The Needle's Ecellency Art Show

The website for the Needle's Excellency is nothing special--until you look at their gallery of customer stitching.  Then it is fabulous!  Pour a cup of your favorite beverage and browse the wonderful finished needlepoint projects posted there.

https://theneedlesexcellency.com/gallery/

By the way, the Amrita who did guides for several of the posted items is Amrita Goldberg.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 2, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Summer Mystery: Fifi in Her Garden

Ruth Shmuf has revealed the Summer 2022 mystery class at Bedecked and Beadazzled:  Johanna Viranen's design featuring a dog in a flower garden.  The first class will be June 5 and the last will be August 7.  Sign up ASAP as available canvases are limited.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2022/05/fifi/

For the first lesson, Ruth stitched Fifi the puppy in black and white with sparkle and sequins and a strong, clear white.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2022/06/fifi-2/

Now Ruth's working the background and a big pink flower.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2022/07/fifis-pink-flower/

There are leaves and a doggy tail!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2022/07/fifis-garden/

And the garden is nearly done.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2022/08/the-garden-is-complete/

Here are two versions of Fifi in her garden.  Framing does make a huge difference in the final look. (and that turkeywork flower is amazing)

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2024/06/fifi-is-framed/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 10, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Ninety Minutes of Self Finishing

Needlepoint Clubhouse and The Wool and The Floss have collaborated on a self-finishing show on Instagram.  The two shop owners have paired all their self-finishing items with matching canvases and show them off to you so you can see options.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc3Lje0l63C/

By the way, Planet Earth Fiber has a video on how to do self-finishing for their products.  This is really how all the self-finishing items work.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tDWAHu_1Sg

Here are the shop websites so you can do more shopping.

https://www.needlepointclubhouse.com/search?type=product%2Carticle%2Cpage%2Ccollection&q=self%20finishing*

https://www.thewoolandthefloss.net/shop.htm?search_keyword=self+finishing

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 30, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Pink Petals Needlepoint Is Closing

Pink Petals Needlepoint is closing as the business, a full time job, and grandchildren are proving impossible for Grace to juggle.  Their charming designs are available at a big discount now.

https://www.pinkpetalsneedlepoint.com

Have fun with fewer chores, Grace!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 26, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

English Rose

This is the time of year when roses start to open, so I thought you'd enjoy Janice Holden's free English Rose chart.

https://janiceholdendesigns.com/english-rose-motif-stitch-graph/

It really is a pretty pattern and perfect for a small box lid.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 28, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Four Jean Hilton Books Reviewed

Melita talks briefly about four Jean Hilton books she owns in her latest blog posting.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2022/04/27/books-in-my-library-light-n-lacy-stimulating-stitches-needlepoint-stitches-and-borderlines-by-jean-hilton/

I don't think stitchers today realize the impact Jean Hilton had when she first started designing with "string art" type stitches.  None of us had ever seen anything like this!

I will warn you these are all older books (the latest was published in 1995) and the diagramming isn't as good as books today because when they were published,  the software wasn't available.  But these are amazing books, all the same.  Jean Hilton had an astoundingly creative mind.

If you are interested, I found several places online that carry Jean's books.  They are listed in the order I found them.  The last link is to the shop that owns Jean's copyright where you can also pick up her charts.

https://www.stitchers-paradise.com/Canvas_Embroidery/JHI/JeanHiltonBooks.html

https://nashvilleneedleworks.com/shop/books/jean-hilton-borderlines/

https://www.needlenook.com/product-category/designer/jean-hilton/

https://stitches-heart.com/jean-hilton-designs/

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.

Fat or Thin?

Ruth Schmuff has a wonderful wood worker who makes colorful fat laying tools and tiny plain wooden ones, so no matter your hand size or personal style, there's one for you.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2022/04/tools-of-the-trade/

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.

The Latest from NJNA

The New Jersey Needle Artists Chapter of ANG has a great periodic newsletter that summarizes all the news in the world of needlepoint.  Here is last month's issue.

