HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN, EVERYONE!

Eat candy corn.

Stitch.

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

Need to Treat Yourself?

If you need a little pick-me-up in the mornings, how about one of the mugs or coasters Connie Pickering Stover sells on Etsy with her original needlepoint designs?  Of course if you don't drink coffee or tea, you can always get some of her hand painted threads….
https://www.etsy.com/shop/NeedlepointGiftShop/items

It's a fun way to celebrate one of the original artists among us!

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

Thanksgiving Sneak Peak

Ruth Schmuff has let the cat out of the bag as to the canvas that will be the subject of her Thanksgiving class this fall.  It will be this lovely Amanda Clark landscape, courtesy of Brenda Stofft Designs.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/10/the-hare-and-crow.html

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

Tips for Stitching Faces

Needlepoint for Fun's latest shop How To article covers stitching faces, and it is full of tips to make your next face as realistic as possible.
http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/how-to-needlepoint-a-face.htm

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

Melita Goes to Needle Nook of La Jolla

Melita is on the road again, this time visiting Needlenook of La Jolla during her travels. You can read all about the shop here.
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2017/09/06/needle-nook-of-la-jolla-visit/

If you want to visit the shop website, here's the link.
https://www.needlenook.com

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

A DMC Update

DMC has restyled their website.  I always found it hard to navigate so I hope this helps.
https://www.dmc.com/us/

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

It's the 1970s All Over Again

Recently I stumbled across the Gold Country Girls blog, which is full of vintage needlepoint finds.  You'll see photographs of 1970s needlepoint books, vintage kits and pillows, bell pulls, framed needlepoint and lots more.  It's the 1970s all over again!
http://goldcountrygirls.blogspot.com/search?q=needlepoint

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

Various Stash Projects, Courtesy of Anna Pearson

After you've been stitching a while, you can end up with odds and ends of threads. What to do?  Anna has the answer—stash projects!
http://anna-pearson-needlepoint.blogspot.com/2017/08/the-universal-problem.html

Anna has quite a few designs suitable for using up many colors of thread but you can also visit the free projects available online.  The big thread companies have great free projects.  Here is Caron's website.  Besides the projects link below, look at Designer Spotlights and Online Classes to see more fun things to stitch from your stash.
http://www.caron-net.com/03specialclass.html

Here are the free charts from Rainbow Gallery.
http://www.rainbowgallery.com/free-charts/free-needlepoint-charts/

Finally, the Stitch of the Month projects from the American Needlepoint Guild are classics and a great way to learn while you use up excess threads.  (Hopefully all the former projects will be available again soon as ANG builds out their new website.)
http://www.needlepoint.org/page/SOTM

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

Breaking News: DMC Floss Color Card on Sale

DMC's color cards made with real bits of thread are on sale.  I'm guessing these don't include the new colors DMC just announced so they are getting rid of old stock in order to make and sell new color cards with all the colors.  But it's still a good deal for those of us who speak DMC.
https://www.dmc.com/us/dmc-floss-color-card-actual-thread-strands-9000086.html

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

The East Hampton House Purse

Thanks to Needlepoint Now I discovered an interesting post about a house in East Hampton.  The house has had many renovations over the years to make it suitable for the current family living there.  But what is most interesting to those who aren't familiar with the South Fork of Long Island is the needlepoint purse made for the owner that has the house on the front.
http://easthamptonstar.com/Habitat/4/Original-Hook-Pond

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

The New Berlin Embroidery Designs Website

Seems like every time I turn around another designer is updating their website! This time it is Tanja Berlin Designs.  Tanja is a very skilled embroiderer who designs and teaches blackwork, needle painting, counted canvaswork, and goldwork.
https://berlinembroidery.com

She is a great source for metal threads used in goldwork and elsewhere, and has added a great information page about these threads for folks who are trying to learn more about them.  If you want to know the difference between gimp cord and Grecian twists, this is the place.   You can compare pearl purl to jaceron and learn all the sizes of bright bullion she carries.  It's a great resource, one I've added to the Tutorials and Tips tab for later easy reference.
https://berlinembroidery.com/metal-thread-info/

You can download the metal threads information as a PDF file for a small fee. Think of it as buying a booklet on goldwork threads!
https://berlinembroidery.com/blog/metal-thread-information-pdf-file/

She's added a blog to the mix, too!
https://berlinembroidery.com/blog/

Thanks for all the work, Tanja!

