Horse Country Chic Decorating Ideas for Christmas

Horse Country Chic has some inspiring ideas for decorating with needlepoint (and other things) this Christmas, especially if you don't plan to have a tree.  Enjoy!
http://horsecountrychic.blogspot.com/2018/10/holiday-decorating-ideas.html

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

A Historian Discusses the Bayeux Tapestry

Mary Corbet turned up an interesting question and answer session about the creation of the Bayeux Tapestry on the BBC historic magazine website.  The person interviewed is an embroider and has a Ph.D. on Medieval embroidery to boot.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2018/10/weekend-reading-the-making-of-the-bayeux-tapestry.html

Here's the direct link to the discussion, but what Mary says above is quite interesting, too.  Those who want more information should follow the links scattered around the page on the BBC History Magazine site.
https://www.historyextra.com/period/norman/bayeux-tapestry-make-how-long-who-when-stitch/

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

Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church's Altar Guild

If you are interested in ecclesiastical embroidery, check out the needlepoint pieces the Altar Guild at Glenn Memorial UMC did.
https://www.glennumc.org/altar-guild/?fbclid=IwAR0GGqRj-epuZ14amLA4o_b3N_8LGhemFeI2HTxITOPXQlKC6Y4lcJWFIks

The designs were created by Nancy Keating of Fancywork Finishing.
https://fancyworkfinishing.com

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

Breaking News: Baroness Trumpington Has Died

She lived a full, interesting life.
http://encyclopedic.co.uk/2018/11/27/obituary-baroness-trumpington/

And she needlepointed, naturally.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3030371/My-haven-Baroness-Trumpington-Conservative-life-peer-92-sitting-room-south-west-London-flat.html

https://www.theoldie.co.uk/blog/baroness-trumpington

Many thanks to Helen Francis for telling us that she was a great stitcher and a kind woman.

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

Arlene Changes Everything

Arlene Cohen of WorksByABC is always tackling new challenges in her needlework. She does a lot of original designs and sells charts for some of her work, too, but it is her adjusting of her current design (one of Threedles's complex geometrics) that intrigues me today.  If you are afraid to change anything in a kit or chart, listen to Arlene and be brave.
https://worksbyabc.com/2018/10/16/ch-ch-ch-changes/

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

BLG Visits Luv 2 Stitch UPDATE

BLG has been visiting Luv 2 Stitch in San Mateo, California and has posted a great review of the shop.
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2018/09/05/my-home-away-from-home/

If you want to visit yourself, check the shop website for directions.  And if you are too far away, just browse the website.  "Showcase" is a great place to start.
https://luv2stitch.com

UPDATE:  The shop has updated their website with information about the owner and store manager. Fun!
https://luv2stitch.com/about-our-needlepoint-store/

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

Picking a Background Color

Karen at Nimble Needle in New Jersey has an interesting article on her blog about picking a background color.  I would have gone with a pastel pink myself or maybe pale orange sherbet.  Or a very dark rust.  What about you?
http://nimbleneedlenj.com/laurel-burch-color-and-contrast/

There really are no right answers to this, as long as you don't pick something too close in value to the main subject matter.

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

Grand River Valley Chapter of ANG's Charity Stash Sale

ANG's Grand River Valley Chapter is selling the stash of a deceased member to benefit the Michigan Ovarian Alliance.  You can see the items for sale on the chapter's Facebook page.  Use Facebook's Messenger service to inquire about price and availability.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/223450981175798/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 24, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint Recycled into Bags

Lynda's Designs on Etsy offers vintage needlepoint made into purses and tote bags.  She will also make custom bags but you will have to handle the blocking of the needlepoint (if needed) yourself.  Lynda doesn't block.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/lyndasdesigns1?ref=ss_profile

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

Southern Living Profiles Barbara Bush's Needlepoint

Southern Living magazine (the December 2018 issue which is just out) has a profile of former First Lady Barbara Bush and her needlepoint.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/1997035543706927/

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

Couching to Create Dimensional Folds

Needlepoint for Fun's October newsletter is all about using couched threads to create dimension on your canvas, especially if you have a folded flower petal or dog's ear.
https://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/the-best-way-to-use-needlepoint-couching-to-fold-petals-and-floppy-ears.htm

Couching is quick and easy, although you do have to figure out where to start/end the couched thread so that the place where it goes through the canvas isn't obvious.

