Keeping Track of Projects

Jan at Thread Medley outlines how she uses Bento to track her projects.  The database she uses is no longer available for Apple machines, but anyone who can create a spreadsheet or a tables document can copy her layout successfully.  I think the way she keeps her current projects above the projects just maturing in her stash is exceptionally clever, too.
https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/06/05/tracking-my-projects/

If you like having things organized, Jan has great ideas.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 5, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Newest Thread Medley Rug

Thread Medley is starting a new rug called Fall Quilt, the chart for which will eventually be available for rug lovers. At least I hope it will!  To watch Jan work the rug (it is a mystery how it will turn out which adds to the suspense for me) and to eventually purchase the chart, follow her blog.
https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/05/19/fall-quilt-introduction/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/05/26/fall-quilt-progress-2/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/06/03/fall-quilt-progress-3/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/06/23/fall-quilt-finale/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/06/24/fall-quilt-a-redesign/

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

The Anatolian Rug UPDATED

Jan at Thread Medley is starting another original rug design! This one is called The Anatolian Rug as it uses rug motifs common to the area.   Here is her introduction to threads and center medallion.  I'll update this article as she posts progress photographs.  I love the colors on this and the variegated red background is just lovely.
https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/06/01/introducing-the-anatolian-rug/

UPDATES:
https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/06/25/anatolia-rug-progress-1/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/07/10/anatolia-rug-progress-2/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/08/06/anatolia-rug-progress-3/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/08/26/anatolia-rug-progress-4/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/09/13/anatolia-rug-progress-5/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/10/05/anatolia-rug-progress-6/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/11/13/anatolia-rug-progress-7/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/12/31/anatolia-rug-progress-8/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2017/01/26/anatolia-rug-progress-9/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2017/02/15/anatolia-rug-finale/

I have to say I love the variegated red background on this!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 1, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Jan's Moroccan Rug Finished

Jan has finished her original design of a Moroccan rug and it is gorgeous! 
https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2015/02/11/border-rug-finale/

Jan often charts and sells her rug designs (you can browse them on her website) but this time the rug is just for her.  Because Word Press hates me I can't post a message to her there so just let me say this is outstanding, Jan.  Good job!  Wish it was mine....
http://www.threadmedley.com/Thread_Medley/Welcome.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 12, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Finishing Friday: The Masculine Side

This morning's finishing starts out with a lovely Sudberry box decorated with one of Jan Fitzpatrick's Thread Medley designs, stitched through Cyberpointers.  It was stitched by Liz for her husband, who surely will adore it.
http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/young-mans-fancy-finished.html

Here is the Thread Medley website, full of fun charts to explore.
http://www.threadmedley.com/Thread_Medley/Welcome.html

Whimsy and Grace showed a lovely pumpkin leather purse at Market.  Here are several great photos, courtesy of the Needlepointing in Your Nest Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=699060630138559&set=a.695333217177967.1073741862.141607859217175&type=3&theater

Sue has stitched another Gaughi doll.  This one is Val for Valentine's Day.
http://sudukc.wordpress.com/2014/01/22/first-entry-of-2014-playing-catch-up-already/

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.

Jan Needs Your Input

Remember my article at the CH Stitch Guides blog about folks trying other programs for charting stitches since Canvas X is becoming unusable on Macs?  Jan is testing Pages (the word processing program on Macs) and wants your input on which style of stitch diagram you prefer.
http://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2012/07/20/which-would-you-prefer/

Please head over and help her own with your opinion.


