Anna Pearson's Top Ten Tips: The Movie

Anna Pearson has started a series of Top Ten Tips for Needlepoint short videos on YouTube. Here's the first video with three wonderful tips.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOeaUBz0tqI

And here is the second.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhNL7jCfIdQ

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

A Bookmark For Fun

Colour Complements had a customer use their threads for a fun little bookmark she made up.  Many stitchers love to read, so this is a fun project for yourself or a stitching friend, or even your follow book club members.
https://colourcomplements.com/2020/03/bookmarks-colour-complements-hand-dyed-threads.html

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

Doris Day's Needlepoint at Auction

Thanks to Tim, I've learned that the upcoming auction of Doris Day's estate at Julien's Auctions has plenty of needlepoint items for sale.  The auction will be held April 4 and 5, 2020.  All proceeds will go to the Doris Day Animal Foundation.
https://www.juliensauctions.com/about-auction?id=314

Tim says the lots with stitched items are:

471 - embroidery on linen
494 - three needlepoint dog pillows

Second Session Lots

1005 - dog tapestry with beaded fringe and needlepoint coin purse
1021 - embroidered bell pull and flat unframed embroidery
1022 - dog tapestry pillows 

1023 - dog saying needlepoint pillow
1057 - traditional floral needlepoint footstool

There appear to be a lot of dog and cat pillows that are not needlepoint per se but it can be difficult to tell.

To see anything or just browse, click on "Flip Through Catalogue," then click on the terms and conditions box, then click on "View Catalogue."  Click on the Table of Contents on the left side of the page to find sections with your lot number.  Use the little magnifying glass icon at the bottom of the page for a better look.

Tim, thank you!

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

Woodlawn Exhibit Goes Virtual

Woodlawn Plantation is posting photos of some of the ribbon-winners from the Woodlawn Show on their Facebook page, starting March 16, 2020.  You'll have to scroll down past other items to find the first photo.
https://www.facebook.com/woodlawnandpopeleigheyhouse/

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

Jody Valentine Teaches Canvas Painting

Bored stuck at home? Then watch this video of Jody Valentine of Jody Designs showing how she paints the canvases she sells in her Etsy store.
https://www.facebook.com/JODYDESIGNSneedlepoint/videos/495790917748309/UzpfSTEwMDU3NzIwODMwOTgwNzA6MTIwMTY1NzQ5MDE3NjE5NA/?__tn__=%2CdK-R-R&eid=ARBldJ1NOw4UUSntOuBg4AhSrpiybWhta7NNhyfLL272W1kDudqfjkISI_0alOLvDjG2KFwFNaDEiFfZ&fref=gs&dti=108537025890131&hc_location=group

If nothing else it will give you a good idea of how hand painted canvases are made and why they are as expensive as they are.

Jody has posted a second video today about her basketweave rug that she stitches from stash.
https://www.facebook.com/JODYDESIGNSneedlepoint/videos/1100184290320542/?__tn__=%2CdK-R-R&eid=ARAMkig6qwEJKzlh0PvyMziDp5UD3nd0hevAw-5FZnC23W7czH1oW1fJHmImIhq0blbiagkhMDlQ2VD2&fref=gs&dti=108537025890131&hc_location=group

You can browse Jody's designs in her Etsy shop here.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/JODYdesignsNEEDLEPT

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

Free Stitch Lessons from Meredith

Meredith of M's Canvashouse (not to mention the Meredith Collection of painted canvases and the Needle Buddies magnets plus classes and even a book and app) has decided to post a weekly lesson about stitches and where to use them on the shop website to get us all through quarantine smarter and more relaxed.  Five lessons are currently posted as PDF files to download.  Click here and have fun.
https://classes.mscanvashouse.com/?fbclid=IwAR1nVSjQIv_nAceLL1F8vrjYFiD-RnOWiy_Pqz_uheXAqNF-UNPCZ9-6oCA

Kudos to you, Meredith!  And thanks.

