Larchmont Public Library Needlepoint Exhibit.

Stitch by Stitch is planning a needlepoint exhibit in October at the Larchmont, NY public library's Oarsman Gallery.  The exhibit is for local stitchers who can drop off and pick up their pieces.  The details are here:

Dear Stitchers,

We're excited to announce a group needlepoint exhibition this October at the Larchmont Public Library's Oresman Gallery!

The show will be celebrating needlepoint in our community and is open to any local participant. If interested, you must be able to drop off and pick up your framed needlepoint in person (unfortunately we cannot ship pieces back and forth). Interest will be first come first serve.

Needlepoint can be any subject, size or technique. It should be framed and wired for hanging on the back. Exhibitors must be available to drop off their needlepoint at the Larchmont Library on Tuesday October 1st between 9 AM and 8 PM, and pick up the work in person on Thursday October 31st between 9 AM and 8 PM.

An exhibition opening reception will be held at the library on Saturday October 5th from 2-4 PM. We hope you will attend (bring your family and friends as well).

If you're interested in participating please email us with your name, the title of your needlepoint piece, and the dimensions of the frame. If you're not sure which piece you want to display, there is still time to decide! Please just email us your interest so we can reserve your space. You can select your project later!

We can't wait to see your beautiful framed needlepoint pieces and celebrate our talented customers!

Betty and Madalena

If you are interested, email Stitch by Stitch Larchmont.  I think their email address is stitchbystitch10538@gmail.com.  If you are going to be in the area next October, the exhibit will be available from October 1 until October 30.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 20, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: BeStitched's New Location Open for Business

Bestitched in Scottsdale, AZ has completed their move and are open at their new location!  They are now at 8658 E Shea Blvd, Suite 175, Scottsdale AZ 85260.  Their hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.  More details and some of the goodies available are on their website.

https://bestitchedneedlepointshop.com/

Go shop and have fun!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 20, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Creating a Gallery Wall of Framed Needlepoint

Poppy Monk Needlepoint has written a guide to arranging your framed needlepoint on a wall.

https://poppymonkneedlepointkits.com/blogs/the-5-minute-needlepoint-blog/from-bland-to-grand-a-guide-to-creating-a-stunning-needlepoint-gallery-wall

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Gay Ann Roger's Summer Sale Starts Tomorrow, June 20

Gay Ann Rogers is having one of her occasional sales through her website starting tomorrow, June 20, at 8 a.m. West Coast Time.  The focus will be on patriotic designs, with both small pieces and her larger sampler honoring Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, friends who worked to bring women the right to vote in the USA.  It's shocking to realize my grandmothers weren't able to vote until they were in their mid- to late thirties!

You can view GAR's sale preview and practice how to open the windows to navigate the sale through her website.

https://www.gayannrogers.com/index.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Tuscan Midnight: Stitching Kathy Rees

Jan the Stitch Lady is starting a new charted piece called "Tuscan Midnight."  It's from Kathy Rees of Needle Delights.

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2024/04/29/tuscan-midnight-the-beginning/

She is having fun!

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2024/05/08/more-tuscan-midnight/

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2024/05/12/tuscan-midnight-continues/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Landscape Features: A Notebook Class

Melita is taking a Cyberpointers online class with Gail Stafford entitled "Landscape Features:  A Notebook Class."

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/04/29/ang-cyberpointers-chapter-online-workshop-is-landscape-features-a-notebook-class-kit-by-gail-stafford/

It's interesting to see Melita's progress and hear how Gail designed various tree limbs and trunks.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/06/05/trees-and-leaves-from-landscape-features-a-notebook-class-by-gail-stafford/

Now we are doing bushes and water.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/06/12/water-distant-trees-and-bushes-from-landscape-features-a-notebook-class-by-gail-stafford/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

All That Shimmers

Melita and her ANG chapter are going to work Sundance's All That Shimmers, which is a painted canvas project designed to showcase Sundance's beads and findings and all they can do.  Melita is using the stitch guide that comes with the design but adjusting the stitches and threads to suit her personal preferences.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/04/27/all-that-shimmers-by-sundance-beads/

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/05/26/all-that-shimmers-by-sundance-beads-ribbon-2/

If you want to order this from The West, I'm sure they'll be happy to help you out.

http://thewestinc.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Stitcher of the Month from Stitch By Stitch Larchmont

Stitch By Stitch in Larchmont, NY now features a Stitcher of the Month from among their talented customers.  This month it's Denise Bleidner, who love to stitch dimensional things like pumpkins, eggs, purses, bunnies and bells, as well as ornaments.

https://stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/pages/stitcher-of-the-month-denise-bleidner

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Gingham Is My Safe Word (and more)

