Baroque Silk in Overdyes

Pocket Full of Stitches shows off the lovely colors of the new overdyed Baroque Silk which came out at the Dallas show.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2015/10/thread.html

If you aren't familiar with this lovely silk, it comes from Pure Palette at Dream House Ventures.  Its plyable for 18 count or you can use all three plies in one strand for 13-14 count canvases.  The colors are beautiful and I like the feel of this pretty silk.  If you ply it, sometimes you'll find color variation even in the solid colors but this can be used to great effect for a "marbled" look in a border or perhaps a stone floor or in hair for highlights.
http://www.needlepointsltd.com/baroquesilk.html

http://www.dreamhouseventures.com/shop/the-pure-palette/baroque-silk-.htm

Ridgewood shows off the regular colors as part of a trunk show of this thread.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2015/10/baroque-silk-thread-trunk-show-continues.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 28, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Book Review: Stitches a' la Carte UPDATED

Stitches a' La Carte Is Tote Bag-Sized

Lynda Richardson's new book sold out at the Destination Dallas market and there's a good reason for that--it's a charmer!  The book is called Stitches a' la Carte.  It's a ninety-three page spiral bound book.  As you can see from the photograph above, it's not a big book.  But it is packed with diagrams of background stitches, designed to be stitched in mostly tent stitches using light coverage, i.e., a thinner thread than usual so that the background shows through the stitches. There are a few diagrams that are straight stitches over one thread done in a horizontal or vertical direction and 1-2 that are long stitches.

Two Random Pages From the Book

None of the diagrams are numbered which is a deal-breaker for some folks, but Lynda says this was a deliberate decision so that folks would experiment with the stitches and adapt them to their own style.     I found the diagrams easy to read.  Most are black and white although at least one has gray stitches to point out where a repeat starts.  In other words, if you are color blind, you won't have a problem reading the diagrams.

Some of the stitches are quite complex patterns as you can see from the glimpse inside the book I posted above. If you have trouble counting out complicated patterns you may not like this book, but I can't count to five reliably and I love it!  It would be worth the pain to work out the repeats to have such lovely stitches in my backgrounds for me.  I should point out I picked some of the most complicated stitches I could find, just to show you the worst you'll have to cope with should this book end up in your stitching library.  Erin posted another stitch on her Needlepoint Land blog, by the way.  You can see it here.  Lynda is stitching a fabulous parrot canvas from Georg James (distributed by Alice Peterson), by the way.
http://needlepointland.com/2014/09/04/the-red-parrot/

I bet the stitches above are stunning stitched.  Very few of the stitches are ones I have seen before, so if you collect unusual stitches or always need background stitch ideas, this is a Must Buy book.  Some of the denser stitches will probably work in smaller areas, but I think most of the patterns will need space to show off, so they are really more suitable for large areas.

But diagrams are not all that is inside this little book.  There are vignettes of Lynda's stitching life, things she learned from friends and family or discovered at one of the many trade shows she's attended over the years.  Lynda is the owner of Dream House Ventures, you see, the distributor of painted canvases from folks like Cricket Collection or Fiori Designs, and the creator of many fine threads like the skein of Baroque Silk in the photo above to help give you an idea of scale.  They also have the wonderful Soy Luster, perfect for variegated hair or fur, and the gorgeous Empress Elite cashmere/silk blend.
http://www.dreamhouseventures.com

After I wrote this but before it published, Vicky DeAngelis also did a short review of Lynda's book, which I've linked to here to help you make up your mind if this is a book for you.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/so-whats-new-2/

Lynda often stitches models for the designs she distributes so I suppose it was inevitable she would want to share some of the lovely stitches she has created.  But that isn't all that is inside the book.  Every few pages there is a little vignette from Lynda's life.  You will get glimpses of things she learned from trade shows, her family or her friends, shared generously along with all those beautiful background stitches. Lynda will come alive as you read.  The book has places for you to list the gifts you've received from your needlepoint as well, making this a book that could become very personal indeed.

For a long time I've been sorry the stitch dictionaries we have available today are so sterile.  Most never give you a glimpse of the author, unlike the great books by Sylvia Sidney or Mary Martin I so loved when I first taught myself needlepoint. I use the stitch dictionaries all the time, mind, but I long to have a bit more besides lots of diagrams.  Yes, I am a romantic--I want to see the stitcher who went to so much trouble to diagram those stitches for me.

