Want to Buy a Beth Russell Rug?

Beth Russell Needlepoint is selling their stitched model of the Acanthus Rug.  It is magnificent!

https://bethrussellneedlepoint.com/products/acanthus-rug-stitched?_pos=11&_sid=0693e38ab&_ss=r

This is a William Morris design, interpreted by Beth Russell Needlepoint on needlepoint canvas.  It took over 900 hours to stitch, is unlined, and is roughly 38 x 66 inches.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 29, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Learning Art String Type Stitches

If you are starting to do more charted designs, you'll run into some stitches that look hard, like the Double Fan Doubled or the Chilly Hollow Stitch.  If you are planning to do a lot of these "art string" type stitches, buying volumes one and two of Carole Lake's Twisty Stitches makes sense.  

https://stitchplay.com/books-for-needlepoint/

But if you are just starting to do these things and you may never do another project with them in it, or you are a visual person, videos to teach you online would be great.

Debbie Rowley of DebBee's Designs has produced as series of videos demonstrating some of these monsters.  Here's the video about Double Fan Doubled stitch--

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mc-Kt92kZXU

Here's my personal favorite, her video on the Chilly Hollow stitch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHgM0Q3PjTM

Debbie's YouTube channel has several videos about these unusual stitches.  Explore and see what you can learn here-

https://www.youtube.com/@debbeesdesigns3754

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 9, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Mary Corbet Talks Bullions

Mary Corbet has often written about bullion knots and how to make them.  Here's her latest article-

https://www.needlenthread.com/2024/01/testing-with-bullion-knots.html

Here's the technique she recommends to make your bullion.  Mary isn't the only one who recommends practice when it comes to bullions.  Gay Ann Rogers advocates doing some every morning before tackling a project with bullions until it becomes natural.  

https://www.needlenthread.com/2007/04/video-tutorial-for-bullion-knots.html

Mary highly recommends milliner needles, sometimes called straw needles and sometimes called milliner straw needles.  Basically, these are long needles with an eye not much bigger than the shaft (you can buy milliner needles with larger eyes but I don't recommend that for making bullions).

https://rosemille.com/collections/notions/products/j-kimball-straw-needles

I think buying an assortment of milliner sizes is wise so you can find the right size for the threads you are using for your bullions.

https://www.fatquartershop.com/john-james-assorted-milliners-needles-16-count

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 9, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Dimensional Dog with Stitch Diagrams

Stephanie at Ridgewood Needlepoint is stitching one of the Sew Much Fun dimensional stuffed animals as part of their New Stitch Monday series.  These designs come with stitch guides but Stephanie is using her own stitches.  In this first entry from Ridgewood about this piece, she explains Scotch and Cashmere variation and includes a diagram.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-102/

Stephanie did more Scotch stitch combos for her dog.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-103/

The next two sections have stripes, one Stephanie made up when she miscounted the section.  It looks fabulous, proving that mistakes are when we get really creative.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-104/

The back of the first leg has a very pretty Hungarian variation.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-105/

More of the first leg, this time a Milanese variation.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-106/

The last of the first leg, using a Parisian stitch which is one of my favorites.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-107/

Now the second leg is started.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-108/

More on leg number two.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-109/

I think we are working one of the two front legs now.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-110/

The front leg with lots of stripes was apparently a lot of fun.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-111/

The second front leg is cute.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-112/

This is the last of the front leg stitching.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-113/

The ears, head and gussets are the last things to be stitched.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-114/

Here are good photos of the finished dog, posted by Stephanie to Needlepoint Nation.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/7221488861261543/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 9, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sugar Plum Santa (Janet Zickler Casey)

Brenda's Needlepoint Studio has started on another Janet Z. Casey Santa, the Sugar Plum Santa.  

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2024/01/santa-sugarplum-2022-1924.html

He's done already!  And he's a cutie.

