In Stitches: A Shop Profile

This online newspaper has a profile of In Stitches, which is very near Woodlawn Plantation in the Alexandria/Mount Vernon area of D.C.

https://thezebra.org/2021/04/05/on-stitches-more-than-just-a-hobby/

It's a great shop, with both knitting, counted embroidery charts and needlepoint, plus a great collection of tools and Mill Hill beads and findings, and lots of threads to explore.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 6, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Meeting Abigail Cecile

The Pointing It Out podcast interviews Abby Timmis of Abigail Cecile.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjZRpMlq3R8

It's a fun one!  Here's the Abigail Cecile website for you to explore.

https://www.abigailcecile.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 3, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Look Back at 2020

Needlepoint.com takes a look back at 2020, the challenges and how the shop met them.

https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/2020-at-needlepoint-com

Kudos to us all!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 25, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Turtle Bags

Mona found these Turtle Bags for her needlepoint canvas.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/3822547731155690/

She suggests you order the bag and measure the opening before you buy a canvas.  The website may be able to furnish this if you ask.  The bags come in two styles.  The "shells"are fabric covered stiff boards made to be inserted in the window(s) on the side.  Each shell is 7 x 9 1/2 inches.  I'm guessing that some of the shell is covered by the fabric window.  The crossbody bag has one window, the totes have two windows.  

https://turtlebagsinc.com

Apparently the openings are 5 1/2 inches by 7 inches and you should allow a half inch selvage all around.    Note that the style of the linen fabric totes is changing in June and they will be more expensive.  A denim style should be available in June.

https://www.stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/so/0dNa9d9dD?languageTag=en&cid=68c6d8c4-6311-4db7-a6af-6c56ebef78b3#/main

https://www.stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/search-results/q-turtle%20bags/qc-products

UPDATE:  Mindy has started painting designs sized for Turtle Bags.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10218643023099094&set=a.10203820068054482

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10218479997463555&set=a.10203820068054482

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10218670953997349&set=a.10203820068054482

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10220079266284276&set=a.10203820068054482

UPDATE #2:  Dianne Decker Bomar says "The size of the crossbody window is exactly 4 1/2" x 6 3/8" and I would recommend keeping your canvas 7"x9 1/2" so it fills the pocket and your stitching will remain centered in the pocket and visible in the window. The size of the tote windows is 5 1/2" wide by 7" tall."

UPDATE #3:  Needlepoint Alley has inserts that fit the bags, too.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/4630671747009947/

UPDATE #4:  Homestead Needle Arts has a nice desciption of their shipment of both sizes of these bags plus pictures.

https://mailchi.mp/8c1c50a4feae/new-turtle-bags-are-here?e=810b807e3a

Update #5:  Here is Mindy's latest--the seashore initial series.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10219622797552843&set=a.10203820068054482

Update #6:  Mindy has two new canvases sized for the Turtle Bag side windows.  The first is Asian-inspired, in muted colors.  The second is sunflowers and bright with color.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10219714492005147&set=a.10203820068054482

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10219714499805342&set=a.10203820068054482

UPDATE #7:  Pepita Needlepoint has Turtle Bag insert canvases, designed as pairs on one canvas so you can switch out the design or use both on a two sided tote.  Some can be purchased as a single design.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/5191233424287107/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/5217480588329057/

UPDATE #8:  Colors of Praise has a section of 5 1/2 x 7 inserts that fit Turtle Bags and they are lovely.  Thanks to NJNA's blog for the tip!

https://colorsofpraiseneedlepoint.com/fall-2022-new-designs

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 24, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Princess Diana in Needlepoint

