Floor Stands, Lights and Magnifiers in Use UPDATED

Sheena just got back from one of Bedecked and Beadazzled's great classes. This one was a flamingo canvas from Lulu My Pink Turtle and it looks fabulous.  Flamingos have been all the rage (along with llamas) at the Orlando NTA show, so Ruth is on trend with this darling piece.
https://www.sheenasstitches.com/flamingo-fun/

Besides the class project and some other fun items, Sheena took good photos of the various lights, magnifiers and floor or table stands folks used.  It's a great way to see the System 4, the K's floor stand, the Dublin Craft Magnifier and the Duo Lamp in action.  After all, the best stand, light or magnifier is the one that works in your stitching nest!

Thanks for the great shots of the fabulous stands, lights and magnifiers, Sheena!

UPDATE:  The Needlepointer has a little video up showing a K's metal floor stand in use.  Very helpful!
https://vimeo.com/303822921

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

A Quick Video of Absolutely Needlepoint in Cincinnati

If you happen to live in or are going to visit Cincinnati, Ohio, you'll want to see the little video that Kreinik did of the ladies who run Absolutely Needlepoint in Cincinnati.
https://www.facebook.com/Kreinik.Manufacturing.Company/videos/481676005704856/

Here is the shop website for your browsing pleasure.
http://absolutelyneedlepointcincy.com/?fbclid=IwAR3mb5hbHcGgC3OzTC6jRmgU8GGrZdOM86C0s_dUL7jptePbYFZjBH2NnEM

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 6, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Yet Another Newspaper Notices Needlepoint is Popular

The local Omaha online newspaper just noticed needlepoint is gaining in popularity. So they interviewed the owner of Village Needleworks.
https://www.omaha.com/inspiredliving/sip-stitch-and-share-old-school-craft-gets-a-hipster/article_ab7f7ce1-61fd-5d4f-b463-0951a993ce7b.html?fbclid=IwAR2mEGLstNij3sVWwb66PtoT_CoyFSKlkUIvQRAheSjuh-CBtjwe6tkgSNw

 Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 6, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Pears Everywhere!

Stephanie loves pear ornaments and has stitched a lot of them. She posted a few on her blog recently. These are from HeartStrings and Kelly Clark. Melissa Shirley has quite a few pear canvases as well.
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2019/05/pears-everywhere.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 6, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Meaning of Colors in Persian Rugs

Natalia Frank turned up this interesting article that lists typical colors in Persian rugs and what they mean.
https://www.dorisleslieblau.com/articles/what-is-the-meaning-of-colors-in-persian-rugs?fbclid=IwAR1uGLJ5ZDLosL0ehzDnYn8X7Z7zgsQR2zJDc82g0b03KpWb2LBjCUc8bLk

Those who like to work charted rug designs might use this to help pick colors.  It's also interesting to read with the colors of oriental rug patterns you prefer in mind.  Check out Natalia's charts for miniature rugs or look at Canvasworks' huge range of painted canvases.
https://www.dollhouseneedlepoint.com

http://www.canvasworksneedlepoint.com/red-and-blue-pillows-.html

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

The Queen of French Knots

Ipnot is the queen of French knots! Watch this video to see why I think so.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncEquktWDg8

If you are intrigued, you can visit her website.
http://www.ipnot.info/about.html

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

Woodstock Christmas Logo Finally Done—Really!

Beads are the final touch!

The Woodstock Christmas Logo from Purple Palm is done!  I finally just added 28 mm green drop beads from The Collection to the edge.  That gave me the extra bling I wanted in a muted way.

In case you've forgotten, here is what the design looked like originally.  This is an ornament about 4 inches in diameter, on 18 count canvas.

Unstitched

Here is what it looks like now.  I changed the background green to a more Christmas green, darkened the brown of the guitar, and decorated the ornament with a peace symbol.

Done

Now I need to put this away until the county fair in August. I always enter something there, just to promote needlepoint.  After the fair I can send this to the folks I stitched it for, to use on their Christmas tree.  Hope they like it!

