Stash and Store Your Beads

Vicki is using this storage gadget to organize her beads.  It works nicely for Kreinik spools, your scissors and laying tools, etc.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10215750098059763&set=gm.2006677139409434&type=3&theater

It's call the Stash and Store and you can get them from Needlepoint Tool Time or a fabric store.
http://www.needlepointtooltime.com/product/STASH%20%20STITCH?fbclid=IwAR1omolM6U7W5LNbs5DqZPQ5klNzjRp1UfLkQ49vBNCWDyGwAelr2Y6hFq4

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 29, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Twist and Select Needle Case

I absolutely adore my Twister, which is a lipstick-style magnetic needle storage case made by Pym.
http://www.needlepointtooltime.com/product/Twister

It holds all my current needles and keeps them safe when not in use.  Thanks to Brenda's Needlepoint Studio, I've discovered that Dritz has two different needle cases that are similar in style.
https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2017/07/needle-storage-tubes-72317.html

Here is what Brenda found and chose to use.  It appears to hold needles up to two and a quarter inches long, which means it might not hold the longest beading needles but it'll handle tapestry needles just fine.
https://www.createforless.com/Dritz-Needle-Storage-Tubes-3-pc/pid281784.aspx

After a little more hunting I found Dritz's larger lipstick-twist case.  It also is the same length.
https://www.createforless.com/Dritz-Needle-Case-Twist-N-Select-Storage-Tube/pid270102.aspx

Thanks, Brenda.  Options are always good as no one product suits every needlepointer.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 23, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Mighty Bright Orchestra Light and More

ANG has just announced that starting in 2018, folks will not be able to use plug in lights at Seminar due to hotel regulations.  I guess they are afraid we are going to burn the place down with all the extension cords and plugs!  So the hunt for a good portable light source is on.

This orchestra light from Mighty Bright has been recommended. I can tell from the photo that this won't fit over stretcher bars but it can still be useful as I bet it is very very bright.
http://www.mightybright.com/Music-Lights/LED-Orchestra-Light/

Although these piano stand lights are more expensive, one of these might be a better idea for a stitching table.
https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Adjustable-Gooseneck-Aluminum-Orchestra/dp/B01N2BDOFM/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1500122798&sr=8-6&keywords=orchestra+lamp

The Flexilens from Daylight is a light and magnifier that clamps or stands on the legs that extend from the base.  I'm told the clamp opens enough to go over Evertites, which are wider than most stretcher bars.
https://www.nordicneedle.com/6809A

Ott has a small fold up lamp.  It is more expensive but you can use coupons and sales at the big box crafts stores to reduce the price.
https://www.nordicneedle.com/6872

This very bright portable light is inexpensive and folds up for travel.
https://www.createforless.com/Ideaworks-Light-Super-Bright-Portable-LED-Lamp-With-USB/pid244765.aspx

The MagniFlex Pro is larger and heavier but is a light and magnifier combination.  It also has a magnetic base.
https://www.nordicneedle.com/6861

The Fancii is also a light/magnifier that operates on batteries or a USB cable.  It clamps onto a table, although the clamp doesn't seem that it will open wide.
https://www.amazon.com/Fancii-Daylight-Magnifying-Rechargeable-Metal/dp/B01MRJ5HU4/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&qid=1500475344&sr=8-18-spons&keywords=task+board&psc=1

Needlepoint Tool Time has several small portable lights.  Click on the name of each for further details and ask Tisha for help if you have special requirements.  She specializes in stitching tools so is familiar with many lights and magnifiers.
http://www.needlepointtooltime.com/category/75021

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 15, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Adjustable Stretcher Bars

Needlepoint Tool Time is stocking something new to me-adjustable stretcher bars.
http://www.needlepointtooltime.com/product/FAE-4008

These come in several sizes.  The size given is the maximum size the bars will adjust to.  The manufacturer's website explains how they work and that they are made in China for Frank A. Edmunds Company.
http://www.faedmunds.com/stretcher-bars.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 18, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Here's Something You Don't See Every Day

Here's something you don't see every day--a needle threader with a light!
http://www.needlepointtooltime.com/product/18HM37

This is perfect for those who have trouble with tiny needle eyes, particularly beading needles.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 27, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Winter: A Mini Review

The latest book from the Little Shoppe Canvas Company is called Winter.     I have a copy but haven't had time to read it yet as we are about to have house guests for an extended stay.   Until I do, you can read a mini review from Tisha of Needlepoint Tool Time and get a peek inside the cover at two pages of stitch diagrams.  And if you decide you want this book, Tisha's price is very good.
http://www.needlepointtooltime.com/product/BOOK%203

