"We Have Your Back Ground Stitches" by The Pointer Sisters UPDATED

The Wool and the Floss introduced a new book on Instagram:  We Have Your Back Ground Stitches by The Pointer Sisters.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C66f5VRr-jt/?g=5&img_index=1

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6q55BBMfr9/

This is the second book fromTimmy Schultz and Jan Dedrick, following on Pretty Stitches.

https://www.atpneedlepoint.com/shop/p/pretty-stitches-by-the-pointer-sisters-stitch-guide

Here is the link to pre-order from The Wool and The Floss if your local shop isn't taking pre-orders.

https://woolfloss.com/collections/books/products/background-stitches-book

UPDATE:  Homestead Needle Arts has a brief review of this book.  "...145 pages but at least half are graph paper."  "7X4 inches with wire binding."  "There are over 65 stitches with ideas for how to handle each one, for example using different colored threads or what size of thread to use."

https://mailchi.mp/43aed653da67/new-books-august-news?e=810b807e3a

https://www.homesteadneedlearts.com/catalog/books-charts-cds-magazines/we-have-your-back-ground-stitches-book-by-timmy-schultz-jan-dederick/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

New Leather Coasters from KC Needlepoint

KC Needlepoint now has leather coasters with 4 1/2 inch openings available exclusively from their shop.

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/collections/leather-goods/products/leather-self-finishing-coaster

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Two Lace Backgrounds Diagrammed

Stephanie at Ridgewood Needlepoint wanted a background that looked like lace, and finally settled on this two part beauty-

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-116/

She's also included a more solid background that also looks lacy.  Thanks, Stephanie!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Fiber Talk Interviews The Nashville Needlepointer

You may have noticed I've posted about finishing and tool tutorials from the Nashville Needlepointer here and there over the last year.

https://www.instagram.com/nashvilleneedlepointer/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCneQwnOlRMYmOBmWOkhCWQw

I didn't realize she was a finisher and designer and teacher until I listened to the Fiber Talk interview.  It was fun!

https://wetalkfiber.com/2024/04/13/fiber-talk-with-lita-ohara/

Need a boo boo stick?

https://needlepoint.com/products/boo-boo-brush

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Needlepoint: The Hot Travel Souvenir

Thanks to Beth, I found this Garden & Gun article about needlepoint being the hot travel souvenir of 2024!

https://gardenandgun.com/articles/stitch-hikers-why-the-souths-hottest-souvenir-is-needlepoint/

So you MUST buy that cute canvas you find during your next trip.  It's the In thing to do and we are fashion forward here in the World of Needlepoint.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 25, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Leather Goods for Self Finishing

The Wool and the Floss just got new self-finishing items from a Kentucky company:  leather round or square coasters and snap trays.  Here are the coasters.

https://woolfloss.com/products/self-finishing-leather-coaster?variant=45172790427868

The snap trays aren't on their website yet but are mentioned toward the end of the May 24 unboxing Instagram from the shop.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C7UNod8MwJ_/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 24, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Needlepaint Nook's Owner to Retire

Breaking News!  Janice Tillis of the Needlepoint Nook on Long Island is retiring in July!

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=998935641817524&set=a.475818260795934

Don't worry--Debbie Adler is taking over the shop.  Hope Janice has a fun retirement and that Debbie has a good time bringing needlepoint happiness to Long Island.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 25, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Pinhead and Locking L Stitches: The Movie

Ruth Schmuff of Bedecked and Beadazzled demonstrates the pinhead and Locking L stitches in this new video on her Instagram account.  These stitches securely start and end stitches when you have a light coverage stitch and no place nearby to anchor threads.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5mEMMevfzo/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Creating Plaids: The Movies

For those who like visual instructions and want to make plaid patterns in needlepoint, Krissy Johnson Designs has posted a series of videos to help you understand the process--

birthday plaids two ways, the original and a thread saver version-

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5oYKa8rJjf/

birthday plaid, thread saver version continues-

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5obFZ6LK0X/

more birthday plaid, with a more complicated date-

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5odUdOv6SQ/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Moving On From Beginner Status

Aren't quite a beginner any more?  Want to try something a bit more advanced?  Coco Frank has some good advice for choosing a more advanced needlepoint project which applies to both stitchers and those choosing a new project for a new-ish needlepointer.

https://cocofrankstudio.com/blogs/blog/beginner-next-steps

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

She Speaks Milanese

Poppy Monk Needlepoint takes us on a thorough exploration of the Milanese Stitch, with diagrams and stitched examples.

