Sunday, December 31, 2017

Sara Leigh Organizes

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

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

Saturday, December 30, 2017

Robin Goes to Alabama

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

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

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

Thanks, Robin.  We love hearing about your travels.

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

Friday, December 29, 2017

Catch Up with Fiber Talk: Stitch While You Listen

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

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

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

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

Happy listening!

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

Thursday, December 28, 2017

Banners and Boxes

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

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

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Candlewicking Fur

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

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

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

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Nancy Heinrichs, Stitcher

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

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

Monday, December 25, 2017

A Christmas Stocking Tutorial (and More)

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday, December 24, 2017

Ruth Does the Twist for the Camera

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday, December 23, 2017

Gallery of Trees: A Free Design from Kimberly

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

Thanks Kimberly.  This is FABULOUS!

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

Jenny and the Free Buffalo Plaid Ornament

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

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

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

Friday, December 22, 2017

Pocket Full of Stitches' Gift Exchange

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

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

Spectacular Finishing from Deux Bijoux Bijoux

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

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

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

Thursday, December 21, 2017

Watch French Knots on a Stick Make a Beard

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

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

Thanks for the free peek, Lisa!

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

"Aesthetic Delirium"

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

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

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

A Very Special Stocking

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

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

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

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Everything for the Beginner, Even Frames

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

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

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

Monday, December 18, 2017

DIY Christmas Light Bulbs

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

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

Sunday, December 17, 2017

Deconstructing a Stitch Diagram (and More!)

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

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

Saturday, December 16, 2017

If You Want to Overpay For a Needlepoint Gift

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

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

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

Lycette's Wish List for Santa

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have fun assembling your list of goodies for Santa!

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

Spending Time with a Master of Embellishment

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

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

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

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

Friday, December 15, 2017

Profile of A Stitch In Time

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

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

Kreinik's Paillettes

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

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

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

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

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Inspirations Profiles Alexandra D.

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

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

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

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

Ever Wonder Why There Are So Few Needlepoint Videos?

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

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

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

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Christmas in 1:12 Scale

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

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

A Peek Inside Absolutely Needlepoint

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

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

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

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Needlepoint On Display as Art

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

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

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

Framing Needlework with Glass? David's Take UPDATED

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

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

Thanks for your professional insight, David!

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

Monday, December 11, 2017

Robin Goes to Bristly Thistle

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

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

I want a thread room of my own!

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

Sunday, December 10, 2017

Needlepoint Now Profiles The Needlepointer

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

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

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

Saturday, December 9, 2017

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

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

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

Friday, December 8, 2017

Lycette Falls in Love Once More

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

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

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

Thursday, December 7, 2017

Background Idea

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

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

Many thanks to Candace for her clever design work!

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

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

BREAKING NEWS: Stitchers Paradise in Miami Closes

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

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

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

"The Many Paths Up the Needlepointing Mountain"

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

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

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

The Shenandoah Valley Tapestry

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

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

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

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Serendipity's Stitcher's Club

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

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

A Look At Vintage Needlepoint Handbags

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

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

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

Monday, December 4, 2017

Tanja Teaches Framing

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

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

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

Sunday, December 3, 2017

Breaking News: Shop Closes, Shop Opens UPDATED

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

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

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

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

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

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

Acknowledging Our Growth Through Finishing

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

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

Saturday, December 2, 2017

Woolworks Needlepoint NYC

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

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

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

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

Therapy Pillows

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

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

Friday, December 1, 2017

Tale of a Stocking

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

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