A New Source for Backing Boards

If you do your own finishing, you'll be thrilled to see Brenda's new source of acid free backing board.  Someone at Delaware's ANG Seashore Chapter is very clever!
https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2018/05/new-source-for-backing-boards-who-knew.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 21, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Support Your Local Shop

Vicky makes an important point about shopping at real needlepoint shops instead of Amazon.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/support-your-local-needlepoint-shop/

There are other reason why Amazon isn't a great place to shop:  needlepoint books in particular are wildly overpriced.
https://www.amazon.com/More-Stitches-Effect-Suzanne-Robertson/dp/B001MSU5YK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1526653884&sr=8-2&keywords=stitches+for+effects

https://nashvilleneedleworks.com/shop/accessories/books/more-stitches-for-effect-2/

Amazon's treatment of its warehouse workers is suspect as well.  Next time you need something, try using a small business instead of a behemoth.  A real needlepoint store will thank you!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 18, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Animal Fur Stitches

Needlepoint for Fun's latest newsletter talks about creating animal fur.  They talk about the best stitches to use for animal ears, fur and tails, and include nice diagrams to help you understand how the stitches are made.
http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/needlepoint-stitches-for-animal-hair.htm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 18, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Blame It on Prince Harry

I don't stitch with metal threads much although I have a limited amount of Gilt Sylke Twist I have put away for a special project and there's a small stash of bullion and perle just waiting for another day in my stash. I have heard that it's hard to get Gilt Sylke Twist right now, though.  Tricia Nguyen (who imports Gilt Sylke Twist and colored twist and other English threads from their manufacturers) explains why.
http://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2018/05/a-brief-needlework-interruption.html

By now you've seen photos of the Royal Wedding and probably know exactly to blame—Prince Harry and the wedding party!  Better stock up after the wedding rush is over.

Here's Tricia's website…
https://thistle-threads.myshopify.com

…and here is Tanja Berlin's.
https://berlinembroidery.com/product-category/hand-embroidery-supplies/goldwork-supplies/

Plus here is Needle in a Haystack's.
http://www.needlestack.com/WebStore/thread.html

All these online shops have wonderful threads for your stitching pleasure, not just metallics.

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

Emboiderer's Choice Needles

Trish Burr, known for her needle painting designs, books and classes, has recently tried out a variety of needles to find the brand that works best for her.  Of course Trish is doing embroidery on linen in a hoop most of the time, so her needs are different than a needlepoint's, but I thought this was interesting all the same.
https://trishburr.com/2018/05/09/which-needles/

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

Two Cats

I love seeing the same canvas stitched by two different people. Check out the Kimberly Santini cat portrait, stitched by two of Ruth Schmuff's customers.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2018/05/little/

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2018/05/its-all-in-the-interpretation/

Amazing, isn't it?  The personality of the stitchers comes through clearly here.

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

How to Color Your Canvas

While wandering around Etsy, I stumbled across Diane Grant's shop and her instructions on how to color your canvas with acrylic paints.  It sounds like a fun summer project to try!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/210261625/instruction-sheet-colouring-canvas-for?ref=shop_home_active_11

If you like counted canvaswork, Diane also has some fun charts to browse and several small books on specialty Hilton-type stitches.  She's in the UK but shipping is usually pretty easy if you aren't.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/canvasworkplus?ref=l2-shopheader-name&section_id=15027206

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

The Secrets to Using Facebook

These days Facebook is where the action is when it comes to needlepoint.  There are groups on Facebook dedicated to needlepoint, to counted canvas, to buying or selling unwanted needlepoint items, to needlepoint finishing, and to even complaining about various needlepoint-related things.  Shops and designers have Facebook pages where they show off their latest designs, talk about trunk shows, changes in their hours and anything else a customer might want to know.  Some shops don't even have a website but use their Facebook page as a defacto website.

Of course Facebook is in the news for allowing all sorts of folks to harvest data about us to use in various ways.  They even use our photos for their facial recognition programs.  Basically Facebook is selling us to anyone willing to pay.  That offends a lot of people.  Facebook also is not really secure, which also offends folks.  It's very difficult to control who sees what you post.  Even secret groups are not secure.  We've even had people who are not members of my group able to comment on postings from members because the members shared their message on their personal page where non-group members who are friended with the person can see and comment on them.

