Mystery for Fall 2025--"My New Skull"

Ruth Schmuff has announced the Fall 2025 mystery class at Bedecked and Beadazzled--Sharon Hendy-Moman's "My New Skull."

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/08/say-hello-to-my-new-skull/

The first class of the three that Ruth's planned is September 7.  I'll update this article as Ruth posts progress photos of the fun.

First lesson Ruth started with the face, the leaves in the background and did an interesting twist on the background itself.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/09/framed-in-foliage/

The second lesson is all about the buildings in the background.  Great ideas for other canvases with buildings here!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/10/buildings/

And she's finished by the third lesson, which dresses her in jewelry, a gown and flowers in her hair.  The skull is fancied up, too!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/10/my-new-skull-is-complete/

Here is Renee's version, finished and beautifully framed.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10242700477587319&set=pcb.25571286452521838

Here is Ruth's version, also lovely in her frame.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2026/05/she-cleaned-up-nicely/

Ruth has posted a video that shows a closeup of "My New Skull" and gives you a good idea of what is in the kit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38aiLGbDIoI

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow 

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 2, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Rose Leaf Stitch

When it comes to my own stitching, I have favorite stitches I use over and over again.  I love interlocking Gobelin for dog fur, Diagonal Mosaic for slanting stitches on things like cat ears, Double Stitch is great for small areas that need a little extra something to make them stand out, etc.  I know what works for me but that sometimes means I get into a rut and use the same stitch over and over.

So this morning I was excited to learn about a new stitch for leaves called Rose Leaf Stitch.  Mary Corbet has mentioned it several times on her website but somehow I never noticed it.  But who can resist a leaf stitch achieved with cardboard and a crochet needle?!  Especially since it also makes great flower buds....

https://www.needlenthread.com/2013/09/stitch-fun-rose-leaf-stitch.html

https://www.needlenthread.com/2013/10/rose-leaf-stitch-not-a-leaf-but-a-bud.html

I may never use it but it's fun to learn about and who knows...?  It might just be perfect on a canvas I've been meaning to stitch for a while.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

The October 2020 Mystery Class from Ruth Schmuff—Steampunk Mer-Fairy

If you love Halloween and want to take a mystery class in October-November 2020, Ruth Schmuff has you covered.  Ruth's next mystery class will be this Halloween mermaid/steampunk/Day of the Dead cutie from Lulu My Pink Fairy.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2020/09/steampunk-fairy/

And we have background!  (and a face)

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2020/10/easy-peasy-lesson-one/

The mermaid has really cute (and easy) hair.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2020/10/curls/

The tiny skulls are beaded, the tail has sections of different patterns, there are flowers in her hair, and the bra is fabulous!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2020/11/fashion-forward-b/

Here is the finished version, framed with a tin frame and also finished as a standup.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2023/10/steampunk-fairy-ready-for-curtain-call/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright Sept. 1, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Day of the Dead Notebook Cover

Bobbin and Fred is making a notebook cover from plastic canvas. It's really pretty.
https://sewingwithbobbinandfred.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/flapping-about-plastic-canvas-book.html#more

https://sewingwithbobbinandfred.blogspot.com/2018/04/its-finish-day-of-dead-tapestry.html

This isn't really a tutorial although an adventuresome stitcher could probably experiment on their own and come up with a nice book cover of their own.

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

Ghost, the Embroidery Video

"Ghost" is a music video from the indie band Husky that features a computer-generated ethnic embroidery style that looks like a mix of cross stitch, needlepoint and Day of the Dead imagery.
https://vimeo.com/216098603

Clemstamation did the animation.  I don't see any more work done in this style but animation that copies hand embroidery is both fun for us stitchers to see and a hopeful sign that younger people are interested in doing thing with needles.
http://www.clemstamation.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 7, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Get Yer Red Hot DoD Magnets Here!