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

Books on Parade

Ruth Kerns is a needlework book dealer whose monthly newsletter is always fun (and tempting).  But October's is special because she profiles books from Jean Hilton whose charts and "string art" stitches are classics.
https://ruthkernbooks.blogspot.com/2018/10/but.html

Speaking of books, the fifth volume of iStitches from Ruth Schmuff at Bedecked and Beadazzled is coming out in late December!  You can pre-order now for delivery in December.  Note that the digital version isn't out yet.  iStitches5 is a print volume only right now.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2018/11/stitches-volume-five/?mc_cid=b6e4e2f857&mc_eid=60242fbe68

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

Trees for Ornament Display

Stitch by Stitch Larchmont has a lovely selection of display trees for you to admire.  The shop isn't selling them, these are all from Pier One, but now is a good time to check out Pier One and similar stores for display ideas.
http://www.stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/single-post/2018/11/18/Ornament-Trees

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

Anna's Back from Tuscany

Anna Pearson's back from her retreat in Tuscany!  You can check out the scenery and the original designs by Anna that were worked during the retreat here--
https://anna-pearson-needlepoint.blogspot.com/2018/10/autumn-is-here.html

Anna does these twice a year usually.  You can see what's she's planning for 2019 on her website.
https://www.anna-needlepoint-pearson.com

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

Video Review of Rosey Grier's Book

Mr. X Stitch has a video review of the 1970s book, Rosey Grier's Needlepoint for Men.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zj-JNAM79rY&feature=player_embedded

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

The Rumor Mill Gets It Wrong Again

Apparently a rumor is flying around that Kreinik is discontinuing their Marshmallow white color.
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2018/11/dont-believe-this-rumor.html

Nope!

And that's a good thing because this is an icy white-white and very useful!

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

Another Storage Idea UPDATED

Nicola from Hands Across the Sea Samplers has a new storage idea for spools.  (The ones she is storing are the 100/3 spools of silk from Au Ver A Soie.)
https://hands-across-the-sea-samplers.com/storing-spools-of-silk-and-some-antique-samplers/

I don't see this on the USA version of Amazon but it is on the UK version.  UPDATE:  Folks tell me Amazon UK won't ship to the United States.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cosmetic-Organiser-Acrylic-Jewerly-Organizer/dp/B01FH12NOW

There's a video that explains the FEMOR 6 tier cosmetic makeup organizer box.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M66EjG4PLTE&feature=youtu.be

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

Homage to Harburg

Harriet created an original bargello design in homage to Yip Harburg, whose musical contributions to our cultural are immense.
https://harrietalonso.com/2018/10/04/bargello-oz-an-homage-to-yip-harburg/

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

Tiny Needle Threaders for Tiny Needles UPDATED

Mary Corbet is working on 48 count silk gauze and hunting for a needle threader that works well with size 10 beading needles.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2018/10/micro-needle-threader.html

I've seen Puffin and Company's micro threader and it is really tiny.  However, I use an old fashioned wire needle threader, the kind that has a stamped tin base.
https://www.stitchpiecenpurl.com/needle-threader.htm

I buy a package whenever I find them (they are getting harder to find) and open it right away, laying the threaders out on the kitchen counter on a sheet of waxed paper.  Then I put a drop of super glue on the base where the wires attach and let them all dry.  I rarely pulled the wires out now when threading up my beading needles, whether for beading or stitching on silk gauze, since.