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

Another Paternayan Source

I just stumbled across a recommendation of a shop that has Paternayan and also sells blank needlepoint canvas.  It looks like they just have 10 and 12 count in stock, though.
http://florilegium.com/shop/product-category/paternayan-yarn/

Florilegium.com is not a needlepoint shop; it's more of a crafts and knitting place but Gretchen loves needlepoint and it looks like they might have some unusual trims and buttons.
http://florilegium.com/fishing-around/

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

The Costume Embroidery for Game of Thrones

The fantasy robes that many of the characters in The Game of Thrones wear were designed by Michele Clapton and embroidered by Michele Carrager. They are works of art.  You can read about the symbolism and see some of the fantastic designs here.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/1490670/game-thrones-costumes-indicate-future-characters/

You can read more about the embroiderer here.
http://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/embroidering-game-of-thrones

For more eye candy, visit her website…
http://michelecarragherembroidery.com

…or her Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/bbhbnbe.9

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

Celebrity Needlepointer Sighting

Thanks to Needlework Retailer who spotted this tidbit online, we have learned Katey Sagal needlepoints.  
http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/katey-sagal-25-things-you-dont-know-about-me-w483854

In case you need a refresher….
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005408/?ref_=nv_sr_1

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

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Glue

Sandy Arthur noticed these series of charts on the Fire Mountain Gems website. They list every type of glue they sell, with descriptions of drying times, what the glue looks like dry, and other important tips.  Thanks for the heads up, Sandy!
http://www.firemountaingems.com/resources/encyclobeadia/charts/glues?SSAID=847889

This is so extensive I'm adding it to the Tips and Tricks tab, just so we can always find it again.

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

Need a Coffin? UPDATED

Thanks to Jane B. I have a source for the little wooden coffins that Shelly Tribbey had at Destination Dallas 2017.  The coffins were to use in finishing these darling little Halloween pieces—the witch, Dracula, Frankenstein and the Bride of Frankenstein.  (Put your mouse cursor over the photos to see details.)
http://shellytribbey.webflow.io/#Halloween

But Shelly ran out of the coffins and apparently didn't plan to get more.  So Jane did a little digging and discovered them at American Science & Surplus, item #94459P1, for $2.95 each plus shipping and handling. They need to be painted as they are unfinished pine, but they've arrived and Jane B. says they are perfect!
https://www.sciplus.com/p/6-LONG-UNFINISHED-PINE-MINICOFFIN_50884

Thanks for the tip, Jane.

UPDATE:  Shelly Tribbey herself remarked on Needlepoint Nation that these little wooden coffins vary a bit in size.  She suggests you make a paper template to take to the store to check each coffin for the right one for your Halloween figure.

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

Mixing Evertite Sizes

Recently someone asked on Facebook's Needlepoint Nation if you could use several widths of Evertite bars together.   Linda Mosch had the definitive answer and kindly allowed me to quote her here.  Linda said,

"Evertite bars from 6" to 18" are 3/4" in width; those from 19" to 33" are 1" in width. They are all totally interchangeable. Bars over 33" are 1-1/4" in width and designated with an XX. They are NOT interchangeable with the others so you have to get two pairs of bars that are XX, even if one pair is smaller than 33". For example, I have a piece on 42" x 24" bars - both are XX. Hope that answers the question."

Thank you very much, Linda!

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

Mary's Ten Favorite Needlepoint Stitches: The Movie

The mid-week podcast for Fiber Talk is very short because of a video that Gary made with Mary McGuire, talking about her favorite stitches—with examples from her stitching.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3L9et96upc

If you like counted designs or Bargello, you'll see a lot of wonderful designs.  You'll also learn a lot about using a variety of threads in one stitch and see how the look changes with the thread.  Very neat video!

