Friday, June 30, 2023

Paternayan Colors Available from Colonial Needle

While looking up this link for a friend who wanted to know where to order Paternayan 3 ply wool, I discovered that Colonial Needle has the rights to reproduce Paternayan colors in their line of 3 ply wool that they call Colonial Persian.

Here is a bit from Colonial's website about their Colonial Persian thread with information about how to match their color numbers with the old Paternayan color numbers.

You can browse the colors available on Colonial's website.  It doesn't look like they have a color card with real thread samples available yet.

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

Thursday, June 29, 2023

The Art of Harvey Kravis

Today we have an online art exhibit featuring the work of Harvey Kravis, who loves interpreting art through needlepoint. Harvey's first original piece was a backgammon board designed when he was in college.  Several years later he designed and completed a piece based on a Jack Daniels label in his mid-20s.  It took three months for him to chart it on graph paper, since it involved complex lettering and many curlicues (with plenty of pencil erasing along the way). Courtship, marriage, and two kids led to a break of 27 years before designing again, resulting in the King of Spades, otherwise known to him as “the Flat King”

Harvey normally uses a 27 inch wide scroll frame --he's used the same one for fifty years!-- as many of his "masterpiece" projects are very big and can take as long as 3-4 years to complete.  He works with Paternayan and Appleton tapestry wools and now uses Stitchcraft software to chart the art masterpieces.  He generally stitches an average of one and a half hours a day.  Some days he does much more; some less.  The number of color changes involved in a section mean that sometimes he will only get 20 stitches done in an hour.  Other times he can do 200-300 stitches an hour if everything is one color.  Harvey says the key is to organize the threads by color number in plastic baggies so it's easy to find the color that he needs to work with next.  

I asked Harvey if he ends a thread after he finishes with that color or if he slides the thread under the stitched area toward the next place where that color will be used.  He answered, "I snake under nearby stitches every time I switch colors. I use a single needle for the entire project. It’s constantly an optimization issue to figure out what the next stitch should be. If I don’t put some strategy/thought into it I will waste yarn. If I have to skip more than 8-10 stitch positions I will snake and cut."

If you have a Facebook account, you can browse some of Harvey's work on his FB page.

If you have plenty of time, watch this 2022 YouTube video presentation about his work, which includes the things he learned from stitching, how he organizes his threads, why frames are important to his stitching and an explanation of the StitchCraft software he uses to graph the designs before he starts stitching.  The presentation was to a mainly Chinese-speaking audience in the Boston area.  You can skip the introduction in Mandarin and English by starting the video at the 5:00 mark.  I would encourage you to listen to the questions at the end as you'll learn a lot about the challenges in creating these large designs for stitching.

The framer Harvey talks about in the video is Picture Yourself! in Massachusetts.  Here is their website.

If you want to learn more about StitchCraft (Windows operating systems only), you can explore their website.  Remember Harvey's warning that the software underestimates the amount of yarn needed for very large pieces!

I asked Harvey what he's working on now.  He's tackling Seurat's "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte."  WHEW.

Many thanks to Harvey for allowing me to bring his needlepoint to Blog's readers.

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

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

A New Designer: Fussy Gussies

We have a new designer!  Fussy Gussies has a lot of charming ornaments to purchase.  Jenne's designs are stitch painted and on 18 count canvas.  


To purchase, contact Jenne through her Facebook page.

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

NeedlePaint Profiles Two Designers

NeedlePaint.com shows off two of the designers who create their printed and hand painted needlepoint designs.

The range of designs is amazing!  If you want to see more, check out their website.

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

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

No One Listens to Mary

Mary Legallet (she of the Whimsical Stitch books fame) posted this on her blog--

It's a fun reminder that you can do all sorts of fun variations starting from a stitch diagram.

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

Monday, June 26, 2023

Sew Much Fun To Drool Over

Stitch by Stitch Larchmont is having a Sew Much Fun trunk show, so their June newsletter is full of photos of the designer's models.  Time to pour your favorite beverage and enjoy the show!

Many of Sew Much Fun's pieces have stitch guides.  You may need to ask your favorite shop to get the guide for you as it may not be included with the canvases but if you like embellishment, you won't want to pass a guide up if it is available.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 30, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved

Sunday, June 25, 2023

Embroidery Scissors from Japan

I am a big fan of Japanese embroidery tools so I was thrilled to learn that Cohana has embroidery scissors as well as tiny snips.  Their mini scissors and thread snips are at the top of the page.  The embroidery scissors (which are around four inches long and have blunt tips) are at the bottom of the page.