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2024/04/santa-sugarplum-2022-updated-42524.html

As is usual with these cute Santas, you start with the face.  I'll update this article as Brenda stitches Santa to bring him to life.  If you aren't familiar with Janet Casey's Santas, you can browse them here.  Some are available as painted canvases with stitch guides now (I think from Danji) but Brenda is working them as originally designed.

http://jzcdesigns.com/christmas.htm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 9, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tumbling Stripes (Marilyn Owen)

Melita Glavin's ANG chapter is going to stitch Marilyn Owen's "Tumbling Stripes" as a project.  First up, Melita has to pick colors and find threads in her stash that will work, then she has to put the piece of Congress cloth she found on too large Evertites.  She shows you how to lace a side if you too have needlepoint canvas just a little too small for your stretcher bars.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/01/07/tumbling-stripes-by-marilyn-owen/

Melita choose blue and yellow cotton floss for her threads.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/02/21/tumbling-stripes-by-marilyn-owen-with-ang-new-jersey-needle-artists-chapter/

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/03/20/stripes-1-4-from-tumbling-stripes-by-marilyn-owen/

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/04/15/stripes-5-7-from-tumbling-stripes-by-marilyn-owen/

Brenda is working this, too.  Like most chapter projects, it is a counted canvaswork piece, but this one is a bit unusual and quite pretty when finished.  I'll update this article as Brenda posts progress photos.

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2024/01/tumbling-stripes-12524.html

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2024/02/tumbling-stripes-updated-2124.html

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2024/03/tumbling-stripes-updated-32524.html

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2024/03/tumbling-stripes-updated-32924.html

You can see larger versions of "Tumbling Stripes" on the ANG Cyberpointers' website.

https://www.cyberpointers.org/?p=7578

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 8, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Wrap a Washer for a Perfect Circle Embellishment

Need a perfect circle embellishment for your canvas for wheels, an engagement ring, etc.?  Ruth Schmuff shows you how.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C1uQGiqsPwA/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 7, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Threadaholic Alert: Southern Fried Floss

Want to try something new?  Southern Stitchers Company is hand dying cotton floss under the Southern Fried Floss name.  Each skein is around 8.7 yards.  Here are the available colors, although they are adding new ones all the time.  Remember, these are hand dyed colors so make sure you buy enough for your project.  You almost certainly can't match a color exactly if you run out because this is a small company, dyeing in small batches.  The label points out the colors are NOT colorfast.

https://www.southernstitchersco.com/southern-fried-floss-color-list

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 7, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint Now Limits Corrections to Current Issue

Needlepoint Now magazine is now listing corrections on their website.  For the current issue, click on Shop in the header on the home page, then Current Issue in the drop down menu.  Any corrections will be listed at the bottom of this page.

https://www.needlepointnow.com/

Unfortunately corrections to previous issues don't seem to be listed anywhere on their website.  So check the website for the current issue before it is superseded to look for corrections.

It is possible that if you bought the digital issues you might find corrections in that section but I can't check that since I prefer a hard copy edition.  I've asked the magazine staff for help finding past corrections.  I'll post their replay here when I receive it.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 6, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Finishing Summary at Needlepoint.com

If you are thinking about sending something to Needlepoint.com for finishing, you'll want to look at their summary of the finishing services they offer to create pillows, acrylic trays, stand ups, brick covers, glasses cases, clutch purses, Christmas stockings, key fobs, ornaments and belts.  Each section has important information plus a little video about the available choices.  The shop's finishing deadlines are listed at the bottom of the article.  

https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/finishing-by-needlepoint-com?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&utm_campaign=2024_01_06%20Inventory%20Sale&utm_klaviyo_id=01EY909FHC6PR7KJ94JR0X7ZVR&_kx=spGqMUEEs3Pe26tF9Jkghd_FvizqCNqZrcu-EtTsuNa-X-jY5kdJAFI_-tT2BvST.TxAVmM

It always pays to get your finishing in way before the deadline and to include as much information as you can about what you do and do not want.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 6, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitch by Stitch Stitcher of the Month for January 2024

Stitch by Stitch in Larchmont, NY has continued with their Stitcher of the Month profile, this time introducing Katie Oringel.  Katie's family and her Jewish faith are the inspiration for most of her work.

https://stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/pages/stitcher-of-the-month-katie-oringel?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&_kx=aciAEP_6-iF8xhuhZaomyeVfXs3OTnBm8ABNyi7AVoeLP-pURN12gtHcuDiqxXhe.SwCMrn

By the way, the two women traveling series that Katie enjoyed stitching so much are from Alice Peterson.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 5, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Melita's Overdyed Spools Variations

Melita Glavin saw her "Overdyed Spools" design worked at Nimble Needle in New Jersey with the shop name in the middle instead of the spools of threads.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/01/13/overdyed-spools-for-nimble-needle-nj/

The design is also perfect for name tags.

https://egausa.org/new-petite-project-overdyed-spools/

The moral is that any counted project can be modified, especially small ones with lovely borders.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 13, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Want to Stitch a Christmas Stocking?

Ok, you finally have taken the plunge and bought a stocking canvas during the big Christmas sales at your favorite shop.  Now what?  KC Needlepoint has a few tips to get you started.

