Sunflowers (and more) for Ukraine

I'm starting to see sunflowers all over, and realized this is because they are Ukraine's flower.  As I write this, the invasion of Ukraine is still stalled.  Hopefully diplomacy (or common decency) will prevail and the Russian army will retreat.  To take this back to needlepoint, Carol Curtis Needlepoint Design has a lovely realistic sunflower.

https://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2022/02/sunflower.html

Suzi of VNG has a sunflower fund raiser for Ukraine.

https://astheneedleturns.com/sunflower-fields/

So does Pepperberry.

https://familyartsneedlework.com/collections/stand-with-ukraine-1

Judy Ann has added several small sunflower pieces to her Etsy store.

https://judyannneedlepoint.com/product-category/stitchin-for-ukraine/

If you are fond of traditional needlepoint pillows, Beth Russell's pillow kit is gorgeous.  It's also available with a green or paprika red background but we'll show the blue since yellow and blue are the Ukrainian flag colors.

https://bethrussellneedlepoint.com/collections/sunflower/products/sunflower-1-blue-background

Are you a fan of abstract art?  Then this Zecca canvas of four sunflowers is going to be right up your alley.

https://stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=31201&title=4%20Sunflowers%20-%2013ct&itemtype=hand%20painted%20canvases

The Meredith Collection has at least two sunflowers.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CapO0hMNQEz/

Mary Lake Thompson has a gorgeous sunflower boot for the Southwestern fans.

https://myneedlepoint.com/sunflower-boot-mlt242-ms.html

Want something smaller? This Abigail Cecile version is for you.

https://needlepoint.com/products/abigail-cecile-single-jacobean-sunflower

JP has a lovely little peace ornament and...

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10219818702850103&set=a.10202723598043167

...a darling sunflower egg design.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10219866724330610&set=a.1526682219092

The queen of floral needlepoint design is Jean Smith.  This beauty is on 13 count.

https://www.annieandco.com/products/jean-smith-181m

Jean also has a very elegant sunflower topiary.

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/products/small-sunflower-topiary-needlepoint-canvas

Patt of Patt and Lee has a large sunflower that's gorgeous.  Change the teal background to blue and there you go.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=4977918388956561&set=a.107871135961335

Jody Valentine has several small sunflower ornaments.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/JODYdesignsNEEDLEPT?fbclid=IwAR0tf_XTdMH3f6WyuzkfY1R_O99oiYrA6gjdMaZDrnFB7mU2JoDazIRAQNU

If you are a fan of counted canvaswork, Laura Perin's "Ukrainian Eggs" is a fabulous design from a chart.

https://www.madameneedle.com/item_21088/Laura-J.-Perin-Ukranian-Eggs.htm

Laura has taken one of the eggs from "Ukrainian Eggs" and charted it for a free project.  Thanks, Laura!

http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2022/03/sharing-this-ukrainian-egg-ornament.html

JP Needlepoint is painting an Ukrainian egg design.  It's not finished yet but you can see how it is developing here.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10219795548711264&set=a.1526682219092

JP Needlepoint now has individual Ukrainian eggs available.

https://www.facebook.com/427220977360465/photos/a.427244014024828/5170064076409441/

If you have more canvases than time, how about this charming heart magnet from Kirkland Design Studio?

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/4911653968911722/

https://www.kirklanddesignstudio.com/listing/1179245884/ukrainian-flag-heart-needle-minder

Rebecca Wood has a charming reindeer ornament for Ukraine.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/4938273442916441/

We stitch our hopes and dreams, don't we?  We dream of peace in Ukraine.  By the way, Tilli Thomas of Planet Earth has a new Ukrainian flag ornament that is a fund raiser for the brave soils there.

https://www.facebook.com/ostervilleneedlepointshop/photos/a.722684687832921/4313611592073528/

UPDATES:  Jolly Red has a subtle bow to Ukraine in their Brighter Days Daffodils kit.

https://www.jollyred.co.uk/product/brighter-days-daffodils/

Kathy Brandt has added a lovely heart flag to her line.

https://www.facebook.com/KathyBrantArt/photos/a.381585001987545/2861224667356887/

Hedgehog has a Kyiv Vintage Luggage tag needle magnet now.

