Friday, September 30, 2022

A Book on Making Tote Bags

Thanks to the Needlework Retailer, I know there's a new book out on how to sew your own tote bag.

There are reuseable templates for fifteen variations of tote bags apparently.  

If you are curious, the author Debbie Shore has at least two YouTube videos on making two styles of tote.


If you have a sewing machine and do quilting it looks like these would be pretty easy and you could use your stitched needlepoint as pockets or even as one side of a tote if they are large enough.

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

Thursday, September 29, 2022

A DIY Acrylic Tray

Patricia wins the Smart Cookie Award for September with this Do It Yourself lucite tray.

For those who don't have a Facebook account, Patrica described how she did this:  "...purchased Lucite tray from Amazon ( about $20). They come is multiple sizes. Choose one closest to your canvas. Very carefully (to the 32nd) measured the inside on the tray and went to Lowes where they will cut to size a piece of plexi ($15) that ultimately will be used to cover canvas once placed in tray. Then went to Michael’s and ordered a custom double mat with spacer and a piece of card stock.. ( $70). Total spent $105 compared to hundreds for a custom tray from LNS. Cut cardstock to fit bottom of tray. Layer canvas down on top of cardstock and adhered with the tiniest dot of glue stick. Layer custom mat on top of canvas and covered with plexi. I don’t plan on serving liquids with this so no need to seal. Fit is super tight."

Congratulations to Patricia for this very clever way to create a lucite tray.

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

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

Tips for Photographing Needlework

EGA has a lovely article on their website about photographing your needlework.

I've learned to photograph framed pieces that have glass slightly from the side to avoid most of the glare.

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

Need a Needlepoint Appraisal?

I just stumbled across the website for The Needle's Worth, which is Willette Vaughn's website for her needlework appraisal business.  She's in south Alabama I think.

I know ANG certifies needlework appraisers so if you are a member, you might look at their website to see if any are listed.  A local museum with a large textile collection is also a good place to ask for recommendations.

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

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Stained Glass Hearts

Colour Complements in Canada has a fun take on stained glass hearts that would be easy to copy.

If you are making hearts for the Hearts for Hospice program and have a stash of overdyed threads you can dip into, give it a try.

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

Monday, September 26, 2022

A Living Treasure: Elizabeth Bozevich

The National Academy of Needlearts (NAN) occasionally gives the Living Treasure Award to people who have contributed mightily behind the scenes at the organization.  This year the award has been given to Elizabeth Bozevich, who belongs to NAN and gives her expertise to the organization.

Why does that name ring a bell?  Elizabeth is also the editor of Needlepoint Now magazine.

Congratulations!

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

Sunday, September 25, 2022

Lace Like Stitches: The Movies

Needlepoint.com's video series continues with two lacy stitches, perfect for open backgrounds.  The first is lace stitch.


Have fun trying these out on your next backgrounds.

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

Saturday, September 24, 2022

Scissors and Needle Threaders

Mary Corbet is going to start selling needle threaders and scissors in her online shop.

Neither is a brand or type I've seen before.  The stainless steel scissors have smooth (sea foam handles) or serrated blades (green handles), perfect for cutting metal threads or doing precision cuts.  They are made by Karen Kay Buckley and come in 4 inch, 5 inch, 6 inch and 7 1/2 inch lengths.  There is also a curved and serrated blade type (red handles).  I think Mary will only offer the four inch sizes but I'm not certain.  Ms. Buckley is a quilter and lives in Pennsylvania.

The needle threaders are very smooth stainless steel and come in three sizes and a variety of patterns.  They are made by a Canadian company.

Thanks for offering these, Mary!

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

Ergonomic Tips from Trish Burr

You may not be familiar with Trish Burr's embroidery but I bet you've seen some of her fabulous needle painted birds and flowers.  Regardless, you will find her tips on ergonomics helpful.

Here are her stunning pieces of needle art.  You can buy kits to do this yourself and she even has items suitable for beginners.

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

Friday, September 23, 2022

A New Book from Jane Nicholas

Jane Nicholas has a new book coming out.  It's called Japanese Motifs in Stumpwork and Goldwork.

