Breaking News: The New Owners of Needle Works in Austin, TX

The new owners of Needle Works in Austin, Texas are at market with Colleen, being introduced around and buying new treats for the shop.  The shop is closed right now while the ownership transfer is happening but they'll be open again soon.  Everyone stop by and wish Annette and Allyson well!
https://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/2019/03/new-beginnings-all-around.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 30, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

NJNA Visits Nashville Needleworks

Some of the NJNA crew has been in Nashville, Tennessee so naturally they visited Nashville Needleworks.  
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/02/25/nashville-needleworks/

I think the needle felted rabbit that Brenda Stofft teaches is shown here.
https://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/artemis-3-d-bunny-by-brenda-stofft/

You can visit the shop website if you don't plan to be in Middle Tennessee soon.
https://nashvilleneedleworks.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 25, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint Artist Jessie Deane

Needlepoint Now magazine posted a link to this article about the Australian artist Jessie Deane who stitches urban landscapes.  Click on the photos for a larger version.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-02-02/jessie-deane-needlepoint-artist-decay-melbourne-west/10750558?fbclid=IwAR0RRSnffcnIp_VOXKp0sYhR5BX4XRKODfydjfuHNPXOiflJ2LzAictaNtQ

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 1, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Lisa's Always Writing

We have a new blog from Lisa, who writes about writing—and her needlepoint!  This is the needlepoint section but you can go back to the home page (click on the three parallel lines in the upper left corner) and look at the bits about her books and writing, too.
https://lisasalwayswriting.com/stitching

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 21, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Ruth Miller's Tapestry Portraits

This Biloxi newspaper profiles the amazing embroidery portraits of Ruth Miller, who has been honored by the State of Mississippi's Arts Commission for her creations.
http://www.wlox.com/2019/02/09/hancock-county-artist-receives-state-honor/?fbclid=IwAR3i3pEvqUezCiDAcPEKP3db79t8n5Vf4ozwZ5bP7wEye5EcCCy7TfI6c0U

It appears she often uses crewel wool or Paternayan wool on linen and works from photographs.
http://www.ruthmillerembroidery.com/gallery.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 16, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Needle Works to Close Briefly

The sale of Needle Works in Austin, Texas is moving right along. The shop is closing briefly this week as inventory is done, the closing is held, the new owners go to the trade show with Colleen, and things get sorted for them to reopen shortly.
https://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/2019/03/yippee.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 26, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Ribbon Sets for Finishing Embellishment

If you like multiple patterns of ribbons in your finishing, you may want to look at the sets of color coordinated ribbons The Needlepointer has in stock.  These are created by famous designers like Kaffe Fassett and Jane Sassaman and will certainly make your embellishment stand out.  Note that you only get one yard of each of the ribbons in the set.
https://www.theneedlepointer.com/product/ribbons-for-embellishment/?mc_cid=5b60999bd2&mc_eid=73961ee0ea

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 20, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How Internet Business Works for Needlework: A Tutorial

Tricia Nguyen of Thistle Threads has written a blog about how Internet Retail works for small needlework companies.  It really is about how PayPal works to allow you to buy from various online businesses without having to share your credit card or bank information with them.  Tricia spells out problems her customers often face with a "subscription" to her classes.  They are expensive so she allows a spread out payment plan.  It also covers how it is easy to steal your password if you aren't careful and why Tricia deletes emails she's sent with private information.
https://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2019/02/how-internet-retail-works.html

The bottom line is that the consumer needs to be aware how this all works so that you don't expect instant service from a 24/7 representative when you are buying from a one person business, that you are careful about using the services involved and that you understand that you have to log into a variety of databases to use her classroom.  You don't take Tricia's classes?

