Learning a Fine Raised Line from Anna Scott

Anna Scott teaches how to create a fine raised line for a stem in this blog posting.  Anna is working on a crewel design which means to recreate what she does you'll need to use a sharp needle so you can pierce the needlepoint canvas threads, but this technique will work nicely for plant stems, lettering or any fine line you want to emphasize in your needlepoint.
http://annascottembroidery.blogspot.com/2017/05/fine-raised-stems.html

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

Organizing DMC Cotton Floss in Photo Storage Boxes UPDATED

Now here's a neat storage idea—using photo storage boxes to organize your DMC cotton floss in color card order.  I owe this link to Mary Corbet who mentioned it on her blog today.
http://wildolive.blogspot.com/2017/05/organizing-embroidery-floss-without.html

I think these are the boxes that Mollie used.
http://www.michaels.com/iris-color-photo-craft-keeper/10468242.html?productsource=PDPZ1

It's a clever idea, isn't it?  Note that my local Michael's doesn't carry the larger box to put the smaller colored ones in, just the small colored boxes. You may need to order this from the online Michael's to get exactly what Mollie used.

UPDATE:  Pat of the Needleart Nut blog found the plain boxes within a larger box at her local Michael's and organized her Kreinik in them.
http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2017/08/one-organization-job-done.html

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

Melita Organizes with IKEA UPDATED

Melita has purchased three sets of small filing cabinets from IKEA for her threads organization.  
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2017/05/26/new-thread-drawers/

https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2017/05/31/7937/

https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2017/06/02/threads-tote-for-tools/

https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2017/06/21/drawers-filled/

These are the Helmer drawer units.  The photos here help you see just how big they are.
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/the-many-uses-of-ikeas-mighty-128851

They are not too expensive but some assembly is required.
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40107872/#/10251045

You'll also need some sort of drawer insert to help organize the threads further in my opinion.  IKEA's Antonius basket insert is highly recommended and it looks like it will fit inside the Helmer unit drawers.
http://craftstorageideas.com/product-review-ikeas-antonius-insert/

UPDATE:  Tisha of NeedlepointTooltime.com says "IKEA has a divided plastic tray that just fits in the Helmer drawers. #500.435.73 18929. The Rainbow cards fit perfectly! As I remember, it's in the kitchen department but not in the Market Place. Photo on request."

Thanks, Tisha!

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

Breaking News: BeStitched is Moving

BeStitched is moving! You can read more here.  Watch their blog or newsletter for more details as this unfolds.
https://bestitchedneedlepointshop.com/blogs/bestitched/we-are-moving

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

The Future of Commercial Needlepoint Workshops in China

Here's a bit about the Shanghai Yangjing Woolen Embroidery Workshop, which is facing a grim future.  Innovation appears to be their only hope but it doesn't sound likely to me.
http://www.sixthtone.com/news/1000257/without-young-embroiderers%2C-artisanal-crafts-future-remains-frayed 

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

The Perfect Stitch for Tire Tracks

Kaleen Stitch for Santa's Blue Sweater

This week's article from Needlepoint for Fun is about Kalem Stitch, which we most often use for knitted effects.  In fact, I think I used Kalem Stitch for Santa's sweater on the right above.  But the shop points out what great tire tracks it makes!  That's a good reminder that we need to keep an open mind about what stitches to use for things.
http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/needlepoint-kalem-stitch.htm

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

Abigail Cecile's Introduction to Needlepoint

The British designer Abigail Cecile talks about needlepoint for beginners.  This is the first of a series that is an introduction to needlepoint. I'll update this article as Abigail writes more.  The links will also be in the tab "Teach Yourself Needlepoint and Emblishment," which is full of great introductory information.
http://www.abigailcecile.com/blog/2017/5/18/what-is-needlepoint

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

Bargello is Back

According to this blogger, Bargello is back. Of course we needlepointers are always in style and we always did Bargello.
http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2017/03/bargello-needlepoint-popular-in-1970s.html

If you want to try some new Bargello patterns, New Needlepoint has a lot of wonderful vintage (and newer) Bargello books…
http://www.newneedlepoint.com

…and Liz Morrow has some lovely Bargello patterns for sale as PDF downloads.  Instant fun!
http://www.lizartneedlepoint.com

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

Father B Talks Orna

If you've ever wondered what studying under a master of color is like, read what Father B* says here.
http://ornadesign.blogspot.com/2017/05/a-special-treat-guest-blog-by-father-b.html

*By the way, this isn't the Father B who wrote wonderful stitch compilations. We are lucky to have a second Father B among us now that we've lost the first.

