Ideas for Letters on Needlepoint Canvas

Needlepoint.com's latest newsletter describes ways to stitch lettering on stockings, small ornaments and cursive sayings.

https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/learn-to-stitch-letters

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 19, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

NAN Judging of Your Work for a Small Fee

The National Academy of Needlearts is now offering professional evaluation of your work for only $40.  This page on their website tells you how to ask for an evaluation and as a bonus, has lots of tips for taking photographs of your piece.  Those will come in handy even if you never submit a piece for NAN to critique.

https://needleart.org/evaluation/?fbclid=IwAR00ggI5_aLFQl7IJTTZgr3d-oE13pv3r9H4XsHQP_pCBV0SS0N0yknZ3kA

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 18, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Free Pumpkin Design from Eye Candy

Ada Hayden of Eye Candy has released another free design, this time a pumpkin for autumn, Halloween and harvest time.  Her blog lists some tips plus the stitches she used in case you want to copy her work exactly.

http://eyecandyneedleart.blogspot.com/2023/09/its-pumpkin-time.html

The link in the article doesn't work so here it is--

https://www.eyecandyneedleart.com/downloads/Mini%20Pumpkin.pdf

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 15, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitching in Hand Versus Using a Frame

Poppy Monk Needlepoint lists the reasons to stitch in hand and to use a frame.

https://poppymonkneedlepointkits.com/blogs/the-5-minute-needlepoint-blog/needlepoint-without-a-frame

What you decide is up to you. Like a lot of things in needlepoint, there is no hard-and-fast rule, except the thread goes in the needle's eye.  That one is pretty set.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 15, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Unstitcher

KC Needlepoint is selling a tool I haven't seen before.  It's called The Unstitcher.

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/blogs/news/introducing-the-unstitcher

Basically it's a tapestry needle fitted into an easy to hold handle.  Cut that first stitch you need to rip, then use the Unstitcher to gently lift the stitch off the canvas and out of the hole.  Those who have been using a needle to do this may prefer the handled version.  It'll be easier to manipulate.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 13, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Open Pepper Pot Skeins

KC Needlepoint has posted an interesting video on their website demonstrating how to open a skein of Pepper Pot Silk without tangling.

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/blogs/news/dont-get-your-threads-tangled-up-learn-to-open-a-skein

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 11, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Getting to Know Kristine Kingston

Megan at the Pointing It Out Podcast interviews Kristine Kingston.  You'll learn how Kristine got into the business of needlepoint design, 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbjB4dgyxjg

You can see more of Kristine's work here.  

https://stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/publishers.php?category=Kristine%20Kingston

Here is the turkey belt.

https://www.needlepointclubhouse.com/products/copy-of-evil-eye-belt-1?_pos=1&_sid=36bef0c94&_ss=r

This is one of Kristine's geometric clutches.

https://www.needlepointclubhouse.com/products/blue-and-green-chevron-rectangle?_pos=1&_sid=e2ad19930&_ss=r

This is the issue of Needlepoint Now with Kristine's Spooky Bats canvas on the back side.

https://www.needlepointnow.com/product/september-october-2023/

https://woolfloss.com/products/spooky-kksg24-18m

https://www.instagram.com/p/CHBCOpoHlrv/

The holiday sweater series.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/2023/04/new-holiday-sweater-club/

This is the Maryland crab design using gray because you can't paint white on a white canvas.

https://www.stitchingfox.com/collections/kristine-kingston/products/kristine-kingston-maryland-state-flag-crab-stitching-fox

She's distributed by Chris Lewis Distributing if you want to ask your favorite shop to order something for you.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 10, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Melita's "Spring Sampler"

Brenda is going to stitch Melita Glavin's "Spring Sampler" with her EGA chapter.  She and a group of friends had great fun picking threads and colors for it with Melita's help.  I'll update this article as Brenda begins to work on this in October--assuming she can wait as this is a very pretty piece.

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2023/09/spring-sampler-9923.html

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2023/10/spring-sampler-updated-10523.html

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2023/10/spring-sampler-updated-101023.html

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2023/12/spring-sampler-updated-121223.html

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2023/12/spring-sampler-updated-122923.html

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2024/01/spring-sampler-updated-1624.html

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2024/02/spring-sampler-updated-21824.html

This posting has Melita's original colors and a list of Brenda's substitutes.

