Thursday, February 29, 2024

The Latest News from New Jersey Needle Artists

NJNA's February 2024 newsletter is full of ANG-related news, new products like Kate Dickerson's snow globe canvases, and classes or clubs to charm and educate you.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 25, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

ANG's 2022 National Seminar Report

I know it's a bit late, but things can get hectic, you know?  Here's the fun Mary, the Sun City Stitcher. had at the 2022 ANG Seminar in Tucson, Arizona.  I'll update this as more is posted so you can enjoy everything.




Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 10, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

The Southwestern Needlebook: Saguaro Sunrise

The Sun City Stitcher is working on a needle book design on Congress cloth from a class she took from Sandie Cormaci-Boles.  It's shaping up nicely.  I do like the Southwestern theme on the front.





The finishing technique from Marian Scoular is new to me.

You can see what it will look like when finished here.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 9, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, February 26, 2024

Melita's Mix Up (and More)

Melita ordered a book from Mindy English online but through a mixup, was sent a book from Ann Strite-Kurz.  I highly recommend both authors, especially if you want to see unusual stitches diagrammed.  Both ladies create very original, intricate stitches (which makes these books unsuitable for beginners who aren't going to understand the diagrams without help).  Mindy English's books are not as well diagrammed--the photo Melita posted of the cover shows what you can expect--but they date from the 1980s to early 1990s when computer graphics weren't as good as they are today.  

If you have a chance to pick up books by either author, do.  You won't be disappointed.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 8, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, February 25, 2024

Needlepoint Bags, Clutches, Purses, Satchels and Totes

Stitch by Stitch in Larchmont, NY has a lot of customers stitching purses, tote bags or clutches, so they have written a long article with plenty of photos about the designs and bag styles available.

It's a great read, full of wonderful eye candy whether you are in the market for a purse of your own or not.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 7, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, February 24, 2024

A Short Course on An Important Woman UPDATED

You may never have heard of Martha Edlin, especially if you aren't a student of historical embroideries.   Her embroideries are housed in the UK's Victoria and Albert Musuem and because there are a lot of them and they are all signed and can be dated to the period of 1668 through 1673, she is the most cited embroiderer in the English language.  Now Tricia Nguyen has taken years of research into Martha's life and distilled it into a $15 course on Martha Edlin's life and her stitching.  

Why is this important?  $5 of the course fee will go to the Victoria and Albert Museum to do closeup photos of their embroidery.  Most of us will never be able to visit the museum to study their extensive collections but good quality, detailed photographs will enable us to look at important pieces from the comfort of our living room.

It's also important because the details of Martha's life in the last third of the 17th Century reveals a much richer, more nuanced portrait of what a stitcher's life back then was like.  If you've ever wanted to make your mark on history, even in just a little way, it's important to support research like this.  

Here's where you sign up but note that once you pay, you only have 31 days to watch the videos.  That's part of the deal Tricia made with the museum in order to get access to their Martha Edlin collection.

I often wonder what 21st Century stitchers will know about us.  I suspect not much.  Let's all pitch in and make Martha even more well-known, even if our own stitching history will vanish from the earth when we do.  We owe it to her, to all other stitchers like her, and to ourselves.

Thanks.

UPDATE:  The latest YouTube video talks a bit more about the life of Martha Edlin, shows some of her work as displayed in the V&A Museum, and you'll learn how one goes about trying to piece together the life of a 17th Century woman.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 23, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, February 23, 2024

Ruth's Tip for Counting A Background Stitch

Ruth Schmuff of Bedecked and Beadazzled has created a trellis pattern for the body of the dog in the canvas she's currently teaching as a mystery project.  The dog has leaves and flowers painted on his body and the stitch she's chosen for his fur is supposed to not cover those leaves and flowers.  How to cope?!

Ruth, being a genius, has a fun way of marking the stitch out she has chosen, making it very easy to work the stitch, even if you do have to compensate around the leaves and flowers.  (If you need help with compensation, follow Ruth's link to her explanation of how compensation works.)

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 5, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, February 22, 2024

How to Ruche Neon Rays Plus: The Movie

Ruth Schmuff of Bedecked and Beadazzled has posted another tutorial video on her Instagram page.  This time she shows how to ruche Neon Rays Plus to make fluffy feathers. It's so easy!

This and many other videos are available on the Bedecked and Beadazzled YouTube channel.  In fact, you can learn to do almost anything if you just watch what Ruth (and occasionally Kimberly) does here.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 3, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

How to Use the Lacis and Kreinik Corder Tools

Doing your own finishing and wondering whether to buy the Lacis or the Kreinik cord making tool? The Nashville Needlepointer has recorded two videos for her Instagram account showing how to make twisted braid using each.

First, here's the Lacis corder.  It costs roughly $30 (but shop around for sales and the best price and shipping costs).  Two AA batteries will be needed and are probably not included.

