Alice Peterson Show

I find the Alice Peterson website very hard to navigate--there are so many wonderful things!  Luckily for me, Stitch by Stitch Larchmont is having an Alice Peterson trunk show and have arranged a wonderful display of the designs available.  Pour yourself a favorite beverage, settle back, and enjoy the show.

https://manage.kmail-lists.com/subscriptions/web-view?a=SwCMrn&c=01H9XGTJRHYSSZSJCSGZK1PHG3&k=818df9a7ff3a4241af938c526d309c5c&m=01KE4YAKRTRVT2RYWSV2TJBYHS&r=01KE5JYYGY5XE4AA90KVYPX0WV

Stitched Up is also have a special trunk show of discontinued Alice Peterson canvases, so you can see some older favorites here.

https://mailchi.mp/stitchedupneedleworks/alice-peterson-special-sale-j9zaom3pv6?e=07414d94b0

The range of delightful items is huge, isn't it?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright Jauary 5, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Playing Cards and Business Cards

Melita has created several self-finishing items for cards in 2024.  First, she stitched this Stitch and Zip case from Alice Peterson to hold a friend's business cards.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/12/20/stitch-zip-sewing-card-case/

Then she stitched this charming Lee/Colonial Needle case to hold playing cards for her husband's magic tricks using a chart that looks like playing card suits. 

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/12/21/ang-2024-seminar-in-kansas-city-mo-and-grab-n-go-lee-credit-card-case/

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/12/27/lee-credit-card-case-a-magical-finish/

Very clever use of self-finishing items!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Breaking News: Cathy at Alice Peterson Retires

Alice Peterson just announced on Facebook that their founder, Cathy Rapoza, is retiring!  Her daughter Stephanie Ruetz is taking over.  Congratulations, ladies!

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=838979004890194&set=a.392473289540770

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.

Needlepoint Bags, Clutches, Purses, Satchels and Totes

Stitch by Stitch in Larchmont, NY has a lot of customers stitching purses, tote bags or clutches, so they have written a long article with plenty of photos about the designs and bag styles available.

https://manage.kmail-lists.com/subscriptions/web-view?a=SwCMrn&c=01H9XGTJRHYSSZSJCSGZK1PHG3&k=818df9a7ff3a4241af938c526d309c5c&m=01HMXZ09T1NT9YTJS9E8CQHE44&r=37hx5vUz

It's a great read, full of wonderful eye candy whether you are in the market for a purse of your own or not.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Stitch by Stitch Stitcher of the Month for January 2024

Stitch by Stitch in Larchmont, NY has continued with their Stitcher of the Month profile, this time introducing Katie Oringel.  Katie's family and her Jewish faith are the inspiration for most of her work.

https://stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/pages/stitcher-of-the-month-katie-oringel?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&_kx=aciAEP_6-iF8xhuhZaomyeVfXs3OTnBm8ABNyi7AVoeLP-pURN12gtHcuDiqxXhe.SwCMrn

By the way, the two women traveling series that Katie enjoyed stitching so much are from Alice Peterson.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Stitching Harry Potter

There must be thousands of Harry Potter fans in the world of needlepoint.  Recently I stumbled across a rare pair of crochet and embroidery kits which appear to have been properly licensed.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1394349885/2-harry-potter-needlework-kits-harry?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=needlepoint+harry+potter&ref=sr_gallery-1-12&sts=1&organic_search_click=1

This knitting kit is licensed, too.

https://needlepointjoint.com/products/harry-potter-knitting-magic-the-official-harry-potter-knitting-pattern-book

That got me thinking.  Are there needlepoint designs with Harry Potter themes?  The answer is yes, although some are barely legal due to copyright and some are obvious ripoffs.  Alice Peterson has several painted canvases.

https://needlepoint-for-fun.com/collections/in-stock-now/products/harry-potter-books-by-alice-peterson?ml_subscriber=2134865493108987762&ml_subscriber_hash=s6v6&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mid_century_modern_flowers_sayings_christmas_more_what_else_could_you_want&utm_term=2023-01-24

https://needlepoint.com/products/harry-potter-love

Elm Tree Designs has a bookmark sized design.

