Beading Three Sunflowers

Sue stitched three identical sunflower designs (using a Laura Perin chart) and decided to bead the centers of each differently.  And she's posted instructions here!
https://sudukc.wordpress.com/2019/07/05/the-tale-of-three-sunflower/

By the way, what I call messy beading is piling beads of all colors/shapes/sizes on top of beads, starting with loops and then just sticking in 1-2 beads where the loops didn't cover well.

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

Learning About Wonder Ribbon and Flair

Rosie just got home from the EGA regional seminar and is happy to share what she learned in Toni Gerdes' class.  She took Toni's Mackintosh Rose Kimono class where she learned to stretch and manipulate both Wonder Ribbon and Flair.
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/04/08/ega-regional-seminar/

Looks interesting!  For those who are curious about Toni Gerdes, here is her website.
http://www.tonigerdes.com/classes_

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.

Breaking News: Leigh Designs Becomes Part of Fleur de Paris

Leigh Designs has just announced a change of ownership. The company (along with the Ashland Sky bags) will be part of the Fleur de Paris Corporation starting September 1.  Orders will go through Fleur de Paris but Leigh herself will still be designing.  It's just she's leaving all the paperwork to Fleur de Paris now.

Here's to the new owners and the old ones, too.  Things change but needlepoint still rules!

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

The Stitchin' Stuff Makeover

I just discovered that Joan Thomasson has updated her website!  Joan is known for her angels and for her complex teaching pieces.  Let's start with her Shop section where you can buy kits of her designs which include stitch guides.  She doesn't just do angels.  There are charming Santas, a great Twelve Days of Christmas series, and many (but not all) of her big class projects.  Don't miss her Blog to read about some of her current classes and classic angels.
https://www.stitchinstuff.com/shop

I own many of Joan's angels.  I need to pull some of these out and stitch them.  I also have my eyes on her White House Christmas stocking….

Sigh.  Need more hours in the day.

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

For the Book Lover

Many needleworkers are avid readers as well. I am not sure why this is, but something about engaging the mind with prose while the hand is engaged with threads seems to entrance many of us. So today's posting, although not at all needlepoint, is for the readers.  Here is Janet Haigh's embroidered book cover….
https://janethaigh.wordpress.com/2019/07/04/live-a-little-embroidering-a-book-cover/

If you'd like to learn more about Janet, read the About section of her blog or watch this short video.
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/videos/story/Janet-Haigh.aspx?page=1

Her needlepoint kits for Ehrman are here.
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/search.aspx?keyword=janet%20haigh

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

Changing Direction To Compete with Amazon

I always look forward to Ruth Kern's monthly e-newsletter. She is always full of book information. Although Ruth specializes in needlework books, she is very knowledgeable about all sorts of wonderful books which she tempts me into reading far more often than I should admit.
http://ruthkernbooks.blogspot.com/2019/08/julyaugust-blog-2019-are-charting-new.html

But the behemoth of book sales, Amazon, is undercutting her business big time, so Ruth is going to change tack and specialize in out of print books.  It's the only way to survive when the competition can discount books by a huge amount.  Think of Ruth the next time you automatically go to Amazon to order something.  Wouldn't it be better to get it elsewhere?

And Ruth is going to have things you cannot find at Amazon.

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

Threadaholic Alert: Four Wool Threads Compared (Plus a New Crewel Wool)

Needlepoint for Fun's latest adventure is a comparison of four new wool threads on the market.    You'll learn about Vineyards Merino, Essentials, Glisten and Planet Earth Wool, especially their characteristics and what canvas count (13 or 18) and type of stitch they work well for.
https://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/comparison-of-three-wool-threads-for-your-needlepoint--vineyards-merino-essentials-by-tilli-tomas-and-glisten-by-rainbow-gallery.htm

As a bonus, a stitch guide is being written for the Steven Klein canvas used as a demonstration project.  Your favorite shop can order the canvas from Julie Mar and Friends, or you can ask Needlepoint for Fun for the canvas when you get their guide.