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

The American Needlepoint Guild Hides SOTM Behind Paywall UPDATED

ANG's new website is being built out so I've been checking it periodically to see what has been added.  Yesterday I was stunned to see that the fabulous Stitch of the Month (SOTM) program which is a great way to introduce people to various needlepoint stitches for only the cost of the materials is going to be available only to members of ANG starting next January, except for one year, presumably the current year's project.
http://www.needlepoint.org/page/SOTM

I feel this is a terrible mistake.  I use it to help new stitchers all the time.  It is a great resource for the world of needlepoint, which includes many people who are not committed needlepointers.   When folks learn the resources available from ANG, they tend to join.  Why hide your light under a barrel (or in this case behind a paywall), ANG?

Please reconsider.

UPDATE:  As an update to the Stitch of the Month's changes on ANG's new website, I'd like to report that the 1999-2016 Stitch of the Month items are now uploaded to ANG's new website but they are only available to ANG members who are logged in. 1998's Stitch of the Month items presumably will be added shortly. The 2017 SOTM material is available to all, along with the statement, "As of January 31st 2018, all SOTM offerings will become Member Only. We plan to make one year's project available to the public."

To see the most recent changes, you have to log in as an ANG member, then click on Distance Learning.  Stitch of the Month is at the bottom of the options that appear.  Slide your cursor down to there, and you'll see Stitch of the Month: Archive.  Click on that to see the older SOTM material.

I know this is a slow process as ANG has Seminar registration to deal with right now. I hope ANG will restore access to all of the Stitch of the Month items, past and present, to anyone interested in needlepoint.

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

Gay Ann Roger's e-Week Sale Starts Tomorrow

If you are a fan of counted canvaswork, particularly elegant feminine designs in soft pastels, you will want to remember that Gay Ann Roger's annual e-Week sale starts tomorrow morning, at 8 a.m. California time.  Gay Ann only sells her charts a couple of times a year and the biggest sale (often with some spectacular large new designs) is in October.  So tomorrow, watch this space--
http://www.gayannrogers.com/index.html

Since Gay Ann usually kits out the big pieces and the supplies are very hard to get, she often only offers items for sale one time.  For example, if you loved Eleanor of Aquitaine and didn't buy, you have likely missed out for good.  I'm just saying that you need to remember that these things are often not available for long.
http://www.gayannrogers.com/eleanor-of-aquitaine.html

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

Favorite Filler Stitches

Needlepoint for Fun shares their favorite "filler" stitches—stitches to put in various areas when you can't think of anything else. All are versatile and pretty stitches and I use all of them fairly often.
http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/needlepoint-filler-stitches.htm

It's a good article to bookmark and refer back to when you are stumped.

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

An Interview with ANG's President and Accoutrement Design's Owner

This week Fiber Talk interviews Lisa Crespo, who is the president of the American Needlepoint Guild and also the owner of Accoutrement Designs, home of those darling needle magnets and needle cases.
http://wetalkfiber.com/2017/10/15/fiber-talk-with-lisa-crespo/

If you are not familiar with needle magnets, BeStitched has a large selection of Accoutrement Designs' offerings.
https://bestitchedneedlepointshop.com/products/monster-magnets

If you aren't familiar with the American Needlepoint Guild, you need to visit their new website and consider membership.
http://www.needlepoint.org

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

Needlepoint, The Band

Thanks to Connie's message on Facebook I have discovered there is a band in Norway called Needlepoint.
https://www.revolvy.com/topic/Needlepoint%20(band)&item_type=topic

I found this recording of "Ten Seconds" on YouTube.  They appear to be a progressive jazz group.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yQrnVCFR3A

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

Display Boxes from Mythic Crafts

Mythic Crafts, known for their slate frames, are branching out into all sorts of interesting wooden projects.  Mark's latest venture is display boxes with spaces in their tops for needle work.  Mary Corbet obtained two for review and she loves them!
https://www.needlenthread.com/2017/09/beautiful-handcrafted-boxes-for-mounting-embroidery.html

Mythic has a variety of box styles available on their website.  They are expensive but very very beautiful, and given the cost of framing, they are an interesting and viable alternative for display of your best stitching.
https://mythiccrafts.com/collections/embroidery-needlework-presentation-boxes

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

The Hungarian Stitch UPDATED

Needlepoint for Fun talks about Hungarian Stitch, a very useful little stitch. They like to pair it with basketweave for textural contrast.
http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/hungarian-needlepoint-stitch.htm

UPDATE:  Needlepoint For Fun has added three fun variations on Hungarian Stitch.
https://needlepoint-for-fun.com/pages/three-hungarian-needlepoint-stitch-variations?_pos=1&_sid=db5b0f04f&_ss=r

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

Needlepoint Makeup Bags

Kimberly Ann Needlepoint has some fun canvases that are to be made into makeup bags.  She finally got her models back from the finisher and they are darling!
http://www.kimberlyannneedlepoint.com/makeup-bag-collection.html

It's a great idea for that canvas you stitched and don't know what to do with.

