Rittenhouse is For Sale UPDATED

Ever wanted to own a needlepoint store?  If you happen to live in the Philadelphia area, you are in luck--Rittenhouse Needlepoint is for sale!

https://myneedlepoint.com/

The owners Russell and Stephen want to retire but they want the shop, the websites and of course the Barbara Russell and Changing Women Designs lines of canvases they own, to have a good home.  Contact buyaneedlepointstore@gmail.com to get the ball rolling.

UPDATE:  A majority ownership in the shop is sold to three new folks with Russell and Stephen owning a bit of the business still.  Details to come.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CusDxkFJjn9/?img_index=1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 8, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Rittenhouse has Big News

Rittenhouse Needlepoint has lots of news this month.  The shop is moving eight blocks to the east and will be very close to the Reading Terminal Market now.
http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=9b9b7549e5c8f818070e0508c&id=7e9f15be9b&e=dc528215e5

Here's a video of Rittenhouse's new home.  This is Before Renovation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOxXQki9e1o

Plus, they now own the Barbara Russell line of canvases. You can browse the Rittenhouse collection of Barbara Russell on their website
https://rittenhouseneedlepoint.com/canvas.html?limit=200&manufacturer=2766&p=1&utm_campaign=7e9f15be9b-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_03_11&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Rittenhouse+Newsletter+Group+2&utm_term=0_6b3a1bb991-7e9f15be9b-338326693&vendor_manufacturer=1275

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 13, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Barbara Russell Remembered UPDATED

The Nimble Needle has written a very retrospective about the designer Barbara Russell and her work. I updated my notice of Barbara's death with the link, but I am doing a separate blog entry here so you can read a bit about Barbara from the perspective of a shop owner and see something of the range of her work.
http://nimbleneedlenj.com/barbara-russell/

Once again, here is Barbara's website in case you want to explore further.  If you haven't, you should. Her designs are gorgeous and varied.  There's something wonderful for every stitching style.
http://barbararusselldesigns.com

UPDATE:  Dianne posted photographs of a set of six custom chair seats designed by Barbara and stitched by Dianne and her mother on Facebook.  They are amazing!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10208758297373866&set=pcb.1079541848789639&type=3&theater

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 23, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

BREAKING NEWS: Barbara Russell Has Died UPDATED

Holley Russell just posted this on Facebook and I am reporting it in full for those who don't have Facebook accounts.

"A message from Holley and David Russell, children of Barbara Russell.

Yesterday (June 11) we lost a pillar of the needlepoint arts, a creative artist of extraordinary vision, a successful entrepreneur, a friend to many, and our mother.

After teaching her children to stitch at a young age, her artistic sense drove her to establish a nearly 50-year love affair with needlepoint, a way to share her vision and designs while allowing everyone to discover their own creative expression by threading yarn through canvas.

Based in Philadelphia, in 1969 she opened Barbara Russell Designs, a retail store that became a Chestnut Hill fixture and evolved into a wholesale supplier of unique and preeminent needlework designs. She was known as “The Dog Lady of Needlepoint” due to her 140+ various dog designs.

Holley and David want to thank all of you in her beloved industry for the friendship, camaraderie and community that stimulated Barbara Russell Designs to grow and thrive. For the time being, her children will continue on with her business.

When you get a chance, please raise a glass of red wine in her honor to toast your favorite joyous memory of Barbara."

UPDATE:  Holley added, "A celebration of Barbara Russell's life will be held 1PM Saturday June 18 at Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, 8000 St. Martins Lane, Chestnut Hill / Philadelphia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center."

