Melita Visits Nashville Needleworks UPDATED

Melita's on the road again, and she stopped at Nashville Needleworks.
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2017/03/01/lone-star-boot-filled-at-nashville-needle-works/

UPDATE:  I'm told the shop photo is of Needleworks in Austin but I cannot fix this.  The error happened on Melita's end.  Here are more shop photos and more information, by the way.
http://www.needlepointoflajolla.com

Of course once you take a look at Melita's photo, you'll want to visit their website.  Have fun exploring!
http://nashvilleneedleworks.com

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

ANG's Spring Auction Starts April 2

The spring auction run by ANG will start April 2, 2017.  Read all the information on the home page, then either log in or set up an account, using one of the big blue buttons at the very top of the page.
https://ang.afrogs.org/#/index

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

Here's Something You Don't See Every Day

Here's something you don't see every day--a needle threader with a light!
http://www.needlepointtooltime.com/product/18HM37

This is perfect for those who have trouble with tiny needle eyes, particularly beading needles.

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

Breaking News: Wellesley Needlepoint's New Online Store

Wellesley Needlepoint just announced their online shop is open for business.  As they are the distributor for Annie Lane,  Julie Paukert, Sea Breeze and The Wellesley Needlepoint Collection, this is very good news!  This is also a good place to shop for Boston and Cape Cod-theemed canvases.
https://www.wellesleyneedlepoint.com/shop/

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

Blue Bonnet Stitching Retreat 2017

Melita went to the Blue Bonnet Stitching Retreat in Texas recently and reports back on what she saw and did in this blog posting.
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2017/02/26/blue-bonnet-stitching-retreat-2017/

If you are curious, the website for Blue Bonnet's retreat is here.  There is already information about the 2018 retreat up in case you will be able to go.
http://bluebonnetstudio.com/about-bbst-retreat

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

Stitchers Hideaway Report

This year Sue went on the Stitchers Hideaway Retreat run by Sue Donnelly.  And she lived to tell about it!
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2017/02/25/two-days-at-the-winter-stitching-retreat/

Actually, it sounds like a blast.  If you'd like some winter hideaway fun yourself, the website for the retreat is here.  When I wrote this article it had not been updated with 2018 information but hopefully there is information up now so you can mark your calendar.
http://stitchershideaway.com

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

BREAKING NEWS: Hedgehog Handworks Is Closing (and More)

I just heard from Mary Corbet's blog that Hedgehog Handworks is closing so the owner can retire. So they are having a sale!  This is a very big deal indeed as the shop has long been the go-to place for stumpwork, 17th Century reproduction embroidery and goldwork supplies.  But they also carry Accentuate, Gloriana silk ribbons, Gilt Sylke Twist, and much much more.    If you have been longing for a special expensive thread, check their inventory.
http://www.hedgehoghandworks.com/catalog/index.php

In other news of limited shopping opportunities, Thistle Threads has introduced a new set of colors in their line of silk purl threads.
http://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2017/03/i-love-silk-purls.html

There are 19 new colors of the tiny silk purl coils.
https://thistle-threads.myshopify.com/products/tiny-silk-purls-1-2-yards?variant=40018952650

And a cream introduced in the medium sized silk purl range.  These threads are meant to be couched on the surface and I think some would make amazing hair or a stunning Christmas tree.
https://thistle-threads.myshopify.com/products/silk-wrapped-purl

Have fun shopping!  Don't buy it all, ok?  I plan to do a little shopping tonight….

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

Interview with Jennier Riefenberg

"Carrots"

The Fiber Talk podcast this week interviews Jennifer Riefenberg, the teacher and designer whose vegetables series of designs (that's "Carrots" above) are very popular classes among Seminar-goers.
http://wetalkfiber.com/2017/03/26/fiber-talk-with-jennifer-riefenberg/

Here's Jennifer's website.
https://artofsunshine.com/collections/68881

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

Scissor Fobs: The Movie

If you need a little inspiration this morning, how about watching the six minute movie showcasing all the scissor fobs made for an exchange that the Embroiders Association of Canada sponsored?   There are all sorts of interesting ways to finish the fobs which were stitched in a variety of techniques.  It shows just how much fun you can have with scraps of needlepoint canvas and leftover threads.
http://blog.eac.ca/2017/02/join-in-fob-fun.html

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

"Is There A Needlepoint Shop in _______?"

