Ripping Out: The Video

BeStitched's latest video is all about ripping out.
https://vimeo.com/148802682?inf_contact_key=4a2e7a8003034fc6cc5e79e8e92650dd

Some people like to use scissors with blades that curve up or tweezers (or both) to help rip out stitches.  You can see a variety of these on Tanja Berlin's website.
https://berlinembroidery.com/product-category/hand-embroidery-supplies/gift-ideas/

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

How to Work Raised Closed Herringbone Stitch for Leaves

Ruth Schmuff just got one of her mystery pieces back from the finisher. Once you stop admiring Zecca's bird, check out the video Ruth included of how she made the lovely closed herringbone stitch leaves with silk ribbon.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2019/10/another-finish/

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

How To Approach a Needlepoint Canvas: The Movie

Happy Thanksgiving, folks! Needlepoint.com has a special treat for us today—a short video on how to stitch a variety of painted canvases.   Jinny Barney always works background first on these designs, but you can simply do one full row across the largest area of background if you don't like to work backgrounds first and there's no reason to work the background before anything else.  That way you know that all the rows of background will match up even if you do the center motif first.  I also find it easier to count across unstitched areas when I am compensating around fiddly bits.
https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/how-to-approach-your-needlepoint-canvas

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

Breaking News: Shop Changes in Charlottesville

The owner of Threads has just posted that she has decided to close the shop after learning the building where Threads is located has been sold and will be demolished shortly.  So she is closing November 30, 2019.
https://mailchi.mp/313eb89e2b93/may-at-threads-2645373?e=44268e93ab

However, stitchers in Charlottesville, VA can rejoice in learning that a new shop, Poppypointe, will open in December.  Here is the new shop's website.  It's not fully functional yet, but you can check out the new location's address.
https://poppypointe.com

We love our shop owners here in Chilly Hollow and wish the retiring ones a grand adventure and the same for the new ones.

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

For the Fans of Cheeky Sayings UPDATED

Sarcasm Sign, From Lund Enterprises

If you like funny or borderline obscene sayings on your needlepoint, you belong to a long line of fashionable people, as Horse Country Chic explains.
http://horsecountrychic.blogspot.com/2019/10/fun-cheeky-needlepoint.html

http://horsecountrychic.blogspot.com/2019/10/more-cheeky-needlepoint.html

Here are designers with quite a few of these to charm and amuse you.
https://lycettedesigns.com/category/cheeky-sayings/

https://evahoward.com/collections/canvases

http://www.winnetkastitchery.com/sassysayings.php

https://www.annieandco.com/collections/lund-enterprises

http://thepointofitallshop.com/sayingsandsigns.aspx

https://www.pewterandpine.com/designs

https://bestitchedneedlepointshop.com/collections/in-stock-at-the-shop/products/dirty-dishes

Cooper Oaks, Zecca, and Ewe and Eye are also good places to look for that perfect funny saying.

UPDATE:  Crude Needlepoint on Etsy has a lot of crude canvases.  Note that many are copyright or trademark violations.  So far the owners of this art haven't noticed.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/CRUDECANVASES?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=801476172

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

Breaking News: Pewter and Pine Reborn

Pewter and Pine has announced a rebranding and a new name for the company—they are now Hello Tess Designs.
https://www.facebook.com/pewterandpine/photos/a.349638198807811/805307486574211/?type=3&theater

To go along with the new name, Hello Tess has a new website.  Everything else, including their fun designs, is the same.
https://hellotessdesigns.com

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

The Stainless Steel Short Laying Tool (and More)

Mary Corbet has a rave review of a new, short stainless steel laying tool from the UK.  I personally prefer short laying tools so this is a Must Have for me.  You may prefer the feel of wooden laying tools or want something that doesn't have to ship from the UK.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2019/10/jennys-little-laying-tool-stiletto.html

However, when I visit the tool section of Jenny's new website I have lust in my heart for everything.
https://jennyadin-christieembroidery.com/product-category/hand-made-tools

By the time this publishes, her kits section should be available.  Don't miss the eye candy there.

Or the Cornish hand made buttons and broaches that a side trail led me to.
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/StockwellCeramicsUK?

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.

From Sketch to Tapestry Cushion

Janet Haigh is an artist who does drawings and all sorts of needle arts, including designs for Ehrman Tapestry in England.   Recently Ehrman commissioned her to create several designs based on inspirational words.  Here is how she came up with her designs.
https://janethaighherwork.com/2019/08/20/designing-stitched-cushions/

If you aren't familiar with Janet's Ehrman kits, here're links so you can explore.
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/Janet-Haigh.aspx

http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/designer-products.aspx?id=f47c9eab-b753-47af-a88e-be3d96a2008e

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.