https://www.laborsofloveneedlepoint.shop/shop/c/p/Vintage-Luggage-Tag---Kyiv-Needleminder-x62433949.htm

Hannah Bass has a traditional needlepoint kit.

https://hannahbass.com/products/peace-for-ukraine-charity-needlepoint-kit

Laura Love Designs has a new charted sunflower chart fund raiser.  It'll be available as a painted canvas later this year.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/4971059322971186/

Laura Love's painted version of the pretty Ukrainian embroidery with sunflower is ready.

https://store.apneedlearts.com/ukemfl1.html

Elizabeth Bradley has redone their small sunflower kit with a Ukrainian blue background.  All profits go to charities to help the Ukrainian refugees.

https://needlepoint.com/products/elizabeth-bradley-sunflower-mini-kit?_kx=spGqMUEEs3Pe26tF9Jkghd_FvizqCNqZrcu-EtTsuNa-X-jY5kdJAFI_-tT2BvST.TxAVmM

CanvasWorks has a great kit with the Ukrainian symbol.  Available this summer.

https://store.apneedlearts.com/ukemfl.html

BeauVerre Art has Ukrainian needle minders.  The Labors of Love shop has them in stock.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CdV2mLErwDO/

Painted Pony has an angel that is a fund raiser for Ukrainian displaced children.

https://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2022/07/ukrainian-angel.html

Anne Fisher is distributing two needlepoint canvases from Julia Krasnik, an Ukrainian artist.

https://www.annefisherneedlepoint.com/collaborations

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com\

© Copyright March 1, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Favorites from TNNA's June 2016 Show

Otto Agular's "3 Ladies with Wildflowers"

Once again I've collected my personal favorites from the June 2016 TNNA show. There are a range of designs, some from new designers, some from well-known names. But all of them caught my eye for one reason or another.  

Above is a new Otto Agular from Purple Palm Designs.  This is called "Three Ladies with Wildflowers."  I think it is a lovely mix of colors and shapes.  Easy to stitch?  Probably not but I adore the facial expressions.  You can make up endless stories about what these three are thinking and feeling.
https://www.facebook.com/PurplePalmDesigns/photos/a.800127770017208.1073741834.796107397085912/1245499032146744/?type=3&theater

Barbar Tourtilloutte/HSN Designs

Hingham Square Needlepoint is developing a line of canvases under the HSN Designs name.  My favorite so far  is this adaptation of Barbara Tourtilloutte's artwork.  I call him Moose-y Christmas in my own mind.  The framework of the beech trees and the top and bottom borders are wonderful as is the sweet subject matter.
http://www.hinghamsquareneedlepoint.com/barbara-tourtillotte

dede's Celestial Wizard

Fleur de Paris posted the front and back of dede Odgen's "Celestial Wizard" on Facebook.  Definitely my favorite double-sided canvas!  Ok, so it's the only double-sided canvas I noticed that's new but I do like the wizard and his companion owl a lot.
https://www.facebook.com/FleurDeParis/photos/pcb.1046532755400341/1046528492067434/?type=3&theater

Colors of Praise

Another favorite is this new Colors of Praise canvas of a sunbather and a turtle. How wonderful is that?!  I love stitching people and love the tropical feel of this encounter of two sunbathers.
https://www.facebook.com/BeStitchedNeedlepoint/photos/a.152368144832122.34517.126229327446004/1007095216026073/?type=3&theater

Sascalia's "Snowy Foxes"

I also adore this "Snowy Foxes" canvas from Sascalia which has a light feel, much different than the usual snowy scenes.  The pastel colors and the fresh greens and golds make this a late spring snowstorm kind of piece, which is very unusual.  I like unusual!  The artwork is distributed by Golden Needlepoint.
http://goldenneedlepoint.com/t/sascalia

Mary Lake-Thompson's Nutcracker Ornament

I don't usually like nutcracker pieces as I find those teeth creepy, but I really like Mary Lake-Thompson's new nutcracker ornament.   I like the rounded shapes and the expression on his little face.  This is part of a series of small ornaments that would make a spectacular display.
http://melissashirleydesigns.com/gallery/?index=8435&cat=70

Cleo'a Mummy is 31 inches tall!