Oz Needle and Thread has a series of beginner videos to introduce folks to the basics.   There are also videos about how to finish a key fob and even a free "Gingham Is My Safe Word" chart for those who can't get enough gingham plaids in their life.

https://www.ozneedleandthread.com/pages/instructional-videos-and-resources

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

A New Cross Body Clutch from Penny Linn

Penny Linn is debuting self finishing cross body clutches today.  They are hand made in the Philippines by Likha.  There are three colors (the brown one varies a bit in shade), a thin gold chain if you need your hands free, a mother of pearl clasp, and satin lining.  A piece of fusible interfacing is included to protect the back of your stitching.  (It's just ironed on.)

https://www.instagram.com/p/C8Hsg-6MUX9/

Since these are launching after I wrote this, here's the link to the Penny Linn website's home page. Hopefully we'll learn what size insert works with the new clutches then.

https://pennylinndesigns.com/blogs/news/penny-linn-x-shop-likha

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Finishing From the Shop Owner's Perspective

The latest Pointing It Out Podcast talks about finishing from a shop owner's perspective.  It's fascinating to learn all the steps finishing goes through between the time a finished piece arrives at a shop until it returns to the stitcher made into something fabulous.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BvyQ87gxXI

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Berlin Embroidery Teaches Needle Cases and French Link Book Binding Stitch

If you've always wanted to create your own felt needle book, Tanja Berlin of Berlin Embroidery now offers a PDF file tutorial on French Link book binding stitch to make it easy to sew your needle book pages together in a decorative stitch.  

https://berlinembroidery.com/

Tanja sells little needle case kits with full instructions and includes the French Link book binding tutorial for free if you buy one of them.  Currently there are two needle cases available, both using needlepoint canvas for the front and back.  You can buy the designs, threads, instructions and canvas from Tanja but will have to source two thick pieces of felt and ribbon for assembly yourself.  You will also need Craft Tacky Glue.  

https://berlinembroidery.com/product-tag/needle-case/

If you have a needle case design in mind already, you can just order the instructions for the French Link book binding stitch to assemble your needle case for $7.88 USD. (Tanja is in Canada.)

https://berlinembroidery.com/product/needle-case-construction-downloadable-pdf-file/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Five Vases Three Ways

Years ago Melita took a class from the designer SharonG herself around Sharon Garmize's "Five Vases with Curly Bamboo" which you can see unstitched here.

https://www.amysgoldenstrand.com/store/p922/5_Vases_with_Curly_Bamboo.html

Melita used SharonG's guide for this beauty.  Sharon's a master of light coverage stitches as you can see with Vase One, the green one on the left with a feather design.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2017/03/15/vase-1-of-5-vases-by-sharon-g/

Some of Melita's chapter buddies are also stitching this.  Some are using Sharon's guide, some guides by Amy Bunger or Tony Minieri.  In this blog article Melita worked the ruby glass vase which has lots of beads.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2017/03/15/vase-1-of-5-vases-by-sharon-g/

For the teal blue vase with the dragonfly, Melita stuck to Sharon's light coverage although the guides by Amy and Tony have more solid stitching (and Tony has full coverage on all the vases apparently).

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2020/06/08/vase-3-of-5-vases-by-sharon-g/

The yellow floral vase was stitched next, including the bamboo stalks in the vase.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2020/07/12/vase-4-of-5-vases-by-sharon-g/

Melita can't find the blog posting on the final vase, the cinnamon one, but this article talks about it briefly and also talks about the different ways the stitch guide writers approached this design.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/04/22/sharon-g-canvas-vases/

Three versions of this design were  submitted to ANG's Needle Pointers magazine so if you subscribe you may see more of this lovely design in the January-February 2021 issue.

https://fliphtml5.com/bookcase/fmohu

By the way, this article also appeared in the CH Stitch Guides blog since it is about stitch guides and different approaches to stitching the same design.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 23, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

NJNA News for June

It's June, which means the New Jersey Needle Artists chapter of ANG has released their newsletter.

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2024/06/01/whats-happening-at-njna-6-1-24/

As always, there is plenty of ANG news, they show off a new Halloween club, they celebrate National Bubbly Day, tell you where to get wired silk purl and Tulip bullion needles, and explain the Thread Calculator.  It's a fun read.  Remember, use the side arrows when there is a picture as usually there are many more you can't see.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Stephanie Stitches Flower Petals (and Leaves)

Stephanie of Ridgewood Needlepoint has posted articles about stitching flower petals, complete with stitch diagrams and tips on how she used beads in the center of her sunflower.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-117/

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-118/

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-119/

Stephanie has switched to a design with flowers and leaves, so she also has leaf stitches for us.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-120/

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-121/

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-122/

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-123/

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-124/

Poppy Monk Needlepoint recommends a stitch they call Diamond Leaves for leaves and tree trunks.  Since we are talking leaves and flower petals, I thought I'd put that here as well.