As an aside since we are talking about wool, Painter's Thread now has a crewel wool on a machine embroidery spool.  The second link below is their website with a good look at the colors available.
https://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2019/08/painters-thread-crewel-wool.html

https://threadnuts.com/shop?olsPage=t%2Fcrewel-wool-soft

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

Anna's Guide to Beginning Needlepoint Tools

The English designer Anna Pearson just posted a guide to the tools useful for needlepoint on her blog.  The article also explains needlepoint for those who are new to it, and uses a lot of British language versus what we Americans might say.  She calls Zweigart type needlepoint canvas even weave, for example, and talks about power points (electrical outlets) and flat headed drawing pins (thumb tacks).  She also prefers Appleton crewel but then many of her designs are pillows or for footstools or other items that get wear.
http://anna-pearson-needlepoint.blogspot.com/2019/07/introduction-to-needlepoint-and.html

It's a good orientation for folks who are in the United Kingdom and very interesting for those of us who are not to read.

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

Stitch Pink in October

Enriched Stitch is organizing a breast cancer fund raiser in October for the shops to host using three new Stitch Pink designs: One from Suzie at Vallerie Needlepoint Gallery, one from Melissa Prince and one from Two Sisters.  They are announcing it now so that stitchers and shops can pre-order.  Each design comes with a full kit and stitch guide by Suzie Vallerie.  It's a fun way to stitch towards a cure for breast cancer.
http://astheneedleturns.com/stitch-pink-fundraiser/

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

Kimberly Exhibits

Kimberly is creating nine mix media art pieces to exhibit in the Magnolia Building during the Magnolia Fine Arts exhibit August 24-35, 2019 in Lakeland, FL.  Three are finished (and one's sold already!).  Stay tuned to see more.  And don't forget to send Kimberly a note if you need to take one of these pieces of needlepoint art home.
http://akimberlydesign.blogspot.com/2019/07/one-two-three.html

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

Finish Small Ornaments with Hoops

If you want to try finishing small round ornaments yourself, NeedlePaint has a nice tutorial on their blog about finishing their Twelve Days of Christmas designs into small hoops.
https://www.needlepaint.com/blog/2019/06/27/hoop-them-up-needlepaints-diy-christmas-ornaments/

Karen advises you to buy all your hoops at the same time from the same manufacturer.
https://www.needlepaint.com/blog/2019/08/05/thinking-of-christmas/

Joann's Fabrics carries three inch wooden embroidery hoops.
https://www.joann.com/wood-hoop-3in/1043868.html

Michael's has colorful plastic four inch embroidery hoops.
https://www.michaels.com/susan-bates-hoop-la-embroidery-hoop-4in/10337140.html

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

Breaking News: Luna and Prisms Available from Brenda Stofft

Brenda Stofft just announced on her Facebook page that she now distributes Prisms and Luna.
https://www.facebook.com/BrendaStofftDesigns/

Shops can contact her to order.  Prisms is a thin iridescent thread that looks like strips of cut saran wrap.  It makes great windows or ice.  Prisms used to come in various colors but I think now only the white with pink and green sparkles is the only color.

Lume' is a thread I'm unfamiliar with.  Sorry.  We will  have to wait and see if something appears on the Brenda Stofft Design website.

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

New Historical Charts from the Victorian Period

SJ Designs has re-issued an updated and enlarged version of their Berlin woolwork chart books and…
https://sj-designs.net/product/victorian-berlinwork-pattern-plates/?fbclid=IwAR3pgTO7vVXsmu15iMC75cdRLCMYBO5w9ivPE0eK7VUuTn_2UZZ3KbYBObc

…has a new chart booklet out on 1870 Victorian "oriental" rug designs.
https://sj-designs.net/product/victorian-charted-tapestry-patterns-from-1870/?fbclid=IwAR0It-ZZJEAhAW3IRIopxJ7n07xsMv6Qw8A9MMUppE6YA3OBqSk6Gwm_fjc

If you like historic interiors and love charted canvaswork, you'll want to check these out.  (Also available via Amazon, just follow the links.)

