Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Stitching Harry Potter

There must be thousands of Harry Potter fans in the world of needlepoint.  Recently I stumbled across a rare pair of crochet and embroidery kits which appear to have been properly licensed.

This knitting kit is licensed, too.

That got me thinking.  Are there needlepoint designs with Harry Potter themes?  The answer is yes, although some are barely legal due to copyright and some are obvious ripoffs.  Alice Peterson has several painted canvases.


Elm Tree Designs has a bookmark sized design.

Rogue Needlepoint has a Platform 9 3/4 round.

The Studio Midwest has a little topper that is a wizard robe.

Mopsey Designs has a fun round celebrating the books.

The aptly named Back Alley Transactions seller on Etsy has plenty of small items that may skirt the restrictions.

The romantic Always deer is only one of several designs sold by ChloJo Needlepoint, also on Etsy.

OTH Needlepoint has a nice quidditch design but many of their non-Harry pieces are clear copyright violations.

This Harry Potter world is a nice mashup of items you encounter in the books.  There is space to add your favorite books titles, too.

Snarky Crafter Designs' enameled metal ones are particularly nice.

Piney Stitch (also on Etsy) has miniature book needle minders, including this beauty.

My personal favorite is this needle minder but check the seller for other Hogwarts-themed castles in a different style.


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 24, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, January 30, 2023

If You Are a Fan of Silk and Metal Embroidery....

If you are a fan of silk and metal embroidery, don't miss the three pieces Kay Stanis has posted to her Gilded Edge Facebook page.  Magnificent!

Looks like Kay will be teaching in London for the World Needlework Convention in 2023.

This event is co-sponsored by Inspirations magazine.  The classes appear to be out of this world fabulous!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 24, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, January 29, 2023

Setting Up A Slate Frame: The Movie

Anyone interested in historical embroidery, goldwork, or Japanese embroidery will have heard of slate frames. Dr. Jessica Grimm has updated her English language video on the proper way to set up a slate frame with a German version.  It's very interesting, even if you never plan to use a slate frame.  I learned a lot about how to do this properly and why the steps are important.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 23, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, January 28, 2023

An Overview of Floche

Are you a fan of floche?  If you are, you already know the answers to Common Questions About Floche, but it's a lovely thread to use, especially for backgrounds.  It has a lot of shine to it.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 28, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Greystone Needlepoint Interviews The Salty Stitcher

Greystone Needlepoint has posted an interview with Leah Pepe, The Salty Stitcher.

You can see Leah's designs on her Instagram page and on the Greystone Needlepoint trunk show page.  Her little voodoo doll charms me but her two piece Ouija board and planchette canvas is a fun thing to stitch.


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 22, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, January 27, 2023

Vegetable Pillows from Kaffe Fassett

Kaffe Fassett's vegetable designs have been very popular but they've been discontinued for a while.  If you are a fan, there's good news--Ehrman has brought them back!  And they are on SALE!

Ehrman is an English company that produces kits with printed designs that are meant to be stitched with wool.  I don't think these older designs come with a chart and I also think they use tapestry wool and are on 10 count printed canvas.  If you are a fan, this is a good time to add to your collection of veggies by one of the greatest needlepoint designers of all time.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 22, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, January 26, 2023

A New Self Finishing Satchel UPDATED

The Wool and The Floss is taking pre-orders (delivery in February) for a new self-finishing satchel with a cutout for a 4 inch round design.   There's a good description on The Wool and The Floss' website.

The satchel is from Penny Linn Designs which also sells a tote bag in two sizes with room for a rectangular canvas that is either 5x2 or 6x3, depending on the overall dimensions of the tote.

And Penny Linn has a wristlet with a 4x4 round ornament opening.  There are lots of choices of size and style, in other words.

UPDATE:  Penny Linn has a nice cross body purse meant to have a monogram stitched on the 13 count front.  Check all the photos below the big photo to see what the purse looks like.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 26, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint Now Offers Digital Subscriptions

Needlepoint Now magazine has just announced digital subscriptions are available.  Check their website under "Subscribe" to see the options, which include a regular magazine, a digital issue and a combination magazine/digital issue.  Note that new subscribers and international subscribers have different costs than domestic subscribers.  You can also buy a single digital issue but likely this is just for 2023 issues going forward.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 20, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Needlepoint Shop Expansions

Ada Hayden of Eye Candy has noticed that some shops are opening new branches, which is very good news for us needlepointers.  The expanding shop empires include Stitch-Stash (which purchased House of Needlepoint), Stitching Fox (which opened a second location), the merger of Stitch Boutique with Wellesley Needlepoint and of course Needlepoint.com which purchased Cabbage Row Needlepoint Shoppe.

