Day of the Dead Notebook Cover

Bobbin and Fred is making a notebook cover from plastic canvas. It's really pretty.
https://sewingwithbobbinandfred.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/flapping-about-plastic-canvas-book.html#more

https://sewingwithbobbinandfred.blogspot.com/2018/04/its-finish-day-of-dead-tapestry.html

This isn't really a tutorial although an adventuresome stitcher could probably experiment on their own and come up with a nice book cover of their own.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 4, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Anna Continues to Experiment

Anna Pearson is continuing to experiment with her needlepoint designs,  trying lighter coverage after experimenting with skipping rows, incorporating the color of the canvas into the design, etc.
https://anna-pearson-needlepoint.blogspot.com/2018/04/an-exciting-new-look-at-needlepoint.html

You can explore Anna's designs on her website.
http://www.needle-point.co.uk/canvasses.htm

The book Anna mentions, her Complete Needlepoint Course, is a really good one for learning traditional needlepoint.  It can be hard to find, but New Needlepoint has a copy in excellent condition.
http://www.newneedlepoint.com/new-needlepoint-reference-books/the_complete_needlepoint_course_by_anna_pearson.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 3, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Pat Thompson Talks Starting and Ending Threads

Hillside Needlepoint's newsletter has a great section by Pat Thompson on various ways to start and end your threads.  Useful stuff and good diagrams, too.
http://web-extract.constantcontact.com/v1/social_annotation?permalink_uri=2uzFLla&image_url=http%3A%2F%2Ffiles.constantcontact.com%2Fa5ce4852701%2Ff9a447b4-ac46-4f7a-86f5-cc1117719487.png

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 2, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Fiber Talk Interviews Nancy Lukoskie

I finally had time to listen to the Fiber Talk interview with Nancy Lukoskie of Fancywork Finishing, a company that specializes in ecclesiastical design and finishing.  Fancywork Finishing works with churches from the design phase to the finishing phase of their ecclesiastical pieces and helps them clean and restore older cushions, hangings and other pieces that need a little repair or cleaning.  Nancy is an expert at restoration, blocking, finishing and design and she's looking for an apprentice.  The things she says about blocking are a revelation!
http://wetalkfiber.com/2018/03/18/fiber-talk-with-nancy-lukoski/

Here's a brief article about blocking from Nancy's blog.

https://fancyworkfinishing.com/needlepoint-blocking/

Here is Nancy's website.  It's a fun (and educational) browse.

https://fancyworkfinishing.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 2, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Ripping Tips from Amy

The April 2018 issue of Amy Bunger's shop newsletter is out. Besides the fun new items in the shop, a book review and lots of new stitch guides, Amy has a section on tips to help you when you have to rip out stitches. It's quite useful!
http://www.amysgoldenstrand.com/uploads/7/2/3/6/72364657/0418.pdf

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 1, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Luv2Stitch Profiles Rhonda

Luv 2 Stitch has been working on their shop website and I noticed they added a profile of their shop manager, Rhonda Pellegrini.  It's a nice way to meet the faces behind the counter.
https://luv2stitch.com/about-our-needlepoint-store/

Have fun exploring their website, particularly if you aren't close enough to San Mateo, California to visit.  I'm enjoying their gallery of finished pieces right now.
https://luv2stitch.com/needlepoint-showcase/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 4, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Meet KC Needlepoint

The local online newspaper has profiled the owners of KC Needlepoint. I thought you'd like to learn more about them and see the shop.
http://www.spaceskc.com/design/five-questions-with-polly-kramer-and-carol-crowe-37110/

For more information and some browsing fun, visit their website.
https://www.kcneedlepoint.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 31, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Danji and Janet Collaborate

Looks like Danji Designs is starting to make Janet Zigler Casey's famous Santa heads available as painted canvases with Janet's stitch guide!
http://www.theneedleworks.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=14487&osCsid=ol8vogsg5vo9trnk9i1u391cr3

