Mermaid Tails Alert

Mermaid lovers will be interested in these mermaid tail needle cases.  The waist area unscrews and the needles are held in the top by a magnet.  (See the video in the Etsy shop listing)

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1120547071/mermaid-magnet-needle-holder-travel-size?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=mermaid+needle+case&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&sts=1&organic_search_click=1&variation0=2322774146

Quite a few Etsy shops carry similar mermaid tail needle minders.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/901626095/mermaid-tail-needle-minderscover-minders?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=mermaid+tail+needle+holder&ref=sr_gallery-1-25&edd=1&sts=1&organic_search_click=1

There are several mermaid tail canvases.  This one is from Oasis Needlepoint.

https://yohe-needlepoint-designs.shoplightspeed.com/mermaid-tail.html

This one is from the Meredith Collection.

https://www.barbarasneedlepoint.com/products/mermaid-tail?variant=42665237381353

Here is Raymond Crawford's mermaid tail.

https://stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=41521&title=Mermaid%20Tail&itemtype=hand%20painted%20canvases

Patti Mann's is my personal favorite.

https://www.stitchingfox.com/products/ornament-mermaid-tail-stitching-fox

Plus Brenda Stofft has a mermaid tail scissors case.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyoF-doO-OY

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 6, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Winter Morn: The Winter 2021 Mystery Class from Ruth Schmuff Updated

Ruth Schmuff has revealed the Winter 2021 mystery class—a new design called "Winter Morn" from Brenda Stofft.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2020/11/winter-is-coming/

As always, I'll update this article as Ruth posts progress reports.  If you are interested in the class, the link above tells you how to sign up to participate.

UPDATES:  Ruth creates a blanket of snow that looks like a quilt or lace pattern.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2020/12/grandmothers-quilt/

And the trees have snow!  (Don't miss Ruth's video on how she created the trees with Buttonhole Stitch.)

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2020/12/winter-is-coming-2/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pg_57Xos1m8

Now the house is finished and the roof is covered in snow.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2021/01/the-house/

Ruth promises big things for the border.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2022/12/a-cabin-in-the-woods/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 4, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

At the ANG Seminar in Houston 2019

ANG's annual seminar is in Houston, Texas this year. Lots of folks are going.  I have a ton of links to information and reports from Seminar-goers, so pour your favorite beverage and browse!

ANG has posted a list of exhibit winners here.
https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.needlepoint.org/resource/resmgr/seminar/ang_awards_for_website.pdf?fbclid=IwAR22OOnzaO2IeT1PA7e5NjRn1MIh4P9XqRzF40c07HbztEV9nMqZts0hHk4

Melita is there with friends, so they make a shop run, then she registered for Seminar.  She's taking a Kay Stanis silk and metal embroidery class.
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2019/08/14/texas-needlepoint-run-and-registration-day/

https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2019/08/16/a-toast-to-tiffany-2019-seminar-class-with-kay-stanis-day-2-of-3/

https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2019/08/17/a-toast-to-tiffany-2019-seminar-class-with-kay-stanis-day-3-of-3/

She also did a one day class with Cynthia Thomas on manipulating threads and stitches and had a lot of fun designing stitches.
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2019/08/19/thread-and-stitch-manipulation-with-cynthia-thomas/

Plus Melita won a ribbon exhibiting this lovely piece which is her original design. Congratulations!
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2019/08/22/tahitian-treat-2019-seminar-exhibit/

DMBstitch also took Cynthia's class.
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/08/21/last-day-at-seminar-stitch-manipulation/

Melita had fun buying books at Expo Night.  You might be interested in the two she found.  The Lone Star Chapter's book of stitches is available from several of the Texas shops.  See the second link below for a list.
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2019/08/18/expo-night-at-seminar-2019/

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5b37ed75cef372bdd50ce75a/t/5d5fd5b6d7c1240001f8db49/1566561719109/Order+Information.pdf

Jan is having a very nice time.  Besides indulging in lots of relaxation, she is taking Nancy Cucci's "December Dazzle."
https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2019/08/17/seminar-2019-houston-tx/

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2019/08/18/seminar-quick-post/

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2019/08/23/home-from-seminar-2/

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2019/08/25/big-goof/

Rosie is taking Jennifer Riefenberg's "Winter Lights" (and showing off her new Woodlawn souvenir earrings).
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/08/15/houston-seminar/