You still need to have a general grasp of the Internet in the 21st Century to be able to function there, to take classes, handle problems and keep your personal information secure.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 20, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Review of Mouline Etoile from DMC

DMC has a new thread they call Mouline Etoile, which is a sort of mix of cotton floss and metallic.  Stitched Modern has lots of photos and information about stitching with this new thread.
https://stitchedmodern.com/blogs/news/what-you-need-to-know-about-dmcs-new-mouline-etoile-sparkle-thread#

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 28, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A New UK Designer With Abstract and Colorful Kits

Marina's Home is a new designer out of the UK, offering fun and colorful pillow kits in a modern, abstract style.
https://www.marinashome.co.uk

Her pillow designs are on 10 count Zweigart canvas, making them a quick stitch but also suitable for those with vision issues.  They are all worked from a chart onto blank canvas using tapestry wool from Anchor.  You can order from her Etsy shop with free shipping inside the UK.
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MarinasHome?fbclid=IwAR3fLO6fMVdHnxxuzU5IPpRjHNgB_Dh4XOTfFZ8aYQhGTUcP1gRLCnr5xSk

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 18, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Yoga Exercises for the Needlepoint Fiend

NJNA has a great article on their blog with links to yoga exercises for one's body to prevent overuse injuries to our hands, arms, wrists, backs, etc.
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/02/18/needlepoint-yoga/

Thanks, Mally!  I've added this link to the ergonomics section of Blog in the right hand column so we can continue to refer to it.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 18, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Antique Needlepoint for Sale

Susan Johnson of SJ Designs doesn't only sell beads and sequins and chart antique designs for modern needlepointers, she sells antique pieces she finds here and there, including some nearly 150 year old examples of needlepoint.  You can see quite a few interesting examples of historical needlepoint in her Etsy shop.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/SusanJohnsonDesigns?section_id=16782233

My favorites are the needlepoint in the Medieval style dated c. 1860…
https://www.etsy.com/listing/630178183/c1860-needlepoint-tapestry-in-the?ref=shop_home_active_15

…and the beaded needlepoint on perforated paper which is probably ten years older.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/643867950/c1850-beaded-needlepoint-on-perforated?ref=shop_home_active_17&cns=1

You may be smitten by the samplers or the antique tools, though. It's a fun browse, so pour a cuppa and enjoy.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 18, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Pepperberry Goes Cross Stitch (Plus an Interview)

Needlework Retailer announced recently that Pepperberry's Easter lollipop designs are now available as cross stitch charts.
https://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2019/02/cross-stitch-easter-lollipops.html

You can see all 11 designs on the Pepperberry website.
http://www.pepperberry-designs.com/cross-stitch/

By the way, Jinny at Stitch Stash just interviewed the artist behind Pepperberry Designs. It's a fun short interview.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2019/02/meet-diane-pepperberry/

By the way, here's the gingerbread house mentioned in the interview.
https://stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=44575&title=3%20Dimensional%20Gingerbread%20House&itemtype=hand%20painted%20canvases

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 17, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Travel Tips for Needlepointers

Brooke Thorn of Thorn Alexander travels a lot.  She took the time to write up a few of her best travel tips for those going places with needlepoint on her blog.  The idea to stitch your travel destination in the background of your travel project is genius!
https://thornalexander.com/blogs/a-tint-of-taupe-modern-musings-by-a-millenial-stitcher/stitching-on-the-fly-how-to-travel-with-your-projects

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 4, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Needlepoint Pew Cushion Project

This labor of love for kneelers in a Portland church is celebrated in this newspaper article. Don't miss the video!
https://www.oregonlive.com/news/2019/02/this-gift-to-a-ne-portland-church-will-outlive-all-who-created-it.html?fbclid=IwAR1nwaEKuH49WuhQ_aKI9_ngIQgvzPrcZUJdn8hTH-9jIikTeFLi-ST9yw4

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 17, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Christmas Table, Featuring Mini Socks

Mary shared a video of her Christmas dining room table in NP Nation. She stitches mini socks, and uses them as silverware holders. It's lovely!
53024998_1222753777879431_2251634435969515520_n.mp4

UPDATE:  Apparently the video has been deleted.  Sorry!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 17, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Spinster Sister Recommends The Bitzy Bob Cutie

The Spinster Stitcher lugs her stitching supplies each week to dialysis and has trouble keeping everything easily reachable in the chair there.  But she might have found The Answer in this gadget from Etsy—it's called a Bitzy Bob Cutie.
https://spinsterstitcher.blogspot.com/2019/02/saturday-spinster-bliss.html

You can visit the That's So Kelly Co shop on Etsy here to see this and the larger Bitzy Bob here.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThatsSoKellyCo?ref=ss_profile

There's even a video explaining how it works.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThatsSoKellyCo?ref=l2-shop-info-avatar#about

Thanks for the recommendation, Spinster!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 16, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Needle Graphics is Retiring

Debbie Woodward of Painted Pony just announced that the owner of Needle Graphics (now distributed by Painted Pony) is retiring.

