More About Melita's Books

Melita Glavin shows off two books she got for Christmas:  New Twists on Needlework Embellishment (by Suzanne Howren and Beth Robertson) and Embellishments for Canvas (by Mary Lou Helgesen).

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/01/18/books-in-my-library-new-twists-on-needlework-embellishment-by-howren-and-robertson-and-embellishments-for-canvas-by-mary-lou-helgesen/

Melita found the sections on using silk ribbons especially interesting.  I own New Twists and found it interesting.  I've not seen the Mary Lou Helgesen book, but it was apparently a companion to her famous Nativity set.  Both are worth seeking out, especially if you are in Texas, which was Mary Lou's stomping ground.

The next set of books from Melita's library are all classics from June McKnight.  I find her Architectural Stitches especially helpful.  Plants and Animals is a good one, too.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/02/23/books-in-my-library-architectural-stitches-plants-and-animals-shading-and-thread-blending-techniques-decorative-backgrounds-and-more-backgrounds-by-june-mcknight/

Many shops carry June's books but if there's one you can't find, contact Old World Designs as June teaches there regularly.  They might be able to help.

https://www.oldworlddesigns.com/

Melita just purchased a copy of Mary's Whimsical Small Stitches, the latest book from Mary Legallet.  

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/03/07/books-in-my-library-marys-whimsical-small-stitches-by-mary-legallet/

Here's Mary's Instagram page so you can see what her diagrams look like.

https://www.instagram.com/whimsicalstitch/

Melita has added Dawn Donnelly's book Transformative Stitching:  Needlework on the Diagonal to her library.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/03/21/books-in-my-library-transformative-stitching-needlework-on-the-diagonal-by-dawn-donnelly/

Melita has two volumes of Custom House of Needle Art's books--Quick Stitch Variations and More Quick Stitch Reference.  These are very portable with good information and clear diagrams.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/03/24/books-in-my-library-quick-stitch-variations-and-more-quick-stitch-reference-by-custom-house-of-needle-arts/

This is a classic book about Bargello followed by more Bargello books.  If I remember correctly, I thought Barbara Snook's Bargello books full of lovely patterns.  Dorothy Kaestner's 4 Way Bargello book has some wonderful patterns, which made my head hurt trying to follow.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/06/06/books-in-my-library-bargello-florentine-canvas-work-by-elsa-s-williams-1967/

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/06/07/books-in-my-library-florentine-embroidery-by-barbara-snook-1967/

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/06/08/books-in-my-library-bargello-a-pattern-book-by-golden-hands-1972/

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/06/10/books-in-my-library-four-way-bargello-by-dorothy-kaestner-1974/

I've never seen Nancy Kurten's Bargello book, although I'd like to.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/06/15/books-in-my-library-bargello-sampler-by-nancy-noland-kurten-1975/

This is a fascinating, although confusing for me with my dyslexia, Bargello book.  I don't have trouble with random but following charts that change a lot is almost impossible for me.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/06/17/books-in-my-library-free-form-bargello-by-gigs-stevens-1977/

I remember this Dorothy Kaestner Bargello book as being very interesting, with a lot of great designs.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/06/19/books-in-my-library-bargello-antics-by-dorothy-kaestner-1979/

Melita's finished her collection of Bargello books.  Next up is Mary Shipp's wonderful design book.  Her color book is amazing if you can find it.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/06/28/books-in-my-library-exploring-pattern-in-stitches-by-mary-shipp/

Jane Zimmerman's books are amazing and full of ideas.  Although she is known for her silk and metal designs, this book has a lot of stitches that will work on any type of needlepoint.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/08/13/books-in-my-library-traditional-silk-and-metal-thread-techniques-on-canvas-by-jane-zimmerman/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 19, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Buttonhole and Detached Buttonhole: The Movie

Patricia Sone has posted a Facebook video demonstrating buttonhole and detached buttonhole stitch.  These stitches are using on one of her Blue and White Nativity pieces.  These are very useful for a frill or raised edge.

https://www.facebook.com/patricia.sone.98/videos/3480055118886825

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 11, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Great Collection of Christmas Ornaments

Stephanie is gradually taking her Christmas decorations down, including this fabulous collection of Nativity ornaments. I love Nativity sets myself so I really enjoyed drooling over hers.
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2020/01/i-am-not-embarrassed.html

Steph also collects Santas, particularly Petei Santas.
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2020/01/more-christmas-tree-love.html

And she has a lot of other pieces, many of them trip mementos.
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2020/02/finally-got-tree-down.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 30, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitch of the Month: Basketweave on a Stick

Fredna's lovely sheep (done using Vineyard Silks and Basketweave on a Stick) is the stitch of the month for December.   It's the perfect pairing of stitch and thread.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10157888889395252&set=gm.1221888714554951&type=3&theater

