Breaking News: Mountain Shadow Studio is Closing

Mountain Shadow Studio just posted an announcement on Facebook that the shop is closing. They are going to retire!
https://www.facebook.com/101561739064/photos/a.10150162085449065/10156493411694065/?type=3&theater

The shop did fabulous needlepoint framing, built lovely boxes, and made great wooden stands for our stitching.  We wish them a very happy time in retirement.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 31, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Classic Needlepoint Accessories by Paige

Do you ever wish for a pair of beautiful needlepoint slippers but the cost and hassles of finding a finisher make them seem unattainable? How about buying some needlepoint shoes that are already made up?  Dana at Needlepoint Nation has a pair and says they are comfortable.
https://bypaige.com/?fbclid=IwAR3ZIo_eiFfznZz6xNEYxEQS1Qp4f9OuUupZqf7BlS2lKCfuU1D9SrjaBQs

Paige also does other accessories like dog collars, belts, cosmetic bags, glasses cases, etc.  There are even baby booties in needlepoint!

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

New Kreinik Colors (That Are Fatter)

Kreinik has three new pastel colors in sizes 16, 12 and 8 brand (but not in size 4 yet).  Note their warning that these threads are a tad fatter than usual, I imagine because of the materials they are made from, so if you normally like size 12, choose size 8 instead.
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2019/04/3-new-kreinik-metallic-thread-colors.html

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

Breaking News: DebBee's Designs is Moving

Debbie Rowley is packing up and moving from Arkansas to Oklahoma!  That means DebBee's Designs is going to be a tad busy for a few weeks.  So if you don't hear right away when you ask a question or place an order, it's because Debbie is laying on the floor, moaning after hours of unpacking.
https://debbeesdesigns.com/2019/05/28/moving-day/

We wish you well, Debbie, and hope you love the new home and studio.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 29, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

NJNA Works the Stitch of the Month

The New Jersey Needle Artists Chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild had their monthly meeting, which involves lots of showing off of the current ANG Stitch of the Month project.
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/04/14/sotm-april-2019/

It is fun to see all the different color combinations that the members choose and how the design changes according to the colors used.

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

Raiding the Hardware Store and Toolbox for Needlepoint

If you've never raided the tool box or browsed the hardware store with needlepoint tools in mind, you'll find this little article fascinating.
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/04/14/pliers-flat-irons-c-clamps/

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

Kreinik News

The local newspaper just featured a bit about Kreinik, their metallic threads which are used on much of the Game of Thrones costuming, and their plans for a new website.
https://news.westvirginia.gov/threads-made-by-parkersburg-business-featured-in-game-of-thrones-final-season?fbclid=IwAR3NBnoyuRuAkhajBxchBGHAYyz6JmNJk2z0kHuFVWBKNI6h-oWY7CczHT4

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

Acrylic Easels for Displaying Needlepoint

If you want some of those L shaped acrylic display stands for your minimalist needlepoint display, have your favorite shop check with Stitch Elegance.  They can get you any size you need.  Note that the shop has just moved, which is why the website is under construction.
http://www.stitchelegance.com/?fbclid=IwAR2UxYIxA3mQyxFV_n7dQm2vZr4kBtfozy9YihYGHwhv4IE9-2SCu1Z900o

You can also check the framing department in any of the big box craft stores but in my experience they have limited sizes available.

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

Woodstock for Christmas Bird

Now that I have the background done and the bird on Woodstock Christmas Logo has a Santa hat, I need to stitch the bird's body.  When you need to stitch birds, leaves or scaly critters like dragons, the first step is to pull out your copy of Carolyn Hedge Baird's Needlepoint Stitches:  A Field Guide for Birds.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/field-guide-birds/

It's a great resource.  Carolyn even has little black silhouettes of birds in various poses, so all you have to do is flip through a section looking for a silhouette that matches your bird on your canvas.  Since the bird I'm stitching is rather small, I looked through the section on small stitches only and decided that one of the Small Leaf Stitches on page 51 would be perfect.  Here's my diagram of what Carolyn came up with.