Mile High Princess Uses Wired Braid: The Video

Doug Kreinik has another fun video, this time with Mindy of Mile High Princess who used Kreinik's Wired Braid to make the bow on a Christmas package.
https://www.facebook.com/Kreinik.Manufacturing.Company/videos/320828438761387/

If you've never seen a tekobari, this is what Mindy used to poke her hole in the canvas to insert the fat Wired Braid.  The tip is pretty sharp but the shaft has corners so it doesn't roll off your table when you put it down.
https://jecstore.com/tools/tekobari.html#.XZ81ly2ZN3k

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.

The Golfer's Accessories

Thanks to Kreinik I can refer you to this fun article from Golf.com about great things that pro golfers have in their golf bags.
https://www.golf.com/gear/pros-bags/2019/08/14/9-most-interesting-things-found-rummaging-tour-pros-golf-bags/?fbclid=IwAR3EaXduUsFgPb1_EuBw0mza92HVRuwBxdAdhtcXxZOW36bT1O8fGkOKZvI

Golf club covers were a thing in the 1970s but they are less popular today.  Companies like Needle Golf carry them, though.
https://needlegolf.com

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

Melita Goes to Cape Cod

Melita's on the road again, this time on a trip to Cape Cod in Massachusetts.  She managed a brief visit to Osterville Needlepoint in Mashpea (not Osterville, but close).  Look at all those threads!
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2019/10/08/osterville-needlepoint-shop-in-cape-cod/

Thanks for the write up, Melita.  Us stay-at-home types love seeing the shops all around the country—and world.

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.

A Lesson for the Perfectionist Inside Us

I've always thought that needlepointers fall into two camps: the perfectionists and the stitchers who needlepoint for fun and relaxation.  I'm a fun and relaxation person myself (if you toss in a bit of "Let's Try Something New").  It took me a long time to realize that I needed to learn to Not Settle in my stitching and that my lackadaisical attitude of Fun First had something to teach the perfectionists among us.  We both need to learn from each other's personality style.

Reading this article from Thistle Threads about perfectionists who are interested in taking Tricia Nguyen's stumpwork casket classes, I wonder if there aren't more perfectionists among us than I realized.  What do you think?
http://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2019/10/the-difference-between-embroiderers.html

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

Why Needlepoint.com Loves Openwork Background Stitches

Some folks love full coverage for their needlepoint but the trend is to use light coverage for the backgrounds these days as it is faster, and allows the subtle paint shading to be part of the design without the pain of constantly changing thread colors.  Needlepoint.com's latest needlepoint essay is on openwork background stitches, why they use them and which are their favorites.  If you are thinking about trying this on your next piece, you'll enjoy seeing what the shop has to say.
https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/why-we-love-small-openwork-background-stitches

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

Threadaholic Alert: Essentials Available from Terry Dryden Designs UPDATED

Terry Dryden just announced she is now selling Planet Earth's Tilli Thomas Essentials and posted all the available colors.  This thread is half silk and half merino wool and works well on 18 count. (I find it a bit thin myself but your stitch tension may be much different than mine.)
https://www.facebook.com/TerryDrydenDesigns/photos/a.10153335918681489/10157591294836489/?type=3&theater

 If your favorite shop doesn't carry it you can pick up some from Terry's Etsy store.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/TerryDrydenDesigns?ref=shop_sugg

UPDATE:  Here's a mini review of Essentials from Terry.
https://www.facebook.com/TerryDrydenDesigns/photos/a.10153335918681489/10157618041706489/?type=3&theater

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

Threadaholic Alert: New Kreinik Color—Wisteria

Here is Kreinik's newest color, Wisteria 9593.  It is available in sizes #8, #12, #16 braid and in 1/16" ribbon. (But not in #4 Braid—it's too thick.)
https://www.facebook.com/Kreinik.Manufacturing.Company/photos/pcb.10156331927355940/10156331926275940/?type=3&theater

I think it is a beautiful pastel.

