The Essential Skills for Physicians and Engineers

Tricia Nguyen talks about hand coordination skills and their importance in the 21st Century. 
http://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2019/05/hand-skills-doctors-of-sewing-needed.html

Here is the NY Times article that prompted Tricia's message.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/30/well/live/surgeons-hobbies-dexterity.html?action=click&module=Discovery&pgtype=Homepage

Go forth and teach a kid needlework.  You're giving them valuable skills for life.

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.

Studio Stitches: An Interview with Barbara Reinfeld

I love reading about new needlepoint designers from all over the world, so I was thrilled when Needlepoint for Fun published this interview with Barbara Reinfeld of Studio Stitches.
http://www.icontact-archive.com/archive?c=741718&f=10538&s=11216&m=394269&t=10bfd1d682bdcd7b3d7e5b30144e5d1c3da8cfc81f6c09170be7d7e898ef1035

If you aren't familiar with Barbara's work as Studio Stitches, here are her kits available through Needlepoint for Fun.
https://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/shop/Kits/Studio-Stitches-Needlepoint-Kits.htm

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.

Mary Explains How To Choose Stitches

Mary Legallet of Whimsical Stitch does weekly stitch diagrams which are always fun, but this week she has done something different—an explanation of how she chooses a stitch.  Read along as Mary tries and discards four stitches until Number Five turns out to be perfect.
http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2019/04/24

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

An Ornament Finishing Tutorial by Abigail Cecile

August is usually the deadline for Christmas finishing these days.  But don't worry--Royal School trained needlepoint designer Abigail Cecile has posted a fabulous tutorial on finishing ornaments on her website.  She has posted a great article on finishing ornaments on her website, with both a video and step-by-step photo instructions.
https://www.abigailcecile.com/pages/how-to-finish-a-needlepoint-ornament?fbclid=IwAR38ZffC1ZVdPSI2qtW_Yr5jQtRJ8gm3wcbpxbkrzhJSdRisTZcIkphIm8Y

Thank you, Abby!  This is a much appreciated help!

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

Confused About Ordering a Belt from Sign of the Arrow?

Belts can be confusing as some places need an edge finished with binding stitch, some don't because they want two extra tent stitches rows top and bottom.  Sign of the Arrow has a little graphic explaining how their belts work.  You can always call the shop for help as well.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10161929251700722&set=p.10161929251700722&type=3&theater

Remember, different companies have different needs for finishing belts.  Always check with the shop or belt finisher before you stitch your belt canvas to make sure you are doing what will work for them.

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.

Interviewing Joanna of Plum Stitchery

Shannan of Bobbin and Fred is interviewing Joanna of Plum Stitchery this week.  It's a fun look at a designer who is fairly new to needlepoint.
https://www.sewingwithbobbinandfred.co.uk/2019/04/lets-meet-joanna-of-plum-stitchery.html

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 NAN Class List is Online

If you are interested in the 2010 class list for the National Academy of Needlearts, it's available online now.  All sorts of techniques (including needlepoint) are taught.
https://nationalacademyofneedlearts.files.wordpress.com/2019/04/assembly-2020-class-descriptions-and-teacher-bios-v5-with-photos.pdf

You can read about their exhibit and classes during Assembly next March in the Detroit suburbs here.
https://needleart.org/assembly/?fbclid=IwAR2u_xiHzG6LBfqf4D6azLVTYZiEgX4uAOXhvq1wa6XPf4VgDI5hTd2HxLw

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.

Pastel Pencil Shading

Susan Johnson of SJ Designs just posted an antique needlepoint piece for sale on her website, making special note of the pastel shading on the faces.
https://sj-designs.net/product/c1900-tea-time-needlepoint-tapestry-with-hand-painted-faces/?fbclid=IwAR0xYvPBYA5RIM_y8_wEhtJcReNNYgL_9jLLdZIPSKASyunbGVeZqaH3VsU

Both Melissa Shirley and Lisa at BeStitched Needlepoint do this on their stitching.
https://vimeo.com/148802688

Lisa also uses fabric markers to shade silk ribbons.
https://vimeo.com/164029492

It can be done.  I would not do it on pieces that need to be wet blocked but it's perfect for some situations.

