Thursday, December 31, 2020

Rebecca Wood Designs Come to Life

The home page for Rebecca Wood Designs has a video of her design process for most of her Covid-19 designs.  The final painted canvases are shown under the video.

Whether you would buy one of these or not, it's fun to see how a design grows.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 21, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Two Kimono Classes from Tony Gerdes

If you haven't heard, The Shining Needle Society is offering two Toni Gerdes classes in 2021.   Here's all the information on how to sign up.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 26, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Want to Learn Basketweave?

Recently several experienced stitchers mentioned on Needlepoint Nation that they had never mastered basketweave.  Personally I think it is the hardest stitch to understand besides those fancy string art-type stitches.  But don't worry.  There's lots of online help.

Beth Robertson wrote a nice tutorial for basketweave for the American Needlepoint Guild back in the late 90s.  One diagram shows how you use the woven grid of the needlepoint canvas itself to place your stitches.  That's where the Down the Poles/Up the Stairs meme comes from, by the way.

Thorn Alexander has a nice, easy to read diagram for basketweave in an article called "How To Needlepoint:  A Brief Lesson for Beginners."  The section on basketweave for beginners is about 2/3 of the way down this page.

If you are a visual learner, Wellesley Needlepoint has a good video to help you.

Needlepoint For Fun has a nice article about problems folks encounter doing basketweave.

Remember, basketweave is worked on the diagonal, going up and down along a diagonal line.  Each row fits into the previous row like a zipper slots together.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 21, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, December 28, 2020

Breaking News: A New Book from Sandy Arthur UPDATED

Sandy Arthur has a new book out!  It's called Leaping Through Leaves.  

Sandy's blog has a brief description, a photo of the cover and one of the included stitches, plus the table of contents.  There are at least 48 pages so it's larger than Sandy's last book, Can Do Hairdos book, which was all about creating hair.  Both are small spiral bound books, perfect for tucking in your stitching tote bag.  I loved Can Do Hairdos.  It was the sort of book you never want to end, there were so many great ideas!  So I am looking forward to the new book.  It's ready for the shops to pre-order and will start shipping in January sometime so if you want a copy, let your favorite shop know you want them to get it for you.

UPDATE:  The shops are starting to get copies of Leaping Through Leaves.  Here is what Homestead Needle Arts has to say about it.

UPDATE #2:  A bit more about the book and the best price I've seen.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 27, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, December 27, 2020

Hillside's Inspiration

Hillside Needlepoint's website has an embedded blog, which I just found.  There's only one posting, but it's a good one—all about what inspires us!

I hope Leslie has time to do more blogging in 2021.  Here is the shop website, if you want to explore a bit.  The shop is fairly new and is located in Stephenson, Maryland.
https://hillsideneedlearts.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 18, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, December 26, 2020

A New Shop in Western North Carolina

There's a new shop in the North Carolina mountains—Stitching Fox.  It's located east of Hendersonville and north of Columbus in Mill Spring, NC in the Tyron International Equestrian Center and fittingly, has lots of horse-themed canvases.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 16, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, December 25, 2020

Anna Pearson and the UK Crowd Hang Out Virtually

Anne Pearson has been able to arrange get-togethers for needlepointers in the United Kingdom using virtual technology.  She calls these Needlepoint Forums and they have a theme.

It's a great way to connect with stitching friends and a great way to celebrate the holidays.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 17, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, December 24, 2020

Feathering a Turkey Tutorial

Palma Seljan is working on one of the as holiday March canvases from Ashley Dillon.  She posted photos of how she feathered her turkey using real feathers on Facebook.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 14, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

The Winter 2021 Mystery Class Announced: Zecca's Mock Tail UPDATED

Ruth Schmuff has announced the mystery class at Bedecked and Beadazzled for Feb. and March 2021.  It will be Zecca's "Mock Tail."

I'll update this article as the classes happen so you can see the magic Ruth and her students achieve.