Small Leaf Stitch

I stitched the bird's breast with white size 8 perle cotton.  Then I turned the canvas on its side and stitched the wing with the same thread and stitch.  The bird's face is tent stitched.  I'll work the beak later on and add eyes later also.  I also outlined the bird's body and wing in stem stitches with glow-in-the-dark white Petite Silk Lame Braid.  Then I stitched the tail with long stitches in both threads.  Next time I will have added the eyes, beak and the leg but I will have to stitch the head and neck of the guitar before I can put in the bird's tiny claws. Until then, Go with the Flow!

I am adding each week's progress report to a tab on the Chilly Hollow Stitch Guides blog. If you want to catch up on what you missed or just re-read everything, it's all there. Click on the Magic Carpet photo on the right side of this blog and you'll go straight there. Click on the Magic Carpet photo there to return to Blog's home page.

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

A Review of the Brightech Light Magnifier

Mary Corbet reviewed the light/magnifier made by Brightech in this interesting article.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2019/04/magnifier-light-combo-for-needlework-a-review.html

Bottom line:  it's sturdy and heavy and available at a good price, but not very portable and if you aren't careful, it tips.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 12, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Kreinik Needs Testers

Kreinik has designed a thread inventory system checklist you use to list what you have so you don't keep buying spools of 002 gold when you already have five, or they are all in the size you do not need.
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2019/05/Kreinik-metallic-thread-home-inventory.html

However, they need help testing it.  Follow the link to download and play with it, then give feedback to make this a great tool for everyone who loves Kreinik's metallics.

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

Breaking News: Trubey Walker Has Died

I just saw an announcement on Needlepoint Nation that Trubey Walker has died.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/search/?query=peg&epa=SEARCH_BOX

Trubey's painted canvases are classics.
https://www.fleurdeparis.com/product-category/canvas_designs/trubey-designs/

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

Do You Need A Designer for Church Kneelers?

Recently someone on Facebook needed a designer for cushions for their church. Folks helped with lots of names so I thought I'd capture them all here. They are listed in alphabetical order with contact information.  Note that I've only listed people who specialize in ecclesiastical designs as that is very different from someone who just puts your design on canvas.  These folks understand everything about organizing and financing your church project to the special imagery you will want to include.

Alice Twiggs Vantrease
https://www.facebook.com/alicevantrease

Joan Eidman (the designer behind Fiori)
http://www.dreamhouseventures.com/shop/designers-showcase/fiori.htm

Lauren Tucker
https://www.facebook.com/lauren.tucker.3745

Nancy Keating
https://fancyworkfinishing.com

Nancy Lukoskie

https://fancyworkfinishing.com

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

Shaker Boxes and Coasters for Needlepoint

Alex Paras Needle Arts has a series of various Shaker style coasters and a box with place for your needlepoint design.  These are made by Macintosh and Son.  I've not seen them offered any place else.  Apparently the coasters will take a four inch round design and the boxes are available in other sizes but you'll need to inquire about what is available and possible.
https://store.apneedlearts.com/shstcomo.html

If the more modern sleek style of coaster doesn't suit your style, perhaps these will give you the look you desire.

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

An Interview with Brooke of Thorn Alexander

Shannan at the Bobbin and Fred blog has been interviewing younger designers like herself, particularly needlepoint ones. Today's interview is a fun one with Brooke Thorn or Thorne Alexander.
https://www.sewingwithbobbinandfred.co.uk/2019/03/lets-meet-brooke-of-thorn-alexander.html

You can see the Thorn Alexander line on their website.
https://thornalexander.com

You can see Vogue's 73 Questions with Amy Adams here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeKBv6nR3AY

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 Bayeux Tapestry on Needlepoint Inspires Novel

Needlepoint Now as alerted us to this fascinating story of how a reproduction of the Bayeux Tapestry on needlepoint canvas has inspired a novel.
https://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/books-and-literature/mother-s-masterpiece-tapestry-inspires-deborah-gaal-s-first-book/article_4e5a4c3a-ec9d-580f-887f-4000d9e07b41.html?fbclid=IwAR05M9WkmRhhsTlIfhJJI_A0ExsisQtTz1xHxvnUbWR14I4pu56PLQsm_kg

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

Woodstock for Christmas Santa Hat

Background Done!

