Melissa's and Megan's Journey

I imagine a lot of folks are like me on Halloween, without any little kids coming to my door for candy, so let's do something totally different and listen to the two Pointing It Out podcasts where the hosts, Melissa MacLeod of The Wool and The Floss, and Megan Holmes of the Needlepoint Clubhouse, interview each other.  

The first video is all about Melissa.  You can learn a bit about her career before needlepoint, how she became a shop owner, the impact of Covid on needlepoint, the re-branding Melissa has done, and the fact that despite her business background, she goes to Market without a budget.  

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

You can even tour Melissa's stitching room via this Instagram video.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-k0vToRDji/

The second video is all about Megan.  You can get to know her, learn a bit about her shop and discover how she's gone from shop owner to canvas distributor to new owner of Susan Roberts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBALTmmV_30

The websites for The Wool and The Floss and the Needlepoint Clubhouse are here--

https://woolfloss.com/

https://www.needlepointclubhouse.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Easy Finishing Tip for Irregular Shapes: The Movie

The Nashville Needlepointer shows an easy way to outline an irregular shape on your mat board or foam core for finishing.  Hint:  Use a pin, then connect the dots and cut.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-S9V8mP7Hw/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Bead Stacks: The Movie

The Needlepointer demonstrates stacking two sizes of beads for a special touch on your canvas. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-Q_rQ3smUw/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

The Sampler Archives

Tricia Nguyễn of Thistle Threads interviews Lynne Andrew of the Sampler Archives project in this YouTube video.  You'll learn of Lynne's work to build an online, searchable database of American samplers with descriptions and good quality photos.  (Note that there is a transcript of the video below the video and blurb if you want to read along.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcqn3oqdTAY

When this video was filmed, there were approximately five thousand images available to the public with more being added all the time as museums and historical societies contribute their information and pictures.  Here's the Sampler Archives' website.

http://samplerarchive.org/

Now individuals can add information about samplers in their area to a list so that volunteers can reach out to the samplers' owners to get photos and whatever information is available.  (This is also listed on the Sampler Archives' website under "Sampler Search.")

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdoY6Fnx9Gq_58jaYKN-6RVVoYhV0EvuJSmNgYRpN40N1fVNg/viewform?pli=1

I know not all needlepointers are interested in samplers, but this is the history of both women and their needlework in America.  As Tricia says, sometimes "this is the only evidence the woman ever existed."  So donate money, contribute sampler information, and/or go to the Sampler ID Day in your area if you can.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Neon Rays and Neon Rays Plus: The Movie

Needlepoint.com's latest video talks about two Rainbow Gallery threads--Neon Rays and Neon Rays Plus.

https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/thread-talks-all-about-neon-rays-neon-rays-plus

The video explains the difference in the two threads and offers some tips for stitching with them.  If you are tempted to buy a card or two, just to see, KC Needlepoint has photos of many of the colors of both threads on their website.

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/search?type=product,article,page&q=neon%20rays*

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/collections/neon-rays-1

If you don't have a favorite shop you support, shop around as prices vary a little.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Is That Your Slip Showing? Or Your Jessica?

Debbie Rowley of DebBee's Designs shows how you can alter the top layer of a three layered Jessica stitch to show more or less of the colors of the middle layer.

https://debbeesdesigns.com/dont-be-afraid-of-jessicas/

This intrigued me.  I had no idea that you could layer Jessicas, using a different colored thread for each layer to get fun effects.  Smart of you, Debbie!  Upon doing a little research I discovered that Debbie Rowley has even done a four layered Jessica in one of her designs.  Here is how Ruth Schmuff diagrams Jessicas, just so you get the general idea.  

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2016/07/lets-talk-jessicas-2/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

How to Make Ringlet Curls: The Movie

Ruth Schmuff demonstrates how to make thick coils of curl for your canvas the easy way.  Glue is involved but this is how handmade doll curls are made and I've never heard of bugs bothering their hair.  

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-LjqOMvq5C/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Breaking News: Anchor Tapestry Wool Discontinued

Breaking News!  Jolly Red says that Anchor tapestry wool is being discontinued!

https://mailchi.mp/jollyred.co.uk/time-to-relax-4882906?e=017cfa488f

This is a bigger deal for UK companies that use tapestry wool from Anchor for their kits, but Jolly Red will use up their stock of Anchor tapestry wool, then switch to Appleton wool (which I prefer, but I know this is a personal choice).

