KC Needlepoint Explains Metallic Threads

I just stumbled across this article on KC Needlepoint's website that talks about the various metallic threads available today.  The shop talks about eight different brands of metallic and semi-metallic threads (i.e., threads that have a base thread mixed with a synthetic metallic) with stitched examples so you can get an idea of what they look like.  

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/blogs/fiber-facts/whats-the-difference-between-all-these-metallic-threads?_pos=63&_sid=63b301a1e&_ss=r

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

How to Make Twisted Cord: The Movie

Helen D.'s video on making twisted cord using the Kreinik cording drill is a good one if you are starting to finish your own pieces.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAwxF5xzTrA

Here is Kreinik's Custom Corder.  Shop around as prices vary slightly.

https://www.kreinik.com/store/shop-needlework/needlework-accessories/Tools/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Tony Minieri's Annual Sale

In case you didn't know, Tony Minieri's annual 25 percent off sale continues until December 8.  To get the discount, use the password SNOW.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=730625349091443&set=a.406238428196805

Here's Tony's website.  Note that the fun beaded tools and necklaces are also on sale--it's not just Tony's wonderful stitch guides.

https://www.tonyminieri.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Stitch By Stitch Larchmont's Gift Guide

In case Santa hasn't a clue, Stitch by Stitch Larchmont has published their own gift guide.  Use the side arrows to navigate, and keep an eye on this as they promise to update it during the holiday season.

https://thecatalog.io/view/44283?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&_kx=aciAEP_6-iF8xhuhZaomyeVfXs3OTnBm8ABNyi7AVoeLP-pURN12gtHcuDiqxXhe.SwCMrn

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Threadaholic Alert: Lumiere Metallic Yarn UPDATED

Susan Johnson of SJ Designs just announced a new thread--Lumirie Metallic Yarn.

https://sj-designs.net/shop/threads/lumiere-metallic-yarn/

Available in sixteen colors, Lumber is described by Susan as "a fine, soft thread that can be used alone, doubled, or blended with another fiber.  If you love new threads, this is worth playing with.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/6816771585066608/

UPDATE:  Susan has new colors available, so now there are 22 in all.

https://mailchi.mp/424d24b6772f/new-this-week-april24

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 16, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Hint About Whimsical Stitch Five

Mary Waldsmith drops a hint on her latest blog stitch diagram posting about the book she's writing.

https://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2023/11/15

Will it be a book of feather/scale/leaf stitches?  Sure sounds like it.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 16, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Printed Canvases from Nicola Jarvis

I just noticed that Hillside Needle Arts carries printed designs based on Nicola Jarvis' embroidery. These are unusual and very lovely.  All seem to be printed on 14 count with Appleton crewel wool and some metallics included in the kit but not all designs are still available as kits.  Some are canvas only.  

https://www.hillsideneedlearts.com/store-2-1

More of Nicola's kits are available on her website but these are printed on fabric for embroidery.  Her new book is available for pre-order with delivery in January 2024.

https://nicolajarvisstudio.co.uk/shop/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

A Blank Canvas....

Hillside Needle Arts in Stevenson, Maryland has started a series of blog entries about choosing threads and stitches for a painted canvas.  The first posting is the introduction to the series.  I'll update this article as more is written.

https://www.hillsideneedlearts.com/thoughts/ablankcanvas

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Books are Magic

Stitched Up Needleworks in Morgan Hill, California has a fun exclusive canvas for book lovers from Kristen Portra Walker they are offering as a kit.  

https://mailchi.mp/stitchedupneedleworks/its-magic-6249346?e=07414d94b0

It looks like the books are available in six colors:  purple, aqua, green, blue, orange and lavender.  It also appears that threads and beads are included in the kit.  There are no details on the shop website but you can contact them to learn more.

https://stitchedupneedleworks.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Village Needlepoint of Irvington

Thanks to Ada Hayden of Eye Candy, I've discovered a new needlepoint shop in Virginia-Village Needlepoint of Irvington.

https://www.villageneedlepointofirvington.com/the-boutique

The shop itself isn't new but it's new to me.  It's located east of Richmond, VA and northeast of Williamsburg on the Chesapeake Bay in a renovated small cottage.  If you want a nice vacation spot for next summer, Irvington's worth checking out.  Combine the water views with needlepoint, and it's perfect!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Favorite Square Stitches

Needlepoint.com just posted about their favorite square stitches.

https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/favorite-needlepoint-stitches-for-squares

Square or rectangular stitches look great on buildings, sidewalks, paths and roads.  They also make great borders and lovely backgrounds, especially if you use silks and lay the stitches carefully for maximum shine.  They even work well for clothing, especially if you have a decorative hem or cuffs to stitch on a large Santa or a wicked witch.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

The Tool Organizer

Sue won November's Smart Cookie Award with her repurposing of a travel cosmetics bag into a organizer for her needlepoint essentials.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10224369389687368&set=gm.6796985910378509&idorvanity=108537025890131

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.

