The Ending Threads Problem (and Solutions)

Poppy Monk Needlepoint has posted a useful tutorial on how to tie off thread ends on the back side when you don't have a good way to do so.

https://poppymonkneedlepointkits.com/blogs/the-5-minute-needlepoint-blog/taming-needlepoint-thread-ends-securing-decorative-stitches

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 21, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Ripping Out: The Movie

Lori of Waste Knot continues her tutorials on basic needlepoint skills with a video about ripping out stitches.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C4qUyK_LBiM/

Lori's using a folding seam ripper from Bohin.  I own one and really like it as you can easily flip the cover over to protect the point. Shop around if your favorite store doesn't carry these as the price varies a lot.

https://123stitch.com/item/Bohin-Folding-Seam-Ripper/BOH-92210

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

The Do It Yourself Lap Stand

A very clever stitcher just clipped their table clamp stand onto a wooden cutting board to make a lap stand for couch sitting.  Use the side arrows for more views of how it works.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C4UHiZBvxrL/?fbclid=IwAR3FkJaN2ojFjkrSovzyvoAlnLm-is9FCHC5kapQRTObbTvDJ2PfbefGWt4&img_index=1

Maribel just won the Smart Cookie Award for April for this!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 18, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Lazy Daisy Pine Needles: The Movie

Ruth Schmuff proves that lazy daisy stitches aren't just for ovals in this creating demonstration of the possibilities.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C4iZo-VhLua/

Here is a closeup of the finished pine tree branch.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C4mDfK9L-VZ/?g=5&img_index=1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 17, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Watching

My next publicly stitched project will be Colors of Praise's "Women Watching Turtle."   It's a 9 inch square design on 18 count.  I like the unusual point of view and the ambiguity of the title. Is the turtle watching the woman or is she watching it?
https://bestitchedneedlepointshop.com/collections/colors-of-praise/products/woman-watching-turtle

I intend to limit the number of stitches I use for this piece, trying to emphasize the design instead of throwing every stitch in my books and thread in my considerable stash at it.   To get an idea of what I am attempting, listen to Gay Ann Roger's discussion of how she approaches design on the Fiber Talk podcast.  This will tell you where I plan to start and something about how I'll stitch that area.
http://wetalkfiber.com/2018/08/12/fiber-talk-with-gay-ann-rogers-ii/

Stay tuned to see how well I do!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 7, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

In Praise of Overdyed Cotton Floss

Lorraine at Colour Complements in Canada has written a lovely little essay about hand dyed cotton floss.

https://colourcomplements.com/2024/02/the-benefits-of-using-hand-dyed-embroidery-floss.html#

If you are tempted, here is her shop. You can choose between cotton floss or size 5, 8 and 12 perle cottons.

https://colourcomplements.com/product-category/hand-dyed-perle-cotton-and-floss-vibrant-colours

She also does a "sampler" set of cotton flosses in various colors if you want to play.

https://colourcomplements.com/product-category/hand-dyed-embroidery-floss-samplers

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Self Finishing a Key Fob: The Movie

The Nashville Needlepointer demonstrates how to put together a key fob.  

https://www.instagram.com/p/C4f7YnSuwgC/

There are supplies you will need but she's listed those.  It doesn't look hard at all.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 15, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Boxes from Cabranmary Woods

Traditional Stitches in Canada is selling a nice looking box for self-finishing on their website.

https://www.traditionalstitches.com/p_dadbox.html

The boxes are made by Cabranmary Woods and they are quite small, only 4 inches square with a 2 inch square space for your stitching.  They come in four different woods, so email the shop for your preference.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 15, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitch by Stitch's Stitcher of the Month

Stitch by Stitch in Larchmont has a "Stitcher of the Month" feature where they interview one of their talented customers and show off their work.  April 2024's stitcher is MC McEvoy.

https://stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/pages/stitcher-of-the-month-mc-mcevoy

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

The Gingham Stitchery Introduces Krissy Johnson Designs

The Gingham Stitchery has a new designer--Krissy Johnson Designs.  This video introduces Krissy and some of the new items (some inserts, some dimensional, some ornaments) from her talented brain that debut at the March 2024 Spring Market.  These aren't on the Gingham Stitchery website yet, so pay attention!

