Sunday, January 31, 2021

The Ultimate Embroidery Case

Need a case to store your stitching tools?  Hand and Lock has the ultimate stitcher's tool case.

The tools, beads, threads and more are not included but if you are like me, you have plenty of that already.  You just don't have something elegant to keep them in.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 25, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, January 30, 2021

Sarah Homfray Stitch Videos

Jonathan highly recommends Sarah Homfray's videos about how to do various stitches on YouTube.  

Sarah is an embroiderer so not everything is pertinent to us needlepointers but it's worth exploring all her short films.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 23, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, January 29, 2021

Breaking News: Kreinik Closed Due to Pandemic Again

Kreinik has announced their factory has been closed until February 5, 2021 due to another Covid-19 outbreak.  No threads will be made or shipped until the fifth as the company tries to keep the heroes creating our in threads safe.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 28, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, January 28, 2021

The Cupcake Nutcracker Class

Suzie Vallerie of The Enriched Stitch is planning a class via Zoom for this Cupcake Nutcracker.  I think (although I'm not certain) that the designer is Susan Roberts.

Personally I find nutcracker canvases creepy (those teeth!) but this one is exceptionally interesting in all the effects Suzie has chosen to bring Mr. Cupcake to life.  You can sign up for the class on the Enriched Stitch website.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 22, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

NJNA Wants YOU!

The New Jersey Needle Artists chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild is planning lots of interesting programs for 2021.

If you are interesting in joining, talk to NJNA.

By the way, here is what everyone is stitching for their 2021 chapter projects.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 21, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

NAN Goes Virtual for 2021

The National Academy of Needlearts' Exemplary is going virtual for 2021.

This year the exhibit will be virtual.  Because it is images only, there will be no judging.  Follow the links and fill out the form to exhibit your favorite piece of needlework in an image.  The deadline is February 16th, though, so get busy!
https://nationalacademyofneedlearts.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/the-exemplary-entry-form.pdf

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 21, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, January 25, 2021

Fve Ways to Attach Sequins

This website has a tutorial for five ways of attaching sequins to fabric.

Of course if you try this on needlepoint canvas, use a sharp needle (crewel needle, beading needle, etc.) so that you can pierce the underlying canvas threads.  What really matters is the size of the sequin.  You'll have to fiddle with them to figure out the right size.  

I do have the sequin sizer I made up to help you figure out the right size but nothing is better than doing an audition on your canvas.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 20, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, January 24, 2021

BREAKING NEWS: Mary Clubb Has Died UPDATED

The National Academy of Needlearts just announced the death of Mary Clubb.  A much loved teacher and designer, we will miss her.

I think her Patchwork Coat is her most famous design.

Her Star Tree is much loved.

Her four tapestry flower patterns based on quilt patterns were very popular.




You can stitch her Crewel Bouquet using the free design on the Caron website.

If you have the September/October 2001 issue of Needlepoint Now, you can stitch Mary's Patchwork Blossoms Kimono.

I think these the iris kimono was in  old issues of Needlepoint News but that is long out of print.

The Lacquered Leaves design is charted in the May/June 1999 issues of Needlepoint Now.

You can see how talented and versatile Mary Clubb was.  I hope she's having a delightful time in Heaven stitching and teaching still.

UPDATE:  Here is Mary's Sampler Quilt, a collaboration among a Triumvirate of talented designers:  Mary Clubb herself, Genny Morro and Doris Tomlinson.  Thanks, Pat!
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/273101164888253840/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 23, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, January 23, 2021

A Reminder About Burmilana's New Home

Just as a reminder, Needle Works in Austin is the new distributor for Burmilana now that Amy Bunger is retiring.  This means the shop stocks a nice selection of this wonderful thread and your favorite shop can order any Burmilana colors you want wholesale from them for you.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 16, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, January 22, 2021

Help for the New And Confused

Are you a new needlepointer?  Are you just confused about something and you don't know any other stitchers to ask?  Needlepoint.com's website is trying to help with short blog articles and videos.  Here's what they have to offer.  Explore their website to find these helpful tips and short films.

Of course there are plenty of other great shops with online resources.  Check the Blog tab on Recommended Shops if you don't already have a favorite that you are cultivating a relationship with.  There are even shops that cater to stitchers who are not in the USA.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 16, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, January 21, 2021

Need a Charted Alphabet?

If you need a charted alphabet, Tink Boord-Dill now has an Etsy shop where she sells instant downloads of some of her most popular books.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 15, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Now Here's Something I've Never Seen Before

While researching yesterday's article about UK companies that sell needlepoint, I discovered One Off Needlework sells what they call "cone" doorstops.  That's unique!  They also sell the square doorstops that cover bricks that I'm familiar with and they also will finish your doorstop, whether it is a brick style or a cone filled with fine gravel.