I can't wait to get my hands on a copy!

Is it November yet?

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

Thursday, September 22, 2022

Assembling Acrylic Coasters: The Movie

Beautiful Stitches posted this video on how to insert a needlepoint piece into those two piece acrylic coasters.  It looks easy!

She orders her acrylic coasters from this cross stitch website.

Various Etsy shops also carry these.

You can even find some with cork backs.

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

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

The Needlepoint Snowglobe

I heard from a friend about the snowglobe finishing The Wool and The Floss does and managed to track down a photograph on their shop Facebook page.  The finishing is unique.

Of course you'll need a matching snowglobe needle minder....

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

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Wings from Just Another Button Company

Just Another Button Company has a new set of pins--and they are wings suitable for bees and moths!

You'll need a substantial body to pin the wings to, but these are a delightful addition to just the right needlepoint canvas.

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

Monday, September 19, 2022

Pointing It Out Interviews Patty Paints

Melissa (The Wool and The Floss half of the Pointing It Out Podcast) interviews Patty Paints!

You can explore Patty's work on her website or her Instagram page.


Here are a ton of the buttons finished in various ways.


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

Sunday, September 18, 2022

The Porcupine Needlepoint Shop Turns Fifty

The Porcupine Needlepoint Shop is having it's fiftieth birthday!

If you are anywhere near Swickley, Pennsylvania, stop in and with them a great 51st year.  If not, you can visit their website.

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

Saturday, September 17, 2022

A Facebook Group For Thread Searches

There's now a Facebook group for those hunting for threads and certain dye lots.

Like most Facebook groups these days, it's private so you have to ask to join.

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

Friday, September 16, 2022

Needlepoint Etc. Has a New Website

Needlepoint Etc has a new website!  That makes it easy to shop even if you can't get to Honolulu to see the shop and Gussie in person.  

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

Thursday, September 15, 2022

BREAKING NEWS: Chaparral is Moving from Houston to Dallas

Chaparral is moving from Houston, Texas to Dallas, Texas.

Here is the message sent to customers:

We have BIG news!
Exciting things are happening at Chaparral Needleworks, and we want to share some important news with you. Loyalty from customers like you has fueled our continued success, and we are proud to announce we are moving to Dallas, Texas.
Our new location in Dallas will open after the Needlepoint Reunion in October. Stay tuned for the opening date and new address.
All finishing and special orders for our Houston-based customers, which are received by September 19th, will be shipped complimentary.
Thank you for supporting Chaparral Needleworks in Houston. See you soon, Dallas!
Chaparral Needlework
3701 W Alabama St
Suite 300
Houston TX 77027
United States
© 2022 Chaparral Needlework 

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

One Motif Becomes Christmas Ornament UPDATED

Melita's ANG chapter is doing a project which involves taking motifs from one of Textured Treasures' designs and making it into a Christmas ornament.


It's a great idea for those of us with a geometric chart hidden away we'll never stitch.  Pick one area and turn that into a Christmas design!

If you don't have any counted needlepoint charts you can always buy something from Textured Treasures....

UPDATE:  Melita had so much fun she used two more motifs as ornaments.

Here is the framed finished piece.

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

Wednesday, September 14, 2022

Suddenly Subscription to Blog Ends

I've heard from two different folks this week that suddenly their subscription to Blog has ended.  They want me to fix it.  Sorry to say, I cannot.  The behind-the-scenes workings of Blogger are off limits to those of us who use it.  When bugs appear, it's up to Google to fix them.

There are three things you can do.  First, try to resubscribe.  The drop down menu to Subscribe is 5/6 of the way down the home page of Blog, just below the big blue Blog with Integrity box.

Secondly, you can use an RSS feed reader.  I use Feedly but there are others.  These can be a little tricky to set up and you will need to have the URLs for all the websites you want to follow ready to copy/paste into the feed reader.  Note that blogs that are part of a website instead of being stand alone often don't work with feed readers.  

The easiest way around this if the subscription stops working and you can't get it to go again is to simply bookmark Blog's URL and visit daily.  Remember, once you visit Blog, you can click on the magic carpet photo in the right side column to automatically visit the CH Stitch Guides blog.  You can return to Blog the same way.  