UPDATES:
The background and the tablecloth are underway.  This report also has a fun video explaining how Mock Tail got its name.

String art leaves and a rounded vase are the latest tricks up Ruth's sleeve.

Three birds, the same and different-
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2021/03/yellow-birdies/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 13, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Organize Your Tools in Style

Darcy spotted this fun tool and ort organizer on Etsy.

The shop is called Wool Wood Stories and they sell all sizes and configurations for your tool organizing pleasure.  Most of the organizers feature sheep, but there are cats and chickens, too.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 11, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, December 21, 2020

Japanese Brass Tacks with Built In Removal Tool

Christine just noticed that the box these Japanese brass tacks comes in has a tack puller tool in the bottom.

Genius!  Well-spotted, Christine.  These aren't wildly available but several shops carry them.


Rainbow Gallery distributes these so your favorite shop can order for you if they don't ordinarily stock them.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 11, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, December 20, 2020

Scissors Especially for Cutting Metallics

Needlepoint.com highlights scissors created especially for cutting metallic threads.

These are especially sharp and serrated, which you will find really helpful when it comes to cutting real metal threads for goldwork.  The serrations will help keep these threads (which are more wiggly than beads, believe it or not) steady as you cut.  Note that Kreinik's metallics aren't actually metallic threads, they are synthetics.  Doug Kreinik (who should know) says their non-metallics won't dull scissors.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 10, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, December 19, 2020

The Spinster Stitcher Is Hearing Voices

Conni, the Spinster Stitcher, is hearing voices.

And you know what?  They are making perfect sense.

Stitch what makes you happy, people!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 9, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, December 18, 2020

Mary Legallet Interview About New Book

Most of us have heard by now that Mary Legallet's second book will be out in January 2020.  Shops are starting to take pre-orders already.  Needlepoint.com has a brief interview with Mary about the second volume of Mary's Whimsical Stitches.  In in you learn she will have a free digital download of the beginning of the first book and that the second has a section on beading.

If you are curious to know more about the book, here is my review of Volume One.  I'm assuming the format will be the same for the second volume in Mary's collection.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 9, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, December 17, 2020

Let's Talk Finishing: The Pointing It Out Podcast

The Pointing It Out podcast talks ornament finishing in two sessions on YouTube.  Their point about really good communication being key is so important!

Round ornaments come in flat (or cookie) finishes, gusseted (or Oreo) finishes, and shaped finishes (those ornaments with a little hanger bulge on the top).  Rectangle ornaments, squares, stars and hearts are another type of ornament with more expense because the shape template isn't standard and each ornament has to be custom made.  More time equals more expense, people.  Candy canes are hard to finish because of the tiny space between the crook.  There are various types of mini sock or mitten ornaments, and a variety of little boxes that are open or just a square over a center styrofoam rectangle, plus little miniature tote bags, tiny dresses and shifts, kissing balls, and stuffed shaped figures like Santas and angels.

Did you know there's a real production of finishing an ornament?  That having initials and dates embroidered on the back adds at least two weeks to the finishing time?  

Don't forget to put your name and address and email address or phone number in the box when you send finishing.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 7, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

BREAKING NEWS: Sajou is Closing Paris Store

Thanks to Sally, we just heard that Sajou is closing their Paris store.

They simply can't keep it open with the pandemic restrictions.  Their online shop is still open for business, however.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 3, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Another New Designer: Ann Kay and Sporty Santas

Stitch By Stitch in Larchmont's latest shop newsletter has a brand new designer, Ann Kay.  Her Sporty Santa ornament series is perfect for those who love outdoor sports.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 7, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, December 14, 2020

Goldwork Padding Techniques

Because Fiber Talk is interviewing Jen Goodwin this week (second link below), I looked at her YouTube channel.  I found this interesting video of goldwork padding techniques which can be used when padding needlepoint canvases with string or felt.

Here is the Fiber Talk interview with Jen who is well known for her goldwork and blackwork designs.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 6, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, December 13, 2020

Ruth Makes Pine Needles (and Pine Trees!)