One Off also sells a few charted designs.  I particularly like their stocking bunting flags although the dog breed pillows are lovely.

I love how inventive needlepoint companies are!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 14, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

UK Needlepoint Kit Designers UPDATED

I just realized there are a ton of UK companies selling needlepoint kits.  So I've listed them below in alphabetical order so you can browse the websites.  Some of these only sell their own designs, some sell a variety of designers.  Note that these are usually kitted with wool, the designs are printed on the canvas, and the canvas size varies between 10, 12 and 14 count most of the time.  Painted canvases on 18 count needlepoint canvas are an American thing.  The only exceptions are Kirk and Bradley and Tapisserie's hand painted designs.

Anna Pearson Needlepoint - This designer also holds classes and retreats

Beth Russell Needlepoint - Well known for their Arts and Crafts style

Cleopatria's Needle - lovely classic designs

Ehrman Tapestry - The grandfather of them all with a huge range of designers they represent, look for some of their books with charts if you are a counted fan

Elizabeth Bradley -  Huge range of designs in all sizes including rugs, look for some of their books with charts if you are a counted fan - This UK company is widely available through Needlepoint.com in the US, which is a sister company.

Fine Cell Work - Started out as a prison charity they mostly sell finished work instead of kits but they also offer finishing services. They have a brick and mortar shop now.

Glorifilia Needlepoint - look for their books with charts if you are a counted fan

Jolly Red - they have a nice finishing service for their designs

Kirk and Hamilton (now Kirk and Bradley) - This UK company's painted designs are widely available through Needlepoint.com in the US, which is a sister company

Millenia Designs - Another shop with classic British designs

One Off Needlework - Some designs are available as charts, too - they also offer finishing, such as the "cone" door stop and their bunting flag charts are darling

Primavera is known for their flora designs.  These are printed.

Tapisserie - A fun London store with many unique hand painted designs (see Hayat below) that stocks French wool and silks and a few "fun" threads from the US to stitch them with.

Did I forget anyone?  Email me at chillyhollow at hot maildotcom so I can update the list.

UPDATES:  Many thanks to the nice folks who helped add new UK tapestry companies to the list!

Hannah Bass - well known for her charming map designs but also has graphic letters, fun bird pillows and a set of darling animal Christmas ornaments which are cross stitches on a wooden form

Hayat Needlepoint - Hayat Palumbo's designs are often found in Tapisserie (apparently she founded the shop) and she is said to have an Instagram account and a small website but I haven't found them.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 14, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, January 18, 2021

Visiting Griffin Designs

Labors of Love is having a Griffin Designs trunk show.  I'd never heard of Griffin Designs and had a lovely time browsing their painted canvases on the shop website—five pages of fun, people!
https://www.laborsofloveneedlepoint.shop/shop/Griffin-Designs-Trunk-Show.htm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 12, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, January 17, 2021

The Stitching Table (Rock-A-Way Custom Wood Products)

Sara's finding it hard to keep stitching without organizing her work table better to avoid neck pain. Luckily, she found someone to build the perfect table for her stitching items.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/3632684323475366/

Here is Rock-a-Way Custom Wood Products' Facebook page, in case you need something similar.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 12, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, January 16, 2021

Beautifully Wrapped

Melita ordered something from Amy Bunger's shop (which is closing in 2021, so hurry and order!) and she was very impressed with how it was shipped to her.

Ruth Schmuff also sends out lovely parcels from her shop, Bedecked and Beadazzled.

I'm sure that there are other shops that take special care with their shipments but these are the two I've purchased from and whose packaging is amazing.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 11, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, January 15, 2021

The 2021 Stitch of the Month

The 2021 Stitch of the Month counted canvaswork project for the American Needlepoint Guild is Jennifer Reifenberg's "Stratigraphy."  It's shown here on Brenda's website, the next to last photo.

This project is available to members of the American Needlepoint Guild only.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 11, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, January 14, 2021

Look at All the New Shops!

Ada Hayden of Eye Candy has a list of all the new shops she knows about that have opened in the last year to eighteen months.  WOW!


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 7, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, January 13, 2021

Photo to Embroidery Palette Converter

Stitch Palettes has a new tool that will convert a photo you upload into a DMC thread list of at least six main colors  This is in beta until the end of February, but feel free to test it on the Stitch Palettes website.  Instructions are at the top of the page.  

Don't forget to let Stitch Palettes know if you have problems or suggestions.
https://comms.stitchpalettes.com/email/view/5ff87fbd4d18e721434617

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 8, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

BREAKING NEWS: Nashville Needlework Market Cancelled for 2021

Needlework Retailer has announced that the Nashville Needlework Market (normally held in March but scheduled for May in 2021) has been cancelled.