Sorry about this, folks, but it's not something I can do a thing about.  

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

Stitches for Effects Series Going Up in Price

Homestead Needle Arts just announced that the Stitches for Effects books are going to cost more starting in October 2022.

This makes sense as costs for paper and labor are going through the roof.  The moral is, if you like to stitch embellished canvases, you should buy one or more of the three books at today's prices.  They are invaluable guides to what stitch to use to create snow, mountains, skirts, fur, leaves, etc.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 10, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

The Witching Hour: An Amy Bunger Home Study

Amy Bunger has revealed her next Home Study, Cheryl Baker's "The Witching Hour."  She's almost half done now so this won't be ready for you to start for a while.

If you are interested, the canvas is available from Love You More, which is Cheryl Baker's distributor.  The Home Study will be handled through The Needle Works in Austin, Texas.  They can get the canvas and kit for you once the design is finished and Amy's instructions written.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 10, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, September 12, 2022

All About Finishing

Needlepoint.com's redone their website.  They now have a great section on the various types of finishing they offer.

You may have a finisher in mind already.  If so, this is a great site to help you explain exactly what you want--or don't want!

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

Sunday, September 11, 2022

Finishing an Acrylic Purse: The Movie

Kathryn recommended this video on finishing needlepoint for those clear acrylic purses on Needlepoint Nation.  The video shows several different ways to finish the panels yourself, which is nice.  You can pick what works for you best.

Thanks, Kathryn!

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.

Saturday, September 10, 2022

Needlepoint Canvas Swatches

Melita just posted that she has swatches of colored needlepoint canvas she got from Fireside Stitchery.  This would be very handy if you did a lot of counted canvaswork and wanted to know what colors of the underlying needlepoint canvas are available.

Fireside still sells these swatches but it looks like only 24 colors are available now.  I think the mottled brown in the bottom row of Melita's picture has been discontinued except as a special order.

Fireside's website links don't always work.  If the above doesn't take you to Fireside's page selling blank canvas swatches, go to the link below, then click on "Unpainted Canvas" on the left side of the page.  Now click on "Swatches."

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

Friday, September 9, 2022

The New Master Teacher (NAN)

The Nantional Academy of Needlearts (NAN) just awarded Dianne Herrmann her Master Teacher's Certificate.  You have to do various things to achieve this certification, including creating an expertise piece.  You can read about Dianne's design on the NAN website. It's quite a story!

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

Thursday, September 8, 2022

The Fiber Hider

A Stitch in Time in California posted about the Fiber Hider, which is similar to the DoLolly Tool.

You can use either end to pull stray fibers to the back of your needlepoint.  Many shops carry them but this one shows how many designs of Fiber Hider there are well.

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

Wednesday, September 7, 2022

Use A Sheath!

Mary Corbet has good tips for caring for and protecting your scissors.

Don't have a sheath but you want one now?  Etsy sells all kinds and sizes made from flannel, wool, suede, leather, fabric (even Sajou French fabric).

My favorite is the double scissor sheath with foxes.

By the way, Mary also is talking about scissor fobs. Truthfully I don't use scissor fobs--they get in my way--but I've never heard they protect the tips of your scissors.

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

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

The Wayback Machine and the SOTM

Jana (winner of the year's Cleverest Stitcher Award) messaged me to say she'd discovered that the Wayback Machine allows access to ANG's Stitch of the Month program  from its start in 1998 until 2011.  It's not perfect as not all the photos are available and sometimes clicking on the diagrams doesn't work or the diagram is upside down, but it's better than nothing.

ANG's current policy is to allow purblic access only to the 1998 Stitch of the Month project.  You have to be a dues-paying member to access the rest.  I've deplored this for years and Jana cleverly found a way around the limitations, allowing access to fun mystery projects from the likes of Beth Robertson, Barbara Richardson, Chris Eisenberg, Carole Lake, David McCaskill, Ann Strite-Kurz, SharonG, Kathy Fenchel, Brenda Hart Lois Kerschner, Tony Minieri, Sue Reed, and Ro Pace.