I am so sorry!  Those who are not familiar with Barbara's work can browse her website and be amazed and enchanted by her work.  However, the rumor mill says her family is not continuing her designs or answering emails or calls about her work.
http://barbararusselldesigns.com 

UPDATE #2:  Silverfox has supplied a link to Barbara's obituary, which talks about her amazing life.
http://www.craftfuneralhomes.com/events/event/barbara-l-russell-memorial-service/

UPDATE #3:  Here's a little retrospective of Barbara's work from the perspective of a shop owner.
http://nimbleneedlenj.com/barbara-russell/

UPDATE #4:  Dianne posted photographs of a set of six custom chair seats designed by Barbara and stitched by Dianne and her mother on Facebook.  They are amazing!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10208758297373866&set=pcb.1079541848789639&type=3&theater

UPDATE #5:  Someone posted to Facebook's Needlepoint Nation that Anne Roha of Victori-Anne is able to get some of Barbara Russell's work if the design is already painted.  The family is trying to sell her design line apparently.  You can email the family directly at balivengood@msn.com to try and buy something you want, too.  This was posted by some of Barbara's family so I hope it is accurate.  Here is the Victori-Anne's Treasures Facebook page and eBay store.  The shop doesn't have a website.
https://www.facebook.com/VictoriAnnesTreasures

http://stores.ebay.com/Victori-Annes-Treasures


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 12, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Vicky Goes to Charleston

Vicky DeAngelis went to the ANG Seminar in Myrtle Beach via Charleston, South Carolina and managed to squeeze in a visit to Cabbage Row Shoppe Needlepoint. Thanks for the travelogue, Vicky!
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/where-do-i-begin/

You can see the portrait of Molly better on the Barbara Russell Needlepoint website.  Click on "Dog Collection" and then look for "Shih Tzu Puppy Cut."
http://barbararusselldesigns.com/browse.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 4, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

My Personal Favorites from Destination Dallas

"View of St. Andrews" by Otto Agular/Purple Palm

Let me show you my personal favorites from Destination Dallas. First up is this piece from Otto Agular, the new artist represented by Purple Palm Designs.  There are quite a few new pieces from him available to stitch but this one really caught my eye.  You can see all of them on Purple Palm Designs' Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/PurplePalmDesigns/photos/a.800127770017208.1073741834.796107397085912/1113256142037701/?type=1

Mary Lake-Thompson's Witch on a Bike

I also like the new Mary Lake-Thompson witch on her bicycle with her streaming red hair and the hissing cat in the tote bag up front.  Even the smiling pumpkin riding the rear makes me smile.  Melissa Shirley Designs posted information about this new design from their MLT line on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/370199729251/photos/np.1440792456018235.1277706333/10153603712969252/?type=1&notif_t=notify_me_page

Mary Tussey's "Drink Up Witches!"

What Halloween decor wouldn't be livened up by Mary Tussey's latest?  Giggles are guaranteed!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/247020819/handpainted-drink-up-witches-on-18ct?ref=shop_home_active_1

Elizabeth Turner Collection's Rabbit Portrait

Elizabeth Turner Collection has added a rabbit to their animal portrait line.  It's a real honey, too!
https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethTurnerCollection/photos/a.918574041516580.1073741827.487381781302477/1051485164892133/?type=1&theater

Liz Hess Painting, Distributed by Barbara Russell

Barbara Russell has adapted this wonderful Liz Hess painting to needlepoint canvas.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1227844017241045&set=gm.930422670368225&type=1&theater

Elizabeth Turner Collection

I really like this spooky still life from Elizabeth Turner Collection.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1077440088933634.1073741844.189965167681135&type=3

Melissa Prince's Robin Wreath

The bird wreath from Melissa Prince Design is lovely.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1077440088933634.1073741844.189965167681135&type=3

Share One's Ideas Rabbit Wreath

Wreaths must be in these days.  I really like the bunny wreath from Share One's Ideas, too.
https://www.facebook.com/189965167681135/photos/a.1077440088933634.1073741844.189965167681135/1077458952265081/?type=3&theater

Sharon Hendy-Moman's "Breeze Caught Kimono"

I'm a sucker for Asian themes on needlepoint canvas so I really liked Ruth Schmuff's latest artist, Sharon Hendy-Moman.  I particularly like her "The Breeze Caught My Kimono" which you see above.
http://www.bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/Products/?category=275