Here are the available designs.
http://www.danjidesigns.com/JanetCasey/index.htm

Want to see how they look stitched?  Here is Janet's website.  Hopefully more of Janet's work will be available as painted designs with guides shortly.
http://www.jzcdesigns.com/christmas.htm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 31, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Under the Rainbow Has a New Owner

Barbara's Needlepoint just announced they purchased the Under the Rainbow line from Jane Monroe, who wanted to retire.  Fans of the Under the Rainbow designs can now order by calling Barbara's Needlepoint in South Dakota or by contacting them through their Facebook page.  (The shop doesn't have a website.)
https://www.facebook.com/107558659287177/photos/a.629766710399700.1073741860.107558659287177/1861204477255911/?type=3&theater

We wish Jane a happy retirement and Under the Rainbow Needlepoint Designs a long life!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.co
 and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 22, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Mystery Solved!

The Spinster Sister found her magnets (used to hold her chart in position as she stitched) making marks on her linen as she stitched!  She calls this "magnet poop."
https://spinsterstitcher.blogspot.com/2018/03/a-little-bit-of-stitching-and-some.html

Turns out it wasn't the magnets making the marks at all.   (WHEW!)  It was the ink on the xerox of the chart rubbing off.  The Spinster Stitcher makes a copy of the pertinent part of a chart she's doing and clips the copy to her work with magnets.
https://spinsterstitcher.blogspot.com/2018/03/mystery-solved.html

You can use plastic sheet protectors from office supply stores to keep this from happening to you.
https://www.officedepot.com/a/browse/sheet-protectors/N=5+2310/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 30, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Mary Corbet MacGyvers a Thimble

Mary Corbet put her Mad Scientist gear on and made herself a fabulous new thimble!
https://www.needlenthread.com/2018/03/my-thimble-substitute-it-works.html

These appear to be similar to what Mary used if you prefer not to patronize Amazon.
http://www.joann.com/finger-protectors/12536330.html

Thanks for the tip, Mary.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 28, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Very Special Present

Sue Dulle's been stitching Raymond Crawford's classic Mr. & Mrs. canvas. Her description of all the work she put into it is interesting, plus she gives some beading tips you might find helpful.  Note the special touch of a brass plaque on the frame.   It might have taken Sue months, but it is fabulous!
https://sudukc.wordpress.com/2018/03/30/mr-mrs-canvas-designed-by-raymond-crawford/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 30, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint Stitchpirations UPDATED AGAIN

Needlepoint Stitchpirations, from Carolyn Hedge Baird

Carolyn Hedge Baird has a new book coming out today!  It's called Needlepoint Stitchpirations. The photo above shows the cover.  Neat, huh?   It is a pretty big book, nearly 400 pages, and spiral bound.

Here is the Table of Contents. What really caught my eye was the chapters that cover stitches that use multiple kinds of threads.  This is unique as far as I know.   Many authors will mention in passing that you can mix thread types with this stitch or that, but none really classify stitches this way like Carolyn does.  I asked her about this when she sent me the photos and she says, "My students love to use lots of different threads in one stitch (as well as lots of different ribbons on their finishing) and I do, too! So we do lots of those more complicated and layered stitches in class. The stitches in the new book are more complicated."

The Contents

Good to know, Carolyn!  Anyone who wants to explore more complex stitches or who wants something a little different for their stitch reference library will want to check this out.  Your favorite needlepoint shop can order this for you, or you can ask Chaparral, where Carolyn teaches, to get you a copy.
http://ndlpt.com

UPDATE:  Sara Leigh points out Tony Minieri is the master of layered stitches using multiple thread types in his "Stars for a New Millennium" chart.   He is definitely king of this, but I think we might nominate Carolyn as queen.  Anyone have any more royalty nominations for those great at using multiple thread types in one stitch?
http://store.apneedlearts.com/stofnewmi.html

UPDATE #2:  Here is what Homestead Needle Arts says about the newest book from Carolyn.
https://mailchi.mp/9a32fef775fa/needlepoint-stitchpirations-by-carolyn-hedge-baird-new-new-new?e=810b807e3a

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 19, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The New Unbroken Thread Studio