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

Why We Need To Borrow Sandy's Husband

If I didn't already envy Sandy Arthur her stitching talent and her energy, her latest blog posting has me envying her spouse as well.  Scroll down nearly to the bottom to admire her new storage unit—and he built her TWO of these!
http://sandyarthur.blogspot.com/2017/05/always-moving-forward.html

I'm staring at Beloved but since he is renovating the main bathroom here from the plumbing up, I guess I won't attempt a trade.

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

Making a Presentation Box

Were you charmed by Shannon Grearson's little jewelry set in the May-June 2017 issue of Needlepoint Now?   If so, you are in luck as Shannon has posted instructions for making a presentation box coordinated to the jewelry set on her blog, Sewing with Bobbin and Fred.
https://sewingwithbobbinandfred.blogspot.com/2017/05/how-to-make-large-presentation-gift-box.html

The box would work for all sorts of gifts so have fun checking out the instructions and then planning how to box up those Christmas ornaments you made for the grandkids…

By the way, Shannon talks about how she got her designs into Needlepoint Now magazine.
https://sewingwithbobbinandfred.blogspot.com/2017/05/how-i-designed-and-got-my-sewing_31.html

If the French knitting bobbin caught your eye, here are more.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/289493813/vintage-wooden-french-knitting-doll?ref=market

https://www.etsy.com/listing/251824650/vintage-wooden-french-knitting-dolls?ref=market

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Wooden-Toy-french-knitting-Doll-/332006116816?hash=item4d4d1b4dd0:g:RnoAAOSwmLlYBZb3

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

BREAKING NEWS: Orna Willis' Work Purchased by Philadelphia

Orna Willis just revealed that three of her designs have been purchased by the City of Philadelphia for display in the Philadelphia convention center. What an honor!
http://ornadesign.blogspot.com/2017/06/news-i-have-waited-patiently-to-tell-you.html

It is much deserved.  Needlepoint is art, after all.  Congratulations to Orna!

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

Adjustable Stretcher Bars

Needlepoint Tool Time is stocking something new to me-adjustable stretcher bars.
http://www.needlepointtooltime.com/product/FAE-4008

These come in several sizes.  The size given is the maximum size the bars will adjust to.  The manufacturer's website explains how they work and that they are made in China for Frank A. Edmunds Company.
http://www.faedmunds.com/stretcher-bars.html

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

Favorite Background Stitches

Charlotte over at Sweet Sundays has three favorite background stitches and she's willing to share!
http://www.sweet-sundays.com/home-main/my-3-favorite-needlepoint-background-stitches

A lot of folks seem to like Nobuko Stitch and t-stitch for backgrounds as well.  Here are diagrams I found online.  Nobuko is first.
http://rittenhouseneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2011/10/stitch-of-week-nobuko.html

And here is t-stitch.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/02/t-stitch.html

I don't have a favorite background stitch myself.  I use a different one with each canvas as they all seem to need something different.  Still, if you are stumped for a background, the stitches above all work well.

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

The Boston Needlepoint Panels UPDATED

The Patriot Ledger just published this article online about a series of needlepoint panels depicting Boston scenes that have been donated to the Commonwealth Museum at the Massachusetts State Archives.
http://www.patriotledger.com/news/20170515/good-age-needlepoint-finds-its-place-in-history

These aren't the entire set but you can see the ones that are being donated by Nancy Roman by playing the video and then looking at the slide show below the article by clicking on the arrows.  There is a second video further down the page that is a brief interview with Ms. Roman that tells her needlepoint story of Boston in her own words.

UPDATE:  School kids visit the panels and meet Ms. Roman.  Use the side arrows to see the slide show.
http://www.patriotledger.com/news/20180518/quincy-students-see-historic-needlepoint-scenes-at-state-museum

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

The Wool and The Floss Reopens

Michigan stitchers (and folks who are going to be in Michigan soon) will be thrilled to hear that The Wool and The Floss in Grosse Pointe has reopened after a construction makeover under a new owner.
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/opinion/columnists/jocelynn-brown/2017/06/15/wool-floss-gets-new-owner/102897846/

Here is the shop contact information and a map in case you are driving by.
http://www.thewoolandthefloss.net

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

Stories, A Stitch at a Time

Connie Pickering Stover shows off some of her original work and explains how she uses needlepoint to tell stories, one stitch at a time.
http://www.boredpanda.com/i-tell-stories-one-tiny-stitch-at-a-time/?utm_source=author&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=AuthorShare

If you aren't familiar with Connie's work, you can visit her website.  It's a fun browse.
http://conniepickeringstover.com

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

Opening a Box Of Beads (and More Tips)

Since I've been posting about beads this week, I thought I'd send you over to Mary Corbet's blog to read her message about opening Mill Hill beads, with bead tips and recommendations on places she buys beads as a bonus.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2017/06/beads-for-embroidery-packaging-is-almost-everything.html

Warning:  Put your favorite beverage down when reading the above.  You also might like to know that I open my Mill Hill bead containers inside a gallon plastic storage bag….

