Friday, March 31, 2023

Tips for Stitching with Boucle

Sharon Quick posted tips for stitching with Edmar's boucle, which is a bumpy thread that makes great trees and hair.

Because NP Nation is private now that Facebook has removed the tools that used to keep spammers out, I am taking the liberty of quoting Sharon in full here for those who otherwise can't read her wisdom.

"Someone" said she finds Edmar Boucle impossible to do French Knots. A few hints to make it easier: 
1. Don't cut the thread more that 20" long. 
2. Run the thread quickly through steam and let it dry before stitching, as it will let the thread relax and not knot up so much on the back. Or, run it through a flat iron for the same reason. 
3. Run it through a piece of Bounce to remove static. 
4. Run the length of the thread through your fingers to find the smooth direction and put the needle on the end that will allow the smooth way to go through the canvas. If your fingers cannot detect the smooth direction, pull it along the upper lip below the nose which is a more sensitive place than fingers. 
5. Plan to work slowly - keep checking the back of the canvas with your nondominant hand to be sure it is not knotting on the back of the canvas. 
6. As you are pulling the thread through the canvas, keep the thread at 90 degrees (horizontal) from the hole. Be consistent to achieve consistent French Knots. 
7. If you have more questions, please ask! I love sharing what I have learned the hard way."

Thanks so much, Sharon!

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

Thursday, March 30, 2023

Finishing Leaves with a Wired Edge: The Movie

Kelly of Start Art Designs just posted a free video demonstrating how to finish leaves with a wired edge.  

This is particularly interesting given how many folks are stitching the Kam Wenzloff leaf wreath from Needlepoint Now magazine.  It's a long video but shows everything you need to do if you want leaves you can bend into position.  By the way, the list of supplies Kelly mentions is on her website here.  Note that I think you want to use the thinner interfacing, not the extra firm interfacing.  This allows the leaf to be more bendable.

By the way, I couldn't find the finishing video Kelly says was posted on Needlepoint Now's website but there is a written tutorial here.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 14, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Penelope Canvas: What It Is and How To Stitch on Penelope

The NJNA newsletter I wrote about two days ago had a link to a great discussion of penelope canvas.   I wanted to mention it separately here on Blog so that anyone searching for information about penelope canvas could find it using Blogger's search engine.

Jeni Sandberg explains what penelope is, how to stitch on it, what threads work best and how to work the smaller areas next to the larger with compensation.  It's a great article with lots of examples for you to study and the most thorough exploration of penelope I've seen.

Needlepoint shops often have blank penelope canvas.

Some large needlepoint shops still sell designs on penelope canvas.

Canvases with pre-worked centers are also easily available on Etsy or eBay.

Again, many thanks to NJNA for discovering this wonderful article!

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

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Self-Finishing Dog Collars

Thanks to NJNA's last newsletter, I know where you can buy self-finishing dog collars.  I know I mentioned the NJNA newsletter yesterday but I want to emphasize these cowhide collars as up to now I've not known who the designer was.  (By the way, they also sell one self-finishing cat collar, design self-finishing bracelet cuffs and regular canvases.). There is a sizing guide to help you know what length to order.  These come painted in gray scale so you can pick your own colors and the leather is available in either black or brown.

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

Monday, March 27, 2023

The Latest News from NJNA

The New Jersey Needle Artists ANG chaper has plenty of news and eye candy in this month's newsletter.  You can see photos of Woodlawn ribbon winners and one of the Needlepoint Now magazine's newest projects, get the latest ANG news, learn about Rittenhouse being for sale, etc.  It's worth a nice long read with your morning (or evening) beverage.

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

Sunday, March 26, 2023

Mysteries of Needlepoint Available Again

Amy Bunger just announced her six chapter Mysteries of Needlepoint is available again.

This was a club Amy did in 2015.  Each chapter talks about another aspect of needlepoint with plenty of tips and ideas to make your stitching better and more enjoyable.  There are also stitch diagrams but Amy's knowlege is the focus of these chapters.  I'm thrilled it is available again as I didn't sign up for the club when it was available.  Silly me!  But now I can correct that oversight.

You'll be able to buy chapters separately if you wish.  Each chapter is $30.  I don't think there is a discount if you buy them all.  