I'm always a sucker for canvases with themes taken from Ancient Egypt.  This tall beauty is from Labors of Love and would be great fun to stitch.  I'd buy a ornament of just her head, not having a place for such a large piece here.  (hint hint)
http://www.laborsofloveneedlepoint.com/see-whats-new.html

Squid and Whale (Charley Harper)

I am not really a fan of Charley Harper designs, although they are extremely well done and often quite funny, but this fight between a squid and a whale caught my eye, probably because I am a big fan of squid, octopi and cuttlefish.
https://www.facebook.com/175899759125776/photos/pcb.1003726636343080/1003726323009778/?type=3&theater

And there you have it--the new canvases I would buy if I had endless funds and endless time to stitch them.  Which one do you think I actually bought?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 9, 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.

TNNA Columbus May 2015 Favorites

I've started to assemble a collection of my favorites from TNNA's Summer Show in Columbus, Ohio.  These are personal favorites, things I'd like to stitch myself, and listed in no particular order.

Melissa Shirley has created a huge number of new pieces for the summer show.  
http://melissashirleydesigns.com/gallery/?bsn=1

Melissa Shirley's Christmas Tree Angel Ornament 1879-D

I am particularly fond of Melissa's little angel ornaments (also available in a larger standup size),  but the dog ornaments in the Best Friends Collection from Mary Lake-Thompson are also charming!  Some of them repeat dog portraits that were released earlier as full sized pieces.

Border Collie Ornament (Mary Lake Thompson) MLT325-F

Not to worry, there's a cat among the dog ornaments.

Vicki Swayer's Snowy Nadia VS152

Fans of Vicki Swayer's animal portraits won't be disappointed.  There's a cow, a huge number of funny chipmunks, birds from the beach (and other places), a hare and a toad, and my personal favorite--this polar bear.

Leigh Designs has released their normal series of eight--this time the Gold Diggers.  Each beauty features typical gear for a gold digger in that neck of the woods.  Recognize anyone?  LOL
http://www.leighdesigns.com/Grp505x.html

Leigh's Gold Digger Miami

Leigh's friends have been busy created stitch guides for this beautiful crew of ladies looking for the big bucks!    Sandy Arthur has done a guide for Hollywood, Pat Miller has done Vegas, Houston is by Carolyn Taggart, and Sharon Quick has done Scottsdale.  My personal favorite is Miami and I'll be stitching that once I finish No Flying Monkeys.

Spooky Pumpkin H-011 from JP

Juli Poitras of JP Needlepoint has a lot of classic pieces, but my very favorite is "Spooky Pumpkin" from her Halloween banners.
http://www.jpneedlepoint.com/Newdesigns.html

Pepperberry's Cool Reindeer

Pepperberry Designs also has dog ornaments (Do I sense a theme developing here?) but my favorite is this Cool Reindeer ornament!
http://www.pepperberry-designs.com/whats-new/

Labors of Love's Mini Mermaid LL510T

Labors of Love has added new clip on birds and a dimensional turkey and 2-sided snowmen, but their series of eight mermaid ornaments is my favorite.   They've also added to their Storybook characters series and have created a "bridal tree" club.
http://www.laborsofloveneedlepoint.com/see-whats-new.html

Ewe and Eye's Winter Sleigh Scene with Custom Frame

Ewe and Eye and Maggie have collaborated again with Lisa Krause for some wonderful custom frames.  There is even a mirror and a dry erase board!  My personal favorite is this winter sleigh scene above.  I don't usually like folk art designs but I find this one charming.
https://www.facebook.com/NeedlepointCom/photos/pcb.839615632797446/839614979464178/?type=1&theater

Scott Church/CBK Beaver working on Candy Cane

CBK has some new Scott Church Creative pieces.  The beaver above cracks me up.
https://www.facebook.com/519994421356592/photos/pb.519994421356592.-2207520000.1433078779./910783172277713/?type=3&theater

Those are my very favorites but I know there are many great canvases I missed.  What's YOUR favorite?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 29, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Mary Lake Thompson Canvases

Melissa Shirley has updated her website with new summery Mary Lake Thompson canvases of bikes and canned goods.
http://www.melissashirleydesigns.com//gallery/?bsn=1

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

Turkey Progress

Nancy's Turkey with Background Finished

Nancy has sent photos and a progress report on her large turkey from Mary Lake Thompson/Melissa Shirley.  She says, "I am nearly done with the breast area, having finished the head, back and upright tail earlier. I have struggled with getting the overstitching done on the yellow parts of the breast. The look of the painted canvas can not be duplicated with thread. (This canvas has made me appreciate stitch-painted canvases more!) Where I am now is doing some top-stitching over the yellow and evaluating that. You will note that for the bulk of the lower breast I have simply stitched it in Continental/basketweave.

