YIKES!

The news from Chaparral isn't great right now.  During a move to Tennessee, Heidi lost everything in a moving truck fire.  Combined with some health issues, she's having a hard time. 

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

Here's hoping things start to look up soon, Heidi.  To quote Dolly Parton, "The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you got to put up with the rain."

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 19, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Best Ways to Stitch a Curved Line

Kreinik's Instagram page shows you how best to stitch a curved line--couch it!   They show examples from the master stitcher Jill Rigoli who likes to couch Kreinik threads with a thinner matching color in Kreinik or clear sewing thread if you can't access a matching color.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C7mvGJ5tXzd/?g=5&img_index=1

Chaparral takes another route--wrapped backstitch!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DAtLI2ERnof/

Wrapped chain stitch works, too, and is more dimensional.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DA_1d65PqO0/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 31, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Ruche Wired Ribbon: The Movie

Chaparral demonstrates how to ruche wired ribbon for use on a canvas.  It's surprisingly easy but be warned--don't use your embroidery scissors to cut the thin wire.  That will dull your scissors very quickly.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C_85hqmviNz/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 16, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Make a Dimensional Olive: The Movie

Chaparral's Instagram has a fun video demonstrating now to make a dimensional stump work olive for your martini design.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C_is-xYx_Xw/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Dimensional Leaf Stitches: The Movie

Since yesterday was Santa beard stitches, I thought today should be Christmas tree leaf stitches! Chaparral in Dallas has a nice video on their Instagram account showing how to create 3-D leaves for a tree.  (This also works for bird feathers or dragon scales or even flower petals.). Please note you can substitute a large needle for the small laying tool as the foundation for your stitches.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C_BdTWIP1fJ/

I learned this stitch as woven picots and use memory wire as the foundation.  You can also use a thread like perle cotton for a foundation although I find that a bit harder.  Here are diagrams.  Once you have the memory wire in place for the outside legs, loop thread up from C over the tip of the memory wire triangle, and start to weave it over and under the memory wire and the C leg of thread.

As you can see, all you need is the foundation and you can weave your standup leaf to the size you want for whatever you are creating.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 24, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Raised Stitches: The Movies

Today's Raised Stitch Day!  I have two videos featuring Ruth Schmuff of Bedecked and Beadazzled demonstrating raised closed herringbone stitch (perfect for leaves and feathers) and...

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-vCzR2OEOs/

...Heidi of Chaparral Needle Needlepoint showing you how to make detached buttonhole for baskets and bags.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-vVqIAvstd/

These stitches are easier than you would think.  Practice in the margins of your current piece and you'll soon get the hang of it.  (Tip:  Practice with perle cotton as it's easy to handle when you are trying to master new stitches.)

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 17, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Reason to Hang Out in School Cafeterias, Bars and Coffee Shops

Why should you hang out in a school cafeteria, bars or coffee shops?  To pick up coffee stir straws, of course!  Why do I need straws, you ask?  Chaparral shows how to use them to fill Flair with beads to make clusters of berries.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C9Bf-FvPetp/

You definitely need small beads and small straws, which is why stir straws are a good thing.  Try this with size 14 or 15 beads first.  Size 11 beads often won't work with one of these smaller-than-usual straws.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Chaparral Goes to Graduation

In the most unusual piece of finishing I've seen this year, Chaparral turned a customer's stitching into a graduation cap, then slid it into an acrylic tray for later use.  Use the right side arrow to see it at graduation.  

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

More pictures here.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CseaZO1rCGI/?img_index=1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 21, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

BREAKING NEWS: Chaparral is Moving from Houston to Dallas

Chaparral is moving from Houston, Texas to Dallas, Texas.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CiX9ek_DEGb/

Here is the message sent to customers:

We have BIG news!
Exciting things are happening at Chaparral Needleworks, and we want to share some important news with you. Loyalty from customers like you has fueled our continued success, and we are proud to announce we are moving to Dallas, Texas.
Our new location in Dallas will open after the Needlepoint Reunion in October. Stay tuned for the opening date and new address.
All finishing and special orders for our Houston-based customers, which are received by September 19th, will be shipped complimentary.
Thank you for supporting Chaparral Needleworks in Houston. See you soon, Dallas!
Chaparral Needlework
3701 W Alabama St
Suite 300
Houston TX 77027
United States
© 2022 Chaparral Needlework 