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/08/16/winter-lights-second-and-last-day/

Rosie also is taking Cynthia Thomas' painted canvas class, "Lady with Mandala II."
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/08/17/lady-with-mandala-ii/

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/08/18/lady-with-mandala-ii-day-2/

DMBstitch is taking Toni Gerdes' class "Abyss."
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/08/15/ang-seminar-2019-day-1/

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/08/17/abyss-day-2-ang-seminar-2019/

She's also taking Jennifer Reifenberg's "More Color Play."
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/08/18/more-color-play-day-1/

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/08/19/more-color-play-day-2/

JA Williams is taking Lois Kershner's "Mt. Whitney Waterfall," which is a photo transfer design.
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/08/17/mt-whitney-waterfall/

Sue is taking "Beaded Bermuda Reef," a class (with beaded fringe) by Kathy Rees.
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/08/17/beaded-bermuda-reef/

Sue is also taking a class with Wendy Moore.  It looks wonderful!
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/08/20/a-livelier-iris/


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 14, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Luna and Prisms Available from Brenda Stofft

Brenda Stofft just announced on her Facebook page that she now distributes Prisms and Luna.
https://www.facebook.com/BrendaStofftDesigns/

Shops can contact her to order.  Prisms is a thin iridescent thread that looks like strips of cut saran wrap.  It makes great windows or ice.  Prisms used to come in various colors but I think now only the white with pink and green sparkles is the only color.

Lume' is a thread I'm unfamiliar with.  Sorry.  We will  have to wait and see if something appears on the Brenda Stofft Design website.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 20, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

NJNA Visits Nashville Needleworks

Some of the NJNA crew has been in Nashville, Tennessee so naturally they visited Nashville Needleworks.  
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/02/25/nashville-needleworks/

I think the needle felted rabbit that Brenda Stofft teaches is shown here.
https://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/artemis-3-d-bunny-by-brenda-stofft/

You can visit the shop website if you don't plan to be in Middle Tennessee soon.
https://nashvilleneedleworks.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 25, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Medici on Film

Needle Works has posted a video of the dimensional needle felted cat named Medici (after the shop cat) that Brenda Stofft has designed and which Brenda will teach in the shop this September.  It's pretty amazing! I don't usually post about classes but this is so astounding that I wanted everyone to see it.
http://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/2018/06/medici-is-in-the-house.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 4, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Needle Felt a Mushroom

Lalabug has a wonderful video showing how to needle felt a mushroom that i thought you'd enjoy.  It creates a dimensional item that could be added to your needlepoint later.
https://www.lalabugdesigns.com/blog/mushroomtutorial

The techniques used are ones used to create this needle felted cat from Brenda Stofft.  Brenda will teach this at Needle Works in Texas next September.
http://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/2018/05/medici-is-in-the-house.html

If you are more interested in needle felting onto needlepoint canvas instead of creating a dimensional item, I have helpful information and a tutorial here.
https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/p/needle-felting-needlepoint-canvas.html

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

Thanksgiving Sneak Peak

Ruth Schmuff has let the cat out of the bag as to the canvas that will be the subject of her Thanksgiving class this fall.  It will be this lovely Amanda Clark landscape, courtesy of Brenda Stofft Designs.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/10/the-hare-and-crow.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 10, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Witches and Monsters from Winter 2017 TNNA SHOW

This TNNA show is full of witches and other monsters.  For example, Barbara Elmore's "Frank's Bride" is ultra creepy.
https://www.facebook.com/barbaraelmoredesigns/photos/pb.102579373261.-2207520000.1484949261./10154354572533262/?type=3&theater

And Barbara's stitching is ultra amazing!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1484182218259965&set=a.626139447397584.1073741829.100000046036480&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1492100767468110&set=a.626139447397584.1073741829.100000046036480&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/barbaraelmoredesigns/photos/a.10152584568623262.1073741828.102579373261/10154337040318262/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/barbaraelmoredesigns/photos/ms.c.eJwzNDA0NTE2MTEwMrIwMDYyM9IzhIgYm1sYGxhZGJkZAQB8xwb5.bps.a.10152584568623262.1073741828.102579373261/10154344022803262/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/barbaraelmoredesigns/photos/pb.102579373261.-2207520000.1484949261./10154344022803262/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/barbaraelmoredesigns/photos/pb.102579373261.-2207520000.1484949261./10154354591418262/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1517950838216436&set=a.108078765870324.15151.100000046036480&type=3&theater