Here are the available chapters, taken from the drop down menu in the first link above.
Chapter 1 - "It's Elementary" Elements
Chapter 2 - "Following the Lead" Pathway
Chapter 3 - "Scene of the Crime" Design
Chapter 4 - "Building Your Case"
Chapter 5 - "Forensic Reconstruction - Part 1" Fins and Scales
Chapter 6 - "Forensic Reconstruction - Part 2" Birds and Insects

If I remember correctly these went into a three ring binder so you will likely get loose pages for each chapter.

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

Saturday, March 25, 2023

Back Issues of Needlepoint Now For Sale

Blisters Needlepoint has back issues of Needlepoint Now for sale on their website.  

Copies start in 1999 and appear to run through 2011.  Prices vary.  This is a good way to pick up a back issue that is no longer available from the publisher.  Not all the issues are in pristine condition.

Want to see what's inside before you buy?  Click on the issue you might be interested in, and you'll see a few photos and a short description of the contents.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 8, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, March 24, 2023

Rittenhouse is For Sale UPDATED

Ever wanted to own a needlepoint store?  If you happen to live in the Philadelphia area, you are in luck--Rittenhouse Needlepoint is for sale!

The owners Russell and Stephen want to retire but they want the shop, the websites and of course the Barbara Russell and Changing Women Designs lines of canvases they own, to have a good home.  Contact buyaneedlepointstore@gmail.com to get the ball rolling.

UPDATE:  A majority ownership in the shop is sold to three new folks with Russell and Stephen owning a bit of the business still.  Details to come.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 8, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, March 23, 2023

Needlepoint Obsession

There's a new shop called Needlepoint Obsession in Mashpee, Massachusetts.

Apparently they have a bead bar!  (swoon!)

If you are planning a trip to Cape Cod this year, remember to stop in and tell Lisa hello.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 8, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

When Needlepoint Is Against the Law

The Collection Designs posted a photo on their Instagram page of a copy of one of their designs that someone else is selling.  

Changing the colors doesn't make it ok.  It's still copyright theft.  The old saying that if you change 10 percent of something it's ok is just a wives' tale.  The law still considers it theft.  

This is stealing.   Small businesses can't afford to go after thieves so this continues, making it up to us needlepointers to not buy stolen goods.  

How do you know something is stolen?  It's easier than you would think--only buy original designs.  What do I mean by that?  

Don't buy canvases that show things that are not original--like sports team logos, food labels, restaurant signs, cartoon and movie characters, book characters and even book covers, anything that mimics something you've seen elsewhere and loved. It's not the canvas designer's to take and sell, with a few exceptions.  Tabasco bottles are licensed by Jude, Smoky the Bear is licensed by Devon Nicholson, sorority logos are licensed by Kangaroo Paws, Mary Engelbreit is licensed by Painted Pony, etc.  These canvases will ususally have the copyright symbol on them as well as the name of the owner of the licensed copyright. The owner of the copyright is paid for the designer to use their artwork so these are totally legal.

Sometimes it is hard to tell that something is copyrighted.  Images of famous people are problematic as even deceased celebrities' estates own the copyright to their images and some of them pursue violators.  There are stories the corporate owners of the artwork and image of Frida Kahlo rampaged through Etsy, issuing warnings and threats of legal action, before the pandemic hit.  Needlepoint is somewhat under the radar but anyone selling Disney characters or Harry Potter items should be worried.  Those are well policed.

We all protect our designers by not buying this stuff.  If we don't buy, they aren't tempted to sell things that are not theirs.  They won't get into legal trouble.  And stealing is morally wrong.  Don't be part of this thievery.  

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

Threading the Needle

If you are ever away from home without a needle threader, you can use a piece of paper to thread your needle as this video from Instagram shows.

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

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

All About Button Covers: The Movie

The Pointing It Out Podcast team talks button covers in their latest video.

You'll learn about button covers and how to assemble them.  Patty Paints started making button cover designs with the buttons included in 2020-21 but you don't have to use her designs.  You can buy the button cover hardware from places like Joann's Fabrics.  Dritz makes a variety of sizes.

The largest button covers available are 2 1/2 inches in diameter.   You'll use a three inch round piece of needlepoint for these.