Here's to the cleanest needlepoint in history!  LOL

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

A Source for Anchor Tapestry Wool

All wool threads are harder to find these days, so I was thrilled when I noticed A Dragon's Tale recommends this Canadian Etsy shop as a good source for Anchor tapestry wool.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/785701041/anchor-tapestry-wool-colours-9152-9452?ref=shop_home_active_2

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

The Automatic Needle Threader

If you've ever hurt your arm and have to thread your needles one-handed, you'll be interested in this.  However, the video shows a regular sewing needle.  I don't think this will work with beading needles, or probably even anything smaller than a size 20 or 22.
https://thetrendingdeal.net/pages/automatic-needle-threader-dod?fbclid=IwAR3K8tEPyo2efpRz8BtMcIoVgrg397SYGY_WiI4aiwn8xv_aWzF3ix50qwk

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

Trying to Find a Home for the Moon Landing

Thanks to Tara, we can read about the search for a home for this amazing needlepoint creation.
https://www.vancouverislandfreedaily.com/community/port-alberni-woman-seeking-someone-to-be-over-the-moon-about-her-one-of-a-kind-needlepoint/?fbclid=IwAR1m0GYTRiuLmd8BGHCGPIwPpD_4_5OgTdF2x1FPhFhYtzQ7P0q57TenLqM

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

Handling Needlepoint Mail Order Successfully

Now that most folks are trying to stay at home more, I realized the way I cope with ordering needlepoint items remotely is pertinent to a lot more folks who don't live the isolated existence I do as a matter of course.  More and more shops are closing to walk in traffic but will do mail order.  The first thing you need to know is what your regular shop is doing.  Most are sending out emails to regular customers, updating their Facebook page (if they have one) or their website.  Remember, it's expensive and hard to change websites so get on your favorite shop's email list if you can and watch their Facebook page for updates if they have one.

Once you know how your favorite shop is handling social isolation to keep everyone safe, then you can start to plan.  Many shops are having sales.  Browse their website and see if you want to order something.  If you do, ask your shop to kit it for you.  If you are a counted canvas person, now's a great time to look at back issues of Needlepoint Now magazine and Needle Pointers to find a project you like.  There will be a list of supplies you need, making it easy to place an order.

Then your shop can either mail items or if you are close, perhaps you can drive by and have them deliver purchases to your car.

If you have a canvas put away you want to stitch, see if your favorite shop will allow you to mail it to them for threads and stitch ideas.  If not, rummage in your stash for supplies.  Get creative.  You can always use other colors (just don't substitute a dark color for a light area in the canvas; use light on light, medium on medium shades and dark on dark).

If you need to order threads, pull out your DMC color card so you can tell your shop that you need Pepper Pot silk (for example) in DMC colors X, Y and Z.  Most shops have a color card of their own and can easily find what you want or suggest substitutions if they don't have a Pepper Pot (for example) in DMC xyz.

Use this time to organize your stash.  If you've always meant to do this but never taken the time, being stuck at home is the perfect time to make good use of enforced idleness.

If you don't have a local shop, ask your stitching buddies online for stitch and thread ideas.  Run out of a thread?  Ask around.  Many of us have big stashes and likely we can figure out how to mail supplies to each other.

Together we'll get through this.  Staying home as much as possible is a good thing for us as a country, so we will all do our part to keep ourselves and everyone else safe.  And I bet we get a lot of stress-releasing stitching done, too!

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

Metal Threads Embroidery Scissors with Large Finger Holes

Thistle Threads just got a shipment of Italian scissors for goldwork for their online shop.
https://thistle-threads.myshopify.com/products/goldwork-scissors-large-fingerholes

These have serrated blades to make cutting metal threads easier and the finger holes are larger than usual, which is nice for arthritic fingers.  But if you want these, act NOW.  Due to the coronavirus and the importance of not going to the post office constantly, Thistle Threads is going to stop orders at midnight, Sunday March 22.

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

Thinking About Going to Market

Arlene Cohen of Works by ABC is a counted canvaswork and cross stitch designer who is just ramping up into being a pro.  As part of that process, she went to the Nashville Market in early March to stick her toe into how it all works.
https://worksbyabc.com/2020/03/14/nashville-needlework-market/

Arlene is walking a path many a designer has gone, trying to go from single sales to a larger audience.  We wish her great success!