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2022/04/23/whats-happening-at-njna-4-23-22/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 24, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Tip from Elizabeth Bradley

Elizabeth Bradley has a great tip for using those color blocks printed on needlepoint kits:  tie a bit of your thread to the proper block to aid in knowing what thread goes where.

https://www.facebook.com/ebneedlepoint/photos/a.531300420264423/5192588240802261/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 23, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sassy Pants

NeedlePaint.com has a new series of sayings canvas kits (printed, threads included) that they call Sassy Pants.  Hilarious!

https://www.needlepaint.com/blog/2022/04/19/sassy-funny-needlepoint-kits/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 20, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Magnetic Notes

If you find following charts hard, you might be interested in Brenda's find--Magnetic Notes.  They are similar to sticky notes but they use static electricity to cling instead of glue.

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2022/04/magnetic-notes-4192022.html

Brenda heard about these in a Sue Reed class.  Here's a review.  Note that they come in various colors but don't work forever.  The static charge wears off after a while.

https://droidhorizon.com/tesla-amazing-magnetic-notes-review/

If this seems like something you want to try, here's the manufacturer's website.

https://teslaamazing.ca/collections/all

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 19, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Beginner's Guide to Couching

Needlepoint for Fun's latest article is about couching and how it is done.

https://needlepoint-for-fun.com/pages/needlepoint-couching?_pos=1&_sid=788884724&_ss=r&ml_subscriber=1931898778055350092&ml_subscriber_hash=k6h6&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=new_stitch_zip_kits_plus_new_abstract_sea_critters_from_melissa_prince&utm_term=2022-04-19

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 19, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Color Wheel Magnets

The latest needle magnets from Accoutrement Designs are miniature color wheels that actually work.  Kudoes to Enriched Stitch for noticing these cute muti-use tools.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ccn3YugLrUS/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 22, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Whimsical Stitch 3 is Shipping

Breaking News!  Mary Legallet's third volume of Whimsical Stitch is shipping!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cds74ypMvhR/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&fbclid=IwAR0l_T6KYmbgBWl-NirQRBNBxKpmciM-DA_8Lih6yye9TO4nR0d5hObgSZY

It has been delayed for around six months due to a paper shortage but at last it is printed and ready.

https://www.facebook.com/stitchdashstash/photos/a.2099861286731162/5409337289116862/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 18, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Needlepoint Truck

Rittenhouse has done a fascinating original design to go over a wooden truck.  Amazing!

https://www.facebook.com/rittenhouse.needlepoint/posts/4946348055479610

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 16, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Snow and Ice and Lots of Charm

Suzanne at the Hugs and Stitches blog has posted a photo of a fun CBK canvas she stitched.  She explains how she stitched the snow and ice, the snowman, chickadee and the tree branches.  There are lots of interesting ideas here.  Thanks for sharing, Suzanne!

http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2022/04/a-birdie-and-her-snow-friend.html

The design is called "Chickadee's Snowman" and is by Scott Church, by the way.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 16, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Frame a Small Needlepoint Design

If you have a small design you want to pop in a frame, NeedlePaint has a brief tutorial that's very helpful.

https://www.needlepaint.com/blog/2022/04/13/self-finishing-a-needlepoint-canvas-or-ornament-in-a-frame/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 14, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Why Needlepoint Pillows Never Went Out of Style

Southern Living Magazine explains why needlepoint pillows never went out of style in the South. (Hey, y'all are style icons!  AND you can make your own to have something perfectly You.)

https://www.southernliving.com/home/needlepoint-pillows-are-trending?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=social-share-article&utm_content=20220413&fbclid=IwAR25DxEQTPl95ZnpuFXUW__Ss1gqeLHMchlvmISJphznJiyt1mFYLS56cT4

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 13, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tanya Goes Picasso

Tanya Bentham has posted a fascinating face on her blog.  Tanya's an expert tutor on Opus Anglicanum, which is the medieval style of embroidery.  The face is done in split stitch I think.  The fascinating part is she used different colors to emphasize how the various parts of the face are stitched in different ways.  I found it absolutely fascinating.  I particularly loved how she rendered the eyes.