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2024/01/spring-sampler-updated-12224.html

Melita is helping teach her design at the EGA Brandywine Chapter.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2023/10/30/a-spring-sampler-with-ega-brandywine-chapter-2/

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/01/09/a-spring-sampler-with-ega-brandywine-chapter-bands-6-16/

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/02/22/a-spring-sampler-with-ega-brandywine-chapter-bands-4-5-and-17-18-and-an-error/

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/08/29/a-spring-sampler-with-ega-brandywine-chapter-bands-1-3-and-19-21-all-done/#respond

Here's Melita's "Spring Sampler" done in autumnal colors and adorning the front of a bag.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/11/03/a-spring-sampler-in-fall-colors-for-a-tool-bag-carrier-a-thimble-and-that-purple-thang/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 9, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Quick Finishing for Coasters or Boxes

KC Needlepoint has produced a video that explains how to quickly finish a needlepoint design to fix into an acrylic coaster or box.

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/blogs/news/a-new-video-is-here-learn-to-self-finish-a-coaster-or-treat-box-cover

I've found peel and stick velvets on Amazon for crafting that might work for the back side of ornaments.

https://www.amazon.com/Adhesive-Velvet-Flocking-Jewelry-Project/dp/B099ZNQL4P/ref=sr_1_3?adgrpid=1241348958069295&hvadid=77584475919783&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=91462&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvtargid=kwd-77584563437759%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=16682_13530714&keywords=fabric%2Bpeel%2Band%2Bstick&qid=1695393924&sr=8-3&th=1

It's possible that peel and stick wallpaper might work as well.  Samples are large enough for one ornament's finishing, too.   It won't be as thick as velvet, which is a plus when you don't have a large slot to push the needlepoint through.  I suspect it won't be as durable but I doubt coasters or boxes are meant as heirlooms.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/GreenPlanetPrint?ref=shop-header-name&listing_id=900287687

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 22, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Morgan Julia Plus Penny Linn Equals the Chill Pill Box

Morgan Julia is partnering with Penny Linn Designs to create an oval acrylic box for the Morgan Julia "Chill Pill" design.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw00kNgryog/?img_index=1

The two companies are also collaborating on an open top box with room for a design on the front that is 4 1/2 inches roughly.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw2ha9rrU8D/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 6, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tools to Tug Needles

KC Needlepoint's latest blog posting talks about two tools the shop sells that make pulling a needle easier.

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/blogs/news/save-your-fingers-the-struggle-with-these-two-helpful-tools

Personally, I don't usually have trouble pulling a needle through the back side but if you do, tools like these from Bohin and Rainbow Gallery might be helpful.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 5, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

NJNA Roundup

The mid-August 2023 roundup of needlepoint news from NJNA is fun as always!  This time there are lots of club news, new products, and some really fun shop classes and get-togethers.

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2023/08/13/whats-happening-at-njna-8-12-23/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 14, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Website for Stitch by Stitch Larchmont

Stitch by Stitch in Larchmont, NY has a new website!  The home page will direct you to all sorts of popular sections or you can just click on "Canvases" or "Accessories," etc. and browse.  Everything is well organized.  For example, if you click on Jewelry Cases, you'll see all the options plus there are links to inserts that are 3 inches, 4 inches, etc. that will fit.

https://stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/

This shop has a $$$ warning as you'll want to buy most everything you see.  Hide your credit cards before visiting!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 5, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

"Hand Painted Needlepoint for the Modern Explorer"

The Needlepoint Joint is having a trunk show featuring a brand new designer--Fire and Iris.  Many of the designs are about camping and the outdoors.   I love the lighting bugs in a jar, the sun, moon and mountain tarot cards, the cattle dog (a neighbor has one to help herd) and the camping mugs.  The various monsters will charm outdoors folk who keep expecting to run into Sasquatch when hiking.

https://needlepointjoint.com/collections/fire-iris-trunk-show-2023?page=1

I come from a family that enjoys hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking--the whole nine yards--so everything speaks to me.  Maybe it will speak to you, too.   

You can browse more on the Fire and Iris website.  Check out what Fire and Iris calls the "half painted series" which are canvases with only simple outlines--that makes them cheaper-- but that come with guides that show you how to add all sorts of detail to make the design come to life.

https://fireandirisdesigns.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 4, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Turning Kathy Rees Into Walker

Jan is expecting a new great grand-daughter so she is modifying a Needle Delights design into something more girly than what she stitched for her great grandson.