It's a fun look at a new designer, her life, how she got into needlepoint and of course the designs she has created for our stitching pleasure, including her adjustable four prong fork for making bows of all sizes.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C4d-uFxPZD5/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 14, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Videos: Chain Stitch

Melissa at The Wool and The Floss demonstrates chain stitch.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C4d-uFxPZD5/

This is perfect for lettering, for outlines, and for items like belts on a design.  I've found that keeping the loops even by counting over the same number of holes for each stitch keeps the chain even, assuming that's the look you want.

By the way, chain stitch in a thicker thread makes a great wicker basket.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C161ZXhNXT5/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 14, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Travels for Needle Pointers

Melita's latest blog entry details the travels of a model for an article in Needle Pointers.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/03/09/ang-needle-pointers-magazine-cover-model/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 10, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The System Four Floor, Lap, Travel Stands

Are you in the market for a stand to hold your needlepoint on a frame?  Or maybe you are just curious?  Needlepoint.com just posted an article and videos about the various System Floor stands available.  This should answer many of your questions about what they sell and how everything works.

https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/all-about-needlework-system-4

The one thing that I think is unique about the System Four is how portable their travel stand is.  If you are on the road a lot, this is something you need to take a serious look at.

Just remember, the many accessories offered for the System Four are usually sold separately instead of being included with the stand of your choice.   Here is the current pricing for these items--

https://needlepoint.com/collections/needlework-system-4

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Another Cute Leaf Idea

The Needlepoint Nook shows off a customer's idea for displaying her leaves from Kam Wenzloff's leaf wreath featured in Needlepoint Now magazine in 2023.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=949186606792428&set=a.475818260795934

For those without a Facebook account, the leaves were arranged to make a semicircular tree above a wooden trunk.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Woodlawn 2024

Happy Tax Day!  Let's celebrate by visiting the Woodlawn Needlework exhibit.

The major award winners are pictured here.  Note there is a link to a list of all the names of those who sent in their work with any awards they won noted.

https://www.woodlawnpopeleighey.org/2024specialawardwinners

Waste Knot has a short film of the show to enjoy if you have an Instagram account.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C4PFrPvN96X/

Melita's not been to Woodlawn for the exhibit yet but she knows she won a third place ribbon for her original design.  She recognized the names of quite a few counted designs sent in for the show.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/03/07/fireside-sampler-at-woodlawns-61st-annual-needlework-exhibit-2024/

Melita finally made it to the show and shows some of the lovely work she admired there. The stump work cabbage is amazing!

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/03/26/woodlawns-61st-annual-needlework-show/

Donna volunteered at the show.  Here are a few pictures of her favorites.

https://www.facebook.com/ghoststitcher/posts/pfbid02y2smLsecy1PC4E9DrbzVfx244ezb9PHntG7WTdrHNYe6ybrcTtuAZjVDC9Qrf4nGl

Mercedes of Rogue Needlepoint won a second place ribbon with one of her architectural original designs.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5gRjYlLzIS/?g=5&img_index=1

Lori, the owner of Waste Knot, won three ribbons this year, including the coveted Judge's Choice.

https://www.facebook.com/wasteknotneedlepoint/posts/pfbid0BvRtHHQHJsTFnw2CU2MZnRKtzMhNySzEM5xQiBsSdLnqf36zSZSLqfvm5WZNqAn2l

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Edward Gorey's Needlepoint

Guess what--Anna discovered that Edward Gorey took up needlepoint when he retired to Cape Cod!  The Edward Gorey Charitable Trust posted three examples of his original pieces on their Instagram page, all framed and all roughly 7 1/2 x 9 1/2 inches.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CapY-KrlIo0/?fbclid=IwAR12BLrHSw4RnUGGPrjn1e9VYMkNx7iurqY1Fv8GUDNvh_UBH-yd-Eayf6E&img_index=1

Apparently there are 18 needlepointed pieces in total, all original works done while he watched tv.  These are done in wool yarn on plastic mesh according to the posting.  I checked the Edward Gorey House website to see if I could find more pictures but found nothing.  It is possible if you visit you might spot more.  

https://www.edwardgoreyhouse.org/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Google Strikes Again

This morning I updated the Monthly Clubs tab and Google (which owns the Blogger platform), promptly removed it for "violating community guidelines."  This has been happening for months now.  I can't tell what guideline has been violated or which specific link (there are thousands) has triggered this automatic problem, so I just ask for review of this decision.  Once humans gets their hands on it, whichever tab has been removed will be restored.