I finished the background for my Woodstock Christmas ornament! Hurrah! I like how it looks in the dark Christmas green.  Of course I may have to adjust the shade of brown I choose for the guitar but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it, right?

Speaking of getting to it, now that the background is finished, I need to decide what to do next.  I'm pretty sure I want to bead the ornament hanging from the guitar, so that needs to be last.  I find it easier to wait until everything else is done to add beads because threads catch on them.  Since that's going to be last, I think it makes sense to work the remaining parts of the ornament from the top down.  That will keep my hands off areas I've stitched.  Well, except for the background, of course.  I will be careful, however.

That means I will do the Santa's cap next.  I think it makes sense to do the fur on the cap first, then the red part of the Santa hat.  With that decided, I turned the canvas upside down to reach the area easily and worked the white fur with Planet Earth Wool in French knots.  I'd not used this wool before and it is quite nice.  It's a soft thread that is 90% merino wool mixed with 10% nylon, with a light twist, making it a bit thicker than Caron's Impressions.  Once I'd finished the trim around the face and the ball on the end of the cap, I used regular red Very Velvet and a size 18 needle to do long slanting stitches \ \ \ to create the rest of the headgear.

The Bird has A Cap!

The next area I'll work will be the bird itself as I work my way down toward the bottom of the canvas.  Stay tuned!

I am adding each week's progress report to a tab on the Chilly Hollow Stitch Guides blog.  If you want to catch up on what you missed or just re-read everything, it's all there.  Click on the Magic Carpet photo on the right side of this blog and you'll go straight there.  Click on the Magic Carpet photo there to return to Blog's home page.

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

Robots are Taking Over

A lot of folks have been commenting that the NTA show in Orlando had lots and lots of canvases featuring llamas and flamingos. That's true, but what really caught my eye were all the robots!

Besides Raymond Crawford's robots,
http://raymondcrawford.com/designs/robots/index.html

Kathy Schenkel had a Christmas robot mini sock,
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2019/04/orlando-market-our-finds-post-1.html

Needlepoint Inc. has a somewhat scary one,
https://needlepointinc.com/products/gray-robot

Actually, they have a lot of them!  I like the red one.
https://needlepointinc.com/collections/new-arrivals/robot

Waterweave has Robot Greetings, which makes me smile.
https://stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=42269&title=Robot%20Greetings&itemtype=hand%20painted%20canvases

Pepita has a cute one with a heart beat monitor.
https://www.pepitaneedlepoint.com/product/kits-canvas/robot-one

It also comes with a buddy.
https://www.pepitaneedlepoint.com/product/kits-canvas/robot-buddies

Petei has a tiny robot.
https://www.needlepointbywildflowers.com/products/copy-of-canvas-wedding-groom-handpainted-needlepoint-canvas-by-petei-design-from-p-pony-1

You can even get a robot in a beginner's kit.
https://buttonbluecrafts.com/collections/craft-kits/products/robot-needlepoint-tapestry-anchor-1st-kit-3690000-20019

Or a more advanced kit you can personalize with a name.
https://needlepointus.com/proddetail.asp?prod=MDKHRobots&cat=26

This stitcher created an original design so she could incorporate LED lights into the robot.
http://theageingyoungrebel.com/needlepoint-robo/

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

Melita Goes to Class with Sandy Arthur

Melita had the chance to take several classes with Sandy Arthur at the new Rittenhouse Needlepoint location.  She had a blast!
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2019/04/07/bead-and-ribbon-classes-with-sandy-arthur-at-rittenhouse-needlepoint/