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 27, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Mobile Tool Solutions

Someone asked on Facebook for ideas for portable storage ideas for threads and tools. There are a ton of stitchers happy to help out. Here is Mary's favorite--The Fold and Go Notions Box.
http://www.knitpicks.com/accessories/Knit_Happy_Fold_n_Go_Notions_Boxes__Dfoldngonotionsboxes.html

I love storing threads and tools in the smaller sizes of Ashland Sky bags, my stitch guide or small books into the Project Bag, then everything plus my canvas on its stretcher bars into the Classic Tote.
http://www.leighdesigns.com/AS-Home.html

If you don't need the waterproof protection of the Ashland Sky bag, the Walker Bag mesh totes are very useful.
http://www.needlepointtooltime.com/product/1114MC

http://www.needlepointtooltime.com/product/Walker

If you just want a tool case, Needlepoint Tool Time has you covered with this.  Sorry, you have to supply the tools!
http://www.needlepointtooltime.com/product/Yazzii

This should get you started finding the right portable storage item for your next travel adventure with stitching in tow.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 31, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Curved Beading Needles?

I just discovered that Needlepoint Tool Time carries something I'd never heard of--curved beading needles from John James.  I can't tell from the photo if the points are blunt or sharp, but if you like scooping beads onto a needle (particularly if you are adding a string of beads to your canvas), you'll want to ask Needlepoint Tool Time for further information about these.  They appear to be size 10, which should go through a size 11 bead well.  They may not work with size 14-15 beads.  Bead sizes aren't standard and some brands have larger holes than others.
http://www.needlepointtooltime.com/product/JJ31

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 26, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Gadget Queen UPDATED

Danielle talks about her favorite gadgets.
http://stitcherista.blogspot.com/2015/07/gadgets.html

UPDATE:  More fun tools!
http://stitcherista.blogspot.com/2015/07/more-gadgets.html

If you are into tools the way Danielle is, check out the latest things available from Needlepoint Tool Time...
http://www.needlepointtooltime.com

...and from Needle Little More.
http://www.needlelittlemore.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html

Plus if you need help collecting cool and useful things, Ruth's got a club for that.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2015/07/gadgets-gizmos-and-great-inventions.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 9, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Prym's Needle Twister

Santa brought me one of the needle twisters from Needlepoint Tool Time this year. When I opened the package and discovered how it works, I laughed out loud. It is the very clever product of legendary German engineering.   As you'll see in the video below, the tactile rubberish cover pulls off (pull straight up), then you unscrew the base as if you were using a tube of lipstick.  The bottom which holds the magnet, rises, allowing any needles inside to come up and then fan out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho8xwTmSuKk

The entire twister is around 4 inches long, with 3 inches of space to hold needles, so you can keep quite long needles inside.  Of course they will become magnetized which might be a problem for you, and you won't know what size a needle you are choosing unless you have a needle sizer of some sort to compare them to.  This may or may not matter to you but if you are gifting a Twister to a friend, I suggest you give a Needle Index book to them as well.  This is a nifty little book sold by the Quail Valley Chapter of EGA in California as a fund raiser.  It stores and identifies needles by size and gives guidelines for what thread they work well with.  (Last I heard Needle Works in Austin, Texas might have copies.)
http://www.needlenthread.com/2011/10/which-needle.html

As far as I know, the Twister is only available from Needlepoint Tool Time (although some folks say Amazon has them).  The instructions are in German, French, Italian, etc., not English, so be prepared to demonstrate how it works if this is a gift for a friend.
http://www.needlepointtooltime.com/product/Twister

By the way, there are a ton of ways to store your needles.  Here's Mary's Pincushion of Despair.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2014/12/embroidery-needle-organization.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 25, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tisha and the Twister UPDATED

Needlepoint Tool Time continues its tradition of unusual and interesting stitching accessories this month with the Twister, a needle container that twists open like a lipstick and holds needles fanned out but held by a magnet in the bottom so you can pick just the one you need.   You can see all the new items in the video on the site's home page...
http://www.needlepointtooltime.com

...or you can just click on "New Products" on the right and go straight to the Twister's photo and description.  That might be best because who can resist rhinestone scissors, or Annie Lane magnets or  My Favorite Laying Tool or a flat iron to straighten threads, or....

