A Handmade Seam Ripper-Awl Combination Tool

Although I'm not a sampler person, I do occasionally watch the videos about the samplers that Hands Across the Sea charts for sale.  This week Nicola showed off a hand made seam ripper that she prefers to the traditional type.  It's easier for her to hold and doesn't stress her neck as much.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=412&v=a1DhNEKOEsQ&feature=emb_logo

If you are interested, these can be purchased from Alan's Pen Making in Australia.  Contact Alan through his Facebook page.  You can pick the handle color and also specify whether you want an awl/seam ripper style or the big-small seam ripper style, although Alan was sold out of the big-small seam ripper style the end of July.
https://www.facebook.com/alanspenmaking

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

Hearts for Hospice UPDATED

My Hearts for Hospice Pieces

I've finished my third heart for the Hearts for Hospice program, which is run by the Greater Kansas City chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild.  You can see them above before I wrapped each in tissue paper and put the packets into a sealable plastic bag before putting them in an envelope and taking them to the post office.
https://www.greaterkcneedlepointguild.com/hearts-for-hospice

I'll be mailing them to Sue who collects the hearts and sends them for finishing next week.  I enjoyed doing these and I hope they bring some solace to those with family and friends who are gravely ill.

You can see more about the project here.  It's a great way to share our love of stitching with others and use up that stash we all have.
https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2018/08/hearts-for-hospice.html

UPDATE:  The National Academy of Needle Artists (NAN) has added free Hearts for Hospice charts to their website.

https://needleart.org/publications/free-patterns/?fbclid=IwAR318-cVylTtXvZgfA-3yBpzAKdNAkWqVbTvalQmlE3uoSP-_lHoyVltnoA

Needlepoint.com is also supporting this program through their shops in Charleston and Raleigh.

https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/hearts-for-hospice-needlepoint-com-charleston

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

Ehrman Has a New Website

Ehrman Tapestry in England has updated their website.  They always have spectacular designs for their kits (printed canvas shipped with the wool needed to complete) which are usually on 10 or 12 count canvas. 
https://www.ehrmantapestry.com

If you have a favorite Ehrman designer, you can see just their work, or you can browse their collections to look at florals, birds, seaside, Asian, etc. themes.  The website is set up to filter canvases by overall size, too, just in case you only want pillows or rugs, etc.

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

Sylvia Sydney, Movie Star and Needlepointer

Sylvia Sydney is profiled in this fun article by My Pretty Baby Cried She was a Bird.
https://shewasabird.blogspot.com/2011/03/sylvia-sidneys-needlepoint-1968.html?m=1&fbclid=IwAR2yX5vb1ziOSiHy6uG0Q3ZlzY9IB7j8qaYE7pCgFXUS9y1Osgs36Pg9n5A

Her Sylvia Sydney Needlepoint Book is my absolute favorite needlepoint book of all time because of the personality in it.  She was something, Miss Sydney.  

We all want to be her when we grow up.

Did I mention she stitched pug pillows for the Duke and Duchess of Windsor?  True story.

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

K's Creation Lap Frame and Portable Footstool

The Needlepointer has a neat video available that shows off the K's lap frame and their collapsable portable footstool.
https://vimeo.com/397483713

The lap frame is available in three sizes:  the baby base will hold stretcher bars or scroll frames that are between 9-13 inches in width, the standard base will adjust from 13-22 inches in width. and the large base will adjust from 22-36 inches in width.
http://kscreations.com/lap_original.htm

These can be purchased with what is called a Universal Clamp that will hold stretcher bars (regular and minis), scroll frames and Q-snaps.
http://kscreations.com/configurations.htm

Talk to your favorite shop about options before you order so you get the right lap stand for you.  And if you are "vertically challenged" think about getting the footstool, too.
http://kscreations.com/acc_rest.htm

