Shoe Finishing, Styles and Costs

The cost of making up needlepoint shoes has been a question ever since I realized needlepointers lived online in my computer. I researched the places where needlepoint slippers could be made in the early 1990s.   Even then they were really expensive and a lot of shops no longer offered shoe finishing as a service as the fit was never good and customers never happy after spending all that money.  Needle Nicely talks about the styles available now and the costs of finishing (that's in the comments and will vary slightly by shop).  It's even more restrictive now than it was then but the prices are about the same, which is interesting.  After all, 1993 was 23 years ago.  How many things cost the same now as they did then?
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2016/07/needlepoint-sandals.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 17, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

BREAKING NEWS: Treglown and Charley Harper Sold

Meredith Willet just announced on Facebook that she's bought Treglown Designs, which includes the officially licensed Charley Harper canvases. These companies and the Elizabeth Turner Collection will all be under the Meredith Collection name henceforth. 

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 8, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

My Personal Favorites from Destination Dallas

"View of St. Andrews" by Otto Agular/Purple Palm

Let me show you my personal favorites from Destination Dallas. First up is this piece from Otto Agular, the new artist represented by Purple Palm Designs.  There are quite a few new pieces from him available to stitch but this one really caught my eye.  You can see all of them on Purple Palm Designs' Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/PurplePalmDesigns/photos/a.800127770017208.1073741834.796107397085912/1113256142037701/?type=1

Mary Lake-Thompson's Witch on a Bike

I also like the new Mary Lake-Thompson witch on her bicycle with her streaming red hair and the hissing cat in the tote bag up front.  Even the smiling pumpkin riding the rear makes me smile.  Melissa Shirley Designs posted information about this new design from their MLT line on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/370199729251/photos/np.1440792456018235.1277706333/10153603712969252/?type=1&notif_t=notify_me_page

Mary Tussey's "Drink Up Witches!"

What Halloween decor wouldn't be livened up by Mary Tussey's latest?  Giggles are guaranteed!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/247020819/handpainted-drink-up-witches-on-18ct?ref=shop_home_active_1

Elizabeth Turner Collection's Rabbit Portrait

Elizabeth Turner Collection has added a rabbit to their animal portrait line.  It's a real honey, too!
https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethTurnerCollection/photos/a.918574041516580.1073741827.487381781302477/1051485164892133/?type=1&theater

Liz Hess Painting, Distributed by Barbara Russell

Barbara Russell has adapted this wonderful Liz Hess painting to needlepoint canvas.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1227844017241045&set=gm.930422670368225&type=1&theater

Elizabeth Turner Collection

I really like this spooky still life from Elizabeth Turner Collection.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1077440088933634.1073741844.189965167681135&type=3

Melissa Prince's Robin Wreath

The bird wreath from Melissa Prince Design is lovely.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1077440088933634.1073741844.189965167681135&type=3

Share One's Ideas Rabbit Wreath

Wreaths must be in these days.  I really like the bunny wreath from Share One's Ideas, too.
https://www.facebook.com/189965167681135/photos/a.1077440088933634.1073741844.189965167681135/1077458952265081/?type=3&theater

Sharon Hendy-Moman's "Breeze Caught Kimono"

I'm a sucker for Asian themes on needlepoint canvas so I really liked Ruth Schmuff's latest artist, Sharon Hendy-Moman.  I particularly like her "The Breeze Caught My Kimono" which you see above.
http://www.bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/Products/?category=275

A Prancing Pink Poodle form Pajamas and Chocolate

Patt of Pajamas and Chocolate tickled my funny bone with this Pink Poodle with Attitude.  LOL
https://www.facebook.com/PajamasAndChocolate/photos/a.190193044488883.1073741830.182000068641514/490821214426063/?type=3&theater

Mindy's "Art Nouveau Tile"

I have always loved Mindy's designs.  Her new "Art Nouveau Tile" design is an instant classic.
http://www.mindysneedlepoint.com/shop/Mindys-Needlepoint-Designs/New-Designs/p/Art-Nouveau-Tile-x8914369.htm