Are you a fan of Brenda Stofft's steampunk series?  If so, you will adore her "Steampunk Witch."
https://www.facebook.com/brenda.stofft/posts/10210238663196891

Sandra Gilmore's "Decisions, Decisions" is hilarious!
https://www.facebook.com/scrimdiscovery924/photos/a.1053431794673096.1073741828.1053431734673102/1550012898348314/?type=3&theater

Alice Peterson has two witches which seem to be Victorian to me.  More steampunk?
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2017/01/san-jose-market-even-more.html

Labors of Love has a new companion to last year's Frankie.  She is called "Frank's Bride."
https://www.facebook.com/laborsofloveneedlepoint/photos/pb.163219983827426.-2207520000.1484613048./793105194172232/?type=3&theater

Labors of Love also has a superb lady for their limited edition series of 2017, by the way.  This is "Morgana."  She was a witch.
https://www.facebook.com/laborsofloveneedlepoint/photos/pb.163219983827426.-2207520000.1484613048./790119001137518/?type=3&theater


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

New Classes from Tony and Brenda

I don't normally list classes here (it's a ton of work and very few people look at the tab I used to maintain) but these two classes at Chandail Needlework are special. So here goes! First up, Tony Minieri has a new counted piece that he's starting to teach. It's called "Mumtaz Mahal" and appears to be one of his designs inspired by ethnic fabrics.
http://www.chandailneedlework.com/classes-and-workshops.htm#mumtaz

Brenda Stofft is going to teach at Chandail, too.  I've never known her to teach a class before and this one is all about her dimensional stuffed rabbit. Amazing!
http://www.chandailneedlework.com/2016-workshops.htm/2014-workshops.htm#Stofft

If you are interested in the classes, check with the shop.  I don't know if they allow "ghosts."  Ghosts are people taking a class long distance instead of being in the shop for it.  Normally ghost students are mailed the class materials once the class ends so that any changes or clarifications that come up during the actual class can be added to the kit.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 4, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Sheep Wore Overdyes

Lorraine of Colour Complements posted a photograph of some of her threads used in a Brenda Stofft design of a sheep.  Denise's stitching is wonderful and so is the original piece, so I knew you would want to see how she used some of the Colour Complements threads.
http://colourcomplements.com/2015/07/needlepoint-27.html

The full design can be seen on Brenda Stofft's website. It's "Sheep with Wreath,"  fourth row from the bottom.
http://www.brendastofftdesign.com/#!spring-and-easter/camp

If you are a threadaholic and must have some to play with, here is the Colour Complements website.  I have a few precious skeins in my stash waiting for a project I might get to next year. Lovely stuff!
http://colourcomplements.com/shop

Lorraine also has an Etsy store.  Please don't drool on your keyboard!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/colourcomplements?ref=em

Thanks for the share, Lorraine. I love Denise's sheep!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 20, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

I Want to Pet Jan's Bear

Jan at Thread Medley has been working on one of Brenda Stofft's Santas, the ones that are riding various animals.*  Her bear is so soft looking, I want to pet him!  I love the gathered Flair snow around his feet, the lovely tassel and the fabulous background.  The bunny and the blanket are pretty durn cute, too.
https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2015/06/15/stoffts-santa-on-a-brown-bear-finale/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2015/06/16/santa-on-a-brown-bear-the-final-finale/

*If you aren't familiar with this Santa Rides series, check the larger ones out here--
http://www.brendastofftdesign.com/#!christmas/c2269

and the smaller ones here where the three Santa's Wild Ride clubs use the smaller sizes.
https://www.bethsneedlepoint.com/clubs.html

Nice job, Jan!  Thank you very much for sharing.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 16, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Four Wizards

Sandy Arthur shows off four versions of the finished pieces from her Wizard of Paws class. This is a design by Brenda Stofft that Sandy's been teaching here and there.  Click on the first photo of Sandy's version and then work through the pictures, admiring the personal touches.  Each piece was finished slightly differently and each was also stitched a little differently.  I don't care if you are working from a stitch guide or lesson plan, each stitcher puts a bit of his or her own personality into their finished design, don't they?
http://sandyarthur.blogspot.com/2015/05/wizard-of-paws-brenda-stofft-design-aka.html