Kathy of the Unbroken Thread has relocated to Iowa and has her new studio set up.  I thought you'd love seeing the fabulous space she has in her new home.  Eventually she'll be able to offer classes once some necessary renovation work is finished.  Congratulations, Kathy!  Hope this is as functional and fun as it looks!
http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2018/03/27/new-embroidery-studio/

Here you can see Kathy stitching away in the new studio.
http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2018/03/31/trevelyons-pocket-progress/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 28, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Background for the T Rex Coin Purse in NP Now

Bobbin and Fred's T Rex Coin Purse which is in the March-April 2018 Needlepoint Now is featured on the Bobbin and Fred blog this week.  This is a darling beginner's project using plastic canvas.  If you have someone into the Jurassic Park movies, this is a way to teach them needlepoint.  Plus Shannan has some fascinating information about the dinosaur sounds in the movies.
https://sewingwithbobbinandfred.blogspot.com/2018/03/new-pattern-t-rex-needlepoint-purse.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 28, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Barbara Bush's Needlepoint on Display UPDATED

We've all just learned that Mrs. Barbara Bush has died.  I think the Spinster Stitcher says it best--
https://spinsterstitcher.blogspot.com/2018/04/rest-in-peace-mrs-bush.html

Marlys just visited the George Bush Presidential Library in College Station, Texas and took photographs of Barbara Bush's needlepoint on display. She posted the photographs on Needlepoint Nation. Use the side arrows to browse.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1306612082784451&set=pcb.1491050567638763&type=3&theater

The former First Lady's famous needlepoint rug was featured in both a special edition of Needlepoint Plus (1990) and...
https://www.etsy.com/listing/175486264/needlepoint-plus-1990-barbara-bushs-rug?show_sold_out_detail=1

…the September-October 1986 issue of Needlepoint News.
https://www.amazon.com/needlepoint-news-christmas-two-needle-september-october/dp/b002tn7t7i

The famous needlepoint ornaments were featured on one of the White House Christmas trees in 1991's Needlepoint Christmas theme and I think some of the Nutcracker theme tree ornaments for 1990 were also needlepointed.
http://rockycoastnews.blogspot.com/2012/12/a-white-house-christmas-gallery-george.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_House_Christmas_tree

UPDATE:  EGW Publishing has kindly posted the Needlepoint Plus article about Mrs. Bush's famous floral rug on their website for everyone to enjoy.  Scroll down to the bottom of the page.  Many thanks to Wendy for finding this and telling us about it.
https://www.egwpublishing.com/about1-c1td8

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

Piloting Wishful Thinking

National Seminar classes have to have a test run before the class is actually held at the ANG or EGA seminars. These are called pilot classes and they are often held at local chapters so the teacher has a chance to do a run-through of the class and have extra eyes checking the instructions.  Recently some of the New Jersey Needle Arts chapter of ANG members went to California to take a pilot class from Ann Strite-Kurz.
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2018/03/27/wishful-thinking/

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2018/03/30/progress-2/

If you aren't familiar with Ann's charted designs, have fun checking out her website.
https://www.annstritekurz.com/classes.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 27, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Happy Days Needlepoint

Marion Ross is writing her memoirs. She used needlepoint to get through awkwardness on the set of Happy Days.  It's amazing how much all of us needleworkers use our stitching in the same way, no matter our roles in life.
https://www.fergusfallsjournal.com/2018/03/marion-ross-writes-of-happy-days-and-more-in-new-memoir/

Many thanks to the staff of Needlepoint Now for noticing this and mentioning the link on Facebook.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 27, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Zecca Thanksgiving 2017 Retreat Framed

The stitched versions of Zecca's "A Couple of Friends," which was the Bedecked and Beadazzled Thanksgiving 2017 retreat piece are starting to come back from the framers.  They look really good!
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2018/03/friends/

The piece is whimsical and fun and the stitching a bit over the top with the fun bird stitches.  If you need this for your stitching area, just give the shop a call.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/a-couple-of-friends/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 23, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

And You Thought Penelope Canvas Was Just for Needlepoint!

