Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Gingher Discontining Four Inch Designer Series

According to Megan and Melissa on the Pointing It Out Podcast on Sparkly Threads, Gingher is discontinuing their designer series of four inch embroidery scissors.

These are the scissors that have limited edition patterns like this that change each year--

If you are a fan, make sure you pick up a spare pair before this disappear.  

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

Monday, August 29, 2022

Lace Stitch: The Movie

Needlepoint.com has a new video tutorial on the Lace Stitch, a useful stitch for backgrounds.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 2, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, August 28, 2022

The Needlepoint Clubhouse Talks Backgrounds Behind Lettering.

This short posting on Instagram from The Needlepoint Clubhouse talks about backgrounds and wording.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.co
© Copyright August 2, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, August 27, 2022

Rachel Donley: The Movie

Megan from the Pointing It Out podcast interviews Rachel Donley.

You'll learn to know about Rachel and her designs.  If you want to browse, here is her website.

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

Friday, August 26, 2022

50 Years of ANG

The American Needlepoint Guild (ANG) has been with us fifty years.  They just had their 50th Seminar in Tucson, AZ and both Jan and Melita are reporting back about all the fun.


Brenda had a lovely time despite two bouts of COVID.

Here is what Melita has seen so far.

The NJ Needle Artists are at Seminar as well.

Melita reports on her Kathy Rees class:




Melita is also taking Jennifer Reifenberg's class on photographing needlework.

Melita is learning to use handmade paper on her canvases in a Dawn Donnelly class.




Melita has the pleasure of seeing one of her original designs win an award for its stitcher.

AND Melita's "Crescent Journey" will be ANG's Stitch of the Month in 2023!

NJNA has a brief review of the seminar and news about ANG's 50 for 50 fund raiser.

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

Thursday, August 25, 2022

The Topiary Garden Begins UPDATED

Jan's going on a Topiary Garden adventure.  Her first attempts at this original design are described on her blog.

UPDATE:  First Jan does some testing using threads from her stash to work out just how width the trellis pattern should be.



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

Wednesday, August 24, 2022

Pointing It Out Talks Overdyed Threads

If you want to see a huge range of overdyed threads in all sorts of materials and from all sorts of companies, this podcast is for you.

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

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

The Hermes Silk Scarf Frame Weight

Stitching Fox in South Carolina now carries beautiful frame weights from Belles Choses Designs.  These are made from Hermes silk scarves, designed for the stitcher who wants to surround themselves with beautiful tools.

By the way, you can also get scissor cases and scissor ribbon fobs made from vintage scarves.

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

Monday, August 22, 2022

Summer Magnet Tree Free Chart

Ada Hayden, the genius behind Eye Candy, has created another free magnet tree chart, this time one that is summer-themed.  It's a fun way to display your needle minders when you aren't using them.

You can download the chart on Ada's website. There are plenty of other free designs to enjoy, too.

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

Sunday, August 21, 2022

A Source for Making Up Needlepoint Shoes

Lynn has found a place in Thailand that will finish needlepoint designs into slippers.

Lynn texted back and forth with Sumet at the company.  He helped her create a template and after she stitched the needlepoint uppers, it took about a month to make her shoes.  The company also does belts and purses.  Lynn says the quality is superb and the pricing reasonable.

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

Saturday, August 20, 2022

Unique Bead Trays

Bedecked and Beadazzled in the Baltimore, Maryland suburbs now carries unique bead trays.  The trays have a clear cover held in place with magnets and are shaped like animals and insects.  The one on the website shows a bee and its and hexagonal comb, which is where you can store various colors of beads.  

I've also seen one that is shaped like a cat.  All the trays are divided and made to sit on a table as they are the size of your hand or larger.  They are perfect for a project with multiple colors and sizes of beads so you can segregate the various beads and cover the tray when you aren't stitching.

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

Friday, August 19, 2022

Woven Stitch: The Movie

Abigail Cecile has posted a video demonstating woven stitch on her Instagrm page.  She covers how to do the stitch, how to compensate it and how to shade using this stitch.

It's a thorough explanation of the stitch and well worth watching.

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

Thursday, August 18, 2022

Fancy Wire Needle Threader/Magnets

This Etsy shop has something really different--fancy wire needle threaders that double as needle minders.  Note that the magnets are an added feature, so you can get a needle threader without the magnet if you prefer.  