Ruth Schmuff has posted a tutorial on making pine needles on YouTube.  It couldn't be easier or cuter!

UPDATE:  Ruth is using buttonhole stitch to create pine trees.  Very nice!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 6, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, December 12, 2020

My Vintage Heart

Brenda has finished her Nancy Cucci project.  It's called "My Vintage Heart" and was an ANG CyberPointers project I think.

Nancy's projects are classes only* but they are quite beautiful.  They also have a ton of beads, which means they never photograph well but Brenda's photos really showcase "My Vintage Heart" well.

*I just remembered that Nancy's hearts are occasionally charted in Needlepoint Now magazine.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 6, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, December 11, 2020

How to Best Clean a Needlepoint Belt

When the Pointing It Out podcast talked belts, I decided to ask how they recommend a belt be cleaned.  Melissa of The Wool and The Floss kindly answered me by saying that a good quality dry cleaner was probably the best bet but there were no guarantees.  

I think if your belt is glued instead of sewn, you probably want to not try dry cleaning unless the dry cleaner you choose says what they use won't loosen the glue.

If you missed their very informative belt podcast, here's the link again.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 4, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, December 10, 2020

Melita Tackles the Stitch of the Month

Armed with suggestions from the NJNA chapter who did this project in 2020, Melita has started Kathy Rees' "Star of Stitches," which is the stitch-of-the-month project from ANG.  

If you are a member of ANG, you can access this design by logging onto the ANG website.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 1, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, December 9, 2020

NeedlePaint Makes Gifts Easy

NeedlePaint.com makes gift giving easy with their digital gift card which will show the finished project.  Easy to wrap and the recipient will know that the needlepoint being stitched for them by the company is coming soon.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 3, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Needlepoint University Registration Open

Suzie Vallerie of Enriched Stitch will hold Needlepoint University classes starting January 2021.  Early registration ends Dec. 12.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 7, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, December 7, 2020

The Footstool UPDATED

Rachel of Vertuosew Adventures is going to create a canvas footstool using inspiration from her grandmother and stash threads.  It will replace a footstool her grandmother stitched that her mother has worn out.


UPDATE:  More progress on the sections of the footstool.




And it is DONE!

It's really easy to come up with something fun to stitch from your stash, even if you don't have an old footstool that needs a cover.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 1, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, December 6, 2020

The Crafty Attic

I stumbled across The Crafty Attic by chance.  It is a UK shop that specializes in goldwork and stumpwork supplies, plus silk and organdy ribbons, needles and more.  The shop carries a great many ribbon widths, which is especially nice, and is a fun browse since it has a lot of demonstration videos.  Hopefully it's a good source of supplies for our British needlepointers.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 1, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, December 5, 2020

Breaking News: A New Shop!

Aiken, South Carolina has a new shop!  Needlepoint Cottage is having their grand opening December 5, 8, 9 and 10 with a sale.  They are located at 226 Park Avenue, Aiken, SC and are open 10-4 p.m. each day.

They hope to have their website ready in January for us online shoppers.  Meanwhile, all the Carolina people, go support this new venture.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 4, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, December 4, 2020

Gifts for the New (or Not) Stitcher

It's that time of year when we are racking our brains, trying to find the perfect gift for a stitching friend—or for a brand new stitcher.  I thought I'd assemble a few gift ideas from a couple of shops to make it easy to do mail order.  Remember, the delivery services are overwhelmed so if you don't have a local you can visit, order ASAP.  Already the post office's Priority Mail which normally takes two days is taking six!

First up, you can't stitch without scissors or needles.  How about these cute (and sharp) little pastel scissors?  They are great for a beginner or for a spare pair, or for travel.  These come in pink, lavender and blue but only pink are in stock right now at this shop.

You always need needles.  Bohin needles are wonderful.  Gift your stitching friends an assortment and remind them to keep spares in their wallets.  Size 22 is perfect for 18 count canvas but if your buddy prefers 13 count designs, buy them size 18 or 20.  