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

Breaking News: Gingerbread House in NP Now

Moore Than Needlepoint says this charmer of a gingerbread house will be featured with a stitch guide in the November-December 2017 Needlepoint Now magazine.  The design is by Pepperberry.
https://www.facebook.com/665326530168183/photos/a.669952133038956.1073741827.665326530168183/1703456063021886/?type=3&theater

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

Pete and Owen at the Royal School

Surrey Life sent one of its reporters to the Royal School of Needlework for a day course. A very good time was had by the guys.
http://www.surreylife.co.uk/people/men-do-embroidery-too-a-day-at-the-royal-school-of-needlework-1-5150921

Many thanks to the Needlework Retailer for alerting us to this!

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

Needlepoint Stitches: A Field Guide to Birds UPDATED

Carolyn Herself, At Her Book Party

I just bought a copy of Carolyn Hedge Baird's newest book, Needlepoint Stitches A Field Guide to Birds.  The book is 299 pages full of black and white diagrams of the stitches she uses for birds.  It is spiral bound with a laminated back page and a clear plastic sheet over the cover.  

Like all of Carolyn's books, this one reflects her personality.  It is crammed full of black and white line drawings, a list of her previous books and stitch guides, quotes from her students and dedication, a graph paper page for sketching your own ideas—all in the first five pages before the Table of Contents even!  Carolyn says that this book was a sort of collage of bird clip art and her favorite stitches, written in the way a bird watcher would keep a journal.  If you are looking for a well organized book, this is not for you.  This book is more like a six year old's idea of the perfect birthday cake—layers of vanilla and chocolate cake topped with three kinds of icing and six kinds of candy sprinkled on top with whipped cream over all!  In other words, there are lots and lots of bits of wisdom sprinkled throughout the book.

Not that there isn't organization.  Carolyn has divided the stitch diagrams in the book into five areas:  very small stitches, small stitches, medium stitches, large stitches and what she calls "bird details," which is ideas for eyes, outlining feathers, beaks, legs and feet.  You can find ideas for combs and wattles, nests, eggs and chicks in that section also.  There is a reference section in the back where the stitches are listed in mostly alphabetical order, an index of background stitches (including birdhouses and chicken wire) and an index of stitches that use beads.

Bird Icons, From Carolyn's Facebook page

Carolyn also has included clip art birds next to all the diagrams.  (See above)  These little black silhouettes show the direction your bird design should be facing to make best use of the stitch.  That's a great idea, Carolyn!  Speaking of diagrams, they are all black lines on a grid.  Some are numbered but many are not.  There are not any photographs of the actual stitches on a needlepoint canvas, but if you happen to have a Facebook account, you can see many of the stitches in photographs of Carolyn's students' work.  This adds immeasurably to the value of the book.  Publishing a book with color photographs of stitched examples would cost the earth, but anyone with a Facebook account can visit Carolyn's Needlepointing In Your Nest page and browse, looking for bird designs.
https://www.facebook.com/nestndlpt/

In a way, not having the stitches matched to a photo of a bird canvas emphasizes that this book isn't just for bird stitches.  Many of the stitches will work just as well on fish or dragon scales.  This book is great to browse but there is a lot of repetition.  There are roughly 80 stitches diagrammed in the section on small stitches.  (There are a lot more charts than that in this section since Carolyn diagrams the stitches slanting left and right or running vertically and then horizontally which is useful for those who have trouble changing stitch direction in their heads. But it made counting diagrams hard. ) Roughly 43 of those 80 stitches are ray or leaf stitch variations of some sort.   They certainly have a lot of variety but this makes the book less useful than a more general book like Carolyn's Needlepointing in Your Nest which doesn't concentrate on stitches for one type of design.