If you are curious about Arlene's work, don't miss exploring her website.  It's fascinating.  Here is the counted canvaswork section for starters.
https://worksbyabc.com/designs/canvaswork-patterns/

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

COVID-19 and Needlepoint Fun

I've started to gather information about special lessons (some free, some not) and special events that designers and teachers are offering to help fight boredom as we all sit at home to help keep everyone from spreading the coronavirus.  You can see everything I've found out about in the "COVID-19 and Needlepoint Fun" tab above.  I'll add to the listing as I learn about more, but remember to contact your shop to find out what hours they are keeping and whether they will do mail order, allow you to shop remotely, or pick up items at curbside.  Each ship will do things differently depending on their location and degree of danger.

Do shop with your favorites.  We need to keep them in business while no one can visit them in person.

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

The Tag-a-Long Portable Floor Stand: Assembly Video

BeStitched just posted a great video showing how to assemble the light-weight, portable wooden floor stand that K's Creations sells.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-mtgyiho2c&t=48s&inf_contact_key=3c5aa44863c873d447b5f530d1378b40

It's called the Tag-a-Long Portable Floor Stand.
http://www.kscreations.com/floor_tagalong.htm

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

Another Smart Cookie for March

We have another Smart Cookie Award winner this month—Bobbie, who turned a honey pot into a scissors and ort container.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/2834998906577249/

I discovered Etsy has quite a few hand made ceramic honey pots and sugar bowls that should work well to hold scissors and corral the snippets of leftover thread ("orts") we accumulate as we work a project.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/766609667/green-glazed-honey-pot-handmade?ref=shop_home_active_1

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

The Smart Cookie Award for March Goes to...

Daria wins the Smart Cookie Award this month because she spotted the iDesign Berry Basket Bins at Bed, Bath and Beyond.  They are perfect for storing Rainbow Gallery threads.  They also stack.  Win win!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/2833290810081392/

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

A New Hang Out Place for Counted Canvas Workers

If doing needlepoint from charts makes you happy, or if you just want to learn more about this, there's a new hang out for counted canvas workers on Facebook.  It's called the Counted Needlepoint Nation, or CNN.

https://colourcomplements.com/product/more-rhodes-to-follow-colour-complements

If you have a Facebook account already, it's easy to join.  Just go to the link above and click on the Join Group button you'll see right under the header photo.  You'll be sent a short list of questions (that's how they keep spammers away) which you need to answer and you'll be in.  

Hide your credit cards, though.  Those needlepointers come in all sizes, shapes, creeds and colors but each and every one is really good at temptation!

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

Japanese Embroidery Scissors

I have two pair of Japanese embroidery scissors I love.  I don't know the brand (they don't have any name on them) but they have stayed sharp for years and I just love them.  So I noticed when Tanja Berlin announced she carries KAI brand Japanese scissors in her shop now.
https://berlinembroidery.com/blog/new-kai-hand-embroidery-scissors/

https://berlinembroidery.com/product-tag/kai/

My scissors don't appear to be from KAI but if these are half as good as the ones I own, they are a great bargain.

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

Threadaholic Alert: Overdyed Floche

One side of Threedle's Christmas 2015 Ornament

I've been stitching with overdyed floche on my current project, one of Threedles' annual Christmas ornaments.  You can see it above.  The mirror image crescents flanking each point of the diamond-shaped center are Ravishing Raspberry #115 overdyed floche from Bedecked and Beadazzled.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/threads/color-dreams/

Regular floche comes from DMC.  One strand nearly the size of two plies of DMC cotton floss.  Mary Corbet has a lovely review of regular non-overdyed floche here.
https://www.dmc.com/us/p-free-patternsfloche.html

I'm eyeing the teal-purple mix that Colour Complements creates for the next side of my ornament.  I think it would look smashing on the aquamarine background.  But of course Lorraine at Colour Complements does lots of pretty colors.  The orange would also be amazing on my aquamarine canvas.
https://colourcomplements.com/product-category/hand-dyed-cotton-floche

Overdyed Floche and Cotton Floss from Colour Complements

UPDATE:  The teal and purple floche has arrived (there's a skein of Colour Complement's overdyed cotton floss in lime and turquoise in the above photo, too).  I forgot to tell you that the overdyed floss from Bedecked and Beadazzled and the overdyed floss from Colour Complements come in skeins of nearly the same size—28 yards for the Color Dreams' skeins from Ruth Schmuff and 3 meters (which is 27.8 yards more or less) for the Colour Complements' skeins.