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

BREAKING NEWS: EZ Stitch Scroll Frames Maker Closing

American Dream Products, the maker of EZ Stitch scroll frames, is going to close. Needle in a Haystack put out a news flash so their customers who use this frame brand can stock up.
http://needlestack.typepad.com/whats_new/2017/06/american-dream-products-ez-stitch-to-close.html

I personally loathe and despise scroll frames for needlepoint, but that's just my opinion. It's a perfectly good product.  So if you use these or want to, act now.

Many thanks to NIAH for the alert.

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

A Bead Problem Analysis with Potential Fixes

Yesterday I talked about my beading problem and how I fixed it. I thought today I would explain how to analyze bead problems and come up with solutions.

Bead problems generally come in two types:  either they won't stay put—beads are wiggly things!—or they don't seem to look "right."

Let's talk about the second problem first—beads that just don't seem to work on a canvas.  I think this is usually because a bead is too large or too small for the design.  Sometimes it is because a bead is the wrong shape.  Beads come in a variety of sizes but size 11 and size 14s or 15s are the normal bead sizes for 18 count canvases.  (Of course you can put a HUGE size 6 bead on a canvas for the center of a flower but you need to experiment to see what size will work in that case.)  If you are trying to solidly bead an area using tent stitches (come up like a regular tent stitch, toss a bead on the needle, go down as if doing a tent stitch) and the beads look crowded, use a smaller bead.  You will also find that Delica beads (which are barrel shaped) or a hex bead (which is six sided) will sometimes fit in an area better than a round bead.  Very occasionally a bead just doesn't give you the right feel for a canvas—it may just be sticking up too much.  Try a sequin or a French knot instead.  Sequins are very flat and French knots look more organic because they are hand made and vary a bit in shape, no matter how careful you are.  On some canvases this will matter, particularly a canvas that is a folk art design where very regular items just look out of place.  Not that all beads are identical in shape—they are not--but there is a difference between handmade French knots and machine-made beads.

Now for fixing bead wiggle!  For beads that aren't straight as soldiers, this can be because you've chosen the wrong size.  You can do what I did in yesterday's article and space the beads out on every other thread intersection if you like the bead color and shape. Or you can switch to smaller beads that won't be so crowded if you are covering every thread intersection of your needlepoint canvas with a bead.

If you think the beads appear to be the right size but they are still not straight in line, then use another stitch to attach them.  Instead of a tent stitch through the bead, use a cross stitch.  Or if the beads are touching and their holes aren't too tiny, take a long stitch through the entire row to see if that tidies them up.  This doesn't always work if you have a small bead because there may not be room to go through a bead's hole a second (or third) time.  You can corral groups of beads that are in a circle instead of a line by working a stem stitch around the perimeter.  You also can attach the outside of the circle of beads with cross stitches and use tent stitches in the inside of the circle.  Work from the middle out and when you get to the perimeter, switch from tent to cross stitches to secure the beads.  The more securely attached outside beads will often push the inner ones into shape.

If your wiggly beads are in a square or rectangle, you can do straight lines of single stitches outside the beaded shape to help corral them.  I would try going through the beads a second time myself but sometimes that's not possible because the holes are too small.  If you match the thread you use to the background color, that row of straight stitches will be hard to see even though it helps keep the beads in order.

If you have just one bead and it will not stay in position, see if you can position the bead in a hole on the canvas instead of on top of the canvas thread intersection. A single bead that is precariously sitting on top of a thread intersection will tend to "fall" to one side.  Having the threads of the canvas on all four sides will help secure a bead.  You may still want to go through it a second time, making a + over the four canvas threads that are the "wall" around the bead.

If you are attempting Don Lynch's basketweave beading technique, this works best with hex beads which are size 14 or 15s and that will cover only a small area on the canvas.  The more basketweaving beads you add, the more they will move a tad out of position because beads are not all exactly the same size.  If you are working more than a half inch of space, this difference in bead size starts to become obvious as the beads shove each other out of the way,  This looks messy.

