Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Finishing Supplies from Abigail Cecile

Needlepoint designer Abigail Cecile has an online ornament finishing class and also sells finishing supplies (second link below).

Since her focus is on ornament finishing, she has two collections of everything you need to finish a simple or a more complicated shaped ornament, plus you can buy a single item if you just need one thing you can't get locally or from your favorite shop.  I particularly like her finishing fabrics.

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

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Acrylic Coasters and Trays for Self-Finishing

Needlepoint by Laura just announced their new 4 by 4 inch acrylic coasters for self finishing are now in stock.  The opening is half an inch wide and you slide your finished needlepoint in or out.  It looks like this is an open box with the needlepoint sliding in the side and the top serving as a coaster.  There is a little curved notch on the bottom to facilitate inserting or removing the needlepoint.  These have rubber feet on the bottom.

Here is where you order the acrylic self-finishing coasters on the Needlepoint by Laura website.

Note that Needlepoint by Laura also sells self-finishing acrylic trays.  These are all 6 by 6 inches in diameter.  One style has a quarter inch high space in the bottom to insert your stitched canvas.  Again, you slide your needlepoint in on one side.

The other 6 by 6 acrylic tray has a half inch high space to insert your needlepoint in case you have a fatter canvas with lots of raised items.  It doesn't appear that the trays have the rubber feet that the coaster has.

Heirloom Designs also has a variety of acrylic coasters and trays and even a paperweight for self-finishing.  You can see the variety of available items here.  The paperweight/coaster and the coaster with pink edges are unique.

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

Monday, May 29, 2023

Cup Chains for Embellishment

Judith finished a design but wasn't happy with it until she discovered cup chain, which she used to outline parts of the duck in the design.  She's definitely the May Smart Cookie Award winner!

You've likely seen cup chain in costume jewelry, even if you didn't know what it was called.  Keepsake Crafts has a great video explaining cup chain, how it is made, how to cut it, and the various sizes and finishes available.

Judith bought her cup chain from this website.  It comes in 2mm, 3mm and 4mm sizes and is sold by the yard.  Different colored crystals are set in various colors of cup chain from what I can see, although the website isn't clear about whether you are buying silver plate, gold plate, or brass metals.

Eureka Crystals has more expensive cup chain that is sold by the foot, but you can pick out what metal look you want.  It's likely better quality than what Keepsake Crafts sells.  However, either will work.  Just remember real silver plate will likely tarnish over time, which may add or detract to your stitching, depending on what you are working on.

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

Sunday, May 28, 2023

Great Tiny Snowflake Sequins

Lynn Mason, the designer behind Needlepoint by Sharese, shared where she found the lovely tiny snowflake sequins on her latest design.

They come from Etsy.  The container appears to contain four designs in white or silver, but most are white.  I can't tell if Lynn glued them in position or stitched them on but it looks like you could do either.  

Thanks for the tip, Lynn!  A good snowflake sequin is hard to find.

By the way, BnB Glitter's Etsy shop is fun to explore.  Besides gold and white snowflakes, sequins and glitter there are tiny bits of polymer clay in various shapes that might work well to embellish your canvas.

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

Saturday, May 27, 2023

Magnetic Heart Slap Bracelets

BeStitched is selling slap bracelets with heart shaped magnets to wear while stitching.

These hold your needles and other small magnetic items while you stitch.  They may not hold scissors, if your scissors are larger or heavier.

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

Friday, May 26, 2023

The Falmouth Road Race Ornament

Osterville Needlepoint has created an ornament for the Flamouth Road Race on Cape Cod.

The proceeds of sales go to the road race.  Here's the direct link to the shop's website.  When I wrote this they were expecting another shipment of road race ornaments.

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

Thursday, May 25, 2023

NAN's Assembly 2024 Classes Announced

The National Academy of Needlearts has announced their teachers and classes for their Spring 2024 Assembly.  The link to the class list is at the bottom of this page.

Registration starts next October, so you have plenty of time to decide what you'd like to take.  

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

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

A Special Sale at Berlin Embroidery

Tanja Berlin is having a special exhibit and sale of her mother's stitching.  The story is touching and I am happy that her mother's work will be shared instead of boxed up in a closet or hidden under the bed.

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

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

A Tiny Wooden Storage Box

While writing yesterday's article about the great needlepoint shops in Houston, Texas, I discovered this lovely wood storage box.

