Magic Thread Trick (the Video)

Michele of Bristly Thistle posted this neat tip on Needlepoint Nation.  Julia Snyder taught her this way of getting exactly the right color for her canvas.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/1890343834376099/

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

A Great Stitch/Thread for Snow

This tip comes to us from Meredith Willet.  Michele of the Bristly Thistle obviously pays attention in class!
https://www.bristlythistle.com/blog/2018/3/7/a-great-stitch-for-snow

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 9, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Robin Goes to Bristly Thistle

Robin had a fun time teaching at Bristly Thistle in Florida.  She shows off the shop and the canvases student brought to the party.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2017/10/robin-teaches-at-bristly-thistle-fl.html

Melody took the class and posted a bit about the shop as well.
https://wooley-thoughts.blogspot.com/2017/10/october-waning.html

I want a thread room of my own!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 29, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Basketweave Turkeywork

Michele at Bristly Thistle has a tip for those who hate turkeywork but need some on one of their canvases—stitch it the Susan Portra way.  Basically you just do basketweave but leave big loops on top of the canvas.  I suspect this works best in smaller areas as I can see holding a ton of loops out of the way would get difficult if you were doing this in a big space.  Of course you could use non-tacky tape to hold the loops out of the way.
https://www.bristlythistle.com/blog/2017/7/24/the-easiest-turkey-work-ever

If you loathe turkeywork, this is something to try.  Thanks, Susan, Sally and Michele!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 24, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Taking a Mistake and Running With It

Michelle of Bristly Thistle goofed on a stitch diagram for a class-and her students made something beautiful!  It's proof that mistakes are sometimes better than the "right" way.
https://www.bristlythistle.com/blog/2017/5/16/do-as-i-say-not-as-i-do

That's my Thought for the Day.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 16, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Michele's 3-2-1 Rule

Michele Herron of The Bristly Thistle has a neat way to keep her stock of unstitched canvases under control.   She calls it the 3-2-1 Rule.  Now all I have to do is find some self-control buried under the boxes of threads and canvases….
https://www.bristlythistle.com/blog/2017/4/26/sticking-to-the-3-2-1-rule

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 27, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Beading Tips from Michele

Bristly Thistle's blog has several tips on beading needlepoint canvas on their blog. I think the list of good needles for beading is particularly helpful.  Hopefully this will help folks who find beading hard.
https://www.bristlythistle.com/blog/2017/3/2/beading-tips

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

Breaking News: Bristly Thistle is Moving

Bristly Thistle announced on Facebook this morning that they are moving six blocks to 811 Beach Street in Fernandina Beach, Florida.  
https://www.facebook.com/BristlyThistle/photos/a.194985590586534.51508.104618412956586/990384394379979/?type=3&theater

Their last day at the old location is May 20.  The new location will be open for business on June 1, 2016.  Mark your calendars if you are going to be in Florida around this time.
http://www.bristlythistle.com

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

The Alpaca Bunny (Michele Heron)

Michele of The Bristly Thistle in Florida just finished my nominee for Best Bunny of the Week.
https://bristlythistle.wordpress.com/2015/04/18/rabbit-pillow/

I don't know the designer or if Michele will create a stitch guide for this charmer, but you can check with her via the shop.
http://www.bristlythistle.com/index.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright  April 19, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

In Class with Sandy Arthur

The shops that go to the TNNA show can sign up for classes with various well known teachers. Michele of Bristly Thistle took two Sandy Arthur classes and blogged about some of the wonderful things she learned.   This isn't about new merchandise so I am putting it here for your reading pleasure instead of in the TNNA Winter 2013 tab.
http://bristlythistle.blogspot.com/2013/01/my-first-class-at-winter-market.html

http://bristlythistle.blogspot.com/2013/02/ore-fun-with-sandy-arthur.html

If your shop took a class, like Michele they will have a lot of fun new things to show you the next time you are in the shop.

