The Rainbow Butterfly

Melita is mustering various resources as she contemplates stitching Laurel Burch's "Rainbow Butterfly," distributed by Danji.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/05/24/rainbow-butterfly-by-danji-laurel-burch-artwork-the-stitching-club-with-ellen-johnson-serendipity/

The body of the butterfly is finished.  This is going to look amazing!

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/08/16/raised-stem-stitch-for-rainbiw-butterfly/

The top orange to yellow wing section is done.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/12/10/rainbow-butterfly-by-danji-laurel-burch-artwork-top-yellow-orange-area/

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/12/10/rainbow-butterfly-by-danji-laurel-burch-artwork-top-fuchsia-purple-area/

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/12/12/rainbow-butterfly-by-danji-laurel-burch-artwork-outer-center-blue-and-green-blue-and-green-areas/

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/12/13/rainbow-butterfly-by-danji-laurel-burch-artwork-inner-center-red-areas/

Note that Melita used an interesting technique to make the same sized beads look larger/smaller.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/12/15/rainbow-butterfly-by-danji-laurel-burch-artwork-antennae-outlines-and-beads/

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/12/26/rainbow-butterfly-by-danji-laurel-burch-artwork-lower-blue-and-purple-areas/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 25, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Laurel Burch: The Movie

Are you a fan of Laurel Burch's designs?  If you don't know her work, you can see her needlepoint canvases here.

https://www.danjidesigns.com/

The San Diego Chapter of ANG has posted a video presentation about her work, how Laurel got into design, how Danji got the rights to her work, and how it is translated into needlepoint. The section with Jill explaining how she stitches various Laurel Burch pieces is fascinating.  (You can stop watching at the end when the chapter has prize drawings.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhPA1Hl6X9M

If you want to browse Old Town Needlework's website, here's the link.

http://www.oldtownneedlework.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 20, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Threads Create a Focal Point

Needlepoint for Fun's latest essay is all about using threads to create a focal point on your canvas.

https://needlepoint-for-fun.com/blogs/needlepoint-for-fun-blog/use-thread-to-create-a-focal-point-on-your-needlepoint-canvas?ml_subscriber=1881203531478733967&ml_subscriber_hash=o4f2

Basically they advocate using a thicker thread (or more plies if you are using a floss) for areas you want to stand out and thinner threads for backgrounds or less important details.  The article discusses thread types they use and show how their technique is used on a candy cane from Danji.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 8, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

So Many Cute Santas

Brenda has stitched a dozen of the darling Janet Zigler Casey Santas!  

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2021/01/janet-zickler-casey-santas-stitched-to.html

As you can see, each is different and all are really cute.  If you want to try one of these, you can order the charts from Janet's website.  The Christmas section has the Santa heads, Halloween has darling spooky projects, etc.

http://www.jzcdesigns.com

If counted work drives you crazy, a few of the Christmas and Halloween ornaments have been turned into painted canvases that come with Janet's stitch guide.  Your favorite shop can order them from Danji Designs.  Stitch Therapy has a list of what's available.

https://stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/publishers.php?category=Janet%20Casey

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 3, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Using Kreinik's Wired Braid

Kreinik shows off a video of a Danji gingerbread house that was "iced" using Kreinik's wired braid, couched down with blending filament in 032.
https://www.facebook.com/Kreinik.Manufacturing.Company/videos/10155135646525940/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 16, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Danji Has a New Owner!

Kreinik breaks the news officially: Danji has been sold to Old Town Needlework's owner Janice!
https://www.facebook.com/Kreinik.Manufacturing.Company/videos/312011792908823/

Have fun, Janice!  And Jill, enjoy being semi-retired!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 24, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Danji and Janet Collaborate

Looks like Danji Designs is starting to make Janet Zigler Casey's famous Santa heads available as painted canvases with Janet's stitch guide!
http://www.theneedleworks.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=14487&osCsid=ol8vogsg5vo9trnk9i1u391cr3

Here are the available designs.
http://www.danjidesigns.com/JanetCasey/index.htm

Want to see how they look stitched?  Here is Janet's website.  Hopefully more of Janet's work will be available as painted designs with guides shortly.
http://www.jzcdesigns.com/christmas.htm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 31, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Using Size 4 Kreinik Braid on 18 Count Canvas

Kreinik has posted a nice video on Facebook of an interview with Jill Rigoli showcasing how she used size 4 Kreinik very fine braid on two 18 count Danji canvases.
https://www.facebook.com/Kreinik.Manufacturing.Company/videos/10154222271990940/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 30, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

My Personal Favorites from Destination Dallas 2016

Cool Drink - Erin Nelson

Now that the Destination Dallas show is over and we are moving into the fall holiday season, I wanted to point out designs I really really liked. This is a personal list, just things that whisper "stitch me" when I look at them.  The first on the list is a new artist at Purple Palm Designs.  The "Cool Drink" zebra shown on the left is so appealing due to the cool colors Erin Nelson choose.
http://www.stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=34447&title=Cool%20Drink&itemtype=hand%20painted%20canvases