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2023/09/02/a-welcome-for-walker/

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2023/09/05/quick-update-2/

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2024/01/17/another-stitching-year-begins/

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2024/01/30/first-finish-of-2024/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 3, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Meeting Merrilyn Heazelwood

EGA is offering a counted canvaswork class with the Tasmanian designer Merrilyn Heazelwood and as part of that, they did an interview. 

https://egausa.org/interview-merrilyn-heazlewood-silk-ribbon-primroses/

Merrilyn is famous for her floral pieces and her use of silk ribbons on needlepoint canvas.  She's from a family of needle artists and does some wonderful designs.  Intrigued?  You can browse her website to see her work, find the link to the interview she did with the Fiber Talk podcast, shop her kits and her downloadable patterns, and just enjoy her lovely designs.

https://merrilynheazlewood.com.au/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 2, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Holst Meets Webb

Vickie has posted her finished "Holst Meets Webb" by Lorene Salt.  The title comes from combing the names of the composer of The Planets (Gustav Holst) and the James Webb Space Telescope, named after the second administrator of NASA.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=7163455933683356&set=gm.6536016493142120&idorvanity=108537025890131

This counted canvaswork design with corals, turquoises and purples (plus accent colors like lime and gray) is a new design that will be taught at the ANG Seminar in 2024.  Vickie was a test stitcher for the project and posted her finished piece on NP Nation with Lorene's approval.

You can browse more of Lorene's charts and see what she is currently teaching and where on her website.

https://lorenesaltneedlearts.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 2, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Beginner's Guide to Choosing Stitches

Poppy Monk Needlepoint has written a nice article about choosing stitches for painted canvases that is geared towards beginners.

https://poppymonkneedlepointkits.com/blogs/the-5-minute-needlepoint-blog/what-needlepoint-stitch-to-use

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 1, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Smart Cookie of the Month Award

The Smart Cookie Award goes to a customer at Needleharts who staples a bit of felt to the top of her stretcher bars to use as a place to park her needles.  I know everyone doesn't like using magnets as needle minders;  this is a great way to keep your needles handy and safe if you don't like using magnets or don't happen to have a magnet handy.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=771572278100413&set=a.539350387989271

By the way, the Nancy Drew book cover canvas is from Moore Stitching.

https://moorestitching.com/products/nancy

https://moorestitching.com/products/the-staircase 

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 1, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Identi-pens for Coloring Canvas

The Wool and the Floss mentioned the Identi-pen set they sell for coloring sections of canvas if you want to change a color.   The markers have two ends, one a sharper marker and one a more blunt.  The shop sells them but they aren't on their website right now.  This is what you are looking for, however.  The label says they are waterproof when dry but not meant for fabric markers.

https://www.amazon.com/Sakura-44162-Identi-Pen-Permanent-Assorted/dp/B000S12GWQ/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=identi-pen&qid=1693530976&sr=8-3

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 31, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tricks with Silk Road Fiber: The Movie

The Needlepoint Clubhouse shows off tricks you can use to skein and split Silk Road Fiber if a length is too fat for whatever you are doing.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cwn4ffOvADW/

The reason behind the movie is Needlepoint Clubhouse has a new exclusive collection of five shades of orange in Silk Road Fiber.  All shops have the other Collections that feature shades of blue, pink, green, red and neon colors but the orange set is only available from Needlepoint Clubhouse.  This link shows the orange but you can order any of the colors from the same page by switching colors before you add to your shopping cart.

https://www.needlepointclubhouse.com/products/silk-road-fiber-color-palettes?_pos=1&_sid=f70f585cc&_ss=r&variant=40283707474053

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 31, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Morgan Julia's Guide to Finishing

Morgan Julia has written a nice introduction to finishing for anyone who is about to send off their project to a pro for the first time.  She also has recommendations for specific finishers for certain items, but note that Mary Mac has retired from belt finishing.

https://morganjuliadesigns.com/blogs/news/guide-to-needlepoint-finishing

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 1, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Report on the Duo Designs Retreat

Brenda of Brenda's Needlepoint Studio just got back from a Duo Designs retreat in Kentucky.  She had a blast!

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2023/09/retreat-by-duo-designs-in-kentucky-92823.html

UPDATES: 

The background is what Brenda is working on now.