Many stitchers love magnets to put on their canvas to temporarily park a needle until they need it again.  They come in many styles and sizes, so you can find one that suits anyone.

How about a tote bag for that project canvas, threads and tools?  These come in various sizes and protect your project when you travel.  A bonus is you can easily see which project to grab when you are ready to stitch.

Of course you can gift a friend a stitch dictionary so they always have great stitches to choose from.  Stitches to Go is a classic and it is small enough to go anywhere.  True, it doesn't tell you where to use the stitches, but this little book distills the three volumes of the fabulous Stitches for Effect series into one little volume.

Another great portable choice is Carole Lake's Just in the Knick of Time, a book with both useful stitches and information on how and where to use them.

If you want to spend just a little more, how about you gift someone a fabulous cyberclass to keep them entertained this winter?  There's something to appeal to almost anyone here.

Hope this gives you some good gift ideas, even if it is just for your own wish list.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 3, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, December 3, 2020

A New Designer~

Stitch By Stitch in Larchmont, NY has a trunk show from a new designer—Pink Petals!  There are lots of sayings and fun Christmas pieces, as well as cute animals.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 30, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Pointing It Out Talks BELTS!

Megan and Melissa talk about belts, how to stitch them and what to do with them in this podcast.

You'll learn about buying a belt, how to size it, and to think about end result you want.  You'll learn what a keeper is, that Megan calls herself the belt psycho, how to measure the belt size,  the dude factor, the turn rows, colors, buckle types, standard widths, grommet belts, the million dollar belt story, making key fobs from leftover belts, how to lengthen a belt, D ring belts, dog collars and leashes, camera and guitar straps, trays, the stitches and threads to use, how to stitch a long belt, etc.

Who knew belts had so much!?  Of course Megan and Melissa are the Belt Queens!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 26, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Breaking News! A New Whimsical Stitch Book! UPDATED

Great news!  There will be a new Whimsical Stitch book out in January 2021.

UPDATE:  According to Needle Nook of La Jolla, there are six chapters on Balanced, Diagonal, Layered, Oblique, Small, and Straight Stitches plus a beading ideas chapter.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 30, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, November 30, 2020

NJNA Do Stitch of the Month UPDATED AGAIN AND AGAIN

ANG's New Jersey Needle Artists Chapter has been working the current Stitch of the Month project as a group.  Now that they are nearly done, you can really see how the various colors change the design.

Some people have changed the background stitches slightly.  Which do you like, the original or the changed background?  And what color combos speak to you?

UPDATE:  A change in the background.

UPDATE #2:  Brenda is stitching this also using a red, white and blue color scheme.  It's really lovely.

UPDATE #3:  Here are all the chapter members finished projects.

UPDATE #4:  Here is Melita's version.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2021/07/12/background-completed-star-of-stitches-ang-stitch-of-the-month-2020/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 25, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, November 29, 2020

Great Tool Shopping Sites

Needlepoint Nation members highly recommend these two websites for stitching tools:


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 24, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, November 28, 2020

The French Knot Has a New Website

The French Knot in Fort Worth, Texas, has a new website.  All the old favorites are there but now you can shop online.  Of particular interest is the Shop New Arrivals link on the home page.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 24, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, November 27, 2020

The Acorn Harvest at SM Wollman Designs

The tiny acorns made from vintage needlepoint canvases are on sale at the Wollman website right now.  New acorns will be added the Friday (that's today, folks!) after Thanksgiving until December 31st and the "harvest" added to as more are made available.  

If you want to add to (or start) a collection of these, get ready!  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 23, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, November 26, 2020

Finishing Firecrackers: A Tutorial

Brenda has been stitching three firecracker canvases by Toni Gerdes for several months.  Now that they are done, she is busy making them up for display.  Her blog has a tutorial for how to finish a tube stand up shape, which is what her firecrackers are, but often nutcrackers are also the same shape.  The tutorial works for either.
https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2020/11/firecrackers-updated-11232020.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 23, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Pointing It Out Interviews JP Sligh of Labors of Love

Megan interviews JP Sligh of Labors of Love, which is both a design house and a shop in Atlanta.  Learn how Mark got JP into designing and more!