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/blogs/news/stitch-a-stocking-in-2024-with-our-help

If this isn't enough help, perhaps Maureen Guiffre's book, True Confessions of a Stocking Stitcher, will help.  (Shop around for the best price. I went with this link because of the brief description of what's inside the book plus photos of the contents.)

https://nimbleneedlenj.com/product/stocking-stitcher/

This link lists the table of contents.

https://stitch-stash.com/products/true-confessions-of-a-stocking-stitcher-book

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 4, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Honoring Carole Lake

Sadly, we lost Carole Lake on January 5, 2024.    She will be greatly missed:

From Carole's Obituary, in case you will be in Austin in order to make the Celebration of Life:

"We will be honoring Carole with a Celebration of Life held on Saturday January 27 which will be held at 2 pm at The Church of Highland Park, 5206 Balcones Dr., Austin, TX 78731.  

Carole was an avid supporter of the Texas Preforming Arts. In lieu of flowers donations to the Texas Preforming Arts youth program are encouraged to assist in keeping generations to come enjoying the fine arts that Carole so cherished."

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 19, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Snowmen Laying Tools

I'd heard of these but not seen them--Ruth at Bedecked and Beadazzled sells snowmen laying tools!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/snowman-laying-tool-2/?fbclid=IwAR3Pyp-OspE5sLztidGlX8buKXyoJV7I9rcyIlYVjzoQmfBXo3wpN0vbGUo

Your choice of four colors.  Doesn't get any cuter than that.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 2, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Fancy Hooks to Hang Ornaments

One thing I noticed while enjoying the amazing ornaments everyone made for the holidays is that many of them were dangling from curved hooks that appeared heavy duty but pretty, like these curved hooks Brenda's Needlepoint Studio used for her beaded stars.

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2023/12/stars-beaded-mini-3d-warped-5-pointed.html

I did a little hunting and as usual for such things, sources seem to be Amazon, eBay or Etsy.  I choose three examples from Etsy to show you options because they had the best pictures.  Shop around.  Prices vary and if you can get these locally so you can inspect the finish and quality and avoid shipping charges, please do so.

Here are the basic hooks, like the ones Brenda used.  

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1329890578/25-gold-or-silver-swirl-heavy-duty?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=fancy+christmas+ornament+hangers&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&sts=1&organic_search_click=1

If you want something a bit plainer, these will work and they are available in silver, gold or copper.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/84294846/mid-size-1-12-inch-ornament-hooks-in?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=fancy+christmas+ornament+hangers&ref=sr_gallery-1-7&sts=1&organic_search_click=1

You can also purchase very fancy ones that have crystals, suitable for your showcase piece you want to stand out.  These are the most expensive as they are not mass produced.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1051676923/set-of-4-silver4-gold-beautiful-handmade?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=fancy+christmas+ornament+hangers&ref=sr_gallery-1-3&sts=1&organic_search_click=1

Happy ornamenting!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 2, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Brenda Looks Back at 2023

Brenda's Needlepoint Studio looks back at her needlepoint and beading projects completed (but not always made up) in 2023.  It's a fun walk through her accomplishments.  If you want to know more about one in particular, click on the picture's caption.

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2024/01/2023-year-in-review-1224.html

Somehow the original link was deleted, so Brenda added a replacement.

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2024/03/2023-year-in-review-1224.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 2, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tanja's Tutorials on Lacing and Gluing

Tanja Berlin has edited and updated her tutorial on lacing needlework for framing or mounting in a hoop and added a section on how to create the backs of needle cases or boxes in this great tutorial.

https://berlinembroidery.com/finishing-needlework/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 2, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitches for Snow

Stephanie at Ridgewood Needlepoint has published twelve of her favorite snow stitches on the Ridgewood blog along with some thread recommendations.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-101/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 1, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Organizational Ideas from CHB

Carolyn Hedge Baird just posted two organizational ideas on her Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10225537384045497&set=a.1574898296402

For those without a Facebook page, one of Carolyn's students stores her beading thread spools in Bobbin Ring Savers which are meant to store sewing machine bobbins.  Carolyn says she then pops her bobbin saver in a sandwich bag for transport.

https://sewingmachine.com/products/bobbin-ring-saver-purple

Carolyn herself uses a pair of magnetic cable ties to hold her beading mat or a chart to her canvas.  You'll need two, one for each end of whatever you want to hold onto the canvas.  You'll need to have magnetic cable ties long enough to position your bead mat or whatever as far from the edge of your canvas as you normally want it.