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

The Classic Thing: Needlepoint Rugs

Janet Perry just posted a link to an online article with lots of photos of needlepoint rugs.

http://www.nuts-about-needlepoint.com/how-to-decorate-with-a-needlepoint-rug

The direct link is here, just in case Janet's website article changes and the link disappears.
http://info.asmarainc.com/blog/bid/55004/14-Gorgeous-Rooms-How-to-Decorate-with-Needlepoint-Rugs-and-Red-Rugs


Rugs are one of the classic uses for needlepoint.  I know a rug is a huge commitment in time and materials, but these things are heirlooms that will last a very long time.  Why not start with a smaller piece, like one of Jan Fitzpatrick's fabulous classic rug designs?  She's currently working on a Chinese rug, but the chart for her Mosaic Rug, which is based on traditional Moroccan rug patterns, is now available (second link).
http://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2012/04/21/chinese-rug-progress-10/

http://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2012/04/22/mosaic-rug-instructions-now-available/

If you prefer the English floral patterns of Elizabeth Bradley, her kits are made so that you can mix and match center designs and borders to make the size of rug you prefer.  The second link shows the border and corner designs available, and how to purchase the corners and borders to get your size.
http://www.elizabethbradley.com/theamericas/kits/

http://www.elizabethbradley.com/theamericas/carpet-borders-1

The classic Arts and Crafts rugs by Beth Russell are a set size, but very beautiful.
http://www.bethrussellneedlepoint.com/needlepoint/needlepoint-rug.htm


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

Fun with Fez

Thread Medley just posted a free design called Fez Embroidery on her site. It's easy enough for a beginner but I bet that the look changes completely depending on the colors you choose.  If you are looking for a small, interesting design to do for fun, this is the place.
http://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2012/02/27/freebie-fez-embroidery/


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

They Finished Stars!

Tony Minieri's Stars for the New Millennium is one of the two iconic counted canvaswork pieces of the 20th Century. Jan and Liz have worked their way though the project and posted their final photos on their blogs. Make sure you check out Jan's inventive border touch that will avoid an expensive mat cut to fit the pointed shapes in the borders.
http://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2012/01/17/stars-of-the-new-millennium-finale/

http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/stars-for-new-millenium-finished.html

This gorgeous Stars is being created by Donna, who might just have it done in time to show at the delayed Woodlawn Plantation show. Which means I might see it in person. Yeah!
http://majtravaux.blogspot.com/2012/01/seeing-stars.html

SL's working her Stars, too. It's my favorite colorways of all time because they are just so cheerful and happy together.
http://remedialstitcher.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-year-new-resolve.html

What's the other iconic counted piece, you asked?  Marnie Ritter's Aurora Borealis (which has a second version called Aurora Revisited).  Pat is working on that now.
http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2012/01/aurora-borealis-pattern-7.html

This is Aurora Borealis Revisited.  The original design, which is similar with softer colors is in the second link.  By the way, the newer version is spread out over several magazines but the original is all in that one issue.
http://www.needlepointnow.com/back_issues/2001/2001_05/2001_05_cover.html

http://www.etsy.com/listing/6787126/needlepoint-plus-magazine-1990-counted

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

Stars Update

Here's a special treat for fans of Tony Minieri's Stars for the New Millenium--three updates from three stitchers who are working on this piece.  Jan and Liz are both working on Humphrey Bogart in the bottom row.  In other words, they are almost done.
http://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2012/01/10/stars-of-the-new-millennium-humphrey-bogart/

http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/stars-for-new-millenium-progress-12.html

Donna's not quite as far along, but she will be finishing long before I pick up Stars again (Sorry, Glenis!).  I know I say this every time I post about Stars, but the difference in this design in the various colors never fails to amaze me. Tony Minieri's a genius!
http://majtravaux.blogspot.com/2012/01/monday-morning-progress-report.html


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

The Beach and The Christmas Stars

Jan and Liz have finished another square on their two versions of Stars for the New Millennium, Tony Minieri's charted quilt block masterpiece.  They've caught up with me and are starting to have more progress on their version than I have on mine.  I hope to work on it a little next year.  Deadlines are starting to take over my life, however.  Here is Jan's Christmas red and green version.
http://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2011/11/29/stars-of-the-new-millennium-ava-gardner/

Here is Liz's wet sand and blue water version, which reminds me of the beach.
http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/stars-for-new-millenium-progress-11.html


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

Stars for the New Millenium Update

Jan and Liz have posted their progress on Stars on their blogs. Since they have finished Gregory Peck, they are 2/3 though the piece now. For once "stitch faster" isn't on my mind as I look at their very different interpretations of this classic design. I am not eager for the beauty to end.  Here's Liz--
http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/stars-for-new-millenium-progress-10_15.html