A Prancing Pink Poodle form Pajamas and Chocolate

Patt of Pajamas and Chocolate tickled my funny bone with this Pink Poodle with Attitude.  LOL
https://www.facebook.com/PajamasAndChocolate/photos/a.190193044488883.1073741830.182000068641514/490821214426063/?type=3&theater

Mindy's "Art Nouveau Tile"

I have always loved Mindy's designs.  Her new "Art Nouveau Tile" design is an instant classic.
http://www.mindysneedlepoint.com/shop/Mindys-Needlepoint-Designs/New-Designs/p/Art-Nouveau-Tile-x8914369.htm

Mary Engelbreit's "This Is The Life"

Painted Pony Designs has bought the rights to reproduce some of Mary Engelbreit's designs on needlepoint canvas.  It's hard to pick a favorite but "This Is The Life" is really fun and has the bonus of looking like me when I was ten.
http://www.amybunger.com/catalog/item/8948140/10215228.htm

Kimberly's "Little Dancer"

Kimberly Smith has quite a few new canvases out, and once again it is hard to pick a favorite.   I finally settled on the bird and flower piece above but it was a hard choice!
http://www.bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/Products/?category=260

Patti Mann Does Wizard of Oz AND The Mummy

Choosing from Patti Mann's newest was so hard I gave up and picked two ornaments!
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2015/09/destination-dallas-day-3.html

So what were YOUR favorites?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 1, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Where to Find HP Designs

The interview with Frank Hyatt has prompted lots of questions about where to find HP Designs canvases. Of course you should start with Frank's HP Design website which has the leftover stock of designs that weren't picked up elsewhere.
http://www.hpneedlepoint.com/index.html

Frank also has an eBay store which has some real bargains.  Search eBay for the seller hpdesigns to see what temptations Frank has ready for purchase.

Julia's Needleworks has quite a few of Frank's beauties for sale, especially among the classic African and floral areas Frank did so well.
http://needleworks.ehclients.com/index.php/gallery-HPDesigns/category-2014/C290/

Amanda Lawford went for the classics, particularly the Asian and flower patterns and the animals with oriental rug borders.  She also picked up some of the lacquer boxes (second link).
http://www.amandalawford.com/artists/HP.html

http://www.amandalawford.com/products/boxes.html

Barbara Russell also chose animals and Asian designs but her website doesn't have the HP Designs pieces in one section.  You'll have to browse to find them, which is no problem.  Barbara's site is a delight to explore.
http://barbararusselldesigns.com/browse.html

I hope you find one of Frank's beauties to stitch and treasure.  Thanks again, HP Designs!  It was great while it lasted.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 29, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Three Sisters, Three Hairstyles

It's been a while since we've talked about hair in needlepoint, so I was thrilled to see this Bargello Needlepont article about a painted canvas project that features three women, each with a different hair style that reflects the personality of each.  Each sister wears a different headband in a different Bargello pattern as well, but I was particularly interested in the way each type of hair was created.  If you enlarge the photo as much as possible, you'll see just how intricate a pattern was created with two of the three hair treatments.  (The third person's hair is barely visible so the focus there is on the headband.)  Very interesting!  We forget sometimes that hair can be stylized and patterned in intricate stitches.  It doesn't have to be realistic to be wonderful hair.
http://bargelloneedlepoint.com/three-sisters-in-bargello-needlepoint/

I think the design is by Clarice, still distributed by Barbara Russell.  I am not certain, though, so if you know, please tell us in the comments (or email me directly at chilly hollow at hot maildotcom if you can't make Blogger's Comments work).
http://barbararusselldesigns.com/clarice_content.html


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Bow Wow

Cape Cod Dogs they don't chase cars they like to pick up girls in bars!

