Monday, May 31, 2021

A Needle Art Love Story, Chapter 8 UPDATED

Chapter VIII of A Needle Art Love Story is happening June 10-13, 2021 in Fort Worth.

Tickets went on sale May 1.

UPDATE:  Here are the kneelers on display plus a bit more about the exhibit.

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

Sunday, May 30, 2021

Emma Kate Loves Recycling Vintage

If you have a stash of vintage canvases that are stitched but not made up, Emma Kate in the UK has plenty of ideas how to use them.


Need a tote bag tutorial?  Here you go!

Thanks for the tip, Marty!

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

Saturday, May 29, 2021

New for the Horse Lover

Horse Country Chic loves horse-themed and retro design canvases.  Here are some of her favorites, all new to me.

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

Friday, May 28, 2021

Best in Show Woodlawn 2021

In Stitches (a counted thread, knitting and needlepoint shop) close to Woodlawn Plantation) is thrilled to announce one of their employees won Best in Show for this cross stitch design.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 4, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, May 27, 2021

Needle Minders

I love using those decorative pairs of magnets to safely park my needles while stitching.  I was quite excited to see Sign of the Arrow is having a needle minder trunk show from South Beach Button Company.  South Beach Buttons has a website.

They don't sell retail, though, but you can contact Sign of the Arrow and see if they have the ones you like in stock.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 4, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Exploring the Victoria and Albert Museum

Mary Corbet highly recommends the Victoria and Albert Museum's website.  This section talks about the various types of handwork the museum collects.

It's quite interesting. 

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 3, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, May 25, 2021

Donna's Horrified

Donna is horrified by this Fendi purse embroidery kit--and I don't blame her!

Here's the direct link--

For that price you could have Chuck Pinnell Leather make you a bag from your finished needlepoint and it would be a stunner.

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

Stitches for Broad Stripes

Needlepoint for Fun's latest tutorial covers stitches to use for broad stripes in a background.

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

Monday, May 24, 2021

Pointing It Out Talks the Virtual Market

As shop owners, Megan and Melissa got to shop the spring trade show's virtual market and they are happy to share their favs!

The designers mentioned are Kate Dickerson, Planet Earth, Rachel Donley, SCT Designs, PLD Designs, CBK,  The Collection,  Lauren Bloch, Marianne Lynn, and Sew Much Fun.

If their websites have been updated, I've added links below.







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

Sunday, May 23, 2021

Tips Choosing the Right Thread

If you are working a painted canvas instead of from a chart, it's up to you to pick your threads.  That can be daunting if you are a beginner, but KC Needlepoint has help on their blog.

Note that clicking on a thread name will show you an online color card on the shop's website with closeup photos so you have some idea what the thread looks like.  Choosing colors based on your computer monitor is chancy, though.  Best to call your shop and tell them you need a red similar to DMC Number Whatever to get a good match.  

Needlepoint.com has a similar article which is useful and funny.

Of course these shops only list the threads they carry, but this is still useful.  I'd recommend that you be careful not to mix threads of wildly different diameters if you are doing an all tent stitch canvas but otherwise, experiment to your heart's content!  Just don't be surprised if your outcome differs slightly.  For example, KC Needlepoint says to use Pepperpot on 18 count but because of my loose thread tension, Pepperpot is too fat for 18 count because of the way I stitch.  You really do have to experiment.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 1, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, May 22, 2021

Mary Corbet and Her Drill Go To Town

Mary Corbet and her drill organize threads!

Remember before you decide she's a little nuts that Mary teaches and sells kits.  She needs to keep her threads well organized.  So while I'm not going to buy a package of straws and break out the cordless drill myself, I bet all of us will find this interesting and some will want to try it to solve their thread organization issues.  

Go Mary!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 30, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, May 21, 2021

Kimberly Design: Profile of an Artist UPDATED

If you belong to the American Needlepoint Guild, then you've already seen their article in the latest Needle Pointers magazine about Kimberly Design and her design process.


If you aren't a member, and you want to see an artist at work, you can read her recent profile on the Folt Bolt art site.

The above article has links to her Insta and Facebook sites, as well as a link to her blog plus the Bedecked and Beadazzled shop where you can buy her painted canvases or sign up for a class with Kimberly.  She also sells her original artworks.  I'm hoping she'll post images of those on Facebook for our shopping pleasure.  Pretty please!