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. Then all you have to do is click on the right tab at the top of the page under the header photo. 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 June 22, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Finishing Acrylic Trays

Yesterday we had an unique folding ort box with a zipper in the bottom. Today Needlepoint.com explains in detail (including pricing estimates) how they finish needlepoint canvases to insert them into acrylic trays.
https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/an-elegant-and-versatile-needlepoint-finishing-option?mc_cid=d273517aac&mc_eid=3a360cb48b

Fascinating!

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

The Woodstock Christmas Ornament Finished—Or Is It?

Woodstock Finished?

Now that the stitching on the Woodstock Christmas Logo piece is done, it's time to make it up into an ornament.  This is a roughly four inch round, by the way, so it can be hung on a tree for Christmas although I would personally probably hang it on a door or off the mantelpiece.  I don't like finishing but I do my own ornament finishing when possible to save money.  

What you see above is the finished piece.  The needle and clear beading thread I used to attached the braid I made from leftover Kreinik metallic are sticking out of the top because once I added the trim, I decided I needed something else.  But what?

I rummaged around in my stash and pulled out 20 or so bead tubes and 2-3 sequins, trying to find the perfect red-green-gold or silver colors, sizes and shapes to make the edge just a little more festive.  I also sent the following photo around to stitching friends, asking them if I should use the red beads, the green or the silver.

Decisions!

I didn't realize unti I arranged the beads around the ornament that I already have two shades of red in the ornament.  I think I should stick with the green and/or silver beads instead of adding more reds to the mix.  But all bets are off when it comes to what I'll end up with.  Guess we'll all have to wait and see what I do. I haven't a clue right now!

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. Then all you have to do is click on the right tab at the top of the page under the header photo. 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 June 21, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Since It's June Let's Talk Santa Beards

Ok, I know Christmas is six months away BUT finishing deadlines are coming right up, so let's talk about Santa beards.  After all, I know a lot of us are stitching a Santa Claus and trying to come up with great beard ideas.  Let's start with the new Vallerie Needlepoint Gallery Santas.  Suzie has posted about them here with photos of the finished items.  Check out those beards!
http://astheneedleturns.com/the-birth-of-a-santa/

White Santa has a beard done with thin wool in long random stitches.  So does Patriotic Santa and Fifth Avenue Santa.

Courtly Santa has French knots on a Stalk for his beard.  I suspect Wisper has been used here, probably mixed with another thread.

Beach Santa has horizontal satin stitches that are offset in a zigzag effect, probably also in thin wool.

If those aren't enough ideas for you, Diana Bosworth's little booklet "Beards I Have Known" will show you more beard ideas than you could ever stitch!
https://bristlythistle.wordpress.com/2010/03/06/needlepoint-beards/

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.

Fun with Open Spaces

Needlepoint.com's latest article is about stitches for open spaces.  They recommend two books with great stitches for large spots on a design, too.  I have both books and use them often.
https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/needlepoint-canvases-with-wide-open-spaces?mc_cid=bbfa958cdc&mc_eid=3a360cb48b

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.

Breaking News: Northwest Needlepoint Opens

Grand Opening June 22!

The Portland, Oregon area is getting a new needlepoint shop! Northwest Needlepoint will have its grand opening June 22, 2019 at 15090 Bangy Road in Lake Oswego, OR, which is a Portland suburb.  The fun kicks off at 9 a.m. sharp.  Hope all the Oregon stitchers in the area make it over to congratulate the owner on his plans.

This happens in three days, people.  Check your calendars and make your plans.  Directions are on their brand new website.
https://northwestneedlepoint.com

Many thanks to Jane for the information and visual aid!

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

A Dragon's Tale Does Diagrams

A Dragon's Tale has a new section of their website just for stitch diagrams.  What's especially nice is that there are stitched samples of the stitch as well as diagrams.  (Note:  The Basic Gobelin Stitch photo is not correct at this time.)
https://adragonstaleneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2019/04/stitches.html

I've added this to the Stitch Resources and Links section of Blog, which is all the way down at the bottom of the home page.