Tapestry Fair has quietly added to the magnet and accessories part of their website. They now offer Day of the Dead magnets using Manuel Salas' artwork, and there is more!  Check out the cat magnets, for example, or the rose.   Peggi at Tapestry Fair says that Manuel "makes the bottlecap part and then sends them to me for glitter, resin, magnets and packaging. These are done like traditional Mexican folk art with much stronger magnets."

http://www.tapestryfair.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=97

Tapestry Fair offers little "bottle cap" style frames to showcase your favorite smaller magnet, magnetic bracelet cuffs so you can wear your favorite magnet, non-magnetic scissors fobs in case you don't want to magnetize your scissors, bracelets to wear your magnets and scissors fobs until you need them, and lots more fun things.  Have a good browse while I try and decide which Day of the Day magnet I "need"--MG-14 and MG-15 are my current favorites.  Which are yours?

Peggi, can we expect more Manual Salas ladies in the near future?

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

Introducing La Sirena (Ruth Schmuff Mystery Class) UPDATED

Ruth Schmuff has just announced the latest canvas for her series of mystery classes--she's going to work on Lulu My Pink Turtle's La Sirena mermaid. 
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2015/06/lulus-la-sirena.html

For right now the canvas is only available as part of Ruth's class but if you want to wait until the mystery is solved, you'll be able to get the kit (or just the canvas) later on.  Stay tuned for the fishy fun!

UPDATES:
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2015/07/its-all-in-details.html

http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2015/08/ready-for-swim.html

http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/11/beaches-mermaids-and-seashells.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 5, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Keenan Versus Nobuko UPDATED

Needlepoint Now's e-newsletter, which is always full of a preview of the next issue of the magazine, also has a fun discussion of the difference between Keenan Stitch and Nobuko Stitch this month, from the fertile mind of Sandy Arthur.
http://www.needlepointnow.com/wp-content/uploads/NWSLTR2_0614.pdf

Of course there is more!  Were you wow'd by the Day of the Dead Lady in BeStitched's class last year?  Then you'll want to see how it was done in the July-August 2014 issue of the magazine to be released shortly.
http://bestitchedneedlepoint.com/la-dama-elegante-october-release/

I'll let you read about the rest of the next issue yourself.  Have fun!

UPDATE:  If you don't subscribe, you'll want to peek at a few pages of the July issue posted by Ridgewood Needlepoint.  They may tempt you to pick up a copy.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-latest-issue-of-needlepoint-now-is.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 28 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Belleza's Fashion Plate Sister

BeStitched has announced a kit for their Day of the Dead Lady, La Dame Elegante. This is a Tapestry Fair canvas that comes with threads, stitch guide and embellishments.  Click on the photo for a better view of her stole, hat and skull earring.
http://bestitchedneedlepoint.com/la-dama-elegante-order-today/

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

The Last Tango---With Beads

Fans of Day of the Dead-themed canvases will have noticed Tapestry Fair introduced a new Manuel Salas canvas at the January Market. It's called Last Tango and shows a dancing couple under a crystal chandelier.  What happened to them?  Did they find each other in the Land of the Dead?  Did they die on the dance floor in a hail of gunfire from a jealous rival?
http://www.tapestryfair.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=67&Itemid=1

Now Swarovski is about to introduce new crystal skulls that would make a nice finishing touch to the chandelier or perhaps provide an accent on those fabulous red dancing shoes.
http://www.fusionbeads.com/search#!New-Products/Swarovski-Innovations-Spring-Summer-2015/New-Swarovski-Elements-Crystal-Skull-Beads_2&ea_d=_1_ALL

Aren't we lucky to be stitching these days when there is a style of canvas for everyone and fabulous accents to add to it as well?!

Bonus points to Sheena for discovering the crystal skulls!

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 Arthur Does Mysteries UPDATED

Sandy Arthur has just announced her first mystery class, which will feature Yolanda from the Tapestry Fair Day of the Dead series. Yolanda is one of Manuel Salas's skeleton ladies, but a very stylish one with orange streamers and colorful braids.  The class will last six months and each month's mailing may vary according to whether you want Evertites or regular stretcher bars, etc.  The details are here.  If you want to do something fun, then hire Sandy as your guide to stitching Yolanda!
http://www.sandyarthur.blogspot.com/2013/11/0-0-1-613-3196-kinberger-law-office-456.html

UPDATE:  Sandy is researching shops that will provide supplies for anyone joining Sandy's class, just in case you don't have a local shop to help you.  There are more details about how the lessons will work here as well.  Sounds like fun, sort of a mystery class with a scavenger hunt for the threads!
http://sandyarthur.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-mystery-of-yolanda-more-and-more-of.html

http://sandyarthur.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-mystery-ofyolanda-yolanda.html