Facebook is also very buggy.  I get messages all the time from folks who want to know why I deleted their message posted to Needlepoint Nation (a group I accidentally founded*).  Nine times out of ten no one running the group deleted their message.  It just isn't there because of a glitch or is buried in a flurry of newer messages.  Facebook's search engine is laughable.  Last week I wasn't able to edit any message I posted, then mysteriously I was able to again.  The constant updates to the software cause a lot of issues to mysteriously happen—then mysteriously disappear again.

So what do you do to keep yourself secure if you want to set up a Facebook account to be part of the needlepoint things going on?  First, accept that everything you post is going to be public.  My group, Needlepoint Nation, is a public group, which means anyone with a Facebook account will be able to see what is said there.  Non-members can't comment (with the exception listed above) but everyone can see messages.  And remember, even secret groups are only as secret as the members keep it.  I get screen shots or verbal descriptions of what is going on in secret groups all the time.

Secondly, when you set up a Facebook page for yourself, limit what you put there.  No birthdates, no schools attended, don't say where you live or work, anything like that.  I personally don't even post photographs of myself or other people.

Thirdly, once you have that page set up with absolutely the minimum required, set your permissions so that they are as restricted as possible.  This section from Facebook will help.
https://www.facebook.com/help/238318146535333?helpref=hc_global_nav

Fourth, don't "friend" anyone unless you must.  They can see what you post and all their friends can, too.  Post about an upcoming birthday party and all your friends can share that information with their friends.  Most of the time, folks do this without thinking.  So keep those friends list as small as you can.

Fifth, don't use your Facebook account to sign into anything else.  If you use your Facebook account to log into things like Skype, Gmail, games, etc., you are just giving the company more access to your information.  It's wise not to play any Facebook games, either.  Or use your Facebook account to  log into a game you play on your phone or tablet.

If you follow the items above, you should be relatively safe.  There are no guarantees, though!

Just head to Facebook.com, set up an account (don't use a fake name—Facebook really really REALLY hates that and will close the account when they catch it if you can't produce ID with "Joe Needlepoint" on it), then use the search bar at the top of the page to find needlepoint groups.  Mine is called https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/

But there are plenty of others, like Counted Canvas Needlepoint for those who do a lot of charted work, Needlepoint Covered Christmas Trees, even Needlepoint Complaints (really).  Just poke around a little and find a group that looks interesting.  Read the Description.  That will tell you a lot about the group and alert you to any rules they may have.  Be cautious and have fun!

*Needlepoint Nation is proof God has a real sense of humor.  How else can you explain my accidentally founding the largest needlepoint group in Facebook when I really don't like using it?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 15, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Columbo and The Conspirators

This morning I spotted this on Needlepoint Nation:  Lisa wrote, "I am watching Columbo "The Conspirators" (1978) while cleaning the kitchen. Imagine my surprise when Columbo comments on a woman's needlepoint project! He notices that she is stitching with the Continental stitch but has some Basketweave mixed in. This will definitely be a clue to finding the murderer! Also, Columbo mentions that he knows needlepoint because his nephew needlepoints to relax before weight lifting meets! My Dad also used to needlepoint in the 1970's for relaxation!"

The Needle Bug posted this snippet from the show on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/theneedlebug/videos/1790235947703356/UzpfSTEwODUzNzAyNTg5MDEzMToxNzQyNTAzNDc5MTYwMTM2/

Many thanks to Lisa and The Needle Bug for this morning's fun.

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

Debbie Says Strip and Flip

Debbie Rowley has a tip on her blog for those who are having trouble stripping their floss into individual plies.  I'll have to try this!
https://debbeesdesigns.com/2018/05/14/strip-and-flip/

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

Mindy's Color Game

I recently paid a visit to the website for Mindy's Needlepoint and noticed something pretty durn interesting. Mindy is playing with color.
http://www.mindysneedlepoint.com/shop/Mindys-Needlepoint-Designs/Asian.htm

Check these out:




Clockwise from the upper left they are Asians in Golds and Olives, Asians in Blues, Asians in Greens, and Asians in Mauves and Purples.