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

Seasonal News

The crazy holiday season is upon us.  Kelly Clark has been working hard on getting her catalogue ready for the TNNA show after the holidays.  The photographs of finished designs are wonderful!
http://kellyclarkneedlepointhandbook.blogspot.com/2012/11/a-glimpse-of-autumn.html

Ruth Schmuff has finished her latest mystery class, one with a Halloween theme.  To see what she changed, check out the original design in the second link below.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2012/11/big-dramatic-finish.html

http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2012/05/broom-parking.html

By the way, here is the canvas Ruth will use in her next mystery class--a Zecca snowman!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2012/11/are-you-ready-for-snow.html

Michele has finished her latest Christmas stocking and shares the ideas she used to make sure this small stocking lasts and lasts until its owner is grown, and to make the details special.
http://bristlythistle.blogspot.com/2012/10/not-all-stockings-should-be-huge-and.html

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

Catching Up

Due to the hurricane, I am trying to catch up on unanswered emails and trying to post about things I've seen but haven't had blog access to write about. In other words, this article is going to be more incoherent than usual, but no Internet access does that to you!

First of all, Needle Nicely shows off their wall displays of painted canvases.  I love seeing the inside of shops!
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2012/10/climbing-walls.html

I have some unusual finishing for you.  First, a Day of the Dead skull displayed in a most unusual manner!
http://bristlythistle.blogspot.com/2012/10/more-halloween.html

Here's a sullen Halloween witch who is obviously not in a good mood.  Maybe she hates her new haircut?  LOL
http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2012/10/witchy-woman.html

How about this Christmas snail canvas?  I love it but Wordpress doesn't love me so I can't tell Michele how much I like this.
http://bristlythistle.wordpress.com/2012/10/28/back-from-the-finisher/

Finally, if finishing costs are bankrupting you, how about using one of the Sudberry boxes?  Pocket Full of Stitches shows off the range of styles and sizes on their blog.  My personal favorite was the Sharon box which they no longer make but the Long Box looks similar.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2012/10/sudberry.html


Tomorrow I'll be more coherent-promise!

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

The Newest

There are lots of new things popping up all over. First of all, Bristly Thistle's found a neat new tool to help with stretcher bars.
http://bristlythistle.blogspot.com/2012/10/a-cool-stretcher-bar-tool.html

Unique New Zealand has created a smaller ornament version of their Keep Calm series.  Thanks for the heads-up, Vicky!
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/10/15/are-you-ready-for-this/

Finally, Barbara Bergsten has come up with new rolly polly Santas that she calls Santa Stitches.  She needs help coming up with the right threads for 13 count, however.  Can you give her some recommendations?
http://createneedlepoint.typepad.com/create_needlepoint/2012/10/i-need-needlepoint-help.html

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

Don't Be A Snail!

Michele at Bristly Thistle reminds stitchers the Christmas finishing deadlines are upon us with this charming Christmas snail from Kirk and Hamilton (the masters of the unexpected).   AND there is a bonus tip from the fabulous SharonG about choosing threads for open stitches like T stitch!
http://bristlythistle.blogspot.com/2012/08/christmas-snail.html

Speaking of finishing and deadlines, here is a similar note from The Needlepointer.  Stitch faster!
http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=2b1a4dafdf1ba6e29e773aa79&id=62d7541c95&e=d91761eebb

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

TNNA Baltimore: Saturday Reports UPDATED A THIRD TIME

Quail Run is back, reporting on new items they've seen at Market.   There are new colors and a slightly different shape for the Namaste Needle Buddy boxes.
http://sonorandesertstitching.blogspot.com/2012/09/new-at-market-from-namaste.html

There are also new needle magnets available.
http://sonorandesertstitching.blogspot.com/2012/09/more-needleminders.html

Plus they've found three sizes of rhinestone "chains" for embellishment.
http://sonorandesertstitching.blogspot.com/2012/09/new-embellishment-from-market.html

Bristly Thistle has taken photos of the newest Alice Peterson canvases and...
http://bristlythistle.wordpress.com/2012/09/08/alice-peterson-in-baltimore/

UPDATE: #3:  Here are more Alice Petersons.
http://bristlythistle.wordpress.com/2012/09/11/more-alice-peterson/

...new things from J. Child.
http://bristlythistle.wordpress.com/2012/09/08/j-child-in-baltimore/

UPDATE:  Quail Run has found a new type needle minder and Vicky has eaten crab!
http://sonorandesertstitching.blogspot.com/2012/09/new-from-market-needle-minders.html

http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/09/09/all-in-a-hard-days-job/

By the way, if you have a Facebook account, look for River Silks Ribbon.  They are posting photos of the TNNA show there.