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 Kanzashi Fabric Flowers Again

Remember when I was talking about Japanese Kanzashi fabric flowers and had a link about how to make them?
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2013/09/how-to-make-japanese-kanzashi-fabric.html

Great minds think alike.  Peggi was already making them for her latest Day of the Dead sugar skull piece.
http://tapestryfair.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-holiday-finish.html

Here are the three designs in the series unstitched, just so you can see what adding the flowers adds to the design.  Nice job, Peggi!
http://www.tapestryfair.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=67&Itemid=1

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.

Manuel Salas Introduces Yolanda

Tapestry Fair has translated another of Manuel Salas' Day of the Dead ladies into needlepoint. Let me introduce Yolanda!
http://tapestryfair.blogspot.com/2013/09/meet-yolanda.html

Her favorite color is orange and she just loves peppers.  I can't decide whether the streamers on either side of her shoulders are peppers or braided ribbons to look like them.  She is as different as can be from her slightly older sister La Dama Elegante.
http://tapestryfair.blogspot.com/2013/05/more-halloween-from-manuel-salas.html

I mention Elegante as BeStitched is planning a class on her.  You can see progress photos on their Facebook page.  Use the navigation arrows to see two other closeups.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=521851727883760&set=pcb.521852081217058&type=1&theater

If you are curious about the rest of Manuel's daughters, you can see them here.
http://tapestryfair.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=57&Itemid=1

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.

Guess Who's Finished?

Belleza de Halloween, Manuel Salas' Art From Tapestry Fair

I'm sure morning visitors to Blog were somewhat shellshocked as I worked on the new look for spring. (Spring **is** on the way, right? RIGHT?!)  Colors changed, photos changed, things were rearranged.  But I'm cleaning house and making way for my newest project as my Day of the Dead lady is DONE!  Hurrah!

Belleza's stitch guide is written and now I am moving on to the newest thing.  Details on the stitch guide for Belleza are on the CH Stitch Guides blog.
http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com/2013/02/halloween-beauty.html

What is the newest thing?  Well, you are going to have to wait a little to find out.

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.

Beading Thread - Which One?

Two Types of Beading Threads

You know how there are ten million kinds and colors and shapes and sizes of beads?  Turns out there are a lot of beading threads, too.  I've been playing with two of them.

On the left in the photo you see a package of Sundance Designs' beading thread.  My color is Dark Cream.  It's really medium cream but who am I to tell Sundance to call their threads "medium" instead of "dark"!?  They have lots of colors of beading thread.  You can see them here, at the bottom of the page. The label points out that colored beading thread may not be colorfast.  If this is an issue for you, stick to white Sundance beading thread.
http://www.sundancedesignsonline.com/catalog.php?LimitRows=all

The Collection also has beading thread.  The packet on the left is theirs.  It is called "Braided Bead Thread" in "crystal" and the label says there is no breaking, fraying or knotting with this thread.  The Collection's website doesn't show a range of colors.  Crystal (which is actually clear and looks like monofilament fishing line) may be the only color they have but I don't know.
http://www.allaboutstitching.com/e-z-beader-and-beading-thread.html

Both seem strong.  I don't think the sharp edges of beads will cut into either easily.  They are constructed differently.  The Collection's braided beading thread is a round thread that is very thin nylon.  Sundance's thread is flatter and frays just a tiny bit at the cut edge, which shows it is made of multiple strands of very thin nylon (or another synthetic).  It is a little difficult to tie a knot at the end of each brand for securing it on the back.  The Collection's nylon line is stiffer to work with.

I prefer Sundance's but that is just because I like the feel of it better.  There is no reason for me to pick one over the other.  Using the "Dark Cream" doesn't change the color of the red and green areas of Belleza's mirror back but the white areas turn a little yellower when I use it there.  If you don't want any change in the look of your beads or the paint of your canvas, you would want to use the "Crystal" from The Collection.  If you are worried about the color running in blocking, then you would need to go with white Sundance beading thread or the crystal from The Collection.