I am a fan of Asian-themed designs in general, but what intrigued me here is that the change of color really changes what I see in the piece.  Mauves and Purples shows up the three rectangles with buttons better, while Greens seems to have the backgrounds more visible.  I think Golds and Olives is the most balanced of the designs although I don't usually like those colors.  Funny what color does to a design?

Which do you like best?  Is that your favorite color normally?  I am of course waiting for an Asians Pink—my favorite color!

Very clever, Mindy.  Now I want them all.  Sigh.

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

Fiber Talk Interviews Jill A. Vendituoli

This week's podcast from Fiber Talk is an interview with Jill Vendituoli.  It's a fun listen.
http://wetalkfiber.com/2018/05/06/fiber-talk-with-jill-vendituoli/

Jill's a true artist in needlepoint.  You can see her work on her website.
https://www.jillavendituoli.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 11, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Meeting the Staff at Needle Arts Studio

Needle Arts Studio in New Orleans has posted a bit about the folks who run the shop on their blog.
https://www.needlenola.com/blog/2018/5/7/all-about-caroline-laura-meme

There's a bit about the history behind the shop, too.
https://www.needlenola.com/blog/2018/1/28/all-about-needle-arts

It's a fun read and I'm told a great stop if you are in Louisiana or in nearby Mississippi.

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

Debbie Rowley's Starting and Ending Thread Help

Debbie Rowley has been showing this little YouTube video on starting threads in her classes and it's been such a hit, she's sharing it via her blog.
https://debbeesdesigns.com/2018/05/07/keeping-it-fresh/

She has another blog post on ending threads here.
https://debbeesdesigns.com/2018/05/09/the-end-is-near/

As a bonus, Debbie talks about parking threads.
https://debbeesdesigns.com/2018/05/11/finding-a-parking-spot/

UPDATE:  Debbie's added a series explaining pin stitch and the variations T and L stitch thoroughly.

https://debbeesdesigns.com/2021/09/28/anchoring-with-pin-stitches-part-1/

https://debbeesdesigns.com/2021/10/04/anchoring-with-pin-stitches-part-2-t-stitches/

https://debbeesdesigns.com/2021/10/11/pin-stitches-part-3-l-stitches/

https://debbeesdesigns.com/2021/10/20/pin-stitches-part-4-a-straight-line/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 8, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Early Pumpkin Harvest

Sharon normally sells her needlepoint pumpkins in the fall during pumpkin "harvest," but she was cleaning house and found a bunch of not quite perfect canvases, which she has turned into not quite perfect needlepoint pumpkins.  Which you can buy right now!  But hurry, this is a short harvest.
https://www.smwollmandesigns.com/collections/sketchyaddle

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 17, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

J. Pudney: A History

If you are a fan of small printed kits you can use as travel projects, then you'll enjoy reading Needlepoint for Fun's short history of J. Pudney.
http://www.icontact-archive.com/3sPNpcHW2d6IBVeY4CRghONEhmuYuEGA?w=4

I've stitched An Overdose of Devonshire Tea and Cafe Girls from the postcard-sized series and loved them!  I also have Madonna and Dog waiting in The Stash. These come kitted with floss and are printed designs but are hilarious or sweet, depending on your mood.
http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/shop/Kits-/Jennifer-Pudney-Small-Kits.htm

http://jenniferpudney.co.nz/product/madonna-and-dog/

I also have my eye on Hungry Woman and Bring on the Man Slaves.
http://www.buttonedup.com/Catalogue/Needlework/Needlepoint-Kits/Jennifer-Pudney.aspx

I wasn't familiar with the Mary Self line but I was able to browse some of their small, fun projects here.
http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/module/search_content.htm?form_version=2&showSearchResults=1&search_keyword=mary+self&image.x=8&image.y=5


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

All the Fun at the Enriched Stitch Retreat

Ever wanted to go on a needlepoint retreat but didn't know what they were like? Suzie Vallerie spills the beans on Enriched Stitches' Spring 2018 retreat!
http://astheneedleturns.com/oh-what-fun/

http://astheneedleturns.com/day-2/

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

Breaking News: Beth's Needlepoint Nook Has a New Owner

I received this note from Beth at Beth's Needlepoint Nook this morning. She writes:


My customer, my friends,

It is with sadness, trepidation, and excitement that I send you this email.