We are announcing the retirement of our Needle Graphics' line and its creator, Kathy Wallace. All of our Needle Graphics canvases are now discounted at 50%. This includes lots of Christmas and Halloween designs, as well as her college rounds, hearts and Santas. 

PLEASE NOTE: we will no longer accept orders for NG canvases we do not have in-stock (this includes college pieces). We will only accept orders for canvases currently available in our inventory.

While I’m happy to tell and show you availability and send you names of your closest shops, please contact your LNS for pricing questions.

We have made arrangements to purchase several of her designs and will incorporate them into the PPD line by this fall. We will publish a list of design availability at that time. Please be aware that we are not planning to continue with the college canvases, so stock up while they are in stock!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 15, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Bobbin and Fred Interviews Jenny Henry and Talks Stitch Club

The younger needlepoint designers are starting to band together and stitch together, which is a great idea!  I don't know what they are doing with the Needlepoint Designers Challenge Group but that will be revealed later.  For now, let's get to know the group, starting with Jenny Henry.
https://www.sewingwithbobbinandfred.co.uk/2019/02/lets-meet-jenny-henry-designs.html

If you keep reading you'll learn about how Stitch Club started in Chicago via Instagram and is evolving as a way for needlepointers and other stitchers to meet and stitch with other folks in their geographic area.  If you are interested in seeing if there is a Stitch Club in your area, look on Instagram or email stitchclubofficial@gmail.com.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 15, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Exclamation Point Reopens in Lebanon, Oregon

Lebanon, Oregon has gained a new needlepoint shop! Exclamation Point (once based in California) has moved to town.  The original owner has retired but the new owners are involved in running the shop, teaching classes and generally making life fun for needlepointers in the Willamette Valley.
https://lebanon-express.com/news/local/needlecraft-shop-opens-in-lebanon/article_145f1677-1634-583e-b545-6461709c9da8.html?fbclid=IwAR1GfLjcM1zJ1gIENYZQOtfOJFXOGmdIHDlUwtX-c6FDYgJc7ngNRTXDOTk

If you are in the area, please stop by and give the new shop all the encouragement possible.
http://www.shop-exclamationpoint.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 14, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint For Fun Looks at Victorian Cross Stitch

Many stitchers prefer stitching in hand, that is, they don't use a frame for their needlepoint.  They simply hold their stitching in one hand while stitching with the other.  This is particularly popular with small items or for rugs.  It's hard to find a large enough rug frame but you can roll a rug and stitch with it on your lap.  Elizabeth Bradley recommends Victorian Cross Stitch for their rugs which are never done on a frame, but stitched in hand.  Here is how the stitch is done.
https://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/the-victorian-cross-stitch-for-needlepoint.htm

Note that you always work from right towards the left.  Elizabeth Bradley tells folks to work from the bottom up but they also say you can work from the top down.  I did this stitch once on an Elizabeth Bradley project and found it uses a lot of thread, thus making it a very sturdy stitch for rugs.  (It also is a bit hard on the hands for those with arthritis.)  I don't think you are supposed to turn the canvas to work the rows right to left each time. I think you are supposed to tie off the row before you return to the right to work it.