Needle Nicely talks about customers, how far they are willing to drive, and how to find out if there is a needlepoint shop in a town.
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2017/02/is-there-needlepoint-shop-wherever.html

Here is TNNA's online directory.  Not every needlepoint shop belongs to TNNA, but it's a good place to start a search.  Choose "Needlepoint" from the Main Product or Service pull down menu and then select a location.  Once you have results, click on the shop name for further information.
http://www.tnna.org/search/custom.asp?id=113

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

How to Attach Kid Leather

I have to admit I've never been tempted to attach kid leather to any of my needlepoint, but in case I ever have the urge (or you do), this article by Anna Scott about her current goldwork design will help me understand how to go about it.  She makes it took easy, although it appears being careful and patient is very useful.
http://annascottembroidery.blogspot.com/2017/02/goldwork-wip-attaching-gold-kid-leather.html

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

Travel Designs UPDATED

Folks are always looking for a design to commemorate a trip or a favorite town, so I thought I'd make a list of the various designers who have lots of these destination canvases.  They are listed in alphabetical order.

Denise DeRusha has quite a few small square travel location designs.  She also has Christmas trees around the world ornaments (second link below)
https://denisederusha.com/postcards-us-states-national-parks-cities-and-world-countries

https://denisederusha.com/holidays-seasonal

https://pfos.com/products/russia-1

DJ Designs does several D.C., San Francisco, Chicago, and NYC travel designs, sized from stockings to pillows to oval ornaments.
http://www.annieandco.com/collections/dj-designs

Doolitle Stitchery has a series of ski travel squares, ovals, rounds and ski pillows plus a few European destination travel ornaments, too.
https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/2565a1_75bdfe2e0c5d4ff5901cb9cfce3c9e36.pdf

Ewe and Eye has a really charming Lithuania ornament.  I hope they have more along these lines!
https://needlepoint.com/lithuania-21335.html

In Good Company has an extensive line of printed mini sock canvases for cities, states and countries. Check their Out West squares for regional themed designs as well.
http://www.needlepointbyingoodcompany.com

Kathy Brandt does little stockings and round travel ornaments.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/KathyBrantArt/photos/?tab=album&album_id=381585001987545

Kathy Schenkel has an extensive line of travel rounds. Don't miss her Michigan Mittens series, either (second link below).
http://www.kathyschenkel.com/Gallery/Travel-Rounds-and-Other/26/Travel-Rounds/121.html

http://www.kathyschenkel.com/Gallery/Series/11/Michigan-Mittens/104.html

Kirk and Bradley has a whole series of travel ornaments as well as some regular-sized designs. They even have a few belts!
http://www.kirkandbradley.com/travel

NeedlePaint has introduced travel rounds for Paris, London, Barcelona, Rome, Thailand, and Venice.  Note that these are printed, not hand painted.

https://www.needlepaint.com/blog/2020/09/15/travel-round-needlepoint-ornament/

NeedlePaint has new designs for New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and New Orleans.  They also do custom destination ornaments.

https://www.needlepaint.com/blog/2021/02/11/us-needlepoint-travel-rounds-destination-ornament-collection/

Painted Pony Designs has travel angels in their popular series of little angel canvases.
http://www.paintedponyneedlepoint.com/tangelwc.htm

Painted Pony also has round ornaments for various locations.
http://www.paintedponyneedlepoint.com/trounds.htm

Ruth Schmuff has a line of map designs that might be of interest.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/?s=map&post_type=product&tags=1&limit=10&ixwps=1

Silver Needle has an extensive line of travel ornaments. You can see them starting on page 12 of the Colonial Needle catalogue.  Also look at the brick covers.
http://www.colonialneedle.com/files-customer/catalog/SilverNeedle_Catalog.pdf

Silver Needle has a travel ornament for all 50 states now.
https://colonialneedle.com/collections/sn-city-state-ornaments?page=1

Trubey has several lovely large travel bell pull canvases for those who want to celebrate their favorite places in a larger format.
http://www.fleurdeparis.com/products/10Browse.asp?Category=Trubey%20Designs

Trubey also has a series of travel "inserts" which are 6x7 inch rectangles. The motifs from the inserts are repeated by Trubey in round ornaments.
http://www.fleurdeparis.com/products/10Browse.asp

Poppy Monk Needlepoint has vintage designs that mix fashion with Paris, London and NYC.

https://poppymonkneedlepointkits.com/collections/handpainted

Audry Wu's passport stamp designs are great and different.  Currently available:  Paris, NYC, Florence, Tokyo, London and North Pole.

https://audreywudesigns.com/collections/new-arrival

CH Designs (represented by Painted Pony) has added state and country candy canes to their line.  An example of each is below.

https://stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=85816

https://stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=85761

NeedlePaint has designed a series of national park ornaments that are printed, making them cheaper than a hand painted design.

https://www.needlepaint.com/blog/2022/06/13/national-park-ornament-kits/

KCN now has heart-shaped travel ornaments.

https://www.facebook.com/358534837577981/photos/a.1816491061782344/5148508945247189/

