Eleanor of Aquitaine Arrives Tomorrow UPDATED

Gay Ann Rogers' sale of her counted canvaswork kits for the portrait of Eleanor of Aquitaine starts tomorrow, May 1, at 8 a.m. California time.  Currently her portrait of Queen Elizabeth I is on her website.  Don't miss the sale if you are at all interested.  Gay Ann only sells kits and the supplies for them.  When these run out, the sale is over, perhaps for the year, perhaps forever.  Gay Ann has no plans to bring back her kits for Elizabeth, Catherine the Great. Bess of Harwick or Mary, Queen of Scots.  In other words, don't tarry if you want this kit.
http://www.gayannrogers.com

UPDATE:  Kreinik interviews Gay Ann about Eleanor of Aquitaine and her use of Kreinik threads to create this queenly portrait.
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2017/05/new-eleanor-of-aquitaine-needlepoint.html

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

NeedlePaint.com Offers Belt Finishing

Seth just mentioned on the NeedlePaint.com blog that they now offer belt finishing services.
http://www.needlepaint.com/blog/2017/04/04/needlepoint-belt-finishing-high-quality-leather-with-solid-brass-buckles/

So now you can have a custom belt designed and made up by NeedlePaint.com.  They use brass buckles and have three colors of leather available and this blog entry explains how to size a belt and how much extra to stitch on the top and bottom of the length for finishing.

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

The Mahjong Stitcher

While looking for something else, I stumbled across this blog by a mahjong player.  See all the postings about Linda Fink Steinger' custom needlepoint game bags?
https://mahjonggandme.com/tag/needlepoint/

Alice Peterson has several mahjong canvases, including this stitch and zip and (second link below)...
http://alicepetersoncompany.com/products/sz144-mah-jongg/

…these beauties.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1104089483000971&set=a.1093597670716819.1073741826.100001997882176&type=3&theater

https://nashvilleneedleworks.com/shop/canvas/oriental/cherry-blossom-mah-jongg/

JP has some lovely needlepoint designs.
https://www.needlenook.com/product/jp-needlepoint-mahjong-tiles/

https://www.annieandco.com/products/jp-needlepoint-bl-044-mahjong-belt

Lani also has some pretty game canvases.
https://www.theneedlepointer.com/product/mahjong-bag-peach/

https://www.theneedlepointer.com/product/mahjong-bag-lantern/

https://mahjonggandme.com/2015/07/25/do-you-needlepoint/

Sally Corey has a fun tiles pattern piece.
http://needlepointdesigningwoman.com/product/10089-mah-jongg-tiles-needlepoint/

So does Susan Roberts.
http://www.susanrobertsneedlepoint.com/designs-by-category/item/mahjong-welcome.html

JHL has a nice belt.
http://www.stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=21434&title=Mahjong&itemtype=hand%20painted%20canvases

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

Look What Debbie Found!

Debbie Woodard, the genius behind Painted Pony Designs, just found the perfect t-shirt for your summer wardrobe.
https://teespring.com/en-GB/needlepoint-6145?a=CRI#pid=76&cid=5846&sid=front

Thanks, Debbie.  You can style my wardrobe any time you want!

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

Embroidery Stitch Identification Guide

Thanks to Hands Across the Sea Samplers I have a link to a stitch identification guide developed by the Henry Art Gallery to help them in their analysis of early embroidered pieces.  
http://dig.henryart.org/embroidery-stitches/first_level_pages/default.html

I am not certain how useful this will be to needlepointers,  but it sure would be nice if it was expanded to include needlepoint stitches which have multiple names for the same stitch.  I think if we want a common database to help identify stitches to use a common name, we'll have to build it ourselves.

This link has been added to the "Stitch Diagrams and Resources" area waaaaaaay down at the bottom of Blog.