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2023/09/stitching-girl-with-her-horse-93023.html

If you are intrigued, you can sign up for information about upcoming retreats, classes and on Sandy Arthur's website.

http://duodesignsinc.com/wpsite/

There's also a link on the website to Sandy's Etsy shop where you can buy one of her stitch guides, one of her small but fabulous books, pick up excess canvases from the classes she's taught, and buy supplies.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/DuoDesignsBySANDRA

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 28, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Use a Needle Threader: The Movie

KC Needlepoint has a short video on learning to use a needle threader.

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/blogs/news/make-threading-your-needle-easy

I prefer the wire loop threaders myself but I use more silk and cotton flosses as well as thin metallics than anything else.  Everyone will have a different preference according to what you normally stitch with and how flexible your fingers are.  KC Needlepoint has a nice selection on their website.

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/collections/threaders

If you do choose a wire loop threader, I suggest you put a drop of Super Glue on the threader where the wires go into the threaders.  This makes them harder to yank out as you use the threader.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 31, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Managing Large Needlepoint Projects

Megan and Melissa talk about the various ways to handle large needlepoint projects on their Pointing It Out podcast.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eI-6yt_mvrU

They talk about rolled up, in hand pieces.  Here are the items they discuss:

Press and Seal

https://www.glad.com/food-protection/food-wraps/press-n-seal/

key chain needle cases which I think are long enough to also hold a Snag-Nab It (second link below)

https://www.needlepointclubhouse.com/products/artisan-wood-needle-case?_pos=1&_sid=a346b894c&_ss=r

https://www.needlepointclubhouse.com/products/snag-nab-it?_pos=1&_psq=snag-nab-i&_ss=e&_v=1.0

artists tape

https://woolfloss.com/products/white-artists-tape-1-60-yards?_pos=1&_sid=f07be1404&_ss=r

stretcher bars, both regular and thinner Minis

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/collections/stretcher-bars

scroll frame

https://needlepointus.com/proddetail.asp?prod=KCSF

Wonder Clips

https://www.joann.com/search/?q=wonder+clips&lang=default

System Four stands

https://www.needleworksystem4.com/

Stick With And More velcro like product

https://www.needlepointclubhouse.com/products/stick-with-more-preorder

K's Creations Tri Knob Set (also available from System Four but not on their website)

http://www.kscreations.com/acc_knobs.htm

https://www.stitchers-paradise.com/Stands/KsCreations.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 29, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Finish Passport Covers: The Movie

Planet Earth shares how to insert a stitched canvas into their passport covers, using nail clippers to shove the corners into position.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CwTahesLhPr/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 26, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Medusa Sea Jelly Fund Raiser Class

Melita is at the EGA Seminar where she ran into Kim of ANG's Needle Artists by the Sea chapter.  They are selling kits for this charming design to help pay for the exhibit they hold every other year.

https://stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/pages/custom-stitching-services-stitch-by-stitch

Melita has the outline done after she picked threads.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2023/10/05/medusa-sea-jelly-outline/

She is working the jelly's body and has finished the background.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2023/10/23/medusa-sea-jelly-at-nj-needle-fest/

You can read about the class and order the kit on the Needle Artists by the Sea website.

http://needleartistsbythesea.org/shorelinesstitchers.htm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 5, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Two JP Needlepoint Ornament Holiday Designs from Ridgewood Needlepoint

Stephanie and Adrienne at Ridgewood Needlepoint are tackling two JP Needlepoint ornament canvases and posting their stitches each Monday.  One ornament canvas is for Christmas and the other for Hanukkah.  It will be fun to see how these two designs come to life and educational if you have holiday ornaments of your own to stitch.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/2023/08/something-new-coming-in-september/

The first posting is Stephanie talking about the Hanukkah canvas and how the first two ornaments were stitched.  She reminds us that many canvases don't have enough space for fancy stitches, so they will emphasize using a variety of threads and embellishments as well as stitches on these pieces.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/2023/09/new-stitch-monday-92/

The second week's posting talks about the Christmas canvas and how ornaments 1 and 2 are stitched.  The threads list for six of the ornaments is included.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/2023/09/new-stitch-monday-93/

The third week's post covers ornaments three and four on the Hanukkah design.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/2023/09/new-stitch-monday-94/

Week four covers ornament three and four for the Christmas design.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/2023/10/new-stitch-monday-95/

Week five covers ornaments five and six on the Hanukkah design.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/2023/10/new-stitch-monday-96/