It is hard for me to believe that Beth's Needlepoint Nook will have been in business for 14 years this October. Many of you may remember that when I first opened I had no employees and one lonely spinner of fibers. How far we have come! We now have a national clientele as well as a few customers in other countries. Does anyone remember me talking about a club member who lives in Iran? The shop has brought multiple national teachers to Louisville and launched a very successful Stash for your Cash program.

The shop's success is, in a great part, due to you, my customers. Without you, I would have never made it this far.

Beth's Needlepoint Nook had its best year ever last year and it is on this high note that I have decided to retire. The time has come for me to do something different with my life. I am not sure what I will do, but I know that it is time for a change.

To that end, I sold the shop yesterday to Elizabeth Dieruf who, several years ago, expressed interest in owning the shop. I told her that when I was ready to sell it I would call her first. I called. She accepted. And the rest as they say is history.

I offered to work for her but she prefers independence. I support her decision. Please give her your support as well. The next time you see me I will once again be a customer just like you!

Thank you again for your support and all the wonderful memories we have made together. It is my greatest wish that the shop continues to thrive for many more years to come!

Beth

Our best wishes go to Beth in her retirement and to Elizabeth as she takes the shop into the future.  If you are a virtual customer like me, here's the shop website so you can welcome Elizabeth with a purchase.

http://www.bethsneedlepoint.com

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

An Interview with Patricia Sone

Recently The Curious Cowgirl took a class with Patricia Sone and had such a great time, she asked if she could profile Patricia. And here it is!  There are plenty of photos of Patricia's wonderful  finished pieces and of course a link to her blog (second below).
https://thecuriouscowgirl.com/personalities/patricia-sone-needlepoint-artist-teacher/

http://patriciasone.blogspot.com

There is also a link to the Stitch It, Frame It, Love It series, for which Patricia has done the guides in collaboration with Victoria Whitson.
https://www.victoriawhitson.com/stitch-it-frame-it-love-it/

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

All Kinds of Knots

Mary Corbet has listed all the knot stitches (both individual knots and lines with knots) that she has tutorials for on her website.  It's a comprehensive list, with big knots, little knots, knots that are standalone and knots that are bumps along a line.  Surely you can find something to add texture to your stitching here! And as a bonus, there are video tutorials for all of them but one.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2018/04/12-knot-stitches-for-embroidery.html

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

My New Silicone Thimble

My New Silicone Thimbles, One Trimmed Down

Regular Blog readers may remember Mary Corbet's foray into using silicone finger protectors as a thimble.
https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2018/04/mary-corbet-macgyvers-thimble.html

I thought it was a clever idea and since I'm prone to split skin around my fingertips, I started trying to find local sources for these things.  We don't have cooking stores in my area but we do have several big box craft stores and I got lucky in the glue section of Hobby Lobby.  I found the same silicone finger protectors Mary used marketed as hot glue gun finger protectors.
https://www.hobbylobby.com/Crafts-Hobbies/Basic-Crafts/Glues-Adhesives/Mod-Podge-Hot-Glue-Finger-Caps/p/93942

The package has three of them, two Large and one Medium, for $4.99 plus tax.  I have small hands but the Large fitted my fingers and thumb well.  However, they were too long, so I took my paper scissors and cut half an inch off the bottom of one of the Large finger protectors.  Now it works great!  I've used it a little and find it both light weight and good protection using tiny beading needles.  Their eye ends can be sharp as you push them through something dense but so far, I haven't had a needle sink into the silicone, much less go through all the way and stick me.

It feels good on my fingers and thumbs—it isn't heavy like a metal thimble is--and will help protect any fingers with issues.  I am not certain how good it would feel it I were stitching on a sunny beach with heat, sweat and sand. Perhaps one of Blog's readers will take one for the team and go on a beach vacation with a few packed away for us and report back?

Thanks, Mary!