https://poppymonkneedlepointkits.com/blogs/the-5-minute-needlepoint-blog/spotlight-on-the-needlepoint-milanese-stitch

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 11, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint History

The Sherman House Museum in Lancaster, Ohio features all sorts of mementos based on the family of the Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman, including needlepoint done by his mother, Mary Hoyt Sherman.  General Sherman was born in 1820 and died in 1891, so this is likely mid-Victorian in style.   I can't find any photographs online but if you are in the area, you might want to check it out.

https://www.shermanhouse.org/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

NJNA Shares the Fun for May

The latest chapter of the newsletter for the New Jersey Needle Artists chapter of ANG is out and it is full of ANG news, from a review of the new issue of ANG's magazine to Seminar news.  If you are looking for a light with magnifier that travels well and doesn't have a cord, the newsletter has three recommendations for you to check out.   They also have information about beautiful wooden trays that attach to any brand of floor stand from Rock A Way Custom Wood Products.  Rock A Way doesn't seem to have a website but they do have a Facebook page (second link below).  

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2024/05/18/whats-happening-at-njna-5-18-24/

https://www.facebook.com/people/Rock-A-Way-Custom-Wood-Products/100063791274769/

The newsletter has news about a stitching getaway, a new stitching club featuring one of Kelly Clark's mermaids, and what Morgan Julia is doing with a company called Packaged Party.  There's also a link to a new shop selling needle minders (and magnetic chalk boards to store them on) called Flamingo Toes Shop.  We all need more needle minders, right?  

https://flamingotoesshop.com/collections/needle-minders

NJNA has a great tip for inexpensive covers for your magnifier so you don't burn the house down if it's left in a sunny spot--get together with your stitching buddies and buy bulk velvet drawstring jewelry bags online! Safe, soft and any extras can go to storing that fabulous string of pearls you wear to go out on New Year's Eve.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Chinchillin: The Summer 2024 Mystery

Ruth Schmuff has announced her mystery class for June and July, 2024--Heather Gauthier's "Chincillin."  You know the drill by now--I'll update this as Ruth releases progress reports on this cutie.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2024/05/chinchillin/

The first lesson is this adorable chinchilla floating in his coconut shell.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2024/06/chinchillin-2/

Now we have background.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2024/07/is-it-real/

The leaves are stitched, so only the fruit and flowers are unstitched.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2024/07/chinchillin-leaves/

Now we have fruit and flowers and trailing vines.  It's magnificent!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2024/08/our-chinchilla-is-chill/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com 

nd at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Coloring The Edge with POP! Needle Arts

POP! Needle Arts shows the two markers she recommends for 13 and 18 count canvas when you need to color the edge of your design to fit properly into self-finishing items.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5jn3HiLcJp/

Read her comments on the brands she uses that she hasn't had bleed.  Whatever brand you choose, test it first before using so you don't ruin your work if it does get wet.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

A Good Roof Stitch and More

Ridgewood Stitchery has found a good stitch for roofs (including a diagram) and has a tip for stitching across a section that will have another stitch.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-115/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Mopsey Designs Kids' Mobile (Hardware and Designs)

Mopsey Designs has something unusual--sets of canvases with hardware to make the set into a mobile to put over a child's bed.  There are five designs:  space, woodland, ocean, bees, and rain or shine.  You can see a photo of a finished mobile here with the other four designs at the bottom of the page.  I can't tell how the ornaments are attached to the bottom of the hardware but Stitch by Stitch Larchmont can help answer questions if you don't have a favorite shop to inquire for you.

https://stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/products/mopsey-designs-md-46-mobile-space-with-grey-hardware?_pos=31&_sid=1a9d6fa27&_ss=r

How cute would these be with a little bell attached to the bottom of each ornament to make gentle music as it turns in the wind?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Kreinik and Gloriana News

Theresa of Homestead Needle Arts has the latest Kreinik and Gloriana news.

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 13, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Kam Wenzloff's Layers of Leaves as Christmas Ornaments

Clever Brian has taken Kam Wezloff's "Layers of Leaves" designs from Needlepoint Now magazine and turned them into round Christmas ornaments!  Is that smart or what?!

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=7872439369453646&set=gm.7365608550182906&idorvanity=108537025890131

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

NJNA's Self-Finishing Tips

The monthly newsletter from the New Jersey Needle Artists Chapter of ANG has the usual news (including more about Kreinik's sale to Rainbow Gallery) and a short article on self-finishing with good tips on getting a great result.