Mary Engelbreit's "This Is The Life"

Painted Pony Designs has bought the rights to reproduce some of Mary Engelbreit's designs on needlepoint canvas.  It's hard to pick a favorite but "This Is The Life" is really fun and has the bonus of looking like me when I was ten.
http://www.amybunger.com/catalog/item/8948140/10215228.htm

Kimberly's "Little Dancer"

Kimberly Smith has quite a few new canvases out, and once again it is hard to pick a favorite.   I finally settled on the bird and flower piece above but it was a hard choice!
http://www.bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/Products/?category=260

Patti Mann Does Wizard of Oz AND The Mummy

Choosing from Patti Mann's newest was so hard I gave up and picked two ornaments!
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2015/09/destination-dallas-day-3.html

So what were YOUR favorites?

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

No Flying Monkeys: Choosing the Right Needle Magnet

A great many stitchers like to use a pair of magnets on their canvas to park their needles between stitching sessions or when they switch to another color.   Being the fashionistas we are, naturally we like to coordinate our magnets to the canvas we are working on.  So when I started on No Flying Monkeys,  I pulled out my yellow smiley face magnet because this canvas makes me smile.  But isn't a Wizard of Oz-themed magnet more appropriate?  Let's see what is available.

Etsy is a good place to start looking for one-of-a-kind needle minders.  How about this little book?
https://www.etsy.com/listing/220063475/needle-minder-miniature-book-wizard-of

If you also like to use sets of tools, this magnet, thread picker and scissors fob assortment might be up your alley.  (The seller has another Wizard-themed set and also sells the needle minders separately.)
https://www.etsy.com/listing/213951610/wizard-of-oz-ding-dong-the-witch-is-dead?ref=shop_home_active_7

I also found some wonderful magnets about 3/4 of the way down the page on the Down Sunshine Lane website.  They have the flying monkey magnet from Accoutrement Designs as well as some movie still magnets from Judy Garland's classic.   By the way, they have some amazing one-of-a-kind magnets here--things I've never seen before, like the little Cinderella carriages.  It's worth a browse even if you aren't looking for the Oz magnet I am.
http://www.downsunshinelane.com/magnets.htm

Elizabeth Turner Collection has ruby slippers in their Big Buddies line of needle magnets.  You can see them in the first photo, second row.
http://www.elizabethturnercollection.com/bigbuddies.html

Gosh, it is going to be hard to choose!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 24, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

My Personal Favorites from TNNA Winter 2015 Part Three

From Elizabeth Turner Collection's Vintage Fashion Series

As promised, I have a few more favorites from the TNNA Market that just ended.  I promise not to add any more owl canvases to the list, but I did notice another new trend at Market--dress forms showing off vintage fashions.  The red Chinese cheongsam above is from Elizabeth Turner.  It is one of quite a few fashion pieces, all displayed on a dress form with a plain background.

Lani's Fashion

Lani has also created similar pieces, most of which seem to be in a 1950s style. Many have a similar purse canvas, too, in case you want a framed set.  Lani's dresses are also on dress forms but she has patterned backgrounds and a border around hers.  Same theme--different interpretation.

Melissa Prince also does Fashion

When I think of fashion, I think of classic movie stars like Audrey Hepburn.    If you are movie-mad, this smaller and simpler piece is from Melissa Prince.  Small and simple doesn't mean unsophisticated, though.  Breakfast at Tiffany's, anyone?

Elizabeth Turner's Geisha

If you like fashion from the Japanese perspective, this Elizabeth Turner canvas spotted by Vicky DeAngelis might be right up your alley.

Lynne Andrew's Wild Animal Santa (Painted Pony)

If you love stitching Santas, this new one from Lynne Andrew/Painted Pony might catch your eye like it did mine.  Painted Pony has at least five other Santas in various colors and styles from Lynne's talented paintbrush but this one was my favorite with its woodland animal theme.  Lynne also does some wonderful primitive farm scenes that fans of Cooper Oaks and Ewe and Eye will enjoy.