Kris's latest miniatures tutorial is how to make a 1 inch scale model basket out of needlepoint canvas.  It's a fascinating process. If you have friends into miniature making, save your scrapes of needlepoint canvas, particularly penelope, to give them to make their own baskets.
http://1inchminisbykris.blogspot.com/2018/03/1-inch-scale-sewing-basket-how-to-make.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 22, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Susan Makes Sense

Vicky DeAngelis is taking a class from Susan Portra who recommends stitching with one's stretcher bars on top of the canvas, not under them, so Vicky is giving it a try.  Susan's reasons for mounting a canvas this way make sense.  Maybe the next small piece I work on I'll try it.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/so-whats-new-pussycat-2/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 22, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Lots of Loretta UPDATED

This week has been a great one for fan's of the late Loretta Spear's mystery designs and ornaments. Eight of her ten mysteries and five ornaments are on eBay, being sold by the same seller.
https://lorettaspears.blogspot.com/2018/04/ebay-finds.html

It's a great opportunity to pick up a classic counted design, but don't tarry.  These auctions will end next Wednesday.

By the way, I don't know the seller and will not profit from the auctions but I do want Loretta's pieces to have a good home and be stitched, then passed along to other fans of her work.

UPDATE:  Two more ornaments have shown up on eBay.  This is a good week to grab a bargain from all the Loretta pieces available.  I haven't seen so many of her designs available at the same time in years.


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 13, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Charley Harper Designs for the Counted Canvasworker

Charley Harper's iconic animal prints are wildly famous among needleworkers, so much so that The Meredith Collection licenses many of them to sell as painted canvases.  But what do you do if you are a counted person who really doesn't like painted canvases?  You turn to Ann Strite-Kurz.  This is just what Sue did and you can learn a bit about the wonderful "Brrrrrrr" that she stitched using class materials from Ann on Sue's blog.
https://sudukc.wordpress.com/2018/04/27/burrrrrrrrr-ann-strite-kurz-more-catching-up/

Years ago Ann arranged with Charley Harper to turn some of his designs into counted canvaswork.  She has three classes based on his art and you can see them here in her list of available classes.  If you ask nicely, I think Ann will sell you the kit for these.  As Sue explains, her instructions are very clear, so you should be able to work these class pieces on your own.  They are not intended to be worked solo and you won't be able to ask Ann for clarification, but judging from the instructions I've seen in Ann's class materials and from what Sue says, this shouldn't be an issue for the experienced stitcher.
https://www.annstritekurz.com/classes.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 27, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stumpwork Embroidery: Techniques and Projects (A Review)

Mary Corbet has done another wonderful book review on a new book about stumpwork.  It looks like Helen Richman's book is particularly strong on teaching the creation of stumpwork figures but it sounds like a great book all around.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2018/03/stumpwork-embroidery-techniques-projects-book-review.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 16, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Game of Thrones Tapestry

Northern Ireland's Ulster Museum is working on a huge tapestry on linen bringing scenes from TV's Game of Thrones to life.  This article shows off the work, which will be over 252 feet long when complete, through photos and a video.  The tapestry is woven and then embellished by embroiderers to add highlights and metallics to various areas.  The project was created to highlight Irish tourism, embroidery and weaving skills.
http://www.irishnews.com/lifestyle/2017/08/21/news/the-embroiderers-behind-the-game-of-thrones-tapestry-1110186/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 16, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thread Conditioning

Most of us don't bother to condition our threads but if you ever considered it or are just plain curious, Mary Corbet has written a nice long article that considers what thread conditioners like Thread Heaven and beeswax are supposed to do and how well they hold up over time.  I found it very interesting!
https://www.needlenthread.com/2018/03/on-thread-conditioning-beeswax-for-embroidery.html

Mary definitely is against using them except for goldwork, attaching buttons to clothing and by inference, adding beads to needlework.  It would be interesting to hear an opposing point of view.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 14, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Jewelry for the Mad Scientist in You