UPDATE #2:   KreinikGirl is posting photos to her Twitter page.  Here's the link which I could see even not logged into Twitter.  (Yes, I have a Twitter account and no, I've never used it.)
https://twitter.com/#!/KreinikGirl/media/slideshow?url=pic.twitter.com%2FYf4xA6rh&utm_source=fb&utm_medium=fb&utm_campaign=KreinikGirl&utm_content=244608645101404160

Robin is also eating crab and looking at magnets, this time from Accoutrement Designs.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2012/09/baltimore-tnna-day-2.html

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

How Do You Like Your Souffle?

Michele has it diagrammed to slant left OR right!  This is another side of the Halloween box that Michele is stitching for her shop.  Expect another great Bristly Thistle stitch guide from her shortly.
http://bristlythistle.blogspot.com/2012/07/happy-witch.html


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

Class Announcements

Want to learn something new?  BeStitched in Arizona has a few openings in their Barbara Elmore shoes closet class.
http://bestitchedneedlepoint.com/last-call-for-barbara-elmores-maries-shoe-closet-workshop/

If your guild wants a fun lecture, Terry Dryden has just developed one on design that sounds like great fun.
http://www.terrydryden.com/-blog/2012/7/23/created-a-new-lecture.html

Robin King's going to teach a fun vase of flowers class at Bristly Thistle in October.  You can get some hints about what she plans here.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2012/07/flowers-in-vase-nd-311.html

Family Arts Needlework is going to do an elephant canvas, complete with trinkets from your jewelry box, with Linda Coriossi.  Each one will be unique.
http://tapestryfair.blogspot.com/2012/07/636-painted-elephant-class.html?spref=fb

If you are anywhere near Nimble Needle August 5, get yourself into their canvas embellishment class with SharonG.  She and Brenda Hart are my stitching inspirations because they are talented from the tip of their heads down to their toes.  This is a Don't Miss opportunity.
http://thenimbleneedle.blogspot.com/2012/07/sunday-august-5th-with-sharong.html


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

Look at the Clouds!

Bristly Thistle is getting ready to teach the Susan Roberts/Tapestry Tent piece called Thanksgiving March. Here's the finished piece. See the clouds? They are felted!
http://bristlythistle.blogspot.com/2012/05/thanksgiving-march-fini.html


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

Sale!

Bristly Thistle has announced the addition of many new canvases to their sale pages. These are fifty percent off, which is a great deal if the perfect canvas for you is among the painted canvases needing a good home.  Follow the links to see.
http://bristlythistle.wordpress.com/2012/05/24/needlepoint-designs-on-sale/


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

A Light Magnifier and System 4 Accessories Clamp

The Bristly Thistle has a light/magnifier highlighted on their blog today. It is shown used with a System 4 floor stand.
http://bristlythistle.wordpress.com/2012/05/15/needlepoint-system-4-accesories/

I happened to have owned this very light magnifier and used it happily for over a dozen years until the halogen bulb burned out.  Switching bulbs is not easy in this model (the bulb base has wires, so you have to pull out the old one and insert the wires of the new into the socket) and mine never worked right after I replaced the original bulb. Of course it took the original bulb over ten years to burn out!  The replacement bulb finally shorted out and I've been doing without a light/magnifier ever since, although I have my eyes on a Dazor table model to use as a replacement.  Still, I used it for a very long time and liked it as much as the person reviewing it.  I used mine first with a Gazelle floor stand (made by Elan) and then with a K's metal floor frame.  The base of the light/magnifier is a round pole that is inserted into one of the round holes in the System 4 light and magnifier holder clamp.
http://www.bristlythistle.com/ns4.html

Both my Gazelle and my K's metal stand also have holes the right size to accept this pole, so you can use this style light/magnifier with any stand or base with a matching hole.

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