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

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

A Quick Look at Adjustable Stretcher Bars from Frank A. Edmunds

Melita is trying out the adjustable stretcher bars made by Frank A. Edmunds.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/03/14/adjustable-stretcher-bars/

You can explore the two sizes of the Frank A. Edmunds adjustable stretcher bars on their website, plus see the other stretcher bars they make.

https://faedmunds.com/adjustable-stretcher-bars/

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.

Tips for Left Handed Stitchers

Needlepoint.com has written an article about left handed stitchers, with tips and techniques especially for lefties.

https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/stitching-for-left-handers-tips-tricks-techniques

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Chottie Andersen Charts for Sale

EGA's Dayton, Ohio chapter has arranged to sell four charts from the legendary Chottie Alderson. Two are name tags, two are samplers.  If you are interested, here are photos of the designs and the purchasing form.  You can pay via check or by using PayPal.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe3IDyIA6A-U1kYohMtDHV999WFk37ogeP4ndUJ8Uzp_AUgsw/viewform?pli=1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Victoria Whitson's Chatelaine: The Movie

Melissa of The Wool and The Floss goes into detail about the chatelaines from Victoria Whitson in this Instagram video. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5O0BAxPpvB/

They come in many different gemstone colors.  You can browse the VW website and then ask your favorite shop to order for you.  Prices vary according to exactly what each necklace is made from.

https://www.victoriawhitsonneedlepoint.com/up-up-chatelaines-new-1

I don't care for chatelaines--I find them difficult to manage, but I think I'm in the minority here as I don't travel.  There is no doubt these are beautiful and well made.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Books, Books, and More Books

Melissa of the Wool and the Floss says butterfly canvases were everywhere at the Spring 2024 trade show.  I'm sure she's right but what I noticed were canvases for the book lover.

My absolute favorite is Thorn Alexander's "Read the Room." Cormoran Strike lovers, this is for you.

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/products/read-the-room-canvas?_pos=1&_sid=17aabf696&_ss=r

The Gingham Stitchery has books to charm you.  (Note that Winnie the Pooh is mostly out of copyright now so anything A.A. Milne is ok to buy.)

https://www.instagram.com/p/C23EFKqvMhy/

Jenny Henry has the Cozy Bookshop (on 13 count).

https://www.jennyhenrydesigns.com/collections/pillows/products/preorder-the-cosy-bookshop-13-mesh-needlepoint-canvas?variant=42649339035825

Mopsey Designs has three pages of book themed ornaments.

https://mopseydesigns.com/collections/the-book-cavnas

The Book Canvas, distributed by Mopsey, has a new Jane Austen book stack ornament.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6HfXU1vVfS/

Plum Designs has a series based on The Secret Garden.  I love the little garden glimpsed through a keyhole.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5CJJ0rrVOG/

Mopsey also has a Secret Garden ornament.

https://www.oldworlddesigns.com/shop/Canvases/Category/2024-Spring-Market/p/Secret-Garden-Book-from-Mopsey-Designs-x81110500.htm

Plum also has the Ex Libris Bookplate which you can customize with your name or initials.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C4goykwrcA2/

Wake Robin has one, too.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1409944012/from-the-library-of-personalized-hand?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=needlepoint+painted+canvas+book+cover&ref=sr_gallery-1-4&sts=1&content_source=e7f825ca1ca84bcdb413cb4a48c1ac00aa649680%253A1409944012&search_preloaded_img=1&organic_search_click=1

Blue Ridge Stitchery has immortalized the NY Public Library in needlepoint form.

https://stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=104176

"Stars Hollow Books" is for fans of Gilmore Girls from NDLPT Designs.

https://stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/products/ndlpt-designs-stars-hollow-books

Saturnalia Stitching has gone all out with their Bookish collection.

https://www.saturnaliastitching.com/shop-all/bookish

Froopy knows "The Book is Always Better Than the Movie."

https://froopyneedlepoint.com/products/copy-of-wwbfcd-11-5-x-2-5-on-18-mesh

And on a more specialized note, Saturnalia also has a darling Snow Cat Mobile Library design.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C3deIpWrHlk/

Gingham Stitchery has the "I'd Marry the Beast for that Library" piece.  Truer words were never spoken!

https://www.needlepointclubhouse.com/products/id-marry-the-beast?_pos=12&_sid=623786fc8&_ss=r

