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Saturday, May 18, 2024

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.

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.

Friday, May 17, 2024

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.

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.

Thursday, May 16, 2024

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.

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.

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Kreinik and Gloriana News

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

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?!

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.

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

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.

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.

Monday, May 13, 2024

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

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

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.

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.

Sunday, May 12, 2024

Tips for Left Handed Stitchers

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

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.

Saturday, May 11, 2024

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.

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.

Friday, May 10, 2024

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. 

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.

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.

Thursday, May 9, 2024

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.

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.)

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

Mopsey Designs has three pages of book themed ornaments.

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

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

Mopsey also has a Secret Garden ornament.

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

Wake Robin has one, too.

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

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

Saturnalia Stitching has gone all out with their Bookish collection.

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

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

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

Walker has several book canvases:


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

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

And Crude Canvases lives up to its name.

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.

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

Happy reading to all those bookworms out there!

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.

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Goodpoint's Key Fob Stitching Tips

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

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.

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Brenda Pilots Parcheesi Anyone?

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

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.

Sunday, May 5, 2024

Self-finishing Needlepoint Cuff Links

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

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.

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.

Saturday, May 4, 2024

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.

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

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.

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.



First we have waffle stitch.

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


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.

Friday, May 3, 2024

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.

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.

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.

Thursday, May 2, 2024

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. 

 I don't know where it will be located and the Facebook page doesn't appear to be live yet but you can follow the Instagram page for the shop.

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.

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.

Here are the Anna clutches--

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

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.

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

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.

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.

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Breaking News: Needlepoint Cottage is Closing

Needlepoint Cottage in Aiken, South Carolina just announced they are closing June 15, 2024.

We hope Ashley does well in the future and understand that when it comes to choosing where to spend your time, family always comes first.

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.

An Interview with Stitching Fox

Stitching Fox is interviewed by the local news station.  Watch the fun video here--

If you aren't familiar with this South Carolina shop, you can visit them remotely via their website.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 22, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, April 29, 2024

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.

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.

Sunday, April 28, 2024

Ripping Out: The Movie

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

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.

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.

Saturday, April 27, 2024

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.

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.

Friday, April 26, 2024

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.

Here is a closeup of the finished pine tree branch.

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.

Thursday, April 25, 2024

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.

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

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

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.

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Self Finishing a Key Fob: The Movie

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

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.

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Boxes from Cabranmary Woods

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

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.

Sunday, April 21, 2024

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.

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.

Saturday, April 20, 2024

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.

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.

Friday, April 19, 2024

How to Videos: Chain Stitch

Melissa at The Wool and The Floss demonstrates chain stitch.

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.

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.

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Travels for Needle Pointers

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

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.

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

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.

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--

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.

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

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.

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.

Monday, April 15, 2024

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

Sunday, April 14, 2024

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.

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.  

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.

Saturday, April 13, 2024

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.

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

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.

Friday, April 12, 2024

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.

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.

Thursday, April 11, 2024

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.

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.

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

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.

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.

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

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.

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.

Monday, April 8, 2024

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-

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

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.

Sunday, April 7, 2024

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.  

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

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.

Saturday, April 6, 2024

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.


*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.

Friday, April 5, 2024

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

Mary continues to look at Array Wool, Bello Lusso, ThreadworX, Renaissance Dyeing, and Simply Wool brands of crewel wools.

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


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.

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

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.

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.  

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.

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.

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

One Simple Stitch Revised

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

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!

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.

Monday, April 1, 2024

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.

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.

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.

Friday, March 29, 2024

Deborah's Vintage Pumpkins

Park Avenue Needlepoint sells Deborah's pumpkins made from recycled vintage needlepoint, adored with wonderful artificial flowers or fruit and dried pumpkin stems.  They vary in price depending on the cost of the embellishments and are one-of-a-kind treats that honor the stitchers who came before us.

