Or Nue Hearts by Brenda Kocher

Melita's local EGA chapter is going to stitch Branda Kocher's Or Nue Hearts.  So Melita got the instructions, canvas and threads and kitted it all for everyone.  The first step is learning to lace the canvas on stretcher bars if you don't have the right sizes.  It's a good thing to know!  

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/06/12/ega-brandywine-chapter-class-for-or-nue-hearts-by-brenda-kocher/

Melita's also stitching Brenda Kocher's Or Nue Lotus Blossom.  It's very pretty!

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/06/16/or-nue-lotus-blossom-by-brenda-kocher/

Everything is framed and looks great.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/07/11/or-nue-hearts-and-lotus-blossom-by-brenda-kocher-framed/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 13, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

ANG's Seminar in 2025

The 2025 American Needlepoint Guild Seminar was held in New Orleans from August 19-24, 2025. You can read about it on the ANG website.

https://www.needlepoint.org/page/2025Seminar

Melita's doing pre-work for her Jennifer Reifenberg class, "Nights in White Satin."

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/07/30/ang-2025-seminar-in-new-orleans-la-and-nights-in-white-satin-by-jennifer-riefenberg-pre-work/

Melita's arrived in New Orleans!

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/08/18/ang-2025-seminar-in-new-orleans-la-welcome-favors-water-bottles-and-tote-bag/

Melita went to her first class--Deborah Mitek's "Walk in the Woods"--and attended the opening banquet where she learned her original design called "Flowers Along a Rhode" won the Creative Inspiration Award.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/08/19/ang-2025-seminar-in-new-orleans-la-and-walk-in-the-woods-with-deborah-mitek-day-1-welcome-banquet-award-ceremony/

Here is more about "Walk in the Woods" as Melita continues work on this Deborah Mitek class.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/10/31/walk-in-the-woods-by-deborah-mitek-progress/

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/11/18/walk-in-the-woods-by-deborah-mitek-more-progress/

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/12/10/done-with-my-walk-in-the-woods-by-deborah-mitek/

You can read Melita's Artist Statement for "Flowers Along a Rhode" here.  It also won a second place ribbon in the Original Design Professional category.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/08/19/flowers-along-a-rhode-second-place-ribbon-and-creative-inspiration-award/

Melita's second day class with Deborah Mitek had her practicing ribbon leaves. Then she dodged a parade (this is New Orleans, folks, parades are constant) to get to Expo and shopping!  I should mention that New Orleans is even hotter in July than August.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/08/20/ang-2025-seminar-in-new-orleans-la-and-walk-in-the-woods-with-deborah-mitek-day-2-mls-dinner-and-expo/

Melita's second class was with Kay Stanis, working her "Nautilus."

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/08/21/ang-seminar-2025-in-new-orleans-la-and-nautilus-with-kay-stanis/

I didn't know you could untwist Trebizond either! 

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/09/06/nautilus-with-kay-stanis-progressing/

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/11/29/nautilus-by-kay-stanis-struggling-with-silk-thread/

While working Nautilius, Melita researched ways of taming the threads that were hard to work with.  Beeswax, anyone?

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/12/04/managing-silk-thread-with-beeswax/

Melita also has several strategies she uses to get through stitching Nautilis.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/12/12/nautilus-by-kay-stanis-progressing-better/

Only the beads are left for Nautilus.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/12/19/nautilus-by-kay-stanis-ready-for-beads/

And Nautilus is done!  Whew, that was a LOT of beads!

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/12/31/nautilus-by-kay-stanis-jewels/

Now Melita's in the Jennifer Riefenberg class, "Nights in White Satin."

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/08/23/ang-2025-seminar-in-new-orleans-la-and-nights-in-white-satin-by-jennifer-riefenberg-day-1/

Melita attended her last "Nights in White Satin" class and also the closing banquet.  Plus she recommends three authors of cozy mysteries set in needlework shops.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/08/24/ang-2025-seminar-in-new-orleans-la-and-nights-in-white-satin-by-jennifer-riefenberg-day-2-and-farewell-banquet/

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/09/24/nights-in-white-satin-progressing/

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/09/28/radiance-metallics-by-meredith-willett-collection/

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/10/08/nights-in-white-satin-stitched/

Melita won a wonderful Jim Wurth design at Seminar's Silent Auction.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/08/29/hearts-and-flowers-by-jim-wurth-ang-auction/

Melita paid to have a written evaulation of "Flowers along a Rhode" which is the original piece she exhibited at Seminar.  It's very interesting to hear the judge's thoughts.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/09/02/flowers-along-a-rhode-the-judges-score-and-critique/

Here are the award winners from ANG's Seminar Exhibit:

Denise won both a blue ribbon and the Best in Show for this Zecca mask.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/24395282386788923/

Marianne won the President's Choice Ribbon.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1084313067137937&set=a.511979581037958

Cynthia Thomas won the Best Halloween piece award.  Go Cindy!