You get the point.  Tisha stocks a lot of great stuff.  Enter the website at your own peril.

UPDATE:  I found this video of Pyrm's Needle Twister on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho8xwTmSuKk

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 30, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Tools from Tisha

Once again Tisha has posted a video of the newest tools on her shop website. I must have accidentally made decaf coffee this morning because it took me a minute to figure out the pumpkin scissors.  The two different new tool and thread portable containers look great.  Tisha says she ordered all the rest of her supplier's  Amazing Tape so if you have been hesitating about buying some to keep the loose ends on your Kreinik spools or Rainbow Gallery cards in place, better order soon.
http://www.needlepointtooltime.com

Actually, I encourage you to rummage around on the NP Tool Time site.  You never know what wonderful things you'll find to help you with your stitching!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 17, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Amazing Tape

Needlepoint Tool Time has something new/old in stock--Amazing Tape.   I have never heard of Amazing Tape but apparently it has been around a long time.  You cut a piece and stretch it around something and it sticks to itself.  It looks sort of like cling wrap but it clings for years and is reusable.  Tisha is using it to wrap ribbons and spools of thread with loose ends that keep escaping.
http://www.needlepointtooltime.com/product/7413

It sounds like Spanx for threads!  However, I am not advocating wrapping your own middle with this stuff.  For one thing, it'll take rolls and rolls and you will probably crinkle when you walk.

(If you aren't familiar with the movie stars' best friend Spanx, here is a bit about their products.)
http://www.spanx.com/shop/spanx/shapewear/cat-38-catid-tn_spx_sw

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 26, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Pillows and More, Set to Music

Needlepoint Tool Time has created a new video of the newest tools in the shop. "Tools" is defined loosely. In the video you will see June McKnight's latest book, some spectacular self-finishing pillow kits from Marlene, Swarovski crystals, serrated blade scissors and much more.   The video's on the home page, so after you watch it you can use the navigation bar on the left to explore for items you found interesting.
http://www.needlepointtooltime.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 6, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Dealing with Water N Ice

Ann reminded me what I was basketweaving with Water N Ice that the thread frays badly at the ends. It didn't even occur to me that this might be an issue as I cut my Water N Ice with my Thread Zap 2.  This tool is battery operated.  You insert the AA battery, take off the tip cover, hold down the button and the tip heats up enough to burn right through the Water N Ice (or Flair).  The end is cut and sealed so it does not fray.
http://www.needlepointtooltime.com/product/7258

If the frayed ends bother you or you use a lot of Flair, this is a tool you might want to invest in.  I bought mine from Needlepoint Tool Time when it was on sale.  Tisha warned me if I wanted to ever replace my tip, to make sure I bought Thread Zap 2 tips as the original tool tips won't fit on the new, improved version.

This thing gets plenty hot, so be careful with it.  I store mine with the battery out and am careful to put the dogs in the kitchen before I plan to use it.  I've noticed my tip falls out if I don't hold it upright as well, but that might just be my particular Thread Zap.  It's not something to be careless with, but it works beautifully on Water N Ice.

Thanks for the reminder, Ann!

Questions?  Email me at chillyhollow@hotmail.com and I'll get back to you within a day or so.

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.

Retreating with Margaret UPDATED

Tisha has been on a needlework retreat with Margaret Bendig. I thought the counted canvaswork folks among us would enjoy seeing the photos she took as there are a lot of wonderful patterns and colors there.  I'm sorry I can't identify most of the designers. Luckily Tisha labeled Margaret Bendig's kimono so you'd know who it is from.   Sorry, Margaret's primarily a teacher so usually the only way to pick up one of her designs is to get a class chart from someone on eBay. Too bad!  Margaret does wonderful designs!
http://stitchplaywithneedlepointtooltime.blogspot.com/2013/07/retreat.html

Having said that, Tisha posted Margaret's email address here so send her a note and ask for a chart from that class you missed.  Something might just come of that.
http://stitchplaywithneedlepointtooltime.blogspot.com/2013/11/retreat-2nd-installment-maybe.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 Peek at Ins and Outs

Tisha's life is pretty complicated right now but she took time out to show off pages from the new book Ins and Outs from Little Shoppe Canvas Company.  Following on the success of their Landscape  book, this one covers stitches appropriate for building interiors and exteriors.  The book is in her shop (second link) if your local shop isn't planning to stock it.
http://stitchplaywithneedlepointtooltime.blogspot.com/2013/04/new-book-stitch-ins-outs-is-here.html?showComment=1365946678810#c8629182005582843675

http://www.needlepointtooltime.com/product/Book%202

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.