The Kreinik corder runs about $25 (shop around for the best deal) and doesn't need batteries.  You do the twisting manually.

I use the Kreinik corder.  I think it needs a bit more skill to use but there's not a lot of difference between the two.  I just prefer not having to use batteries in a tool as they always go bad at the worst possible time!  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 2, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Lorene Salt's Africana

Jan of the Stitch Lady blog has finished the modified Kathy Rees design she turned into a baby birth sampler and is now looking forward to working Lorene Salt's "Africana" with her local ANG chapter.

The Chilly Hollow stitch isn't my creation.  Jean Hilton made it up.  

Jan's working on a stash sale Santa (from Melissa Shirley?) while she waits for the class to begin. 


Oops!  Counting errors are the bane of my existence.  I feel for you, Jan!



It's done--and it is beautiful!

I'll update this as Jan posts about her progress.  If you aren't familiar with Lorene Salt's designs, here is her website to explore--

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright  January 31, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, February 19, 2024

Needlepoint Treasure Trees

NeedlePaint has something new in their line of printed designs--a dimensional Christmas tree that opens up to show a hidden surprise!  The trees come in two sizes and Peggy explains how she assembled them in this interesting article.  

If you want to try this, the larger tree will be easier to assemble.  Smaller items are harder because our fingers get in the way!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 30, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, February 18, 2024

Creating Fake Bullion Beards for Santa

Carolyn Hedge Baird shows off a wonderful beard for Santa. 

This is done using Gloriana's Lorikeet wool, most likely the color called Winter White which you can see here down nearly at the bottom of the page.  Of course you may prefer a snowy white beard or one that is more light gray or even red if you are doing a Celtic Santa.  The color doesn't really matter as the technique is always the same.

Carolyn says what you do is use the entire strand of Lorikeet and wrap the needle to create each curl.  Come up, wrap-wrap-wrap until you cover the area, go down.  Repeat.  Very easy!  

I suspect that long curls have to be couched in the middle to hold them in place, by the way.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 10, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, February 17, 2024

NJNA and The Dishwasher Basket

The most recent NJNA newsletter is out and it's full of new clubs, projects, announcements and ideas.  I thought repurposing a dishwasher basket to hold stretcher bars was quite clever.  My husband usually grabs refrigerator baskets and drawers when we have to replace our old appliance, but those will work, too.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 28, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, February 16, 2024

Quaker Stitch: A New Stitch for Letters

Mary Corbet highly recommends Quaker Stitch for lettering.  She also has other stitches she uses for more delicate letters, heavier letters, etc. which she also mentions in this article.

Here is her Quaker Stitch tutorial.  Since I use stem stitch for letters occasionally I will try this on my next piece that has letters.  Note that to get the stitches that create Quaker Stitch exactly where you want them on needlepoint canvas, you'll need to use a sharp needle to pierce the threads.  You can't do this stitch just on the holes between the threads of needlepoint canvas.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 27, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, February 15, 2024

How to End and Restart Binding Stitch

Ever starting binding stitch on the edge of your belt only to run out of thread a third of the way done the long length of belt?  Sure you have.  Fire and Iris shows how to end off the thread and restart the binding stitch with a new length in this short video tutorial.

Not sure what the binding stitch is?  There are plenty of video tutorials on YouTube but I like Tink Boord-Dill's.

Note that not all belt finishing requires a binding stitch.  Check with the finisher before you do all that work.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 26, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

The Pearl Edged Nimbus

Dr. Jessica Grimm is a German expert in Medieval embroidery, especially ecclesiastical pieces. Occasionally she does a free tutorial on the techniques used, including this explanation of how a pearl edge halo (or nimbus) was created on a chasuble, or sort of long sleeveless vest worn by a priest over other church garb.  Jessica shows exactly how to create a halo of couched gold over a layer of silk, how to edge the outside with a bundle of thread and then now to attach pearls to the rim of the nimbus.  It's a lovely technique and applicable to the angels we enjoy creating in needlepoint.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 23, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

The Self Finishing Recipe Box

Needlepoint Junction has self-finishing recipe boxes available.  Three colors are currently available and the little insert is 3x5 inches so you could do a monogram easily in the space.   This appears to be a shop exclusive.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 26, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, February 12, 2024

The ANG Auction Starts Feb. 15 and Ends Feb. 18

ANG's auction starts up again later this week.

I wasn't able to find any information about the website that will be used.  You may have to email the Auction chair for further information if you aren't a member of ANG.  

If auctions aren't your thing, perhaps you'd like to support ANG's programs by purchasing one of their fund raiser charts?  Prices aren't listed so I expect you'll have to put something into a shopping cart to discover what it costs.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 11, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, February 11, 2024

Name Tag Fun

Melita had great fun stitching her ANG chapter name tag.