But until then, if you go to Monthly Clubs and it's missing, blame Google.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Making Folded Ribbon Roses: The Movie

Ruth Schmuff included silk ribbon flowers on her latest class for Bedecked and Bedazzled, and in this video, she shows how to make them.

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

Here's her class project so you can see the folded ribbon roses on it.

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 March 5, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Coco's Favorite Threads

Coco Frank Studio has a nice article on their blog about their favorite threads.  If you think you are in a rut when it comes to picking threads, or you want to learn more about the threads available to the 21st Century needlepointer, check it out.

https://cocofrankstudio.com/blogs/blog/an-introduction-to-my-favorite-threads

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Watch Marie Barber Paint

If you are a fan of Colors of Praise, you can see Marie Barber (the artist behind the line), paint a huge one-of-a-kind needlepoint canvas.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C3aWgaSLmfy/

It is an amazing design.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 17, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Sampler Thread Kits

Colour Complements is releasing new Sampler Thread Kits for Spring 2024.  Each selection includes a rayon metallic, a silk perle, two skeins of size 5 perle cotton, one skein of size 8 perle cotton, and a skein of floss, all dyed in CC's beautiful color range and chosen because the various colors work well together.  If you struggle to pull together color combinations or you are a threadaholic who just wants to try out new threads and colors, this is a $20 well spent.

https://colourcomplements.com/product-category/embroidery-sampler-thread-kits

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Breaking News: Queen Anne Stitches Closing

Heidi at Queen Anne Stitches just learned the building the shop's occupied for over twenty-five years has sold. They have thirty days to move out.  The shop will be closed this week as they process the news and try to plan, then the shop will reopen April 17-21 for their last week.  

After that, it's hard to say, California real estate being what it is.  Wish them luck finding a new space fast!  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Melita Experiments with Skipping Stitches

Melita's been experimenting with skip tent and skip basketweave using overdyed thread, trying to see which stitch results in less streaky color.  It's quite interesting and now she has a drinks coaster to use to boot.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/03/02/manipulating-overdyed-threads/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 3, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Canvas Totes and Wristlets from Planet Earth

Planet Earth has two new canvas products:  a tote bag with removable shoulder strap and a wristlet.  You can see the five wristlet colors here-

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3-z-xuLHWh/

You can see the two colors of the tote bag here and look at the removable strap and the inside fabric and pockets here--

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3-ymIEru_k/

These are brand new so your shop may not have them in stock yet.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Stitches in Sterling (Nancy Cucci)

Nancy Cucci's class pieces for ANG are always beautiful.  Melita started this a long time ago in an ANG chapter class, but recently picked it up again.  

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/02/05/stitches-in-sterling-by-nancy-cucci-background/

It didn't take long and I bet it's really sparkly in person.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/02/26/stitches-in-sterling-by-nancy-cucci-beaded-center/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 12, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Kreinik Sold to Rainbow Gallery

The rumor mill is reporting that Kreinik has been sold to Rainbow Gallery, thus joining the Fleur de Paris family of threads.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=821703153334147&set=a.556381389866326

Here's to a great retirement for Doug Kreinik and good luck to Danny as he takes over.

UPDATE:  NJNA says the business and equipment is being moved from West Virginia to California.

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2024/04/06/whats-happening-at-njna-4-6-24/

UPDATE #2: Dena of Kreinik talks about the process of moving Kreinik to California to merge with Rainbow Gallery.  She'll still be working for Kreinik/Rainbow Gallery/Fleur de Paris, never fear!  Send inquiries to info@kreinik.com.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5leyyqLdSu/

UPDATE #3: A bit from Homestead Needle Arts who managed a visit to Kreinik before they closed.

https://mailchi.mp/a79e166f3c79/associated-talents-big-kreinik-news-and-more?e=810b807e3a

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Tips on Finding Missed Stitches

Lori from Waste Knot* has posted a video on Instagram with tips on finding missed stitches.  As a shop owner, Lori checks finished items for missed stitches before handing them over to the finisher.  She likes to hold items up to the sunshine to look for an empty spot where a stitch was missed.  She also uses magnifiers to look over finished pieces.  Lori says that most missed stitches are in an area where there's a color change.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C3-syYYLKBo/

Personally, I like to take a photo of a finished piece to study.  The camera sees things I don't, no matter how many times I look over a piece.