This wholesale market is primarily for counted designers.  Sadly the organizers have also decided not to do a virtual market, either.  They simply can't handle all the work involved.  Stay tuned for 2022.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 11, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, January 11, 2021

The System Four Stand (Lap and Floor Versions)

Needlepoint.com sells the System 4 stand and has a nice mini-review on their blog.

The article points out that you buy the stand (either floor or table flavor) and then the sort of clamp head for either stretcher bars or scroll bars, depending on which you use.  There is a floor stand that doesn't fold up for storage or travel, just in case you never go anywhere with your floor stand and don't need to put it out of the way periodically. 

In other words, there are lots of options.  Consider whether the floor stand will fit under your stitching chair, however.  If you can borrow one to test drive, that's really the best way to know if a stand will work for you.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 9, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, January 10, 2021

A Whole Bunch of Framing

Melita picked up her framed pieces and shows them off on her blog.   She used a variety of framing styles to enhance the various shapes of these pieces and it's fun to see her hard work on display.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 7, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, January 9, 2021

A Year in Review at The Enriched Stitch

Suzy of Enriched Stitch shows off everything she stitched in 2020.

Suzie is Vallerie Needlepoint Gallery and also owns the Amanda Lawford line, so many of these are models.  Check with her shop (The Enriched Stitch) to order the designs and see if there is a stitch guide written for these items.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 5, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, January 8, 2021

How to Finish Mini Stockings: The Two Part Movie

Kelly Starke Maichele of Starke Art Designs has posted a two part video about finishing mini stockings using hand sewing on YouTube.  She says this is a rough take on it without editing but I found it interesting and informative.  Note that the hot glue she uses is in the middle of the design, not touching the needlepoint or backing fabric on the outsides.  Of course you can stitch all this but it will easily double the amount of time you will need to finish a mini sock.


Thanks for trying to help us learn finishing, Kelly!

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

Thursday, January 7, 2021

Pointing It Out Interviews Patricia Sone

Melissa of the Pointing It Out podcast has Patricia Sone as her guest.

Intrigued?  Here is Patricia's website.

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

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

So Many Cute Santas

Brenda has stitched a dozen of the darling Janet Zigler Casey Santas!  

As you can see, each is different and all are really cute.  If you want to try one of these, you can order the charts from Janet's website.  The Christmas section has the Santa heads, Halloween has darling spooky projects, etc.

If counted work drives you crazy, a few of the Christmas and Halloween ornaments have been turned into painted canvases that come with Janet's stitch guide.  Your favorite shop can order them from Danji Designs.  Stitch Therapy has a list of what's available.
https://stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/publishers.php?category=Janet%20Casey

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

Tuesday, January 5, 2021

Pointing It Out Talks Ornaments Finished as Anything BUT Ornaments

Can you tell I'm catching up on the Pointing It Out podcasts?  Yeah, Holiday Madness means I got behind listening to Michelle and Megan.  This episode is a fun one—ways to finish ornament-sized canvases as things other than ornaments.

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

Monday, January 4, 2021

Pointing It Out Interviews Elizabeth Bozievich

The Pointing It Out podcast interviewed Elizabeth Bozievich, the current editor of Needlepoint Now magazine, several weeks ago.  You'll learn about her taking over the magazine, the needlepoint tours and more.  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_r-Nwsx_6JI

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

Sunday, January 3, 2021

Bargello Tips

The new LizArt website has a great page of tips about stitching Bargello designs.

Liz Morrow was a master of Bargello.  It was so nice of her to share tips.

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

Saturday, January 2, 2021

Breaking News: Liz Morrow of LizArt Has Died

I am very sad to have learned that Liz Morrow of LizArt died last Wednesday, December 30th.  Liz's designs, particularly her four-way Bargello charts, are classics.  Rinda Just has taken over Liz's designs (Liz transferred her copyrights to Rinda so her work would carry on) and built a new website for her work.  You can visit it here—

Liz's friends will enjoy revisiting her blog to read her words and see more of her amazing original artwork.

I'll miss you, Liz.

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

Friday, January 1, 2021

Mountains and Hills

Are you always stumped when you have to find stitches for mountains and hills?  Needlepoint for Fun  has an article explaining how to pick a stitch, with four stitch diagrams you can use.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 26, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Videos from The Point Of It All

The Point of It All is one of the lovely D.C. needlepoint shops in my general area.  I've never been there (parking is an issue) but I enjoy browsing their website.  If you are a fan of classic design, you'll have a blast looking.  Click on "Shop" to start looking.

The shop has a series of videos perfect for beginners and to use as a refresher course if you haven't needlepointed in a long time.  You can visit them all here—
https://thepointofitallonline.com/pages/videos

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 18, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.