Louise's Needlework has a local painter who will do custom travel rounds.

https://media.rainpos.com/530/News_Blast_September_2022_Final.pdf

Ann Kay Studio has island designs that are unique and perfect for your collection.

https://www.annkayestudio.com/shop?category=Maps

https://www.annkayestudio.com/shop?category=18+Mesh

Garden Gate Needlepoint is partnering with Cheryl Schaeffer on these three California-themed travel rounds for Anaheim, Pasadena and Santa Monica.

https://www.facebook.com/gardengateneedlepoint/posts/pfbid0289BMSEbuU2TDfzyq4HKBtxez2rvHucxr5snXekoLpDaCP8VyrW5XvJXVnXZyyGyl

Atlantic Blue Canvas has some cute small square travel canvases.  Search on the designer name at Stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com if the link doesn't work.

https://stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/newsletter.htm

Ash and Gin has a new series of national parks designs.  Note:  these are printed canvases.

https://www.stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/ash-and-gin?cid=68c6d8c4-6311-4db7-a6af-6c56ebef78b3&page=4&utm_campaign=c0f8963d-e0af-4143-95ed-359a2599729d&utm_medium=mail&utm_source=so

Whipstitch has started designing state stamps that feature the state bird and flower, like this one for Virginia.

https://stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=98923

The Meredith Collection introduced a series of binoculars with travel destinations reflected in the lenses Fall 2023.  New York, NYC, Paris, Italy, London and the beach are available to date.

https://stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=99565&title=Eye%20Spy%20-%20Italy&itemtype=hand%20painted%20canvases

Hopefully the travel design you want is among those listed above.

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

Using DMC's Metallic Mesh on Needlepoint

At the end of last summer, I heard about DMC's new stitchable metallic mesh fabric.
https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2016/08/dmcs-stitchable-mesh-fabric.html

In December DMC sent me some to play with.
https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2017/01/dmcs-stitchable-metallic-mesh.html

My first task was to try and mount it somehow so I could stitch with it easier.  I ended up using stretcher bars and thumbtacks.
https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2017/02/framing-up-dmc-stitchable-metallic-mesh.html

My plan was to stitch one of Threedles' counted Christmas ornaments using one of the charts in Needlepoint Now's December 2015 issue.  Sadly, that didn't work out.  I found it impossible to count out such a complicated project on the metallic mesh.  I simply couldn't see the holes well enough.

My Darning Cat And More

I even had trouble doing a simple darning stitch.   I  tried one of Sheena's Halloween cat diagrams but even this wasn't easy to work.  I found the holes being so small a real handicap for stitching.  (I was using two plies of cotton floss, by the way.) You can see the cat in the upper left of the photo above, by they way.
http://www.sheenasstitches.com/halloween-scaredy-cats/

So I stopped and thought about what I was doing, then came up with A Plan.  (I love a plan!)  DMC says this metallic mesh is meant to be embroidered on and they provide a floral design outline to trace and then fill the outline with stitching.  So why not sketch a shape on the mesh and then stitch inside the outline using needlepoint stitches?    I decided I would draw the rough shape of my Computer Pixie's tote bag on the metallic mesh and see if I could stitch it, then cut out the shape and appliqué it to my needlepoint canvas.    I used one of the blue quilting pens to draw the shape on the metallic mesh.  These are the pens that are supposed to disappear over time or with the application of COLD water.  (Hot water sets the lines, as does ironing, leaving your project in the car in the summer, etc.)  It worked quite well.    If you look at the Darning Cat photo above again, you'll see the blue outline of the tote bag on the right plus my blue quilting pen posing in front of its work.

Tote Bag and Applique

By the way, in the photo above I've already stitched the tote bag on the needlepoint canvas by weaving it on the surface.  I simply repeated the weave stitching on the metallic mesh.   I used two plies of Mandarin Floss for each version of the tote, stitching long vertical lines and then weaving shorter horizontal lines by going over and under the vertical thread lines.

Buttonhole Stitch Holds the Folded Down Top Edge

Then I cut away the top part of the metallic mesh—using paper scissors instead of my good embroidery scissors--turned under the top margin of the tote bag appliqué, and using buttonhole stitch, started securing the top.  That's what you see above, the buttonhole stitch underway.  Note on the left side near the buttonhole stitching that the metallic mesh is starting to fray.    When I cut out the other three sides and turned them under, intending to attach them to the needlepoint canvas, leaving the buttonhole edge free so I could insert something into the tote bag, fraying became a problem. I still managed to attach three sides of the appliqué tote bag to the canvas, stitching through the turned under metallic mesh edges and the underlying canvas with a sharp needle, with one ply of the same Mandarin Floss I used to create the tote bag weaving.  But fraying was a constant issue and it showed in places.