These are all beautifully handmade and the embroidery scissors have laquered handles so they aren't cheap.  Usage tips are at the bottom of the page.  Please note that the tips are blunt and that some people are allergic to the lacquer handles.

Occasionally Cohana offers limited edition colors in the handles.  Most of these appear to be sold out.

I found a pink pair on Etsy.

I also found a yellow pair still available.

Cohana and their partners make all sorts of embroidery tools. You can browse a selection of other items besides scissors here.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 29, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, June 24, 2023

Extra Rows Around the Outside Edge?

Lori at Waste Knot (my "local" shop and highly recommended) has a short video about what Waste Knot's finishers prefer when it comes to extra rows around the outside edge of a finished piece.

Basically, for hand sewn pieces, extra rows are not needed but for machine sewn pieces, you will need two extra rows.  But as Lori says, always check with your finisher first.  You may not know if they are planning to use machine sewing or hand sewing on your particular stocking, ornament, box top, etc.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 29, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, June 23, 2023

Amy Bunger's DVDs on Sale

I just happened to stumble across Amy Bunger's DVDs on sale for $19 each on her website.

They show you how to stitch clothing, light coverage stitches, do needle weaving....

And as a bonus, Tony Minieri did three DVDs with Amy in his Back to the Basics series, which teaches you all sorts of techniques to make your stitching better.  These three DVDs are from his first Back to Basics lectures series.

DVDs are starting to be old tech these days but the information on these disks is timeless if you want to improve your stitching or learn new techniques.

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

Thursday, June 22, 2023

This Morning's Excitement UPDATED

This morning's excitement has been the Monthly Clubs tab has been removed by Google for violated their community guidelines about spam.  Sigh.  I've requested a review.  We'll see if Google comes to their senses.  Sorry!

On the bright side, once Google deletes all of the tabs and (hopefully) restores them, this madness should end.  

UPDATE:  Google restored the Monthly Clubs tab and flagged my post about Amy Bunger's DVD sale.  So they are moving on from the major articles on Blog to short ones.  Sigh.  I wonder if they are using AI to look for problems.  If so, it's a big fail, folks.   (Both Monthly Clubs and Amy's sale articles were restored, thankfully.)

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

French Knot Trim

Margaret's clever use of French knots around the edge of her shaped ornament as trim wins her the Smart Cookie Award for June.

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

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

My Neighbor's Garden: A Mystery

Ruth Schmuff has unveiled her Summer 2023 mystery class--"My Neighbor's Garden."  This is an abstract landscape by Brooke Connor with birds, a tree, buildings and a rolling dreamscape.

There will be three lessons over the summer for this piece.  As usual, I'll post Ruth's updates here as she and her students work on this fun design.

The first update shows beaded vines and a green swirl area with pattern.  I think some of the purple background has been stitched, too.

Lots of outlining and a fun open background stitch are created in lesson two but the star is the bubble tree.

Lesson three has stitched birds and metal flowers for a special embellishment.

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

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Travel Tips for Needlepointers

KC Needlepoint has several good tips for traveling with your needlepoint.

My best advice is to put a little package of needles in your wallet or purse.  It's very easy to loose the needle from your current project and can be impossible to find needles in the stores when you travel.

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

Monday, June 19, 2023

Stitches for Dogs (and a Cat?)

Stephanie Dresher-Mandelbaum of Ridgewood Needlepoint is stitching a fun Maggie canvas of dogs and posting about the stitches they choose for each of the six dogs (and one cat) in this charmer.

I'm hoping they will continue to add dog fur stitches each Monday.  If they do, I'll update this article.

Hurrah!  This time Stephanie stitches the tan and white dog on the far right side.  It's darling!

The body of the tan dog on the left looks good.

Now the tiny cat is finished as well as the doxy in the upper right hand corner.

Stephanie has added glass eyes from Etsy, started the sky background and stitched the black Scottie.

The Dalmatian is done and after a little help from Julia Snyder, the black terrier's tail is enhanced and superb.

"Under Cover" is finished!  Stephanie ends her discussion of this fun piece explaining the threads and stitch used for the sky.  

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.

Sunday, June 18, 2023

Ten Favorite Stitches from Moore Stitching

Moore Stitching just posted their ten favorite stitches (with diagrams and hints) here.

