Three Birds: A Brooke Conner Mystery Hosted by Ruth Schmuff

The spring mystery class at Bedecked and Beadazzled will center on Brooke Conner's "Three Birds."  Ruth Schmuff plans to use surface embroidery, goldwork and beading to create something special and educational here.   Stay tuned.  As Ruth reveals each step, I'll update this article.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2020/04/techniques/

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2020/05/dip-your-toe-in-the-water/

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2020/05/tweet-tweet/

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2020/06/birds-on-a-branch/

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

Debbie's Stitch-A-Long (Quilt Block One)

Debbie Rowley is doing a brand new DebBee's Design chart as a stitch-a-long.  This is based on a quilt block pattern and she's inviting everyone to stitch it with her, just to keep our spirits up while we are stuck at home.  I'm going to update this article with her instructions as she releases them.

Here are the details:
https://debbeesdesigns.com/2020/04/14/starting-something-new-join-me/

https://debbeesdesigns.com/2020/04/16/stitch-along-first-steps/

https://debbeesdesigns.com/2020/04/20/first-stitches/

Debbie has interesting things to say about thread ironing here.
https://debbeesdesigns.com/2020/04/22/next-steps/

And now there are beads (or not if you prefer).
https://debbeesdesigns.com/2020/04/25/more-pink/

https://debbeesdesigns.com/2020/04/28/finishing-the-center-diagonal-line/

Debbie takes time to find the perfect shade of pink metallic.
https://debbeesdesigns.com/2020/05/04/and-now-a-little-snag/

https://debbeesdesigns.com/2020/05/06/smooth-sailing-for-this-section/

https://debbeesdesigns.com/2020/05/08/almost-finished/

https://debbeesdesigns.com/2020/05/14/ta-da/

https://debbeesdesigns.com/2020/06/13/friday-finishing/

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

Hathaway Merino Crewel Wool

Thanks to Kathy of the Unbroken Thread, I've leaned Hathaway Merino Crewel Wool is available again from a new distributor, Crown Textile Studio.
https://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2020/04/15/catkin-crown-textile-studio-is-open/

I'm very fond of crewel wool, especially Appleton's, which comes in very lovely shades, and knowing that there's another variety of crewel is particularly good news.  If you want to order, here's the link.
https://www.catkincrowntextilestudio.com

And here are the colors.  One is the lightest shade and nine the darkest, by the way.
https://www.catkincrowntextilestudio.com/collections/all

This company is in the UK but they ship world-wide.  There are limits currently as to how often they can go to the post office, so talk to them about any shipping constraints before you order.

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

Ergonomics, Yoga and Health for Stitchers

I've heard stories of needlepointers stitching for 6-8 hours straight these days, as we try and keep anxieties and worries at bay and focus on accomplishing something.  That is laudable but you need to keep your body in mind as you stitch.  Sitting for that long doing a repetitive motion is very bad for it.

Over in the right hand column, under the pink heart photo, are a series of links in the "Ergonomics, Yoga and Health for Stitchers" section.  Take this information to heart.  Don't hurt yourself!

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

Why Jennifer is Doing Basketweave

I imagine a lot of us can sympathize with Jennifer.
https://pollyannasprose.blogspot.com/2020/03/control-choice-and-comfort.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 31, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Finishing Made Easy Booklets

Sue Hillis has a new publication—"Easels Made Easy."
https://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2020/04/easels-made-easy.html

Sue is a cross stitch designer who is now publishing finishing instructions booklets.  I don't know how complete the instructions are or even exactly what her first booklet covers.
https://www.123stitch.com/item/Sue-Hillis-Finishing-Made-Easy-Cross-Stitch-Pattern/20-1633

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

What To Do When There's No Needlepoint

Ok, you are stuck at home and you have no stitching. (Ok, let's be realistic, you have plenty but nothing really is whispering "Stitch me" to you.)  You can't go to your favorite shop to pick out something new and you don't really want to spend much money anyway.  So, what do you do?