Ray Stitches on Top of Careful Shading

I am also working on the lower long feathers, trying several options. I'm currently trying padded vertical satin, though I think of feathers as flat, so I'm not sure that's where I'll end up. I was hoping to do some light stitching there to show the undercolors painted on the canvas, but that didn't seem to work for me.  

After a day or two, Nancy wrote again:

"I'm close to finishing the lower tail feathers after last night's stitching and I like it. 

Beady Eye

I used #5 perle cotton for the padding and some variegated Silk and Colors (Chocolate Caramel) for the satin stitches on top. Though I'm not sure about using Silk and Colors much - have you had any issues with it? I've tended to use Gloriana and never had any problem with it. I found the Silk and Colors a challenge to lay nicely. I dampened it which helped, but I never had to dampen a silk thread before.

Adding to the fun, I had two male turkeys challenging each other for supremacy this morning in the yard. They went at it pushing and shoving for 30 minutes at least. It was fun to watch."

Nancy, I don't have trouble with Silk N Colors but various brands of silk give different people problems. I have two things to suggest--if you use a laying tool, try another one made from something else.  I find that I like metal and bone laying tools best for silk but you might like the wooden ones better depending on the finish and weight of the tool.  Also, dampen the silk.  Silk likes high humidity and behaves better when there is more moisture in the air.  Get a paper towel wet, ring it out and let it dry some, then run your plies of silk through the paper towel.  I've ever used fairly wet silk on a piece (although you run the risk of the color running these days since eco-friendly dyes are not always truly colorfast).  Hope this helps!

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

Let’s Hear A Big Round of Applause...

Erica's Lee Kimono

...for the five volunteers who happily let me put their problem canvases under the spotlight on Blog since last November.  There was Erica’s small Lee kimono,

The D.C. Metro Map (Ruth Schmuff)

Barbara’s D.C. Subway Map from Ruth Schmuff,

European Dragon (Leigh Designs)

the Leigh dragon that Sandy is stitching,

Large Turkey (Mary Lake Thompson)

Nancy’s Mary Lake Thompson/Melissa Shirley turkey, and

Gold Fish (Lillian Chermor)

Carol’s Gold Fish from Lillian Chermor.

You ladies both stretched my stitching skills and gave me plenty of things to blog about when my life was too hectic for me to blog-stitch my own pieces. I appreciate it very very much and I know that Blog readers are equally appreciative. Thank you!

Remember to send us photos of the finished pieces when you are done, ok? We want to see the final chapter when you stitch it.

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

The Gold Fish and More

Mary Lake Thompson's Gold Fish

In non-Luna stitching news, Carol writes she's found four more skeins of the dark teal Empress Silk at Edwardian Needle.  She is still a little worried she won't have enough silk for the background, but the folks at Edwardian Needle suggested that she alternate her Swirl stitch row done in Empress Silk with two rows of tent stitch in her Cire nylon floss instead of one row. Clever idea, don't you think?  Personally I think she'll have enough thread but then I probably would only use four plies to cover the background.

Carol has decided she'd like to use all Cire on her fish as the nylon threads look wet to her.  She's pulled some colors to choose from (above).  She has also found two sizes of topaz colored crystal sequins to use for the dots on the fish fins.  So things are moving right along.  I need to get busy and turn up some stitches for Carol to use on her fish to help her choose colors.  A thread may look totally different when stitched than it does in the skein.  Hopefully I can get to that this weekend.