Fredna is working from a Julia Snyder stitch guide on an Elizabeth Turner stocking that's part of a Nativity stocking set.  Here is the shepherd and sheep design in full.
https://www.theneedlepointer.com/product/stocking-shepherd-with-sheep/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 7, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Words of Stitching Wisdom

Katherine has a few words of wisdom for us as she stitches on her Nativity set.
http://bootsandbeads.blogspot.com/2016/06/what-a.html

She's right, you know.  Many times we don't think about the process, just the end result.  Me, I'm all about the adventure, so ripping out is just part of it.  However, I would advise the perfectionists among us to relax and be kind to yourself a bit.  And the slap dash among us (that would be me) can learn not to settle for second best.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 15, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Princess and Me Nativity Set

Katherine just got her Nativity set from Princess and Me back from the finisher.  It's darling!
http://bootsandbeads.blogspot.com/2016/04/fabulous-finishing.html

I love Nativity sets so I just had to share the link.  Click on the photos for a larger photo.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 18, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Julia's YouTube Channel

Julia's YouTube channel has lots of videos of needlepoint.   You can admire DJ Design's New Orleans stocking, two videos of two versions of Kathy Schenkel Designs' little Nativity set (one finished and one with the stitching underway), and an interesting video of frog and turtle beanbag canvases showing them unstitched and made up.  It's a fun way to see finished and unfinished pieces. Thanks, Julia!
https://www.youtube.com/user/homespon/videos

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 25,  2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Linda's Seeking As You Like It Nativity Pieces

Holy Family

Linda is very fond of the As You Like It Nativity set and owns a couple of pieces but is looking for more.  

Three Wise Men

She owns the Holy Family canvas and all three of the Wise Men, and has a lead on the Shepherds with Sheep.

Heavenly Host--is she part of the set?

This may or may not be the angel.  Anyone know if this is the angel that belongs to the set?  Linda thinks the colors are wrong.

Shepherds, Sheep and Donkey

But usually there are other pieces like a camel or elephant and an angel.  Anyone seen these?

Linda also wants the Scottish Santa.  

Irish Santa - Linda wants the Scottish Santa, too.

Here is her Irish Santa to give you an idea what the ethnic Santas look like.  She has the Irish one already but wants the Scotsman Santa.

Since the company has been out of business for quite a while, it isn't going to be easy for Linda to find the angel and the camel or elephant pieces, so she's turning to Blog's readers for help.  If you are a shop with one of these in stock, Linda'd like to know what the set looks like and if it is for sale, what the price is.  If you have one of these in your stash and are willing to part with it, or at least share a photograph, Linda'd love that information.  Email me at chillyhollowat hotmaildotcom and I'll forward the information to her.  

Thanks so much for helping a fellow stitcher!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 20, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Feathers and Flowers -- Steph Takes a Class with Laura Taylor

Stephanie has been quite busy taking classes from Laura Taylor at Needle Works in Austin.
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2014/10/read-all-about-it-read-all-about-it.html

The shop offered Melissa Shirley's Halloween Basket as a class one day and canvas embellishment class the second.  Looks like Steph took both classes.  The Indian Brave is from Painted Pony's Southwestern Indian Nativity set.
http://theneedleworks.com/laura-taylor-hill-country-stitching-camp-fall-session-2014/

If you are interested in seeing the full Southwestern Indian Nativity set stitched by Palma Seljan, head here.
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-special-nativity-set.html

Thanks for sharing, Stephanie!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 23, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Nativities Everywhere!

I love needlepoint Nativity sets so I was thrilled to see Pocket Full of Stitches post photographs of all their in stock Nativity pieces as part of their July sale.   Some of these I've never seen and some I've only heard of or only seen one piece from the set.  So, thank, PFOS!  You made my morning!
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2014/07/nativities.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 21, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

When Basketweave's The One

Stephanie has been struggling to find the right stitch for the background around her Heartstrings Nativity set.   But sometimes plain old tent stitches (basketweave in this case) is just The One.
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2014/06/boring-blog.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 22, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

And Brenda Showed Up

Needle Works just had a retreat and a guest came to stitch along with the participants. Yes, Brenda Stofft herself appeared.   Monica took pictures (thank you!) of the designer at work and of her Nativity set which is the club at Needle Works this year.  Don't miss the finishing of the Holy Family piece!  It's very clever.
http://lazydaisyneedlework.blogspot.com/2014/06/a-little-surprise.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 12, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

I'm a Sucker

I'm a sucker for a good Nativity set, so I was thrilled to see Diane's Nativity progress on her Carol Dupree Creche set.  She's only got the angel to go, so pretty soon I hope we will have photos of the finished set made up into figures.
http://www.dianestakingtimeouttoneedlepoint.com/2014/03/my-nativity-is-almost-finished.html

Here's the link to the set offered by The French Knot in Fort Worth, which has sponsored this monthly club.
http://thefrenchknot.com/current-series.htm

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.