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

Jane Zimmerman Talks Or Nue on Needlepoint Canvas

Recently I realized Jane Zimmerman has made some of her writings about or nue available for free online.  I was particularly interested in her article about doing or nue on needlepoint canvas or Congress cloth.  She tells you exactly how to do this, from the types of metallic thread to couch to the number of plies of the various silk brands available when this article was written.  
https://janezimmerman.com/Site/Techniques/Or%20Nue-canvas.pdf

If you want to read what she says about traditional or nue, here's the article.  Note that the articles are nearly the same but there are some tips that apply only to those working on needlepoint canvas or on linen fabric.
https://janezimmerman.com/Site/Techniques/Or%20Nue.pdf

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

Needlepoint A to Z

Do you like puzzles?  If so, you'll want to get this puzzle which is called Needlepoint A to Z.
https://www.bookdepository.com/Needlepoint-Z-1000-Piece-Panoramic-Puzzle-Galison/9780735365308

Many thanks to Susan who was gifted one of these puzzles and let Needlepoint Nation know about it.

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

The Gold Work Guild

I just stumbled across mention of The Gold Work Guild.  Based in England, they have workshops, lots of information about goldwork techniques on their website, and they list exhibitions and events of interest to the student of this technique.  I don't see cyberclasses but you might convince them in this time of pandemic to try one. 
http://www.thegoldworkguild.com

Have fun exploring.  Their Gallery section is full of inspiring examples of goldwork, even if you aren't interested in learning to do this yourself.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 5, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tracy Franklin Demonstrates Long and Short Stitch

Needlepointers love the shading you can achieve on leaves and flower petals with long and short stitch, but it seems daunting.  Luckily Tracy Franklin has posted a tutorial that shows how it is done step by step.
http://tracyafranklin.blogspot.com/2020/08/a-basic-silk-shading-tutorial.html

Note that Tracy is stitching with what appears to be crewel wool on linen.  If you work on needlepoint canvas, you'll need a sharp needle instead of a tapestry needle so you can angle the stitches exactly where you want them.  You can't skip steps.   Tracy outlined the leaf shape with split stitch first and that always has to be done.  Then she worked the first half of her leaf in three rows.  You can't rush this by attempting only two rows and if you omit the split stitch edge, the leaf stitches won't lay well.  Patience is key here.

Read through Tracy's blog for more tips on shading and some fascinating interviews.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 5, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The ANG Auction Starts August 23, 2020

The ANG Online Auction starts tomorrow, August 23.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/3201561619920974/

The auction runs from August 23 until the 30th.  You'll need to register before you can bid.
https://ang.afrogs.org/?fbclid=IwAR3-q0RWql2AadEluq-qese0o8VPEZKv94rXA5_4tOfTG73Pjt2CA_LdYsE#/index

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

Pharaoh Ramses II is Finished

My Leigh Designs Pharaoh is done!  Here is what he looks like.  Click on the photo to see a larger view.

I used two of the larger Gemstone beads from Sundance and a mix of olive-tan, red and gunmetal colors from Sundance's Color Inspiration Collections: Shells for the rest of the beaded area.  The beads are still wiggly and easily move out of position.  I've gone through them all 3-4 times to try and keep them in position but they are contrary things.  I may add a dab of glue on a toothpick to keep the worst offenders in place later.  (I use Eileen's Tacky Glue which dries clear.)  But I will wait until I decide how I am going to finish this before I actually use glue.

Here's a tilted photo to give you a better idea of the dimension I have.  By the way, I've always planned to not stitch the little hanger at the top of the ornament, so this section of the canvas has been ignored.  I didn't forget it—promise!

So what do you think?  Did I meet my goal of conveying a granite statue that wasn't overshadowed by a fancy feather fan?  Did my change of the gold and white striped background to a zigzag one work out well?  Would you stitch this?  

I hope to add more of the series to my stash and probably will do others from the Egyptian Dynasty collection over time.  Until then, time to move on to another project!

