If You Are a Fan of Silk and Metal Embroidery....

If you are a fan of silk and metal embroidery, don't miss the three pieces Kay Stanis has posted to her Gilded Edge Facebook page.  Magnificent!

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10221329576781007&set=a.1526682219092

Looks like Kay will be teaching in London for the World Needlework Convention in 2023.

https://www.the-gilded-edge.com/calander/2023/10/5/world-needlework-convention-2023-england

This event is co-sponsored by Inspirations magazine.  The classes appear to be out of this world fabulous!

http://needleworktours.com/convention/2023-world-needlework-convention

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 24, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Inspiration Behind Little Bird Designs

Michelle of Little Bird Designs posted on Facebook about her grandfather's paintings and how they inspired some of her designs.  Use the right side arrow to scroll through the photos of his paintings and the designs she translated into needlepoint.

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10158721226635983&set=pcb.5172608412816275

Want to see more?  Visit the Little Bird Designs website.  Her blog is interesting and exploring the variety of items she's created even more interesting.  Warning:  Michelle sells directly so hide your credit cards first.  Her work is very tempting....

https://littlebirddesignsart.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 13, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Virtuosew's Latest Adventures Begin

Rachel at Virtuosew stitched an original design a while back that she tucked away in a drawer until her sister begged for it and turned it into a fabulous pillow. 

https://www.blog.virtuosewadventures.co.uk/wordpress/2022/02/08/another-new-project-to-think-about/

Her sister wants a similar design so Rachel's starting to mull over the possibilities.  I'll update this as she starts to create something new, perhaps in greens....

https://www.blog.virtuosewadventures.co.uk/wordpress/2022/05/24/a-site-visit/

And we are done!  I'm so glad this has a good home.

https://www.blog.virtuosewadventures.co.uk/wordpress/2022/07/19/last-details/

Rachel's also starting to stitch an old kit she found.  She plans to use the scale differences possible in penelope canvas to her advantage.

https://www.blog.virtuosewadventures.co.uk/wordpress/2021/12/28/something-that-wants-finishing/

https://www.blog.virtuosewadventures.co.uk/wordpress/2022/02/15/getting-going-on-that-canvaswork-picture/

https://www.blog.virtuosewadventures.co.uk/wordpress/2022/06/28/a-second-conversation/

Rachel's take on the dog and horse having a conversation is fabulous!

https://www.blog.virtuosewadventures.co.uk/wordpress/2022/07/12/dobbin/

https://www.blog.virtuosewadventures.co.uk/wordpress/2022/08/02/adding-the-saddlecloth-and-other-details/

https://www.blog.virtuosewadventures.co.uk/wordpress/2022/08/23/william-himself/

https://www.blog.virtuosewadventures.co.uk/wordpress/2022/09/06/bemusements-and-puzzles/

https://www.blog.virtuosewadventures.co.uk/wordpress/2022/09/20/moving-on-with-william/

https://www.blog.virtuosewadventures.co.uk/wordpress/2022/10/04/more-thinking-about-that-border-design/

https://www.blog.virtuosewadventures.co.uk/wordpress/2022/10/18/williams-border-the-background/

https://www.blog.virtuosewadventures.co.uk/wordpress/2022/11/01/still-working-on-that-border/

https://www.blog.virtuosewadventures.co.uk/wordpress/2022/11/15/border-design-finally-nailed/

https://www.blog.virtuosewadventures.co.uk/wordpress/2022/11/29/border-transfer/

https://www.blog.virtuosewadventures.co.uk/wordpress/2024/12/17/raising-a-needle-at-last/

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.

Hillside's Inspiration

Hillside Needlepoint's website has an embedded blog, which I just found.  There's only one posting, but it's a good one—all about what inspires us!

https://hillsideneedlearts.com/blog/my-inspiration

I hope Leslie has time to do more blogging in 2021.  Here is the shop website, if you want to explore a bit.  The shop is fairly new and is located in Stephenson, Maryland.

https://hillsideneedlearts.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 18, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Finishing with Betsy Morgan

Mary Corbet has reviewed Betsy Morgan's first book on her website.  It's called "Willing Hands," which is the name of Betsy's embroidery company.  It's published by Inspirations magazine out of Australia, so you know the illustrations are going to be absolutely beautiful.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2020/07/willing-hands-full-of-great-embroidery-finishes.html

Normally I don't talk about embroidery here, but Betsy's a very talented embroiderer and designer and a great teacher.  She used to live over the mountain from me so I have seen her work up close and personal.  Fabulous!  She's wildly talented.

So when Mary says her book, which is all about creating etuis and smalls, is a wonderful guide for finishing, I thought I'd mention it here.  Folks are always asking how to learn to do their own finishing.  I don't think Betsy's etuis are going to be easy to put together but the little needlebooks and other things that go into the etuis are not difficult.

