Thursday, June 30, 2022

Orna Willis on Display UPDATED

Thanks to Melita, I know that Orna Willis will have an exhibit of some of her work at the Media Arts Council Gallery in Media, Pennsylvania, starting tomorrow, July 1st through the entire month of July 2022.

It looks like quite a fascinating exhibit.  I hope folks in the area attend.  Orna is a master of color.  Trust me, photographs don't do her designs justice.

UPDATE:  Melita will be attending in style.

UPDATE #2:  Melita reports on the opening of the exhibit here and shows off another Orna small set of pieces she has stitched.

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

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

The Making of a Master

Brenda is going through the American Needlepoint Guild's Master Needlepointer program.  Here is stage one.

Stage Two looks like quite a challenge but Brenda was up to it.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 29, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Finishing and Blocking Needlepoint Videos

Nancy Lukoskie of Fancywork Finishing is retiring from her ecclesiastical needlework business, but she's making and selling a series of videos that distill her years of experience in blocking, restoring, cleaning and finishing needlepoint.

The videos are listed on the Instructional Videos section of her website.

Nancy has a free video on how to make monk's braid, which she prefers to twisted cord.  It gives you a taste of everything she has to offer.

Nancy also talks about blocking on her blog.

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

Tuesday, June 28, 2022

Hearts of Gold Class from ANG

Melita is taking Michele Roberts' "Hearts of Gold" class from ANG.







Michele Roberts is not as well known as she should be since she doesn't have a website and her teaching is limited.  But her work, especially her goldwork, is outstanding.  This is an ANG Correspondence course and it looks like it is still available.

Jan Sprague is pilot stitching Michele's hearts book, which probably came out of the class.  There are ten hearts in the book, which you can see as Jan works on them.






Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 21, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, June 27, 2022

How to Make Curls: The Movie

Ruth Schmuff gave her latest mystery class project curls!  (This is "Penelope and Her Imaginarium," from Sandra Vargas.)

Here's the link to the video explaining how to make these curls and then how to attach them to your canvas.  You can vary the size of the dowels the threads are wrapped around to have giant (or teeny) curls, depending on your design.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 20, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, June 26, 2022

ThreadBook

Amy posted to NP Nation that she really likes ThreadBook for keeping track of her thread stash.

I found another review here--

It's available for $14.99 USD on both the Apple and Google Play app stores.  Check for compatibility with the devices you use and read the reviews carefully before you buy.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 20, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, June 25, 2022

How to Insert a Canvas in a Turtle Bag Part Two




Yesterday I showed how to stick a canvas with raw edges into the window of a Turtle Bag.  Today I'll show how to turn under and baste the edges before you insert the canvas in case you want a more finished panel.  

I strongly advise you make a paper pattern before you do any stitching or before cutting your finished canvas to insert in the bag.  That way you know your canvas will fit without anything showing you don't want to show.  You can fold or trim the paper pattern until you know what works, then use it to draw or baste where the stitching should stop.  In the example below, my canvas was stitched half an inch beyond the 5 1/2 x 7 inch space.  The entire front of the canvas is stitched but not all of that is visible through the window on the front of the Turtle Bag.





If you are certain about the correct size, trim the canvas around the outside margin.  I normally leave half an inch of raw canvas all the way around.  Finger press the raw edges back all around the outside.  Now trim the corners somewhat to reduce the bulk.  In the above picture, I've finger pressed the sides, then cut the corners off.  





Now press the raw edges to the back again.  If you have clips of some kind, you can carefully fold the corners under so that they meet and use clips to hold the corners in position.





Now baste the corners together.  In the above example I'm using a doubled strand of sewing thread in a contrasting color so you can see.  Normally I use a color similar to the background color but that won't show up in a tutorial.  It doesn't have to be really neat.  I'm not the neatest when it comes to hand sewing but no one is going to see it.

Once all four corners are done, lay your canvas on a table and put a few books on top to help it stay flat.   (If your canvas has beads or ribbon work you might want to skip this step or use padding.)  This step is optional, but my canvas has no beads or very raised stitches and I wanted it flat.





Now just slide the canvas in the window pocket.  Add the stiff fabric panel if you wish.  Zip the top of the side panel closed and there you go.

The final step is to go shopping for the next canvas for your Turtle Bag!


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.

Friday, June 24, 2022

How to Insert a Canvas in a Turtle Bag Part One

Turtle Bags with their windows on the side for installing needlepoint panels are a fun way to show off your stitching.  You can buy all sorts of fun designs sized to fit, too.