It's based on a Lee's Needlearts canvas designed exclusively for her chapter.  Melita raided her stash and spent most of a snowstorm working on it.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 25, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, February 10, 2024

Breaking News: Publisher Error The Needlepoint Book

Jo Ippolito Christensen just had this posted to Facebook's Needlepoint Nation:

From Jo Ippolito Christensen, author of The Needlepoint Book:
By error, Amazon has sold an unknown number of copies of The Needlepoint Book with the color insert printed in black and white.
If you have one of those, Simon and Schuster will replace your book with a copy that has the color pictures.
Please contact:
meredith.vilarello@simonandschuster.com
We are very sorry for the inconvenience.
Please share this message so we can reach everyone one of these books. Thanks very much!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 10,  2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Clever Framing Touch

Mindy shows off one of her canvases which was framed with an unusual touch--a string of pearls inside the circle of the mat.

The design is Mini Pinscher, stitched by Ellen, but I don't know if the ring of pearls was Ellen's idea or the framer's.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 24, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, February 9, 2024

For Fans of Tennis

Greystone Needlepoint has a new cute tennis design from Palm Beach Lately.

The design is a collaboration between the sisters who run Palm Beach Lately and Frances Abel Studio.  Greystone has posted an interview with the Palm Beach Lately duo on their blog so you can get to know the designers behind the tennis rackets with their pink bow.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 24, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Today's Hari-Kuyo

The days are flying past me here in Chilly Hollow, but Pamela reminded me that today is Hari-Kuyo, the Japanese day to honor our needles.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 8, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitches for Wooly Hats and Snowmen

Ridgewood Needlepoint's blog shows off four cute snowmen in wooly hats from Patti Paints.  They also suggest four stitches for the snowy bodies and the kalem stitch for the hats.

Enlarge the page to see the stitch diagrams better.  I would be tempted to add tiny crystal beads in the empty spaces between the Upright Stitch crosses to give the snowman more icy sparkle.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
 
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 24, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Stitches for Wheels

Needlepoint.com's blog has a new posting that covers three stitches they like using for wheels.

The diagrams aren't the easiest to see but I discovered enlarging the whole page made the numbering much clearer.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 23, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

David McCaskill Retires

After a big life change, David McCaskill has looked back on his amazing but busy career and realized he wants to retire and stitch for pleasure.

If you are interested in any of David's canvases or guides or stitching to call your own, browse his website,

...and then email him.  

David is the best thread wizard I know.  Threads do anything he asks.  I'm in awe of his talents and hope he has the best time in retirement that anyone could want.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 20, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, February 5, 2024

Gift Cards with Leaves

If you remember Kam Wenzloff's Leaf Wreath project featured in Needlepoint Now magazine, 

you might have decided that the finishing costs for each leaf were going to be too high to tackle this.  Colour Complements learned of a lady who had the idea of adding a background behind each leaf and using them as inserts in greeting cards.

The blank cards come in various sizes so that the window opening can vary.  This website will give you some idea of what they are like.  Shop around as prices vary, although this place has several choices of window shapes and for card stock colors.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 18, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, February 4, 2024

Poppy Monk's Trends for Needlepoint in 2024

Poppy Monk has identified three trends for 2024 needlepoint designs:  blue and white patterns, simple designs, and funny sayings.

The major trends I've seen is a move toward more 13 count ornaments, oodles of self-finishing options, and designs that work well in all tent stitches.  I think all of these appeal as they are quicker, cheaper to self finish, and you don't have to be experienced enough to tackle embellishment on your own.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 16, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, February 3, 2024

The Loose Ends Project UPDATED

Michelle just asked about the Loose Ends Project on NP Nation and Lee directed her to their website.  Basically, this is a volunteer group that finishes needlework projects for people who are unable to finish them due to death, severe illness or disability.  It appears to be geared mostly toward knitting and quilting projects but needlepoint is included in the listing of items they will try to find a volunteer for.

UPDATE:  Fiber Talk interviews one of the co-founders of the Loose Ends Project.  It's a worthy cause, one you might consider volunteering to help with.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 15, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, February 2, 2024

Stretcher Bars: The Movie

Fireside Stitchery in Pennsylvania has posted a video tutorial on how to use stretcher bars on their Instagram.

The Corjac kit comes with tacks.  Shop around; prices vary.  Stretcher bars vary some in price, but not much.  Note that the skinnier Mini stretcher bars don't come in as long a length as the thicker ones.

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.

Thursday, February 1, 2024

David McCaskill Models for Sale

Are you a fan of David McCaskill's work?  David's retiring after a long career as my idol when it comes to taming threads and he's selling the models that won't fit into his retirement home.  To see what's still available, scroll down the home page to browse the items listed there.

But don't tarry.  David's website will go dark February 24, 2024.  Even if you missed out on the model you wanted, take a moment to browse the website to enjoy David's amazing stitching one more time before he drives off into the sunset-hopefully in a cherry red convertible wearing one of his signature Hawaiian shirts!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 31, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.