Tall Bird in a Masque? UPDATED

Ruth Schmuff has revealed her Halloween mystery class for 2018—Zecca's mysterious "Tall Bird on a Rock."  Is the bird dressed for Halloween?  Is it a bank robber out on a spree?  Is it going to a Masquerade in Venice?  Only the stitcher knows!
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2018/07/tall-bird-on-a-rock-mystery-class/?mc_cid=1f848b51b4&mc_eid=60242fbe68

I'll update this article as Ruth Tells All.  First, she did the background and the flower pods.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2018/08/background-first/?mc_cid=c615bd6136&mc_eid=60242fbe68

UPDATE:  The bird has some wild and crazy feathers!
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2018/09/hes-one-fun-bird/

UPDATE #2:  And he's got a mask and great feet and much more!
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2018/10/hes-a-fisher-bird/?mc_cid=57cdf0836d&mc_eid=c05eb4bd3b

UPDATE #3:  Here is the bird finished—and mounted on a rock!  Note the video that shows how to do the leaves.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2019/10/another-finish/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 28, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Owl's Tummy Project

Ruth Schmuff's summer mystery class was Sandra Vargas's "Owl with Key." The owl's tummy was covered with an elaborate beaded flower with a Czech button in the middle.  Now Ruth has made a standalone kit of this beaded flower for those who want to have a stunning pin or who just want to play with something totally different.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/08/want-to-make-flower.html

Czech buttons are widely available on eBay so you can learn the process from Ruth's kit, then do another with a button of your choosing.  For example, here's a stunner owl button.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-Czech-Crystal-Glass-Brass-Dome-OWL-Button-A267-RARE-ANTIQUE-Compon-LARGE-/351291825679?hash=item51ca9fde0f:g:pLEAAOxy4fVS~Gzj

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

Threads—A Needle Necessity Reissued - UPDATE

Ruth Schmuff just announced that Threads—A Needle Necessity has been updated! Copies will arrive from the printers shortly but you can pre-order yours now at a slight discount.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/08/pre-order-fun.html

If you want to know about all the various threads that are available without having to visit every shop in California and Texas and along the East Coast, this is the book for you!  (I know it would be more fun to visit all the shops, but really, who has time with work, family responsibilities and all the housekeeping chores?!)

UPDATE:  Just heard from the authors who added this information—

"Thought you might enjoy reading a little information about our new book Threads: A Needle Necessity 2nd Edition that doubles the number of threads described in our first book. We are delighted to introduce stitchers to some incredibly beautiful silks, classic wools, contemporary blends, glittering metallics and other irresistible fibers that are stirring the imaginations of thread lovers everywhere.Amazing artists are producing imaginative painted canvases which has stimulated the production of beautiful threads specifically for needlepoint and all the needle arts from embroidery to the creation of temari designs.

Our tips section is full of information like: Do I stitch white thread or black thread first, how do I handle fuzzy, metallic, silk or variegated/overdyed threads?

Use this book as a guideline to develop an individual stitching style. Experiment with an array of threads to reveal the beauty of the painted canvas, look for thread alternatives, then stitch with confidence and imagination. 

The laminated quick-reference guide is great to take along while thread shopping to answer questions in a flash.

May your stitching journey-of-discovery never end,"
Jane Evans and Liv Weiss"
Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 26, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Blue Bird: A Mystery Class UPDATED

Ruth Schmuff has announced her mystery class for Summer 2017—Ellen Giggenbach's "Blue Bird."
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/07/its-bird-its-plane-its-bird.html

Class is in late July and early August although anyone can join in via mail if they won't be in the Baltimore area then.  I'll update this as Ruth posts progress reports on how the class unfolds.