But what do you do after you stitch the canvas?  This posting will answer that question in two ways.  But first, some background:

The inserts need to be roughly 5 1/2 by 7 inches.  It doesn't matter if you buy the slightly larger tote bag (with two panels for needlework) or a cross body bag (only one side panel), the opening is roughly the same dimension.  I strongly advise you make yourself a paper pattern that is 5 1/2 x 7, cut it out, and stick in in the window of the bag to make sure that will work.  REMEMBER:  You need more canvas than what shows through the window.  Take your cutout and trace around it on another sheet of paper, then measure a border of half an inch wider all the way around.  Cut that out and stick it in your bag to make sure that this is enough margin for the needlepoint to not shift around. You want your canvas to fit snugly in the opening.



Turtle Bags are made with a zipper at the top of the side where the windows fit.  See the photo above.   Inside is a stiff fabric panel that comes with the bag.




This photo shows the stiff fabric panel behind the first needlepoint panel I stitched.  I like to insert my panel and then carefully slide the stiff fabric panel back behind the stitching.  It helps keep the needlepoint from shifting around while I'm carrying it.  You don't have to do this, however.  It's optional.





But how do you finish the needlepoint before you insert it?  The answer is you don't have to.  What you see is the needlepoint panel I am removing after carrying the purse for six months.  The raw edges are simply trimmed to the size that fits in the panel.  They are turned under a bit because the bag mashed them that way while I carried it.  The stitched area is 1-2 rows larger than the 5 1/2 x 7 inch window.  The entire canvas's outside dimensions are nearly an inch wider than the design.  The basting stitches you see are because I basted a layer of black tulle over my stitching as I had beads and ribbon flowers I wanted to protect.  

But what if you want a more finished look?  I'll talk about how to achieve that tomorrow.

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.

Thursday, June 23, 2022

The Chelsea Pensioners and Needlepoint

Elizabeth Bradley has posted a bit about the inspiration behind their Chelsea Pensioners line of small designs on their blog.

You can see the three Pensioners designs plus the poppy here--

The Kirk and Bradley "garden" kits are here--

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.

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

The Needlepoint Ornament Finishing Book


The May/June 2022 issue of Needlepoint Now magazine has a review of a book I'd not heard of--Eleanore Macnish's The Needlepoint Ornament Finishing Book:  A Step-by-Step  Foolproof Guide to Finishing Needlepoint Ornaments.

The review says that the book is divided into sections covering Supplies, Things to Know, Cutting, Assembly, Trim, Making a Cuff, using a silcone mat to make a SilPress and Information.  The book is a small 4x6 inch spiral bound book with 25 colorful pages.  It costs $28 at Twisted Stitches in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Or you can buy it in digital download form from the author's Etsy store for $12.  Note you have to log into the Etsy website to download the PDF file.  You cannot use the Etsy app to access the download.

Also note that the author uses glue in her finishing.  If you don't want to use glue, you can hand sew things together but this will add substantially to the time needed to make up the ornament.  

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

Tuesday, June 21, 2022

Marjorie Taylor's Vegan Taxidermy

If you subscribe to Needlepoint Now magazine and have the May-June 2022 issue, you already know about Marjorie Taylor's "Vegan Taxidermy."  But if you don't subscribe or your copy is still in the clutches of the post office, this online Eugene, Oregon news article will show what she makes with vintage needlepoint canvases.

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

Monday, June 20, 2022

Best Travel Tools

Needlepoint for Fun's latest newsletter talks about the best tools for traveling.  They have great ideas, including a style of project bag I've not seen before, but their best tip is to take an extra packet of needles.

In fact, put a packet of needles in your wallet or purse so you have them at all times.  Needles are easy to loose and very hard to replace on vacation.

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

Sunday, June 19, 2022

Park Avenue Needlepoint Has Moved

Park Avenue Needlepoint has moved!  After nearly 23 years in Dayton, Park Avenue Needlepoint is moving to a new home in Kettering.  The new address is 4025 Marshall Rd. Kettering, Ohio 45429.  Here's to a new 25 years in your new and larger home!

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

Saturday, June 18, 2022

Thirty-Two Years of Stitching

Thanks to Allison posting about this to NP Nation, I have a link describing a church congregation's thirty-two year journey stitching needlepoint cushions.  There are photos at the top of the article and a video embedded in the middle.

Kudos to the wonderful folks who pulled this off.