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 11, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Whimsy And Grace Purse

Carolyn Hedge Baird shows off a Whimsy and Grace purse done in basketweave with a custom leather rear side.  It's gorgeous!

https://www.facebook.com/carolyn.h.baird/videos/10220740527367078

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 7, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Chaparral Changes Hands

Chaparral has a new owner!  Sally Anne is retiring but Heidi Henrich has stepped up to continue the fun.

https://ndlpt.com

And of course there's new shop dog, a King Charles Cavalier spaniel named Mary Poppins.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 5, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Pointing It Out with Carolyn Hedge Baird

Melissa interviews Carolyn Hedge Baird for the Pointing It Out podcast.  It's great fun!

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

If you want to contact Carolyn about a virtual class, want to buy some ribbons for finishing, or want one of Carolyn's books, contact Chaparral Needlework.

https://ndlpt.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 26, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Chaparral Needlepoint is For Sale!

Ever want to buy a needlepoint shop? Now's your chance.

Dear Chaparral Friends, I purchased Chaparral Needlework in the spring of 2008 after working at the shop for 4 1/2 years. When my children left the nest, I had too much time on my hands. I wanted a project, which became Chaparral. And what a truly wonderful, fulfilling project it has been. Twelve years later, I now have 7 grandchildren and would like to spend more time with them. It has been a rewarding 12 years, but I want to move on to the next phase in my life. Therefore, I would like to sell the shop to a new generation of owners. Chaparral Needlework celebrated 58 years in business in 2019 - quite an accomplishment given the success rate of small businesses. There is significant, visible market brand awareness and market share with Chaparral. The shop has a lease for another 2 years, and the new landlords have made improvements to the property in the past year. The location is ideal for the shop's many loyal customers with clients coming from around the United States as well. I currently work 4 days a week as a hands-on manager. Chaparral has a social media presence with Facebook. Additional revenue generating opportunities exist with Instagram, online sales and other marketing technologies that I have not yet pursued. In 2017, e-commerce sales accounted for 9 percent of all retail sales in the United States; this figure is expected to reach 12.4 percent in 2020. Currently, needlepoint is attracting younger patrons than ever before. This fact is especially encouraging.  I would welcome whomever is interested in fulfilling their dream of owning a needlepoint shop to contact me.

Sincerely, Sally Anne Skarke Owner email: saw@ndlpt.com shop phone: 713-621-7562 home phone: 713-952-1531

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 18, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Helpful Finishing Hints

Today I ran across three helpful finishing hints online.   3 Kittens in Minnesota posted about using mini socks as silverwear holders for holiday parties in their latest shop newsletter.
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/3-Kittens-News--Ooh--ooh--ooh--A-brand-new-free-perk-for-you-.html?soid=1102000932167&aid=1dlkMAeWdRQ

Carolyn's student at Chaparrel decided to stack mother-of-pearl buttons in her corners so she wouldn't have to compensate them.  Genius!
https://www.facebook.com/nestndlpt/photos/a.141837499194211.26316.141607859217175/1162758773768740/?type=3&theater

Barbara posted photos of the backs of her pillows on Facebook.  She's doing a series of fun Annie Lane canvases and put their titles on the back side.  Use the right arrow to see the other pillow back.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153499585627233&set=pcb.1053725948037896&type=3&theater

Not familiar with Annie Lane canvases?  You can see the funny titles here.
http://www.wellesleyneedlepoint.com/AnnieLaneDesigns.shtml

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

Picking a Finisher

The Facebook page Diane's Stitchin in the Mitten has posted photo albums of finishing done by various folks some who will take finishing directly and some which you have to contact via a shop.  This is helpful so you can see if someone has experience in the type of finishing you want done. The first photo album is work by Angela Shaddon.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1623244944605504&id=1439608229635844