While we all weren't looking, Joey had a birthday.  Wait'll see what she did to celebrate!  Next time, invite us too, ok?
http://theneedleworks.typepad.com/the_needle_works/2011/02/joeys-60th.html

Speaking of Texas, fans of monthly clubs will enjoy a peek at some of the clubs and a canvas with threads and stitch guide that Needle Works in Austin is stitching.
http://theneedleworks.typepad.com/the_needle_works/2011/02/what-have-we-been-up-to.html

After the 2001 ANG Seminar, a lot of people were interested in finding this Clarice painted canvas which was exhibited there.
http://www.needlepoint.org/WhatIs/2001/the_bird_lady.php

Nimble Needle has it!
http://thenimbleneedle.blogspot.com/2011/02/bird-lady-by-clarice.html

The Nashville trade show over the weekend is one of the big cross stitch venues for shops to pick up goodies.  Want to see what Sara Leigh bought for us?  Scarlet Thread specializes in kitting up counted canvaswork projects so you can see both the chart cover and the colors used to stitch the model.  (Hint: if you liked Needle Delight's Rainforest Crunch, you'll want to click on this link.)
http://stitchything.blogspot.com/2011/02/fresh-from-nashville.html

New books are starting to show up in the shops (I have friends who just got their copies of SharonG's Simply Essential Needlepoint Stitch Explanations.  I hate them.)  Here's another review of June McKnight's Spooky Stitches.  By the way, SharonG is saying her second book will be about landscape stitches.
http://www.nuts-about-needlepoint.com/spooky-stitches-book-review

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

The Turkey Question: How Do Stitches Meet?

Mary Lake Thompson/Melissa Shirley Turkey Canvas

Nancy sent me a note last week about her turkey canvas.  She'd run into an unexpected problem and wanted some ideas about how to overcome it.  Take a look at the background stitch in the photo above.

Now think about stitching that background around the turkey's head.  Nancy's calls this the "Who owns the line?" problem after what Amy Bunger says on this very same issue at Peggi's Needlepoint Study Hall blog.  Amy is talking about her Home Study Halloween House canvas but this issue is apt to turn up on any canvas.  Just how do you compensate two very different stitches when they meet?
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2010/05/begin-house-part-two.html

Let me quote from the discussion Nancy and I had so you can benefit from what we worked out.

Nancy:  Hi, Jane. I'm stitching away on the background on the left side of the turkey. I'm coming up on stitching around the head and wattle and have a question about a perennial needlepoint issue: merging a vertical stitch to a diagonal stitch.

I know from Needlepoint Study Hall a good question to ask is, "Who owns the line?" I'm sure the answer in each case around Tom Turkey is "Tom Turkey." I didn't think it was such a deal as I worked around the tail. But as I get close to the wattle and head I'm not sure about where to draw the line. I don't want to distract from the turkey by putting too much background against it, but I don't think I want any canvas showing either. And that wattle is so very narrow that it could easily get lost.

Here's my thought: what about stitching a single row of tent stitches around the turkey head in the background thread? That would mean the vertical background stitches would overlap the tent stitches, not the turkey. I'm not sure I've seen this option suggested anywhere. Is it a possibility? Have you seen such a solution? 

Jane: I've been thinking about this all day since I found your note in my email box this morning. I've run into this occasionally and have done one of two things--either laid a row of stitches (couched or backstitched or stem stitched, depending on the breadth of the line I needed) on top of the line where the background and the foreground meet or I have used tent stitches as you describe.

I think you are going to have to do more test stitching before what will work but I personally would put tent stitches in the area between the waddle and the neck using the background thread. If you have a metallic line running through that area, just do tent stitches with both threads.

You may find you need to put in a few backwards tent stitches as well as regular tent stitches, depending on the shapes and how they meet. I would work the background up to the waddle, take a good look, and then pull out any stitches you need until it looks good to you, then fill in the empty spaces with tent stitches. If it looks right to you, it is. 

This is one of those questions that we all have to tackle in our own way but you are certainly on the right track thinking that outlining with tent stitches will help. I think you'll find you want more than one row but again, it all depends on how things look to you as you get your background close to the turkey's head. With so many stitches and threads available to us needlepointers, it is hard to have hard and fast rules beyond SharonG's "If it looks right, it is." That one I stick to religiously!

Nancy:  Thanks so much, Jane. I knew that once again you'd be helpful! I hadn't thought about backstitches, but I can see that they could also be useful in solving this issue. I'll tackle the background/image boundary with renewed confidence now! 