Moore Stitching doesn't ring a bell?  Bet you've seen some of the British royal canvases from this terrific designer, though.  Have fun exploring!

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.

Saturday, June 17, 2023

New Heart Frames for Self Finishing

Beth Gantz Designs now has self-finishing heart frames with new designs that fit.  The Associated Talents hearts fit also, according to Beth.

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, June 16, 2023

Warning

For the fifth time this year, Blog has gotten a message from Google, the owner of this free blogging platform, that two of my postings has been flagged for review by Google for violating their Community Guidelines.  In these instances, Google removes the posting.  So if you click on a tab at the top of Blog or the CH Stitch Guides blog and there is nothing there, that's one of the flagged postings.

The two removals this morning were both for malware or viruses in some of the links.  Since there is no way I can check thousands of reference links for issues, all I can do is appeal the removal.  This morning the Monthly Clubs and the list of Stitch Guide Writers' contact information were removed.  Since I found the issue and appealed both removals, both articles have been restored.  

Since this is happening so frequently, I assume Google is now scanning blogs looking for malware or viruses or a troll is flagging my blogs to cause trouble.  All the postings that have been involved have been reference ones at the top of the two needlepoint blogs I maintain.  After I appeal the ruling, they have been restored which makes me think a troll is trying to cause issues.  Still, you should maintain anti-virus and anti-malware software on your devices as there could still be a problem lurking that I cannot detect.  

So far, all the flagged articles have been restored after I appeal, but I can see a time coming when Google will make it impossible for me to continue to maintain reference articles with links to many websites, videos and tutorials.  Stay tuned.

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

Hand Care and Threadaholics

The New Jersey Needle Artists Chapter of ANG's May newsletter has some fun things.

I've added the tips for Serendipity Needlework's hand care (especially for those with arthritis) to the Ergonomics section on the right hand column but here's the direct link.

The other new to me thing that the chapter mentioned is the 3rd edition of Threads:  A Needle Necessity is out.  Homestead has copies and a brief summary of the book.

The book is published by Bedecked and Beadazzled.  This little blurb on their website explains the total overhaul the 3rd edition has received.  If you have to mail order your threads or you are a shop wanting the latest information to help your customers, this book is for you.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright Nat 21, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, June 15, 2023

Eye Candy Sneak Peeks

Ada Hayden of Eye Candy allows us sneak peeks at her newest designs, which include items inspired by Christmas songs and new travel pieces that will fit in those passport covers.

Some of the designs are availble in multiple sizes.

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

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

A RIce Paste Tutorial

Mary Corbet just finished a commission for goldwork lettering and symbols that will decorate an altar cloth.  The goldwork motifs were embroidered on linen and were cut out to be appliqued onto velvet.  As part of that process, Mary used rice paste on the back of each piece to help secure the thread ends and described it below.

Rice paste glue is something needlepointers use occasionally, so I thought you'd like to see how it is applied.  Many shops carry rice paste glue and you can find it online as it is also used in book binding and in cabinetry.    I believe it is also used in Japanese Embroidery.  You can see the little tube Mary refers to about half way down Needle in a Haystack's "Accessories" page.

If you are curious about the final design Mary and her niece worked, here it is.

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.

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

Coronation Tailors: Fit for a King

If you can get BBC Two, you'll want to see this documentary about the military tailoring needed for King Charles III's Coronation.

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

Monday, June 12, 2023

Kevin Lustik Exhibit and Panel Discussion Tomorrow

Kevin Lustik is going to participate in a panel discussion about needle art tomorrow, June 13th, at 5:30 p.m. at the Manhattan (Soho) Mulberry Street library branch.

If you can't make the discussion, Kevin's original needlepoint is on display at the library but I'm not sure for how long.

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

A Tiny Tutorial on Pulled Thread

Peggy at NeedlePaint has written a fun article about using one of NeedlePaint's printed designs and fancying it up with a pulled thread background that's a mix of reversed Scotch stitches and eyelets.

You may remember Peggy did a simplier piece with pulled thread in just one color.  Now she's branching out.  Here's the earlier article.

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

Sunday, June 11, 2023

The Canvas Master Craftsman

Melita Glavin has finished all the steps of EGA's Canvas Master Craftsman program!


It's interesting to see all the steps that are required and how Melita fulfilled each step.   She also talks about the challenges she faced and overcome with her turkeywork and applique, which is fascinating.

Congratulations to the new Master Craftsman!

