A Tutorial For Creating Needlepoint Argyle Plaids

Jane Gable's Argyle Plaid

Courtesy of Jane Gable, here are instructions for creating a needlepoint argyle plaid by working skip row basketweave. Jane says feel free to share her instructions for her take on needlepoint argyle plaids.

ARGYLE PLAID

1. Choose your date
2. Choose your threads
3. Choose your colors, one for each number
4. Choose your color order

IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER FOR THE ARGYLE PLAID:

1. The ONLY stitch you will be using is every other row basketweave
2. You will count ONLY the STITCHED rows for your number sequence
3. Always use 10 stitches for a zero
4. Partial dates are just fine
5. Decide how many repeats or partial repeats of your date that you want
6. Deciding the dimensions of your canvas:  Using the date July 12, 1942,
   those numbers total 70.  Since you aren’t counting your skipped stitches, you will double this to 140.  Your canvas will be 140 stitches by 140 stitches.  Mark this dimension into a square on your canvas.  This will be the final size of your stitched piece.

You will be combining the diagonal stripes of both directions to form a diagonal, or Argyle design.  the “every-other-basketweave” stitch is used to provide spaces for the two angles to meet.

You will start in the lower right hand corner and work to the upper left hand corner with the first number of your date, the month. When you reach the top, skip a stitch to the left of your first row and start your “down” row.  When you reach the bottom, skip one stitch to the left and start another up row.  Continue in this manner for as many rows and colors you have in your date.  You will be filling in the LEFT HAND SIDE OF YOUR CANVAS.

When you have finished stitching the left side of your canvas, turn it 180 degrees and repeat the process to fill in the other half of the canvas.

To complete your plaid, return to the original TOP and work from the UPPER RIGHT CORNER TO THE LOWER LEFT CORNER  continuing your color sequence, keeping the EVERY OTHER ROW BASKET WEAVE to fill in the spaces left.  When half of the canvas is complete, turn it again and start the same process filling in the last half and completing your plaid.

Jane Gable

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

A Tutorial For Creating Symmetrical Needlepoint Plaids

Courtesy of Jane Gable, here are instructions for creating a symmetrical needlepoint plaid based on dates by working skip row basketweave. Jane says feel free to share her instructions for her take on needlepoint plaid, sometimes known as birthday plaids since birth dates are often used to create the pattern.

STRAIGHT SYMMETRICAL PLAID

1. Choose your date
2. Choose your threads
3. Choose your colors, one color for each number
4. Choose your color order

IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER:

1. The ONLY stitch you will be using is every other row basketweave.
2. You COUNT the unstitched rows when counting out your number.
3. Always use 10 stitches for a zero in your date.
4. Partial dates are just fine...January 11,1948 can be shortened to January 11, 48 for example.

Deciding the dimensions of your canvas:  Using the date July 12, 1942, the center strip on your canvas will be 7 stitches wide, on each side of that, making a mirror image there will be an additional 28 stitches.  Decide how many repeats, or partial repeats of your date you want.  

Count the stitches both vertically and horizontally making a square.  Mark this on your canvas.

When you have finished your first date completion on both sides of your center column, start again with the 7 stitch column and work out from there.

EACH SIDE OF YOUR DESIGN WILL BE A MIRROR IMAGE OF THE OTHER SIDE WORKING OUT FROM YOUR INITIAL 7 STITCH COLUMN.

In a symmetrical design, the first number in the date (the month) is ALWAYS the center of your design and each side is a mirror image of the other side.

To achieve your symmetrical straight plaid, start in the CENTER of your canvas with the FIRST number of your date.  Stitch a vertical column the length you want, number of repeats of your date, in every other row basketweave.

When you reach your desired length, go back to the top and start on either side of your first column with the 2nd number in your date.  Continue this way, on both sides of your center column until you have achieved the number of date repeats you want.