Stitches a' la Carte is a book with heart as well as some fabulous background stitches.  I plan to treasure my copy and use it often.

UPDATE:  Here are reviews of the two Stitches a' la Carte books from Needlepoint.com.
https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/all-about-the-book-stitches-a-la-carte

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

My Favorites from Destination Dallas

Now that the excitement of Destination Dallas is over and the shop owners and designers have dragged their bodies home, unpacked and slept for a week, it's time for a recap of all the things I thought interesting. This is me, mind you, with all my biases. There is something for everyone in the world of needlepoint so don't miss browsing the running dialogue on the Destination Dallas tab as shops and designers let us know what caught their eyes or what they are particularly proud of.  Here's the link.
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/p/destination-dallas.html

dede's Bear

My favorite new canvases are from dede Odgen and Vicki Sawyer.  Here is dede's "Snowy Nap Bear."  I love the realism of this piece.

Vicki Sawyer's Sheep Angel

Vicki Sawyer (a new artist whose work Melissa Shirley is reproducing on needlepoint canvas) has a fabulous sheep Nativity angel.  I love the whimsy of this piece.  You can see more of Vicki's work on Melissa's website.
http://melissashirleydesigns.com/gallery/?bsn=1

My Katie Boo for Leigh Designs

But more than animal canvases caught my eye.  My favorite new series is Leigh Designs' Lil Goblins.  I can't top what Leigh wrote about them--

"Our neighborhood kids are all grown up and gone. Regardless, every Halloween we decorate and have candy on hand -- and every Halloween the doorbell remains silent as the night moves on undisturbed. To remedy this pitiful scene, I created our own neighborhood kids. Now, on All Hallows Eve, the Lil’ Goblins stand up on our dining room table. Smiling, we happily devour the candy ourselves! There are eight spooky 6” tall designs on 18 mesh French Blue mono."

Of course I have to reveal I stitched Katie for Leigh and my friend Pat is going to stitch Janie.  My stitch guide is ready already but Pat won't start on my namesake with my trademark pony tail until October.  (Sorry, I write these weeks ahead of the publication date and Pat's started her Lil Goblin.  You can watch her blog stitch Janie at the second link below.)   I am pretty sure Sandy Arthur is going to stitch one as well so stay tuned for much stitch guide fun.
http://www.leighdesigns.com/Grp520x.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com

JT Morrow Geisha with Fans

My favorite new designer is JT Morrow.  JT has two wonderful geisha canvases.  The dancing geisha with fans is pictured above but you'll have to click on this link to see the graceful geisha with her umbrella.
http://nashvilleneedleworks.com/whats-new/

When it comes to books, I want to get my hot little hands on Lynda Richardson's first book, Stitches a la Carte.  Lynda is the genius behind Dreamhouse Ventures and her book sold out at Dallas.  Here's a sneak peek.  Doesn't it sound like a book with personality?  I get tired of the useful books full of stitch diagrams but no real glimpse of the author.  I use them all the time but I remember the great books about needlepoint that Sylvia Sidney and Mary Martin wrote in the 1970s.  This book might have both diagrams and soul.
http://needlepointland.com/2014/08/24/stitches-a-la-carte/

I need some of that hot pink Frye Werks!  It is called Super Pink.  Trust me, it'll jump out from the photos at you.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2014/09/new-2014-fall-colors-and-threads-from.html

I liked seeing all the designer model photos that Erin took.  I'm not really interested in any of the projects but a good finisher works magic and there are some great display ideas here for those who don't have room for another pillow or picture.
http://needlepointland.com/2014/09/09/dallas-outtakes/

Everyone has their favorites from the show.  What's yours?  Post in the comments below.

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

Designers Who Stitch

There are more painted canvas designers than you'd think who actually stitch, too. SharonG is a great example and so is Melissa Shirley. There are many more but I didn't know Lynda Richadson of Dream House Ventures is one of them.   If you click on one of the photos you can see the details of Lynda's stitching including the "butterfly" stitching.  The AB beads in the border have an Aurora Borealis iridescent finish, by the way.  Wish we could see this in person!
http://needlepointland.com/2014/07/26/rose-pillow/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 27, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Joan Reports from TNNA

If you get Needlepoint Now, you have been admiring Joan Eidman's St. Nicholas canvases which are being featured in the magazine.   Joan got to go to Market in January (she's a professional musician whose performance schedule means she often is busy during Markets) and luckily reported back on everything she saw and did. 
http://joaneidman.com/tnna/

Joan's company is Fiori and is distributed by Dreamhouse Ventures.
http://www.dreamhouseventures.com/shop/Designers-Showcase/Fiori.htm

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.