https://theeyeoftheneedle.com/product/bookmarks/harry-potter-3/

Rogue Needlepoint has a Platform 9 3/4 round.

https://nimbleneedlenj.com/rogue-needlepoint-harry-dr-who/

The Studio Midwest has a little topper that is a wizard robe.

https://myneedlepoint.com/harry-potter-topper.html

Mopsey Designs has a fun round celebrating the books.

https://bestitchedneedlepointshop.com/products/hogwarts

The aptly named Back Alley Transactions seller on Etsy has plenty of small items that may skirt the restrictions.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/BackAlleyTransaction?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=1283402470

The romantic Always deer is only one of several designs sold by ChloJo Needlepoint, also on Etsy.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChloJoNDLPT?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=1390811733

OTH Needlepoint has a nice quidditch design but many of their non-Harry pieces are clear copyright violations.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/916754165/harry-potter-golden-snitch-quidditch?click_key=11f4445f4469a3b8516fdea7329e517b0491a0dd%3A916754165&click_sum=18eb32f2&ref=shop_home_recs_1&frs=1&sca=1&sts=1

This Harry Potter world is a nice mashup of items you encounter in the books.  There is space to add your favorite books titles, too.

https://whatsthepoint.biz/shop/ols/products/harry-potter-world

Snarky Crafter Designs' enameled metal ones are particularly nice.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/754753055/my-wand-chose-me-wizard-needle-minders?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=harry+potter+needle+minders&ref=sr_gallery-1-4&sts=1&organic_search_click=1

Piney Stitch (also on Etsy) has miniature book needle minders, including this beauty.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/201027815/needle-minder-miniature-book-magic?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=harry+potter+needle+minders&ref=sr_gallery-1-7&frs=1&cns=1&organic_search_click=1

My personal favorite is this needle minder but check the seller for other Hogwarts-themed castles in a different style.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1046083675/wizarding-school-and-messenger-owl?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=potter+needlepoint&ref=sr_gallery-1-25&bes=1&organic_search_click=1

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1046089263/wizarding-castle-needle-minder?click_key=b902a2c7b841fe677515a2403a80e472070fcc46%3A1046089263&click_sum=616f78b2&ref=shop_home_active_3&crt=1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 24, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Portraits of Iris Apfel

This new portrait of Iris Apfel is from Kate Dickerson.  Miss Apfel just turned 100, by the way.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/4910815772328875/

So Gayla Elliott of Alice Peterson has a portrait of Iris, too.

https://www.facebook.com/AlicePetersonCompany/photos/a.123634779067411/687959705968246/

This Iris portrait from KCN isn't new but it's lovely.

https://www.facebook.com/stitchersgardenil/photos/a.764979160680978/1355380128307542/

Portraits of real people in needlepoint are very interesting as they showcase not only the salient features of a person, but they show each designer's style very well.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 9, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Four of a Kind

Robin has very cleverly come up with a finishing  idea that allows her to put four identically sized canvases into a little box.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/4227436780666781/

All Robin's canvases are from Gayla Elliott (now distributed by Alice Peterson) but you don't have to choose canvases from the same designer.  All you need is a theme (Christmas, four seasons, four animals, etc.) and four canvases of identical size that are not too small or large to make a box.  You could even pair two identical rectangles with two identical squares to make a rectangular box.  They just need to be the same height.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 12, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Planet Earth Self-Finishing Box Tutorial

Ever worried about how to attach a canvas to the lid of one of those Planet Earth Fiber self-finishing boxes?  Someone asked on Needlepoint Nation and got lots of help.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/3312862558790879/

In case you've never seen these, they look like this and also come in lime green, orange and pink.

https://needlepoint.com/products/planet-earth-leather-jewelry-case-navy

The Pointing It Out podcast (available on YouTube) has a whole series about self-finishing items if you want to see more options.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SMSdhD6Fr0

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com 

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com 

© Copyright September 15, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Gayla Elliott is now with Alice Peterson