Walker has several book canvases:

https://poppypointe.com/collections/spring-market-2024/products/beach-read

https://poppypointe.com/collections/spring-market-2024/products/book-of-fairytales

If you browse Etsy, you'll find all sorts of interesting designs, including this fun triangle bookmark.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1562133431/turn-on-the-light?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=needlepoint+painted+canvas+book+cover&ref=sr_gallery-1-8&frs=1&cns=1&sts=1&content_source=3aafedb243d3654644d3e7ecad9a40bd15182f5b%253A1562133431&organic_search_click=1

Three Thimbles reminds us there are so many books and so little time.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1479887572/im-booked-handpainted-needlepoint-canvas?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=needlepoint+painted+canvas+book+cover&ref=sr_gallery-1-3&content_source=e96607417bdcb61a295749fa8fb39a7f82d5dd9d%253A1479887572&organic_search_click=1

And Crude Canvases lives up to its name.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1042015191/time-to-read-hand-painted-needlepoint?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=needlepoint+painted+canvas+book+cover&ref=sc_gallery-1-3&frs=1&cns=1&sts=1&plkey=df0696c571d84aa50f8da96166be93a79cd74203%3A1042015191

I just found Heidi the Book Lover on Instagram. She's one of Mopsey's Designers but I love how she Instas books and needlepoint.

https://www.instagram.com/thebookcanvas/?g=5

(Here are explanations of the symbols on her book canvases.)

https://www.instagram.com/p/C9Kn_aEp7Sl/?g=5&img_index=1

https://www.instagram.com/p/C9Px3ajp4OQ/?g=5&img_index=2

We have two book stacks, one with a Christmas tree and one without.

https://woolfloss.com/products/book-stack-tree?_pos=4&_sid=3def25d7b&_ss=r

https://woolfloss.com/products/gift-of-knowledge-book-stack?_pos=7&_sid=3def25d7b&_ss=r

There's a third stack of Harry Potter book titles.

https://woolfloss.com/products/harry-potter-books-bear?_pos=2&_sid=3def25d7b&_ss=r

I don't know who created the "Dear Reader" canvas but it would make a cute bookmark.

https://goodpointneedlepoint.com/collections/needlepoint-canvases/products/dear-reader-canvas?omnisendContactID=66080898ab4e8bdd0a8ac5bb&utm_campaign=campaign%3A+%F0%9F%92%9C+Dearest+Gentle+Reader...+%28664291d0c4077c62bad4e509%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=omnisend

"The Plot Thickens" is a shop exclusive from The Wool and The Floss.  The designer is Saturnalia Stitching.

https://woolfloss.com/products/liz-s-mantra?_pos=1&_sid=e28210fcc&_ss=r

I don't know the designer for "Happily Ever After" but it sure is cute with its fairytale castle on the pages of a book.

https://goodpointneedlepoint.com/collections/shop/products/happily-ever-after-canvas

Kyra Cotter Designs has lots of new book-themed small designs for Penny Linn.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C8uj9vdJNFo/?g=5&img_index=1

Need a stack of books key fob?

https://woolfloss.com/products/books-key-fob-2268?_pos=56&_sid=3def25d7b&_ss=r

The Meredith Collection's reading mouse is adorable.

https://woolfloss.com/products/xo-307-mouse-house-bookworm?_pos=84&_sid=3def25d7b&_ss=r

Happy reading to all those bookworms out there!

https://woolfloss.com/products/bookworm?_pos=81&_sid=3def25d7b&_ss=r

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Goodpoint's Key Fob Stitching Tips

Amanda of Goodpoint has some great tips for stitching key fobs on her blog.

https://goodpointneedlepoint.com/blogs/all-good-points/fob-finishing-tips

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 30, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Brenda Pilots Parcheesi Anyone?

Brenda is piloting Susan Hoekstra's upcoming ANG Seminar class, "Parcheesi Anyone?"