To complete your plaid, go to the UPPER RIGHT CORNER of your canvas.    STARTING WITH THE LAST NUMBER IN YOUR DATE, work horizontally across filling in the unstitched areas of your canvas to complete rows corresponding to the numbers in your date.  Using the January date, your stitched rows will be this number of stitches wide...1 - 11- 1- 9 - 4 - 8

Jane Gable

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

Boo to You

Susan Johnson of SJ Designs has posted another free chart on her website.  This one celebrates Halloween and is intended to be done all in beads, but of course you can use thread instead of you aren't into beading.
https://us2.campaign-archive.com/?u=35aa40000a83a7d7f36608669&id=b991a4c782

Thanks, Susan!

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

Woodlawn Owns a Martha Washington Chair Cushion

One of the dozen chair cushions Martha Washington needlepointed has been given to Woodlawn Plantation. It was on display during the 2019 needlework exhibit.
https://savingplaces.org/stories/a-martha-washington-chair-cushion-puts-needlework-front-and-center-at-woodlawn#.XTm9Pi2ZN3k

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

Tips for Winning Ribbons

Brenda worked as a judge's assistant a few years back, helping them as they judged a needlework exhibit.  She has tips she gleaned from listening to the judging and comments of the various judges as they went through all the pieces on exhibit.  Whether you plan to ever submit a piece for judging or not, it's interesting to hear what we could all do better.
https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2019/09/exhibitions-and-judging.html

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

The Holiday Mystery: Girl with a Deer

Ruth Schmuff of Bedecked and Beadazzled has just announced the holiday mystery for 2019: Blu My Pink Turtle's "Girl with a Deer."  The details are on Ruth's blog.  As usual, I'll update this as Ruth posts about each lesson.  It's always fun to see what she comes up with.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2019/10/holiday-mystery-class/

Ruth's posted a hints video about lesson one.
https://www.facebook.com/bedeckedandbeadazzled/videos/500312040562072/

The first lesson is all about the deer.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2019/11/sweetness-overload/

Now we have the little girl stitched and snow on the tree.  AND Ruth posted a video to teach us how to ruche Petite Frosty Rays.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2019/12/what-a-cutie-pie/

She's done!  That background is fabulous!
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2019/12/shes-finished/

Now we eagerly await a photo of this piece finished as a standup.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2021/12/sparkly-shiny-holidays/

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

How to Make a Perfect French Knot: The Video

Needlepoint.com's latest video is all about making a perfect French knot.
https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/how-to-make-the-perfect-french-knot

(By the way, my personal opinion is that wool threads make the nicest French knots, so if they are giving you fits, try using wool.)

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

Kreinik Specializes in The Perfect Hair

Kreinik's latest blog is all about the perfect fuzzy touch for a Halloween project—ThreadworX's Chenille.
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2019/09/fuzzy-metallic-fibers-add-more-fun.html

https://www.threadworx.com/product.php?catid=41&catName=Kreinik%20Ice%20Chenille%20-%20Artisan%20Dyed&pg_num=1

It's actually Kreinik's Micro Chenille, especially dyed in ThreadworX's fun colors.  In other words if you need hair that isn't orange, lime or purple, Kreinik can still fix you right up.
http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Micro-ice-Chenille-3m.html

The next time you need spiky Halloween hair, you know where to go.

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

Melita's Tips

Melita picked up a Stitch and Zip eyeglasses kit to use as a travel project.  Instead of using the threads included in the kit, she choose threads from her stash and bought some Silk and Ivory to fill out colors she didn't have already.  She has a wonderful tip for minimizing pilling of Silk and Ivory.  She also recommends turning the design and stitching it from the original bottom down toward the original top so that the top edge looks good.
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2019/07/21/watercolor-poppies-stitch-zip/

If you aren't familiar with Stitch and Zip kits, here are the current designs available from Alice Peterson.  They are 14 count printed designs that come with cotton floss for stitching.  There are five styles for each design, plus there are Christmas mini sock and ornament kits available.  There is no finishing, you just zip them up after stitching.  However, some folks go to the trouble of lining their coin purse or glasses cases, just to get a smooth inner surface.
https://www.stitchandzipkits.com/stitch-and-zip-kits/