For more information and videos, see the Elizabeth Bradley website.
https://americas.elizabethbradley.com/pages/needlepoint-kit-videos

https://youtu.be/jmuK92cC3-s

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 15, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

President Lincoln's Needlepoint Slippers

Thanks to Louise's Needlepoint we know President Lincoln wore needlepoint slippers featuring goats and dogs.
https://www.gq.com/story/abraham-lincoln-incredible-slippers?fbclid=IwAR04iMlh8weIFZNI5tmHAZEk--skGBDFYw_yY8msqRcyc8l3JAeH6Bk8n7A

https://www.lincolncottage.org/originals-slippers/

More information on them here.
https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/movies/2012/12/03/Lincoln-s-slippers-take-star-turn-from-Fremont-to-Hollywood/stories/20121203096

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 13, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Story Behind Painted Pony Designs

Debbie Woodward of Painted Pony Designs tells the story behind the name of her company.  Get a cup of your favorite beverage and settle down to listen to her dream and how it was fulfilled.
https://debbieppd.wordpress.com/2019/02/07/so-i-bought-a-horse/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 7, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

NJNA Goes to Woodlawn

If you don't like in the Washington, D.C. area and don't go to the Woodlawn Plantation exhibit, you'll enjoy visiting the show along with four members of New Jersey's Needle Artists chapter.
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/03/06/a-cold-day-at-woodlawn/

Heck, you'll enjoy the photos even if you have been to Woodlawn in 2019!

The exhibit is open 10-4 p.m. every day except for Tuesdays when the museum is closed.  Tickets are $15 each for adults.  You can read more about it here.
https://www.woodlawnpopeleighey.org/annualneedleworkshow

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 7, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Paint a Needlepoint Canvas

Abigail Cecile has posted a video on her website showing how to paint a needlepoint canvas.
https://www.abigailcecile.com/pages/how-to-paint-a-needlepoint-canvas

It is a fabulous tutorial, whether you want to paint something special for yourself, whether you are thinking about starting a design business, or just if you want to know how it is done.  Thanks, Abigail!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 11, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Blanket Versus Buttonhole

Thanks to Anna Scott, I found this article about the different between the buttonhole and blanket stitch on Nordic Needle's website.  

Sorry, but Nordic Needle's website seems to be down.  Perhaps permanently?  Anyway, the article is gone but I did find this.
https://togs-from-bogs.blogspot.com/2009/10/blanket-stitch-vs-buttonhole-stitch.html

And this.
https://stitchfloral.blogspot.com/2017/06/buttonhole-stitch-lesson-1-basics.html

To me it sounds like what I've always called the buttonhole stitch is actually a blanket stitch.  Mary Corbett helps define the two, and now I can keep calling what I do the buttonhole stitch!
https://www.needlenthread.com/2017/10/buttonhole-stitch-vs-blanket-stitch-the-name-debate.html

I mention this here not to confuse you, but to point out that one stitch can have many different names.  What really matters to me is that I understand the stitch's construction to create it properly and use it to the best effect in a thread that will show it off properly.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 10, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Hand Painting a Canvas: The Video

This time-lapse video shows SBT Stitches hand painting a canvas.  If you consider she's just using two colors and a fairly straight forward design with no shading, you'll start to understand why painted canvases are so expensive.
https://www.facebook.com/SBTstitches/videos/756772111376545/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 9, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tips for Stitching with Metallics

Needlepoint.com has written up a few tips for working with metallic threads.  I'm not sure I agree that metallic threads like Kreinik's dull scissors;  I think that if you use a lot of real metal threads you need scissors just for them, but the synthetics in Kreinik and other metallics probably don't do anything to your scissors that daily use on other types of threads won't do.
https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/tips-for-stitching-with-metallic-needlepoint-threads?mc_cid=9e7ce9f0ff&mc_eid=3a360cb48b

If you do want special scissors just for metallic threads, look for those with serrated blades.  I think Rainbow Gallery distributes them.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/metallic-thread-scissors/

Kreinik distributes Purple Haze scissors with serrated (or you can get regular) blades.  Even if you aren't sure whether metallics dull your scissors, it's nice to have the luxury of a special pair just for them.
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2017/08/3-scissors-you-shouldnt-live-without.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 9, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Combination Seam Ripper and Laying Tool

Pocket Full of Stitches in Texas has found a local source for a combination seam ripper/laying tool with colorful acrylic handles.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2019/01/acrylic-laying-tool-seam-ripper-combo.html

I'm not sure how long these are but if you need more details, contact the shop.
http://www.pfos.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 22, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tips on Stitching Glass, Plus Needle Information