Bug Eye magnifiers come in two sizes.  I think there are several manufacturers of these tools but they appear to be the same except perhaps for price.  Some may be heavy glass, others acrylic.  Some are set in a metal collar.

https://needlepoint.com/products/clear-view-dome-magnifier

https://theneedlebug.com/products/lumidome-ball-magnifier

*Waste Knot is my "local" shop.  I just adore it!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Threadaholic Alert: A Comparison of Crewel Wools WITH MORE

Mary Corbet has started a series about crewel-weight embroidery wool.  She's starting out by comparing what Appleton crewel, Fine d'Aubusson wool, Heathway, and DMC's Eco Vita are like when just cut from their skeins.  You'll see how thick they are, learn the number of colors and shades available from each brand, and compare prices for each.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2024/03/crewel-threads-a-close-look-at-wool-embroidery-threads.html

Here's how each of the four stitch up.  Remember, the examples are done on cross stitch fabric, so what you get on needlepoint canvas will be a bit different.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2024/03/wool-embroidery-threads-stitched-news.html

Next, Mary uses her four wools in long and short and satin stitch so you can see how they look when stitched in these filling stitches.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2024/03/wool-thread-comparisons-fillings.html

Mary is continuing her exploration of crewel wools with five more:  Bella Lusso (Fleur de Paris), Simply Wool (Gentle Arts), La Nollin (formerly Renaissance Dyeing), Overdyed Italian Wool (ThreadworX's overdyed Bella Lusso), and Array Wool (Zollie). Hang on!  It's going to be fun!

https://www.needlenthread.com/2024/04/more-wools-for-crewel-embroidery.html

The next crewel weight wool Mary is exploring in depth isArray Wool from Zollie.  It's originally intended for weavers.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2024/04/wool-on-spools-array-wool-hooks-fillings.html

By the way, Mary's creating an article index so you can find all the crewel wool articles easier.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2024/04/wool-embroidery-threads-article-index.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

How to Needlepoint with Chipped Pearl Purl: The Movie

Ruth Schmuff is updating her Instagram and YouTube pages with short tutorial videos which show you how to do all sorts of amazing things on your needlepoint canvas.  This video explains how to use chipped pearl purl, a metallic thread that you cut into bugle-bead like lengths and attach just like a bead.  These go on top of yellow felt to help support them, give them dimension, and add a touch of color if you don't managed to cover the entire area properly.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C382zPgLraA/

This is what pearl purl looks like.  It comes in a variety of golds, silvers and coppers.  I think I've seen purple, too.  It also comes in various diameters.  

https://golden-hinde.co.uk/product-category/goldwork-supplies/goldwork-wires/search-by-wire-name/pearl-purl

When working with it, use either scissors especially designed for metal threads or use a pair of scissors that aren't used for anything else.  Real metal threads will dull scissors quickly.

https://needlepoint.com/products/task-scissors-metallic-thread

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

One Simple Stitch Revised

Helen Stevens' book, One Simple Stitch, has been revised and republished as an ebook.

https://helenmstevens.online/products/ONE-SIMPLE-STITCH-c164432857

The digital download version has links to YouTube demonstration videos, making this an excellent teaching tool.

Not familiar with Helen's amazing nature embroidery?  Explore her website and prepare to be astounded!

https://helenmstevens.online/products/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Penny Linn Designs Has Charts!

Penny Linn Designs, like all needlepoint designers, discontinues designs that don't sell well.   They've decided to turn these discontinued painted designs into charts to help make needlepoint more affordable.  I think it's a brilliant idea!  After all, money's tight these days.  Plus there is a minority of needlepointers who prefer working from a chart who now can stitch Penny Linn favorites.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C375pPjL_ax/

You can see Penny Linn's digital downloads here, as well as blank canvas, templates for helping mark out the edge of your ornament, marking pens, etc.

https://pennylinn.com/collections/digital-charts

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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