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

Learn Needle Painting with Emillie Ferris

Mary Corbet recommends the e-Books of Emillie Ferris (she is a UK embroiderer) if you want to learn or practice needle painting.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2019/07/a-great-resource-for-needlepainting-exercises.html

Her website is an amazing browse!  I enjoyed the two little movies at the bottom of the home page a lot.
https://www.emillie-ferris.co.uk

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

Mary Corbet Goes Full On Cyclops

Mary Corbet does embroidery but she also reviews many tools, threads and books that needlepointers might like.  Today's posting reviews a rechargeable headlamp to use to direct better light to your stitching area.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2019/09/portable-lighting-solution-for-needlework-coast-headlamp.html

Like all her reviews, Mary has lots of information and pictures to help you decide if this is the type of light that will work for you.  Thanks, Mary!

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

Threadaholic Alert: Jumbuck from Dinky Dyes

I don't usually see Dinky Dyes in the stores as this Australian company is more focused on cross stitchers and counted thread stitchers, but they make very nice overdyed silk flosses and silk perles.   Now it looks like they have a silk/wool blend called Jumbuck as well.  If you live near a big cross stitch shop or run across one in your travels, this is worth checking out.
https://dinkydyes.com

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

We have a Tie for the Smart Cookie October 2019

This month we have a tie for the Smart Cookie Award. I can't decide who is more inventive, Bethany with her needle chart in the lid of her needle box…,
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10162321539805644&set=gm.2423098257767318&type=3&theater

… or Toni who turned her Jude voodoo doll canvas into a holder for her tv remote.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/2420715964672214/

You guys are amazingly inventive!

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.

Will The Color Run?

Donna works in my "local" needlepoint shop and noticed something interesting when she was sorting threads and putting them away.
http://majtravaux.blogspot.com/2019/10/colorfast-word-that-caught-my-eye.html

It's something to think about if you plan to have a piece blocked.  Or spill something on your stitching.  Reading the labels is always a good idea anyway.

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

Florentine TV

Anna Pearson has a new YouTube channel! You can learn more about how she choose Florentine as her YouTube topic here.
http://anna-pearson-needlepoint.blogspot.com/2019/11/making-my-first-youtube.html

She's starting out with "An Introduction to Florentine" for those who love or who are just interested in learning about Bargello-type stitches.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUvphha_FKY

Anna shows the materials you need to stitch your own Florentine pillow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U698iDzVqTk

Here is how you work the first row.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXlbwg0C2AA

Help picking colors.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sYj9iMRAz8

Help making it into a pillow or box top with tips for finding the right fabric or box.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4h__eZQEiCM

All the pillows in the background are her own designs, plus she makes doing a pillow look really easy.    If you are charmed, you can see more Bargello (including free charts) online at these sites.
https://www.needlepointteacher.com/stitches/numbered-a-b/bargello/

https://www.needlework-tips-and-techniques.com/bargello.html

http://www.nordicneedle.net/guides/stitching-techniques-guides/canvaswork-needlepoint/bargello-canvaswork/#.XWAB-C2ZN3k

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

Help Purchasing a Lighted Magnifier

Dazors are the gold standard of lighted magnifiers. They are expensive but very long lasting.  For those who are considering a purchase but who don't understand the terminology of lenses, or who are confused about which model will suit them, or what diopter means, Dazor has an information page useful for anyone considering a magnifier, whether you end up with a Dazor model or not.
https://www.dazor.com/choosing-a-lighted-magnifier.html

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

Gay Ann Rogers' Sale Starts Today

If you are a fan of Gay Ann Roger's designs, her sale starts tomorrow, October 17, 2019.
http://www.gayannrogers.com/pre-week-.html

Gay Ann does counted canvaswork and her designs are usually stitched on either 18 count or Congress cloth.  We know that three samplers will be available (The Flowers of Spring, Echos II  Tudor Rose Sampler, and Drawn Thread Sampler) plus she has new designs that will be available.  Of course there will be more old favorites, and it looks like Carolyn Meachum will sell antique needlework tools as well in the Saturday Surprise Windows.  