And here is Jan's version.  Beautiful!  Thank you very much, ladies, for giving us so much pleasure.
http://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2011/11/15/stars-of-the-new-millennium-gregory-peck/


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

Stars: Cary Grant Revealed

Both Jan's and Liz's versions of Stars for the New Millennium continue to grow (unlike mine, which is waiting for me to finish more urgent projects).  Each is turning out to be lovely.
http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2011/09/stars-for-new-millenium-progress-7.html

http://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2011/09/27/stars-of-the-new-millennium-cary-grant/


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

Jan and Liz Conquer Eva Marie Saint (Stars)

Jan and Liz are each working away on Stars for the New Millennium and have finished the fifth block, Eva Marie Saint. She's a beauty, even if neither lady likes her much.  It's still fascinating for us onlookers to see just how different the same pattern looks in two different sets of colors.
http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2011/09/stars-for-new-millenium-progress-6.html

http://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2011/09/08/stars-of-the-new-millennium-eva-marie-saint/

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

Busy Busy

I'm continuing to work on Stars, but there have so many messages posted on other things this week, I have neglected to update you on my progress.

But before I do that, here's more news--Kreinik has a new thread out called Easter Grass which looks like cellophane.  I expect it'll work for glass, candy wrappers, anything transparent.  Judging from the photographs, it looks a lot like dede Odgen's clear Prisms if you are familiar with that thread.   I'm indebted to Peacock Alley Needlepoint for this information--many thanks!
http://www.kreinik.com/kshop/product.php?productid=17209&cat=290&page=1

I also wanted to alert fans of Ehrman's needlepoint kits that some of them are on sale at a good price. This link takes you to the "choose your country" page where you have to pick one before you go on to the sale.  Sorry.  That's how the site is set up.
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/newprod.cfm?Currency=1

If you are looking for eye candy, I have some great finishes for you.  Jan has framed her latest two stitches and they are magnificent!  Jan is better known for her original designs based on rugs, especially Moroccan rugs, but when she does other people's work, she does a terrific job.
http://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2011/01/18/framed-and-ready-to-go/

Pocket Full of Stitches just took delivery of three new pillows from their finisher and posted photos of the great results.  You'll have to double click on the photos to see the details like the Happy Catoween buttons on the Brenda Stofft Halloween pillow.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2011/01/finishing-day.html

They've also posted photos of the new shaded Petite Very Velvet.  Need a subtle shaded red Santa coat?  This is the thread! Note the photo of the cover of SuZy Murphy's new small summary book.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-very-velvet.html

If you are curious about the shaded Very Velvet, Janet Perry has done a nice review of how it stitches up.  Note that Very Velvet is sized for 13 count canvas and Petite Very Velvet is sized for 18 count.  Don't buy the wrong size by accident!
http://www.nuts-about-needlepoint.com/shaded-very-velvet-thread-review

Finally, I wanted to let my counted canvaswork friends know that Lizart is finalizing a new design.  The white and silver model is stitched, so now Liz must finish charting this lovely bargello pattern and try to keep her head above water from all the emails of folks asking to be notified when the chart's ready.
http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/white-noise.html

Now, back to Stars!  This photo at the top of this Blog entry shows the little woven lozenge shapes that surround the central star.  They are supposed to be in my copper metallic but I decided to use my terracotta instead. The next two steps use black and violet, so I thought terracotta would look better than my metallic copper which already dominates the latticework and doesn't show off the intricate stitches in the lozenges well.  In this photo you see one of the black half crescents that fill the space between the terracotta lozenges underway.  You are supposed to do one half of the shape, then the other, but I messed that up so many times that I am trying to build both sides as I go.  The final step will be a few violet straight stitches slanting up either side of the black crescents.  But I am having so much trouble with this it might be a while before I get to those.

Of course stitching after another hectic day means the instructions don't make sense and counting holes accurately is impossible. Fortunately, a good night's sleep will fix the problem.  (I hope.)

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