DJ Designs in the Mayan Jungle

When it comes to wild animals, my favorite canvas is from DJ Designs.  The real leopard is echoed by a Mayan-style one in the background.

Elizabeth Turner's Foo Dog

I'm going to close with one more stylized animal--a Chinese foo dog.  This canvas is from Elizabeth Turner.  I love the colors and the lines.  This is the sort of thing I'd love to stitch, assuming I could give up sleeping!

This brings to a close my review of the canvases I particularly liked from the many, many new ones that have premiered at the TNNA Winter show in Phoenix.  You'll notice I didn't include links to any websites.  That's because these are so new that they aren't readily available yet.  Even the designer websites aren't updated with photos of them yet in many cases.  Many shops will have placed orders that will start appearing this spring, so stay tuned at a shop near you.

Thanks for patiently letting me show off my favorites.  Now, what were yours?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 13, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

My Personal Favorites from TNNA Winter 2015 Part Two

Shelly Tribby's Spooky

Continuing my list of personal favorites from the trade show, I see I forgot to include Shelly Tribbey's Spooky Owl among the owls I liked.   It's funny, retro and just plain charming.  One could have a lot of fun with this piece!

Scott Church's Halloween Own

Scott Church (distributed by CBK) created another Halloween owl that is retro in another way.

Laura Taylor Stitched Guides Melissa Shirle

The shops seemed to have a great time taking this Laura Taylor class at Market.  This is my favorite new stitch guide I've seen.  It's Laura's rendition of the new Melissa Shirley "Saguaro Table" canvas.  I love the balance of it all.

Zecca's The Way

Speaking of balance, Zecca reminds us of The Way in the Buddha's words.

dede's Festival of the Madonna

I am always a sucker for Nativity canvases.  This new dede Odgen reworks a Mexican creche theme she has used recently in a variety of sizes and styles.

Maggie's Cat

When it comes to companion animal pieces, no one does it better than Maggie.  This cat closeup is a great example. Is the cat truly asleep or truly ignoring us?  There are several closeups in this series--a dog's nose, a paw, etc.  They are charming!

Horse, By Joy Juarez

Another great artist when it comes to animals is Joy Juarez.  I am not generally attracted to horse canvases but this monochromatic, very Japanese Horse is a terrific piece of art.

Sandra Gilmore's New Santa Stocking

Sandra Gilmore's classic snowflake Santa is amazing.  I love the classic red and green colors brightened and made modern by the white snowflakes.

Colors of Praise Glasses Cases

Colors of Praise also knows color.  I couldn't decide between these two glasses cases so I posted photos of both.   Azaleas or hibiscus, which to choose?  Luckily I have TWO pairs of glasses.  LOL

Now I need to stop before Blogger explodes again.  More tomorrow....

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 11, 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.

A Rug for the Winter?

Horse Country Chic certainly has a good idea--pick up a rug canvas for winter stitching! I don't know why this didn't occur to me, but having a nice rug on your lap for those cold winter nights in front of the television is a great idea!
http://horsecountrychic.blogspot.com/2014/11/new-needlepoint-rugs.html

Lee's has a ton of classic rug designs.  Start browsing here.
http://www.newleesneedlearts.com/files/catalog/catalog-canvas/index.html

Jean Smith has some amazing floral rugs.  And these are just two designers out of many.  Ask your local shop to help you browse rug patterns from your favorite designers.
http://jeansmithdesigns.com/index.php/about-jean

If you are a fan of charted rugs, you need to visit Jan's Thread Medley site and her blog....  No drooling on the keyboard!
http://www.threadmedley.com/Thread_Medley/Charted_Designs_-_Rugs.html

http://threadmedley.wordpress.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 11, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Finishing Friday: Hand Protectors