Lewmew mentioned in the Comments section that she loves dog canvases and is looking for a blogger who talks about their dogs and dog designs both. I don't know of anyone who shows off a lot of dog canvases, but several bloggers I know have dogs and mention them occasionally, just not as often as Lewmew would like.  Sorry!  I can tell you about dog canvases and designers who have some spectacular ones, however.  If you like realistic dog canvases, Barbara Russell and Tapestry Tent are the places to start.  Here is Barbara's website.  Click on any thumbnail to see the entire canvas.
http://barbararusselldesigns.com/browse.html

I found the most Tapestry Tent dog canvases on The Needlepointer's website, but it takes a little work to get to them.  Go to the link below and choose Tapestry Tent from the list on the left side of the page.  Then use the pull down menu in the middle right under Tapestry Tent's name to choose Dogs.  You'll get two pages of delightful canvases.
http://www.theneedlepointer.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=71

Amanda Lawford also has some great detailed realistic dog pieces from Constance Coleman, just not as many as the first two designers.   Here's where you can see them.  Just put your mouse on top of a thumbnail and the entire design will appear.
http://www.amandalawford.com/products/coleman1.html


There are other designers with an occasional wonderful dog canvas here and there.  Top Drawer has a page of dog and cat designs that gives a wide range of styles.
http://www.topdrawer-needlepoint.com/canvases/index.cgi?Field=category&Key=Cats-and-Dogs&Sort=title&disp=thumbs&ptitle=Cats%20and%20Dogs

If humorous canine canvases are what you want, Maggie is the place to start.  Her dog canvases are in two locations.  Choose "Cats and Dogs" from the Category pull down menu.  Once you are done there, return to this page and click on "Our Faithful Friends" at the bottom of the page.
http://www.maggieco.com/html/main_table.html

If you want stylized dog canvases, I love the Paper Russells ones that DJ Designs distributes.
http://www.designsdj.com/paperrussells.html

I have to admit my very favorite dog canvases are from Shorebird Studio.  They are not totally realistic but they are all elegance.  Click on "New in 2012" on the left side of the page to see the new poodle design, then click on "Pet Portraits" to see both custom pieces and Katie Molineux's terrific dog ornaments.
http://shorebirdstudio.com/

By the way, my Cape Cod Dogs purse above is an Elizabeth Mumford painting translated into needlepoint by Needlepoint of Back Bay.
http://www.needlepointofbackbay.com/product_pages/Elizabeth-Mumford.htm

I know I've forgotten great canvases, so why not help me out by mentioning your favorite dog canvas in the Comments below?


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

TNNA News: On the Website

Now that the biggest trade show of the year is over and designers are home, unpacked and have the first rush of orders out the door, they are updating their websites.  Jelly Bean Stock has added a lot of lovely floral designs as well as some really funny pieces.  They usually do movie references, too.  This time they mention "When Harry Met Sally."
http://www.jellybeanstock.com/whatsnew.html


HP Designs has also updated their websites.  The new barn animal canvases are totally unique but of course they have new wonderful Asian-themed designs and fabulous wild animals.
http://hpneedlepoint.com/NEW2011-2012.html

Patt and Lee have updated their PJs and Chocolate (these are their painted canvases) pages with new animal canvas, many of which are HILARIOUS.
http://www.pattandleedesigns.com/2012_new_designs_--_animals

Maggie's also updated her website with new fun, colorful pieces.
http://www.maggieco.com/html/drill.php?category=7

Barbara Russell hasn't updated her website yet but Nimble Needle has photos and information about some of her newest designs.
http://thenimbleneedle.blogspot.com/2012/02/tnna-phoenix-2012-introductions-from.html

Needle Nicely is getting in new Eye Candy and Trubey pieces.
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2012/02/special-visit-and-some-canvases.html

PFOS has a few new Zecca and Kathy Schenkel canvases now to view before their websites are updated.  They also have new Alice Peterson, Little Shoppe, Susan Roberts and Barbara Bergsten designs to see.  Hurrah!  Don't you just love seeing the newest canvases?
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2012/02/new-zecca-and-ks-designs.html

http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2012/02/more-new-canvases.html


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

This Dog Needs a Home

Ok, it's a Barbara Russell dog canvas, not a real dog, but it still needs a good home and is on sale at a good price for such a large piece.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2011/12/here-is-sale-canvas-that-may-be.html


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Celebrating Barbara's Journey