Stay tuned!

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

Learning To Create Perfect Padded Satin Stitch Circles

If you ever wanted to create a nice round circle on your canvas with padded satin stitch, Anna Scott has a lovely short tutorial on her website.
http://annascottembroidery.blogspot.com/2019/08/doodle-stitching-going-dotty-on-satin.html

Anna mostly does crewel on linen but if you use a sharp needle, you can replicate her circles on needlepoint canvas.

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.

Using the Binding Stitch on a Belt Canvas

I've finished all the basketweave on my belt canvas so now I need to finish the edge with binding stitch.  Not all belt finishers want a binding stitch, so check with your finisher or the shop that is arranging finishing for you first.  Some will want two extra rows of tent stitches instead.  I like the binding stitch, however, and the finisher I'm using does as well, so I have to master it before I can send my belt out.

I found several tutorials on doing the binding stitch on a belt.  Note that she counts holes, not threads, when figuring out where each part of the binding stitch goes.  You may prefer to count threads as I do, but it's easy to just count two threads instead of three holes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niT5P--H35U

Here's another video.  She folds the raw edge down, which might make it easier for you to count or stitch the binding stitch.  I find it a little too easy to get my thread twisted if I turn down the edge myself to work this way.  There's great information on starting/ending a thread here whether you use her turn over technique or not.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXFSMtRsAwU

M's Canvashouse also has a good video by Tink Boord-Dill.  I think this "back three, up one" technique is the fastest way to work binding stitch.  The video makes clear that you always work from the right towards the left and that you only bind the two long edges, not the ends of the belt canvas.  I used this technique to work my binding stitch.  But pick the technique that works best for you.  Like much in needlepoint, there isn't one right way to do binding stitch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6kenW41SbQ

If you prefer the written word in a tutorial, Serendipity has a nice write up.
https://www.serendipityneedleworks.com/needlepoint-binding-stitch/

Many thanks to Hingham Square Needlepoint, Serendipity Stitch, M's Canvashouse and Eye of the Needle for help with binding stitch.

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

Donna Demo'd at Woodlawn

Donna of the Needleworker Not in Paradise blog lives close enough to Mount Vernon to be able to demonstrate stitching at the Woodlawn Plantation needlework exhibit. She talks a bit about what she did here.  It sounds like fun!
http://majtravaux.blogspot.com/2019/06/march-demo-day.html

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

Thoughts on Creativity and Home

This morning I have a short essay from Anna Pearson about creativity and our homes, with lots of photos of her work over the years and how she displays it in her own house.
http://anna-pearson-needlepoint.blogspot.com/2019/08/working-in-creative-room.html

Anna is an English needlepoint teacher and designer.  You can see more of her work and check out her current classes on her website.
https://www.anna-needlepoint-pearson.com

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

Need a Free Alphabet? Lord Libidan Has 53

Need a Free Alphabet? Lord Libidan Has 53 charted.  They are intended for cross stitch but will work nicely on needlepoint canvas.
https://lordlibidan.com/53-free-cross-stitch-alphabets/?fbclid=IwAR1tYd6qaBAYfMsLFZHsS7i7m9noeouKh8HUcq91j0HFxLZE9wwu-24crQM

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.

Using Fuzzy Stuff (A Video)

Needlepoint.com shows how to use Fuzzy Stuff, Angora and Alpaca on needlepoint canvas in this interesting video.
https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/fuzzy-threads?utm_source=Needlepoint.Com&utm_campaign=6067ea199b-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_08_15_07_59&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6eed0b10d5-6067ea199b-579725333&goal=0_6eed0b10d5-6067ea199b-579725333&mc_cid=6067ea199b&mc_eid=3a360cb48b

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.