While thinking about the background, I've been putting in the pale yellow breast with more silk, but haven't got too far yet. 

Jane: Glad to help out, Nancy, even if it is just to say that you are going to have to experiment to see how to keep the little waddle from disappearing into the background. I think the contrast in colors will help you but an outline, tent stitches, or both are probably the answer.

Nancy wrote later: I finished the background yesterday. It went fine around the wattle and head. The only trouble I had was figuring out the stitch pattern where there was just a small area. I finally figured it out yesterday and will restitch a small area at the top where I goofed. Now it's on to the feathers! 

Thanks for this very interesting question, Nancy.  I'm sure Blog readers will have other tips for handling the meeting of two very different stitches.  I hope they post them here in the Comments or email me at chilly hollowat hotmail dotcom so I can post for them.

By the way, anyone interested in compensation should take a good look at Tony Minieri's four part article on this topic.  This has been republished online on the ANG website.  He breaks stitches down into four types and discusses in depth how to compensate each type of stitch.  This doesn't directly address how to handle the area where two different types of stitches meet but it is an essential resource for the serious needlepointer.
http://www.needlepoint.org/Archives.php

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

The Turkey Reappears

Nancy's Turkey Canvas

All of the volunteer canvases I've been discussing here lately have many fans, so I was thrilled when Nancy sent two progress photographs of her Mark Lake Thompson/Melissa Shirley turkey.  She's busily stitching the turkey according to the plan we worked out here.  

She had a little trouble with the turkey tail feathers as the stitch doesn't fit well on the diagonal but after she adjusted the long stitches to two plies of silk, it looks nice, especially the silk sheen.  Note the pretty background stitch.  Note that the canvas was photographed at an angle.

She says the head is done except for the eye.

I think it looks great!


Thanks very much for sharing progress photos, Nancy.

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

Turkey Update: Tail and Legs

Nancy has been busy working on her turkey canvas. Here's her latest report--

"I just thought I'd update you on where things stand.  I found the Overture for the border a bit difficult to find - it seems not many shops carry it anymore.  It gave me a chance to speak on the phone with a number of shops I've heard of but not done any business with.  One was the Scarlet Thread.  Do I remember that it is one of your 'somewhat local' shops?  I do have a couple of cards on special order, so all the border threads should be here before long. (PFOS is sending all the others.)

 

I got the brown triangles at the base of the tail done and the two brown borders around the outside of the tail done last night.  Today I did the foot in two strands of Burmilana with one strand of Flair.  I think it looks quite nice, if different from the painted foot.  I may add some backstitching.

 

We've warmed up to 11 degrees now!  But the sun is out so it just feels better.  The snow blew and drifted, but we were lucky it didn't drift on our driveway.  I only had to shovel a path to the bird feeders and the front door.

 

I hope the winter weather is treating your area  with some respect.  And that the dogs take nice, long naps!

 

Thank you again for all the time you spent consulting on this canvas.  I will try to keep you posted on my progress (it will keep me accountable!)."

 

Nancy, you are right.  Scarlet Thread is a local shop, or it was until the harsh economy drove it into being a virtual shop only.  But the owner, Sara Leigh, lives not that far from me and is a friend.  Her shop focus is on counted canvaswork, samplers and crewel embroidery but she has lots and lots of threads and is very helpful.
http://www.scarletthread.com/

Thanks a lot for the update.  The Mary Lake Thompson turkey canvas and fowl canvases in general have lots of fans.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2011/02/penny-hen-and-vermont-turkey.html


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

We Have a Turkey Stitch Plan

Mary Lake Thompson/Melissa Shirley Turkey Canvas

Nancy's beginning to finalize plans for the body of her turkey:

"Thank you for clarifying your idea about putting backward tent stitches randomly with metallic on the red head. I understand now just what you meant.


Jane:  Good.  Communication is hard!

Scallop Stitch--Too regular?

For the body I have tried out the Scallop stitch (page 90, Stitches for the Millenium).  I like it a lot but I don't think it's the stitch for this bird.  While it works either vertically or horizontally, it won't work well on an angle in between.  I think I'd like this piece to be fairly realistic with movement of the feathers as painted.  So forcing everything to the vertical or horizontal leaves too much angularity, if that makes any sense!