Shape Outlined with Fabric Glue

The fraying taught me that I should have used something to stabilize the edges of the tote bag shape before cutting it out.  So I tried again, first outlining a rough square with my blue quilting pen, then going around outside the shape with a line of Arlene's Tacky Glue, which dries clear on needlepoint.  (In the photo above the glue has not yet been spread as close to the blue line as it should be since I wanted you to see both the line and the glue.)   I used a toothpick to place and spread my glue and let it dry 24 hours.  Then I cut it out as close to the blue line as possible, using my paper scissors, not my good embroidery scissors.

Glued Metallic Mesh, Top Edge Buttonholed

This is the end result, seen from the silver side.  (I always drew and stitched on the gold side, reasoning that the gold mesh, if visible through my green threads, would look better than the silver.)  The top edge is turned under and I've been doing buttonhole on it.  The spacing is odd because I was attempting a decorative buttonhole stitch.  Note the fraying on the bottom of the piece of metallic mesh.  I deliberately did not cut through the middle of the dried glue there.  Instead I cut the mesh next to the dried edge of glue.  It would be relatively easy to turn under the bottom and side edges to the blue line, then stitch right through the glue (using a sharp needle again) and also through the needlepoint canvas to appliqué this onto the canvas.

Glue solves the fraying issue nicely.  By the way, when I was playing with this—I handled the glued sample quite a bit, trying to make it fray—I realized that the silver side, properly glued and cut to shape, would work beautifully as a window screen on a canvas of a house.  The painted canvas underneath will show through the holes.  The only drawback is that the holes are small so you'll have to attach the silver mesh side out to your canvas with floss.  Those holes are pretty small!

Tote Applique Fraying on the Upper Right Corner and Left Side

But back to my Computer Pixie.  I now had an appliqué tote bag but the frayed edges were showing slightly.  What to do?!

Computer Pixie, Done and Awaiting a Frame

Heck, just put stuff on top of and inside the bag.  Easy peasy!

Many thanks to DMC for sending me the metallic mesh fabric to play with.   I have most of the sheet still and will be playing around with it as time allows.  Maybe I can come up with more uses.

And maybe I'll get the glue out of my hair, too.

Jane exits,  laughing at herself

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

Trends at TNNA Winter 2017

Needlepoint.com says they noticed one trend at the TNNA show in January--blue and white!  Use the side arrows to see six designs with blue and white china patterns here.
https://www.facebook.com/NeedlepointCom/photos/pcb.1266587256766946/1266585593433779/?type=3&theater

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

Jazz Musicians Portraits on Display in Atlanta UPDATED

If you are in the Atlanta area, you will be interested in the exhibit of Leanna Leithauser-Lesley's needlepoint portraits of jazz musicians.  If you aren't in the area and can't see the exhibit or participate in the group stitching at the Cobb Galleria, you can still listen to an interview in the link below.  Just click on Listen at the top of the page under the slide show.
http://news.wabe.org/post/needlepoint-artist-brings-jazz-portraits-theatrical-outfit

Many thanks to Sandy for pointing this out on Facebook.

UPDATE:  Her jazz and blues portraits will be on display in Selma, Alabama starting in October 2019.  If you can't be there, watch the video.
https://www.cbs42.com/good-news/birmingham-artist-immortalizes-jazz-and-blues-musicians-through-needlepoint-portraits/?fbclid=IwAR1YRLKRJz8NTSnIQAk-wZ8lcSc1kRUofB3Y2ty5kZTfJGw1rBS2NxWe33E

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

The Assassination

Orna Willis found photographs of an exhibit by Richard Bassett that uses photographs from the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated as the basis for needlepoint.  
http://ornadesign.blogspot.com/2017/02/needlepoint-and-president-kennedy.html

Orna has some interesting questions as to the significance of photos so ubiquitous that we recognize them immediately and whether turning them into needlepoint makes them fresh again.  Or perhaps he is stitching through his grief all these years later?
http://www.richardbassettart.com/images_dallas_a.html

Many needlepointers use needlepoint to make traumas more bearable, after all.