https://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Organizers-Whiteboard-Noticeboard-https://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Organizers-Whiteboard-Noticeboard-Organization/dp/B091FFSH5L/ref=sr_1_4?crid=J24WGT6SYZ7O&keywords=magnetic+cable+ties+reusable&qid=1704120858&s=hi&sprefix=magnetic+cable+ties+reusable%2Ctools%2C123&sr=1-4

Shop around for both items as prices vary wildly.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 1, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitch by Stitch Finishing 2023

Looking for good finishing ideas?  Bored watching sports on tv?  Just looking for that perfect canvas?  Stitch by Stitch in Larchmont, NY has posted 2023 customer and staff finishing for our viewing pleasure. There are forty pages of pillows, framed artwork, ornaments, tissue boxes, trays, a cake, purses, stand ups, a footstool, boxes, a blue jeans jacket, key ring, tree topper, stockings, napkin holder, glasses cases, picture frames, wine coasters, 3-D stuffed animals, anything you can imagine.  

https://thecatalog.io/flipbook_catalog/47148?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&_kx=aciAEP_6-iF8xhuhZaomyeVfXs3OTnBm8ABNyi7AVoeLP-pURN12gtHcuDiqxXhe.SwCMrn#flipbook-47148

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Bookmarks in Chottie's Plaid

Melita had fun with Chottie's Plaid stitch, making bookmarks for herself and her husband for Christmas.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2023/12/28/chotties-plaid-bookmarks/

You can read more about Chottie's Plaid stitch and making plaids in general here--

https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/p/creating-needlepoint-plaids.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Getting to Know ThreadworX

Melissa of the Pointing It Out podcast interviews Tony Carter of ThreadworX.  It's interesting to hear how this business got started, the threads they offer and their plans.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4Ytb2mXhOE

If you aren't a threadaholic you may not have heard of ThreadworX.  Browse all the goodies here.

https://www.threadworx.com/

Here are the colors in Bradley's Balloons.  This example happens to be perle cotton but it's available in floss, Vineyard Silk, Au Ver A Soie, Bella Lusso and Kreinik.

https://www.threadworx.com/productDetails.php?prd_id=326

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

A Condo Full of Needlepoint

The Louisville, KY newspaper just posted about a condo in a Louisville suburb owned by an interior designer/needlepointer couple which is full of needlepoint pillows, ornaments and more.

https://www.courier-journal.com/story/life/home-garden/home-of-the-week/2023/12/14/st-matthews-condo-filled-with-more-than-1000-needlepoint-creations/71569882007/

There are plenty of photos of the various rooms, all decorated with stitching, photographs, prints, antiques and more.  Because the photos were taken in December, the place is decorated for Christmas which means lots of needlepoint.  

Enjoy the tour!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

A Clever Name Tag For a Christmas Stocking

Hope posted her finished Christmas stocking on Needlepoint Nation.  It has a unique finishing idea--she's attached a photo charm of the recipient to the stocking.  

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10230832649456011&set=gm.6946889982054767&idorvanity=108537025890131

You can find miniature photo frame charms online, particularly Etsy.  Print your favorite photo, cut to fit, and pop into the frame, then sew to the stocking top.  Hope has a name and a photo charm on her stocking but this is an easy way to hand down heirloom stockings in your family.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/675572295/crystal-photo-frame-charms?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=miniature+photo+frame+charms&ref=sr_gallery-1-3&organic_search_click=1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 21, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Profile of Janet Brandt

If you are a fan of Janet Brandt's stump work embroideries and stories, you'll want to read this profile.

https://womencreate.com/what/janet-carija-brandt/?doing_wp_cron=1702477808.6865680217742919921875

I visit her on Instagram often to see the next step in the next story.

https://www.instagram.com/janet.brandt/

She also has a website if you prefer exploring that way.

https://www.janetbrandt.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Unique Teapot Finishing

Carolyn Hedge Baird recently posted photos of a student's teapot canvases from a class Carolyn did years ago.   The canvases are heavily embellished as is Carolyn's style but the uniqueness is in the finishing of the designs into teapot pillows.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10225490276307833&set=a.1574898296402

Really unusual and unique!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Threadaholic Alert

If you are a threadaholic who hoards all sorts of unusual threads for that special project or if you just want to bookmark a source for threads that are a bit different, here's Chandail's page for thread oddities such as Au Ver au Soie metallic braid, DMC's memory thread sold by the yard, Prisms or Borealis, and silk floss complexion collections.