I'm thrilled retiring shop owners are finding ways of keeping their former shops going and current shop owners are expanding and growing.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 20, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

The 2023 Needle Travel Mania Guide

The 2023 edition of the Needle Travel Mania Guide is out!  It's inexpensive but packed full of information about craft shops.  If you travel a lot, you'll want to pick up a copy.

You can also look for a shop online at their website if you are making a trip to one area or have online access in your RV.

I'd advise travelers to call a shop before visiting in case they have closed due to a family emergency or illness or the Travel Mania Guide has something wrong.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 18, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, January 23, 2023

Fyre Werks: The Movie

Fyre Werks is a shiny metallic ribbon thread from Rainbow Gallery.  It comes in regular and Soft Sheen (for less shine), plus Hologram, Pearl and Florescent colors.  You can see all the colors here.

Needlepoint.com has done a video on stitching with Fyre Werks that is informative and gives you a good idea what the thread looks like on the card and when stitched.

I'd recommend a shorter length and a laying tool to get the best shine.  In the video above you'll see how the cut end frays.  If that bugs you, try a touch of Frey Check, clear fingernail polish or a touch of fabric glue that dries clear like Aleene's Tacky Glue.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 17, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, January 22, 2023

The Impact of COVID on Needlepoint

I've been thinking about the impact the COVID-19 virus had on the world of needlepoint.  It's actually rather wide-ranging, even if you ignore the stitching friends and family we have lost to the disease and the experimental vaccine, not to mention people who died because they didn't have routine screenings or health care because they were afraid to leave their home.  Some postponed operations when they shouldn't have.  It was a dark time.

In spring 2020, the shops were closed but people stuck at home wanted something to do to distract themselves.  So they turned to needlepoint, either learning it, doing more of it, or coming back to it after years coping with Life.  That lead to all sorts of things.

The finishers found themselves overwhelmed!  That's still ongoing.  May-June seems to be the deadline for finishing to be turned in to be available for the following Christmas these days.  There is a lot of variation, though, so check around if you can't make your favorite shop's deadline.  Rittenhouse started charging extra for guaranteed Christmas delivery last fall although I don't know if they are still doing that.

The designers created all sorts of small COVID-themed designs, many of them humorous, to help us mark these dark days.  You can find a long list here if you are interested.

The designers had great trouble getting painted canvases to the stores due to the great demand and the fact that many painted canvases are created overseas.  A lot of painting services were closed and for those that were open, shipping was a nightmare.  For a while it was taking six months to a year to get a design.  That seems to be better these days.  A typical wait time for a canvas not in stock is now 3-6 months from what I can tell.  I've noticed designers are starting to promote in-stock designs now.  For example, Melissa Shirley has a section on her website listing what's currently in-house, while Colors of Praise does periodic Instagram and Facebook videos showcasing what they have available to ship right now.  

Thread manufacturers had a lot of trouble getting the base threads they dye due to shipping problems.  Kreinik's manufacturing facility was shut down multiple times due to COVID infections plus they can no longer get the spools they use for their metallics.  For a while they shipped on white spools instead of their normal black, but now Kreinik has switched to one standard size spool to help with the problem getting spools.  Most shops had trouble keeping popular colors like black and white and certain reds and blues and golds and sometimes silver in stock.  The increased demand from stitchers meant that the thread manufacturers were under a lot of pressure.  Kreinik stopped making anything but their most popular threads to be able to at least get those to the shops and thus their customers.  I'm sure the other thread manufacturers had similar issues but Doug Kreinik was very up-front about the challenges his company was trying to meet so I know more about what Kreinik went through.  Things are gradually returning to normal but I suspect the change in spool size will be permanent.

The dynamic duo of Melissa and Megan (of The Wool and the Floss and the Needlepoint Clubhouse respectively) took to YouTube to do Pointing It Out videos about various topics of interest to needlepointers.   After a year or so of weekly Saturday evening postings, they transitioned to using Instagram to show off finishing, trunk shows, select canvases with pulled threads, tools, new books and stitch guides, upcoming classes, etc.  (They still do their YouTube videos, however, just bi-weekly now.). Their use of Instagram especially has spread among shop owners.  Now ten or so shops do Instagram videos to showcase their shop, educate viewers and tempt us to purchase that darling canvas with a matching needle minder that just arrived from the hottest new designer.

