Saturday, April 30, 2022

The Smart Cookie Award for April

Just before the end of the month, Marnie managed to win my Smart Cookie Award for her clever use of GearTies to hold rolled up canvas for stitching in hand.

GearTies are reusable rubber twist ties used to bind equipment of all kinds.  You can shop a hardware store but I found a nice selection at REI.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 28, 022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, April 29, 2022

Let's Stitch Cacti

Palma Seljan has been busy stitching quite a few of the Ashley Dillon "march" canvases that Susan Roberts sells.  Her latest is the Cinco de Mayo March.  The cacti on this one are magnificent!  I noticed because I have a seven foot version of these growing in my breezeway and what Palma did very much resembles what I water once a week.

Palma says she took inspiration for her amazing cactus plants from this video on YouTube. There are three ways of stitching cacti demonstrated, each wonderful, and each useful for those who have Southwestern designs in their stash.  Thanks for sharing, Palma!

By the way, here's how the canvas looks now that Palma's finished.  Cynthia Thomas is writing a guide for it.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 27, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, April 28, 2022

Finishing Forms from Sarah Beth's Spot

Explaining exactly what you want in the finishing you are sending to a shop just got easier with the finishing forms from Sarah Elizabeth's Etsy shop.  She explains the forms this way--

"I've put together a set of finishing forms to help you organize your thoughts and send in your requests and preferences with your finished pieces when you mail them to a shop for finishing. There is a generic sheet as well as specific sheets for ornaments, pillows, stand-ups and stockings."

These are digital downloads available from her Etsy shop, Sarah Beth's Spot.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/SarahbethsSpot?section_id=37312278

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 30, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Unusual Needlepoint Projects

This morning I have two unusual needlepoint projects for your viewing pleasure.  Enriched Stitch shows off baby booties.  The canvases are by Danae Designs.

Elizabeth Bradley shows off a customer's finishing of their floral pillow designs made into cubes.

Needlepoint is a texture you can use many, many ways!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 6, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Needlepoint Spied

If you are a music fan you might remember Tommy James and The Shondells.  You probably don't know that James got mixed up with the Mafia and that his manager was finally caught in the mid 1980s by the feds using a needlepoint sign hanging in his office.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 26, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Breaking News from Kreinik UPDATED

Kreinik just announced via Instagram that color number 9132 "Lemon Grass" is discontinued.  They can no longer get the material needed to make this color. Too bad!

They still have some supplies available so if you need this, ask your favorite shop to order before Kreinik runs out of what inventory is left.

UPDATE:  Here's the announcedment on Facebook in case you don't have an Instagram account.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 27, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Kelly Clark Nutcrackers Stitched

Suzanne is a big fan of Kelly Clark's nutcrackers.



If you are also a fan and want to see more, Ruth Schmuff used the Cookies and Cocoa Nutcracker as her Winter 2021-22 mystery class.

Kelly Clark has a large group of nutcrackers, some with dessert themes, some with playing card themes, some with musical instrument or animal themes and a few themed with stripes and polka dots.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 26, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Abstract Floral, from Birth to Execution

Kimberly just answered the question of where her design ideas come from.

You can watch how "Abstract Floral" went from a sketch on a box her grandkids were playing with to a design she'll be teaching at Chandail in April.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 3, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, April 25, 2022

BREAKING NEWS: Mindy's Needlepoint for Sale UPDATED

This was posted by Mindy Patterson on Facebook yesterday:

"Mindy's Clothing and Needlework Boutique retail store is for sale. I have made this bittersweet decision after the birth of my first grandchild 3 months ago. I have had my store for 48 years. I was 19 when I started my designing business. I will continue designing and selling my designs. If you are interested in owning a very successful, unique and magical shop, I have a shop for you! Please contact me through my shop email Mindysnpf@aol.com or shop phone 541-344-7132. Serious buyers only, please."

This is the shop website.  Hope you find a buyer soon, Mindy, so you can retire!

UPDATE:  Mindy just posted on Facebook that she's not ready to give the shop up yet.  Stay tuned!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 25, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Popular Choice Winner at the Exemplary UPDATED

The National Academy of Needlearts just announced the Popular Choice winner at their 2022 Exemplary -- it's Rachel Watkins' "Circular Fans."

This isn't the first time Rachel's won.  You can see more of her work at the NAN website.

UPDATE:  The NAN website has posted photos of all the 2022 winners.   Click on a photo and you'll have a better photo plus the artist's statement.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 25, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, April 24, 2022

Faces Don't Have to Be Basketweave

Ever get tired of using tent stitches on a face?  Ruth Schmuff never does the expected on her canvases. 

Ruth uses pavillion diamond stitches and balloon stitches on many faces. It's a unique look that suits these designs, especially if you use light coverage so the painted shading helps with the features.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 24, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, April 23, 2022

If At First You Don't Succeed....