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

Daylight's Portable Light/Magnifier

Needle Point Breeze showed off a new small folding light/magnifier from Daylight on their Facebook page.  Use the right side arrows to see more views of how this works.
https://www.facebook.com/Needlepointbreeze6/photos/pcb.2276702502386635/2276701765720042/?type=3&theater

This looks like a great little item for checking for missed spots.   I can't see using it consistently when you stitch but I bet shops really can use this to help customers with problem areas.

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.

The Smart Cookie Award for June Goes To….

The Smart Cookie Award for June Goes To….
Lisa!

[wild applause]

Why did she win it?  For the repurposing of those rubber tourniquets techs use to draw blood to cover one's stretcher bars for comfort!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/2252238311519981/

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

Woodstock for Christmas's Ornament, Or, The Perfect Fix for Wonky Beads

With the background, bird and guitar finished, it is time to wrap up the Woodstock Christmas Logo ornament by stitching the little Christmas ornament that dangles from the guitar.

I've always intended to bead it.  So I grabbed a bunch of size 11 and size 14 beads in red, gold and black and started playing around.  The size 11 (sometimes written 11/0) beads turned out to be too large.  I wanted beads jammed close together so size 11 is just too big.  Luckily I had the smaller sizes in all three colors.  So I started and came up with this.

Drunken Christmas Ornament

Ugh.  Not the look I wanted!  So I ripped the beads out and tried again, but this time I put red felt padding on first.  Here is the red padding in position, tacked down with my beading thread.

Felt Padding

Felt is a good choice for solidly beaded areas as it helps hold the beads in position.  Then I added my peace sign, then started putting on beads in horizontal rows.  I ended up with this.

Still Pretty Wonky!

Still not great.  Better but not the right look.  Sigh.  Luckily beads are easy to remove.  Clip the beading thread (preferably over a tray in your lap) and off they come.

Beads Over Padding in Vertical Rows

This time I added the gold peace sign first, then started adding the beads in vertical rows.  Once I finished a row, I went back through it a second time to straight it up.

Done!

The moral of the story is beads are wiggly things, and sometimes you have to try a lot of ways to attach them to get the look you want. Felt is a very good choice in some situations.  You can also pad with cotton makeup pads that can be cut to size.

The only thing left is to check the ornament for missed stitches and then start the process for making it up into a hanging ornament.  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. Then all you have to do is click on the right tab at the top of the page under the header photo. 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 26, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Needlepoint For Fun Shop Opens

I've been enjoying the newsletters from Needlepoint for Fun for several years now, and I'm sure you have been, too. They are fun and educational, but the shop was always online only. Now they have opened up a physical shop in the Amish Country of Pennsylvania!
http://www.icontact-archive.com/archive?c=741718&f=10538&s=15482&m=394608&t=7690ffdc97f8d6f6bd572e0a634f2c41646ac7876716726d9925f5a49a49c567

(By the way, if you aren't familiar with their weekly e-newsletter, here's the latest.  It's all about one of my favorite versatile stitches—Double Stitch.)
https://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/how-to-do-the-double-stitch-in-needlepoint-and-the-best-places-to-use-it.htm

The company is still a major importer of canvases from Australia and New Zealand and of course their online shop is still there for those of us who aren't visiting Lititz, PA anytime soon.
https://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com

Hope the shop has a red couch like their logo!

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

Threadaholic Alert: Vineyard Jewels

The Needlepointer is selling all the colors of Vineyard Silk's new Vineyard Jewels, a 100% polyester thread that is a bit thicker than Kreinik's size 8 braid.  You can see the colors and read a bit about this thread here.  Click on any photo for a better look.
https://www.theneedlepointer.com/product/vineyard-jewels/

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

The Summer Mystery, By Ruth Schmuff UPDATED To Two Mysteries

Ruth Schmuff has revealed the mystery class she'll be teaching at Bedecked and Beadazzled throughout the summer of 2019—Johanna Virtanen's "White Cat."
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2019/05/whats-up-pussycat/

As always, I'll update this article with Ruth's steps in stitching this charmer as she blogs about each lesson.