There has been an flowering of new shops and new designers.  If you keep an eye on various social media, you'll see notices of new shops popping up all over in 2021-22.  New designers are everywhere, using social media to promote themselves.  Many of them sell directly from their websites or Etsy, too, although as they grow, that seems to die away as they realize selling wholesale to the shops is easier for them and helps keeps the shops in business.  Designers find that shops are their best business partners.

Instagram has turned into the place to see needlepoint.  Shops post their new items, designers do the same, teachers post tips, etc.  If you don't have an Instagram account, you probably should consider getting one.  Facebook is still important but I think it's fading somewhat. Of course Instagram doens't allow the social back and forth that Facebook does, so I don't think groups like NP Nation will stop being of some importance.  You can't solicit help on Instagram the way you can on Facebook.

Not many shop owners use YouTube, which I find interesting, but Kelly Starke of Starke Art uses YouTube videos to teach finishing techniques.   She does private and cyber classes but often posts public videos to show how she finishes this or that.  Personally I find them fascinating.  Kelly also uses Facebook creatively.  Her Needlepoint Self-Finishers group is full of people trying their own finishing.  There are plenty of tips there, by the way, if you want to learn to finish items yourself.

Speaking of finishing, self-finishing items have exploded as so many stitchers were frustrated by waits of six-twelve months to get their finishing back.  Planet Earth expanded their product lines; Vallerie Needlepoint Gallery has some lovely boxes and coasters;  Pointe2Pointe has fun items like self-finishing bracelets, cuff links, bottle stoppers, etc.  Evergreen Needlepoint offers self-finishing can cozies in two sizes with a space for a small stitched canvas.  Turtle Bags have either one or two windows for showing off your larger designs.  Rachel Barri's passport covers, purses, boxes and laptop sleeve are new and fresh. Of course Lee's classic leather self-finishing items have been available for decades now.  Although not inexpensive, these self-finishing items are often cheaper than a finisher and you can have your finished piece ready for use right away.

COVID really has made a difference in the World of Needlepoint.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 16, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, January 21, 2023

NJNA Reports

NJNA's latest chapter newsletter is a fun one, with lots of news of clubs, sales, great Valentine canvases, news of a new designer and more.  Many of the photos have arrows at the side so you can see more images.  Don't overlook that.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 15, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, January 20, 2023

New Light Magnifier from VivaLux

According to the Needlework Retailer, VivaLux has a new rechargeable light/magnifier.

BeStitched seems to have them in stock.

VivaLux has all sorts of lamps for all sorts of uses.  This one is called the ViviLux Rechargeable Cordless LED Task Lamp with Wireless Charger, USB and Magnifier.  It has a removable 3x magnifier that clips onto the light's main arm, bendable arms, is charged through a USB port or wall plug, has a built in Qi phone charger, and LED light.  There are three light levels and the magnifier is large at 4x6 inches.  I can't find out how much it weighs but it is described as "light weight."  Apparently it comes with an extra base so you can use just the magnifer without the light if you wish.

There is also a version without the magnifier.

I think this is the no magnifier version.

You can also buy just the magnifier.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 13, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, January 19, 2023

Kreinik Storage Idea from the Nashville Needlepointer

The Nashville Needlepointer has a great idea for storing Kreinik spools--use Candy Cubes from Sugarfina.


Eat the candy first, guys.  LOL

P.S. Kreinik does sell storage boxes that are much, much larger.

This Kreinik storage tin appears to have been discontinued but you can still find them.

You can also buy foam liners for the Container Store's Bisley Drawer cabinets that are sized to hold Kreinik spools.

Who knew there were so many options?!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 12, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Self-Finishing Aid: The Cricut Spatula

The finishing reveal on Instagram that Needlepoint Clubhouse in the St. Louis area recommends the Cricut spatula tool (made for scrapbooking) for self-finishing items.  

I use a butter knife because I'm cheap, but this is inexpensive and the bend means it's easy to use the tool to lift your leather edge and then push the raw edge of your canvas under that leather lip.  These appear to be sold in sets but if you have a scrapbooking buddy, see if you can borrow theirs to do your finishing. 

You can buy online or in the big box craft stores that sell the Cricut system and accessories.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 11, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Breaking News: The Last Melissa Shirley In Person Trunk Shows

Family Arts is having a Melissa Shirley trunk show now and in their newsletter this week they state Melissa Shirley Needlepoint is ending in-person trunk shows.  They will be virtual in the future after the ones already scheduled in 2023.