Dragonlady Canvasworks Designs demonstrates how a mitten design was reworked to get just the right size.

You can see more about the design process on her Facebook page.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 23, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, April 22, 2022

A Great Heart from Color Complements

Colour Complements has posted a lot of great heart designs on their blog.  Here's the latest--

This is easy to create.  First draw a shape on your canvas.  It can be a heart, a square or rectangle, whatever you like.  Note that you'll have to compensate at the edges if you choose a heart or circle.  

Next do a vertical line down the middle made up of Smyrna crosses.  Each Smyrna cross shares holes with its neighbor.

Now do a horizontal row down the middle with more Smyrna crosses.

The next step is to do a straight vertical stitch in a contrasting color to separate each Smyrna cross in the horizontal row from its neighbor.  Repeat these straight stitches but oriented horizontally with that same contrasting color for the row that runs vertically.  In other words, for the horizontal row, the separating stitches are vertical and for the vertical row, the separate stitches are horizontal.

Now you have your four quadrants which you will fill with Scotch stitches with two empty threads between each Scotch stitch.  Note that the model was stitched with an overdyed thread, which is how each Scotch stitch changes color.  Also note that each Scotch stitch changes direction compared to its neighbor. This website diagrams both slants for you.

The empty threads are covered with straight stitches over those two  empty threads between each Scotch stitch in the same color you used for the Smyrna crosses.  (The model used a metallic but you can use any thread you wish.). Note that the straight stitches are all vertical when you are working the uprights on either side of a Scotch stitch, but the straight stitches are horizontal when you are doing the tops and bottoms over each Scotch stitch.

The final touch is to do a cross stitch at each corner framing the Scotch stitches with a contrasting color. This diagram shows a cross stitch over two on linen but it works the same way on needlepoint canvas.

The number of plies of thread you use will vary according to the thread you choose.  Do a few test stitches in the margins of your canvas to see what covers well for you.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 23, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, April 21, 2022

Avoiding the Boyfriend Belt Curse

Morgan Julia Designs has a way around the dreaded boyfriend belt curse--stitch pet collars instead!


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 22, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Ann Hanson Bunnies Galore!

Barbara's Needlepoint has posted ten years' worth of Ann Hanson bunnies on their Instagram page.   Start here-

When you finish drooling, use the big outside arrow on the left to see two more pages of Ann's work.  I think she does the chicks and sheep also.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 22, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

Background versus Foreground

Suzanne of Hugs and Stitches tackles a fun Raymond Crawford Santa and comes up with a clever way to differentiate Santa's hat from the background.

It turned out great, Suzanne!  You really made the hat prominent, even though it's the same colors as the background.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 22, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, April 18, 2022

Buckle Kits from Superfine Stitches

Needlepoint for Fun shows off buckle kits from Superfine Stitches.  The kits include everything you need to stitch it plus instructions for mounting the needlepoint on the buckle.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 22, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, April 17, 2022

The Flying Needles for the Win!

This exquisite purse stitched from an Anne Fisher design just won The Flying Needles a blue ribbon at the Florida Strawberry Festival!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 19, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, April 16, 2022

Another Clever Idea

Peggy also has a very clever idea to keep from constantly dropping her needle--she put a small magnet on her trolley needle and it works very well.

Not everyone likes using trolley needles but I adore mine.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 18, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, April 15, 2022

For the Opera Lovers

If opera is your thing, then you'll want to check out the opera-themed ornaments that Kristen of Good Buy Needlework is creating.  Currently there are five of them:  Carmen, Magic Flute, La Traviata, Dialogues of the Carmelites, and the newest--Madam Butterfly.  All are available through Kristen's Facebook page, although you might have to wait a bit for her to paint another La Traviata since the original just sold.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 17, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, April 14, 2022

The Smart Cookie for April is....

The Smart Cookie Award for April 2022 goes to....SUE DULLE!

Sue is working on a charted pumpkin design that she's lost the instructions for, so she is making up stitches for each section.  The clever part is that she is auditioning stitches on a Heart for Hospice project.  You can see both projects on the Facebook link above.

Very smart use of your time, Sue.  [wild applause]

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 17, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Starke Art Reveal

In a sign of the creative advertising needlepoint designers are using, Kelly of Starke Art reveals her newest designs on YouTube.  The best part?  Your favorite shop can now send Kelly's dimensional pieces to her for finishing.  

Details on her new website.

CBK distributes her work.  You can browse all her designs on their website.