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

Turkeywork Tips from Jinny

Jinny Barney of Needlepoint.com just finished a fox ornament from Pip and Roo for her Christmas tree. She writes about it on her blog and included some good tips for doing turkeywork.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2019/05/pip-roo-fox/

It turned out great!

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

How to Make Needlepoint Wall Hangings

Abigail Cecile has added a step-by-step tutorial (with video) on how to make a needlepoint wall hanging with a fabric backing to her website.
https://www.abigailcecile.com/pages/how-to-make-a-needlepoint-wallhanging?fbclid=IwAR10TgXcroniUNVZTwsIG5Ydtrf6pBFL_Jmw3fO1GD_0L1I-EculglRTekc

Thanks, Abby!

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.

A Custom Needlepoint Designer in Israel

Thanks to Needlepoint Nation, I learned about a designer of custom needlepoint, particularly Judiaca, in Israel. Her name is Lisa Sambol and her company is Loops Custom Designed Needlepoint.
http://loops.co.il

If you are planning a trip, you might want to contact her.  She works out of her home.  Of course, this being the 21st Century, she also has a Facebook page.  You can certainly order something wonderful online.
https://www.facebook.com/lisa.sambol

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.

Needlepoint.com's How to Measure and Finish the Edge of a Belt

Needlepoint.com wants something totally different when it comes to measuring a belt length and how to work the edges than what Hill Top Leather wants. The moral is, always ask how to measure the length and the preferred edging technique before you start your belt.
https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/everything-you-need-to-know-about-stitching-a-belt?utm_source=Needlepoint.Com&utm_campaign=ece01b8591-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_07_12_06_57&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6eed0b10d5-ece01b8591-579725333&goal=0_6eed0b10d5-ece01b8591-579725333&mc_cid=ece01b8591&mc_eid=3a360cb48b

Hope you enjoy their Everything You Need To Know About Stitching a Belt article and video.

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

The NJNA Needlepoint Exhibit is at the Morris County Library

The NJNA Needlepoint Exhibit is at the Morris County Library until August 9.
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/07/18/njna-morris-county-library-exhibit-not-your-grandmothers-needlepoint/

I hope this is the correct library.  The article doesn't say.
https://mclib.info

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

DMC's New Storage Boxes

DMC has two sizes of fabric-covered storage boxes available. You can see both here. The insides are quite different so click on the photos to get a look.
https://www.dmc.com/us/recherche.html?motclef=storage+box&utm_source=Commonthread+Masterlist&utm_campaign=cb9e3d1bd1-EMAIL_US-COTON-PERLE-CRAFTS_2019_04_12_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3a652561da-cb9e3d1bd1-82831385&ct=t(EMAIL_US-COTON-PERLE-CRAFTS_2019_04_12_COPY_01)&mc_cid=cb9e3d1bd1&mc_eid=f7c1b12c64

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

Trina Turk is Selling Needlepoint Sunglasses Cases

Thanks to Marty's shop eyes, we discovered that Trina Turk sells needlepoint glasses cases as well as sunglasses. 
https://www.trinaturk.com/eyewear-and-sunglasses/

Just FYI.  Of course the ones you can make yourself will be really much nicer but if you like the Trina Turk style, it's a nice change of pace from what you normally see in the stores.

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

Bobbin and Fred Interviews Tess of Pewter And Pine

Shannon of Bobbin and Fred has another fun interview on her blog, this time with Tess Nagle of Pewter and Pine Needlepoint Design.
https://www.sewingwithbobbinandfred.co.uk/2019/05/lets-meet-tess-of-pewter-pine.html

Here is Tess's website so you can explore Pewter and Pine.
https://www.pewterandpine.com

And here is The Common Thread's website.  I'd heard mention of this but had no idea they had a website.  More needlepoint, but arranged as an online exhibit using Pantone's Living Coral color as a theme.
https://ourcommonthreadco.com/living-coral

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

A New Book from the Author of The Girl with the Pearl Earring UPDATED

There's a new book out from Tracy Chevalier, whom you probably know as the author of The Girl with the Pearl Earring.  And guess what?  It's about NEEDLEPOINT!
https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/authors/profiles/article/80675-tracy-chevalier-is-threading-the-past.html?fbclid=IwAR1ciC2zFDCC62vZ6tJWAT-HTuTEvSuj3e-oaf51th6EETiUjwjeO4yNBbo

More specifically, ecclesiastical needlepoint created in the 1930s in the Winchester Cathedral in England.  The book comes out in early September 2019 but I'm telling you now so you can get on your library waiting list for it.