While I was wandering around Etsy, I realized Princess Diana's a style icon for younger designers.  Her sweaters have been immortalized in needlepoint.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/891136414/black-sheep-homage-to-royal-sweater?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=handpainted+needlepoint+canvas&ref=sc_gallery-4-6&plkey=dfb0442f4eae0abf5a043f06e6ed09e1b4993b21%3A891136414&frs=1&cns=1

https://www.etsy.com/listing/894840938/princess-diana-peruvian-sweater?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=needlepoint+princess&ref=sr_gallery-3-16&organic_search_click=1&cns=1

Her engagement ring is available as a painted canvas.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/896297904/princess-dianas-engagement-ring?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=needlepoint+princess&ref=sr_gallery-1-29&organic_search_click=1&sca=1

The tiara she wore memorably is a needle minder.

https://www.stitchersgardenil.com/shop/c/p/Princess-Dianas-Crown-Needleminder-x55721685.htm

Her outfits are also available to stitch.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/910884888/princess-diana-needlepoint-canvas?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=needlepoint+princess&ref=sr_gallery-1-2&organic_search_click=1

https://www.etsy.com/listing/910687913/royal-revenge-dress-handpainted?ref=shop_home_active_38&frs=1&sca=1

If you are lucky you might find Candace Bahouth;s Princess Diana memorial canvas from Ehrman.

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Ehrman-Canvas-ONLY-Tapestry-Princess-Diana-1964-1997-Needlepoint-Rare-1999/184663790363?hash=item2afed1d31b:g:OkQAAOSwyuNgKHRM

Rest in Peace, Princess.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 4, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Name Charting for Stockings

Some shops will paint a name on your stocking for you, but if you don't have a shop offering this, Needlepoint by Sharese now offers to chart a name out for you.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/NeedlepointBySharese?fbclid=IwAR3s_8TXpT31_vGfnK77igm84YqVqlK6zoPNEloENB_mh0wgGLYks08XyoA&section_id=33401290

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 1, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Free Charts from ANG (for a limited time)

Pat reminded me that the American Needlepoint Guild has a large group of free small charted designs they call "Holed Up Minis" available on their website.  These are from well-known teachers like Marilyn Owen, Debbie Rowley, Kathy Rees, Pat Mazu, Toni Gerdes and Sue Reed and more!

https://www.needlepoint.org/page/HUMs

These won't be available forever, so take advantage of ANG's generosity and download the ones you like now, then rummage in your stash to see what you can create.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Pointing It Out Interviews Melissa Prince

Pointing It Out interviews Melissa Prince.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cf3KEOPT8o

If your'd like to see her work, here is her website.

https://www.melissaprincedesigns.com/new-canvases.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 31, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint Resales

There's a new stash sales site on Etsy--Needlepoint Resales!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/NeedlepointResales?fbclid=IwAR37ilLYmbg7IPzfcLAWzdIHk-FMWpfBfhP9HiLFhuzJliSGQ1yIuNDWgKc

Sharon's new shop is in California and currently has some fun painted canvases (a few with threads) for your browsing pleasure.  Have fun browsing!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.co

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 31, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Finishing Problem (and Solutions)

Horse Country Chic talks the finishing dilemma, with a few solutions.

http://horsecountrychic.blogspot.com/2021/03/needlepoint-finishing-dilemma.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 31, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Visiting Old World Designs

Shops are getting very creative since many of us are stuck at home.  For example, Old World Designs  has a shop walk video on YouTube that allows us to see the shop and enjoy the Kathy Schenkel truck show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzMyJIxIn1g

Here's the shop website, but if you live in the Menlo Park, CA area, stop in and tell them hi from me.

https://www.oldworlddesigns.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 7, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Source for Lois Kershner Kits

I just realized Twisted Stitches in Albuquerque carries some of Lois Kershner's kits.

https://www.twistedstitchesnp.com/canvas/painted-canvas/?mode=grid&limit=24&sort=popular&max=1500&min=0&brand=1058369

Lois is now retired from teaching but you can see more of her work here--

http://www.loiskershner.com

These are line-drawn and I think some of the backgrounds are lightly colored,  You'll have to supply threads but I'm told the shop carries a HUGE range of threads so they can probably kit these for you.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 31, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Etsy Fun