Tips for the Visually Impaired Stitcher

Barbara Elmore is posting tips for stitchers with vision problems on her Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/barbaraelmoredesigns/

Barbara's having problems with her eyes right now but she's using her disability to come up with ways for stitchers who also have vision trouble to keep stitching.  Kudos to you, Barbara!

(If you are late to the party, look for postings that start around October 8, 2019.)

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

Use a Toothbrush to Thread a Needle

Now this is something you don't see every day—threading a needle using a toothbrush!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1512024105778157/permalink/2307211196259440/

This was posted on a beading site on Facebook so the thread is probably stiff beading thread. I don't know if this will work for floss but it's worth posting here in case you have to thread a needle one handed.  It might work!

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

Yes, Annie Oakley Was a Needlepointer UPDATED

Thanks to Needlepoint Now magazine, I now know Annie Oakley was a needlepointer.
http://fortworth.culturemap.com/news/entertainment/08-13-19-annie-oakley-belt-national-cowgirl-museum-hall-of-fame/?fbclid=IwAR0gYVd5d9WthuC9Cleq96dmAR1rmLgMr5WBxiKCOeOomNoydO_l80gHteU#slide=0

You can see the scroll patterned belt by clicking on the tiny thumbnail under the large photo of Annie herself.

UPDATE:  Margaret took a nice photo of the belt.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10219841413966627&set=pcb.2430028110407666&type=3&theater

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

At the ANG Seminar in Houston 2019

ANG's annual seminar is in Houston, Texas this year. Lots of folks are going.  I have a ton of links to information and reports from Seminar-goers, so pour your favorite beverage and browse!

ANG has posted a list of exhibit winners here.
https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.needlepoint.org/resource/resmgr/seminar/ang_awards_for_website.pdf?fbclid=IwAR22OOnzaO2IeT1PA7e5NjRn1MIh4P9XqRzF40c07HbztEV9nMqZts0hHk4

Melita is there with friends, so they make a shop run, then she registered for Seminar.  She's taking a Kay Stanis silk and metal embroidery class.
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2019/08/14/texas-needlepoint-run-and-registration-day/

https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2019/08/16/a-toast-to-tiffany-2019-seminar-class-with-kay-stanis-day-2-of-3/

https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2019/08/17/a-toast-to-tiffany-2019-seminar-class-with-kay-stanis-day-3-of-3/

She also did a one day class with Cynthia Thomas on manipulating threads and stitches and had a lot of fun designing stitches.
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2019/08/19/thread-and-stitch-manipulation-with-cynthia-thomas/

Plus Melita won a ribbon exhibiting this lovely piece which is her original design. Congratulations!
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2019/08/22/tahitian-treat-2019-seminar-exhibit/

DMBstitch also took Cynthia's class.
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/08/21/last-day-at-seminar-stitch-manipulation/

Melita had fun buying books at Expo Night.  You might be interested in the two she found.  The Lone Star Chapter's book of stitches is available from several of the Texas shops.  See the second link below for a list.
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2019/08/18/expo-night-at-seminar-2019/

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5b37ed75cef372bdd50ce75a/t/5d5fd5b6d7c1240001f8db49/1566561719109/Order+Information.pdf

Jan is having a very nice time.  Besides indulging in lots of relaxation, she is taking Nancy Cucci's "December Dazzle."
https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2019/08/17/seminar-2019-houston-tx/

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2019/08/18/seminar-quick-post/

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2019/08/23/home-from-seminar-2/

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2019/08/25/big-goof/

Rosie is taking Jennifer Riefenberg's "Winter Lights" (and showing off her new Woodlawn souvenir earrings).
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/08/15/houston-seminar/

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/08/16/winter-lights-second-and-last-day/

Rosie also is taking Cynthia Thomas' painted canvas class, "Lady with Mandala II."
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/08/17/lady-with-mandala-ii/

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/08/18/lady-with-mandala-ii-day-2/

DMBstitch is taking Toni Gerdes' class "Abyss."
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/08/15/ang-seminar-2019-day-1/

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/08/17/abyss-day-2-ang-seminar-2019/