Nothing beats seeing the canvases in person but then I don't have to pack, insure, ship these things, or unpack them at a shop and put them out for display, then pack, insure and return them.  I also don't have to worry about damaged or stolen canvases.  I can see why this is happening. 

But not being able to see great art in person is sad.  If you are a Melissa Shirley fan, hurry over to Family Arts in Phoenix to see her work in person while you still can.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 9, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, January 16, 2023

Winter 2023 Mystery: Helen Heins Peterson's "Dragonflies"

Ruth Schmuf just announced her Winter 2023 Mystery class--Helen Heins Peterson's "Dragonflies," which features dragonflies, flowers, frogs and flying insects and a beetle.

As always, I'll add to this posting as Ruth posts class updates.  The first of four classes is February 5, so hurry to sign up if you are interested.

Ruth is like me and almost always does her backgrounds first.  These look really sparkly!

Now we have leaves and stems (and bugs).

There are sparkly wings and fuzzy bugs.

The final step is frogs and tulips!  The frogs have big eyes and the tulips are really lovely.

Here's the whole finished piece.

UPDATE:  This is Maria's version, made into a pillow.  Magnificent!

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

Sunday, January 15, 2023

Color Theory from Colour Complements

Colour Complements has started a series about color theory using their overdyed threads. 

It's a fun way to learn about color, tint and shade.  What do they mean?  How do you apply color theory to your projects?  Lorraine will Tell All, so I'll update this article with her wisdom as she posts more.

This next article mixes cherry red with pinks.  It's really pretty!

This article explains how to pick other threads to go with an overdye that is shades of just one color.

Lorraine talks about peach being a blend of orange, pink and cherry red, which helps pick colors to go with a peach overdye.

This month's essay talks about using value (lightness or darkness of a color) to work with pastels.

Here is a color combination everyone liked!  The second link is a design using it.  The third link show how you can make this pastel work in a much louder design.  Clever!



This palette is autumn-themed with plenty of ideas how to work with it.

This time the color wheel chooses an unexpected pairing.

The next color pairing is purple, navy and teal, a classic.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 6, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, January 14, 2023

Brenda's "Crescent Journey" UPDATED

Brenda has started on the 2023 Stitch of the Month available to ANG members.  This is a Melita Glavin design.  I'll update this article as Brenda posts progress reports so you can watch it develop.













Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 5, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, January 13, 2023

The Nashville Needlepointer Organizes

The Nashville Needlepointer has a clever way of organizing her canvases--she bought a 12x12 acid-free photo organizing scrapbook to hold her smaller canvases.

Of course this won't work for the big pieces, but it's a good way to keep your smaller designs where you can easily flip through them to pick the next project.  

She also keeps kitted projects in project bags which she puts in magazine racks.  Again, this probably only works well for smaller canvases but we all have lots of those.

Genius!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 4, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, January 12, 2023

Floss Saver Boxes

Thanks to Diversions Needlepoint in Denver, I learned about these Floss Saver Boxes, which are available in two sizes.

Orts are the little leftover bits of thread you clip off once you end your thread on the back.  A great many people save them in a jar or little box and at the end of each year, either ceremoniously dump them or put them in clear glass ornaments to hang on their holiday trees.  I do neither, but I'm tempted by these pretty boxes!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 3, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

All About Metal Threads

Tanja Berlin, the fabulous Canandian embroiderer who is a master of needle painted animals, also knows a lot about metal threads.  Her website has a pretty good summary that's free.

She also has a nice PDF document for sale on her website that coveres metal threads extensively if you are exploring their use for goldwork and other types of needlework using metal threads.

She also sells tools and materials needed for goldwork but sales are temporarily on hold because her dad is ill and Tanja herself is still recovering from a hip replacement.  Send her your good wishes, order the PDF if you like (she can sell those even though she's away from home caring for her parents), and hold off on ordering supplies for a bit until she's back home.

Good luck, Tanja!  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 3, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, January 10, 2023

Melita Looks Back at 2022

Melita Glavin has been crazy busy in 2022!  Here's all about what she's been up to.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 1, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, January 9, 2023

Is 2023 the Year of the Gnome?

After I heard that ANG's going to publish six Marilyn Owen gnome designs in Needle Pointers in 2023, I started to wonder if this is going to be The Year of the Gnome.  Colour Complements is going to do thread kits for these designs, by the way.  You can see the first here.





There are lots of gnome canvases available now.

I know because I started looking when I also heard Needlepoint by Laura has new gnome designs.