Pair of Quail from Quail Run Designs

How about the quails in this Quail Run design?  I just love them!
https://www.facebook.com/QuailRunNeedlework/photos/a.339586356091534.93299.326583717391798/1192581917458636/?type=3&theater

Alice Peterson Does Mahjong

I'm also crazy about the mahjong canvases from Alice Peterson.  There are three different designs.  I think the one on the right is my personal favorite.  I like the mix of red, yellow and gray, the gate and the lanterns.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1104089483000971&set=a.1093597670716819.1073741826.100001997882176&type=3&theater

Julie Mar's Peppermint Stick Mouse Sock

I have to say this peppermint stick mouse stocking from Julie Mar is the cutest thing ever!  Of course I love pink.
http://www.juliemardesigns.com/pc/KL166/NEW/White+Mouse+on+Candy+Cane

Laurel Birch Flowers

Continuing my fascination this September with floral and animal canvases are these two from Laurel Burch/Danji.
https://www.facebook.com/DanjiDesigns/photos/pcb.1073904005979351/1073903922646026/?type=3&theater

Another Laurel Burch from Painted Pony Designs

I love the simplicity of the horse and birds design.
https://www.facebook.com/DanjiDesigns/photos/pcb.1073904005979351/1073903919312693/?type=3&theater

Beauty, by Zecca

Zecca's new Beauty Bird is lovely and the saying is quite inspirational, too.
http://zecca.net/needlepoint/new-canvases/

Deco Detective, from Eleanor Grosch

Unlike any of the other pieces, my last favorite treats are not straight from nature but are people--here's Eleanor Grosch's "The Deco Detective, " straight from the Golden Age of British detective stories.
http://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/deco-detective/

Lani's Lady with Peonies

And here is one of Lani's new Asian ladies.  They are stunners!
https://www.facebook.com/176661899060777/photos/pcb.1182714185122205/1182704798456477/?type=3&theater

Carolyn Hedge Baird says she noticed a lot of donkey canvases and lots of dogs in clothes when I asked her what trends she noticed at Destination Dallas.  What trends did you notice and what were your favorites?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright  July 26, 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.

Piped Icing on a Gingerbread House

Kreinik posted another of their fun short videos on their Facebook page this week. This time they show off one of Danji's gingerbread houses with Jill Rigoli of Danji explaining how she created the piped icing on the front of the gingerbread house. Neat! 
https://www.facebook.com/Kreinik.Manufacturing.Company/videos/10153207320410940/?fref=nf

This thread is called Hot Wire and it comes in a nice range of colors.  Easy to work with, and great effects!
http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Hot-Wire.html

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

Trend Spotting: Sheena's Elves

Sheena James of Sheena's Sweet Stitches noticed another trend that totally escaped me among the huge number of new canvases debuting at the TNNA Winter 2016 show in San Diego--elves!

Mary Engelbreit 

Like everyone else, I was charmed by this elf and birds canvas from Mary Engelbreit.  This is distributed by Painted Pony, by the way.

Santa's Workshop Set, from Danji

A lot of shops noticed Danji's Santa's Workshop set, which naturally has elves!  Here are slightly larger photos of the boy and girl elf unstitched--

Danji Elves Up Close

Cute, aren''t they?  Alice Peterson also has elves.  Sheena found these although I don't see them on the Alice Peterson website yet.

Alice Peterson's Elves

The best part of the elves from Alice Peterson and Dani is that they appear to be rather small.  They will make a quick, fun stitch!

Patience Brewster/Kate Dickerson "Vixen's Painter Elf"

Kate Dickerson's elves are larger and more elaborate.  Don't you just love his paintbrush and oversized hat!  The elf above is from Patience Brewster's art, licensed by Kate for needlepoint canvas.  You can see more of Patience's whimsical pieces, some of whom are elves, at the Kate Dickerson website.
http://www.katedickerson.com/#!patience-brewster/c45o

The Elf from Labors of Love

After Sheena alerted me to the new elf invasion, I found another myself.  This little chubby guy is from Labors of Love.  Love his peppermint stick striped background!
http://www.laborsofloveneedlepoint.com/see-whats-new.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 20, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

If You Are Allergic to Beads....

Not everyone likes beads attached to needlepoint canvas.  Not everyone wants beads on their needlepoint canvas, either, but if anyone can convince you that beads have a place in needlework, that person is Jill Rigoli. Jill's been teaching a Laurel Burch/Danji design at Bedecked and Beadazzled in Maryland and thankfully, the shop owner took lots of photos. 
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2015/03/wheres-sun.html

What do you think?  Are you willing to try this on the right canvas?
(Tips on attaching beads can be found in the "Tutorials and Hints" tab above.)

