing surface stitches or working on cloth instead of needlepoint canvas,  it is a very good choice because it is much less stiff than Kreinik.   For those who don't like the way Kreinik curls off the spool but who are hesitant to use a flat iron on their metallic, this is a good substitute.  All in all, I think this is a great thread to add to our stash.  Now I just need to finish up my current project and figure out how to use this on my next!

UPDATE:  Inspirations Magazine is selling a set of the AVAS metallics, if you are in Australia or New Zealand.
https://www.inspirationsstudios.com/product/shades-of-metallic-metallise-tresse/

UPDATE #2:  Mary Corbet adds more information about this lovely thread.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2020/10/thread-love-au-ver-a-soie-metallics.html

UPDATE #3:  Mary points out that the colors available make metallic shading (something we don't do that we should) easy.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2024/10/shaded-metallic-thread-sets-theyre-fabulous.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 12, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Petit Point Perfume Bottle

Nancy posted a photo on Facebook's Needlepoint Nation group of a perfume bottle decorated with petit point.  One of her friends has an antique mall and has this for sale.  It appears to be Austrian and is around one hundred years old.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/1530069143736905/

This is the first perfume bottle I've ever seen with needlepoint although the pink rose and blue small flower motif is common.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 7, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

All about Kreinik's Ombre Thread

Kreinik's latest blog post highlights their Ombre, which is a soft blend of colors.  
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2017/07/how-to-use-kreinik-ombre-in-your-year.html

There are more colors available now than there used to be and the blending is perfect if you want shading without much work.  I've always thought we don't use metallic color blending as much as we should.  Ombre is an easy way to do the color blending without work—and Easy is my middle name!
http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Ombre.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 18, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Anna Talks Decorating with Needlepoint

The British needlepoint designer and teacher Anna Pearson has written a long, fun article about decorating your home with needlepoint. It's full of good ideas to help you figure out what will work for your own abode.  Anna uses her own designs as examples but the principles she lays out will work for any designer's work — or even your own original creations.
http://anna-pearson-needlepoint.blogspot.com/2017/10/practical-and-decorative-needlepoint.html

Thanks, Anna!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 5, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Cosmo

Scarlett Johannsen on the Cover of Cosmo

No, I have not been asked to be a cover girl for Cosmopolitan magazine!  (I'd fit right in, though, don't you think?)

Not that long ago a friend [Hi, SL!] told me about Cosmo, a six ply Japanese cotton floss, which she said is very silky to stitch with, and which comes in an amazing range of shades of color.  She also told me I could buy it at a quilt shop over the mountain from my house.  So when I needed to take the dog to the vet's offices only a short distance from the quilt shop, I made a visit.  

Six Pink Cosmo Skeins

This is what I bought--six skeins of shades of pink.  The quilt shop sells them for $1.10 each so I ended up paying $6.83 since I have to pay state tax as well.  The amazing thing was that there were at least 15-20 shades of pink to choose from!  Plus Cosmo comes in variegated colors. This is great news for those looking for a huge range of one color for designs like Patricia Spence's "Twister"which requires seven shades of one color.  

For those who don't live near me or near any quilt shops (as far as I know this is a thread carried mostly by quilt stores), the shop I visited has an online store.  They carry all 442 solid Cosmo colors and the 80 variegated shades.  (They also carry Presencia's Finca perle cotton in both size 8 and size 12.)
http://www.webfabrics.net/cgi-bin/Store/store.cgi?cart_id=1105655.IP64.79.49.145IP.12769.s0&lastmenu=&menu=submenu-1100.html

I found a bit more about the thread plus a DMC conversion chart here.
http://www.thimblecreek.com/cosmo.php

According to this website, Cosmo has a small metallic thread line called Sparkles.  This I haven't seen.
http://thimblecreek.com/product.php?product=88

I've stitched with my Cosmo floss several times since then and find it very high quality.   The color range is amazing (although not every color has as many variations as the reds, blues, and purples).  I think if you are stitching something that needs lots of shades, this is the thread to use.
http://www.stitchers-paradise.com/Canvas_Embroidery/CETwister.html

UPDATE:  Rittenhouse has a little video on this wonderful cotton floss.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlAHzSX9rqQ

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 17, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Happy Thanksgiving

Melissa Shirley's "Turkey Family"

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!  As always I am grateful for all my needlepoint friends.  I hope you have a stress free day, full of good food, happy people, and of course a little stitching time.