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

Friday, June 17, 2022

Attaching a Sawtooth Hanger

Kelly of Starke Art posted photos showing how to sew a sawtooth hanger to the back of a sign or something similar to hang on the wall.  She recommends you sew through the foam core in the center, not just the fabric, to secure it.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 16, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, June 16, 2022

Free Easter Egg Pattern

Ada Hayden of EyeCandy has posted photos of her Easter Egg design stitched and made up.  They are fabulous!

Here is her free design's download link.  Grab some scrap canvas, pull threads from your stash and raid your jewelry box!

UPDATE:  Here is the 2022 Easter egg finished, along with the free 2023 egg design.

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

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Tony's Back to Basic DVDs

Tony Minieri just announced on Facebook that his three "Back to Basics" DVD set is going to be available again soon.

To pick up the set, go to Tony's website, then choose "Kazoo's Store."  From there, click on the photo of glasses under the title "Stitch and Thread Guides and More."  At the very bottom of this section, click on "Tony-All Things Tony."  You are there!

If that's too much, just go here--

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

Tuesday, June 14, 2022

Breaking News: The Embeliishment Squad Has a Book UPDATED




Meredith Willett, Tony Minieri and Suzanne Willett, aka The Embellishment Squad, have teamed up to produce a book of their original stitches.  The title is Master Stitches From the Squad Volume 1 and copies are expected in mid- to late July 2022.

These are all most likely original stitches that the Embellishment Squad have created during their years of teaching embellishment classes.  

UPDATE:  Park Avenue Needlepoint posted a good photo of two pages so you can see what the charts are like.

UPDATE #2:  Vicky has a preview of the new book.

UPDATE #3:  Needle House shows off two more pages from the inside.  I've heard there are 150 or so stitches diagrammed in it.

UPDATE #4:  Another glimpse inside from Needlepoint Breeze.

UPDATE #5:  As of February 2023, they are taking pre-orders for Volume Two.


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 14, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitches for Fur

Melita has listed stitches she thinks good for fur on her blog.

I like long and short myself, done in cotton floss (one ply only) in layers.  You can always go back and add more thread that way to correct something you don't like.

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

Monday, June 13, 2022

Gay Ann Rogers Sale Starts Today

Gay Ann Rogers' latest counted canvaswork design, Mystery in St. Tropez, will be offered for sale June 13 (today!) through June 15.   If you like counted geometrics, you'll love this.  St. Tropez is a mystery design.  On Gay Ann's home page you can see the center of the design which is the same for everyone.  You can also see the various choices for the sides and corners.  Each stitcher picks their own colors, then chooses which of the alternative sides/corners they like, so no two designs will be the same.  You'll be able to purchase the chart starting at 8 a.m. Pacific time from Gay Ann's website.

Not good at picking colors?  Not to worry.  Needle in a Haystack in Alameda, CA has assembled thread groupings for you.  Those are also posted on Gay Ann's home page.  If you see one you like, you can contact NIAH to order those threads and the colored canvas paired with them. 

Gay Ann will be the guest for the June 22nd We Talk Fiber podcast to talk about this new mystery design, color and being your own designer the easy way.

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

Sunday, June 12, 2022

The Pointing It Out Podcast Interviews Beau Verre Art

Megan of the Pointing It Out Podcast interviews of Kelly Boverman of Beau Verre Art about her fused glass needle minders.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6em7fipiP-U


It's a fascinating look at the hard work that creates the sturdy glass art magnets we love. Here's Kelly's website so you can see the range of what she can create.


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.

Saturday, June 11, 2022

The Pointing It Out Podcast Interviews Janet Blyberg of JCB Stitches

Megan of the Pointing It Out Podcast interviews Janet Blyberg of JCB Stitches.

If you aren't familiar with Janet's work, here is her Instagram page.  It's full of the needlepoint she's stitched. Note the logo at the top....

And here is her famous wedding cake, on the Plum Stitchery website as they are her distributor.  To see other designs by Janet, just click on the "Return to JCB Stitches Main Page" link right under the Wedding Cake title.

Here is a customized wedding cake, mentioned in the podcast.

Here is the cane pillow by Associated Talents.

Here are some of the Silver Needle fruit and vegetable ornaments.


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

Friday, June 10, 2022

A Needle Art Love Story, Chapter XI

Historic Fort Worth in Texas is sponsoring the 9th year of A Needle Art Love Story June 9-12.

Aren't in Fort Worth?  This year Historic Fort Worth is offering tickets to a Zoom tour.  You can either take the tour June 11 as it happens, or view a recording later.  (The recording will be available for ticket holders to watch until December 31, 2022.). 