Here is finishing arranged by Barbara's Needlepoint.  The shop has great finishers on their staff.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1623521527911179&id=1439608229635844

These designs were finished by folks chosen by Bedecked and Beaddazzled in Baltimore.
https://www.facebook.com/1439608229635844/photos/pcb.1623883044541694/1623881041208561/?type=3&theater

These were finished at Chaparral and at Chapel Hill Needlepoint.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1624146631182002&id=1439608229635844

These were finished at Marlene's.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1624436884486310&id=1439608229635844

All of these were finished through shops--Needlepoint.com, Nimble Needle in Atlanta and Peacock Alley.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1625092711087394&id=1439608229635844

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

I Need Buttons and Charms. Do You?

If you happen to love adding buttons, charms and fancy beads or trims (or all of the above) to your stitching, or you just happen to need something very special for a piece, you will have to talk to Carolyn Hedge Baird at Chaparral.  I heard someone in the peanut gallery ask, "Why?"  Here's why!
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2015/03/doodads.html

I don't know about you, but I'm lusting after that bunny button, the one with wings!  If you need any of these type things, here's Chaparral's contact information.
http://www.ndlpt.com

If you need a personal consultation, I suggest you use Carolyn's Facebook page (look for Needlepointing in Your Nest, that's Carolyn) to get in touch.  Browse her photo albums to see the huge range of what is available.  No drooling on the keyboard!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 18, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Embelishment and Framing at Chaparral

Stephanie lives close enough to Chaparral to visit the shop occasionally. Recently she posted photographs of models she saw there for us all to enjoy. Look at the details--the ribbons used to frame a piece before it goes in a frame, for example. Of the little bits of the stitching like the background behind the lady with a bird and nest on her head. The boxes are slightly different sizes, with the larger ones at the bottom. The rows between the boxes are rectangles, not squares.  Very clever!
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2015/01/in-mood-to-go-to-chaparral.html

There is plenty to see and enjoy here. Thanks for the eye candy, Steph!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 7, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Trims and Finishing at Chaparral

Steph was just visiting Chaparral in Houston and took photos of some of the amazing trims and ribbons and finishing there. First, she choose ribbons for some of her stitching. 
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-ribbonry-at-chaparral.html

http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2014/11/one-more-ribbon-from-ribbonry.html

Then she just took photos of some of the amazing things she saw there.
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2014/11/other-things-i-saw-at-chaparral.html

If you happen to be in the area, drop by Chaparral for a tour of your own.  If you aren't close enough to do that, click on "Projects," "Finishing," and "Workshops" on the website to see more.
http://www.ndlpt.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 3, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Going to the Dogs

I ran across some very cute stitched dogs today, so I had to share.  Ruth Schmuff just posted the first progress report on her Walking the Dog class.  This is a CBK design from Michele Noiset.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2014/02/the-star-of-show.html

Check out Linda's Charley Harper basset hound!  It is stitched from Carolyn Hedge Baird's stitch guide.
http://theyoungneedlepointer.blogspot.com/2014/02/basset-hound-finish.html

Both dogs are wonderful, even if they are very different in style and execution.  That's one of the charms of needlepoint for me.  There's a style and design to suit every taste.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright Feb. 17, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday Finishing: Repurposing and Ribbons

Terry Dryden just got a photo of one of her class pieces for a pillow roll stitched and made up into a darling tote bag. Isn't this lovely?!
http://www.terrydryden.com/-blog/2013/11/14/fun-finishing.html

I am always amazed when a stitcher takes a design and makes it up into something totally different than the original model.  It's another way to personalize your stitching to suit yourself and your lifestyle.

By the way, Diane just found a wonderful online source for quality ribbons, which is very important for those who do their own finishing.
http://www.dianestakingtimeouttoneedlepoint.com/2013/11/shopping-for-quality-ribbon.html

Two other sources I know of are Mindy's Needlepoint Factory and Chaparral Needlepoint, whose Carolyn Hedge Baird stocks a nice collection of ribbons and trims for finishing.
http://www.mindysneedlepoint.com/Home.html

http://www.ndlpt.com

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.