If you are stitching something likely to be handled by small children, you might want to use the clever finishing technique Terry's finisher came up with for her pirate ship and pirate standups--knobs on top!  Terry's grandsons will likely use the knobs to lift and position their pirates as they battle each other's ships.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=733218026738410&set=gm.695370047206823&type=1&theater

If worry about wear and tear and dirt have kept you from stitching a purse, you should see the ones Mary Agnes has stitched.  These are Elizabeth Turner customs.  The first one is over thirty years old. True it is a shop model but I bet it has been handled a lot over the years by eager customers.
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2014/07/mary-bag-pocketbook.html

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

Leather Fobs for Needlepoint

Needle Nicely surfaces through lack of Internet access to let us know that Elizabeth Turner Collection has leather key fobs for stitching. 
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2014/02/more-key-fobs.html

Hope you are back online, MA!  I love the new Alice Petersen Madonna and Child piece!

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

My Favorites from TNNA Winter 2014

I think we are all doing a little online wish fulfillment as we browse all the updated websites, blogs and Facebook pages to see the very latest from our favorite designers, authors, thread manufacturers and tool makers.    This year I thought I'd grab photos of things that caught my eye and post them here,  so you didn't miss anything fabulous.  (By the way, I'm still updating the Winter Market 2014 tab as shops get home and post photos, so check there occasionally to see the very latest.)  Here is what caught my eye--

Debbie Mumm Nativity Piece

I love Nativity sets so I was thrilled to see several new ones.  Melissa Shirley has released a Debbie Mumm set that is just wonderful.  The link below shows the set.  However, it doesn't show The Three Wise Men in a stocking version with two little sheep looking up at them from the stocking toe.  A stocking might be a good investment for those who don't want to stitch all the little figures but still want a Nativity piece for Christmas.
http://melissashirleydesigns.com/galcol/index.cgi?index=1383776738_18819&col=153&cat=

Labors of Love Nativity Models

Labors of Love has released three figures from their own Nativity which you see finished in easel backs with wide edges with a dimensional manger base.  The finishing definitely made this set wonderful!  I hope they do more figures each year to add to this collection.  After all, the Three Wise Men are my favorites in any Nativity.  (hint, hint)
http://www.laborsofloveneedlepoint.com/see-whats-new.html

Labors of Love Dimensional Bell Canvas and Model

Speaking of Labors of Love and dimensional pieces, I think their 3-D bells are going to be really popular.  Above you can see one made up with the two piece unstitched canvas.

Exotic Jardinieres from Colors of Praise

Colors of Praise knows color.  All their canvases are saturated with the most brilliant colors!  I picked the still life above but there were many wonderful designs on display.  Sadly, none seem to be on their website yet.
http://www.colorsofpraiseart.com/new_designs.html

Whimsy and Grace Leaves Scissors Case

Whimsy and Grace has the most beautiful colors scissors case!  I think the canvas comes with the perfect tassel, too.  This is from their Autumn Leaves Collection, just in case you want a bookmark, a glasses case, a brick cover, etc. instead of a scissor case.
http://www.whimsyandgrace.com/autumn-leaves/

Laurel Burch Lotus?

There are a lot of folks who love Laurel Burch's patterns.  Here's my favorite from her line by Danji.  I am calling it a lotus but it's not on the Danji website yet so who knows?   I am certain that it is beautiful!

Lani's Horse Collage

Another very popular designer is Lani.  Her animal photo collages were very popular (above is the horses but there is a similar cats design) but my favorite were her corsets, some of which you can see below.  I remember seeing photos of four corsets.  My favorite is on the right below.  None of these are up on her website yet.

Lani Corsets 

A third very popular designer is Sandra Gilmore who designs under the Once in a Blue Moon name.

New View from Sandra Gilmore

She has a wonderful window and view series, and released two versions of a San Diego Jerusalem window/view this show (correction from Vicky DeAngelis).  The one above was my favorite but the other shows more of the room.  These are not on the Fleur de Paris website yet.