The January-February 2019 e-newsletter from Any's Golden Strand is out and it is jam-packed with information.  For starters, there's a tutorial on needles (with a review of the Tulip needles) and a great little paragraph with ideas for stitching glass on a needlepoint canvas.  Plus more!  Amy never disappoints with fabulous newsletters.
https://www.amysgoldenstrand.com/uploads/7/2/3/6/72364657/0219.pdf

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 2, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Woodlawn Exhibit Winners Listed

Woodlawn Plantation has posted the list of award winners for the 2019 exhibit online.
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/557b0301e4b0e26cf0c4476e/t/5c7d8483e79c701d7e54ee55/1551729795671/Woodlawn+Needlework+Winners+2019.pdf

The listing is by award type, so to find a certain name will take some hunting.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 4, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint Resurgence

The UK's Evening Standard Insider has a nice article about needlepoint resurgence among Millennials in their online magazine.  It has flaws (the author confuses embroidery, cross stitch and needlepoint) but at least they did an interview with Lycette Designs.
https://www.standard.co.uk/insider/style/millennials-needlepoint-embroidery-cross-stitch-palm-beach-new-york-best-instagram-accounts-a4038631.html?fbclid=IwAR1EEGzQQQ7P2It3pZjvfF4wzUEsI2aPXHVDlaE1k6_QncWLqi9ENOlRHWU

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 21, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Needle Works Might Have a Buyer

Cross your fingers folks!
https://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/2019/03/sunday-march-3-2019-my-official-retirement-date-is-saturday-march-16th-buti-am-thrilled-to-announce-that-i-have-accep.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 3, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Finding Stretcher Bars in a Needlepoint Desert

Most travelers outside of the United States are going to have a hard time finding the usual needlepoint supplies we take for granted.  Fortunately Debbie Rowley is inventive and knows just what to do when she accidentally leaves her stretcher bars behind on a trip to Edinburgh.
https://debbeesdesigns.com/2019/02/04/stitching-emergency/

Actually I've used artist stretcher bars as well since stitching supplies are also hard to come by in Chilly Hollow and its environs.  The ones I own don't have the little ridge around the outside edge that Debbie's had on the front side.  The big drawback is their width—they are usually 2-3 inches wide which can be a problem if your canvas doesn't have a lot of excess blank canvas around the sides.  But needs must!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 4, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Finishing Tips from Needlepoint.com

Needlepoint.com has a nice article up about how to stitch your needlepoint when you are going to have it made up into an ornament.  It gives a good rule of thumb about how many rows to stitch around the outside edge, but be warned!  This varies depending on the type of finishing you want.  A puffy ornament will need a different margin than a flat finished one.
https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/how-to-stitch-needlepoint-to-finish-into-an-ornament?mc_cid=63755d0e1a&mc_eid=3a360cb48b

A design that continues up to the very edge of your stitching might need a row or two added if you want an elaborate trim that will partly cover the stitching.  You might not need that if you just want a simple twisted braid around the edge.  Talk to your finisher or the shop that's arranging the finishing before you add anything.  They can best advise you as to what you should do, depending on your design and your preferred finish.  But if you can't do that, Needlepoint.com's article is a good guide to help you figure out what works in many cases.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 5, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Same Old Thing

Horse Country Chic is rolling her eyes at the news stories about younger folk discovering handwork.
https://horsecountrychic.blogspot.com/2019/02/needlepoint-is-old-news.html

I'm rolling my eyes along with her.  The impulse to make things is in us all.  What's different now is that unlike when I was a kid surrounded by men and women who made all sorts of things by hand all the time as a matter of course, most people today haven't done that.

We needlepointers are very lucky that we can tap into our creative impulses whenever we wish.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 7, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Attach Beads with a Cross Stitch

Needlepoint.com has an introduction to beading on their website with recommended tools and a short video that shows how to attach beads with a cross stitch.  They also offer a cyber class on beading with more videos, in case you like learning through viewing.
https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/just-bead-it?mc_cid=92ea05db80&mc_eid=3a360cb48b 

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 23, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.