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

Amber's Needlepoint Tour UPDATED

Thanks to Village Needleworks' mentioning this on Facebook, I have a link to a tour of Amber's house featuring her needlepoint. It's every where and so much fun!
http://www.thefrenchtangerine.com/2018/04/needlepoint-inspiration.html

UPDATE:  The French Tangerine also has a lovely article on a fund-raiser featuring Elizabeth Bradley pillows to be auctioned for charity.
http://www.thefrenchtangerine.com/2018/05/lauritzen-gardens-elizabeth-bradley.html?m=1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 20, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint Clothing from Paris

Thanks to EGA's Victoria chapter I have a unique clothing site to show you this morning.  The two French women behind the site are experts in costuming and now are making jackets and coats from vintage needlepoint canvases.  There are five different styles in three sizes to choose from.
https://mo-bordeaux.com

Fascinating!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 20 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tanja's Tips: Magni-Clips Magnifiers

Tanja Berlin has a good tip if you are considering buying a pair of clip on magnifiers to wear over your regular glasses:  try a pair of drug store magnifying glasses over your bifocals first to see if they will work with magnifiers.   This also will tell you what magnification to buy.  Tanja sells these if you follow the link, but she's in Canada so the pricing is in Canadian dollars.
https://berlinembroidery.com/blog/back-in-stock-magni-clips-magnifers/

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.

Melita's New Rechargable Clamp On Light

Melita has a new rechargeable clamp on light. Just in case you are in the market for one that you can use with a rechargeable battery, she has photos and Amazon links.
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2018/04/18/rechargeable-clamp-on-light-and-battery-charger/

Do shop around, though.  Amazon doesn't always have the best price, particularly for needlework items.  Books are often 10 times the price of what you'd pay in a needlework store.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 18, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Deadline Approaches!

The deadline for signing up for classes at the Merrimack Valley Chapter of EGA's Biannual Seminar approaches!  You don't have to be an EGA member to go, although they have priority in class choices, but if you happen to be in Massachusetts the end of July, you should think about attending this fun event.
http://www.newenglandregionega.org/MVC%20Seminar.html

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

In Case You Aren't Confused Enough

In case you are not confused enough today, read Lord Libidan's research into needle sizing.
https://lordlibidan.com/why-are-embroidery-needles-given-random-size-numbers/

Yes, my head hurts too.  Need More Coffee.

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

Shirlee's Snow White

Shirlee at Needle and Hook is an expert in tambour embroidery, but she's dabbled in other forms of needlework, including needlepoint.  Check out this amazing adaptation of a fairy tale illustration!
http://shirleestuff.blogspot.com/2018/04/still-trying-to-stay-off-facebook-sadly.html

It took her three years.  I am not surprised!
http://shirleestuff.blogspot.com/2010/09/my-stitching-starting-in-1998.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 18, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Royal Wedding Stitch Along

The Crewel Work Company is sponsoring a royal wedding stitch along, with videos showing Phillipa's progress. I thought with the wedding coming up on May 19th you'd like to see the videos.
https://www.crewelwork.com/blogs/news/royal-wedding-stitch-a-long-watch-the-videos

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

New Sources for Aficots

Kathryn has found a new source for aficots—an eBay seller based in Georgia.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1554542304599729&set=gm.1710086682401816&type=3&theater&ifg=1

As of this writing, windfare-woods (his eBay seller name) has laying tools and one aficot up for auction.
https://www.ebay.com/usr/windfare-woods?_trksid=p2047675.l2559

There's also another Etsy woodworker making aficots, Boxwoodruler.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/609092503/aficot-made-of-beautiful-osage-orange?ref=shop_home_active_1

Ann W-S found aficots available though Lacis.
http://www.lacis.com/catalog/data/AB_EmbroideryMiscTools.html

She also found mention of M and H Handcrafts.
https://vaunessewingroom.blogspot.com/2012/11/a-is-for-aficot.html

Never heard of an aficot?  Here is what Mary Corbet says about them.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2015/03/whats-an-aficot-embroidery-tool.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 11, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitchpirations: A Review

Carolyn Hedge Baird very kindly sent me a copy of her latest book, Needlepoint Stitchpirations, for review.  The first thing that struck me is how big this book is--327 pages, spiral bound, with a clear plastic sheet on the front and back for protection and durability.  Interestingly, the book was actually compiled in 2013 but it was so long, Carolyn split off the tiny scale stitches into her Teeny Tiny Needlepoint Stitches book.  The subtitle of this book is "Inspiring Stitches for Inspired Stitchers," and Carolyn quotes stitchers she knows about their needlepoint inspirations throughout the book.  That, combined with Carolyn's occasional black and white clip art illustrations, gives a sociable, fun flavor to the book.

