Thursday, December 31, 2020

Rebecca Wood Designs Come to Life

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

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

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

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Two Kimono Classes from Tony Gerdes

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

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

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Want to Learn Basketweave?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday, December 28, 2020

Breaking News: A New Book from Sandy Arthur UPDATED

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday, December 27, 2020

Hillside's Inspiration

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

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

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

Saturday, December 26, 2020

A New Shop in Western North Carolina

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

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

Friday, December 25, 2020

Anna Pearson and the UK Crowd Hang Out Virtually

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

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

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

Thursday, December 24, 2020

Feathering a Turkey Tutorial

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

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

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

Three birds, the same and different-

Here's a good look at the finished canvas.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10233597829358525&set=gm.8034137626663325&idorvanity=108537025890131

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

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Organize Your Tools in Style

Darcy spotted this fun tool and ort organizer on Etsy.

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

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

Monday, December 21, 2020

Japanese Brass Tacks with Built In Removal Tool

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

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


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

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

Sunday, December 20, 2020

Scissors Especially for Cutting Metallics

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

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

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

Saturday, December 19, 2020

The Spinster Stitcher Is Hearing Voices

Conni, the Spinster Stitcher, is hearing voices.

And you know what?  They are making perfect sense.

Stitch what makes you happy, people!

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

Friday, December 18, 2020

Mary Legallet Interview About New Book

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

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

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

Thursday, December 17, 2020

Let's Talk Finishing: The Pointing It Out Podcast

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

BREAKING NEWS: Sajou is Closing Paris Store

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

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

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

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Another New Designer: Ann Kay and Sporty Santas

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

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

Monday, December 14, 2020

Goldwork Padding Techniques

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

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

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

Sunday, December 13, 2020

Ruth Makes Pine Needles (and Pine Trees!)

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

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

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

Saturday, December 12, 2020

My Vintage Heart

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

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

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

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

Friday, December 11, 2020

How to Best Clean a Needlepoint Belt

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

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

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

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

Thursday, December 10, 2020

Melita Tackles the Stitch of the Month

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

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

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

Wednesday, December 9, 2020

NeedlePaint Makes Gifts Easy

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

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

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Needlepoint University Registration Open

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

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

Monday, December 7, 2020

The Footstool UPDATED

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


UPDATE:  More progress on the sections of the footstool.




And it is DONE!

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

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

Sunday, December 6, 2020

The Crafty Attic

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

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

Saturday, December 5, 2020

Breaking News: A New Shop!

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

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

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

Friday, December 4, 2020

Gifts for the New (or Not) Stitcher

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday, December 3, 2020

A New Designer~

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

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

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Pointing It Out Talks BELTS!

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

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

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

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

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Breaking News! A New Whimsical Stitch Book! UPDATED

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

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

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