Thanks, Jana!

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

Monday, September 5, 2022

Plan Ahead....WAY Ahead

The July shop newsletter from Rittenhouse in Philadelphia has a lot of information about delays in obtaining painted canvases and custom acrylic trays.  The shop says they are getting shipments more regularly but their acrylic tray finisher is full up and won't be taking any more orders.  They are trying to find another acrylic maker to help ease the situation but no promises.

The shop has also heard about delays in getting canvases from some designers:

Labors of Love- All canvas orders delayed until further notice

The Meredith Collection- At least 6+ months

Melissa Shirely- For STOCKINGS always order in advance, wait time of 1 year+

Strictly Christmas- Always order in advance, wait time of 1 year+

Carol Dupree- All canvases delayed indefinitely

Kate Dickerson- We don't have an official update but some canvas orders are still held up at the painting house for several months.

The moral of the story is to plan ahead.  Melissa Shirley Designs now has a section on her website for items that are currently in stock.  I haven't noticed any other designer doing this but some may have.  Your favorite shop may be able to track down a canvas you want through their network of fellow shop owners.  You also should ask in the big stitching groups like Facebook's Needlepoint Nation to see if anyone has seen that canvas you want in their local shop or perhaps has it in their stash and are willing to part with it.

Supply chain issues are here to stay for at least several years, so plan ahead and be flexible.  

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

Sunday, September 4, 2022

Want a Needlepoint Bracelet?

Rachel Cox Sheely makes needlepoint bracelets and sells them in her Etsy shop.  She will even do a custom design for you.

If you want to wear your stitching but don't have time to stitch for yourself or to hunt out the metal forms, this is a great way to wear your needlepoint on your sleeve--so to speak. 

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.

Saturday, September 3, 2022

ANG Seminar 2022 Award Winners

I've been collecting photos of pieces that won ribbons at the ANG 2022 exhibit.  

Cynthia won!


Jan won!


Melita won!


Eileen Bergen Aird won the State Award for this lovely Barbara Elmore piece.

Eileen Aird won a ribbon for her NYC stocking from DJ Designs.

Lisa Roccoforte-Eddo and Mary Alice Stinton of the San Diego Chapter of ANG won the Founder's Ribbon and the Shirley Fetteroff Halloween ribbons.

Lisa also won ribbons for her Glitzy Accessories set.

Vicky won two ribbons for her stunning purse.

Denise Fischer won a ribbon for this charming JudyAnn fox and chipmunk with a pumpkin.

Congratulations to everyone whose stitches or designs won ribbons.  Competition is very fierce at the ANG Exhibit so you know your work is something extra special.

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

Friday, September 2, 2022

Needle's Excellency Exhibit UPDATED

The Needle's Excellency in Evanston, Illinois is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with an exhibit of around 100 piece of needle art at the Evanston Art Center.  You can see some photos of the pieces on display at Facebook's Needlepoint Nation group.

You can also browse the shop's website where there is a wonderful gallery of finished items.

UPDATE:  More photos of some of the exhibits posted to Needlepoint Nation.

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

Thursday, September 1, 2022

Betty White's Needlepoint at Auction UPDATED

From Celebrity Needlepoint by Joan Scoby and Lee Parr McGrath


Julien's Auctions in Beverly Hills will auction items from Betty White's estate September 23-25, 2022.

The two needlepoint items offered are "...an orange needlepoint director's chair decorated with owls and reading "Allen" on the seat back made by White for her husband [Allan Ludden]" and "a large and beautiful decorative needlepoint wall hanging of exotic birds and butterflies which includes a photograph of White sitting while working on this needlepoint."

I think needlepoint pillows will likely also be available but can't confirm that until the auction goes live on Julien's website.  I've found several articles about Ms. White needlepointing various items.





Courtesy of the Needlework Retailer

Needlework Retailer posted this to their Facebook page.  I can't find the photos anywhere so screenshotted the entire item for you.

UPDATE:  Stitch Stash won three items from the auction!  The two floral pillow canvases (not made up) are 29 x 27 inches while the shell rug is 49 x 48 inches.

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.