This is the sort of book that you browse looking for ideas.  And there are plenty of those hiding among the clip art.  Is it a great general stitch book?  Probably not as it really is geared toward a certain type of painted canvas.   But is it a great idea book?  Definitely.  It will spark your creativity.

I'm glad I have my copy to browse periodically.  It's going to give me some great ideas, I just know it!

UPDATE: Here's a bit more about the book from Needlenook of La Jolla to help you make up your mind if you want to invest in this.
https://www.needlenook.com/product/needlepoint-stitches-field-guide-birds/

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

Needlepointing for Puerto Rico

We've all heard a bit about the massive infrastructure destruction in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Irma hit, causing extensive damage.  Now Orna Willis is doing something to help through a new design which is a fund raiser for a charity dedicated to helping.  You can read the details here.
http://ornadesign.blogspot.com/2017/10/new-design-and-opportunity-to-do-great.html

Orna is going to kit out the design for those interested.  There are five color ways.
http://ornadesign.blogspot.com/2017/10/exciting-updates.html

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

Breaking News: Chandail's New Location Opens Tomorrow

Chandail Needlework has finally opened in their new location. They were delayed a bit due to the hurricane in Houston and the surrounding area, but now the doors open tomorrow! Please go check out the new location, enjoy the moving sale and give them all big hugs from me.
http://www.chandailneedlework.com

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

An Interview with Doug Kreinik

Want to learn more about Kreinik? Then this Fiber Talk podcast is for you!
http://wetalkfiber.com/2017/10/08/fiber-talk-with-doug-kreinik/

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

Breaking News: Needlepoint of La Jolla Internet Only

The owners of Needlepoint of La Jolla have announced on October 6 via Facebook that they have closed their brick and mortar store to retire to New Mexico. They plan to keep the Internet shop open, though, and will still be designing and doing finishing.
https://www.facebook.com/NeedlePOINTofLaJolla/

The shop website will apparently stay open during the changes.  You can read more there at the bottom of the home page.
https://www.needlepointoflajolla.com

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

ANG 2017 Exhibit Winners

Folks are starting to post photographs on Facebook of the ribbon-winning pieces they exhibited at the 2017 ANG Seminar Exhibit which is going on right now.   This is Arlene Cohen's "Spanish Savonnerie," worked on 40 count silk gauze with one ply of DMC cotton floss from a chart by Natalia Frank. It won a President's Choice ribbon, a blue ribbon and a Judge's Choice ribbon.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1633692563331906&set=gm.1510727965671023&type=3&theater

This is an original design by Karen Garinger called "Lip Service."  It won a blue ribbon for original design.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1440347112750804&set=gm.1497350873675399&type=3&theater

Melita won two ribbons. This won an Honorable Mention but I am not sure in what category.
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2017/08/30/herringbone-happening/

Melita's original Challenge piece won a third place in Independent Project Category, not too shabby given all the competition!  This is a Marilyn Owen design with Melita's selection of threads and beads and she says this will be in the upcoming ANG Chapter Project Book.  Thanks for the clarification!
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2017/08/28/scotch-stew/

Lynn won a blue ribbon and a First Time Exhibitor's ribbon.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1487513334697560&set=pcb.1498452290231924&type=3&theater

Beth also won a blue ribbon.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1536720276349699&set=gm.1496771683733318&type=3&theater

Cynthia Thomas won a blue ribbon in the Professional without a Stitch Guide category for this Debbie Mumm/Melissa Shirley charmer.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1685249334826687&set=gm.1501281669948986&type=3&theater

Sue won a second place for this lovely Hollyhock House, counted design by Gay Ann Rogers.
https://www.facebook.com/860462527326471/photos/a.860479107324813.1073741828.860462527326471/1484460141593370/?type=3&theater

Julius won a first for the Youth Division!  Hurrah!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10155679204376060&set=gm.2046089058953471&type=3&theater

Connie Glenn Camp won both a second place AND the Beth Robertson Award for her Raymond Crawford camel.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10210280086984373&set=gm.1513811012029385&type=3&theater&ifg=1

Kurdy Biggs won a second place and a Hilton Award for one of her original designs.
https://www.facebook.com/kurdy.biggs.9/posts/1595613813846858