Attention Nativity Fans

Nativity fans like me are going to be thrilled that Stephanie has posted photographs of a fellow SWAN member's finished Petei Nativity set. She stitched the entire set! It is cute as a bug and now that Petei's designs are available from Painted Pony, their new distributor, it is doable, too. 
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2014/03/we-interrupt-at-green-heart-for-major.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 13, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Another Look at Palma's Nativity

Palma Seljan has loaned her amazing Painted Pony Nativity set to Bedecked and Beaddazzled for a little while. If you happen to be the in Baltimore area, stop in and be astounded! 
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2014/02/southwestern-nativity.html

There are more photos here, courtesy of Palma, from last Christmas' posting.
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-special-nativity-set.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright Feb. 19, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

With Everyone in Our Area Trapped in Alaska Winter....

With everyone in our area trapped in snowy, cold weather with wind chills that are below zero for days on end, Horse Country Chic is dreaming of Christmas needlepoint.   
http://horsecountrychic.blogspot.com/2014/01/christmas-needlepoint-im-not-kidding.html

Me, I'm dreaming of Miami....

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.

Friday Finishing: The Mustang Pillow

Mary Agnes, who is always original, stitched her first car in this vintage Mustang design, then made it into a shaped pillow.  How clever is that?!
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2013/11/mustang-needlepoint-pillow.html

I write Blog articles as far ahead as possible since Real Life has a way of getting in the way of my blogging schedule, so I have a lot of Christmas pieces to show you still.  Here are some wonderful holiday pieces that arrived at Enriched Stitch before Thanksgiving.   I think they are great!
http://astheneedleturns.com/more-finishing/

http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2013/12/blog-post_3.html

http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2013/12/ornaments-from-christmas-past.html

http://cityneedlework.blogspot.com/2012/06/twelve-days-of-christmas.html

This artistic and charming piece is a favorite of Erin's.  I can see why!
http://needlepointland.com/2013/12/19/patricks-stocking/

But we aren't all Christians. Aren't these Hanukkah pieces gorgeous?
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2013/12/hollys-beautiful-hanukkah-decorations.html

This may be the last of the holiday finishing!  That train has left the station.  LOL
http://splittheneedles.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-christmas-train-leaves-station.html


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Special Nativity Set UPDATED

Speaking of Nativity sets, I have a very special one to share with you this morning, courtesy of Dr. Palma Seljan, who has been stitching the set since early September. This set was designed by Deborah Woodward of Painted Pony.  The pieces can be stitched as a double-sided stand up but Palma chose to do only one side for each of the figures.  Many of the figures are eight inches tall, but some of the smaller ones are five inches tall and the buffalo is the largest at nine inches.

Prepare to be amazed....

The Buffalo

The Horse

The Wolf

The Angel

Little Shepherd Girl

The Pots

Blackfoot Chief

Comanche Chief

Souix Chief

Jose

Maria and El Nino

First Two Pieces Finished by West Coast Finishing

Thank you for sharing, Palma!

UPDATE:  Palma has all the pieces of her Nativity set back from the finisher.  You can see it here.  Use the Next command at the upper right corner of the photo from more views of the set.  Amazing!
http://stitcherie.ning.com/photo/finished-nativity-set3/prev?context=latest

UPDATE #2:  Ruth Schmuff is showing off the Nativity set at her shop, Bedecked and Beaddazzled.  Stop in if you have a chance to see these beauties, but if you aren't around Baltimore in time, Ruth posted photos on her blog.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2014/02/southwestern-nativity.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Nativity Sets

I love Nativity sets. I well remember the traditional painted plaster set from my childhood. Battered and broken in places, it still went on a table for Christmas since my parents wanted to remind us that Christmas was not just about our getting presents. Stephanie is equally in love with Nativities, but unlike me, she has a needlepoint collection of Nativity sets that she shares on her blog. It's a wonderful reason to think about the meaning of Christmas, even if you are not Christian.
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2013/12/jesus-is-reason-for-season.html

http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2013/12/about-those-other-nativities.html

http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2013/12/kelly-clark-nativity-with-guides-by-amy.html

http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2013/12/unusual-nativity-set-from-demarj.html

Enjoy Christmas Eve.  It's my favorite day of the year.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Choice of Skin Tone

I was impressed when I stumbled across a Nativity set on the Under the Rainbow website that allows a shop to specify skin color when they order the set for a customer. As we become more and more diverse (my grandkids are Welsh, Syrian, Spanish, and Danish, i.e., they are Americans) this is an option I am happy to see!
http://www.undertherainbowdesigns.com/childrens.html

By the way, if you want to see the rest of the Children's Nativity Pageant set, click on "Back to Design Listings" and then "Children's Nativity Pageant" at the bottom of the page.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.