Week six is back to Adrienne's Christmas ornaments five and six.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/2023/10/new-stitch-monday-97/

Week seven is about the Hanukkah design's ornaments seven and eight.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/2023/10/new-stitch-monday-98/

Week eight covers the Christmas ornaments seven and eight.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/2023/10/new-stitch-monday-99/

Ornaments 9-12 for the Hanukkah design.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-11-6-23/

Ornaments 9-12 for the Christmas design.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-11-13-23/

Ornament 13 and the background are all that is left on the Hanukkah piece.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-11-20-23/

Here are ornaments 13-16 on the Christmas one.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-11-27-23/

The final four Christmas ornaments are described here.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 23, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Julie Pischke Designs is Reborn UPDATE

One of the fun things about visiting family in the Florida Keys was a stop at Julie Pischke's shop Island Needlework in Key West. 

http://plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2010/11/island-inspired.html

The shop has closed and Julie is retired but Julie Pischke Designs is being reborn.  The tropical flowers and foliage, the sea creatures, the colors, the fun conch houses--everything's still there, even those fabulous carpet bags.

https://www.instagram.com/juliepischkedesigns/

Have fun browsing!  

https://juliepischkedesigns.com/

UPDATE:  Needlepoint Junction is one of the few shops carrying Julie's designs right now.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=875943374116858&set=a.627970782247453

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 24, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Long Bat Mystery

Ruth at Bedecked and Beadazzled has announced her Halloween mystery class:  it is Zecca's "Long Bat."  

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2023/08/its-a-looooong-bat/

As is my usual practice, I'll update this article with Ruth's progress reports from her October classes.  

Ruth did something totally different and stitched the bat's face and one wing first instead of doing the background.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2023/10/bat-wings/

The bat's chubby little body looks fabulous. Apparently the wings are all sparkly and the fingers beaded.  I hope Ruth shows off the background stitch using a Stef Francis overdye (this is a UK Company).

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2023/10/bat-body/

Stef Francis dyes fabrics and threads of all sorts.  This is her silk section but explore a bit to see the cotton. linen, and rayon threads and much, much more.

https://www.stef-francis.co.uk/product-category/hand-dyed-yarns/hand-dyed-silk-yarns/

And finally, here is Long Bat, finished two ways.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2024/09/bats-are-flying/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 24, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Interviewing Kate Woodward of Gingham Stitchery

Melissa of the Pointing It Out Podcast interviews Kate Woodward, one of the designers with Gingham Stitchery.  It's a fun interview. You'll learn why she won't design needlepoint shoes, her fear of the needlepoint belt curse, etc.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRu-SdKdZbA

You can view some of Kate's designs on the Gingham Stitchery website...

https://theginghamstitchery.com/

...and their Instagram account.

https://www.instagram.com/theginghamstitchery/

Here is the tobacco leaf clutch that started it all.

https://theginghamstitchery.com/products/tobacco-leaf-clutch?_pos=7&_fid=2cfa53fe1&_ss=c

This is the poinsettia frame.

https://theginghamstitchery.com/products/poinsettia-frame?_pos=2&_fid=2cfa53fe1&_ss=c

This is the Coronation Emblem for those Anglophiles.

https://theginghamstitchery.com/products/coronation-round?_pos=1&_fid=2cfa53fe1&_ss=c

This is the George Washington portrait.

https://theginghamstitchery.com/products/george-washington-ornament?_pos=8&_fid=2cfa53fe1&_ss=c

Pepper Pot "Parfait"

https://theflyingneedles.com/collections/pepper-pot/products/pepper-pot-silk-228-parfait

Pepper Pot "Limoge"

https://theflyingneedles.com/products/pepper-pot-silk-105-limoge?_pos=185&_sid=44d85b7b8&_ss=r

Vineyard Silk "Misty"

https://theflyingneedles.com/products/vineyard-silk-076-misty

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 23, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Poppy Monk's Ideas About Stitching Order

Poppy Monk Needlepoint has written an interesting essay about the order in which you stitch your painted canvas.

https://poppymonkneedlepointkits.com/blogs/the-5-minute-needlepoint-blog/needlepoint-where-to-start

It's geared toward beginners and has good ideas but once you start stitching, you'll find that you naturally  deviate from The Rules.  For example, I almost always do the background first.  That's just me.  It's more important to stitch the way that works for you than following rules.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 17, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.