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1085146067054637&set=a.511979581037958

Vicky won the Wearable Art award with this lovely purse.

https://www.facebook.com/needlenookoflajolla/posts/pfbid02AnXfSLfmeAXEAr4Tcagw6gjiQ38hPF9RxFUytBYKdVSqubDE1zeQuTBpDHCEA2FXl

BJ won two ribbons (a blue and Judges Choice) for this Chinese horse.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1352725216855107&set=a.538877764906527

Maureen got an Honorable Mention for Painted Canvas without Stitch Guide and...

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/24361790850138077/

...she won the Princess Grace Award for an all-tent stitched image.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/24361418846841944/

Eileen's Honorable Mention is well deserved.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10234239624146984&set=gm.24363493296634499&idorvanity=108537025890131

Bobbie got a second place!

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=24705332909090948&set=gm.24386723764311452&idorvanity=108537025890131

Linda won a blue ribbon for her Painted Canvas with Stitch Guide Professional piece.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1332925001573165&set=gm.24634604229523403&idorvanity=108537025890131

This colorful cat won a Judge's Choice Ribbon.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DRPvVfPAYaQ/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 31, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

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.

At the ANG Seminar in Houston 2019

ANG's annual seminar is in Houston, Texas this year. Lots of folks are going.  I have a ton of links to information and reports from Seminar-goers, so pour your favorite beverage and browse!

ANG has posted a list of exhibit winners here.
https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.needlepoint.org/resource/resmgr/seminar/ang_awards_for_website.pdf?fbclid=IwAR22OOnzaO2IeT1PA7e5NjRn1MIh4P9XqRzF40c07HbztEV9nMqZts0hHk4

Melita is there with friends, so they make a shop run, then she registered for Seminar.  She's taking a Kay Stanis silk and metal embroidery class.
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2019/08/14/texas-needlepoint-run-and-registration-day/

https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2019/08/16/a-toast-to-tiffany-2019-seminar-class-with-kay-stanis-day-2-of-3/

https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2019/08/17/a-toast-to-tiffany-2019-seminar-class-with-kay-stanis-day-3-of-3/

She also did a one day class with Cynthia Thomas on manipulating threads and stitches and had a lot of fun designing stitches.
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2019/08/19/thread-and-stitch-manipulation-with-cynthia-thomas/

Plus Melita won a ribbon exhibiting this lovely piece which is her original design. Congratulations!
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2019/08/22/tahitian-treat-2019-seminar-exhibit/

DMBstitch also took Cynthia's class.
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/08/21/last-day-at-seminar-stitch-manipulation/

Melita had fun buying books at Expo Night.  You might be interested in the two she found.  The Lone Star Chapter's book of stitches is available from several of the Texas shops.  See the second link below for a list.
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2019/08/18/expo-night-at-seminar-2019/

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5b37ed75cef372bdd50ce75a/t/5d5fd5b6d7c1240001f8db49/1566561719109/Order+Information.pdf

Jan is having a very nice time.  Besides indulging in lots of relaxation, she is taking Nancy Cucci's "December Dazzle."
https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2019/08/17/seminar-2019-houston-tx/

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2019/08/18/seminar-quick-post/

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2019/08/23/home-from-seminar-2/

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2019/08/25/big-goof/

Rosie is taking Jennifer Riefenberg's "Winter Lights" (and showing off her new Woodlawn souvenir earrings).
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/08/15/houston-seminar/

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/08/16/winter-lights-second-and-last-day/

Rosie also is taking Cynthia Thomas' painted canvas class, "Lady with Mandala II."
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/08/17/lady-with-mandala-ii/

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/08/18/lady-with-mandala-ii-day-2/

DMBstitch is taking Toni Gerdes' class "Abyss."
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/08/15/ang-seminar-2019-day-1/

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/08/17/abyss-day-2-ang-seminar-2019/