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

Threadaholic Alert: New Color Family for Soie d'Alger

Thanks to Needle in a Haystack, we have learned there is a new color family for Soie d'Alger.  The shop says they are sea glass colors. The numbers are visible in the photo but the names are not known yet.
https://www.facebook.com/needleinahaystackshop/photos/a.387721521673/10156413069256674/?type=3&theater

Contact the shop to get skeins or order hanks.
http://www.needlestack.com/index.html

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

Breaking News: Kimberly Ann Carter Died Last Weekend UPDATED

Kimberly Ann Needlepoint posted on Instagram that Kimberly Ann Carter herself died last weekend.  She leaves a grieving husband and two small children.  The company itself will continue.

This is really sad.  She was only 36.  Apparently she died of a known health issue.  We wish the company well and send prayers to her family and friends.
http://www.kimberlyannneedlepoint.com/about.html

UPDATE:  If you would like to help the family, here's how.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/2597847126959096/

UPDATE #2:  The rumor mill says that the business will be continued by Kimberly Ann's sister.

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

Breaking News: YLI is Discontinuing Candlelight

Ridgewood just posted that YLI is discontinuing Candlelight.
https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/2019/11/important-information-about-candlelight-metallic-thread/?fbclid=IwAR05lmQqOjZzI74ywTWhhpTsAZJi3EQ1y3C-f15M33hHF7PPaSlZ0ZNRCmM

Apparently the machinery that makes Candlelight, a braided soft metallic yarn, has broken down and cannot be repaired.
https://ylicorp.com/products/candlelight?variant=38858318478

If you need more colors than Ridgewood has left, order from YLI or this big Brazilian Embroidery website.
http://www.jdr-be.com/YLI-Candlelight.htm

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

Jan's Original Ornaments UPDATED

Jan Sprague has been happily stitching little squares with Christmas threads in patterns she makes up as she goes.  She says they are great fun and they look like it.  She sends hers out for finishing but if you are feeling crafty, use yesterday's instructions to finish your original squares yourself.
https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2019/10/04/fun-designs/

UPDATE:  Here are more, all very pretty in their traditional Christmas red and green.
https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2019/11/19/more-fun-ornaments/

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

DIY Leaf Stitch Coaster Instructions

Karen Barbe's blog has a fun tutorial for making leaf stitch coasters. She has both the instructions on how to stitch this and also how to finish it easily yourself.
https://www.karenbarbe.com/blog/leaf-stitch-the-new-needlepoint/

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

Ok, Now That I've Stitched This, What Do I Do With It?

The traditional uses of needlepoint were wall hangings, table covers and upholstry. These days we mostly make pillows and pictures, but that's far from the only thing you can have needlepoint finished into.  Needlepoint Now magazine has some great ideas for using your finished needlepoint projects.
https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/creative-finishing-ideas-to-make-your-project-your-own

If you have plenty of cash, how about a needlepoint purse or belt from Chuck Pinnell?  It will take a while but you'll have a heirloom to use for a very very long time.
https://www.pinnellcustomleather.com/needlepoint-accessories

Not made of money?  Hilltop Leather will do a fabulous belt or keychain for you that won't cost the earth.
https://hilltopleather.com

Want to do the finishing yourself?  This online store has a great variety of leather goods that are self finishing.  You can make a box, wallet, credit card holder, tissue box, purse, luggage tag, key chain, coasters, cosmetic bag, jewelry container, ornaments, and much much more.  Stitch your canvas, trim it close to the stitching and pop it into the item!
https://needlepoint.com/collections/leather-products-self-finishing

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

Breaking News: Come to the Point is Closing November 24

I just saw that Come to the Point in is closing their physical location in San Rafael, California in less than 10 days.  They plan to reopen as an online only store shortly.  Stay tuned for details!
https://mailchi.mp/5a9579de20dd/come-to-the-point-wil-be-closingsunday-november-24?e=44c597fc71

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

Threadaholic Alert: Whites

Thanks to Waste Knot, I know that there is a new thread in town—And More's Whites.
https://www.facebook.com/wasteknotneedlepoint/photos/a.158379324188895/3080011852025613/?type=3&theater

It's too new to be on the And More Threads website yet but Waste Knot says "The Whites 2 will need to be couched. The Whites 3, only in white right now, can be used in stitches." If your local shop doesn't carry this, you can order from Waste Knot. http://www.wasteknotneedlepoint.com

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

Threadaholic Alert: Thread Gather's Aurora

Palma has some of the new Aurora from Thread Gatherer for her current project and posted a close up photo on Facebook.  It appears to be a silk/mohair/nylon blend.  She says it is nice to stitch with.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10220689767773567&set=p.10220689767773567&type=3&theater

Looks like Aurora comes in thirty colors.  You can buy it from Thread Gatherer's Etsy shop (second link below) if your local shop doesn't stock this.
https://threadgatherer.com/collections/aurora

https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheThreadGatherer?section_id=24530934

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

Carol's Fall Treasures

Carol doesn't do needlepoint any more due to the time involved but she has lovely original pieces that she displays, including these two autumnal designs.
https://carolmartinedotcom.wordpress.com/2019/11/09/sharing-autumn-stitchery-pieces-an-old-love/

I have a soft spot for original needlepoint designs but really, even if you no longer stitch, you can still display and admire the beauties you did in an earlier incarnation.