By the way, here's a bit about EGA's various Master Craftsman programs.

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

Saturday, June 10, 2023

Frey Check Tidbit

Rittenhouse posted a short message on Facebook about Frey Check which is used to keep threads from unraveling.  I knew Frey Check dries clear but not that you can remove it with rubbing alcohol.  Interesting!

If you want to use Frey Check, shop around.  The price varies a lot for the standard 3/4 ounce bottle.

You can use other items instead of Frey Check that you might own already.  This article mentions several although it is geared toward machine sewing.

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

Friday, June 9, 2023

Strawberry Thief Steals Tennis Balls

Jolly Red, a UK tapestry kit company, shows how they translated William Morris' Strawberry Thief design into the Tennis Ball Thief pillow kit.

Here is William Morris' original.

Here is Jolly Red's printed needlepoint version on 10 count canvas with the tennis ball and the Jack Russell terrier.  Very clever!

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

Thursday, June 8, 2023

BREAKING NEWS: Marina Perna Has Died

Stitch by Stitch Larchmont just announced the death of their long-term teacher, Marina Perna, after a courageous battle with cancer.  If you are in the area, the date and time of her visitation and funeral mass is included in the notice.

Our condolences to her family, friends and students.

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

Needle Paint Has Dog Collars

NeedlePaint has branched out into dog collars.

You can browse their printed designs or create your own custom collar using their Custom Dog Collar Builder which is here--

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

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

The Astronomer and Needlepoint

Lena stumbled across this article about Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, an early 20th Century astronomer, talking about needlepoint and her ground-breaking needlepoint portrait of a supernova.

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

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Threadaholic Alert: Milan

The latest NJNA newsletter let me know Planet Earth Fibers has a new thread called Milan.

According to this article at KC Needlepoint, Milan is a single strand thread that is half silk and half merino wool (basically a thicker version of Essentials) meant to be used on 13 count canvas.

Currently KC Needlepoint has all the colors in stock if you want to try it.

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

Monday, June 5, 2023

Glisten: The Movie

Needlepoint.com's latest video is about Rainbow Gallery's Glisten, a merino wool/metallic blend suitable for 18 count canvas.

If you are familiar with Silk Lame Braid, Glisten is somewhat similar although it comes in only one thickness, unlike Silk Lame Braid which has three widths.  You can see all 78 available colors for Glisten on the Rainbow Gallery website.

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

Sunday, June 4, 2023

British From Sheep to Needle: Fiber Talk Interview

Fiber Talk's latest interview is with the owner and manager of Appletons Wool, founded in 1835. You can hear about the transition from the ownership of the Appleton family, the challenge of replacing old machines, changing the labels from the old white to colorful maroon and grey, modernizing the running of the company, moving the company from London to outside Oxford, etc.  Then you can hear how this entirely British wool fiber is purchased from a wool merchant in Yorkshire, turned into yarns and sold to stitchers, not to mention how the pandemic and their tight supply chain has driven their business, and why they can no longer moth-proof their wools.  You'll learn which countries buy crewel wool and which buy tapestry wool.  And more!

You can browse the company's website, look at their wool crewel and tapestry threads (which you can buy directly from Appletons now as of a month ago) and check out their tapestry kit lines, here.

Appleton crewel is my absolutely favorite wool thread so I loved hearing about the company and how it works.

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

Saturday, June 3, 2023

The String Thing and More

The newest NJNA newsletter is full of fun things.

If you want more information about the Scarlet Today thread can called the String Thing, check their home page on the right.

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

Friday, June 2, 2023

Breaking News: Mark Craddack Has Died

Last night Nimble Needle Atlanta posted that Mark Craddock, who often taught at the shop, died from an aggressive and fast moving cancer.

The service will be June 9th at the Cathedral of Christ The King in Atlanta.  My condolences to his friends, colleagues and students.  

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

How to Flatten a Canvas: The Movie

The Nashville Needlepointer has a short video on Instagram that shows how to flatten a needlepoint canvas.

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.

Thursday, June 1, 2023

New Designers: Nanci K Creations and 2Busy Needlepointing UPDATED

Audra Koliba Daughtry just announced she's going out on her own this month as Nanci K Kreations.  

Her website is live now.

UPDATE:  Audra is making live appearances in Georgia and South Carolina.

Catherine at 2Busy Needlepointing is live, too.

2Busy Needlepointing has an Instagram page if you prefer that.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 30, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.