She's also taking Jennifer Reifenberg's "More Color Play."
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/08/18/more-color-play-day-1/

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/08/19/more-color-play-day-2/

JA Williams is taking Lois Kershner's "Mt. Whitney Waterfall," which is a photo transfer design.
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/08/17/mt-whitney-waterfall/

Sue is taking "Beaded Bermuda Reef," a class (with beaded fringe) by Kathy Rees.
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/08/17/beaded-bermuda-reef/

Sue is also taking a class with Wendy Moore.  It looks wonderful!
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/08/20/a-livelier-iris/


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

Let's Get Organized

If you like to work multiple projects simultaneously, you need some way to keep the threads for each organized in some way. The Needlepointer has posted a video of their mini foldable storage boxes, showing how you can write the name of the project (or the owner) on the outside.
https://vimeo.com/346465615

These come in various colors, so that you can put your Halloween project in a Halloween-themed box and your birthday gift for your best friend in the balloons one.  You can also buy an insert to keep tools organized and a wall mount for hanging.  I'm not sure that any of the boxes except the white board one can be written on.  Plus these have no lid so if you have to keep the dust or pet fluff out, you'll need to put your threads and canvas in a plastic bag before you put them away in one of your colorful boxes.
https://www.theneedlepointer.com/product/mini-fold-able-box-assorted-colors-and-patterns/

These are inexpensive enough that your shop might provide them for retreats so that everyone knows where they put their scissors or reading glasses or phone.  They also make a nice present for a stitching friend who loves polka dots or stars or lime green.

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.

Need Curly Ribbons?

Pat pointed out on Needlepoint Nation that you can curl grosgrain ribbons by using heat.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10218867408534202&set=gm.2308518402558638&type=3&theater

I've always curled ribbons with my scissors.  I had no idea you could use heat or starch to make ribbons curl, too.  Thanks for the tip, Pat!
https://www.wikihow.com/Curl-Ribbon

Note that the fabric your ribbon is made from will effect the results.  Scissor curls don't work on grosgrain ribbons.  You may need to experiment a bit to see what works for you.

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.

Finishing Ideas When You Run out of Couch Space and Walls

Needlepoint.com shows off some interesting finishing ideas when there's just not room for another pillow or picture in your castle.
https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/creative-finishing-ideas-to-make-your-project-your-own?utm_source=Needlepoint.Com&utm_campaign=ade0dcf0b2-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_08_09_05_32&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6eed0b10d5-ade0dcf0b2-579725333&goal=0_6eed0b10d5-ade0dcf0b2-579725333&mc_cid=ade0dcf0b2&mc_eid=3a360cb48b

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

Want to Learn to Needlepoint?

Horse Country Chic has a great little article about learning to needlepoint, with good advice about what sort of design to choose.  There's a link to a video that will teach you to needlepoint in five minutes.
http://horsecountrychic.blogspot.com/2019/08/new-to-needlepoint-some-advice.html

Of course what is a "boring" canvas varies according to your personal taste, so make sure you pick something you love, regardless of what anyone else thinks.  You can browse the "Teach Yourself Needlepoint and Embellishment" tab here on Blog for help learning if the video isn't enough.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYFwQn7AdSo&t=

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

Underside Couching

This Medieval couching technique might work very well on needlepoint canvas, depending on the design, so I'm adding the link for the more experimental stitchers to think about.
http://www.sharpneedler.com/2019/08/dragonfly-with-underside-couching.html

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

Stitching Owl Eyes

Owl from Tapestry Fair's Belleza

With Halloween in the air, October 1 is a great time to post this link to Needlepoint for Fun's article on stitching owl eyes.
https://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/grandma-what-big-eyes-you-have---the-best-needlepoint-stitches-for-owls-eyes.htm

The owl above is one I stitched with sequins and beads for eyes.  The design is an element in Manuel Salas' Belleza de Halloween (Halloween Beauty), adapted for needlepoint canvas by Tapestry Fair.

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