Alice Peterson just announced that they are now distributing canvases by Gayla Elliott.
https://www.facebook.com/AlicePetersonCompany/videos/437173700313266/UzpfSTExNzQ2MDUzMTYxOTcxNDoyODgxOTI1OTE1MTczMTQ4/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 18, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Melita's Tips

Melita picked up a Stitch and Zip eyeglasses kit to use as a travel project.  Instead of using the threads included in the kit, she choose threads from her stash and bought some Silk and Ivory to fill out colors she didn't have already.  She has a wonderful tip for minimizing pilling of Silk and Ivory.  She also recommends turning the design and stitching it from the original bottom down toward the original top so that the top edge looks good.
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2019/07/21/watercolor-poppies-stitch-zip/

If you aren't familiar with Stitch and Zip kits, here are the current designs available from Alice Peterson.  They are 14 count printed designs that come with cotton floss for stitching.  There are five styles for each design, plus there are Christmas mini sock and ornament kits available.  There is no finishing, you just zip them up after stitching.  However, some folks go to the trouble of lining their coin purse or glasses cases, just to get a smooth inner surface.
https://www.stitchandzipkits.com/stitch-and-zip-kits/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 21, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Made in the USA: Stitch and Zip Kits

Alice Peterson just posted photos of the steps in making Stitch and Zip kits.  Use the right side arrow to see them all.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2241454485931126&set=pcb.2241455069264401&type=3&theater

If you aren't familiar with the Stitch and Zip kits, you can see them here.  They are fabulous small travel projects although it can be tricky to stitch the edges near the zipper and backing.
https://www.stitchandzipkits.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 29, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

BREAKING NEWS: Abigail Cecile Gifts A Free Notre Dame Design UPDATED

Since the roof and spire of Notre Dame Cathederal burned this week, folks have been looking for canvases to commemorate the cathedral as it was.  Bucherie in Paris has several small pieces and one large canvas.
http://bucherie.com/products.asp?cat=34

Sally Corey has one as well.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/976880512389107/

If you are a fan of counted canvaswork, Threedles has "Cathedral" in the Notre Dame color way.
https://threedles.com/04012016/Frames/threedles_frameset.html

Now Abigail Cecile has gifted us all a line drawing of the current profile of the cathedral.  Go to her website on your laptop or desktop (link below), put your cursor on the middle of the image, then holding the cursor down, drag the image off her website and to your desktop.  There's a link to her explanation on how to transfer this to needlepoint canvas here as well.
https://www.abigailcecile.com/pages/notre-dame-free-printable?fbclid=IwAR2vVgxaDIpSZ2EKyuljZlpA4JS_LsJ4TtkdXaCcsruUJE6MTMd4xFH43RI

Thanks, Abby!

UPDATE:  Alice Peterson is providing a printed outline Notre Dame canvas.
https://bestitchedneedlepointshop.com/products/notre-dame-round?fbclid=IwAR3dDMIAJzJ_7KcrLXYUXF2pfYmBUXDL7phtgCS2cwy4J3OB1VumWcWXVjA

By the way, Tricia Nguyen of Thistle Threads was right there when Notre Dame started burning if you need a good photo of how it was when choosing colors for your version.
http://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2019/04/april.html

UPDATE #2:  Deux Amis has a new large Cathedral of Notre Dame canvas.
https://www.facebook.com/needlenookoflajolla/photos/a.874331942611533/2481653438546034/?type=3&theater

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 17, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Unicorns in Needlepoint UPDATED

Apparently April 9 was Unicorn Day (how did I miss THAT?!) so Accoutrement Designs has posted their unicorn themed magnets and fobs. Unicorn canvas by Oasis.
https://fobfriends.blogspot.com/2019/04/happy-unicorn-day.html

Black Rose Needlepoint has a new design—"Sophie's Unicorn." This normally comes on 13 mesh but it can be done on 18 count or 10 count for a child to stitch.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/642343941/sophies-unicorn-7-round-on-13-mesh?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=sophie%26%2339%3Bs+unicorn&ref=sr_gallery-1-2&organic_search_click=1&frs=1&fbclid=IwAR2zzMh1xHx7ax9rRjRjs_Revo591XoQUnzl0LTq9lvj7F8fMCn81a6GpXY