These are so fun!  Thanks, Sandy!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 25, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Laurie Walden's Website

I just realized how much Laurie Walden's website has grown. Not only does she show off the models of canvases she's done guides for, she has a listing of the classes she teaches at Needle House in Houston. It's a fun visit whether you are looking for a local class, a stitch guide, or just want to see a terrific stitcher in action.
http://stitchlaw.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 16, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday Finishing: From Bunnies to Trains

The Young Needlepointer has been quite busy working up her rabbit design. It is amazing!   Not only is it dimensional, it is balanced in a folk art sort of way.   If this is what Casey does at camp, we all want to go along to that place!  (I think the rabbit is a Brenda Stofft design but I'm not certain.)  This isn't technically finished as it's not made up yet, but I thought you had to see this in case Casey doesn't get around to posting photos of the made up piece for a while.  
http://theyoungneedlepointer.blogspot.com/2014/06/over-month.html

Linda's also been busy.  She just got her wonderful Raymond Crawford Christmas train back from Marlene's.  The finishing is minimal but perfect.  Don't miss her little ice cream cart, either.  It's not ready for finishing but it is getting close.  Linda's going to be ready for Christmas 2014 in style!
http://splittheneedles.blogspot.com/2014/06/christmas-break.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright  June 10, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

And Brenda Showed Up

Needle Works just had a retreat and a guest came to stitch along with the participants. Yes, Brenda Stofft herself appeared.   Monica took pictures (thank you!) of the designer at work and of her Nativity set which is the club at Needle Works this year.  Don't miss the finishing of the Holy Family piece!  It's very clever.
http://lazydaisyneedlework.blogspot.com/2014/06/a-little-surprise.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 12, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Brenda Stofft Store Exclusive

Hingham Square Needlepoint worked with Brenda Stofft on this custom Christmas tree skirt, posted on the shop's Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=423718274428519&set=gm.606934872717008&type=1&theater

They talked Brenda into creating a shop exclusive called Sugar and Spice Mrs. Santa which is available to be made into a stand up or tree topper, but doesn't have the side peppermint candy garlands.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=424256614374685&set=gm.607589242651571&type=1&theater

Contact the shop to order.
http://hinghamsquareneedlepoint.com

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

Sandy's Tip for Needle Felting

Bedecked and Beaddazzled celebrated Thanksgiving by having Sandy Arthur come teach the Wizard Cat from Brenda Stofft. This is a fun piece full of all sorts of techniques, including needle felting. Sandy is very good at needle felting.   Her best tip--use only a little bit of roving as you work!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2013/12/oooh-i-like-this-technique.html

Doesn't this look like FUN?!
http://www.sheenasstitches.com/thanksgiving-weekend-class/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Susan Portra at Work

Vicky jumped in the car and took a quick trip to Aristeia Needlepoint's retreat at the Ritz Carleton in Laguna Niguel.  She showed off some of the pieces Susan Portra was working on at the retreat, including the great Girls on the Dock piece by Patti Mann and a wonderful gingerbread house from Shelly Tribbey that is good enough to eat.  Susan is currently stitching a Brenda Stofft roll up Santa cone that is going to be spectacular when she finishes it.  (This will be a class she will teach next year.)
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/a-coooool-day-in-the-neighborhood/

http://www.aristeianeedlepoint.com/#!retreat/c1l4j

Thanks for the eye candy, Vicky!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Remember my Rabbit in a Kimono?

My Rabbit Geisha in Close Up

If you liked the Rabbit Geisha piece I stitched a few years back, you will want to see Jane's companion piece, the Cat in a Kimono.  The stitch guide for this was written for Jane by Tony Minieri. It's magnificent and has her cat's green eyes.
http://janew1102.typepad.com/my_weblog/2013/02/dont-tell-nora.html

These are designs from Brenda Stofft.  The Geisha Rabbit piece is here, and...
http://www.brendastofftdesign.com/#!rabbits-and-hares/cegp

...you can see the unstitched Cat in a Kimono here.  Well done, Jane!
http://www.brendastofftdesign.com/#!this-and-that/c1vha

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