I don't have any price comparison for you as each of my two beading threads were gifts, but there may be a price differential.  I just don't know and Google wasn't much help there today.  Either will do the job, so pick depending on what other needs you have.


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

Fame!

Guess who was the poster girl for the Day of the Dead celebration in New Mexico?
http://phoenixneedlepointnews.blogspot.com/2012/11/poster-girl.html

You can see a stitched version of Belleza's Day of the Dead sister Pocito here, by the way.  Check out what Sheena is doing for the bodice of her Melissa Shirley Wild Woman canvas, by the way.  Sheena's stitching Mae West.
http://www.sheenasstitches.com/januarys-stitcherie-challenge/

Not to worry, I am stitching away on Belleza, but I'm working on a part that will take me probably two weeks to finish and show off.

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

Art Show: Folk Art

Rittenhouse Needlepoint occasionally publishes little essays about needlepoint that are always informative. This time their topic is folk art and needlepoint. This is a lovely way to take time out from Christmas Madness, so click on the link and enjoy the art show.
http://rittenhouseneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2012/11/folk-art-and-needlepoint_30.html

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

Dead with Comments

Earlier this week I got an email from a stitching blog reader who would love to leave comments for all the blogs she follows but is unable to get through the "Prove You Are Not A Robot" authentication no matter how hard she tries. It seems to be something about her account. She asked me to let all blog writers know that thee are plenty of folks like her, who read and enjoy stitching blogs but aren't able to leave messages.

I don't know about other blog software but Blogger allows writers to turn on authentication of comments and I do that.  This means I have to OK each and every comment but it also means that automated spam is filtered out and the folks who send selling messages to every blog they can find are eliminated before they get to Blog.  I get an average of one spam message a week, but they normally come in clumps of 3-4 one day and then nothing for a week or two until they find Blog again and attempt to post messages.  The latest scam they use is a flattering message about how great your blog is with a link to their site.  All these are marked as spam and deleted before you ever see them.

The down side is that legit comments don't always get through.  That's why when I post a message I know will create a lot of comments I always post my email address so that folks who can't get through Comments can at least email me privately and I can post their message for them.  I would encourage other stitching bloggers to do the same.  You can even set up a free email account just for these messages which is what I have done.  I don't use my private email address, that is for my family to send messages to only.

I promised to mention this problem as it is very frustrating to loyal blog fans.  You have readers you don't know about because they are rendered mute.  I'm not advocating turning off the authentication, mind.  If you do that, you are going to be victimized by spammers and worse.  But I can't comment on most (but not all) WordPress blogs myself.  I know how frustrating that is!

In other news, I've added a photo of Sherry Bray's Day of the Dead lady (she taught Pocito who has the green background at Queen Anne Stitches in Santa Clarita, CA this summer)  to the CH Stitch Guides blog. Sherry is selling the guide for her version if you are interested.  To see Sherry's skeleton all dressed up and ready to rock, pleases click on the magic carpet photo on the right side of this page.  You will be magically whisked away to the other blog to admire Sherry's work.

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

Belleza's Jewelry Part 2

The Pendant Finished, Except....

It's been hectic here in Chilly Hollow so it's taken me some time to finish Belleza's necklace and pendant.  But they are finally done!  The chain is beaded while the pendant is a mix of gold threads, beads and Swarkovski crystals (the daisy-shaped marguerites and a button).

Muslin Basted on Back Side

However, after I read what Ruth Schmuff did for her Eye Candy "Mod Hearts" piece, I had to try it to add a bit of dimension to Belleza's necklace.
http://splittheneedles.blogspot.com/2012/09/love-me-do.html

Slit Closed and Excess Muslin Trimmed

Peggi at Tapestry Fair has done trapunto on a Christmas wreath needlepoint and suggested I just baste around three sides, then stuff through the open side but I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to stuff the corners well that way, so I cut a slit in the middle of the diamond shape and stuffed through it.  Then I sewed up the slit, took out the purple basting stitches that held my muslin in position, and trimmed the excess muslin to reduce bulk on the back side.

Dimension!

You probably can't really tell it but Belleza's pendant now raises gently off the black background of her tunic.  Success!

Flashy Necklace--Hurrah!

I've started working on her mirror, which is likely to take quite a while, so don't expect an update for several weeks.

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