Etsy is the answer!  You rummage around Etsy and you find something like this TEW Designs ornament for $18 with free shipping.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/778087076/hand-painted-needlepoint-canvas-3-round?ref=shop_home_active_9&frs=1

It's on 13 count and is only three inches across so you won't spend a lot of time on this.  (You do have all those other canvases stashed under your bed, anyway.)  You can probably find enough threads in your stash to work it up, too.  You'll need red, green, white and gold.  Don't have any green?  Substitute navy!  No gold?  Try yellow or if you are a fan of autumn colors, change gold to orange and use ecru for the white areas.  You might even use brown on the green paint.

You can tent stitch the whole thing.  Or you can run wild and do something fancier.  Tent stitch everything except the tiny single single dots of red, white and gold.  Bead those with pearls, and gold and ruby red beads.  Don't like beading or don't have the right colors?  Use a tiny French knot or a cross stitch in a fatter than normal thread so it sticks up a bit and gives you a little jewel-like bump.
Play with texture.  Use perle cotton for the white areas, Very Velvet for the red, metallic for the gold and something that is a silk blend or has a metallic woven in for the green.

Get your stitching friends to all purchase one of these (there are many colors and patterns) and have a stitch-a-thon.  If you don't have any red threads for yours, trade blue threads to your stitching buddy for the red you need so he or she can do the ornament that is purple, blue and green.  You can cheer each other on and have fun mailing threads back and forth to each other from your stashes.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/TEWDesigns?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=778087076

We can make our own fun rather cheaply.

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

The Smart Cookie Award for April goes to….

The Smart Cookie Award for April goes to Patrick, who turned a cigarette case into a needle and scissor case.  It's gorgeous!  Use the right side arrow to see what's inside.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=628351451079475&set=pcb.2890767204333752&type=3&theater&ifg=1

Well done and stylish!

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

A Brief Interview with Rachel Donley

Needlepoint.com is using a Rachel Donley exclusive canvas for one of their kit by mail classes and took the opportunity to post a short interview with Rachel on their blog.
https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/meet-the-artist-rachel-donley

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

Anasazi Song: The Movie

Gary Parr of Fiber Talk just finished stitching Carole Lake's "Anasazi Song."  Then he filmed it and described how it is done.  Impressive!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBegtdKeyPs&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR3j_RyLXokcCaCM7k4ZwNpFnGp6VzzYLNX2SshsPPwT7SzmbbdGvxtkb-I

If you fall in love, the charts for Anasazi Song and the other two in the series are still available.
https://stitchplay.com/carole-lake-designs/

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

My Favorites from Spring 2020

With the disruption the Coronavirus has brought us during the spring of 2020, we didn't have a spring trade show in Orlando but that doesn't mean our designers haven't been busy creating temptations for us!  Here are my favorites from the late winter-early spring.

Gayla Elliott's Cleopatra

I always like Gayla Elliott's little portraits of woman.  This is Cleopatra.  She would be a delight to stitch!
https://needlepoint.com/products/aasgep255

Maggie's Cleo Cat, Complete with Attitude

Continuing the theme of Egypt (A personal favorite but hey!  This is MY favorites list!) is this fun Egyptian cat from Maggie.  Abstract designs don't usually grab me but I really like this one.  Snooty cats are always fun, right?

Heidi Stanley's Lucky Cat

Heidi Stanley has a great Lucky Cat design that would be really fun to do as well.

Green Tiger from Hello Tess

I also like Hello Tess' Green Tiger.  Are you seeing a feline theme here?  LOL
https://hellotessdesigns.com/collections/new

Labors of Love's Wicked Queen

Want more of a challenge?  Look at this Labors of Love canvas of the evil stepmother queen from Snow White that Amy Bunger will use as a Home Study starting probably next fall.  It'll be a real challenge but Amy Bunger is up to it.