Sandy Arthur's website has a section on all the classes she offers.  Have fun browsing.  You can visit her Etsy store to pick up extra class materials, if there are any.
http://duodesignsinc.com/wpsite/

If you are going to be in the Philadelphia area and want to visit Rittenhouse (or just do a little online shopping), here's the link.
https://myneedlepoint.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 8, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Let's Get to Know Emily Peacock

Virginia Wolf Canvas, from Emily Peacock

The latest in Bobbin and Fred's interviews of needlepoint designers focuses on Emily Peacock who is better known in her native United Kingdom than here in the United States.  I was intrigued by what Emily says about copyright since intellectual property theft is something I am campaigning against on Facebook.  It's rampant and also shocking the number of folks who don't think selling someone else's artwork is stealing.
https://www.sewingwithbobbinandfred.co.uk/2019/04/lets-meet-emily-peacock.html

You'll have fun browsing Emily's kits.  Many of them are on 7 or 10 count Zweigart canvas, making them a fast stitch or perhaps a good choice if your eyes are currently bothering you.  She does 12 count printed designs, too.  The portrait of Virginia Wolf above is one of these printed canvases that comes in a kit with Appleton wool.
http://emilypeacock.squarespace.com/shop

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

Martha Washington's Sewing Cabinet

Brenda found something fabulous to use as storage next to her stitching chair.
https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2019/04/my-stitching-post-aka-happy-chair.html?spref=fb&fbclid=IwAR0SVfZ2rb-2J6wC5F_xePF8hmfGPSQPVBkM9SASul-6VnTorBDfcYPM3P4

Here's a bit more about the history behind these things.  I see some on eBay and Etsy for around $100-200 plus shipping but they are not available locally that I can find.  If you are in a larger urban area, try Craig's List.
https://threadalongwithme.blogspot.com/2014/03/a-martha-washington-sewing-cabinet.html

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

The Joys of Counted Canvaswork

The latest e-newletter from Louise's Needlework is out and as usually it has some interesting items. My favorite section was Susan's essay on the fun she has with counted canvaswork.
https://media.rainpos.com/530/news_blast_april_final_pdf.pdf

I don't do much counted work myself (I cannot count reliably to three some nights) but it is always interesting to see it being done.  There's nothing quite like seeing a blank canvas start to develop a design and of course you can indulge yourself with lots of color play by choosing your favorites.

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

Uses for Needlepoint

Martha posed an interesting question over at Facebook's Needlepoint Nation—how can needlepoint be finished? The list is HUGE!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/2132457333498080/?sale_post_id=2132457333498080

Great question, Martha!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 27, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Woodstock for Christmas Background

I like to work my backgrounds first when I stitch a canvas. My Woodstock Christmas Logo piece needs to have some background worked before anything else anyway since there is going to be a lot of compensation necessary. Working a row across the middle of the design will help me make sure I don't make a mistake trying to work the background around the guitar and the dove.

I wanted a stitch that runs vertically since that will echo the way the guitar lays.  I like to choose background stitches that resemble a main part of my design whenever possible.  I really liked this stitch that Mary Legallet described on her Whimsical Stitch blog.
http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2018/07/25

But there's a problem.  If you look at the diagram you'll see there are many stitch intersections that are not covered in thread.  I wanted to use a dark Christmas green on my background instead of the olive green that it is painted.  I can't have any empty spots of olive green showing through.  So I had to modify the stitch somehow.  This is what I came up with.



The first row in the diagram (black stitches) I stitched with two plies of a dark green Splendor silk floss.  The second row I used the same Splendor for the long stitches (red in the diagram) but used a similar shade of green in Kreinik size 16 braid for the short stitches (blue).  That adds a touch of sparkle to this piece, which is a Christmas ornament, after all.  It will have to stand out among many other ornaments and Christmas tree lights.

