Binding Canvas Edges: The Movie

The Nashville Needlepointer talks briefly about binding the edges of needlepoint canvas in this Instagram video.  She explains why it is done and shows the various types of materials that cover the edge and keep it from unraveling or catching your threads.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C9h4xj4ROhj/

If you don't have a sewing machine or access to bias tape at a fabric store the quickest and easiest way to cover those raw edges is with artists tape.  That is what needlepoint shops use.  It's thicker and smoother and holds longer than masking tape.  Look for rolls that are an inch wide or even wider.

https://www.dickblick.com/products/artist-tape/

Lori of Waste Knot shows you how to tape your edges with artist tape.  

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

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 24, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint and Basket Making on Nantucket UPDATED

Janet of JCB Stitches on Instagram was able to tour Nantucket's Hadwen House, which owns the collection of the former Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum.  Why is that of interest to us needlepointers?  There are a set of chairs with needlepoint seats featuring baskets, made for the former museum to honor various people.  Use the right side arrow to see many of them.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DBbP52Vx26E/?img_index=1

UPDATE:  The Nashville Needlepointer visited the museum and shot a short video of the needlepoint chair seats and bench displayed there.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DM0KMCcNWfI/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 22. 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Easy Finishing Tip for Irregular Shapes: The Movie

The Nashville Needlepointer shows an easy way to outline an irregular shape on your mat board or foam core for finishing.  Hint:  Use a pin, then connect the dots and cut.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-S9V8mP7Hw/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 6, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Needlepoint Headband

The Nashville Needlepointer is at Disneyland and modeling her new and special headband.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C7HdKYvrFpl/

She made them for her friends, too.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C7J_kYmLcf7/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 19, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved

Creating Silk Ribbon Roses the Easy Way

Lita at The Nashville Needlepointer shows you just how easy silk ribbon roses are to create in this Instagram video.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6jGTgFruJG/

By the way, by 4 millimeter, she means silk ribbon that is 4mm wide.  Silk ribbon also comes in 7 and 13 mm widths, but 4 mm is the most common width used on 18 count needlepoint canvas.  A sharp tipped needle with a big eye like a crewel needle also helps, but you can use regular tapestry needles if that's what you have available.  (River Silks ribbons don't split or tear or wear, so I highly recommend using them if you can.)

http://riversilks.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 4, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Fiber Talk Interviews The Nashville Needlepointer

You may have noticed I've posted about finishing and tool tutorials from the Nashville Needlepointer here and there over the last year.

https://www.instagram.com/nashvilleneedlepointer/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCneQwnOlRMYmOBmWOkhCWQw

I didn't realize she was a finisher and designer and teacher until I listened to the Fiber Talk interview.  It was fun!

https://wetalkfiber.com/2024/04/13/fiber-talk-with-lita-ohara/

Need a boo boo stick?

https://needlepoint.com/products/boo-boo-brush

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 14, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Self-finishing Needlepoint Cuff Links

The Nashville Needlepointer has filmed a quick tutorial on finishing needlepoint cuff links.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C40r0rfLfKi/

I couldn't find the links to the hardware Lita uses but The Needlepointer sells one inch square cuff link hardware sets.  Etsy sells all sorts of cuff link hardware in various metals and sizes.

https://www.theneedlepointer.com/hardware-1-cuff-links/p8417811

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 27, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Self Finishing a Key Fob: The Movie

The Nashville Needlepointer demonstrates how to put together a key fob.  

https://www.instagram.com/p/C4f7YnSuwgC/

There are supplies you will need but she's listed those.  It doesn't look hard at all.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 15, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Use the Lacis and Kreinik Corder Tools

Doing your own finishing and wondering whether to buy the Lacis or the Kreinik cord making tool? The Nashville Needlepointer has recorded two videos for her Instagram account showing how to make twisted braid using each.

First, here's the Lacis corder.  It costs roughly $30 (but shop around for sales and the best price and shipping costs).  Two AA batteries will be needed and are probably not included.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C2sTlxsrRfm/

The Kreinik corder runs about $25 (shop around for the best deal) and doesn't need batteries.  You do the twisting manually.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C2uuqHBLzxw/

I use the Kreinik corder.  I think it needs a bit more skill to use but there's not a lot of difference between the two.  I just prefer not having to use batteries in a tool as they always go bad at the worst possible time!  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 2, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Nashville Needlepointer and Laying Tools

Lita, the Nashville Needlepointer, shows how to use a laying tool on her Instagram page.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Curpov6rfIf/

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5n3JolrUcn/

Laying tools come in all sorts of lengths and are made in a variety of materials.  I think Lita's is a porcupine quill, but you can get metal, wood, plastic, even bone laying tools.  In fact, if you have a really big needle or a knitting needle, you can use that as a laying tool if you aren't ready to invest in one yet.  