Keep up the creativity, Kelly!  You are an inspiration.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 7, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

John James' Guide to Needles

EGA mentioned the guide to needles on the John James website, which meant it was mentioned on Needlepoint Nation where I saw the link.  And now I'm mentioning it here, just in case you need a good explanation of the various types of needles.  There's also a link at the bottom of this page to a needle sizing tool to help you figure out what the loose needles we all have are.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com 
nd at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 15, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, April 11, 2022

Lowry Frame Accessories and the Floss Queen's Stitching Tray

Thanks to the New Jersey Needle Artists folks, I have news about Lowry frame accessories.  There is a care kit to stop the squeeking, you can buy an attachment to turn the floor stand into a table stand, plus they have a lovely stitching cabinet that the Lowry fits inside.  You both have the floor frame mostly hidden plus more storage for your stitching supplies.


Needle in a Haystack's owner (aka The Floss Queen) has a wonderful stitching tools organizer tray, available in two sizes and a range of colors.  It's acrylic so you won't break it if it falls on the floor when hit by your dog's tail.  All the details are here so scroll down to browse.

The right tools make our stitching so much easier!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 13, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, April 10, 2022

Pet Portrait Embroidery: A Review

If realistic dog and cat portraits enthrall you, you'll want to look at Mary Corbet's review of "Pet Portrait Embroidery."

Note that this book is mean for those embroidering animals on ground fabric like linen, but you can use the same principals on needlepoint canvas if you switch to a small needle with a very sharp point.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 12, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, April 9, 2022

Packing Needlepoint for Travel

The nice folks at Louise's Needlework are getting ready to go to the trade show, so this month's newsletter lists all the things they pack to travel with their needlepoint.

Note that the Ikea clamp on light they use doesn't seem to be available from Ikea any more although there are plenty available on eBay.  Ikea now sells a USB powered light they call the Jansjo without a clamp.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 15, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, April 8, 2022

Woodlawn Exhibit Report

Reports of the 2022 Woodlawn Needlework exhibit are starting to come in.  Here's what Brenda had to say about the pieces she won ribbons for.

One of the NJNA members won Best in Show!

Stitch Middleburg posted photos of customers' entries.

Donna had a fun visit.

Melita especially enjoyed the Winchester, Virginia chapter of EGA's big exhibit to celebrate their tenth anniversary but she shows all sorts of nice needlework on her blog.

The photos on the Woodlawn Facebook page she mentions are here--Jeff Kulick's piece is an original design on needlepoint canvas.  Go Jeff!

NJNA reports on their Woodlawn experience.

In Stitches is the local counted thread/knitting/needlepoint shop half a mile from the Woodlawn entrance.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 9, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, April 7, 2022

Portraits of Iris Apfel

This new portrait of Iris Apfel is from Kate Dickerson.  Miss Apfel just turned 100, by the way.

So Gayla Elliott of Alice Peterson has a portrait of Iris, too.

This Iris portrait from KCN isn't new but it's lovely.

Portraits of real people in needlepoint are very interesting as they showcase not only the salient features of a person, but they show each designer's style very well.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 9, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, April 6, 2022

Want a Travel Stand?

Thinking about buying a travel stand?  Then you'll want to watch this video about the new System Four travel clamp.

It's small enough to travel with and will fit over almost every table and work with all the System Four frame clamps.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 9, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, April 5, 2022

The Quilter's Threader For Beading

While exploring Nancy Eha's beading site this week, I noticed she recommends these needle threaders.  She says they fit the eyes of tiny beading needles well.

These are marketed for quilting but they will fit beading needles nicely.  Just remember, beading needles in general have sharp tips, unlike the tapestry needles we normally use.  Shop around.  Prices do vary for this brand online.  If you have a local shop catering to quilters, check there to see what they have.

I like wire loop needle threaders (I use the ones with the metal base and highly recommend that you put a drop of Super Glue on the base where the wires connect which prolongs their life) and use them exclusively to thread my needles.  


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 7, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, April 3, 2022

A Neat Fur Idea

Donna shows off a class piece from EGA's Nancy Eha.  The "fur" is beads over felt.  Clever!

If you are curious, here's the "Beaded Menagerie" kit she's working on.  Several of the animals are available as standalone kits, too.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 7, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, April 2, 2022

iStitches Volume One Available As PDF Download

Great news!  Ruth Schmuff is releasing her first iStitches book as a digital download!

I own this in its original CD format and use it often.  Most of the stitches are backgrounds but it's a great all-around resource and you can't beat the $28 price tag.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 1, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, April 1, 2022

Wanted: Canvas Painter

Point of It All Designs in Washington, D.C. is looking for a canvas painter as their long-time painter has an injury that means she can't continue.  

If you are interested, contact the shop.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 1, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Youkoyi LED Magnifying Lamp

Susan's been using a Youkoyi light/magnifier for a while with her System Four floor stand and really likes it.

Note you need to buy the System Four lamp clamp to use it as pictured.  I'm also uncertain that the bulb can be replaced when it burns out but LED lights last quite a while. 

Amazon sells this and apparently it comes with a clamp if you want to use it with a table by your stitching chair.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 5, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.