I've not been able to confirm this news anywhere (Anchor doesn't appear to have a website) but I don't doubt that Jolly Red knows what they are talking about.  If you love Anchor's tapestry wool, good luck grabbing what you can now!

As far as I can find out, Anchor cotton floss is not being discontinued. 

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Unique Self-Finishing for Halloween (Plus Glow-in-the-Dark Threads)

Lisa at Deux Bijoux Bijoux shows off a unique self-finishing frame for your Halloween stitching pleasure.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DAhEH9dPKC4/

The kit (canvas, threads and frame) is available from The Scissorists.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DAI3q0htEHl/

By the way, Kreinik has a new glow-in-the-dark section about these threads they sell on their website.  This gives tips on use, how others make them glow (or glow longer), and explains why these threads often have a green cast.

https://www.kreinik.com/store/shop-needlework/glow-in-the-dark-threads/how-to-use-glow-in-the-dark-threads

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

The October 2024 Stitcher of the Month at Stitch by Stitch

The Stitcher of the Month at Stitch by Stitch in Larchmont, NY is Linda Bieler, whose life was changed by needlepoint.

https://stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/pages/stitcher-of-the-month-linda-bieler

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

She Hasn't Left Us

She hasn't left us--her influence lingers and spreads:  the obituary of Judith Coolidge Carpenter Herdeg has been written by Tricia Nguyen.  If you are at all interested in 17th Century embroidery, especially caskets, you'll want to read about this remarkable woman.

http://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2024/04/judith-coolidge-carpenter-herdeg.html

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.

Bobbin Tower

The Wool and The Floss has a customer who loves to bead and organize who highly recommends Clover's Stack 'n Store Bobbin Tower for storing spools of colored beading thread.

https://woolfloss.com/products/bobbin-tower?_pos=1&_sid=33091a123&_ss=r

Here is a slightly better photo.  The tower holds around 30 beading thread spools although I suspect it is intended for sewing machine bobbins.

https://www.officesupply.com/craft-supplies/sewing-quilting/notions/sewing-machine-notions/clover-stack-store-bobbin-tower-nancy-zieman/p415842.html?ref=pla&scid=scbplp415842&sc_intid=415842&msclkid=2880066f331418228eeb60ca32667db0&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SC%20Shopping%20-%20Everything%20Else%20-%20Broad&utm_term=4585100934733526&utm_content=Everything%20Else%20-%20Broad

Shop around.  Prices vary quite a bit and sometimes you can find different colors.

And for those who don't bead, here are the types of beading thread spools these are designed to hold.

https://i.etsystatic.com/13846188/r/il/b36ec7/2290752588/il_1588xN.2290752588_l4vk.jpg

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Why We Love Open Stitches

Poppy Monk Needlepoint talks open stitches, the kind you use for light coverage.

https://poppymonkneedlepointkits.com/blogs/the-5-minute-needlepoint-blog/lets-be-open-about-this-why-we-love-open-needlepoint-stitches

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Design Steps

If you thought coming up with a needlepoint design was quick, here's how Mopsey does it--

https://www.instagram.com/p/C92qLcjpet9/

For those who don't have an Instagram account, here is the process in Mopsey's own words:

🎨I first doodle in my sketchbook, which may sit there for an hour or may sit for up to a year. 
🖥️Once I am ready to tackle the design, I roughly draft it on the computer in a charting software. 
🌀From there, I paint the canvas to make sure it will work when stitched, then tweak it on the computer, then back to painting, then back to the computer... you get the deal. 
🌈Once I'm set on the design, I work through color theory to make sure I'm bringing the design to life. I finalize a painted master and *voila* a new needlepoint design is born!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Pointing It Out Interviews Danny Ravan of Fleur de Paris

Megan of the Pointing It Out Podcast interviews Danny Ravan of Fleur de Paris, Rainbow Gallery, Kreinik and Picture This Plus Fabrics.

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

It's a fascinating interview, particularly about Fleur de Paris' history and how things are evolving today.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Slate Frames in 2024

If you are a fan of beautiful hand made wooden slate frames, you'll want to read what Mary Corbet has to say about them, especially where you can get them these days.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2024/07/slate-frames-two-sources.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Just in Time for Halloween....