I've been quite curious about Barbara Russell's book, Celebrating My Journey in Needlepoint after I saw mention of it on her website in late spring.
http://barbararusselldesigns.com/

Janet Perry has obtained a copy and written a review for those of us who haven't had the chance to see it yet.  It sounds as if this is an interesting view of a personal stitching journey and that it documents needlepoint designs common in the 20th Century.  Janet says it isn't inspirational, but isn't that what Blog and the Internet in general are for?  LOL
http://www.nuts-about-needlepoint.com/celebrating-my-journey-in-needlepoint-book-review

Seriously, we should all think about a photo album of our stitching journey.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

New Products UPDATED

I stumbled across mention of several new products this week.  First, Gingher has a new stitch ripper.  I'm not sure this is as useful for needlepointers as for seamstresses, but it looks very comfortable to use if you have a lot of "frog" stitching to do.*
http://www.gingher.com/

Barbara Russell has written a book called Celebrating My Journey in Needlepoint.  I haven't seen it yet but there are a few details on her website and it sounds intriguing. Anyone seen this yet?
http://barbararusselldesigns.com/

Another new book is by Little Shoppe Canvas Company.  This one is all about landscape stitches.  I haven't seen it either so I welcome reports from anyone who has here, too.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2011/05/stitch-landscape.html

UPDATE:  Here's a review of the Landscape Stitches book.
http://bristlythistle.blogspot.com/2011/05/landscape-stitches-book.html

Speaking of books, SharonG's new book is on sale here at a very good price.
http://www.newneedlepoint.com/content-product_info/product_id-2675/sharon_g_s_sense_simply_essential_needlepoint_stitch_explanations.html

(*Ripping out is often called frog stitching or frogging because frogs say "rippit!"   One of my pairs of scissors has a sterling silver frog charm on it which hopefully wards off the dreaded frog stitch!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Road Trip #3

Here are even more reports (and photos) of the Amy Bunger and Kelly Clark classes.  Melinda got Amy for Christmas. (Kudos to Melinda's family for choosing the perfect gift.)
http://melindaslivingthegoodlife.blogspot.com/2011/04/dream-come-true.html

Linda and her pal treated themselves to a Kelly Clark class at Ruth Schmuff's shop (Bedecked and Beaddazzled) just north of Baltimore.  The photos you see are Kelly's newest Halloweenies figure, a witch with a real bust!  (and a broom and fabulous hat and hair, plus there's a boot to die for Kelly's just worked that isn't visible in the photos--hey!  I have spies everywhere!)  That's Kelly Clark herself with the shoulder length dark hair.
http://nystitchingsisters.blogspot.com/2011/04/wonderful-stitching-weekend.html

Oh, before I forget, Needlepoint.com is having a Barbara Russell trunk show with canvases 20% off.  Don't miss a nice long browse of Barbara's lovely designs if you are a dog lover, although there are plenty of other themes in her work.
http://www.needlepoint.com/designers/barbara-russell.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Books, Flies, Space and More

This is one of those summary postings about things around the World Wide Web that has  a little of everything in it.  First of all, I have two book reviews for you.  Robin looks at a book that features felting and shows off some felt applique she's done on various needlepoint canvases.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2010/11/felting-childhood-memories.html

Kathy reviews an inspirational book about blackwork from a graduate of the Royal School of Needlework.  It appears to be from their Essential Guide series.
http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2010/11/30/rsn-essential-stitch-guide-blackwork/

Jan just finished a darling Pat Mazu stocking with help from Judy Harper's e-books on beading.  There's a link to Judy's website if you are interested in picking up the books on sale.
http://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2010/11/27/a-pat-mazu-stocking/

Mary's got information on how we can vote to send hand embroidery to the moon.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2010/11/needlework-to-space.html

In other contest news, Needlepoint.com is running a holiday needlework photo contest.  Pull out those decorations and take pictures!
http://www.needlepoint.com/blog/?p=625

Patt and Lee Designs is teasing us with glimpses of some of the new needlepoint designs to be revealed at the January TNNA market.  Can't wait to see if my guesses about some of the items were right!
http://pattandleedesigns.blogspot.com/