The wooden lid slides open to reveal a nice cavity to store needles, small magnets, even a needle threader. I'm not sure of the size but the shop can tell you what will fit inside if this charms you.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 10, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, May 22, 2023

A Guide to Stitches and Threads

Mary copied an idea she saw on NP Nation to help organize what threads go where on her complex painted canvas of Christmas ornaments.

Basically, she sketched each ornament roughly, wrote beside each drawing the color number for the thread she wanted to use there, and included a length of the right thread.  That makes it easy to grab the right thread as she stitches.  Less hunting, less frustration, more stitching fun!

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

Sunday, May 21, 2023

Master Stitches From the Squad Volume 1: A Review

Last month I was gifted a copy of Master Stitches from the Squad Volume 1, written by long time needlepoint teachers Suzanne Howren, Tony Minieri and Meredith Willett.  Since Volume Two in this series just came out in late April, I thought I'd do a review of the first book to help you decide if you want to invest in either the first or the second (or both).  The cover of this book is shown on the left side.

The book is spiral bound with plastic coated covers to help protect it from use.   There is a seven page Table of Contents to help you find the sort of stitch you want.  There is also a short index in the back to direct you to the main sections.  It'll help you find composite stitches, darning patterns, diagonal stitches, Jean Hilton stitches, etc. 

The book is mostly stitch diagrams (I counted 266, although some are variants of a stitch and others are mirror images, plus I didn't count the pin stitch, beading and blackwork diagrams.   The first section talks about using the various types of pin head stitches to start or end a thread and the second section covers beading and there are a few diagrams about blackwork patterns.  The authors are all very experienced teachers and I think the fact they included this basic information indicates that they often run into stitchers who need to know these things.  




I took a photograph of two pages in the book so you could get a feel for the diagrams.  Usually there are multiple diagrams on each page but some of the larger stitches are just one to a page.  All are in black and white and gray.  There are no stitched examples.  Some of the stitches you will have seen before but most are the creations of the three authors.  Most (but not all) diagrams have a portion of the diagram numbered so you can see the order in which a stitch is worked.  Not all the diagrams are easy to read or comprehend.  It is actually the perfect book to stitch a sampler from.  That's the only way you'll understand how a stitch works and how it will look when it comes to many of these complex stitches.

Ridgewood Needlepoint's Stephanie Dresher-Mandelbaum used Jaipur Stitch (included in my photo of the diagrams above) for a heart canvas.  You can see her stitched sample here in two articles about half way down the page.  Look for the pink heart photos.  Stephanie has also re-diagrammed Jaipur Stitch.

This is not a book for beginners but it repays careful study and test stitching.

I expect Volume 2 will be much the same.  

According to the back of Volume 1, the second volume covers Isolated Motifs, Knots, Laid Fillings, Line Stitches, Oblique Stitches, Open Patterns, Plaided Stitches such as Fern Stitches and Van Dyke Stitches, Pulled Work Patterns, Ray Stitches, Ribbon Stitches, Straight Stitches such as Brick Stitches and Hungarian Stitches, Tied Stitches, Trame, and Trellis Patterns.  

Many shops will have both volumes by now.  The first shop I found with both is Bedecked and Beadazzled.


Needlenook of LaJolla appears to have both volumes as well.  Your favorite shop may also have them in stock--check there first.

I highly recommend these to the advanced stitcher who is willing to spend time puzzling out some of the more complicated and exotic stitches it covers.

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

Saturday, May 20, 2023

BREAKING NEWS: Fireside Stitchery is Being Sold UPDATED

Fireside Stitchery just announced on Facebook that the store is being sold.  

It is a great shop under the current owners but everyone deserves a fun and healthy retirement.  I wish Maria and Judy many happy years with their feet up and the new owner a great time keeping Fireside going.

UPDATE:  The new owner is Lynn Upchurch.  A more just down the road to a new location is planned but right now the thread inventory is being built.  Good luck, Lynn!

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

To Ply or Not to Ply?

Needlepoint.com's latest blog posting considers the question of plying threads.

You may want to bookmark their "Thread Tips" article as it recommends the number of plies or strands to be used on either 13 or 18 count canvas.  Please note that this will vary according to your stitch tension, the stitch you are using, and the look you want.  It pays to do some testing in the margins of your canvas first.  That's really the only way you will be certain that you use the number of plies or strands that will work for your situation.