https://opusanglicanum.wordpress.com/2022/04/11/funny-face-2/

It will come in handy if I ever stitch a needlepoint face all in split stitch, which is something I'd like to try. I might not use lime, purple, sky blue, peach and pale yellow, though!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 11, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Reviews of Two ANG Chapter Publications

Melita has written reviews of two books published by ANG local chapters:  Golden Gate Canvas Workers' A Background Stitch Reference Book and the Lone Star Chapter's Grab and Go Stitches.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2022/04/10/books-by-ang-chapters/

Both are excellent reference books so keep your eyes out for copies in stash sales.  You probably can find copies ssold at the California or Texas shops, too.  Do note that neither book has numbered diagrams so these are probably not geared toward beginning stitchers unless they have stitching friends to help them figure out what to do.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 11, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Bayeux Tapestry Discussion on YouTube UPDATED

Mary Corbet found a lecture by the British Museum on the Bayeux Tapestry that you might enjoy.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2022/04/weekend-viewing-bayeux-tapestry-history.html

Here's the direct YouTube link.  (UPDATED to the new link.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l57UE5kvneo

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 9, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Cupcakes, Carts and More

JCreation Needlepoint has a series of fun ornaments that are made up at the tops of metal carts (included with the canvas).

https://stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=85538

Here is what the little carts look like made up.

https://stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=85541

JCreation also does an interesting line of sunglass cases that come with a key ring which I think could be used to clip the case to your purse or belt.

https://stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/optioncart/image.php?image=/images/2019/85532.jpg&id=85532&item=Purple%20Owl%20Sunglasses%20Case%20w/Key%20Ring&price=129.00&itemtype=hand%20painted%20canvases&cat=JC035-L&ret=https://www.stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?page=1&id=85532

Very inventive designer!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 8, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How Ada Organizes

Ada Hayden of Eye Candy has tried various thread organization schemes over the years.  Here is what she does now.

http://eyecandyneedleart.blogspot.com/2022/03/thread-stash.html

How you organize is really personal.  I always store my threads by type as the first thing I think about is texture when I am making choices, but there's no one right way to do this.  You just have to think about how much room you have and what makes sense to you when you pick threads for your newest project.

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.

Cruisin'

Jan is cruising the Rhine on a trip run by Sandy Arthur and she's having a blast!

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2022/04/02/amsterdamfinally/

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2022/04/06/cruising-on-the-rhine/

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2022/04/10/switzerland/

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2022/04/21/working-on-cruise-project/

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2022/05/08/windmill-and-tulips/

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2022/05/10/windmill-update/

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2022/05/18/more-windmill-and-tulips/

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2022/05/28/tulips-windmill-and-hearts/

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2022/09/09/my-tulip-canvas/

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2022/09/20/silk-tulips/

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2022/10/13/back-to-the-tulips/

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2022/11/08/back-to-the-tulips-2/

Brenda also went on the cruise.  Here's her report.

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2022/04/tulip-time-rhine-river-needlepoint.html

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2022/04/peyote-beaded-needle-case-42322.html

Want to go on one of these yourself?  Here's more information from Sandy Arthur's blog.  Her next cruise is in Hawaii in April 2023.

https://sandyarthur.blogspot.com/2022/04/rhine-adventures-and-there-were-many-it.html

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.

A Needleart Judge's Reference (Revised 2021 Edition) UPDATED

The National Academy of Needlearts (NAN) just annouced they have revised A Needleart Judge's Reference.  The original was published in 2013 and the revised edition is dated 2021.

https://needleart.org/publications/a-needleart-judges-reference/?fbclid=IwAR0PLlRmgC4S9oFvM5L942-fzmv5PiTmpPUPTO9AMTTI1TFuFE0ohw82IIY

This is a must-have for needle arts judges and a useful reference for those who want to improve their needle art for exhibit.  If you want a copy, I suggest you email the Director of Judges' Certification to see how to purchase a copy.

https://needleart.org/contact/

UPDATE:  Brenda's Needlepoint Studio has done a review of this book.  She thinks it is a fabulous resource for anyone who is involved in needlepoint exhibits.