Floche, whether overdyed or solid, is really lovely to stitch with in my opinion. If you like light coverage, it's very easy to use there.  If you prefer full coverage, you can get a nice smooth finish with 2-3 plies on 18 count.  It looks good next to a sparkle thread or beads, too, providing a good contrast that highlights any bling. This enables you to get away with using only a few beads if you need them but you don't like beading all that much.  I encourage you to try using this great thread the next time you need cotton on your project.

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

The Woodlawn Report 2020 UPDATED

Melita's been to the Woodlawn Plantation exhibit and has a lovely long report for us all.
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2020/03/09/woodlawn-needlework-exhibit-2020/

Several of the nice folks from NJNA have also seen the show.  Here is their report.
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2020/03/13/njna-at-woodlawn/

UPDATE:  Woodlawn Plantation is posting photos of some of the ribbon-winners from the Woodlawn Show on their Facebook page, starting March 16, 2020.
https://www.facebook.com/woodlawnandpopeleigheyhouse/

UPDATE #2:  NJNA has posted photos of the chapter's award winners.
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2020/08/24/njna-at-woodlawn-2020/

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

BREAKING NEWS: WOODLAWN EXHIBIT CLOSES

I've been told the Woodlawn Plantation staff have decided to close the 2020 needlework exhibit early due to the coronavirus epidemic.  (Thanks, Donna.)  Here's the official statement:

The National Trust has made the decision to close Woodlawn and Pope-Leighey House effective Friday, March 12, 2020 at 6:00PM. We have made this decision due to the coronavirus and our concerns for the health of our visitors, volunteers, staff, and community. We will be monitoring the situation as changes are occurring rapidly, but at this time, the site will be closed through March 27^th and all tours, programs, and events will suspended, including our Annual Needlework Show.

While we are closed to the public, the Woodlawn and Pope-Leighey House team will be working remotely and will continue to communicate with the public. 

We are sorry for any inconvenience this closure might cause and hope that this might be only a postponement of the Show,  if it is both practical and deemed safe to do so, we may be able to re-open the exhibit at a later date.  We all love organizing and executing this event each March, and appreciate your support as we move through this situation. We look forward to seeing you back at Woodlawn and  Pope-Leighey very soon! 

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

Needlepoint During an Epidemic UPDATED

With the coronavirus that appeared in Wuhan, China last December rampaging its way across the world, things have changed.  Needlepointers tend to be older and sicker than non-needlepointers, so we are going to have to be careful about how we live our lives to help slow down the spread of this very contagious disease among our tribe and among the rest of the world, too.  The good news is that we don't have to upend everything to do our part.  This article, from a blog written by a stitching friend's son-in-law who happens to be a specialist in infectious diseases in animals, gives you plenty of common sense tips that are easy to follow, including one I've not heard before—and I am pretty well read.
https://erinbromage.wixsite.com/covid19/post/every-disaster-movie-begins-with-the-government-ignoring-the-scientists

Armed with this knowledge, we also have to think about the impact of the cancellation of the Orlando trade show on our beloved designers and shops, not to mention the thread-makers and those who provide tools for our stitching pleasure.  Since we are going to be safe at home more than usual, how about browsing the "Spring Needlepoint Show" tab and look at links to some of the newest stuff, then email or call your favorite shop and order something?  Don't have a favorite shop?  Not to worry—there's a tab called "Recommended Online Shops" here that has names of highly recommended stores to choose from.  Some of them are particularly helpful for those of us who are not in the United States and some are based overseas.  So we can all do our part to keep shops and designers afloat until things return to normal.  And—except for those who lose someone dear to them to COVID-19—it will return to normal eventually.

Until then, we can occupy ourselves by being kind to each other and stitching our brains out.