Make sure you buy one that fits well in your hand.  Ask your local shop to let you hold what they carry or borrow them from stitching friends to hold.   I prefer small laying tools that are a bit fat but you may be a skinny, long laying tool fan.  Doesn't matter, it's what is comfortable for you to hold.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 16, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Flatten a Canvas: The Movie

The Nashville Needlepointer has a short video on Instagram that shows how to flatten a needlepoint canvas.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cr6LlwXMMVf/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 6, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Nashville Needlepointer Talks Counting Out A Design Copy

Instagram's Nashville Needlepointer talks about copying painted needlepoint designs by counting them out.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CrTwnQ1JURU/

Some simpler designs can be copied onto blank canvas, but remember--this violates copyright and is illegal.  That's why a designer got a cease and desist letter recently from Chanel--the designer copied their logos, perfume bottles, etc. without permission.

This can land you in all sorts of legal trouble.  Besides, it is stealing.  You really don't want to do this.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 22, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Using Stitchly to Graph Letters

The Nashville Needlepointer has posted a short video on Instagram that demonstrates using Stitchly to graph out lettering.

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

Stitchly is an app made for cross stitch.  You can use it to graph out simple letters as Lita the Nashville Needlepointer does above, or you can turn a photo into a cross stitch chart keyed to DMC or Anchor cotton floss.  It's Apple only, so you can only use it on iPhones or iPads.  

https://stitchly.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 25, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Lining A Open Background Piece: The Movie

Like the Nashville Needlepointer, I like to line canvases with open background stitching with fabric. It's easy to do and can be stitched by hand if you don't have a sewing machine.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Co23DFiNnYS/

I usually choose gold lamé but sometimes I go for silver.  Take your finished piece to a fabric shop like Joann's and hold it over various colors.  You never know which one will work best with your colors but that subtle sparkle you get from lamé adds a lot to your design.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 20, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A New Trend on Instagram

There's a new trend on Instagram--postings of stitch diagram video tutorials.  If looking at a diagram for a stitch makes your eyes cross, you'll want to check out Waste Knot's tutorial on creating Diagonal Mosaic...

https://www.instagram.com/p/CofTaG8gULG/

...and The Nashville Needlepointer's tutorial on French Knots.  (She's doing one or two wraps to vary the size of the French knot.)

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cof5QthPF3P/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 12, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Kreinik Storage Idea from the Nashville Needlepointer

The Nashville Needlepointer has a great idea for storing Kreinik spools--use Candy Cubes from Sugarfina.

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

https://justpeachyblog.org/2015/10/sugarfina-candy-boutique-atlanta.html

Eat the candy first, guys.  LOL

P.S. Kreinik does sell storage boxes that are much, much larger.

https://www.kreinik.com/shops/9-x-13-Six-Compartment-Plastic-Storage-Box.html

This Kreinik storage tin appears to have been discontinued but you can still find them.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1228840781/kreinik-storage-tin-with-foam-insert-to

You can also buy foam liners for the Container Store's Bisley Drawer cabinets that are sized to hold Kreinik spools.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1228900429/kreinik-foam-insert-x1-for-bisley?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=kreinik+storage+foam&ref=sr_gallery-1-3&sts=1&organic_search_click=1

Who knew there were so many options?!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 12, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Nashville Needlepointer's Selvage Edge Trick

Instagram's Nashville Needlepointer has a quick and easy trick to find out which side of your canvas is the selvage edge if the woven area has been cut off.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl6kZM-OxY4/

Why do you care, you ask?  It's easier to block larger designs, especially things like wall hangings, if you orient the canvas properly.  In many designs, it's obvious which way is up (like a landscape), but if you are stitching on blank canvas or an abstract design that could be oriented in any direction, this will help you figure out which side is the top or bottom.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright Decenber 8, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Snag Nab-It (and a Substitute) UPDATED

Someone mentioned how useful the Snag Nag-It can be if you have a stray thread that's worked its way to the front of a piece. Here is what it looks like.
http://www.123stitch.com/item/Dritz-Snag-Nab-It/DRITZ-618

UPDATE:  Here's a video that shows how it works.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5leyyqLdSu/

If it seems too fat for your canvas, try using a short length of Kreinik size 4 very fine braid.  Thread it in a needle without a knot on the end and pull the metallic thread all the way through the hole to the back. It will catch any stray lengths and pull them along.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 30, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.