Kreinik's blog has the story of how a needlework shop became a hangout for fishermen.
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2010/11/wait-theres-fly-in-my-shop.html

December is bringing sales and trunk shows.  Pocket Full of Stitches starts a 20% off Christmas sale December 1.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2010/11/christmas-sale.html

Nimble Needle has a Barbara Russell trunk show now, also 20% off.
http://thenimbleneedle.blogspot.com/2010/11/barbara-russell-trunk-show-through.html

Chandail Needlework is having a Twelve Days of Christmas sale the first two weeks of the month (except Sundays) with a different thing on sale each day.  The second link is their website with contact information.
http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/137940/35882fd11c/13001004/4a1e835353/

http://www.chandailneedlework.com/

The Needle Works has their canvases on sale at 40% off until December 23.  Threads are 20% off between December 5-11 and accessories and notions (but not books) are on sale Dec. 12-23 at 20% off.  Here's the link for online shoppers.
http://www.theneedleworks.com/catalog/index.php

Have fun browsing!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com Archived Yahoo 360 postings at http://profiles.yahoo.com/chillyhollow

Last Night Was Crazy

Barbara Russell's "Lady" from the African Fashion Series

Last night was too harried to work on Cha's feathers so I started blocking out the new project.  Since Glenis is threatening to die from curiosity about the Next Project in the Comments, I'll talk about it a bit here.  I am going to stitch an iPhone case as a gift.  I don't own a smart phone of course (cell phones don't work reliably in CH) but I know someone who does who needs a case.  I'm going to use a simple pattern on top of a fancy background in purples and blacks. (My victim, ah the gift recipient, wears a lot of black with either purple or pink accents.)

The first thing to do when you want to make something like this is to figure out the dimensions. I used Google to find out the size of iPhones.  They are roughly 4 1/2 inches high by almost 2 1/2 inches long so if I block out a space that is 5 inches high by 3 inches wide, that should allow any iPhone, even one inside a rubber case, to fit.  I might want extra space at the top to have a snap or piece of Velcro to close the case.  Rummaging in my stash,  I found a piece of "pewter" (i.e., light gray) 18 count canvas that is 7x8 inches.  I put it on stretcher bars, marked the center of each side with a tiny dot of blue marker at the edge, and printed out the instructions for the background stitch I plan to use.  Which is this.
http://www.needlepoint.org/StitchOfTheMonth/2005/nov.php

My next steps will be to print out the charted motif I plan to put on top of the background and then figure out if everything fits inside the 5x3 space (or perhaps 5x6 since I could create a long rectangle I can fold in half and just stitch up the bottom and one side to make a case).  Those are all the hints you are going to get today.  I plan to work on Cha's tail feathers tonight, assuming things calm down enough.

By the way, the photo above is of one of Barbara Russell's new pieces.  Deborah (who collects African-themed canvases) stumbled across Ms. Russell's new African Fashion series and sent me the link.  The canvases are so spectacular that I had to share.  To see the whole series, click on New Designs at the link below.  If you  love African design, also look at the Clarice Collection for more canvases inspired by the continent and its people. Thanks for sharing, Deborah!
http://barbararusselldesigns.com/browse.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com Archived Yahoo 360 postings at http://profiles.yahoo.com/chillyhollow

Van Gogh is Done

Van Gogh is done! Hurrah!!

I finished him late last night, and started the smaller background dog with the thread unused in Van Gogh's tail. I'm doing tent stitches on the smaller dog, starting with the lightest color first and stitching rom his collar down in basketweave whenever possible, still with two strands of Burmilana. So far, so good.

Speaking of dogs, while browsing for dog canvases (preferably yellow labs--have you noticed I'm trying to find other versions of the dogs in the bar on Cape Cod and post them as the Canvas of the Day?) I discovered Barbara Russell, famous for her dog canvases, has updated her website. She doesn't just produce dog canvases, there is a white peacock canvas on her home page that has to be seen!

http://barbararusselldesigns.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
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