Needlepoint Crimes on Instagram picked up a great frame for a smallish Halloween piece.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6OKV9ULLmo/?g=5&img_index=1

Great find, Nancy!  I went looking for this frame and others from The Vault.  These resin frames are what I turned up.

https://www.flyclothing.com/products/the-vault-nosferatu-photo-frame-4x6-black?variant=40117594226896

https://www.flyclothing.com/products/the-vault-nosferatu-photo-frame-4x6-black?variant=40117594226896

https://alchemyofengland.com/search.php?search_query_adv=photo+frame

https://alchemyofengland.com/v111-cathedric-mirror/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Starting the Needlepoint Adventure

Needlepoint.com has a nice blog article up for beginners with some basic stitch diagrams and information about the tools you might need.

https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/starting-your-needlepoint-journey-a-beginners-guide

Really all you need is a canvas, threads, needle and scissors, but the other things make stitching a bit easier.  You can always pick them up as you work on your second (or third) project once you get hooked, though.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

2024 National Academy of Needlearts Winners

The National Academy of Needlearts (NAN) has announced their 2024 award winners.  If you click on each thumbnail photo, you'll see a closeup and be able to read about the piece.  If there are more than one ribbon winner in a category you can click on the right side arrow to see them all.  Click on the X at the top right hand corner to return to the summary page.

https://needleart.org/2024-exemplary-ribbon-winners/

UPDATE:  Celeste Chalasani has completed the Teacher Cum Laude program to much acclaim.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=943909474442570&set=a.562869925879862

https://needleart.org/teacher-cum-laude/celeste-chalasani/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 22, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Meet Kayla of Fire and Iris

It's always fun to meet the people behind the designs!  This is Kayla of Fire and Iris Designs.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C7PdjcOvG6f/

She does those cute tarot card ornaments, the outdoorsy designs and some very pretty simple patterns that can be worked from charts -- and then there's her unique "Half Painted Series," which is half painted and half not so you can buy a cheaper design and go crazy adding your own touches.  Here is Kayla's website, so go have fun browsing!

https://fireandirisdesigns.com/collections

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Wooden Coffins for Needlework

I just stumbled across these wooden DIY Halloween coffins for needlework on Etsy.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1565180233/cross-stitch-kit-halloween-coffins?click_key=57f614507087cff0067b1f6f080d336b9ae11c16%3A1565180233&click_sum=4733122a&ga_search_query=coffin&ref=shop_items_search_1&pro=1

It looks like these have to be assembled.  If it were me, I'd stain or paint them before adding needlework, too.  There's no guarantee that thicker needlepoint designs will fit in the opening, either.  I wasn't able to find out the opening size.  These are really made to be used with her cross stitch patterns I think, but it's still worth an experiment if you are in Mad Scientist Mode!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Needlepoint-themed Charm Bracelets

Stitches and Style shows off her needlepoint-themed charm bracelet.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C7rXvqWsbzw/

https://www.instagram.com/p/C7sLF3ZPoGF/

She bought her charms all over but you might check Lynette Palm Beach as they apparently stock them.  You can also browse Etsy and eBay.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1628037344/handmade-bobbin-silver-pendant-for?click_key=406071487c1c4d068b87350929c3a89960ae1707%3A1628037344&click_sum=72061b0f&ref=search2_top_narrowing_intent_modules_etsys_pick-1&frs=1&sts=1

If you don't need sterling silver or gold charms, lots of Etsy sellers have sets of themed charms.  You can combine them with beads and alphabet letters to make fun bracelets that spell out things like ANG or stitch or anything that means something to you and your stitching buddies.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1652593220/stitch-markersstitchers-paradise-stitch?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=needlepoint+stitch+charms&ref=sr_gallery-1-28&pro=1&sca=1&content_source=96bbafcdd7979e71727d95352a4907f3a6771297%253A1652593220&organic_search_click=1

Also ask your favorite shop.  About a dozen years ago my local stocked nice sterling silver charms that diagrammed stitches.  

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.

Breaking News: KC Needlepoint Has an App

KC Needlepoint has just announced they now have an app on both the Google Play Store and Apple's App Store which allows you to access both their Stitch Vault and the regular shopping website using your phone.  If you haven't visited their Stitch Vault, the link to their growing library of stitch diagrams is here--

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/blogs/stitch-vault

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

The Pointer Sisters Have a Third Book UPDATED

The Pointer Sisters have released their third little wire bound book.  This one is called "Fill in the Blanks."  There are thirteen chapters and 130 stitches diagrammed in the 161 pages of this book.  

https://www.atpneedlepoint.com/shop/p/fill-in-the-blanks-on-your-canvas-book

I've not seen the book but Homestead Needle Arts has.  The shop shows a glimpse inside in their latest newsletter.

https://mailchi.mp/e42dc8bea43a/new-club-xmas-sale-market-closure-more?e=810b807e3a

Congratulations to Timmy and Jan!