The diagrams in the book are all black and white.  Many are numbered to help you follow the correct stitching path, but not all are.  There are no photographs of the stitches used on a canvas, but Carolyn gives tips as to what threads to use and what sorts of places to use the stitches in some of the brief descriptions that accompany the diagrams.  Generally speaking there are 1-3 stitches diagrammed on each page, usually of a different stitch, although Carolyn does occasionally post variations of a stitch or give you the bare bones of a stitch with suggestions on how to add to the framework to create your own variation.  There are probably over 400 stitches diagrammed in the book.   Carolyn does occasionally insert a blank grid graph for you to diagram your own stitches or a place at the end of a chapter for you to add Notes.  Here is a page I picked at random that shows you what the diagrams are like—

A Peek Inside Stitchpirations

As you can see there's room for you to pencil in notes or sketch a variation of the stitch on the grid.  The book itself is divided into an introduction with thanks to contributors and a bit about Carolyn's books, thirteen chapters, and five indexes.

The chapters are:

Outlining Stitches
4 Way Stitches
Blackwork
Combination Stitches
Inside Out Mosaic Variations
Cross Stitches
Diagonal Stitches
Eyelet Stitches
Laid Fillings
Open Stitches
Painted Pony Angel Wing Stitches
Beading
Favorite Books

The Indexes are:

Stitches Mostly in Alphabetical Order
Stitches with Beads/Sequins
Stitches with 3 Kinds of Thread
Stitches with 4 Kinds of Thread
Stitches with 5 Kinds of Thread

This book is huge, way too large for me to read thoroughly before I review it here.  I wanted to talk about all the chapters, to give you a flavor of what they cover.  "Outlining Stitches" covers the normal outline stitches (stem stitch, wrapped back stitch, etc.) and then talks about stitches useful for thin lines, for covering lines that are two canvas threads wide, and for covering lines that are fatter than two canvas threads wide.  Some of the stitches she recommends are unusual for needlepoint such as Pekinese Stitch.  In "4 Way Stitches" Carolyn describes non-directional stitches that cannot be reversed, but look the same however they are turned.  Carolyn often uses these for backgrounds.  "Blackwork" stitches are an open stitch, nice for backgrounds, light coverage, or over the top of a tent stitch foundation.  Carolyn talks extensively about how to change the inside of a blackwork skeleton to change the look of the finished stitch and provides several such frameworks for you to customize.  "Combination Stitches" are just that, combinations of stitch patterns that make a intricate design.  Carolyn encourages readers to play with thread types here, especially metallics, and to add beads and other embellishments.

"Inside Out Mosiac Variations" is a short quirky chapter that shows how to use inverted mosaic stitches to create lovely lace-like patterns using a framework of the inverted mosaic.  "Cross Stitches" covers stitches that are made from crossed stitches, some of which are dense, some of which are not.  There are a lot of stitches I've not seen before in this chapter.  Carolyn urges folks to remember to make sure their crosses are always crossed in the same direction on their canvas EXCEPT if you are doing two sides of a coat (for example).  Having the top stitch be / instead of \ on one side of the coat gives additional interest to the stitching—something I'd never thought of!  "Diagonal Stitches" are not Carolyn's first choice for a background, but she loves them for rounded items, clothing and butterfly wings—anything on your canvas where you need a mirror image.  Carolyn diagrams mirror images in at least a third of the stitches in this chapter, which is useful if you can't easily rotate stitches in your head.  "Eyelet Stitches" is another short chapter with some very pretty eyelet stitches diagrammed and tips on how to make your eyelets look good.

 "Laid Fillings" covers all sorts of laid and couched stitches.  It's not as thorough as Jean Taggart's Laid Fillings for Evenweave Canvas, by any means, but Jean's book is out of print.  Carolyn gives a nice overview of laid stitches of various types, though.  "Open Stitches" covers a variety of open stitches that will allow the intricate shading of your canvas to show through, creating depth.  If you have ever considered covering an entire canvas with just one stitch, this chapter has quite a few different stitches that would be lovely used in this way, although Carolyn likes to use them for shaded backgrounds like skies.