By the way, I have listed all the postings about this design on the Chilly Hollow Stitch Guides blog so you can easily follow along as I blog stitch this.
https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2020/08/pharoahs-fan-finished.html

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

Needlepoint.com Interviews Kate Dickerson

Needlepoint.com has a fun interview with Kate Dickerson on their website.
https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/interview-with-kate-dickerson

If the name "Kate Dickerson" doesn't ring any bells, here is her website.  It's full of Lily Pulitzer colors, flowers, plaids, Judiaca, and fun lady canvases.
https://www.katedickerson.com

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

The Needlepoint Pumpkin Harvest Starts Today!

Do you like the pumpkins Sharon Wollman makes from vintage needlepoint?  If so, the pumpkin "harvest" starts today!  A new batch is released each Thursday morning until the stock is gone.
https://www.smwollmandesigns.com/collections/heirloom-needlepoint-pumpkins-tm

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

Lee Long Interview

Amy Bunger's newsletter (mentioned yesterday) has a fun interview with a young new designer from Amy's home of Memphis—Lee Long.
https://www.amysgoldenstrand.com/uploads/7/2/3/6/72364657/0820.pdf

Lee's website is here…
http://bylee.net/needlepoint

…and her Etsy shop is here.  Have fun browsing!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/PetitePoints?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

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

Amy's Plans for Kits

The August-September newsletter for Amy's Golden Strand is out and it's full of news.
https://www.amysgoldenstrand.com/uploads/7/2/3/6/72364657/0820.pdf

The shop is closing in 2021, and Amy's starting to make changes to how she works.  For one thing, she's starting to winnow out her used book collection.
https://www.amysgoldenstrand.com/store/c512/Used_Books.html

For another, Amy's going to start selling guides only as she starts to run out of canvases and kits.  Some items will have hard-to-find items available but only until she runs out.  But of course your favorite shop can kit for you even if Amy won't be able to.

Note that even new home studies will have limited canvases and kits available from Amy so if you want something, order ASAP.

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

How to Make a Tassel: The Movie

Many folks have seen fat, elaborate tassels created for pillow trims, but think this is a bit too dimensional to use on a canvas that might have a tassel painted as part of a design.

Needlepoint.com has worked out a neat way to create a smaller tassel that is worked into the canvas just like any other stitch.  This is perfect for the tassel on the tip of Santa's stocking cap, for a tiny graduate mortar board tassel, for anything that needs a tassel but not a really prominent one.  
https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/how-to-attach-a-tassel

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

Pharoah's Fan Finished

Last time we talked I had chosen the beads to use on Pharaoh's feather fan.  But I had not finished stitching the head and shaft of the fan before adding the beads.  I could have just tent stitched the whole thing except for the spaces where I wanted to put beads, but I thought given that all the beads I'm using are round and some are really large for the space, that I might do little boxes around most of the places where the beads go to help corral them into position.  Beads are very wiggly things, especially round beads like the smaller ones I'm using from Sundance's Color Inspiration Collections.

So I got out my size 8 Kreinik gold and went to work.  First I did a little ladder shape — going up the shaft.  I was able to do the straight stitches going vertical as I went around the arched area so it looked natural.



Then I did back stitches with my Kreinik gold to make the sides of the little boxes.  I ended up with this.  At the bottom of the head of the fan I added a few tent stitches to cover spots that were not even.  Hopefully you can see where I am am going—I have empty spaces to settle my beads!

Boxes Done

I attached the beads in sections, doing the beads around the outside of the gold head first, then adding the rest of the head except for the two spots where I planned to use larger Gemstone beads.  Finally I worked down the shaft adding beads there.  I had to go through each bead 2-3 times to get them roughly where they belonged, using clear beading thread from Gutermann's. 