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

Introducing the Needle Dames

Unique Needle Minders from Needle Dames

Ginny Stapleton has taken her love of stitching to Etsy where she is selling unique needle minders made from vintage Adagio jewelry, specifically the beautiful porcelain faces set with rhinestones for eyes and occasionally used as other embellishments.  You can see the current offerings here.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/NeedleDames?ref=l2-shop-info-name

Ginny asked me if I would review these for her and sent me "Phoenix" who is painted as a Native American Indian from Arizona.  You can see the package Phoenix arrived in on the left.  There is a cute little drawstring bag with the magnet on a card and a round metal magnet on the other side so she can adorn your canvas (or your collar).  Ginny also included her business card.  These were wrapped in tissue paper and shipped in a padded envelope so there was no danger that Phoenix would be chipped or marred in transit.

Phoenix at Work

Phoenix's face is really beautifully painted.  You can see her eyelashes, the pigtails and her headband which is adorned with another rhinestone in this closeup shot.  I put her to work on my current canvas.  The magnet is strong but not strong enough to hold scissors or laying tools.  I don't use my needle magnets that way but if you do, Phoenix and her kin aren't going to hold really heavy items unless you substitute a strong earth magnet for the backing magnet she comes with.  However her magnet holds needles very well, even those placed on top of her face.  I put the needle to the side under her porcelain face so that you could see her lovely features, but needles on top of her face never wavered.  They were held tight by her magnet.

Phoenix is around an inch high and a bit over half an inch wide.  If you like small needle minders like the tiny square silver ones, she is going to seem big to you, but she's two-thirds of the size of most of the Big Buddy magnets from The Meredith Collection, so she is not among the largest magnets available.  Big enough to have personality but not so large she gets in the way, in other words.  I found the size pretty comparable to the magnets I use the most.

Phoenix kept me company for nearly a week, manfully holding 1-3 needles at a time as I worked, never dropping a needle or becoming dinged by my careless handling.  I found her good company, actually, and started talking to her as I stitched, asking her opinion of this thread or that stitch.  I have to say she never talked back, either.  LOL

The variety of Needle Dames is large and I was impressed that they are not all white female visages.  Currently there is a male baseball player among Ginny's stock and there are also black and Hispanic and Native American females among the lovely faces, all awaiting a new home.  These are rather expensive as needle minders go, but these are vintage pieces.  You probably aren't going to see another magnet just like yours if you purchase one, which will appeal to those who like distinctive accessories for their stitching.

Ginny has allowed me to give Phoenix away to a Blog reader.  To enter yourself into the drawing for this unique fashion magnet, please either leave a comment here or email me at chilly hollow at hot mail dot com if the Comment Section doesn't work for you.  I will draw a name at random next Wednesday, May 3rd, and post the result here.  Then Phoenix will come to live on the winner's canvas to silently keep him or her company.

Thanks, Ginny!

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

A Bit (And A Lot) About Compensation

Ruth Schmuff just put an interesting little explanation of compensation on her website.  She makes it easy to understand and shows a trick to figure out what you need to do when your stitch is bigger than the area you need to put it inside.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2017/03/compensation-games-2/

If you want a Masters degree in compensation, visit the four part series on compensation that Tony Minieri wrote that is on the American Needlepoint Guild's website.
http://www.needlepoint.org/Archives.php

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 31, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Profile of Jessica Chaney (Lycette Designs)

This fashion blog has a profile of the owner of Lycette Designs Needlepoint.  It's an interesting interview, touching on other aspects of Jessica's life, the dangers of copyright violations to a new designer, and more.  Many thanks to Paige of The Pink Clutch for helping us get to know one of the newest designers of painted needlepoint canvases.
http://www.thepinkclutchblog.com/2017/03/the-needlepoint-queen.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 31, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Sally Skeleton is Gone UPDATED

Jan Grioux just announced on Facebook that the designer Sally Skeleton has died.  Use the right side arrow to see some of Sally's wonderful Southwestern-themed and saint canvases.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1896437433974562&set=pcb.1372780779465743&type=3&theater

UPDATE:  Another of Sally's amazing designs.
http://nuts-about-needlepoint.com/sally-skeltons-death/

Jan wrote a memorial to Sally that you'll want to read.  I've reprinted it below.
****************************************************************

"SallyJim Skelton – End of an era

A small photo hangs on the wall showing a young girl standing on the backs of two white, galloping horses dressed in a white fringed skirt and jacket and a white hat. This young rodeo cowgirl, from the panhandle of Texas became one the finest needlepoint masters, not just in Texas and New Mexico, but in the United States. Every time I visited this western cowgirl in Deming, New Mexico, I took a moment to gaze at the young girl that became my best friend and mentor.