I think it's nice to have a fancy threader that doubles as a needle minder, especially if you are in the market for a Dancing Avocado needle minder/magnet!

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

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

Aster + Daisy

I enjoy seeing the work from in-house artists at Barbara's Needlepoint, so I was excited to realize that Aster + Daisy is the Beth from Beth and Cindy at Barbara's.

Following the links, I found her Instagram account, which has lovely photos of some designs I've never seen before.  Don't you just love that Santa and Mrs. Santa star!?!  It's available in either a white or black background, too.  Spring Floral is amazing, as well, but I'm in love with the pumpkin with the witch's hat.  Lots to see and admire (and call Barbara's to order).

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

Tuesday, August 16, 2022

Breaking News: Sandy Jenkins Died

Thanks to Nancy's posting on Needlepoint Nation, I've learned Sandy Jenkins died August 3 in Fredericksburg, Texas.  Apparently her husband followed her six days later.

I am sorry to hear this.  She was an early pioneer in needlepoint embellishment and designed a lot of fun pieces.

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

Planet Earth Six Ply Silk Becomes Eight Ply Silk

I really like Planet Earth's Six Ply Silk.  So I was very interested to hear, according to both Barbara on Needlepoint Nation and the Planet Earth website, the company is gradually transitioning the thread to eight plies.  I thinl it is going to be called Planet Earth Ply Silk Floss now.

I'm sure I'll still like it but it can be disconcerting when you buy skeins of something that you thought was six plies and discover eight.  Be careful shopping for multiple skeins that you don't get a mix of six and eight plies.  For me, it wouldn't matter but depending on what stitch you use, this could be a problem.

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

Monday, August 15, 2022

BREAKING NEWS: Judy's Stitchery Nook is Closing

Judy's Stitchery Nook in Harlington, Texas is closing because Judy wants to retire.  The shop is having a store-wide 15% off sale.  Visit now and please, everyone give Judy a hug and wishes for a great retirement.  And if you want to buy a shop, talk to Judy....

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

Fiber Talk Interviews Ada Hayden

Fiber Talk's latest interview is with Ada Hayden, the talent behind the colorful EyeCandy line of canvases and charts.   You'll learn the history of Ada's stitching obsession and enjoy her tales of the boom of cross stitch, her job with Needle in a Haystack in California and her blossoming design business in needlepoint and counted canvaswork.  Plus the CNN interview and the San Diego garage trade show.

You've probably seen Ada's work without realizing it.  Just visit her blog and you'll see the pretty colors and cheerful designs she creates.

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

Sunday, August 14, 2022

Recommended Storage for Rainbow Gallery Thread Cards

Michelle on NP Nation recommends using these business card holders from the Container Store to hold your Rainbow Galley thread cards.

Each box appears to hold roughly 45 cards on their sides, so the colors are easily visible through the plastic lid.  They also have holes in the sides for good ventilation.

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

Saturday, August 13, 2022

New Santas from Petei

Everyone who has stitched for a few years is familiar with Petei's Santas.  They are small, charming, and fun to stitch.  Petei has finally released new Santas--they are ornament sized portraits.  Here are the ones I've seen:
African Round

Iceland Round

Mongolian Round

Netherlands Round

Scandinavian Round

Irish Round

If you haven't seen the Petei Santas that Diana Bosworth stitched, here's the link.  Her guides are still available from The French Knot as far as I know.

These and all of Petei's other designs are available from Painted Pony.


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

Friday, August 12, 2022

Halloween Mystery Piece for 2022

Ruth Schmuff has announced the Halloween mystery class at Bedecked and Beadazzled:  David Galchutt's "Flying Witch."  I'll update this article as Ruth posts progress photos.

Those cats!  The witch has a nose and a cheek you won't believe.

The canvas now has moons, stars and bats (and graphs for the stars).

And there are bats and pantaloons.  (and that apron is genius)

Now the witch has hair, a fabulous broom and lots of ruffles.

Pink beaded shoes, a pumpkin with crystal candies, and an elegant moon finish up the design.

Here is the Flying Witch, framed two different ways, both adorable.  Happy Halloween!