Vicky DeAngelis won two awards, the Small Masterpiece and Wearable Art Awards.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/where-has-the-time-gone-2/

My favorite awards are these—The Lifetime Achievement Award went to David McCaskill and the People's Choice Award went to Philip Bush for his 50 Daisies/Flowers. Can't wait to see a photo of that!
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2017/09/03/seminar-2017-wrap-up/

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

Picking the Right Light/Magnifer

Lynn highly recommended this article by the manufacturers of Dazor light/magnifiers on Facebook and when I read it, I see why. It explains the terms used in describing these things very very well.
https://www.dazor.com/choosing-a-lighted-magnifier.html

Thanks, Lynn!

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

The Persian Qum Rug

Jan at Thread Medley is starting another original rug, this time a Persian Qum rug design on Congress Cloth using mostly Splendor silk floss but with some overdyed cotton floss used occasionally.  As Jan posted progress reports, I'll update this article so you can continue to watch her work.
https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2017/08/17/todays-happiness/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2017/08/23/persian-qum-rug-getting-started/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2017/09/06/persian-qum-rug-progress-2/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2017/11/01/needlepoint-update-november-2017/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2017/12/01/needlepoint-update-december-2017/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2017/12/31/needlepoint-2017-roundup/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2018/04/01/needlepoint-update-march-2018/

Jan says she will shut her blog down in October as that is her tenth anniversary and it's time.  I hope to see the final Qum rug by then at least.
https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2018/07/01/needlepoint-update-june-2018/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2018/09/01/needlepoint-update-september-2018/

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

Kimberly on Show UPDATED

Kimberly is having a exhibit, a one-woman show!  The opening reception is October 7th at the Swalebrook Gallery in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania.  The show features both Kimberly's paintings and needle art.  If you are in the area, please go to see the brilliance of Kimberly's mind.
https://akimberlydesign.blogspot.com/2017/09/this-is-big.html?m=1

UPDATE:  Kimberly posted photographs of some of the items on display.
http://akimberlydesign.blogspot.com/2017/10/life-is-full-of-wonder.html

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

A Survey of Cynthia's Lights

Needlepoint for Fun has talked Cynthia Thomas into writing an article about the various lights she uses for her stitching.
http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/best-needlepoint-lights-to-use.htm

As a teacher and stitch guide writer, Cindy stitches all the time, so her experience with lights for travel and her home is wide.  Hopefully this will give you ideas in case you need a new light yourself.

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

Breaking News: ANG's New Website Finally Live

The American Needlepoint Guild's revamped website is now live. A lot of things are still missing, like most of the Stitch of the Month postings and the FAQ page which had lots of useful information, but the 2017 Stitch of the Month is there (hidden under Distance Learning). I am hoping their FAQ page reappears shortly as I refer folks to it constantly.  The URL is the same.
http://www.needlepoint.org

Here is the direct link to the Stitch of the Month for 2017.  Note that all the information was posted at once so it is very hard to tell what is the earlier and latest lessons.  I finally figured out that the latest was at the bottom, not the top as had been done for years.  ANG says that prior SOTM information will be added to the website at some point.   I am hoping this is done quickly as that is also information I refer people to all the time.
http://www.needlepoint.org/page/SOTM

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

Finding 10-12 Count Canvas

Margaret asked about finding 10-12 count canvas (both painted and plain) on Facebook's Needlepoint Nation. The answers were very useful so I am quoting them here for those who want a larger count, especially now that 13 and 18 count canvases are the norm.

Elizabeth Bradley kits come on 10 count canvas, as do the Ehrman Tapestry designs.
http://www.elizabethbradley.com/theamericas/

Occasionally some of the Ehrman canvases are 8 or 12 count.  Check before you buy.  Elizabeth Bradley and Erhman designs are kits, with tapestry wool included.
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com

Old World Designs has a series of 10 count canvases that come with coordinating tote bags.
https://www.oldworlddesigns.com/shop/c/p/OWD-Hydrangea-Tote-Bag-x26531509.htm


Jean Smith has some lovely florals on 10 count...
http://www.jeansmithdesigns.com

… and Cat's Cradle also has some nice 10 counts.  Your favorite shop can order from Jean Smith or Cat's Cradle for you.
http://www.catscradleneedlepoint.com

Needlepoint.com also carries 10 point canvases.
https://needlepoint.com

Designers' Desk and other shops carry 10 and 12 count plain canvas so you can work all sorts of designs from books and charts on them.
http://designersdeskusa.com

Have fun looking!