Jane:  It does make sense, Nancy.  I can see how it might not look good tilted at an angle.

I have thought long and hard about your suggestion on needlepainting the bird.  I think I won't for two reasons.  The turkey is painted with very short feather portions, unlike the parrot on Mary Corbet's blog page (which is stunning!  as are all the other photos on that page).  My true reason is that a year ago, I started work on Mary Corbet's introduction to needlepainting.  I stitched and stitched and stitched and managed to get one petal done!  I am the slowest needlepainter there is!  Needlepainting is lovely, but I think I'd be forever working on a piece this big.

Jane:  This is your choice, Nancy.  A lot of folks don't like needle painting.   Besides, what I would do with a canvas certainly isn't the only way to go.  When you are staring at a canvas without a clue how to start it, sometimes it helps just to hear what someone else would do and know that's not right for your design.  Reacting to something is often easier than coming up with a plan from scratch.  The real reason for our dialogue is to get you thinking about what will work for you.  Part of the process is for you to say both "Great idea" and "NO!" when I make suggestions.

Various Metallic Thread Sizes

So back to the test stitching.  I tried two other ideas.  I did basketweave in two test spots.  On one I did the dark arcs in backstitch, using a variety of threads for the backstitch (one strand floss with one strand Bijoux, floss with two strands Bijoux, one strand #4 Kreinik metallic, two strands #4 Kreinik metallic, and one strand #12 Kreinik).  The various weights of metallic seemed best to me.  They would allow me to adjust for the different sizes of dark lines at the edge of the feathers.  You will see on the photo that I tried angling the lines in different ways.

Tie-Down Stitch

The second effort on the basketweave was to use the Jane Zimmerman Tie-Down stitch (creating a long stitch 6 canvas threads wide, then coming up in the middle and down one canvas thread to hook the long stitch giving it a curve).  I used different weights of Kreinik on this too.

I think one of these two 'topstitch on basketweave' stitches will make up the bulk of the body.

The basketweave in both cases was done in Impressions, two strands.  I like the Impressions since it will let me adjust the color by using two different colors in the needle as I move from say, red orange to orange.


Jane:  Personally I love Impressions color range and feel.   I find it wonderful to stitch with.  It does beautiful and even tent stitches on 18 count.  (Note:  Nancy's turkey is painted on 13 count canvas.)

Varying Number of Plies for Leaf Stitches

Finally I worked several leaf stitches on my test canvas using Splendor.  I started with 6 strands, obviously too heavy.  Then I tried 4, then 2.  I think 2 or 3 will be the final choice for the upright tail feathers.


Jane:  That will allow some of the paint to show but if you lay the stitches, they'll be smoother and will cover more.

As I look at the downward pointing feathers in orange and brown behind the turkey's foot, I'm thinking Gobelin?  Do you see any better options there?

Jane:  I would use straight vertical satin stitches for the wing feathers.  That way you can pad the largest feathers if you like.  Whichever way you decide to go, you'll have the outlines to deal with.  Can you use the backstitching and/or the Tie Down Stitch to outline the feathers best using satin stitches or Gobelin?

I haven't tried putting the Ray stitches over the top of the basketweave yet, but I'm really intrigued by that thought.  In my mind it looks terrific.

Jane:  I think it might look terrific, too.  That'll give you three different types of top stitching on top of your basketweave, which will enable you to create different looks for the different sizes of feathers.  I want to warn you that the metallics may snag your Impressions when you start stitching through the Impressions for the top stitches.  It is possible that running the metallic thread over something like beeswax or a thread conditioner like Thread Heaven may help.
http://www.threadheaven.com/howtouse.html

Also, you may find one weight of metallic snags more. I think I'd try using multiple strands of the thinner ones instead of a fat metallic. Experimentation may help you figure out what works best to solve this issue.

I'm getting excited to start work on Tom.  I've ordered the rest of the threads I need for the border and background.  It's sure fun having you to move me forward on this canvas.  The possibilities just expand with your suggestions.  I remain grateful for this opportunity!


Jane:  It's been fun for me, too.   Doing virtual stitch guides enables me to work on a canvas that I probably never would have picked, which is very interesting and stimulating.  Do let us know how things work, ok?  There are a lot of fans of this canvas reading Blog.

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