UPDATE:  Ruth plays with the background, adding to the background stitch and switching colors, then creates the bird's body.  If you are curious about layers of stitching on needlepoint, this is your kind of project.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/07/the-blue-bird-of-happiness.html

UPDATE #2:  Ruth adds flowers, leaves, a bit of sky and a wing. And she's done!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/08/a-finished-blue-bird.html

Here is what Blue Bird looks like finished.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2019/02/springtime-blue-bird/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 5, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Owl With Key, A Mystery with Ruth Schmuff UPDATED

The Summer Mystery class from Ruth Schmuff has been revealed—it is Sandra Vargas' "Owl with Key."  Lessons will be held at Ruth's company headquarters in June and July but ghost stitchers who participate via mail are welcome.  As always, I will update this article as Ruth posts after class reports.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/04/the-eyes-tell-story.html

First, Ruth does a charming background and gives the owl the key to perch on.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/06/a-new-mystery-new-owl.html

Now the owl has feathers and a tail!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/06/owls-and-birds-birds-and-owls-owls-and.html

And here is the owl all finished, with a spectacular flower on his chest.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/07/the-big-reveal.html

Of course you can always add this mystery project to your stash by ordering from Ruth's shop.  The mystery is "solved" but the stitching will still be a lot of fun.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/owl-with-key/

And here is the owl, finished!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2018/09/sparkling-owls/

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.

A Bit (And A Lot) About Compensation

Ruth Schmuff just put an interesting little explanation of compensation on her website.  She makes it easy to understand and shows a trick to figure out what you need to do when your stitch is bigger than the area you need to put it inside.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2017/03/compensation-games-2/

If you want a Masters degree in compensation, visit the four part series on compensation that Tony Minieri wrote that is on the American Needlepoint Guild's website.
http://www.needlepoint.org/Archives.php

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 31, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Hummingbird: A New Mystery Class UPDATED

Ruth Schmuff has announced the next mystery class for Bedecked and Beaddazzled--Zecca's "Hummingbird."  You can find out more about the class which will start in March on the shop website (second link below).
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/01/it-feels-like-spring.html

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/hummingbird-2/

As always, I'll update this article as Ruth posts progress photos.  The first lesson Ruth works on the background, throwing in a twist or two.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/03/texture.html

Then she tackles the poppies.  One stitch for the red poppies, one for the orange.  But Ruth changes the threads around so that the poppies that use the same stitch look different.   Cool!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/03/poppies.html

Now the little hummingbird!  Ruth uses him to show how you can create birds with various sizes of beads. Very clever, as always, Miss Ruth.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/04/he-can-fly.html

The final lesson was mainly about the leaves.  As always, there are many fun touches.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/05/leaves-leaves-so-many-leaves.html

And here is Zecca's Hummingbird as a pillow—lovely!
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2018/06/a-tiny-bird-flew-home/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 18, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Basketweave on a Stick Tutorial

My Computer Pixie canvas from Bedecked and Beaddazzled is coming right along.   Last night I stitched her pony tail using Basketweave on a Stick and thought you'd like to see how this stitch is done.  I decided to change the Pixie's hair color to light brown, ecru and cream, using Caron's Impressions for the ecru and cream and a brown Felicity's Garden.   All three threads are silk-wool blends which I think create perfect hair texture.

Basketweave on a Stick is done just like regular basketweave except you stitch over a stick of some sort every other row.  Since I need something smooth (don't want to snag the threads) and long (have to cover the area to be stitched), I used a doll makers' needle.  These are thin but long.  The needle I choose is four inches in length.  I bought a selection of these at a big box crafts stores eons ago and use them periodically.    Here is what the sets are like in case you want to pick up a set.
http://www.nancysnotions.com/product/doll+making+needle+set.do

Row Two Underway

The steps for Basketweave on a Stick are simple.

Row One--Stitch a row of basketweave as usual.
Row Two--Lay your "stick" along the diagonal row you will be stitching and do basketweave over the raised item.  Leave the stick in position.
Row Three-Stitch as usual.  Once you are done with Row Three, slide your needle or straw or whatever out from under Row Two.
Row Four--Lay your stick down over the diagonal row you will be stitching.  Now do basketweave over the raised item.
Repeat Rows Three and Four until your area is covered with stitches.

It isn't always easy to see where the stitches go or what color you are supposed to use if you are doing this in a shaded area like I was.  Wiggle the "stick" slightly to glimpse the holes and painted colors.  It helps to use a long stick as it makes wiggling easier.

In the progress photo above, you can see I'd skipped a stitch over the needle. I did all the ecru stitches first and need to go back and add a cream highlight here.  Also note that I covered the painted antenna with my stitches.  It will be couched into position on top of the hair later.  The needle parked on the magnet is a regular size 18 tapestry needle, to give you some idea of how large doll makers' needles are.