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

How to Create Tiny Snapdragons From Silk Ribbon UPDATED

BeStitched has a lovely short video on how to make tiny flower petals using silk ribbon. They look like tiny snapdragon petals but are very easy to do. You can also add a bead in the dimple you create by going through the ribbon loop with the ribbon (this will make sense when you see the video), although she doesn't talk about that.  You'll just use a beading needle and a thread that matches the color of your silk ribbon.  Come up from the back in the middle of the dimple, slide on a bead, then go down again where you came up.  Easy!
https://vimeo.com/148802681?inf_contact_key=05416fb76f58a0561e84169e0f35871c

UPDATE:  If you like silk ribbon roses, you'll enjoy this tutorial on using spider webs stitch.
https://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/how-to-do-the-spider-web-needlepoint-stitch.htm

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

The Mystery of Dye Lots and Thread Colors

Tricia Nguyen's latest blog posting is about the mysteries of dye lots and thread colors and thread numbers.
http://thistle-threads.blogspot.com//2019/09/when-2916-became-235.html

I found this utterly fascinating!

By the way, Stitcher's Paradise has a nice older article (Elaine Warner has died and Jay Paterson retired to his Lego obsession) about thread dye lots and how to plan to avoid disasters when threads bleed and run.
https://www.stitchers-paradise.com/articles/Bleeding_Colors_Article.htm

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

The Met Talks Up Needlepoint

Thanks to the Forest Needle, I have a link to the Met's introduction to needlepoint.  It's surprisingly comprehensive and even has a video explaining continental, half cross, and basketweave.
https://mymodernmet.com/what-is-needlepoint/?fbclid=IwAR12Q2MkNsD_hNIOgSw4qxuiYywQxKrq0H8YwloxBL8R97V63q_hfp8fX-8

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

Using Running Stitch for Colorful Backgrounds

Needlepoint For Fun's latest e-newsletter is about using a running stitch and Flair to cover a colorful background.
https://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/how-to-do-the-running-stitch-for-the-background-on-your-needlepoint-canvas.htm

Of course there are other ways to handle a background with a lot of color changes.  You can frame the piece over gold lame' fabric without stitching anything in the background, for example.  You can use a single ply of cotton or silk floss in a medium shade taken from the background.  You can use thin metallics as well and work random sized boxes all over the piece.  There are a lot of fun things you can do to enhance the background.

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

The Meaning of Life (and Needlepoint)

Thanks to Needlepoint Now, I have an interesting article about downsizing and the meaning of various items we've accumulated over the years.  I think we'd be wise to put a note on the back of very special items so that our descendants understand why stitching them was so special.
https://www.mtdemocrat.com/business-real-estate/7-insights-for-those-downsizing-through-generations/?fbclid=IwAR17tKyQupVPc8oJqjP7oxbpdK37XnBMj9ffgFaf4NVIqxDEErl6nMKR-FM


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

Mary Corbet Reviews a Lighted Needle Threader UPDATED

Mary Corbet has a fun review up of a needle threader that comes with a little light.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2019/09/lighted-needle-threaders.html

It's called the SE SN-LT24-4 Assorted Color Illuminated Needle Threader. You can see the video Mary mentioned here.
https://www.sciplus.com/lighted-needle-threaders-58719-p

UPDATE:  Paula found these on Amazon to use while she recovered from carpel tunnel issues.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2980140168667642&set=p.2980140168667642&type=3&theater

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

Introducing the FrameLok UPDATED AGAIN

Look what Ian did for his mother!  They are called FrameLoks and they are little gadgets that fit inside the corners of your stretcher bars to keep them square.  If you look at the comments you'll see a photo of Ian's creation in use.  You simply use thumbtacks to attach them inside the stretcher bar corners once you assemble them.  Then the stretcher bars can't wiggle out of shape slightly as you stitch or carry them around in a tote bag or suitcase.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10217204287593669&set=gm.2560480314029111&type=3&theater&ifg=1

These will start to show up in the shops around Christmas 2019.