Many thanks to Tara for the heads up.

UPDATE:  The character in the book who designed the church kneelers and cushions and inspired folks to stitch them was a real person.  You can read a bit about her and see a few of the cushions from Winchester Cathedral on Travy Chevalier's website.
https://www.tchevalier.com/a-single-thread-background/louisa-pesel-and-canvas-embroidery

UPDATE #2:  Here's an interview with the author.  You can read the summary or listen to the interview here.
https://www.npr.org/2019/09/29/765119844/tracy-chevalier-says-a-single-thread-can-make-all-the-difference?fbclid=IwAR3Qb0Jx7iUUcHmITicwosSrtDZbumpdYCPRKQn2foE673lI4jA52yU5oj0

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

Road Trip! Kreinik Visits Homestead Needle Arts

If you rarely leave home but still like to learn about new shops, you'll love the Kreinik interview with Theresa of Homestead Needle Arts.
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2019/05/visit-homestead-needle-arts-shop.html

You can follow the links to shop online, by the way!

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

Stitching a Belt Tighter

I noticed when putting my belt canvas on roller bars that I couldn't get the needlepoint canvas as tight as I'd like. Apparently this is a common problem. K's Creations has come up with an unique tool called tension collars that help tighten the canvas more than you can get manually.

Here's how they work, courtesy of Needle in A Haystack.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nc0mwYmCY5s

The shop sells these singly or as a pair.
http://www.needlestack.com/WebStore/Accessories/Frames.html

I haven't used these so I can't say if they help with a belt canvas.  Hopefully someone who has can tell us how well they work in general, and specifically for a belt canvas.

Speaking of which, I'm working away on the belt.  It's relaxing and fun.  Here's what I have accomplished to date.

A Chinese Lantern Motif from The Belt

I will post updates as I work this in the right hand column.  Belts are essentially basketweave, so there isn't much to talk about, but I thought you might like to see progress, especially as I am making this up as I go along.

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

Oasis Needlepoint Has a New Artist

If you are looking for something a little different for your next piece and you like animals, you will be charmed by the animal designs that Madeleine-Elizabeth Harwell is doing for Oasis Needlepoint.
https://www.oasisneedlepoint.com/madeleine-elizabeth

Madeleine-Elizabeth is a new, young artist whose elephant and peacock designs are definitely winners in my eyes.
https://www.oasisneedlepoint.com/copy-of-cases-inserts

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.

How to Stitch Circles

Needlepoint.com has written a nice article with ideas for stitching circles.  Of course they are promoting their classes that include some of the tips they mention but it's still a good read.  After all, circles are hard to do well on the grid of needlepoint canvas.
https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/tips-and-ideas-for-stitching-round-objects-in-needlepoint?goal=0_6eed0b10d5-9847a637f4-579725333&mc_cid=9847a637f4&mc_eid=3a360cb48b

Other ideas:

Couch a spiral of thread working from the center out
Use any stitch you want and then cover the jagged edge with an outline of stem stitch
Cut out a fabric circle (Ultrasuede or felt work well) and stitch it to the canvas with tiny stitches in a matching color.
Cover the circles with round sequins or paillettes or spangles

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.