If you want to glue a magnet on the back, look for 1 1/4 inch rare earth magnets (also known as neodymium magnets) and do use E6000 glue to attach the magnet as it's a glue that hold metal to metal very well.  

Here is the link to the button covers tutorial Patty Paints did on Instagram.

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

Monday, March 20, 2023

New Display Idea for Ornaments

One of Gay Ann Rogers' students uses this branched coat rack to display her ornaments. 

They looked fabulous in the picture Gay Ann shared (which I'm not posting here as I don't have permission to share).

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

Sunday, March 19, 2023

Associated Talents on Display

Stitch by Stitch Larchmont has a huge trunk show from Associated Talents in their shop.  Their latest newsletter has tons of photos you might enjoy seeing because of all the finished designs that AT sent with the show.  

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

Saturday, March 18, 2023

ANG Auction - March 2023

The ANG Auction for Spring 2023 started yesterday, March 17, and will end on March 20.  Here is the link to the brand new auction website.  Have fun browsing!

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

Friday, March 17, 2023

Breaking News: Janet Mitchell Fischell Has Died

National Academy of Needlearts has announced the death of Janet Mitchell Fischel.

A teacher, designer and member of ANG and EGA and NAN, she will be missed.

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

Glass Eyes

Apparently the March-April 2023 version of Needlepoint Now magazine talks about glass eyes.  This website was mentioned as a good place to find them.

You can choose by size, style and the type of back (button, flat back, wire posts or high domed).  The eye color selection and pupil shape are very large, too.  I've heard Megan the site owner will also do custom eyes if you ask.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 2, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, March 16, 2023

Art Deco Stitch and The Makers Marks

The Makers Marks just posted this photo of Art Deco Stitch, which is described in her book.

"What book?" I asked.  I headed to The Makers Marks Facebook page and saw more stitches pictured.

I also found a fun article on using decorative stitches by Emma of The Makers Marks on the Mr. X Stitch website.

The book is available on the Makers Marks website. It is called Needlepoint A Modern Stitch Directory.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 27, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Zecca Direct

Zecca has created a new page on their website for discontinued items that they are selling directly to fans of their work.

If you are interested (there's a section for the clay buttons, too), contact Zecca to pay and arrange shipping.  Move quickly, though.  These are discontinued designs so there are likely only a few (or maybe only one) left.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 27, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

New Charts from Stitch One Needlepoint

Stitch One Needlepoint has some nice charts for those who love working counted canvaswork.

They also have chair seats but I don't know if those are worked from a chart or not as they apparently design charts and painted and printed canvases.

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

Monday, March 13, 2023

Coil Yarn

I've just stumbled across something called coil yarn.  It looks like it might be a really fun thing to couch for wild hair or beards.  

It appears to be hand spun knitting or weaving yarn and is available in all sorts of colors.

It also appears to have a core of thread inside the coil. I'm not certain now long the coils are.  They may be long or short, fat or thin.  But that's part of the appeal.  I found lots of examples on Etsy.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 25, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, March 12, 2023

American Beauty Rose (Yellow)

Jan Sprague of the Stitchlady's Adventures blog is starting on a new charted design, Debbie Rowley's "American Beauty."  Jan's rose will be in shades of yellow.  I'll update this article as Jan works her design.

The only place I found this chart for sale online is at Stitchers' Paradise...

...but you can also buy it from Debbie's online store.

Here is Debbie Rowley's website in case you are curious about her work.

UPDATES:  Jan starts at the top.  She's listed the overdyes she and the designer chose to substitute for the original reds here.

Jan showed a good image of the chart and her current progress.  I find charted designs very hard so I sympathize with Jan's problems keeping track of what she's doing.



We've all been here, Jan.


And it's done!  HURRAH!

Looks great, too.  Another challenge met beautifully.  Here is what it looks like framed.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 25, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, March 11, 2023

The Stitch Diagram's Turning the Wrong Way!

Has this happend to you?  You found the perfect stitch for your project but it slants the wrong way!  Not to worry, Lori of Waste Knot demonstrates how to convert a stitch diagram if it's turning the wrong way for the direction you need.

You can also use a mirror to create a mirror image of a diagram.  If you have a folding pocket mirror in your purse, open the mirror and put it on the diagram so that the mirror image is visible.  The mirror will look like this, but sitting open on your book or diagram.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 25, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, March 10, 2023

Using Stitchly to Graph Letters

The Nashville Needlepointer has posted a short video on Instagram that demonstrates using Stitchly to graph out lettering.