UPDATE:  Laura Taylor is going to do virtual stitch and thread suggestions via Apple's FaceTime.  Contact her is you are interested.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/search/?query=laura%20taylor&epa=SEARCH_BOX

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

A Needlepoint Bow Tie

Interested in stitching a bow tie?  The Nimble Needle in Atlanta carries a wide selection.
https://www.atlantanimbleneedle.com/home.html

Cabbage Row in Charleston, SC also carries them.
https://cabbagerow.com

If you want your favorite shop to order for you, apparently Julia's Needleworks has a variety of designs.
http://juliasneedleworks.com/index.php/gallery-bowties/category/C319/

Jane Nichols has three part bow ties.
http://www.janenicholsneedlepoint.com/Formal_Wear.html

Of course your friendly shop may have an artist who can do something really special just for you.

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

BREAKING NEWS: ORLANDO SHOW IS POSTPONED

According to Suzie of Enriched Stitch, the Orlando trade show which was scheduled for March 19-23, 2020, is being cancelled or postponed due to the building epidemic.  Not sure which.
http://astheneedleturns.com/im-sorry-to-say/

UPDATE:  The show organizers are emailing shops to say the show will likely happen in late April or early May.  Stay tuned.

Hopefully the designers will post their newest things on their websites so the shops can still order and customers can still see the latest and greatest.  Remember, I post updates and links to all the new things I hear about in the Trade Show tab here.
https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/p/destination-dallas-2013.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 12, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Cher Used to Needlepoint LOTS

Thanks to Kimberly, we have this Kelly Ripa interview with Cher to enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXo2ooy_dn8&fbclid=IwAR1qjOcTjzhMMlfMHmeFno6SBRPXSB31XxVBNF8IB4Z3jXVZMMnzJFyguhY

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 2, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The 40 Year Old Elephant

Liz finally decided on a background for an old dede Odgen canvas she has had for decades and a friend blocked it for her and made it into a pillow. It's magnificent!
https://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2020/02/pansy-elephant-by-dede-ogden.html

The book she used for the charted background is fabulous, by the way.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/520899951/needlepoint-designs-from-oriental-rugs

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

Every Day We Get a Little Older….

Every day we get a little older and a little busier.  EyeCandy has noticed, and she has updated her blog with everything she has available for shops to order on 13 count. It's easier to see and faster to work, so it ticks both boxes!
http://eyecandyneedleart.blogspot.com/2020/02/something-for-everyone-on-13-count.html

Thanks, Ada!

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

Colour Complements Uses a Stitch Library

Lorraine of Colour Complements likes to stitch a sample of various stitches with her new overdyed threads so she can both see how the color works and demonstrate it to customers of her overdyed threads.
https://colourcomplements.com/2020/02/embroidery-stitch-library-needlepoint-colour-complements.html

Most of us don't run a thread company but we all enjoy seeing what an overdye can do, so if you bought a skein of something you loved but have never had an occasion to use it, try making stitch samples as eye candy for your stitching soul.

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

Mickey Mouse Needlepoint

Lots of people want to stitch Disney characters for their younger family members but these things have not been licensed for needlepoint.  So what is a law abiding person to do?

Luckily old copies of Walt Disney Characters Needlepoint Book are available on eBay.  Here's one current auction of several.  This was licensed, making it legal to buy and stitch.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Walt-Disney-characters-needlepoint-book-Embroider/302475845066?epid=4536317&hash=item466cf71dca:g:lxsAAOSw7L1Z1BJc

Disney has recently licensed a chart book called Disney Princesses in Cross Stitch.  I haven't seen this so I don't know if the charts use a lot of half or quarter cross stitches.  If they do, these would be difficult to do on needlepoint canvas.  This cross stitch shop can probably advise you, however.
https://www.everythingcrossstitch.com/disney-princess-cross-stitch-22-easy-to-follow-patterns-featuring-ariel-belle-jasmine-mulan-and-more-mrp-p78603.aspx?k2=e1

It's difficult to abide by the law but take heart.  Mickey Mouse will most likely (unless Disney can find a way to get around or change the law) be in the public domain by 2023.  But that's not going to apply to all of the Disney characters.  Just Mickey.  Expect Disney to continue to vigorously attack anyone making Star Wars and Baby Yoda items, Marvel characters, any of the other Disney cartoon characters, and anything they may come up with or buy in the future.
https://alj.artrepreneur.com/mickey-mouse-keeps-changing-copyright-law/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 8, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