With the death of Sally on Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017 this image of the romantic west came to an end and all that remains is that photo of the galloping horses and her legacy as a needlepoint artist.

I met Sally in the late 1970’s – she was walking through the El Paso Airport and saw some of my clay pieces in a small gallery. She called and my life has been better ever since. She wanted my whimsical clay Santos, flowers, and birds in her shop, Sally’s Stitchin’ Post, in Deming, New Mexico. Her promise: every house in Deming will have your pieces as well as any travelers that find her shop. Amazingly, she came close to succeeding and keeping her promise. She was not an easy mentor – didn’t like this or that, too big-too small-the critiques kept coming. But she was right and my work is still being improved upon through Sally’s voice in my head.

In Sally’s shop, besides gifts and artists, Sally sold needlepoint canvases, threads, and accessories. Sally convinced me to not only develop my clay, but also, to develop a talent for needlework. She assigned lessons, always with new stitches. I became her ghost stitcher for projects she designed.

My mentor – My friend

Needlepointing early in life, Sally learned from Bob Black, “Sister.” She would pick up a canvas between diapers, at gun shows with her husband, between horse shows, at her shop. She also studied, completed and received her American Needlepoint Guild (ANG) Senior Master Teacher Certification. Sally was a charter member and past president of the New Mexico Chapter ANG Guild as well as the Red Hot Stitchers Needlepoint Group, supported by needlepointers in the El Paso, Texas and Las Cruces, New Mexico area. Not only could Sally stitch up a storm and choose the right stitch for the area, she also designed and painted canvases, and sold saints with her New Mexican flair throughout the country.

Who would have thought that this short in stature, big hearted needlepointer had the back bone of a gun trader. With her husband, Skeeter Skelton, the youngest sheriff in Texas, at one time, Sally learned the gun business. Skeeter, her 'lawman' wrote articles in Shooting Times and became an expert in handguns. After his death, Sally continued selling guns and became an expert along with her son Bart. She continued dealing guns until her death.

Sally stayed in the home that she and Skeeter had on the outskirts of Deming, her choice to be surrounded by her horses, peacocks, dogs, cats, and thick wooden block that Skeeter used to practice and test his handguns. As her son Bart stated, 'My Mom lived her entire life on her terms-even at the end. She wanted to stay as long as she could in her home with the memories of my Dad. After so many years without him, she kept pistols, badges, cowboy hats, and shooting gates near and dear.'

If you are fortunate to have stitched any of Sally’s hand-painted canvases – or have one in waiting – you are familiar with her unique signature 'Sally Did It.' And yes she did – Sally did it! Sally did it all and did it her way!

Click on this site about Sally from article from The Oklahoman."

http://newsok.com/article/2093306

UPDATE:  A memorial to Sally, posted by Jan on Facebook.  Use the side arrow to see the three closeups.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1920176171600688&set=pcb.1420591331351354&type=3&theater

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

Breaking News: Rittenhouse and Changing Woman Designs

The latest e-newsletter from Rittenhouse Needlepoint announces that after the death of Andrea Brisben, Rittenhouse has picked up her Changing Woman Designs and will be publishing them for our stitching pleasure.
http://mailchi.mp/rittenhouseneedlepoint/april-2017-newsletter?e=2ee997e4aa

Here is Andrea's website so you can explore her work.  Pour yourself your favorite beverage and settle down to read the Rittenhouse news and learn more about Changing Woman Designs.
http://changingwomandesigns.com/About.php