She's also taking Jennifer Reifenberg's "More Color Play."
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/08/18/more-color-play-day-1/

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/08/19/more-color-play-day-2/

JA Williams is taking Lois Kershner's "Mt. Whitney Waterfall," which is a photo transfer design.
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/08/17/mt-whitney-waterfall/

Sue is taking "Beaded Bermuda Reef," a class (with beaded fringe) by Kathy Rees.
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/08/17/beaded-bermuda-reef/

Sue is also taking a class with Wendy Moore.  It looks wonderful!
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/08/20/a-livelier-iris/


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 14, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Books on Goldwork and Metal Thread Embroidery UPDATED

This is a particularly great time to pick up new books on goldwork and metal thread embroidery.  Kay Stanis, a master of silk and metal embroidery, has released a book! It's called Techniques of Metal Thread Embroidery and for $30, it looks like a real bargain.  You can purchase it from her website and it will be on Amazon shortly if it isn't available already.
https://www.the-gilded-edge.com/book-techniques-of-metal-thread-embroidery/techniques-of-metal-thread-embroidery-by-kay-stanis

If you aren't certain if you are interested, explore Kay's website.  You can see her classes, purchase metal and silk threads, and explore techniques.  She's wildly talented, folks. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy.
https://www.the-gilded-edge.com/levels

Alison Cole is well known for her goldwork.  She has two books out on it already and a third called The Goldwork Masterclass, is just out.
https://www.inspirationsstudios.com/product/the-goldwork-masterclass/

You can hear more about the newest book on the Fiber Talk podcast.
https://wetalkfiber.com/tag/goldwork-masterclass/

I have her first book and it is gorgeous!  Alison is in Australia but you can still order her books in the USA or work via her website.  There's a link to where to buy in the Fiber Talk link above.
https://alisoncoleembroidery.com.au

UPDATE:  Here is a review of Alison's book.
https://www.jessicagrimm.com/blog/book-review-the-goldwork-masterclass

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 14, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

BREAKING NEWS: Callaway Closing

Kay Stanis just posted on Facebook that after the January 2017 session, Callaway Gardens School of NeedleArts will close. It's the end of an era, folks.
http://www.callawaygardens.com/events/education-and-culture/callaway-gardens-school-of-needle-arts/course-descriptions

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 14, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Lace Needlepoint Canvas

Kay Stanis of The Gilded Edge shows how to frame up and then lace needlepoint canvas on frames to keep them very taut. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7QR9iPeSKU

There are more videos on Kay's website in case you are curious about laying flat silk or adding fabric backing to your fabric in Japanese embroidery.
http://www.the-gilded-edge.com/techniques/

Many thanks to Helen for alerting me to the video.

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

Rundown of Classes and Workshops

I've started to collect notices of classes various shops are offering so I'll post them here. Remember to check back as I'll update this article over the next month instead of adding multiple blog postings.   First is the Bestitched Summer Workshop on a Zecca floral pattern.
http://bestitchedneedlepoint.com/zecca-summer-square-workshop/

Kay Stanis is going to teach one of her illuminated letters pieces at the San Diego Chapter of ANG's annual fund-raiser workshop.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/05/23/initial-illumination-by-kay-stanis/

Nimble Needle is going to use a Iona Dettelbach chart published by Rainbow Gallery to take intermediate stitchers into new territory.
http://thenimbleneedle.blogspot.com/2012/05/needlepoint-class-101.html

The Needle Bug will have Julia Snyder teaching a painted canvas embellishment class at their shop in early June.  Here are photos from the last Julia class.
http://theneedlebug.com/2012/05/julias-embellishment-classes/

They also have teaching "Whiskers," a darling Santa ornament, today and tomorrow.  If you don't make it to the shop, they will do a mail order class for you--with free shipping!
http://theneedlebug.com/2012/06/whiskers/

BeStitched has a Summer Youth Program, which essentially means young stitchers teaching other young stitchers to needlepoint.
http://bestitchedneedlepoint.com/summer-youth-program-new-classes-at-bestitched-needlepoint/

Robin King's going to be teaching in Ohio at What's the Point.  She's not the only teacher they are having over, either!   (shop website is second link)
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2012/05/robin-is-teaching-at-whats-point.html

http://www.whatsthepoint.biz/index.htm

Robin's also going to be at Bristly Thistle this fall.  Here are the details.
http://www.harborwireless.com/Email/RKclass.htm