I get Fusion Bead's daily newsletter. It has new products, sales and more.  Although I do get tired of the daily spam, the sales are good and occasionally they mention a new product that looks interesting.  Today's email talks about Centerline's stitchable bracelets, crosses and pendants.
http://www.fusionbeads.com/new-products/new-centerline-charms-and-findings

The second link has a video that shows how to bead on the bracelet.  Watching the video I started to wonder if a section of needlepoint canvas could be inserted in the cuff bracelets….
http://www.fusionbeads.com/all-in-a-line-cuff-bracelet

By the way, if you are intrigued by the Xuron thread cutter used in the video, here's a bit more about it.
http://www.fusionbeads.com/Xuron-Thread-and-Fiber-Scissors

This is for the experimental needlepointer.  Have fun and tell me all about it!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 14, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint Cosmetics

Ok, here's something you don't see every day—cosmetics packed in needlepoint-themed cosmetic bags!   
https://www.facebook.com/kaffefassettstudio/photos/a.1293531724048674.1073741838.1185596584842189/1304233396311840/?type=3&theater

Here's more about the line of cosmetics and fragrances, makeup bags and cosmetic bags.
http://www.kaffefassett.com/wp-content/uploads/On-Point-fragrance-press-release.pdf

http://kaffefassettfragrance.com/onpoint/

For those who aren't familiar with Kaffe Fasset, he is a master of color and textile design and has created a huge range of tapestry kits in partnership with Ehrman.  If you search the Ehrman website, you'll find the currently available kits from the many he's designed and several videos of Kaffe.  He's the master of color as far as I am concerned.
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/KaffeFassett.aspx

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 12, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Video Tour of Rittenhouse Needlepoint

Rittenhouse Needlepoint in Philadelphia has moved to new quarters and the owners have created a video that shows where you can find the shop and all the goodies inside (not least of which is Winnie the Poodle).  Russell and Stephen have big plans for their website and store, and it's fun to hear them talk about what they plan to do in the future.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxrR8j855AE&sns=em

By the way, Melita has recently visited Rittenhouse with her local ANG chapter.  You'll want to hear about her visit here.
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2018/03/15/rittenhouse-needlepoint-road-trip/

If you are going to be in Philadelphia soon, make sure you stop by.  If you aren't, visit Rittenhouse's website.
http://myneedlepoint.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 10, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Great Stitch/Thread for Snow

This tip comes to us from Meredith Willet.  Michele of the Bristly Thistle obviously pays attention in class!
https://www.bristlythistle.com/blog/2018/3/7/a-great-stitch-for-snow

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 9, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Open Diamonds for Backgrounds

Needlepoint for Fun shows off Open Diamonds stitch, one of my personal favorites, as a background stitch that works most everywhere that a light coverage stitch can go.
http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/needlepoint-stitches-for-background.htm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 9, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Chinese Tapestry World

Thanks to Needlepoint Now magazine, I have a link to a beautiful but slightly sad video of a Chinese lady and her apprentice who create intricate needlepoint reproductions of paintings on penelope canvas.  It's a specialized art with a limited audience I expect but it is very beautiful and when you consider they transfer the design after dying the crewel weight wools…!
https://www.shine.cn/feature/art-culture/1802140459/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 16, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Woodlawn Winners UPDATED

Lovely Pieces on Display at Woodlawn

I'm starting to see reports online about ribbon winners at Woodlawn. Since so many of us can't make it to the show, I thought I'd collect the links for you to enjoy in one place.  They are listed in the order I found them.