UPDATES:  Ruth has started with the background and the cat's body, both using open stitches to allow the paint shading to add depth behind the stitches.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2019/07/how-to-stitch-a-painting/

The cat has a body, ears and wonderful eyes.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2019/07/its-all-in-the-eyes/

And the White cat has flowers!
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2019/08/flowers-are-growing/

MANY flowers!
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2019/09/joie-de-vivre/

Here is White Cat framed. It's wonderful.  The companion piece will be Ruth's mystery class for July-August 2021.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2021/07/time-for-a-finish-and-a-start/

Special Update:  Ruth is adding Johanna Virtanen's "Wings" as a second mystery class because they are so similar.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2019/08/wings/

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2019/08/fairy-wings-and-gowns/

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2019/11/gown-for-a-party/

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2020/02/gorgeous-wings/


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.

An Easy Beard Tutorial

Kevin just posted this photo of a design he's working on, and it sparked a lot of questions about how he did Santa's beard.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10218083087409290&set=gm.2210052109071935&type=3&theater&ifg=1

He kindly shared the steps on Facebook and also allowed me to share the information here.  The description is below. The photos start on Facebook here.  Use the right side arrow to see them all.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10218095571561386&set=pcb.2212731592137320&type=3&theater&ifg=1

"Some of you have asked for more detail explanation on how I achieved Santa’s 🎅🏻beard. 

I can’t do a video, lack another set of hands, here are step by step pictures.

1. cut a couple of inches of a 3-ply fiber, I used alpaca
2. secure and bring up thread, drop the needle
3. separate 1-ply
4. holding 1-ply, pull down on the 2-ply
5. thread the single ply back on needle and plunge back into the curl
6. repeat securing and bury the end
7. trim the 2-ply end"

Thanks, Kevin!  It looks easy, just a little time-consuming.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 24, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Ultimate Hair Stylist

The embroidery artist Bernite Broiderie is a master hair stylist.
https://mymodernmet.com/3d-embroidery-hairstyles-bernita-broderie/?fbclid=IwAR0N-tXw41t37OkYXK8ErUHHp9xluEM87-ZZwSRUrl4yE8byQTbI4QpYXUU

Bernita has an Etsy shop.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BernitaBroderie?source=aw&utm_source=affiliate_window&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=us_location_buyer&utm_term=3657&awc=6220_1556116168_afa22e7f12d8139b9e3990e66b94f240&utm_content=259915

She also has an Instagram account and...
https://www.instagram.com/bernita_broderie/

…a Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/BernitaBroderiee/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 24, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A New Style Thimble from Clover UPDATED

Shannan at Bobbin and Fred has done a thimble review about several styles of thimbles. I don't often use thimbles in needlepoint but if you do or you want to try using one, they aren't very expensive.  They also make hand sewing much easier.  I do use them when finishing ornaments.
https://www.sewingwithbobbinandfred.co.uk/2019/04/thimble-review-and-diy-needlepoint.html

Because Shannan's in the UK, I did a search to see if the open-sided thimble is available in the US.  It is.  Remember, it comes in two sizes only.
https://www.clover-usa.com/en/thimbles/249-open-sided-thimbles.html

UPDATE:  SL says these are not actually new.  She's seen them around for quite a while here in the USA so anyone interested ought to be able to find them fairly easily.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 24, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Iman and the Teddy Bear Canvas

Thanks to Judith, I discovered this profile of Iman online.  Too bad her publicist thinks she shouldn't be photographed stitching.  We've come a long way but we have much further to go in just being ourselves, no matter who we are.
https://www.instyle.com/celebrity/iman-march-feature

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.

