Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Laying Tool from Island House Needlepoint

Island House Needlepoint in Connecticut has designed a stainless steel laying tool with a blunt tip that might be perfect.  It will stick to a needle minder and is well balanced and comfortable in your hand.

They are made in Connecticut.  I don't know the length (it looks too long for my small hands) but I'm sure the shop can tell you more about it if you have questions.

One can never have enough laying tools!

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

Monday, October 30, 2023

Stitching Mopsey's Mandalas

Stitch by Stitch Larchmont interviewed Mopsey Designs and got a tip on how to stitch their mandala canvases.

Here is Mopsey's new Instagram mandala tutorial.

Part Two of the tutorial.

If you aren't familiar with the Mandala series by Mopsey, here they are.

As you can see, each quadrant of the canvas repeats.  Mopsey suggests you mentally divide each canvas into four equal corners, stitch the upper right corner, then rotate a quarter turn to stitch the new unstitched section that is now in the upper right corner position.  This will work with any canvas that has four corner repeats like these Mopsey mandalas.

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

Sunday, October 29, 2023

A Tip for A Beaded Ornament

Donna entirely beaded this cute Halloween ornament and suggests if you bead 100 percent of something, add two tent stitches rows around the edge.

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

Saturday, October 28, 2023

NJNA Diagrams Chottie's Plaid UPDATED

The latest newsletter from the New Jersey Needle Artists Chapter of ANG starts out with a bang by diagramming Chottie's Plaid.  Then they do a quick review of new designs from the trade show last week.

UPDATE:  Melita was at the meeting and is working her plaid.


If you aren't familiar with Chottie's Plaid, it is Chottie Alderson's way of creating a plaid.  Basically, you do skip tent in horizontal rows, then follow with tent stitches working the skipped canvas threads vertically.  

You can also do your horizontal rows, then turn the canvas a quarter turn and do more horizontal rows in reverse tent to fill in the skipped spaces.

You can work Chottie's Plaid in two colors as shown or mix it up with many different colors.  First, pick numbers that are meaningful to you, such as a birthday, street or apartment number, part of a phone number, etc.  Then assign a color to each number you choose.  If you pick four numbers, you need four colors, etc.

If you picked 2810 as your number and choose red, green, gold and navy as your colors, you would do two rows in red, then eight rows in green, followed by one row of gold and ten rows of navy.  (You can't do zero rows so most folks simply use 10 instead.). 

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

Friday, October 27, 2023

Amy Bunger's Next Home Study: Rebecca Wood's Four Seasons Angels

Amy Bunger just announced her latest Home Study--Rebecca Wood's "The Four Seasons" angels. Each angel is 6 x 10 inches on 18 count and are painted with a domed top so they'll make either nice standups or look good framed.

This won't start for a while as the angels won't be available until the Spring of 2024 and Amy has to stitch them and write the guides but it doesn't hurt to ask your favorite shop to order the canvases for you now if you want to participate.

Amy's working on the Autumn and Spring angels.  Rebecca Wood will paint them without halos and wings if you want ladies instead of angels.

Spring Angel is finished and she's beautiful.

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

Thursday, October 26, 2023

Victoria Whitson's Stitch Card Deck No. One

Victoria Whitson Needlepoint's latest idea is the Stitch Card Deck.  There are 39 cards, each with a different stitch diagram, that come on a ring so you can remove a card to take with you.  

There's also a little stand and a carrying case.

This is Deck One, so hopefully there will be more.

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

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Ruth Does Thanksgiving with a Custom Nutcracker

Ruth Schmuff's traditional Thanksgiving weekend class for 2023 features a custom nutcracker from Kelly Clark.


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

Monday, October 23, 2023

Taking a Kelly Starke Class on Finishing

The NJNA Chapter of ANG sponsored an ornament finishing class with Kelly Starke as the teacher.

Melita took the class and also reported on it.

They did round ornaments first, then shaped ornaments.  Everyone had a good time and learned something.

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

Sunday, October 22, 2023

Laying Tools: The Movie

KC Needlepoint's latest video is all about laying tools.

It's brief but shows you the general idea.  

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

Saturday, October 21, 2023

Needlepoint: A Modern Stitch Directory

Emma Homent's new book, Needlepoint:  A Modern Stitch Directory, is now becoming available in the shops.  It has 50 stitches, each diagrammed with a stitch sample in color, on individual cards.  This is perfect for folks who can't visualize a stitch from the diagram alone.