JP is an awesome designer.   If you want to explore more, here is the wholesale design website.

And here's the shop website.  Have fun!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 20, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Chandail Now Offers Online Shopping

Chandail Needlepoint has updated their website to allow online shopping!

It's great fun to browse their canvases, kits, clubs and projects.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 20, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, November 23, 2020

Trapunto and the Stork




I've been working on a Christmas ornament called "The Stork and The Baby" by the late Boots Bailey this month.  This piece had a lot of similar colors which meant all the elements of the design melted together, so I used various techniques to separate the elements  Above is the original unstitched canvas.  




The first thing I did was to change the heart shape in the middle of the canvas.  As you can see, the heart originally had a blue top half and a brown bottom.  I made it all blue to help keep the background in the background.  

Then I did a ton of outline stitch on the blankets, around and on top of the stork's wings, etc. to delineate the various sections.   (I use one ply of cotton floss for this with a beading needle to make it easier to get through the areas which have already been stitched.)  The final touch was to use trapunto on the stork so that it would loom over Baby Jesus.  What is trapunto, you ask?  It's a very simple padding technique.  Let me explain.



First I cut a small piece of muslin a bit larger than the bird's head, neck and body and put it on the back side of my stitching, held in place behind the stork's head and neck with magnets.  Then I turned the canvas over to the front again and started outlining the bird's head and neck (still with one ply of cotton floss and a beading needle to get through the layers of tent stitch from the front).  



I went around the bird's head and neck twice, making sure that I had a dark line. In the photo above, all the top stitching is done. I added ray stitches on the wing to make feathers on the wing, too.



I trimmed the muslin on the back side before I did some of the wing outline and the feathers, though. That way I cut the bulk away some. In the photo above you can see the bird's head on the upper left and the neck on the lower right.

Then I stuffed the neck from the open bottom of the neck area with quilt batting using my big plastic needle. You wrap a bit of batting around the eye end of the needle and push it inside untll the area is puffy. I ended up using the point of my scissors occasionally to stuff but you don't want to do that much. It's too easy to rip through the canvas or the muslin if you push the batting into the muslin pocket with something sharp.



To stuff the head you cut a slit in the muslin which you can see in the photo above on the right side showing the puffy neck. Stuff as before, then sew the slit closed once you are happy with how it looks on the front.  



How do you know when it is done?  It will look good to you, smooth and raised on the front—and a mess on the back!


Here is the finished trapunto dimension.  See the shadow along the back of the stork's head, neck and body?  That's what we are aiming for.

Now to assemble the ornament.  I hate finishing, so wish me luck!

  
Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 18, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

An Interview with Patricia Sone

Fiber Talk interviews the designer Patrica Sone.

Fiber Talk also did a YouTube Stitch Hour with Patricia.  Join the fun and see Patricia's designs and how she developed and finished them.

By the way, here's Patricia's website for further browsing.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 16, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, November 22, 2020

Introducing Prairie Designs

Thanks to Pocket Full of Stitches, I discovered a new designer—Prairie Designs!

Her website is wholesale only but if you visit the PFOS blog, you can see some of the new designs from Prairie.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 18, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, November 21, 2020

Melissa Interviews Painted Pony

The Pointing It Out Podcast interviews Debbie Woodward of Painted Pony Designs.

Learn about how Debbie started as a needlepoint designer, distributor and one of the people behind Destination Dallas.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 17, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, November 20, 2020

A Bit of Paternayan History

One of the best places to find Paternayan wool these days is Fiorilgium.  They've posted a nice history of Paternayan and made recommendations as to other brands if you can't find exactly what you need in tapestry wools.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 16, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, November 19, 2020

Making Berries: A Tutorial

Anna Scott has posted a tutorial on making berries by covering large beads with silk.