Tulip Needles UPDATED

Mary Corbet has been using Tulip's Hiroshima needles from Japan and finally wrote up a review of them.  Mary's review is mixed and perhaps not totally pertinent to us as she is stitching on fabrics, not needlepoint canvas.  If you have hand pain, though, it might be worth trying, particularly if you can get friends to go in on a purchase of a box you can share to test.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2018/03/have-you-tried-tulip-needles.html

If you want some to try, Nimble Needle in Atlanta carries them.
https://us1.campaign-archive.com/?u=45d1a2a693824b7bef0df6f6c&id=e04712eeb3&e=b1ae0a5d1d

So does Bedecked and Beadazzled in Maryland although they are not on the shop website.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com

UPDATE:  Needlepoint.com has added a review of Tulip needles to their website.
https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/have-you-worked-with-tulip-needles?goal=0_6eed0b10d5-50add2f9af-579725333&mc_cid=50add2f9af&mc_eid=3a360cb48b

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

It's Shark Week!!!!! Republished for 2019

My Pink Sugar Life Does Shark Week

It's Shark Week on the Discovery Channel, so stay out of the water and stitch this cutie from My Pink Sugar Life.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/545941781/hand-painted-shark-needlepoint-canvas-by?ref=shop_home_active_1

UPDATE:  Suzie celebrates Big Time.
http://astheneedleturns.com/sharkpacolypse/

UPDATE #2:  Here's a new shark from Barefoot Needlepoint, for those who need A Collection.  LOL
https://www.facebook.com/BarefootNeedlepointDesign/photos/a.252009018284116.1073741826.158026027682416/865948516890160/?type=3&theater

UPDATE #3:  Pippin has Chomp.

https://stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=86168

UPDATE #4:  For Shark Week 2018, Rogue Needlepoint has a new design.
http://www.amysgoldenstrand.com/uploads/7/2/3/6/72364657/0618.pdf

UPDATE #5:  More sharks from My Pink Sugar Life.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/1830195123724304/

UPDATE #6:  New from Barefoot Designs.  Funny!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/1837300959680387/

UPDATE #7:  New pieces from Rogue Needlepoint for 2019.
https://www.amysgoldenstrand.com/uploads/7/2/3/6/72364657/0619.pdf

UPDATE #8:  For 2020 Shark Week.
https://www.amysgoldenstrand.com/uploads/7/2/3/6/72364657/0820.pdf

UPDATE #9:  

Carolyn Hedge Baird shows off a selection of shark designs, some large, some small, and some stitched.

https://www.facebook.com/nestndlpt/posts/pfbid02oSmDrMieWjQabZw1d7k3FRn5eW4YtZH2VwwQ3D8Wx3t8ejc6AuVB75TkNrWnjFX9l

For more shark week canvases, visit this article from Blog's past.
https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2016/07/live-every-week-like-its-shark-week.html


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 24, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Woodstock for Christmas Guitar Finished

With the head and neck of the guitar finished, it was time to tackle the tuning pegs, those silver metal things that enable the guitar player to adjust the tension on the strings.

Testing Findings and Sequins

I thought it might look good if I added sequins from The Collection (bottom row) or metal bits from Sundance (top row).  I was wrong.  The metal findings are too prominent, too large and too busy.  The sequins are too plain.  Sigh.

So I put both back in their packages and tried doing a square Rhodes stitch with silver Kreinik.  It just looked odd.   Then I did a cashmere stitch with the Kreinik.  Didn't look any better.  Sigh.

So I did what I always do when nothing works—I stitched the tuning pegs in basketweave with my Kreinik.

Tuning Pegs in Basketweave

That was a tad too plain so I added a few beads on top of the middle of each peg.

The Final Touch to the Tuning Pegs

You probably have noticed that the bird has a beak and a leg and claws now, too.  And I've laid a length of silver Kreinik over the guitar's neck.   The Christmas ornament is the last thing to be finished.  Next time….

Peace and love.  Out!

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. Then all you have to do is click on the right tab at the top of the page under the header photo. 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 19, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Learn the Peruvian Loop

BeStitched's latest video demonstration on Vimeo is the Peruvian Loop Stitch. I'd never heard of this but it looks like a fun and versatile way to create a line.
https://vimeo.com/148730511?inf_contact_key=312fc8fe9e4867821060ed18a99758a1

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

A Vintage Hunt Country Find

Horse Country Chic found this great fox hunt needlepoint piece on Etsy.  It is signed with initials and the date 1949.  Looks like it was mounted on a piece of scrap cardboard of the right size instead of being framed.  What do you think?
https://www.etsy.com/listing/683757645/vintage-1949-needlepoint-fox-hunt-dog?ref=search_recently_viewed-3

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

Why Didn't I Think of This?