To fix a bead problem, you need to try various things to see what will give you the look you want.  I hope the above helps!

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

When Beads Go Bad

Wiggly Beads Make Horrible Fringe!

Last fall I stitched Leigh Design's "Portal to Immortality" from her new Illuminations series.
http://www.leighdesigns.com/Grp633x.html

The piece has fringe under the tiger screen that I wanted to bead.  I used size 11/0 round gold beads in a row packed tightly together and attached with tent stitches to create the fringe.  It looked so bad I didn't even take a photograph!  I decided the beads were too large so I removed them and tried again with size 14/0 hex beads.  This time I attached the beads with cross stitches every other stitch to space them out and keep them in line.  As you can tell, the "keeping them in line" part failed miserably!  I even went back through the vertical row of beads with one long thread to try and pull them into shape.  It didn't help.

Sigh.

Looking at the beads again I decided that they were the right size but that I needed to use something other than cross stitches to tame them.  For my next attempt I attached the beads with tent stitches, again skipping every other thread.  They were much straighter but I still went through the entire row again with one long thread to straighten them.  Success!

Third Try's a  Charm

The moral of the story is that you must have the right size of beads for the effect you want and if you cannot keep them straight, try another stitch to attach them.  For beads, persistence pays off. By the way, here's the finished Tiger Illuminations.
http://www.leighdesigns.com/Mdl6333.html

Good luck with your bad beads!


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

A Brief History of Canvas Copy Painting Companies UPDATED

Mary Agnes of Needle Nicely produced a brief history of the companies that painted needlepoint canvases for designers on her blog.  I'm going to expand on what she said, for those who are interested in the business side of needlepoint.
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2017/05/canvases-from-copy-painting-services.html

Many needlepoint design companies (and some shops) paint their own canvases.  Leigh Designs has in-house painters for theirs, for example.  Leigh says this has given them a lot of control of their product.  Theresa Lee of Lee's Needle Arts also had in-house artists.  More on this in a minute.*

There are several large painting companies now. I think the first was Americanvas, which contracts with nuns in the Philippines to reproduce needlepoint painted canvases for the designers who wish to use the service.

*The Collingsworth family which owns Colonial Needle also got into the canvas painting business when they purchased Lee's Needle Arts several years ago as Lee's painters came with the business.  Now Colonial Needle distributes Lee's canvases, the line of Lee leather goods and runs a painting business as well as the needles they are well known for.  They also now own the Kelly Clark line of canvases, distribute the fabulous Finca perle cotton and floss line, etc.  I understand the painting service that Colonial runs has grown enough that they also contract with overseas painters.

I've also heard that DC Designs (that's Amanda Lawford's son, Derek Clark, for those who are keeping score) has opened a canvas painting service.  See a theme here?  Needlepoint companies for the most part are family businesses.

All this explains why it can take a while for canvases to arrive after you order from your favorite shop.  The overseas shipping can take a while as things have to clear customs.  And of course the various painting companies can get backed up with all the needlepoint designers wanting everything at the same time for the January show, for example.   So the next time you order a canvas and have to wait three months for it, think of the magic fingers of elves painting your canvas and many others in various far-flung places!

UPDATE:  I'm told there is a painting service in China, two in the Philippines and one in Hungary.  I don't have specifics of any of these, though.

UPDATE #2:  It looks like the owner of Chaparral is involved in Ndlpt Paint, a new wholesale painting service in the Philippines.

https://www.instagram.com/ndlptco/

https://ndlptdesigns.com/

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

Stitching a Supernova

Thanks to Jane, I have an article on Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin and her life as an astronomer and needlepointer for you to enjoy.  Like so many of us, she needlepointed each morning….
https://www.brainpickings.org/2017/05/10/cecilia-payne-supernova-needlepoint/

Liz Morrow posted a photo of a similar design she worked from perhaps the same Scientific American cover on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1212937988833140&set=p.1212937988833140&type=3&theater

Are there other needlepointed stars (or needlepointing astronomers) out there?

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

The End of My Path (Angel with Tree)

The Angel with Tree Finished

As I continued stitching Melissa Shirley's Angel with Tree, I did a little editing of the design and of stitches chosen for it.  The photo above is the finished Angel, with her jacket, apron, skirt, petticoat, shoes and stockings and of course her little Christmas tree stitched.  If you compare my version with Melissa Shirley's unstitched canvas here,
http://melissashirleydesigns.com/galsearch/index.cgi?index=1430178336_7822&col=

…you will see that my version has the gray line of the skirt and petticoats stitched from left to right, although the original has the gray lines only on the left side.  As I worked I just felt that the line needed to extend all the way across.  So I did took it all the way across the bottom of the skirt.