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

Using Size 4 Kreinik Braid on 18 Count Canvas

Kreinik has posted a nice video on Facebook of an interview with Jill Rigoli showcasing how she used size 4 Kreinik very fine braid on two 18 count Danji canvases.
https://www.facebook.com/Kreinik.Manufacturing.Company/videos/10154222271990940/

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

Kreinik Has a Substitute For Beading

If you hate beading but still have a canvas where beads will seriously enhance the design, Kreinik will help you get a beaded effect without using beads by substituting Facets.  Facets is a metallic thread that looks like a little string of beads.  You can couch it on your needlepoint canvas to create lettering or a nice margin.  Facets comes in regular, Petite Facets and Wired Facets (useful for cursive letting on canvas).  You can read all about it here and learn how to treat the ends to keep it from unraveling.  (Hint:  Wrap the area where you plan to cut a length off the spool with regular Scotch tape, then cut the thread in the middle of the piece of tape.  You will have two wrapped ends, one on the spool and one to couch with.)
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2017/03/the-easier-way-to-do-beading-in.html

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

New Edition of A Beginner's Guide to Goldwork

A new edition of A Beginner's Guide to Goldwork is out, with an introduction by Mary Corbet. In this article on her blog, Mary explains why this is such an important book for those who live far from places to learn this beautiful art.  If you have ever wanted to learn goldwork, this might be a good book to invest in.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2017/02/beginners-guide-to-goldwork-new-edition.html

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

All About Laying Tools

Nordic Needle's newest newsletter is all about laying tools, from what they are made of to how to protect them.
http://www.nordicneedle.net/guides/stitching-materials-guides/laying-tools/?utm_source=weekly_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=specials

A bonus tip is to look in the right hand column at prior newsletters. There's lots to read and enjoy!

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.

Madcap Cottage Loves Needlepoint

The latest Lycette Design interview is with John Loecke and Jason Oliver Nelson, the interior designers behind Madcap Cottage.  They don't stitch themselves (come on over to Needlepoint Nation on Facebook, boys—we'll teach you) but they use needlepoint in many of their interiors, including their own home.
http://lycettedesigns.com/mad-madcap-cottage/

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.

Silk Threads: A Tutorial

Mary Corbet just published a wonderful beginner's guide to stranded silk floss.  Mary doesn't do needlepoint, but what she says about spun silks is still relevant.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2017/03/silk-hand-embroidery-thread-spun-silk.html

Next Mary tackled twisted filament silk.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2017/03/hand-embroidery-twisted-filament-silk.html

Mary promises information about flat filament silk next….
https://www.needlenthread.com/2017/03/silk-hand-embroidery-thread-101-flat-silk.html

(By the way, this is the place where you can watch the video on twisting flat silk that Mary mentions in the last link above.)
https://www.needlenthread.com/2012/03/twisting-flat-silk-video-tutorial.html

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.

Fiber Talk with Toni Gerdes

This week's Fiber Talk interviews Toni Gerdes, needlepoint designer and teacher extraordinaire!
http://wetalkfiber.com/2017/04/16/fiber-talk-with-toni-gerdes/

If you haven't seen Toni's teaching designs, go visit her website.  You will love what you see.
http://www.tonigerdes.com

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

Newest Labors of Love Clip on Birds (Labors of Love and Amy Bunger)

Amy and Jill at Amy's Golden Strand are stitching two of the new Labors of Love clip on birds.  The guide for the Red-Headed Woodpecker is ready now. The guide for the Orange-Headed Hummingbird will be ready shortly.  Contact Amy Bunger at her shop to pick up the canvases and guides.
https://www.facebook.com/189965167681135/photos/a.195572410453744.51323.189965167681135/1596943036983334/?type=3&theater&notif_t=notify_me_page&notif_id=1489687874751038

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

Smart Cookie Award for April Goes to...