(The turkey family canvas is from Melissa Shirley Designs, stitched by Carolyn Hedge Baird.)
http://melissashirleydesigns.com/galsearch/index.cgi?index=1476811731_70941&col=&cat=

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 22, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Story Behind Melissa Prince Pumpkins

Melissa Prince just posted the story behind her signature blue and white pumpkins on her Facebook page.  Fun!
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1625506980840026&id=341998565857547

If you aren't familiar with her pumpkins, check her website to see them in person.
https://www.melissaprincedesigns.com/florals.html

https://www.melissaprincedesigns.com/new-canvases.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 1, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

More about Copyright UPDATED

A Member of Facebook's Administrator Group posted this link to an article about copyright that explores the myths people believe justify their use of other people's work.  It's technical but not so much so that it isn't understandable by non-legal folks.
http://www.templetons.com/brad/copymyths.html

UPDATE:  Ruth Schmuff just posted her own take about copyright.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2018/02/copyright-2/#comment-8534

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 12, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Curtis Boehringer Has Died

I'm sorry to say that the rumor going around that the designer Curtis Boehringer has died is true. Apparently his sister announced his death on November 17th on her Facebook page without any details except for his passing.  My condolences to his family.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 21, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Need a Beach Tote for the Stitching?

Bohicket Road is starting a Kickstarter fund raiser.  If you love their craft and travel organizers, you might be interested in this.  Thanks for letting me know, Susan!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/953051296/bohicket-road-beach-tote-remove-sand-hassle-free

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 21, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

M.R.S. Embroidery's Trestle Frames UPDATED

Folks who live in Great Britain or who prefer trestle style frames will want to read what Kathy at The Unbroken Thread has to say about the new trestle stands from M.R. S. Embroidery.
http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2016/11/30/new-trestle-supplier-m-r-s-embroidery/

Trestle floor frames are made to lay your stretcher bars flat on top, then stitch with both hands, one above and one below the needlework.  These look solid and they easily come apart to be stored flat against a wall, under a bed, or behind furniture.  Nice job, Magda!

UPDATE:  The shop has a Facebook page (complete with a photo of the elf who makes the frames-LOL) and will have a review from An Unbroken Thread shortly!  Stay tuned….
https://www.facebook.com/mrsembroiderytrestles/

Here's a glimpse behind the scenes while we wait for Kathy to play with her new frame and write a review.
http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2017/11/05/tour-southern-england/

UPDATE #2:  Kathy's review~   Now I want some!
http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2017/11/21/trevelyons-pocket-setting-new-trestles/

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

Jane Turns Green with Envy

Today I'm really envious of Robin King who got to visit Quail Run Needlework in Scottsdale, Arizona.  Actually, I'm envious of the folks in her class, too!  Robin is very inspiring and inventive.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2017/10/robin-teaches-at-quail-run-needlework.html


Then Robin made a stop at Atlanta's Nimble Needle, to teach and of course do a little tour of the shop.  Fun!
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2017/11/robin-teaches-at-nimble-needle-atlanta.html

Of course we can always visit the shop websitse and Robin's stitch guides will be available to all of us shortly.
http://www.quailrunneedlework.com

http://www.atlantanimbleneedle.com/home.html

Don't you wish Robin needed us to carry her luggage or something?!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 2, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Bead Conversion Charts

Oh, look! Mary Corbet has posted a list of bead conversion links!  The conversion charts give you color equivalencies between thread brands and bead brands (or between bead brands) so you can substitute threads for beads (and vice versa) or change brands if that's all that you have available, and also makes it easy to order long distance.  You can call your favorite shop and ask for a Mill Hill bead that you know is close to DMC color number X for your next project, for example.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2017/08/bead-to-floss-bead-to-bead-conversions-for-stitchers.html

Thanks once again, Mary!

Written by Jane/Chilly
Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 23, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Needlepointer in a Commercial

Thanks to Barbara I can share the YouTube version of a commercial for an eczema cream—that features a needlepointer!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=888LpsvnNk0&feature=youtu.be

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 18, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Need a Button or Charm?