When it came to choosing the jacket stitch (I used Combination Scotch and Inverse Mosaic Stitch) I decided that I would only do the first two steps in the stitch.  Adding beads as shown in the diagram above just seemed Too Much.  So I didn't.

You are stitching to a mental image that is informed by your own taste.  Sometimes the original design will need a bit added or taken away to fit what you are trying to do.  One of the problems people have in coming up with their own ideas for a painted canvas is that they do not trust either their instincts or their ability to figure out what is right and wrong with something they are working.

You just have to be brave and try it.  You can always rip out.  I audition a lot of stitches before choosing what I think works.  And if something that I start isn't working, I try something else.  It takes self-confidence and experience to do this but it is the only way to up your stitching game to the next level.  Learn to look critically at what you have done (most people are very critical of their own stitching so this will be easy) and then analyze what you don't like and how to fix it (which is much harder but you can learn).

The stitch guide moral here is to trust your own judgement.  You don't have to stitch a design exactly how it is painted or use a stitch exactly the way it is diagrammed.

Thanks again to Melissa Shirley Designs for allowing me to blog-stitch Angel with Tree.  Hope you enjoyed peeking over my shoulder to see her develop.  Her stitch guide is available for purchase from me, by the way.  Your favorite shop can pick up the canvas for you from Melissa herself.
http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com/2017/05/angel-with-tree-melissa-shirley-and.html

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

Behind the Scenes of Writing Needlepoint Mysteries with Lea Wait

Thanks to Needlepoint Retailer, I have a link to a bit about Lea Wait's mystery series set in a needlepoint store in Maine.  This little blurb explains how to write a book proposal.
http://southernwritersmagazine.blogspot.com/2017/04/about-that-proposal.html

If you love mysteries, you'll want to visit Lea's website.  Her Mainely Needlepoint series is set in the State of Maine.  So far there are four books; Dangling By a Thread just came out.  
http://www.leawait.com/mysteries.html

Here's an interview with Lea.
https://wickedcozyauthors.com/2015/09/04/the-mainely-needlepoint-mystery-series-continues-with-threads-of-evidence/

You can read the prequel of Tightening the Threads online here.  Sounds like a good read!
http://www.leawait.com/prequels/Prequel_Tightening_the_Threads.pdf

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

A Poore Girl Paints Needlepoint Designs

We have a new designer! Check out A Poore Girl Paints Needlepoint Designs' website.
https://apooregirlpaintsneedlepointdesigns.com

You can ask your favorite shop to order one of these cuties for you or talk to Leigh at Needle Bug in Montgomery, Alabama.
http://www.theneedlebug.com

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

A Clever Scissor Minder

Besides hanks of silk and needle minders, Silks4U has something unique—a scissors minder!  Because it is magnetic, it will stick to your metal floor stand or on your canvas if you choose.  You can also park needles there as you work.  These come in a variety of colors but only one Celtic style.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/501525528/scissor-and-needle-minder-enamel-celtic?ref=shop_home_active_4

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.

Recycling that Old Belt

Needle Nicely has a lovely show-and-tell on their blog today, featuring old belts that have a new use as basket purse decorations.  I'm beginning to think that needlepoint belts are the most versatile thing we can stitch….
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2017/04/one-familys-use-of-basket-purses.html

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

Making Bookmarks

Jan Sprague is having fun working on an original Bargello design, but when she gets stuck, she makes a bookmark from leftover threads and canvas pieces. It's a nice way to keep one's hands busy with something useful while thinking through a design problem.
https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2017/05/08/bookmarks-3/

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

Needlepoint.com's A La Carte Retreat Report

I thought you'd love to hear about the annual retreat that Needlepoint.com holds each year.  This year the retreat was held in Raleigh close to Needlepoint.com's shop.  The canvases taught are from the Burnet and Bradley, Kirk and Bradley and Elizabeth Bradley lines, which are owned by the company that also owns the shop, by the way.  The designers are all different, so there is a lot of variety on offer and plenty of classes you can mix and match to suit your own desires.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2017/03/kicking-off-retreat/

http://stitchstyleblog.com/2017/03/day-two/

Planning for the 2018 retreat is already underway.  Check Needlepoint.com's website for the latest information.
https://needlepoint.com/retreat.html

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

Following the Path to a Background and More (Angel with Tree)

Last time I choose stitches and materials for the Angel with Tree's hair, skirt and jacket, skin, and snowflakes.  I promised to talk about where I started stitching, what choices I made, what worked and what didn't, and how I altered my path as I worked on this design.