An Interview with Mary Legallet of Whimsical Stitch UPDATED

Needlepoint.com has a fun interview with Whimsical Stitch's Mary Legallet for us this morning.  You can learn a bit about Mary's background and read a mini review of her first book, Mary's Whimsical Stitches.
https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/all-about-mary-s-whimsical-stitches

Here's Mary's website.
http://www.whimsicalstitch.com

She posts a new stitch on her Blog weekly.  There are links to her Pinterest and Instagram accounts in each posting if you want to explore Mary's world further.
http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays

Mary's book is on back order at Needlepoint.com, but it looks like Bedecked and Beadazzled has it in stock.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/marys-whimsical-stitches/

UPDATE:  Here's another interview with Mary, this time from The Wool and The Floss.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUI0pZvmaYc

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

Tips for Bargello

I know I've mentioned this before, but it was a long time ago, so I wanted to remind folks who are interested in stitching Bargello patterns on needlepoint canvas, that Liz Morrow (a master of Bargell0) has some great tips on how to do this successfully on her website.
http://www.lizartneedlepoint.com/Bargello_Information.php

Liz sells her designs from her website if you are interested.  The four way Bargello patterns are unique!  Just poke around a bit to see what's available.

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

Pucci Needlepoint

Horse Country Chic is an admirer of the original Emilo Pucci designs so she was charmed to discover there were needlepoint kits in the mid-1970s made under Pucci's supervision.
http://horsecountrychic.blogspot.com/2020/02/preference-for-pucci.html

https://www.nytimes.com/1976/10/08/archives/needlepoint-from-pucci.html

These are no longer available but they do turn up on eBay and other auction sites periodically.
https://www.ebth.com/items/6944841-vintage-emilio-pucci-needlepoint-kits

If you want Pucci-inspired painted canvases, check Sally Corey, Kate Dickerson, Janet Gregg, and Julie Mar's offerings.
https://needlepointjoint.com/products/pucci-butterfly-bag-pbb550

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

Great Ideas for Smoke

Maria asked the members of NP Nation on Facebook for ideas for the smoke on her Christmas stocking. She got many great ideas, many illustrated with photos. Have fun browsing!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/2790380107705796/

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

An Interesting Trend UPDATED

It's not needlepoint, but it is interesting. Pippin Studio is branching out into cross stitch.
https://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2020/02/winter-sampler.html

Looks like there are five Pippin charts available.
https://www.imaginating.com/pippin-studio-mrl-m29.aspx?k2=y1

If you prefer charts to painted canvases,  or are looking for a cheaper Pippin than a painted canvas, these are a great option.

UPDATE:  
https://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2020/03/haunted-house-.html

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

The Stitchers Hideaway Report

The busy stitchers of NJNA (that's the New Jersey Needle Artists chapter of ANG) are at Stitchers Hideaway, a yearly retreat in New Jersey.  
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2020/02/19/stitchers-hideaway/

Sounds like a fun and productive time!
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2020/02/19/another-february-sotm-finish/

Stitcher's Hideaway has retreats twice a year in the New England area.  Here is their website in case you are interested in going to one in 2020.
http://stitchershideaway.com

Of course if you live in New Jersey, you can visit or join NJNA, too!
https://njneedleartists.org

Needlepoint is always better when you can stitch with others just like you.

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

Woodlawn 2020 Winners Posted

Woodlawn Planation has posted their winners for the 2020 show. Many thanks for letting us know, Donna!
http://www.woodlawnpopeleighey.org/annualneedleworkshow?fbclid=IwAR092GkChIMkdVIo_eiGbTMOUIX0wF1llg6YKMu3EfxbJQ8DxjiRUUFPYrM

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

Debbee's Designs Goes to Seminar

Debbie Rowley of Debbee's Designs is going to teach at ANG's 2020 Seminar in Tuscon next August.  She's going to describe each of her three classes in detail and tell us a bit about what ANG Seminars are like on her blog.  Pour some of your favorite beverage and settle in to see Debbie's latest!
https://debbeesdesigns.com/2020/02/17/what-im-teaching-for-ang-2020/

https://debbeesdesigns.com/2020/02/19/mostly-crescents-for-ang-2020-national-seminar/

https://debbeesdesigns.com/2020/02/24/teaching-projects-continued/

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