Aren't sure how these are used?  You can see Anna's latest projects, two Christmas ornaments, one with holly berries and one with mistletoe berries, here.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 16, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

A New Jeff Kulick Design for ANG

Sara Leigh has been busy doing a model for the American Needlepoint Guild.  Now that the design has been published in their latest Needle Pointers magazine, you can see how SL spent her summer vacation.

It's Jeff Kulick's "Asymmetrical Copper" and it is absolutely gorgeous.  Jeff's very good with color and pattern, so if you are lucky enough to have access to the ANG digital magazine, you'll have great fun with this chart.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Breaking News from Kreinik

Kreinik has announced that for the rest of 2020 they are going to concentrate on making only their most popular colors in sizes 4, 8 and 12.  

They will continue to make other items as usual but for these three sizes, they are going to limit what they make to only the most popular colors to try and catch up on their orders.  Hopefully once they catch up with their back orders, they can then return to normal production.  Cross your fingers that this helps Kreinik catch up on their back orders without too much disruption.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, November 16, 2020

A Blocking Board

Melita talks about a blocking board and how it is used.  If you are interested in doing your own finishing you might want to look into buying one.  Lacis also sells stainless steel T pins.

https://lacis.com/catalog/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 10, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, November 15, 2020

Pincushions and Needle Books

I love wool felt needle books, so I was very interested when Lorraine at Colour Complements highlighted those that Fiberluscious makes and sells on Etsy. 
https://colourcomplements.com/2020/08/wool-needle-case-with-hand-dyed-threads.html

Right now Jill's Etsy store only has pincushions for sale, but they come in five different styles and they are all charming—and all filled with emery to keep your needles sharp and rust free.
https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/fiberluscious?sort_order=date_desc

I hope by the time this publishes there will be needle books for sale again.  I just love needle books with pages of real wool felt to keep your needles in!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 17, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, November 14, 2020

Winter Morn: The Winter 2021 Mystery Class from Ruth Schmuff Updated

Ruth Schmuff has revealed the Winter 2021 mystery class—a new design called "Winter Morn" from Brenda Stofft.

As always, I'll update this article as Ruth posts progress reports.  If you are interested in the class, the link above tells you how to sign up to participate.

UPDATES:  Ruth creates a blanket of snow that looks like a quilt or lace pattern.

And the trees have snow!  (Don't miss Ruth's video on how she created the trees with Buttonhole Stitch.)


Now the house is finished and the roof is covered in snow.

Ruth promises big things for the border.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 4, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, November 13, 2020

For the Equestrian

If you ride, love horses, or just live in a horse-mad area like I do, you'll enjoy browsing the Horse Country Chic's current crop of horse needlepoint finds.

You might also enjoy Three Thimble Designs' horse items.

My Needlepoint Corner has a darling printed horse canvas that would be perfect in tent stitches using threads from your stash.

Froopy has a stylized horse in preppy colors that is great fun.

There are many beautiful horse canvases by more established designers but I thought maybe today I'd focus on new designers with things you might not have seen before.  Have fun browsing!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright  October 28, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, November 12, 2020

Books with Stitch Diagrams AND Photographed Examples UPDATED

A lot of people would like books of stitch diagrams to have accompanying photos of the stitches.  Because of the cost, this is rare, but I've assembled a list of books and sites that do have photos and found links to show the covers and titles to help you find a copy.  Do a careful search.  Copies are available at a variety of price points.  Be very careful of Amazon offerings as sellers there often charge a premium price for needlepoint books.  You'll almost always find them cheaper at a needlepoint shop.

Jo I. Christensen's The Needlepoint Book - all three editions have small black and white photos. 

All of Gone Stitching's books have color photos of their stitches.


Instagram's "Needlepoint Notebook" is all colored photos of stitches with a note as to the book and page number where it was found. There are NO diagrams.  You have to look them up in the book where they were found.