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

Friday, May 19, 2023

Ridgewood's Stitch Suggestions

I finally managed to sign up for Ridgewood Needlepoint's blog on my blog reader.  (I am not a tech wizard!).  I rediscovered their New Stitch Monday feature.  It's fabulous, with recent stitch suggestions from Stephanie Dresher-Mandelbaum for sand, water, flowers, etc.  

It's a great resource!

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

Thursday, May 18, 2023

Finishing Kit for All Those Leaves (and More)

The latest newsletter from NJNA is here and it's full of fun stuff.

The first standout bit of information for me are the fact that Stitched Up Needlework is selling finishing kits for Needlepoint Now's "Layers of Leaves."  The kit has enough supplies to finish 10 leaves.  The newsletter gives contact information as Stitched Up Needlework's website isn't working yet.  They are a brand new shop in California.

I also love the Tip of the Month--add a length of each thread you use to the bottom of your project so you have what you need to finish a missed stitch.  

It's a fun read, as always!

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

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

The Nashville Needlepointer Talks Counting Out A Design Copy

Instagram's Nashville Needlepointer talks about copying painted needlepoint designs by counting them out.

Some simpler designs can be copied onto blank canvas, but remember--this violates copyright and is illegal.  That's why a designer got a cease and desist letter recently from Chanel--the designer copied their logos, perfume bottles, etc. without permission.

This can land you in all sorts of legal trouble.  Besides, it is stealing.  You really don't want to do this.

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

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

A New Form of Stitch Diagrams

The Makers Marks just announced their Needlepoint:  A Modern Stitch Dictionary will be available in abbreviated form of 50 oversized playing cards in October 2023.

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

Monday, May 15, 2023

Getting to Know Jinny of Stitch Style

Third Coast Stitches in Chicago is having Jinny Barney McAuliffe of Stitch Style at their shop to teach in June, so they posted an interview with Jinny on their website.

You can see Jinny's designs on her website.  The home page shows off her new Christmas Forest series as the header.  This is mentioned in the interview.

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

Sunday, May 14, 2023

More about Dye Lots

A great many people read the article I posted about dye lots a few weeks back, so I thought I'd write a bit more about dyelots.  

Dyelots have always been a problem with certain thread brands.  Caron is an example, but you can even see dyelot changes in things like Kreinik's metallics.  Mr. X Stitch has an enlightening article about the topic.

You also need to remember that sunlight will effect the color of your threads.  Be careful how you store them.  Also realize that a shop may have had a card of thread for a long time before you bought it.  It's possible that the new cards they order look slightly different.  

Kreinik has started marking their metallics that are having a dye lot change with a letter on the label.   Any stand alone letter on a spool of Kreinik signifies a dye lot change.  

All that said, you are still going to be burned with dye lot issues.  What can you do to minimize the issue?  Look carefully at the area effected.  If it is a background, can you do simple things like add stripes?  Can you toss sequins or beads or charms or crystals on top to distract the eye and camoflauge the color difference?  

If you are stitching clothing, can you overstitch the dyelot area to help make the color change look like deliberate shading?  By overstitching, I mean adding stitches on top.  Joan Thommason is famous for her overstitching on her angels.  "Deanna's Angel" has a trellis pattern on top of tent stitches on one skirt and a metallic flower shape on another.  Will something along those lines hide your problem?

If you are stitching hair, can you add a lighter or darker shade to give the hair natural highlights?  If you are stitching a face, can you use fewer plies to let the paint color show and mask the fact that the skin is two different colors?

Experiment and you might find that dyelot problem causes you to add extra creativity and beauty to your needlepoint.

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

Saturday, May 13, 2023

New Belt Finisher in Atlanta

Recently there was a discussion on Needlepoint Nation about belt finishing, specifically which belt finishers glue the leather backing on and which stitch it.  If you are a member of the FB group, you can read the discussion here which includes mention of a new belt finisher to me--House of Fleming.

If you aren't a member, folks say Sign of the Arrow (which does a LOT of belt finishing) uses a finisher that uses glue but their belts stay glued even after years of use.  Hilltop Leather, Chuck Pinnell and House of Fleming all stitch their belts.  Wool and the Floss belt finishing is apparently stitched and right now they are offering a week or two turnaround time.  (Remember, pricing and turn around times will vary so ask ahead to know exactly what you need to do in terms of extra rows at the top/bottom, how much of your stitching will be covered by the buckle leather, whether it will be glued or stitched, etc.)