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

Using Planet Earth Boxes to Store Cords and Chargers

After yesterday's posting about Apple watch bands, I thought today I'd link to Karen's posting about various boxes that can be used to corral all those computer cords and chargers we have hanging around our desks.
https://nimbleneedlenj.com/cord-control/

These would make fabulous Christmas gifts for the techie in your life!

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

BREAKING NEWS: Joyce Lukomski Has Died

The National Academy of Needle Arts just announced the death of Joyce Lukomski. She was the founder and first editor of Needlepoint Now magazine and a force in the world of needlepoint. She was charming, energetic and she brought us all much joy. She'll be greatly missed.
https://www.facebook.com/118153386709/photos/a.369271916709/10156083691466710/?type=3&theater

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

Apple Watch Bands and Hardware from Point2Pointe

Point2Pointe's watch bands for the Apple watch are ready, sized to fit the watch sizes. They come with the connectors and buckle needed.  Many designs are available to stitch.
https://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2019/06/apple-watch-bands.html

https://www.point2pointe.net/painted-canvases/apple-watch-bands/

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.

Breaking News: Lea Wait Has Died

I heard this morning that the mystery author (known to us as the author of the Mainely Needlepoint series, although she wrote many more books), has died.  She was a trail blazer in many ways.
https://sincne.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=2507&club_id=338034&item_id=2026&pst=9252&fbclid=IwAR0ZAQwypUhZ2HLdXS7OBxgDY-XT368KvEkArYhDWeDgwNrI-WXDDmPVuLE

One of her fans thinks a new Mainely Needlepoint book is due out in October 2019.  Let's hope so and remember her fondly.

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

A Master Class on Couching

Kreinik just posted a wonderful video of Jill Rigoli of Danji Designs explaining various ways to couch using Kreinik threads:  metallics, Facets, and chenille.  Jill even shows you have to couch with beads.  It's an easy way to create a solid line on your canvas with little effort.
https://www.facebook.com/Kreinik.Manufacturing.Company/videos/309156673099885/

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

The Ort Box With A Zipper Bottom UPDATED

Pocket Full of Stitches just posted a unique piece of finishing—an ort box that has a zipper in the bottom.  Zip it up and you can use the open top box to hold oats, scissors, etc. Unzip the zipper and you can fold the box flat for storage or travel. Neat!
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2019/05/more-and-melissa-shirley.htmlATED

UPDATE:  Knotted Needle in Michigan has three of the ort box canvases in stock.  I'm told these are designs from And More, too.
https://www.knottedneedle.com/module/search_content.htm?form_version=2&showSearchResults=1&search_keyword=ort&image=Search&fbclid=IwAR1iVkSsJHJfgXlVXZV9zZNP6bCe49ppPtsUiAtPUwiLgFPylpuedyBX2uk

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.

Witch Shoe Collage: A Halloween Mystery Class UPDATED

Ruth Schmuff has announced the fall mystery class at Bedecked and Beadazzled: Her Witch Shoe Collage!
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2019/08/did-someone-say-halloween/

As always, I'll update this article with links to Ruth's class progress once the class starts September 8, 2019. Class starts Sunday, September 8.  Folks who are ghosting the class will have their stuff mailed after that (unless they want everything mailed in one package at the end of class).
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2019/09/custom-letters/

Christine got her first shipment and she is jazzed!  She shows off the threads, beads, custom needle minder and project bag in two videos.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2019/09/yay-its-here/

Ruth starts with background.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2019/09/beads-on-black/

Then she adds stripes—plus a glow in the dark spider web.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2019/10/stripes/

More stripes and more patterns—and trees.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2019/10/patterns-in-stripes/

And now for the shoe, plus a bonus spider and a video explaining outline stitch.  Win!
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2019/11/the-shoe/

UPDATE:  Two finishes, finished differently.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2020/10/happy-halloween-3/

Three finishes!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2022/10/what-another-finish/

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

An Interview with Toni of Whimsy and Grace

Kreinik has posted another short video, this time interviewing Toni Randall of Whimsy and Grace.
https://www.facebook.com/Kreinik.Manufacturing.Company/videos/313772449319410/