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

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 23, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Purses, Totes, Clutches and More

The April newsletter for NJNA has arrived and it is full of ANG class information, both at the local and national level.

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2024/04/20/whats-happening-at-njna-4-20-24/

The big focus of the newsletter is all the self-finishing purses, totes, clutches and bags that are available.  There's a size and style for nearly everyone, whether you just need room for a phone, your sunglasses and credit cards or you end up carrying not only all your stuff but your spouse's, too.

Of course the newsletter covers a slew of new designs that came out at the April trade show, even clubs.  Heads up!  A little bird tells me those Ellen Skidmore canvases that the Meredith Collection distributes are going to be unavailable soon as the license expires so shop now.

https://themeredithcollection.com/collection/needlepoint-designs/ellen-skidmore

Something unusual is Moore Stitching's self-finishing compacts with designs to match.

https://moorestitching.com/search?q=compact&options%5Bprefix%5D=last

Moore Stitching has pill boxes, too.

https://moorestitching.com/search?q=pill+box&options%5Bprefix%5D=last

All in all, this is a fun issue to browse. 

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Melita Finishes Coasters and a Bookmark

Melita has finished two coasters and a bookmark without expensive self-finishing items, reminding us that we can do it ourselves if we wish.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/04/20/coasters-and-a-bookmark-finished/

They look good, too!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

The Reveal

Recently Marie Barber of Colors of Praise has started creating one-of-a-kind tapestries.  These are huge projects on needlepoint canvas that are going to be a labor of love for one lucky stitcher.  Here's the latest, revealed at a trunk show at Needlepoint.com.  It's three feet by four feet on 12 count canvas.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C56La1RroAb/

Here's a better look of Lady of Spring.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C56LXhKuheT/

The next original Marie Barber tapestry (also 3x4 feet on 12 count) is "Tigre che fa il bagno", or "Bathing Tiger."

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5_U9L3rfV4/

You can see a slightly closer view here.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5_U8CENqxc/

Needlepoint.com shows off the two small pieces Marie painted during the trunk show at the two shop locations.

https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/colors-of-praise-meet-greet-recap

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

BREAKING NEWS: Kreinik 8 and 16 Braids Being Made Again

Kreinik has announced on Facebook that their size 8 and 16 braids are being made again.  The factory relocation is over, the old machines are set up, new machines ordered, they have new shelves in place for new stock and completed spools, and Dena is redoing the inventory sheets so that every color available is listed.  Things are happening right on time!

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=861346182703177&set=a.556381386532993

Congratulations to Kreinik and Fleur de Paris for all their hard work in this transition.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Visiting Rainbow Gallery and Fleur de Paris

In early February 2024, Megan Holmes of The Needlepoint Clubhouse in St. Louis and co-hostess of the Pointing It Out podcast visited the headquarters of Fleur de Paris and Rainbow Gallery in Burbank, California.  Fleur de Paris has an open house for California shops each year which is why you see other shop owners browsing the canvases other designers sell during the tour.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2f_Mfl4URZM

In the video you'll see the amazing variety of things that Fleur de Paris distributes and watch Rainbow Gallery threads being made.  Now that Kreinik is part of the Fleur de Paris family and Kreinik braid making machines are now living here, this is a particularly pertinent tour.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Wire Trees for Display

While looking for something else on Etsy,  I stumbled across these makers of metal tree art which might serve as very nice ways to display your ornaments.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1591426462/large-metal-coat-rack-tree-hooks-decor?click_key=a1504726fe7f2ef834c2156ac3c57115d8c194d1%3A1591426462&click_sum=740dd19a&ref=shop_home_feat_5&pro=1&frs=1

https://www.etsy.com/shop/NouveauTique?ref=shop-header-name&listing_id=101133839&from_page=listing&section_id=10705852

A lot depends on your personal style and how much space you have, but hopefully these will give you ideas.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Appleton Teaches Corduroy Stitch

Appleton Wool's Instagram video demonstrates corduroy stitch.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C53SEjXob3S/

As a bonus for those who love Bargello designs, Appleton's also posted a series of photos of patterns done in their lovely wools.  Click the right side arrow (the one inside the photo, not outside the text box) to see them all.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5lqKpbNOsO/?g=5&img_index=1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Needlepoint Clubhouse Demonstrates Various Styles of Beading

Needlepoint Clubhouse demonstrates various styles of beading in this video on their Instagram account.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5ymzncr59-/

Don Lynch's basketweave beading will alternate the way the beads point.  Here's a diagram.  Note that to do a solid area in basketweave beading, work the rows up and down on the diagonal as if you are working regular basketweave.  You'll get the best results if you use size 14 or 15 beads that are faceted instead of round like a ball bearing.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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