This is what I use.  It is actually nylon machine thread that I buy from Joann's Fabrics.  It comes in clear and brown.  
https://www.joann.com/gutermann-invisible-thread-273-yards/prd37982.html#start=1

I used the clear.  This is a thinner version of the clear beading thread you buy from companies like The Collection.  I like it better than the fatter version but it does knot itself.  However, a friend gave me a great tip—run a length through a flat iron and it straightens right out.  I never would have thought to do this myself for fear the flat iron would melt the nylon thread, but she turns her flat iron on low.  My flat iron—the cheapest one I could find at Walmart— doesn't have temperature control but I ran it over the thread as fast as possible and it straightened out fine with no melting.  It was also very well behaved after that!  Thanks, Sheena!

This is getting long so next time I'll show the finished fan and we'll talk about the final piece.

By the way, I have listed all the postings about this design on the Chilly Hollow Stitch Guides blog so you can easily follow along as I blog stitch this.

https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2020/08/pharoahs-fan-finished.html

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

New DMC Inventory Sheets to Buy and Download

Stitch Palettes has a new inventory sheet download available called "Thread Inventory Color Chart."
https://stitchpalettes.com/downloads/thread-inventory-color-chart/

The inventory sheets are for DMC's cotton floss, as well as other thread lines they carry.  Each sheet has the printed color, color number, color name, a long space for a real thread sample you can attach, and a column for the number of skeins you have in your stash.  You can read more about it here in Colour Complements' review.
https://colourcomplements.com/2020/07/thread-inventory-colour-chart-stitch-palettes.html

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

Two Monograms from Abigail Cecile

Abigail Cecile now has two e-pattern monogram charts. Each pattern has three variations.
https://www.abigailcecile.com/collections/e-pattern?mc_cid=77a2cab8e0&mc_eid=491e343c64

These are a fun small project for gifts or ornaments for your own decorative needs.

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

Stitching Despite Eye Problems

Sundance's Barbara Elmore has been having eye problems and this is impacting her stitching.  She's still stitching, though, and wrote an essay she posted to Facebook about how she's getting around the problem that is both interesting and inspirational.  With her permission, I'm reposting it here along with the photos of her current piece to show what she means by color contrasts.

Now, here's Barbara!

"Learning to stitch with vision difficulties:

1.  Accept that you need to learn new ways to do things, and figure them out by trial and error.

2.  Be patient with yourself, but do not give up on quality or consistency of work.

3.  Have good light.  If nothing else..this is crucial. I  recently had my Dazor on/off switch replaced after a lot of effort to find a new one.  Dazor Company would replace it, but the cost to ship the lamp part to them was exorbitant.  Instead, I took the thing apart, saw a name brand on the switch, and found one like it on eBay for $19.00!  You know I snatched it right up!  And then, a friend's husband kindly put it back together for me.

The next issue I had was that the new bulb I had purchases was too warm. Meaning..visually too warm.  I needed brighter "Daylight" lighting, so this time, Amazon came to my rescue, and with overnight shipping!  Back in business with a daylight bulb!  YAY!

4.  I am struggling because my thread color is very close to the painted color I am stitching over, so my progress is very slow.  I guess this circles back to 'patience.'  

Someone asked me why I didn't fill in all the background on this piece first, before stitching all the embellishment type flowers.  Normally, I would have, but this painted canvas was so detailed, and the designs were not created with colors that contracts very much, except for the white and reds.

I did fill in first along the bottom part of the canvas, and then, it became difficult for me to see the wispy painted leaves and stems.  So, now, after all that fun of creating the flowers with ribbons and beads, I am, once again tackling the basketweave/tent stitched background.  And I guess this is where I circle back to 'having good light,' and 'learning to do things in new ways.'

Were I to start this background from scratch, I would stitch it in all colors the contrasted more with the painted background color.  Perhaps I would even choose a light teal instead of the 'colonial blue.' When one's eyes have trouble distinguishing color values, one has to learn new ways.

This project has inspired me to stitch my next piece with radical color changes from what the painted canvas may dictate.  What is that expression…?  Necessity is the mother of invention!  Why not!"

As Barbara says, why not?  Don't give up your stitching, folks.  Maybe your eyesight is no longer 20-20 but your brain will find ways around that.