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

Thursday, March 28, 2024

How to Create a Rhodes Circle: The Movie

Needlepoint.com is doing a Star Santa Club in 2024, releasing one of Associated Talent's Star Santas and a guide each month.  They've done a video demonstration of a Rhodes Circle Stitch here.

There are also diagrams of various sizes of Rhodes Circles, so you can see how to enlarge or shrink the stitch to fit the round area in your design.  

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

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

French Knots and Colonial Knots: The Movies

Melissa of The Wool and The Floss demonstrates how to make a single wrap French knot.

Then Melissa shows how to make a Colonial Knot.

If you want to see both stitches worked to compare the final look, Stella at WhyKnotStitches has you covered.  She's embroidering them on linen but the look will be similar on needlepoint canvas.

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

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Blue Cat in the Jungle Mystery Class

The April-May 2024 mystery project from Ruth at Bedecked and Beadazzled is going to be Johanna Virtanen's "Blue Cat in the Jungle."

As Ruth works the canvas and the mystery is revealed, I'll post updates so you can follow along.

First, Ruth works the background and the black rocks at the bottom of the canvas in subtle stitches.

Next, the cat comes to life.  Those eyes!


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

Monday, March 25, 2024

Silk Ribbon Tulips: The Movie

Mai Bordados has a fun video showing how silk ribbon embroidery tulips are made.  The video's speeded up; in reality SRE flowers should be done slowly so you can let the ribbon do its thing.

She does lots of flowers in silk ribbon so you might want to explore her Instagram account for more.

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

Sunday, March 24, 2024

Three Easy Ways to Embellish Your Needlepoint

Poppy Monk lists three easy ways to embellish your needlepoint canvases:  light coverage stitches, borders, and surface stitches.  You can read more detail here--

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

Saturday, March 23, 2024

Getting to Know Merry L

The latest Pointing It Out podcast interviews Ellen Davis, the co-owner of Merry L Needlework Accessories.

If you have a Facebook account, you can see more of Merry L's products here.

Here are some of the fabrics the collapsable ort holders come in.

Here's more about the needle cozies.

Here's the triangular frame weight.

Wooden laying tools with beaded tassels.

Japanese pen scissors with beaded tassels.

Felted ball scissor fobs.

Of course your favorite shop may stock these tools already.

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

Friday, March 22, 2024

Meet the Finisher: The Movie

Needlepoint.com has posted a short video interview with Molly, who is head of their finishing department, explaining how she came to the world of needlepoint.

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

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Watch Abigail Cecile Paint an Easter Rabbit

The designer Abigail Cecile has posted a YouTube video of her painting an Easter Rabbit canvas on 13 count as part of the promotion for her online canvas painting class.  It's fun to watch, even if you don't want to paint your own canvases.

If you are curious about the painting class, you can sign up for information on the Abigail Cecile website.

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

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Threadaholics Alert: Thread Gatherer's La Brume

Stitched Up Needleworks mentioned a new wool/metallic thread from Thread Gatherer called La Brume.

Each skein is 10 yards of fiber and is non-dividable.  It appears to be the diameter of crewel wool although I've not seen it in person.

Thread Gatherer's Instagram says it's thicker than their Silken Pearl Five.

You can also purchase some via Thread Gatherer's Etsy store.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 22, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Bras for Your Beads: The Movie

The Wool and the Floss demonstrates how to lasso your beads so that they stay in position on your canvas.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 19, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, March 18, 2024

French Knots: The Movie

Do French knots mystify you?  Ruth's video will make it clear.

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.

Sunday, March 17, 2024

A Free Chart for Spring from Eye Candy

Ada Hayden of Eye Candy has created another free chart, this time one celebrating spring.

Here's the direct link for the download.

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.

Saturday, March 16, 2024

Stitch by Stitch Profiles Lori R.

Stitch by Stitch in Larchmont, NY has started profiling customers and in March 2024, they introduce us to Lori Rozmus.  Click on the link below and learn about Lori's journey to needlepoint and see her wonderful pieces.

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.