Shops Raising Funds for Israel

Two shops are raising funds for Israel.  Needlepoint.com is donating fifty percent of the sales of their Kirk and Bradley "Jerusalem" travel round to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

https://needlepoint.com/products/travel-round-jerusalem

Gone Stitching has two fund raisers that contribute to Yashar Lachayal, which is a non-profit that provides soldiers of the Israel Defense Force with toiletries, food and beverages, warm jackets, and other creature comforts.  Light Candles for Israel is a kit with two tea lights, a 13 count canvas, threads, guide and a Planet Earth self-finishing coaster.  This is new and not on their website yet.  Their first fund raiser (three versions of the Israel flag) is on their home page.  

https://gonestitching.net/

K's Creations has a limited edition floor stand with a blue base. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Jewish Richmond Federation Israel Relief Emergency Fund.  Contact Westend Needlepoint in Richmond VA at 804-562-4285 for details and to order.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10226153039637915&set=gm.6797450363665397&idorvanity=108537025890131

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Amanda Lawford's Christmas Angel

Melita is stitching Amanda Lawford's "Christmas Angel."

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2023/09/20/an-amanda-lawford-christmas-tree-top-angel/

This is a design from the 1970s-80s that Melita is stitching for someone who won't have time to do it herself.  It's partly done in all tent stitches, so Melida's going to finish it that way.  Luckily the design came with threads and a list of what goes where.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2023/11/07/progress-on-an-amanda-lawford-christmas-tree-top-angel/

Melita is finished stitching and the angel is made up.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/01/18/amanda-lawfords-christmas-angel-returned/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 7, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Magnetic Paperclips

KC Needlepoint has a new find:  magnetic paperclips, a tool with lots of uses for needlepoint.

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/blogs/news/why-we-love-paperclip-magnets

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 7, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Finishing an Ornament with Lacing: The Movie

Coco Frank Studio's Instagram page has a short video on how to finish an ornament by lacing it instead of gluing.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CzRPN6eLHcK/

Read the comments for extra information on how this was done.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com 

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 7, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Free Christmas Stag Ornament

With Halloween in our rear view mirrors, we are all starting to think about Christmas.  Abigail Cecile has posted a free Christmas stag ornament on her website.

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0041/2411/5062/files/ChristmasDeer_CopyrightAbigailCecile2023.pdf?v=1698433151

She also sells a finishing kit in coordinating colors, plus...

https://www.abigailcecile.com/collections/supplies/products/christmas-deer-finishing-kit

...Abby's website has lots of helpful tips, including for finishing.  This is a relatively cheap way to teach yourself finishing and the project is a lovely traditional Christmas ornament suitable for display or to give as a gift to someone special who decorates for the holiday.

https://www.abigailcecile.com/blogs/how-to-guides

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Needlepoint.com's Holiday Gift Guide

Needlepoint.com has a holiday gift guide on their website now.

https://needlepoint.com/collections/holiday-gift-guide-2023?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&utm_campaign=2023_11_04+Merry+Stripes+Ornaments%2C+Holiday+Gift+Guide&utm_klaviyo_id=01EY909FHC6PR7KJ94JR0X7ZVR&_kx=spGqMUEEs3Pe26tF9Jkghd_FvizqCNqZrcu-EtTsuNa-X-jY5kdJAFI_-tT2BvST.TxAVmM

If you don't needlepoint yourself but you are shopping for someone who does, this is full of ideas.  If you are looking for a gift for your stitching buddy, it's also useful.

And of course it's just plain fun to browse!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Let's Talk Stella Lights

Mary Corbet has written a long article about Stella task lamps, particularly the Stella Two and the Stella Go.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2023/11/stella-lights-for-embroidery-other-tasks.html

Here is Mary's review of the Stella Two (which applies to the Stella Two Sky which is the floor lamp version of the Stella Two table lamp).

https://www.needlenthread.com/2017/05/stella-two-you-little-beauty.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Finishing a Holiday Mini Stocking: The Movie

Abigail Cecile has posted a video on her Instagram page about finishing a small holiday stocking.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CkcHWbjvEJi/?igshid=YzE4YTliZjNlMA%3D%3D&omnisendContactID=61d4f71be5b2120022be7c19&utm_campaign=campaign%3A%20Pommed%20Hat%20and%20Merry%20Mini%20Stocking%20Push%20(654420487d0962077722d2df)&utm_medium=email&utm_source=omnisend