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

How to Stitch Gingerbread

You know all those really cute gingerbread men and houses canvases that you can't resist? Susan at Quail Run loves them, too!  In fact, she loves them so much that she posted a list of stitches she likes a lot for gingerbread.  So if you have a gingerbread piece in your To Do pile, Susan has ideas.
http://quailrunneedlework.com/blog/post/having-a-sweet-christmas


If you don't have a gingerbread canvas, not to worry!  Susan has a great little gingerbread stocking from Alice Peterson in stock at the shop.
http://shop.quailrunneedlework.com/search?type=product&q=gingerbread

Stitch Therapy has Kelly Clark's gingerbread man with his snowman friend.
http://www.stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=21202&title=Friends%20Forever&itemtype=hand%20painted%20canvases

Kirk and Bradley has a sweet little gingerbread house for your stitching pleasure.
http://www.kirkandbradley.com/whats-new/christmas-snowdome-gingerbread-house

Needlepoint Heaven has Danji's Gingerbread Man with his Candy Cane.
http://www.needlepointheaven.com/enlarge1/10365-gingerbread-man-and-candy-cane-DJGL85.html

Elizabeth Turner has a stocking cuff with Santa and a whole group of little gingerbread men.
http://www.canvasesbegone.com/14498/Elizabeth-Turner-Santa-and-Gingerbread-Men-stocking-cuff-needlepoint-hp-18-ct.html

Finally, Raymond Crawford has designed a gingerbread woman.  Do a little searching yourself and you are bound to find something fun that suits your personal style.
http://www.annieandco.com/products/raymond-crawford-ho764

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 22, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitching Mementos UPDATED

Suzanne has been stitching a memento of a trip her daughter took to London.  
http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2014/11/union-jack.html

This got me thinking about all those travel ornaments that people stitch in memory of a trip they took.  There are lots available, as Janet Perry shows in this round-up of places to find such things.
http://www.nuts-about-needlepoint.com/destination-needlepoint/

Of course any ornament that triggers a good memory will work.  Hope you have fun picking just the right one to stitch this season for Holiday 2015.

UPDATE:  Ridgewood posted a lot of photos of the travel ornaments from Danji.  I rarely see so many in one place.  Some celebrate Christmas in a special spot, some just celebrate the location.  All are great!
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2014/12/travel-rounds.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 19, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Swan Goddess

Needlepoint Land is back from the Dallas show, arms full of goodies, but the photo she choose to put on her blog this morning isn't a new canvas--it is Danji's Swan Goddess, probably as stitched by Jill Rigoli.  Jill taught this Laurel Burch design at Designers Desk this summer sometime and posted progress photos on Facebook.
http://needlepointland.com/2014/09/09/coming-home/

It's a magnificent piece of needle art, and since it is also on the cover of the September/October 2014 Needlepoint Now, I thought I'd mention it here so that folks who are following the stitch guide in the magazine had another photo to refer to.

Great job, Danji!  Thanks to Erin for posting the photograph.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 9, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

I am Wired

Kreinik has just announced a new wired thread, Wired Facets.  The original Facets looks a little like a string of beads and is perfect for those who like the look of a row of beads but don't want to actually have to deal with them.
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2013/07/new-wired-facets.html

This is what regular Facets look like.  The photos really convey the beads effect.  This is the unwired variety.  The wired Facets will look the same except for the "bendability" factor.  Is that a word?  LOL
http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Facets.html

Kreinik already has Hot Wire, which is #16 braid with wire down the middle.   This comes in a variety of colors.  Here's information for comparison purposes.
http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Hot-Wire.html

DMC offers Memory Thread, which is wire wrapped with cotton floss.  This is what it is like.
http://www.dmc-usa.com/Products/Needlework-Threads/Specialty-Threads/Memory-Thread.aspx?technique=Embroidery

Three wired threads, three different effects.  Isn't it good to be a stitcher these days?!

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.

The Nutcracker

The latest newsletter for Amy's Golden Strand is up on her site now and it is all about the nutcracker!  Amy became famous for her treatment of the Danji nutcrackers, each of which is an amazing character with unusual stitches and backgrounds out of Amy's imagination.
http://www.amybunger.com/f/1212.pdf

I have to admit I don't like nutcrackers.  All those teeth creep me out, but I do own one of Amy's nutcrackers.  Robin Hood, Amy's guide and I think all the threads live somewhere in my stash.  If you are interested, email me and we'll figure out a deal so he can come live with you since I know I'll never stitch this.  I'm at chillyhollow at hotmail dot com.

In honor of nutcrackers, today's Canvas of the Day is one of the more unusual nutcrackers I've seen--Susan Roberts' Astronaut Nutcracker.  Go NASA!
http://www.firesidestitchery.com/fs/handPaintedCanvas/index.cfm?fuseaction=hpCanvasSearch

Thanks for the nutcracker show and tell, Amy.  That was fun!

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

Steph Goes to Memphis (Jane Dies from Envy)

Stephanie made a pilgrimage to Amy Bunger's shop for a class last weekend. Here's what she saw and did there.
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2012/03/memphis-and-amy-bunger.html

I still love this Danji Nativity set!
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2012/03/anu-day-1.html

That windy day at the farm canvas is gorgeous.
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2012/03/anu-day-2.html

The apron is wonderful, Stephanie. You got a lot done in class.
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2012/03/anu-day-3.html

Thanks for reporting back on the fun!


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

TNNA Report: Danji Ornaments

Stitch By Stitch has posted photos of some darling cat and mice Christmas ornaments from Danji.
http://stitchbystitchlarchmontny.blogspot.com/2012/01/all-way-from-phoenix.html


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