Tapestry Fair's Spirit Animal Coyote

Tapestry Fair has a series of Spirit Animals from Timothy Chapman's artwork that are spectacular.  I like the Coyote.
https://bestitchedneedlepointshop.com/collections/spring-2020-digital-market/products/spirit-animal-coyote

Blue Heron from Julie Mar is lovely.
http://www.juliemardesigns.com/pc/CN-1524/market-preview/Blue+Heron

Abigail Cecile's Brown Bear from the Folk Art Animals Series

If you want less of a challenge, how about the really darling series of folk art wild animals from Abigail Cecile?  Brown Bear is my favorite but they are all very cute and would be fun to work up for winter display.
https://kirkandbradley.com/collections/new-designs-abigail-cecile

Ugly Christmas Sweater from Ryan Conners of Purple Palm

Want something with personality?  How about Ryan's animal glasses series?  These are distributed by Purple Palm.  I love the cat in green glasses myself but there are dogs that are just as cute.
https://purplepalmdesigns.com/?product_cat=ryans-designs

Melissa Prince's Winter Hummingbird

If you like birds (and who doesn't?) you might like Melissa Prince's new birds, too.  My favorite is the Winter Hummingbird.  I like the realism here.  The humming bird has personality.
https://stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=64696&title=Winter%20Hummingbird&itemtype=hand%20painted%20canvases

Lady in Hat from Leigh Designs

My final pick is a classic.  Leigh Designs has a series of ladies in hats.  This is the newest and a favorite of mine due to the soft pastel colors and her sawn neck and lovely hair.
https://www.facebook.com/FleurDeParis/photos/a.364859333567690/2895536467166618/?type=3&theater

So there you have it!  I like people and animal canvases, mostly realistic designs.  So what's your favorite theme and which new designs do you like?

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

Online Niki McDonald Exhibit

Sadly, one cannot go to see Niki McDonald's needlepoint exhibit but there's an online catalogue of her work here—
http://www.trafficjamgalleries.com/images/current-exhibition/Niki%20McDonald%20-%20Untitled.%202020%20Exhibition%20Catalogue.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2DVbLveT3KsMM1lUVWxAR3qUqaL8i72hFQWQqzPotzJRQXiHtpCzL4clI

Her original pieces are so clever!  You can see more of Niki's work at her Tapestry Girl website.
https://tapestrygirl.com

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

Learn Silk Ribbon Embroidery with River Silks Videos

River Silks is starting a YouTube channel full of silk ribbon embroidery tutorials.  If you ever wanted to learn how to use silk ribbon on needlepoint canvas, this is your chance!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1n5IIoT28pVFE_qcyZTwSpPK-k6hXJPX&fbclid=IwAR2e32v8QIKrQMdfZXFglnWB01T7IwpITOhrsAteF5GSfMVV8qXkWRHvoNg

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

Meredith Does a Cat and Dog Background

Speaking of Meredith Willet, her latest free stitch diagrams are stitches suitable for a cat and a dog canvas.  Here are the fish diagrams for a cat.
https://classes.mscanvashouse.com/pdf/quarantine/Quarantine_Lesson_13.pdf

Here is the dog bone one.
https://classes.mscanvashouse.com/pdf/quarantine/Quarantine_Lesson_14.pdf

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

Meredith's Beading Tips

Meredith Willet of M's Canvas House and The Meredith Collection has some beading tips, things she's found in her classes that make for better beading.
https://classes.mscanvashouse.com/pdf/quarantine/Quarantine_Lesson_8.pdf

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

Mary's Whimsical Stitches: A Review

Mary's Whimsical Stitch, by Mary Legallet

Recently I was gifted Mary Legallet's brand new book, Mary's Whimsical Stitches, Volume 1.   As you can see from the above photo, it's a rather small but heavy book, spiral bound, with a plastic cover and back for durability.  Inside it is 287 pages, with three of them a short introduction, plus two stitch indexes.  More on the indexes in a bit.