Tina Francis Interviewed

Stitchery Stories interviews Tina Francis of Tina Francis Tapestry in their weekly series.
https://www.stitcherystories.com/tinafrancis/

Because Tina operates out of Birmingham, England, you may not be familiar with her designs.  She does tapestry kits using Appleton and Anchor wool on printed canvas or charts (your choice), among other things.  She's very fond of Bargello, too.  She also sells charts for a Use Your Stash series to encourage folks to use up bits of leftover threads from other projects.
http://www.tina-francis-tapestry.co.uk/shop/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/TinaFrancisTapestry

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

Miniature Scissors from Japan

I find Japanese scissors to be very high quality so I was thrilled when someone on Facebook mentioned Cohana Seiko Mini Scissors.  They are said to cut very well.
https://www.connectingthreads.com/cohana-seki-mini-scissors/p/82673?media=PPCBNBT&msclkid=75b6ae003e521c5ed084f2d58c665742&utm_source=media&utm_medium=marketing&utm_campaign=PPCBNBT

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

The Smart Cookie Award for July Goes To….

The Smart Cookie Sward for July goes to Barbara, who has a really clever storage idea for her magnets.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2417437294974798&set=gm.2237140156363130&type=3&theater&ifg=1

Hobby Lobby has lots of metal flower items online, although what is in stock at your local shop will vary.  If wall decor doesn't work for you, look at metal trash cans or perhaps desk top items.
https://www.hobbylobby.com/search/?text=metal+flowers

For a flatter item, search Etsy for metal magnet boards.
https://www.etsy.com/search?q=metal%20magnet%20board

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

Deconstructing a Complex Stitch

Needlepoint for Fun Makes This Easy

Needlepoint for Fun's latest article covers how to dissect a complicated, multiple step stitch so that you can understand how it is created and easily recreate it on your canvas.  If you look at a diagram like the above and panic, this article is for you!
https://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/how-to-dissect-a-complicated-stitch-in-needlepoint-to-make-it-simple.htm

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

I Want to Stitch A Belt UPDATED

Let's Stitch a Belt!

I've noticed that many nights I am too tired to stitch anything complicated. but I still want to keep my hands busy. So I took a dive into The Stash and pulled out some narrow scrap canvas and all my colors of size 8 perle cotton to make myself a belt.  Then I borrowed a set of small scroll bars from a friend and put the canvas on the roller bars.  To do this, you need to first measure your belt size, cut the canvas the proper length to fit your waist, and make sure your canvas for the belt isn't wider than the scroll bars.  Then you sew each end of the plain canvas to the material stapled to the roller bars, using long basting stitches.  (See above.)  I also marked with a pencil the start line on my canvas.  The end line (I need 35 inches of belt length*) is also marked but of course you can't see that because it is rolled out of sight.  I will roll my end tighter when I start to stitch.  I just wanted you to see the basting stitches.  You'll need a sharp needle and a thin thread (like size 16 perle cotton or regular sewing thread) to baste the canvas to the stretcher bar fabric.

If you do a lot of belts, invest in K's belt frame.  You can see it below, mounted in a table stand.
http://kscreations.com/acc_belt.htm

You can also use regular scroll or roller frames in your floor stand.  I borrowed a small scroll frame (the dimensions are roughly seven inches for the side bars where the fabric is attached and eight inches for the bars that are normally at the top or bottom).
https://www.amysgoldenstrand.com/store/p1833/K%27s_Creations_Belt_Frame_12%22.html

Some folks also stitch belts in hand, rolling each end and clipping it shut with something like the giant paper clips available at office supply stores.

I'll be stitching this turned on end, with the side bars that have the nuts to tighten/loosen the canvas on the top and bottom.  Here's another view so you can see the two rows of basting I did.

I charted two vaguely Asian motifs (a flower and a paper lantern) for my belt.  I've decided to use dark navy blue for the background and will stitch the motifs in other contrasting colors.

My Size 8 Perle Cotton Threads

Stay tuned!