UPDATE:  Sara Leigh highly recommends the Colonial Needle Ultra Fine Needle Threader. Here is what it looks like-
http://www.alchemyandice.com/ultra-fine-needle-threader-for-13-needles-x1.html

Needle in a Haystack in California stocks them, as well as a wide range of other types of needle threaders.  Scroll down past all the needles to the bottom of the page to see them.
http://www.needlestack.com/WebStore/Accessories/Needles.html

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

Lettering on a Stocking

Needlepoint for Fun has tips for adding a name or initials to a stocking in this newsletter.
https://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/the-best-way-to-add-a-name-or-initials-to-your-needlepoint-canvas.htm

I highly recommend you ask your favorite shop for help on this.  Many shops can add the lettering in your preferred style for you.  Practice makes perfect in this as in so many things, so having someone do this for you who has experience really makes sense.

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

Corkscrew Stitch: The Video

Judith has posted a video tutorial for corkscrew stitch on YouTube.  It makes great Santa beards and is really easy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=615vLeYcp2M

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 24, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Needlepointer Visits Paris

Rosie and her husband visited Paris recently and of course they visited places important to needlepointers. In her first blog posting, Rosie shows off photographs of the interiors of Tapisseries de la Bucherie and Maison Sajou.  The shops are amazing to see and the displays are gorgeous.
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2018/09/22/first-day-in-paris/

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

Breaking News: Stacy Brown Has Died UPDATED

The Nimble Needle in Atlanta has just posted an obituary for Stacy Brown, the owner of the shop, who just lost her long brave fight with lung cancer.  
 https://mailchi.mp/2b36ddbfcc96/stacy-brown?e=6413033b0f

We are sorry to hear that another great stitcher (and shop owner) has left us behind as they continue their great adventure.

UPDATE:  Here is the information about her memorial service on November 28.
https://www.facebook.com/358534837577981/photos/a.358608070903991/1827373307360786/?type=3&theater

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

The Duchess of Needlepoint

While looking for something else online, I ran into this mention of Ellen Ordway, "the Duchess of Needlepoint."  She stitched a lot of rugs, and designed and stitched a magnificent Alice in Wonderland screen which you'll see here.
http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/social-history/2013/resort-life-chapter-xxix-1965-1966

I wonder where that screen is now….
http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/legacy/i/partypictures/11_15_13/clemmer/image040.jpg

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

Speciality Items for Shops

The latest newsletter from Homestead Needle Arts has photos of  two speciality items that needlepoint shops often use:  a custom storage cabinet and a canvas taping machine.   The cabinet needs a new home, if you are interested and can pick it up, but the canvas taping machine is new to the shop.
https://mailchi.mp/16048c84a06a/november-fun?e=810b807e3a

I find the business of needlepoint fascinating and thought you'd like to see the special items that shops often invest in to make things easier for us and the shop owners.

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

Costume Design in The Black Panther

This interview with the costume designer for The Black Panther is fascinating. She talks about using fabrics, printed patterns and embroidery and beading that was used in the costumes for various characters in the movie.  The costumes seem to be an extension of the character and a visual clue to what they are about through the designer's skills.
https://www.themarysue.com/black-panther-costume-designer-ruth-e-carter-interview/ 

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 26, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Shops Open!

It's a good week to be a needlepointer in Atlanta or Denver!  The new Labors of Love shop will have its grand opening Saturday, November 10, 2018.  The website is still under construction but the shop will be open Nov. 10 from noon until 6 p.m.
http://www.laborsofloveneedlepoint.shop/contact-us.htm

Plus Diversions Needlepoint's new location is open this week!  Their new address and directions are also on their website.
http://www.diversionsneedlepoint.com

Please go by and tell everyone hello and congratulations for me, ok?

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

Stitch with JoAnn for Charity

Friends of the late JoAnn are selling her stash for charity, and I know you want to support their efforts to raise money to help the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/Stitch-with-JoAnn-502075296931361/posts/?ref=page_internal

JoAnn had an amazing stash, all of which needs good homes.  If you have a Facebook account, head to the above link and start browsing.  This is what the administrators of the FB page and sale have to say:

Welcome to JoAnn's Stash Reload, where you can purchase new (as in never been stitched) hand-painted needlepoint or charted canvas projects. New items will be posted weekly, or whenever the number dips below 12. These items come from a household that once had a smoker and a cat (though they have been aired out). To purchase comment, "Me please," and send your email and zip code via Facebook message. Shipping is included in the listed price. Payments are via PayPal; a PayPal invoice will be sent to the email provided. Shipment on receipt of payment. Check out our story on the About page.