I'd never heard of House of Fleming so I looked at their website.  It's an Atlanta company that offers a variety of leathers and that folks say communicates well.  

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

Friday, May 12, 2023

Poppy Monk Tackles Round Areas in Needlepoint

Poppy Monk's latest essay is about stitching round items on needlepoint canvas.

I've noticed that when you tent stitch a round area that the left side often looks ragged because of the way tent stitches slant /.  You can counteract this by doing a \ on top of the outside edge, turning a tent stitch into a cross stitch.  

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

Thursday, May 11, 2023

A Very Clever Storage Idea for Needle Minders

Annie just posted photos to NP Nation of her clever storage idea for her magnetic needle minders--she got a wooden cigar box from the local cigar place, ordered a metal sheet the right size to fit in the bottom, glued it in position, and now she has a neat place to keep her magnets!  You can see photos on NP Nation.

It's a very smart idea and wins Annie this month's Smart Cookie Award!

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

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Breaking News: Mary's Whimsical Small Stitches is Out UPDATED

Mary Legallet's fourth book, Mary's Whimsical Small Stitches, is out.  As the title says, this 6x9 inche spiral bound book covers small stitches.  There are five sections:  Classic, Balanced, Diagonal, Layered and Straight.

Mary's website has a bit about the newest volume in her series of stitch diagram books. It looks like volume four has QR codes so you can go straight to a stitch sample with your smart phone instead of having to type in a URL.  I can't confirm this, however.  I haven't seen the book yet.  But Homestead Needle Arts confirmed this (see Update #2 below).

You'll have to order from your favorite shop.  Mary doesn't sell directly to stitchers.

UPDATE:  Just heard the new Small Stitches will start shipping in June.  i of the Needle describes the book this way:

"It's filled with the content you love, with a specific focus on small stitches. 

Content includes:
Just over 200 small stitches, including updated and sequenced diagrams from the #whimsicalwednesday blog and a cache of previously unpublished stitches from class projects and private lessons.
Guidance on overall stitch planning with detailed insight on selecting the right small stitches for your project. 

Upgraded navigation insight. Navigation insight is provided on select stitches to help a stitcher confidently manage the stitch. Insight ranges from open stitch sequencing and tricks to minimize visible threads from the back of the canvas, help with complex stitches, and/or offer explanations on how to approach variations of the same stitch (as needed). 

Five chapters of stitches, including Classic, Balanced, Diagonal, Layered, and Straight.
The popular chapter and alphabetical indexes are included in Volume 4. Full-coverage stitches are called out in the indexes, making them easier to find."

UPDATE #2:  Homestead Needle Arts has a nice mini review in their shop newsletter.  Note that now you can scan a QR code to see the stitch sample of the stitch using your smart phone!  


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 10, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stereotypes About Men and Women Stitching Persist

Dr. Jessica Grimm, a specialist in medieval embroidery, has a fascinating article on her blog about the modern stereotypes we have about male and female stitchers--which were firmly in place in the 14th and 15th Century!

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

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Attaching Canvas to Scroll Frame: The Movie

Lori of Waste Knot shows how to use masking tape to attach a canvas to the scroll frame of a Lee's table stand.  You can use the same technique to attach your canvas to any scroll frame; it doesn't have to be a Lee's brand.  

Masking tape can leave sticky residue if it is attached a while but you can cut that part of the margins of your canvas off if the tape is there long enough to leave stickiness.

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

Monday, May 8, 2023

SCT Designs' Special Events Countdown Calendar

KC Needlepoint showcases the new SCT Designs' special events calendar on their blog.

SCT has a Christmas and a Halloween monthly calendar already but this seven day countdown calendar is for special events your family is anticipating:  birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, vacations--whatever you are looking forward to.  It's a unique and interesting idea.

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

Sunday, May 7, 2023

Neon Rays Tips

Louise's Needlework has some great tips for stitching with Neon Rays in this month's shop newsletter.

Basically, Jill advocates using a flat iron to smooth cut lengths of Neon Rays, and to use a metal laying tool to lay each stitch since a wooden tool can sometimes snag this tender thread.  If you are doing padded satin stitch with Neon Rays, Jill likes to use Very Velvet as padding underneath for extra depth.