Stitchly is an app made for cross stitch.  You can use it to graph out simple letters as Lita the Nashville Needlepointer does above, or you can turn a photo into a cross stitch chart keyed to DMC or Anchor cotton floss.  It's Apple only, so you can only use it on iPhones or iPads.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 25, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, March 9, 2023

Self-Finishing Recipe Boxes

Needlepoint Junction carries something I've not seen before--self-finishing recipe boxes!

They appear to come in navy or gray with two different inside fabrics.  The shop also sells little canvases that will fit in the self-finishing lid.

By the way, if all you see on the website links above are the canvases available to go with the boxes, look at the selection of photos below the main one.  Click on a photo you are interested in, and you can see it enlarged as the main photo.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 25, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

The Essential Needlework Tools Kit

The Labors of Love shop in Atlanta has a new took kit that has snips, scissors and tweezers in a variety of fun patterned pouches.

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

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Colour Complements Sale

Colour Complements is having a sale!  If you are a fan of overdyed cotton flosses and perles, time to stock up.  The sale is for individual skeins that Lorraine dyed too many of and for samples of coordinating colors that are odds and ends of inventory she wants to clear out.  It's a good time to experiment with color!

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

Monday, March 6, 2023

Breaking News: Master Stitches from the Squad Volume Two Pre-Orders




If you were a fan of Volume One, you'll be thrilled to her The Embellishment Squad (Suzanne Howren, Tony Minieri and Meredith Willett) is taking pre-orders for their second volume.

Meredith says they are asking for a $48 deposit for pre-orders and that "Volume 2 has a few more pages than Volume 1."

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

Sunday, March 5, 2023

News from Woodlawn Exhibit 2023 UPDATED

Melita has won a ribbon for her 2023 Woodlawn entry!

You can see the list of ribbon winners here and also see photos of several winners of special awards.

Woodlawn's needlework exhibit will be open for the month of March (except for Tuesdays) from 10-4 p.m.  The entry fee is $15 for adults.

By the way, Donna won a blue ribbon for her sampler but I think it is likely on linen, not needlepoint.

UPDATES:  Donna's Count from Janet Zigler Casey didn't win a ribbon but he has so much personality!

Here is Melita's report on her visit.

Donna is acting as a docent at the show and posted some general pictures so you can see how things are displayed.

NJNA has two members who won ribbons and hopes there are more when the full award list is announced.

Beth won Honorable Mention for her Tony Minieri piece!

Mercedes won a third place ribbon!

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

Saturday, March 4, 2023

A Free Roundel Pattern from Jane Nicholas

Many of us are fans of the stumpwork and goldwork designs by Jane Nicholas.  Her work is gorgeous!

You can find the link to the free instructions here.  Add to the cart and check out to download (although you will have to share an email and address).  These things can be done on needlepoint canvas with a sharp needle and things like those lovely leaves are something you can use on any needlepoint floral.

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

Friday, March 3, 2023

Laurel Burch: The Movie

Are you a fan of Laurel Burch's designs?  If you don't know her work, you can see her needlepoint canvases here.

The San Diego Chapter of ANG has posted a video presentation about her work, how Laurel got into design, how Danji got the rights to her work, and how it is translated into needlepoint. The section with Jill explaining how she stitches various Laurel Burch pieces is fascinating.  (You can stop watching at the end when the chapter has prize drawings.)

If you want to browse Old Town Needlework's website, here's the link.

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

Thursday, March 2, 2023

Lining A Open Background Piece: The Movie

Like the Nashville Needlepointer, I like to line canvases with open background stitching with fabric. It's easy to do and can be stitched by hand if you don't have a sewing machine.

I usually choose gold lamé but sometimes I go for silver.  Take your finished piece to a fabric shop like Joann's and hold it over various colors.  You never know which one will work best with your colors but that subtle sparkle you get from lamé adds a lot to your design.

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

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Need a Briefcase for Your Beads and Needles?

If you need a miniature briefcase to store your beads and needles, Textured Treasures has you covered.

You can reach Karen of Textured Treasures through her Facebook page.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 19, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.