Each page has one stitch diagram, so you have a lot of stitches in this book.  It's fat!  It's probably 3/4 of an inch thick.  It's small enough to put in your suitcase or tote bag if you travel much but it is heavy.

Sneak Peak inside Mary's Whimsical Stitches

Here is a peek inside the book.   As you can see, the diagrams are in colors and are numbered to help you follow the path to create each stitch unit.  That's actually my biggest quibble with the book.  I'm not sure the diagrams (mostly in black, gray, goldenrod and teal blue) are always legible if you have eye problems.  However, Mary's made a real effort to make them clear and the colors are more restrained than in the original diagrams Mary created for her blog.

Many folks have seen Mary's weekly online stitch diagram series.  If you haven't, here's a link—
http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays

I know some folks are thinking why should they buy Mary's book when they can just look at her stitches online? The reason is that browsing her blog, although fun, isn't easy when you are looking for something specific.  The book has those indexes I mentioned.  They help you find a stitch for something quite easily.  The Stitches by Chapter Index lists all the stitches by chapter.  Since Mary organizes her stitches by Essential Stitches, Balanced Stitches, Border Stitches, Diagonal Stitches, Layered Stitches, Oblique Stitches, Small Stitches and Straight Stitches, if you are looking for stitches for a border, the index helps you locate anything that might work quickly.

The Decorative Stitch Index lists all the stitches in alphabetical order but it is in chart form.  The chart lists stitches by page number and by chapter,  but also by the sort of usage that Mary thinks the stitch is good for.  The usages are:  Animals (except for birds), Backgrounds, Beards, Birds, Clothing (Large), Clothing (Small), Floors, Flowers, Glass, Leaves, Roof, Sky, Snow, Tabletops, Trees, Walls and Water.  As you can see, that's most of what you will find on a painted canvas unless it's an abstract design.  So you can just flip to the back and look up Glass and find 38 different stitches that Mary uses for windows, drinks glasses, etc.  I think these indexes are really useful.

Another Peek, This Time at a Page with a Link

Another reason to buy the book instead of just browsing Mary's Instagram page or her blog is that there are a lot more stitches in the book than she's posted online.  However, probably half of the pages have a URL listed under the diagram.  These are stitches Mary has posted online. If you type the URL into a browser window, you'll see the diagram stitched.  Here's the URL for the diagram above.  
https://www.instagram.com/p/BK7KBpZDGi9/

This is invaluable for those who want to see a stitch sample in color.   Most books cannot provide this because it raises the price of printing to more than stitchers will pay, but Mary's found an ingenious way around it.  Typing the Tiny URL is a pain, but it does help you figure out if this is a look that will work for your canvas if you have trouble visualizing stitches from a diagram.

I do have another caveat for those who might be considering buying this book.  Mary likes open stitches.  If you object to canvases not being totally covered with thread, this book is not going to be as useful to you as to someone who likes having a bit of the original painted shading showing.  You can make most stitches more or less full coverage by adjusting the thickness of the thread but there is a limit as to how much coverage you can achieve with many of these stitches.

But if you like the idea of stitches organized by effect with clear diagrams that have a bit of color, and if you want to be able to look at colored photos of the stitches in action at least some of the time, this is a very useful book!  Mary doesn't sell directly but any shop can get a copy for you.  Just ask your favorite store for assistance.  If you don't have a favorite store, this is the first one that came up in a search for me.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/marys-whimsical-stitches/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 29, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Are You Tempted to Make Face Masks? Read This First UPDATED

As the epidemic rages on, more and more of us know someone who is sick or at great risk for getting sick and we all have local hospitals in need. Want to help by making masks?  First, you should read what Tricia Nguyen says about finding useful masks hidden in our houses.
http://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2020/03/woodworkers-makers-and-those-who-sew.html

If you don't have any supplies you've forgotten about or you want to make masks for your local UPS driver, read what Erin has to say.  Pay special attention to removing the mask and washing it frequently.  If someone in your house gets sick, having some of these ready will be very helpful but you'll need to know how to handle and clean them safely.
https://erinbromage.wixsite.com/covid19/post/time-to-rethink-the-face-mask