If you love beautiful embroidery, admire etuis, and you want to learn how they are made, this is a good place to start.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 8, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Snippet on Scissors

Inspirations magazine has an interesting brief article on scissors in this week's e-newsletter.
https://mailchi.mp/inspirationsmagazine/embroidery-news-issue-461636?e=cb5b277f1f

There is a bit about the history of scissors and it discusses the various types of scissors and what works best for various needlework projects.  There's even a bit about why folks use scissor fobs.

Inspirations is an expensive but gorgeous magazine from Australia.  They do a weekly free newsletter that is also gorgeous.  I enjoy reading it each Friday morning when it lands in my email In Box.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 15, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Threadaholic Alert: Sue Spargo Threads

Thanks to a recent newsletter from Inspirations magazine in Australia, I have learned that the famous quilt designer and teacher Sue Spargo sells threads perfect for quilting and hand embroidery.

There appear to be three threads:  Eleganza, which is a perle Egyptian cotton in size 8,
https://www.inspirationsstudios.com/product/sue-spargo-thread-pack-eleganza/

Eleganza Variegated, which is the variegated version of regular Eleganza, still in size 8 perle cotton,
https://www.inspirationsstudios.com/product/sue-spargo-thread-pack-eleganza-variegated/

and Ellana, which is a thin fine Merino wool/acrylic blend.  I don't know the diameter of this but I suspect it is thinner than crewel wool.
https://www.inspirationsstudios.com/product/sue-spargo-thread-pack-ellana/

Inspirations sells thread packs which you can purchase above.  These threads are made in conjunction with Wonderfil, which sells another two Sue Spargo-branded threads:  Razzle (which is a size 8 nylon perle thread that is available in both solid colors and variegated) and Dazzle (which is a six ply metallic rayon bend, also in size 8).  They also sell Sue's wool fabric in coordinated colors.
https://www.wonderfil.ca/sue-spargo-collection

If you want something truly different, this is worth exploration although the website is wholesale only.  They do offer help in finding stores, however.   If you know any rabid quilters, you might want to raid their stash!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 22, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Databases for Inventory

The latest article from Inspirations has a section on databases you can use to track the threads, charts, canvases and fabrics you own.  Follow the links for further information.
https://mailchi.mp/inspirationsmagazine/embroidery-news-issue-461403?e=cb5b277f1f

If you are experienced using Excel, you will find the spreadsheet available through Google Documents works in a similar manner.  It can be shared, in case that's something you and your stitchings friends are interested in.  You'll need a Google account, though.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 20, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Why You Should Buy NOW UPDATED

Ophelia, from Manuel Salas/Tapestry Fair

Tricia Nguyen has done more than anyone to revive the art of 17th Century stumpwork caskets for 21st Century stitchers.  Read this and you'll understand why the last casket class is coming up.
http://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2019/09/why-is-answer-no.html

(By the way, if you are interested in taking the last casket class, here's the info.)
https://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2019/09/the-harmony-with-nature-casket-course.html

(And here are some of the caskets, just because.)
http://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2019/10/fabulous-finishes.html

All this doesn't just apply to folks who want to recreate 17th Century boxes and mirrors.  It applies to us all.  Needlework in general is based on small businesses.  Your favorite designer is going to get sick and die eventually, or just plain want to retire.  What will  happen to their business?  Who knows?!  Do you have that one piece you really really want to stitch stashed away?

Artists decide not to renew agreements to have their work reproduced on needlepoint canvas.  See Ophelia above?  That canvas is no longer available because Manuel Salas' licensing agreement with Tapestry Fair has ended.  Unless you can find this canvas tucked away in a shop or someone agrees to let it go from their stash, you are out of luck.

Sometimes the family businesses that are the heart of the world of needlepoint buy the rights to someone's designs.  We all owe a debt to Fleur de Paris and Colonial Needle and many other distributors who are handling the designs we love.  But what happens when the family members start to die out?  Will their kids want to continue?

What will happen when Gloriana's and Kreinik's owners want to retire?  We got lucky when the owner of Needle Necessities died and their dyer opened ThreadWorX.  Will lightning strike twice?

We worry about growing new needlepointers but we need to be equally concerned about growing the little companies that supply us with charts, canvases, threads, scissors and more.

This all hangs by —pardon me— a thread.

So go buy that canvas or chart or thread or pair of fancy scissors that tempts you.  You never know when it will vanish forever.  Buying that thing secures your dream but it also helps secure the dream for the future needlepointer we haven't even met yet.