Needlepoint.com has a folk art version of a unicorn ornament as an online class.
https://needlepoint.com/products/folk-forest-unicorn-needlepoint-kit

Nenah Stone has a lovely one that's not too large at seven inches square.
https://needlepoint.com/collections/com-featured-categories-nenah-stone-designs-trunk-show/products/nenah-stone-designs-unicorn

A. Bradley has a darling small unicorn mini sock.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10218722251069151&set=pcb.2238783592865453&type=3&theater

My Pink Sugar Life has a sweet one.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/530114315/hand-painted-unicorn-needlepoint-canvas?ref=shop_home_active_18&fbclid=IwAR1d7l5V23a6jMi66JQEAxHW_TaBzpXSvQOc-B9-1wPp3HGBQ8p6YhQs7cM

Actually, their shop has the most unicorn small pieces I've found.  You can find a Kathy Schenkel tooth fairy unicorn or mini sock with a castle in the background, Rachel Donley's round unicorn ornament with space for a monogram (or perhaps a tiny photo?), and several versions of Princess and Me's little uni ornament, plus Burnett and Bradley's silvery Harry Potter-worthy unicorn rearing.  Plus you can get their folk art unicorn as a plain canvas.
https://needlepoint.com/pages/search-results-page?q=unicorn

Here's the Princess and Me uni made up into a pillow.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10216345068997524&set=p.10216345068997524&type=3&theater

And as an ornament.

https://stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=86435

Susan Roberts offers the Tapestry Tent unicorn Christmas stocking.
https://needlepointus.com/proddetail.asp?prod=AXS331CK

Oasis Needlepoint has a unicorn portrait that appears to be rather large.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10216104884928181&set=p.10216104884928181&type=3&theater

LizArt has a small charted one, suitable for a beginner.
http://www.lizartneedlepoint.com/Counted_Needlepoint.php

So does Burnett and Bradley (formerly A Collection of Designs).
https://burnettandbradley.com/products/always-be-a-unicorn?fbclid=IwAR1kcAoMBphfgnlg0opGqyghinK7WNje7rfQ09x7__jfKVpUNfF37MJIJjc

The famous unicorn from the Cluny Tapestries is still available for those who love Medieval designs.
Search around though.  You can get it cheaper than this.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-Bucilla-Needlepoint-Kit-Unicorn-sealed-Barbara-Baatz-1998/163603748954?epid=1323004948&hash=item26178b185a:g:UCIAAOSwSP9bbhgV

Or just buy and download the chart.
https://www.koolerdesign.com/shopproductdetail?ProductID=2224

Alice Peterson has a version as well.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/676428221/unicorn-captivity-needlepoint-kit-alice?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=unicorn+needlepoint&ref=sr_gallery-1-45&frs=1

However, my favorite is the Ehrman kit from Candace Bahouth.
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/Products/Unicorn__UNI.aspx#.XK329i-ZN3l

UPDATE:  Rebecca Wood has two new unicorn ornaments and a unicorn with rider piece.  The She Unicorn has a pink and green mane while the He Unicorn ornament has a purple and green mane.
http://www.rebeccawooddesigns.com/uploads/1/1/9/4/11948070/1055a-she-unicorn_orig.png

http://www.rebeccawooddesigns.com/uploads/1/1/9/4/11948070/1055b-he-unicorn_orig.png

http://www.rebeccawooddesigns.com/uploads/1/1/9/4/11948070/1055c-unicorn-ride_orig.png

Labors of Love has a brand new smallest unicorn with flowers.

https://stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/optioncart/image.php?image=/images/2019/79094.jpg&id=79094&item=Unicorn%20w/Flowers&price=101.00&itemtype=hand%20painted%20canvases&cat=LL418&ret=https://www.stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?page=1&id=79094

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 10, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Mahjong Stitcher

While looking for something else, I stumbled across this blog by a mahjong player.  See all the postings about Linda Fink Steinger' custom needlepoint game bags?
https://mahjonggandme.com/tag/needlepoint/