Here is the mask pattern he recommends.  There's even a video to help you make them.
https://www.unitypoint.org/cedarrapids/sewing-surgical-masks.aspx?fbclid=IwAR310tk5LwP12ap8gp2IFnprP9kNWthxirueXmjYg2nKHC8Vb0OM4gXpxaM

Here's the Olsen mask template pattern.  See the box that says "Test Square" on each template pattern page?  If you print this page out, measure the box to make sure your box printed out around one inch square so you know you have a good template.
https://www.unitypoint.org/cedarrapids/filesimages/Coronavirus/003902oo-1%20Olson%20Mask%20V07.pdf

As I write this, my state doesn't mandate the wearing of masks in public to compare the coronavirus sweeping the world but I think it's only a matter of time—and of common sense.  Most of us have the skill to make our own but before you do, read what Johns Hopkins says about masks and their utility in preventing infection.  It really helps you understand how to protect yourself best, what masks can and cannot do and how to use a mask properly.
https://www.jhsph.edu/research/centers-and-institutes/johns-hopkins-education-and-research-center-for-occupational-safety-and-health/can-a-mask-protect-me-putting-homemade-masks-in-the-hierarchy-of-controls

UPDATE:  Here's a needlepoint mask pattern but I'd only stitch this as a joke as it can't be washed.
https://lifetart.com/2020/04/16/quarantine-needlepoint-mask-cover/

UPDATE #2:  Needlepaint has instructions as to how to make your own mask.
https://www.needlepaint.com/blog/2020/06/19/needlepaint-masks-unmasked/

https://www.needlepaint.com/blog/2020/08/14/needlepaint-mask-version-2/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 31, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Rainbow Gallery and Needlenook of La Jolla to the Rescue

Worried that you won't be able to get threads for your projects now that so many things are closed?  Don't be.  There will be minor disruptions but it looks like things are going pretty well.  Just heard from Vicky at Needlenook of La Jolla:

"In the last week I've gotten orders from Silk & Ivory, Vineyard, Planet Earth, Fleur de Paris (DMC & Kreinik) and Rainbow Gallery. Gloriana is shipping and that's my next order up on my evergrowing to-do list! Planet Earth & Vineyard shipped immediately, while the others take a little longer than normal. but there is nothing normal now."

I also heard from Sally London of Rainbow Gallery:

"We are shipping out orders at least 2-3 days a week. We do have a limited warehouse staff and I am working every day off site. I have personally talked with many shops in the last 2 weeks and given them my cell phone number and told them I am available to take an order from them 7 days a week. All shops can email, phone or text orders to me and I send them off to the warehouse. We are making every effort to get orders out to the shops as soon as possible. If you know of any shop that is in need of goods please have them email: info@rainbowgallery.com  Thank you very much for getting the word out that we are shipping."

With dedication like this from our thread manufacturers and our shops, we are not going to be short of things to stitch with, that's for sure.

Your guys are our heroes.

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

Easter Eggs from DebBee's Designs

Because it is Easter, DebBee's Designs shows off her eggs.
https://debbeesdesigns.com/2020/04/09/happy-easter/

Your favorite shop can order the chart for these for you, or you can see if Stitcher's Paradise in Florida still has it in stock.
https://www.stitchers-paradise.com/Canvas_Embroidery/CEDebBeesDesigns.html

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

The Stations of the Cross: A Movie

Thanks to Ginger I have a link to a video tour of the Stations of the Cross stitched for Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church on the Emory University campus in Atlanta, Georgia.  It's a lovely thing to watch on this special Easter Sunday.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1o3B5HoLVZk&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR38rhSfUVfoO5Pcmy2joM_iG5PdJ0_L-SC0lAMVyt4TGj77dm1xmjXaADM

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 31, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Running Low