Sherri Lantz's Pageant of Pattern - now out of print, has black and white stitched examples of many (but not all I don't think) of the stitches in the book

SuZy Murphy's books (now out of print) have stitched examples in the back, some in color, some in black and white.

Whimsical Stitch's blog posts a stitch diagram each week (sometimes more often) with a colored photo of the stitch.  Mary Legellet also has now written a book called Mary's Whimsical Stitches that includes the blog stitches and others that have not appeared on her blog but no photos. Stitches that came from her blog have a URL for her Instagram account however, so you can type that out in your browser to see an example of those.  


If you know of stitch diagram books with photos of the stitches worked, please let me know so I can add them to the list.  Email me at chilly hollow at hot mail dot com.  Thanks.

UPDATE:  Another book with diagrams and stitch photos is Susan Sturgeon Roberts' Complete Guide to Needlepoint Stitches.  There are 400 stitches included.  It is out of print but a newer book is called the Needlepoint Dictionary of Stitches.  It has 250 stitches and photos and is available as a Kindle ebook (second link below).


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 26, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

An Interview with Sandy Higgins, The Queen of Finishing

Fiber Talk has a fun interview with Sandy Higgins up.

You can order Sandy's book on finishing through her website.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 25, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Micro Chenille Colors Discontinued

Kreinik just announced they are out of the gold and red Micro Chenille and don't anticipate being able to make more. 

The regular chenille is still available, of course, but if you are using this size, make sure you have plenty.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, November 9, 2020

The Stitcher's Best Friend Movie

Needlepoint.com's latest video is a tutorial on using the Stitchers Best Friend.

The Stitchers Best Friend is a double-ended wooden tool used to fix stitches.  It comes in either a size 20,  22 or a size 24 needle.  You can use it to remove a stitch, tuck loose ends under other stitches, use it as a laying tool, or to poke a stitch that's pulled out of position into place again.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 22, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, November 8, 2020

Corraling Beads

With the Tacky Bob bead box being discontinued, my friends and I have been talking about the various gadgets one can use to hold beads as you work a canvas.

Beadsmith's Sticky Bead Mat is a favorite.  It comes in gray or clear and in various sizes.  You peel off a plastic cover and the beads stick to the mat.  If you peel off the plastic cover off the back it will also stick to your canvas.  (Keep the plastic covers to cover the mat when not in use.)  The nice thing about the Sticky Bead Mat is that when it gets pet fur and thread bits on it, you can wash it off and let it dry and it'll be as sticky as when new.

Accoutrement Designs has a metal box for beads and needles that has both the sticky pad and a magnet to hold your beading needles and the beads.  These come in various designs.  You can attach them to your canvas by using a magnet on the back, too.


The Meredith Collection has the Bead Buddies, which is an inch and a half long by one inch wide plastic box with a magnet on the back.  The inside has a sticky paper strip that holds the beads.  If you want something very small, this is probably the right choice.  


There are people who make their own sticky bead holder using masking tape that is rolled into a little loop and stuck into the beads and then onto the canvas, or who use a small container they have around the house.  Whatever works for you is the right choice.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 7, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, November 7, 2020

An Interview with Jill Likes

The Pointing It Out podcast interviews Jill Likes of The Needlepointer.  Learn all about how she got into store ownership, dyeing Silk Straw, her friendship with the designer of Pippin, and more!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 19, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, November 6, 2020

The Smart Cookie's Stocking

The Smart Cookie Award for this month goes to a customer of Eye Candy's who took their rectangular fairy tale collage and made it into a stocking topper!

Here is the original design, 8x9 inches on 18 count.  Very clever!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 19, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, November 5, 2020

Bohin Has a New Needle Threader

Bohin has released a new wire needle threader with an intricate rose gold base that allows for tassels to be added.

If you like wire threaders (they are my favorite type) you'll want to check these out.  I suspect they'd make a great gift for a stitching friend, too, especially if you made a tassel in their favorite colors.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 15, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.