Joy Juarez Lotus Blossoms

Fleur de Paris also distributes Joy Juarez, who showed this gorgeous floral.  There is also a new lion collage from Joy that is magnificent but I had to choose, so I went with the lotus blossoms.  I am a sucker for any lotus design!

ETC's Portrait of a Sheep

Another favorite designer is Elizabeth Turner Collections.  Besides their magnets and purse/shoe canvases,  ETC showed some wonderful animal portraits this year. My favorite was the sheep but there is a very expressive cow portrait plus a rabbit and owl and rooster and even raccoon.  Sadly, none of these seem to be on their website yet.
http://www.elizabethturnercollection.com/newDesigns.html

Twelve Days of Xmas Tree from K and B

When it comes to unusual pieces, I think the award goes to Kirk and Bradley (formerly Kirk and Hamilton) which showed a wonderful Twelve Days Christmas tree.  (I just found out from Waste Knot there is a Twelve Days stocking in a similar style for fans of Twelve at Xmas.) Don't miss the party animals celebrating, however.  Those ornaments are even more different!
http://www.kirkandbradley.com/whats-new

K and B Seagull in the Wind

If I had to pick one piece from Kirk and Bradley, though, it would be this small piece.  If I've seen this once, I've seen it a million times at the shore.  I just found the seagull charming.

Winter Polar Bears from Melissa Shirley

Come to think about it, one of the most popular trends at the show was animal canvases.  The polar bears above are from Melissa Shirley.

BB Designs Birds (above and below)

Birds are a perennial favorite.  BB Designs had some wonderful bird ornaments.   I don't know which I like best so here are both winter birds ornaments from Sally Baer that caught my eye.  There are more bird ornaments on the BB Designs website.
http://www.bbneedlepointdesigns.com/whats-new-/

Cardinals from Maggie

These male cardinals are gorgeous. I think they are from The Collection Designs but I am not sure.  They were not identified in the photo I admired and The Collections website hasn't been updated. Vicky and Kristen both say the cardinals are from Maggie.  Checking Maggie's website, these may be from the Jennifer Brinley-Ruth Levinson partnership.
http://www.maggieco.com/html/drill.php?category=5&pg=2&q=

CBK Penguins

If you like more whimsical birds, how about CBK's penguins carrying home their Christmas tree?  I don't know which artist this is from and couldn't find it on their huge website.  Sorry. Vicky says the artist is Scott Church, distributed by CBK.
http://www.cbkneedlepoint.com

World's Cutest Fox from Princess & Me

Painted canvases featuring animals were definitely the theme of the show.  Besides birds, especially owls, I think the new "in" animal might be the fox.  This one is from Princess and Me.   I don't see it on their website yet but it is marvelous.
http://www.princessandme.com

The Wedding Dance from Princess & Me

My very favorite Princess and Me canvas isn't the fox, though.  It is the wedding dance ornament above.  Isn't that elegant?

Renaissance Designs' Woodland Christmas Fox Sock

Back to the foxes, this little stocking from Renaissance Designs' A Woodland Christmas series is a charmer.  There is a bigger version with a moose, a series of small round ornaments of many animals in the same style, and a big circular design with Santa and all the forest animals. I love it!
http://www.renaissanceneedlepoint.com

More Woodland Xmas from Renaissance

Since the Woodland Christmas series isn't on the Renaissance Designs website yet, I thought I'd add another photo that shows the animal ornaments since you may like something better than the fox.

Associated Talents' Nutcracker Star

I saved my favorite of all the traditional Christmas pieces for last.  This is from Associated Talents.  It was beautifully stitched and finished and just a charmer, don't you think?  I love the expression and the hair and beard and the hat.   I couldn't find it on their website yet.
http://www.atneedlepoint.com

I hope I got all the credits right.  I copied what the shops said and by the second day I think they were all run off their feet!  Thanks for all your work posting photos, shops!  You know who you are.

Do you have your own favorites?  Add them with a link in the comments below so we can admire them, too.

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.