Enriched Stitch is worried about being able to restock threads and painted canvases as the epidemic lock-down measures means that canvases painted overseas are going to be hard to get for now. And of course Rainbow Gallery and Kreinik have both closed their factories.  Their thread production has stopped for now.
http://astheneedleturns.com/pushing-the-panic-button/

I won't lie to you, this is going to be hard on the shops.  They may not be able to kit out canvases the way they normally would.  As for us stitchers, we have a lot of options available.  Already Needlepoint Nation is being used to source a certain canvas or thread.  Folks post there asking for any shop that has such-and-such to message them.  It helps the shops with sales during times when they can't have visitors and it naturally helps stitchers.  We just have to work a little harder and be more inventive.

If you want to try something new, see if you can order your perle cottons and cotton flosses directly from Colonial Needle which distributes Presencia threads.  These are exceptionally high quality and come in a very wide range of colors and sizes (for the perle cottons).
https://colonialneedle.com/pages/presencia

Need some Kreinik?  Check out the overdyed versions from Colour Complements or ThreadworX.
https://colourcomplements.com/product-category/kreinik-braid-hand-dyed-variegated-colour-complements

You can't order from ThreadworX directly but something there might be just the thing and your shop might have it tucked away in a corner.
https://www.threadworx.com/product.php?catid=8&catName=Hand%20Overdyed%20Metallic%20#8%20braid%20-%2010%20yards&pg_num=1

Can't find what you want locally and you don't belong to Facebook to take advantage of Needlepoint Nation and other groups to hunt for supplies?  Rummage around Etsy and eBay.  We can do this.  It won't be as convenient or easy as it has been in the past, but sacrifice for the common good means we are going to have to get creative while we stitch in order to keep as many people safe as possible as long as possible.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 31, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Etsy Horse Needlepoint

Horse Country Chic loves horses and loves needlepoint, so naturally needlepoint with horses is a prime favorite for her.  She's using her free time to browse Etsy for good horse needlepoint and is sharing her finds.
http://horsecountrychic.blogspot.com/2020/04/more-great-etsy-needlepoint-bargains.html

Aren't horse mad?  How about dogs?  Cats?  Flowers?  Do a few searches for your favorites on Etsy? It's a good way to pass some free time and you might find a really fabulous design, perhaps even kitted out with threads, to give you or someone you love a way to keep hands busy when you are anxious.

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

Learning Stem and Outline Stitch: The Movie

Ruth Schmuff has posted two videos on YouTube to teach you to do stem and outline stitch.  The first video talks about outline stitch.  (By the way, the entire design this video shows is in the second link below.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bSmyYrMtwE

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2019/11/the-shoe/

The second talks about changing direction on curvy lines.  (The entire design isn't finished yet but the second link below shows Ruth's current progress on this project.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KcJCcX2iFU&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR0NpbMlgG0kafDgEyeO87FMWOX_fKmKAZoGUCkt77P_WpM4R4Lop_tYdt0

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2020/03/patterns/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 29, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Blank Canvas a'Plenty

A friend recently asked me where to get blank canvas. It looks like Alex Paras Needle Arts has tons of sizes and colors.
https://store.apneedlearts.com/blcali.html

Check the "Counted Canvaswork Shops" for other places that are likely to carry a large assortment of sizes and colors and canvas counts.

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

Two Great Background Ideas from eBay

I was browsing eBay this morning, looking at the latest bargains, when I stumbled across two sales that have great background ideas.  The first idea is based on this Beau Geste canvas, which has the background divided into four equal quadrants, each a different color.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-Needlepoint-18ct-BEAUGESTE-Stargazer-Lilies-GN26/233534122174?hash=item365fb7e8be:g:uGAAAOSwQzVedQ-U

I think it would look very nice behind any simple floral design like this All About Stitching peony.  Each section could be stitched in either tent stitches or a fancier stitch.
https://needlepointalley.com/needlepoint-canvases/Pink-Peony-handpainted-by-All-About-Stitching-p35393662