"Painted Pony Angel Wing Stitches" is subtitled "Or Areas Painted With Close Dots."  It's a small chapter but an interesting one.  If you are familiar with the Painted Pony angels, you know that many of the wings have little regular polka dots on them.  Carolyn has diagrammed close regular polka dots and then come up with a variety of stitches to put between the dots to create amazing patterns.  Amazing!  If you aren't familiar with the angels, here is a selection, courtesy of Nimble Needle in New Jersey.
https://thenimbleneedle.blogspot.com/2012/11/painted-pony-angels.html

"Beading" covers supplies from needles to hemostats and even defines Bead Soup.  Once you have a bit of orientation, Carolyn talks at length about various ways to add beads to canvas, from tent stitching to basketweave beading to stacking beads and making beaded fringe.  If you are looking for help with beading, I think Carolyn's chapter is very good.  It covers most of the ways to add beads to needlepoint canvas.  It's a fun chapter, full of ideas.  The final chapter, "Favorite Books," is a one page list of books Carolyn uses constantly and loves.  If you want to fill out your needlepoint reference library, this is a good place to find titles you might not know.

The Indexes help organize all the stitches in the chapters in various ways.  Besides the normal alphabetical index of stitch names, you can find stitches that use beads and/or sequins, plus you can find stitches that use 3 kinds of threads, 4 kinds of threads or 5 kinds of threads.  This is a unique way of thinking of stitches.  I asked Carolyn about it and she told me her students love mixing thread types in stitches, so this seemed a natural way to look at the stitches in this book.  It's not something that is emphasized in many books--Gone Stitching's Got Stitches? is the only book about multi-layered stitches I know of--so it's a valuable resource when you are trying to broaden your mind when it comes to complicated stitches.  I don't use multiple threads in compound stitches much, and it is something I should play with.  I'll be able to do that with this book, especially since occasionally Carolyn recommends thread types to use with a particular stitch.

So should you buy this book?  If you are a beginner, you don't need this yet.  If you don't do painted canvases, it really isn't going to be much help. If you are a tent stitch person you'll find this an eye-opener, but it won't be a Must Read because of your stitching preferences.  But, if all you stitch are painted canvases that you embellish, and you are constantly running out of ideas, this is a great book to read and re-read.  It is not a rehash of Carolyn's earlier books, but a wildly inventive teacher's look at unique and interesting stitches.  I am going to have great fun reading and re-reading this, learning from Carolyn and adapting her ideas to my stitching style.

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

An Ode to the Mosaic Stitch

Needlepoint for Fun's newsletter is all about the Mosaic Stitch, a versatile small stitch that works nearly anywhere.
http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/the-mosaic-stitch-in-needleoint-and-different-ways-to-use-it.htm

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

Men Doing Needlework

This little article is about a guy who learned to cross stitch and what it taught him about himself.  I'm dedicating it to all the guys who do needlework, for all kinds of reasons.  Try something new and learn something new not only about the needlework, but yourself.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/cross-stitching-new-hobby_us_5a8dd2a8e4b077f5bfea840a

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

Elsie the Elephant: A Summer Mystery

Ruth Schmuff has just announced her Summer Mystery Class at Bedecked and Beadazzled—Elsie the Elephant from Kimberly.  It's a light-hearted and pretty canvas, and I bet the lessons are just the same.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2018/04/elsie-the-elephant/

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2018/04/elsie-the-elephant-2/

The actual class is in June but sign up now so enough canvases can be painted.  You can of course do this long distance.  Once Ruth starts posting progress photos after each lesson, I'll update this article.

UPDATE:  We have an elephant!
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2018/06/elsies-in-the-house/?mc_cid=1d1926d7cc&mc_eid=60242fbe68&cn-reloaded=1

And now we have leaves and flowers plus a quick T Stitch tutorial.  This was a fast and fun stitch!
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2018/06/elsie-and-the-quality-checker/?cn-reloaded=1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 5, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.