This is how it looks.  Now I want to finish the background and then decide what to do next.  Of course anyone else stitching this can finish the background last if they wish, but I think it's smart to at least have one row established that you can work from as you stitch the top and bottom areas above and below the row.



By the way, I'm listing all my blog stitching articles about Woodstock Christmas on the Chilly Hollow Stitch Guide blog as they are published.  You can go there by clicking on the photo of the flying carpet in the right hand column.  Then look for Woodstock Christmas Blog Stitching among the tabs.  Want to return back here?  Click on the flying carpet again.

I'll see you flower children back here next week.

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

How to Handle Stitching a Rug

The bi-monthly newsletter from Needlepoint Now is out and it has a great way to stitch a rug canvas, sent in by Ann.  Basically you roll the bottom of the rug around empty paper towel cardboard centers, then clip them to stay closed.  Then use frame weights to hold the top of the rug to a table.  You can sit at the table and stitch with the rolled end in your lap out of the way.  There's no need for a huge and expensive custom rug frame.  Very clever!
https://needlepointnow.cmail19.com/t/ViewEmail/j/CC841E4F1B402B832540EF23F30FEDED/D89D82459BF7DCF144D0DD5392A9C75A

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.

Sandy Talks Needles

Sandy Arthur talks about the needles she likes and uses a lot in her blog.  Since Sandy is one of the most talented stitchers I know, this is durn interesting!
https://sandyarthur.blogspot.com/2019/03/saying-goodbye-to-march-i-am-amazed-at.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 31, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitching and Finishing the Panda Pincushion

Needlepoint for Fun has posted a simple free stitch guide for the "Little Panda" design created by Animal Fayre.
https://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/needlepoint-stitch-guide-for-animal-fayre-little-panda.htm

They even have a tutorial for finishing this yourself.
https://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/how-to-finish-a-pincushion-or-small-needlepoint-pillow.htm

The website is the distributor for this British company in the United States. There are a series of Little Animal kits from Animal Fayre, and the guide can be used for them as well. It's a good demonstration that embellished canvases don't have to have a ton of fancy stitches or be light coverage, or be very hard, either!
https://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/shop/Kits/Animal-Fayre-Needlepoint-Kits.htm 

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 29, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Do You Like Doll Houses?

Do you like doll houses? I do, partly because the rugs and wall hangings and cushions and footstools are usually done on needlepoint canvas or silk gauze.   And partly because my cousin and her husband built them from scratch as a hobby.  Janet Granger likes them, too, and designs the needlework that furnishes many a doll house.  She just posted a customer's house, one that is Tudor.  It's a fun browse.
https://janetgranger.wordpress.com/2019/03/28/tudor-dollhouse-stitching/

If you are curious about Janet's designs, check out her website.  She ships her charts and kits and things like silk gauze pieces from the UK but there's not a delay getting them.
https://www.janetgranger.co.uk

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

Adding Omph to Your Smyrna Cross

BeStitched's newest video shows an Alternating Smyrna Cross.  Jill shows how to add an extra touch to the Smyrna Cross to make it even more raised.  Very clever!
https://vimeo.com/148676053?inf_contact_key=986fe0c232d6733bbb9219661d6cbcd4

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

Sandy's Favorite Tools

Sandy Arthur shows off some of her favorite tools from Merry L. and Accoutrement Designs.
https://sandyarthur.blogspot.com/2019/03/beautiful-day-in-kentucky-sunny-but.html

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

Woodstock for Christmas 2019

Purple Palm Woodstock Christmas Logo

Purple Palm Designs introduced a variety of licensed Woodstock music festival logo canvases last year. You can see some of them here.  I think there are others, too.
http://www.knit1needlepoint2.com/shop/Needlepoint-Canvas/Needlepoint-Canvas-by-Designer/PURPLE-PALM-DESIGNS.htm

I've decided to stitch one of them as a Christmas ornament (above) and am going to show off my progress here for those who would like to stitch along.  My Woodstock Christmas ornament is 3 inches around on 18 count canvas.  I've mounted it on 8 inch stretcher bars and am rummaging in my thread stash for supplies.