*As always, think about finishing before you start a project.  Since I plan to send my stitched belt to Hill Top Leather Shop to make up into a belt, I read over their belt information very carefully.  That's how I know my belt needs to be 35 inches long and that the first and last two inches of stitching will be covered by the leather and buckle of the finished belt.    The belt finisher you choose may use different finishing techniques, so always check with them first.
https://hilltopleather.com/belt-finishing

UPDATE:  Here is belt information from Needlepoint.com.  They want something totally different when it comes to measuring a belt length and how to work the edges.  The moral is, always ask how to measure the length and the preferred edging technique before you start your belt.
https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/everything-you-need-to-know-about-stitching-a-belt?utm_source=Needlepoint.Com&utm_campaign=ece01b8591-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_07_12_06_57&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6eed0b10d5-ece01b8591-579725333&goal=0_6eed0b10d5-ece01b8591-579725333&mc_cid=ece01b8591&mc_eid=3a360cb48b

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

Tapestry Helps You Focus UPDATED

Tapestry makes you focus, says the head of the Sydney Opera House.
https://www.afr.com/leadership/afr-lists/how-tapestry-helps-sydney-opera-house-chief-louise-herron-focus-20190411-p51d8h?fbclid=IwAR0YSFZmNAO55isNZMAU40nVLG1vMdQ1X7J7jaA7Glo7QAxCYgzCxt7vovc

UPDATE:  This article may be out from behind the paywall.
https://www.afr.com/leadership/afr-lists/how-tapestry-helps-sydney-opera-house-chief-louise-herron-focus-20190411-p51d8h?fbclid=IwAR3-PZtn2VaDhaxu_mqR1_dAWEed1hAl-P3IU1vZ0OGyypoGiL7w-w1t94g

Many thanks to Needlepoint Now magazine for the link.

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

Need Some Tweezers?

If you want a nice pair of tweezers for your stitching toolbox, Tanja Berlin has a great selection on her website.
https://berlinembroidery.com/product-category/hand-embroidery-supplies/gift-ideas/

She also has some very beautiful limited edition needle minders for sale.  These appear to be done in goldwork and they are unique!  They are expensive but you will have top quality needlework and something none of your stitching friends own.
https://berlinembroidery.com/product-category/hand-made-needle-minders/

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.

A Stitch in Time Designs Shows Off

A Stitch in Time Designs has updated their shop website to show off all of their designs. There's something for everyone, from Asian-themed classics, florals and landscapes, small fun things like trick or treaters and whimsical animals and fantasy creatures like mermaids, to Christmas mini socks in geometric patterns of red, green and white, collages for each holiday, and of course their famous Christmas Village.  I knew they had branched out into designing but I had no idea of the breadth of their designs.  Kudos to A Stitch in Time Designs!
http://www.needlepoint-knitting.com/shop/Canvas/A-Stitch-In-Time-Designs.htm?pageNum=1

Have fun browsing.  I did.

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

Mary Corbett Reviews The Amazing Stitching Handbook for Kids

Mary Corbett has done another of her great book reviews, this time about Kristine Nichols' new book, The Amazing Stitching Handbook for Kids.  Mary really likes this book although she does say that it doesn't go into great depth on any type of needle technique.  It is a great introduction for beginners of any age.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2019/05/the-amazing-stitching-handbook-for-kids.html

If you know someone you think would like to learn needlework, why not pick up a copy of this book and send it to them with some stitching supplies this summer?

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

Tea Time

A friend and I were talking about tea cozies which are used a lot in the United Kingdom but are much rarer here in the USA. But there are some wonderful needlepoint designs meant for tea cozies. Here are the ones we found—

Janet Granger has some really darling miniature tea cozies meant to be stitched on silk gauze.
https://www.janetgranger.co.uk/product-category/teacosy-kits/

She's in the UK but you can buy from her Etsy store.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/179388816/miniatures-kit-dollhouse-miniatures?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=needlepoint+tea+cozy&ref=sr_gallery-1-27

If you are more into stitching painted canvases, how about these two from Ziva?
http://www.ziva-needlepoint-designs.com/shopping-for-tea-cosies.html

Or these from Needlepoint Inc.?  They are more expensive because they are double-sided with gussets.
https://needlepointinc.com/collections/tea-pot-cozies

Kirk and Bradley has several abstract designs that might appeal.
https://needlepoint.com/pages/search-results-page?q=tea+cozy

Ehrman has a classic rose tea cozy that is beautiful.  Since it is printed on 12 count canvas, it'll stitch up fast.
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/Products/Rose-Teacosy__ROSETC.aspx#.XNGd7S-ZN3l

Let's drink (tea or coffee, your choice) to these!

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.