Lisa just won the Smart Cookie Award for April for her clever repurposing of a pipe stand with jar as a tools container.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10154214878286333&set=gm.1322650714478750&type=3&theater

I found a lot of these for sale on Etsy.  They come in various configurations and prices.  This is just a selection—
https://www.etsy.com/listing/398897361/tobacco-humidor-glass-with-wooden-pipe?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=pipe%20stands&ref=sr_gallery_31

https://www.etsy.com/listing/485714928/unique-hand-carved-wood-pipe-stand-with?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=pipe%20stands&ref=sr_gallery_44

https://www.etsy.com/listing/504697177/wood-tobacco-pipe-stand-with-tobacco-jar?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=pipe%20stands&ref=sr_gallery_5

https://www.etsy.com/listing/456837094/super-cool-mid-century-sugar-skull-pipe?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=pipe%20stands&ref=sr_gallery_15

I would avoid the ones with wooden humidors as the wood will hold the tobacco smell unless you plan to put things inside (such as orts) that you will be discarding.

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

The Embroiderer's Watch

When you get your tax refund, you might want to buy yourself the perfect embroiderer's watch.
https://hands-across-the-sea-samplers.com/metiers-d-arts-stitches-time/

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

The Best Stitched Painted Canvas in April is...

I like to highlight fabulous stitching periodically. This design by Kimberly certainly fits. Isn't that cutwork border just perfect for this piece?!  It was designed and then stitched by her for a class at The Black Sheep in Florida.
http://akimberlydesign.blogspot.com/2017/03/bubbles.html

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

A Bit About Copyright

I stumbled across an interesting article on copyright while looking at this fabulous website of antique Valentine cards.  It makes clear exactly why copying something old may not keep the lawyers from your door and shows several ways how something that seems ok, might not be.  There's very useful information in clear language here, but always consult a lawyer who specializes in copyright before you do something that could well bring you to court.
http://www.vintagevalentinemuseum.com/p/copyright-and-fair-use-of-vintage.html

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.

BLGMOM Hits the Road

Nothing is more fun to us stay-at-home types that a road trip report!  
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2017/03/12/winter-travels/

BLGMOM went to Needlepoint Studio of Sarasota, A Good Yarn (knitting), Stitches By the Sea, In Stitches,  and of course the Woodlawn exhibit where she learned a bit about how Woodlawn is judged.
http://www.needlepointstudio.com

http://www.agoodyarnsarasota.com

http://www.stitchesbytheseainc.com

http://institchesneedlework.com

And she made a stop at Hillside Needlepoint in Maryland.
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2017/03/12/winter-travels-addendum/

http://www.hillsideneedlepoint.com

I cannot wait for BLGMOM to get out her suitcase again!

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.

The Antique Pattern Library

As usual Mary Corbet's blog has some great information. This week she mentioned the Antique Pattern Library, which has digitized all sorts of needlework instructions into free PDF files for download.  I took a look again and realized they have now added Berlin woolwork charts.  Here's the main page, just in case you want to see everything available.  Click on Berlin Work to see the designs available.  I counted 108 designs, ranging from slippers to pillows to scenes to individual motifs.  They range in date from roughly 1850 to around 1910, when the dates can be established.
http://www.antiquepatternlibrary.org

This is a fabulous resource for the historical needleworker.

By the way, if you don't follow Mary Corbet, you should.  Here's her site.
http://www.needlenthread.com

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.

Beading Tips from Michele

Bristly Thistle's blog has several tips on beading needlepoint canvas on their blog. I think the list of good needles for beading is particularly helpful.  Hopefully this will help folks who find beading hard.
https://www.bristlythistle.com/blog/2017/3/2/beading-tips

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.

All About Kreinik's Threads UPDATED

Want to learn more about Kreinik's blending filament? This is the place!
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2017/01/14-facts-that-make-you-kreinik-blending.html

I have to admit I don't like using it much but it makes fabulous beards if you add it to your needle, no matter what stitch you are using.

UPDATE:  Kreinik next showcased their size 8 fine braid.  A bit of history and tips with using it make this a fun read.
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2017/04/how-to-use-most-versatile-metallic.html

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.