How to Open a Skein of Soy Luster

I happen to like Soy Luster (a single strand of thread made from soy; 2-3 strands covers well on 18 count, depending on your stitch) but let me tell you, opening a skein can be like opening one of the joke cans that has a spring inside.  I opened a skein to use for a geisha's hair once and it immediately tangled into a huge mess.  (Made beautiful hair, though.)  Fortunately, Dream House Ventures has posted a video that shows you how to open the skein without pain.
http://www.dreamhouseventures.com/instructional-videos.htm

Here are all the pretty colors, by the way.  Soy Luster comes in solid or shaded colors.
http://www.needlestack.com/WebStore/Thread/TPP_SoyLuster.html

Closeup of Soy Luster Hair, Anne Jerlow Canvas

And here is my geisha's Soy Luster hair.  It's a thread perfect for the texture of hair, fur, tree bark, and certain types of clothing effects.

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

Edgar Allan Poe and More

I've been a big fan of Edgar Allan Poe's writings since I discovered them in high school, so when the Needlework Retailer News posted about a canvas celebrating Poe on his birthday, I had to follow up.  The design is from Cricket Collection (Vicky Hastings), distributed by Dream House Ventures.
http://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2012/01/once-upon-a-midnight-dreary-needlepoint-for-edgar-allan-poes-birthday.html

When I tried to find out more about Vicky's Poe canvas, I discovered that Dream House Ventures has redone their website with a lot more photographs of the threads and canvases they distribute.  What fun!  It doesn't look like they've posted new items yet but that traditionally isn't done until after the TNNA trade show in Phoenix starting this weekend.  Since the site is new (and there's a blog!) there are many older things I've never seen before.
http://www.dreamhouseventures.com/

Happy birthday, Edgar.  And thanks.

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

Dream House Ventures Trunk Show UPDATED AGAIN

Pocket Full of Stitches has started posting photos of their Dream House Ventures trunk show. Since many of these canvases are not on the Dream House Ventures website, this is a great chance to see all the artists they represent (and perhaps buy something at 20 percent off).
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2011/09/dream-house-ventures-trunk-show-day-1.html


UPDATE:  More photos!
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2011/09/dream-house-ventures-trunk-show-day-2.html

UPDATE #2:  Even more photos!
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2011/09/dream-house-ventures-trunk-show-day-3.html

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

Vicky Goes Asian

I can always count on Vicky DeAngelis to pick out elegant Asian-themed needlepoint canvases.  Wait'll you see what she photographed at Market!
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/06/14/we-came-we-saw-and-we-shopped/

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

Bada Bling (or The Sopranos' Needlepoint Magnets)

Yesterday I was surprised by a set of magnets a friend sent me.  I knew they were coming but not what they looked like.  Imagine my surprise when I discovered that the magnets were half inch rhinestones!  They are called Bada Bling and are available from Dreamhouse Ventuers. Sadly, they aren't on their website.
http://www.dreamhouseventures.com/

The magnets come in a set of two, probably assorted colors like mine.  The back sides are very strong.  I almost tore the packages trying to separate the two sets from each other!  Once I got them apart, the rhinestones serve as a great place to park my needles.  They are not strong enough on the front to hold my scissors securely but on the back they are.  If you don't mind parking scissors under your canvas, the Bada Bling magnets will do a good job.  Just think of it as hiding your sharp, pointy things out of sight, ready to whip them out and use them when threatened. LOL

Here are what the magnets look like in their packages.  The top image shows me using all four to hold Cape Cod Dogs in position as I appliqued it to the front of a tote bag.  Worked like a charm, especially since the magnets are quite strong.  I prefer this to pinning the needlepoint in place in this case since both the stitched canvas and the bag itself are thick and not suitable for holding with regular straight pins.

If you love using stitching magnets like I do, these are definitely worth searching out.  And if you want something more subtle, yet cheerful, check out the Zecca magnets that PFOS have at their shop.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2010/05/strong-little-magnets.html

 Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com Archived Yahoo 360 postings at http://profiles.yahoo.com/chillyhollow