https://www.chandailneedlepoint.com/shop/Threads.htm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Breaking News: Carole Lake Has Died UPDATED

The admins of Needlepoint Nation have just announced the death of Carole Lake on January 5, 2024.    She was so funny, so talented, so clever, and the author of some wonderful designs and terrific books, some in collaboration with Michael Boren.  If you haven't seen Carole's work, here is the StitchPlay website.

https://stitchplay.com/

Carole was a long time teacher for ANG and worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make Facebook's Needlepoint Nation a success.  Fiber Talk has reposted the interview they did with Carole on their website if you'd like to listen.

https://wetalkfiber.com/2024/01/07/fiber-talk-remembers-carole-lake/

I'll miss you, Carole!

UPDATE:    From Carole's Obituary:

"We will be honoring Carole with a Celebration of Life held on Saturday January 27 which will be held at 2 pm at The Church of Highland Park, 5206 Balcones Dr., Austin, TX 78731.

Carole was an avid supporter of the Texas Preforming Arts. In lieu of flowers donations to the Texas Preforming Arts youth program are encouraged to assist in keeping generations to come enjoying the fine arts that Carole so cherished."

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 5, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Queens Court: Winter Mystery at Bedecked and Beadazzled

Ruth Schmuff just announced the new mystery class for Winter 2024--Lane Tree and Lily's "Queen's Court."

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2023/12/january-2024-mystery/

As always, I'll update this article as Ruth posts reports on each of the three classes in this mystery project.  First, Ruth worked the background in an open pattern and gave the dog a trellis patterned coat.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2024/01/this-is-going-to-be-fun/

As a bonus, Ruth explains how to count out the trellis pattern around the flowers and leaves on the dog's body here--

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2024/02/counting-tip/

Now the crow and the bunny are stitched along with the dog's and the crow's crowns.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2024/02/a-bunny-and-a-crow/

And we finish up with silk ribbons on the dog!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2024/03/i-do-love-roses/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Making a Tassel with DMC Cotton Floss

The DMC website has instructions on how to make one tassel from one skein of DMC cotton floss.  Step one--find a skein of your favorite color.  Step two--click on the link to follow the instructions which are both written and in video form.

https://www.dmc.com/US/en/tassel?utm_source=Commonthread+Masterlist&utm_campaign=9303025a2d-manual_weekly_Gift_Wrap_Pom_Poms_US_23_12_17&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3a652561da-9303025a2d-82831385&ct=t(manual_weekly_Gift_Wrap_Pom_Poms_US_23_12_17)&mc_cid=9303025a2d&mc_eid=f7c1b12c64

Step three--use your new tassel on a key, as a dangle on a light pull, as a Christmas ornament, or as part of a special wrapped gift's decoration.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Pulled Thread Wings

Ruth Schmuff is working on her Fall Mystery Class at Bedecked and Beadazzled.   The class is Winter Flying Fairy, by Lulu My Pink Turtle.  

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2023/12/who-likes-to-knit/

Besides all the fun stuff, Ruth has created pulled stitch wings.  Want to learn how she did it?  Visit this YouTube video.  As always, Ruth makes it easy to understand. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSfeDmNeb_s&t=1s

The Royal School of Needlework's Stitch Bank has quite a few examples of Pulled Thread Stitches for you to browse.  Note that some are eyelets, not what we think of Pulled Thread, and some will look different on needlepoint canvas than on the linen ground material the examples are on.

https://rsnstitchbank.org/?/technique/pulled-thread

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Sandy Talks Needle Felting

Sandy Arthur has a written guide to needle felting available in her Etsy shop.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/800450547/stitch-guide-needlefelting-on-needlework?click_key=2daed7a132b49e4031eee5baa2648b9bc03742f7%3A800450547&click_sum=5b50c600&ref=shop_home_active_77

Sandy's probably the most experienced teacher of needle felting on needlepoint canvas there is right now, so if you've ever wanted to try this fun technique, her Etsy shop is the place to start.   She recommends the Clover needle felting tools and roving to her students but I think for a beginner any cheap stuff works just fine.  Remember, though, needle felting needles are both sharp and barbed so go slowly and be careful.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

How to Paint a Canvas From a Chart: The Movie

LoveMBHStudio starts out the New Year with a short video explaining how to turn a charted design into a painted canvas.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C01dJj9LhGD/

The example is LoveMBHStudio's 2023 Charts for Charity design.

https://lovemhbstudio.com/collections/all

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 16, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.