The other background idea is inspired by the skirt on this Joan Thomasson angel.  See the blackwork pattern that is just /\ /\ stitches on top of tent stitches?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-Needlepoint-18ct-STITCHIN-STUFF-1996-Angel-w-SG-thrds-backing-trim-SU109/333556297000?hash=item4da9812d28:g:dHkAAOSwKWVeeR89

Stitch those with a sharp needle in a thin metallic over the underlying tent stitches and you can add pizzaz to any plain background such as this lovely Shelley chic lady.
https://needlepointalley.com/needlepoint-canvases/Tres-Chic-Shelley-Tribbey-Designs-p35905025

Inspiration is anywhere.  You just have to look for it.

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.

Stitchin' Littles Kits for Kids

Stuck at home with a bunch of kids you need to keep occupied? Stitchin' Littles to the rescue!
https://www.stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/beginner-s-kits?utm_campaign=4e3b6f6e-c28b-4759-bd8e-c35ebf0ec06b&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail&cid=68c6d8c4-6311-4db7-a6af-6c56ebef78b3

The designs are by kids for kids and are on 7 count canvas.  The thread in the kit is Red Heart knitting yarn, perfect for small hands.  This is a fun way to learn the basics before graduating into more expensive designs and threads.

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.

Easter on Etsy

Horse Country Chic has done a little spring and Easter canvas browsing on Etsy and come up with some really fun rabbit, dog, and horse canvases.  
http://horsecountrychic.blogspot.com/2020/03/needlepoint-on-etsy.html

The belts are a good deal and perfect stress release stitching as they are in basketweave.  You can do that practically in your sleep if your brain is currently fried and have a good belt to wear this fall to remember your time at home by.

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.

The What a Hoot Charted Owl Club

What a Hoot is the monthly designer club coming from Colour Complements. This is a charted series with the chart by Kam Wenzloff .  There will be six colorful owls with a new chart of a new colorful owl starting April-September 2020.  The threads are all from Colour Complements.
https://colourcomplements.com/2020/04/what-a-hoot-needlepoint-colour-complements.html

I usually don't mention new monthly clubs in the main part of Blog, but since there are so few clubs for those who love counted canvaswork, I wanted to make sure no one missed this.  The first owl will be introduced today and then the first Friday of each of the next six months.
https://colourcomplements.com/2020/04/what-a-hoot-series-colour-complements.html

Here's #2:
https://colourcomplements.com/product/what-a-hoot-winky-needlepoint

And the third!
https://colourcomplements.com/product/what-a-hoot-theros

Number four--
https://colourcomplements.com/2020/07/what-a-hoot-athene-colour-complements-needlepoint.html

Number five —
https://colourcomplements.com/2020/08/what-a-hoot-screech-colour-complements-needlepoint.html

And here is the last owl--
https://colourcomplements.com/2020/09/owl-i-want-for-christmas-needlepoint-owls.html

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

DebBee's Designs Reviews Mandarin Floss

You can ready what Debbie thinks about Mandarin Floss here.
https://debbeesdesigns.com/2020/03/24/quarantine-discoveries-mandarin-floss/

Personally, I love it, particularly for plants and animals.  There are nearly 70 colors available now, too.  If you want a realistic texture on your next project, you should see if your favorite shop carries this.
https://www.rainbowgallery.com/product/mandarin-floss/

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

Colour Complements' Eye for Colour Videos

Have trouble picking colors for a project?  Lorraine at Colour Complements is going to do a monthly posting on her blog called Eye for Colour to showcase colors that work well together.  She'll then post various thread brands that use these colors for you to use for inspiration.
https://colourcomplements.com/2020/03/eye-for-colour-colour-complements-embroidery-threads.html

The next palette is a lovely spring/Easter/early summer collection.
https://colourcomplements.com/2020/04/colour-50-eye-for-colour-series.html

Picking colors and stitches is hard for most of us so a tool that helps with colors is much appreciated!

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.