Basketweave on a Stick is a good substitute for French knots if you hate making those.  I am not sure it is a good substitute for uncut turkey work as it isn't as dense as turkey work is.  (It all depends on the effect you want, of course.)  You do need to pay attention so you don't accidentally skip one row hidden by your stick.

This stitch is probably easiest to do on 13 count in an area without shading, like a big fat white sheep.  You can use anything for a stick--a plastic straw, a large needle, a laying tool, a pencil, etc.  The size of the loops you are creating will vary according to the diameter of your "stick" so choose wisely.  Also avoid anything like a toothpick that might snag your threads unless you smooth it with fine sandpaper first.

Curly Pony Tail

Here's the end result.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 8, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Introducing The Computer Pixie

Now that I've gotten some counted canvaswork out of the way, it is time to pick up a new painted canvas.  I'm going to stitch Ruth Schmuff's Computer Pixie.  She is rather small at 7 inches square on 18 count canvas and there are a lot of small areas so I should make lots of progress.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/computer-pixie/

There are a series of these pixies which you can see on Ruth's website.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/?s=pixie&post_type=product&tags=1&limit=10&ixwps=1

Mine has a guide by Sheena James and I plan to follow it--until I am distracted or have another idea since I have to raid my stash for threads and materials.  No, I don't follow instructions well.  Why do you ask?  That's why Blog is named "The Chilly Hollow Needlepoint ADVENTURE."  You just never know what I'll do....

Frankly, me either.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 9, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Glow in the Dark Beads Available

Ruth at Bedecked and Beaddazzled has announced the shop is stocking glow-in-the-dark beads now.  There are ten colors (in regular light) of beads which you can buy as a set or separately.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/01/add-little-glow-to-your-life.html

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/glow-bead-kit/

These aren't just for Halloween, you know.  They make great accents.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
 at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright  January 21, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Determining Naughty or Nice (A Mystery from Ruth Schmuff and David Galchutt) UPDATED

Ruth Schmuff has started her Christmas mystery class for 2016--David Galchuff's "Determining Naughty or Nice."
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/11/theres-twinkle-in-his-eyes.html

If you are interested, you can sign up for this class (and attend in person or via mail order) at Ruth's website.  This is going to be interesting as this piece has so much detail.  Already Ruth has performed her magic on Santa's face.
http://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/determining-naughty-nice/

I'll update this article as Ruth posts progress photos after each lesson.

In the first update, Ruth solves the problem of how to stitch a very detailed mustache without taking forever.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/12/what-to-do-what-to-do.html

Now Ruth is tackling the shadows on the clothing.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/12/santas-getting-ready.html

The final touches are beaded snowflakes and wired silk ribbon flowers. (I spy boucle and pompoms, too!)
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/01/snowflakes-and-flowers-and-holly-leaves.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 14, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Covering a Canvas with Boxes

Ruth Schmuff just showed off a student's new Kimberly Santini rabbit, stitched with a Brenda Hart technique of covering a highly detailed and shaded canvas with little boxes.  This was stitched with a doubled strand of Accentuate.  Ruth even includes a stitch diagram.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/10/bunny-bunny-bunny.html

Here is another canvas stitched using Brenda's simple boxed stitch technique.  This will give you an idea of the type of canvas that looks best stitched this way and shows off how the stitch changes in the light to diamonds instead of squares.  I think this was stitched with a thin gold metallic from Madeira.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2012/02/too-much-detail.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 13, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Threadaholic Alert: Overdyed Floche from Ruth Schmuff

Ruth Schmuff has expanded her offerings of overdyed floche and shows off the lovely eleven colors (and a complementary tin if you order an entire set) on her blog.  Of course you can order just one color if you prefer, but Ruth reminds you that you need to get enough of a dye lot for your project.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/10/whats-my-favorite-thread.html

The special tins are going to be available for a short time only so get your orders in now.