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

New from SOS Designs

Colonial Needle has a new designer--SOS Designs (it stands for Son of a Stitch because the designs are the brainchild of the son of the owner of Colonial Needle).
http://astheneedleturns.com/fresh-from-the-showroom-floor/

The little geometric rounds are perfectly sized for the Lee leather goods (boxes, pouches, snap trays, cosmetic bags, etc.) which makes sense as Colonial owns the Lee design line.    If you need something fabulous but without the high costs and long wait times of professional finishing, you will want to check out what's available from Lee, Colonial and SOS Designs.
http://www.colonialneedle.com/files-customer/catalog/LeesNeedlearts_Leather_Catalog.pdf

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

Over Rachel's Shoulder UPDATED

Rachel of the Virtuosew Blog has been working on a Bargello patchwork cushion cover for quite a while and today, she started posting about how she made it up into a long cushion cover.  This is a gift for her mother.  First, they had to block it.  I'll update this article as Rachel gets it made up.  By the way, if you are interested in seeing how Rachel came up with this original patchwork design, look for "Crazy Canvaswork Cushion" at the bottom of this article and click on that.  All the articles Rachel wrote as she designed and stitched this will magically appear.
http://www.blog.virtuosewadventures.co.uk/wordpress/2017/02/14/finishing-the-form-cushion-stage-one/

UPDATE: I removed the wrong link and added the right one.  Sorry!

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

Peeking Over Jessica's Shoulder UPDATED

Jessica shows us how she executes a commission for needlepoint suspenders ("braces") for a German customer who wants traditional ones using Berlin woolwork patterns made with the breast piece.
http://www.jessicagrimm.com/blog/another-bavarian-hosentrager

UPDATE:  Jessica is almost ready to roll the embroidery up on her scroll frame.
http://www.jessicagrimm.com/blog/embroidery-plans-with-a-herbal-theme

UPDATE #2:
And the embroidery is done!  Now for the finishing.
http://www.jessicagrimm.com/blog/a-very-happy-costumer

These aren't the first pair Jessica has made for customers.  Click on "Bavarian braces" in the right hand column to see more.  Here is someone wearing a set, although they are not Jessica's, just a random photo I found online to illustrate how they differ from the suspenders that a banker might wear in Boston.
http://www.flagshipfancydress.co.uk/germanbavarian-man-costume-2212-p.asp

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

BREAKING NEWS: Vallerie Needlepoint Gallery

Suzie Vallerie of Enriched Stitch has announced a new line of canvases, called Vallerie Needlepoint Gallery (VNG for short), based on the artwork of Kim Leo.  These will be available through the shop shortly and eventually the designs will also be available in other shops.  Have fun checking out Suzie's new treats.
http://astheneedleturns.com/big-news-huge/

http://enrichedstitch.com/vng-wholesale-canvas/

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

Browsing the Archives

Yesterday's article on shading referred to an article from the American Needlepoint Guild's website. ANG has an archive of great articles from their Needle Pointers magazine, posted online for anyone to read.  There's lots of great stuff here.
http://www.needlepoint.org/Archives.php

For example, there's Mary Campbell's article on how to attach beads to needlepoint canvas,  Tony Mineiri's fabulous four part article on compensation, Nancy Christie's terrific wire-edged finishing technique, Gene Wright's five part color study, and much, MUCH more:  gold leaf, Berlin wool work, pattern darning, Rozashi....

You get the idea.  It's a fabulous resource.  Thanks, ANG!

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

Rittenhouse has Big News

Rittenhouse Needlepoint has lots of news this month.  The shop is moving eight blocks to the east and will be very close to the Reading Terminal Market now.
http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=9b9b7549e5c8f818070e0508c&id=7e9f15be9b&e=dc528215e5

Here's a video of Rittenhouse's new home.  This is Before Renovation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOxXQki9e1o

Plus, they now own the Barbara Russell line of canvases. You can browse the Rittenhouse collection of Barbara Russell on their website
https://rittenhouseneedlepoint.com/canvas.html?limit=200&manufacturer=2766&p=1&utm_campaign=7e9f15be9b-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_03_11&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Rittenhouse+Newsletter+Group+2&utm_term=0_6b3a1bb991-7e9f15be9b-338326693&vendor_manufacturer=1275

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

Melita's Woodlawn 2017 Report

Melita is on the road again and we are lucky ducks that she is reporting on her trip to the Woodlawn Plantation exhibit in great detail.  It's lovely to hear about the pieces that caught her eye.  Thank you!
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2017/03/12/woodlawn-roadtrip-2017/

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

DIY Paperweights for Needlepoint Finishing

Amy mentioned this website when she showed off her needlepoint paperweight on Facebook.  This is all you need except for a small stitched design to make a wonderful paperweight out of your needlepoint.
http://www.photoweights.com

Here are her paperweights.  Thanks for the tip, Amy!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10154652789318248&set=gm.1287873094623179&type=3&theater

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

The Smart Cookie of March (DIY Storage Edition)

Laura's husband built this stretcher bar storage system from three inch diameter PVC pipe for her.  The pipes are all cut in six inch lengths and screwed in position, perhaps to the door, perhaps to the wooden strips attached to the door.  Laura explains how this was done in some detail in the comments if you happen to be a handy tools person.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/1287262551350900/

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

Breaking News: Absolutely Needlepoint in Miami Has Moved

I just learned that Absolutely Needlepoint in Miami, Florida moved in February but the shop hasn't updated their website. Here is the new address—

13869 South Dixie Highway
Miami, FL  33176

Hopefully their phone number is the same.
http://absolutelyneedlepoint.com

Many thanks to Simone for discovering this and alerting everyone at Needlepoint Nation on Facebook.