By accident I stumbled across these charming pottery needle minders on Etsy.  The artist also does buttons and bowls and trays, perfect for embellishment/finishing and for ort bowls or tool trays
https://www.etsy.com/shop/OriginalsbyNoelle?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=984203047&section_id=33210520

This got me wondering what other needlepoint items I might find.  JudyAnn's printed designs are always a delight, whether you like bunnies or shamrocks.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/790767491/bunny-mom-egg-hp-needlepoint-canvas?ref=shop_home_active_43&crt=1

https://www.etsy.com/listing/941803500/shamrock-shower-strawberry?ref=shop_home_active_156

Want a lovely autumnal acorn?

https://www.etsy.com/listing/874169351/autumn-acorn-hand-painted-needlepoint?ref=shop_home_recs_1&frs=1

Or a funny crocodile to delight a tot?

https://www.etsy.com/listing/569194874/crocodile-hand-painted-needlepoint?ref=shop_home_recs_1&frs=1&sca=1

Love geometrics or just want an easy basketweave stash buster?  TEW Designs has some gorgeous small rounds in a wide range of patterns and colors,

https://www.etsy.com/listing/918029586/hand-painted-needlepoint-canvas-3-round?ref=shop_home_active_7&frs=1

Want something classic?  This Terry Enfield Japanese-inspired morning glories piece is a wonderful vintage piece.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/985343795/vintage-needlepoint-canvas-terry-enfield?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=needlepoint+hand+painted&ref=sr_gallery-2-16&organic_search_click=1&frs=1&cns=1

Etsy is turning into a nice place to shop for needlepoint items,

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 30, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Fishie Experiments

Rachel over at VirtuoSew has been experimenting with a fish design.  She's not entirely happy, but it is just an experiment.  She's about to start another fishy design and there's even a video so you can watch!

https://www.blog.virtuosewadventures.co.uk/wordpress/2021/03/30/first-fishie-experiment-finished/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 30, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

More New Tools from Clover

The blog for the New Jersey Needle Artists chapter of ANG  mentions two new tools from Clover--

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2021/03/28/whats-happening-at-njna-3-28-21/

The first is a combination magnet/needle sharpener called the Sweet 'n Sharp Macaron.  Looks like it comes in raspberry or pistachio.

https://www.clover-usa.com/en/home/739-sweet-n-sharp-macaron-raspberry.html

https://www.clover-usa.com/en/home/740-sweet-n-sharp-macaron-pistachio.html

The second is a beading needle called the Swift Bead Quick Beading Needle.  It's three inches long with a huge flexible eye and apparently works with beads sized from 11 to 15.  It looks like a good tool for stringing beads for fringe or couching.  Each package has two needles.  Note the manufacturer says "pulling beads from the needle tip may damage the needle."

https://www.clover-usa.com/en/home/737-swift-bead-quick-beading-needle-.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 29, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

NeedlePaint's Masked Santa, with Free Stitch Guide

NeedlePaint.com has a new employee, Caroline, who introduces herself a bit in this fun blog posting.  

https://www.needlepaint.com/blog/2021/03/22/santa-mask-needlepoint/

Caroline has done a free stitch guide for the company's masked Santa.  Isn't it cute?!

You can order the canvas from them if you are interested.  Santa is printed, not hand painted, just so you know.   People say that the NeedlePaint canvases are very well done.  You shouldn't have too much trouble knowing what color goes where on this.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 22, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Vintage Silver Repurposed

Homestead Needle Arts has found an artisan who turns old silverware into lovely laying tools.

https://www.homesteadneedlearts.com/whats-new/

These are very pretty and unique.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 21, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Master Craftsman Designs Ready for Display UPDATED

Melita's Step One and Three designs to get her EGA Master Craftsman in Canvas are ready for display.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2021/03/26/canvas-master-craftsman-steps-1-and-3-display-ready/

UPDATE:  Melita has finished step four and it will also be displayed. It is a very pretty combination of Bargello patterns.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2021/04/22/canvas-master-craftsman-program-step-4/

Here is the finished step five.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2022/08/31/canvas-master-craftsman-program-step-5/

Step six has Melita taking a piece she designed ages ago and rework it with all she has learned.  It's fun to see the original and the reworked design together.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2023/05/10/ega-master-craftsman-program-for-canvas-step-6/

And she's finished!