UPDATE:  Inspirations magazine has a quick profile of Tricia and Richard Oedel, the gentleman who handmade all the caskets for her classes.
https://mailchi.mp/inspirationsmagazine/embroidery-news-issue-461463?e=cb5b277f1f

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 22, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Inspirations Magazine Profiles Ecclesiastical Needlepoint

Inspirations magazine posts an online newsletter each Friday. It's always full of beautiful pictures but once I managed to drag my eyes away from the new book on Betsy Morgan's etuis (due out in late October; I've seen her needlework in person and it is gorgeous!),  I discovered a reader note about 23 kneelers, designed by Benjamin Pollack, stitched for a church in Sydney, Australia.  The photos are wonderful!
https://mailchi.mp/inspirationsmagazine/embroidery-news-issue-461343?e=cb5b277f1f

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 19, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Totally Different

Here is something I have not seen before—kangaroo scissors! LOL
https://www.inspirationsstudios.com/product/embroidery-scissors-kangaroo/

These are sold by Inspirations magazine, which is an Australian publication, so I guess I should not be surprised.  I think they are adorable.  Check the Gallery at the bottom of the page for a photo of the scissors in the open position so that you get a sense of the kangaroo hopping.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 10, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needle Guides

If you are a member of the Embroiderer's Association of Canada or have friends who are members, you might want to get a copy of Needle Guide, published by the Shuswap Chapter of EAC.    The details are here.
http://blog.eac.ca/2018/05/shuswap-needle-guide-at-seminar.html

If you aren't a member or you want something a little smaller, how about this laminated sheet to size needles from Inspirations magazine?
https://www.inspirationsstudios.com/product/inspirations-needle-guide/

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

Inspirations Profiles Alexandra D.

Inspirations magazine from Australia is a great source of eye candy, especially if you do counted thread techniques. But occasionally they mention needlepoint as you'll see in this week's email from the magazine staff.
http://mailchi.mp/inspirationsmagazine/embroidery-news-issue-460741?e=cb5b277f1f

If you are curious about Aristeia Needlepoint, here is their website.  If you are close enough, do go visit!
https://www.aristeianeedlepoint.com

If you just like seeing pretty pictures of stitching, visit the Inspirations website and sign up for their newsletter.
https://www.inspirationsstudios.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 8, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Story Behind Melissa Prince Pumpkins

Melissa Prince just posted the story behind her signature blue and white pumpkins on her Facebook page.  Fun!
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1625506980840026&id=341998565857547

If you aren't familiar with her pumpkins, check her website to see them in person.
https://www.melissaprincedesigns.com/florals.html

https://www.melissaprincedesigns.com/new-canvases.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 1, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Orna Muses

Orna Willis has been digging in the five drawers of designs she has not released and posted a few photos. These beauties inspired a musing about inspiration and how nothing is new in the art world and yet everything is.
http://ornadesign.blogspot.com/2015/03/my-weekend.html

I wish she'd just opened the drawers and taken photos.  I want to see everything!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 22, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saving Inspirations

Lately there has been a lot of publicity about the financial position Inspirations magazine is in. If they don't increase their subscriber base, they are going to go out of business. To me personally this means nothing as I don't subscribe to embroidery magazines and can't pick up a copy locally anyway. Plus it's not needlepoint so I wasn't going to mention it, but that was before I read the eloquent plea Hazel Blomkamp makes for keeping Inspirations alive in this digital age.  I think you might want to read and ponder what Hazel has to say.  It applies to the world of needlepoint, too.  After all, we need to keep the American Needlepoint Guild alive and well.
http://therebelliousneedlewoman.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-digital-age-and-embroidery-magazines.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 8, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Source for Stumpwork and Goldwork Kits

Since I am talking non-needlepoint this morning, I might as well mention this new source of gold work and stumpwork kits.  Anna Scott, the former editor of Inspirations magazine, mentioned this on her blog and when I explored, I found this wonderful stumpwork owl kit.
http://www.embellishembroidery.com.au/hootie.html 

There are books for sale, gold work kits and more.  Not all the links work but what is visible seems first rate.  If you are a threadaholic, check out all the exotic threads she sells.  (She has silk ribbons that are13mm wide!) Just remember that you are ordering from Australia so shipping may cost more and be slower than ordering from Kansas.  (Or anywhere else in the USA--Kansas just popped into my head!)

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 5.  2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Christine Spotted This Clever Idea on Facebook

Have an old coffee table without a top?  All you need is some burlap, plastic needles, a staple gun and some kids!
http://kleas.typepad.com/kleas/2012/02/something-new-at-the-preschool.html

Many thanks to Christine who spotted this Inspirations magazine idea on Facebook and let Needlepoint Nation know.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 16, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Why I Stitch

Ann is musing on why she stitches.  So why do you?
http://dreaminginstitches.wordpress.com/2014/07/16/why-i-stitch/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 16, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Lace Your Stitching For Framing

I found this nice little tutorial on how to lace your stitching for framing at Anna's blog.  I think needlepoint canvas is treated pretty much the same way as linen or other embroidery fabrics.  She's the editor of Inspirations magazine, by the way. Hope you find this helpful in getting your stitching just the way you want it before you pop it in a frame!
http://annascottembroidery.blogspot.com/2013/01/lacing-embroidery.html

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