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

Free Orna Willis Design

Orna Willis is giving away a free chart with a list of suggested fibers. Just send her your email address and ask nicely.  (Orna's at ornawillis@gmail.com)
http://ornadesign.blogspot.com/2017/03/a-free-design-simple-effective-and-easy.html

She's a master of color and pattern so if you love counted canvaswork, or just want to try it, here's a chance to stitch one of her beauties.

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

Painted Pony: A Mini-History

Ever wonder how designers get started?
https://debbieppd.wordpress.com/2017/03/09/i-can-see-for-miles-and-miles/

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

Sheena Mixes It Up UPDATED

If you don't follow Sheena's blog, you will want to sign up to get notices when the newest thing goes live.   She always has a wonderful stitch, great photos and a fun attitude so this is a Must Read.  This week's posting is especially great for me since I adore Asian-themed canvases as she features not one but TWO great background stitches for these types of canvases.
http://www.sheenasstitches.com/stitch-inspiration-asian-canvases/

I never would have thought to use them both in the background.  They look fabulous!  Thanks, Sheena.

UPDATE:  Sheena adds another Asian-themed design, this time from one of Betty Chen Louis' designs.
http://www.sheenasstitches.com/stitch-optical-illusions/

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

Free Alphabets

Thanks to Rachel Donley Needlepoint, I have a link to several alphabets for those who want to add names or initials to their stitching.  These are from the Yarn Tree.
http://yarntree.com/035alph.htm

http://yarntree.com/freecharts/alphabets.pdf

The American Needlepoint Guild has a nice graphed alphabet on their website, too.  I often use the "chop" that is diagrammed here to sign my stitching.  This was created by the late Mary Duckworth.
http://www.needlepoint.org/Archives/Circles.php

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

BREAKING NEWS: K's Travel Base for Metal Floor Stand UDPATED

Thanks to Needle Works in Austin I've learned that K's Creations has a new travel base for their metal floor frame.  You can see the photograph Needle Works posted on Facebook here.
https://www.facebook.com/TheNeedleWorksTX/photos/a.10150090501679306.282587.90639979305/10155155085319306/?type=3&theater&notif_t=notify_me_page&notif_id=1488916033882462

UPDATE:  More information and a video.
https://bestitchedneedlepointshop.com/products/ks-creations-ball-swivel-metal-stand?variant=30593203274

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

Needlepoint Goes Roman UPDATED

NeedlePaint.com has created a series of dog mosaic pieces modeled on Roman mosaics from Pompeii and Herculaneum.  It's very interesting to see how the mosaic pieces translate to the grid of needlepoint canvas.
http://www.needlepaint.com/blog/2017/02/09/bringing-ancient-mosaics-to-needlepaint/

UPDATE:  Another set of mosaic projects that can be stitched using mosaic stitch.
http://www.needlepaint.com/blog/2017/03/21/mosaic-needlepoint-kits/

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

Woodlawn Winners UPDATED

People whose stitching won ribbons at the Woodlawn exhibit for 2017 are starting to post photographs of their stitching on Facebook.  I'll add more winning photos as people find out about their awards.  Most of the links are probably visible, even if you don't have a Facebook account, since many were posted to a public account.  That means anyone can see the photo although you might have to click on Not Now when Facebook tries to get you to log in or set up a new account.

Sherri won a second place for her Miniature piece on silk gauze.  (She is a framer and framed it herself.)
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10210764554767668&set=pcb.1310643782346110&type=3&theater

An online Virginia newspaper has a brief article with two large photos.  Click on the smaller photo to see more.  Many thanks to the Needlework Retailer for mentioning this!
http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2017/mar/06/needlework-show-opens-woodlawn-plantation/

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

Another Celebrity Stitcher Sighted

Here's Joanna Cassidy, stitching in her comfy chair.
https://www.facebook.com/joannavcassidy/photos/a.769302746452571.1073741829.759087790807400/1186987658017409/?type=3&theater 

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001026/?ref_=nv_sr_1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 4, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Another Smart Cookie Recycles

Angie shows off the tote bags she made as gifts for her family from vintage needlepoint canvases.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/1278991885511300/

She says the hardest part was getting the leather strip handles on.  Very clever, durable and a great way to recycle unwanted vintage canvases!