Toni's motto is "Needlepoint Soothes the Soul."  When you browse her website you'll see what she means.
https://www.whimsyandgrace.com

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

A Very Special Thread Waxer

I just stumbled across a very special thread waxer on A Thread And A Thought's website.
https://a-thread-a-thought-ltd.myshopify.com/products/ceramic-heart-thread-waxer

The website is the brainchild of Jenny Adin-Christie, former tudor at the Royal School of Embroidery.  It's a new venture so only one kit is available right now, for her Gawthorpe Needlecase. The ceramic heart waxer is meant to be inserted in the Needlecase.  I think the Wordsworth Harp needle case is still being taught so a kit isn't available right now.  She is an amazing artist with a very inventive mind and a taste for pieces that echo history.  Have fun browsing!
https://www.needlenthread.com/2018/04/unique-and-beautiful-harp-needle-case-by-jenny-adin-christie.html

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

An Interview with Joanna Somers of Plum Stitchery

Fiber Talk's latest interview is with Joanna Somers, whom we needlepointers know as Plum Stitchery.  There are three other interviews with Joanna mentioned on Blog, but hearing someone talk is special.  Enjoy!
https://wetalkfiber.com/2019/06/16/fiber-talk-with-joanna-somers/

Don't forgot to follow the link to the Plum Stitchery website.

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

An Interview with Pip and Roo

Jinny Barney has interviewed Tarra from Pip and Roo!  It's fascinating to learn she stitches her designs from black and white drawings and adds the colors in the stitching, for example.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2019/06/meet-tarra-pip-roo/

You can visit Tarra's work on her Pip and Roo website.
https://www.pipandroo.com/shop

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

More Recycling Storage Tips

Remember how Mary Corbet repurposes plastic Q-tip boxes as storage for those Tulip needle glass vials?
https://www.needlenthread.com/2019/01/got-tulip-needles-or-bead-tubes-organizational-tip.html

Sheena has discovered plastic chewing gum boxes that are even taller, and work well for Kreinik spools and tubes of beads.
https://www.sheenasstitches.com/fun-borders/

It's fun to be able to reuse items that are meant as throwaways for travel as organization tools at home.

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

Haylo Emergency Power LED Light Bulbs

Do you have lots of power outages? Do you go places with lots of power outages (or just dim lighting)? Then you'll be interested in the Haylo Emergency Power LED Light Bulbs that Pat Correz told me about in June. (Hint: When Pat says something is useful, immediately get it. Pat knows her stuff Big Time.)
https://www.boundery.com/collections/featured-products/products/emergency-power-led-light-bulb

These bulbs have a lithium battery backup circuit.  They work in regular lights as long as there is a single on/off switch.  (They won't work in ceiling fans with multiple bulbs and aren't dimmable. It's likely that if your lamp is on a wall switch instead of your turning it on with the lamp's switch they won't work, either.)  They take 6-8 hours to fully charge, but also function as a regular light bulb.  So you can turn on your lamp and leave it on to charge when you first install one of these bulbs.  They are quite expensive but you get a discount for buying multiple bulbs.  I don't know how long they will last but generally LED bulbs are very long lasting.

When the power goes out, just turn on the lamp with this special bulb and it will burn for 3-4 hours.  They have to recharge after that but once the power's back you can use them as a regular bulb as they recharge.  The bulbs come with a plastic cap that goes over the socket base so you can carry it in hand to use like a flash light.  This cap has a built in hook so you can hang it to use as a light source.  Some folks say the plastic cap is rather cheap looking but works well.

Here's a video.  There are other brands available, but this is the one Pat uses and recommends.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9P2qGZE6Rs

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

What Size Is My Needle?