UPDATE:  Labors of Love in Atlanta has them in stock, and they were hand delivered by the creator!  (use the right side arrows to see more pictures)
https://www.facebook.com/laborsofloveshop/photos/pcb.575158629910103/575158493243450/?type=3&theater

UPDATE #2:  Stitch Stash thinks these will hang over a bit if you are using the narrower mini stretcher bars.  Not really a problem I don't think.
https://www.facebook.com/stitchdashstash/photos/a.1384376981612933/2970418049675477/?type=3&theater

UPDATE #3:  Needlepoint.com has a little video showing frame loks in use.
https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/all-about-frame-loks

Saturnalia Stitching shows off all the colors of FrameLoks.  

https://www.instagram.com/p/C8r44IWM3di/

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

Hearts for Hospice Pattern Downloads UPDATED

If you have seen the hearts folks are stitching to give to hospice programs and wanted to participate but didn't know where to begin, Lorraine of Colour Complements has a great article summarizing how it all works. She also has a heart pattern to download with the outline and stitch instructions and information about where you can send your heart once it is complete.
https://colourcomplements.com/2019/11/hearts-for-hospice-needlepoint-colour-complements-embroidery-threads.html

UPDATE:  Here is another design to download for your hospice hearts stitching.
https://colourcomplements.com/2019/12/hospice-hearts-hand-dyed-threads-colour-complements.html

One more design, this time available in Needlepoint Now magazine.
https://colourcomplements.com/2020/01/hearts-for-hospice-embroidery-colour-complements.html

Melita has lots and lots of resources.
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2020/03/20/hearts-galore/

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

The New Swivel Head for K's Table Stand

I always enjoy reading Sheena's latest blog. She always has a new stitch (or two) diagrammed plus she always has lot of eye candy to enjoy.  This time she shows off some of Lynn's cat designs from Designs by Sharese as well as her new table stand from K's Creations.
https://www.sheenasstitches.com/stitch-variations-designers/

The swivel head on the table clamp stand is a new design, similar to their metal floor frame. It's infinitely adjustable, which is just the thing for some stitchers like Sheena who need to recline as they stitch.  Because it fits on the table next to your stitching chair, it's even more useful than the floor frame for some folks.  Thanks to the review and photos Sheena posted, folks who are interested in a clamp on table stand can see how this works in detail.

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

Morgan Julia's Travel Tips

Morgan Julia Designs' blog has some great tips for traveling with your needlepoint—and she reveals some of her new designs.
https://morganjuliadesigns.com/blogs/news/the-canvases-im-packing-for-vacation

The tips are great.  I'd just add to always have a spare packet of needles in your purse, wallet or suitcase.  Nothing's worse than losing the one needle you have with you!

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

Yet Another Writer Discovers Needlepoint

Thanks to Melissa Shirley (who alerted Facebook to this), we can read yet another article about needlepoint making a comeback.
https://www.flowerpowerwithjill.com/needlepoint-makes-a-comeback-and-its-a-whole-new-ballgame/?sfns=mo&fbclid=IwAR2seQwek9gd2Q-YXse-i5jWeum1R6rF0ZG7okAId6e-kg4LWlM0A564itY

I'm not sure I agree with the author that needlepoint should be meditative.  I often find it so but the world of needlepoint is wildly diverse in both the stitcher and the design he or she chooses.  And I like it that way.

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

Staggered Cross and Double Stitch Have a Baby

This interesting variation on Double Stitch simply melds Staggered Cross with Double Stitch on a slant.  The stitch variations are endless with these two stitches.  Note that BeStitched included a mistake to show how obvious it is if you accidentally put the wrong leg of a cross on top.  You do have to be consistent in making this stitch.
https://vimeo.com/148691792?inf_contact_key=071c53bb0845cf56c393f4ceef93b00e

Here's the more typical Staggered Cross.
https://www.sheenasstitches.com/happy-hanukkah/

Here's Double Stitch.
https://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/how-to-do-the-double-stitch-in-needlepoint-and-the-best-places-to-use-it.htm

Of course you can change the spacing.  You don't have to blend the two stitches to get something unique and interesting.
https://www.needlepointteacher.com/stitches/d/double/

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

How to Stitch Curves with Kreinik Size 16 Braid

Nancy from The Needle House in Houston has a great tip for using Kreinik's size 16 braid and a chenille needle for swirls and curves.
https://www.facebook.com/Kreinik.Manufacturing.Company/videos/2452997711688260/

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.