Angie also recovered this thrift shop footstool with vintage pieces.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10212241856309856&set=gm.1283930291684126&type=3&theater

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

Vintage Needlepoint Spotted in the Wild UPDATED

Meg saw these three vintage needlepoint pieces at the Ringling Brothers Circus owners' home, Ca’ d’Zan, located in Sarasota, Florida.  There is a huge six panel screen, a pair of matching upholstered chairs and a card table.  The chair behind the card table may or may not be needlepoint.  I cannot tell.  Use the side arrows to see everything.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10154458930203212&set=pcb.1276438349099987&type=3&theater

Thanks, Meg!

UPDATE: By coincidence, this morning a friend sent me this very well written explanation of why the author rescued a piece of needlework and what it means to do so.
https://mollybawnchronicles.blogspot.com/2017/03/a-rose-for-rose.html

Time to hit the thrift shops to rescue the lost!

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

Fiber Talk Podcast with NP Now Editor UPDATED

This week's Fiber Talk podcast interviews Elizabeth Bozievich, the editor of Needlepoint Now magazine.  So pour your favorite beverage and settle down to listen and get to know Elizabeth better.
http://wetalkfiber.com/2017/03/05/fiber-talk-with-elizabeth-bozievich/

UPDATE:  FiberTalk revisits Elizabeth to talk needlepoint, magazines, male stitchers and more!
http://wetalkfiber.com/2017/12/03/fiber-talk-elizabeth-bozievich/

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

And the Winners Are....

Donna discovered the listing of winners exhibiting at Woodlawn Plantation in 2017. Here you go!  Congratulations to the winners, the exhibiters and all the folks behind the scenes that help the show function.
http://www.woodlawnpopeleighey.org/annualneedleworkshow/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 4, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

For Your Inner Darth Vador

Just in case you need these-
http://www.rings-things.com/Products/Swarovski-Crystal-Flatback-Skull-2856/

Two caveats:  these have to be glued or wired or somehow bound onto the surface, and these are pre-orders.  Apparently these are brand new and not available yet.

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

How to Get That Perfect Perm

Ever want that perfect perm for the person whose portrait you are stitching on needlepoint canvas?  Janet Brandt knows the perfect technique!
http://www.janetbrandt.com/2017/01/more-knotted-gimp.html

She explains a bit more here.
http://www.janetbrandt.com/2017/01/knotted-gimp.html

To learn more about silk gimp, check out Mary Corbet's posting here.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2012/10/thread-talk-silk-gimp.html

You can buy the silk gimp Janet used here.  Smaller quantities are also available at the shop (second link below).
http://thistle-threads.myshopify.com/products/silk-gimp

http://thistle-threads.myshopify.com

Fancy striped silk gimp is also available in two colors, three shades of each.  Hey! No twisting of two colors together!
http://thistle-threads.myshopify.com/products/striped-silk-gimp

Painters Threads has an overdyed rayon gimp that you could substitute for Thistle Threads' silk gimp.
http://shop.threadnut.com/Gimpe-Rayon-10m-skein_c17.htm

Painters Threads also has something called Single Loop Rayon Trim which is their rayon gimp twisted.  No twisting or knotting needed!  Just couch it going every which way for a slightly curlier version of Janet's hair.
http://shop.threadnut.com/Single-Loop-Rayon-Trim_c41.htm

Time to try some of this stuff for hair, right?


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

Stumpwork for the 21st Century

I'm a big fan of Tricia Nguyen's work analyzing and teaching 17th Century embroidery techniques, particularly on stumpwork caskets and the threads used by our stitching ancestors. As part of her casket class, Tricia has been having a contest to see who could some up with the best "toys" for their caskets.  This is the grand prize winner.  Don't drool all over your keyboard, ok?
http://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2017/02/grand-prize-winner.html

You can see more of Janet's work by following her blog.  These postings talk about the making of Janet's casket toys.
http://www.janetbrandt.com/2017/01/the-garden-casket-toys-part-i_31.html

http://www.janetbrandt.com/2017/02/casket-toys-part-ii.html

http://www.janetbrandt.com/2017/02/casket-toys-part-iii.html

Here is a video of Janet's flat topped cabinet.   It is a different style reproduction 17th Century casket but equally amazing!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQ70b2lB8CI

For insight into making these stumpwork pieces, follow Rachel's blog.
http://ladysrepositorymuseum.blogspot.com/2017/01/flat-top-casket-progress_31.html

It's truly amazing what Tricia and her students are doing. I just hope all the thread companies today have an eye toward building an archive explaining how they make their threads.  Just so the 22nd Century stitchers have a hope of doing what their stitching ancestors have done.