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2024/03/parcheesi-anyone.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 28, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Self-finishing Needlepoint Cuff Links

The Nashville Needlepointer has filmed a quick tutorial on finishing needlepoint cuff links.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C40r0rfLfKi/

I couldn't find the links to the hardware Lita uses but The Needlepointer sells one inch square cuff link hardware sets.  Etsy sells all sorts of cuff link hardware in various metals and sizes.

https://www.theneedlepointer.com/hardware-1-cuff-links/p8417811

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 27, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Debbie Does A Stitch-a-Long

Debbie Rowley of DebBee's Designs announced a stitch-a-long using her "Revelry Reflections."  I don't do many counted pieces myself--they are really difficult if you can't count to even three reliably--but because she's such a talented teacher and posting about the stitch-a-long on her blog, I thought I'd document things here.  First up, here is Debbie's announcement.

https://debbeesdesigns.com/join-me-for-a-stitch-along/

She explains in detail how she chooses threads, with an overdyed thread as her starting point.

https://debbeesdesigns.com/selecting-threads/

Now it's time to put your canvas on stretcher bars.  Debbie uses Evertites, but she has an interesting tip on tightening regular stretcher bars.

https://debbeesdesigns.com/revelry-reflections-mounting-the-canvas/

I can't find the chart for this design but I think she's starting in the middle of the canvas and that everyone is supposed to follow the design as she posts it.

https://debbeesdesigns.com/first-stitches-2/

https://debbeesdesigns.com/teardrop-crescents/

https://debbeesdesigns.com/an-unreversed-stitch-this-time/

First we have waffle stitch.

https://debbeesdesigns.com/my-favorite-stitch-waffle-stitches/

Now, reverse waffles.  (I didn't know there was such a thing!)

https://debbeesdesigns.com/now-reverse-the-waffle-stitch/

https://debbeesdesigns.com/sprats-heads/

And reverse sprats heads, which again I didn't know existed!  This stitch-a-long is very educational.

https://debbeesdesigns.com/reverse-sprats-heads/

Now we have a triangle-shaped Amadeus stitch, courtesy of the immortal Jean Hilton.

https://debbeesdesigns.com/more-triangles-this-time-a-triangle-amadeus/

Now the Amadeus triangle is reversed.  It's an original stitch from Debbie and complicated but it's pretty.

https://debbeesdesigns.com/reversing-the-triangle-amadeus/

Debbie is amazed that the herringbone square is actually a diamond--but Debbie, it's a square ballerina standing on point!

https://debbeesdesigns.com/could-this-be-a-misnomer-herringbone-squares/

Now we finish the corners.

https://debbeesdesigns.com/finishing-the-corners-with-diagonal-gobelin-stitches/

https://debbeesdesigns.com/moving-to-the-outside-edges-with-reverse-herringbone-squares/

https://debbeesdesigns.com/eyelets-not-my-favorite/

https://debbeesdesigns.com/framing-the-corners-with-reverse-eyelets/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 26, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Let's Hang Out with Tanya

I've followed Tanya Bentham's blog for years now.  She's an expert in the English Medieval style of embroidery called Opus Angelicanum which she teaches and publishes about.

https://opusanglicanum.wordpress.com/

Why is someone who does needlepoint read about early Medieval needlework?  Because it's our heritage and because Tanya's hilarious!  I don't know anyone else who combines historical research, hand dyed wools, and Medieval humor to create both satiric and bawdy pieces that are a delight to explore.

https://www.textileartist.org/tanya-bentham-a-modern-twist-on-medieval-embroidery/

Who can resist a saint with a can of cat food, monsters, or a rat eating French fries, anyway?  

Besides, Tanya always gives me ideas, like using light to create a shape instead of various shades of color.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 26, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Three Palms Needlework in Bradenton, FL UPDATED

The owner of Julie Pischke Designs has decided to open a needlepoint shop!  It will be called Three Palms Needlework. 

https://www.instagram.com/threepalmsneedlework/

UPDATE:  The shop website is now live.

https://threepalmsneedlework.com/

UPDATE:  The shop is located at 3269 81st Ct East, Bradenton, FL 34211.  It will open May 6, 2024 and will be open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and by appointment.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6fRqLvNVjt/

Good luck!  We never can have too many shops!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

The Colors of Praise Team

Melissa from the Wool and the Floss interviewed Marie Barber and her daughter Malin who are Colors of Praise at the Spring 2024 trade show in Charlotte, NC for her shop Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C46f9PprpI3/

Here are the Anna clutches--

https://colorsofpraiseneedlepoint.com/products/anna-clutches

Here's the Pointing It Out podcast interview Melissa mentioned so you can get to know Marie and her daughter better.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIw0kHGyxQQ

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 24, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New from NJNA

The latest NJNA newsletter covers ANG news, shows off some of the new canvases available for order at the Spring trade show, and talks clubs and classes.

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2024/03/23/whats-happening-at-njna-3-23-24/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 24, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.