Face and Hair

The easiest part of stitching people is to work their faces.  There are pitfalls to make a face look right, but those probably are generally related to stitching the eyes, eyebrows, nose and mouth.  I tent stitched my face using various shades of cotton floss.  Then I added the features with bits of brown wool, black Kreink and burgundy floss.  I suggest that after you work an eye, you carefully consider what you have done, then rip out if necessary.  Even one stitch will make a huge difference.  I often add either a reverse tent stitch or a straight vertical or horizontal stitch to an eye or mouth to make it look right.  In this case the nose paint showed through the pale pink floss so I didn't bother to stitch the nose.  The eyebrows were done in stem stitches using the lighter brown thread I used for my hair.

I like wool and wool-like stitches for hair.  Because my godmother had gentle curls in her brown hair I altered the angel's hair to match.  I found two shades of Medici wool, a Felicity's Garden silk/wool blend, and Vineyard Silk Shimmer (silk with metallic woven in) in my stash and created hair using French Knots and Colonial Knots.  I wanted big, irregular curls so a mix of threads and stitches served to create the look I had in mind.  Some of my French Knots were one wrap, some were two.  All were placed roughly to match the four shades of hair painted.  I particularly like the fact that the Vineyard Silk Shimmer has a bit of metallic in it. That added highlights to the angel's hair.

Next I wanted to tackle my background.  I had a lovely blue Splendor silk matching the background paint and wanted a light coverage stitch that looked like snow.  I chose to make up a stitch around each of the white snowflakes to emphasize the dots of white.

First Background Attempt

But once I had the little diamond motifs in, I was stuck.  What do I do next?  Open stitches?  Solid tent?  Everything seemed WRONG.  I had to face the fact that a fancy background was going to be the star of the show instead of the angel herself.  So I ripped it all out and went with the calmest of backgrounds—brick stitch.

Second Background Attempt

I did compensate around the white dots.  Luckily brick stitch over two is very easy to compensate.  And as you can see, the little tree worked up nicely using leaf stitches dotted with small round gold beads and Swarovski crystal sequins.  Three good ideas out of four ain't bad!  It is all too easy to fall in love with an idea that doesn't work.  Then you are stuck with a piece you can't finish because you cannot bear to rip out that one part that you love--but that doesn't work.  Don't be that stitcher!  Be ruthless when you must!

Today's Stitch Guide Moral:  Don't be afraid to change directions. Staying committed to the wrong path doesn't work.

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

Revisiting Wooly Dreams UPDATED

I imagine a lot of needlepointers aren't familiar with the lovely whimsical designs from Lula Chang of Wooly Dreams..   It's a shame that they aren't more widely available!   Look at these—
http://www.oldworlddesigns.com/artists/WoolyDreams.html

Annie and Company has some pieces in stock…
https://www.annieandco.com/collections/wooly-dreams-design

…and so does Needle Works.  I also see pieces on eBay a lot. They are worth looking for as they are lovingly painted little jewels.
http://www.theneedleworks.com/catalog/index.php?manufacturers_id=161

But this morning I want you to visit Lula Chang's website and read about her designs, and how she got into needlepoint design.  Start here and read one page a morning, then click on the arrow at the bottom to go to the next.  Lula is great company over your favorite beverage!
http://www.woolydream.com/WDtextHowdesign.html

UPDATE:  I have been told that Lula Chang died in 2014.  What a loss!  My condolences to her family and friends.  Her needlepoint designs are charming. I will have to pick up one while I still can to stitch in her honor.

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

Turning the Fat Cat into B.B. King the Cat

Louise's Needlework has released a new shop newsletter, complete with the story of how the fat cat canvas from Vicky Mount turned into B.B. King.  If you've ever hesitated to change a canvas to suit yourself, read this.
https://siterepository.s3.amazonaws.com/530/newsblastmay2017.pdf

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

Stitching for the June Wedding

June is a traditional wedding month so Needle Paint just showcased some of the original designs they created for wedding ring bearer pillows and wedding memorial framing.
http://www.needlepaint.com/blog/2017/05/03/glamorous-needlepoint-wedding-gifts/

Happy wedding whenever your wedding stitching happens!

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