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

Friday, October 20, 2023

Breaking News: Treenway Discontinues Silk Eyelash

I just learned from The Needlepoint Clubhouse's Instagram videos that Treenway Silks is discontinuing their Silk Eyelash.  Their website has the purple, white and blue still available.  

Needlepoint Clubhouse just bought sixty skeins of the white Silk Eyelash.  It's not on their website yet but if your local shop doesn't carry it and you can't get it from the Treenway website, this is another source.

The Knotted Needle also has some of this thread available.

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

Stitch by Stitch Larchmont Profiles Denise Ward

Stitch by Stitch Larchmont has started to profile their customers in separate articles on their brand new website.  The first one is Denise Ward.  If you remember Denise's blog, you'll know you are going to see some amazing stitching.

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

Thursday, October 19, 2023

Fusible Interfacing and Self-Finishing: The Movie

Needlepoint.com recommends using iron-on fusible interfacing on the back side of a needlepoint insert for your purses instead of using the sticky area to adhere your canvas permanently.

It is easy and quick and makes your needlepoint insert easier to insert and remove when you want to change the look of your self-finishing item.

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

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Gay Ann Rogers' Sale Starts Tomorrow

It's the October sale you've been waiting for!  Tomorrow, October 19, is the first day of Gay Ann Roger's annual sale!  The theme this year is winter, so expect snowflakes, sparkle and icy blues and silver.  The sale of her counted designs ends on October 23 and some items (expect special events for limited quantities on Saturday and Sunday) are only available briefly as Gay Ann only has 1-2 of them.  

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

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

Local Needlepoint Shop Day is October 21

Needlepoint Now magazine reminds us that Local Needlepoint Shop Day is October 21st.  

Participating shops have local events and often sales.  You can check the Local Needlepoint Shop Day website to find shops participating in your area.  

Support your local shop and shop owners by visiting them Saturday and buying something, even just a small something, then tell them how much you appreciate their being around.

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

Saturday, October 14, 2023

BREAKING NEWS: Old World Designs in California is For Sale

Linda at Old World Designs just announced that the shop is for sale.  If you are interested, call the shop and ask for Linda's cell phone number to find out more--I'm a bit leery of posting such personal information here--or email info@oldworlddesigns.com. 

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

Electric City by SharonG

Jan of the StitchLady blog is tackling SharonG's "Electric City."  SharonG did several lovely abstracts during this period but Highlights (which had just come out) is difficult to use.  I think today we'd use Silk Lame Braid.


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

Friday, October 13, 2023

All About Weeks Dye Works

The latest video from Needlepoint.com talks about Weeks Dye Works' solid and overdyed cotton flosses.  This is a six ply cotton floss that is a favorite of cross stitchers.  I didn't know that they were based in North Carolina (which is the Needlepoint.com headquarters).  I think that the plies are a tiny bit thinner in diameter than DMC's cotton flosses but there isn't much of a difference.

If you want to see more of the Weeks Dye Works colors, here is their website.  They also sell perle cotton and crewel wool as well as fabrics and sewing thread.  I think their colors are often gently faded looking, which suits their primary customer base of reproduction sampler stitchers.

If you want to try some of the Weeks Dye Works products but your local shop doesn't carry this, you can shop for cotton floss here-

They also carry the crewel wool...

...and the size 5 perle cotton.

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

Thursday, October 12, 2023

The Smart Cookie's Glasses Cases

Stephanie has two new glasses cases which are finished in an unusual way--they are stand ups with an open top so her computer and stitching glasses are near at hand without taking up much room.

I think it is a very clever idea!

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

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Stitching with Eyelash: The Movie

Curious about Rainbow Gallery's Eyelash thread?   Fire and Iris has a short tutorial about the thread and how best to stitch with it on their Instagram page.

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.

Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Elizabeth Bingham Wants Kneeler Photos

Elizabeth Bingham of the UK has created a website that will document and preserve Great Britain's 20th Century church kneelers for all.  The website is called Parish Kneelers.  

Here is the section of the website explaining how anyone with photos of parish kneelers from the UK can help build the database.  I know that many US needlepointers have visited English, Scottish, Welsh and Irish churches and taken photos of the kneelers.  If you have photos you would like to donate and remember which church they came from, read the instructions on how to contribute here.  Note the churches they have already added to the database at the bottom of the page.  Images are not needed for those.

By the way, Parish Kneelers has lots of tips for those who want to stitch kneelers for their own church.  There are links to resources for supplies, books, help designing your own, tips for repairs, even places to apply for grants.

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

Monday, October 9, 2023

A New Color of Zweigart Canvas

SJ Designs reports that Zweigart has a new "Dusty Rose" canvas color that matches DMC #151.  Zweigart still can't make the old "Rose Blush" color, but hopefully this brighter pink will work well with your designs.