UPDATE:  According to Wool and Willow, the book includes stitches for birds, baskets, flowers, grass, buildings, skies, snow, water and more.

https://www.woolandwillow.com/products/lets-fill-in-the-blanks-book?se_activity_id=183780737303&syclid=csmbkn6hlm6c73a752ig&utm_campaign=Don%27t+miss+out+on+our+exclusive+trunk+show+items+by+Ann+Kaye+Studio%21_183780737303&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

A Fun Magnetic Finishing Idea

The Needle House shows off a really clever finishing idea for this Studio Midwest dimensional ornament of a red Christmas car--the hanging loop is attached via a magnet so you can remove the loop and use the car as a standup!  Use the right side arrow to see the video where the loop comes off.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C9mhGieNUEr/?g=5&img_index=1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Corkscrews! (The Movie)

Ruth Schmuff has posted a video tutorial on corkscrew stitch on both her Instagram and YouTube channels, along with ideas how to use this fun stitch for all sorts of things.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C9ktcKIMCQ4/

The YouTube video is a bit longer but it is essentially the same video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzz0W7vRmUM

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Fillable Glass Lamps

Tracey's Stitches and Style Instagram shows how she filled a glass base lamp she got at Target with her orts.  Note what she says at the end of her video.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C9iAMqrR9nJ/

Target seems to have a huge selection of these "fillable" lamps in various sizes and shapes.  (Not all come with shades.)  Note that the one Tracey used could also be filled with a needlepoint canvas.  Stitch something that is that tall, crease the raw edges to turn them under, tuck it into the lamp and stuff bubble wrap or something similar in the middle to hold the canvas in position.  Easy peasy.

https://www.target.com/s/fillable+lamps

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Introducing the Finishing Fairy

Have you met The Finishing Fairy?  Her name is Amanda Metes and she finishes flat back ornaments, standup with acrylic stands, coasters, and signs.

https://linktr.ee/amandlpt

As a bonus, she does finishing tutorials, some filmed and some written.  Here is her YouTube channel.  Currently she has filmed how to join twisted cord and how to finish a flat back standup with an acrylic stand.

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

Her website has a free ornament finishing guide in PDF form plus links to her YouTube tutorials.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jc4HbHrs8sq7HJTFnYFKKKxc0FSCTLJS/view?pli=1

Her Instagram page is full of examples of her finishing plus she lists recommended products she uses to finish in the "Cutting - Products" circle above the photo area.  If you don't have an Instagram account, she likes:  the Fiskars two sided self healing cutting mat that's 18x24 inches, Fiskars craft knife, Fishars thread snips, 8x12 inch backing boards, and a compass for measuring the backing board for round ornaments.

https://www.instagram.com/finishingfairy/

She also recommends pre-made cording by One Part Whimsy. 

https://www.onepartwhimsy.com/collections/all

https://www.etsy.com/shop/OnePartWhimsy

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Breaking News: Fund Raisers for Hurricane Victims

The New Jersey Needle Artists Chapter of ANG has published their October newsletter.  It's full of the usual ANG news, clubs and more, but the most important thing they've done is a roundup of fund raisers for hurricane victims after Helene wrecked their lives.

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2024/10/05/whats-happening-at-njna-10-5-24/

Give what you can.  Needlepoint.com reports they have raised over $65K, which is amazing.  Thank you.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Locking Ribbon on Your Needle and Canvas

Fire and Iris Designs has a video on their Instagram account that clearly shows how to lock your silk ribbon on your needle and then secure it on your needlepoint canvas.  Silk ribbons aren't as wiggly as beads but you do need to take a few extra steps before stitching with it.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C7FJH5tr-Jy/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Attaching a Beaded Bezel to Your Needlepoint

Ruth Schmuff shows how to attach a crystal to your canvas using a beaded bezel.  At the end of the video you'll see her pink Christmas tree canvas with two crystal ornaments attached this way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uk-kCgZuXPM&t=14s

I didn't know what a chaton was until I looked it up.  It is your traditional faceted crystal with a pointed back side--think a large rhinestone in the traditional diamond shape.  