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

The Quaker Stitch

Mary Corbet's latest tutorial is for Quaker Stitch.  It's perfect for thin lines!
https://www.needlenthread.com/2020/07/quaker-stitch-tutorial-perfect-for-embroidered-writing.html

Many painted canvases have black outlines or details that generally we use back stitch, stem or outline stitch or couch to cover.  But Quaker Stitch offers another option for when you really want that line to stand out.  Thanks, Mary!

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

Using a Laying Tool: The Movie UPDATED

Want to watch a short demonstration of how to use a laying tool? Needlepoint.com has a video just for you.
https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/how-to-use-a-needlepoint-laying-tool?goal=0_6eed0b10d5-cba4fdeada-579725333&mc_cid=cba4fdeada&mc_eid=3a360cb48b#

Yes, it really is just that simple.

If you want to read more about laying tools, Mary Corbet has a very nice introduction to them here.  She explains what to look for when deciding what laying tool to try.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2020/08/tool-talk-revisiting-the-laying-tool.html

I'd add that the size of your hands really is important here.  Some folks love longer, narrower tools.  Me, I have little hands so I like the fat, short laying tools.  They just feel better to me.

I also think that wooden laying tools work better (for me) with cotton floss but I prefer metal laying tools for silk floss.  When it comes to ribbon-like threads, nothing is better than the nutpick from my old fashioned nut cracking set!

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

The Needlepointer Talks Beginning to Needlepoint

A great many folks are teaching themselves to needlepoint since they are stuck at home. The Needlepointer in Washington State has a nice explanation of how to get started on their website.
https://www.theneedlepointer.com/how-to-needlepoint/

Of course I have plenty of online resources to teach yourself to needlepoint, with links to kits with beginners in mind as well.  Just check the tabs above to go to that section of Blog.

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

Pharaoh's Feather Fan

Fan Feathers Done

Once I finished the feathers on the fancy fan behind Leigh's Pharaoh, it was time to stitch the rest of the fan.  Above is the fan with all the feathers stitched so you can see how it doesn't overwhelm the statue of Ramses II.

If you look carefully at the fan you'll see I've done a lot of tent stitching on the head of the fan.  The red area is stitched and at this point I've also added gold tent stitches with Kreinik around the head's central area.  I ended up tent stitching the golden yellow areas, too.  With all that out of the way, I could bead the rest of the head section.  But first, I needed to rummage in my stash for beads in the right colors.  

Here's what I selected, all from Sundance Needlepoint.

Gemstone Beads from Sundance

Color Inspirations Collections from Sundance

The Gemstone beads are 3mm in diameter, roughly, which makes them larger than size 11 beads.  The little round beads from the Color Inspiration Collections: Shell are smooth and much smaller, probably close to a size 14 bead.  They are also more even.  The gemstone beads have been tumbled to shape I think and they are not smooth.  I like all of them.  The colors are right and I think they will add to the feather fan without drawing too much attention from Pharaoh.

When I laid them on the canvas, though, it was obvious that 3mm beads are too large.  I hope you can see the beads laid on the canvas.  One of the gemstone beads is at the bottom of the fan head and there is a smaller round bead below it and also one to the left.  

For me, scale is very important on a painted canvas.  Unless I'm stitching a portrait of Dolly Parton, I don't want one are to overwhelm another.  So although I might be able to use a few of the larger Gemstone beads, I will have to bead the fan head and shaft with mostly the smaller ones from the Shell Inspiration Collection.

However, before I can bead, I have something else to do.  Those who have sharp eyes can see the next step which I've already done but not described.

By the way, I have listed all the postings about this design on the Chilly Hollow Stitch Guides blog so you can easily follow along as I blog stitch this.

https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2020/08/pharoahs-fan-finished.html

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

Three Sources for Needles

The Needlework Retailer has just profiled three sources for needles that I've not heard of before.  