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

Sunday, October 8, 2023

A Clever Use of Kam Wenzloff's Layers of Leaves

Have you noticed Kam Wenzloff's "Layers of Leaves" wreath design in Needlepoint Now magazine? You can see Kam's completed project on the back side of the January/February 2023 issue.

Mari had a large Charley Harper painted canvas with tons of leaves on it, so she decided to use the leaf stitches Kam designed for her counted canvaswork wreath on the leaves Charley designed.  Here is how it turned out--

Using stitches intended for counted canvaswork on a painted canvas project is genius!

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

Saturday, October 7, 2023

Beware! UPDATED

The owner of Needlepoint for Fun has just discovered someone has copied their domain name almost exactly and is selling needlepoint supplies pretending to be the Needlepoint for Fun shop.

Since not everyone has a Facebook account and cannot read what was posted to NP Nation, I'll quote Patricia Dee (the owner of Needlepoint for Fun) here:

"Buyers Beware! I've recently discovered that a group has duplicated the needlepoint-for-fun website and is calling themselves "Needlepointforfun.shop". The two companies are not related in any way. The Needlepoint-for-fun shop is currently disabled because of this issue. If you google Needlepoint-for-fun you will be directed to the other shop. If you purchase from this site you do so at your own risk, and the prices on the canvases and accessories have no relationship to those sold on Needlepoint-for-fun."

It's pretty low to copy a well established shop's name and domain to steal their business.  Stay away from this website.  Anyone trying to steal another's good name is likely not honest in other ways.

Once the real Needlepoint for Fun figures out how to combat this nasty behavior and is back online, I'll let you know.

UPDATE:  The real Needlepoint-for-Fun is back!  The link is below.  The fake needlepointforfun.shop shows up in Google searches so don't use that.  Use the right link with the dashes in the name and watch for the girl on the red sofa logo in the upper left corner of the website to make sure you are dealing with the original shop, not someone who stole their name to steal their business.  You don't want to deal with crooks online.
https://needlepoint-for-fun.com/

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

Friday, October 6, 2023

The Latest News from NJNA

The latest issue of the New Jersey Needle Artists Chapter of ANG has news, including new stores opening and new classes for the fall.  Links to the new shops are below.  Don't miss the Needle Paint Hawaii ornaments which are a fund raiser for Maui.



Of course the big news is that DMC has bought Anchor.  That's very big news indeed.  

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

Thursday, October 5, 2023

Winter Flying Fairy Mystery

The winter mystery class at Bedecked and Beadazzled has been announced:  It is Lulu my Pink Turtle's "Winter Flying Fairy."

Ruth has all sorts of options for taking the class in person, with or without zoom, or at home.  Just sign up soon so Ruth can get the canvases.  As always, once the class starts and Ruth posts updates, I'll add them below.

In the first session, Ruth sets the stage with snowflakes in the background and a face for the fairy.

Nest, the fairy has knit gloves, a hat and a scarf, all different.  Plus Ruth creates a fuzzy cat and a pulled stitch wing.

Finally, the fairy has her fur and some background sequins, making her a quick and easy wintery design.

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

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Lori Tames Overdyed Threads: The Movie

Lori at Waste Knot talks overdyed threads and the various effects you can get from using them in this short but useful video.

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

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

Quick Finishing for Acrylic Purses

KC Needlepoint has added a short video on finishing a panel for an acrylic purse with a glue gun and peel off self stick backing for the rear.

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.

Monday, October 2, 2023

Chaparral Goes to Graduation

In the most unusual piece of finishing I've seen this year, Chaparral turned a customer's stitching into a graduation cap, then slid it into an acrylic tray for later use.  Use the right side arrow to see it at graduation.  

More pictures here.

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

Sunday, October 1, 2023

Clip On Pen Holders Repurposed

Megan of the Needlepoint Clubhouse mentioned using clip on pen holders intended for desk calendars or journals to hold your laying tool on the latest Instagram video from her shop.

Megan clips her pen holder to the side of her stretcher bars to hold her laying tool.  If you aren't into journals or day planners, you may not have seen these.  I certain had not.  They look like this...

...or this.

You will need a clip that will fit over your stretcher bar, so do a little measuring before you order, but a lot of Etsy shops carry these.   Do check how they will work, though.  This style might not fit over stretcher bars, not even the minis.  Some have larger or smaller loop, too.  You may need a small for a metal laying tool while a larger loop may hold a wooden laying tool.

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