The finished examples Abigail shows at the start of the video are her two mini stocking kits.  The fabric for the backing can be added to the kit if you don't have a source nearby to pick your own.

https://www.abigailcecile.com/collections/needlepoint

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

How to Strand Threads: The Movie

The latest Instagram video from Waste Knot has Lori explaining how to strand threads.  Stranding is also called plying, and it's just separating the component parts of a length of thread and then putting them back together so that the thread lays flat better.  Not all threads can be stranded--it's usually just cotton or silk flosses you need to separate and recombine before stitching.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CzJlp17L8rB/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Lands End Christmas Stockings

Lands End is selling basic tent stitched needlepoint stockings again.

https://www.landsend.com/products/needlepoint-personalized-christmas-stocking/id_27370?attributes=21268,53991

You can't beat the price but compare the Lands End stockings to something like these--

http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2013/04/memphis-needlepointers-part-4.html

There's no comparison.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Three Bats, Two Spiders and a Pumpkin: Free Stitch Diagrams

To celebrate Halloween 2023, Ridgewood Needlepoint has posted stitch diagrams for three bats, two spiders and a pumpkin.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/2023/10/happy-halloween-5/

All will make great additions to backgrounds or corners for your spooky designs.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

& More's Stick: The Movie

Needlepoint Clubhouse shows how to use & More's new product Stick to attach a canvas to stretcher bars.

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

Think a Velcro-like item with a self-stick adhesive back.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

The Rehoboth Beach Museum Needlework Exhibit

Melita just visited the Rehoboth Beach Museum's needlework exhibit and explains what she saw there.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2023/11/04/rehoboth-beach-museums-11th-annual-needlework-exhibit/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

A New Designer-Lottie Needlepoint

"Is Retail Therapy Covered By My Insurance?"  Lottie Needlepoint wants to know.

https://www.lottieneedlepoint.com/category/all-products?sort=newest

This brand new designer has some cute small bracelet designs, lots of ornaments and some fun sayings, although not all are Lottie's own designs.  There's even a charming Christmas stocking for the tiny dancer in your life.

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.

New Book from Julia Snyder UPDATED

Julia Snyder has a new book out.  It's called Next Level Stitches.  You can get an idea of the stitch diagram style here.  Note that this is a brand new publication and most shops are awaiting their pre-orders.

https://www.needlepointclubhouse.com/products/next-level-stitches-preorder

UPDATE:  Homestead Needle Arts says there are links to videos demonstrating stitches in this book.  According to Enriched Stitch, there are QR codes on each page that take you to a video for that stitch.

https://enrichedstitch.myshopify.com/products/next-level-stitches

UPDATE #2:  Janet Perry has a review.

https://nuts-about-needlepoint.com/next-level-stitches-book-review/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 25, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint.com Interviews Don Lynch

Needlepoint.com has posted a short interview with Don Lynch of Associated Talents and Two Sisters.

https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/meet-don-the-designer-behind-associated-talents-and-two-sisters

The blog doesn't say, but Needlepoint.com owns the two design lines now that Don and his wife want to retire to the beach and his daughters are busy with their own lives.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

KC Needlepoint Reviews the Boo Boo Brush

KC Needlepoint's latest shop blog is about the Boo Boo Brush.  This tool is just after you cut threads you want to rip out.  You use the larger end to carefully brush away threads from the back side.  The smaller end is used after as clean up.  Use these on the back side and be careful not to tug on areas you aren't ripping out.  This can also be used to fuzz up an area.

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/blogs/news/cant-get-enough-of-the-boo-boo-brush

This is the version KC Needlepoint sells.  

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/products/boo-boo-brush?_pos=1&_sid=4564265e5&_ss=r

My own version is Judy's Boo Boo Stick.  I've had mine for decades and use it often.  It is not identical to the Yarn Tree version above but they work the same way.

http://www.jdr-be.com/judys-boo-boo-stick-bunka%20brush.htm

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.

Sign of the Arrow's 2023 Halloween Design

Sign of the Arrow has released their Halloween 2023 design just in time for the Day of the Dead.

https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Exclusive-Third-Annual-Halloween-Ornament.html?soid=1102635760603&aid=mRHoUEZOlHo

This is the third Halloween character they've released.  Unlike the Christmas exclusive designs the Halloween pieces are only available as painted canvases.  You can buy the kit (canvas, threads, beads, needles and guide) and there is a separate needle minder you can purchase if you wish.  

http://signofthearrow.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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