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2022/06/a-needleart-judges-reference-by-nan.html

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.

A Great Vegan Leather Bag for Needlepoint Inserts

Anna at Evergreen Needlepoint found a great small vegan leather crossbody bag with a 5x7 inch space for a needlepoint insert that will be covered to prevent snagging.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/4980827411994377/

The Etsy store that sells these also has little pencil bags that also might work and there is a much larger bag if that fits your needs better.  I don't know the size of the display areas for those but the shop owner can probably measure them for you.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1028917317/classic-small-crossbody-ita-vegan?click_key=c71c19bffeed24fae46b599849b2bf48a633c4eb%3A1028917317&click_sum=cc721b6a&ref=shop_home_feat_4&frs=1&bes=1&sts=1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 5, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Pillow Finishing Definitions

Third Coast Finishing has a nice blog post explaining the different types of pillow finishes available.  They have lots of pictures, too, making it easy to understand the different terms your favorite shop or finisher uses.  If you can talk the talk, you can get the pillow of your dreams.

https://thirdcoaststitches.com/blogs/news/decoding-pillow-finishing

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 4, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sun City Stitches Beaded Bermuda Reef

The Sun City Stitcher just took a Kathy Rees class with her ANG chapter.  It looks fabulous!  The beaded zigzag is a great idea.

https://www.suncitystitcher.com/2022/04/beaded-bermuda-reef.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 3, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Passport Covers and Insert Canvases UPDATED

Planet Earth now offers self-finishing passport covers, something I've not seen before.

http://blog.planetearthfiber.com/3469-2/

Kate Dickerson has inserts for the new Planet Earth passport covers.

https://www.facebook.com/KSH.Needlepoint.Collections/posts/392800649513906

https://www.facebook.com/KSH.Needlepoint.Collections/posts/392804009513570

Stitch by Stitch shows a bunch of inserts and the colors of covers available.

https://www.facebook.com/stitchbystitchlarchmont/posts/love-the-new-inserts-for-planet-earths-passport-covers-what-combination-can-we-o/4794521523930220/

UPDATE:  According to Stitch by Stitch Larchmont, the passport cover opening is approximately 2.75 x 4.25 inches.

https://www.stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/product-page/planet-earth-ttpc006-passport-insert

UPDATE #2:  Planet Earth posted a video on how to insert a canvas into their passport covers, using nail clippers to shove the corners into position.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CwTahesLhPr/

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 Pat Mazu Mini Sock

Brenda's been working on a Pat Mazu charted mini sock.  The basis of the design is a Florentine pattern.  Brenda choose colors that made her think Mardi Gras.  (Pat's original is at the bottom of the posting.)

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2022/03/stocking-florentine-variation-mardi_0398812140.html

If you are tempted to try one of these, Pat's little stocking designs are often in Needlepoint Now and Needlepointers.  ANG has posted one online.

https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.needlepoint.org/resource/collection/3084ECE6-C1B5-4ACD-B678-D1AD0E13242E/ANG_HUM_Crescents_with_Sparkle_from_Pat_Mazu.pdf

You can also pick up her charts here as well as her book about finishing your own needlepoint projects.

https://stitches-heart.com/product-category/counted-canvas/pat-mazu-designs/

And of course Pat recently posted three free charts here on Blog.

https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2021/10/floral-finesse-free-chart-from-pat-mazu.html

https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2021/10/patriot-star-free-chart-from-pat-mazu.html

https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2021/10/windmill-ornament-free-chart-from-pat.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 6, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Two's Company Has a New Owner

Happy news!  Two's Company in South Carolina has a new owner!  They will reopen May 7.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/5048821841861600/

Michelle Cole Hamilton has taken over Jane's shop so she can retire.  Here is the old website.

https://www.twoscompanyneedlepoint.com

The new Two's Company website should be up and running May 1st--which is today!

http://www.2sconeedlepoint.com

Jane, have fun being retired.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 30, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.