Stay tuned!  (Or should I say Rock On?  LOL)

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

How to Do the Binding Stitch: A Video

M's Canvashouse does a lot of finishing and has created a video tutorial on the blinding stitch.  This stitch is used for the edges of belts before finishing.  However, not every belt finisher wants you to use the binding stitch as some finishing styles don't require it.  So ask before you add the binding stitch.  You may be ruling out the finisher and finishing style you are planning to use.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6kenW41SbQ

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

Bobbin and Fred Use Knitting Yarn for Needlepoint UPDATED

Shannan of Bobbin and Fred talks about using Stylecraft's Special DK and Chunky knitting yarns for a needlepoint project based on a friend's artwork.
https://www.sewingwithbobbinandfred.co.uk/2019/03/is-stylecraft-special-dk-good.html

I don't knit so I don't know if these brands of knitting yarn are available here in the USA, but I imagine you can use any sort of yarn you can lay your hands on for a small test project like a glasses case.

UPDATE:  Liz has a warning for those thinking about using knitting yarn for a needlepoint project.  Thanks, Liz!

Knitting yarn for needlepoint? Depends. If you are looking for a special effect of some kind, use what you need to succeed! However, for "regular" needlepoint be wary. Knitting yarn tends to be a lot stretchier than needlepoint yarn and you really have to watch your tension. These folks seem to be using 10-count, so I'm guessing they are using worsted weight so, yes, you can get a very good price, if you are going to work a very large piece! It is a false economy if you are buying a big skein of knitting yarn when all you need is a few yards of something. And they mentioned machine wash & dry, so it is probably acrylic or at least a blend which would make your needlepoint piece just about impossible to block. So, can you use knitting yarn for needlepoint? Yes, but.....

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

Fiber Crawl Artist Studio Tour Featuring Ann Spiess Mills

If you are going to be near Las Vegas in northern New Mexico May 17, 18 or 19 this month,  and you are a fan of Ann Spiess Mill's designs, you will want to check out the New Mexico Fiber Crawl.  This is a tour of various art studios to see wonderful exhibits from amazing artists in the northern New Mexico area.  One of the galleries is going to have some of Ann Spiess Mills' embroidery on display.   Linda Anderle is another artist exhibiting here for the event and she is a major Ann Spiess Mills collector, so I imagine that the pieces are from her collection.
http://www.nmfibercrawl.org/sites-and-events/detail/2-ten-galeria

This is what Linda sent me about the exhibit and the studio:

"2Ten Galeria is nestled cozily in one of the 1836 Maese House adobe rooms atop which General Kearny, in 1846, proclaimed the New Mexico territory a part of the United States. There are three rooms of art, collectibles, gifts and Pendleton merchandise. During the 2019 crawl, the following fiber artists will be featured: weavers Barbara Ehrlich,Caroline Rackley and Linda Johns; botanical printer Abby Mouer; recycled fabric creations by Suzanna Gurule; quilts by Marc Joost and Lin Ayers-Chibante; soft sculpture by Dianne Davis and Linda Anderle. A special exhibition will showcase the folk art embroidery of Ann Spiess Mills. Her self-taught work features many original stitches and inventive multi-dimensional embroidery techniques. Stitching on felt, her distinctly New Mexican designs drew global attention with their brilliant color palettes, varied textures and multiple fibers.

2Ten Galeria is located on the north side of the Historic Plaza Park in Las Vegas. There are 3 viewing rooms and can accommodate more than 30 people at any one time. The entrance door has 2 small steps up into the main gallery space. There is no ramp, but a chair could be lifted into the room. There is street parking on both sides of the Plaza and a lot behind to the north. Parking is also available across the Plaza at the City Police Department."

I hope you get to attend!

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