SharonG is going to be at Needle Works in Austin October 18-21 to teach two days of canvas embellishment and a two day class on her Graphic Waves piece.  This is hot news and there is nothing on the Needle Works site yet but you can call them for information.
http://theneedleworks.com/

Barbara Bergsten has designed a smaller shift dress canvas in pink and green for the mother/daughter class that Simply Needlepoint has planned for this summer.  Here's the canvas.
http://createneedlepoint.typepad.com/create_needlepoint/2012/06/needlepoint-class-1.html

Here's the shop website with contact information, but no class info yet.
http://www.simplyneedlepointws.com/Simplyneedlepointws/Welcome.html

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

TNNA Report: Website Updates UPDATED

Folks are starting to update their websites with new things. Sundance has updated their website with photos of their sequins and Sparkles.  Click on Catalog, then use the Product pull down menu to choose sequins, to see the various colors of Sparkles, and to just explore.
http://www.sundanceneedleworks.com/


Kay Stanis has updated her Facebook page with a image of a water dragon.  It appears to be silk and metal embroidery, although the photo isn't good enough to be certain.  Chaparral Needlework is promising to update their Facebook page tomorrow morning with plenty of photographs.  Amy Bunger has already added to her photo album on the Amy's Golden Strand Facebook page.  For non-Facebook users, Amy's also updated her Market Preview page on her website.
http://www.amybunger.com/market_preview.html

UPDATE:  Peacock Alley Needlepoint has added lots of great photos with descriptions to their FB page as well.

Colleen has a few more wonderful things.
http://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/2012/01/a-little-more.html

I expect there will be more new things tonight but I think I'll wait until tomorrow to post them. I don't want heads to explode from all the new eye candy.


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

While Susan and I Were Talking....

While Susan and I were discussing the Maggie Lane dragon design she's stitching, we got to talking about silk and metal embroidery and folks who teach Asian inspired designs. I thought you might like to revisit the websites of the stitching masters of these techniques.  All three teach nationwide, so keep your eyes open in case one comes to a guild or seminar near you.  I'm going to list them in alphabetical order with their website link.  Explore and be amazed!

Margaret Kinsey teaches silk and metal embroidery and also Rozashi, which is a style of Japanese embroidery on a special fabric.
http://www.makincdesigns.com/index.htm

Judy Soulitis is a master of silk and metal embroidery but recently she has fallen under the spell of beads.  Be sure you explore her website thoroughly.
http://www.judysouliotis.com/Judys_Needlework/Home.html

Kay Stanis does silk and metal embroidery inspired by, but not limited to, Japanese design and Medieval illuminated books.  Don't miss her Gallery.
http://www.the-gilded-edge.com/Home.html

UPDATE:  Kay will do a class for ANG starting early next year.  Clink on the links for more details about the costs and timing.
http://needlepoint.org/CorrClasses/classes/hiogi.php

I love visiting these websites, studying their creations and hoping one day to be able to create masterpieces of my own.


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

Fabulous Art in Needlepoint

I think today's just going to be dedicated to stitched pieces that'll blow your mind.  Let's start with this partly stitched Melissa Shirley piece that is going to be a class at Pocket Full of Stitches later in the year.  Take a close look at all the photos--amazing!
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2011/06/bottles.html

Were you wow'd by the Labors of Love geisha canvas that comes with the porcelain hands and face that premiered at Columbus, but Asian canvases just aren't your style?  Not to worry--Ridgewood has posted a photo of L of L's finished Elizabethean Queen piece.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2011/06/fabulous-queen.html

After checking the L of L website, I see a photo of the finished Marie Antoinette and it looks like they also have an Anne Bolyn set but all I find is a photo of the canvas without her head.  Which is appropriate, come to think about it!
http://www.laborsofloveneedlepoint.com/finished.php

My final link is to Kay Stanis' website--the slide show on the home page leaves me breathless.  She teaches silk and metal embroidery which she clearly has mastered.  You can buy the instructions for some of her retired teaching designs as well as supplies like tiny tweezers, Japanese flat silk, and a tekobari directly from her.  Kay has included some great information about handling silks and metal threads under Techniques. Don't miss that once you stop staring at her finished models.
http://www.the-gilded-edge.com/Home.html

Me, I'm just going to sit mesmerized by her slide show and drink my coffee....

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