Sullivan's, which I thought only sold floss and scissors, has needles with gold-plated eyes.
https://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2020/07/gold-eye-needles.html

Sullivan's also sells ball-tipped needles, which apparently help the needle glide through fabric easier.  They are a little larger than the tips of blunt tapestry needles but this might be useful if you are stitching on larger counts of needlepoint canvas.
https://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2020/07/easy-guide-ball-tip-needle.html

Yarn Tree has needles called Pat's Favorite Needles (available in packs of 25 in sizes 24, 26 and 28 only) that have longer than usual eyes.
https://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2020/07/pats-favorite-needle.html

If your favorite needlepoint store doesn't have these, you can buy two of these from Yarn Tree online.
https://www.yarntree.com/cross-stitch/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=200

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

How Are Designers Coping?

Just how are our beloved designers coping with their business turned upside down?  Not surprisingly, they are coping just like the rest of us, as these messages from Tricia Heaton Designs shows.
https://www.triciaheatondesigns.com/blog/2020/4/17/self-quarantine-journal-part-1-getting-to-starlight-farm

https://www.triciaheatondesigns.com/blog/2020/5/9/quarantine-blog-part-4-kissing-frogs-to-find-your-special-prince-or-princess

You may not remember Tricia Heaton's name, but you'll remember her designs.
https://www.triciaheatondesigns.com/shop

Stay focused, friends, in what is important.  Make things with your hands and be happy.

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

Mary Talks Or Nue' UPDATED

Mary Legallet's latest blog posting talks about or nue' on needlepoint canvas.
http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/about-me

Or nue' as we do it on needlepoint is more similar to a couched, patterned stitch than classic or nue'.  If you want to see what that's like, you should explore Rachel's Slow Stitching TV on Vimeo.  It's done on linen and the gold is completely covered in places and bare in others.  
https://vimeo.com/virtuosewadventures

UPDATE:  I just discovered Jane Zimmerman has posted free information about Or Nue on her website.  Click on the links to read the two articles.
https://janezimmerman.com/Site/Techniques.html

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

Pharaoh's Feathered Fan

Starting the Fan's Feathers

A lot of people have trouble with stitching feathers. I think this has to do with the fact that feathers are often not painted perfectly symmetrically.  Fishbone is my favorite stitch for feathers and leaves, but it didn't seem to work well here.  I think my problem is that each feather is shaped differently.  I found it hard to work fishbone from the base up and keep the sides even.  I ended up using a variation   of fishbone stitch called Raised Fishbone that is worked from the tip down.  You can see it demonstrated on Mary Corbet's website.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2012/07/raised-fishbone-stitch-video-tutorial.html

I'm using one ply of High Cotton from the strand.  (High Cotton is a five ply cotton thread with a tight twist to each ply and a slightly matte finish that I really like.  It's discontinued, sadly, but I have all the colors I need in my stash, so High Cotton it is.)  Fishbone and its variations are easier to work smoothly in a single stranded thread like perle cotton, crewel wool, threads that aren't used in multiple plies, basically.  It was pretty easy to switch colors as I worked down the feather, too.  I worked the purple feathers first, then the teal, and finished with the red as the purple ones seemed to be in the back, the teal ones in the middle and the red ones on top.  I always work from background forwards if that is possible.

9 of 12 Feathers Done

Raised Fishbone gave me a slightly raised effect without trying to grab attention from Pharaoh.  I did end up tent stitching the dark red area around the base of the jeweled fan before stitching the red feathers so I could tell where to stop stitching feathers.  I'll discuss the jeweled base of the fan next after I work all the red feathers in Raised Fishbone.

Feathers Finished!

Here is the slightly raised effect I got in my feathers.  It isn't too much dimension so it doesn't fight with Pharaoh for attention.  If you wanted more dimension, however, you could work this in Straw Silk or a ribbon and it would be more prominent.

By the way, I have listed all the postings about this design on the Chilly Hollow Stitch Guides blog so you can easily follow along as I blog stitch this.
https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2020/08/pharoahs-fan-finished.html

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