Want to pick up one of the heart fund raiser canvases available this year?  EyeCandy did the design.  These are available in the Fort Worth area.  I think the French Knot usually carries them (second link below).  They may also be for sale at Historic Fort Worth although they are not mentioned on their website.


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

Thursday, June 9, 2022

New Laptop Sleeves from Rachel Barri Designs

Rachel Barri is introducing self-finishing laptop sleeves with canvases sized to fit a 13 inch MacBook or an iPad.  The sleeves come in black or blush.  Use the left side arrows to see two more photos of the designs and sleeve colors.


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 8, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, June 8, 2022

Barbara Has Bead Answers

Barbara of Barbara's Needlepoint has a nice video about beginning beading on needlepoint canvas posted on the shop's Facebook page.

Here's the shop website if you have questions or see a canvas you like.

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

Tuesday, June 7, 2022

Breaking News: Stitching Besties Have Arrived

Daria and Rachel just announced their new venture--Stitching Besties!

Their motto is "Needlepoint with a wink!"  The "needlepoint widower" t-shirt cracked me up.

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

Unwind Studio Helps with Compensation

If compensation is constantly tripping you up, Unwind Studio's article and video about compensating may help.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 28, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Cheryl Asks a Question

Over at NP Nation, Cheryl asked a question a lot of us have wondered:  "How do you know which threads you can use a hair straightener on?"

For those who don't have a Facebook account, I'll quote Debbie Rowley's answer in full.  

"I caution my classes not to use it on pearl cottons or braided threads (Silk Lame' Braid) - it flattens the twist and these particular threads are meant to be twisted. It works great on ribbons of all kinds (Neon Rays, Neon Rays+, Flair, Frosty Rays, silk ribbons, etc.), stranded threads (silk, cotton and rayon), and metallic braids (twisted tightly enough that the twist doesn't flatten)."

If you aren't familiar with Debbie, she's DebBee's Designs.  You can admire her designs and browse her charts and classes here--
https://debbeesdesigns.com

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

Monday, June 6, 2022

A Clever Tip for Threading Multiple Strands

SharonG spotted this clever trick for threading multiple strands on Instagram.

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

Sunday, June 5, 2022

Mr. X Stitch Has a Needlepoint Column Now

The Mr. X Stitch website has a needlepoint column now!

Good luck to Emma and Shannon in the UK.  Thanks for sharing needlepoint with the legions of XS fans.

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

Saturday, June 4, 2022

Ada's Found a New Denver Shop

Ada Hayden of EyeCandy has found a brand new shop in Denver!
http://eyecandyneedleart.blogspot.com/2022/05/downing-street-needlepoint-new-shop.html

It's called Downing Street Needlepoint and it is on Downing Street.  <duh>  Here's their website.  It's a little bare bones as they are just getting started.

Everybody in the area, go wish them luck!

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

Friday, June 3, 2022

Travel Tags Decoded

Hedgehog Needlepoint sells fun airport travel tags.  They look like this--

Ever wonder what the numbers and letters at the bottom mean?  You can download the free "Compendium" on the Hedgehog website to see what these mean.  (However, the newest aren't on the list yet and you have to give the website your contact information to get the PDF file emailed to you.)

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 4, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, June 2, 2022

Celebrate the Platinum Jubilee with Needlepoint UPDATED

Are you celebrating the 70th year of Queen Elizabeth II's reign?  If so, and you needlepoint, Moore Stitching's celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's 70th year on the throne is lovely.

She's got a great Queen Elizabeth silhouette, too.

We wish Her Majesty good health and good luck in the coming year.

UPDATES:  Kate Dickerson has added a portrait of HRH to her line, and...

...Kirkland Design Studio has new England-themed needle minders.

Raymond Crawford has some wonderful British themes, too.

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

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Breaking News: The Point of It All Reopens in New Location

The Point of It All in Washington, D.C. has reopened in their new location.  
5115 MacArthur Blvd, NW
Washington, DC 20016
202.966.9898

Their hours will be Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.  They are closed Sundays and Mondays.  The shop is up three flights of stairs but if you let them know in advance, they can let you in the back door which doesn't have all those steps.  Of course you can always visit their website.
https://thepointofitallonline.com/collections/all-products?mc_cid=8122757987&mc_eid=ac48f033cd

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

Third Coast Stitches Interviews Catherine Shaffer

The people who work at our wonderful shops are often fascinating!  Proof is this interview with Catherine Shaffer that Third Coast Stitches did.  Fun fact:  Catherine taught herself to needlepoint in Brazil!  Learn more here--

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