Stitching Shop advocates dampening the thread or popping it by cutting a length and then pulling each end simultaneously.  They also mention using steam or a flat iron to smooth Neon Rays and have tips on keeping this slippery thread from sliding out of the needle's eye or wiggling out from the back of the canvas where the ends are buried.

If you aren't familiar with Neon Rays, this is from the Rainbow Gallery website.

If all else fails, Neon Rays+ is a good substitute.  The bit of metallic filament woven in this thread makes it easier to stitch with than the original.

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

Saturday, May 6, 2023

Something You Won't See at the Coronation

Something you won't see at King Charles III's coronation is the sacred annointing of oil.

Here is more about the screen.

There is more coronation embroidery news on this part of the Royal School's website.

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

The Jubilee Pillow

Ehrman's latest newsletter showed off the Jubilee Celebration pillow kit that Candace Bahouth created to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's fifty years ruling the United Kingdom.  

It's not a brand new design but it's a lovely one and I thought today you might enjoy seeing it.

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

Friday, May 5, 2023

Taping Canvas Edges: The Movie

Lori at Waste Knot shows how to tape needlepoint canvas edges.

Artist tape an be purchased online at art supply stores.  Note the varying widths.  I think an inch wide would work best.

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

Stocking Versus Topper

Needlepoint.com points out the advantages of stitching a full needlepoint stocking versus the stocking topper.

In case you've never seen one, stocking toppers, also called stocking cuffs, are finished like this.

You could also look for mini socks, which are small scale stockings that can be finished either open like a full-sided stocking, or closed to be used as an ornament.  Kathy Schenkel designs lots of cute mini socks, many of which come with a felt animal to be tucked in the top of the sock.

There are lots of options.  I'd advise you to figure out the finishing deadline at your favorite shop before you decide, however.

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

Thursday, May 4, 2023

The New Bradley Needlepoint Company

Kirk and Bradley just announced that they, Burnett and Bradley, Needlepoint to Go, Associated Talents and Two Sisters are now one company under the Bradley Needlepoint Company name.

You can visit the new Bradley Needlepoint Company at their website.

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

Breaking News: Mary Lou Kidder Has Died

Diversions Needlepoint in Denver, Colorado, just announced the death of the shop's founder, Mary Lou Kidder.

She sounds like she was quite a lady and an amazing needlepointer.  We join her friends and family in mourning her.

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

Needlepoint Now Correction

Needlepoint Now magazine has announced that the May-June 2023 issue's Bargello issue shows the wrong photograph.

Here's a link to the correct photo.

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

Memorializing Wilma's Contribution

Scrimm Discovery Needlepoint posted this photo of a Lee kimono a customer had nearly finished when their dog Wilma decided to "help."

For those who can't access Scrim Discovery's posting, it shows the chewed kimono design framed along with a picture of the unstitched canvas and a very happy Wilma, who is obviously thrilled to have contributed.  

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

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

NJNA Outreach

The New Jersey Needle Artists chapter of ANG has written about their outreach projects.

It's quite inspiring and of course we stitchers don't need to belong to an ANG chapter to do outreach.  If you have stitching friends, a supportive shop, or just have an idea how to use needlepoint to reach out, go for it!

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

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

The Flying Needles Changes Hands UPDATED

Tomorrow, May 3, is a big day for The Flying Needles.  Merideth Henry has bought the shop from Dianne who wants to retire.   Good luck, Meridith.  Have fun!  Dianne, enjoy retirement.

Here is the shop website so you can do a little online shopping or check the address and new store hours for an in-person shopping trip.

UPDATE:  Here's the new Flying Needles owner, Merideth Henry.  If you see her, give her a hug from me.  We love our shop owners.

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

Monday, May 1, 2023

Breaking News at Fancy Works in Bloomington, Indiana

I was shocked to hear the owner of Fancy Works in Bloomington, Indiana died suddenly.

Check the shop's Facebook page or the shop's website for more news and shop hours as everyone tries to cope.


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

Two Houston Shops Profiled

The Houston Chronicle has profiled two great needlepoint shops in the same area--Needle House and Stitches in Time.

You can browse Stitches in Time via Facebook.

Needle House has a fun website.  Don't miss their "Series and Clubs" section!

If you are visiting Houston, there are many more needlepoint shops to visit, such as Chandail, Marribee Needlearts, Nimblefingers, Stitches in Time, and Three Stitches.  It is one of the centers of the needlepoint world!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 10, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.