Someone in Facebook's Needlepoint Nation asked how to tell what size their needles are if they are no longer in the packaging. Here's a nice chart, courtesy of John James.
https://www.jjneedles.com/images/downloads/JJ-Needles-Types-and-Sizes-Guide.pdf?fbclid=IwAR0yHeyOk01ko8kjQ3WC5DJRk1lMGmin3_1eFD5S75auUCPe_qvIz-bsaXM

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

Learn A Beaded Stem Stitch

Many stitches can be done with beads as BeStitched proves in this video that demonstrates doing stem stitch with beads.
https://vimeo.com/236132896?inf_contact_key=b3338fff28f3ccc6a4872b313ab7a7dc

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

Using a Laying Tool: The Video

Needlepoint.com has posted a short video about how to use a laying tool. If you learn best by watching, this is for you!
https://youtu.be/DHjlZ1idePU

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

A Great (and Unusual) Needle Minder

Doris wins the Smart Cookie Award for August with this repurposing of a Nite Ize magnetic LED Marker into a needle minder.  Doris found it at Eddie Bauer.  It clips onto fabric (or your canvas) and is held with a magnet.  It has a light as well.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10214470594578545&set=p.10214470594578545&type=3&theater

Doris has a dog that will eat anything dropped on the floor so she is worried about a bottom magnet falling off a pair of needle minders.  This solves the problem very nicely!

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

Needlepoint In Lizzie's House

I'm glad I spotted some needlepoint pillows in this feed by a Fall River, Rhode Island history site since on August 4, 1892 (127 years ago today) the parents of the former owner of this house were hacked to death with an axe.  The murders didn't happen here.  Lizzie Borden moved here with her sister afterwards.  Use the side arrows to see more of the period restoration that's been done, including more needlepoint cushions.  I don't believe any of the furnishings belonged to Lizzie.  These are all added by previous and the current owner.
https://www.facebook.com/lizziebordenwarpsandwefts/photos/pcb.2579228112090159/2579228045423499/?type=3&theater

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

Made in the USA: Stitch and Zip Kits

Alice Peterson just posted photos of the steps in making Stitch and Zip kits.  Use the right side arrow to see them all.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2241454485931126&set=pcb.2241455069264401&type=3&theater

If you aren't familiar with the Stitch and Zip kits, you can see them here.  They are fabulous small travel projects although it can be tricky to stitch the edges near the zipper and backing.
https://www.stitchandzipkits.com

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.

The Border Queen UPDATED

Amy Bunger's doing a series of six small canvases as her home study pieces in 2019. She calls them Needlepoint Mosaics.  They are quite interesting as she's chosen tiny pieces and is adding big borders to them all.  You can see this best by looking at the cardinal (click on the dots at the top of the current picture and choose the next to last dot).  You can see the design and the borders she's building around it.
https://www.amysgoldenstrand.com/store/p3168/Needlepoint_Mosaics.html

You can see more in her latest newsletter, specifically how she is adding stitches around the tiny pine cone canvas.
https://www.amysgoldenstrand.com/uploads/7/2/3/6/72364657/0619.pdf

UPDATE:  There are more photos of the series here in the just published newsletter.
https://www.amysgoldenstrand.com/uploads/7/2/3/6/72364657/0819.pdf

If you want to try this yourself, look for a small design that has a wide border of blank canvas around it.  Some of Amy's were custom painted for her so you may need to limit yourself to 1-2 inches of new border area.

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

How to Open a Skein of Boucle and Pop the Top of a Kreinik Spool

The June-July newsletter from Amy's Golden Strand is out and as usual, it is full of eye candy. It also has some great information about how best to open a skein of boucle and how to use the Kreinik spools to secure threads once you start using them.  If you've ever tangled a skein of threads or didn't know Kreinik spools have a pop top, this newsletter is for you!
https://www.amysgoldenstrand.com/uploads/7/2/3/6/72364657/0619.pdf

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

Behind the Scenes with Gay Ann Rogers' Samplers

Gay Ann Rogers has a new website (same URL as the old one) and is practicing updating it by posting photos of her favorite samplers. These are on either needlepoint canvas or Congress cloth, not linen.  Click on a photo to read about each of them and see details and a better big photo.
http://www.gayannrogers.com/gallery/index.html

I don't know how long these will be available so don't miss reading about them.  The stories behind each are fascinating!

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