If you have a canvas that needs a button or charm, take a look at the range available from Susan Clarke Originals.  Make sure you have your favorite beverage and some time to browse before you click on the link to their website.
http://susanclarkeoriginals.com

I mentioned this because Abigail Cecile asked for a place to find cute charms.  I can't post a comment to her blog —the process involves setting up a new account with SquareSpace which I don't want to do—so I thought I'd just tell everyone and maybe someone will mention it to Abby.
http://www.abigailcecile.com/blog/2017/7/28/doily-still-life-project-update-1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 2, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Introducing Anne Fisher Needlepoint

There's a new designer in town! Meet Anne Fisher.
https://www.annefisherneedlepoint.com/gallery-2/

She does classic designs.  Pour a cup of your morning (or evening) beverage and watch the slide show!
https://www.annefisherneedlepoint.com/custom/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 15, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Holiday Owls Mystery from Bedecked and Beadazzled UPDATED

Ruth has announced the Christmas mystery class at Bedecked and Beadazzled— Brooke Connor's "Holiday Owls."
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/09/holiday-owls.html

The class starts in December.  As always, I'll update this article as Ruth posts updates on the various class lessons.

Ruth started with the little owl faces and the purple vest.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/12/only-best-dressed.html

The second lesson Ruth tackled feathers in an unexpected way (and stitched the pink hat, which I want to wear!).
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/12/feathers.html

The third lesson adds wings and a hat.  One more lesson to go!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2018/01/more-is-more.html

And the final touches are beaded ivy and pompoms, not to mention snowflakes in the background!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2018/01/its-snowing.html

UPDATE:  Here are four versions, all finished differently.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2018/12/happy-happy-owls/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 29, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Doodlin' Around Designs Lap Table and Floor Table

Doodlin' Around Designs now has a lap table and a floor table perfect for stitchers who need something in their laps or pulled up to their stitching chair.
http://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2017/09/the-floor-table.html

http://www.doodlinarounddesign.com/product-gallery.html

https://www.etsy.com/shop/DoodlinAroundDesign

As always when considering a floor stand, think about where you stitch—will the stand work there?  And think about what you stitch. If you usually work very large pieces you will need something much steadier than someone who does pieces smaller than 10 inches most of the time.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 27, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Celebrity Needlepoint Sightings

Scrim Needlepoint's Facebook account had two celebrity needlepointer mentions today. First up, Martha Washington!
https://www.facebook.com/scrimdiscovery924/photos/a.1053431794673096.1073741828.1053431734673102/1848379025178365/?type=3&theater

Then Henry Fonda!
https://www.facebook.com/scrimdiscovery924/photos/rpp.1053431734673102/1848385541844380/?type=3&theater

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 27, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Source for Old Needlepoint Magazines

Velona Needlecraft in California stocks issues of old needlepoint magazines like Needlepoint News and Needlepoint Plus, but copies of ANG's Needle Pointers and the current magazine Needlepoint Now.  They are quite expensive but if the back issue you want is no longer available from Needlepoint Now or ANG, or you want one of the issues from the defunct Needlepoint News/Plus, this is a good place to check if eBay searches aren't turning up the one you need.
http://www.velona.net/Needlepoint-Books_c25.htm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 27, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Smart Cookie Award for November

November's Smart Cookie Award goes to Beverly, who used custom leather pet name tags with her family Christmas stockings.  Beverly has her initials and the date and the recipient's initials put on a tag and stitched inside the stocking.  Discrete but durable and a very clever use of these little name tags.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/513327080/pet-name-tag-pet-id-tag-pet-collar-tag?ref=shop_home_active_14

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 25, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Interview with Jude of Spicy Designs

Kreinik has posted a short little video interview with Jude of Jude Designs on their Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/Kreinik.Manufacturing.Company/?hc_ref=ARSUbGFsMljAiNaJL3GRvqPsKU344YY7jw8X5Es4gCxFQiiVLdB6KPgRnq_CJH-Buq4&fref=nf

Here is Jude's website.  It is THE place to find New Orleans and Cajun-themed designs but there is a lot more, like the new football stadium series.
http://spicyneedlepoint.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 25, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.