UPDATE:  By chance, Ruth Schmuff showed off one of Kimberly's latest designs this morning.  You can buy the guide, canvas and threads from Ruth's shop, Bedecked and Beadazzled.

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

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Threadaholic Alert: Hand-Dyed Fibers

Vicki Clayton has been dying silks again!
http://bethsneedleworkstash.blogspot.com/2021/04/v-is-vicki-clayton.html

I have to confess I didn't know she'd stopped.  It's nice stuff, though.

Thanks, Beth!

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

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Liz's Needlepoint Journey UPDATED

Liz Morrow of LizArt wrote a retrospective of her needlepoint life on her blog. It makes for fascinating reading!  Liz has done many things with needlepoint, taken some fascinating classes and created some wonderful designs.
http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2018/02/my-needlepoint-journey.html

http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2018/03/my-needlepoint-journey-part-2.html

http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2018/04/my-needlepoint-journey-part-3.html

http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2018/04/my-needlepoint-journey-part-4.html

http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2018/05/magic-castle.html

UPDATE:  This article I wrote in 2018 suddenly appeared in 2021.  No idea how that happened!  Sadly, we lost Liz in 2020.  I know she doesn't mind that this appeared again--or maybe Google in its infinite wisdom decided we needed Liz in our lives again.  Here is her website which a friend took over for her so that her charts are still available.
https://www.lizartneedlepoint.com/#/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 15, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Making A Pearl Flower

Ever wanted to make a pearl flower?  Tanya has a lovely video on her website.

She is a specialist in Opus Angelicanum, which is Medieval embroidery essentially.  She's working on velvet (I think) but the process is the same if you are working on needlepoint canvas and couching Kreinik instead of the very stiff metallic British twist.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 24, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Pink or Blue?

Laura Perin has a new cyber class, featuring a lovely geometric in either pinks or blues.

Want to take a class from the comfort and safety of your own home?  Sign up through her website.

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 24, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, May 17, 2021

Ode to a Dissolving Consciousness

You will be awed by Cathy's original design.

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

Sunday, May 16, 2021

Breaking News: dede Odgen Died UPDATED

Robin King just posted to NP Nation that dede Odgen has died.  Apparently she died May 1st, 2021.

dede's designs are distributed by Fleur de Paris, so most likely they will live on.   I hope so.  She was uniquely talented.

And, no, that's not a typo--dede preferred her name not be capitalized.  

UPDATE:  Remembrances of dede--

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

Superfine

Superfine Stitches sells kits with silks, a needle and instructions plus some nice printed designs.

Because they aren't hand painted, they are cheaper and perfect to try out needlepoint if you are a beginner.  

Their website links to a great tutorial on basketweave.

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

Saturday, May 15, 2021

BREAKING NEWS: Google Removes Destination Dallas

Last night Google informed me that the Destination Dallas 2021 tab was flagged as malware and removed it from Blog.  ?????

I have no idea why Google thought it was malware as the page is just a collection of links to needlepoint shop and designer websites, posted as a service to everyone in the needlepoint world to alert you to the latest products and designs.  It is possible that one of these links to hundreds of websites has been infected with malware.  It does happen.  That's totally out of my control.

I protested Google's decision last night; they reviewed it and restored the tab this morning.  It appears to be somewhat different than it was, but there's no way I can review it all and fix issues, so we'll just have to go with what they put back up.  If this happens again I will stop providing this service.  Stay tuned.

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

We Talk Fibers REALLY Talks Fibers

Cathe Ray of Needle in a Haystack in Alameda, California, returns to Fiber Talk to discuss threads and how to use them in unusual ways.

You'll also learn to tell whether a thread is an S twist or a Z twist, learn to deconstruct threads (and why you might want to),  plus why you might want to spray your hands with a bit of vinegar, and much, much more.

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

Flowers by Sign of the Arrow

Sign of the Arrow in St. Louis is posting free flower ideas in their shop newsletter.  The first lesson explains messy beading and how to create petals with long stitches arranged in a circle.

Their second posting covers very simple silk ribbon petals and brick stitch over two.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 19, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, May 14, 2021

Seaside Needlepoint Talks Belts

Thinking of stitching a belt?  Talk to the shop that will finish your belt first as what they want may vary. Here is what Seaside Needlepoint tells customers.