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2023/05/18/ega-master-craftsman-program-for-canvas/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 26, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Free Mini Sampler

Color Complements has a free mini sampler chart for download on their blog.  It looks like spring to me!

https://colourcomplements.com/2021/03/march-mini-sampler-complimentary-pattern.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 26, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Beautiful Butterflies

Sheena's blog has a dynamite butterfly stitch for a background or a border.

https://www.sheenasstitches.com/shop-tour-butterflies/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 25, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday Meeting (Ewe and Eye with Amy Bunger)

Kathy's "Sunday Meeting" is magnificent.  The canvas is from Ewe and Eye and the stitch guide by Amy Bunger.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/3824167017660428/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 25, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Bloody Mary Drink (Sew Much Fun)

Sew Much Fun's "Bloody Mary" canvas comes with a stitch guide from Sew Much Fun.

https://www.stitchersgardenil.com/shop/c/p/Bloody-Mary-Drink-with-Stitch-Guide-x42976388.htm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 25, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Steve's Stitching Trivet

Steve just showed Needlepoint Nation a very clever stitching trivet he made from a Mindy canvas.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/3825535660856897/

It is finished with two pieces of foam core, making fabric and cording, just like an ornament.  Many folks suggested putting magnets inside.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 26, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Chaparral Changes Hands

Chaparral has a new owner!  Sally Anne is retiring but Heidi Henrich has stepped up to continue the fun.

https://ndlpt.com

And of course there's new shop dog, a King Charles Cavalier spaniel named Mary Poppins.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 5, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News--ANG Seminar Goes Virtual

ANG's 2021 Seminar will be virtual again in 2021.  Registration is open now.

https://www.needlepoint.org/page/ANG2021Seminar

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April5, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

What A Difference

What a difference different frames and mats make!  Ada Hayen at EyeCandy and her friend Dana both stitched Ada's "Love Home Joy" trilogy and choose very different finishing at the framer's.

http://eyecandyneedleart.blogspot.com/2021/03/love-home-joy-and-friends.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 24, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Learning About Threads

Cathe of Needle in a Haystack has partnered with Fiber Talk to discuss commonly available threads.  

'The world is your oyster.  Play with the threads."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6h9zvSWxtc

They also interviewed Danny Ravan about Rainbow Gallery threads.

https://wetalkfiber.com/2021/03/27/fiber-talk-with-daniel-ravan/

(By the way if you want to learn more about Rainbow Gallery threads, watch this Pointing It Out podcast.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxzJ09lwIQQ

It's fascinating!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow 

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 23, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Coffee Cups has a New Home

Melita's stitching group stitched this fun piece and donated to the local coffee shop as they met in one (now closed) to stitch together.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2021/03/22/coffee-cups-has-a-new-home/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 23, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New from Rainbow Gallery UPDATED

Silk Lame Plus

Fiber Talk interviewed Daniel Raven of Rainbow Gallery and Fleur de Paris this week.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqCk4UKt8DQ

And guess what? Rainbow Gallery is coming out with a new thread later this year:  a Silk Lame-type ribbon they call Silk Lame Plus.  (photo above)

UPDATE:  Amy Bunger has a little bit about this new thread just after the stitch diagram, plus photos of the colors available soon.

https://www.amysgoldenstrand.com/uploads/7/2/3/6/72364657/0421.pdf

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 28, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.