This Etsy shop sells needle minders with an attached needle threader. Why I didn't think of this!?
https://www.etsy.com/listing/592462700/needle-threader-and-needle-minder?ref=shop_home_active_3&frs=1

I suppose if you use a needle threader constantly this will be inconvenient to take off the canvas constantly but it's a good idea for the occasional user.

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

The Finishing Touch: A Beaded Trim

I found this website by accident but I am glad I did because they have tutorials for how to make all sorts of beaded edges on your ornaments, pillows, etc.
http://sewguide.com/bead-tassels-for-edging/

Here's another lovely simple beaded edging.

https://hokkaidokudasai.blogspot.com/2014/08/how-to-make-beaded-edging.html

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

The Curious Cowgirl Goes on a Needlepoint Retreat

Mary the Curious Cowgirl went on a needlepoint retreat.  She and her stitching buddies choose Patricia Sone and the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree ornament from DJ Designs was their project.  The retreat itself was at Annie and Company in Manhattan.  They also visited Rita's Needlepoint (which has moved recently and is under new ownership, by the way).
https://thecuriouscowgirl.com/featured-post/needlepoint-canvas/?fbclid=IwAR0B18TXWiXd_xRR2utqM6Vj8fbDmUJ7BSDXYZc7d5Ic6zYImlCs-I-xypQ

Looks like another retreat is in the works for next year….

Here's a profile of Patricia.
https://thecuriouscowgirl.com/personalities/patricia-sone-needlepoint-artist-teacher/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 19, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Cathedral Birds

The Golden Gate Audubon Society in California just published an article about bird needlepoint cushions in San Francisco's Grace Cathedral.  Bird lovers and those who admire ecclesiastical embroidery will enjoy reading about the flock stitched for the various areas.
https://goldengateaudubon.org/blog-posts/cathedral-birds-in-stitches/?fbclid=IwAR2lcdjpxHbUSktqlSpei_exHoA6zZ9JcsXX5jN2KHfI1H18uX-ZR4vxSAA

If you are in the area, this list tells you what bird species are where.  Tours can be arranged.
https://goldengateaudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/BIRDS-IN-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-CHOIR-NEEDLEPOINT-2.pdf

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
logging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 19, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Woodstock for Christmas Guitar

Now that the bird and his stocking cap are finished, I worked my way down the Woodstock Christmas Logo design to the guitar head and neck.    I wanted a stitch that runs horizontally to echo the guitar shape, and that would be harmonious with the background stitch, also a horizontal stitch.  After a bit of tinkering, I found a stitch I thought would work on Mary Legallet's blog.  She calls it Trifecta Columns.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/340725528056971266/

The back row are all whispering to each other that this is a VERTICAL stitch.  So true, children, but turn the diagram a quarter turn and what do you get?  The perfect stitch!

Mary Legallet's a Genius!

I worked it using Gloriana's Lorikeet wool and Silk Lame Braid in a similar chocolate brown.

Guitar, Wool Only

In the photo above you only see the first step, the long stitches done in wool.  I wanted you to get an idea of the stitch flow which will be harder to see in the photo below after I add the silk/metallic Silk Lame Braid because the colors are similar.

Here it is with step two.

Guitar Head and Neck

You'll notice I snuck in the bird's beak, eyes and leg and claws.  Surprise!

I did the beak and eyes before the guitar but I couldn't work the leg and claws until after the guitar itself was stitched.  The beak is straight stitches in one ply of cotton floss.  The leg is a matching shade of DMC's memory wire, couched down.  (It doesn't look as wonky in person, promise.)  The claws are three bullions in the same yellow floss.  I gave the bird bead eyes, just because.

Next time we'll talk tuning pegs, which nearly drove me to distraction.  Small areas are not necessarily easy, after all.  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. Then all you have to do is click on the right tab at the top of the page under the header photo.  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 19, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.