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

Thursday, May 13, 2021

ANG Seminar Registration Starts Today

The 2021 American Needlepoint Guild restoration for their visual seminar starts today!

You can see the available classes here.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 2, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Custom House Designs

Jinny Barney is doing custom house designs, either ornaments or larger designs.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2021/04/custom-home-canvases/

So, if you ever wanted to memorialize your house--or a house that's meaningful to you--talk to Jinny.

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

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Thread Conversions from Trish Burr and Stitch Palettes

Trish Burr, in collaboration with Stitch Palettes, has created online thread conversion charts for the main brands of threads she uses.  This makes it easy to find a thread company you have available in your part of the world if you cab't get the thread Trish used for a chart.

It's a great tool!

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

Monday, May 10, 2021

Hedgehog Needlepoint On YouTube

Melissa interviews Hannelore Brown of Hedgehog Needlepoint.

You can see the airport tags here and try to guess what inspired the codes at the bottom.

Here's the company's Instagram page.

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

Sunday, May 9, 2021

2021 Limited Edition Design from Sign of the Arrow

The 2021 limited edition design from The Sign of the Arrow is now available.

Its a lovely little Christmas ornament kit, available in either charted or painted canvas versions.

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

Saturday, May 8, 2021

Megan and Mellisa Talk Beads

Neither is a beading expert but they are happy to share the tools that they carry in their shops, as well as what works for them, in their recent podcast.  There are sone great tips.

They also talk about being stitches and show examples.  It's a fun way to learn about beading and beading tools.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 13, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, May 7, 2021

Beards I Have Known Second Edition

I just discovered that Diana Bosworth's Beards I Have Known has a second edition!

This is a great little book, full of a ton of beard ideas.  If your favorite shop doesn't stock it, check with The French Knot in First Worth, Texas.  The photo is of the cover of the first edition but I think both editions are the same inside.  If you stitch a lot of Santas, this is a must have,

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

Thursday, May 6, 2021

Making Pretty Rosettes the Easy Way UPDATED

Want to learn to make pretty silk ribbon rosettes?  Needlepoint.com has a great short video that shows you how.  It's easy!

UPDATE:  I highly recommend River Silks' silk ribbons.  You can pierce the ribbon with your needle multiple times and the ribbon won't split.  It holds up well when going through rough needlepoint canvas and comes in many colors and three widths.  Great stuff!

UPDATE #2:  BeStitched's video has been taken down but this Sharon B tutorial is the same technique.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 10 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

A Useful Tip For Stitching Belts on Scroll Frames

Steve's been stitching belts on a scroll frame and realized adding strips of quilt batting helps keep the rolled sections tight.

Very clever, Steve!

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

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Breaking News: Kreinik Spools in White UPDATED

Kreinik just announced on Facebook that they can't get their normal black spools from their supplier right now, so they are switching to white temporarily.

This is another pandemic supply chain disruption but luckily for us, a minor one.  They'll switch back to black when they are able.  

UPDATE:

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 4, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A New Book from Dawn Cornish Donnelly

Dawn Cornish Donnelly is about to publish her first needlepoint book!

It is called Transformative Stitching:  Needlework on the Diagonal.  Keep an eye on her website for more information or to pre-order!

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

Monday, May 3, 2021

All About Planet Earth

The Pointing It Out team talks Planet Earth products, from threads to self-finishing items.

Here is the Planet Earth website to explore.

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.

Sunday, May 2, 2021

Beth's in Love!

Beth's right-- don't click on the link if you are a threadaholic!

House of Embroidery (a South African company so shop via Sue Spargo's website if you are in the USA) has three sizes of perle cotton, rayon, silk and silk ribbon.  I suspect the "raw silk" and "fine silk" are what we call spun silk and filament silk but I'm not sure.

https://www.suespargo.com/store.php?cat=215

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

Saturday, May 1, 2021

Woodlawn 2021 Check In and Registration

Here's how registration and check in of exhibits is being handled for the 2021 Woodlawn exhibit.

The exhibit is open May 2-May 31 except they are closed on Tuesdays.  You have to buy your ticket ahead of time for a specific visitation slot.

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