Alice Peterson has several mahjong canvases, including this stitch and zip and (second link below)...
http://alicepetersoncompany.com/products/sz144-mah-jongg/

…these beauties.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1104089483000971&set=a.1093597670716819.1073741826.100001997882176&type=3&theater

https://nashvilleneedleworks.com/shop/canvas/oriental/cherry-blossom-mah-jongg/

JP has some lovely needlepoint designs.
https://www.needlenook.com/product/jp-needlepoint-mahjong-tiles/

https://www.annieandco.com/products/jp-needlepoint-bl-044-mahjong-belt

Lani also has some pretty game canvases.
https://www.theneedlepointer.com/product/mahjong-bag-peach/

https://www.theneedlepointer.com/product/mahjong-bag-lantern/

https://mahjonggandme.com/2015/07/25/do-you-needlepoint/

Sally Corey has a fun tiles pattern piece.
http://needlepointdesigningwoman.com/product/10089-mah-jongg-tiles-needlepoint/

So does Susan Roberts.
http://www.susanrobertsneedlepoint.com/designs-by-category/item/mahjong-welcome.html

JHL has a nice belt.
http://www.stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=21434&title=Mahjong&itemtype=hand%20painted%20canvases

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 3, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Parade Magazine Discovers Needlepoint

The online version of Parade magazine has discovered needlepoint.
http://parade.com/529660/kellydinardo/photos-needlepoint-not-just-for-grannies-anymore/

The link at the bottom (Launch Slideshow) of the article shows off commercial products from companies like Smathers and Branson.  Very plain and basic stuff, but at least they noticed.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 10, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

My Personal Favorites from Destination Dallas 2016

Cool Drink - Erin Nelson

Now that the Destination Dallas show is over and we are moving into the fall holiday season, I wanted to point out designs I really really liked. This is a personal list, just things that whisper "stitch me" when I look at them.  The first on the list is a new artist at Purple Palm Designs.  The "Cool Drink" zebra shown on the left is so appealing due to the cool colors Erin Nelson choose.
http://www.stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=34447&title=Cool%20Drink&itemtype=hand%20painted%20canvases

Pair of Quail from Quail Run Designs

How about the quails in this Quail Run design?  I just love them!
https://www.facebook.com/QuailRunNeedlework/photos/a.339586356091534.93299.326583717391798/1192581917458636/?type=3&theater

Alice Peterson Does Mahjong

I'm also crazy about the mahjong canvases from Alice Peterson.  There are three different designs.  I think the one on the right is my personal favorite.  I like the mix of red, yellow and gray, the gate and the lanterns.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1104089483000971&set=a.1093597670716819.1073741826.100001997882176&type=3&theater

Julie Mar's Peppermint Stick Mouse Sock

I have to say this peppermint stick mouse stocking from Julie Mar is the cutest thing ever!  Of course I love pink.
http://www.juliemardesigns.com/pc/KL166/NEW/White+Mouse+on+Candy+Cane

Laurel Birch Flowers

Continuing my fascination this September with floral and animal canvases are these two from Laurel Burch/Danji.
https://www.facebook.com/DanjiDesigns/photos/pcb.1073904005979351/1073903922646026/?type=3&theater

Another Laurel Burch from Painted Pony Designs

I love the simplicity of the horse and birds design.
https://www.facebook.com/DanjiDesigns/photos/pcb.1073904005979351/1073903919312693/?type=3&theater

Beauty, by Zecca

Zecca's new Beauty Bird is lovely and the saying is quite inspirational, too.
http://zecca.net/needlepoint/new-canvases/

Deco Detective, from Eleanor Grosch

Unlike any of the other pieces, my last favorite treats are not straight from nature but are people--here's Eleanor Grosch's "The Deco Detective, " straight from the Golden Age of British detective stories.
http://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/deco-detective/

Lani's Lady with Peonies

And here is one of Lani's new Asian ladies.  They are stunners!
https://www.facebook.com/176661899060777/photos/pcb.1182714185122205/1182704798456477/?type=3&theater

Carolyn Hedge Baird says she noticed a lot of donkey canvases and lots of dogs in clothes when I asked her what trends she noticed at Destination Dallas.  What trends did you notice and what were your favorites?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright  July 26, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Trend Spotting: Sheena's Elves

Sheena James of Sheena's Sweet Stitches noticed another trend that totally escaped me among the huge number of new canvases debuting at the TNNA Winter 2016 show in San Diego--elves!