Here is Sara Leigh's original geometric that took home a blue ribbon.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10214795591305077&set=a.2576804301111.2146999.1284467737&type=3&theater

Donna brought home a 3rd place ribbon for this beauty.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10215676679648520&set=a.4513851842874.186487.1188003052&type=3&theater

Two more photos of Donna's stitching on display at Woodlawn.  Use the side arrow to see both.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10215764630447235&set=pcb.10215764631087251&type=3&theater

The NJNA chapter of ANG sent plenty of things to Woodlawn and some of their members made the trip to see everything.
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2018/03/03/woodlawn-exhibit-teaser/

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2018/03/07/woodlawn-report/

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2018/03/14/a-visit-to-the-needlework-exhibit-at-woodlawn/

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2018/04/01/woodlawn-2/

Cynthia Thomas' version of the Debbie Mumm/Melissa Shirley "Snowman Village" got an Honorable Mention.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1886033834748235&set=a.1138558072829152.1073741829.100000249112142&type=3&theater

Candyce's card box is lovely.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/1682939518449866/

Here's Sara Leigh's piece, which got a blue ribbon.  I think it's an original design.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10214942881867249&set=a.10208133941287990.1073741889.1284467737&type=3&theater

"Goldfish" By Shorebird Studios

Nancy took a lot of photographs at Woodlawn and posted them on Facebook.  Use the right side arrows to see all eleven.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10155606253129151&set=pcb.1683240618419756&type=3&theater

Melita went to Woodlawn and treats us to photos of the two special exhibits, the Japanese Embroidery exhibit and the exhibit honoring the late Mary Duckworth.  By the way, the fish piece with the 32,000 beads that Melita mentions is pictured here as Kate Callahan is a dear friend and let me use her photographs.
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2018/03/27/woodlawn-roadtrip-2018/

Close Up of "Goldfish" Before Framing, Stitched by Kate Callahan

John's Hands Across the Sea sampler took a first place ribbon in the sampler category.  Woodlawn usually has lots of samplers entered as samplers are very popular in the D.C. suburbs, so I know he had some stiff competition.
https://hands-across-the-sea-samplers.com/first-place-at-woodland-55th-annual-needlework-show/

Hope you enjoyed the show and will consider entering some of your stitching next year.

UPDATE:  Cynthia Thomas has an Honorable Mention of this lovely Debbie Mumm/Melissa Shirley "Snowman Village."
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1915255798492705&set=a.509405429077756.119474.100000249112142&type=3&theater

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 2, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Time for a Haircut?

Mary Corbet discusses the problem of fuzzies left on canvas by threads and the solution—trim the needle eye end!  Who knew our threads would need a periodic haircut, too!
https://www.needlenthread.com/2018/03/stitch-tip-short-sweet-eliminating-fuzzies.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 7, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Lowery Workstands Have Colors

I just discovered that the Lowery floor stands now are available in color! Joanne has a violet one.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2006509182902865&set=gm.1699102623500222&type=3&theater&ifg=1

The UK company's blog shows off yellow and red.
https://www.workstands.com/single-post/2017/11/21/A-splash-of-colour

Their website has a rainbow arrangement of colors!  I think I might be a Candice girl myself.  What about you?
https://www.workstands.com/product-page/coloured-complete-workstand

By the way, people with the stands say the original stainless steel stands are heavier and cost more than the colored ones.  You may need to put a weight or the leg of your stitching chair on both versions if you stitch large pieces.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 1, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

GIMP Tutorial

Bobbin and Fred have done a great tutorial on using GIMP to adjust colors in a needlepoint design when you are looking for color inspiration.  GIMP is free image manipulation software.  It's limited in what it can do but for the purposes of this tutorial, it works well.
https://sewingwithbobbinandfred.blogspot.com/2018/03/tutorial-easy-image-manipulation-for.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 6, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Elegance for Easter

In honor of Easter, I thought you'd like to see the Easter Egg a customer at Luv 2 Stitch needlepointed.  A blessed Easter to all those who celebrate!
https://luv2stitch.com/easter-egg-by-rhonda/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 31, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Pashima Colors Online

The Knotted Needle just added photos of all the Gloriana Pashima colors to their website.
https://www.knottedneedle.com/shop/Needlepoint-Threads/Gloriana.htm

This is fabulous news since Gloriana hasn't added photos of any of the Pashima line to their own website.  Pashima is a silk/cashmere thread that is plyable into four strands that can be further split if you are careful.  It's a great thread to add to your toolbox.
http://www.needlestack.com/WebStore/Thread/Gloriana_Pashmina.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 4, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.