UPDATE:  Here is Tricia's cabinet, finished.  Done in tent stitches on linen.
http://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2019/08/video-of-five-senses-embroidered-cabinet.html

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

ANG Magazines Go Digital

The American Needlepoint Guild has decided to make their Needle Pointers magazine digital so that folks eagerly waiting their next issue can read it online until the post office delivers the hard copy.

The step-by-step instructions for accessing the magazine are here.  Note that you will need your user name and password to log onto the section of the website that has this digitized content.  I didn't know I even had one!  ANG has apparently assigned everyone this.  To discover what yours is if you have not ordered anything from the website online, use the email address you have given ANG to send you newsletters and ask for the password to be sent to you.  That's how I logged in.
http://d31hzlhk6di2h5.cloudfront.net/20170301/55/db/05/4d/2935c71ef87f4cc1e8659155/Instructions_on_how_to_access_the_digital_Needle_Pointers_magazine2.pdf

The Seminar Brochure, which is also digitized, can be accessed this way.
http://d31hzlhk6di2h5.cloudfront.net/20170228/50/22/67/b0/25ec48c6230616ac716e6b1e/Instructions_on_how_to_access_the_digital_Seminar_Brochure.pdf

Once you log in, you have to manipulate the online magazine.  Sadly, you can only enlarge the text and photos once, which makes reading tiny text difficult.  (I haven't tried this on a mobile device which may have more options for enlarging text, diagrams and photographs.)  You won't get a much better photo or diagram, either.  This tells you how to turn the page, enlarge the text, etc.
http://d31hzlhk6di2h5.cloudfront.net/20170228/54/c9/56/ee/7d5d17ed09be4539f62ad703/Instructions_on_how_to_view_the_digital_Needle_Pointers_magazine_and_Seminar_Brochure_in_BrightCopy.pdf

Yes, it is complicated but once you get your logon and password and try it, it is a lot easier.  This is a nice way of reading the magazine and Seminar brochure for those who are comfortable with online viewing or who are impatiently awaiting postal delivery.

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

"She Looks Like an Angel"

Painted Pony Designs is known for their distinctive series of angels, available in two sizes and often kitted out with a charm embellishment.  (If you aren't familiar with their angels, you can explore them here.)
http://paintedponyneedlepoint.com/designs.htm

I enjoyed seeing the newest ones on Debbie's blog, and to hear about a new way of finishing them.
https://debbieppd.wordpress.com/2017/01/28/she-looks-like-an-angel/

Luv 2 Stitch is a California shop.  I'm sure if you need something finished in a similar way, the shop will be happy to arrange similar finishing for you.
http://luv2stitch.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 28, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Vineyard Strandable Merino

Suzie at Enriched Stitch tells us that Vineyard Strandable Merino wool will no longer be available in some colors. Vineyard Silks is limiting the range to forty-three colors.  The shop has put their remaining stock of Vineyard Merino on sale as they won't carry a wool that has so few colors.
http://astheneedleturns.com/vineyard-merino-discontinued/

Note that Vineyard Merino wool comes in both strandable and tapestry wool types.  Apparently only the strandable is being reduced to forty-three colors.  Thanks for the heads up, Suzie.

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

A Glimpse of Glisten

Glisten Sample

Rainbow Gallery's newest thread is called Glisten. It is a mix of two very thin strands of Merino wool and two very thin strands of metalized polyester that looks a bit like a very thin blending filament.  It's not meant to be strandable but I unraveled the cut end a bit in the photo above so you could see the thread construction.  I added a spool of Kreinik's size 8 fine braid on the left of the photo and one of size 16 braid on the right so you could see just how fine Glisten is.  I would say it is between the two Kreiniks in diameter.  The sample above is gray with a silver metallic.  It appears that the color of the metallic matches the color of the wool judging by the photographs on the Rainbow Gallery website.
http://www.rainbowgallery.com/product/glisten/

Rainbow Gallery used their black, white, silver and red Glisten in this JP Needlepoint charmer that they posted on their Facebook page.  I am told by friends who went to the trade show and got me the sample card above that the white Glisten turkeywork on this piece is fantastic.
https://www.facebook.com/rainbowgallerythreads/photos/a.1466449090351554.1073741828.1439340233062440/1713151629014631/?type=3&theater

It would make lovely snow, angel wings, wet hair and probably very elegant clothing.

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

How Do Shops Tape Canvas Edges?

Debbie Rowley gives us a glimpse behind the door at the gadget shops use to tape the edges of canvases they sell.
http://debbeesdesigns.com/DDWrdPrs/?p=1827

She also uses electric scissors to cut canvas.  If you aren't a teacher or shop owner, you probably don't need either of these things but it is fun to discover how all this is done.
http://debbeesdesigns.com/DDWrdPrs/?p=1815

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