I know the folks who are running this stash sale and it's legit.  They have over $1000 raised already.  So take a look and bring home a bargain.  Also keep an eye on the Facebook page, as new items are posted weekly.  Let's raise money for other breast cancer sufferers and give JoAnn's stash new homes!

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

When Time Ran Out

I've never seen this Paul Newman disaster movie from 1980, but Barbara says he mentions needlepoint in it and his wife, Joanne Woodward, needlepointed.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081747/

Here is a bit about needlepoint in the Newman-Woodward family.
https://people.com/archive/cover-story-beyond-mrs-paul-newman-vol-4-no-3/

http://updates.seriousfunnetwork.org/blog/paul-newman-93-birthday-the-gifts-he-gave-us

If you are looking for a good movie to stitch to, perhaps this is the one.

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

Another Fabulous Ribbon Stitch Tutorial

Ruth Schmuff has done a second silk ribbon stitch video explaining how to create leaves and stems with silk ribbons.  It's amazingly easy and looks fabulous.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2018/09/magical-leaves/

If you missed Ruth's first silk ribbon stitch video which explains Japanese Ribbon Stitch, here's the link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3ULp2oxTiA

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

NAN Registration for 2019 Open

Registration for the National Academy of Needleart's 2019 Assembly is now open. You can browse the classes online, learn more about NAN, or look at the 2018 exhibit at their website.
https://needleart.org/assembly/

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

The Nutcracker Mystery (hosted by Ruth Schmuff)

Ruth Schmuff has revealed the mystery class she'll do this Christmas—Eleanor Grosch's abstract "The Nutcracker."
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2018/10/the-nutcracker/

As always, the physical classes are at Bedecked and Beadazzzled in the Baltimore suburbs but you can participate via mail order.  Once the class is over and Ruth's had time to update the instructions with any changes or clarifications that the class pointed out, she'll mail you the kit for that class.

Christmas fun is guaranteed!

I'll update this article with Ruth's class reports after each of the December 2018 get-togethers.

UPDATE #1:  The tree!
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2018/12/respect-the-art/

UPDATE #2 - Fairy dust!
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2018/12/fairy-dust/

UPDATE #3 - The Rat King is all decked out but Clara's dress is going to be even more fabulous.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2018/12/cliff-hanger/

UPDATE #4 - Told you the dress was going to be fab.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2019/01/say-yes-to-the-dress/

UPDATE #5— Framed with a beautiful mat.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2019/12/clara-and-the-mouse-king/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 26, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Self-Finishing Coasters

Vallerie Needlepoint Gallery introduced two styles of self-finishing coasters at Destination Dallas this September.  These are suitable for designs that are 4 inches square.
http://astheneedleturns.com/did-someone-say-self-finishing/

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

Visiting with Jennifer

Since the first post this morning was just eye candy, I thought you might like to spend a little time listening to Jennifer Tan talk. You know Jennifer as Pippin Studio.  I've never met her but she sounds delightful!
https://pippinstudio.ca/blog/2018/07/14/critters-to-eat-hang-out-with-and-stitch/

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

Let's All Sit Down

Orna Willis has found some lovely photos of needlepoint chairs.  I know that the second and third photo of chairs are designs by Kaffe Fassett.
https://ornadesign.blogspot.com/2018/09/needlepoint-to-sit-on.html

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

Threadaholic Alert: Thistle Threads' New Threads

Tricia at Thistle Threads has a slew of new threads available in her online shop.  Do a little exploring and you'll find brief descriptions of the use of these beauties.
https://thistle-threads.myshopify.com/collections

Tricia has explained a bit about the threads' manufacture and the problems in having reproduction threads made for a small market on her blog.  It's fascinating and interesting and a bit depressing, too.
http://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2018/10/a-bonanza-of-new-threads.html



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