Mary Engelbreit 

Like everyone else, I was charmed by this elf and birds canvas from Mary Engelbreit.  This is distributed by Painted Pony, by the way.

Santa's Workshop Set, from Danji

A lot of shops noticed Danji's Santa's Workshop set, which naturally has elves!  Here are slightly larger photos of the boy and girl elf unstitched--

Danji Elves Up Close

Cute, aren''t they?  Alice Peterson also has elves.  Sheena found these although I don't see them on the Alice Peterson website yet.

Alice Peterson's Elves

The best part of the elves from Alice Peterson and Dani is that they appear to be rather small.  They will make a quick, fun stitch!

Patience Brewster/Kate Dickerson "Vixen's Painter Elf"

Kate Dickerson's elves are larger and more elaborate.  Don't you just love his paintbrush and oversized hat!  The elf above is from Patience Brewster's art, licensed by Kate for needlepoint canvas.  You can see more of Patience's whimsical pieces, some of whom are elves, at the Kate Dickerson website.
http://www.katedickerson.com/#!patience-brewster/c45o

The Elf from Labors of Love

After Sheena alerted me to the new elf invasion, I found another myself.  This little chubby guy is from Labors of Love.  Love his peppermint stick striped background!
http://www.laborsofloveneedlepoint.com/see-whats-new.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 20, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Paris Ornaments

Given the latest terrorist attack in Paris, you may wish to needlepoint Paris as a remembrance of those who were killed by evil men. Besides today's canvas of the day, there is a Silver Needle ornament on eBay. 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Silver-Needle-PARIS-FRANCE-handpainted-4-25-Needlepoint-Canvas-Ornament-/371198623002

Kirk and Bradley have a similar sized round ornament.
http://www.theneedlepointgallery.com/patrroorbyki.html

I think Trubey's is particularly elegant.
https://needlepointus.com/proddetail.asp?prod=FLTDOR06&cat=101

Alice Peterson has two charmers, one small and one large.
http://alicepetersoncompany.com/products/small-paris-retro/

http://alicepetersoncompany.com/products/ap2554-girls-in-paris/

I'm sure there are many more for the stitcher who wishes to remember and honor those who died with their needle art.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 14, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Stitch Gingerbread

You know all those really cute gingerbread men and houses canvases that you can't resist? Susan at Quail Run loves them, too!  In fact, she loves them so much that she posted a list of stitches she likes a lot for gingerbread.  So if you have a gingerbread piece in your To Do pile, Susan has ideas.
http://quailrunneedlework.com/blog/post/having-a-sweet-christmas


If you don't have a gingerbread canvas, not to worry!  Susan has a great little gingerbread stocking from Alice Peterson in stock at the shop.
http://shop.quailrunneedlework.com/search?type=product&q=gingerbread

Stitch Therapy has Kelly Clark's gingerbread man with his snowman friend.
http://www.stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=21202&title=Friends%20Forever&itemtype=hand%20painted%20canvases

Kirk and Bradley has a sweet little gingerbread house for your stitching pleasure.
http://www.kirkandbradley.com/whats-new/christmas-snowdome-gingerbread-house

Needlepoint Heaven has Danji's Gingerbread Man with his Candy Cane.
http://www.needlepointheaven.com/enlarge1/10365-gingerbread-man-and-candy-cane-DJGL85.html

Elizabeth Turner has a stocking cuff with Santa and a whole group of little gingerbread men.
http://www.canvasesbegone.com/14498/Elizabeth-Turner-Santa-and-Gingerbread-Men-stocking-cuff-needlepoint-hp-18-ct.html

Finally, Raymond Crawford has designed a gingerbread woman.  Do a little searching yourself and you are bound to find something fun that suits your personal style.
http://www.annieandco.com/products/raymond-crawford-ho764

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 22, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.