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

Interviews with Mary Legallet and with Debbie Woodward

Fiber Talk interviewed Mary Legallet on September 24. You can learn about Mary's background, why she has both stitch guides and stitch concepts, and hear about how she works with designers and shops to pick the perfect class.  As a bonus, you can hear great suggestions for programs to stitch to!
http://wetalkfiber.com/2017/09/24/fiber-talk-with-mary-legallet/

Mary's website, the Whimsical Stitch, is here. Have fun exploring and don't forget to check each Wednesday for an update to Mary's blog so you can learn about a new stitch and where to use it.
http://www.whimsicalstitch.com

Then Fiber Talk interviewed Debbie Woodward on October 1.  You can learn how Debbie accidentally started Painted Pony Designs, learn a bit about how she organizes trunk shows, and peak behind the curtain to see how needlepoint design businesses and Destination Dallas are run.
http://wetalkfiber.com/2017/10/01/fiber-talk-with-debbie-woodward/

Here's Debbie's website, just in case you have an urge to browse her angels or something.
http://www.paintedponyneedlepoint.com

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

Why Parkersburg, WVA is Thread Central

October 5, 6 and 7 are the days for Kreinik's special factory sale this year.
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2017/09/super-3-day-sale-at-kreinik-factory.html

It's one event I would love to attend!

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

BREAKING NEWS: Nordic Needle is Closing

I've been hearing rumors for two weeks but it's official—Nordic Needle is closing their physical store and may close their online store as well. That's not been decided yet.
http://www.inforum.com/business/4335993-fargos-nordic-needle-store-close-fall

https://www.nordicneedle.com

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

Breaking News: The Needlepoint Book in Paperback

Jo Ippolito Christensen just announced on Facebook that the third edition of her classic Needlepoint Book is coming out in paperback on October 10th.  
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/1525012727575880/

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

Dye Lot Change to Kreinik's 002HL UPDATED

Kreinik is advising everyone of a dye lot change to their basic 002 gold in High Luster.  Thanks to The Stitcher's Garden posting this message on Facebook so I could share the news.  Kreinik wrote,

"FYI
002HL Dye Lot Change
We want to let you know that Kreinik color 002HL has a slight dye lot change that will be taking effect in the next few weeks. The new 002HL is still beautifully brassy, but just a bit darker in shade. When you receive this product, the spools will have an extra marking above the size; in this case, the letter “B” designating a dye lot difference. All spools and five-packs will be marked to give your customers a heads-up that there is a difference.
We are putting this information on our website and social media pages to raise awareness. Unfortunately, dye lot changes happen periodically, so we want to make it as painless as possible. This new letter designation on metallics is similar to the one we use on Kreinik Silk Mori, and will make it easier for retailers and stitchers to identify a color change. From now on, it will be shown on any metallic experiencing a dye lot difference.
Kreinik Mfg Co Inc"

UPDATE:  Kreinik has repeated this information on their blog with a bit of background.  Thanks for the heads up!
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2017/10/change-is-coming-to-kreinik.html

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

Gail Stafford: A Profile of a Master Craftsman

I just ran across this wonderful profile of Gail Stafford, whose landscapes are often taught at EGA and ANG seminars.  Click on "Next" at the bottom of each page to see lovely photographs of her work.
http://www.woodturnersunlimited.com/index.php/eclectic/lifestyle/68-gail-stafford-master-craftsman

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

Laundry Day with Kreinik!

Today is laundry day over at the Kreinik blog. You can learn about washing Kreinik and ironing it safely.  The blog doesn't mention using flat irons for hair to straighten out the curls Kreinik's metallics have from being on spools but I know quite a few folks who have done this successfully so it should be safe.
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2017/08/how-do-you-iron-metallic-threads.html

By the way, the two threads Kreinik says may run when washed are red and blue.  I was curious and looked it up.
http://www.kreinik.com/PDF/nov_2016_11x17_metallic_chart.pdf

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