By the way, if you've never stitched with floche, here is what Mary Corbet says about it, with links to further information at the end of the article.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2010/01/cotton-floche-whats-not-to-love.html

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

Naughty or Nice? A Mystery

Ruth Schmuff just announced the Christmas mystery class in her online shop--David Galchuff's "Determining Natughty or Nice" Santa.  Mr. Galchuff is a new artist whose artwork Ruth is distributing on needlepoint canvas.  I'll update this article as Ruth starts showing off progress reports once class starts in November.
http://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/determining-naughty-nice/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 6, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Life Changing Flower (Turkeywork Phobia Cured)

Once again Ruth blows our minds with her inventiveness!  If you ever feared turkeywork, you need to read this.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/07/its-life-changing-flower.html

The "Run Bunny Run" canvas is by Zecca and is being stitched as a mystery class through Ruth's online shop, Bedecked and Beaddazzled.   If you are intrigued, you can join in any time.
http://www.bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/Mystery-Classes/

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

Santa Fe Felines: A New Mystery with a Twist UPDATED

Ruth Schmuff has announced hew upcoming Mystery with a Twist class--Laurel Burch's Santa Fe Cats.  The mystery with a twist is one of Ruth's mystery classes, but it is stretched out over a year or two so there's no pressure to finish. I'll update the links directly below as Ruth posts progress photos.  Even if you are not taking this mystery class, the progress reports are always interesting.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/09/santa-fe-felines.html

http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/12/santa-fe-felines_28.html

http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2018/01/cats-cats-and-more-cats.html

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2019/06/meow/

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2021/05/soon-ish/

And it's done!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/01/almost-a-christmas-miracle/

Here's more about the class on Ruth's website.
http://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/santa-fe-felines/

Here are all Ruth's Mysteries with a Twist.
http://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/classes/mystery-classes/mysteries-with-a-twist/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 2, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The New "Take a Class Long Distance" Trend UPDATED

So many stitchers--myself included--live hours from the closest needlepoint shop.   For a long time mail order classes have filled that gap.  Mystery classes from the likes of Ruth Schmuff at Bedecked and Beaddazzled have helped many of us take classes that otherwise would have been just too far away or at inconvenient times due to your busy schedules.
http://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/classes/mystery-classes/

And of course stitch guides fill the gap to some extent.  You can learn a lot by stitching along using guidance from one of the many talented guide writers who are working today.
http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

But shop owners are starting to add new class options for the long distance stitcher.  Lisa at BeStitched is the leader here with her class videos that are available to folks taking her classes, whether they are local or not.  You can see the three upcoming classes on the Bestitched blog.
https://www.bestitchedneedlepointshop.com/blog/

Jinny Barney is now teaching via videos for Needlepoint.com.  Here is her new class--snow for snowmen, winter skies and fluffy stuff falling to the ground.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2016/08/frosty-stitches-online-class/

Her Santa's Beards class and her beading class are also still available.
http://www.needlepoint.com/santa-s-beard-and-mustache-class.html

http://stitchstyleblog.com/2016/07/new-online-beading-class/

The Internet has made a huge difference in our stitching lives, hasn't it?  I can't wait to see who else jumps on this new trend.

UPDATE:  Comfy Cottage's newest kit has a free online video component.
https://www.comfy-cottage.com/products/star-beginner-needlepoint-kit

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 21, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Let's Learn Something New with Ruth

Ruth Schmuff is offering beading kits for those who want to learn how to surround a cabochon with beading. What fun!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/08/how-to-bezel-cabochon.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 11, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Counting to 39

Do Jessicas make your head spin? Ruth Schmuff explains (with a lovely diagram) how to create a Jessica. Tip #1--stay off Facebook as you count! LOL
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/07/lets-talk-jessicas.html

Hummmm....

Maybe my inability to count to three is really my inability to pay attention?  Regardless, thanks for the insights into Jessicas, Ruth.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 6, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Three Stwooges Mystery FINISHED

Ruth Schmuff has chosen her early fall mystery class--Love You More's Three Stwooges!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/07/happy-4th-of-july-from-three-stwooges.html

I'll update this article as Ruth posts her lesson outcomes.  First, she dealt with the sky, the pumpkins and ground, and the spooky trees.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/08/and-so-it-begins.html

Next she stitched the owl faces and their hats!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/09/peronality-plus.html

And now the owls have ruffs!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/10/trick-or-treat.html

Ruth is right, this canvas just screams happiness.

UPDATE:  Ruth's model is back from the finisher, just in time for Halloween 2017.  It's a fabulous standup.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/10/the-three-stwooges-are-here.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 2, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.