https://www.potomacbeads.com/how-to/better-beader/better-beader-episode-127-what-is-the-difference-between-rivoli-chaton-flatback-crystals.html

You'll need Delica beads (they are Japanese beads shaped a bit like a barrel) and size 15 seed beads.  Here's the traditional Delica shape.

https://www.potomacbeads.com/seed-beads/delica-beads/miyuki-size-8-0/dbl0853-miyuki-delica-beads-matte-transparent-dark-topaz-ab-8-0.html

The One-G thread Ruth uses is a brand of Japanese beading thread made by Toho.  You can buy just one spool, but I thought this display of some of the available colors was pretty.

https://www.potomacbeads.com/wire-stringing/one-g-thread-assorted-colors-pack-of-12.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Smart Cookie Award for October

Robin won the Smart Cookie Award for October 2024 with her Container Store find--

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/7838250832918673/

They are called Small Interlocking Drawer Organizers, made of plastic that you can break apart to make cross pieces or to fit inside your organizer box to keep your threads in order.  Note that they come in two widths, both with the same length.

https://www.containerstore.com/s/kitchen/kitchen-drawer-organizers/slotted-interlocking-drawer-organizers/12d?productId=10026838

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

BREAKING NEWS: A Fund Raiser for Western North Carolina

Needlepoint.com, which was founded in Raleigh, NC (middle of the state), is having a fund raiser for the hurricane damage in the western part of the state near the Tennessee line.

https://manage.kmail-lists.com/subscriptions/web-view?a=TxAVmM&c=01EY909FHC6PR7KJ94JR0X7ZVR&k=7a10b448c26bc37500fd2dd53e549d49&g=V7hYYX&m=01J94XW96GS85CWWZ0206B45ZZ&r=3ecufwnG

I won't bore you with tales of the destruction which I hear from friends and relatives in the area, but trust me, it's horrible.  No power, Internet, running water, medication, roads--they lost it all.  So go buy something or donate to other charities that are trying to help the mountains recover.

UPDATE:  Needlepoint.com has raised over $65,000.00 to help those whose lives have been upended.  Thank you!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Trish Vine Designs

Melita went to a trunk show at Edwardian Needle where she was able to score project bags and a tissue holder from Trish Vine Designs.  The project bags are clear so you can see what you are grabbing as you run out the door.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/05/21/trish-vine-bags-edwardian-needle-run/

Trish doesn't have a website but you can message her via her Facebook page if you are interested in her projects.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/294933965041086/

I had never heard of finger lights but they are little LED lights that you wear on a finger.  They are inexpensive and come in a variety of colors.  You can't replace the batteries in many of these and you should check to see if they work before you buy as apparently not all do.  This is the closest photo to what Melita bought that I could find.

https://glowsource.com/finger-lights/

The Edwardian Needle doesn't have a website now but you can call them and inquire about any products.

https://www.needletravel.com/shop_page.htm?shop_id=6ynv02tb

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 22, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Stitch Boutique Has a New Website

Stitch Boutique, which has three shops in Massachusetts plus a wholesale line of canvases, now has a new website to browse.  Of course the shops in Boston, Wellesley and Winchester, MA have lots more than one website can cover but this is a great way to visit if you can't go to any of their store fronts for in person browsing.

https://stitchboutique.com/

Don't miss their Digital Learning Library under "Our Community."  It has some nice articles on various topics and cyber workshops are promised soon.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

NJNA's September 2024 Report

The latest newsletter from the New Jersey Needle Artists chapter of ANG is just out.  It is full of ANG chapter news, including a class they took from Ann-Marie Anderson Mayes of Beautiful Stitches.

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2024/09/22/whats-happening-at-njna-9-22-24/

There's also news about Kreinik on cards, a look at Krissy Johnson's new book full of fonts for personalizing your stitching, a new club, Halloween designs, self-finishing totes and pouches, and a look at new canvases that just premiered at the Fall Needlepoint Reunion in Texas.  It's a fun read and a quick way to catch up on the latest if you don't have time to read Blog.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Gay Ann Rogers' Sale October 24, 2024

Gay Ann Rogers has announced her fall sale will start October 24, 2024.  That's a Thursday; the sale normally runs through the next Sunday.  Be an early bird, though.  She has a lot of fans for her counted canvaswork designs and will run out of most things before the sale ends.

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

The sale this October will focus on Tudor themes, as you can see from her home page where she is highlighting what will be in the sale.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 22, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.