Looks like it's going to be a good year for little guys with big noses and beards.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 1, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, January 8, 2023

BREAKING NEWS: Needlenook of La Jolla Has New Owner

Needlenook of La Jolla in La Jolla, CA has a new owner--long time employee Vicky De Angelis.

Apparently this is also being announced in the new issue of Needlepoint Now magazine which is just now out.  Congratulations to Vicky and a happy retirement to Faye.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 7, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, January 7, 2023

A Year of Stitching in Review

Brenda's Needlepoint Studio has posted about all her stitching adventures this year, with lots of photos of finished pieces.  

Congratulations, Brenda!  That's a lot of lovely work.

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

Friday, January 6, 2023

Snoopy Needlepoints

This hilarious Peanuts cartoon features Snoopy and his bunny needlepoint.

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

Thursday, January 5, 2023

The Needlepoint Heart Locket

Rittenhouse just posted this heart they finished as a locket.  It was stitched by a nine year old and is the most unique finished heart I've seen all year.

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

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

The Gnome Santa Updated

Beth's started one of Janet Zigler Casey's fun Santa designs.

I think it is fun to see how the various elements are made.  Here's the beard underway.

More beard!

UPDATE:  Brenda's stitching Gnome Santa, too.

Brenda has the nose, hat and beard stitched.  Now for the couching along the beard lines and the stump work holly leaf!

And he's done!

If you like Santas, explore Janet Z. Casey's website.  If you aren't a counted person, Danji sells the designs as painted canvases with Janet's instructions.

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

Tuesday, January 3, 2023

Penny Linn Designs Interview

Krista Roberts of Penny Linn Designs gets interviewed on the Pointing It Out podcast.  See Krista's early projects and learn how she became a designer.

You can view Krista's designs on the Penny Linn website and see her Nantasket basket needle minder, the blue and white scissors she wanted, and more.  (Hint:  Her blog is fun.)

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

Monday, January 2, 2023

A Glasses Case and A Problem Solved

Melita stitched a glasses case for her husband using one of those stitch and zip cases.  It's big enough for his sunglasses but too big for his regular glasses.  Melita solved that problem by adding two magnets to the top end and lining the glasses with Ultrasuede.  Clever!

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

Sunday, January 1, 2023

Planet Earth's Key Fob Instructions

Key Fob, Canvas, Instructions, Paper Pattern

I received one of Planet Earth's key fobs as a present for Christmas, along with a tiny canvas and two cards of Planet Earth's Essentials.  Lucky me!  If you haven't seen them in person, the fob is made from heavy leather with a key ring and a clip to attach to your purse or tote bag. They come in a large selection of colors and are self-finishing.

All you need is a canvas that's about an inch in diameter and you are good to go.  My canvas is from Kristine Kingston and is a darling little Adirondack chair.  Check with your favorite shop.  They often kit the fob with a coordinating canvas and the threads needed to stitch it.

My canvas and fob came with two cards of Planet Earth Fibers' Essentials, which is a silk-wool blend sort of like Caron's Impressions but smaller in diameter.  Stitch the canvas (which will only take 2-3 hours) and follow these instructions:

An instruction card comes with the key fob.  I measured the canvas and the key fob area where it will go and discovered I should stitch up to, but not over, the gray line surrounding the canvas.  After I stitched the design I cut it out at the outside edge of the gray line so there's one unstitched thread left.  I recommend you stitch the canvas in basketweave for durability as you have to shove the canvas under the leather and it'll be tossed in your bag and bang against things.  

I suggest besides using a butter knife (some folks use leather burnishers or the blue tack remover that comes with a box of tacks for attaching canvas to your stretcher bars) that you use tweezers to help get all the waxed paper away from the sticky surface.  It will sometimes tear off unevenly and leave a bit under the leather edge.  A little doesn't matter but you want to get the bigger pieces up.  Tweezers help with that.




Center your canvas and push it down in the middle with your thumbs, then use your fingernail (or the butter knife or similar tool) to go around the inside edge, pushing the canvas down there.  You'll have the edges sticking up as you see on the paper pattern I made above.  That is what you want.  




Now you can take the blunt tool you've chosen to lift up the leather lip slightly.  Use the tool to push the outside edge of the canvas under the leather.  Continue around the canvas--lifting the leather, then pushing the canvas under it.  The canvas is stiff so go slowly and work it under gently.  If you have a thread start to come away, don't worry.  Cut it off if you can or shove it under the leather lip with the butter knife.  





Once the canvas is under the edge of the leather, press it down with your fingers well, just in case you didn't get it firmly stuck to the sticky layer earlier.  Add your keys and you are good to go!

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