Book Review: Guide to Color

Those who stitch painted canvases rarely change colors but those who are counted canvas workers change it all the time. So this is for you counted folks--Mary Corbet's review of Karen Barbe's book about color and how to pick colors.  Color Confident Stitching sounds perfect for those who like to change colors or pick out a whole color scheme for a project.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2017/03/colour-confident-stitching-a-gem.html

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.

Free for the Counted Canvaswork Fanatic

Rainbow Gallery has been busy adding new free charts to their website.  There's a pretty little Threedles piece here…
http://www.rainbowgallery.com/mardi-gras-star/

…and a set of five rollups from Rainbow Gallery's own Sally London here.
http://www.rainbowgallery.com/sallys-roll-ornaments/

Just follow the links and have fun counting!

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

Kreinik Repeats The List of Colors Discontinued in 2014

Kreinik has been hearing rumors they have discontinued colors--which they have not done since 2014--so they thought it would be good to list the colors they don't sell any more and also list substitutes when they are available.
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2017/03/rumors-about-discontinued-kreinik-colors.html

It's a useful list, particularly if you raid your stash for a project and run out, then discover that you need more of a color that is no longer available.

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

BREAKING NEWS: ANG Announces the Death of Sue Strause

The American Needlepoint Guild just announced the death of past president Sue Strause, who was a teacher, past president of ANG, the first editor of Needle Pointers magazine with her husband, and also a needlepoint designer under the P3 name.  She did it all, and she did it for your stitching pleasure.  Use the right side arrow to view two of Sue's designs.
https://www.facebook.com/AmericanNeedlepointGuild/photos/pcb.1502664066444276/1502663873110962/?type=3&theater

Our condolences to her friends and family.

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

Why We Cover Bricks

Today Needle Nicely reminds us why we need door stops.  Besides the fact that they are cuter than anything has a right to be, I mean.
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2017/03/blowin-in-wind.html

Now I need to rethink my use of a painted iron chicken as a door stop n the kitchen....

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

2017 Limited Edition Ornament from Sign of the Arrow Revealed

Sign of the Arrow just announced their 2017 Limited Edition ornament—a penguin! This is available as either a chart or a painted canvas and includes directions and all the threads needed.
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?m=1102635760603&ca=b7f8f8b7-50d6-4141-b918-5f35ed6fc9b5 

Sign of the Arrow's profits are donated to various charities in the St. Louis area so this is a nice way to help out those in need while stitching.

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

Automatic Needle Threader

Thanks to Park Avenue Needlepoint, I have a video of a needle threader that might be of interest to folks who love gadgets.  I am not sure it'll work with the very tiny eyes of beading needles or with a thick thread, but it is an interesting tool and probably useful for those with arthritic hands or eye issues.  It doesn't work one-handed, though.
https://www.quiltssupply.com/products/automatic-needle-threader-device-1?variant=36237082890

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

Acrylic Displays with UV Protection

Janet Brandt just ordered a display box for her 17th Century style stumpwork casket. She wanted to keep dust off and the sun from fading her work. You can see what she found here.
http://www.janetbrandt.com/2017/01/the-cover-up.html

This is the company she ordered from.  They appear to have all sorts of stands, cases and easels.  I don't see much about UV protection, though.  If you see something that meets your needs, I suggest you talk to the company about whether it will minimizing fading before you order.
http://www.displaycaseart.com

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.

Breaking News: Time to Send Sandy A Get Well Card

I knew Sandy Arthur got pretty sick after her latest teaching trip, but I didn't know it was this exciting!
http://sandyarthur.blogspot.com/2017/04/never-dull-moment-at-arthur-acres-so.html

But look on the bright side, Sandy!

Many hugs from your thousands of fans and admirers.

Jane

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

I'm Not Sure About This

???

I have no idea what to think about this. But it's for sale.
http://beardandmustachetshirts.com/beard-and-mustache-t-shirts/SO-YOUVE-TAKEN-UP-SHAVING-PERHAPS-NEXT-YOU-SHOULD-TRY-NEEDLEPOINT-T-SHIRT-BEARD-T-SHIRTS-MUSTACHE-TEES/

Many thanks to Needlepoint for Fun who found the photograph on Pinterest.

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