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

Thursday, August 11, 2022

Self Finishing Dog Collars

Stitch by Stitch in Larchmont, NY now offers self-finishing dog collars and canvases sized to fit.  These come in three lengths to fit almost any size dog and are availabie in black or brown leather.  The sizes are listed in the description for individual items.

The needlepoint section is not very large so these will be a quick stitch.  The bonus is with all that leather they should wear very well.

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

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Mary Corbet's Garden Bright Color Collection of Floche UPDATED

Threadaholics rejoice!  Mary Corbet is now selling a collection of floche in bright summery colors.  Of course by the time I saw this, the thread packs were sold out but I'll leave this up because Mary will restock when she can.

UPDATE:  Mary's working to restock the floche collection. You can read about the process here.

If you aren't familiar with floche, you'll enjoy reading about it on Mary's website.  Just follow the links.

If you don't want to wait for Mary's restocking of floche, you can also buy floche in small individual skeins in Ruth Schmuff's custom colors at the Bedecked and Beadazzled website.

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

Tuesday, August 9, 2022

Evaluating Size When Choosing a Stitch

Mary Legallet has tips on evaluating the size of a stitch when choosing what to use on your painted canvas.

I often stitch a sample in the margins of my canvas, just to see.  It also helps to make sure the space you are going to fill will allow at least 3 full repeats of the stitch.

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

Monday, August 8, 2022

The Daisy Wells Westie

Daisy Wells just charted a portrait of her mother's West Highland Terrier.  It's adorable!

The best part is Daisy posted the chart she created for everyone to make their own Westie portrait.

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

Sunday, August 7, 2022

Poppy Monk's Needlepoint Hacks

Poppy Monk Needlepoint has three interesting tips for you.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 31, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Using the Boo Boo Stick

Needlepoint.com posted a short video on their Instagram account demonstrating using a Boo Boo Stick to remove fuzz from a canvas you've ripped out mistakes from.

While trying to find these for sale, I found an old video from Nordic Needle that also shows how to use Judy's Boo Boo sticks.

Stitcher's Paradise in Florida sells these but check with your favorite shop first.  

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

Saturday, August 6, 2022

The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

Mary Corbet recently visited the National Museum of Toys and Iniatures in Kansas City.

It showcases a lot of needlework, including needlepoint done on smaller count grounds like silk gauze.  I believe that the needlepoint designer SharonG has some of her silk gauze pieces in this museum.  You can do a little more exploration at the museum's website.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 11, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, August 5, 2022

Nothing to Wear?

Don't have a thing to wear to that Labor Day party?  Not to worry, Kristin Mallison has you covered with her cute skirts that feature vintage needlepoint panels on the front.  She also does bodices from upcycled needlepoint in case you want something besides a mini skirt.

Many thanks to Chris' daughter for alerting NP Nation to these fun fashions!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 11, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, August 4, 2022

Pretty Stitches by the Pointer Sisters

I just stumbled across mention of a new spiral bound book called Pretty Stitches by the Pointer Sisters.

The book is by Timmy Schultz and Jan Dederick.  It's 137 pages with around 60 stitches covered.  The book itself is small enough at 4x7 inches to carry in your stitching bag on vacation.  I found one review.

Looks like a second book is in the works, too.

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

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Learn Finishing Via Video

Kelly Starke Malchele of Starke Art Designs now has pay to view tutorials on various types of finishing.  The costs vary according to the complexity and length of the project.

Kelly's website has the materials lists for what is needed to follow along in each class on her website.

If you are curious about Kelly's videos, she has free YouTube videos on how to paint a canvas you can watch.

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

Tuesday, August 2, 2022

How to Stitch Basketweave Around Irregular Shapes

Puzzled about how to work basketweave backgrounds around an irregular shape?  Poppy Monk Needlepoint to the rescue!

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

Monday, August 1, 2022

The Rehoboth Beach Museum Needlework Exhibit UPDATED

Time to start thinking about the Rehoboth Beach Museum Needlework exhibit.

You can drop off your needlework September 1-9, the exhibit itself runs from September 17 through November 6, and you can pick up your needlework at the museum in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware on November 6.

More details here as they become available.

UPDATE:  Brenda won four ribbons!  Congratulations.  

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.