Why I love My Thread Zap 2

Flair and other synthetic threads can drive you nuts by fraying at the ends when you cut them.  To avoid this problem so that I can work with my Flair without pulling out all my hair in frustration, I bought a thread zapper.  The brand I own is featured in this video which shows exactly how it works, although the video doesn't spell out that you have to hold down the button to heat the tip.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mB7BjQx2oW0

There is a slight burning smell and when you first use the thread zapper you may see a wisp of smoke, but this is normal.  It does get very hot so be careful--remove all small children and pets from the area first.  My tip sometimes has come out of the top of the tool when I take it out of the package where it is stored between uses.  I just put it back without a problem.  I do put the thread zapper away with the battery removed, just to be safe.
http://www.needlepointtooltime.com/product/7258

My thread zapper works well with Fyre Werks.   I've been told that the new Easter Grass braid from Kreinik also benefits from a thread zapper.

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.

Save the Walker Bags from a Horrible Fate!

Tisha at NP Tool Time made me laugh this morning since her new order of Ashland Sky bags has arrived and is forcing the Walker bags into a box.  She hopes you'll pick up some of these great project bags so she has a little more inventory room soon.  By the way, she's right about how great the Ashland Sky bags are.  I have a red set that Leigh Designs sent me (they are the distributors of the Ashland Sky bags) that I use all the time.  The big one is where Belleza slept during Christmas when she had to be put up while I had house guests.  The medium size is where I keep my current project threads while the small one is where I keep the beads, sequins and special items like ribbons and Hot Wire for my current project.  Everyone will organize differently but these sturdy bags are wonderful protection and with very sturdy zippers, I think they will last far longer than the two years I've used mine.  Thanks, Leigh!

Good luck with keeping the inventory corralled, Tisha!

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.

Flat Back Swarkovski Crystal Sequins UPDATED

Needlepoint Tool Time is starting to receive the new tools, accessories and books they specialize in.
http://stitchplaywithneedlepointtooltime.blogspot.com/2013/02/tool-organization.html

Their new stock includes the new Swarkovski flat backed crystals from The Collection that you can attach like sequins. These are called "Swarovski Sew-On Flatback."  Each crystal has a single hole in the middle of the disc. They come in 3mm and 6mm sizes and a variety of colors.   I have a selection already, courtesy of a friend who was at the TNNA show, so I took a photo of the larger ones for you.  There's a packet of the smaller size lying on its side below the two rows of 5mm crystals, just for a size comparison.  I didn't include them as they are much harder to see because of their small size.

As you can see above, the 5mm crystal flat backs come in two shades of red and green, a pink and a purple, a yellow and a blue plus a silver color and something called Crystal AB which is a silver with highlights of pink, gold and blue.  The colors of the 3mm flat back crystals are slightly different.  There are two yellows and two blues, plus one green, the Crystal AB, plus the pink, a slightly darker purple, and one red.  The colors are mostly pastel to medium shades.  There is no navy or deep purple in either size and no oranges and lime greens for the Halloween fans in my selection.

The Collection Designs' website doesn't have these pictured yet which is why I did the not that great photo above.  These can be attached two ways--use a bead on top to hold the crystal sequin in position or use 2-3 small stitches that come up in the middle and go down to the edge (or vice versa).  If you use short stitches to attach your crystal, a matching color or clear beading thread will be less visible.  But of course you might want a stripe of contrasting color to further bring out the crystal's color.
http://www.allaboutstitching.com/embellishments.html

I'm using these already on my latest piece.  They look great!

If you know of other shops that have these in stock, please comment below.  Here's the link to what NP Tool Time has.  They say that there are ten crystals to a package, something I forgot to provide above.
http://www.needlepointtooltime.com/product/3100

UPDATE:  Judy mentioned in the comments that Fusion Beads has a lot of sizes and colors of these flat back crystal sequins for sale.  They have 10mm, 8mm, 7mm, 6mm, 5mm, 4mm, and 3mm crystals but the colors available in each size vary.  They also have the square crystal buttons in 10 and 8 mm.  Fusion Beads sells by the piece, not package.  This may or may not be a better deal for you, depending on exactly what you need.  Thanks for the tip, Judy!
http://www.fusionbeads.com/search#!-swarovski-center-hole-flat%3b%3b-productsearch&ea_c=Swarovski-Elements


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.